The South Dakota State Library is transitioning from a public library to a "library for libraries". It is reducing its collection by 80 percent and giving the books to libraries throughout South Dakota.

This change at the State Library has positively impacted the Haakon County Public Library when it comes to large print books. The local library is in a circuit with six other libraries. Each library in the circuit has received 150 such books, and will rotate them between the other libraries in the circuit.

There are 10 circuits across the state.

The fair was open to students from Philip, Wall and Kadoka. Students could opt to attend any or all seven sessions, depending on the specific fields in which they were interested.

The sessions began at 9:00 a.m. with a mock emergency. Staff from several departments simulated a crisis situation (a heart attack) and then debriefed students in the conference room. The staff explained their unique role during the emergency.

Physician's Assistant Terry Henrie hosted the second session.

During their annual meeting in Pierre on February 2, the SDTEA members discussed new items in the various fields of industrial technology. Members also nominated a person or business from their region who has helped their education program throughout that year or during past years.

Tom Parquet, Midland, nominated Ernie's Building Center in honor of its contributions to the Midland School industrial arts program for the past 25 years. Parquet was the Midland industrial arts instructor for that time.

To celebrate the success of the the new location, Kennedy Implement will be holding an open house and customer appreciation day on Friday, March 2.

Along with cookies and coffee offered from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a free beef lunch will be held at noon and door prizes will be awarded. The old bottle of inexpensive wine time-capsuled in the walls of the old location will even be opened for some brave employees to sample.

There will be specials on parts and on tractors. A wide variety of machinery will be on display.

The move during March and April 2006 went well.

The Smith boys (no relation), Lincoln (189 pounds, first place) and Jordan (119, fourth place), and the other seven Scottie contenders, represented their school and town well at the recent State tournament in Aberdeen.

Philip had nine athletes who competed at the State "B" Wrestling Tournament on Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24, at the Barnett Center in Aberdeen. As a team, Philip tied for 11th place with a score of 53. Out of 54 participating teams, Parkston won with a team score of 132.5.

Philip has not had a state champion since 1999.

Thomas Adley "Tom" Fitzgerald, age 80, of Philip, died Friday, February 16, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Services were held Tuesday, February 20, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Music was provided by Barb Bowen, organist, Beth Fitzgerald, vocalist, and congregational hymns. Ushers were Amanda, Abby and Cassi Fitzgerald and Stephanie Knutson.

Donna Darlene (Pearson) Quick, 59, Newcastle, WY, died Saturday February 17, 2007, at Crook County Memorial Hospital, Sundance, WY.

A memorial service was held Wednesday, February 21, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Newcatle, WY.

Local funeral services will be Thursday, February 22, at 10:00 a.m.

Myrtle Olive (Alden) Ramey, 85, rural Deadwood, SD, passed away peacefully Saturday, February 17, 2007 at her home near Deadwood.

Myrtle was a Christian woman who devoted her life to the Lord and her family. She was born March 15, 1921, at Armour, SD, to Olive Emma (Weekly) and Orville Austin Aldren.

She attended Wanblee schools for 12 years, graduating in 1938. On August 18, 1939, she married James Graham Ramey of Philip, SD. She and Jim made their first home on Corn Creek and later moved to Bear Creek on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Douglas Ralph Keffeler, 45, Alkali, SD, died Friday, February 9, 2007, at his residence in Alkali.

A public prayer service will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Pastor Harold Delbridge officiating.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, February 16, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Sturgis with Father Arnold Kari officiating.

Mary V. Kaltenbach, age 99, of Kadoka, died Friday, February 9, 2007, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Services were held Tuesday, February 13, at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Kadoka, with Pastor Edwin Kaltenbach officiating.

Music was provided by Judith Nelson, pianist, and Marcia and Julie Kaltenbach, soloists. Ushers and pallbearers were Mary's grandsons.

Interment was in the Long Valley Community Cemetery.

Mary V. Sorenson was born August 30, 1907, the daughter of Chris T. and Christina Anna (Larson) Sorenson, in Irwin, SD.