Maurice grew up in the Long Valley area and was a farmer and rancher for 20 years. He then sold equipment for Baye and Sons in Philip, and worked at Headlee Enterprises in Kadoka. Most recently he has been manager of the Midwest Co-op grain elevator in Kadoka for the past 10 years.

"Grady, Tom, Rusty and I feel very fortunate to have Maurice join our agency," Bernice Crew said. "His knowledge of agriculture, the area, and the people will make him a valuable asset to Crew Agency." Maurice has recently completed the licensing requirements in South Dakota.

South Dakota will observe Severe Weather Preparedness Week April 23 through 27. The National Weather Service and emergency management agencies sponsor this event to help residents to prepare for severe summer storms.

A statewide tornado drill will be conducted starting at 9:00 a.m. MDT (10:00 a.m. CDT) on Wednesday, April 25. The exercise is used to train emergency service organizations how to respond to a tornado warning. Communities may sound local warning sirens and many schools will conduct safety drills for their students.

There will be a Hunter Safety Course held from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 5th at the Philip Fire Hall.

The course is free, sponsored by the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. A person must be 12-years-old or turn 12 prior to the end of this year in order to attend this course. Successful completion of a Hunter Safely Course is required by law of every person under the age of 16 who wishes to hunt in South Dakota.

The course will be provided only twice in Haakon County this year - this spring in Philip and again this fall in Midland.

Deborah Snook was recently recognized at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology's 56th Annual Honors Convocation with the Mines Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Paul Allen "Al" Morgan was born April 1, 1933, to Homer and Laura Morgan of Milesville, SD, where he grew up. On March 21, 2007, he passed into the arms of his Lord following several months of very poor health. He was nearly 74.

Allen attended high school in Pierre and Rapid City, SD.

On July 3, 1953, Allen was united in marriage to Lorraine "Lori" Clark of Philip, SD. The young couple moved to the East Coast where Allen served four years in the army.

Al and Lori moved back to Philip where Al worked as an electrician for Willis Drew for two years.

Richard B. McDermott, 67, died peacefully in his home in Rapid City, April 13, 2007, exhibiting the same qualities that he maintained throughout his life - grace, integrity, courage, and loyalty to his family and friends.

Dick, as he was known to those close to him, was born on July 19, 1939, in Redfield, SD, to Thomas V. and Alice J. McDermott. His childhood was one of enormous freedom, growing up in a small town.

The SDSCA Convention included approximately 590 students and advisors from more than 50 high schools and middle schools across the state.

"The Student Councils in South Dakota are dedicated to providing leadership training to their students and service to their schools and communities," said Renee Rebnord, SDSCA Executive Director.

He does not wake, and barely stirs, as I slide the book from under his arm. Little sleep was gotten the previous night because he stayed up late coloring eggs and anticipating family time during Easter. Shockingly, he actually asked to have his hair cut. He had laid out his Sunday clothes, including a vest, before going to bed.

Today had begun very early with a running Easter egg hunt in the living room. After each time all the hidden eggs were found, I had to hide them in increasingly more difficult spots for yet another round.

Jeffrey William Fleming, 29 of Minatare, NE. died Wednesday, April 4, 2007, in Alliance, NE.

Services were held Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie Winds Community Center with Pastor Vonnie Anderson officiating.

Interment was at the Angora Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for Jeff's sons, Coy & Corbyn. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.bbchapels.com.

Jeff was born on August 22, 1977, at Sioux Falls, SD. He graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1997. He farmed and ranched after graduation.

Floyd M. Sammons, age 92, of Midland, died Saturday, April 7, 2007, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Services were held Wednesday, April 11, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Interment with military honors by the Sturgis Honor Guard was Wednesday, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Music was provided by Scotti Block, pianist, and Barb Jones, vocalist. Ushers were Gene Jones and Gary Phillips. Pallbearers were Bill and Mark Sammons, Brad Quatier, Dean Fosheim, T.J.