Governor Mike Rounds is requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration for public assistance in the counties most impacted by the November 5-7 snow storm.  The request is necessary for federal disaster funds to be made available to South Dakota.

A preliminary damage assessment done by the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and local officials shows the storm caused nearly $5 million in emergency protective costs and damages to public infrastructure in Haakon, Bennett, Butte, Corson, Dewey, Harding, Jackson, Meade, Mellette,

Haakon County highway department employees were able to discuss their overtime accrual with the Haakon County Commissioners on Tuesday, December 6, 2008.

At the November 2008, meeting the board of commissioners discussed the amount of overtime the highway department employees were accruing. Currently the department is working four, 11 hour days. That leaves each employee four hours of overtime, paid at time and a half.

Foreman Hugh Harty noted he was not making as much as any of his three children. "It helps out to get the overtime," he said.

The Philip City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, December 1, at the Haakon County Courthouse community room.

After approving the agenda and the minutes from the last meeting, the council approved the payment of current bills. The projected bills for December for the City of Philip totals $57,053.

The 10 old "No Parking" signs will be placed in new spots downtown.

Michael Tennyson, age 58 of Irene, SD, formerly of Quinn, died November 24, 2008, at the Sunset Manor Nursing Home in Irene.

Michael Thomas Tennyson, the son of Gail and Frances (Gates) Tennyson, was born March 5, 1950, in Rapid City, SD. He attended eight years of grade school in Quinn, and graduated from Wall High School in 1968. After graduation, he attended vocational school in Rapid City for one year.

Due to health reasons, Michael moved to Yankton. While in Yankton he worked numerous jobs, including Dale's Electronics.

Gilbert C. "Shorty" Oldenberg, age 99 of Philip, SD, died November 27, 2008, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Services were held Tuesday, December 2, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Music was provided by Lyndy Ireland and Joyce Wheeler.

Ushers were Paul Jones and John Ballingee. Pallbearers were Shorty's grandchildren, John Oldenberg, Heath Oldenberg, Joe Chapell, Jeff Chapell, Jason Chapell, Chris Hamann, Melanie Cargile, Valerie Oldenberg, Jodi Jones, Jackie Ballingee and Michelle Hernandez.

Dr. Carter James Francis, age 76 of Rapid City, SD, died November 23, 2008, following a brief illness.

Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 5, at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (4500 Jackson Blvd.) in Rapid City, with Father Dan Juelfs as celebrant, with a reception to follow at the church.

Interment with military honors by the Sturgis Honor Guard, will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Carter James Francis was born January 20, 1932, in Belle Fourche, SD, the son of Dr. Charles V.

Kenneth "Kenny" Wilson was born February 17, 1927, and passed away Sunday November 30, 2008.

He was proud of his South Dakota roots. His parents had the Wilson dairy that was located on the property that is now the Lake Waggoner Golf Course and served the community in the 1930s and 1940s. He was a proud Scottie, class of 1945.

He relocated to Puyallup, WA, after getting out of the service. Kenny had many friends in Philip and came to visit often.

He had the opportunity to visit Philip with his son and daughter this past summer.

Robert D. Groth, 87, beloved husband to Gene, grew up in the small, picturesque prairie town of Philip, SD.

Sports activities and school chums who became lifetime friends, provided him with a happy childhood.

Bob was married to Gene for 62 years and lived in Rapid City, SD, where he worked in the accounting field and played in a dance band with other professional men.

Gene and Bob moved to Phoenix in 1951. He finished his education at Arizona State University and became a CPA in the same year.

Grace Fischer, age 88 of Wall, SD, died November 22, 2008, at the Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 26, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall, with Pastor Duane Duley officiating.

Music was provided by Mary Kay Wilson, organist, and Sister Susan Pahl, vocalist.

Ushers were Darwin Haerer and Tony Schulz. Pallbearers were Jason Hammer, Jordan Hammer, Amanda Grace Hammer, Jon Fischer, Evan Morris and Jason Hanson.

Burial was in the Wall Cemetery.

Grace A.

Earl J. Wilmarth, age 89 of Kadoka, SD, died November 18, 2008, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, at the Rush Funeral Chapel in Kadoka, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Friday.

Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, November 21, at the Presbyterian Church in Kadoka with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Music will be provided by Jean Weller, pianist, with special music by Joyce Wheeler and Lyndyn Ireland.

Ushers are Keith Bonenberger and Paul Briggs.