Thirty-nine statewide organizations, communities and businesses are urging the Governor and state legislature to correct South Dakota's eminent domain laws that are currently being manipulated to delay a project important to South Dakota's future. The groups expressed frustration over delay tactics designed to block the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad's expansion and upgrade project.

"We all want fairness for the landowners," said David McGirr, Mayor of Huron, "and believe that if the merits of the issue are ever allowed to be argued it will prove that DM&E has been fair.

Area residents and Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad representatives met at the Philip Fire Hall Wednesday evening, January 23, 2008 to discuss the railroad crossing on County Road 13.

DM&E office engineer Beth Lynn, Sioux Falls and Frank Doland civil engineer with HWS, Lincoln, NE, outlined some of the problems with the crossing. Doland noted his biggest concern was the seven percent grade on the hill coming down to the crossing. He noted he was afraid in bad road conditions a driver would not be able to stop in time and would run into a train.

The Haakon Education Asso-ciation celebrity-item auction to raise funds for playground equipment, held on Sunday, January 20th, brought in $3,393.

"HEA was very happy with the outcome of the auction," said HEA co-president Jessica Wheeler.

The Philip Scotties competed at the State B Wrestling Duals Tournament in Wagner on Saturday, January 26th, in Wagner.

At this tournament, the wrestlers did not compete for individual wins in the designated weight classes. Here, teams were only scored against other teams. Some individuals, though, wrestled in a higher weight class for practice against different opponents, to fill in an empty weight slot or to strategically win specific matches to earn team points. No individual champions were crowned.

Philip ended up placing eighth as a team.

The Philip boy's basketball team traveled to Martin to challenge the Bennett County Warriors on Tuesday, January 22nd. The game ended 54-106 in favor of the Warriors.

Philip 16 25 30 54

Bennett Co. 31 55 76 106

Philip scorers: Caleb Clements - 16, Brandon O'Dea - 12, Allen Hauk - 8, Richard Williamson, Casey Cvach, Anthony Iwan - 4 each, Jeb Stewart, Jeff O'Connell - 3 each. Totals 13 25-30 54.

Bennett Co.

The Philip boy's basketball team hosted the Lemmon Cowboys on Friday, January 25th. The Scotties attempted a fourth quarter come-back, but just could not pull it off in this non-conference game. The final score was 54-60.

The Scotties repeatedly pulled within four points of the Cowboys' lead during the final quarter, but let the initiate slip and gave up several free throws points.

Philip 6 16 37 54

Lemmon 18 29 44 60

Philip scorers: Caleb Clements - 21, Casey Cvach 10, Jeb Stewart, Rob Williamson - 8 each, Allen Hauk - 4, Brandon O'Dea - 3.

The Philip boy's basketball team traveled to Martin to challenge the Bennett County Warriors on Tuesday, January 22nd. The game ended 54-106 in favor of the Warriors.

Philip 16 25 30 54

Bennett Co. 31 55 76 106

Philip scorers: Caleb Clements - 16, Brandon O'Dea - 12, Allen Hauk - 8, Richard Williamson, Casey Cvach, Anthony Iwan - 4 each, Jeb Stewart, Jeff O'Connell - 3 each. Totals 13 25-30 54.

Bennett Co.

The Philip Lady Scotties held back a hard drive by the Wall Lady Eagles that ended in overtime play. The Scotties defeated the Eagles in a Wall hosted Great Plains Conference game on Saturday, January 26th. The last buzzer sounded to a Philip win of 52-47.

Philip out did Wall 20-15 in free throws, and that was one of the deciding factors in winning the game.

The Philip Lady Scotties basketball team hosted the Lemmon Cowgirls on Friday, January 25th in a non-conference game.

Rodney Gene Gartner, age 49 of Long Beach, CA, formerly of Kadoka, died January 3, 2008, at his home in Long Beach.

Rodney Gene Gartner was born January 10, 1958, in Kadoka, SD, the son of Clifford and Marie (Anderson) Gartner. He grew up in Kadoka and graduated from high school in 1977. That same year he enlisted in the United States Navy. He received an honorable discharge in June 1979. He went to Gillette, WY, where he was in building construction at Wright, WY.

In September 1979, he was injured in a swimming accident.