The public hearing in the Philip High School gym on Monday, April 27, consisted of over a dozen TransCanada experts, almost that many South Dakota Public Utilities Commission personnel and around 300 audience members.

The PUC must render a decision by March 12, 2010, concerning an application to construct a 36-inch pipeline through nine counties in western South Dakota. The application can be approved, denied or approved with conditions.

The restaurant at the intersection of Highways 73 an 14 will close on Thursday as Tanya's Drive Inn and open on Friday, May 1, as Grandpa Dan's Diner.

"We'll keep the same hours as when we previously owned the business," said once-again owner Dan Walker. "Opening at 6:00 a.m. and closing at 8:00 p.m. seven days a week, we'll start there and see how it goes, staying open longer as needed."

Walker and his wife, Theresa, previously operated the business from August 1993 to the middle of 1998. "Our life is not boring," said Theresa. "Dan is his own economic development project.

The Philip Scottie boys won the Wall Invitational golf tournament Friday, April 17, at the Meadowbrook Golf Course in Rapid City.

Leading his team to a total score of 297, Caleb Clements shot a 95 to take an individual second place. Devon Ehlers shot a 97 to claim third place. Other Scottie golfers were Colton Nickelson - 105, Theo Fitch - 113, Jordan Hauk - 114 and Nick Roseth - 141.

The Wall boys earned second place with a total score of 313.

"It is good to be in with different competition," said coach Jerry Rhodes about the Center of the Nation track meet in Belle Fourche on Saturday, April 18.

"There were A schools, B schools, Central High junior varsity, other Hills schools and some Wyoming schools. It's nice to see how we stack up against some competition that we don't normally see," said Rhodes. There were 18 teams represented at the meet.

"Again, the kids responded very well. The Scotties saw some personal bests. They were reaching down and giving that extra shot.

The Harry Weller Invitational track meet at Kadoka on Tuesday, April 14, was the first meet of the season for the Philip Scotties.

"I was really pleased with the way the kids came out," said coach Jerry Rhodes. "It was our first meet and we really haven't had any real track time. They got out there and performed well. You can see that with some of their personal bests."

Brandon O'Dea was chosen as the Scottie Athlete of the Meet for the boys team. Josie Guptill was chosen as the Scottie Athlete of the Meet. "They showed a lot of effort and leadership," said Rhodes.

Hero status isn't reserved only for those brave men and women who rush into burning buildings or step into the front lines of war.

"There's a hero in all of us," said Beth-Anne Ferley, donor recruitment director of United Blood Services. "Ordinary people are saving lives every day. They do it while they are on lunch break or while they are running errands. They have found the hero in themselves by donating blood."

You can find the hero in you at the upcoming Community Betterment Committee blood drive on Tuesday, May 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

by Del Bartels

Board member Kelly Blair joined the audience while the rest of the school board canvassed the election results from the April 14 election. Though he joked with fellow winner, Mark Radway, about maybe asking for a recount, both will begin their new terms on the first of July.

The official tally for the election was Blair receiving 302, Radway - 242, Michelle Butler - 165, Mark Nelson - 73, Tonya Jo Berry - 56, and Jodi Kammerer and Lori Quinn each receiving 31.

The S.A.S.S. hair salon opened for business in Midland on March 30. Owned and operated by Samantha Flesner, the new business is in the same building as the Midland Post Office at 404 Main Street.

The salon caters to women, men and children. It offers a full range of treatments, from cuts and styles, perms and color, to manicures, pedicures and waxing. Facials and even a tanning bed will soon be added.

"I'll soon be able to offer 'the works'," said Flesner. With her wedding to John Addison set for September, Flesner chose S.A.S.S.

The Haakon County Board of Commissioners met in special session, Tuesday, April 14, first as a board of equalization and later as the board of commission.

Rita Merrill, Haakon County director of equalization, reported to the board the properties in which owners asked for their property to be reassessed. She noted that two from Philip had been taken before the Philip City Council. Tom Swift had opposed his valuation and Merrill noted that she had reassessed it and Swift had agreed with the new valuation.

A second opposed valuation was by Ron and Trisha Larson.

The academic all-state girls' basketball players have been announced.

Philip's Taylor Holman, Sierra Hook, Kayla O'Connell and Tara Ravellette were named to the academic all-state team.

To be academic all-state, a student must be a senior, have participated in that sport as a player of manager for three years and must maintain a 3.5 grade point average in school.