The Philip chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is again sponsoring the community Maggie Grace Angel Tree.

Members of FCCLA set-up and decorated the Angel Tree after school on December 1. Due to the plumbing construction in the Haakon County Courthouse, the Angel Tree is on display at the First National Bank in Philip.

"The turn around time to pick up the gifts is December 15," urged Brigitte Brucklacher, FCCLA advisor.

The Philip FCCLA chapter.

(This is the second in a series featuring this year's Internship program students.)

This week's featured student is Blake Lobdell who works alongside Marty Hansen at his business, Hansen's Hide and Fur.

Hansen said, "I am involved in the School to Work program because I would've liked to have had the opportunity when I was in school to get out and try something new."

Deer season brings long hours for Hansen, so Lobdell is a big help to him even if it is only for one hour every day.

In many rural communities, finding and keeping a good doctor is a big challenge. Not so in Philip, where Dr. David Holman has been practicing family medicine for over ten years.

"Recruiting doctors to small towns is tough," said Kent Olson, Administrator of Philip Health Services. "We are thrilled to have a doctor like Dave Holman."

According to the federal Office of Rural Health, only about ten percent of physicians practice in rural United States, although nearly one quarter of the population lives in these areas.

Thomas Clifford Omdahl was born December 26, 1924, in Cottonwood, SD, to Mandus and Sylvia Omdahl. He was raised on a farm and ranch south of Cottonwood.

Tom married Elaine Schulz Feb. 24, 1949, in Philip, SD. He worked for McDonnell-Douglas in San Diego, CA, and later worked for Boeing aircraft in Seattle, WA. His love of farming and ranching brought him back to South Dakota where he leased a Wasta ranch from the late SD Senator, Francis Case.

After getting his start in farming and ranching, Tom owned several pieces of property north of Philip and near Fairpoint, SD.

Cleo Addison, age 94 of Kadoka, SD, died Sunday, November 29, 2009, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.

Interment will follow the luncheon at the Belvidere Cemetery.

Music will be provided by JoAnne Stilwell, pianist, Lyndy Ireland and Joyce Wheeler, vocalists.

Ushers are Jerry Willert and Jim Willert.

Thomas Carrico, age 80 of Belvidere, SD, died Monday, November 16, 2009, at his residence in Belvidere.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, November 23, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.

Music was provided by JoAnne Stilwell. Ushers were Joe Leutenegger and John Rodgers. Pallbearers were Tracy, Mark and Todd Owens, Brenda M. Obil, Michael D. and Robert E. Childers.

Earl "Weenie" Crawford, age 80 of Wall, SD, died Wednesday, November 18, 2009, at his home in Wall.

Military graveside services by the Sturgis Honor Guard, held Tuesday, November 24, at the Black Hills National Cemetery, near Sturgis, with Pastor Curtis Garland officiating.

Music was provided by Charlsie Mettler. Pallbearers were Judi, Tony, Justin, Richard, Matt and Joe Crawford. Honorary pallbearers were Spencer, Tim and Paul Crawford.

Earl "Weenie" Crawford was born July 25, 1929, in Wakonda, SD, the son of Burton and Nora (Hoffert) Crawford.

Helen Carrico, age 79, of Belvidere, SD, died November 16, 2009, at her residence in Belvidere.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Monday, November 23, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.

Music was provided by JoAnne Stilwell. Ushers were Joe Leutenegger and John Rodgers. Pallbearers were Tracy, Mark and Todd Owens, Brenda M. Obil, Michael D. and Robert E. Childers.

Interment was in the Belvidere Cemetery.

Glenn M. Ferley, age 90 of Philip, SD, died November 18, 2009, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 25, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Music was provided by Marilyn Millage, pianist, and Elvera Moos, vocalist. Ushers were Mike Groven and Corky Thorson. Pallbearers were Jessica, Heather, Shane, Chad and Casey Ferley and Shanna Sandal.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

Glenn M.