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.

The Philip AAU wrestling team, coached by Joe Carley and Randy Johnson, had 12 members earn their way to the 2009 AAU state wrestling tournament held in Aberdeen at the Barnett Center on Saturday, March 28.

Last year, 10 members earned the right to continue on to the state tournament.

Returning state attendants were Keegan Fitch (nine and 10-year-old age bracket, 75 pounds division), Rance Johnson (11-12, 65 lbs.), Nick Donnelly (11-12, 80 lbs.), Jace Giannonatti (11-12, 105 lbs.), Grady Carley (11-12, 100 lbs.),  Jacob Kammerer (11-12, 85 lbs.), and Reed Johnson (13-14, 1

The all conference basketball teams have been chosen for the Western Great Plains conference. The WGP conference consists of the high schools of Philip, Bennett County, Jones County, Kadoka, Lyman, New Underwood, Wall and White River.

Two Philip players were named for the boys' Honorable Mention team, Caleb Clements and Casey Cvach.

Three Philip players were named for the WGP All Conference team, Marissa Mann, Kenzy Pinney and Sierra Hook.

The 2009 golf season for the Philip High School team has begun.

Cancelled because of snow, the first golf tournament had been scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at the Meadowbrook Invitational.

"We're hoping to get in some outdoor practice soon. Indoor practice is getting old," said coach Doug Hauk. The players have been using a golfing net to practice swing form, even using video cameras to use replay and slow motion to analyze an individual's motion details.

"We have a good group of sixth through ninth grade golfers who will be competitive in a few years," said Hauk.

Lucille Haynes, age 86, of Long Valley, SD, entered Heaven's Gates on April 3, 2009, surrounded by her nine children, their spouses and several grandchildren. Her tenacious spirit allowed her to live in the rural home at Long Valley until her death.

Memorial services were held Tuesday, April 7, at the Old American Legion in Martin with Pastor Frezil Westerlund officiating.

Music was provided by Echo Zickrick, pianist, and Susan Davidson, vocalist. Ushers were Bob Zickrick, Reed Richardson and Kyle Harris.

A group of volunteers in Philip is striving to make a difference in the community, and it is asking for your help.

Their volunteer project will take place on Join Hands Day, Saturday, May 2, a national day of service sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America and other fraternal benefit societies.

The project in Philip will be cleaning up and painting, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Kiddie Park.

Join Hands Day is the only national day of service designed to bring youth and adults together to plan and implement volunteer service projects in their communities.

The monthly AARP (formerly known as American Association of Retired Persons) and Retired Teachers Association meeting at the Bad River Senior Citizens' Center on March 31 had over 40 people in attendance.

Kay Ainslie has been recognized as Community Service Volunteer of the Year for 2008. The list of activities and responsibilities in Ainslie's life is highlighted with her being a mother and grandmother who opened her home to other students over the years.

During the Philip City Council meeting on Monday, April 6, the audience overflowed the Commissioner's Room of the Haakon County Courthouse.

Many audience members represented the Festival Days Committee of the Philip Chamber of Commerce.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has scheduled public input hearings to hear comments regarding the siting permit application for the South Dakota portion of a crude oil pipeline known as the Keystone XL Project proposed by TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP.

Three hearings will be held in April in Winner, Philip and Buffalo.

•Monday, April 27, at noon (CDT) at the Winner Community Playhouse, 733 E. Leahy Bowl Drive in Winner.

•Monday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m.

Seven candidates are running for two at-large seats on the Haakon School District 27-1 Board of Education. The election will be Tuesday, April 14.

Five questions have been given to each candidate. Their answers have been printed in successive issues of the Pioneer Review.

Question #5. What are your views on how much money is needed for the district's education and how it is being spent?

Jodi Kammerer: "I believe the budget is going to be a major concern in the near future. The economy is already affecting everyone in our community in one way or another.