The Haakon County Commissioners met June 2, 2009, to discuss highway department, insurance and liquor issues. 

The commissioners approved all the minutes, except the transfer of cash from the general fund to the highway fund. Deene Dayton, head of Legislative Audit, Pierre, spoke to Pat Freeman, Haakon County auditor, regarding all transfers of cash that need to be in the minutes and approved by the governing board. The commissioners decided to have Dayton come speak with them about the money transfers because of some confusions.

The husband and wife team of Willard "Edwin" and Beth Murray, originally of Belton, Mich., are newcomers to Philip. They are opening Murray's Coffee, Confections & More at 103 N. Larimer Ave. (just north of The Gas Stop).

The coffee shop will offer hot and iced tea, hot and iced coffee, water, canned pop, baked doughnuts, scones, cinnamon rolls, mini cakes, bars (like brownies, but thinner).

The Bakehouse Cafe, owned and operated by Shannon and Ronda McCain, will open Monday, June 15, at 6:00 a.m. This newest business in Philip is at 102 North Center Avenue, between the Gem Theater and the NAPA auto parts center.

The McCains are ready for breakfast, lunch and snack-time crowds, with a seating capacity of 50 diners. Cafe hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays will be the McCains' down day and the cafe will be closed. On Saturdays they will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m.

by Nancy Haigh

The daughter of homesteaders, the wife of a sign painter, the mother of 10, a teacher of many and a local news columnist that reaches thousands all describe Vivian Hansen.

This spry, down-to-earth woman is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Her family plans to help her celebrate in a big way, by inviting the Philip community to a buffalo burger feed on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall Park. The event is in conjunction with Festival Days.

by Nancy Haigh

The daughter of homesteaders, the wife of a sign painter, the mother of 10, a teacher of many and a local news columnist that reaches thousands all describe Vivian Hansen.

This spry, down-to-earth woman is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. Her family plans to help her celebrate in a big way, by inviting the Philip community to a buffalo burger feed on Saturday, June 20, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall Park. The event is in conjunction with Festival Days.

P. Oliver Erdmann, age 80, of Philip, South Dakota, died June 4, 2009, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

P. Oliver Erdmann, better known as Oliver to his family and friends, was born November 14, 1928, in Wellsville, Kansas, the son of Paul John and Ida M. (Millburn) Erdmann. Oliver graduated from Philip High School on May 15, 1946. On May 21, 1946, Oliver entered the United States Navy, serving until March 19, 1948.

The Philip Scotties brought home a list of bragging rights from the state track and field meet: second place over all for the boy's team, two first place event medals, two second place event medals and two new Philip High School event records.

The South Dakota High School Activities Associations' boys' and girls' State High School Track and Field Meet was held May 29-30, 2009. The Class "B" preliminaries were held on Friday, May 29, at the Rapid City O'Harra Stadium. Final events were Saturday, May 30.

The Philip Scotties brought home a list of bragging rights from the state track and field meet: second place over all for the boy's team, two first place event medals, two second place event medals and two new Philip High School event records.

The South Dakota High School Activities Associations' boys' and girls' State High School Track and Field Meet was held May 29-30, 2009. The Class "B" preliminaries were held on Friday, May 29, at the Rapid City O'Harra Stadium. Final events were Saturday, May 30.

Mary Lou (Hill) Berry, age 72 of Gordon, NE, formerly of Scenic, SD, died May 26, 2009, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.

Services were Tuesday, June 2, at the Mother Butler Center of Rapid City.

Interment was at the Scenic Cemetery.

Mary Lou Hill was born in New Underwood, SD, on August 12, 1936, to Cliff and Fern Hill. She received her education at Scenic Grade School and Rapid City High School. When Mary Lou was 10 years old, she was enrolled in the Lois Martin School of Dance where she was a star pupil.

Eunice Johnson, age 86, of Wall, SD, died June 1, 2009, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Eunice M. Sebade was born March 30, 1923, in Wall, SD, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Mooney) Sebade. She grew up in Wall, starting the first grade in the new Wall School, the same building her children and grandchildren received their education, graduating from Wall High School in 1941.

After graduation she moved to Tacoma, WA, with her brothers, Norman and Delbert and their spouses, where she worked at the Wolworth's Store.