Michael Millstead, age 58 of Laguna Woods, Calif., died Thursday, December 16, 2010, at Laguna Hills.

Michael Hayden Millstead was born July 20, 1952, in St. Louis, Mo., the son of Ralph and Mary (Fitzwater) Millstead. Michael spent most of his life in Phoenix, Ariz., where he was once employed in the insurance business working with his father, R.G. "Doc" Millstead.

Three years ago, Michael spent several months in Philip to spend more time and to assist his father. His father, Doc, had moved to Philip after the death of his wife and Michael's mother, Mary.

George Hauk, age 86 of Quinn, S.D., died Saturday, December 18, 2010, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

George Edmond Hauk was born November 13, 1924, in Pedro, S.D., the son of Frank and Joy (Keve) Hauk. He was raised near Grindstone and attended Lincoln Elementary School just west of his home. He graduated from Philip High School in 1942 and worked on his parents' place.

George married Peggy Clark June 3, 1950, and they made their home of 60 years near Grindstone where George was raised.

Myrtle Thomas, age 88, of Wanblee, S.D., died Sunday, December 19, 2010, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Myrtle Cayler was born on September 29, 1922, in White River, S.D., to John and Mollie (Guild) Cayler. She grew up and went to school in the Wanamaker area. After attending school through the eighth grade she stayed at home to take care of her mother. She then worked at Cedar Pass Lodge and later worked at the Headlee Store where she met Raymond Thomas.

She married Raymond Thomas on October 5, 1940, in Rapid City.

Marsha Jean Foster Vaughn, age 74 of Rapid City, formerly of Wall, died Monday, December 13, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Marsha Jean was born January 21, 1936, in Wall, S.D., the daughter of Leo and Doris "Murph" (Way) Foster. She graduated from Wall High School in 1954. Marsha raised three children in the Rapid City area, Michael, Mark and Shelley.

Survivors include her son, Michael and his wife, Julie, of Stockton, Calif., and their four children, Christopher and great-grandson, Alex, Jennifer, Zachary and Matthew Vaughn.

The Philip Lady Scotties basketball team hosted the Stanley County Buffaloes, Thursday, December 16.

Philip 5 16 14 10 = 55

Stanley Co. 12 12 6 22 = 52

The Scotties began the game slowly, earning only five points to the Buffalo's 12 points. At the 3:30 mark of the second quarter, Philip had climbed to 15 and Stanley County had climbed to 21. Philip scored and held their opponents back, so that the score was 21-22 with less than a minute remaining in the half.

The Philip Scotties basketball team hosted the Edgemont Moguls, Saturday, December 18.

Philip 20 19 23 24 = 86

Edgemont 2 11 4 7 = 24

The Scotties were up against a very young team that, this year, had at total of only 13 players on its varsity and junior varsity roster.

Philip scorers: Kyle Schulz - 18, Tate DeJong - 14, Austin O'Dea and Jordan Hauk - 10 each, Gunner Hook and Thomas Doolittle - 8 each, Beau Ferguson - 6, Jade Nelson - 4, Brandon O'Dea, Jeff O'Connell, Wyatt Kammerer and Cody Reder - 2 each.

Philip field goal percentage - 45 (39 of 87).

The Philip Lady Scotties basketball team hosted the Edgemont Moguls, Saturday, December 18.

Philip 10 6 9 19 = 44

Edgemont 9 16 15 10 = 50

The scoring at the beginning of the game stayed close. With less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter, the scoreboard showed a tied 7-7 score. After Philip scored a one-point foul shot, Edgemont sank a basket for the lead. Philip sank a basket to regain the lead, with only four seconds before the buzzer.

The Scotties led until the second quarter's 2:50 mark, when the Moguls again tied the score at 14-14.

The Philip Scotties basketball team hosted the Stanley County Buffaloes, Thursday, December 16.

Philip 7 13 13 18 = 51

Stanley Co. 13 15 8 18 = 54

The Scotties allowed two baskets before they got on the scoreboard two and a half minutes into the game. Three pointers and free throw shots let the Buffaloes to increase that lead to 2-8. Then Philip rallied to end the first quarter 7-13. In the second quarter, the Scotties struggled to close the gap, succeeding to a 17-18 score.

Dear Editor;

Since we are paying much higher property taxes due to the addition of a fee to pay to the Milesville (Volunteer) Fire Department since our property was annexed in to a fire protection district that we were unaware existed.

I understand via a member that there is a very large fuel bill for this last year. There were not a lot of fires that I am aware of in our area. MVFD fought fire in the Black Hills. That would explain the fuel costs.

by Del Bartels

The Haakon School District 27-1 Board of Education held its last meeting of the year Monday, December 20.

A long list was approved of volunteer coaches for the winter sports. These people include many former students who might come in during their college breaks to help with high school practices. Paulette Ramsey has been officially approved as the assistant girls' basketball coach.

The financial report showed that claims payable December 20 came to at grand total of $191,957.54. This does not include the salaries and wages of the districts' employees.