What started last school year as a local guest speaker for the Philip High School junior English class transformed this year into a three-person evening's worth of entertainment for the general public.

The Thursday, September 30, cowboy poetry reading and songwriting performance was held at the American Legion Hall in Philip. The show, entitled "This One's for the Cowboys" featured returning poet laureate Ken Cook, along with poet Kevin Davis and writer/singer Jay Snider.

Gregor "Greg" Weber could not make his originally scheduled Honor Flight for Veterans last year. This year, though, he did make the most recent trip based out of Rapid City, September 23-24.

"This is going to be the birthday present of my life, however long that may be," said Weber, whose birthday was September 21. He said, "Both days were humid and in the 90s, but it was a wonderful trip, nice clear days. It was a wonderful time. They pack a lot into two days. We had box lunches so we could eat while going from one place to the others.

The Philip Lady Scotties traveled Saturday, September 18, to White River to compete in the White River Triangular Volleyball Tournament.

The Philip varsity girls first went head-to-head with closely matched rivals the Wall Lady Eagles. This match, Philip could not stay up to the challenge, losing 1-3 for the best of five games.

Philip vs. Wall

18-25, 25-16, 16-25, 12-25

Serving: Philip - 61 of 72 (9 aces). Leaders: Molly Coyle - 18 of 20 (5 aces), Krista Wells - 12 of 13 (2 aces), Jordyn Dekker - 11 of 13 (2 aces).

Receiving: Philip - 52 of 70.

The Philip Scotties cross country team made the two-hour trip to Chamberlain for the first time in over five years Thursday, September 16.

This is a very well attended, predominantly "A" division race. The weather conditions could not have been better, with temps in the mid 70s, a light southerly breeze and sunny skies. The competition proved not only talented, but with over 200 runners the talent ran deep in each of the four races.

The Philip Scotties cross country team made the two-hour trip to Chamberlain for the first time in over five years Thursday, September 16.

This is a very well attended, predominantly "A" division race. The weather conditions could not have been better, with temps in the mid 70s, a light southerly breeze and sunny skies. The competition proved not only talented, but with over 200 runners the talent ran deep in each of the four races.

White River hosted the 24th annual Prestige Run on Monday, September 13.

The first cross country race began at 1:00 p.m. This run begins by making a tour of White River's rodeo arena and airport, around the public park, finishing back at the arena - a flat, fast course. Each varsity medalist received a place medal and a commemorative t-shirt today.

Girls' varsity competitors, freshman Allison Pekron and sophomore Holly Iwan, each chose a different game plan. Iwan went out with a lead group of five runners, while Pekron used White River's Dellia Whiting to set her pace.

The Philip Scottie football team forced a merciful end to their game against the New Underwood Tigers Friday, September 17.

The Scotties hosted the Tigers to a devastating 50-0 defeat, using the mercy rule with nine seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Philip 16 20 14 = 50

New Underwood 0 0 0 = 0

Though the Tigers received the first kick, they were soon forced to punt. Shortly later, the Scotties used a fake punt to make a first down, which lead to a 44-yard touchdown run by Wyatt Kammerer at the 6:16 mark.

To Haakon County taxpayers,

There is now a suggestion box at the county courthouse. For people who either do not have time or perhaps do not feel comfortable attending a county commissioners meeting, this would be a good place to submit ideas, comments or complaints. These suggestions can be either signed or unsigned.

The local National Mutual Benefit Branch #85 celebrated its 25th anniversary Friday, September 17.

The members held a free tailgate party from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Philip High School football field. The party was just before the Philip vs. New Underwood football game. Hamburgers and hotdogs were served to local and visiting fans. During the celebration, the chapter received a visit and helping hand from Anne Rogers, who is vice president of fraternity services over 39 NMB chapters in the Midwest.

The branch includes members from Philip and surrounding communities.

During their scheduled meeting Monday, September 20, the Haakon School Board 27-1 School Board approved the 2010-2011 budget.

The anticipated general fund revenue is $1,984,729. The budgeted appropriations is $2,240,094. The difference of $255,365 will come out of reserves. Current reserves are around $800,000. At current estimates, that surplus will last less than four years, then the fifth year will be negative.

Superintendent Keven Morehart said, "The biggest concern was figuring the local and state effort for state aid. No one else knew, and the state wouldn't answer.