Dear Editor;

The past few months our local volunteer fire departments have been criticized by some people, and, frankly, I cannot see why. I was not part of the recent election concerning a Philip fire district. My ranch lies within the Milesville Fire District. If I could have voted, I would have voted for the tax district.

There have been two major fires on my place in the last four years. This is unfortunate, but I was very fortunate to have our local volunteer fire departments there to help me.

Weather caused a one-day postponement of the Philip Scotties versus the Kadoka Area Kougars basketball game. Played on Tuesday, December 21, in Kadoka. The relatively low-scoring game had the audience members on the edge of their seats. It ended with a 48-49 loss for the Scotties.

The Philip team now holds a 2-2 season record.

The Philip Lady Scotties versus the Kadoka Area Lady Kougars basketball game, postponed because of weather from the night before, was held Tuesday, December 21, in Kadoka.

Philip 6 9 9 17 = 41

Kadoka Area 21 14 14 15 = 64

In the first quarter, the Scotties faced an onslaught by the Kadoka Area offense. Though diminishing their opponent's rate of attack, the Lady Scotties continued to fall behind in the second as well as in the third quarters. The last quarter was in favor of Philip, but by only one field goal.

The Haakon County Commission met Tuesday, December 28, to approve the final warrants for 2010, and approve any contingency transfer to set accounts in order for the end of the year.

Contingency transfers needed for the following accounts were approved: commissioners - $2,939.73, courthouse - $1,923.75, director of equalization - $5,670.68, register of deeds - $1,215.63, veteran services - $134.53, jail expenses - $4,744.16, support of the poor - $1,556.33, mentally ill - $8,597.05, highway - $5,589.65, 911 - $8,647.19 and 24/7 sobriety fund - $1,138.20.

The Philip City Council's year end special meeting was held at 5:00 p.m. Monday, December 27.

The total amount of bills to be paid for December came to $32,653.65. The largest single bill was $6,616.13 to K&P Pump Repairs and Controls for work done on the sewer lift station pump. The next largest single bill was $4,440.59 from Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson, Inc. for design engineer work done concerning the airport runway lighting improvement project.

The council meeting was attended by many people concerned about the Haakon County Public Library's request for funding from the city.

The newly voted-in fire chief for the Philip Volunteer Fire Department is Matt Reckling. After more than 10 years, the previous fire chief, Marty Hansen, had decided to step down.

Regular monthly meetings for the PVFD are held on the first Wednesday of each month. During the December 1 meeting, officers were elected by the attending members of the fire department. The one-year terms for all the officer positions begin January 1.

"I'm a glutton for punishment," said Reckling. "Here we go. I'll try it for a year.

Margaret Pegelow, 94, of Renville died Monday, December 13, 2010, at RenVilla Care Center in Renville, Minn.

The funeral service was Saturday, December 18, at Emden Christian Reformed Church in Renville with the Rev. Jeff Vanderhooft officiating.

Burial was in Trinity Cemetery in Sacred Heart, Minn.

Margaret was born May 9, 1916, in Centerville, S.D., to Ray E. and Ruth (Kunkle) Noble. She was delivered by the first woman doctor in that area. She attended country school at Mount Zion and later went to school at Wall, S.D., graduating in 1933.

Edward J. Nemec, Jr., 78, of Highmore, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010, at Highmore Health in Highmore.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, December 27, 2010, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Paul Nereparampil officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Highmore with military honors.

Edward John Nemec was born to Edward and Elizabeth (Puryear) Nemec on April 9, 1932, in Pierre, S.D.

Gertrude L. (Cox) Kopp, 93, Rapid City, formery of Philip, S.D., passed away on Thursday, December 23, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Gertrude was born July 19, 1917 in Rapid City, S.D., to S. Earl and Anna B. (Kammerer) Cox. She grew up in the New Underwood area attending country school and graduating fromNew Underwood High School in 1936.

She was united in marriage to Ralph A. Kopp on August 4, 1936, in New Underwood.

Walter "Bud" LaFee, age 82 of Nampa, Idaho, died Monday, December 13, 2010, in Nampa, with his family by his side.

Bud was born September 19, 1928, in Milesville, S.D., to George and Stella (Vandehei) LaFee. He attended Hardingrove School and then went into the Army in May 1951.

In October of 1951, he married Neva Hagler and was then sent to Korea to serve as a wireman in the 176th Field Artillery.

Upon returning to Milesville, he resumed his ranching/farming career until 1970. They had four children: Rod, Rick, Mike, and Nancy.