The Haakon County Board of Commissioners met in a special meeting to see if there would be enough operating funds to close out the year.

At the December 15 meeting, Haakon County Auditor Patricia Freeman presented the board with copies of account information. She noted that Federal Emergency Management Agency funds needed to be transferred from their existing holding account to the road and bridge main account. Freeman noted that Val Williams had compiled all needed documentation regarding the highway department's work on FEMA projects so that now the funds could be transferred.

The Honor Flight program, begun in 2005, was created to allow as many American veterans of World War II as possible to visit, free of charge, the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The memorial was completed and dedicated in 2004, at a time when most surviving veterans from the era were over 80 years old and were not likely to have the means or support to travel to see the memorial on their own. Shortly after the dedication, the concept of Honor Flight was established.

The Philip High School girls' basketball team began its 2010-2011 season with an away game. The Lady Scotties traveled to Wall to challenge the Lady Eagles, Thursday, December 9.

In the varsity game, Philip claimed and held the lead through the first half. Though the second quarter was a low-scoring one, Philip ended the first half with a 21-17 advantage.

The third quarter, though, presented serious trouble for the Lady Scotties, with the Wall team gaining and passing Philip with a quarter ending 21-43 on the scoreboard.

The Philip Area wrestling team began its 2010-2011 season by competing at the Gordon/ Rushville Wrestling Tournament in Gordon, Neb., Saturday, December 11.

Out of 15 schools represented, the Philip Area team earned fourth place with 117.5 points. First place went to Valentine, Neb., with 156.5 points, second place went to Ainsworth, Neb., with 136.5 points and third went to Chadron, Neb., with 123 points. The other team scores were Mullen, Neb. - 79, Mitchell, S.D. - 78, Ogallala, S.D. - 73, Gordon/ Rushville, Neb. - 60, Bennett County, S.D. - 48, Sidney, Neb. - 46, Pine Ridge, S.D.

The Philip High School Scotties boys began their basketball season with a home game against the Wall Eagles, Friday, December 10.

The 2010-2011 season began with a Scottie win when Philip defeated Wall 69-63.

Philip 14 17 12 26 = 69

Wall 13 17 23 10 = 63

A minute and a half of play saw a 6-0 score in favor of Philip. Then Wall sank a foul shot to get on the scoreboard. Throughout the quarter the lead stayed with Philip. Even with two minutes remaining the score was 14-8.

LaVern A. Peters, age 81 of Okaton, S.D., died Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at his home.

LaVern August Peters was given life by his Creator and was born on the family farm December 30, 1928, the child of Edward and Elsie (Dahlke) Peters. On April 28, 1929, he was reborn as a child of God in the waters of Holy Baptism at St. Peter's Lutheran Church. He publicly confessed his faith, was confirmed, and began receiving the precious gift of the Lord's life-giving body and blood in 1944.

Vivian L. Buchert, age 86 of Philip, S.D., died Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip.

Vivian L. Johnson was born June 29, 1924, in Snoqualmie Falls (King Co.), Wash., the daughter of Martin C. and Viola (Cunningham) Johnson. As an infant she moved with her parents to a farm near Florence, Minn. She attended grade school in District 68 and 63 prior to graduating as salutatorian in 1941, from Russell High School in Russell, Minn. As a young lady she worked as a clerk in a general store in Russell.

One of the pioneers in delivering Internet service to residents of rural South Dakota will cease service at year's end, the company announced December 10.

WCENET, a subsidiary of West Central Electric Cooperative, first brought Internet service to central South Dakota in 1998. At one time, the company served more than 1,000 households.

"West Central Electric is proud that it was among the first companies in South Dakota to offer Internet service to our members more than a decade ago," said Steve Reed, chief executive of operations of the cooperative.

Lee Vaughan, coordinator for the annual Elementary Science Fair, stated, "For the past 60 years, local science fairs have allowed students to showcase their inventions and discoveries. Students can present their scientific research and findings with the judges.

"In many parts of the country, science fairs have fallen victim to the recession. Fortunately, our local fair has been spared. Our students still can push the edge of the envelope as they seek to learn more about the world in which they find themselves.

The Haakon County Board of Commissioners received more bad news December 7 when Kenny Neville, Haakon County highway superintendent informed them that the Hardingrove Road has been sliding off along a ridge area, this after a year with high bills in the mentally ill and support of the poor funds, and trying to find funds on which to run the county.

Neville said the road, east of Billie Parsons, is caving in on the east edge. Neville said he is trying to find funding to repair the road. He currently has state engineers scheduled to look at the situation to see what can be done.