Pearl Couch, age 98, of Philip, SD, died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Services were held Wednesday, March 17, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Music was provided by Marianne Frein, pianist, and Maureen Palecek, vocalist. Usher was Jim Moriarty. Pallbearers were Bill Anderson, Ian Moriarty, Jacob Frein, David Jahner, Lloyd Frein and Keith Jahner.

Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery of Philip.

Wayne Whidby, age 57 of Kadoka, SD, died February 1, 2010, in Mazatlan, Mexico.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 19, at the Kadoka City Auditorium in Kadoka, with Pastor Gary McCubbin officiating.

Interment with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, March 19, at the Black Hills National Cemetery.

A memorial is established.

Today I was asked to do the hardest thing I have ever had to do, sum up the story of my father's life. Wayne Alex Whidby was born on March 24, 1952, in Fort Knox, KY, to Evelyn and Julian Whidby.

Rena Nemec, age 91, Midland, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the Philip Nursing Home.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 10, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m., all at St. William Catholic Church in Midland.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 11, at St. Willam Catholic Church in Midland, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.

Music will be provided by Barb Jones, organist, and Barb Petoske, vocalist. Ushers are Jim Petoske and John Nemec.

Bessie Anna (Petr) Krogman, age 81, White River, SD, was born October 11, 1928, in White River, the daughter of Adolf and Bessie (Fott) Petr. She went home to be with her Lord and Savior, March 3, 2010, at Rochester Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN, with her daughter, Kristi, at her side.

Bessie's father immigrated to America from Czechoslovakia and Bessie grew up on the family homestead southwest of White River. She attended the Ringthunder Elementary Country School and went to White River High School graduating in 1946.

Hazel Schwalm, age 76 of Midland, SD, died March 2, 2010, at St. Mary's Healthcare Center in Pierre.

Services were held Monday, March 8, at the Open Bible Standard Church in Midland with Pastor Randy Ellendorf officiating.

Music was provided by Marlis Doud. Ushers were Red Willoughby and Jerry Nemec. Pallberers were Ed Heeb, Gary Snook, Wylie Schwalm, Dick Nemec, David Flom and Mickey Daly.

Interment was in the Midland Cemetery.

Hazel E. Hanson was born December 23, 1933, in Midland, SD, the daughter of Joseph and Marie (Dhaenen) Hanson.

Local residents have the opportunity to celebrate life by joining in the community blood drive from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9, at the Bad River Senior Citizen's Center, Philip.

And now, volunteer donors will also be able to check their total cholesterol level. United Blood Services now offers free cholesterol testing to blood donors. United Blood Services does a total cholesterol test that allows donors to eat before the test; no fasting is required.

The city council's March 1 meeting began with the council approving the first reading of an ordinance establishing snow removal parking regulations.

The ordinance applies to Pine Street from SD Highway 14 west of Philip to Wray Avenue, and Wray Ave. from Pine Street to Hwy. 14 east of Philip. A snow removal emergency exists whenever there is a snow accumulation on public property of four inches or more of falling or drifting snow.

by Del Bartels

The ownership of Kennedy Implement has officially changed hands. Denny Kennedy has sold his share of the business to long-time partner Mark Buchholz.

"Same name, same faces, everything will go on the same," said Buchholz.

"For 27 years Mark and I have been in business together," said Kennedy. "We have tried to take care of the customers as well as possible. Mark and I have had a business relationship of good communication." Buchholz added, "... a very open line of communication." and Kennedy continued, "...

Conrad "Connie" Seidler, age 86, Kadoka, SD, died Monday, March 1, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 4, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with Rev. Gus Craven officiating.

Interment will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

Conrad Seidler, better known to his family and friends as "Connie," was born on his granddad's ranch at Nowlin, SD, on October 30, 1923, the son of Edward and Ella (Koehler) Seidler.

Frank Parsons, age 82, Philip, SD, died Sunday, February 28, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Al Brucklacher officiating.

Music was provided by Skye Brucklacher, flute, Carla Brucklacher, piano, Glenn Parsons, guitar, and a vocal duet by Glenn Parsons and Roger Porch.

Ushers were Doug West, Brant Sundall and Bryan Olivier.