Richard LeRoy "Gator" Willuweit, 64, of Sturgis, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Fort Meade VA Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Richard was born December 14, 1947, in Philip, SD, to Christian and Marjorie (Guethlein) Willuweit. The first couple of years, the family lived west of Philip before moving to Quinn, SD, and finally settled in Wall, SD, in 1956. He started his education at Wall Public School where he went through all twelve grades graduating in 1966 with a perfect attendance, an honor that earned him a plaque that he always pointed at with pride.

The Wall Elementary fifth grade class received certificates, pins and red t-shirts on Wednesday, May 2, when they graduated from the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program. Deputy Rick McPherson instructor for the program, Deputy Darren Ginn and Game Warden Jamin Hartland shook hands and congratulated students as they came forward to receive their awards.

The outgoing Philip City Council began the monthly meeting, Monday, May 7. After some old business was addressed, the new mayor and city council members were sworn in to finish the meeting.
“It’s time for me to get the heck out of here,” joked Mayor John Hart. “It’s been a good 12 years. It’s been interesting, but we have to live here. You may not agree with what the city does, but you have to stay consistant and watch precedent. I had a good mentor. It’s been good.” Hart became Philip’s 17th mayor in 2000, and filled three four-year terms.

Richard LeRoy "Gator" Willuweit, 64, of Sturgis, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Fort Meade VA Medical Center after a lengthy illness.
Richard was born December 14, 1947, in Philip, SD, to Christian and Marjorie (Guethlein) Willuweit. The first couple of years, the family lived west of Philip before moving to Quinn, SD, and finally settled in Wall, SD, in 1956. He started his education at Wall Public School where he went through all twelve grades graduating in 1966 with a perfect attendance, an honor that earned him a plaque that he always pointed at with pride.

Kayla Marie Houska of Moscow, Idaho, died Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at Gritman Medical Center. She had just celebrated her 29th birthday.
Kayla was born March 14, 1983, in Moscow to Ken and Mitzi (Erdmann) Houska. She grew up and attended Moscow schools where she was active in basketball, volleyball and track. Kayla still holds the record at Lena Whitmore Elementary in the 400 meter dash. She graduated from Moscow Senior High School in 2001.

Stella Ptak, age 97, of Pierre, S.D., formerly of Philip, died Tuesday morning, May 8, 2012, at the Maryhouse Nursing Home in Pierre.

Joyce M. Handcock, age 85 of Kadoka, died Saturday, May 5, 2012, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.
Joyce M. Mansfield was born June 14, 1926, at Niobrara, Neb., the youngest of 11 children born to Ben and Leafy (Larson) Mansfield. In March 1929, she moved with her family to Bennett County, where she attended all eight grades at the Pass Creek School, and high school at Martin, graduating from Bennett County High School in 1944.