August 2, Kathy Petersen, public affairs specialist for Social Security, will be in Philip to help people file order replacement cards, change addresses and ask questions. Petersen will be at the Senechal Apartments in Philip between 12:00 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

If someone is preparing to retire and has questions, or is interested in finding out more about disability benefits, they should attend this information day.

"I'll be in Philip in August. It's a great opportunity for folks to contact Social Security in person," said Kathy Petersen.

by Lonis R. Wendt

The final chapter of the Historic Bad River Trail Scotty Philip Memorial Ride from Philip to Fort Pierre ended at 5:00 p.m.

Black Hills Federal Credit Union has been granted an expansion of its community charter to include the counties of Haakon, Butte, Stanley and Hughes.

The credit union now serves nine counties from 10 locations in western South Dakota. The closest office to Haakon County is in Wall. Based in Rapid City, the $885 million credit union serves more than 54,000 members.

"This is a significant expansion for BHFCU," said Roger Heacock, president and chief executive officer.

"Cenex Harvest States corporate office has a system for projects like this," said Jay Baxter, site manager for Midwest Cooperatives in Philip. "They are currently bidding out for the project. We are hoping for the work to be done in three to four months."

CHS Midwest Cooperatives will expand its own railroad side track capability from 25 to 35 railroad cars. An existing loading rail line will be lengthened eastward. It, and a new line, will both extend across S. Auto Avenue.

Kianna Knutson had earned a shot at the regional competition of the Country Showdown talent contest, sponsored by Eagle Country 95.9/96.3 radio.

The preliminary round for Knutson was at Besler's Cadillac Ranch near Belle Fourche, Saturday, March 12. The top two of the 12 singers were chosen by judges to move up to the next competition.

Round two was held again at Belle Fourche, this time in Hermann Park, July 3. Along with Knutson, 11 other contestants had placed first or second at one of six separate preliminary rounds throughout the state.

Marjorie Hosek, age 83, of Kadoka, S.D., died July 6, 2011, at the Kadoka Nursing Home.

Marjorie Deloris Bennett was born November 30, 1927, in Kadoka, the daughter of Fred M. and Ida L. (Schultz) Bennett. She attended grade school at Brady School in Jackson County prior to graduating from Philip High School. Marjorie then attended beauty school in Watertown and lived with her cousins, the Hackbart's while she was there.

Marjorie was united in marriage to Ben Hosek on August 14, 1948, in the Lutheran Church in Lake Andes, S.D.

The 14 bicyclists stayed at st. Patrick's Catholic Church in Wall, July 14, and trekked through Philip en route to staying the evening in Hayes.

The Lasaluan Volunteers Ride group of eventually 25-30 riders on varying legs of the journey, consists of 10 who will complete the entire trip from Warrenton, Ore., to Long Branch, N.J. from June 16 to August 13.

"The church (in Wall) provided the riders with a place to stay, and Father Leo Hausmann was very helpful in getting one of the riders to the bus station to head home.

Waterline easement and budget were discussed at the Friday, July 15, Haakon County Commission meeting.

Jake Fitzgerald, West River/ Lyman-Jones Rural Water manager, updated the commission on the easement situtation on the city of Philip's southwest border. He said the survey had been completed and discussed those results with the board.

Haakon County State's Attorney Gay Tollefson also discussed the issue in regards to the right-of-way and fence issues.

The board reviewed budget sheets compiled by Haakon County Auditor Patricia Freeman.

A special meeting of the Philip City Council was held Thursday, July 14, to give final approval to amendments to the special event application by the Philip Chamber of Commerce for Scotty Philip Days.

The public hearing resulted in the chamber receiving a temporary malt beverage license and extended hours for the already-approved beer garden area.

The council also approved several building permits. These were for C.

The Haakon School District 27-1 Board of Education meeting Monday, July 18, began with the swearing in of members beginning new terms.

Returning board members Scott Brech, Vonda Hamill and Anita Peterson were joined by new member Doug Thorson in giving their oaths of office. The new board president is Brech.

The proposed budget for the 2011-2012 school year has an anticipated total revenue of $1,936,736. This is $52,668 less than last year. The anticipated general fund is anticipated to be $2,103,649. This is $141,121 less than last year.