Leonard Hicks, age 82 of Norris, SD, died December 30, 2009, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 2, at the Norris Bible Church in Norris, with Rev. Don Letellier officiating.

Music was provided by Anna May Letellier, pianist, and Sandee Yordy, vocalist. Pallbearers were Lance Gibson, Matthew Gibson, Marc Paul, Clint Paul, Tyler Layh, Trevor Layh, Keegan Hicks and Carrington Alfson.

Marion Groven, age 79 of Philip, South Dakota, died January 4, 2010, at the Golden Living Center in Rapid City.

Marion Ilene Chally was born in Adams, North Dakota on April 1, 1930, the daughter of Louis H. and Stella (Qually) Chally. She grew up on the farm in Adams and graduated from Adams High School in 1948. She then went on to Walsh County Ag School in Park River, ND.

Marion had two children, Gloria and Richard with Marvin J. Groven. The family moved to Philip in 1952 where she was a bookkeeper for 46 years at the Farmers Union Oil Co.

Diane Badure, age 64 of Belvidere, SD, died Friday, January 1, 2010, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Mass of Christian burial was celebrated Tuesday, January 5, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Kadoka, with Father Bryan Sorensen as celebrant.

Music was provided by JoAnne Stilwell, organist. Ushers were John Herber and Kenny Fox.

The Philip City Council held their first meeting of 2010 on Monday, January 4.

Annual resolutions were quickly approved.

The Haakon County Commission met for the last time in 2009 on December 30 to approve warrants so that the books could be closed out.

Haakon County Treasurer Patti Rhodes updated the board on outstanding taxes in the county. She also updated them on the county's financial standing.

Haakon County Auditor Patrica Freeman informed the board that the commission budget was overrun. The board approved to transfer just under $4,000 from the general fund to the commissioner's fund.

During a 15-minute, year-end meeting on Tuesday, December 29, the Philip City Council agreed to accept half payment by the Haakon School District for repairs to the school's geo-thermal pipeline.

The school still stands behind its position of not being responsible for the line that first heats the Philip school buildings then heats several downtown businesses. Even so, as a one-time item, the school board said that it will pay half of the $6,200 repair bill.

85 Years Ago - January 2. 1927

Philip Bakery changes hands ... A deal was closed the first of the year whereby Vern D. Williams became the owner of the Philip Bakery. R.J. Henderson who for the past three years has owned and operated the business will open a drug store in the building formerly occupied by the Pioneer Pharmacy.

Elbon Locals ... Earl Brooks installed a Model 35 Atwater Kent radio at the Steen Kjose home one evening last week.

John Breemes, Nels Morse and the Fairchild boys took down the telephone line from the John Breemes place to Elbon last week.