Sanford died on Saturday at the age of 90.

Sanford, originally from East St. Paul, has been South Dakota’s wealthiest person for years. He gifted a Sioux Falls-based health system, which bears his name, nearly $1 billion, and also gave away millions to other organizations in South Dakota and throughout the country.

According to his obituary, Sanford was a champion for charitable organizations that benefit children, health care, higher education, workforce development and the arts. His first significant donation was a $2 million gift in 1999 to Children’s Home Society of South Dakota.

In 2007, he made history with his $400 million gift to the Sioux Valley Health System, which became Sanford Health. Additional gifts to Sanford Health were used to establish specialty facilities, including the Edith Sanford Breast Center, Sanford Children’s Hospital, Sanford Imagenetics and Sanford Health’s Virtual Care Initiative. Passionate about the power of education, Denny funded numerous scholarships including South Dakota’s Build Dakota and Freedom scholarship programs. He was also instrumental in construction of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls and provided significant gifts to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) and Crazy Horse Memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. “We are forever blessed that Denny chose us and our communities to make the transformational gifts that will change lives for generations,” Gassen said in a statement. “He was a driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible. We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity.”

What do climate change and cell phones have in common? We’re stuck with both of them. While we know climate change — global warming if you prefer to call it that — is a bad thing, the same cannot always be said about cell phones.

When it comes to climate change, many are trying to reverse the effects because we think by not littering or reducing our carbon emissions will help — and we should adopt more earth-friendly habits — but the overriding sentiment is that we’re too far gone and we have already wrecked our planet to the point-of-noreturn level.

Cell phones, on the other hand, serve a purpose, even though we cringe at how much they have become a part of us and our daily lives. We can’t leave our house or vehicle without our cell somewhere on our person. We rely on them to a fault and go into a cold sweat when we misplace them, if only for a couple minutes. But, they’re not going anywhere.

Cell phones do keep us connected no matter where we are. They afford us the luxury of communicating with anyone, whether we’re in our car or a bathroom stall at an airport.

The dark side is that we — and by we, I mean everyone, especially our kids — are addicted to our phones. Kids aren’t addicted because they want to call someone all the time or receive a call, but because cell phones are not just phones, they’re pocket computers that remove all boundaries to the outside world.

According to the Good Samaritan website, smart phones affect our brains, even if we don’t realize it.

Smartphone addiction shares a number of similarities with other behavioral addictions like compulsive gambling. We know that the neurotransmitter dopamine plays a role: Every time we get a “like,” receive a glowing comment, or hear the ding of a new notification, a little hit of dopamine reinforces that positive feeling we get.

Some apps are even specifically designed to take advantage of how our brains respond to dopamine in order to keep us coming back. This is a powerful motivator and can be challenging to overcome.

Teenage use of social media is more pervasive now than ever. Most adults know too much of a good thing is a bad thing, but our kids either don’t know that, or don’t care. They just want their phones.

This is the cross that schools continue to bear. The Tracy Area Public School District has long had a cell phone policy in place, and recently has tried to crack down more — not to punish kids, but to protect them, and to protect the sanctity of learning, which is why the kids are in school in the first place. Last Thursday, the TAPS School Board held a lengthy discussion on the issue. The high school is on the verge of introducing what are called Yondr pouches this coming school year as a way to fight back. It won’t be perfect, but that’s the issue here — I don’t know if perfection is even attainable. Even if you get these minicomputers out of a kid’s hands, good luck preventing him or her from thinking about it, or missing it, during biology class.

Local data indicate TAPS is trending in the right direction. The number of students with no offenses actually rose in the last school year compared to the previous year, and the total number of infractions went from 253 to 206.

Not too shabby, but can we do better? As far as dealing with offenders of the current cell phone policy — and possibly improving on those numbers — the real solution might very well lie in discipline. Should we start to really punish students? Can we continue to use kid gloves; maybe we need to really put the hammer down?

Schools will continue to have an uphill battle on their hands as they try to do their best for our students. While pouches might not totally solve the problem, it’s my hope they’re a step in the right direction — like ‘em or not.

To the parents and caregivers in our community: The teenage years bring incredible growth, but they can also bring challenges that leave families feeling unsure of where to turn. Many teens today are navigating intense school stress, pressure to perform, and the constant comparison that comes with social media. Others are quietly struggling with anxiety, depression, or emotional overwhelm. Some may experiment with substances or face peer influences that worry the adults who care about them.

If any of this feels familiar, you are not alone. These issues are far more common than most families realize, and no parent should feel they have to manage them in isolation.

Our parent support group was created to offer a safe, judgment free space to talk openly about the realities of raising teens today. We share experiences, learn from one another, and offer encouragement through the difficult moments — whether it’s supporting a teen’s mental health, addressing substance concerns, or helping them cope with academic pressure.

There is no commitment and no expectation. Just a community of parents who understand what you’re facing and are ready to listen.

If you’ve been searching for connection, guidance, or simply reassurance that you’re not alone in this journey, we welcome you to meet with us on Saturday the 25th at noon at 366 George Street, community room, Ivanhoe.

SAFE PLACE JERRY BOTTELBERGHE, LPC MINNEOTA

• WHAT WAS SAID TO BE THE MOST COSTLY FIRE IN CURRIE’S HISTORY lighted the pre-dawn sky in north-central Murray County on a March day of this year, causing an estimated $1 million in damages to Schmitz Grain Company.

Firemen from Tracy, Slayton and Marshall joined the Currie volunteers in battling the blaze, which destroyed the elevator, its office, an older storage elevator and a feed shed, not to mention damage to huge steel grain bins at the site. The complex was still smoldering Tuesday of this week as a South Dakota salvage company worked to remove damaged grain and clean up the debris.

From his temporary office in the Pommier Realty building in downtown Currie, elevator owner Norbert Schmitz was working to pick up the pieces of the business he has owned since June of 1970 when he bought the private elevator from Ray Paal.

“We’re open for business and our telephone number remains the same,” said Schmitz.

The firm’s feed mill and chemical and fertilizer stocks are intact, he said, and the company will be buying grain again soon.

Schmitz has high hopes to rebuild once his insurance settlement is finalized, probably on the same site, since the firm’s huge new grain dryer and other storage facilities are close by.

“And it’s a nice area,” he said, “especially in the summertime with the park across the road.”

According to Currie Fire Chief Merrill Wahl, a nine-year veteran of the department, a gas furnace in the basement of the elevator office is suspected of starting the fire.

“Evidence points to that,” he said this week. “We’re sure it wasn’t an explosion, though.”

• Last week’s answer: Warren Hemmingsen, owner of Hemmingsen’s RV Sales, announced he was retiring in 2017.

When reading or studying the Bible, it is always helpful to note when God repeats Himself. Look for the same words or phrases that are duplicated over the span of a few verses or a chapter. On a broader scale, a word study throughout the Bible can be very interesting. Pick a word, then look at all the passages that contain that word. This will give you a greater understanding of what God has to say about a particular subject. Nearly every Bible app has this capability, and if you want to go old-school, concordances (books that list every word in the Bible and all the verses where it appears) are still available at Christian bookstores. Similarly, you can learn about the people of the Bible by doing the same thing with a person’s name.

This week’s column isn’t just about one of the many ways to study the Bible. The previous paragraph aims to lead you to recognize the importance of the subject of reconciliation.

In 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, there are a lot of repeated words in these three verses. A form of the word reconcile appears five times; God appears four times; Christ appears four times; and the words us and we appear six times combined. It only takes a quick glance to see that some sort of reconciliation is needed between us and God and Christ.

Here is a verse-by-verse breakdown of the three verses.

2 Corinthians 5:18, “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;” To reconcile something is to restore it to harmony or to reach a solution. So if God has reconciled us to himself, then there must have been some discord between God and us. Most people don’t think about God, and even if they do, they rarely think that there is some sort of conflict between them and God.

Isaiah 59:2 tells us that our iniquities have separated us from God. Therein lies the conflict, the thing that causes the need for reconciliation; our sins have separated us from God.

Continuing on with 2 Corinthians 5:18, we read that we are reconciled “by Jesus Christ.” Jesus Christ, then, is the tool or means by which this reconciliation is brought about.

The verse ends with the statement that God “hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation.” Once reconciled to God, we need to spread that reconciliation to others. We do this by telling others about their need for reconciliation and how Christ has accomplished everything needed to eliminate the conflict between God and us.

Now on to verse 19, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”

Verse 19 is somewhat a repeat of verse 18, but with more detail. God’s work through Christ for the purpose of reconciliation is still evident here. With the words “reconciling the world unto himself,” we see an Almighty God doing everything necessary for His wayward creation to come back to His loving arms. By not imputing our trespasses to us, God is no longer laying the responsibility for our sins upon us.

The last phrase of the verse is a bit stronger than the end of verse 18. God moves from giving us the ministry of reconciliation to now committing us to it.

When we get to verse 20, our role and commitment to the ministry and the word of reconciliation are given a more precise definition and a clearer sense of responsibility.

2 Corinthians 5:20, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

If Christians are ambassadors for Christ, then we are His representatives. If ambassadors, then we must do more than tell people of what Christ has done for them; we must be examples of His character and show his attributes everywhere we go.

One may look back at these three verses and think, “Okay, so forms of the word reconcile, and the words God, Christ, us, and we are repeated throughout, but the verses never tell us how God used Christ to eliminate the divide between us.

He tells us that in verse 21, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

Jesus Christ was killed on our behalf. He was our substitute. The sinless one died in our place; the righteous for the unrighteous. He became sin for us.

Here are a few other verses that explain this in more detail.

Isaiah 53:5, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Galatians 3:13, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:.”

1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:.”

Jesus’ final words tell us that He did everything He needed to do to reconcile us to God. John 19:30, “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.”

This reconciliation and the restoration of harmony between God and us is applied to us when we trust in the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross for our sins. Romans 5:1, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:.”

Have you been reconciled to God?

I run late to most of my appointments.

Phone calls smash into scheduled video calls, and then I hop off only to drive across town for a meeting with another potential donor or key stakeholder.

It comes with the work of running an emergency shelter, housing and a food pantry. Always be closing. … “A.B.C.” an old acronym from my sales days.

Unfortunately, though, all too often I let the clock dictate my attention to faithfulness. I make the work about the work, and not about the neighbors we serve. I know I’m not the only person to do so, but the feeling can still be convicting, nonetheless.

The other day, I was hustling out of our shelter, already having run over time in the previous meeting, and now I was perilously close to being late for the next meeting which I had to drive to.

Just as I was approaching my truck at the end of the parking lot, a community member who frequents our day center started walking toward me from the bus stop that is situated at the same end.

I am ashamed to admit my first thought was, “Oh no, he’s going to make me late.”

“Pastor D,” he said, “You got a minute?” In less than a pastoral moment, I answered shortly, “Well, I’m supposed to be on my way to a meeting, but yeah. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if you would pray for me. I’m really serious about battling my addiction,” he said with sincere, watery eyes, “and I know it would help if you prayed over me.”

Oof. … Shame, shame, shame, Pastor Brooks and your haste.

After setting my backpack and things in my passenger side seat, I turned and with the little humility I could muster after being so selfish, I asked specifically what kind of prayer he was looking for. … Strength, he said, and courage.

And so I prayed with him. We prayed; and we talked; and I asked if he had access to enough water in the blazing heat. I parted with asking him to please check in with me at the center to keep me updated.

I then thanked him for allowing me to share that moment with him.

I got in the truck, and I needed a moment to compose myself. Lord have mercy. ... How many times a day do I forgo an opportunity to be a pastor because of this world’s competing demands to be a CEO? … More than I want to know, I know that.

Friends, the demands of this world are real. Bills need to be paid. After all, emergency shelters don’t pay for themselves. And the people who depend upon us are real too.

But here’s a prayer for all of us that, ultimately, we realize that what we’re really called to do is to attend to each other. Person to person. Because that’s where we’ll meet Jesus.

The rest of this world’s demands are immaterial. Amen.

Marquardt told the crowd that his mantra is, what got us here, won’t get us there.

“We are very grateful for what the past means, but I am more excited about what the future could mean for us and about what our relevance is,” he explained. “The theme that my team designed for our 40th anniversary event is ‘For the Love of Rural.’” Marquardt said that at the end of the day, they are our rural community foundation.

“We were founded 40 years ago to hopefully have this convening of philanthropy and economic development in the region. Fast forward 40 years and we have 31 amazing community affiliates. I’m excited because I think we have just scratched the surface about what the power of philanthropy can mean to this region going forward.”

Marquardt said communities can solve things like business retention, elder housing, transportation, childcare, all the things that he said he knows are weighing on residents.

“Southwest initiative Foundation can do a lot of things with our affiliate partners, with our Community Banks to leverage philanthropy to get money in the hands of small business, and nonprofits in ways that a lot of other places can’t do,” he said. “We know there are folks out here who have had success in southwest Minnesota. Do you remember what it’s like to be starting out? To be young and scrappy and broke and looking for somebody to take a chance on you. That is the person who can retain your grocery stores, retain your child care centers, retain your veterinary clinic. If we can find folks who with those values, we could leverage their generosity and as an example set up a donor-advised loan fund at one of the community foundations focused on growth in your community.”

Marquardt asked that everyone talk to those neighbors who have a generous heart.

“Talk to people who have a passion for their community as we think about the next 40 years ‘For the Love of Rural.’ How can we create a place for all people to be in partnership with our local community foundations?”

Marquardt mentioned that SWIF just launched its new strategic plan that will guide the area through the next threeplus year plan.

“As we share that out, I think you are going to see some things that are not only back to basics, but are also very forwardthinking about the intersection of community philanthropy and economic mobility,” he said. “My commitment to all of you who are donors or foundation affiliates, we want to hear your feedback we want to know how we can show up. If you have a wild and crazy idea, I want to hear it, because I don’t think good growth happens in a comfort zone. That’s the kind of conversations we have and we want to be ready when that person with head and heart in alignment with our vision for the region is ready to make an adjustment in your community. We think we can take next-level community philanthropy in partnership with all of you. If you might have here is going to do things we’ve never dreamed of.”

Mavis passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family at Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy.

As the nation’s largest rural nonprofit health system, Sanford Health serves communities where patients often face unique challenges, including provider shortages, longer travel distances for care and higher rates of chronic disease. Through investments in subsidized health services, uncompensated care, workforce development, medical research and community programs, Sanford Health works to address those challenges and improve health outcomes across the Upper Midwest.

“At Sanford Health, our commitment to the people we serve extends far beyond our clinics and hospitals,” said Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health. “As a nonprofit health system, we reinvest in programs, services and partnerships that strengthen the health of our communities, support patients regardless of their financial circumstances and help ensure access to high-quality care for generations to come.”

Highlights from the 2024 Community Impact Report include:

• $320.4 million invested in subsidized health services that help sustain essential healthcare programs in rural communities.

• $206.6 million in uncompensated care provided to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

• $302.4 million absorbed in Medicaid and Medicare underpayments, helping maintain access to care in communities where public reimbursement does not cover the full cost of services.

• $118.5 million invested in community health improvement services guided by local Community Health Needs Assessment priorities.

• $61.6 million invested in health professions education, including support for more than 400 residents and fellows training in a variety of specialties.

• $19.7 million invested in medical research, supporting nearly 1,100 active clinical trials that help connect rural patients to innovative treatments and therapies.

The classes are taught by SammyJo Miller, a local artist and author who is teaching a series of elementary and teenage art camps over the summer. With the help of some student inspiration, she will be writing the play herself over the first days of the camp. Students will learn lines and perform on Thursday.

To begin the camp, Miller sat down with the four students in attendance and read a story to them. Miller had written and illustrated the book herself called “I Have a Plan.”

In the book, a girl wants to build a castle out of blocks, and while she has the perfect idea in her head, she wants to have her plan on paper before she begins to build. She tries to draw or paint her blueprint, but it never quite looks the way she wants it to. Instead of getting frustrated or giving up, the girl thinks outside of the box and creates her idea using a bit of an unconventional method — drawing out the shape of each block on individual pieces of paper and taping them up to the wall to create her picture.

The moral of the story is to embrace creativity and imagination, two concepts the theater camp students will practice throughout the week.

After the story, Miller invited the students to come up with their own block creations. She listened carefully and took note of their ideas, prepared to add them to the script she was writing for their Thursday practice and performance.

The students played with blocks until they had created the perfect city: castles, houses, a waterpark, a restaurant, people, cars, and a water tower. They called the city “Together is Better” or “Together U.S.A.” In this perfect town, the people were all named after fruit and there were never any natural disasters — except an occasional earthquake when the table got bumped.

After their city was completed, Miller spoke to the students about their experience working as a team.

“A play or a story usually has some kind of problem, right? What were some problems we had when building?” she asked the children. “We had to work together to decide what to build because we all had different ideas, and sometimes we had to start our buildings over when they didn’t work out.”

Miller then asked the students to return to the table; she passed out paper and markers and invited the children to draw out some ideas for their props and costumes for the play, which they would be making on Wednesday.

The children also had the opportunity to practice their acting with a few easy theater games. Students had to copy each other like a mirror, pass around pretend objects, and act out different emotions. They also played charades to test their abilities. While the camp attendance was a bit lower than Miller had hoped, the sessions were still filled with laughs and lots and creativity.

Upcoming classes at the library include “Art & Wonder Camp” for children ages 4-6 and “Creative Studio: Art and Exploration” for ages 7-11 beginning on July 28. A graphic design workshop for teenagers will begin on Aug. 11.

Steven James Vickerman, age 73, passed away on July 20, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Mary’s Campus in Rochester, Minnesota, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy. Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at the Tracy Area Funeral Home, and will continue for one hour prior to the service at church on Thursday. Interment is in the Tracy City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.stephensfuneralservice. com. Stephens Funeral Service – Tracy Area Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Steven James Vickerman was born on January 13, 1953, in Slayton, Minnesota, to Jim and Wava (Carlson) Vickerman. He was baptized and confirmed at Tracy United Methodist Church. He grew up on the family farm near Tracy, where he began farming at just 10 years old — a love that would define his entire life.

Steve graduated from Tracy Area High School in 1971. It was there that Steve met his sweetheart, Patricia Buzzell. After three years of dating, the two were married on March 30, 1974, at Tracy Lutheran Church, beginning a marriage that would span 52 happy years.

Farming was Steve’s life’s work and his greatest passion; one he pursued without pause from childhood all the way through his final harvest in the fall of 2025. He also loved the outdoors, and after high school he started traveling out west with friends chasing elk and deer. Over the last two decades, he enjoyed several hunting trips to Montana with his son Jason, his brother-in-law Pat Jopp, his son-in-law Nick Taintor, and other close friends. Closer to home, he found joy in the simple rhythms of farm life — mowing the lawn (a threehour job he never seemed to mind), fishing even on the days the fish wouldn’t bite, discussing the weather every single day, playing buck euchre, and riding out in the Gator to check on his crops.

Steve cherished time with his parents, who lived just a mile away and were a constant presence for his children as they grew up. He and Pat also spent several years traveling back and forth to Minneapolis while she worked there, and treasured time together at the family cabin in northwestern Minnesota near Park Rapids and Itasca State Park.

Above all, Steve was a man who showed up for his family — always willing to lend a hand, offer support, or simply be there for whatever they needed. He also had a soft spot for animals over the years, including snuggling up with his grand-puppies, Luna and Shelby.

Steve is survived by his wife, Pat Vickerman, of Tracy; his three children, Jason (Christy) Vickerman, Jessica (Greg) TeBrake, and Kari (Nick) Taintor; his six grandchildren, Anna Vickerman, Caitlin and Colton Wiley, Eli and Lexie Taintor, and Margo TeBrake; his brother, Kent (Julie) Vickerman; his sisters, Karen (Steve) Halter and Jill (Pat) Jopp; brother-in-law Tim Weinzetl; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Connie (Chuck) Hayes and Chris (Marvin) Michelson. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Wava Vickerman; his brother, Scott Vickerman; and his sister, Peggy Weinzetl.

FALL SPORTS MEETING AUGUST 12TH

The Fall Sports Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, at the High School Gym starting at 7 p.m. This meeting is highly recommended for parents and their students who are planning to participate in a sport during the 26-27 school year. Fall coaches will be present to talk about the upcoming season. Borch’s Sporting Goods will have a booth to answer questions about letter jackets and the Panther Booster Club will be selling school calendars and membership opportunities.

SPORTS PHYSICALS AT SANFORD TRACY

Get your child ready for sports and other school activities with a sports physical. This $35 visit ensures your child can safely participate all season long. A sports physical visit includes a physical exam with heart and lung checks, review of injury and concussion history, a check-in about lifestyle and habits. Sports Physical are required to participate in sports and they are good for three years. Contact Sanford Tracy at 507-629-8400 to schedule an appointment.

UPCOMING CALENDAR:

THURSDAY, JULY 23RD:

Camp Smores at Tracy Elementary School, 8:30am – 1:00pm Cross Country Camp (grades 7-12) at TAHS, 7:30am F.A.S.S.T Program at HS Weight Room, 9:00am Com Ed – Sketchbook Club for Teens at Tracy Public Library, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

FRIDAY, JULY 24TH:

Camp Smores at Tracy Elementary School, 8:30am – 1:00pm Athletic Enhancement Program at HS Weight Room; 6:30am (grades 9-12), 8:00am (grades 7-8) Cross Country Camp (grades 7-12) at TAHS, 7:30am Com Ed – Sketchbook Club for Teens at Tracy Public Library, 1:00pm – 3:00pm SATURDAY, JULY 25TH:

No Events

SUNDAY, JULY 26TH:

No Events

MONDAY, JULY 27TH:

Football Camp (grades 3-6) at HS Practice Field, 3:30pm Football Camp (grades 9-12) at HS Practice Field, 6:00pm Athletic Enhancement Program at HS Weight Room; 6:30am (grades 9-12), 8:00am (grades 7-8) Cross Country Camp (grades 7-12) at TAHS, 7:30am Miss Tracy Practice at HS Gym, 7:00pm

TUESDAY, JULY 28TH:

Football Camp (grades 3-6) at HS Practice Field, 3:30pm Football Camp (grades 9-12) at HS Practice Field, 6:00pm Volleyball position training at HS Gym, 7:00am Cross Country Camp (grades 7-12) at TAHS, 7:30am F.A.S.S.T Program at HS Weight Room, 9:00am Wrestling Open Mat Night (grades 4-12) at HS Wrestling Room, 6:00pm Marching Band Practice for Rookies, Flags & Drums at TAHS, 7:00pm

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29TH:

Football Varsity Team Camp at DSU Athletic Enhancement Program at HS Weight Room; 6:30am (grades 9-12), 8:00am (grades 7-8)

THURSDAY, JULY 30TH:

Football Varsity Team Camp at DSU F.A.S.S.T Program at HS Weight Room, 9:00am Marching Band Practice for Rookies, Flags & Drums at TAHS, 7:00pm

The concert lineup and dates are as follows:

• Hope Welu, a solo artist singing country pop and originals, July 23.

• The Double Down Daredevils, a Minnesota based Bluegrass Band playing Bluegrass and Americana music with a special emphasis on 2, 3 and 4 part vocal harmonies, featuring Murray County native Tom Peschges, July 30.

• Kindred Spirits, a jazz and blues trio group based out of Marshall, Aug. 6.

The concerts are free to attend and will take place on the front porch of the historic Dinehart Holt House at 2812 Linden Avenue in Slayton. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Free refreshments will be available. Each concert begins at 7pm.

This activity is funded in part with a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts Council made possible by an appropriation from the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the State’s general fund.

July 26, 1956 — A Walnut Grove farmer is in fair condition at University hospital after he was found Wednesday evening with a bullet wound in his chest. He is Iver G. Tofting, about 50, who farms three miles north and one mile east of Walnut Grove. He was taken by ambulance to Minneapolis last week Wednesday. According to Redwood County Sheriff George Matson, Tofting suffered from severe internal bleeding when a .22 caliber bullet glanced off a pocket watch, entered his chest striking a rib, and then ruptured his intestines. The sheriff said that the shooting is believed to have occurred about 6 p.m. A short-barrell .22 calibre rifle was standing on the porch near the living room where Totting was found.

Obituaries: Lee Glicrhist, Mrs. Thomas Leonard

July 28, 1966 — Viewpoints of Amiret area parents and residents and the board of education, relative to possible closing of the Amiret school, were exchanged at a threehour public hearing Tuesday night in the 87-year-old school in question. No decision on disposition of the problem was made at the meeting Tuesday night, but board members indicated the thorny question will probably be resolved at its next regular session Tuesday night, Aug. 9. About 35 Amiret area citizens appeared at the hearing to express their veiwpoints, with the general expression that the school be continued, possibly improved, and used for the time being.

Obituaires: Mrs. William Stanek, Soren Miller, Martin Larson, Roy Shaw

July 22, 1976 — City Public Works Director Don Polzine asks residents and businesses in Tracy to conserve water during the present hot weather. “The only time city wells and filtration plant can keep up with the heavy demand is during the night hours,” Polzine said. “If possible please do watering between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This will lessen the consumption during the peak demand period, but the water used will not evaporate as fast If watering is done during this period.” Polzine said the city has been using approximately 600,000 gallons of water each day during this recent hot weather, as compared to an average of about 350,000 gallons per day. “We hope to avoid imposing a watering ban this year by your cooperation,” he said.

Obituaries: Ernest Mickelson, Carlin McCoy, Mathew Deutsch, Ernest Furan

July 30, 1986 — Bargain hunters and price-conscious shoppers of the area are reminded that Stinker Day — that annual event when merchants go all-out to offer genuine merchandise moneysaving values — will be held Thursday, July 31, noon to 9 p.m. Besides the bargain bonanza, special Stinker Day events Include: a Sno-Cone Stand by the Tracy Women of Today; a food stand by the Tracy Boy Scouts; bake sale by the Tracy Junior Miss candidates; and special organ music throughout the day. Almost all retail stores and shops are cooperating in this once-a-year bargain bonanza to share with their valued customers — and at the same time have some fun with the crazy-dressed merchants and store personnel.

Obituaries: John Anderson, Oliver Anderson, Hugh Edgar Jones

July 24, 1996 — A mother, daughter and flowers can add up to a neat threesome. Elaine and Jenna Fischer are enjoying their shared hobby as their flower garden continues to grow. Elaine and eight-yearold Jenna began with a small plot of flowers in the back yard. In just a matter of a couple of years, the garden has grown to ten times the original size. The Fischers are making plans for what they will exhibit at the flower show next week at the United Methodist Church.

Obituaries: Harold Eng

July 26, 2006 — Ryan Grunden remains unconscious in an intensive care unit at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls. But family members are encouraged by his recovery from a July 15 motorcycle accident. “He’s moving his arms and legs and responding to touches and voices,” his brother, Michael, said Tuesday. “We aren’t giving up.” His mother, Mary, writing on an Internet journal, said she is “amazed at how God has been working in Ryan and the progress he is making.” She wrote that Ryan had played “thumb wrestling” with her and that he began physical therapy on Monday. Grunden sustained severe head injuries in the accident.

Obituaries: Paul Rignell, Patricia J. Wetter

July 27, 2016 — A proposed 10-acre solar array on cityowned land north of Front Street has been reconfigured to be further from residential areas. Andy Catani, of Geronimo Energy, presented the revamped plans to the Tracy City Council Monday. The new layout moves the array north and west of a drainage swale that runs diagonally across the property. The company is seeking a 25-year lease of the property and is offering about $700 an acre in annual rent payments. The city currently rents the land to the Tracy FFA Chapter for about $150 an acre.

Obituaries: Julianne Wyffels

Murray County Wheel/ Herald 

Slayton native Randy Groves has retired as Murray County Engineer after 32 years. Groves now lives in Brandon, SD, with his wife, Dawn.

Hendricks Pioneer

The library in the Hendricks Public School has moved to the lower level room. Thousands of books were removed and will be either given away or discarded.

Lake Benton Valley Journal 

The Lake Benton Lake Association celebrated its most successful fundraiser to date as its 12th Annual Pork Loin Sandwich Fundraiser and Membership Drive reached its $20,000 fundraising goal on July 11 at Stoney Point Recreation and Campground.

Tyler Tribute

The Tyler Area Arts Council’s 2026 summer musical, “Anastasia,” opened last week at the RTR Performing Arts Center. The production involves 61 individuals from throughout the region, with another additional nine volunteers manning the ticket counter.

TRACY / City council: Jan Arvizu 

Mayor: Burke Gardner

BALATON / City council: LuAnn Anderson, Melissa Robinson Mayor: No candidates have filed.

GARVIN / City council: Shelley Talatinian

Mayor: Jim Julien

CURRIE / City council: Alyson Birt, Darrel Gleason, Shirley Hames 

Mayor: James Jens

SLAYTON / City council: Dean Ackerman, Kate Harmsen 

Mayor: Miron Carney

LYON COUNTY / Commissioner: Tom Andries (District 1), Paul Graupmann (D3) 

Sheriff: Eric Wallen

MURRAY COUNTY / Commissioner: Tyson VanPeursem (D3), Judy Onken, Judy Onken LaBoda (D4)

Sheriff: Heath Landsman

REDWOOD COUNTY / Commissioner: Tiffany Lesmeister-Knott (D2), Cletus Gewerth, Al Kokesch (D3) Sheriff: Jason Jacobson

SCHOOLS District No. 2913 School Board: Jody Bauer, Scot Bowman, Adam Snyder, Ryan Verlinde

Friday, July 24: Cinnamon roll, fruit cup, fruit juice 

Monday, July 27: Benefit bar, fruit cup, fruit juice 

Tuesday, July 28: Breakfast round, fruit cup, fruit juice 

Wednesday, July 29: Pancake on a stick, fruit cup, fruit juice 

Thursday, July 30: Banana slice, fruit cup, fruit juice 

Friday, July 31: Cereal, fruit cup, fruit juice

Lunch 

Friday, July 24: Chicken wrap, cucumbers, fruit cup 

Monday, July 27: Chicken strips, baked beans, pears 

Tuesday, July 28: Hamburger on a bun, tater tots, banana 

Wednesday, July 29: Pizza, broccoli, applesauce 

Thursday, July 30: Taco (WG), peas, oranges 

Friday, July 31: Ham and cheese sandwich (WG), peppers, fruit cup

July 26, 1956 — Walnut Grove won its initial playoff game from Seaforth Sunday in the Redwood County league by a 13-2 margin. Ken Lewis blasted a home run in the eighth with one aboard. Norm Maguire three hits in four trips to pace the Walnut Grove team.

July 28, 1966 — Tracy’s Legion team was eliminated from the sub-district region 7 tournament with its sudden-death 5 to 3 loss to Marshall in an extra inning ball game last Wednesday night. Though the locals outhit their opponents, 11 men were left stranded on base, a major factor in the loss. Bob Shoeman scored two runs in the first and 5th frames after singles by Tom Keul and Scott Drever. Doug Johnson, after getting a hit, came in on a double by Ron Shaw for the final tally in the extra, eighth inning.

July 22, 1976 — On the mound and from the batter’s box, Charlie Goerish led the Tracy Engineers to a 10-0 Southwest Minny League victory over Ivanhoe here Sunday afternoon at Legion Field to give Tracy undisputed first place in league standings. Goerish socked a three-run homer in the opening inning, then plated single runs in the third and sixth innings on individual hits. Goerish went the distance for the win, giving up just three hits, walking three and striking out eight batters.

July 30, 1986 — Tim Piechowski’s two out bad hop single in the top of the ninth inning drove in Jon Rambow with the go ahead run as the Raymond Rickets edged the Tracy Engineers 2-1 Friday night in Milroy. The win enabled Raymond to win the best of three series from Tracy two games to one. It was a classic pitcher’s duel Friday mght between Piechowski and Tracy’s David Engesser. Engesser gave up nine hits while striking out eight. The Engineers started the scoring in the third inning when Steve Mickelson walked and came home on Jon Haecherl’s double to the wall in left centerfield.

July 24, 1996 — The arm of Jamie Louwagie and the bat of Wade Rignell were too much for arch-rival Marshall Sunday. Jamie Louwagie shut-out Marshall on one hit, flirting with a no-hitter until the seventh inning. The only hit Louwagie allowed was a double to right to lead off the seventh. Just as importantly, Louwagie allowed no walks while striking out three. But the bat of Rignell might have hurt Marshall even more, as the second baseman’s bat caused an unusual Marshall strategy to backfire and break up what had been a tight game. With two outs in the third, and the game still scoreless, Raleigh Schmidt tripled to deep center. Marshall Coach Jim Culhane elected to intentionally walk No. 4 and 5 hitters Derrick Pinckney and No. 5 batter Eric Wee. That loaded the bases for Rignell. Rignell responded by lining a drive into the right-centerfield gap, scoring all three runs.

July 26, 2006 — The Milroy Yankee baseball team beat Brookings 6-2 in a non-league game Saturday. The win improved Milroy’s season record to 19-9. Brian Dolan pitched the first five innings to get the win and Nathan Deutz pitched the final four innings to get the save. Eric Dolan and Adam Schmidt had three hits each for the Yankees to lead the offense.

July 27, 2016 — The Tracy VFW baseball team was eliminated from the District Three playoffs with losses to Luverne and Redwood County. Moses Dolan led the team in batting with one RBI, one run scored and one stolen base finishing 2-for-3. Caleb Nordsiden went 1-for-3 after nearly hitting one out of the park, which resulted in a double. Konnor Zick scored a run and finished 1-for-2.