4 Broadcaster Press February 13, 2018 www.broadcasteronline.com Sioux Falls Woman Valuable Named President Of Leadership And South Dakota Historical Life Lessons Society Foundation From 4-H PIERRE, S.D. – Catherine Forsch of Sioux Falls has been named president of the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. Forsch succeeds Michael Lewis of Rapid City, who anBy Lura Roti for SDSU Extension nounced his retirement from SDHSF after serving four years as president. He retired as president effective Dec. 31, 2017, Traversing the globe on deployments for the U.S. Air at which time the foundation board of directors named Force, Ericka (Meligan) Flanigan's thoughts often reflect on moments spent in the Stanley County 4-H Achievement Days Forsch as president. Forsch had served as the director of development for the showring. foundation since October 2016. In her role as president, she "Showmanship taught me to give my best - even when is the primary fundraiser and ambassador for the foundaI was tired. Showmanship was always the last event of tion, ensuring that the foundation continues to deliver on its the day, so I would have already shown 20-head of sheep mission of “Keeping South Dakota’s History Alive.” and then, I had to do my best. That mentality has gotten “I was delighted to congratulate Catherine on her promome through several deployments," explains the Vice Wing tion to president. She has shown enthusiasm, professionalCommander of the 70th Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaisism and the ability to constructively organize our developsance Wing. ment program," Lewis said. “Catherine and her husband Tim With 6000 service men and women answering to her, have established deep roots in Sioux Falls where both of lives depend upon Flanigan's ability to be at her best and confidently make tough decisions - whether she is stationed them are involved in a variety of leadership positions. Working for the foundation has been a joy, and I hope to continue in a combat zone or in her office at Fort George Meade, serving the State Historical Society and Foundation as a Maryland. volunteer.” "I think about 4-H judging almost every day - honestly, Forsch previously served as enterprise director of Donor whether making million-dollar decisions or mission critical choices. I need to think about what makes one decision bet- Relations at Sanford Health Foundation. She has 20 years of ter than the next," Flanigan says. "Whether it was livestock, experience in executive planning, administration, commuhorticulture or arts and crafts, 4-H judging contests gave me nications and marketing, and 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Forsch holds a bachelor of arts degree in the ability to look at options and make a good decision." Oral reasons have also come in handy, she adds. "I need journalism/mass communications from South Dakota State University.. to be able to back up my decisions." Forsch visits with members and donors across the state Flanigan became a member of the Country Coyotes 4-H and has an office in Sioux Falls and at the Cultural Heritage Club when she was just 8. Even before she was old enough to join, her mom and dad, Ray and Iris, served as the club's Center in Pierre. She can be reached at catherine.forsch@ state.sd.us. leaders. They were both 4-H alumni and eager share the The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation is a benefits of involvement in the project-based organization nonprofit organization established in 1982 to receive and adwith Stanley County youth. It didn't take long for Flanigan to become involved in every aspect of 4-H - showing horses, minister charitable gifts for the South Dakota State Historical Society for the benefit of educating and preserving South sheep, cattle, giving illustrated talks, serving as a club ofDakota history. Both the foundation and the South Dakota ficer and competing in 4-H Rodeo. "I did everything," she recalls. "I still have all my ribbons State Historical Society are headquartered at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. For more information about the and buckles." foundation, please call 605-773-6006. She says that the journey to those awards taught her valuable lessons and developed her into the leader she is today. "In 4-H, no matter what project you do, you have to drive yourself. I loved showing, but every year, I began at zero, with a wild heifer and I had to work to train her to lead. It was not easy, but my end goal was to be in that show ring and absolutely be able to show her. 4-H taught me the value of meaningful labor," says Flanigan, who draws several other parallels between her Air Force career and 4-H. She lists leadership, competition and recognition for good work as some of the similarities that converted a college elective into a 23-year career. PIERRE, S.D. – Grim Jim Reaper may look intimidating, "ROTC was a hybrid of things I had done in 4-H," says but really, he’s just a bumbling lost soul that can’t make the Speech Communications graduate of South Dakota State any headway in South Dakota. University. "Being involved in ROTC really gave my college Jim Reaper appeared in the latest South Dakota Office life a lot of meaning." of Highway Safety Super Bowl commercials that debut Following graduation, Flanigan's first Air Force assignduring the game. The theme is driver safety. ment was teaching ROTC classes and developing program“The commercials are humorous, but they also have a ing on the campus of SDSU. From there, Lieutenant Flanigan serious tone,” says Highway Safety Director Lee Axdahl. entered the intelligence career field. “We always say that death rides with you on the road. We Today, Colonel Flanigan credits hard work, dedication want people to understand that being a safe driver at all and the selfless service of her parents and many other 4-H times is important.” volunteer mentors with providing her with the strong founIn the commercials, Jim Reaper is dressed in black, dation necessary to climb military ranks. carries a scythe and tries to get drivers to do unsafe "Every rank takes a lot of work - there is a lot of blood things such as not wear seatbelts or motorcycle helmets, and sweat behind every rank. 4-H made me tough. It also fostered teamwork," Flanigan says. "In 4-H there were so many times when I had more than one animal in the same class and I would need another 4-H member to help me show. They would help me because they knew that I would help them when they needed it. It's the same way here (in PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks the Air Force.)" (GFP) announced today that the next couple of years will be dedicated to celebrating 100 Years of Tradition. In 1918, South Dakota established its first pheasant hunting season which was held in Spink County in 1919. Also, in 1919, Custer State Park was named the first official state park. “In South Dakota, we know that traditions come in all forms of outdoor recreation,” stated Kelly Hepler, department secretary. “Over the next two years, we will highlight our hunting, camping and outdoor recreational traditions as well as yours, but also focus on where we all want to go in the next 100 years.” To kick things off, GFP will showcase 100 Years of TradiNews and photos from a house fire in Burbank Feb. 4. Four tion at the 2018 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, Feb. 16-18. people were at home when the fire was discovered and Department staff will be located in the concourse as well as three of those four required medical attention. Two of the at Booth 1706. Commemorative 100 year hats will be given Highway Patrol to Host 4th Annual Women’s Recruiting Seminars PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol will hold recruiting seminars in the next few weeks in an effort to add more female troopers to its ranks. Five Women’s Recruiting Seminars are scheduled statewide. The seminars, now in their fourth year, are designed to provide more information to women who are interested in joining the Highway Patrol. “We have found these seminars to be educational both for us and for those women interested in joining the Highway Patrol,” says Col. Craig Price, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “These seminars help us identify possible applicants while also being able to answer the questions the applicants may have about the Highway Patrol. “ Currently the Highway Patrol has 13 female troopers. Officials say the seminars have helped increase the number of female troopers within the Highway Patrol. As in past years, there will be seminars in Aberdeen, Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. A fifth seminar has been added in Watertown. Each seminar lasts two hours. Female troopers will be available to discuss topics such as the application process, training, what it’s like to be a state trooper and the challenges that come with the position. Seminars are planned for: *** Feb. 15, Pierre, Capital Lake Visitors Center, 6-8 p.m. CST; *** March 6, Aberdeen, Caribou Coffee, 604 Sixth Avenue Southeast, 6-8 p.m. CST; *** March 6, Watertown, Lake Area Technical Institute, 10 a.m.-noon CST. Dates and times for the seminars to be held in Rapid City and Sioux Falls have not yet been determined. “Being part of the South Dakota Highway Patrol is an honor, but also a responsibility because you are serving and protecting the public,” says Col. Price. “We want only the best; those people of honor, integrity and high moral and ethical character.” For more information on the Highway Patrol, click onto: https://dps.sd.gov/safety-enforcement/highwaypatrol. The Highway Patrol is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Jim Reaper Commercials To Highlight Driver Safety become distracted while driving and drive after having one too many drinks. At the end of each commercial, the person does the right thing, foiling the Reaper’s plans. “We may all have been tempted to cut a corner or two as a driver sometime in our lives,” Axdahl says. “But these commercials are designed to make you stop and think. It only takes one bad decision that results in a permanent loss of a loved one or serious injury to you or others.” While two commercials aired during the Super Bowl, Axdahl says there are eight commercials total that will be used throughout the year. The Office of Highway Safety is part of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Game, Fish And Parks Launches 100 Years Of Tradition Stories you missed this week because you’re not a Plain Talk subscriber fire victims were airlifted to Minnesota for further treatment. A report from the annual community health fair held Saturday, Feb. 3 at the Lee Medical Building located on the University of South Dakota campus. A behind the scenes look at preparations for the dinner theatre production of “Almost, Maine.” The romantic comedy will be presented by the Vermillion Community Theatre at the Valiant Vineyard Winery Feb. 16-18. And if you want to see: Story and photos from the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life, scheduled Sunday afternoon, Feb. 11, in the DakotaDome. Coverage of #LOVErmillion activities held Thursday, Feb. 8, during the USD Coyotes’ basketball game at the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. A report that shares information about the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Volunteers will be present at certain days and times throughout February and March at the Edith B. Siegrist Vermillion Public Library to offer tax assistance. Pick up this Friday’s Plain Talk! Local news since 1884! Here for you yesterday, today and tomorrow. 201 W. Cherry, Vermillion, SD 57069 605-624-2695 Fairview Township Annual Meeting March 6th, 2018 7:00 p.m. at Burbank School Election of new people for clerk, officers, etc. Please Attend Fairview Clerk • Keith Burkhart Vermillion Annual Township Meeting The Citizens of the Township of Vermillion in the county of Clay, South Dakota and who are qualified to vote at Township elections, are hereby notified that the Annual Township Meeting will be held at Clay County 4-H Center, 515 High Street, on TUESDAY, March 6th, 2018, at 7:00 P.M. (Reschedule Date of March 13th, 2018 if inclement weather) for the following purposes: Election of 1- Board Member, Treasurer, and Clerk, opening bids and any other business proper to be done when convened. To let bids for snow removal, road maintenance and gravel for township roads for the upcoming year. Bids may be sent to: Vermillion Township Jackie Williams, Township Clerk 31536 Princeton Ave Vermillion, SD 57069 Bids must be received by Friday, March 2nd, 2018 Jackie Williams, Township Clerk vermilliontwnship@gmail.com away throughout the event and staff will be selling hunting, fishing and park entrance licenses on site. Other prizes will also be given away. “With celebrating 100 years, there will be a strong digital push using #MySDTradition; focusing on the outdoor opportunities that provide us all with great memories of the past. As we reach 100 years of pheasant hunting and state parks in South Dakota, we encourage our recreational users, residents and nonresidents, to take us for a trip down memory lane. We want to learn about your new and old traditions and how they got started,” stated Hepler. In addition, two new partnerships are underway with South Dakota breweries and the South Dakota RV industry. The New Brew Competition asks all breweries in South Dakota to develop a brew honoring the 100 year celebration and focusing on the close relationship with nature, strong ties to community and how the outdoors play a strong role in our future. A Request for Proposals (RFP) was sent to all South Dakota RV dealers this week requesting a donation of a new camper to be given away in 2019. Additional events, partnerships and opportunities to commemorate the 100 years will continue to be announced as they are finalized. For more details on how you can get involved, visit https://gfp.sd.gov/100-years/. Romsdahl’s Repair & Remodel Carpentry, Decks, Windows & Doors, Refinishing, Drywall, & Ceramic Tile 19 Years in Business Free Estimates 605-670-2161 Notice of Annual Meeting Bethel Township will hold its annual meeting at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, March 6th, 2018 at the Wakonda Legion Hall, Wakonda, SD. Agenda items include election of officers, regular business and to accept bids for snow removal, gravel and road maintenance. In the event of inclement weather, the annual meeting shall be held March 13th at 10:00 AM. Darby Ganschow, Clerk