News

B-H Embraces Virtual Learning

Last week, the local winners of the American Legion Auxiliary Poetry and Essay contests were guests of ALA Unit 80 for supper and awards for the top three in each class. The winners each read their papers. The first-place winner’s paper in each class goes on to the district competition.

Most locals may remember Mike Likness holding a conductor’s baton in front of a band at a Britton school concert or leading the pep band at a sporting event during his 32-year tenure as band director. Or maybe recall him from his decades singing and telling jokes with the Uffda Brudders. Though he no longer stands on a stage or in front of a band, music is still an important part of his life. He has never stopped being involved with music or music education, and in the last few years, has shared his music through two new solo albums, one of which was released in the last few months.

Names of those involved in a Tuesday accident east of Britton have been released. William “Bill” Krafka, 83, of Havana died in the crash that occurred Tuesday morning eight miles east of Britton. Cade Roerig, 19, Eden, sustained serious injuries.

Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country for their community leadership and achievements. In conjunction with that, the SBA South Dakota District Office has selected outstanding recipients in eight different categories. One honoree is a familiar local small businesswoman.

Jennifer Carlson is not going to let her students take the easy way out. After 21 years of teaching, she’s used to challenging her students. “As soon as I lower my expectations for them, I’ve made it ok to not do their best,” Carlson emphasized. It is because of that attitude and the positive results she gets in her classroom that Carlson was recently named as Britton-Hecla’s Teacher of the Year.

Langford Area School District principal Mary Hosford and special education teacher Basil Knebel have been nominated for the 202223 National LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence and leadership.

Multiple agencies responded to an accident eight miles east of Britton around 9:05 a.m. on Highway 10 Tuesday morning. According to Tony Mangan, spokesman for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, the accident involved two vehicles, a pickup and a car. The pickup was driving eastbound on Highway 10 when it entered the westbound lane and collided head-on with the car.

“FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of FFA members through Premier Leadership, Personal Growth and Career Success.” That’s the FFA Mission. And with roughly 735,000 members in seventh through 12th grade, the FFA is one of the biggest, most consequential youth leadership organizations in the United States. Recently, the Langford Area FFA chapter joined the more than 8,800 other local chapters across all 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, in celebrating National FFA Week with fun activities.

Each legislative session, high school students from across state have an opportunity for a firsthand look at the legislative process by serving as pages for the South Dakota legislature. Last month, two Britton-Hecla high schoolers had the chance to serve as pages. In addition to having a fun time, they learned a lot about the legislative process.