Stories from Monday, March 27, 2017

AURELIA - Thursday evening was a “dark and stormy night,” and it was especially so in Aurelia, where residents were kept in the dark for four hours, from approximately 6 p.m. - 10 p.m., as all electric power was cut off. City workers, with the aid of the Aurelia Fire Department, worked to restore power to the community, and at 10 p.m. they were able to say “Let there be light!”...

The Cherokee Community School District Board of Education will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed 2017-2018 Budget at 5:45 p.m. Monday, April 3 in the Washington High Library. The proposed Fiscal Year budget totals an estimated $15.4 million in Total Requirements (certified maximum ceiling), and Total Expenditures of an estimated $14.8 million...

The Cherokee Board of Education last week approved an estimated $167,000 in Summer 2017 facility projects, including secure building entrances at Washington High ($70,466) and Cherokee Middle School ($97,000). Those totals represent estimated construction costs, including approximately $16,000 in design/construction contingency fees for the Middle School, and $11,600 in design/construction contingency fees for WHS...

A popular Cherokee restauranteur and his family have penned a poignant tribute in a novel to his late wife and her steadfast Christian beliefs that impacted those around her and literally saved the life of her husband. Carey Hetrick, owner/proprietor of Carey’s Cafe and a one-time rebel rouser extraordinaire, and the couple’s three daughters, have collaborated on the book, “Carol - The Book Store Lady,” a Lady of Faith, Love, and Prayer. ...

Jerry B. Hammerstrom of Meriden, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, March 23, 2017 at Accura Healthcare in Cherokee. Jerry was born in Sioux City, Iowa on May 22, 1930, to Roy and Gretchen (Church) Hammerstrom.  He graduated from Sioux City High School and went on to serve in the Air Force from 1950 to 1954.  Jerry was employed for over 25 years at the Sioux City Iron Company, and five years at Kmart prior to his retirement in 1980...

VERMILLION, S.D. - The Cherokee Braves were among more than 30 high school teams participating at last week’s Dan Lennon Track & Field Invitational at the Dakota Dome at the University of South Dakota. Cherokee gleaned seven place-showings, including Isaac Lafleur’s runner-up finish in the 60-meter high hurdles, in a time of 8.73, Mason Timmerman’s fourth-place finish in the long jump, with a leap of 19-06.75, and Ben Lingelfelter’s fifth-place finish in the shot put, with a heave of 46-05.5...

Despite the frigid temperatures and icy, snowy weather that keeps reappearing, rest assured it won't be long until the robins return to brighten our days and make us think of beautiful, refreshing Spring! For many, Spring means it's time for the enjoyable rigors of annual gardening. ...

**March 25 - James Fassler of Quimby **March 27 - Brandon Henke of Cherokee