Philip, SD

Over 300 people, in wagons and on horseback, started their personal ride through history as the 100th anniversary Fort Pierre to Deadwood Wagon Train Ride left Fort Pierre this morning. The participants will travel 225 miles, following the original trail through western South Dakota. The old trail was discontinued in 1908. They plan to spend their first night on the trail 2 miles west of Willow Creek Road in Stanley County.

Gov. Mike Rounds is pleased to announce that the city of Philip will be Capital for a Day on Thursday, August 28.  The event will be held at the Philip High School Armory, and a complete agenda will be released at a later date.

“Capital for a Day brings government to the people,” said Gov. Rounds. “Those who are unable to travel to Pierre on a regular basis have an opportunity to discuss their issues with the different agencies. It also gives state employees a chance to learn more about activities in the region.  I’m looking forward to visiting the Philip community and learning about topics important to the people living there.”

“I am very honored on behalf of our citizens, to welcome Governor Rounds and state government to Philip, ‘Capital for a Day’ on August 28, 2008,” said Mayor John Hart.  “The hospitality that Philip will extend, is what makes our community special and why we hope that you will return.”

Eighteen people in two separate classes successfully completed the 13-week Financial Peace University.  Financial Peace kits were purchased with some Horizons funds and provided to community members free of charge.  (Materials and a spot in an FPU class typically ranges from $125 - $150!)

Classes covered such topics as Cash Flow Planning, Dumping Debt, Relating With Money, Understanding Insurance, Real Estate and Mortgages, Understanding Investment, Retirement and College Planning and many other subjects. 

During the thirteen-week period, participants kept track of credit card enticements that totaled over $600,000.  Class members also kept track of the total money they saved and the total amount of debt they paid off.

In just thirteen weeks, the two classes put nearly $16,000 in savings accounts and paid off just over $24,000!! 

One of Dave Ramsey’s (Financial Peace University founder)  joys in life is to cut up credit cards and several people did so.  This was a monumental moment for a few of our class members!

Here are a few anonymous comments from FPU grads:

“Just know that I look forward to being out of debt sooner than I ever realized possible!”

“I had no idea I could become debt free AND build wealth on the salaries we currently make!  No need to pray for a lottery win anymore….now it’s all about putting our noses to the grindstone and telling our money what to do!”

“It amazes me how much I learned about insurance - I feel so much better knowing what products I should buy and what products aren’t for me.”

“This entire program has been a blessing to our lives!  Thank you!  I’m going to tell everyone I see about it!”

Thank you to Roger and First National Bank for providing a location for our Tuesday night class!  Thank you to the Senechal for opening your doors to our Monday night class!  We ALL appreciate it!

A fall class (beginning near the end of August) is planned.  Space is VERY limited - if you are interested, let Britni know right away! 

The Philip Girls’ Softball team, along with leaders Edna Knutson, Arthur McIlravy and Jeremy Noteboom, got the privilege of watching the Black Hills’ Gold women’s softball team play in action against Team USA in Rapid City on July 15th. They also had a team photo taken with BHG after waiting in line for Team USA signatures.

Thoughts from Event Coordinator Christine Andrus:

We all were so happy with the way the Farmers Market turned out and are eagerly anticipating next week and beyond.

The vendors agreed that this first market was as an opportunity to learn what to bring next week as much as it is was a sales event. Many vendors sold out of their wares in the first hour and a half due to the great turnout and support of the community but also in part to the slim pickings of ripe produce. We will all be watching and waiting for our gardens to turn out more and more fresh vegetables. The season is just begining so there is plenty more to come.

The craft vendors also did very well. There will be some very creative work going on this week to resupply their booths! A big hit was the High School German Club’s baked goods and snowcone stand.  They were thrilled with the results of their fundraising efforts and look to be that much closer to their trip to Europe.

Another big winner were the downtown businesses. Businesses showed an marked improvement in traffic and sales compared to a usual Saturday according  to the owners who came to the market and spoke to us.  That’s great news as it has always been the goal of the Farmers Market to increase traffic and attract people to the downtown area on an otherwise slower day. 

Overall, we anticipate the event to grow in coming weeks and look forward to new vendors and different types of goods to keep things fresh and different. We hope the community will continue to support the Market and keep coming to see what is new and fresh and local.

A large crowd turned out for a fun afternoon!

As of July 1st, 2008, there have been several changes to the way vehicle license plates are handled during vehicle sales. Traditionally, the license plates have stayed with the vehicle when it is sold. That has changed and they will now stay with the seller.

The seller is obligated to complete the sales forms and file them with the County Treasurer. The buyer has 30 days to register the vehicle under their name and get a new license plate assigned. The Treasurer will also allow the original license plates to be assigned to a different vehicle by the seller, but the seller must transfer the registration of the plates through the Treasurer’s Office.

All the forms are available at the County Treasurer’s office. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Treasurer or your local law enforcement.

Trooper Slade Ross - South Dakota Highway Patrol

Swimming lessons will be offered at the City Swimming Pool in Philip!

1st Session ::  July 28 - August 1
2nd Session::  August 4 - August 8

Levels 5 & 6  - 8:00am to 9:00am
Level 4 - 9:00am to 10:00am
Level 3 - 10:00am to 11:00am
Level 2 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Level 1 - 12:00pm to 12:30pm
Level 1 - 12:30pm to 1:00pm (if needed)

Instructors:  Gayle Rush & Brynn Coyle

Cost is $15.00 for the session and must be paid before lessons begin.  

You may sign up and pay at the pool (859-2056) or at the City Office (859-2175).

The Philip Ambulance Service will host a car seat clinic on Thursday July 17th from 11am-2pm.

The clinic is open to anyone who wishes to have their carseats checked for proper installation. They will also check that the seat is the right size for the child.

The clinic is sponsored by Early Childhood Training Network which is a Project 8 Governor’s program.  Eligible families may also be able to get new carseats.

If you have any questions contact Lori Quinn at 544-3273

The Philip Swimming Pool will be closed on Saturday, July 12th due to a shortage of lifeguards.

Acrylic Painting for Kids
Thursday, July 17th
Legion Hall - Philip
Pre-register by July 11th
Cost:  $20.00
9am to noon : 8-11 year olds
1pm - 3pm : 12 -19 year olds

Leathercraft Workshop
Saturday, July 19th
Courthouse Community Room - Philip
Pre-register by July 11th
Cost:  $15.00
1pm - 3pm

Kids Art Day (Part 2)
Courthouse Community Room - Philip
Pre-register by July 16th
Cost:  $5.00
9:30 am - 11:30 am : Girls Session
1:00pm - 3:00 pm : Boys Session

Sponsored by the Haakon/Jackson County Extension Service.  Please pre-register your child by calling the Haakon County Extension Office at 859-2840.

There will be a Pig Roast Benefit supper on Friday July 18th at 6:30pm for Erica Williams, daughter of Roger and Val Williams. It will be held at the Fire Hall Park in Philip SD. She has Cystic Fibrosis and is in the hospital in Omaha now recieving treatment.
We will also be having a Silent Auction that night as well. If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Michelle Butler at 605-859-2172. There is nothing too big or too small.
Please join and help us HELP Erica!