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In South Dakota, we value personal responsibility, strong families, and local control. We believe parents should remain the primary decision-makers when raising their children. However, we also recognize that child care is part of a communitystructurethatsupportsastrongworkforce.AcrossSouthDakotaand the nation, I hear from families that are struggling with child care availability.
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AttheMertanHaaseMath Competition in Vermillion, the Pirates earned 3rd place overall in the small school division. Individually, Abby Gretschmann received a “Superior” rating in the Algebra II division. In other divisions, Kaeli Wallinga receiveda“Superior”rating, Lila Vanderlei and Carmindy Ferwerda received an “Outstanding” rating, and Aaden Kuchta earned Honorable Mention in the Pre-Calculus division. Congratulations to the Avon Pirate students for their outstanding hard work and problem solving through the competition.
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The American Legion Auxiliary of Arthur Wissman Post #150 of Avon recently sponsored their Poppy Poster Contest at Avon Public School. Students in grades 2,3,5,6,7, and 8 submitted entries. Several posters were sent on to the Department of South Dakota for further judging. Good luck to the students who had theirs sent on and thank you to all the students who submitted entries. All winners received a gift from the local American Legion Auxiliary.
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Wagner Chamber of Commerce held their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Wagner Lake on Saturday morning, April 19.
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Darla (Odens) Van Gerpen graduated from Avon High School in 1981 and Mount Marty College in 1985 with a degree in Chemistry and Secondary Education. She began her teaching career in 1985 at Parkston High School and was also assistant girls basketball coach. For many years, while her daughters were in elementary school, Darla was a volunteer coach for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade elementary girls basketball program in Avon. From 2002-2012, Darla taught and coached in the Avon School District. Darla is married to Doug Van Gerpen, also a 1981 graduate of Avon High School, and they have three daughters (all graduates of Avon High School) and seven grandchildren (currently attending Avon Elementary School). Lindsey is married to Danny Fathke, they have two children, Daxton and Addisyn. Leslie is married to Branden Baade, they have three children, Rex, Brynn, and Burk. Lanae is married to Jay Kriz, they have two children, Royce and Rollins. Darla enjoys attending her grandchildren’s events, teaching Sunday School, taking part in many outdoor activities, and watching basketball. Darla is humbled by this award and is thankful to live in a community where people matter and the growth of each student/youth is nurtured by the community and through school activities and academics.
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Spring is finally here, and for many of us that brings the joy of returning to outdoor activities, planning summer vacations, and… well, allergies. Depending on the allergen, people can suffer from allergies any time of year, but spring is a particularly common time in our part of the world to hear my patients complain of seasonal allergies.
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