At some South Dakota schools, students are taking the lead in trying to get better sportsmanship at athletic contests. During a discussion on Wednesday of the association’s initiative to increase spor tsmanship among players, coaches and fans, members of the South Dakota High School Activities Association’s board of directors heard a message recorded by grade school students at Hoven. “You are our role models,” the young narrator tells the fans. “We see and hear everything you say and do. Please refrain from making any negative comments.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) launched a new online tool to help farmers and ranchers better navigate the farm loan application process. This uniform application process will help to ensure all farm loan applicants receive equal support and have a consistent customer experience with USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) regardless of their individual circumstances.

In celebration of National First Responders Day, which takes place annually on Oct. 28, and to show appreciation for all those who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals in the communities they serve, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship designed for first responders and their spouses. Each First Responders Scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and is open to EMTs, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, dispatchers and their spouses who are interested in completing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the fully online, nonprofit university. New students can apply for the scholarship online at wgu.edu/ firstresponders through Dec. 31, 2022.

The community blood supply has been low due to lower donor turnout. LifeServe is calling on all blood donors to help boost this blood supply this fall. Someone requires a blood transfusion every two seconds. One hundred percent of the blood products needed by your community hospital come from LifeServe blood donors. Make an appointment at an upcoming neighborhood blood drive near you. Appointments required.

The November Friends Feast will be held Monday, Nov. 14 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to participate in Friends Feast at Immanuel Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 607 West Main Street, Elk Point.

For some veterans, the Vietnam War was a time in life that they remember with good memories. However, for others, it’s a time they wish to forget; a time that has haunted them for years. For Elk Point veteran Doug Scott, it took 56 years before the weight of being a Vietnam veteran was lifted from his shoulders.

Everyone has a part to play during war time; everyone has a duty. So, while still in high school, many students knew they were either going to have to enlist in the military or be drafted for the Vietnam War. Enlist – that’s what Gary Steeg decided to do. At the age of 17, with his father’s signature in hand, Gary Steeg went into the Navy in 1966.

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The community blood supply has been low due to lower donor turnout. LifeServe is calling on all blood donors to help boost this blood supply this fall.

Union County 4-H club members and leaders completed the 2021-22 club year with an annual Recognition Event on Sunday Oct. 23 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elk Point. Congratulations to all the club members on a successful 4-H year. Leaders were recognized for their accomplishments in club, county, and state activities. 4-H members spoke about different activities including Horse Event, Teen Leaders, 4-H Camp, Fashion Revue, Poultry Judging, Special Foods, Rabbit Skill-a-thon, and Horticulture Skill-a-thon. Local donors sponsor the awards each year. The following are the clubs in Union County: Eager Beavers, Scattered 4-H Club, Prairie Herdsman, Shooting Sports, A-1 Alcester – B, Brule Go-Getters, Busy Coral and Dakota Kids.