WATERTOWN - This past week, the SD Coaches Association announced their high school boys basketball All State teams; in Class AA, RC Central senior Gilbert White Jr. was chosen first team All State while in Class A, Pine Ridge junior Marvin Richard III was honored as first team All State while RC Christian senior Julius Frog was named to the second team All State. Pine Ridge junior Marvin Richard III, a 6’2” two guard set the tone for the season early on when he broke the LNI scoring record by knocking down 57 points in the second round game against...

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Ken Many Wounds Billingsley is a legendary figure in fastpitch softball, whose remarkable career spans across states, regions, and even the world stage. Beginning his journey with the Pine Ridge Sioux, Ken honed his talents during a transformative era in Western South Dakota. As fastpitch evolved, his exceptional skills took him beyond regional states to national and international prominence. Ken's accomplishments include being named All-American 3rd baseman at the 2003 ASA/USA Nationals and playing in 15 ISC World Tournaments—competing at the sport’s highest level in the prestigious nine-day event showcasing the world's top 48 teams. Notably, Ken's Pine Ridge Sioux...

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As I write this article we (collectively) are transitioning from “The Moon When The Eyes Hurt” or as we say in our Dakotah language, Istawicayazanpi Wi/ March to “The Moon WhenThe Geese Go Home” or in Dakotah, Magaokada Win/April. Because of this change in our calendar year, I hear so many of our people telling how they are looking forward to putting their gardens in. The change in weather that comes from the changing temps causes folks to look forward to the spring warm up. The passing winter we leave behind is being transformed in to the coming opportunities that...

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FEB 19,1978-MAR 13,2025 Daverine Lloydell Elk was born on February 19, 1975 in Pine Ridge, SD to Emerson Elk, Jr. and Jerilyn (Eagle Bull) Elk. Daverine made her journey to the Spirit World on March 13, 2025 at the Rose Medical Center in Denver, CO. Daverine is survived by her mother, Jerilyn (Eagle Bull) Elk; brothers, Lloyd Elk, Jeremy Elk, Emerald Elk, and Jeff Elk; sisters, Emmaline Elk and Lavetta Elk; aunt, Noretta High Hawk; her nieces, nephews and one grandson; and special friend, Joseph Shopbell. Daverine was preceded in death by her father, Emerson Elk, Jr.; grandparents, Emerson Elk,...

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Michelle Marie Hawkins June 16, 1970 - March 21, 2025 Kenneth Lynus Catches May 21,1946-Mar 27,2025 Robert James Big Crow- Tyon May 30, 1989 - March 26, 2025

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JUNE 20, 1994 - MARCH 24, 2025 Sierra Maggie Sitting Up was born on June 20, 1994 in Pine Ridge, SD to LuAnn Sitting Up. Sierra made her journey to the Spirit World on March 24, 2025 at the Pine Ridge I.H.S. Hospital in Pine Ridge, SD. Sierra is survived by her mother, LuAnn Sitting Up; brothers, Emil Last Horse & Jayden Sitting Up; sisters, Skylar Sitting Up, Samone Last Horse, Summer Last Horse, Ellishiann Last Horse, & Margie “Emily” Sitting Up; nieces & nephews, Austin, Johanna, Leila, & Patience Sitting Up; and grandmothers, Frances (Sitting Up) Ashley & Esther...

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JAN 15,1961-MAR 23, 2025 Jerry Lee Evans was born on January 15, 1961 in Gary, Indiana to Ernie Lester Evans and Agnes Mamie Woman Dress. Jerry made his journey to the Spirit World on March 23, 2025 in Rapid City, SD. Jerry is survived by his children, Jessica Brave and Jerry Leon Brave; grandchildren, Santanah Maria Brave and Jason J. Brave; brothers, John Evans, Larry W. Evans, Walter Evans, Keith Evans, and Larry L. Boyer; sisters, Tonya O. Taleff and Dawn T. Evans; cousins, Francine Broken Nose, Alberta Clincher, Roberta Woman Dress, Dalvin Evans, and Denise Evans; and all cousins,...

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MAY 28, 1941 - MARCH 21, 2025 Francine Mary Whalen was born on May 28, 1941at home in Hisle, SD to Charlie & Rita (Tapio) Reshaw. Francine made her journey to the Spirit World on March 21, 2025 at her home in Pine Ridge, SD. Francine is survived by her spouse, Monte Whalen; children, Melva White Bull and Kim Cuny; sisters, Phylliss “Mert” (Melvin) Kocer, Shirley Bradford, and Valeria Richards; grandchildren, Ferris White Bull, Jr., Thomas (Alyssa) Cottier, Ashley Cottier, Devon Red Cloud, Cynthia (DJ) Middletent, Benjamin Red Cloud, Jr., Jacob Brown, Jesse Brown, Cheyenne, Kayla, & Brad Red Cloud;...

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JUN 20, 1984 - MAR 19, 2025 "Wapaha Hota" Darnell Adam Hawk, born on June 20, 1984, at Pine Ridge Hospital to the late Kathy Firethunder and Kirk Hawk, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, at HCA HealthONE Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, surrounded by the loving presence of Katana and Amaya. Darnell always loved his children: Amaya Hawk (born 2008), Luke DeSersa (born 2015), and Arial DeSersa (born 2017). He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathy Firethunder; his grandparents, Floyd & Anna (Plenty Holes) Firethunder; his aunt, Linda Firethunder; and his uncle, Floyd Firethunder Jr. Visitiation...

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DEC 18,1968-MARCH 9,2025 Shawn Marie Johnson of Martin South Dakota passed away peacefully on March 9, 2025 at the age of 56. Shawn was born on December 8, 1968. Shawn is survived by her loving husband Sheldon Johnson; Mother Candi Schmit, Father Bob Crook; Grandmother Mary Ann Nelson; Aunt Lori; Uncles Dick & Terry Nelson; sister Stacey Locchi & brother-in-law Don Locchi; sister Michelle Crook; sister Charity Smigielski & family; her 3 children, Jayme Whipple, Danny Whipple & Allison Crook; 4 step children; Josh & family, Cody & family, Brenna & family & Luke; 2 nephews Brandon & Teren Shandor;...

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