Tale of two parking lots
Pictured top: An aerial view of the newly-curbed parking lot at the RTR School site. Below: The old RTR parking lot also got a refresh, as RTR students donated money for the right to paint their own personal parking spot for the 2020-2021 school year. The RTR Honor Society under advisor Alissa Moat raised just over $1,000, with proceeds going to purchase t-shirts for the students and donations for Christmas is for Sharing, area hospice and other community programs.–Photos courtesy of Michael Beach
Filed under Community, School |Olsen happy to be back with students
New RTR Elementary Principal Cristy Olsen.
By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com
RTR Elementary students will be greeted by a new face in the principal’s office this week, as Cristy Olsen began duties in the position earlier this summer. Olsen, who has been in education since the mid-2000s, lives in Hendricks with her husband Travis.
“He grew up in this area,” Olsen said. “I grew up West River (South Dakota). I’m from Custer originally.”
The Olsens have two children, Taylor and Emily.
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under Community, School |RTR 10U ends season
The RTR 10U baseball team recently completed their abbreviated 2020 season. Players and coaches pictured, from left to right in front, are Tucker Shrunk, Macrae Peterson, Riley King, Levi Kraft, Chris Janish and Aiden Wichmann. In back are Jonah Johnson, Cody King, Bennet Bedow, Monique Martinez, Justin Kerkaert, Michah Johnson, Lincoln Schreurs, Lake Wichmann, Todd Wichmann and Jessi Wichmann.
Area athletes compete on 14U SD State Youth Fastpitch Tournament team
The South Dakota state champion youth fastpitch team from Dell Rapids— Haley Rydell, Makayla O’Meara, Liz Price, Elly Olson, Maya Lee, Abby Timm, Kya Alderson, Josie Baumberger and Maya Heinitz. Not pictured are Head Coach Jenny Alderson and Assistant Coach Robert O’Meara.
The South Dakota State Youth Fastpitch tournament was held in Sioux Falls Friday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 9. It was a great weekend for the Dell Rapids 14U team.
In the first round, Dell Rapids defeated the Blue Devils from Watertown by a score of 12-0. Maya Lee had three RBIs with two hits. Her first hit was with bases loaded bringing in three runs. Makayla O’Meara also had a great bat with one hit for two RBIs and one triple…
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under School, Sports |Reserved parking
RTR Students will be donating funds to the RTR Honor Society for the right to paint a personal parking spot at the high school this weekend. Money raised will be used to buy the members t-shirts as well as for our Christmas is for Sharing, hospice donation and other community donations. Pictured above—RTR student Madison Wells got her’s done a week early over the weekend.
Health and school officials ask for help from communities in keeping schools open by following pandemic mandates
The RTR School Board meeting was held at the high school library last week.
RTR to begin classes Wednesday, August 27
By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com
The RTR School District is scheduled to open the 2020-2021 school year with a detailed set of guidelines in order to keep students and families safe, with a goal of not needing to resort to distance learning if at all possible.
Local health officials stress that keeping schools open in Lincoln and surrounding counties will fall as much upon the behavior of community members as it will students. The first line of defense will start at home…
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under Community, School |In-person learning for elementary, hybrid learning for everyone else
Ann Orren of Southwest Health and Human Services.
By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com
The Russell-Tyler-Ruthton School Board discussed the process behind the decision-making for the 2020-2021 school year reopening at last week’s regular monthly meeting in Tyler. Superintendent Dave Marlette introduced Ann Orren of Southwest Health and Human Services who has been part of the coalition crafting the process.
“We’ve had numerous meetings of our back-to-school task force,” Marlette said. “We are not by ourselves. We are tied in with Ann and her staff and the state in making decisions. Ann has helped us numerous times as part of our task force.
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under Community, School |Fall sports will change this year
Last year’s first-year RTR cross country team: (from left) Brice Roelofs, Aidan Johnson, Gabby Wieme, Grace Klumper and Faith Thomsen.
By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com
With guidance sent out by the Minnesota State High School League earlier this month, RTR football and volleyball will move to spring of 2021, leaving only cross country competing this fall.
RTR head football coach Josh Fredrickson said the news came as a disappointment to many…
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under School, Sports |Fall sports delayed until spring by MSHSL
RTR Head Volleyball Coach Daynica Brown
By Mark Wilmes
tributeeditor@gmail.com
The Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors, at its meeting on Aug. 4, approved moving football and volleyball to a modified spring season, with boys and girls cross country remaining in the fall for now. In a statement, MSHSL Executive Director Erich Martens said the board tried to balance the need for activities while keeping students healthy…
For the full story, read this week’s Tyler Tribute.
Filed under School, Sports |admin login