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Crippen News
Last update - Sep 22, 2014
Online since Feb '99
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Crippen News online - minutes - April 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, April 7th, with ten members  and two guests present. Gary Henle, our District Commander, was present to install our officers and Eddie Baye, an active Legion member from the Highmore area and new resident of Humboldt was visiting our meeting. Minutes  and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Commander Jerry Corey thanked those who helped with the military funeral for Ken (Bud) Lewin this week. He had a donation from the Dieken family to the Humboldt American Legion in memory of Kenneth (Bud) Lewin and a thank-you card from Francis Grace for the 50 year plaque we gave to him recently. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present at the meeting, but left the sick call report. Neal Even, Tony Osiecki and Gary Sevatson all had been in the hospital recently, but were all at home now. Leon Lee is currently in the VA hospital. Doug Meyer reported on Hoot Gibson. He said he had moved to Trail Ridge assisted living and was doing as well as expected.

Charles Dubbe reported on the County meeting in Valley Springs this past month. It was a good meeting and the next meeting would be in Sioux Falls on April 29th.

The Commander gave a report on the District meeting, as well as notes from Charlie Beck and Fred Lee. District Commander Gary Henle told those present about the National Commander’s project this year, the National Emergency Fund. Each Post is asked to contribute to this fund. The National Commander will be in South Dakota in May and will visit the western part of the state.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the cash raffle. He stressed those with money from tickets should turn it in as soon as possible.  He reported on the status of our Boys Staters. Tom Sieverding asked the Post to sponsor a run/walk during the Humboldt celebration this June. A motion was made to donate money for this event. 

The Commander announced the dates of the State Convention in Pierre. It will be June 19-22, 2014. District Commander Henle discussed the bus ride to Aberdeen for the Boys Staters. 

Before the installation of officers, the Commander read a letter he had found in the briefcase that was written by then Commander Neal Even inviting veterans to participate in Memorial Day. Fred Lee had a thank you card for Post 15’s Honor Guard for helping with our recent military funeral for members to sign. 

After this business was finished, our District Commander installed the officers and the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, April 7th in the Community Center. The meeting was called to order with seven members present. Elsie Baye and Peggy Begeman were our guests. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s reports of the previous meeting were given and approved.

The Sunshine Committee sent sympathy cards to Dorothy Daugaard and the Bud Lewin family. Get well cards went to Tony Osiecki, Gary Sevatson, Emma Maass, Neal Even, Molly Stensaas and Myrna Searl.

A donation was given to Children's Care Hospital and School and the Buddy Walk. Flag pins were given to members and we will give them to others as we have several. 

We are scheduled to host the Museum Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm for the 125th Celebration and offered to do it Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Connie Meyer, Joyce Helgerson and Donna Beck attended the District 7 meeting and reported on it. The Americanism essay written by 8th grader Tiffany Rausch and one written by 10th grader Cory Smith each won First Place and will be sent to State competition.

Rachel Schartz is our new member and is our Girls Stater.

The Mother’s Tea will be Thursday, May 7th, at 7:30 pm. Jean Erickson and Barb Bassett will be in charge of Poppy Day.

The meeting was adjourned. Connie Meyer won the door prize. Wanda Artz and Peggy Begeman served lunch.

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Crippen News online - Minutes - March 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, March 3rd, with thirteen members present. This was after we enjoyed a potluck supper hosted by the Auxiliary for the Legion’s 95th birthday. After the meal, we conducted the meeting. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes  and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Officer Ken Struck was not present but left the sick call report. Gary Sevatson had been in the hospital and was resting at home and Ken (Bud) Lewin was in hospice care.

Commander Jerry Corey mentioned he had correspondence from the District Commander telling us about the Spring District meeting in Harrisburg on Friday, April 4. Social hour at 5 pm, meal at 6 pm followed by the meeting at 7 pm. Fred Lee and the Commander were at the County meeting in Baltic last week. They reported it was a good meeting with 9 of 10 Posts represented there. The meeting will be in Valley Springs this month, on March 25th. The Commander also had an invitation to all Legionnaires to celebrate the 95th birthday of The American Legion at the Sioux Falls Medical Center from the American Legion Auxiliary, Department of South Dakota. It will be on Saturday, March 15th, at 2 pm in the dining room of the 3rd Floor North.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the cash raffle. He had tickets to hand out to those in attendance. 

Fred Lee commented on items in the ‘Up To Now’. One thing mentioned was that the VA will be issuing new ID cards. Those who have current cards will receive a new one in the mail. And all boys planning to attend American Legion Boys State need to be registered with the Boys State Registrar, Eugene Schumacher of Aberdeen, by April 1. We had some discussion on our dues for the coming Legion year, and a motion was made to leave our dues at $30/year. 

Dennis Erickson and Francis Sieverding told the members about information they had received regarding our future Veterans memorial. They gave us some details of what the memorial could look like and its cost. 

There was some discussion on our participation in the Humboldt celebration in June.

The next item of business for the meeting was our election of officers. After some discussion, Charles Dubbe was elected our new Commander for the coming Legion year. Pat Ordal was elected First Vice Commander. The other officers elected were as follows: Dennis Erickson, Second Vice Commander; Fred Lee, Adjutant and Historian; Tom Sieverding, Treasurer; Charles Beck, Chaplain; Charles Dubbe, Americanism Officer; Ken Stuck, Service Officer; Dave Froke, Sergeant-At-Arms; Tom Puthoff, Athletic Officer. Andy Bethke, Pat Ordal and Charlie Beck were elected to the Executive board.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, March 3rd following a potluck supper to celebrate the American Legion’s birthday. President Connie Meyer called the meeting to order with twelve members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s reports of the previous meeting were given and approved.

A thank-you was received from the VA Medical Center for the Valentines for the veterans. Another thank-you was for our participation in the Dictionary project.

The District 7 president’s letter was read advising us end of year reports and the Americanism poem and essay winners are due by March 20th. Girls State Tea will be held in Salem on April 6th, Baltic on April 13th and Beresford on April 27th.

The District 7 Spring Meeting will be in Harrisburg, Friday, April 4th at 7 pm in the Harrisburg School library. Before the meeting, there will be a social hour at 5 pm and supper at 6 pm. Brief summaries of units’ activities.

We will serve the Humboldt Farm Mutual Insurance annual meeting supper on June 10th.

Community Service chairman, Wanda Artz, reminded us of the 125th Celebration fundraiser. Soup and Sweets supper on March 22nd and items for dessert for supper and/or the bake sale would be appreciated.

The meeting was adjourned. Connie Meyer won the door prize.

Crippen News online - Minutes - February 2014

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, February 3rd, with twelve members present. We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes  and treasurers reports from the previous meeting were read and approved. Officer Ken Struck was not present but others in attendance mentioned there was no one on sick call. Doug Meyer told those present that Steve Pressler was back at work.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the Oratory program. He said there was good participation and our representative even though she did not win at the District contest, she will be back to participate next year. Charles said he appreciated the help from other Post members and the judges he secured.

We discussed some sort of recognition to two past members, Russell Warner and Leo Gaspar, for the money they gave to the Post. Various ideas were suggested at the meeting. There was some talk about our assistance with the BB gun program and the Memorial fund. There are still questions regarding where our Memorial would be placed in town. 

Commander Jerry Corey told the membership about a Valentine’s concert in Sioux Falls and had information about it. He also said the VA Medical Center is open extended hours by appointment. He had some information from the Chamberlain Legion Post regarding their Veterans Memorial. He mentioned he had received some information about Boys State that was given to our Americanism Officer. He thanked those who helped at the District Oratory contest held recently in Humboldt. 

Fred Lee reported on the State Oratory finals that took place in Huron at the close of the MidWinter Conference there. He handed out the Go-Getter pins and told everyone about other parts of the conference. Charlie Beck also reported on other parts of the conference. He reported on the County meeting held last week in Renner. Next month, the County meeting will be in Baltic. 

Tom Sieverding gave a report on the 125 year celebration this summer. The Post hopes to have a float in the parade, as well as carry the Colors at the beginning of the parade. 

Charles Dubbe discussed having a raffle. After some discussion, we decided to sell tickets for cash prizes for our future Veterans’ Memorial. A committee was formed to figure out the details.

Before the meeting ended, the Commander selected a nominating committee for next month’s election of officers.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, February 3rd in the Community Center. President Connie Meyer called the informal meeting to order with nine members present. We said the Pledge of Allegiance, sang our National Anthem and recited the Preamble to our Constitution. The minutes and treasurer’s reports of the previous meeting were given and approved.

Thank-yous were received from Ellen Mathieu, Liz Jarding, Betty Lias and the Cody Trapp family for the gifts we gave them for Christmas. The VA Medical Center sent a thank you for hosting a social hour for the veterans and the money given for personal care items and the coffee fund.

Donna Beck updated us on the Humboldt 125th Celebration. There will be a Soup and Sweets fundraiser Saturday, March 22, from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. Items from the public for the supper and/or the bake sale would be appreciated. A silent auction will also be held. Our Auxiliary offered to be the hosts at the Humboldt Museum from 10 am to 3 pm on the Saturday of the celebration and we will prepare a history of our unit.

We now have fifty-six members. Our March meeting we be the last time we can contribute to the Pennies for Permanent Membership Fund.

We will celebrate the American Legion’s birthday with a potluck supper at 7 pm before our March 3rd meeting. Dessert will be furnished.

The meeting was adjourned. Connie Meyer won the door prize. Sheryl Siemonsma and Shirley Price served lunch.

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Midwinter Conference in Huron

Here's a few photos of the Midwinter Conference in Huron.
It was a successful conference even though it turned nasty on the way home Sunday!

NEC Paul Evenson addressed the members

at the conference as Department Adjutant Denny Brenden

and Department Commander Rick MacDonald look on.

District 7 Commander Gary Henle received a plaque after visiting all thirty-three Posts in his District.

He is shown here with Department Membership Chairman 

Terry Hanson and Department Commander Rick MacDonald.

The State Oratory Finals were held at the conclusion of the MidWinter Conference.

Ester Swift from Burke received First Place and will go to the National contest in April.

From left, shown here is Larry Madsen, Department Americanism Officer; Kaitlyn Dix from Lemmon, 6th Place; Ester Grassmid from Scotland, 5th Place; Kimberly Chow from North Sioux City, 4th Place; Abby Boner from Castlewood, 3rd Place; Emily Meier from Aberdeen, 2nd Place; Ester Swift from Burke, First Place;

and Department Commander Rick MacDonald.

Crippen News online - January 2014

West Central High School Oratory winners

Four students who emerged as winners from the eleven

participants in the first round in December--Katrina Callahan,

Megan Oeltjenbruns, Sara Waldner and Jenna Mammenga--

each received $100 and competed for the $400 prize and

the honor of moving on the District Oratorical contest

in Humboldt. 
Katrina Callahan, left; Jenna Mammenga and Megan Oeltjenbruns are shown above as they competed in the final round. Katrina Callahan was the winner and moved on to compete at the District Oratorical contest in Humboldt. 
Local prize money is from a fund established several years

ago by American Legion members. To perpetuate the fund,

donations are welcome and being accepted from the

public, either individual or organizations.

Members of District 7 congratulate their American Legion

Oratory winner, Kimberly Chow from Dakota Valley

High School in North Sioux City, SD.

She will represent our District during the Department

American Legion High School Oratorical Contest

in Huron on Sunday, January 26, 2014.

Members shown here with Kimberly, from left,

include Roger Klos, District Americanism Officer,

Gary Henle, District 7 Commander and

Fred Lee, Department Historian and District Adjutant.

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Mid-Winter Conferences

2015-Watertown

2016-Huron

2017-Oacoma

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Crippen News online - Minutes - December 2013

Legion Report

by Fred Lee (fotofred4u@q.com)

The William H Crippen Post 62 held their regular meeting on Monday, December 2nd, with nine members present. This was after a Christmas pot-luck supper with the Auxiliary members.  We had the salute to the Flag and the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer was not at the meeting. Service Officer Ken Struck was not present but others in attendance mentioned that Steve Pressler was feeling better, Myron Schievelbein was at home, Ken Lewin had been in and out of the hospital and Dennis Erickson was taking some rehab.

Fred Lee read a letter from the VAVS. We decided to table any contribution until our next meeting. We gave Charlie Beck a round of applause for his hours of volunteering at the VA Hospital. Fred had a picture of Francis Grace receiving his 50 year plaque and an idea for get well cards. Membership was mentioned and we have five people left to pay.

Charles Dubbe gave a report on the Oratory program. The first round of competition is coming up next week on December 12 in the afternoon at West Central High School. The finals will be on Saturday, January 4, starting at 1 pm. We discussed the rules we would be using in judging at the local level. We hope to have as many Legionnaires are there to help with this program.

Fred Lee discussed the recent County meeting held in Humboldt in November. We had a small turnout but those present did hear about the Sioux Falls school board meeting recently held regarding the Pledge of Allegiance. Bryon Hahn was our speaker and gave an interesting talk about the Humboldt Sharpshooters BB gun club. Our next County meeting will be on Jan 28 in Renner.

There was some discussion about the proposed Veterans memorial. There was some brainstorming on the subject.

After these discussions, the meeting was adjourned.

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Auxiliary Report

by Donna Beck

The William H Crippen American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62 held their regular meeting Monday, December 2nd in the Community Center. A potluck supper with the Legion preceded the meeting. President Connie Meyer called the informal meeting to order with ten members present. The minutes and treasures reports of the November meeting were given and approved. President Connie Meyer thanked the members for all that was done in November—apples for the teachers, the dictionary project, Give 10 to Education and the soup and pie lunch.

A thank-you was read from Molly Stensaas for the door prize she received on Veterans Day. Principal Mat Alley sent a thank you for acknowledging the teachers during American Education Week and the ten flash drives given to the school. The third grade students all signed a thank you for the dictionaries they received.

Joyce Helgeson is our new member. Membership is now at fifty-two.

Community Service Chairman, Wanda Artz, reported six gifts were sent to those in the military and she has gifts for seventeen shut-ins and nursing home residents. Several members offered to deliver some of the gifts. The Humboldt Blizzard Bazaar will be December 14th at the Trophy Room. There will be food,  inflatables, chances on a quilt and other activities. All proceeds will  go to support Humboldt’s 125th anniversary celebration.

The money given in lieu of a Christmas gift will be given to the VA Medical Center for the coffee fund. The meeting was adjourned.

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Continuous Membership Awards

Continuous Membership Awards were given out at our Veterans Day potluck supper. Twenty members received recognition for their continuous membership in the American Legion. Jerry Grace, Joni Langley and Dan Pressler had five years. Dale Papka and Joe Sieverding had ten years. Dave Froke had fifteen years. Dennis Burnett, Ed Hartle, David Hoon and John Mallinger had twenty years. Judy Saffell-Klima had twenty-five years. Eric Erickson had thirty years. Bob Mallinger had thirty-five years. Loren Even, Jim Ginsbach, and Bob Hanisch had forty years. Ken Struck had forty-five years. Francis Grace had fifty years and Neal Even and Nick Hoek Jr had sixty years. We congratulate all of them.

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