The winds have calmed, but there could be as much as 2 more inches of snow fall today. At the rate it's falling in Holabird, we passed the two inches mark by noon. Power is out in several South Dakota cities, towns and the rural areas. Holabird, as far as we know still has electricity. The west part of Highmore is without power. All in the Highmore area who needed shelter from the cold were taken to the nursing home and the fire hall. It's been reported that some were taken to shelter against their will.

Some of the so called experts say that using propane grills for heat is not a good idea because it deprives the user of oxygen. Harold Hinkle agrees with that notion. One expert says that the best way to heat the house is to bake cookies. Mary Hinkle says this will not work during a power failure if one has electric oven.

Nick Nemec is wondering how one can measure snow when the wind blows it bare in some spots and there are 8 foot drifts in others. The Holabird Advocate put this question to resident handyman, and Possum Lodge Member, Harold Hinkle. He says that the first thing to do is find an area where the wind isn't blowing (Been in South Dakota long, Harold?). Once this area is found, place a yardstick as far into the snow as possible.

Another method that is not as accurate is a snow catcher. They are available at Keloland.com/. Place the snow catcher outside when it snows. After the snow stops falling (which it will eventually) Melt the snow and put the water into a Keloland rain gauge. Multiply the result by 10, and you have your results. Harold, being a member of Possum Lodge, as the ability to looks outside and eyeball the correct snowfall measurement. He's funny that way.

Snow snow and more snow. Yes winter is in Holabird. And in the rest of Keloland to hear them tell the story. I'll be glad when sweeps are over. Then their "Blizzard 2005" coverage can cool off until February.

Thanksgiving may have not been the best time to talk about beef. As it happens of those who care, a little more man half would pay for South Dakota Certified Beef. The rest either believe that the beef price is high enough, or the don't want to buy it no matter the price. One guy would even forsake beef for Iowa Chops, and they are good too!

Next month's poll deals with a complaint that Christmas starts to early. I want to explore what you Readers think about this issue. Should we put the tree up on Easter, July 4th, or Halloween? Should we even take the tree down?

Weather permitting, I intend on setting up a UBS Entertainment web site. "All Fiction All The Time!" I'll move "The Jerry Hinkle Program" over there as well. Some folks actually do find it entertaining. It sure isn't news.

Of course, it wouldn't be the Holabird Advocate without my pick for "Person of the Year" for 2005. This years selection was easy, because this man, more than anyone helped the Holabird Advocate grow to overflowing heights.