Holabird AdvocateProviding all the news we see fit to print since 2002!Saturday, December 31, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12Q UGO Battle of the Bands Still Going The Ditty Bops are still #2 in the Under Ground On-line.com Battle of the bands, Ladies and Gentlemen. The polls close for this at midnight tonight so keep at it. Just a few hours to go. Keep voting, tell all your friends. It's everyone's fair game now, so keep voting and make The Ditty Bops #1. Who is this Eisley anyway? Here, is your link: http://www.ugoplayersvote.com vote as often as you want! Everybody does anyhow! Another Christmas Dinner For Agnes Hahn The Come Hahn Inn should be festive tonight. Agnes Hahn is celebrating the fact that her daughter, Phyllis Ehlers, made it over the river and through the blizzard to her house late last night. Phyllis is the last of her children (but not the least of her children) to visit her over the 12 days of Christmas. And there's still 5 days to spare. Word is that fatted calf in the form of prime rib is on the menu, but no word on if our Publisher was invited. If not, he'll make his own festivities with a bottle of Cold Duck and some bread. There are worse ways than Holy Communion to start of the new year. Our Quality Control Editor, Mary Hinkle has informed us that Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, is indeed invited to the celebration at the Come Hahn Inn. He just may bring his Cold Duck with him too! Year End Round-up by Jerry Hinkle Holabird Advocate Publisher Well, here it is! The last day of the last week of the last month of 2005! What a wonderful year it has been for me. So many new friends. Who knew there were so many bloggers in South Dakota? I had no idea! And they're all just as good as me (some are even better!). I have learned to respect them one and all! A great bunch of people! The coming year will be interesting in that it's an election year. Bloggers of all political bents will be taking sides. It might get nasty by June, but by the day after the election we'll all be friends again. That's what I love about South Dakota, we can disagree, and still be friends. The year of 2006 will be one of total fulfillment for me, even if The Ditty Bops only make it to #2 in the Battle of the Bands. I hope it is a good one for you too! That's all for this year! See Ya'll in 2006! Friday, December 30, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12P The Ditty Bops Want You- To Vote As of press time, The Ditty Bops are #2 and counting in a battle of the bands type vote where we get to vote for the "Best Live Act of 2005" . VOTE FOR THEM SO THEY CAN WIN!!! There are a lot of bands on there so take a second and vote! This is huge, give them the credit they deserve. Tell all of The Ditty Bop fans and friends that you know about this. The contest ends at 11:59 PM on New years Eve, so vote early and vote often! Here's the link!http://www.ugoplayersvote.com Brown Christmas Turns White Holabird has experienced the January thaw a few days early. At one point this week, the temp reached a high of 47 degrees. Snow started falling on Thursday night, and we may get as much as 6 inches of snow by Saturday Morning. Phyllis Ehlers was planning to visit her Mother, Agnes Hahn, while we are still in the Christmas season. She may have to change her mind. The weather looked like this when Phyllis left for home on Thanksgiving weekend. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate know that God will be with her to guide her in whatever she decides. UBS to Expand Blogging Scope The Universal Blogcasting Service will be unveiling a few more blogs in the next year. A fictional blog with a western flavor called "Bar BQ Ranch" a financial blog called "Hinkle Brothers" and a "members only" blog for men to be named later, which will come out on February 2. Possible names are "He-man", "Macho", or "Stud Muffin". The Holabird Advocate Vote Caster will be used to choose the name. Dish Movie Review by Jerry Hinkle Holabird Advocate Publisher The Dish 500 satellite system has a wide selection of movies and movie channels to choose from. The Sundance Channel had a movie called "Where the Buffalo Roam". And you know, I didn't see one darn buffalo in the whole flick. The Movie is a waste of 2 hours of our time. Bill Murray stars as "Hunter S. Thompson". A real life man that I'd never heard of until he blew his brains out earlier this year. If Murray's portrayal is anything like the real deal, it's too bad he didn't end it all 30 years ago. The movie had no real plot to speak of. It was Bill Murray being Bill Murray, which was very tedious to watch. I do have one good thing to say about this movie. It was rather entertaining to see Peter "Frank Barrone" Boyle as a long-haired 1960's hippie. I kept expecting him to say "Holy Crap". The real life Thompson was supposedly the basis for "Uncle Duke" Doonesbury. Perhaps Gary Trudeau should have written this script. He couldn't have done a worse job of it. Until next time, remember, You pay for movie channels, so watch a good movie if you can. Tuesday, December 27, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12O New ABC Show May have Ditty Bop Theme An upcoming ABC sitcom staring Heather Graham titled "Emily's Reasons Why Not" may have a familiar sounding Theme song. It was reported on December 20 that The Ditty Bops song "There's a Girl" is one of three songs that are being considered for the show. The public will find out when the show debuts January 9 on ABC. The Life and Times of Beulah Irene Tuttle Salem Funeral service for Beulah I. Salem, 80, Aberdeen, will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2005, at First Baptist Church, Dr. Harold E. Salem officiating. Burial at Riverside Cemetery, Aberdeen. Beulah died Saturday, Dec. 24, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital. Visitation: 1-7 p.m. Tuesday at Spitzer Funeral Home, 320 Sixth Ave. S.E., with a prayer service at 7. Family prefers memorials to the First Baptist Church or Christian Worship Hour. Beulah Irene Tuttle was born Feb. 05, 1925, to Jesse Earl Tuttle and Bertha Westcott Tuttle at Winner, S.D. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and devoted her life to faithfully serving Him. She graduated from Winner High School and then attended the University of Sioux Falls and Black Hills State University. She married Harold E. Salem on June 07, 1946, at the First Baptist Church in Witten, S.D. They made their home in Belle Fourche, S.D., where Rev. Salem pastored the First Baptist Church and Beulah taught in the city schools. In January 1958, they accepted the call to the First Baptist Church in Aberdeen, S.D. Beulah did substitute teaching in the public schools for many years. She was always active in the church, especially with the nursery children, women's work and the choir. Her entire married life was given to caring for her children and serving Christ through the church. She had the gift of hospitality so that her home was always open to those who had needs, especially the college youth. She also helped many young mothers care for their children, especially in times of illness. Grateful for having shared Beulah's life are her husband, Harold; two daughters, Sharron (Dennis) Salwei, Coon Rapids, Minn., Patty (Roy) Becker, Aberdeen, S.D.; two sons, Daniel (Verdene) Salem, Carroll, Iowa, and Mike (Brenda) Salem, Aberdeen, S.D.; five brothers, Bernard (Jean) Tuttle, Colorado Springs, Colo., Harold (Martha) Tuttle, Pueblo, Colo., William (Carol) Tuttle, Belle Fourche, S.D., Kenneth (Betty) Tuttle, Witten, S.D., Clyde (Erma) Tuttle, Witten, S.D.; one sister, Bernice Gustafson, Winner, S.D.; 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Agnes Hahn to Celebrate 3rd Day of Christmas Agnes Hahn's family is so big that they have to space out their visits. Tonight, which is the 3rd day of Christmas, gives her an excuse to grill up some prime rib. Ken and Joan Hansen came over from Forrest City, Iowa to celebrate Christmas with home folks. Word is that Ken brought his shooting irons along to hunt pheasants with. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope he'll bag the limit. Monday, December 26, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12N Christmas Brings Overflow to Publisher Last year, Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle was asked by a check-out clerk in the grocery store if he had a Merry Christmas. His reply was, "I'm still having it. Well 2004 was just full, 2005 was overflowing. The tally so far is $150 in cash $75 in Walmart Gift Cards, A copy of the Farmers Almanac, a pile of something called Discovery Magazine (two publications that he's never read before, but will get on ASAP), but the gift he is most proud of is The Ditty Bops Bicycle Bikini Calendar that Larry Nickleson gave to him. Not only was that a great Christmas gift, but it is an excellent way to wish one a Happy New Year. Larry will probably be Jerry's favorite uncle for at least a year or so. Christmas Day was overflow for Mary Hinkle as well. With 12 people over for noon vittles (served at 1:30pm) and 16 people chowing down at evening vittles. She still has leftovers too. The Hinkle family has nothing to complain about. Jerry would have been happy with just a $1 gift certificate from McDonalds, and he didn't even deserve that much. It may have been tempting, or even easier, for the Hinkles to skip church as well. It wouldn't have been right, however, so they didn't. Beulah Salem Dies on Christmas Eve Word was received that Pastor Harold Salem's wife, Beulah Salem, spend her first Christmas with Jesus after passing from this life on Saturday. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate are happy for Beulah, but share in her family's grief. We knew she was in the hospital, but didn't know she was that ill. We hold out hope that we shall all meet her at that big Christmas dinner in the sky someday. Friday, December 23, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12M Secret Society Closes Down After hearing about how women talk to much about mops and dryer balls on his family website, Jerry Hinkle decided to create a secret blog dedicated to manly things like hunting, hot babes, fishing, hot babes, drinking beer, hot babes, racing cars, and hot babes. It was called "Pheasant Lodge". "Was" being the operative word. It is gone because none of the manly men invited to the lodge logged on to it. Perhaps he was too good at keeping the secret. Jerry has not given up on the idea of celebrating manhood. Perhaps a more public blog would be in order, providing that it is so manly no woman wants to read it. Maybe he could even give his uncle, Ken Hansen, a column to write advice for the manly man, since he's actually been to Manly, Iowa and all. That would definitely keep the women away. Judy Haiwick's Hidden Talent Escapes One of our most valuable Readers, Judy Haiwick, has a website that has been viewed by hundreds of thousands all over the world. Yet our Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, just visited the site for the first time today. If you would like to check out her Home Page, you can do so at http://www.sundayschoollessons.com. The Haiwicks are few and proud, like the Marines and South Dakota Democrats. Last Chance for a Merry Christmas by Jerry Hinkle, Holabird Advocate Publisher Well here it is, Christmas Eve Eve. In spite of everything the ACLU has done, it's coming. Christmas is coming. Can Jesus be far behind? Better get ready! Actually I'm glad that the whole Christmas thing will be over soon. The Merry Christmas/Happy Holiday debate is starting to grate. On one hand we have Hemmingsen telling us that holiday is short for "holy day". Then I have Uncle Jake (who hasn't been to church since Easter) all mad because the Happy Holiday people say it so they don't offend others (which offends him). Then there's Ben Stein, who says that even though he's Jewish, he enjoys hearing "Merry Christmas", and blames it all on the worshipers of Nick and Jessica (two people he doesn't know, and doesn't want to know). Christmas is supposed to be a happy time, like the Folgers commercial. Peter comes home, after apparently hitch-hiking on Christmas Day. We don't know, and are never told, why he was gone. His family was sure surprised to see him. Was there trouble? Maybe so, but it's forgotten. Peter was home, that's all that matters. Some folks don't like the message of that commercial because they say it isn't realistic. Nothing about Christmas is realistic. Indeed it has a super natural quality. Virgins giving birth, angels singing, stars shining over small towns night and day for two years, and of course a fat guy going all over creation in a sled pulled by flying reindeer. This will be the last time I wish you a Merry Christmas, this year anyway. I might even send you all another Christmas e-card on April 17, unless you tell me not to. Until then remember to keep the light of Truth, Freedom, Justice, Wisdom, Love, and all other good things shining. All three of the major December holidays have light as part of their ceremony, so should the people that celebrate those holidays. Thursday, December 22, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12L Monsanto Picks Harrisburg Over Holabird The Holabird Chamber of Commerce is only slightly disappointed that Fortune 500 Company Monsanto is bringing a big project to Harrisburg, South Dakota instead of spending their time (and money) in Holabird. It could be Harrisburg was chosen over Holabird because of Hyde counties previous dealings with another Fortune 500 outfit, Tyson Foods. Hopefully Monsanto won't do to Harrisburg what Tyson could have done to Holabird. One thing Harrisburg does have is the most trusted blog in South Dakota, or so it is claimed. Is SD Watch really the most trusted? All of us here at the Holabird Advocate have decided to have a contest at the Vote Caster to settle this. Any South Dakota blog that wants to is welcome to enter, but failing that it will be between the Holabird Advocate and SD Watch. So go to the Holabird Advocate Vote Caster Page and vote for the blog you trust the most. Party on the Ponderosa Christmas Day will look festive on the Ponderosa. Mary, Shelby, and Justin Hinkle have baked several dozen cookies. The Hinkles are thawing out a ham and a pork loin. There is even a box or two of some kind of wine. Lynette Goerhing called to find out if there is something she can bring. Jerry Hinkle suggested 2 tons of prime rib, a suggestion that did not go over very big. Because Christmas is on a Sunday this year, Mary had to make a special trip into town for milk, cheese, and other staples. Luckily, Christmas won't be on a Sunday again until 2011. Memo to Christians: It's the Wrong Day After All by Jerry Hinkle, Holabird Advocate Publisher On Tuesday night, I watched "48 Hours-Mystery" just to see how bad of a hatchet job they do on your Lord and Mine, Jesus the Christ. They trotted out the same old stuff, "Can't have a Virgin Birth, Couldn't be born in Bethlehem if he was from Nazareth..." I won't argue with that, because there are just some things that we have to take on faith. I believe in the Virgin birth, and the rest, not because it can be proven, but because it is in the Bible. One thing that they did do that I can get behind is the actual birth date of Jesus. I have known for some time that he was not born on December 25. This date is taken from the pagan rite known as the "Birthday of the Invincible Sun" (or "ancient Saturnalia debauch,"). So when is the big day? According to Rutgers University Professor, Michael Molnar, the Star over Bethlehem appeared on April 17, 6 B.C., see link: http://www.rain.org/~karpeles/Star.html. I intend to investigate this further by reading Dr. Molnar's book, "The Star of Bethlehem", before I recommend changing the calendar to either the church or the state. I hope this gives believers and non-believers alike something to think about. Wednesday, December 21, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12K E.E. Hinkle Bounces Back-and Forth Blame it on the Winter Blues or whatever, but when Mary Hinkle woke her father-in-law, E.E. Hinkle, up at breakfast time yesterday, he got real emotional and said that this was his last breakfast. Jerry Hinkle had to leave the room before he started laughing. This is not exactly the first time that the 103 year old E.E. has quoted the death scene from "Camille". But in the evening however, when Mary brought E.E. his evening vittles, she told him that she was having Christmas dinner at her house. He asked her if there was anything he could bring for the dinner. Maybe that was from "Death takes a Holiday" At any rate, E.E. had breakfast this morning. Will it be his last? Only God knows for sure. In the event that he does die before Joyce and Ken Ferris get back from Arizona, Jerry wants to keep the remains at the Ponderosa until then. Maybe they could sell tickets. Failing that, he'd like to stay with his grandfather in the mortuary especially if those lady undertakers come around every day or so. Jauhn Hinkle Becomes Hero by Karla Navarrette I have been a member of the Associated Student Body (student government) at Sweetwater High School since my freshman year. Our job is to run all school assemblies, provide a budget, finance the other organizations, schedule sports event supervision, and the daily taste of selling chips, candy and soda at our concessions stand during lunch everyday. Evey year 30 students become members of this organization and work hard hours to make high school memorable for the whole student body. Leading these students is the Assistant Principal Of Student Activities Mr. Jauhn Hinkle. Mr. Hinkle became the AP of Student activities the same year I entered high school, and was a new and naive as I was. Throughout the years we have become a team in the organization. Organizing such event as LU-WOW, the 70's Rave and the annual Winterball. Planning such event on top of all the other obligations involved in his job have become Mr. Hinkle's life for the past 4 years. Mr. Hinkle's goofy ways of reaching out to every student in our 2400+ student body is one of his best qualities. Whether it is dressing up as Elvis for the 70's Dance, or leading the school assemblies with an unmatching sense of humor. Working hard to improve the high school lives of the student of National City, which is one of the country's poorest community. The school is roughly 75% Hispanic, 20% Asian, and 5% White and Black, and other. Sweetwater High School is the only high school in National City, therefore everything that goes on in the high school impacts the community. Every year the passes Mr. Hinkle creates not only those goofy memories for the high school student but also the intellectual memories of tripling the school budget, bring in wonderful guest speakers such as Rudy Rutiger, and other events that touch us deeply. Especially me, Karla Navarrete, a high school senior who has watched the high school grow who is impacted everyday by the way Mr. Hinkle cares, and by the extra numerous hours of dedication he gives the school. And the comfort and support he provides the Associated Student Body. (reprinted from www.yourtruehero.org) South Dakota Songbook "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch. You really are a heel. You're as cuddly as a cactus, You're as charming as an eel. Mr. Grinch. You're a bad banana With a greasy black peel. You're a monster, Mr. Grinch. Your heart's an empty hole. Your brain is full of spiders, You've got garlic in your soul. Mr. Grinch. I wouldn't touch you, with a thirty-nine-and-a-half foot pole. You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch. You have termites in your smile. You have all the tender sweetness Of a seasick crocodile. Mr. Grinch. Given the choice between the two of you I'd take the seasick crockodile. You're a foul one, Mr. Grinch. You're a nasty, wasty skunk. Your heart is full of unwashed socks Your soul is full of gunk. Mr. Grinch. The three words that best describe you, are, and I quote: "Stink. Stank. Stunk." You're a rotter, Mr. Grinch. You're the king of sinful sots. Your heart's a dead tomato splot With moldy purple spots, Mr. Grinch. Your soul is an apalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, Mangled up in tangled up knots. You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch. With a nauseaus super-naus. You're a crooked jerky jockey And you drive a crooked horse. Mr. Grinch. You're a three decker saurkraut and toadstoolsandwich With arsenic sauce. Copyright © 1957, Dr. Seuss. Tuesday, December 20, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12J Christmas Heads Into Home Stretch With the week before Christmas closing in on the observational day of the birth Jesus, both the church and the state have put kids to work on celebrating the holiday season. At the Methodist Church in Highmore, Brittany Hinkle played Mary wonderfully. She got to hold a real live baby, Erika Christiansen (no crying she made either). Shelby Hinkle played the Herald Angel, and she really brought it home with her line "Do not be afraid". Brittany Hinkle also had a part in the Hyde School District's Christmas Concert, which was brought together by Mrs. (Dee) Nemec. Brit said what they were going to do was a surprise. Mary Hinkle went to the program, but all she said was that everyone did a good job. There are plans to see if Jerry Hinkle can keep his grandfather, E.E. Hinkle awake long enough to do a special Christmas episode of "The Jerry Hinkle Program". Maybe just a "Merry Christmas" on his part. For some reason people like listening to a 103 year old man talk. The Brill Files: 'Tis The Season To Recycle? by Alan Brill, Senior Managing Director-Kroll Ontrack With the holiday season approaching and a new year dawning, companies may be planning to implement new computer systems and to upgrade their electronic equipment. If so, what should they do with the old equipment? The perfect solution may be to refurbish or recycle them for use by teachers, schools, nonprofits, community programs and other individuals in need. Some non-profit organizations specifically formed for recycling and redistributing this equipment will pick up unwanted computer items at little or no cost. Donating these digital devices may even warrant a charitable tax deduction. While donating (or selling) old laptops, computers, cell phones, personal digital assistants, and other equipment may seem to result in a win-win situation for all, if the proper precautions are not taken, it can raise security red flags. Companies must ensure confidential and proprietary data stored on these systems is completely removed before they are donated. After all, "delete does not mean delete" in the electronic world, and companies cannot risk cyber-attacks on their private information or even worse their clients data due to improper sterilization of a hard drive. If your company is planning to donate old equipment, even if only to its own employees, consider swapping out the hard drive before recycling the hardware. Removing a hard drive from a computer before donating it is the most effective way to ensure your data will not fall into the wrong hands. An obvious drawback is that many entities accepting these donations may not have the budget or resources to install new drives in the old machines. Alternatively, companies may choose to wipe the hard drive using commercially available data wiping software programs. This software can be used to intentionally overwrite data using a specific or randomly generated pattern of characters. If run properly, a wiping utility will make the data unrecoverable. Be aware that in some instances, even when the product is run according to the product's instructions, traces of data may be left behind. In many cases, it may be prudent to have an expert handle the wiping process. Even though many wiping utilities are highly successful, most are not completely fool-proof and the use of such products may require some expertise to ensure all the data is properly destroyed. Finding new ways to use old tech products through recycling can benefit a company as well as individuals and entities receiving and reusing these products. By keeping security in mind before donating this equipment, companies will turn an old piece of equipment into the perfect solution for someone in need. Saturday, December 17, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12I Purple Becomes the new Pink Once again our good pal Oddjob Keeps us up to date on all the latest happenings concerning The Ditty Bops. The big news is that for the third time this year, Ms. Amanda has changed her hair color. She started the year as a brunette, changed to a shade called Atomic Orange, then to a shade of pink called Baby Chick (Seen right). Her latest color is an as of yet unnamed shade of Purple (or Violet, if you prefer, seen left). Also reported is that The Ditty Bops TV show has ended it's run in New York after 4 episodes. However it airs in Madison, Wisconsin on Tuesdays at 10:30 pm on station WYOU. In San Francisco the show still airs as it has been on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month at 10:30pm on SF Cable Channel 29. Christmas Brings Neighbors Together Single digit temps, among other things, kept some folks away, but there was a very festive atmosphere around the Nemec Christmas Party last night. The selection of food was great. Especially good was Carol Zilverberg's pumpkin pie, which did not suffer from too much cinnamon as some of them do. Many important issues of the day were talked about, such as Mary Jo Nemec's new job with the state, Seth Zilverberg graduating College next year, and the Patrick Duell documentary that was on the Discovery Channel. Brigette Nemec, who was apparently hiding from somebody in the men's section of the party, did not care for that third topic, so it was cut short. Any young man out there interested in impressing Briggette should refrain from talking about fat guys and their bodily functions. Barbara Nemec claims that all of her children read the Holabird Advocate (they were all on the honor roll at high school too, but we need not discuss that now). At any rate, all of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope to hear from each of the Nemec Children (all seven of them) concerning our coverage of the Nemec Christmas Party in our comments section. Those who don't know how the Comments section works should consult their big brother, Nick. We have a feeling he'll be the first one to check in. South Dakota at Christmas Time Submitted by Lynette Goehring This is so true Why I Love South Dakota at Christmas When it's Christmas in South Dakota, And the gentle breezes blow, About seventy miles an hour And its fifty-two below, You can tell you're in South Dakota 'Cause the snow's up to your butt. You take a breath of Christmas air And your nostrils both freeze shut. The weather here is wonderful, So I guess I'll hang around, I could never leave South Dakota My feet are frozen to the ground! Wednesday, December 14, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12H McDonalds Has the Christmas Spirit It is Reported that McDonald's corporate office in Atlanta is standing behind a franchise owner in Raleigh, North Carolina, who has put a sign in front of her restaurant which reads: "Merry Christmas: Jesus is the Reason for the Season." While no drivers interviewed by WRAL TV were offended by the display, the station was able to find one woman who complained about the sign, saying it offended her. "... I'm Jewish, and the reason for the season is upsetting to me," she told the station. The woman wanted the sign changed to "Happy Holidays." But according to the report, McDonald's officials said the owner has the right to do what she wants with the sign. Aberdeen- A Heavenly Place to Shop Harold and Mary met the rest of their shopping party at the Nickelson place at 9:30 this morning. It is common knowledge that their destination, Aberdeen, South Dakota, is a veritable shopping Mecca. They also have a living Christmas tree that Agnes Hahn loves to see every year. It was not known if this shopping trip was going to get off the ground because Heaven might be frozen over. But with only a light dusting of snow and moderate winds, they decided to chance it. They did leave a half hour earlier that their original 10 am departure time. Hopefully that means they will be home a half hour earlier as well. Harold told his son, Jerry Hinkle, that they went to Steak and Buffet. He didn't get the violent reaction he expected from Jerry. This is in part because Jerry had a buffet of his own, eating 28 oz. Of a 2 lb. Turkey roast with mashed potatoes and gravy. He did put in his usual request for snickerdoodles. Maybe just one. Farewell to Ferris Joyce Ferris called the Ponderosa this morning to let her big brother, Harold Hinkle know that she and her husband Ken Ferris are heading to Arizona for Christmas. This year both of her children and their families will be together for Christmas. It's not known how long the relatives will stay, but Joyce and Ken are not planning to come back until April. If their Ember Gold Mine strikes it rich, they may not be back at all. Tuesday, December 13, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12G Postage to Rise on Elvismas If Mary Hinkle heard right, Highmore Postmaster, Janet Kopecky told her that the price of postage stamps will be going up on January 8. This is odd, not only because it is Elvis Presley's Birthday, but because it is a Sunday as well. Of course, we don't blame Janet. We blame the USPS sponsorship of Lance Armstrong. Maybe they should put him to work delivering mail. Dakota Wesleyan Sends Publisher Greetings Among those who thought enough of Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle to spend 37 cents on a Christmas card on him is Dakota Wesleyan University. The reason for this honor is not spelled out, buy Jerry suspects that the University is trying to get him to enroll after he expressed interest some time ago. He reason he suspects this is that the card cover has 4 very attractive co-eds in mid snowball fight mode. Did it work? Not yet! None of the said co-eds were redheads, so E.E. wouldn't let him go if he wanted to, which he doesn't. Another Dead Cat in the Family Doug Hinkle called his parents last night to inform them that his family house cat, Priv Pothast, is dead. When Jerry Hinkle was told, his only question was "How could they tell?" (Ol' Priv was kinda laid back). Priv was 21 years old (147 to Lorne Green) and the only cat that Jerry ever saw that could open it's mouth to say "Meow" with no sound coming out. Publisher's Notes by Jerry Hinkle Perhaps we should all be in mourning for all of the dead old cats in the news these days, but life goes on, and so should we all. The secret to having an old cat is simple. Keep them inside so they don't get ran over. I hope Shubert Geitzenauer doesn't read and understand this trend. Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are taking a step in the right direction. It is reported that last Saturday night, they made their domestic situation legal. Getting married is easy, it's staying married that seems to be the sticky part. This is Garth's second time around, and Trisha's third. I wish them well, and ask them to remember that God will bless their union if they ask, but the rest is up to them. That's what's so nice about God. Which reminds me, isn't this the Christmas season? That's right! I said CHRISTMAS! It didn't kill me. I understand some folks are reluctant to use the word Christmas this year. I've seen very little in the way of Christmas specials. And I was looking forward to Nick and Jessica's Christmas special with the troops in Iraq. That's not gonna happen either. Even in church, we haven't had much Christmas music. That'll change by next week though. Actually, I understand why some retailers don't want to say Merry Christmas. If they do say it, I'd like it to be because they want to, not just because some Christian protesters are making them do it. I've noticed that the stock prices of Walmart and Target haven't got the Christmas spirit either. I hope that all changes soon. In closing let me say that the Salvation Army could use a little Christmas giving. While other charities give their president a 6 figure salary, the head of the Salvation Army makes do with an annual salary of $13,000 (unlucky for some). They pour most of their money into helping people. They are a great outfit, and deserve our support. That's why I always put folding money in their kettle and Christmas time. I hope you will too! Monday, December 12, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12F Holabird Has Calm Before the Storm The snow that we thought would never go away is melting at an alarming rate, thanks to the 40 degree temps of the last few days. But that snow could get replaced with a new batch sometime Wednesday. As it happens, that is when Harold And Mary Hinkle plan to go to Aberdeen with Agnes Hahn and the Nicklesons. As long as Harold doesn't have to drive, he won't mind the snow storm a bit. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope they bring some snickerdoodles back to the home office. Despite the warm weather, Harold Hinkle built a snowman with some help from Brittany, Shelby and Justin Hinkle. They had fun until it was time to go home. Shelby wanted to go to the Jackie Quinn concert at the Methodist Church in Highmore, but it was too late by then. It would have been fun. The snowman is shrinking, but still standing. They must have done great work. Skidmore Hansen Sheds Mortal Coil All of us here at the Holabird Advocate were shocked to read in Ken and Joan Hansen's Christmas card that their cat Skidmore died a few weeks ago. Skidmore was 19 years old (that's 133 to Lorne Green) so the Hansen family can thank God that he had a full life now. They can gain a small bit of comfort in the knowledge that Skidmore is drinking milk from the heavenly table now. Memo to Garth Brooks: Go Back to Retirement by Jerry Hinkle, Holabird Advocate Publisher Mr. Brooks, I hear you're trying to make another comeback. Please give it up! To paraphrase that great American, Toby Keith, "You're not as good as you once was". (My apologies to English teachers everywhere) When you first started out, you did pretty good, even outstanding work. You were so popular, Mr. Brooks, that you had sold out shows all over the country. Your shows were in such demand that ticket vendors had to design elaborate lottery systems to the tickets while keeping the scalpers at bay. But there's not much call for that anymore is there. No, your heyday is pretty much over. You once said that you had more money than your grandchildren's grandchildren could spend. Your ex-wife and her lawyers took care of that for you. The fact of the matter is that you have lost your way. Perhaps you just quit trying. The Garth Brooks of 2005 is nothing like the Garth of 1989. Did success go to your head? To be honest, you've been coasting for a while now. I haven't heard you on the radio too much until recently. Your latest effort leaves much to be desired. It's the same incoherent mumbling that we've come to expect from you. The Worst part of your downhill slide is that you're taking Trisha Yearwood with you. She was once a nice little Methodist girl, and now you are dragging her down to your level. There is hope for you both, however. I pray that you will seek it out and find it. Friday, December 09, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12E The Ditty Bops Give Last Performance The Ditty Bops have had a busy year. Touring all over the country on their own and opening for acts like Tori Amos and Nickel Creek. Their final performance of the year was last night at L.A.'s famous Silent Movie Theater. A little bit of rain didn't dampen the experience for The Ditty Bops or their fans. Part of the show was a burlesque revue complete with can-can girls that gave a certain little boy a darn good education about anatomy, according to Gypsy, one of the fans in attendance, reports said that the boy was squirming in his row seat. Too bad our Publisher wasn't there in his place. Our good friend Oddjob, who supplied our most recent picture (Thanks Oddjob) had this to say about last night's show, "Just when I think I've got Abby and Amanda figured out, they always manage to surprise me time and time again. As I expected, this was their most elaborate and epic of shows thus far. I suppose that's one reason why I keep coming back for more. The Ditty Bops will be back touring on January 13 at McCabe's Guitar Shop in Santa Monica. Oh those lucky Californians! Another Reader (Sorta) Goes Public In keeping with our policy of recognizing our Readers, we are bound to report that a South Dakota couple Named Ed and Dee put a pin on our Guest map recently. Ed even has a connection to Holabird. Here is a story he relayed to our Publisher earlier this week: I could tell you about the last business I did in Holabird. It was the day after Archie Gubbrud's inauguration and colder than all get out. I'd been an honor guard the night before at the capital and we had a 57 military Chevy and a wire broke to the starter just as we got threw Holabird East bound. And the engine stopped, well I found the wire and by holding the one end to the other end the engine would run. So I sat on the right front fender with the hood up and the other fellow driving with his head out the window we made a U turn at the mile line and headed back into Holabird about a mile. Well if I shivered to bad the wire would come apart and the engine would want to die. All I remember now is it's damned cold at way below zero to be setting on the fender of a car headed into a NW wind and having it blow up your pant leg and hold your hand steady on a very small wire. Guess what we got it fixed in Holabird. Poetry Corner "Twas The Month After Christmas" by an unknown author 'Twas the month after Christmas, and all through the house, nothing would fit me, not even a blouse; The cookies I'd nibbled, the eggnog I'd taste, at the holiday parties had gone to my waist When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber), I'd remember the marvelous meals I'd prepared, The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared; The wine and the rum balls; the bread and the cheese, and the way I'd never said, "No thank you, please." As I dressed myself in my husband's old shirt, and prepared once again to do battle with dirt, I said to myself, as only I can, "You can't spend a winter disguised as a man!" So, away with the last of the sour cream dip. Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip. Every last bit of food that I like must be banished, 'til all the additional ounces have vanished. I won't have a cookie--not even a lick. I'll want only to chew on a long celery stick. I won't have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I'll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I'm hungry, I'm lonesome, and life is a bore, But isn't that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet! Thursday, December 08, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12D The Winter Social Season Begins As any true blue Holabird resident knows, it's not really Christmas until Ed and Barbara Nemec send the invitations to their Christmas Party that they have at their house every year. And that is just what was found in the home office's mailbox this afternoon. This year, the fun begins at 7 pm Friday, December 16 and never ends. South Dakota News Bulletin Submitted by Dianne Macek Up here in South Dakota we just recovered from a Historic event may I even say a "Weather Event" of "Biblical Proportions" - with a historic ice storm and blizzard of up to 24" inches of snow, with winds to 50-60 MPH that broke trees in half, snapped poles and lines, stranded hundreds of motorists in lethal snow banks, closed all roads, isolated scores of communities and cut power to 10's of thousands. FYI: George Bush did not come.... FEMA staged nothing.... No one howled for the government... No one even uttered an expletive on TV... Nobody demanded $2,000 debit cards..... No one asked for a FEMA Trailer House.... No one looted.... Phil Cantori of the Weather Channel did not come.... And Geraldo Rivera did not move in. Nope, we just melted snow for water, sent out caravans to pluck people out of snow engulfed cars and homes, we fired up wood stoves, broke out coal oil lanterns or Aladdin lamps, and put on an extra layer of clothes because up here it is 'work or die'. We did not wait for some affirmative action government to get us out of a mess created by being immobilized by a welfare program that trades votes for 'sittin at home' checks. Even though a Category "5" blizzard of this scale has never fallen this early...We know it can happen and how to deal with it ourselves. For those wondering why we choose to live in a state where we can have such bad winters; We have low crime rates, great education and only 11 people per square mile. I am glad to raise my children here. I am proud to be a South Dakotan! And the Overflow Continues by Jerry Hinkle, Publisher Holabird Advocate Newsblog Last year, a few hundred Readers. This year, there's over 10,000. Last year, I sent 15 Christmas cards. This year, I sent 75. I am truly living in overflow, and the blessings just keep on coming. It's like that scene from "A Christmas Carol" Scrooge laughs and says, "I don't deserve to be so happy, but I am!" The selection of a Person of the Year, which Todd Epp shortened to POTY, was easy for me. It's caused quite a stir on South Dakota Magazine Road Stories and South Dakota Politics blogs, and as a result causes a lot of folks to log on here. Do I deserve it? Maybe so or maybe no. Either way I've got it. Even the snow has come in overflow. So what does it all mean? Perhaps it's just my turn. In a week or so, that blog from Ortley, South Dakota will catch on and leave me in the dust. That'll last until election season. Then we'll all be burning computer time trying to get our incumbents drummed out of office or retained in the same, depending on our point of view. It all comes in cycles. Like the song says, "Old man trouble, I don't mind him! You won't find him at my door" Of course not! It's to cussed cold. So until the outside world intrudes on us, let's put the kettle on, make a cup of hot chocolate, sit by the computer, and enjoy the overflow. Wednesday, December 07, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12C Anna-Nicole Smith Invited to Holabird The charity event Live 8 has not been very charitable to one Anna-Nicole Smith just because she has a tendency to show up in public intoxicated and dressed as she is displayed here courtesy of Yahoo! (Thanks Yahoo!). Live 8 has been rather nasty toward Ms. Smith. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope that she could see her way clear to come on up to Holabird. After all, there are plenty of charities in the Holabird area that she could support. She may have to rethink her clothing options due to the recent snap of -14 degree weather we've been having lately. The Holabird Chamber of Commerce says that as long as she has her checkbook handy, she can be as drunk/high as her liver allows. The Chamber also reports that Robert Blake has not responded to the job offer for Holabird Chief of Police. The position is still open. Christmas E-cards are Delivered When Holabird Advocate Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, saw on the calendar that yesterday was the Feast of St. Nicholas Day, he decided to get out this years Christmas e-cards. This year, instead of the usual 15, he sent out 75. That's because Jerry made a lot of friends this year. He usually tries to Match e-cards to the personality of the receiver. Because he sent 500% more cards, be picked the one that he thought suited his personality the best. The Card is a big hit with the Readers. He's had nothing but positive feedback so far. If you haven't got a card, it means that either you haven't checked your E-mail since last night or Jerry doesn't have your address. Shelby Hinkle turns 5 It was on this date in 2000 that Shelby Hinkle was born. It was a cool and frosty Thursday morning. Her little lungs had trouble getting air because they had a lb of fluid in there. Despite that and several other little maladies she has grown up to be quite a little girl. And she's not done yet by any means. Shelby is going to celebrate her birthday by getting her hair cut with her mother, Kristi Hinkle, and sister, Brittany Hinkle. South Dakota Songbook Instead of printing the words to an obscure Christmas song, we thought that we would link up Gordy Pratt and have him sing one of his best Christmas songs. It is set to a possibly recognizable tune. Yuletide Tuesday, December 06, 2005 VOL. IV Issue 12B Publisher Gets Back in the Habit It's been a while since our courageous, dynamic publisher opened Holabird up to the world here. Other things have bee occupying his time. Since we were last together, he has found out that the address for UBS Entertainment he wanted is not available. ubs.blogspot.com. He has also noticed that the Christmas season is fast approaching. Many of our most valuable Readers are no doubt wondering where their Christmas e-card is. He hopes to have that done before the end of the week. Maybe even sooner Kaitlin Pothast Becomes Interstate Skater Champion There was an interstate figure skating competition in Bismarck, North Dakota over the weekend. Doug Hinkle, Noel, and Jaimie Pothast went to see Kaitlin "Paris" Pothast compete early Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon, Doug brought Cade Hinkle to the Ponderosa so he could spend the weekend with is "Good Buddy" Jerry Hinkle. Cade and Jerry watched the footage of the Zip Feed Mill not tumbling down and laugh about it. Kaitlin, however, did something constructive with her weekend. She got two gold medals at the figure skating competition. Way to go, Paris! Before coming home, they did a little Christmas shopping before meeting Mary and Harold in Onida to pick Cade up. Pregnant Turkey? Submitted by Dianne Macek I thought you would enjoy this: One year at Christmas my mom went to my sister's house for the traditional feast.Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the store. When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven, removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen,and inserted it into the turkey, and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the birds back in the oven.When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon hit something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed,"Patricia, you've cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my sister started to cry. It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay eggs! By the way my sister is a blond. Thursday, December 01, 2005 VOL. Issue 12A Holabird Advocate Names Bernie Hunhoff as 2005 "Person of the Year" in 800th Post This year of 2005 as been one of overflow both for the Holabird Advocate and it's Publisher. If it were up to the our courageous, dynamic Publisher, Jerry Hinkle, He would have named Garrison Keillor to this honor, since he was responsible for Jerry meeting Ms. Amanda and Senator McGovern on the same evening. But it is Mr. Hunhoff who was chosen above all others for this years title for one reason and one reason only. He read our little Newsblog. He read it and he like it! Let's go back to the beginning. Our Publisher met Mr. Hunhoff for the very first time at the South Dakota State Fair back in 1993. Jerry was talking to former Governor Harvey Wollman about the time that his Grandparents went to his inauguration back in 1978. Mr. Hunhoff introduced himself and asked if Jerry would like to meet the next Governor of South Dakota (Mr. Hunhoff is always thinking positive). "Sure" he replied. He was then introduced to a State Senator from Yankton whose name he can't quite recall, but wants to say Red Allen (Perhaps Mr. Hunhoff remembers the name correctly. Point is, Mr. Allen lost the nomination to Jim Beddow, who in turn lost to Bill Janklow in 1994. Not too long after that Jerry discovered South Dakota Magazine through his uncle, Don Hinkle. The Hinkle Family has been subscribers ever since. Then in 1997, Jerry braved a South Dakota Snowstorm to see Mr. Hunhoff as he launched his own bid for Governor. Jerry was impressed by Mr. Hunhoff optimism, honesty, integrity and intelligence. Unfortunately, not everybody else was, and he was soundly defeated. This hurt Jerry almost as much as it did him. The defeat was a blessing in disguise. With his career in public service at an end, he left the dirty business of politics to do what he does best, promote South Dakota. His "warts and all" style of story telling has rubbed some the wrong way, but his stories always have a glimmer of hope for the future. Which brings us to this year. For some reason something about a Holabird Advocate article caught his attention. He linked us up, not once, but twice. Once for Jerry's protest of possible nude dancing in Highmore, and once for his volunteer work as a member of PITA (now known as PEDA). After this came South Dakota 123, SD Blogwatch, South Dakota War College, and South Dakota Bloglist. They read what we write, and they liked it. All because of one man. One man who read a small town Newsblog and liked it enough to promote it on his own blog. For This we are proud to name Bernie Hunhoff as Holabird Advocate's "Person of the Year" for 2005, even though we doubt this honor will show up on his obituary 50-60 years down the road. Congratulations Mr. Hunhoff! May you experience the same overflow that we do. World AIDS Day December 1, 2005 is World AIDS Day. A time to remember those afflicted with this terrible disease. Several million people all around the world are suffering from this modern day leprosy. We'll they found a cure for leprosy, let's hope they cure this. Some say that this is God's judgment on sinners. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate say that too many innocent children are infected by HIV for this to be from God. Join us at 8 pm Holabird time in reading Psalm 91 and saying it as a prayer for the innocent victims of AIDS worldwide. Sioux Falls Goes ZIPity Do Da Tomorrow by Jerry Hinkle Holabird Advocate Publisher OK, let me just say that, before I offend anybody (which I might) all I really know about Sioux Falls is what Keloland tells me on TV and on web. It seems that commerce is alive and well in South Dakota's biggest city. They are blowing up the Zip Feed Mill tomorrow at 12:30 Holabird time. There was a raffle to see who would push the button, and somebody is selling tickets to some prime viewing locations for those that want to see this destruction. Those who are cheap, like me can watch this one ring circus on UTV (well, I can't because I don't get UTV). Steve Hemmingsen said that when the mill was built, it was at a cost of $150,000, and that is about the cost to bring it down. As I understand, it will be imploded. For those who weren't born Haiwicks, let me explain. An explosion is when the debris is spread outside, where and implosion is where the debris collapses on itself. It's safer that way. They sure wouldn't want to risk knocking a window out of the Citibank building. I'd like to ask those who destroy this building to be quiet about it, but that's not gonna happen. After the wanton destruction of the mill tomorrow they have to raise something like $15 million for some fancy pants events center. Perhaps they should sell beer at this event tomorrow as well. That is, if they aren't already. |