VOL. V Issue 12P

Jerry Hinkle, courageous, dynamic Publisher of the Holabird Advocate once asked of The Ditty Bops, "What do vegans eat for breakfast?" Ms. Amanda (pictured right, courtesy of Fixit Man! Thanks Man!) answers with a short stack of buckwheat pancakes. Notice the lack of butter? We did too. We also see no syrup. Tough gal, that Ms. Amanda.

The pancakes at the particular restaurant where this photo was taken was the inspiration for the song "Short Stacks" from The Ditty Bops first album.

When Jerry saw this picture, he told Fixit Man, "They look good enough to eat". That is the idea behind pancakes, is it not. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate sure hope that he was refering to the pancakes!
Cattle Stolen From Ranch Near Mobridge

Our friends at the Dakota Radio Group report that The South Dakota Brand Board are asking for help in solving the theft of over 350 cattle from a ranch southwest of Mobridge. Holabird's own Shorty Zilverberg, who is the Chief Investigator with the Brand Board says the cattle were reported missing to the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office in late November. It’s believed the cattle may have been missing since late summer. Shorty says the Black Angus cattle are branded with four different brand-types. He says a total of 129 cows, 216 calves and 12 bulls were discovered missing when their owners went to round them up this fall. The cattle were taken from Kent and Cindy Wientjes (winch-es), who do business as River Bottom Cattle Company, LLC on their ranch about eight miles southwest of Mobridge. Shorty says the brand board is offering a reward of up to $1,000 if a tip on the theft leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved. This case marks one of the biggest cattle thefts in some time in the state, as most often, cattle rustlers only take up to about fifteen head. Shorty says unfortunately, the ease of being able to haul cattle away from a pasture makes them a target for people wanting to try to make a few dollars by taking someone else’s property. He says cattlemen can prevent losing their stock to thieves by following a few different steps. Shorty says there are some suspects in the case. A description of the theft, the cattle and their brands has been sent out across the country to all member states of the International Livestock Identification Association and it is also being posted on the Livestock Marketing Association website. Anyone having more information on the theft can contact the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office in Timber Lake at 865-3330.

The Dakota Radio Group has audio of the story on today's edition of My Daily News, but the computer here at the home office has no sound, so we couldn't here it. The report also shows the brands on the missing cattle, which won't transfer. All of us here at the Holabird Advocate hope and pray that Shorty and the rest find those cattle. Best of luck guys

Hanukkah is called "Festival of Lights". Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, who is called the Light of the World. It is interesting that we celebrate these holidays in December, the darkest, coldest month of the year. Today, being the beginning of winter, marks the shortest day of the year. We'll have precious little daylight today.

Light is something taken for granted in this 21st century. After all, we can just flip a switch, and there it is. There are times though, when one really needs light, that light is indeed something to behold. Like when the power goes off. My dad told me that when he was in the army, he saw how light could really conquer darkness. He witnessed a demonstration where, on command, a soldier would light a cigarette from a mile away. He actually saw the light from that cigarette even from that great distance. It is marvelous how even just a little light can conquer the darkness, and the darkness can not overtake it.

It is pretty much a forgone conclusion that Jesus was not born on December 25. Modern science has made a pretty good case for April 17, 6 B.C., and yet we still celebrate that day of days in December. For the past few years, I felt such an observance was sacrilegious. Now I'm not so sure. Perhaps it's better to celebrate light when we really need it. December is so cold and depressing. Maybe God had Constantine put Christmas in December as part of his divine plan to illustrate and illuminate his love for us and all mankind. Besides, we'd look silly lighting an Advent wreath in April. This Christmas season let's carry the light of God in our heart all year around. Then, when it gets dark, let's light the way for those who are lost. And don't let the light go out!

"Short Stacks"