| Current Happenings |
August 27-29, 2010: Annual DWM Board of Directors Meeting held.
August 25-30, 2010: Denise from NC arrives to assist local community as well as give a presentation to Board of Directors during annual meeting. Thank you Denise for your service to our community!
August 23, 2010: This week local folks lend a hand continuing to paint the first floor of the new building and begin sheetrocking the basement level.
August 19-22, 2010: Jerry and his daughter from IL arrive at DWM for a visit.
August 19-22, 2010: Fort Thompson powwow is held. The DWM tent was set up at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free ice water and coffee all weekend long. A worship service was held under the tent on Sunday morning after breakfast was served.
August 18, 2010: The DWM tipi was set up on site during Wednesday night Bible Study time. Youth and adults alike learned, hands on, the proper way to set up a tipi along with analogies found in the Bible through a special Bible study.
August 16, 2010: This week local folks lend a hand in priming and painting the first floor of the new building addition.
August 14-23, 2010: Dave, Vicki and family arrive from MO to assist DWM with daily activities particularly with the youth. Thank you for volunteering your time. Your help was greatly appreciated!
August 9-12, 2010: After a short trip back to MN, Art textures the first floor of the new building addition. It is now ready for primer and paint! Thank you Art for your continued support!
July 28-August 6, 2010: Art from MN lends his expertise at taping the sheetrock on the first floor of the new building addition. His excellent skills are preparing the building for further finish work. Thank you Art for volunteering!
August 6, 2010: Barbara from KY and her sister all the way from Germany stop by for a short visit to DWM.
August 4, 2010: John and Jan from IN stop by for a short visit to DWM.
August 2, 2010: Local man instructs youth in traditional Native American drumming and singing.
August 1, 2010: The Coull Band, a bluegrass group of musicians and singers who attend the First Christian Church of Rapid City, SD gave a concert free of charge at DWM. The music was greatly enjoyed by many in the community. Thank you Coull Band for sharing your talents with us!
July 31-August 7, 2010: Church of Christ at Cogan Station, (CCC), Cogan Station, PA arrive July 31. CCC focuses primarily on the youth of the community, as well as lawn maintenance for the local community and building and grounds maintenance assistance at DWM. Thank you CCC for a great week!
July 30-August 1, 2010: Big Bend Powwow held in the outlying Big Bend district of the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. The DWM tent was set up at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free coffee and ice water all weekend long.
July 30, 2010: Summer Interns Brian & Annie Barr leave DWM in order to continue their college studies at Mid-Atlantic Christian University in NC in mid-August 2010.
July 27, 2010: Youth Director, Joe Murphy, leaves DWM to attend his wedding on August 8th. He will return to college to finish his degree at Ozark Christian College, Joplin, MO in mid-August 2010.
July 25, 2010: Farewell celebration held for Youth Director, Joe Murphy and Summer Interns Brian & Annie Barr. Thank you all for your service to DWM, the local community, and Christ. You will not be forgotten!
July 25-30, 2010: Neb/Wyo/Dak camp for Junior High students held in the Black Hills. Two young boys were able to attend. Thank you to Bob from Brookings, SD for volunteering as sponsor during the week of camp!
July 24-31, 2010: Coal Run Church of Christ, (CRCC), Pikeville, KY canceled trip to DWM due to severe flooding in their home church area. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, as you serve those in your local community that are in need!
July 19, 2010: Semi Trailer loaded with clothing rummage arrives, through the generosity of several friends associated with a member of DWM. The semi trailer was unloaded through the efforts of the TimberRidge work group and distributed to all three districts on the reservation. Many times the outer lying Crow Creek Reservation districts of Big Bend and Crow Creek are overlooked in the distribution of items due to their distance from the town of Fort Thompson, and their lower population base. DWM continues to make every effort to share items with these districts as often as possible.
July 22-23, 2010: Wake and Funeral services held for Nathaniel Charging Whirlwind, stillborn infant.
July 18-23, 2010: Neb/Wyo/Dak camp for Senior High students held in the Black Hills. Summer intern Brian Barr sponsored the youth as well as a volunteer from the TCC group. 8 Senior High students were in attendance; 3 gals and 5 guys.
July 17-24, 2010: TimberRidge Community Church, (TCC), High Ridge, MO arrives July 17. TCC focused primarily on the youth of the community: holding an on site mini-carnival, fishing & swimming with younger youth, and spending afternoon and evening hours with the teens. A special trip to Pierre including a movie and picnic was a highlight for many youth during their week at DWM. As a service to the community, the work group mowed lawns. TCC also greatly assisted in food preparation and service to a local family that needed extra assistance with a wake and funeral. A special bonus was the addition of a praise band to Sunday morning worship. Thank you TCC for all your support! You are greatly appreciated!
July 11, 2010: Special Sunday morning message given by Brian Barr, including a skit produced with the help of his wife Annie and visiting brother Justin.
July 10, 2010: Farley's trailer is moved to his homesite.
July 10-15: Mason City Church of Christ (MCC), Mason City, IA arrives July 10. MCC holds special young ladies days, focusing on youth 7-12. Activities for girls include: ballet lessons, guitar/singing lessons, baking, and cheerleading. MCC also assisted with the setting of 3 cemetery headstones for individuals in the local community, which was a great blessing to the 3 families that were represented. Headstones are very expensive and many graves go unmarked for this reason. A gentleman in the MCC group was generous in making the headstones himself and providing these free of charge to these 3 local families. Drug and alcohol counseling assistance by a gentleman specially equipped within this group, helped a local community member during the week. Youth general activities including daily swimming. Assistance with sheetrocking on first floor of building addition. Thank you MCC for a productive, fun filled week!
July 7-9, 2010: John & Jane from Michigan arrive for a couple of days to lend a hand at DWM. Your assistance during the week was of great value and appreciated very much!
July 7, 2010: During men's Bible Study time, another teen youth was baptized, making this the 12th baptism of 2010!
July 2-July 9, 2010: Antioch Baptist Church (ABC), Waynesville, NC arrives July 2. ABC ladies worked with a small group of young ladies during the week, helped DWM get the next newsletter ready for mailing, and assisted with general upkeep of the main building at DWM. They also cooked delicious meals during their stay! The men focused on construction. They spent the bulk of their time working on a home in the Fort Thompson community. They removed and reshingled an entire roof and painted the exterior of this same home. This particular house had not had new shingles since the 1960s, and was currently leaking during storms. The resident was very pleased with the work and worked each day alongside the crew. ABC men then moved down the street and replaced shingles on a home that had been blown off during high winds earlier in the summer. This group also assisted at the building addition, by adding insulation to the exterior and interior walls. This made a tremendous difference. Now, when walking in the addition, you can actually see the walls and get more of a feel of what the building addition will be like when finished. ABC also celebrated Independence Day, July 4th, by hosting a bonfire/BBQ/picnic at the beach, which was attended by many in the community. A great time was had by all. Thank you ABC for a great week!!!! ABC departs July 9th.
July 2, 2010: Teen baptized after returning from the KCC summer camp. This is the 11th baptism of 2010! Praise God for this teen's new found faith in Christ!
June 26-July 2, 2010: Kingsway Christian Church (KCC), Avon, IN arrives on June 26th. The KCC group will split into two groups. One group will work on Heating and Air Conditioning (including duct work), will work on the computer network for the new building addition offices, and will be making some adjustments to the current sound/projector system. The other, main group, will be heading to the Black Hills in SD for a camp they prepare for youth. Youth will depart June 28 and return July 2. The focus is spiritual and leadership training. Kids will experience the great outdoors, sleep in cabins, go on hikes, devotionals/lessons, and have service opportunities. They will also see the sights of the Black Hills and have fun! 15 youth attended the KCC camp this year; all were new to the camp program. Thank you KCC for your continued support of youth leadership training & discipleship, and for sharing your expertise in the furthering of the building addition completion!
June 25, 2010: Wake service held for Jalayla Rose Hawk, 14 months old.
June 24-30, 2010: First Baptist Church, (FBC) Jasper, GA arrives to work on the engineering process of tying the original building to the new building addition. When the work is complete, an opening on the main floor will be secured, and an additional opening will be secured on the basement level. Thank you FBC for lending your expertise and sweat equity to ensure a safe building for everyone to enjoy!
June 21-24, 2010: Wiring commences on the building addition, thanks to Chet and crew from Rapid City and Todd from Mitchell, as well as telephone communication help by Craig from Highmore. Thank you for all your hard work!
June 22, 2010: Propane line is run to new building addition.
June 21, 2010: Funeral held for Hayden Hunter White Mouse.
June 20-25, 2010: Ringgold works on construction projects in the local community: painting, wheelchair ramp, and deck. They build a deck onto the existing DWM entrance deck, which will enable folks to get into the new building addition safely. RCC also assists the group One Sight in providing volunteers to work for 3 days during an optical eye clinic held in Fort Thompson, sponsored by the National Guard. Afternoons are spent with local youth, skits, an "Easter and Christmas in Summer" celebrations, swimming, and devotionals. Additional time was spent in the local and outlying communities by delivering sack lunches and visiting with folks. RCC held it's annual carnival this year in conjunction with the 2nd annual Safety Day Fair held at the beach by the dam on June 23rd. RCC manned several inflatables in which the youth of the community had a spectacular time! In addition, a small group from RCC was also able to help a local drum group with transportation to the Black Hill's monument Crazy Horse for a special drum group presentation. RCC group departs for home on June 25. Thank you RCC for a great week!
June 19, 2010: Main group from Ringgold Church of Christ (RCC), Hagerstown, MD arrives. Rapid City gutter crew departs for home.
June 18, 2010: Black Hills Seamless Rain Gutters, a Christian owned company out of Rapid City, SD arrives to assist DWM by installing gutters on the new building addition. Thank you very much, and just in time with all this rain we are having! Advance group for Ringgold Church of Christ arrives. A steak dinner was held for all those at DWM. Thank you!
June 17, 2010: Wake held for Bobby Cook, age 57.
June 13-17, 2010: World Mission Builders finishes out Phase II and the building addition is "In the Dry". Many folks have come and gone. Some came with groups from churches, others came as individuals or families, but all came with a Mission in mind.....putting a building up. Folks came from the following states during the two week period: IA, IL, IN, KS, MO, NM, OK, TX, and SD. We appreciate all you accomplished! The building is a precious tool that will enable folks in our community to further come in contact with the Light of Christ.
June 12, 2010: Creve Coeur Christian Church, Creve Coeur, IL departs for home. Siding continues.
June 11, 2010: A couple of trailers had leaks from the storm the previous night, but no damage was reported on site. The sun comes out, and folks are back to work. Shingling is completed and siding begins to rise on all sides of the building. First Christian Church, Brazil, IN departs for home.
June 10, 2010: Wrapping is added to the top portion of the exterior of the building, work on the valleys where the old building meets the new building commences. One half of the roof is shingled. Siding begins to appear on two sides of the building. Exterior doors are installed and an additional room is roughed in on the first floor. All just in time, as a whopper of a storm with high winds and rain poured down in the late night hours.
June 9, 2010: Sheeting and tar paper on roof is completed, and shingling begins. Wrapping is also put around the exterior walls, as well as the addition of windows. A fish fry was held for all work group members and the local community as well as folks from Highmore Church of Christ, Highmore, SD. Spider Man even came for a visit, to the amusement of young and old. Bible Study was held thereafter.
June 8, 2010: Trusses are able to be set right on schedule with the crane.
June 7, 2010: Exterior and Interior first floor walls go up, sheeting is nailed to the outside walls of the building, and trusses are readied for installation tomorrow morning. Wayne from TX goes on a buffalo hunt. The meat will be used to feed many at Diamond Willow Ministries. Creve Coeur Christian Church, Creve Coeur, IL arrives.
June 6, 2010: Eating, felllowship, worship, fishing, and a few odds and ends.
June 5, 2010: First Christian Church, Brazil, IN arrives to accompany WMBs work group. Laminated beam, and floor joists are placed. Chet from Rapid City, SD arrives to go over some electrical details for the building addition.
June 4, 2010: WMB connects all basement wall sections, finishes sill plate, and prepares the basement for placement of the laminated beam. Several community members join with DWM to dig Indian turnips (tipsina). The turnips were dug, stripped of their outer covering, and then braided together to be hung and dried. Later in the fall/winter months they will then be used in soup.
June 3, 2010: Many more members of WMB arrive on site to begin construction on the new DWM building addition. The area around the addition site was sculpted and leveled by a tribal member using a grader. Later, WMB began organizing the basement wall sections.
June 2, 2010: Larry from Huron departed. TCC group finished cleaning building and grounds and departed back to Florida. A few members of the World Mission Builders (WMB) construction work group begin to trickle in.
June 1, 2010: TCC group took a day trip to the Black Hills with a couple local folks. A few TCC members stayed at DWM and helped complete some special jobs. Most importantly washing vehicles. Thanks TCC! Larry from Huron arrived.
May 31, 2010: TCC held Youth activities in the afternoon, mowed lawns in the local community, and finished up a few more things to get the building addition foundation and area ready for the next big group that comes to put up the walls and roof. With school completed, this week is the first week for many youth in the youth employment program to begin their jobs at McDonalds, Al's Oasis, and Taco Johns.
May 31, 2010: Wedding performed for Rob and Lisa of Fort Thompson.
May 31, 2010: Wedding performed for Rob and Lisa of Fort Thompson.
May 30, 2010: The annual Memorial Day celebration was held out at All Saints Cemetery. Tables, chairs and much food were taken to the cemetery. After singing "America" and "Sweet Hour of Prayer" in Dakota, Rod Vaughn shared a scripture and a few words regarding Memorial Day. This was followed by a presentation by local veterans. Giving of gifts and a meal with much fellowship was enjoyed by all.
May 29, 2010: TCC prepared food and supplies for Memorial Day celebration on Sunday, leveled dirt around DWM building addition foundation, mowed and cleaned windows at a local home, and put a/c unit in duplex garage (temporary classroom for 7-10 year olds).
May 28-29, 2010: Local group of 13 young men and 3 adults went on the annual arduous hike around Big Bend, staying overnight out on the prairie. It is a challenging hike that reaps many rewards!
May 28, 2010: TCC mows lawns in town, and sorts through pre-built wall sections, putting interior walls down into basement of the building addition to make ready for construction to begin the following week. A girls night was held at DWM. Girls had a special time with a devotional, fingernail painting, makeup and learning to make earrings and necklaces. Todd from Minnesota, stops by to visit the horse, Red Cloud, that he donated to DWM that was the initial donation that began the DWM horse program. Thank you Todd for your generosity!
May 27, 2010: TCC heads to cemetery to make it ready for Memorial Day, mowing and painting of crosses. Other folks from the group begin sill work on the basement building addition.
May 26, 2010: Tomoka Christian Church Work Group (TCC) arrives late in the evening.
May 22, 2010: 8th Grade and High School Graduation for Crow Creek Students. Brian and Annie Barr arrive for their summer internship. Seventeen (17) youth trek to the Drive-In Theatre. Although it rained the whole movie, the kids still had lots of fun.
May 20, 2010: Larry departs to Huron, SD.
May 19-20, 2010: Basement is sheet waterproofed, and back fill is put in, pounding in between layers.
May 19, 2010: Larry from Huron, SD arrives for another visit.
May 13, 2010: Larry departs to Huron, SD.
May 12, 2010: Larry from Huron, SD arrives for a visit, bringing a load of rummage. Oklahoma Larry arrives at DWM in the afternoon to help with the Ikce Oyate Building Addition.
May 9, 2010: After worship several folks and teens assist in taking down the scaffolding and bracing needed for the building addition basement walls, as well as loading them on a trailer. Their help was greatly appreciated! A memorial was held in honor of Karen Kirkie.
May 7, 2010: HM departs for home.
May 6, 2010: Walls are poured for the Ikce Oyate Building Addition basement. A Hog roast celebration followed, including homemade ice cream. Hope Missions (HM), along with local residents from Fort Thompson, as well as members from several churches in the surrounding area attended.
May 5, 2010: HM continues to build on the lite form walls for the cement pouring tomorrow morning. Other HM members paint the interior of a local residence, water seal DWM picnic tables/wheel chair ramp/deck, and complete various other small but very important jobs at DWM. Teen girls separate from the Women's group for Bible study in the evening and move to the Vaughn home (the only available space for the meeting...the building addition is really needed!). Fourteen (14) teen girls are in attendance at Bible Study.
May 4, 2010: Inauguration event was held for the new tribal chairman and tribal council at the Crow Creek High School gym. New officials are: Tribal Chairman, Duane Big Eagle; Tribal Council Members: Donald McGhee (Crow Creek District); Rocky Fallis (Big Bend District); Shannon Shields, Eric Big Eagle, Peter Lengkeek and Wilfred Keeble (Fort Thompson District). HM begins building lite form walls for the basement walls to be poured.
May 3, 2010: HM works on many items that may seem mundane, but are very important. Some items included: insulating a duplex garage/office area, forming a sidewalk at the duplex, organizing rummage, cleaning and organizing closets in Ikce Oyate Christian Center, cleaning and organizing the horse barn including tack and construction/tool rooms, and other miscellaneous jobs. All were needed and done well! Pouring of the cement basement floor was completed. An unfortunate accident occurred during pouring. A piece of dried cement lodged in the pumper truck and blew out the end of the pump with great force. The gentleman manning the pump hose was thrown 12 feet. His pants were ripped by rebar as he flew through the area. A scratch and bruise were his only injuries. Much cement spewed from the end of the pump, including small rocks. The area hit with this cement was the only area free of people. We praise God that no one was seriously injured. Prayer has been surrounding this project from the inception. It was evident today that the Lord is watching over everyone. We are very thankful for his provision!
May 2, 2010: Teen is baptized, making this the 10th baptism of 2010!
May 1, 2010: Chamberlain High School powwow is held in Chamberlain, SD. Hope Missions attends along with many from the Fort Thompson communities as well as the surrounding area. Hope Missions' second work group arrives in the evening.
April 30, 2010: Basement floor area is leveled and rebar is put into place.
April 29, 2010: Footings are poured as well as anchors for new permanent DWM basketball goals. Rebar is set into footings. Tiny from MO, arrived to assist the Hope Missions group. Welcome Tiny!
April 27, 2010: Leveling continues. Digging and setting of footings for pour.
April 26, 2010: Leveling of the basement addition area, with the transit begins. Rick returns home to Iowa.
April 25, 2010: Five (5) youth are baptized in the cool Missouri River.
April 24, 2010: Memorial held for Melvin Joseph.
April 23, 2010: Hope Missions (HM) initial crew of men arrive to begin work on Ikce Oyate Building Addition footings, floor and walls. Rick, from Monroe, IA also joins the group for a few days.
April 21, 2010: Wooden fencing is put around the dug out basement area for safety.
April 19-20, 2010: The day began with a local tribal member that attends DWM, singing a Dakota song and leading in prayer asking for God's blessing on the Ikce Oyate Christian Center Building Addition project and for safety. John and Brian from Huron, SD then began digging the basement for the new Building Addition. Brian ran the excavator, John ran a dump truck, and Joe Murphy joined and ran an additional dump truck as well. The extra fill dirt is being placed around the basketball court. Food for the two days was prepared by local women. Kati Walter, intern from Germany lended a hand as well.
April 18, 2010: A teen that regularly attends DWM was baptized in the cold waters of the Missouri River at Diamond Ministries beach. Air temperature in the morning was 45 degrees. Water temperature was near there. She is the sister to a teen that was baptized March 7, 2010. FCC work group returns home from their stay at DWM.
April 17, 2010: FCC work group served lunch. While the ladies helped organize the clothing that was dropped off and put pantry items away that they brought to DWM, the men worked outside removing a walkout small deck and stairs to make way for the building addition basement digging, and also rerouted downspouts. Many local teens and young ones dug a new 18 inch trench in order for the propane line to be moved for the building addition. Crafts were assembled in the afternoon while a local woman showed those interested, how to make fry bread and homemade pigs in a blanket using fry bread. FCC put on another singing night in which hymns were sung in English and Dakota, and a tasty meal of soup, fry bread, and fry bread pigs in a blanket were served.
April 17, 2010: Small group of ladies and teens from Burwell, NE drove to DWM to drop off a load of clothing for DWM. Much was brand new, still having the tags on them. We appreciate your efforts, enjoyed the visit, and are so very pleased that you brought your very best!!!!
April 16, 2010: First Christian Church (FCC) from Rapid City, SD arrives. Evening time is spent with a meal for adults followed by singing hymns in English and Dakota. FCC brought lots of food for the food pantry. Excavator arrives on site at DWM to begin the first stage of the Ikce Oyate Christian Center Building Addition, the basement and foundation.
April 15, 2010: General election for Tribal Council and Chairman.
April 14, 2010: A nice rain last night provided enough moisture to green things up. Lots of green in the fields and hills surrounding DWM. Spring looks like it is here finally!
April 13, 2010: Wind is 70 miles per hour today. Very blustery! Six (6) youth make their way to McDonalds in Chamberlain for their orientation before beginning work.
April 9, 2010: Teen birthday is celebrated with a party at DWM.
April 7, 2010: The ice is finally off the lake and the boat ramp is put into the lake today.
April 6, 2010: A Family Service and burial were held for baby Hillary Big Eagle.
April 5, 2010: Many gather to watch the final March Madness Men's basketball game. Leftovers from Easter dinner serve as the evening meal.
April 4, 2010: A special Easter dinner was held at DWM for staff, youth, and members of the community.
April 3, 2010: Many watch the Men's Basketball final four games. A special memorial meal was held at DWM in remembrance of Mary Medicine Crow. Teen night held.
April 2, 2010: BRC group leaves early in the morning. Teen boys hang out at DWM and spend the night.
April 1, 2010: The BRC group serves DWM staff a special grilled steak meal at lunchtime. Yum! Hay for the horses arrives. Many youth and BRC group members use their muscle to move the large round bales from the trailer onto DWM property. A bonfire and hotdog roast was held for youth as the BRC group winds down their activities for the week. A tribal vote was held to determine further procedures on the primary election.
March 31, 2010: Kati Walter arrives as a spring/summer intern for DWM. Kati is from Germany and comes to DWM by way of Chicago, IL, where she completed a previous internship.
March 31, 2010: Youth 10 and under have a special class during Wednesday night Bible study with the BRC group. After the lesson, several youth and BRC group members take a very quick dip in thawing Lake Sharpe, down at Diamond Willow Beach.
March 30, 2010: BRC group take on 7-10 year olds after school. Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 29, 2010: BRC group work on local home repair in Fort Thompson.
March 28, 2010: OCC group leaves after worship services concludes. BRC group take on 5-7 year olds from noon to 3pm. A family birthday party for Max was held in the late afternoon.
March 27, 2010: Girls Basketball tournament at the tribal hall. DWM donates a star quilt for the event. Saturday evening teen night. Blue Ridge Christian (BRC) arrives in the evening.
March 26, 2010: OCC group has late night teen night. Teens focus on Psalm 40, going to several small group stations, then coming together for group singing.
March 25, 2010: Chet, from Hermosa (Rapid City area), SD, arrives with a load of tires and furniture. OCC group has youth activity for teens.
March 24, 2010: Larry, from Huron, SD, arrives with a load of rummage. OCC group has another youth activity during Bible Study time.
March 23, 2010: OCC group has youth activity for younger kids. The topic this week is fear. Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 22, 2010: Ten youth filled out applications and interviewed for employment at McDonalds and Taco Johns in Chamberlain, as part of a new youth employment program. Ozark Christian College students were on hand to assist in the process. After the process was completed, all youth gathered at a local park to relax and have a picnic supper.
March 20-21, 2010: Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD arrive to help out at youth night on Saturday night as well as lend a hand on Sunday morning.
March 20-28, 2010: A group from Ozark Christian College (OCC) arrives from Joplin, MO. The group consisted of 10 college age young people, led by 2009 summer intern, Melinda "Cricket" Perry. It was good to see her back at DWM.
March 19, 2010: A temporary KELO (CBS) Television tower was erected, which enabled many Fort Thompson residents to have the ability to watch CBS for the first time since January 22, 2010. Due to an ice storm on that cold winter day, the tower collapsed leaving residents with 3 remaining channels (ABC, NBC and PBS). Adding CBS today generated much excitement!
March 19, 2010: CCST State Boys Basketball game was held in Sioux Falls, SD again Winner. CCST 48 - Winner 59. CCST boys obtained 8th in State.
March 18, 2010: Primary election for Tribal Council Members and Chairman. (Held every 2 years.) The six council members represent the three districts of the reservation: Big Bend, Crow Creek and Fort Thompson.
March 18, 2010: CCST State Boys Basketball game was held in Sioux Falls, SD, against Madison. CCST 44 - Madison 60.
March 17, 2010: Today ends a record: 96 consecutive days of temperatures below 40 degrees. Whew! Spring is here!!!!
March 16, 2010: Drum group practice for teen and youth boys; DWM board of directors meeting.
March 12, 2010: CCST District 12A Regional Girls Basketball game was held in Fort Pierre, SD, against Mobridge-Pollock. CCST 63 - Mobridge-Pollock 73.
March 9, 2010: Warmer temperatures have changed the landscape. After months of frigid temps below freezing it is finally warming up. We've had lots of rain, which has helped melt the snow. There is lots of standing water and lots and lots of mud around. It has been quite a job to keep up with the mud! :)
March 9, 2010: Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 8, 2010: Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (CCST) District 12A Regional Boys Basketball game was held in Chamberlain, SD, against Miller. CCST won, 73-64. On to State Finals, March 18-19.
March 7, 2010: A teen was baptized today! It was a special day with her sister and mother in attendance.
March 6, 2010: A couple of men from the community gathered together with youth and put together a buffalo hide drum to use for singing during community gatherings. The drum has been almost a year long project beginning with obtaining a hide, soaking, scraping, and stretching the hide; making the octagon shaped drum frame; and finally stretching the hide and sewing it onto the frame. (See photos under "Crow Creek Traditions")
March 5-8, 2010: The first work group of 2010 arrived from Journey Christian Church, Wayne, NE. The group consisted of college age young people that worked with the youth over the weekend.
March 1-5, 2010: A wellness conference was held at DWM and sponsored by the local women's shelter, Wiconi Wawokiya, (Project SAFE).
February 30, 2010: Tod Wiglesworth is officially retired and working as a full-time volunteer at DWM. His passion is working with the teens of our community. We are thankful to have another full-time staff member. Tod formerly worked as a truck driver during the week and volunteered his time on weekends at DWM. Welcome Tod to the full-time DWM family.
February 23-26, 2010: Wake and funeral services for Mary "Bunny" Staples-Johnson, age 69, held at DWM.
February 20-21, 2010: Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD arrive at DWM for a visit to assist in Saturday evening youth night and enjoy fellowship during services on Sunday.
February 15-20, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update with the Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, FL.
February 13-14, 2010: Chet and Betty Jo from Hermosa, SD along with Chet's daughter Donna from Black Hawk, SD arrive Saturday to discuss planning for the electrical work to be done on the new Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition. Donna on Sunday was able to share a flute rendition of "Amazing Grace" which was enjoyed by all.
February 14, 2010: Two youth were baptized.
February 12-13, 2010: Youth ski trip to Sioux Falls. All youth attending were required to volunteer a set number of hours of service work at Diamond Willow Ministries over the last several weeks.
February 10, 2010: Mitchell J. Quilt, age 58, brother to Terry Quilt passed away. Service will be held at a later date.
February 10, 2010: DWM was able to distribute blankets to those in need after the regularly scheduled Bible Study time. Blankets were donated by friends of DWM from Huron Christian Church, Huron, SD. Thank you all for your generosity!
February 9, 2010: A youth reward night was held for those youth over the last several weeks that have attended a required number of youth classes, have had exceptional behavior, and have memorized the verse for each week. This evening's reward was a trip to the Chamberlain bowling alley for bowling and pizza.
February 9, 2010: Rod and Val Vaughn attend the annual Pastor's Day at the SD State Capitol.
February 7, 2010: A Super Bowl Party was held at DWM. A family event with food and fun!
February 7, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on DWM at Huron Christian Church, Huron, SD.
February 2, 2010: A Youth Night for those 10 and under was held at DWM. A time for a small group of youth to interact with food, games and quality attention time.
January 31, 2010: Unexpected load of clothing, food and fresh fruit and vegetables arrives at DWM for disbursement to the community. We thank the many from MN that made these donations possible.
January 31, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on DWM at churches in Mason City, Clear Lake and Fertile, IA.
January 28-30, 2010: Wake and funeral services held for Pauline Shields, 61, sister to Terry Quilt of Fort Thompson, SD. Services were held at DWM.
January 27, 2010: Trusses for the new Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition arrive for storage until spring.
January 25, 2010: A small group of youth came together to watch a movie and have supper at DWM.
January 24, 2010: A get together was held at DWM to watch the NFL playoffs. Lots of food and fun. Later in the evening during the second NFL game, the young folks went to the tribal hall gym to play basketball.
January 23, 2010: Family birthday party held at DWM for a local youth. An Indian Taco Feast, cake and ice cream were available for guests as well as games. Pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs were a lot of fun!
January 22, 2010: The KELO (CBS) Television tower located just across the river, collapsed due to an ice storm. It will be several months before a new tower can be erected.
January 20, 2010: Birthday party held at DWM for two local youth. Although the weather outside was cold and very icy, the kids had fun. It was a special celebration.
January 19, 2010: A Youth Night for youngsters 10 years old and under was held at DWM. This is a time for our those younger to get quality attention in a small group setting. Food, games and fun are the agenda for the evening.
January 18, 2010: An ice fishing tournament was held with 43 youth and 27 adults in attendance. Many local community organizations participated by donating food and prizes. Several games were played by youth and adults with prizes for top placings. The fish weren't biting much, but the attendees were. Three roasters of chili were consumed along with 100 hot dogs, cookies and pastries. The only fish caught were perch. Prizes were awarded to youth for the 3 largest fish caught as well as the smallest fish caught. Prizes for adults were awarded for the 2 largest fish caught. A great time was had by all.
January 10, 2010: A sledding day was held Sunday afternoon. Sledding was commenced on a very large hill near the Bad Nation area. A bonfire was built for warmth and roasting hotdogs. With the steepness of the hill it added to the fun and exercise. Later in the afternoon snowmobiles were used to traffic sledders to the top of the hill, which added greatly to the fun.
January 7-9, 2010: Wake and Funeral services held for Clifford Metcalf, age 56.
January 6, 2010: Wednesday night Bible Study cancelled due to subzero temperatures and high winds.
December 29-31, 2009: Summer intern Melinda "Cricket" Perry, her father Rob and "Toast" (Ashtyn) came to visit DWM from Iowa. They entertained, fed and spent time with many youth from the reservation as well as conducted youth class on Wednesday night.
December 29-31, 2009: Wake and Funeral services held for Alvin "PeeWee" Fallis, Sr., age 72.
December 28-29, 2009: Wake and Funeral services held for Sharon Hawk, age 53.
December 23, 2009: Ken and Sharon Reed's daughter and family arrived for a visit from Kansas. They generously supplied a holiday feast for Bible Study Night. After the feasting was complete, the story of Christ's birth was read from Luke 2 by Rod's mother Joyce. The lesson shared was one of sharing the joy of Christ with others. About 50 local adults and children attended. Following the lesson, Christmas presents were put on tables. Starting with the elders first, the little ones next and on up to age 50, each took turns picking out items to share with relatives. The atmosphere was festive and peaceful. It was heartwarming to see individuals with joy, selecting special treasures for their loved ones. Especially the children enjoyed obtaining gifts to give their family members. Of course children rarely have money to purchase gifts, so the gift of giving was really special for them. A special thanks to Richie the barefoot and all those that joined him in providing the gifts all the way from Indiana. Thanks also goes out to a local group from Chamberlain that supplied additional gifts.
December 23, 2009: Funeral for Everett DeWitt.
December 19-21, 2009: Two nights of wake services with funeral following were held for Glenda Felicia, age 49.
December 19, 2009: A group of 21 youth and 4 sponsors attended a movie in Pierre SD, as a treat for Youth Night.
December 15-18, 2009: Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball tournament held in Rapid City, SD.
December 14-15, 2009: Suicide Prevention Training held at DWM.
December 13, 2009: Christmas play, feed and bonfire held at DWM. Four inches of snow falls.
December 12, 2009: The Missouri River (Lake Sharpe) frozen all the way across.
December 7-13, 2009: Weather turns colder with temperatures hovering at zero and wind chill factors near minus 5 degrees.
December 7, 2009: Wake services were held for Kenneth O. Taylor at the community center in Crow Creek. The second night of wakes services will be held in Lake Andes on December 8th, with burial at Greenwood on December 9th.
December 6, 2009: A car accident occurred early Sunday morning just a mile from DWM. Five teenagers were involved in the crash, with three individuals being ejected from the vehicle. Please pray for these individuals and their families.
December 3, 2009: Flurries of snow. Winter is almost upon us.
November 28, 2009: The Boys & Girls Club held a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Three young men from DWM were able to secure trophys for the 6th-8th grade division. Congratulations Guys!
November 25, 2009: A community Thanksgiving supper was held during the Wednesday night Bible Study time.
November 23, 2009: The walls built at the Teen Convention at Peoria, IL arrived safely to DWM. The walls were unloaded by several volunteers from the community. Our thanks to the Teen Convention for organizing the building of the walls through Crossroads Missions, the teens for building the walls, and George and Sons Transportation for trucking the walls to DWM without charge!
November 22, 2009: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on Diamond Willow Ministries at Creve Coeur Christian Church, Creve Coeur, IL.
November 19-22, 2009: DWM takes the tipi to Peoria, IL to the National Missionary Convention as a fundraising event. All board members with the exception of one were able to attend as well as local DWM staff, three (3) local Fort Thompson community members and the Vaughn children with the exception of Tim. The tipi served to draw much attention. Many new acquaintances were made, many friendships from past work groups were further developed and lots of planning was carried out for the Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition slated for spring of 2010. The interior and exterior walls for the addition were built at the Teen Convention in Peoria, free of charge
November 14, 2009: Reward Youth Pizza Party held this afternoon. Youth are awarded a special event or outing after maintaining attendance and memorizing a set number of scripture verses.
November 10-12, 2009: Wake and funeral services held for Norman Gene Willson Jr, age 66. He always enjoyed singing the Dakota Hymns.
November 9, 2009: Youth from DWM assist in moving a horse shed for the use of Red Cloud a Sioux-lineage Curly Horse.
November 7, 2009: Youth from DWM were invited to a football game in Brookings, SD by DWM friends Bob & Hahn. South Dakota State University against Southern Illinois. SDSU won with a score of 34-15. Four youth attended along with Youth Director, Joe Murphy.
October 30-31, 2009: A family service and funeral were held for Roscoe "Doc" Dean, Jr., age 92, in Wessington Springs, SD. Doc was a special friend to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, serving the health needs of our community for three generations. We will miss him very much!
October 28, 2009: A new device, an apple slicer, corer and peeler is given to DWM. The new contraption enabled folks to slice, core, and peel apples. The device was widely used on it's debut at the weekly Wednesday night Bible Study. Two bags of apples were eaten by young and old, which encouraged healthy eating.
October 25, 2009: A group from Worthington, MN arrives at DWM to discuss partnering for quilting classes. Dalany celebrates her 5th birthday at DWM with Indian Tacos and birthday cake.
October 24, 2009: Local young men gather to cut wood as a service to community member.
October 20-22, 2009: Wakes and funeral held for Karen Felicia, age 43, leaving four young boys.
October 16-17, 2009: Men's retreat at Camp Kinship in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Nineteen (19) attended. Of those thirteen (13) were young men and six (6) were adults.
October 15, 2009: Dave and Leo from the Bismark, ND area arrived at DWM to discuss possible future horse program ideas.
October 13-14, 2009: Liz from Nebraska pays a visit to DWM on her way to a wedding in SD. We were pleased to visit and catch up on her life as well enjoyed her help with Wednesday night youth activities.
October 3-4, 2009: DWM hosts a Hunter's Safety Class. Twenty Eight (28) youth and adults attended the class. There was so much interest we will be making this an annual event.
September 25-26, 2009: Women from DWM attended a retreat sponsored by Oakwood Park Christian Church of Sioux Falls, SD. The retreat was held at Inspiration Hills Retreat Center, Inwood, IA. Six (6) ladies attended the event.
September 24-25, 2009: Wake and funeral was held for Lois Medicine Crow Marion.
September 23-25, 2009: Joe and Jimmy from Georgia blessed DWM with an initial fact finding trip to prepare for a future work group trip to DWM.
September 4-6, 2009: Annual DWM Board of Directors Meeting.
August 31-September 2, 2009: Wakes and funeral was held for Rita Fallis.
August 30, 2009: The 50th wedding anniversary of Ken and Sharon Reed, volunteer DWM staff was observed. Their years of marriage celebration was a testament to their love and devotion to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. They were honored with a special golden 50th wedding anniversary cross as well as a photo of their DWM church family.
August 14-16, 2009: Fort Thompson Powwow is held. The DWM tent was setup at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free ice water and coffee all weekend long. A worship service was held under the tent on Sunday morning after breakfast was served.
August 9, 2009: Cricket Perry returns home and then on to Christian College to begin the fall semester. We will miss you Cricket! :(
August 8, 2009: Local boxing Tough Man favorite, Farley Hawk fights in Rumble on the Rez in Fort Thompson. He is able to procure a victory along with a few other locals.
August 8, 2009: A family from the Elmendorf, Hutterite colony of MN visited DWM. They brought fresh produce including lots of sweet corn, which was a favorite among many. They were able to join others from the community for a swim in the Missouri River before returning home. A great time was had by all!
August 3-5, 2009: Family Camp and Tubing trip held. Families and youth from Crow Creek made the trek to Nebraska for two overnight camp stays, plus inner tube riding down the Loup River. Thirty (30) members of the community attended. Although it rained both nights, campers got wet and obtained little sleep, it was deemed a success. Interest in more family activities was generated.
July 31-August 2, 2009: Big Bend Powwow in the outlying Big Bend District of the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. The DWM tent was setup at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free ice water and coffee all weekend long.
July 30, 2009: Local folks and visiting work group members gather for a fish fry at DWM.
July 27-30, 2009: Junior camp in the Black Hills was held. Aaron Vaughn, Cricket Perry, Summer Youth Intern and Cricket's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Perry were sponsors. Eleven (11) campers attended.
July 26-August 2, 2009: Coal Run Church of Christ arrives from Pikeville, KY. They spend most of their time in the community working on homes. They built decks, applied tile, hung screen doors, replaced bathroom subflooring, and replaced linoleum to name a few items.
July 19-25, 2009: Unity Christian Church from Cynthiana, KY arrives. They provide youth programming assistance, help work on finishing up the temporary office space in Gail Griner's DWM duplex garage, and help with various odd jobs at DWM. They also provided a special evening meal on their last night, including a special cheesecake creations. Yum!
July 19-24, 2009: Junior High camp in the Black Hills was held. Joe Murphy, Youth Director, Cricket Perry, Youth Summer Intern and Kristen from Indianapolis, IN were sponsors. Eleven (11) campers attended.
July 19, 2009: Local folks and visiting work group gather for a fish BBQ/birthday party for Rachel Vaughn and Farley Hawk.
July 17, 2009: Local folks attend Zuchinni supper at Vaughn home.
July 12-17, 2009: Senior High camp in the Black Hills was held. Joe Murphy, Youth Director, along with Hahn from Brookings, SD were sponsors. Five (5) campers attended.
July 13, 2009: Youth from the community work on Gail Griner's DWM duplex garage, turning it into a temporary office until the office space in the building addition is complete. Youth learned how to properly drywall, tape and paint.
July 12, 2009: A special Dakota language singing night was held at DWM.
July 11, 2009: Cricket Perry takes ill while out of town, a few hours away from DWM. She is hospitalized for several hours, gave us quite a scare, but all has been righted. We were thankful for the special care she received. Incidents like this one bring families closer together. God is good.
July 10, 2009: A local young man, Shawn Hawk fought valiantly at an ESPN2 televised fight. Local folks and the visiting work group gathered around the big screen television at DWM in order to see history made. Although Shawn did not win the fight, the community is proud that a local member was able to take part in such an opportunity.
July 8-18, 2009: Ringgold Chrurch of Christ from Hagerstown, MD arrived. They were involved in making many things happen focusing mostly on the youth of the reservation communities. They did many things among them were a Girl's Night in which the young men served the young ladies a special homemade supper, delivering sandwiches to local neighborhoods (this gave them an opportunity to get to know folks in their own environments as well as make new connections), and providing an annual carnival day that is greatly anticipated each year by youth and adults alike.
July 6, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a fish fry which also included the visiting work group and the Perrys.
July 5-7, 2009: Cricket Perry's parents arrive for a visit to DWM, assisting in many ways.
July 5, 2009: An adult man, Dale Stands, from the community is baptized.
July 4, 2009: Community members as well as the visiting work group attended the annual July 4th Demolition Derby. Executive Director Rod Vaughn was involved as Master of Ceremonies. It was his first time at the job. He did super! The evening concluded with a large community firework display. Although there were several misfires which were unnerving, no one was hurt. We were very thankful for that!
June 29-July 7, 2009: Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville, MD arrived. Their group was able to continue to paint wooden crosses to mark graves at the local cemetery. They mowed and weedeated at the cemetery as well as installed all the painted crosses. The cemetery looks wonderful and well kept. Community members were very grateful for all the hard work. The group was also involved with youth activities during the week of their stay.
June 29, 2009: The community held the first annual Community Safety Day. DWM took part by setting up a tent for shade and assisting by feeding all the participants. Community Safety Day brings together members from several agencies, programs, and groups in order to inform and train community members on safe and healthy life choices. Paddle boat rides were given, a rapelling wall was available, horse rides, and a host of other informative and fun exhibits.
June 25, 2009: Local folks gathered at Good Soldier Campground for an afternoon and evening cookout, which included waterskiing, fishing, and horseshoes.
June 22-27, 2009: A group from Greencastle Christian Church in Greencastle, IN arrived. The group was comprised of 5 families with children. They were able to paint crosses that will mark graves at a local cemetery, and work with the youth in small groups doing activities such as fishing.
June 21, 2009: One adult in her 20's was baptized in the Missouri River.
June 19, 2009: Larry Suazo leaves for Oklahoma. Thank you Larry for all your volunteer service.
June 18, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a Fish Fry, which was also attended by the visiting work group.
June 14, 2009: Liz and Laura from Nebraska arrive to stay at DWM as short term summer interns for almost 3 weeks. They will assist Joe Murphy and Cricket Perry with youth programming.
June 13-21, 2009: A group from Kingsway Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN arrived. The group split into two smaller groups. One group took a collection of youth to the Black Hills of South Dakota for a summer camp. Kingsway puts together their own "summer camp", makes all the arrangements and does a great job with the youth. The focus is growing spiritually and leadership training. The second group stayed at DWM. They worked on installing a new sound system at DWM, and additionally worked on making a survey of a local cemetery which will be instrumental in marking existing graves as well as those in the future.
June 11, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a Fish Fry. There is nothing better than walleye fried in peanut oil in a turkey fryer.
June 11, 2009: DWM was able to assist the community by setting up the DWM tent at the "Pit Stop", an official stop on the Tour de Kota, a 425 mile bicycle tour through South Dakota, with approximately 800 bicycles in attendance.
May 29, 2010: TCC prepared food and supplies for Memorial Day celebration on Sunday, leveled dirt around DWM building addition foundation, mowed and cleaned windows at a local home, and put a/c unit in duplex garage (temporary classroom for 7-10 year olds).
May 28-29, 2010: Local group of 13 young men and 3 adults went on the annual arduous hike around Big Bend, staying overnight out on the prairie. It is a challenging hike that reaps many rewards!
May 28, 2010: TCC mows lawns in town, and sorts through pre-built wall sections, putting interior walls down into basement of the building addition to make ready for construction to begin the following week. A girls night was held at DWM. Girls had a special time with a devotional, fingernail painting, makeup and learning to make earrings and necklaces. Todd from Minnesota, stops by to visit the horse, Red Cloud, that he donated to DWM that was the initial donation that began the DWM horse program. Thank you Todd for your generosity!
May 27, 2010: TCC heads to cemetery to make it ready for Memorial Day, mowing and painting of crosses. Other folks from the group begin sill work on the basement building addition.
May 26, 2010: Tomoka Christian Church Work Group (TCC) arrives late in the evening.
May 22, 2010: 8th Grade and High School Graduation for Crow Creek Students. Brian and Annie Barr arrive for their summer internship. Seventeen (17) youth trek to the Drive-In Theatre. Although it rained the whole movie, the kids still had lots of fun.
May 20, 2010: Larry departs to Huron, SD.
May 19-20, 2010: Basement is sheet waterproofed, and back fill is put in, pounding in between layers.
May 19, 2010: Larry from Huron, SD arrives for another visit.
May 13, 2010: Larry departs to Huron, SD.
May 12, 2010: Larry from Huron, SD arrives for a visit, bringing a load of rummage. Oklahoma Larry arrives at DWM in the afternoon to help with the Ikce Oyate Building Addition.
May 9, 2010: After worship several folks and teens assist in taking down the scaffolding and bracing needed for the building addition basement walls, as well as loading them on a trailer. Their help was greatly appreciated! A memorial was held in honor of Karen Kirkie.
May 7, 2010: HM departs for home.
May 6, 2010: Walls are poured for the Ikce Oyate Building Addition basement. A Hog roast celebration followed, including homemade ice cream. Hope Missions (HM), along with local residents from Fort Thompson, as well as members from several churches in the surrounding area attended.
May 5, 2010: HM continues to build on the lite form walls for the cement pouring tomorrow morning. Other HM members paint the interior of a local residence, water seal DWM picnic tables/wheel chair ramp/deck, and complete various other small but very important jobs at DWM. Teen girls separate from the Women's group for Bible study in the evening and move to the Vaughn home (the only available space for the meeting...the building addition is really needed!). Fourteen (14) teen girls are in attendance at Bible Study.
May 4, 2010: Inauguration event was held for the new tribal chairman and tribal council at the Crow Creek High School gym. New officials are: Tribal Chairman, Duane Big Eagle; Tribal Council Members: Donald McGhee (Crow Creek District); Rocky Fallis (Big Bend District); Shannon Shields, Eric Big Eagle, Peter Lengkeek and Wilfred Keeble (Fort Thompson District). HM begins building lite form walls for the basement walls to be poured.
May 3, 2010: HM works on many items that may seem mundane, but are very important. Some items included: insulating a duplex garage/office area, forming a sidewalk at the duplex, organizing rummage, cleaning and organizing closets in Ikce Oyate Christian Center, cleaning and organizing the horse barn including tack and construction/tool rooms, and other miscellaneous jobs. All were needed and done well! Pouring of the cement basement floor was completed. An unfortunate accident occurred during pouring. A piece of dried cement lodged in the pumper truck and blew out the end of the pump with great force. The gentleman manning the pump hose was thrown 12 feet. His pants were ripped by rebar as he flew through the area. A scratch and bruise were his only injuries. Much cement spewed from the end of the pump, including small rocks. The area hit with this cement was the only area free of people. We praise God that no one was seriously injured. Prayer has been surrounding this project from the inception. It was evident today that the Lord is watching over everyone. We are very thankful for his provision!
May 2, 2010: Teen is baptized, making this the 10th baptism of 2010!
May 1, 2010: Chamberlain High School powwow is held in Chamberlain, SD. Hope Missions attends along with many from the Fort Thompson communities as well as the surrounding area. Hope Missions' second work group arrives in the evening.
April 30, 2010: Basement floor area is leveled and rebar is put into place.
April 29, 2010: Footings are poured as well as anchors for new permanent DWM basketball goals. Rebar is set into footings. Tiny from MO, arrived to assist the Hope Missions group. Welcome Tiny!
April 27, 2010: Leveling continues. Digging and setting of footings for pour.
April 26, 2010: Leveling of the basement addition area, with the transit begins. Rick returns home to Iowa.
April 25, 2010: Five (5) youth are baptized in the cool Missouri River.
April 24, 2010: Memorial held for Melvin Joseph.
April 23, 2010: Hope Missions (HM) initial crew of men arrive to begin work on Ikce Oyate Building Addition footings, floor and walls. Rick, from Monroe, IA also joins the group for a few days.
April 21, 2010: Wooden fencing is put around the dug out basement area for safety.
April 19-20, 2010: The day began with a local tribal member that attends DWM, singing a Dakota song and leading in prayer asking for God's blessing on the Ikce Oyate Christian Center Building Addition project and for safety. John and Brian from Huron, SD then began digging the basement for the new Building Addition. Brian ran the excavator, John ran a dump truck, and Joe Murphy joined and ran an additional dump truck as well. The extra fill dirt is being placed around the basketball court. Food for the two days was prepared by local women. Kati Walter, intern from Germany lended a hand as well.
April 18, 2010: A teen that regularly attends DWM was baptized in the cold waters of the Missouri River at Diamond Ministries beach. Air temperature in the morning was 45 degrees. Water temperature was near there. She is the sister to a teen that was baptized March 7, 2010. FCC work group returns home from their stay at DWM.
April 17, 2010: FCC work group served lunch. While the ladies helped organize the clothing that was dropped off and put pantry items away that they brought to DWM, the men worked outside removing a walkout small deck and stairs to make way for the building addition basement digging, and also rerouted downspouts. Many local teens and young ones dug a new 18 inch trench in order for the propane line to be moved for the building addition. Crafts were assembled in the afternoon while a local woman showed those interested, how to make fry bread and homemade pigs in a blanket using fry bread. FCC put on another singing night in which hymns were sung in English and Dakota, and a tasty meal of soup, fry bread, and fry bread pigs in a blanket were served.
April 17, 2010: Small group of ladies and teens from Burwell, NE drove to DWM to drop off a load of clothing for DWM. Much was brand new, still having the tags on them. We appreciate your efforts, enjoyed the visit, and are so very pleased that you brought your very best!!!!
April 16, 2010: First Christian Church (FCC) from Rapid City, SD arrives. Evening time is spent with a meal for adults followed by singing hymns in English and Dakota. FCC brought lots of food for the food pantry. Excavator arrives on site at DWM to begin the first stage of the Ikce Oyate Christian Center Building Addition, the basement and foundation.
April 15, 2010: General election for Tribal Council and Chairman.
April 14, 2010: A nice rain last night provided enough moisture to green things up. Lots of green in the fields and hills surrounding DWM. Spring looks like it is here finally!
April 13, 2010: Wind is 70 miles per hour today. Very blustery! Six (6) youth make their way to McDonalds in Chamberlain for their orientation before beginning work.
April 9, 2010: Teen birthday is celebrated with a party at DWM.
April 7, 2010: The ice is finally off the lake and the boat ramp is put into the lake today.
April 6, 2010: A Family Service and burial were held for baby Hillary Big Eagle.
April 5, 2010: Many gather to watch the final March Madness Men's basketball game. Leftovers from Easter dinner serve as the evening meal.
April 4, 2010: A special Easter dinner was held at DWM for staff, youth, and members of the community.
April 3, 2010: Many watch the Men's Basketball final four games. A special memorial meal was held at DWM in remembrance of Mary Medicine Crow. Teen night held.
April 2, 2010: BRC group leaves early in the morning. Teen boys hang out at DWM and spend the night.
April 1, 2010: The BRC group serves DWM staff a special grilled steak meal at lunchtime. Yum! Hay for the horses arrives. Many youth and BRC group members use their muscle to move the large round bales from the trailer onto DWM property. A bonfire and hotdog roast was held for youth as the BRC group winds down their activities for the week. A tribal vote was held to determine further procedures on the primary election.
March 31, 2010: Kati Walter arrives as a spring/summer intern for DWM. Kati is from Germany and comes to DWM by way of Chicago, IL, where she completed a previous internship.
March 31, 2010: Youth 10 and under have a special class during Wednesday night Bible study with the BRC group. After the lesson, several youth and BRC group members take a very quick dip in thawing Lake Sharpe, down at Diamond Willow Beach.
March 30, 2010: BRC group take on 7-10 year olds after school. Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 29, 2010: BRC group work on local home repair in Fort Thompson.
March 28, 2010: OCC group leaves after worship services concludes. BRC group take on 5-7 year olds from noon to 3pm. A family birthday party for Max was held in the late afternoon.
March 27, 2010: Girls Basketball tournament at the tribal hall. DWM donates a star quilt for the event. Saturday evening teen night. Blue Ridge Christian (BRC) arrives in the evening.
March 26, 2010: OCC group has late night teen night. Teens focus on Psalm 40, going to several small group stations, then coming together for group singing.
March 25, 2010: Chet, from Hermosa (Rapid City area), SD, arrives with a load of tires and furniture. OCC group has youth activity for teens.
March 24, 2010: Larry, from Huron, SD, arrives with a load of rummage. OCC group has another youth activity during Bible Study time.
March 23, 2010: OCC group has youth activity for younger kids. The topic this week is fear. Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 22, 2010: Ten youth filled out applications and interviewed for employment at McDonalds and Taco Johns in Chamberlain, as part of a new youth employment program. Ozark Christian College students were on hand to assist in the process. After the process was completed, all youth gathered at a local park to relax and have a picnic supper.
March 20-21, 2010: Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD arrive to help out at youth night on Saturday night as well as lend a hand on Sunday morning.
March 20-28, 2010: A group from Ozark Christian College (OCC) arrives from Joplin, MO. The group consisted of 10 college age young people, led by 2009 summer intern, Melinda "Cricket" Perry. It was good to see her back at DWM.
March 19, 2010: A temporary KELO (CBS) Television tower was erected, which enabled many Fort Thompson residents to have the ability to watch CBS for the first time since January 22, 2010. Due to an ice storm on that cold winter day, the tower collapsed leaving residents with 3 remaining channels (ABC, NBC and PBS). Adding CBS today generated much excitement!
March 19, 2010: CCST State Boys Basketball game was held in Sioux Falls, SD again Winner. CCST 48 - Winner 59. CCST boys obtained 8th in State.
March 18, 2010: Primary election for Tribal Council Members and Chairman. (Held every 2 years.) The six council members represent the three districts of the reservation: Big Bend, Crow Creek and Fort Thompson.
March 18, 2010: CCST State Boys Basketball game was held in Sioux Falls, SD, against Madison. CCST 44 - Madison 60.
March 17, 2010: Today ends a record: 96 consecutive days of temperatures below 40 degrees. Whew! Spring is here!!!!
March 16, 2010: Drum group practice for teen and youth boys; DWM board of directors meeting.
March 12, 2010: CCST District 12A Regional Girls Basketball game was held in Fort Pierre, SD, against Mobridge-Pollock. CCST 63 - Mobridge-Pollock 73.
March 9, 2010: Warmer temperatures have changed the landscape. After months of frigid temps below freezing it is finally warming up. We've had lots of rain, which has helped melt the snow. There is lots of standing water and lots and lots of mud around. It has been quite a job to keep up with the mud! :)
March 9, 2010: Drum group practice for teen and youth boys.
March 8, 2010: Crow Creek Sioux Tribe (CCST) District 12A Regional Boys Basketball game was held in Chamberlain, SD, against Miller. CCST won, 73-64. On to State Finals, March 18-19.
March 7, 2010: A teen was baptized today! It was a special day with her sister and mother in attendance.
March 6, 2010: A couple of men from the community gathered together with youth and put together a buffalo hide drum to use for singing during community gatherings. The drum has been almost a year long project beginning with obtaining a hide, soaking, scraping, and stretching the hide; making the octagon shaped drum frame; and finally stretching the hide and sewing it onto the frame. (See photos under "Crow Creek Traditions")
March 5-8, 2010: The first work group of 2010 arrived from Journey Christian Church, Wayne, NE. The group consisted of college age young people that worked with the youth over the weekend.
March 1-5, 2010: A wellness conference was held at DWM and sponsored by the local women's shelter, Wiconi Wawokiya, (Project SAFE).
February 30, 2010: Tod Wiglesworth is officially retired and working as a full-time volunteer at DWM. His passion is working with the teens of our community. We are thankful to have another full-time staff member. Tod formerly worked as a truck driver during the week and volunteered his time on weekends at DWM. Welcome Tod to the full-time DWM family.
February 23-26, 2010: Wake and funeral services for Mary "Bunny" Staples-Johnson, age 69, held at DWM.
February 20-21, 2010: Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD arrive at DWM for a visit to assist in Saturday evening youth night and enjoy fellowship during services on Sunday.
February 15-20, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update with the Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, FL.
February 13-14, 2010: Chet and Betty Jo from Hermosa, SD along with Chet's daughter Donna from Black Hawk, SD arrive Saturday to discuss planning for the electrical work to be done on the new Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition. Donna on Sunday was able to share a flute rendition of "Amazing Grace" which was enjoyed by all.
February 14, 2010: Two youth were baptized.
February 12-13, 2010: Youth ski trip to Sioux Falls. All youth attending were required to volunteer a set number of hours of service work at Diamond Willow Ministries over the last several weeks.
February 10, 2010: Mitchell J. Quilt, age 58, brother to Terry Quilt passed away. Service will be held at a later date.
February 10, 2010: DWM was able to distribute blankets to those in need after the regularly scheduled Bible Study time. Blankets were donated by friends of DWM from Huron Christian Church, Huron, SD. Thank you all for your generosity!
February 9, 2010: A youth reward night was held for those youth over the last several weeks that have attended a required number of youth classes, have had exceptional behavior, and have memorized the verse for each week. This evening's reward was a trip to the Chamberlain bowling alley for bowling and pizza.
February 9, 2010: Rod and Val Vaughn attend the annual Pastor's Day at the SD State Capitol.
February 7, 2010: A Super Bowl Party was held at DWM. A family event with food and fun!
February 7, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on DWM at Huron Christian Church, Huron, SD.
February 2, 2010: A Youth Night for those 10 and under was held at DWM. A time for a small group of youth to interact with food, games and quality attention time.
January 31, 2010: Unexpected load of clothing, food and fresh fruit and vegetables arrives at DWM for disbursement to the community. We thank the many from MN that made these donations possible.
January 31, 2010: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on DWM at churches in Mason City, Clear Lake and Fertile, IA.
January 28-30, 2010: Wake and funeral services held for Pauline Shields, 61, sister to Terry Quilt of Fort Thompson, SD. Services were held at DWM.
January 27, 2010: Trusses for the new Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition arrive for storage until spring.
January 25, 2010: A small group of youth came together to watch a movie and have supper at DWM.
January 24, 2010: A get together was held at DWM to watch the NFL playoffs. Lots of food and fun. Later in the evening during the second NFL game, the young folks went to the tribal hall gym to play basketball.
January 23, 2010: Family birthday party held at DWM for a local youth. An Indian Taco Feast, cake and ice cream were available for guests as well as games. Pin the tail on the donkey and musical chairs were a lot of fun!
January 22, 2010: The KELO (CBS) Television tower located just across the river, collapsed due to an ice storm. It will be several months before a new tower can be erected.
January 20, 2010: Birthday party held at DWM for two local youth. Although the weather outside was cold and very icy, the kids had fun. It was a special celebration.
January 19, 2010: A Youth Night for youngsters 10 years old and under was held at DWM. This is a time for our those younger to get quality attention in a small group setting. Food, games and fun are the agenda for the evening.
January 18, 2010: An ice fishing tournament was held with 43 youth and 27 adults in attendance. Many local community organizations participated by donating food and prizes. Several games were played by youth and adults with prizes for top placings. The fish weren't biting much, but the attendees were. Three roasters of chili were consumed along with 100 hot dogs, cookies and pastries. The only fish caught were perch. Prizes were awarded to youth for the 3 largest fish caught as well as the smallest fish caught. Prizes for adults were awarded for the 2 largest fish caught. A great time was had by all.
January 10, 2010: A sledding day was held Sunday afternoon. Sledding was commenced on a very large hill near the Bad Nation area. A bonfire was built for warmth and roasting hotdogs. With the steepness of the hill it added to the fun and exercise. Later in the afternoon snowmobiles were used to traffic sledders to the top of the hill, which added greatly to the fun.
January 7-9, 2010: Wake and Funeral services held for Clifford Metcalf, age 56.
January 6, 2010: Wednesday night Bible Study cancelled due to subzero temperatures and high winds.
December 29-31, 2009: Summer intern Melinda "Cricket" Perry, her father Rob and "Toast" (Ashtyn) came to visit DWM from Iowa. They entertained, fed and spent time with many youth from the reservation as well as conducted youth class on Wednesday night.
December 29-31, 2009: Wake and Funeral services held for Alvin "PeeWee" Fallis, Sr., age 72.
December 28-29, 2009: Wake and Funeral services held for Sharon Hawk, age 53.
December 23, 2009: Ken and Sharon Reed's daughter and family arrived for a visit from Kansas. They generously supplied a holiday feast for Bible Study Night. After the feasting was complete, the story of Christ's birth was read from Luke 2 by Rod's mother Joyce. The lesson shared was one of sharing the joy of Christ with others. About 50 local adults and children attended. Following the lesson, Christmas presents were put on tables. Starting with the elders first, the little ones next and on up to age 50, each took turns picking out items to share with relatives. The atmosphere was festive and peaceful. It was heartwarming to see individuals with joy, selecting special treasures for their loved ones. Especially the children enjoyed obtaining gifts to give their family members. Of course children rarely have money to purchase gifts, so the gift of giving was really special for them. A special thanks to Richie the barefoot and all those that joined him in providing the gifts all the way from Indiana. Thanks also goes out to a local group from Chamberlain that supplied additional gifts.
December 23, 2009: Funeral for Everett DeWitt.
December 19-21, 2009: Two nights of wake services with funeral following were held for Glenda Felicia, age 49.
December 19, 2009: A group of 21 youth and 4 sponsors attended a movie in Pierre SD, as a treat for Youth Night.
December 15-18, 2009: Lakota Nation Invitational Basketball tournament held in Rapid City, SD.
December 14-15, 2009: Suicide Prevention Training held at DWM.
December 13, 2009: Christmas play, feed and bonfire held at DWM. Four inches of snow falls.
December 12, 2009: The Missouri River (Lake Sharpe) frozen all the way across.
December 7-13, 2009: Weather turns colder with temperatures hovering at zero and wind chill factors near minus 5 degrees.
December 7, 2009: Wake services were held for Kenneth O. Taylor at the community center in Crow Creek. The second night of wakes services will be held in Lake Andes on December 8th, with burial at Greenwood on December 9th.
December 6, 2009: A car accident occurred early Sunday morning just a mile from DWM. Five teenagers were involved in the crash, with three individuals being ejected from the vehicle. Please pray for these individuals and their families.
December 3, 2009: Flurries of snow. Winter is almost upon us.
November 28, 2009: The Boys & Girls Club held a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Three young men from DWM were able to secure trophys for the 6th-8th grade division. Congratulations Guys!
November 25, 2009: A community Thanksgiving supper was held during the Wednesday night Bible Study time.
November 23, 2009: The walls built at the Teen Convention at Peoria, IL arrived safely to DWM. The walls were unloaded by several volunteers from the community. Our thanks to the Teen Convention for organizing the building of the walls through Crossroads Missions, the teens for building the walls, and George and Sons Transportation for trucking the walls to DWM without charge!
November 22, 2009: Rod Vaughn was able to share an update on Diamond Willow Ministries at Creve Coeur Christian Church, Creve Coeur, IL.
November 19-22, 2009: DWM takes the tipi to Peoria, IL to the National Missionary Convention as a fundraising event. All board members with the exception of one were able to attend as well as local DWM staff, three (3) local Fort Thompson community members and the Vaughn children with the exception of Tim. The tipi served to draw much attention. Many new acquaintances were made, many friendships from past work groups were further developed and lots of planning was carried out for the Ikce Oyate Christian Center building addition slated for spring of 2010. The interior and exterior walls for the addition were built at the Teen Convention in Peoria, free of charge
November 14, 2009: Reward Youth Pizza Party held this afternoon. Youth are awarded a special event or outing after maintaining attendance and memorizing a set number of scripture verses.
November 10-12, 2009: Wake and funeral services held for Norman Gene Willson Jr, age 66. He always enjoyed singing the Dakota Hymns.
November 9, 2009: Youth from DWM assist in moving a horse shed for the use of Red Cloud a Sioux-lineage Curly Horse.
November 7, 2009: Youth from DWM were invited to a football game in Brookings, SD by DWM friends Bob & Hahn. South Dakota State University against Southern Illinois. SDSU won with a score of 34-15. Four youth attended along with Youth Director, Joe Murphy.
October 30-31, 2009: A family service and funeral were held for Roscoe "Doc" Dean, Jr., age 92, in Wessington Springs, SD. Doc was a special friend to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, serving the health needs of our community for three generations. We will miss him very much!
October 28, 2009: A new device, an apple slicer, corer and peeler is given to DWM. The new contraption enabled folks to slice, core, and peel apples. The device was widely used on it's debut at the weekly Wednesday night Bible Study. Two bags of apples were eaten by young and old, which encouraged healthy eating.
October 25, 2009: A group from Worthington, MN arrives at DWM to discuss partnering for quilting classes. Dalany celebrates her 5th birthday at DWM with Indian Tacos and birthday cake.
October 24, 2009: Local young men gather to cut wood as a service to community member.
October 20-22, 2009: Wakes and funeral held for Karen Felicia, age 43, leaving four young boys.
October 16-17, 2009: Men's retreat at Camp Kinship in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Nineteen (19) attended. Of those thirteen (13) were young men and six (6) were adults.
October 15, 2009: Dave and Leo from the Bismark, ND area arrived at DWM to discuss possible future horse program ideas.
October 13-14, 2009: Liz from Nebraska pays a visit to DWM on her way to a wedding in SD. We were pleased to visit and catch up on her life as well enjoyed her help with Wednesday night youth activities.
October 3-4, 2009: DWM hosts a Hunter's Safety Class. Twenty Eight (28) youth and adults attended the class. There was so much interest we will be making this an annual event.
September 25-26, 2009: Women from DWM attended a retreat sponsored by Oakwood Park Christian Church of Sioux Falls, SD. The retreat was held at Inspiration Hills Retreat Center, Inwood, IA. Six (6) ladies attended the event.
September 24-25, 2009: Wake and funeral was held for Lois Medicine Crow Marion.
September 23-25, 2009: Joe and Jimmy from Georgia blessed DWM with an initial fact finding trip to prepare for a future work group trip to DWM.
September 4-6, 2009: Annual DWM Board of Directors Meeting.
August 31-September 2, 2009: Wakes and funeral was held for Rita Fallis.
August 30, 2009: The 50th wedding anniversary of Ken and Sharon Reed, volunteer DWM staff was observed. Their years of marriage celebration was a testament to their love and devotion to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. They were honored with a special golden 50th wedding anniversary cross as well as a photo of their DWM church family.
August 14-16, 2009: Fort Thompson Powwow is held. The DWM tent was setup at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free ice water and coffee all weekend long. A worship service was held under the tent on Sunday morning after breakfast was served.
August 9, 2009: Cricket Perry returns home and then on to Christian College to begin the fall semester. We will miss you Cricket! :(
August 8, 2009: Local boxing Tough Man favorite, Farley Hawk fights in Rumble on the Rez in Fort Thompson. He is able to procure a victory along with a few other locals.
August 8, 2009: A family from the Elmendorf, Hutterite colony of MN visited DWM. They brought fresh produce including lots of sweet corn, which was a favorite among many. They were able to join others from the community for a swim in the Missouri River before returning home. A great time was had by all!
August 3-5, 2009: Family Camp and Tubing trip held. Families and youth from Crow Creek made the trek to Nebraska for two overnight camp stays, plus inner tube riding down the Loup River. Thirty (30) members of the community attended. Although it rained both nights, campers got wet and obtained little sleep, it was deemed a success. Interest in more family activities was generated.
July 31-August 2, 2009: Big Bend Powwow in the outlying Big Bend District of the Crow Creek Sioux Reservation. The DWM tent was setup at the powwow. Free pancake breakfasts were served as well as free ice water and coffee all weekend long.
July 30, 2009: Local folks and visiting work group members gather for a fish fry at DWM.
July 27-30, 2009: Junior camp in the Black Hills was held. Aaron Vaughn, Cricket Perry, Summer Youth Intern and Cricket's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Perry were sponsors. Eleven (11) campers attended.
July 26-August 2, 2009: Coal Run Church of Christ arrives from Pikeville, KY. They spend most of their time in the community working on homes. They built decks, applied tile, hung screen doors, replaced bathroom subflooring, and replaced linoleum to name a few items.
July 19-25, 2009: Unity Christian Church from Cynthiana, KY arrives. They provide youth programming assistance, help work on finishing up the temporary office space in Gail Griner's DWM duplex garage, and help with various odd jobs at DWM. They also provided a special evening meal on their last night, including a special cheesecake creations. Yum!
July 19-24, 2009: Junior High camp in the Black Hills was held. Joe Murphy, Youth Director, Cricket Perry, Youth Summer Intern and Kristen from Indianapolis, IN were sponsors. Eleven (11) campers attended.
July 19, 2009: Local folks and visiting work group gather for a fish BBQ/birthday party for Rachel Vaughn and Farley Hawk.
July 17, 2009: Local folks attend Zuchinni supper at Vaughn home.
July 12-17, 2009: Senior High camp in the Black Hills was held. Joe Murphy, Youth Director, along with Hahn from Brookings, SD were sponsors. Five (5) campers attended.
July 13, 2009: Youth from the community work on Gail Griner's DWM duplex garage, turning it into a temporary office until the office space in the building addition is complete. Youth learned how to properly drywall, tape and paint.
July 12, 2009: A special Dakota language singing night was held at DWM.
July 11, 2009: Cricket Perry takes ill while out of town, a few hours away from DWM. She is hospitalized for several hours, gave us quite a scare, but all has been righted. We were thankful for the special care she received. Incidents like this one bring families closer together. God is good.
July 10, 2009: A local young man, Shawn Hawk fought valiantly at an ESPN2 televised fight. Local folks and the visiting work group gathered around the big screen television at DWM in order to see history made. Although Shawn did not win the fight, the community is proud that a local member was able to take part in such an opportunity.
July 8-18, 2009: Ringgold Chrurch of Christ from Hagerstown, MD arrived. They were involved in making many things happen focusing mostly on the youth of the reservation communities. They did many things among them were a Girl's Night in which the young men served the young ladies a special homemade supper, delivering sandwiches to local neighborhoods (this gave them an opportunity to get to know folks in their own environments as well as make new connections), and providing an annual carnival day that is greatly anticipated each year by youth and adults alike.
July 6, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a fish fry which also included the visiting work group and the Perrys.
July 5-7, 2009: Cricket Perry's parents arrive for a visit to DWM, assisting in many ways.
July 5, 2009: An adult man, Dale Stands, from the community is baptized.
July 4, 2009: Community members as well as the visiting work group attended the annual July 4th Demolition Derby. Executive Director Rod Vaughn was involved as Master of Ceremonies. It was his first time at the job. He did super! The evening concluded with a large community firework display. Although there were several misfires which were unnerving, no one was hurt. We were very thankful for that!
June 29-July 7, 2009: Church of Christ at Manor Woods in Rockville, MD arrived. Their group was able to continue to paint wooden crosses to mark graves at the local cemetery. They mowed and weedeated at the cemetery as well as installed all the painted crosses. The cemetery looks wonderful and well kept. Community members were very grateful for all the hard work. The group was also involved with youth activities during the week of their stay.
June 29, 2009: The community held the first annual Community Safety Day. DWM took part by setting up a tent for shade and assisting by feeding all the participants. Community Safety Day brings together members from several agencies, programs, and groups in order to inform and train community members on safe and healthy life choices. Paddle boat rides were given, a rapelling wall was available, horse rides, and a host of other informative and fun exhibits.
June 25, 2009: Local folks gathered at Good Soldier Campground for an afternoon and evening cookout, which included waterskiing, fishing, and horseshoes.
June 22-27, 2009: A group from Greencastle Christian Church in Greencastle, IN arrived. The group was comprised of 5 families with children. They were able to paint crosses that will mark graves at a local cemetery, and work with the youth in small groups doing activities such as fishing.
June 21, 2009: One adult in her 20's was baptized in the Missouri River.
June 19, 2009: Larry Suazo leaves for Oklahoma. Thank you Larry for all your volunteer service.
June 18, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a Fish Fry, which was also attended by the visiting work group.
June 14, 2009: Liz and Laura from Nebraska arrive to stay at DWM as short term summer interns for almost 3 weeks. They will assist Joe Murphy and Cricket Perry with youth programming.
June 13-21, 2009: A group from Kingsway Christian Church in Indianapolis, IN arrived. The group split into two smaller groups. One group took a collection of youth to the Black Hills of South Dakota for a summer camp. Kingsway puts together their own "summer camp", makes all the arrangements and does a great job with the youth. The focus is growing spiritually and leadership training. The second group stayed at DWM. They worked on installing a new sound system at DWM, and additionally worked on making a survey of a local cemetery which will be instrumental in marking existing graves as well as those in the future.
June 11, 2009: Local folks gathered at DWM for a Fish Fry. There is nothing better than walleye fried in peanut oil in a turkey fryer.
June 11, 2009: DWM was able to assist the community by setting up the DWM tent at the "Pit Stop", an official stop on the Tour de Kota, a 425 mile bicycle tour through South Dakota, with approximately 800 bicycles in attendance.
June 9, 2009: A Sweet and Sour Pheasant Feed was held at DWM.
June 8, 2009: A Girls Night was held for young girls aged 8-14.
June 8, 2009: A Girls Night was held for young girls aged 8-14.
June 7, 2009: Three adults in their 20's were baptized. Eldon Shaw a Christian Illusionist from Antigua and the West Indies visited DWM. He presented a message in an unusual and entertaining form to the delight of young and old.
June 6, 2009: A group of girls had a "dog washing" party. DWM's dog Fluffy, Joe Murphy's dog Big Tongue and one of the girls' dogs named Pearl were washed with the assistance of Cricket. Finding fun ways to get a job done makes it much easier to do!
June 5, 2009: Local folks gather for a cookout at the Vaughn home.
June 3, 2009: An evening of bow and arrow making was held at DWM for teen boys.
June 1-5, 2009: A group from Kimball, MN arrived. They joined the work group at DWM and worked steadily on the wheelchair ramp, and also assisted with youth activities as well as food preparation during the week.
June 1, 2009: A Girls Night was held for young girls aged 8-12. The visiting work groups with Cricket, DWM's Summer Youth Intern, pulled off a night of fun and learning for the girls.
May 31, 2009: A group of 15 youth put on a play for a dinner held to honor of the elderly in our community.
May 31-June 4, 2009: A group of two ladies from the Kansas City area joined the work group at DWM to assist with youth activities, work on a house in the community and daily food preparation at DWM.
May 30-June 4, 2009: A group from Mason City, IA arrived. They worked on the wheelchair ramp, held youth activities, and worked on a house in the community. A few men from the work group also slept under the stars each night with young boys and teens from the community.
May 29, 2009: An evening of beading and instruction on making moccasins was held at DWM.
May 23-29, 2009: A group from High Ridge, MO arrived. They were instrumental in helping with the Memorial Day Celebration at All Saints Cemetery, held many youth activities, and worked on a house in the community while at DWM.
May 25, 2009: Memorial Day Celebration held at All Saints Cemetery. The forcast called for rain, so DWM set up the tent at the cemetery. Lots of food, fun, and quite a celebration honoring veterans, and remembering family and friends that have passed on.
May 20, 2009: DWM youth work mowing a few community lawns as well as the All Saints Cemetery in preparation for Memorial Day activities.
May 18, 2009: Youth from the community learn how to properly scrape a buffalo hide.
May 16-23, 2009: A group from Hagerstown, MD arrived. They insulated the bunkhouse during their stay. The bunkhouse will now be much cooler in the summer and will be available for use during the winter months as well. Thank you!
May 14-15, 2009: Rod Vaughn and Joe Murphy led a group of 10 young men from the community on a "survivor" Band of Brothers trip, hiking from the "west bend" of the Missouri River to the "east bend". They took little food, slept out under the stars, and lived off the land. It was an arduous trip physically, but many lessons were learned along the way. The trip was such a hit, it will be held annually.
May 14-23 2009: Bob from MO, and DWM Board Member Larry Suazo from OK arrived. They worked together insulating the ceiling in the entryway of the Christian Center, maintenance on a house in the community and began working on the Christian Center's outdoor wheelchair ramp. They also did a lot of fishing in the evenings with men and boys from the community.
May 10, 2009: Bookmarks from Ormond Beach, FL are give out to mother's after Mother's Day worship service. Farley Hawk is baptized.
May 9-16, 2009: Two couples from Ormond Beach, FL arrived. The men worked on odds and ends maintenance projects at DWM and also a home in the community. The ladies worked hard sewing costumes for the annual December Christmas program. The group also had a Kids Night on May 12th for 7-10 year olds.
May 9, 2009: DWM youth haul horse manure for local gardens in the community as a service project.
May 4-7, 2009: Jack from Cynthiana, KY makes a short fact finding trip for his work group trip later in the summer.
April 22, 2009: Melvin Joseph, a Christian man in our community passed away. Wakes and funeral were held April 25, 26 & 27, 2009. He will be greatly missed!
April 19, 2009: Curly horse Dancer is not progressing and healing as we had hoped from her injury on April 5th (see below). Hopefully with a few changes in her care she will begin the healing process.
April, 18-19, 2009: A group from the Burwell, NE area arrived to assist DWM with youth activities, classes, and the food pantry. Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD also spent the weekend at DWM lending a hand.
April 18, 2009: Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Annual Sobriety Walk was held at 3pm. Members from the community walked from the Spirit of Circle Monument to the Community Hall showing their support.
April 16, 2009: The women's group met together for a lesson and craft. This month each lady was able to loom bead a bracelet.
April 10, 2009: Night of drum stick making at DWM for the teen boys.
April 5, 2009: Curly Horse mare Dancer was injured in the leg by a barbed wire fence. With the recent blizzard, not vets were able to get out and make a "house" call for the injured horse. Local community members came together, volunteered to provide penicillin, and their expertise in giving shots.
April 4, 2009: Blizzard and Snow Storm, 10 inches of snow.
April 3, 2009: Rachel Vaughn baptized.
April 1, 2009: Rod Vaughn and Joe Murphy took a group of 7 youth throughout the Fort Thompson Community to shovel snow after the Blizzard and Snow Storm. The youth spent 4 hours shoveling snow at the local post office, grocery store, Mary Manor housing, Golden Age Center (where elderly are served a free noon meal), 3 local homes, and Diamond Willow Ministries. It was a rewarding, positive experience in serving our community.
March 31, 2009: Blizzard and Snow Storm.
March 22-26, 2009: A group of young people from Blue Ridge Christian, Columbia, MO spent their spring break at DWM working with youth.
March 20-28, 2009: Keith from Denver, PA arrived to assist DWM in constructing a basketball court, just south of the Ikce Oyate Christian Center walk out basement. With the help of several men and young men from the community, the full-court was completed by the end of the week. Several bouts of rain dampened spirits, but God was faithful and the court was poured without any problems. Funds for the court were donated in memory of Cory Big Eagle who died in a car accident on August 3, 2008.
March 20, 2009: "Girls Night" at DWM. "The Cricket Club" provided a special meal for girls and women. Girls had special lessons, crafts and games. After the meal time, the women split off from the girls, with Sharon Reed sharing a lesson and craft time.
March 14-23: "The Cricket Club", 5 female college students from Ozark Christian College in Joplin, MO spent their spring break at DWM working with the youth.
March 13-15: Jason spent the weekend at DWM for a preliminary work group planning trip. He will be bringing a group from Mason City, IA at the end of May. Bob & Hahn from Brookings, SD also spent the weekend at DWM lending a hand.
March 6 & 7, 2009: Wake and Funeral for Mary Jane Medicine Crow.
March 3, 4 & 5, 2009: Wake and Funeral for Karen Kirkie.
February 13-14, 2009: Youth ski trip in Sioux Falls, and service project working at a soup kitchen serving a noon meal. To be eligible to attend the trip, the youth completed various cleaning jobs at DWM for a total of 5 hours each.
January 31, 2009: Youth Ice Fishing Tournament for youth 16 and under.
January 27, 28 & 29, 2009: Wake and funeral for Gilbert McBride.
January 16 & 17, 2009: Wake and funeral for Sharon Bucholz.
January 1, 2009: Adult Ice Fishing Tournament.