August 2016

novak gibson

Jennifer Gibson and Matt Novak following the birth of their son in January – SANBORN WEEKLY JOURNAL FILE PHOTO

Jennifer Gibson, 26, of Woonsocket has been named as the victim in a Sanborn County homicide.

Matthew Walter Novak, 33, also of Woonsocket was taken into custody about 10:30 a.m. this morning following a short stand-off with state and local police at a residence at 206 S. 3rd Ave, Woonsocket. He has been charged with one count of second degree murder, punishable by a mandatory life sentence.

A SWAT team, along with members of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and police from the Sanborn and Jerauld counties, locked down a block-wide area west of Woonoscket’s main street and a block south of the courthouse, while they diffused the situation.

Local police received a call around 9 or 9:15 this morning, reporting that there may be a situation at the home. The home is owned by Colleen Gibson, Jennifer’s mother, but neighbors say she and Matt and their four children lived there.

Sanborn County Sheriff's Deputy Naif Alatta guards the perimeter of the crime scene as Deputy Jason Coenen exits the house.

Sanborn County Sheriff’s Deputy Naif Alatta guards the perimeter of the crime scene as Deputy Jason Coenen exits the house.

Woonsocket High School, which is a block and a half away from the residence, went into a self-imposed lockdown for about 10 minutes, until police were able to arrest Novak. He was led in handcuffs by Sheriff Tom Fridley to the county courthouse a half-block away.

Novak was recognized in January by local media as fathering the first baby born in 2016 at Huron Regional Medical Center.

Authorities are still on the scene as the investigation continues. According to the Sanborn County State’s Attorney, Novak will likely appear in court around mid-September.

 

Bethany Lutheran Church razed after 106 years of service

Church has served Bethany Lutheran’s congregation since 1934

Crowds gathered throughout the day to watch the demolition process, some with tearful, pensive expressions. The knowledge of the instability of the bell hanging from weakening supports in the tower, rotting window casings and a crumbling, cracking foundation was the reality, but watching the demise of a gathering place of worshipers for generations caused some contemplative reflection.
At this time, plans are incomplete for the next use of the corner lot in Woonsocket, but whatever decisions are made, the Bethany Lutheran Church building left some wonderful memories and a legacy for mission.

…See more pictures and learn more about the church’s history in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal.

THE MOMENT the steeple came down was a tough one for many in the community and was caught on cameras and video from a number of angles.

THE MOMENT the steeple came down was a tough one for many in the community and was caught on cameras and video from a number of angles.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket is making history this fall sports season, fielding their first ever cross country team.
While individual runners from Woonsocket School have competed in years past, this is the very first year cross country has been offered at Sanborn Central. Together, the schools have enough runners to make up a team.
It takes at least four boys and four girls to be considered a team, although individual runners can compete at meets.
It’s been a successful start so far for the team, with a good showing at their first meet, the Mitchell Invite. Five girls and six boys are signed up to run for the Blackhawks this fall.
The team is coached by Shelley Schlicht, assisted by Emily Olson. The team’s full schedule is as follows:
Aug. 27: Mitchell Invite.
Sept. 3: CBH – Plankinton, 10 a.m.
Sept. 7: 281 – Wessington Springs, 10 a.m.
Sept. 13: Arlington, 4 p.m.
Sept. 21: Dell Rapids, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 28: Colman/Egan, 1 p.m.
Oct. 3: Howard, 3 p.m.
Oct. 12: Regions at Gettysburg, 1 p.m.
Oct. 22: State, 2 p.m.

THE FIRST SCW Cross Country team is pictured above, bottom, right to left: Kayla Olson, Sydney Zeller, Trinity Boschee; middle: Braxton Gentles, Austin Schmit, Malachi Bruce, Brayden Eagle; back: Megan Poyer, Tater Moody, Myah Selland, Spens Schlicht. Not pictured: Coach Shelley Schlicht.

THE FIRST SCW Cross Country team is pictured above, bottom, right to left: Kayla Olson, Sydney Zeller, Trinity Boschee; middle: Braxton Gentles, Austin Schmit, Malachi Bruce, Brayden Eagle; back: Megan Poyer, Tater Moody, Myah Selland, Spens Schlicht. Not pictured: Coach Shelley Schlicht.

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