In recent years, the FBI’s Internet Complaint Center Report has recorded a yearly average of 290,000 reports of various types of fraud, from fake used car ads on Craigslist, to email messages impersonating FBI officials, to phone messages about the IRS filing a lawsuit on someone for owing taxes that are not owed. Of these, more than 115,000 involved some financial loss. The typical loss was $600, but for some kinds of scams, the figure was much higher, adding up to more than $525 million lost.

On Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m., the Town ‘N Kountry Kids 4-H Blue Group is hosting an Internet/phone safety course in Letcher at the newly remodeled community center. Everyone seventh grade up to adult is welcome, and, although it is suggested for grades seven and eight, high schoolers, parents, grandparents, and interested community members are encouraged to attend. It is free to the public. 

Toby Russell of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation will be speaking about very serious, mature topics; therefore, no one under grade seven should attend. 

Snacks will be provided by 4-H families.

The Town ‘N Kountry Kids Red Crew 4-H Club met on Friday, April 20, at the community center in Woonsocket. Prior to the meeting, the club enjoyed a scalloped potato and ham meal provided by Leader Jen Sandness, and sides by the Senska, Ohlrogge, Burkel and Hunter families.

The meeting was called to order by President Nathan Linke. The Flag Pledge was led by Blake Larson, and the 4-H Pledge was led by Devyn Brooks. Roll call was led by Vice President Xavier Baysinger with the topic, “favorite song or singing group,” which was answered by 23 members.  

The secretary’s report was read by Brooklyn Swenson and approved as read. The treasurer’s report was given by Acaiya Schultz and approved as presented.

A health report was given by Henry Hunter. A report was given by Sutton Senska on Shooting Sports. Hope Baysinger told the club about what she learned at the Babysitting Clinic.

For old business, the club discussed rescheduling the trip to visit McCrossan Boys Ranch and Air Madness. The community service project to take the residents for a walk to and around the lake will be scheduled in May.  

Under new business, the club discussed setting up a schedule for barrel setting for a fundraiser over Memorial Day weekend. They talked about the fun of 4-H Camp and TLC and encouraged members to attend.  State Fair books were handed out. The Special Foods contest scheduled for May 23 was discussed.  There is a combined 4-H/Farmers Union county day on May 22.  Members were asked to consider presenting a mini workshop during the morning 4-H portion. The next meeting will be scheduled in May.

Following the meeting, Luke Larson presented “How to Press a Plant,” explaining how to prepare a plant to exhibit for Range Science. Lane Burkel gave an illustrated talk, “Say Cheese” on how to exhibit for Photography. Sutton Senska delivered a presentation on “Archery and Compound Bow.” Evan Ohlrogge presented an illustrated talk, “Maintaining your Lawn Mower.”

…See pictures of the meeting in this week’s issue of the Sanborn Weekly Journal!