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January 5~Brady and Weston Bierema both placed at recent wrestling meets.

January 12~Avon community welcomed Pirate Prep, LLC, a new daycare center. Avon School welcomed Jordan Kortan as the new business manager. Bargain Shoppe donated $4,000 to Avon Ambulance Department. Brady Bierema and Tyler Tjeerdsma brought home the medal from their last match in Elk Point. Lady Pirates roped Colome Cowgirls 65-13. Alexa Sees, Brady Cameron, Keely Bares, Hanna Powers, Bethany Wynia, Sammantha Schryvers and TobieWelchwerenamedtothe University of South Dakota Dean's List. Katey Wormsbecher was named to the President's Academic Honors list at DakotaStateUniversity.Olivia Jurrens was named to the SD Mines Dean's List.

January 19~Lady Pirates defeat Scotland Highlanders 48-37, the boys fell to Scotland 33-55. Kiara Driesen and Eli Watchorn were this week's Senior Spotlight. Cade Faulkner is a new student at Avon School District. Coach Becky Haenfler coaches junior high girls to a winning season. Tyler Tjeerdsma placed 2nd at Tri-Valley Invite.

January 26~Pirates pulled away with close victories over AC/DC. Tiffany Pelton was selected to VB All-State Team (honorable mention). Tara and Frank Wiebenga announced the birth of their baby girl, Ivy Lynne, born January 16th. Brady Bierema placed 4th at Winner Invite. BHSA Youth placed 3rd at Huron Dual Tourney.

February 2~One-Act Play castadvancestoStateFestival. Haleigh Tjeerdsma and Noah Watchorn received Superior Actor Awards at Regions. Senior Spotlight shines on Keegan McAdaragh. Pirate Cheer Camp was held and students performed during half time break of girls basketball game.

February 9~Bon Homme- Yankton Electric Association recognized Katie Gretschmann as Scholar of the Week.Cardshowerwasheldfor Conrad Meyer's 75th birthday. MyrtleReiffwasrecognizedas FanoftheGame.AvonLibrary received donation for $1,515 in memoryofSaraSoukup.Kacie Mudder was named to SDSU Dean's List. Brady Bierema and Tyler Tjeerdsma placed 4th at Yankton Invite. Pirate boys basketball team come out victorious against rival Bon Homme.

February 16~Card shower was held for Jim and Jean Christjans for their 60th wedding anniversary. Parents night was held during double header with TDA. Reese Powers and Katie Gretschmann received scholarships. Avon One-Act Play brings home the Gold from State One-Act Play Festival. Taylor VanDuysen and Justin Ferwerda were named high school student of the month. Alexis Vanderlei and Jake Namminga were awardedmiddleschoolstudent of the month.

February 23~Science Fair was held February 15th. BH Co. 4-H Horse Power Quick bowl team won 3rd place at Black Hills Stock Show. Brady Bierema and Tyler Tjeerdsma advanced to State Wrestling Tournament.

March 2~Senior Spotlights on Haleigh Tjeerdsma and Makayla Kopp. Seniors serenaded in seven cities. Tiffany Pelton recognized by National Girls/Women in Sports Day. Easton Sees and Haden Cahoy were January students of the month for the middle and high school. Mason Johnson and NettyLanewererecognizedas January student of the month fortheelementaryschool.Lady Pirates advance to SoDak 16 after win over Platte/Geddes.

March 9~Bargain Shopped donated $500 to Avon After Prom parties. Riley Namminga graduated from SDSU with Bachelor of Science, SAFES degree. Avon Fire Department held their annual banquet. Meadow View Manor received a generous donation from the Women's Missionary Fellowship of the Danzig Baptist Church.

March 16~Jim Swanson finished building a nine unit storage facility southeast of Avon. Alex and Becky Petrik announce the birth of their son, Olliver Raymond, born February 28th. Tiffany Pelton and Courtney Sees were selected for the Great Plains All-Conference Basketball Team. Senior Spotlight shines on Riley Rucktaeschel.

March 23~Eleven wrestlers from Avon qualified for the Youth Wrestling State Tournament. Alyson(Stahl)Powers was named to Dean's List at ICC.

March 30~Prom Night 2022 was held with theme 'Unlock the Enchanted Night'. Senior Spotlight shines on Trinity ChaissonandRachaelDeJong. Avon Science Club members attend Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

April 6~Avon 6-12 Spring Concert was held. Farmers Pride announced purchase of Avon Farmers Elevator. A cardshowerwasheldforAlvin Jonkers' 80th birthday. Steve Mach is retiring from St. Michael's Hospital Rehab team. Bathroomupdatesarecompleted atMeadowViewManor.The Big and Little Dance was held for Grades PK-6.

April 13~Shelly Poppe named 2022 Avon Invitational Honorary Referee. Sara Hento honored as finalist in Remarkable Women Contest of KELO. Reilly Collier recently joined the Avon Junior Class. Senior Spotlight shines on Lincoln Thury. AHS and Post Prom presented Dinner Theater.

April20~PUCresolvesAvon's Farmers Cooperative Elevator receivership with no losses to producers.AvonChamberheld their annual Easter Egg Hunt. LilaVanderlei,KaeliWallinga, CarmindyFerwerdaandErica Cahoy brought home 3rd at the USDMathematicscontest.Lila Vanderlei earned 2nd place in the individual portion of the contest. McKenna Kocmich placed 5th in recently golf tournament held in Mitchell.

April 27~Senior Spotlight shines on Reece Loewe. Senior trip lands class in Maryville, MO. Elementary Spring Concert was held.

May 4~Avon Lion's Club Fun Fest was held. AHS Pops Concert was presented.

May 11~18 Seniors are set to graduate this year. Loretta Knodel receives Teacher of the Year Award. Retirement Open house was held for Lisa Einrem from the Community Bank. 80th Birthday card shower was held for Irene Kocmich. Four new members were sworn into City Council, they are: Kevin Tjeerdsma, IleneMuller,DennisDodgeand RandyBerndt.KimmyTolsma andSarahSwiertrektoHawaii for week-long choir trip. 2022 Pirate Awards Banquet was held. The Senior Class attended a Baccalaureate Service in theirhonor.McKennaKocmich placed 4th in Burke/PG Invite. Trevor Eggers placed 13th in the Avon/BH JV Invite.

May 18~Hats off to the AHS Class of 2022: Samantha Brodeen, Trinity Chaisson, Kiara Driesen, Katie Gretschmann, Reece Loewe, Keegan McAdaragh,ReesePowers, Riley Rucktaeschel, Haleigh Tjeerdsma, Haden Cahoy, Rachael DeJong, Justin Ferwerda, Makayla Kopp, Paden Long, Tiffany Pelton, Tiffany Ridgway, Lincoln Thury and Eli Watchorn. Derecho Storm hits and leaves a lot of damage behind.AvonhostsFt.Randall Track meet.

May25~AvonSchoolwishes farewell to Melissa Storley, Tina Cameron and Tamara Carns. Katie Gretschmann was recognized for Academic Excellence. Elmer and Bernice Tolsma celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Airenna Santos and KaCee Zacharias recently graduated from Lake Area Tech College. Jared Mudder and MacKenzie Jager recently graduated from Mitchell Tech. A kindergarten graduation program was held.

June 1~Lyle Mensch celebrated his 80th birthday June 4th. Track and football fields press box comes down after storm. Avon Pirates complete at State Track, Courtney Sees takes 1st place in Long Jump. McKenna Kocmich qualifies for State Golf. Avon Teeners hit the field for baseball action. TheSDArmyNationalGuards promoted Martin Yost to the rank of colonel during a ceremony in Sioux Falls.

June 8~Avon All-School Reunion held.JarvisandMarilyn Winckler are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Keely Bares, Madisyn Cameron, Derek Pelton, Alexa Sees, TobieWelchandBethanyWynia were named to the Dean's List at University of South Dakota.AvonLion'sClubmade donations to the girls softball team,MeadowViewManorand to the Teener baseball team. Avon American Legion held their Memorial Day Program. From SD to SC and back, once local kayaker Chris Rezac returns to Avon area for the Fort to Field Paddle Battle.

June 15~Avon Senior Choir and Band members ventured to Omaha for their music trip. Many came out to enjoy an Adult Prom. Avon Volunteer Fire Department members participate in Fire School in Pierre. All School Reunion Committee made donations to: Avon Post Prom, Avon Drama Club, Avon Ambulance, Avon Public Library, Avon Music and Band Department and to the Avon Teeners.

June 22~Avon Swim Team season in full swing. Sarah andJoshBeesonannouncethe birthofababyboy,RyderRichard, born May 18th. Allyson HamiltonwasnamedtoDean's List at DWU. Karline Johnson andKacieMudderwerenamed totheSDSUDean'sList.Lauren Sees was named to the Dean's List at AU.

June 29~Kimberly Tolsma and Sarah Swier honored to attend Honors Choir USA in Honolulu.

July6~10Undergirlssoftball team clutch Championship Title. Bon Homme-Charles Mix County 4-H Horse Show was held.

July 13~Long time local news reporter for the Avon Clarion, Betty Lou Harmacek, passed away July 7th. Katie GretschmannreceivedGolden West Scholarship.

July 20~Avon Swim team is Back to Back Champs. Zion LutheranChurchYouthattend gathering in Texas. James River Valley League male swimmer of the year goes to Tyler Tjeerdsma. Haden Cahoy honored with Dedication Award. Avon's 18U Softball team claims 3rd place in Little Missouri Valley League.

July 27~Lindsey Fathke named Avon's new K-12 principal. Schultz crew makes huge progress on damage repair from May Derecho Storm. The 1st annual Zach Johnson Legacy Golf Tournament was held July 23 at BH Golf Course. Chamber barbecue to be held August 5.

August 3~Dangerous heat and dry conditions continue in the area. Students get their backpacks together as school begins August 17th.

August 10~BH County Achievement Days were held August5-6inTyndall.Emmanuel Reformed Church youth went to Staten Island, NY on a service project. The first annual BHCountyTriathlontook place July 30. The 37th Mudder Cousin's Day was held in Sioux Falls July 29 and 30th.

August 17~AHS announced homecoming candidates: Taylor Van Duysen, Brady Bierema, Mackenzie Sassaman, Cade Faulkner, Kley Heumiller, Jaden Stahl, Cody Soukup, MadiMudder,KimTolsmaand Gracie Small. Gary and Charlene Beeson are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary August 21st.

August 24~The new school year is in session. Avon Pirates hit the road, traveling to Colome and brought home the win 30-6. Carole Bartunek is celebrating her birthday. Avon Teeners wrap up their season.

August 31~2022 Homecoming held with Kley Heumiller andKimberlyTolsmacrowned KingandQueen.Winnersofthe Avon Booster Club's Alumni Golf Tourney were: James Tjeerdsma, Joey Sykora, Dan FathkeandDerekCihak.Avon FireDepartmentholdAppreciation Night.

September 7~New staff at Avon School District are: Alexis Jurrens, Lisa Hurd and Alicia Dykstra.

September 14~Bargain Shoppe donated $2000 to the Avon Snack Pack/Backpack Program. Gold Standard Pirates are: Cody Sassaman, Gabriel Ireland and Ghunnar IrelendforWeek3,andforWeek 4BraylonFathke,KadenMixon and Addisyn Fathke. Community VBS was held August 1-5. The Class of 1970 held their 52nd Class Reunion.

September21~Auxiliarydonates dictionaries to 3rd grade Avon Elementary class. This year mark's Brad Poppe's 33rd year at Avon School District. GoldStandardPiratesforweek 5 are: Kaylee DeJong, Trace Pelton and Kuyper Rush.

September28~Firemenparticipate in a training exercise with a mock accident. Lady Pirates take the win over Colome 3-1. 8th grade volleyball team brings home 1st place from Wagner Tourney. The Class of 1965 gathered in Avon.

October5~Areafarmersare beginning to harvest crops following averydryseason.McKenna Kocmich was recognized for her 1000th set assist during the Great Plains Conference Tournament. Student Athlete Spotlights on Kley Heumiller, Tyler Tjeerdsma and Sarah Swier. The Pirates football team defeated the Alcester/ Hudson Cubs 36-20.

October 12~Avon HS HOSA chapter attended a skills night at Avon Fire Hall. Receiving awards from the Oral Interp Invite at Harrisburg were: Caleb Wallinga,KateSwier,Sarah Swier and Ashley Tolsma.

October19~Pheasantseason openedSaturdaymorning.The Marching Pirates performed at Menno. Avon students tour Avon Fire Hall. Senior Spotlights onHaleyGilletteandJessica Streit. Athlete Spotlights on Kimberly Tolsma. Tyler Tjeerdsma and John Fathke to run at State Track Meet. 2002 Football Champions gather for their 20th Anniversary.

October 26~Avon Pirates football team defeat Faulkton 74-48. Lady Pirates defeat Menno Wolves 3-1. Avon Oral Interp team competed at Karl E Mundt Oral Interp Tournament at DSU October 22 with Ashley Tolsma placing third in the grand finals. The Avon teamhasawholewontheClass B Team Sweepstakes.

November 2~Awana Club trick-or-treats for food for the BH County Food Pantry. Nathan and Marcia Bierman announce the birth of a baby girl,KylieJo,bornOctober4th. Several volunteers gathered at Pioneer Cemetery to remove sidewalks. Avon Pirates football team comes to an end in Herreid. Lady Pirates sweet Cavaliers3-0.SeniorSpotlights onKaleeMixonandJadenMartin. Parents night was held for Avon Lady Pirates volleyball team.

November 9~Oral Interp wins Class 5B Championship. Lady Pirates volleyball season came to an end after suffering some tough losses at Regions.

November 16~AHS Veteran's Day Program was held. Bargain Shoppe celebrates 15 years. BH County 4-H Poultry and Rabbit Show was held November 5th. Senior Spotlights on Taylor Naser and Kley Heumiller.Avonteach,Loretta Knodel, has been nominated for Teacher of the Year. Avon Music Department presented their Fall Concert.

November 23~Lesley Rygaard is new 4-H Youth Program Advisor. Bev Schryvers retired from Avon Public Library Board of Directors.

November 30~Avon Chamber of Commerce kickoff to Christmas held.

December 7~Several come to shop at Avon Holiday Fair. Namedtothe2022GreatPlains All-Conference Football team are: Cade Faulkner, Paxton Bierema, Kley Heumiller and Brady Bierema. Named to the All-ConferenceVolleyballteam are: McKenna Kocmich, Lila Vanderlei and Courtney Sees. Membersofthe2022LMVCand Great Plains All Conference Team are: McKenna Kocmich andCourtneySees.Membersof the 9B All-State football team are:Kley Heumiller andBrady Bierema. BH/Avon Wrestling Team hosts Wagner at Avon. Avon Oral Interp competed at SDHSAA State Oral Interp, receiving awards were: Ashley Tolsma, Kate Swier, Sarah Swier. The Avon team was awarded a Class B Team Excellence Award.

December 14~Doug and SharonBrandtcelebratedtheir 50th wedding anniversary December 8th. Senior Spotlights on Mackenzie Sassaman and Taylor Van Duysen.

December 21~Avon 6-12th Grade Band and Choir present 2022 Winter Concert.

December 28~Avon Music Department held the Elementary Operetta. North Pole temperatures hit area with temps dropping to -19 and wind chill -49 and no travel advisories throughout the state as roads were closed due to blowing snow and icy conditions.