Its a cold one out there. Reminder for everyone to make sure they are bundled up very good and if traveling to make sure you have warm blankets, water, extra food and winter survival kit in cars. Make sure you have your cell phone fully charged and vehicles full of gas. If you are stranded, remember to call someone and not sit there or try to walk anywhere. If you have no service on your cell phone, you phone will still work to call 911.

Las Vegas Night Winners

Sue Erickson won the grand prize at Las Vegas Night held February 27 at the Community Center. All proceeds from the annual event sponsored by the Springfield Chamber of Commerce are used for purchasing fireworks for the annual July 4th celebration. Winning cash prizes were Becky Jones, Russell Jelsma, Connie Luke, Donna Jelsma, Robert Pudwill, and Ashlea Pruss. Those winning savings bonds were Amy Vanderlei, Connie Sorensen, Jim Libis, Norm Jelsma, and Jared Jelsma. Marcie Ludens held the winning ticket for the money tree.

H1N1 flu: Know when to seek medical care~ As the flu season progresses, health officials are reminding South Dakotans that most normally healthy people who get the flu can recover at home with a visit to the doctor. "Unless your symptoms are sever, the best thing you can do is stay home rather than go to the doctors office and risk spreading the virus to another individuals", says Dr. Aris Assimacopoulos.  Most people can recover at home by resting and drinking plenty of fluids. The symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever, cough, soar throat, body aches, runny nose, headache, fatigue, chills, and sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Those whose symptoms are sever or who are at high risk for complications should seek medical care. This includes pregnant women, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Treatment with antiviral medication may be advised for these high risk groups. There are several warning signs indication the need for medical treatment. With children who have flu symptoms, seek medical care if the child has trouble breathing, has bluish or grayish skin color, isn't drinking enough, is difficult to wake or is extremely irritable. The Department of Health offers the following general advice for people with flu symptoms.

* Stay home, drink plenty of fluids and rest as much as possible. Avoid traveling.

*Stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone - with - out the use of fever reducing medicine.

*Wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.

*Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into you elbow.

*In general, avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading you illness.

Hiemstra Lawn Service ~ Springfield's newest business. For your snow removal, gutter cleaning, and lawn mowing/raking needs.

Call Kent Hiemstra at 605-464-0924 (Cell)

605-369-2794 (Home)

Will also do any odd jobs around the house or yard!!!

Fishing Regulation Changes: Anglers hitting the ice on January 1 should be aware of several changes to bass and walleye regulations at some popular South Dakota fishing waters. "Our goal is to keep South Dakota Fishing regulations as simple as possible without sacrificing the quality of or fisheries," said Game, Fish, and Parks Department Fisheries Program Administrator Geno Adams. "These changes will help accomplish that goal." Anglers are encouraged to check the 2010 Fishing Handbook for all current regulations.

Library Hours Change:

Springfield Library hours have changed to be open on:

Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday 4:15pm-5:00pm

Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm

Saturday 11am-2pm

Tips for parents to stop Cyber Bullying

* Teach children never to respond to offensive or threatening emails

* Save messages and contact local law enforcement authorities, if appropriate

* Contact the service provider to report abusive online behavior.

* Filter or block unwanted messages.

* Refuse to forward cyber bullying messages.

* Block communication with cyber bullies.

* Report cyber bullying incidents to a trusted adult.

Are you interested in preschool or alternative kindergarten??

The administration at Bon Homme School District is starting to make plans for the 2010-11 school year. They will again offer a preschool program and an alternative kindergarten program based on interest. The school district is currently finishing up the sixth year of these programs and have found many benefits for all of the students who have been involved the past years. Like in the past, the preschool program will be for students who have turned the age of four by September 1, 2010 while the alternative kindergarten program will be for students who have turned five by September 1, 2010. Students who enroll in the alternative kindergarten program are students who are old enough to go to kindergarten, but are looking for the half day option. Both of these programs will be held in Tyndall. Surveys have been mailed to parents of potential students. The surveys need to be returned to to the school district by March 12 so the administration can get an idea about numbers for each program. There will be an open house for both programs and information will be shared when a date has been picked. Feel free to contact your school or Mike Duffek, principal, if you have any questions about these programs.