Schools closed, activities cancelled

During her press conference on Monday, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said schools will be closed for the remained of the academic year.

Work will continue much the way it has through online learning.

With the cancelation of school, though, comes the cancelation of all school-related activities.

After Gov. Kristi Noem said students will not be returning to school for the remainder of the academic year, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) announced that all remaining events have been canceled, as has postponed events from the winter.

“This is an unprecedented time across our state and country, and we do not make this decision lightly,” said Daniel Swartos, executive director of the SDHSAA, in a release. “We thank all of the participants, their coaches/directors/advisors/administration, their parents and everyone else who has dedicated tremendous amounts of time, passion and effort to these events.”

To the senior participants, Swartos said and the rest of the SDHSAA thank them for everything they have done for both their schools and their communities, and he wishes them the best for their futures.

“This is difficult, but the lessons you’ve learned and friendships you’ve made through high school activities will last your lifetime,” Swartos added.

This means that the Rangers girls basketball team will not get a chance to fight for the state title at the state tournament.

“All HS and MS Activities/Sports are cancelled,” emailed Wade Ginsbach, Hill City athletic director, on behalf of Ranger Club. “All Hill City teams want to thank everybody for the support of Ranger Athletics. It was a great year cut short for many but doesn’t diminish the hard work that all our student athletes put in to make the community proud to be a Ranger. We will continue to stay focused and do what we can to move forward.”

The cancelation of the remainder of the events for the year will be formalized at the April 21 regular meeting of the SDHSAA board of directors.

“We look forward to the resumption of high school activities during the 2020-21 school year, and will continue work on those events at this time,” Swartos said. “The SDHSAA thanks everyone involved for their patience and understanding throughout this process.