Eleven outstanding women have been nominated by their communities to be honored at the Spirit of Dakota’s 31st Anniversary Celebration and Award Banquet in Huron.

They are Betty Belkham, Flandreau; Vivian Dobberpuhl, Conde; Genie M. Ellis, Black Hawk; Rita Fraune, Hot Springs; Esther Eckmann Gilchrist, Hitchcock; Bernice Guy, Sisseton; Ashley Kingdon‐Reese, Huron; Avis Little Eagle, McLaughlin; Ruth Neuberger, Canistota; Susan Fejfar Shrader, Tabor; and Jean Wilkinson, De Smet.

South Dakota’s premier woman’s award will be presented Saturday, October 7 at the Huron Event Center.

The winner will be chosen by a statewide commission of First Lady Linda Daugaard, Pierre; Tona Rozum, Chair, Mitchell; Glenna Fouberg, Aberdeen; Julie Garreau, Eagle Butte; Jean Hunhoff, Yankton; Suzette Kirby, Sioux Falls; Marsha Sumpter, Kadoka; Ginger Thomson, Brookings; Judy Trzynka, Watertown; and Bev Wright, Turton.  

The award is given to a woman who has demonstrated vision, courage and strength of character in the development of her family, community and/or state.  

All 11 women will be given distinguished recognition throughout the many activities planned, including Tea in the Afternoon in the country home of Rodney & Beckie Freeman, an art show open to the public in the lobby of the Huron Event Center from 4 to 7 p.m., a 5:30 social and 6:30 banquet.

The winner receives an individually created framed bronze oval with the pioneer woman sculpted by Dale Lamphere and modeled after his nine foot sculpture that stands outside the Crossroads Hotel.

Tickets for the banquet may be purchased at the Huron Chamber Office: 605‐352‐ 0000 or 1‐800‐487‐6673.