South Dakota Public Broadcasting

Williams Ranch, Olympian Derek Miles and Dakota Sky Festival

Dakota Midday - 07/24/2012

Michael Engelhart, district archaeologist for the Black Hills National Forest Hell Canyon Ranger District, talks about the ranch that was lost to the Myrtle Fire. The historic 110-year-old Williams Ranch has been lost to the Myrtle Fire near Pringle. The blaze in the Black Hills engulfed the Williams Ranch, one of the oldest homesteads still standing in the area, and destroyed all 18 buildings. The Williams Ranch was built by Albert and Emma Williams between 1894 and 1904. The Williams' operated a sawmill in Shirttail Canyon. Engelhart says a group of buildings like that is a rare find in the Black Hills, and it's a serious blow. Engelhart says the sit incorporates and includes so much of the history of the early homesteading area and that the ranch was just one step from being added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Olympic Pole Vaulter Derek Miles of Tea, SD, talks about the upcoming Summer Olympics this Friday. Miles is competing in his third Summer Olympics when the games begin later this week in London. Miles is currently en route to his training facility in Arkansas. Miles is also an assistant jump/vault coach for the University of South Dakota's Track & Field team.

Pianist Paul Sanchez, Founder and Artistic Director of the Dakota Sky Piano Festival, and bassist Andrew Reinartz, Executive Director, talks about the Dakota Sky Festival happening right now. The two week Recital Series kicked off on July 21 with a solo recital by Sioux Falls' own Angelina Gadeliya, followed by American virtuoso Gregory DeTurck in his first appearance at Dakota Sky. And, to celebrate their sixth season, audience-favorite Adam Golka is performing in solo recital. The Spotlight Series is beginning with a recital featuring music for voice and piano by local composers, featuring Paul Sanchez and others. The series concludes August 4th with a chamber music recital featuring the Delphi Trio and members of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. Sanchez and Reinartz talk about the history of the festival and the importance of creating music education opportunities for young students in the Sioux Falls area.

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