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Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has named four inductees to its 2026 Hall of Fame class.
Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls (Youth), honored for more than 30 years as the state’s Youth Deputy.
Teri Schmidt of Sioux Falls (Contributor), recognized for over four decades of support through Visit Sioux Falls.
Paul Kruse of Brookings (Slow Pitch), a standout on top men’s teams for more than 20 years.
David “Dave” Dickmeyer of Sioux Falls (Slow Pitch), regarded as one of the state’s premier infielders.
The Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Saturday, October 10 at the Holiday Inn Sioux Falls Downtown City Center. For tickets or information, contact
Mike Dykstra at 605‑212‑3139 or kdykstra@sio.midco.net.
Carol Pipgras Selected to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame – Class of 2026
Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has announced the selection of Carol Pipgras of Sioux Falls to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026, honoring more than 30 years of exceptional leadership and service to youth softball across the state.
Pipgras has been one of the most influential figures in the history of South Dakota youth softball. Her career spans local, state, regional, and national levels, marked by innovations that reshaped tournament play and expanded opportunities for thousands of young athletes.
Pipgras began her involvement as a coach and manager in women’s and co‑ed slow-pitch before helping establish youth slow-pitch in Sioux Falls in 1989. On January 1, 1994, longtime State Commissioner Bill Maher appointed her ASA South Dakota Youth Deputy Commissioner — a role she has held for more than three decades.
As Deputy Commissioner, Pipgras built a statewide volunteer network that supported both Youth Slow-pitch and Youth Fastpitch State Tournaments. Under her leadership, participation grew to more than 300 teams on state tournament weekends. She introduced the 3‑game guarantee in youth slow-pitch and the 4/5‑game guarantee in youth fastpitch, formats unmatched anywhere else in the country. She also guided the transition to a three‑class fastpitch system and worked to preserve boys’ slow-pitch opportunities in South Dakota.
Her influence extended nationally. Over 30 years, Pipgras attended nearly every ASA/USA National Meeting and JO Workshop, serving on the Region 11 Youth Commissioner Council, Special Events Committee, Tournament & Awards Committee, and the National Junior Olympic Committee. She was frequently selected as an ASA/USA National Tournament Representative and played key roles in national events hosted in Sioux Falls.
Locally, Pipgras has been a longtime member of the Sioux Falls People Youth board, contributing to the Ringneck Tournament and every youth fastpitch national tournament held in the city. She also co‑founded the South Dakota Softball Scholarship Program with Jerry Mason, which now awards up to six $1,000 scholarships annually.
“Carol Pipgras embodies the very best USA Softball South Dakota,” said former commissioner Gary Young. “Her vision and commitment have shaped opportunities for generations of young athletes. Her impact is profound and unquestionably worthy of Hall of Fame recognition.”
“Carol and her crew made a lot of friends throughout the state,” said USA Softball SD President Gerry Bills. “She loved every child who came through the program and loved seeing them succeed. She will always be part of our South Dakota softball family.”
“Carol has been a mentor to countless players, coaches, and community leaders,” added youth board member Molly Scherff. “Her impact on the softball community is lasting.”
USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Carol Pipgras on her well‑deserved induction into the USA Softball Hall of Fame, Now and Forever; Class of 2026.
Teri Schmidt Elected to USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame
Sioux Falls, SD – Teri Schmidt, longtime leader of the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau (now Experience Sioux Falls), has been elected to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026.
Schmidt spent more than 40 years advancing Sioux Falls as a national softball destination, helping secure more than 30 ASA/USA Softball national championships—nearly 65 when including multi‑division events. Her work brought teams from 45 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada, including one of the largest tournaments in ASA/USA history with 168 teams.
Hired in 1983 to build the CVB from the ground up, Schmidt grew the organization to a staff of 25 with a $3 million annual budget and more than $400 million in cumulative economic impact. Major softball events routinely generated $1–1.5 million for the city, and her advocacy helped drive continued investment in facilities such as Sherman Park.
A former teacher, Schmidt became a champion for volunteers and youth sports, working alongside leaders including Roger Utley, John Jucht, Carol Pipgras, Dave Nielsen, Don Wylie, Ken Anderson Jr., and State Commissioner Bill Maher. Her broader contributions include work with South Dakota Special Olympics, Pheasant Fest, the Sioux Falls Convention Center, and Winter Wonderland at Falls Park.
“Teri Schmidt fundamentally changed the trajectory of softball in South Dakota,” said nominator Gary Young. Additional praise came from Dave Nielsen and Kim Venard, who credited her leadership and promotional efforts with elevating the sport statewide.
USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Schmidt on her induction into the Hall of Fame, Now and Forever; Class of 2026.
USA Softball South Dakota Announces Hall of Fame Inductee Paul Kruse
Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has announced that Paul Kruse of Brookings has been selected for induction into the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame, Class of 2026. Kruse’s career spans more than 30 years and is marked by championships, versatility, and a competitive edge that made him one of the state’s most respected players.
Kruse began playing in 1994 with Chevy’s Lounge in Brookings before joining top programs across the state, including Sports Connection, Taco Bell, Cubbies, Chuk n Duk, Sanford Power, and River Ridge. He concluded his open‑division career in 2023 and continues to compete with the Sioux Falls Hitmen senior team.
A champion at every level, Kruse helped lead teams to South Dakota Open titles with Cubbies (2003), Chuk n Duk (2004–2007), and Sanford Power (2008–2011). Nationally, he won the 1995 ASA E National Championship with Taco John’s and made multiple ASA B National appearances, highlighted by a 5th‑place finish in 2005. He also starred in the 2006 Owatonna B Division Labor Day Nationals, playing six positions during a 10–1 championship run.
Known for his defensive excellence on the mound, Kruse earned praise from peers and Hall of Famers alike. Nominator Steve Tyler called him “one of the top players in the state for 20 years,” while JC Crawford noted his talent was “equal, if not better, than any other player on the field.”
Kruse also served in the South Dakota National Guard from 1988–1997, including deployment during the Gulf War.
USA Softball South Dakota congratulates Paul Kruse on his Hall of Fame induction.
USA Softball South Dakota Announces David “Dave” Dickmeyer as Member of the Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Sioux Falls, SD – USA Softball South Dakota has announced that David “Dave” Dickmeyer of Sioux Falls has been selected to the USA Softball South Dakota Hall of Fame Class of 2026, recognizing a five‑decade career marked by consistency, championships, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to the sport.
Dickmeyer began his softball career in 1976 with Sioux Falls Duke Tuffy and went on to become one of the most respected infielders in the Sioux Falls men’s slowpitch community. Over the next 20 years, he played for several of the region’s top programs, including Bull & Lion, Crow Bar, Miller, Sioux Falls Merchants, and John’s Shoe Repair. He later continued his career with the Sioux Falls Old Dogs (2001–2004) and the Grand Old Dads (2014–present), where he remains active in the senior league.
A versatile and steady infield presence, Dickmeyer excelled at shortstop, third base, second base, and middle infield. His most decorated years came with John’s Shoe Repair, where he helped lead the team to four state championships in 1991, 1992, 1994, and 1996. He also competed in three USA Softball B Division National Championships (1991, 1993, 1995), further cementing his reputation as a high‑level competitor.
Across his career, Dickmeyer contributed to league championships in 1987, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, and 2015, demonstrating remarkable longevity and an ability to elevate teams across multiple eras.
Those who played alongside him describe a teammate defined by heart, leadership, and integrity:
  • Jeff Oltmanns, nominator: “A 3‑sport athlete at SFC, Dave started playing softball after his collegiate career, beginning with big ball. He played for the two state powerhouses at the time, Sioux Falls Merchants and John’s Shoe Repair. As a team member, he helped lead those squads to many league championships and state titles.”
  • Jack Kolbeck, USA Softball SD Hall of Fame Member: “Dave played softball with heart. Besides being a competitor, Dave would always step up and help coach the teams he played on. His passion for the game was relentless.”
Dickmeyer’s induction honors not only his accomplishments on the field, but the way he carried himself throughout his career – as a teammate, mentor, and lifelong steward of the sport.
USA Softball South Dakota congratulates David “Dave” Dickmeyer on his well‑deserved induction into the USA Softball Hall of Fame, Now and Forever; Class of 2026.

]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/334814/feed/ 0 NBA Playoffs Sunday Scoreboard & Monday Schedule https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nba-playoffs-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nba-playoffs-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 21:38:21 +0000 Matthew Givone 2026-05-25T21:38:21+00:00 https://d2526.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=334812 FILE - An NBA logo is seen at center court prior to an NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The NBA has agreed to terms on its new media deal, an 11-year agreement worth $76 billion that assures player salaries will continue rising for the foreseeable future and one that will surely change how some viewers access the game for years to come. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images via AP, Pool, File) NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Final San Antonio 103 Oklahoma City 82

 

TODAY’S GAMES:

New York at Cleveland 7 p.m.

]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nba-playoffs-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/feed/ 0 NHL Postseason Sunday Scoreboard & Monday Schedule https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nhl-postseason-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nhl-postseason-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 21:37:13 +0000 Matthew Givone 2026-05-25T21:37:13+00:00 https://d2526.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=334810 FILE - In this June 22, 2016, file photo, the NHL logo is shown during a press conference in Las Vegas. NHL free agency day began with two rivals helping each other out of a jam by way of a trade. The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired defenseman Cody Ceci, a 2020 third-round pick and minor leaguers Ben Harpur and Aaron Luchuk from the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, forward Connor Brown and minor leaguer Michael Carcone. The teams announced the trade early Monday, roughly 3½ hours before the start of free agency. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Final Las Vegas 5 Colorado 3

 

TODAY’S GAMES:

Carolina at Montreal 7 p.m.

]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/nhl-postseason-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule/feed/ 0 MLB Sunday Scoreboard & Monday Schedule https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/mlb-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule-5/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/mlb-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule-5/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 21:34:21 +0000 Matthew Givone 2026-05-25T21:34:21+00:00 https://d2526.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=334808 The Major League Baseball logo is seen on the field before a spring training baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024, in Bradenton, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall) INTERLEAGUE

Final Pittsburgh 4 Toronto 1
Final Cleveland 3 Philadelphia 1
Final Houston 8 Chi Cubs 5
Final San Francisco 8 Chi White Sox 5
Final Athletics 5 San Diego 2

___

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Final Baltimore 5 Detroit 3 Double Header Game 1
Final N.Y. Yankees 2 Tampa Bay 0
Final Minnesota 6 Boston 5
Final Kansas City 8 Seattle 6
Final Detroit 4 Baltimore 1 Double Header Game 2
Final L.A. Angels 2 Texas 1

___

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Final Miami 4 N.Y. Mets 0
Final L.A. Dodgers 5 Milwaukee 1
Final Washington 2 Atlanta 1
Final Arizona 9 Colorado 1

 

Today’s games:

INTERLEAGUE

Washington at Cleveland 5:10 p.m.
Miami at Toronto 6:07 p.m.

___

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Tampa Bay at Baltimore 12:35 p.m.
Minnesota at Chi White Sox 1:10 p.m.
N.Y. Yankees at Kansas City 2:40 p.m.
Houston at Texas 6:05 p.m.
Seattle at Athletics 8:40 p.m.

___

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Chi Cubs at Pittsburgh 12:35 p.m.
St. Louis at Milwaukee 1:10 p.m.
Cincinnati at N.Y. Mets 3:10 p.m.
Arizona at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Diego 5:40 p.m.
Colorado at L.A. Dodgers 8:10 p.m.

]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/mlb-sunday-scoreboard-monday-schedule-5/feed/ 0 WNBA Sunday Scores & Monday Schedule https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/wnba-sunday-scores-monday-schedule/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/wnba-sunday-scores-monday-schedule/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 21:17:14 +0000 Matthew Givone 2026-05-25T21:17:14+00:00 https://d2526.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=334806 <a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/11020019@N04/48092679976/' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer">Lorie Shaull</a> / <a href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/' target='_blank' class='pac-pickapic-CC' rel="noopener noreferrer">CC</a> WOMEN’S NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Final Atlanta 82 Phoenix 80
Final Dallas 91 New York 76
Final Seattle 97 Washington 85

 

Today’s games:

Portland at New York 7 p.m.
Connecticut at Golden State 9 p.m.

]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/wnba-sunday-scores-monday-schedule/feed/ 0 If You Can Score 10/12 On This Guitar Trivia Quiz, You’re Officially An Instrument Connoisseur https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/if-you-can-score-85-or-higher-on-this-guitar-trivia-quiz-youre-a-certified-music-expert/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/if-you-can-score-85-or-higher-on-this-guitar-trivia-quiz-youre-a-certified-music-expert/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 20:01:03 +0000 Syndicated Content 2026-05-26T01:17:23+00:00 https://www.buzzfeed.com/trendyghost618/guitar-trivia-quiz And no, the air guitar doesn't count.

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]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/if-you-can-score-85-or-higher-on-this-guitar-trivia-quiz-youre-a-certified-music-expert/feed/ 0 ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Announces New Texas-Based Spinoff https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/greys-anatomy-announces-new-texas-based-spinoff/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/greys-anatomy-announces-new-texas-based-spinoff/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 18:00:39 +0000 Syndicated Content 2026-05-25T18:00:39+00:00 https://tasteofcountry.com/?p=696144 Continue reading…]]> https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/greys-anatomy-announces-new-texas-based-spinoff/feed/ 0 Healing with a wag and a nuzzle, meet the dogs brightening hospital days https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/healing-with-a-wag-and-a-nuzzle-meet-the-dogs-brightening-hospital-days/ https://drgnews.com/2026/05/25/healing-with-a-wag-and-a-nuzzle-meet-the-dogs-brightening-hospital-days/#respond Mon, 25 May 2026 14:54:22 +0000 DRG Media Group News 2026-05-25T14:54:22+00:00 https://d2526.cms.socastsrm.com/?p=334784 <a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/97283472@N00/133968695/' target='_blank' rel="noopener noreferrer">Leigh Blackall</a> / <a href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/' target='_blank' class='pac-pickapic-CC' rel="noopener noreferrer">CC</a> CINCINNATI (AP) — Facility dogs are bringing moments of comfort and joy to children’s hospitals, offering far more than a friendly face. Unlike volunteer therapy dogs, these specially trained, full-time working dogs can enter sensitive areas and support patients throughout their hospital experience.

Experts say the use of facility dogs is growing at children’s hospitals nationwide as research continues to show benefits for young patients. Studies suggest even brief interactions can improve well-being, lower stress and pain levels, and help children feel more at ease in unfamiliar medical settings.

At places like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, dogs such as Hadley provide emotional support during difficult procedures, encourage kids to stay active and add a sense of normalcy to hospital life. Their popularity extends beyond patient rooms, with photos decorating hallways, television appearances and mailboxes where children can send letters and drawings.

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