Donald was at first a little unsureof the audience’s thunderous ap-plause.

“My mom, Kathy Schenk, saidshe had never heard the crowdcheer so loud.” she said. “I wasn’tnervous because of my (pageant)experience, so I took Macaulay’shand and we walked down theaisle.”

Meanwhile, the new king en-joyed a special cheering section,led by parents Jerrold and VickieMcDonald. The clan included theother six McDonald children andtheir spouses, along with 14 grand-children and one on the way.

Macaulay said he could hearhis family in the crowd.

“My mom yelled ‘Yes!’ Shecried, she was so proud. She gaveme a big hug,” he said. “There wasa lot of screaming, and Brandy (hissister-in-law) started yelling forme.”

Vickie McDonald said she gotemotional watching the scene onstage.

“Macaulay had the biggest grinon his face,” she said. “I wasthrilled and tearful. I was gettinghugs from everyone.”

Jerrold McDonald said hesensed the cheers and tears allaround him but remained focusedon his son’s grin.

“I was surprised. I didn’t realizethat he would get it. I’m veryproud and happy about it,” Jerroldsaid. “He told me that he was goingto be homecoming king. I told him,‘Bud, you better not count on it,you may not get it.’ But I guess heknew something.”

FRIENDS FOREVERVickie McDonald said her son’s

crowning moment was made morespecial by sharing it with Schenk.

“I wasn’t surprised that Lexygot queen,” Mrs. McDonald said.“She’s such a beautiful girl, insideand out, and she comes from agood family. She and Macaulay aregood friends.”

McDonald predicted the finaloutcome three weeks ahead oftime, Schenk said.

“Macaulay came up to me at thebeginning of the school year, andhe said he would be king and Iwould be queen,” Schenk said. “Onthe day of the voting, he wore asign on his back that said, ‘VoteFor Macaulay!’”

McDonald didn’t take all of thecredit for his campaign sign. “Lexyhelped me!” he said.

Vickie McDonald suspects healso had friends’ help in sendingher a message with good news.

“He texted on his phone fromschool when he was nominated asone of the king candidates,” shesaid. “We figure that somebodyhelped him do the texting. Thekids are always looking out forhim.”

Macaulay was fulfilling a family

homecoming tradition, his mothersaid. Several of their children werenominated for royalty, and two ofthe girls were chosen queen.

“Macaulay went to every home-coming since he was born,” shesaid. “He is the youngest of sevenchildren, and he would go to seehis brothers and sisters on stage.”

When it came to last week’sIrene-Wakonda coronation,Schenk’s thoughts were focusedmore on McDonald than herself.

“I thought, if I do get queen, Iwant Macaulay to be the king withme,” she said.

BesidesSchenk, thequeen candidateswere AshleyFuhrer, PearlGaidelis and Mor-gan Lee. BesidesMcDonald, theking candidateswere Scott Davis,Sam Kiger andLuke Schroeder.

The corona-tion marked onlythe start of theweek’s activitiesfor the new kingand queen. Friday featured two pa-rades — one at Irene, another atWakonda — along with the footballgame and homecoming dance.

Both members of the royal cou-ple normally march in the band,Schenk playing saxophone and Mc-Donald playing drums and wearingsunglasses and a bandana. But thisyear, they rode in the parades andwere given a special ride aroundthe football field during halftime.

“Then Macaulay went to thedance and ended up doing a lot ofdancing,” Jerrold said with achuckle.

The coronation seemed a natu-ral, as the royal couple have at-tended school together their entirelives. They are often seen walkingtogether down the hallways atschool.

“Lexy has always been reallygood for him and so accommodat-ing,” Vickie said.

Schenk and her cousin, HollySchenk, took McDonald to promlast year, and he escorted themcomplete with tux.

“He had one of us on each arm,”Lexy said. “We walked together forthe grand march, and he just had abig smile.”

The prom wasn’t the first timeMacaulay had attended a dance,Vickie said. “Every year he has adate, and some years he has a cou-ple of dates,” she said.

IT TAKES A VILLAGEThe coronation provided an-

other example of the tremendouslove and support shown by thecommunity and school district,Vickie McDonald said. Appropri-ately, Macaulay’s nomination forking came on the McDonalds’ 40thwedding anniversary.

When Macaulay was born, theMcDonalds knew their son facedmany challenges ahead. But thefamily forged a strong bond on

their farm eight miles east of Irene.All of the McDonald children con-tinue living in the area.

“All the other kids are married,and Macaulay has 14 nieces andnephews,” Vickie said. “He lovesbeing an uncle and is proud ofthat.”

The McDonalds all attended theIrene or Irene-Wakonda schools,and Macaulay has been no excep-tion.

“But this is a new experiencefor me and (the school). They havenever had a child with Down’s syn-drome,” Vickie said. “But they have

specializedteachers, andevery one ofthem has beenexcellent. Thestaff is wonder-ful, and I can’tsay enoughabout theschool. They pulltogether and dowhat’s best.”

Macaulayshowed hissense of humorduring a Press &Dakotan inter-

view. A huge Johnny Cash fan,Macaulay obliged a request andbroke into a chorus of “Ring ofFire.”

“We have no idea where he be-came such a fan,” said secondaryprincipal Dave Hutchison with agrin and shake of his head.

As part of the homecoming fes-tivities, Macaulay dressed up for“1980s and Aerobics Day” with hisIrene-Wakonda “Hurricanes” trackuniform that he wears competingin Special Olympics.

Unlike some students,Macaulay enjoys being sent to theprincipal’s office — he’s in chargeof bringing down the daily an-nouncements and lunch menu.Macaulay has also served as thehonorary “Principal of the Day,”complete with a tie.

McDonald has made everydaylife better for each person hetouches and will be missed whenhe graduates this year, Hutchisonsaid.

“Macaulay loves life. He’s abright spot for everyone in schoolevery day,” the principal said. “Hethanks you and says good-bye. Heis a huge part of the school sys-tem. The kids realize that and treathim well.”

That feeling was reflected at thehomecoming coronation, Hutchi-son said. “Every one of these can-didates was so excited to see

Macaulay win. It was a special dayfor everyone involved,” he said.

Elementary principal Bruce Bai-ley echoed the sentiments.

“Lexy has taken Macaulayunder her wing a lot over theyears, and all the kids treat himgreat,” King said. “Macaulay is avery positive kid. I don’t rememberthe last time I saw him ‘down.’”

BUILDING A FUTUREBesides taking part in school

activities, Macaulay also partici-pates in weightlifting along with 4-H, painting and piano lessons. Hehas shown artistic talent, winningpurple ribbons at the State Fair forhis painting.

During the last two summers,he has worked two mornings aweek at the Hy-Vee supermarket inYankton, followed by afternoon ac-tivities for special-needs individu-als at the Summit Activities Center.

Jerrold McDonald drives hisson to Yankton on those days andhas seen the young’s man growth.

“Macaulay really likes workingat Hy-Vee. He stocks the shelves,but he really likes sacking gro-ceries because he can greet every-one who comes into the store,”Jerrold said.

Macaulay has even received aninvitation to join a weightliftingclub in Sioux Falls this winter. Hehas also done some work at AbilityBuilding Services (ABS) in Yankton,which he may pursue more aftergraduation.

Whatever the future holds, LexySchenk said her friendship withMacaulay will continue long aftergraduation.

“He makes you smile every sin-gle day. He is really popular and sogood at lifting your spirits. He justmakes you laugh,” Schenk said.“People say he really deserved(homecoming king).”

Vickie McDonald credit the en-tire community and school formaking her son’s life so special.

“As they say, it takes a village toraise a child,” she said. “In thiscase, it takes the whole town torally around him. It’s been a goodexperience.”

When asked to contrast herMiss South Dakota Teen title withthe Irene-Wakonda homecomingroyalty, Schenk said there’s nocomparison.

“The other title (Miss SouthDakota Teen), you’ll have for ayear,” she said. “But this (momentwith Macaulay) is something thatyou’ll have for your whole life.”

Hildegard WeberHildegard Weber, 93, of Yank-

ton died Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011,at Avera Sister James Care Cen-ter, Yankton.

Funeral services are pendingwith Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home& Crematory, Yankton.

Joyce KirschenmanJoyce Marie Kirschenman, 86,

of Yankton died early Sunday,Sept. 18, 2011, at Avera YanktonCare Center, Yankton.

Funeral services are at 10:30a.m. Wednesday at the Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel, Yankton,with Joe Hobbs and Phyllis

Williams officiating. Burial will bein the Yankton City Cemetery.

Visitations is 6-8 p.m. Tuesdayat the funeral home, Yankton, andthen one hour prior to the serv-ice at the funeral home.

Monday, 9.19.11ON THE WEB: www.yankton.net

NEWS DEPARTMENT: news@yankton.net 3PRESS DAKOTANthe region

O B I T UA R I E S

Yankton, 605-665-3644 wintzrayfuneralhome.com

Garden of Memories Cemetery

Wednesday, Sept. 21st 6pm Potluck Dinner • 6:45pm Bingo!

Please Join Us!

Solitaires Solitaires Solitaires A social group of widows/widowers of all ages that meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Mark Your Calendars For These Events Oct. 19th - Rev. David Gunderson will

speak on his experiences as a chaplain in the war in Afghanistan. Nov. 16th - Holiday Party

The perfect combination

W INTZ & R AY FUNERAL HOME and Cremation Service, Inc. 605-665-3644

W INTZ FUNERAL HOME INC.

Hartington, Coleridge, Crofton 402-254-6547 www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com

We offer the convenience of having everything at one location with our family taking care of all the important details.

Call us for more information.

Funeral Home. Cemetery.

900 Whiting Drive • 665 – 4685

Mall of America Septem ber 28, 2 0 1 1 OTHER A TTRA CTION S include:

• C.E .S. Flight Sim u lation • A m azing M irror M aze • B u ild–A –B ear W orkshop • H ou se of C om edy • L E G O ® Store • M oose M tn. G olf • N ickelodeon U niverse ® • SE A L IFE ™ Aqu ariu m

$40–$60 depending on the num ber of travelers

If you like to shop then this trip is for you . W e w ill leave at 6 a.m . to reach B loom ing ton M all of A m erica. A fter shopping for the day and having lu nch on you r ow n, w e w ill head back to Yankton. Trip inclu des bu s fare, and su pper on the w ay back to Yankton.

Harvey Gevens who passed away on September 19, 2010

Marilee Kanago who passed away on September 19, 2010

Our care and concern does not end with the funeral service. This week we remember with family and friends the anniversary of the deaths of:

Our Thoughts And

Prayers Are With The m

This remembrance is brought to you free of charge. If you have a loved one you would like remembered, contact us at

Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home & Crematory.

Guiding and serving families with compassion and trust.

Funeral Home & Crematory, Yankton Memorial Resource Center, Tyndall

Memorial Chapels, Tyndall, Tabor & Menno

665-9679 • 1-800-495-9679 www.opsahlkostelfuneralhome.com

MORNING COFFE E WEEKDAYS 7:40 AM MONDAY

THRU FRIDAY Yankton’s Home Team!

Millard ‘Moose’ WikMillard “Moose” Wik, age 86,

of Yankton, South Dakota, diedon Friday, September 16, 2011at the Avera Yankton Care Cen-ter in Yankton.

Funeral Services will be10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Septem-ber 20, 2011 at the Wintz & RayFuneral Home in Yankton withRev. David Gunderson officiat-ing. Burial will be in the Yank-ton City Cemetery with militaryhonors provided by the Ernest-Boyer VFW Post 791.

Visitation will be on Mondayfrom 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. atthe Wintz & Ray Funeral Homeand will begin one hour prior toservices on Tuesday at the fu-neral home.

Pallbearers will be BobNovak, Terry Novak, KennyNovak, Eddie “Sparrow” Novak,Gerald Novak and JimmyMyers.

Millard was born on October6, 1924 at Wakonda, SouthDakota to George and Mabel(Selbo) Wik. He grew up in theWakonda area and graduatedfrom the Gayville ElementarySchool. He served in the U.S.Army from April 24, 1946 toSeptember 27, 1947. Millardmarried Ruth A. Nase on Sep-tember 26, 1949 at Yankton.After their marriage they livedin Pierre, South Dakota untilthey moved to Omaha in 1963.

They moved toYankton in 1970.Millard workedfor the Corps ofEngineers inPierre, Omahaand Yankton, re-tiring in 1973. Heand Ruth lovedto travel and heenjoyed going to

auctions and rummage sales.Millard was a lifetime memberof the Ernest-Boyer VFW Post791 in Yankton.

Millard is survived by hiswife, Ruth of Yankton; a daugh-ter, Barb Wagner of Yankton; 2granddaughters, Lisa Koletzkyof Yankton; Amanda and GinoDelucia of Sioux Falls, SouthDakota and 1 great granddaugh-ter.

He was preceded in death byhis parents, a son, Gary Wikand a sister, Janice Wisecup.

To post an online sympathymessage, please visit wintzray-funeralhome.com.

Yankton Press & DakotanSeptember 19, 2011

Wik

F U N E R A L H O M E

and Cremation Service, Inc.

eAYj INTZ &

Online condolences at: www.wintzrayfuneralhome.com

From P&D Staff Reports

NIOBRARA, Neb. — “The Flood’s Over —Now What?” is the title of an educational ses-sion set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. tonight (Monday) atthe Niobrara Fire Hall, 259 Spruce Avenue.

The workshop is geared toward individualswith flood water or ground water in theirhomes.

The workshop will cover the following is-sues:

• personal safety & hazard issues;• working with your insurance company;• cleaning up and drying out your home;• hiring mold remediation services;• mold and how to reduce the movement of

mold spores.The information will be presented by Univer-

sity of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educatorsCarroll Welte and Becky Versch along with UNLProfessor Emeritus Shirley Niemeyer, a housingand environmental specialist.

For more information, contact the KnoxCounty emergency manager at (402) 288-5613 orthe Knox County Extension office at (402) 288-5611 or email knox-county@unl.edu.

Workshop Looks At Aftermath Of Flood

RoyaltyFrom Page 1

“He makes you smileevery single day. He isreally popular and sogood at lifting yourspirits. He just makesyou laugh. People sayhe really deserved(homecoming king).”

LEXY SCHENK

City of Yankton and area busi-nesses, residents and organizationswho provide donations and volun-teer labor, she said.

“Without their support, RibFestwouldn’t be possible,” she said.

RibFest has become popular withmore than just the visitors, SittingCrow said.

“We have a waiting list of rib-bers,” she said. “We only allow somany vendors each year. It’s goodthat we have a waiting list. If some-one wants out one year, then we canjust move to the next one.”

RibFest has achieved its goal ofbecoming a family-oriented event,Sitting Crow said. The festival offersfood and music for all ages andtastes, and both parents and childrenlove the inflatables, she said.

While a separate event, “Walk AMile In Her Shoes” has becomepart of the RibFest schedule. Thisyear’s event drew approximately70 men — many in drag — who

walked the mile in high heels.Proceeds from “Walk A Mile” are

used to combat rape, sexual assaultand gender bias, according to De-siree Warren, executive director ofthe Yankton Women’s and Children’sShelter.

Warren commended Yankton Po-lice Chief Brian Paulsen for his effortsin battling domestic violence andother needs.

“(Paulsen) has been extremelysupportive of what we do at our shel-ter,” Warren said.

She also thanked the men whoparticipated in the walk. “Thank youfor raising funds and for raisingawareness for our cause,” she said.

The RibFest committee is alreadyworking on next year’s event, SittingCrow said. Organizers want to keepthe festival part of downtown but areopen to changes, such as a differentdate, she said.

One thing about RibFest likelywon’t change, and that’s its reputa-tion for good food and fun providingone last blast after Labor Day, shesaid.

“It’s a really nice environment,”she said. “RibFest is big enough to bean event but small enough to becomfortable. It’s a great block party.”

RibFestFrom Page 1

KELLY HERTZ/P&DMembers of Go Figure perform at Rockin’ RibFest Saturday night in down-town Yankton. The group’s performance capped off 12 hours of music atthe fifth annual festival.