vSCHERSCHLIGT continued from page 9 more people on these events, especially the younger generation. Scherschligt also has other duties: overseeing the Yankton County Search & Rescue; the Skywarn group, a team of twenty-four people that venture out during storms to determine when to sound the storm warning sirens and CERT, or Community Emergency Response Team, volunteers who are trained to help their neighborhood in certain situations. He and his team also help manage the 211 helpline. This free resource, available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, is for citizens to call for confidential help and assistance with various issues and it helps the Emergency Management team with response and recovery. Citizens are encouraged to call the number to obtain information and to report their damages. There’s never a dull moment for Scherschligt. He laughs as he explains how he’s gotten the nickname “Mr. Doom & Gloom” because that’s all he looks at: what can happen, how it can go wrong, and how bad it could be. “You can never be prepared enough,” he states. “The challenging part is making sure we don’t miss something.” More information about Yankton County Emergency Management can be found on their website, http://www.co.yankton.sd.us/ and is located under Departments/Emergency Management. This web page shows announcements, information on road closures and flood assistance along with other various topics, forms, guides and links. vHAVING vFRENG continued from page 5 Though her job keeps her busy and is laborious at times - she is currently working on installing 74 new windows at the main LCBHS offices - it is rewarding work. “I make a difference in a lot of people’s lives,” she said. “To the best of my ability, I keep these apartments nice and clean for these people, who normally have ended up in some pretty bad spots. But between Lewis & Clark Behavioral Health, the case managers and myself, we provide a better life for a lot of people.” She also praised LCBHS executive director Dr. Tom Stanage for providing her with good support over the years. “If there’s something I need - like right now, I’m trying to get bids together to put up a security fence around the perimeter of the IMPACT building - he doesn’t tell me I can’t spend money,” she said. “If I think certain improvements are needed, he’s open to listening to me.” Concerning her previous full-time profession, Freng stated she doesn’t so much miss doing tasks such as constructing decks and hanging up doors. What she misses is having the ability to do those things on her own. “I’m no longer able to do that type of physical work,” she said, a bit wistfully. “But what I’m doing now works for me at my age.” Looking back on her career, Freng knows she’s taken a non-traditional path, but has no regrets about it. “My hope is that now and in the future, any girl or boy can choose the path that brings them joy, and that it becomes the norm and not the exception,” she said. n Know someone that should be featured in hervoice? 14vHERVOICEvMAY/JUNE 2019 Information from the department can also be accessed through their Facebook page, Yankton County Emergency Management. Scherschligt mentions one source that may be of interest to many; text YCOEM to 898211 to receive short, infrequent text messages about emergency management news and alerts. Outside of his job, Scherschligt also volunteers with First Responders, Yankton Search and Rescue and volunteers for the fire department in his hometown of Lesterville, previously serving as Chief and currently as Assistant Chief. Reflecting on his role, he smiles. “I just love doing this stuff. I like it here, I like the people of Yankton County.” He enjoys the working relationship and trust established with his affiliates in Yankton County. I’ve known Paul as long as I can remember (he’s part of my family) and have always seen him with a calm demeanor. I asked him how he stays composed at work, and he admits it’s not always that way. “Oh, there’s times,” he laughs. “Maybe it’s age.” He admits that they have their ways of dealing with the stress of their jobs, including a space where they can release frustrations. “Keeping calm has a lot to do with the people you work with. I don’t know that a guy could do the job by himself without this team. No matter what level of disaster you have, you have this team that’s there to support you. So you fall back on them.” n Submit to: hervoiceonline.com FUN continued from page 13 coming up again as I prepare for college. Will it be difficult to meet new people? What if I go in the wrong room? What if I get lost? But, at least now the irrational Hollywood fears are gone! College is a monumental step, but I know I’ll make it through with my marvelous support system including my friends, community, and my phenomenal family. Reality is starting to set in as I realize I won’t be able to watch Fast and Furious and White House Down nightly with my Dad, groan everytime my Mom watches the same Hallmark Christmas movies over and over again, or fight with my brother for the last chocolate chip pancake! My point is, growing up is incredible and terrifying at the same time, but I’m ready for the challenge. And as I walk down the graduation isle with diploma in hand, I know I’ll never truly be alone, because I have enough love and support to last a lifetime. n e andmhadove! H it l w Get hooked on a brand-new hobby. Not only is knitting fun and relaxing, you’ll be creating handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts and fashions. •Huge Selection of Yarns •Crochet Cotton •Specialty Magazines •Knitting Needles •Crochet Hooks •Patterns & Supplies 909 Broadway, Tripp Park Plaza 605-689-3999 • www.eweknitit.com Open: Monday-Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-5pm