A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Celebrating Bea Schelske and Alice Hager, the Parkston Pals, and their contributions to the community.

WHEREAS, Bea Schelske and Alice Hager were high school best friends who had their own country music program on Mitchell’s KORN radio, starting in 1947, as the Parkston Pals; and

WHEREAS, the opportunity to be radio performers was not sought out. Bea and Alice were discovered washing tables at their high school, simply singing out of joy. What was a delightful pastime turned into a cherished Saturday morning radio program; and

WHEREAS, the weekly broadcasts were more than just music; they were a celebration of friendship, community, and the pursuit of happiness. Having the time of their lives, Bea and Alice's broadcasts were full of laughter and fan mail from the loving community; and

WHEREAS, Bea and Alice are still the greatest of friends seventy-four years later, though living a distance apart. They share a continued bond through multiple phone calls a day and timeless memories together:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Ninth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that Bea Schelske and Alice Hager, the Parkston Pals, are celebrated not only for their musical talent, but for the legacy of friendship and joy they brought to the community.