Jenniene Faye (Hermann) Parks, of Aurora, Colorado, was peacefully released from the isolation of Alzheimer’s disease when she passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, at Belleview Heights Memory Care Center in Aurora. She was 80 years old. Jenniene’s Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Lisa Lewton as officiant. Interment will take place at Dickinson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Jenniene was born on February 11, 1946, in Richardton, North Dakota, the first of five daughters born to Al and Evelyn (Gullickson) Hermann. She grew up in Dickinson, North Dakota, where she attended grade school and graduated from Central High School in 1964. After high school, Jenniene moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota before settling in Portland/Beaverton, Oregon, where she met her first husband, Richard “Dick” Glaze. Together they welcomed their son, David, born in 1967 in Hillsboro, Oregon. The family later returned to Dickinson, where Jenniene pursued her lifelong calling in nursing, earning her RN degree from Dickinson State University in 1977.

Jenniene devoted many years to caring for others as an obstetrics nurse at St. Vincent Hospital in Portland, Oregon. Her compassion, kindness, and gentle spirit touched countless lives throughout her nursing career.

On September 10, 1988, Jenniene married Merle Parks. During their 37 years together, Merle’s career led them on many adventures living in Vancouver, Washington; Singapore; Dayton, Ohio; and Aurora, Colorado. Jenniene embraced each chapter wholeheartedly and was Merle’s devoted partner in life, caring for every detail with love and dedication. Jenniene and Merle shared a passion for travel and explored many places around the world, often creating treasured memories with their beloved grandson, Tyler. Family was always at the center of Jenniene’s life, and she especially cherished her roles as mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Jenniene found happiness in life’s simple pleasures — music, traveling, nature, reading, and creating a peaceful backyard sanctuary where family and friends always felt welcome. Jenniene also enjoyed staying active and participated in numerous 5K runs. Caring for others came naturally to her, and she would go above and beyond for anyone, especially her family.

She shared a special bond with Tyler and treasured the memories they created together over the years. Jenniene was also a true “baby whisperer” with Silas. The two loved exploring her backyard together, playing with the birdbaths and convening with nature. Jenniene often joked that “she only had a kitchen because it came with the house,” reflecting her wonderful sense of humor and love of dining out with family and friends. She had a remarkable gift for making everyone around her feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. In 2006, after the loss of her father, Jenniene lovingly organized a special trip for her mother and sisters from North Dakota to participate together in the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk in Denver, Colorado. It became a treasured family memory that would last a lifetime. In January 2022, Jenniene became a resident of Belleview Heights Memory Care Center in Aurora, where she was lovingly cared for by her husband Merle, her son David and daughter-in-law Kathy, along with compassionate caregivers and staff.

Jenniene is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Merle Parks; her son David Glaze and wife Kathy; grandson Tyler; great-grandchildren Silas, Quincy, and Calvin; Kathy’s children Cassandra and Stephen; her four sisters, Joanne Fields, Janell Hermann (Michael Phillips), Jana (Shane) Sickler, and Jodeen (Jerry) Myers; her goddaughter/niece, Kristal Fields; Her nieces and nephews; Alyssa Schiele and her daughter Abigail, Hope (Aaron) Raley and their daughter Sonora, Lenci (Jaime) Sickler and their daughters Mila, Lowen, & Romy, Stormie & Amy Sickler, Larissa (Jed) Kohler and their children Logan & Jaylynn, and Gavin Myers. Along with extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Al and Evelyn Hermann, and her first husband, Richard Glaze.

Jenniene was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother (GG) who loved deeply and unconditionally. She will be remembered for her loyal, loving, and caring heart, her unwavering devotion to family, and the kindness and compassion she shared so freely with others. One of her favorite reminders to those she loved was to “Cherish every day,” a reflection of the gratitude and grace with which she lived her life.

Though she will be greatly missed, Jenniene’s legacy of love, strength, and kindness will continue to live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice in Jenniene’s honor.

Arrangements are with Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. www.ladburyfuneralservice.com.

• Westerville North guard Tony Cornett has received 10 college offers, including from every Mid-American Conference school in Ohio.
• Cornett, a three-star prospect, helped lead his team to the Ohio Division II title game in the last two seasons.
• The Ohio State Buckeyes have shown interest in Cornett, who plans to visit the campus this month.

Westerville North’s Tony Cornett III has steadily built up a strong list of college offers. Since the start of May, the 6-foot-4, 180-pound guard has added ones from Akron, Bowling Green and Toledo as summer camp season has gotten underway.

Now with offers from 10 schools, including one from every Mid-American Conference school in Ohio, Cornett said the mission isn’t complete because it’s never complete.

“I feel like it’s more fuel for me,” he said of the recent offers from the Zips, Falcons and Rockets. “None of the offers I’ve gotten, I’m satisfied with. It won’t be a single offer that will make me fully satisfied because it’s like, why would I be satisfied with that offer? The job’s never finished.”

It’s an attitude that has helped Cornett and the Warriors reach the Ohio Division II title game in each of the past two years, winning the championship in 2025 and falling in overtime in 2026. In this year’s five-point loss to Massillon Washington, Cornett had 15 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four turnovers in 35 minutes.

On June 5, he was on the main court inside the Jerome Schottenstein Center as Westerville North participated in Ohio State’s team camp for the second consecutive day. The Warriors opened the day with a blowout win against Massillon Jackson with multiple members of the Ohio State coaching staff keeping an eye on the game.

The Buckeyes have not offered, but they continue to show interest.

“They definitely fit high on my radar for me, personally,” he said. “I’m pretty sure they like how I play. I hope so. We talk every now and then. I’m supposed to come for a visit this month.”

Toledo and Akron are also scheduled to host Cornett on visits in June, he said. While he played in his first of three games June 5, Cornett was watched by Ohio State assistants Dave Dickerson, Mike Wells, Jamall Walker and Brian Walsh, recruiting coordinator Terence Dials and program assistant William Buford.

They saw several highlight plays, including one on which Cornett blocked a shot, gathered the ball, pushed it up the floor to an open teammate, sprinted toward the basket and took a lob thrown back to him for a dunk.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Summer roadwork season is underway across South Dakota, with construction projects, highway maintenance, utility work and safety campaigns affecting travelers in several parts of the state. Here’s a look at the latest updates motorists should know for the week ahead, before heading out on the roads.

Ditch work begins June 8 on SD Highway 20 west of Reva

A road construction project is scheduled to begin Monday, June 8, on South Dakota Highway 20 west of Reva.

According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, crews will perform miscellaneous ditch work on SD Highway 20 from approximately 1.75 miles west to 1 mile west of the junction with Highway 79.

Construction activities will take place weekdays between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. MDT and are expected to continue through June 26. The project is scheduled to conclude at 4 p.m. MDT on Friday, June 26.

Motorists traveling through the area are encouraged to use caution and be alert for construction workers and equipment operating near the roadway.

Drivers with questions about the project can contact their local South Dakota Department of Transportation area office for additional information.

Blotter operations begin June 8 on U.S. Highway 385 near Pactola Dam

Road work continues on U.S. Highway 385 between Pactola Dam and Calumet Road.

Beginning June 8, contractors will start blotter operations, a process that involves packing and hardening the road surface. The work is expected to continue through July.

Motorists should use caution in the work zone and be aware of loose gravel and reduced speeds during the construction period.

Black Hills Energy to remove powerline overnight along Fifth Street in Rapid City

Black Hills Energy will remove an overhead power line in downtown Rapid City later this week, with work scheduled overnight to minimize traffic disruptions.

The decommissioning is set to begin around 9 p.m. Wednesday along Fifth Street, stretching from the alley south of Kansas City Street to the alley north of Main Street.

Officials say the nighttime schedule is intended to reduce impacts in the busy downtown area and provide a safer work environment. One lane of Fifth Street will be closed during the project, and drivers are asked to use caution while traveling through the area.

The work is expected to be completed in a single night. For questions or more information, the public can contact Black Hills Energy at 605-721-2642.

SDDOT outlines summer timeline for mowing highway ditches across the state

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding landowners that highway ditches can’t be mowed until specific dates each summer. In parts of western South Dakota, mowing can begin June 15, while areas east of the Missouri River must wait until July 10. All mowing must be finished by Sept. 1 unless an extension is approved.

Landowners next to state highways get first priority to mow the adjoining ditches. Anyone else must have permission from the property owner, and a permit is required to mow along Interstate highways.

The state may mow some areas earlier to control weeds and improve safety. For more information, contact a local SDDOT office or visit the SDDOT website.

Officials encourage safe towing practices statewide during Trailer Safety Week

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to prioritize safe towing practices during Trailer Safety Week, June 7-13.

The annual awareness campaign highlights the importance of trailer safety and aims to educate the public on proper trailer maintenance and use. The initiative also seeks to strengthen partnerships among trailer dealers, manufacturers and consumers to promote safer roadways.

State officials said increased awareness and proper trailer maintenance can help prevent crashes and improve safety for all motorists traveling South Dakota highways.

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