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Belle Hinrichs, Wessington Springs, was honored in 1976 as Eminent Homemaker by the South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã Board of Regents and South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University. Because of her active community involvement and her ability to make the best of any situation, Hinrichs stands out among others. 

She is a person that people in her community look toward for leadership. Hinrichs, 61, has always been concerned that young people grow to be responsible citizens and raise their own families. To help the young people, she taught rural school under a certificate until school reorganization in the early 1960s. Since then, she's been a music teacher, teaching on a twice-a-week basis to rural school children under a Title I program.

She was leader of the Hawkeye Hustlers 4-H Club for many years, receiving a five-year clover award in 1960 and a gold seal for 4-H work. Hinrichs has directed a county Extension chorus, spearheaded local 4-H Share the Fun activities, was a county Extension chairperson and a member of the "Human Flag" patriotic singing production, which has performed in many states. 

While rearing her five children to be well-adjusted and contributing citizens, she has also helped students with vocal and instrumental solos. She has been involved in Extension club work for the last 35 years. Hinrichs has been a local newspaper correspondent for the Wessington Springs Independent for the last eight years. She has served as Democratic precinct committee woman and served on election boards. She's also been involved in numerous area fund drives for humanitarian projects. Hinrichs has been vice chairman of the committee on worship in her church, sings in choir and enjoys related church activities. She has also taught Bible school and Sunday school and substitutes as choir director. 

Hinrichs has been a member of the Philanthropic and Educational Organization, Parent-Teacher Association, bowling league and the Weskota Manor Retirement Home Auxiliary. While it's apparent that Hinrichs has "done her own thing" in the community, she admits she's not a woman's libber. "Marriage is a partnership," she says, "and my role in that partnership is to serve nutritious meals and make an effort to see that children grow up as responsible citizens."