Kevin Gene Olson, 53, died unexpectedly July 24, 2021, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident near Plentywood. He was born on Aug. 24, 1967, in Heidelberg, Germany, to Lyle “Gene” and Joan Olson. At that time, Lyle served in the Army and was stationed in Germany. The young family returned to Westby in 1968 when Kevin was 10 months old. He was later joined by his brothers, Kelly, Troy and Travis. He was a lifelong resident of Sheridan County. He graduated from Westby High School in 1986. Thereafter, he attended the University of Minnesota until he joined the United States Coast Guard. While serving in the Coast Guard, he was stationed in California and, during that time, debuted his acting career as an extra in The Hunt for Red October alongside Sean Connery. He was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard in 1992. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Westby and began his long career of over 25 years with the railroad. He married April Lutnes in January 1998. From this union, two sons, Austin and Hunter, were born. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid reader. Since he was 10 years old, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and was a talented mechanic. Put simply, he was handy to have around. His entire life, he was a kind person and a hard worker. He loved children and animals. Those who knew him remarked that he did not have a mean bone in his body and would give you the shirt off his back. He is survived by his sons, Austin and Hunter Olson; parents, Lyle and Joan Olson; and brothers, Kelly Olson, Troy Olson and Travis Olson. Services were held Tuesday, Aug. 3, at the Plentywood Lutheran Church. Burial was at the Comertown Cemetery.

Brennen Bruce 'Buckshot' Brunelle, 3, of Williston, N.D., died due to injuries sustained in a car accident east of Bainville on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. He was born May 20, 2021, 1998, in Williston, N.D., to Lindon and Lisa (Forsberg) Brunelle. From the day he was born, she always made sure he was dressed well and had everything he needed. This meant he was dressed head to toe in Nike gear. Later when he became a toddler, he decided against wearing the fancy clothes his mom bought and instead chose to run around the house with his siblings all in their underwear. As he grew older, he spent a lot of his time with his dad, Lindon, and his siblings working on trucks, snowmobiles, four wheelers and dirt bikes. The family enjoyed riding together in the mountains, sand dunes or anywhere they could catch some air or get muddy. He also enjoyed hunting coyotes and ice fishing with his family and friends. Known as “B” to his teammates, he attended Bainville High School where he was an all-star basketball player. He was a leader for his team and could play any position. His teammates knew “if B got that look in his eyes,” they better be ready to play. In the District 2C play-in game, Bainville defeated Brockton when he played his first double- double, scoring 19 points and 12 rebounds leading his team to victory. He was firstteam all-conference junior and senior year. Because of his character, sportsmanship and leadership throughout his basketball career, he was honored to be the recipient of four star quilts. His junior year, he was also a key advocate in the implementation of the first 6-man Bainville football team in 40 years. His senior year, he was a receiver and defensive end, helping the team to the quarter finals of the state playoffs. After graduating from high school, he began his career working in the oilfield. He held numerous jobs that lead him to finding his true enjoyment working with Papa Gary and Carla as a crane rigger for Lakeview Services. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer firefighter for the Trenton Fire Department. He always had the biggest smile and gave the warmest bear hugs. He always had to “look good for the ladies.” The ladies LOOOOVED the ‘stache he worked so hard to grow. He was a protector of anyone who was in his group and always made sure they felt at home. He loved everyone and always made time to be there for his friends and family. His grandma Tina was his heart, and his papa James always knew how to crack him up. He always enjoyed his movie dates with Grandma Nell and hunting with Grandpa Keith. He is survived by his parents, Lindon and Lisa Brunelle; brothers, Jayden Brunelle and Landyn Brunelle; sister, Kiarra Brunelle; and grandparents, Tina and James Poirrier and Keith and Penny Brunelle. His funeral service was held Saturday, July 31, at New Hope Wesleyan Church in Williston.