In separate events on Saturday, Sept. 13, teams of heavy equipment operators and paintball shooters will compete near Spearfish.

The respective "Battle of the Blades/Slashing Steel" and "Operation Red Welt" contests are sponsored by the 842nd Engineer Company of the South Dakota Army National Guard. The public is encouraged to attend.

Senior and junior heavy equipment operators will tackle a series of courses, with the experienced senior operators coaching junior teammates who will operate bulldozers, scrapers, road graders, dump trucks, excavators and tractor trailers. The competition at the Spearfish city rubble site, north of Spearfish on U.S. Highway 85, starts at noon.

Meanwhile, interested high school teams have until Friday to enter the fourth Operation Red Welt paintball tournament. All necessary equipment will be provided, and there is no cost to play. Teams and individuals must call Staff Sgt. Nathan Juelfs at 605-641-0849 to register.

The games start at 10 a.m. Saturday in the open area on the south side of Camp Comfort Road, north of Spearfish on Highway 85.