Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Growing Places—Vol. 2/ Issue 2 (May 2024)

Photo by Bob Fitch

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ABOUT US

The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) is a nonprofit economic development organization that works to improve the economy and advocates for business development and quality of life in the communities around Sioux Falls. SMGA advocates on behalf of Baltic, Brandon, Canton, Centerville, Colton, Crooks, Dell Rapids, Garretson, Harrisburg, Hartford, Humboldt, Lennox, Salem, Tea, Valley Springs, and Worthing. All of these communities provide rewarding places to live and to work.

CONTACT US

SOCIAL MEDIA TABLE

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Sharese Ihnen, Chair, Lennox Area Development Corp.

Mike Jaspers, Vice Chair, East River Electric

Heather Kranz, Secretary/Treasurer, TrioTel Communications

Jay Buchholz, Past Chair, Sioux Valley Energy

Robert Baker, First National Bank

Mike Wendland, Grant Park Capital

Marcus Mahlen, NAI Sioux Falls

Tony Wiseman, Journey Construction

David Kull, City of Brandon

Dean Karsky, Minnehaha County Commission

STAFF

Tyler Tordsen, President & CEO

Ryan Solberg, Economic Development Manager

Bryce Healy, Economic Development & Member Relations Specialist

Chris Fields, Economic Development and Member Relations Specialist

Karen Ruhland, Administrative Support

MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD

Minnehaha Co. Commission Dean Karsky, MAB Chair

City of Baltic Deborah McIsaac

City of Brandon Patrick Andrews

City of Canton Jeff Tanner

City of Centerville Jared Hybertson

City of Colton Monte Koopman

City of Crooks Mike Harstad

City of Dell Rapids Chad Ronshaugen

City of Garretson Jessica Fueston

City of Harrisburg Derick Wenck

City of Hartford Amy M. Farr

City of Humboldt Kelly O’Gorman

City of Lennox Dr. Britney Mower

City of Salem Mitch Rayman

City of Tea Aaron Otten

City of Valley Springs Carl Moss

City of Worthing Scott DeWitt

Lincoln County Joel Arends

McCook County Chuck Mehlbrech

Turner County Mick Miller

Alliance Comm. Paul VanDeBerg

Bluepeak Lucas Peterson

East River Electric Eric Fosheim

Golden West Greg Oleson

Lloyd Companies Drew O’Brien

Midco Andrew Curley

MidAmerican Energy Sam Wagner

NorthWestern Energy Paul Mantz

SD Development Corp Brad Jankord

Sioux Valley Energy Brandon Lane

Southeastern Electric Todd Nelson

US Bank Eric Krouse

Xcel Energy Joe Anderson

THE WINDS OF CHANGE

April marks another year for the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA). Our annual meeting and award event gives us a moment to reflect on our journey, celebrate our successes, and embrace the winds of change that continue to shape our beloved region.

The 32-year evolution from MCEDA and LCEDA to the dynamic force that is SMGA today speaks volumes about our resilience and adaptability. Yet, as we move forward, it’s clear that something feels different this year –in an exciting way.

Having personally attended SMGA events over the years, I can attest to the impact of our nonprofit mission and the dedication of our members. It’s a privilege to witness firsthand the passion and commitment of individuals who strive tirelessly to make our region thrive.

One of the core strengths of SMGA lies in its ability to recognize and celebrate the unique identities and strengths of each member community. This diversity is not a hindrance but a catalyst for innovation and collaboration. Our “all-of-the-above” strategy underscores our commitment to meeting communities where they are and empowering them to reach their full potential and we’re excited to keep bringing more partnerships and more resources to the table.

For example, our continued collaborations with Southeast South Dakota Tourism and the Relocation Companion are testaments to our proactive approach in promoting our region as an attractive destination for visitors, residents, and businesses alike. These partnerships not only highlight our achievements but also pave the way for sustained growth and prosperity.

The expanded alliance with the Economic Development Professionals Association of South Dakota (EDPA) signifies a broader platform for advocacy and resource access for our members. Partnering with organizations like EDPA helps amplify our voice at the regional and state levels.

In this issue you’ll also hear more about the news of securing a $23.6 million federal grant for a regional wastewater treatment facility, which will serve as an example of the power of collaboration and forwardthinking planning. It’s a significant opportunity towards addressing critical infrastructure needs and ensuring sustainable growth for many of our communities.

Looking ahead, we’ll continue to bring together stakeholders from all sectors so we can cultivate an environment where solutions are born, partnerships flourish, and progress thrives!”

Tyler Tordsen President & CEO, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance

Tyler Tordsen

ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WILL BENEFIT FROM $23M FEDERAL GRANT

The Northern Minnehaha County Wastewater Regionalization plan will receive $23.6 million from the EPA State and Tribal Response Grant Program. This project will construct wastewater conveyance systems from the communities of Colton, Lyons, and Crooks to a new mechanical treatment facility in Hartford, allowing for further residential, commercial, and industrial development in the rural area while mitigating negative environmental impacts associated with growth.

The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) submitted the grant on behalf of the communities. The total cost of the regionalization project will be $47.6 million.

The City of Hartford has begun construction on a new wastewater mechanical treatment facility. The new plant will expand the community’s wastewater capacity from 300,000 gallons per day to 1.6 million gallons per day, enough to comfortably accommodate Hartford’s annual population growth of 5 percent, along with any new commercial and industrial development while meeting stricter state and federal regulations on wastewater discharge quality. Construction is expected to be completed by 2025. The City of Hartford previously received $9.5 million in grants from the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) for the project, and the rest of its portion will be financed through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program (SRF) administered by DANR.

COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS

To lay the foundation for sustainable economic expansion, SMGA and ISG Inc.—the engineering firm which designed Hartford’s mechanical treatment facility—led conversations with community leaders in rural Minnehaha County about wastewater regionalization. SMGA and ISG proposed a structure whereby the City of Hartford will own and operate its mechanical treatment facility and allow the City of Crooks, the City of Colton, and Lyons Township to purchase an allotment of the facility’s capacity for their communities. Colton, Crooks, and Lyons will be responsible for building out and maintaining their own collection systems and the conveyance system to the facility.

The Minnehaha County communities anticipate accelerated population growth in the coming decades as workers in the City of Sioux Falls seek small town lifestyles and affordable housing options in peripheral communities. Without adequate wastewater

infrastructure, new homes and businesses will be forced to utilize septic tanks and infiltration basins, which could negatively impact the future water quality of a large section of the Big Sioux River Aquifer.

Additionally, these communities have seen strong interest from value-added agriculture companies looking to open facilities in South Dakota due to their location in the state’s biggest labor market, robust transportation infrastructure (i.e., their proximity to I-29 and I-90), and growing number of large producers moving into the region in industries ranging from pork to dairy. These facilities are typically large wastewater users, and a lack of capacity and outdated technology in municipal wastewater systems makes locating in the area cost prohibitive. //

ADVANTAGES OF REGIONAL SOLUTION TO WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT

Treatment costs will be lower over the long run as more inputs flow through one treatment facility. Sharing infrastructure and one plant will allow communities to spend less overall on staffing and upgrades.

Communities can afford to adopt innovations that lead to better discharge quality and water recycling. Overall, wastewater regionalization promotes greater economic growth with a lower environmental impact while helping municipalities responsibly manage taxpayer dollars.

SMGA PARTNERS IN PROGRESS AWARDS

Partners in Progress Award winners were honored at the SMGA Annual Meeting in March. Recognized were: Jared Hybertson of the Centerville Development Corporation; Sophie

COMMUNITY INNOVATION: CENTERVILLE

The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) presented a Partner in Progress award for Community Innovation to the City of Centerville and Centerville Development Corporation. The community has put significant effort into a thriving residential housing development, with 22 lots for sale and five already under contract. Centerville continues to see increases in its revenue from building permits and sales taxes. The community maintains a growing industrial park, increased housing options for its community, and a vibrant business economy for a rural community.

BUSINESS PARTNER: MARMEN ENERGY

Marmen Energy was honored as the SMGA Business Partner of the Year award for its outstanding support of community and regional economic development activity. Marmen Energy has been a major employer in the Brandon area for more than decade. The company specializes in wind tower manufacturing in the Rovang Industrial Park in Brandon. In 2023, Marmen Energy added 15,000 square feet to its 245,000-square-foot facility, expanding production capacity and adding 50 additional employees.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CHAMPION: SOPHIE JOHNSON

Sophie Johnson of Sioux Falls was honored as the SMGA Regional Economic Development Champion of the Year for her service to economic development and community enhancement. Johnson has earned a reputation for navigating resources and assisting communities in the region, helping to secure more than $130 million in grants and loans in 2023 alone. She currently leads the South Eastern Council of Governments’ efforts to provide community and economic development in the 40 communities within McCook, Minnehaha, Lincoln, Turner, Clay and Union counties. Johnson is credited as an integral part of helping many communities and widely recognized as a trusted resource for economic development assistance.

Johnson of the South Eastern Council of Governments; and Danny Leuders and Yannick Laroche of Marmen Energy.

NEW CITY HALL AND COMMUNITY CENTER UNDERWAY IN SALEM

Two years after an ill wind blew through Salem, the winds of change brought the fresh air of change this spring.

In 2022, Salem was one of the communities hardest hit by the derecho storms which caused millions in damage in the region. The armory in Salem was being used as a community center, but extensive derecho damage put a stop to that.

In April, the city of Salem broke ground on a new community center, which will include event spaces of 5,200 square feet and 1,100 square feet; a kitchen; plus be the new home of City Hall. Members of the community and city staff worked with ISG on the design of the center. Plans call for construction to be completed next year.

SMGA ELECTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS

During its annual meeting in March, the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance welcomed new board members Marcus Mahlen of Sioux Falls (NAI Sioux Falls and chair of the Harrisburg Economic Development Corporation); Tony Wiseman of Sioux Falls (president of Journey Construction), David Kull of Brandon (Brandon city councilor); and Dean Karsky of Sioux Falls (Minnehaha County commissioner) to its Executive Board of Directors.

SMGA also elected new officers for the 2024-2025 term:

Chair of the Board – Sharese Ihnen, Hegg Realtors

Vice Chair – Mike Jaspers, East River Electric

Secretary/Treasurer – Heather Kranz, TrioTel Communications

Past Chair – Jay Buchholz, Sioux Valley Energy

Member Advisory Board Chair –Dean Karsky, Minnehaha County Commission

A LOT OF IRONS IN THE FIRE IN COLTON

Trevor Bunde was elected mayor of Colton in 2022. He grew up on an acreage outside of Lyons, graduated from Tri-Valley High School and moved to Colton 18 years ago. Trevor owns and operates Bunde Construction, which he founded 17 years ago. The company specializes in interior finish work. He and his wife, Heather, have four children: Sutton, 17, Colby, 15, Quinn, 7, and Maverick, 5.

WHY DID YOU RUN FOR MAYOR?

I believe Colton needed some changes. I was on the council for about seven years and I knew as mayor I’d be able to take more aggressive steps in a positive direction for the town. I’m really striving for broad community involvement. I don’t like seeing one person try to do everything.

WHAT’S THE FOCUS OF COLTON’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS?

We have some catching up to do in order to be ‘community-ready’ to take advantage of the momentum in our area. So we’re trying to take some pretty big bites and get caught up to the boom. But I’m really enjoying it and I’ve met some amazing people along the way.

WHAT ARE COLTON’S STRENGTHS?

We have great community organizations that help people connect. It’s a relaxing atmosphere here. We have a beautiful park, we have a swimming pool, and we want to keep improving the quality of life. It’s a 20-minute drive to Sioux Falls – I do it every day – and I leave my house probably the same time as others in Sioux Falls. I just don’t have the traffic.

WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACING THE COMMUNITY?

We need homes! If we can increase the options and expand the availability of homes here, it will help us hold on to residents who have outgrown their current homes. The Colton Economic Development Group purchased more than 70 acres. Our goal is for the first phase to include 49 homes and the second phase will take us up to a total of 102 lots. I think this development will be a game-changer for Colton.

TELL US ABOUT THE CITY’S RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS.

I think we’ve made strides improving our infrastructure, especially streets and water and sewer improvements. We’ve made some pretty big improvement in park and rec for our youth. We added lights at our ballfield and made other improvements. We started a pool bus transportation program. We send a bus three times a week in the summer to Crooks and Baltic to bring their kids here to Colton to swim. It’s a great connection with those towns, brings up our numbers, but still leaves some quiet time for our own residents. There’s 53 kids already signed up for the bus for this year.

We also got our economic development group up and going to focus on the housing need. We’re shooting to have 15 lots to be open by next year. At some point, we hope for some funding from South Dakota Housing and the state.

We’ve got a lot of irons in the fire, but moving forward is slow process. We’re just trying to be ‘community-ready’ for the next era of development. We’re not expecting to flip a switch and suddenly have a flood of industries and housing coming in. If we’d been ready in 2020, we might have a bunch of lots sold. But we can’t dwell on the past – we just want to be ready for when the next wave hits.

WHAT PARTNERS HAVE BEEN HELPFUL?

Sioux Valley Energy, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance and SECOG have always been the biggest help to us. Sioux Valley Energy has always invested money into our community. Brandon Lane and Jay Buchholz are always in our corner, answering questions and bouncing ideas off. Sophie Johnson from the South East Council of Governments is a rock star. //

Trevor and Heather Bunde of Colton

RAECO FOCUSES ON ‘NEXT LEVEL’ EXECUTION IN CONSTRUCTION

service

“My training has largely been in-field-training over the past 10+ years,” said Berens. “By working in multiple locations, I’ve seen how things are done differently. I’ve applied those specialties in this industry and watched how things have evolved with technology.”

He manages multiple crews and job sites every day. “I oversee quality control of our products to the final customer. Bidding and plan reviews are also a big part of my days. The most interesting thing is daily problem solving and taking what we do to the next level.” The game plan of reaching the next level includes partnering with the industry’s best vendors, manufacturers, and suppliers.

Raeco always strives for an aggressive and attainable production schedule. However, the company has a philosophy of never sacrificing quality or structural integrity in order to land a job. “I get a lot of job satisfaction from seeing projects come to life from nothing and becoming something special for our customers. To see the final product is always the most rewarding aspect of the job,” Berens said.

Raeco Builders, LLC was established in 2009 by owner Tom Jurgens. He set out with the intention of paying attention to building codes, customer service and safety while providing quality at a fair price.

Working for a company such as Raeco can set young people on a sustainable career path. According to Berens, “The construction industry has a ton of career opportunities, especially with technology aspect continuing to change and grow. Students need to know our trade will be around until the end of time.” //

Lee Berens is the director of concrete operations at Raeco Builders, LLC of Sioux Falls. The company is a full

general contractor; provides designbuild and concrete construction services; and builds pre-engineered steel buildings.

Lee Berens of Raeco Builders, LLC.

TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT VALUATION $8.1M

AMENITIES

Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration.

Community Library.

Westerman Park features a swimming pool, playground, picnic shelters, baseball and softball diamonds, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, basketball court, skate park, band shelter, flower gardens, camping pads and sand volleyball court.

City Parks & Recreation programming includes youth baseball, softball, t-ball and soccer; and adult pickleball and sand volleyball.

Lenkota Country Club hosts multiple tournaments and has leagues for men, senior men, women and couples.

West Evergreen Park has playground equipment and a shelter; plus has winter ice skating.

$1,183,913

Municipal property tax rate has declined 33% in three years.

New pickleball courts in Lennox.

Lennox has youth soccer and other recreational sports for children, plus opened a new municipal swimming pool in 2020.

A STRONG FOUNDATION IN LENNOX DEVELOPMENT PARK

A house is built to last when it has a strong foundation. So it is with economic development. Lennox is fortunate to have two manufacturers who are foundational cornerstones – Sioux Steel Inc. and Wilson Trailer. Both companies are major employers in the region and are located in the Lennox Development Park on the southern edge of the city. Bordered by South Dakota Highways 44 and 17, the industrial area is just seven miles west of Interstate 29.

“Wilson Trailer and Sioux Steel benefit from our strong local workforce; and the city of Lennox appreciates the additional workers the manufacturers bring into our city every day. They are great corporate citizens who support our schools and the community as a whole,” said Nate Vander Plaats, city administrator for Lennox.

According to Ryan Solberg, economic development manager with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, “Lennox is a showcase of excellent rural economic development. In addition to a friendly geographic location and a strong workforce, Wilson Trailer and Sioux Steel help Lennox demonstrate the value of marrying industrial development with the area’s heritage as a farming community.”

WILSON TRAILER

Wilson Trailer is a 130-year-old, family-owned business with headquarters in Sioux City, Iowa. Wilson Trailer

specializes in livestock, grain, flatbed and gooseneck livestock trailers. Factory-direct sales of new or reconditioned trailers are available from the Lennox location. The Wilson Trailer plant in Lennox opened in 2007.

Wilson gooseneck livestock trailers are known for toughness – designed to withstand transport on gravel roads, across pastures and across the country. All

Wilson Trailers in Lennox.

Wilson gooseneck and bumper hitch

livestock trailers are made with riveted construction that provides for rugged use on or off the road. Wilson’s flatbed and drop deck trailers are designed for hauling machinery, construction materials or hay bales. The trailers combine a onepiece high-quality steel main beam with a strong aluminum floor with a patented side rail design and other aluminum components that provide weight savings.

SIOUX STEEL

Sioux Steel is a fifth-generation, familyowned business headquartered in Sioux Falls. The company launched in 1918 as a steel corrugating business. Sioux Steel opened its first building in Lennox in 1997.

Today, Sioux Steel and its sub-divisions offer a mix of solutions for modern grain farmers including:

• Grain storage, including commercial and farm grain bins.

economic development organization promoting business growth and quality of life improvements in 15 member communities. Solberg works directly with LADC to help execute its economic development strategy.

• Front-end loaders, attachments and round bale transport.

Paddle sweeps for unloading commercial and farm bins.

• Livestock equipment including gates, panels, fencing, feeders, tanks, waterers, alleys, crowding tubs, calving equipment, headgates and doors, corral panels, loading chutes, squeeze chute carts.

• Dust suppression hopper systems.

• Pro-Tec Buildings.

LOCAL LEADERS AND LENNOX LUMBER

The Lennox Area Development Corporation (LADC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting commercial, industrial, and residential growth in the city. The LADC Board of Directors strives to help businesses of all sizes that are looking to relocate, expand, or start up in Lennox. The organization also assists homebuilders interested in housing development and residents seeking to rehab their properties.

The LADC counts on the expertise of Ryan Solberg of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. SMGA is a regional

The most recent economic development success is Lennox Lumber, now under construction. Owner Chris DeHaan is expanding his current company – Southeast South Dakota Rough Sawn Lumber – into a full-service lumberyard. The new facility will total 13,500 square feet and is expected to open later this year. DeHaan will retain the custom milling and exotic woods sides of the business even as Lennox Lumber brings in traditional lumber and other construction materials.

According to Vander Plaats, “Seeing a business like Lennox Lumber make its long-term home here sends a signal to other businesses that there’s something happening in Lennox – and it needs to be on your radar.” The 14-acre site where Lennox Lumber Co. is being built is southeast of Lennox Development Park. Additional space is available for sale to other commercial and light industrial businesses. //

The

Sioux Steel in Lennox.

most recent economic development success is Lennox Lumber, now under construction. The full-service lumberyard will open later this year. It is located just east of the Lennox Development Park.

LENNOX SCHOOL DISTRICT

K-12 ENROLLMENT: 1,152

GRADUATION RATE: 97%

Lennox School District #41-4 serves students from the communities of Lennox, Chancellor, and Worthing. LSD’s high school, junior high, intermediate and one elementary are in Lennox. The district also has an elementary school in Worthing.

CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

Presented by Cognia, the world’s largest continuous improvement and accreditation organization.

Starting Teacher Salary: $50,000

Average Teacher Salary: $54,227

VISION

Create a challenging learning climate that encourages high expectations for success in a safe, caring, and supportive environment and to actively involve our parents, teachers, and community members in our students’ learning.

CORE VALUES

Students first

Rigorous and relevant curricula

Quality instruction

Continuous improvement

Parent/community partnership

Accountability

Transparency

Effective leadership at all levels

TECHNOLOGY-RICH LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Laptop initiative at junior high and high school

• iPad mobile labs

• Multiple computer labs

• Interactive display boards

WORK WELL WITH OTHERS TO COMPLETE THE TASK AT HAND

Paul Kruse is a graduate of Lennox High School and is now in his 13th year as its building trades instructor. Here he describes the success his students have had building houses that become homes for local residents.

HOW DID THE PROGRAM START?

The building construction program started in 2009. In its first two years, the district purchased materials and the students would build the house. The school auctioned it off in the summer. However, the program stopped because it wasn’t breaking even with the cost of materials and hiring a plumber and electrician.

When I was hired, we started building decks or little sheds to give students a taste of the construction industry. The school district was approached by a group of Tea elementary school teachers to build a home for a student of theirs who lost his limbs to meningitis. The project was called “Home for Austin.” We built the home in the 2013 school year. In 2015-2017, the Lennox Area Development Corporation and the Lennox School District teamed up to build a home and a twin home on site for the next two years. Since 2018, Rob Huber (R.E.N.O. Construction) and the school have partnered up to build a home behind the school. In the summer, the R.E.N.O. team moves the house to a foundation. Mr. Huber supplies the materials, plumber, and electrician while students build the home.

We build a complete home every year. We usually get to the point we’ve finished on the outside and painted on the inside. A couple of years, we have gotten as far as installing millwork and cabinets.

WHAT SKILLSETS ARE THE STUDENTS LEARNING?

We treat this class like an actual job. They still do classroom work (training as we call it). They must pass

an O.S.H.A. certification before they are allowed to work. Pretty much every aspect of residential construction is taught from floor systems through to the roof. We conduct an electrical and plumbing lab in the classroom, but a licensed contractor is required on that part of the house construction.

Ultimately, we hope some of the students will go into the building trades industry. I have six to eight students enter the trades workforce right out of high school or go to a college or university to prepare for some kind of building trade. Our class gives them a kick start in these fields. Personally, if they do not go into the trades, I hope we have taught them something they can use in the future, like changing out an electrical outlet or switch, fix a toilet, install a door, or build a small shed in the backyard.

I’ve been part of the construction trades for 30 years. I’m old enough to remember when we only used a hammer to drive nails. I was taught that way by my dad. When we start building walls in class, we only use a hammer and nails for a couple class periods before we break out the framing nailers. Some students struggle and some catch on fast.

WHAT WORK HABITS ARE YOU TO INSTILL?

Because we treat this class like a job, it’s important to be on time, be prepared by having the right tools and tool belt, etc., and have the right kind of clothing for working outside. The most important attribute they’re learning is to be able to work with others and get along to complete a task or job. It’s easy for them to team up with friends, but we try to have them work with someone new at the start of every week.

WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR JOB?

I enjoy watching the students build something of this size and catching on to the concept that they can install shingles, windows and doors; or understanding what the difference is between plumb, level and square. Students discover that math is so important in building a house.

This course wouldn’t be as successful as it is if we didn’t have a principal (Chad Allison) and a superintendent (Chad Conaway) who are advocates for career and technical education. Not only do we have the building trades, but we also have welding, small engines, family and consumer science, business and economics, and healthcare. Many of these programs have internships or shadowing programs with local businesses. Our agriculture and FFA program is one of the best and biggest in the state. //

If you call South Dakota home, you’ve worked,

RESTAURANT ENERGIZES LENNOX AND BRINGS NEW PEOPLE TO TOWN

By Bob Fitch

One of the most frequent complaints in many small cities is, “There’s nowhere to eat.” According to Nate Vander Plaats, Lennox city administrator, “When I started here (5½ years ago), people always talked about not having a sit-down restaurant, a place where they can take the whole family to eat and take visitors from out of town. Lennox hasn’t had that sit-down restaurant experience since Pizza Ranch left many years ago.”

A Lennox resident visiting Winner for an athletic event ate at the El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant there. He encouraged the restaurant’s owners to consider Lennox in their expansion plans. Co-owners and brothers Efrain and Christopher Lopez followed through on the lead, checking out the city and deciding its size and business climate hit their sweet spot. Vander Plaats said, “When we were approached, I said, ‘We’ve got to find a way to make this happen.’ A lot of effort was put in by the restaurant owners, the city and the Lennox Development Corporation.”

Efrain and Christopher opened El Mariachi in Lennox in February. The city has responded with enthusiasm to the restaurant’s family-friendly atmosphere and authentic Mexican food.

According to Efrain and Christopher’s sister, Evelyn Lopez, “The people have been so supportive. I’m not complaining, but it has been crazy here sometimes. We’ve had a line out the door on some Friday and Saturday nights,” she said. Efrain added, “People like that they can bring their kids, their grandma and grandpa. Everyone can enjoy a peaceful meal together.”

The menu includes something for all tastes, he said. “If you like chicken or beef, we can make a great fajita, quesadilla or burrito. If you like seafood, we can cook you great tilapia or camarones. If you’re a vegetarian, we use fresh vegetables for a really good salad or fajita.”

The addition of a new year-round, full-service restaurant in Lennox has been energizing, said Vander Plaats. “Towns outside the Sioux Falls boundary need a draw like this to bring people into town. While they’re here to eat, I hope they notice that we have homes for sale, we have an awesome school, and all the other things a small town has to offer.” He’s looking forward to the reports which will show increased sales tax receipts from El Mariachi’s business.

Natives of California, the Lopez’s returned to their father’s family farm in Mexico when they were still young children. In their late teens, Efrain moved to Tennessee and Christopher moved to Kansas to work in restaurants owned by other family members. The brothers saved their money and, six years ago, opened their first restaurant in Winner, South Dakota. In addition to Winner and Lennox, the Lopez brothers also have a restaurant in Chamberlain. They partner with other family members at locations in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and Chadron, Nebraska. //

The hours at El Mariachi are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sunday and Monday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday; and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Photo by Evelyn Lopez.

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