SMALL TOWN SPOTLIGHT
16-23
Pages 10-15 REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP
Pages 26-27
Mural in downtown Centerville by Renya Hernandez, Amber Hansen, Sonia Hernandez and Jon Marohl. 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 Beresford, 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
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance 196 E. 6th St., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605.679.7149 info@siouxmetro.com
EXECUTIVE
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
Bryce Healy, Economic Development & Member Relations Specialist
Chris Fields, Economic Development and Member Relations Specialist
Joshua Chase, Economic Development and Member Relations Specialist
Karen Ruhland, Administrative Support
MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD
City of Beresford Jerry Zeimetz
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 Chuck Jones
City of Garretson Paetyn Dreckman
City of Harrisburg Derick Wenck
City of Hartford Arden Jones
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 Rick Larsen
City of Worthing Scott DeWitt
Lincoln County Joel Arends
McCook County Chuck Mehlbrech
Minnehaha County Dean Karsky (Chair)
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
Sioux Valley Energy Brandon Lane
Southeastern Electric Erica Fitzhugh
US Bank Eric Krouse
Xcel Energy Joe Anderson
STRENGTHENING THE TIES THAT BIND
As we reflect on a year of growth and achievement, the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) is proud of the progress we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve strengthened. Throughout 2024, our focus on fostering regional collaboration has allowed us to help our member communities harness new opportunities while addressing the challenges that come with growth. By providing vital connections, strategic advice, and a platform to share success stories, SMGA continues to play a crucial role in helping our region thrive.
One of SMGA’s greatest strengths is our ability to build meaningful connections – connecting businesses to the resources they need, municipalities to each other, and our region to potential new partners and investors. This interconnectedness creates a powerful network where ideas, solutions, and opportunities can flow freely. By sharing the stories of our communities’ tremendous potential, we’ve highlighted the many ways each area is growing and evolving, creating an environment where everyone can succeed.
SMGA also plays a key role in advising our members on growth strategies that are tailored to each community’s unique needs. Whether it’s retaining or expanding business opportunities, growing the residential housing market, or navigating infrastructure development, we work together with communities to ensure that their development plans align with their long-term goals. We’re proud to be a conduit for regionalization, facilitating collaboration between our members and partners, and working toward a prosperous future.
We are incredibly thankful for our longstanding partners who continue to support the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance by renewing their membership. Their continued trust and commitment play a crucial role in our success and the ongoing growth of our region. At the same time, we are excited to welcome new organizations joining us for the first time. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm bring even more potential for collaboration, and we look forward to working together to further strengthen our communities and drive sustainable growth in the years to come. Read more about SMGA’s new Corporate Partnership Program on page six.
Looking to 2025, SMGA is more committed than ever to strengthening the ties that bind our region together. By continuing to serve as a bridge between stakeholders, we’ll ensure that the Sioux Metro continues to be a place of innovation, growth, and shared success. Feel free to contact us anytime if you’re interested in joining the growth of the Sioux Metro!
Tyler Tordsen President & CEO, Sioux Metro Growth Alliance
Bluepeak
BNSF
DesignArc
East River Electric
Farmers State Bank
First Bank and Trust (Canton)
First Bank and Trust (Garretson)
First Interstate Bank
First National Bank in Sioux Falls
Gil Haugen
Golden West
ISG
Mailbox Money
MidAmerican Energy
Midco
NextEra Energy
Northwestern Energy
PASQ
SDN Communications
Sioux Valley Energy
Southeastern Electric
TSP
US Bank
VeldCo
Wells Fargo
Xcel Energy
Tyler Tordsen
GROWING A WINNING TEAM
ARE YOU A PRO-GROWTH PROBLEM SOLVER? JOIN SIOUX METRO GROWTH
ALLIANCE TODAY!
The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) is a conduit of communication and collaboration among cities, counties and businesses, enhancing reciprocal relationships that can drive economic development and a higher quality of life. Economic development – sustaining and expanding the business community, the local tax base and augmenting amenities for citizens – is never an easy job. Trying to do it alone makes it even more difficult. SMGA fosters a culture of mutually-assured progress among business and communities.
MEETING UNIQUE NEEDS FOR THRIVING COMMUNITIES
SMGA strives to stimulate, sustain and support the economic growth of the communities, businesses and general stakeholders of the metro area outside of Sioux Falls. Every community has unique needs and its own unique approach. At the same time, learning from one another and pooling and leveraging resources increases the likelihood of an ultimately successful outcome. According to SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen, “We are dedicated to empowering each community to reach its full potential. By understanding and addressing the distinct needs of each member, we can foster an environment where every community in our growing metro thrives.”
SMGA positions itself as “the ultimate resource partner,” offering tailored solutions and strategic guidance to meet the specific and growing needs of its members. SMGA’s professional team act as a vital resource hub, bringing together stakeholders such as local/state/ national governments, private enterprise and other critical entities. “We bring problem-solvers together, ensuring that meaningful progress continues for the Sioux Metro region,” said Tordsen.
JOIN A TEAM OF PRO-GROWTH PROBLEM-SOLVERS
Traditionally, the professional resources of SMGA have been funded via dues from member cities and counties, as well as support from partners such as banks and utilities in the fields of energy, telecommunications and transportation.
“Xcel Energy is interested in building and maintaining strong, healthy communities. SMGA plays a crucial role in driving economic development and fostering collaboration among communities in the Sioux Falls area.”
~ Steve Kolbeck Xcel Energy
As SMGA and its organizational partners demonstrate success, more companies are showing a desire to be a part of this winning network. Consequently, the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance recently initiated an enhanced
Corporate Partnership Program, providing avenues for support and participation from businesses of all sizes and from any field.
The Corporate Partnership Program offers a sliding scale of benefits for pro-growth businesses who are ready to access unique resources and foster new connections – all the while demonstrating a company’s commitment to fostering growth in the region. Support levels range from $1,250 up to $30,000. Potential benefits include:
Recognition in SMGA’s magazine, website, event signage and digital media.
Inclusion in invitation-only events such as metro area bus tours and the annual meeting.
• In-person and podcast opportunities to share your expertise and success stories with others who are growth-minded.
• Marketing as a preferred partner and vendor.
• Admission to informational, educational, and networking events. Preferred access to the future Leadership Sioux Metro program.
To learn more about SMGA and its Corporate Partnership Program, contact Tyler Tordsen at 605-679-7149 or TylerT@siouxmetro.com //
Sustainable Design
Innovative design that incorporates energy efficiency, green building practices and sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact
Community-Focused
From multi-family housing to commercial spaces and recreation facilities, our designs foster growth, accessibility and sustainability for communities
“Our partnership with SMGA has been a transformative experience for ISG. We value their holistic approach of combining public-private partnerships with strategic economic development. This collaboration of diverse stakeholders allows us to continue delivering value and vibrancy to our regional communities while also driving the momentum of our mission – we exist to make a difference.”
~ David Doxtad President - ISG, Inc.
Master Planning
Holistic design approaches that help guide the long-term growth and development of communities
Facility Assessments
In-depth evaluations of your current facilities to identify areas for improvement, safety and efficiency
Sioux Falls | Brookings | Mitchell
DO NOT TAKE WATER FOR GRANTED
The SMGA Growth Summit focused on the challenges and opportunities local communities will face in securing adequate water resources in the future. One of the discussion panels included: Scott Stern, former commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development; Troy Larson, LCRWS executive director; Kurt Pfiefle, Dakota Mainstem executive director; and Mark Cotter, City of Sioux Falls public works director.
“If you’re going to be short of water in 40 years, you need to start planning now,” according to Troy Larson, executive director of Lewis & Clark Water Regional Water System (LCWRS). Larson was one of the featured speakers at the Growth Summit presented by the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
“This year’s Growth Summit helped paint a picture of the past, present, and future when it comes to water needs and water projects in this region. LCRWS is one example of how our region has tackled this issue in the past, and there are additional opportunities on the horizon,” said Tyler Tordsen, SMGA president and CEO.
Lewis & Clark Regional Water System is a nonprofit organization operating in three states: South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota. In South Dakota, it serves the SMGA-member cities of Beresford, Centerville,
Harrisburg, Lennox and Tea, plus Lincoln County Rural Water System, South Lincoln Rural Water System, Minnehaha Community Water Corp., Parker and Sioux Falls.
Initially conceptualized in the 1980s, Lewis & Clark was conceived by leaders who had the foresight to see that the quality and quantity of water would be an issue in the future for their communities. “Lewis & Clark was built to improve the quality of life and to expand economic development opportunities. These cities and rural water systems either didn’t have enough water for the longer term or their water quality was very poor,” said Larson.
“Frankly, water is just taken for granted, especially when it comes to economic development.” For cities with adequate or excess water capacity, it’s like having a big stack of poker chips with which a city can bet aggressively on various economic development possibilities. But with a smaller stack of chips – as in, a more scarce supply of water – a city has to be more selective about what projects they can pursue. “That’s essentially what you’re seeing now: There have been countless examples of economic development opportunities turned away in southeast South Dakota
because there’s not the water resources. And if you say ‘yes’ to someone that needs 2 million gallons, you’re going to have to say ‘no’ to a lot of other people.”
Lewis & Clark Regional Water System was incorporated in 1990, but wasn’t authorized by Congress for federal support until 2000. “It took 10 years of hearings and vettings just to get the project authorized. Then there were three years of environmental review and clearances.” That was about the time Larson joined Lewis & Clark 21 years ago. Yet, it is only in recent months that the final three communities (Madison, S.D., and Sheldon and Sibley, Iowa) have been brought online since the project had to battle for continued Congressional funding. The project was fortunate to have strong support across party lines from Congressional delegations in all three states. The three states and 20 local members have paid 100 percent of their cost share. Water rates cover all of the operations and maintenance expenses.
“Nothing like this had been done before,” Larson said. “Like our namesakes, Lewis and Clark, we were really trailblazers. Since then, others have been trying to emulate us in terms of this wholesale provider approach, banding together to solve their common water needs in
a more cost effective and efficient way.” Cities and rural water systems are the “retailers” in this model, directly hooking up residential and commercial customers to the local system which receives water resources from Lewis & Clark.
Water is not going to be found from drilling new wells – water rights from the Big Sioux River aquifer have all been allocated. So cities and counties that have nearterm or long-term goals to grow in population and/or in the development of new businesses must be proactive in obtaining new sources of water. He said the most obvious source is the Missouri River since only a small portion is being accessed from the water promised to the state in the 1944 Pick-Sloan Act (which authorized and funded the Missouri River system of dams). But the time and money to construct such a system is a large undertaking.
While the Lewis & Clark Water Regional Water System cannot add any additional members, cities and rural water systems can learn from its trailblazing path, Larson said. //
article was adapted by
ADVANCING AGRIBUSINESS, WATER QUALITY, AND STORMWATER RESILIENCY IN THE UPPER MIDWEST
This
Editor Bob Fitch from a Growing Places podcast hosted by SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen.
RESTAURANTS OFFER ‘WARM EMBRACE’ IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
By Bob Fitch
The
flavor of the food in
a small town
restaurant
is important. Just as important is the restaurant’s reflection of the flavor of the community.
One of the negative side effects of economic shocks and recessions over the last 50 years has been the loss of many hometown cafés, especially in municipalities with a population of 1,000 or less. It can tear at the very fabric of a town when a community loses the spot where locals gather to drink coffee and break bread together. Yet American entrepreneurial spirit and local consumers demonstrating faith in that spirit provides the chance for small town establishments to survive and others to rise.
Local eateries have a big economic impact, including:
Sales tax revenue supports local infrastructure.
Restaurants are continually hiring and creating new jobs.
Local restaurants are community cornerstones where many young people get their first jobs.
Restaurants who purchase meat or produce locally help support farm-to-table agricultural operations.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN SIOUX METRO TOWNS
Crooks Mayor Butch Oseby doesn’t like to think about the damage that would be done if their local eateries
- Lunch Thyme Sandwich Shop, Critters Bar & Grill, and The Wooden Nickel – were suddenly gone. Oseby noted that The Wooden Nickel is instrumental in providing hot meals for senior citizens in both Crooks and Hartford. A complete meal is sold at a discounted rate through a Center for Active Generations program. Meals from The Wooden Nickel are transported to the Hartford Senior Center.
“Cafés, restaurants and bars are
an important collector of sales taxes which helps feed improvements for the city,” according to Jared Hybertson, community and economic development director for Centerville. He said when a small town loses a café, restaurant or bar, “It’s like you lose a piece of yourself and your town loses a bit of its identity.”
Centerville’s Seed Coffee House & Eatery has unique roots growing from “community wishes, leadership discussions, passionate owner-operators, and the establishment’s connection as a new place of worship in Centerville.” Centerville Steakhouse has been sold and, in its place, Tuffy’s Sports Bar & Grill will open soon. Also in Centerville, Maria’s Mexican Restaurant fills local demand for ethnic food and the Desert Inn has a great reputation for its pizza.
Garretson is home to Gulch Bar & Grill, Sports Cabin Food & Drink and Annie’s Coffeehouse. “Each bar, restaurant and coffee house in Garretson is its own unique experience, bringing locals together, and providing an additional stop on the visitors trail through this great city,” said Chris Fields, economic development and member relations specialist with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
In Humboldt, “Main Street Bar is a long-time cornerstone downtown. It’s the hot spot for social gatherings,” said Fields. “Both Main Street Bar and Big J’s Roadhouse help
Kava Rose Brew House in Beresford
TJz Bar in Colton
The Wooden Nickel in Crooks.
The Gulch Bar & Grill in Garretson.
Kim’s Korner Bar & Grill in Worthing.
The Seed Coffeehouse & Eatery in Centerville.
provide solid sales tax income for Humboldt.”
SMGA’s Joshua Chase said The Taco Vault in Worthing and El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant in Lennox opened in 2024 and are contributing to those cities’ positive growth in sale tax receipts.
THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS IS RARELY EASY
It’s never been easy to make money in the restaurant industry. Operating profits are typically just 4-5 percent. Two months into the Covid crisis, 40 percent of America’s restaurants were shuttered and 8 million employees were out of work – three times the job losses seen by any other industry, according to the Harvard Business School. Restaurants spend 30 percent of their revenue on labor. With increasing focus on fair wages and legislated wage increases, restaurants may easily exceed that average.
“Let’s face it, the restaurant industry is a tough lifestyle and it can be challenging in small towns,” said Centerville’s Hybertson. “So we’re appreciative of the efforts the passionate owners make.”
Even in the face of challenges, the restaurant industry has long been marked by creativity and resiliency, intrinsic to restaurant operators’ DNA, the Harvard report said. According to international restaurant guru Andreas Düss of 6 Seeds Consulting, the food sector is leading “The Cozy Revolution” offering an “emotional refuge” and “a warm embrace in uncertain times.” //
Sources
“Downtown & Business District Market Analysis.” University of Wisconsin, Division of Extension, Community Economic Development. March 2022.
“The Importance of Restaurants to Local Community.” Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation, Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania. April 2021.
“Restaurant Revolution: How the Industry Is Fighting to Stay Alive.” Working Knowledge, Harvard Business School. July 2021.
“State of the Restaurant Industry 2024.” National Restaurant Association. February 2024.
Main Street Bar in Humboldt.
Valley Corner Bar in Valley Springs.
BIG J’S ROAD HOUSE:
CUSTOMERS REMEMBER THE SMALL-TOWN HOSPITALITY
By Bob Fitch
Running a restaurant in a small town is a social responsibility. “The people who walk through our door are not just guests, they’re our neighbors, our family,” said Justin Kjellsen, owner of Big J’s Road House in Humboldt. “As a business owner, you’re tied into the school system, you’re tied into local politics; you’re tied into being a part what the community is.”
The people of Humboldt and surrounding towns strongly supported Big J’s Road House during the Covid crisis. “We shut down our dining room, but our phone rang off the hook with takeout orders. We adapted and started a delivery service. We were busier on some days than if the restaurant had actually been open. I made a delivery to a farm by Montrose where the couple was probably in their 80s. Now, how many times do you suppose a restaurant has delivered to their farmstead?”
As a food and beverage business on a busy interstate highway, Big J’s Road House represents Humboldt to a lot of people on their way to the Black Hills or a pheasant hunting trip. “At the end of the day, when they leave, we hope they’ll remember me or one of our managers –Kecia, Cody, Vinnie and Amy – or any of our great team members. We want them to remember the hospitality we offered.” He abides by the customer service philosophy of: “The answer is ‘yes.’ What’s the question?”
FROM THE BOTTOM UP
Kjellsen started his restaurant career as a dishwasher
at Jay’s Grill in Madison when he was a teenager. He spent years building his knowledge and skill set at chains such as Famous Dave’s and Buffalo Wild Wings. In 2008, he and his wife Tina started their own side business called Brats, Dogs & More. “We would go to Hy Vee and buy cases of their flavored brats and hot dogs and then go to festivals and sell them.” Eventually they added barbecued ribs and pork butt to the menu. In the beginning, they’d load their supplies into a couple of coolers and go to events such as the Sioux Falls Jazz Fest, the Sturgis Bike Rally or Native American Pow Wows in places like Mankato or Kansas City. Kjellsen is a registered member of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin, so the family still attends and sells food at several Pow Wows each year.
Justin and Tina opened Big J’s Roadhouse in Humboldt in 2014. They opened a second Big J’s in
Justin Kjellsen at Big J’s Roadhouse in Humboldt.
A selection of favorites at Big J’s Roadhouse: Pork, smoked wings and ribs. Photo from Big J’s Facebook page.
Tina Kjellsen at Big J’s Roadhouse in Harrisburg.
Harrisburg in 2018. In between those two launches, they also purchased the South Bar in Hartford in 2016. Finally, in 2023, they purchased the iconic Buffalo Trading Post, located 10 miles north of Humboldt. The Buffalo Trading Post will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.
“The recipe for success is to have a good team that communicates with you and each other. You, as the boss, need to be there to support your team,” he said. Recently he created a new company-wide policy wherein people working a shift can have a meal for free. No receipts, no paperwork, no hassle. “I know for a fact that, right now, everybody’s hurting. We know many people are in a paycheck-to-paycheck situation. If this meal saves them some money so they can afford their next tank of gas, that’s going to improve their lifestyle. If you’re in the restaurant industry, you shouldn’t have to go home hungry. I wanted to send the message: ‘Thanks for grinding it out,’” he said.
“At the end of the day, if you take care of your guests and you take care of your people, then don’t worry about the rest. Everything else falls into place.”
STRUGGLE IS PART OF LIFE
Kjellsen continued to share his heart-felt beliefs. “Money doesn’t drive me at all. I grew up dirt poor with my mom and in foster homes. I think the true meaning of life is to serve others selflessly. When people thank me for something I’ve done, my reply is: ‘Thank God, because at the end of day, He put it on my heart to do this for you.’”
He said business is always going to include some bumps in the road – often right before you’re ready to take the next step up. “If you ain’t struggling, then you’re not growing,” he said. Struggle has always been part of his life. “My mom was a very nomadic woman, so we moved a lot. I went to 15 different schools and dropped out when I was 16. I got my GED when I was part of Job Corps at Nemo, South Dakota.”
WHAT’S FOR SUPPER?
Big J’s Roadhouse is known for its brisket, ribs, pork butts and multi-award-winning wings. The custom-ordered, rotisseriestyle Southern Pride Smoker made in Alamo, Tennessee, burns hickory logs and can smoke up to 1,400 pounds of meat. Big J’s hand-rubbed USDA prime brisket is smoked 18 to 20 hours. “When the brisket comes out of the smoker and it jiggles just right, you know it’s good to go. Brisket done right is amazing,” he said. All of the restaurant’s burgers are 80/20 ground chuck, hand-pattied half-pounders. Big J’s uses thick-cut Hormel Black Label bacon, buttered buns and Stensland’s cheese curds. Steaks are hand-cut and wet-aged; and the steak dips are made in-house.
“We’re not the cheapest option out there. Just because we’re in a small town doesn’t mean that people don’t want good, quality food,” Kjellsen said. //
UNLOCKING A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE AT THE TACO VAULT
“Destination Different” could be the motto for The Taco Vault.
Different location: Worthing, South Dakota, population 918.
Different business plan: Originality – You won’t find a “taco pub” quite like this anywhere in the world.
Different experience: Art gallery on the main floor and a basement with the feel of a speak easy.
Different drink: Unique craft beer and “California sober” drinks.
Different food: A one-of-a-kind selection of artisan tacos.
What’s an artisan taco? Co-owner Dean Marshall is the chef and creative mind behind some of the unique offerings:
“Hulk Smash.” Smashed taco burger, sautéed onions, bacon, cheddar, arugula blend, tomato and “Vault Sauce.”
“Finger Guns.” Thai chili sauce, pickled onions, slaw. Have it with smoked or fried chicken, fried shrimp or sweet smoked salmon.
“The SD Taco.” Award winning chislic, deep fried corn, ranch.
By Bob Fitch
“The Pink Taco.” Choice of fried shrimp or sweet smoked salmon, pickled red onions, citrus red cabbage, raspberry vinaigrette.
The Taco Vault co-owners Dean Marshall and Austin Metevier.
A selection of the restaurant’s tacos. Photo from The Taco Vault.
It’s certainly not your run-of-the-mill taco menu, with most items having no Mexican origin. All selections are available with flour or corn tortillas or as nachos. Marshall said, “My goal is to be a destination spot, not another chain sandwich place.” He already has a legion of fans in the Sioux Metro area after six years of operating the popular Big Orange Food Truck, which was known for its off-the-wall menu.
“This is what I do, this is what I’m good at. I’ve been blessed with being able to use my culinary talent in this industry ever since I was a kid.” A native of Michigan, Marshall is a graduate of Kent Career Technical Center and the West Michigan Academy for Hospitality Sciences.
After being delayed by last summer’s flood (which left 24 inches of water in the basement), The Taco Vault opened in October.
COMMUNITY ORIENTED
“I want to become a staple of this community. People coming together is big for me. A strong community is critical for a strong business.” He and his wife, Mollie, are in process of moving from Harrisburg to Worthing. They have three adult children: Abby, Jake and Emily. Taco Vault co-owner Austin Metivier is a native of Worthing. Metivier worked for the Big Orange Food Truck for several years.
In addition to bringing people to town regularly for unique tacos, Marshall and Metivier have plans to attract crowds to Worthing for special events. Outside the restaurant on Friday, August 22nd, The Taco Vault will host the “Dwarfanators,” a professional wrestling show featuring little people. Metivier is a big pro wrestling fan and has been invited to don his tights and join the action in the ring. At 6-feet-tall, he’ll have about a-foot-and-a-half edge on the next tallest wrestler. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
The next day, Saturday, August 23rd, The Taco Vault will host a professional arm wrestling tournament featuring several world champions. Marshall himself is a professional arm wrestler and an arm wrestling show promoter. Both the wrestling and arm wrestling events will be broadcast on pay-per-view.
In the future, he also hopes to host cooking competitions for brisket, ribs, pork loin and chili. “The hippie side of me is just trying to get the community together and bring people to Worthing. I’m an outside of the box thinker. I have a hard time staying idle. If my plate isn’t full, I don’t feel like I’m doing well.”
A DIFFERENT VIBE
The main floor dining area includes an art gallery of sorts. The photographic prints, paintings and line drawings from local artists are rotated on a monthly basis. The
Taco Vault receives a small commission for any piece that is sold; and all those proceeds are donated to the local fine arts program.
The server station is inside the vault of the bank that previously called the location its home.
Downstairs at the Taco Vault has a whole different vibe. “It’s very much a sit-and-chill type of atmosphere. The walls are painted black and there’s no daylight. It has a dungeon feel. Some people say it has a ‘speak easy’ feel,” Marshall said. There’s no hard liquor served; instead, the restaurant features craft beer brands not frequently found in this area. In addition, locals are enjoying “California sober” beverages, which are low alcohol, hemp-derived THC drinks – which are new to the local market. “We sell immense amounts of it. People are coming out of their way because no one else is doing it. I’m not offering the same things they have across the street – I can’t compete against their pricing, so I have to offer a different product.” His best-selling beverage is Garage Beer, a small batch brewed light lager.
The basement can be rented out for private events at no charge as long as you’re buying Taco Vault food and beverage.
There’s something special going on in the basement at least two nights a week. Every Wednesday night is arm wrestling. Every other Tuesday is Trivia Night. On the opposite weeks, there’s Game Night on Thursday evening.
PHENOMENAL FOOD, FUN AND KINDNESS
Just a few months after opening, Marshall is excited to report they’re meeting their initial business projections. Marketing the new business is succeeding via good word of mouth and the 5,000 Facebook followers pulled over from The Big Orange Food Truck’s site.
Crazy video antics by Marshall are helpful. “My last video had 30,000 views. That’s a lot of traction,” he said.
Facebook reviews have provided positive endorsements:
“Last night’s friends and family night at The Taco Vault was an unforgettable culinary adventure! The quick trip to Worthing will be rewarded with truly phenomenal food that will leave you craving more!”
“Dean and the whole crew at The Taco Vault are killing it, both with flavor and with kindness.” //
The onsite vault is a carryover from the bank previously in this Worthing location. The vault is the station for servers, which includes Dean Marshall’s daughter, Emily.
BERESFORD | SOUTH DAKOTA
MAYOR
POPULATION | 2,129 (2022 est.)
$1,579,773 (2024)
$14,545,260 (2023) / $4,021,758 (2024)
Beresford School District
Bethesda of Beresford Sioux Corp.
Showplace Cabinets
Grossenburg Implement
Old Fashioned Weekend
Public library
Public swimming pool
The Bridges at Beresford Golf Course & Community Center
2 parks with playgrounds, bike trails, walking paths
Legion baseball field and 6 youth baseball/softball fields, plus batting cages
Pickleball, tennis and basketball courts
Disc golfing and dog park
Gun range
7 churches
Model airplane club
Senior Citizen Center
Campground
Faith in Action services and Community Food Cupboard
Transportation services
Hometown Eats: Bertz Sports Bar & Grill; Hole in the Wall; The Beer Garden; Maria’s Mexican Restaurant; Klassix; Cream & Sugar; The Bridges at Beresford; Rainy Day Coffee Co., Kava Rose, Wake and Bake, Fiesta Foods deli, Jet Service
City hall and the west side of downtown Beresford.
The Bridges at Beresford Golf Course, Club House and Event Center. A variety of bridges are featured through the entirety of the course.
CENTERVILLE | SOUTH DAKOTA
Centerville School District
Centerville Care & Rehab Center
Fireball Decals
CENTERVILLE SCHOOL
Tornado Days 4th of July Celebration
Fall-O-Ween Festival
Public library
Public swimming pool
Camping
3 city parks with playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, tennis, pickleball, batting cages
Softball, baseball, kickball diamonds
Athletic complex for track, football and soccer
Bike trails
Vermillion River kayaking and fishing
5 churches
Hometown Eats: Tuffy’s Sports Bar & Grill, Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, The Seed Coffeehouse & Eatery, Desert Inn Bar, Zebra King Bake Shop
Classic Corner
Redi-Mix
Dakota Ag Center Grain
Colton
Public
Public
Camping
Redway Park includes a playground plus basketball and tennis courts
Legion-sized baseball field and two Little League fields
Taopi Community Hall
1 church plus several nearby country churches
Lumber yard
Hometown Eats: TJz Bar & Restaurant
The Tri-Valley School District serves Colton, Crooks and the surrounding area.
Photo by Maguire.
CROOKS | SOUTH DAKOTA
INCORPORATED | 1904
POPULATION | 1,362 (2020 CENSUS)
SALES TAX RECEIPTS
$374,742 (2024)
BUILDING PERMITS VALUATION
$9,253,808 (2024)
MAYOR | BUTCH OSEBY
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
McKenney Acoustical Tile
Pro Concrete
Jensen Masonry
AMENITIES
Crooks Development Corp. started New Hope Industrial Park in 2021 and it is 90% full
Crooks Community Days
Crooks Community Center
Several nearby country churches
New elementary school
New childcare center
4 city parks including playgrounds, picnic shelters, pickleball courts, basketball court, ice skating rink, Legion-size baseball field, T-ball/baseball fields, softball fields, flag football fields and soccer field.
New Heritage Pond Park with playground, fishing, walking path and future picnic shelter
Critters Bar & Grill, Wooden Nickel, Lunch Thyme Sandwich Shop
Inside the new Crooks Community Child Care Center.
Photo by Maguire.
Jesse James Days
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
Public library
Public swimming pool
Legion-sized baseball field plus softball fields and a playground
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
Central Valley Dairy and Kibble
Garretson School District
Nordstrom’s Auto Recyclers
USGS EROS Data Center
Palisades State Park features campgrounds, cabins, rock climbing, hiking, bicycling, birdwatching and fishing
Devil’s Gulch Park features trails and picnicking; and Split Rock Park includes RV and tent camping, canoe/kayak, swimming, playground, fishing, visitor center and museum, pontoon rides
Garretson Art Trail
Sportsman’s Club year-round outdoor rifle range
Humble Hill Winery
5 churches
Palisades Art Gallery
River Ridge Golf Course
Hometown Eats: The Gulch Bar & Grill, Sports Cabin Food & Drink, Annie’s Coffeehouse, Palisades
Jesse James Jump at Devil’s Gulch near Garretson. Photo by Christian Begeman. Garretson High School Blue Dragons.
HUMBOLDT | SOUTH DAKOTA
POPULATION | 579 (2020 CENSUS)
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
West Central Elementary School
First Manufacturing Friendly’s
Party in the Park
Main Street Days
Old Fashioned Humboldt Threshing Show
Public library
Community Center
City park with playground
Hartford Area Transit
West Central Baseball Association for Little League, VFW and American Legion teams
Hunters Pointe Shooting Complex
Nearby Lakes: Wall, Madison, Vermillion, Beaver
3 churches
Hometown Eats: Big J’s Roadhouse; Main Street Bar
VALLEY SPRINGS | SOUTH DAKOTA
INCORPORATED | 1879
MAYOR | RICK LARSEN
POPULATION | 885 (2020 CENSUS)
$226,420 (2024)
BJM Trucking
Valley Springs Farmers Coop
Valley Springs Body Shop
AMENITIES
3 churches plus 2 nearby country churches
2 parks that include softball field, soccer field, grass volleyball court; and horseshoe pits; plus picnic shelter and playground
Beaver Creek Nature Center with trails, birds and wildlife
American Legion baseball
Valley Springs Museum A Homestead Brew craft brewery
Hometown Eats: Valley Bar; Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort
Homestead housing development at Valley Springs.
WORTHING | SOUTH DAKOTA
INCORPORATED | 1879
POPULATION | 927 (2020 CENSUS)
SALES TAX RECEIPTS
$266,580 (2024)
BUILDING PERMITS VALUATION
$15,385 (2024)
LENNOX SCHOOL DISTRICT “THE ORIOLES”
Worthing Elementary PK-4 107
Lennox Elementary PK-4 466
JWC Jr. High School 5-8 262
Lennox High School 9-12 ............ 357 PK-12 ENROLLMENT ............. 1,192
MAYOR
|
CRYSTAL JACOBSON AMENITIES
Baseball/softball diamonds
Walking trail
Olde Towne Dinner Theatre
Lumber company
Hometown Eats: Kim’s Corner Bar & Grill; Boondocks Bar; Taco Vault
Worthing mainstays: Old Towne Theatre, Boondocks Bar and Kim’s Korner Bar & Grill.
The elementary school in Worthing is part of the Lennox Area School District.
SIDE-BY-SIDE IN THE SIOUX METRO
$1,490,096
$1,579,773
Colton
Dell
Worthing Brandon
$5,744,778
$1,628,138
$289,550
$222,518
$366,700
$1,917,862
$681,461
$3,206,101
$1,785,148
Humboldt
$331,595
$1,183,914
$655,071
$4,203,247
$206,837
$190,996
$24,106,036
$5,950,140
$1,736,222
$346,419
$234,105
$374,744
$1,927,516
$574,262
$3,696,292
$1,945,009
$339,208
$1,212,940
$709,291
$4,538,218
$226,420
$266,581
$25,659,166
Valley
SIDE-BY-SIDE IN THE SIOUX METRO
$14, 545,260
$48,307,887
$1,770,936
$1,912,366
$10,881,549
$6,290,751
$1,995,864
$65,617,812
$40,602,931
$730,522
$8,126,389
$4,103,277
$105,851,694
$539,087
$3,088
$2,300,000 $1,100,000
$9,300,000 $12,800,000
$2,200,000 $62,900,000
$8,200,000 $1,900,000
$37,600,000 $8,800,000 $34,800,000 $1,000,000 $15,000
