VOLUME 1 / ISSUE 4
OCTOBER 2023
Stories and photos in this issue from:
CANTON CENTERVILLE BRANDON 2023 GROWTH SUMMIT HARRISBURG HUMBOLDT LENNOX TEA
Special Features
MEET THE NEW SMGA CEO SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
Growing Places | October 2023 Photo of the Mundt Building in downtown Hartford by Vince Danh, 4Front Productions.
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EXECUTIVE BOARD Jay Buchholz, Chair, Sioux Valley Energy Robert Baker, First National Bank David Doxtad, ISG Joan Franken, Costello Companies Sharese Ihnen, Vice Chair, Lennox Area Development Corp. Mike Jaspers, East River Electric Heather Kranz, TrioTel Communications Dennis Olson, retired Chad Ronshaugen, City of Dell Rapids Mike Wendland, Grant Park Capital
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 Sioux Metro Growth Alliance 196 E. 6th St., Suite 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104 605.679.7149 info@siouxmetro.com www.siouxmetro.com SOCIAL MEDIA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Meet the New SMGA CEO . . . . . . 6-7 Growth Summit Recap . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Groundbreakings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Workforce Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Leadership Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Lincoln County Bus Tour . . . . . . . . . . 14 Growth in Ag/First Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Conversations/Lennox Lumber . . . 18 Spotlight on Hartford . . . . . . . . . 20-28 Stats Snapshot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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STAFF Tyler Tordsen, President & CEO Ryan Solberg, Economic Development Manager Lisa Zens, Economic Development Manager Sheldon Jensen, Economic Development Manager MEMBERSHIP ADVISORY BOARD City of Dell Rapids . . . . . . . . . . . Chad Ronshaugen, 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 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 Minnehaha County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dean Karsky 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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Todd Nelson US Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Krouse Xcel Energy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Anderson
ADVERTISERS Central States Mfg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate . . . . . . . 29 Fiegen Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Golden West Telecommunications Co-op . . 16 Hofer Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 J&R Mechanical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Krohmer Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Levo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Midco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Panther Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Peska Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Roto Rooter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Showplace Cabinetry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Southeastern Electric Cooperative . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
“Growing Places” magazine is published quarterly by AGE Media & Promotion in partnership with the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. PUBLISHERS Garrett and Mindy Gross, 605.690.4071 EDITOR Bob Fitch, 712.551.4123, bob@agemedia.pub AD SALES Garrett Gross, 515.231.9367, garrett@agemedia.pub © AGE Media & Promotion All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without the written permission of the publisher. Content in articles, editorial and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by AGE Media & Promotion. www.agemedia.pub
Growing Places | October 2023
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// SMGA LEADERSHIP
TYLER TORDSEN NAMED NEW CEO OF SIOUX METRO GROWTH ALLIANCE Tyler Tordsen has been named as the next president and CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Tordsen joins SMGA after serving in the office of U.S. Senator Mike Rounds as his southeast regional director and state director of tribal affairs for more than eight years. According to SMGA Chair Jay Buchholz, “Tyler’s experience building teams, connecting resources, and navigating economic policies will be a tremendous asset to SMGA and our members.” The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance executive board conducted an extensive search to distill the candidates best suited for the role of leading South Dakota’s largest regional economic development organization. Tordsen looks forward to fostering collaboration and continued growth. “When you look at South Dakota’s growth, most of it is right here, in these communities that make up the Sioux Metro. This new chapter is a great opportunity for me to help with business retention and expansion. I’m looking forward to getting to know our members on a personal level. SMGA brings many people from different industries, communities, and perspectives together for one common goal: supporting the growth of our state and area. I am excited to lead and direct the organization’s initiatives in driving that growth, fostering collaboration, and building a united and prosperous metro region.” Tordsen is a lifelong South Dakotan who was born in Sioux Falls, grew up in Rapid City and is an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe. He holds a bachelor of science degree in political science and economics from the University of South Dakota. In his role with Senator Rounds, he led a team which helped South Dakotans with issues arising with the federal government, and frequently connected constituents and communities in the 22-county region to helpful resources.
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
New SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen, his wife, Erika, and their sons, Emmett and Atlas.
In 2022, Tordsen was elected to the South Dakota House of Representatives for District 14 and is a member of the House Education and House Judiciary Committees. He also serves as a commissioner to the Midwestern Higher Education Compact representing South Dakota, along with being selected as a 2023 National Conference of State Legislatures Youth Homelessness Fellow. Tordsen previously served on the South Dakota Board of Educational Telecommunications and on the Senate Bill 55 task force for higher education. He’s currently a member of the Sioux Falls YMCA Board of Directors, the USD Alumni Association and Foundation Board of Directors, and is a member of Downtown Sioux Falls Rotary Club. He and his wife, Erika, live in Sioux Falls with their two sons, Emmett and Atlas. Tordsen will begin his duties with SMGA on October 23rd. He replaces former CEO Jesse Fonkert who recently took a position with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The SMGA is a non-profit economic development organization that improves the economy and advocates for business development and greater quality of life. Formed in 2021 as a merger between the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Corporations,, SMGA serves 16 member municipalities, four counties, and a variety of investors from across the Sioux Metro to help create vibrant communities which provide rewarding places to live and work. //
// ORGANIZATIONAL VISION
SIOUX METRO GROWTH ALLIANCE LEADERS ARE ALL-IN ON THE ABILITIES OF NEW CEO New SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen promises to listen closely to the hopes and expectations of community leaders and investors as he lays the groundwork for a new strategic plan. The Minnehaha County and Lincoln County Economic Development Corporations merged into the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance about three years ago. Since then, new communities and two new counties (McCook and Turner) have been added to SMGA, which has become the state’s largest regional economic development organization. Leaders of the alliance are all-in on Tordsen’s talents to take SMGA onward and upward. “The communities and sponsors who have invested in this journey with Sioux Metro can be confident in our mission. Members of our leadership team are committed to continuing to help move the region’s economic development to Jay Buchholz even greater heights,” said Jay Buchholz of Sioux Valley Energy, who is chair of the SMGA Executive Board. Board Vice Chair Sharese Ihnen said, “We’re excited to work with Tyler to strategize SMGA’s vision for the future and how the alliance can best meet the expectations and future needs of Sioux Metro communities.” Ihnen represents the Lennox Area Development Corporation on the board.
Sharese Ihnen
Tordsen plans to harness SMGA’s existing strengths plus leverage his contacts and knowledge for the benefit of the alliance’s member cities and counties. //
New SMGA CEO Tyler Tordsen with U.S. Senator Mike Rounds.
CEO TYLER TORDSEN WEIGHS IN AS HE APPROACHES DAY ONE
“I’m energized about the people already involved with SMGA. The staff and stakeholders are go-getters.” “Our governance structure has contributed to organizational growth. The sheer number of people in advocacy roles is exciting.”
“SMGA hits my professional sweet spot – the confluence of government, business and relationships. I see myself as a bridge for connecting our respective resources.”
Growing Places | October 2023
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The 2024 Growth Summit will be in Baltic at the Morton Center on Sept. 18-19.
IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FROM THE GROWTH SUMMIT Joe Fiala, Governor’s Office of Economic Development Mitch Rayman, Councilor, City of Salem Drew O’Brien, Lloyd Companies Ryan Spellerberg, Mortgage Loan Officer, First Bank & Trust Jeff Eckhoff, City of Sioux Falls Senator Casey Crabtree, South Dakota District 8 The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance welcomed more than 130 local economic development leaders and investors to the annual Growth Summit, which focused on the theme of “Filling the Housing Gap.” Local experts as well as innovators from the across the country addressed housing issues and other critical topics for communities in the Sioux Metro.
Nate Vander Plaats, City of Lennox
As the cities and towns surrounding Sioux Falls grow, so does the need for housing. More business activity plus a larger population base equals the need for more homes. Growth comes with costs: Planning, financing, infrastructure, utilities, construction, the land itself, and more. Four different panels discussed the knowledge they’ve gained while taking on the region’s housing challenges. The panelists included a who’s who of experts in housing and economic development including:
Mike Harstad, Crooks Housing & Redevelopment Commission
Rocky Welker, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls Jameson Berreth, City of Madison Denis Hanzlik, South Dakota Multi-Housing Association Clint Powell, Pin Point Corporation
Jared Hybertson, Centerville Development Corporation The Growth Summit also showcased the approaches several different developers have taken to address housing and rural economic development. Excerpts from some of the presentations are highlighted here.
Take a look at the Growth Summit on YouTube: youtu.be/WwNNdSh4RQU?si=bGH5RsJrE7zdE5d6
Jason Duff, founder/CEO
Small Nation is a company that develops places, spaces and dreams for small towns and small town entrepreneurs across the country.
Small Town Success Formula
Rainbow Row: Before and After “Rainbow Row” in downtown Bellefontaine, Ohio. Photo by Small Nation. 8
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
1. We buy and renovate historic buildings 2. We actively recruit tenants 3. We become equity partners 4. We provide financing 5. We design and promote
NEIGHBORHOODS FIRST Daniel Herriges, Strong Towns
Photo by Strong Towns.
Strong Towns is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that analyzes the failures of the post-war North American development pattern while giving citizens the knowledge and tools to start making our places better today. Risky, low-returning projects too often become expensive boondoggles that haunt a community for decades. Public officials everywhere are desperately seeking an alternative. The “Neighborhoods First” approach shows how a community can grow stronger by making small, incremental investments over time. By observing how neighbors live their lives, by asking them where their daily struggles are, by getting out on the street and discovering what is actually going on, any local government can discern what their community’s pressing needs are. These projects are the high return investments and they are all around us. A portfolio of incremental projects, each building on observed needs and past successes, is the basis of a solid, long-term investment strategy for communities of any size. It is an approach that fits into every budget. It will empower a local government to move beyond the lack of ownership and control that comes with traditional grant programs. And most importantly, you can get started right now.
Growing Places | October 2023
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
NEWS BRIEFS THE CITY OF COLMAN recently formed an economic development group, accepting an inaugural investment of $15,000 from Sioux Valley Energy. The funding comes from the Cooperative’s REVIVE 2030 program which was designed to partner with local communities to assist with growth and development. Colton Mayor Trevor Bunde says this early financial boost will assist the city as it develops land for the Geraets Addition. The first phase of the housing development includes 70 acres and 49 homes. Communities within the Sioux Valley Energy service territory footprint are invited to take part in the Cooperative’s REVIVE 2030 program. For more information, call Brandon Lane or Jay Buchholz at 800-234-1960.
THE CITY OF DELL RAPIDS is moving into a new home, but City Hall will still be on the town’s main thoroughfare. Offices will be moving into a 9,000-square-foot site on Fourth Avenue that was formerly occupied by Wells Fargo. Over the next year, the building will be renovated to create office space. The basement of the building will also be renovated and redesigned as an event space for community members to host banquets, family reunions, wedding receptions and more. The renovated building will also create a new office space for the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce and the Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputies who serve as the town’s primary law enforcement. The existing City Hall building has been purchased by the adjacent First National Bank, which plans to tear it down and use the space to expand its footprint.
CROOKS recently hosted an open house event for its newest residential and commercial development project. The Allen Edge Real Estate Team, Developer Darrel Viereck, and Mayor Butch Oseby provided updates on Willow Creek Estates residential development and the Willow Creek Crossing commercial development. The residential portion of the project will consist of 74 homes. Two commercial units will be available as Willow Creek Crossing. Tri-Valley Schools hosted an open house for the new Crooks Elementary school on the same day.
BRANDON VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT opened a 35,000-square-foot addition to its high school this fall. Included in the addition are 22 classrooms and three conference rooms. Besides general classroom space, it includes ground floor space for special education and space for specialized sciences classes. The $10 million project was paid for from capital outlay reserves and includes “smart rooms” in cooperation with Southeast Technical College.
GROUNDBREAKINGS IN THE SIOUX METRO CENTERVILLE MFG LLC BREAKS GROUND Development Corporation, the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance, and District 16 Senator Jim Bolin and Representative Karla Lems.
Centerville Manufacturing, LLC recently broke ground for a new business on the west side of Centerville. The City of Centerville and the Centerville Development Corporation have worked side-by-side to develop the property to be an appealing location for a business that will create jobs, plus sales and property tax revenues. The 6.34 acres are zoned for light industrial use. Partners in Centerville Manufacturing are David Decker, Gary Decker, David Decker Jr., and Jesse Wurtz. The company’s building will consist of a large shop and an attached office. It provides custom metal fabrication to clients across the tri-state region. To start, the new business will create around eight to 10 new jobs. Once fully established the company may employ about 20 people total. Taking part in the groundbreaking were the Decker family, the City of Centerville, the Centerville
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// WORKFORCE PROFILE
NEVER A DULL DAY IN CONSTRUCTION MEET RYAN HUBER Ryan Huber is a construction superintendent at Peska Construction and has been in the industry for about 15 years. “I started my career as a laborer building and remodeling houses with my friend, his father, and his brother. I went to Northern State University for one year and Lake Area Tech building trades program for a year. I decided that the best training was on-the-job, so I could earn some money getting an education instead of having to pay for it.”
HAVE YOU RECEIVED SPECIAL TRAINING? “I am OSHA 10 Certified, CPR Certified, and trained on various types of equipment like telehandlers, forklifts, boom lifts, and scissor lifts. Most of my experience has been from on-the-job. Until recent years, the construction industry has been very fast-paced, materials were readily available with reasonable lead times and were inexpensive. Since Covid in 2020, the production of materials is delayed causing very long lead times and costs to skyrocket. That makes it difficult to complete a project on a timely basis. With better technology, tools, and equipment, it is possible to speed up production. The construction industry is also facing a labor shortage causing wages to increase. This is good for any hard-working young person wanting to get into construction. It’s very good pay with on-the-job training.”
WHAT DOES YOUR AVERAGE DAY LOOK LIKE? “I start my day out by communicating with the subcontractors making sure they are on track and on task. I make sure that we get any questions answered from the architects and engineers that may be holding up the project. I also communicate with the Peska employees making sure that they have everything they need to complete self-performing tasks for the day. I work to make sure that the job runs as safely and as smoothly as possible so everyone can be productive and go home safely in the evening. I am fortunate to work for a company that trusts my abilities and gives me the support I need to take on a project of this magnitude.”
WHAT DO YOU FIND TO BE REWARDING? “I like to see a project go from start to finish, knowing all the hard work and coordination that went into it. I 12
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
Ryan Huber, Peska Construction, Construction Superintendent
like being outside in the spring, summer and fall, but try to make it work to be inside on the really cold days. What I like most of all about my job are the people. They come from all sorts of backgrounds. I get to teach them what I know and they get to teach me as well. The one thing about this industry is there never seems to be a dull day with all the different personalities on the job. From the workers to the architects, engineers and owners, it seems to stay pretty interesting.
WHAT ARE THE JOBS YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF? “The job Peska is currently doing for the City of Sioux Falls – the Public Safety Complex – tops my list of favorite jobs because I know it is going to benefit the first responders, making the Sioux Metro a safer place. The Harrisburg North Middle School, Brandon Valley Intermediate School and one of the Harrisburg High School additions also top my list of favorite projects. It gives me great pride to know I’ve helped build educational establishments.”
WHAT DO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR INDUSTRY? “If you’re outgoing, hardworking and like to be outdoors, this is the industry for you. You can start as a laborer and work your way up. Construction offers competitive pay with on-the-job training. You don’t have to go into debt to get the education you need. There is a wide variety of jobs in the industry with or without schooling. In my experience I have learned a lot from both going to school and working on the job. If you are committed, work hard, keep a positive attitude and never give up, you will succeed in any career path you choose.” //
// LEADERSHIP PROFILE
LLOYD COMPANIES STRIVE TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION Drew O’Brien
Drew O’Brien is in his 13th year with Lloyd Companies. He and his wife, Jessica, have been married for 11 years and have three children. The oldest girl, Brynlee, is six and just started first grade; the middle girl, Blakely is three; and the youngest is a boy, Boden, who is one. The family has lived in Tea since 2014. “We have absolutely loved the community. It has been amazing to see the community grow over the last decade.” TELL US ABOUT LLOYD COMPANIES “I work as a development project manager with Lloyd Companies. Lloyd Companies is a multifaceted real estate company specializing in development, design, real estate, construction, property management, hospitality and apartments. Working together or separately, our divisions bring valuable expertise and resources to every development project, construction venture or real estate investment. Headquartered in Sioux Falls for more than 50 years, we offer innovation, efficiency and service while working to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. Family values have been woven into the fabric of the company.” Founders Craig and Pat Lloyd got their start managing apartments for Craig’s uncle. Today, the company has a portfolio of more than 7,500 apartments,
TELL US ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP ROLES “I currently serve on the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance Membership Advisory Board. I previously served on the South Dakota Multi-Housing Association Executive Board and have volunteered for various organizations including Junior Achievement, The Banquet, and others. Volunteering and serving my peers in our community, both personally and professionally, has been extremely fulfilling and provided me with the opportunity to give
back to those who have given our family so much over the years.”
TELL US ABOUT LLOYD COMPANIES’ PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE IN THE SIOUX METRO “When I started with Lloyd Companies in 2011, our allcompany staff meetings were held in the community room at an apartment building we managed. Since that time, our all-company meetings have been moved to the Sioux Falls Convention Center to accommodate our growing team. The growth in that time has included thousands of commercial square feet and residential units across Sioux Falls and the Sioux Metro from Lennox, Harrisburg, Tea, Brandon and more. Housing in our smaller Sioux Metro communities is both a huge need and a big challenge. I look forward to being a part of the solution to tackle those challenges through both my association with the SMGA as well as in my role with Lloyd Companies.“
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST OPPORTUNITIES FACING THE COMMUNITIES LLOYD WORKS IN? “The opportunities in Sioux Falls and the surrounding metro are possible due to fantastic growth and economic development that we have experienced over the past decade. Our community members continue to provide and expand employment opportunities for all areas of service. This growth spurs the need for commercial real estate development and, just as importantly, all levels of housing to accommodate the expanding workforce.”
WHAT ARE THE GREATEST CHALLENGES FACING THE COMMUNITIES LLOYD WORKS IN? “The challenges for the last couple of years and the foreseeable future continue to be the interest rate environment as well as the inflated construction and material costs. While we are starting to see the construction material costs stabilize, they are still a challenge when compounded by rates that seem to continue climbing. Our team at Lloyd Companies is in a unique position to tackle these challenges. Our development, finance, design, and construction teams all under one roof, giving us the ability to pull all possible levers and continue to make projects work to support our growing communities.” // Growing Places | October 2023
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// LINCOLN COUNTY TOUR
Breanne Lynch, career and education coordinator with the Harrisburg School District, presents information about the rapidly expanding career and technical education (CTE) programs at Harrisburg High School.
INSIGHTFUL EXPLORATION Local officials, community members, and SMGA municipal members came together for a day of insightful exploration and collaboration during a one-day economic development tour across Lincoln County. The tour, organized to foster a deeper understanding of the region’s economic landscape, highlighted various businesses and projects shaping the county’s future. The day kicked off in Harrisburg where Mayor Derek Wenck welcomed the group prior to a presentation from the Harrisburg School District, featuring Superintendent Tim Graff, Travis Lape and Breanne Lynch.
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
As the day progressed, participants departed for Canton, a town with its own unique contributions to the county’s economic tapestry. A tour of Terex in Canton provided a firsthand look into the manufacturing industry’s impact on the local economy. From there, the group delved into a tour of Canton itself, highlighting significant projects such as the community pool initiative and upcoming housing developments that promise to reshape the town’s future. During a lunch stop in Canton, tour sponsor Peska Construction shed light on the construction of the Sioux Falls Public Safety Campus — a testament to the county’s commitment to enhancing safety and infrastructure. In the afternoon, the tour ventured through Worthing and Lennox, showcasing the I-29 Ag Industrial Park, a symbol of the county’s dedication to nurturing agricultural businesses. In Lennox, attendees learned about the facade improvement program and got a
Greg Lohan welcomed the SMGA tour to Bid-Well (a brand of Terex) in Canton. Bid-Well is an industry leader in the development and manufacture of a complete line of versatile and specialized concrete paving machines for the heavy and highway construction market.
glimpse of housing developments that are contributing to the expansion of the county’s residential landscape. “By bringing together various stakeholders, the event exemplified the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change within local communities,” said Miranda Basye, SMGA vice president of engagement. “As the entire region continues to grow and evolve, the insights gained during this tour will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping its future.” //
Derek DeGeest (front right), president of DeGeest, discusses the steel fabrication and finishing capabilities of the Tea manufacturer. DeGeest is now making its mark internationally in robotics and the automation of manufacturing processes.
The group of business and civic leaders who took part in SMGA’s annual tour of Lincoln County, highlighting various aspects of economic and community development. Growing Places | October 2023
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
// GROWTH IN AG BUSINESS
GROWTH A CONSISTENT THEME AT FIRST MANUFACTURING AND COPPERHEAD AG By Garrett Gross
Humboldt is located in western Minnehaha County and the town at its heart is a farming community. Some residents live there and commute to Sioux Falls for work, but at its core, Humboldt has deep roots in agriculture. Kevin Berg, owner and operator of First Manufacturing and Copperhead Ag, is evolving Humboldt’s image to become a manufacturing hotbed in the ag industry. In 2003, First Manufacturing started operations, producing products with a manual lathe and manual mill. Now with 20 years’ experience, they utilize a variety of cutting edge CNC machines along with a full staff of engineers, machinists and operators to fabricate a wide range of custom components. One of First Manufacturing’s largest customers is Copperhead Ag which was co-founded by Berg in 2008. Berg earned his mechanical engineering degree from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Combining his engineering education and his ag background enabled him to design and fabricate Copperhead Ag’s core product, the Furrow Cruiser. The Furrow Cruiser is a solution to a common problem faced by farmers while planting. This planter attachment’s spiked closing wheel helps ensure consistency for seeds to all be planted at the same depth. That provides consistency for all plants as they grow, which in turn produces higher yields and more money to the farmer’s bottom line.
“With our attachment, we can achieve better seed to soil contact with more uniform emergence for corn and soybeans,” Berg said. Kevin Berg
One study shows the Furrow Cruiser increases early emergence by 10 percent compared to a standard closing wheel, plus there’s a 5 percent yield increase. In contrast to purchasing new equipment, he said this simple addition to existing machinery maximizes the field’s potential without breaking the bank. “Farmers need to add value to their harvest, but are looking to improve upon existing equipment instead of buying new to keep inputs as low as possible.” This idea and rollout of the product to market has gone well. Growth has been a consistent theme – they now employ about 40 people and, over the past five years, they have acquired three companies to help them broaden their product line beyond the Furrow Cruiser. In addition to the closing wheel, their product line includes wheel arm repair kits, closing wheel repair kits and mud scrapers. As a nationwide and international company, they are continually seeking to expand. On the manufacturing side of the business, with First Manufacturing, they are constantly seeking the next big idea that could assist their farmer customers.
Most recently, the company has completed construction of a large warehouse on their property in Humboldt and growth will be a consistent priority into the future. //
Growing Places | October 2023
17
// CONVERSATIONS
The groundbreaking day for SESD Rough Sawn Lumber and Lennox Lumber Co. was July 10th. Taking part were SMGA’s Ryan Solberg, City Administrator Nathan Vander Plaats, Mayor Stacy DuChene, LADC President Sharese Ihnen, Lennox Lumber Company owner-operator Chad DeHaan, and investor Paul Johnson. Photos by Miranda Bayse, SMGA.
NEW LUMBERYARD BUILDS ON GROWTH IN LENNOX The weekly “Growing Places” podcast features conversations with community and business leaders in the region. This article was adapted from a podcast on July 18, 2023. Text has been edited for clarity.
Economic development in a small town has more than its share of peaks and valleys. But Nate Vander Plaats, city administrator in Lennox, said “the eternal optimism of the entrepreneur” is part of the DNA of business owners who push through the valleys on the way to the next peak. Case in point is Chris DeHaan, owner of Southeast South Dakota Rough Sawn Lumber, who is expanding to become a full-service lumberyard in Lennox. Vander Plaats said, “There have been dozens of opportunities for Chris to give up on his idea to expand, but he never did. It shows the kind of commitment he gives to everything he does, including his commitment to Lennox as a small community his family calls home.”
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
There is still a long way to go before Lennox Lumber Co. becomes a reality, but the dream took a symbolic step forward during a groundbreaking ceremony on July 10th. Currently, the company operates in about 4,000 square feet. The new facilities will total 13,500 square feet at the corner of South Dakota Highway 44 south of Lennox and west of exit 64 off I-29.
DETERMINED TO BE IN CITY LIMITS DeHaan and his wife, Alisha, moved to Lennox 10 years ago. He started the hardwood sawmill business eight years ago. SESD Rough Sawn Lumber is currently located on an acreage north of Lennox, but DeHaan was determined to open the new lumberyard within Lennox city limits. “The community has always been so giving to us and others. We wanted to give back – and being within the city limits allows us to assist in its growth. What it comes down to is we want to be there for them because we know they’ll be here for us.” 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.
Besides adding a business to Lennox, the lumberyard will generate new sales tax revenue. The city has had remarkable sales tax growth in recent years, going from $600,000 in 2018 to an expected total of more than $1 million this year. City leaders have intentionally worked to decrease property tax rates, but the growth in sales tax receipts has helped finance ongoing infrastructure improvements.
HELP AROUND A ROADBLOCK The biggest roadblock for DeHaan’s project was finding and securing the necessary land. Help came from an expected source. Paul Johnson is a Sioux Falls periodontist who met DeHaan at the sawmill in the midst of a woodworking project. As the two got to know one another, Johnson was impressed with DeHaan’s passion and his commitment to Lennox. Johnson saw a reflection of his own experience setting up his periodontic practice. “I know how valuable autonomy is for me. I want to be the master of my own destiny. I see that in Chris, too. This is a man who has been grinding for eight years and making a go of it with this small sawmill.” Johnson invested in the land where the lumberyard is being built. He saw it as a chance to “pay it forward” in recognition of those who helped him when he started out.
Lennox Lumber Co. is targeting completion in spring 2024. Having lumber on-hand will be an important asset as the city continues its efforts to augment available housing. Lennox added 55 homes in a year-and-a-half period. While the pace has slowed this year, the underlying qualities of the city promise continued growth. “Lennox residents get to experience all the benefits of being close to the biggest city in the state, but still be our own small town, our own community,” Vander Plaats said.
GET LENNOX ON YOUR RADAR In addition, “Seeing a business like this make Lennox its long-term home sends a signal to other businesses that there’s something going on here. There’s something happening in Lennox and it needs to be on your radar,” he said. The 14-acre site where Lennox Lumber Co. is being built has additional space available for sale to other commercial and light industrial businesses. For more information, contact Sioux Metro Growth Alliance economic development manager Ryan Solberg at the Lennox Area Development Corporation at ryans@siouxmetro.com or by calling 605-630-2050. //
‘DON’T BOX YOURSELF IN’ Vander Plaats believes another business and economic development principle is playing itself out here. “Make sure you’re open to possibilities. Don’t box yourself in. If there are other opportunities and other possibilities, let’s walk through the pro’s and con’s. We examined the upside and downside of different locations. There are a lot of ‘no’s’ in a project like this one.” But DeHaan and his supporters did not let “no’s” keep them from getting to “yes.” The project is currently in the “hurry up and wait” stage as engineering studies and preliminary utility work occurs. “Like every entrepreneur ever, I struggle with patience,” DeHaan said. Johnson joked, “At the groundbreaking ceremony, I was a little concerned Chris would just take that shovel and begin digging the foundation right then.”
Paul Johnson, right, became a part of the Lennox Lumber Company project when he invested in the sub-division where Chad DeHaan, left, will operate a new lumberyard.
Growing Places | October 2023
19
// SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
WELCOME TO HARTFORD SOUTH DAKOTA
Downtown Hartford stays busy with events such as Jamboree Days, Farmers Market (pictured), Downtown Block Party and the Wine and Warlocks Wine Walk. Photo by Callie Tuschen, Downtown Hartford Inc.
1881 FOUNDED
MAYOR
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
ARDEN JONES
HARTFORD POPULATION
TERESA SIDEL
3,428 (2022 Estimate)
3,354
3,428
2,534
1,844
1,207 423
1900
20
648
1910
677
1920
628
1930
647
1940
592
1950
688
1960
1,262
800
1970
1980
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
1990
2000
2010
2020 2022
An aerial view of the Veteran’s Memorial in Downtown Hartford. Photo by Vince Danh, 4Front Productions.
BUILDING PERMITS (2022)
203
PERMITS ISSUED
23.6M
$
AMENITIES Jamboree Days Central Valley Golf Course 3 City Parks Municipal Swimming Pool
TOTAL BUILDING PERMIT VALUATION
Swenson Sports Complex Bike & Recreation Trails 13 Daycares and/or Preschools
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
6 Churches
69
31
Public Library
%
%
Senior Center
SALES TAX RECEIPTS (2022)
1,615,733
$
The mural on the side of Gage Building, home of the Siouxland Library and the Senior Citizen’s Center in downtown Hartford.
Buffalo Ridge Brewery has become a mainstay of Downtown Hartford.
Growing Places | October 2023
21
// SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
A SIOUX METRO SUCCESS STORY:
GROWING THE MANUFACTURING BASE IN HARTFORD Hartford is located about 10 minutes west of the I-29/I-90 intersection and less than 20 minutes from downtown Sioux Falls. Over the past 10 years, the town’s identity has evolved from being known as a local farm community or a bedroom town to also becoming a leader in manufacturing on a regional basis.
Ribbon cutting this summer at Black Tie Components. From left: Ashlie Mathews, Mark O’Hara, Eric Veurink, Paul Groeneweg, Robbie Veurink, Mayor Arden Jones, and Amy M. Farr, Chamber and economic development director for the City of Hartford.
Progress on that front will be amplified with the addition of $1.9 million in grant funding for infrastructure improvements in the new industrial park on the northwest side of Hartford, according to the Hartford Area Development Foundation. A new anchor tenant is in the wings and 40+ acres will still be available to develop. The project is expected to create over 30 new jobs. The U.S Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) provided $1.7 million in funding and the remaining funds came locally or through the Local Infrastructure Improvement Program. The grant was made possible through collaboration of the EDA, Governor’s Office of Economic Development, South Eastern Council of Governments, the City of Hartford, the Hartford Area Development Foundation and an anchor tenant.
22
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
CENTRAL STATES MANUFACTURING Years ago, the Hartford Area Development Foundation and the City of Hartford put forth a vision to develop the north industrial park to attract companies to the area. The plan showed its first fruits in 2013 when Central States Manufacturing opened a plant in Hartford. Central States Manufacturing was founded in 1988 in Rogers, Arkansas. It currently has 11 locations around the country, with the Hartford plant providing products for distributors in six Upper Midwest states plus Alaska. Central States produces metal roofing and siding for thousands of customers across the country and their material is used in a variety of structures, including backyard garages, metal roofs, industrial complexes and agricultural buildings. In 1991, Central States became employee owned by implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), giving its workforce an interest in the company.
“Ten years ago we started with 17 Employee Owners and 12 million pounds in sales. This year we are closing in on 115 Employee Owners and 50 million pounds in sales. The opportunity to have our location here in Hartford created ease of access to both interstates and the opportunity for our business to continue to grow over the years,” explained Brittany Glanzer, Human Resources Manager with Central States. “With the great leadership at Central States Manufacturing in Hartford, we’ve created relationships with the Hartford Economic Development Foundation and the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce to help grow our network and resources to continue to help our business be successful for our internal and external customers. We continue to look forward to being part of the amazing Hartford community and supporting the future growth.”
BLACK TIE COMPONENTS The most recent addition to the Hartford Industrial Park is Black Tie Components, which launched operations this summer. Black Tie’s owners were also attracted to the Hartford area because of its proximity to both interstates, the growing Sioux Metro area with high demand for their products, and the local support Hartford leadership has put forth to help companies in the manufacturing sector. Black Tie Components
produces roof trusses, floor trusses, prefabricated wall panels and whole building packages. The founders of the company are confident their 60,000-square-foot facility will be the most advanced plant in the region in their industry sector because of the streamlined production process and advanced use of automation. This is an exciting time for company founders and the Hartford community. “Hartford stepped up to the plate years ago to put the property together where we are located,” said Robbie Veurink, co-owner of Black Tie Components. “This just didn’t happen overnight. The Hartford Area Development Foundation spent years of planning to make a desirable property like this available and it goes to show you that good things take time. Because we grew up in a small community, Hartford felt like a good fit to us.” He praised Amy M. Farr, director of Chamber and the Hartford Area Development Foundation for being a big help moving the project forward. Both companies have demonstrated the vision of how a private/public partnership can work and how mutual goals can be achieved. The Hartford Area Development Foundation has additional lots available for new development or expansion of the existing businesses. //
Choose metal roofing for lasting protection. Central States® is one of the nation’s largest producers of metal roofing and we have a manufacturing facility right here in Hartford! We have premium quality panels for every project from homes and barns to commercial and architectural.
Find a local distributor at centralstatesmfg.com
2010 N. Western Ave. Hartford, SD 57033
Growing Places | October 2023
23
// SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
Stacy Wengler combines woodcraft with laser-cut acrylic graphics and text to create unique signage for families and businesses.
Wengler’s dog, Ella, keeps watch on the great variety of items for sale at Knotty Gnome in Hartford.
A PASSION FOR THE MAKER MARKET
By Bob Fitch
By Bob Fitch
When people step through the front door of Knotty Gnome and their faces light up in a look of surprise and delight, owner Stacy Wengler knows it’s going to be a good day. “The outside of my building isn’t as cute as the inside is, so I think it really surprises people the variety of different things we have in here,” Wengler said. In 2016, she and her husband, Kyle, opened Knotty Gnome Variety & Salvage on Highway 38 in Hartford. The store features an eclectic collection of handmade items made by Stacy and Kyle and other local “makers.” Items on sale range from earrings and wreaths to body care products and custom signage. “Our hope is to always provide a really unique and fun place. Just a 24
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
couple days ago, a mom brought her teenage daughter in for the first time and she couldn’t believe it. It was like she had never been in a place like this before. For me, I think places like ours should be everywhere.” Before opening her shop, Wengler was already a veteran of the maker community. She’s spent many days at the Sidewalk Arts Festival and other boots-onthe-ground marketing events over the past 15 years. In 2017, she helped launch 605 Made in Sioux Falls with Jodi Schwan, a local journalist, media professional and owner of SiouxFalls.business. According to Wengler, “The 605 Made market is a pop-up shop specifically focusing on small makers and makers who maybe are changing their hobby into an ongoing business. At 605 Made, we focus on providing an affordable sales outlet for people who may not have the money to start at the big shows.” Knotty Gnome allows Wengler to expand on her passion for helping other makers. “Besides myself, I
have about 30 other makers who sell their items in my store. For people who don’t have their own storefront, they can still sell their things in public without waiting for a craft show to roll around. It’s kind of neat that we’re able to support quite a few retirees by selling their work.” (Knotty Gnome is currently at capacity for makers!) “Making crafts are fun, but custom orders are really what has set us apart from just a regular variety store. What we’re doing with custom signage, promotional items and custom engraving is really what pays my large bills,” she said.
DEEP ROOTS IN HARTFORD Knotty Gnome is located just across the parking lot from Beaverbuilt, a manufacturer of rolloff containers her father, Roger “Beaver” Rolfson, founded in 1995. When Rolfson retired two years ago, Stacy and Kyle purchased the company. “Believe it or not, selling crafts doesn’t pay as many bills as selling rolloffs,” she said with a smile.
on Saturdays. Kyle’s mom (Roxy Wengler) also helps with cleaning and painting and things like that. So it’s been fun to be able to have them here and be a part of it.” Wengler also has a retired teacher who works on Saturdays. At Beaverbuilt, in addition to Kyle and Stacy, there are three full-time employees, including her youngest brother, Robert Rolfson.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND SUPPORT
Beaverbuilt started manufacturing roll-offs in 1996 at the request of a local garbage hauler. At the time, Wengler was going to school for graphic communications (in the days before the internet), so as a school project she created flyers and postcards to market her dad’s new product. Direct mail to area businesses helped grow the business early on and now it has customers throughout the Midwest. In addition to roll-offs, the company’s products also include snow pushers, hay feeders, custom fabrication and metal arts.
When she started Products at Knotty Gnome are limited only in retail, Wengler by the imagination and skill of local makers. became involved with the Hartford Area Chamber of Commerce, where she values the mutual support, ideas and marketing. “We enjoy being a part of the smaller community. As a business, we feel we can do more good in a small community.” While social media is the cornerstone of her marketing plan, “I really depend on the community, my family, my friends, and other businesses to help spread the word.”
Wengler has worked at Beaverbuilt since the beginning. She wears many hats, including sales, contracts, bookkeeping, running the plasma cutter, mowing the lawn and taking out the trash. When she started her retail shop, “I knew I couldn’t leave Beaverbuilt, so I make the walk across the parking lot a hundred times a day. I’m there every morning at seven, even when I’m here at noon. My workday running the two businesses is usually from seven to six. For five years, I was working six days a week and several of those days were 11-hour days. After five years, I got my Saturdays back and that was exciting.”
Like most businesses, Knotty Gnome is asked to support many local groups. “It gives me a good sense of pride to give to these groups and causes because they are people I know. Our own kids benefited from business support when they were in school, so we give as much as we can.” Stacy and Kyle’s children, Bryghton and Kamden, were involved in fine arts programs, so she has a soft spot for those. “We can’t always offer financial assistance, but, boy, I sure can make some good things for raffles and silent auctions,” she said.
Her parents moved the family to Hartford when Stacy was just five years old, so her roots here are deep. “My mom (Doni Rolfson) was actually the first female firefighter in Hartford. She’s been with volunteer fire and rescue for 40 years. She’s done a lot of fire safety education for the department.” She hired her mom to work at Knotty Gnome several years ago. “Mom makes things at the store and then helps us run things
“For businesses like ours to be able to help, we need the community’s support by shopping locally and keeping the money here.” She encourages residents to pause before jumping on eastbound I-90 and consider if hometown businesses can fulfill their needs, be it groceries, gas, dinner or gifts. Knotty Gnome is open Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. //
Growing Places | October 2023
25
// SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
Brian Voss with the students in his Residential Construction class at West Central High School. The house in the photo is being built by the students and will eventually be sold at auction.
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT IN THE CONSTRUCTION FIELD – IF YOU’RE ON TIME AND TEACHABLE By Bob Fitch
Brian Voss, the long-time industrial education teacher at West Central High School, frequently receives phone calls from construction firms looking for both summer workers and permanent employees. The employers usually don’t zero in on grade point averages. Instead, according to Voss, “What they ask me is: ‘Do they show up for school? Are they on time? And are they teachable?’” “That really says a lot about the need out there. There’s so much work locally and all across the state. Companies need workers who are reliable and willing to learn,” said Voss. “For the kids who choose to take it seriously, they 26
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
can write their own ticket. If you get your degree from Southeast Tech or Lake Area or Mitchell, you pretty much have a job.” Placement rates for people earning a technical college degree in construction are typically 95 to 97 percent and, for those choosing automotive or diesel mechanics, there’s 100 percent placement. But there’s a flip side to that coin. Even with the skyrocketing demand for employees, “You’ve got to show up. Because showing up is the first requisite for keeping a job,” he said. Educators across the state are driving home the need to show up for school because: “In the real world, instead of giving you detention, your
boss is going to say ‘Take your stuff, you’re gone. We’re not going to deal with it anymore.’ For some kids, that’s going to be a rude awakening.” A young graduate might start as the low person on the totem pole, but with the right attitude and commitment, “In the construction field, the sky’s the limit. As you gain knowledge, you can climb the ladder,” he said.
SPARKING AN INTEREST Every student in South Dakota is required to have at least one credit in career and technical education. At WCHS, the “Technology for the Non-Traditional Student” which Voss teaches qualifies and it covers a wide array of technology areas, including traditional industrial arts topics such as basic woodworking and welding. He always hopes the class will spark an interest in students to further explore construction-related classes. In his entry level construction class called Building Trades, students learn about tools and techniques which they apply to construction of garden sheds. When completed, the sheds are typically purchased by teachers. Moving up a level, the Residential Construction class builds a full-scale home over the course of two years. The first year is framing and the second year is finishing work such as sheet-rocking and hanging doors. At the end of the two years, the house is sold at auction. “The most important thing is to teach a trade to the students. If we make money (for the district), that’s just gravy on the potatoes.” If they get to see photos or if students get the chance to see the finished house at its final destination, it means a lot to them. “To think of something they built being a home to one or more families for 50 to 75 years is a special feeling.” Voss said his classes experience very few student discipline problems. “Because the class is hands-on, they’re not sitting at a desk in here. We go outside, we do some woodworking, we do a little bit of welding, we do mock-up walls for residential wiring.”
A HEADS UP FOR CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES In addition to his position at WCHS, Voss is an adjunct instructor at Southeast Technical College and also teaches for Associated General Contractors. He started teaching at West Central in the 1991-92 school year, right after graduating from Black Hills State University. While he doesn’t have any immediate plans to retire, he has a heads-up for the construction industry – not only is it hard to find employees, but the next crisis on tap is when the current generation of “up-in-age” teachers retire.
“We used to have some college and universities here where you could get your industrial arts degree for teaching. Black Hill State was one. Northern was another one. But both those universities dropped the program.” Wayne State College in northeastern Nebraska is the closest program and placement for its graduates is already at 100 percent. “In agriculture teachers, we’re a little stronger Brian Voss because there’s a program at SDSU. But who is going to replace industrial arts / career and technical education teachers?” he asked. Voss is afraid it’s not realistic to think that enough workers from the industry will move over to teaching. Not only do construction jobs pay better than teaching positions, but potential new teachers must meet various certification requirements.
A STRONG COMMUNITY Born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Voss moved with his family to Sioux Falls when he was 10 years old. He graduated from Brandon Valley High School. In addition to his bachelor’s degree from BHSU, he also has a master’s in information technology from the University of South Dakota. Much of his family is involved in construction-related careers. His father sells fasteners; his uncle owns a construction business that builds multimillion dollar homes; and he has several cousins involved in the business. He and his wife, Liz, have been married for 26 years and have three daughters, Jenna, Melissa and Dana. Liz also works for the West Central School District in the Transportation Department. Now in his 33rd year of teaching, he’s had a lot of students who are the children of students from early in his career. “If I ever have a student come up and tell me that I taught their grandmother or their grandfather, then it’s time for retirement.” Voss believes teaching children of former students is a good sign. “A lot of people have stuck around this area because Hartford really is a great community.” When he started working at WCHS, he was the youngest teacher on staff. “I was the new kid on the block. Now, there’s only one other teacher who’s been at the high school longer than me. So I’m sort of the grandpa.” // Growing Places | October 2023
27
// SPOTLIGHT ON HARTFORD
Photo by Greg Latza on assignment for Golden West Telecommunications.
PO BOX 730 | 705 E 2nd Street Hartford, SD 57033 www.westcentral.k12.sd.us
Serving the communities of Ellis, Hartford, Humboldt and Wall Lake “To prepare students for learning and living in a changing world”
High School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605-528-6236 Middle School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605-528-3799 Hartford Elementary . . . . . . . . . . . 605-528-3215 Humboldt Elementary . . . . . . . . . 605-528-3321
TEACHER STUDENT RATIO
2022-2023 ENROLLMENT
Elementary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 16.88 Middle School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 15 High School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 to 17.6
Junior Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Kindergarten. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Grade 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Grade 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Grade 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Grade 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Grade 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
2022 ACT TEST SCORES English . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.5 Math . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.6 Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.8 Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.9 Composite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.3 28
Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 605-528-3217
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
TOTAL ELEMENTARY. . . . . . . . 666 Grade 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Grade 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Grade 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 TOTAL MIDDLE SCHOOL. . . . 305
Grade 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Grade 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Grade 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Grade 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 TOTAL HIGH SCHOOL. . . . . . . 404 Brighter Transition Youth Treatment Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fall Academy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 TOTAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,415
// SPONSORED CONTENT
RESTORING A SIOUX QUARTZITE GEM The Mundt Building offers a unique living experience in downtown Hartford right on Main Street. Built in 1902, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and housed the Savings Bank of Hartford along with other functions before being purchased by the current owners. Over the past 13 years, the building has been painstakingly restored to become ~12,000 square feet of livable space inside the building, plus has a courtyard north of the building. The Mundt Building has never looked so good! There can be 2 individual living quarters in the building with the upstairs apartment and a basement living quarters. There are 6+ bedrooms and 5 bathrooms in the building. The main floor is zoned commercial and suitable for retail. The Mundt Building up for sale and listed at $1.5M. The buyer who is looking for a unique living experience in a small town like Hartford will have a one-of-a-kind home. There is plenty of flexibility for a potential buyer to further customize the property to meet their personal goals.
To learn more, contact the Realty Team at Better Homes and Gardens of Sioux Falls. Taija Crawford | 605-376-3613 | taija@bhgrebeyond.com Growing Places | October 2023
29
SIDE-BY-SIDE IN THE SIOUX METRO SALES TAX RECEIPTS, YTD THRU 8-31-23 | DATA SOURCE: SD DEPT OF REVENUE 2022
2023
% CHANGE
$83,521
$89,427
6.60%
Brandon
$1,264,777
$1,398,819
9.58%
Canton
$359,768
$415,547
13.42%
Baltic
Centerville
$67,412
$67,553
0.20%
Colton
$49,347
$54,079
8.75%
Crooks
$83,401
$79,911
-4.36%
Dell Rapids
$406,211
$464,218
12.49%
Garretson
$150,528
$161,302
6.67%
Harrisburg
$762,956
$718,747
-6.15%
Hartford
$393,753
$422,696
6.84%
Humboldt
$85,382
$78,821
-8.32%
Lennox
$246,943
$314,021
21.36%
Salem
$156,229
$155,602
-0.40%
Tea
$898,523
$995,044
9.70%
Valley Springs
$44,559
$48,308
7.75%
Worthing
$44,053
$46,905
6.07%
$5,097,370
$5,511,006
7.50%
REGION TOTAL
We are proud to support all area businesses and events with our FULL LINE of service offerings including: Print • Large Format • Apparel • Design Specialty Finishing • Fulfillment Contact us today to Save 10% on your next order. Phone: 605-335-1103 800 East 52nd Street North Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Sales@pantherg.com • pantherg.com
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
Growing Places | October 2023
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196 E 6th St., Ste 200 Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Giving you the gigs and giggles. Make your home a bit brighter and your worries a lot lighter with sweet-streamin’ internet. Midco® brings the services, speeds and reliability that make you smile - at a price you can afford.
Midco.com
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Sioux Metro Growth Alliance | www.siouxmetro.com
Internet. TV. Phone.