Our Towns 2015

OURTOWNS EDITION

DEADWOOD | LEAD | SPEARFISH | BELLE FOURCHE

The businesses, organizations and people that make a positive difference in the Northern Hills.

6

NORTHERN HILLS HOUSING 2015 looks to be a positive year

14

SANFORD LAB Search for dark matter a mile underground

19

GAMING IN DEADWOOD Get ready for craps, keno and roulette

2015 BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 2, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Building sustainability for the future … with a straw house

From left, BHSU graduate student Andrew Gates, Jared Capp, and Dr. Andy Johnson, one of the faculty associated with BHSU’s master’s degree in sustainability program, stand in front of Capp’s approximately 650 square-foot house. Three of its outer walls are made of straw bales, covered with cob, a clay mixture, with the front outer wall a mix of wood and metal shingling. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

Jared Capp breaks new ground in Spearfish with natural building design

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Unlike the fate of a straw house that blows down in a popular bedtime story, Jared Capp’s house in Spearfish is designed to withstand the elements for 300 years. It’s also energy-efficient and completely off the grid.

Looking at the 648-square-foot house, it’s not immediately apparent that one of its main building materials is straw. The front of the house sports a conventionally-built wall with wooden and metal siding, but its three remaining exterior walls are two feet thick, made of straw bales covered with 4-6 inches of cob, a mixture of local clay and sand, sealing the exterior

and interior and providing additional in- the house from being tied into the sewer sulation. An approximately 10,000-pound system. rocket mass heater, a highly efficient wood There aren’t many structures like it in stove, heats the straw bale house with 30 the area – Capp had to get approval from feet of stovepipe inthe state Department side the wall, and of Environment and there are solar panels Natural Resources attached to the roof to allow for some of to convert sunlight the design features into electricity. The I think it is crucially in the house, which same way roadways he describes it as a important that we stay hot to the touch “flagship”– and part after the sun has gone begin building places of his desire to condown, the straw bale struct the house came to live in that don’t walls retain heat, so from his goal to give the placement of the more options require fossil fuels just people house in relationand help them to see ship to where the sun to be comfortable and that natural building shines is very dedoesn’t require sacrilivable. liberate. During the fice in terms of comwinter, sunlight will Andy Johnson, fort and aesthetics. stream through the BHSU professor “So that’s my hope, front windows and is to educate people reach approximately going forward,” he halfway up the rear said, during a tour interior wall, while in the summertime, of the house. As he pointed out the livsunlight will not enter the front windows, ing room, dining room, bedroom, utility keeping the house cool. A composting space, bathroom, and kitchen, he laughed toilet and greywater system, which recy- and said that often when people hear cles usable water from sinks and showers about what he’s doing, they assume he’s for onsite uses like landscape irrigation, STRAW HOUSE Pg 3 complete the alternative build and keep

“

”

This photo shows the frame of the straw bale house going up. Courtesy photo

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 3

from Pg 2

STRAW HOUSE hunched over a fire eating porridge. In reality, the house has a vaulted ceiling, flat-screen television, wireless internet, double showerheads – amenities available to any homeowner.

Finances are always a consideration. Capp explained that it can be a difficult consideration to compare houses by squarefoot prices, since two houses of exactly the same size and floor plan could have two owners with very different priorities in terms of building materials and interior design that could create a wide variance. However, he quotes about $140 per square foot for conventional building versus about $160 per square foot for alternative design.

“But you’re also talking about apples and elephants,” he said, describing the costs once one lives in the house. A conventional house might cost a couple of hundred dollars a month to heat, where his house might require $25.

Capp, who owns Pangea Design, a construction company that specializes in natural buildings and permaculture landscaping design and offers conventional building and remodeling, has always been interested in building. He was born and raised in Spearfish, and his grandfather was a builder in Spearfish. Capp grew up doing maintenance at the Capp Motel (where Arby’s is currently located), and he always liked creating things and using his hands.

After graduating from high school, he joined the Air Force and has since been to 54 countries. During these travels, he realized that people in other parts of the world build homes out of fewer materials than he was used to seeing thrown into a dumpster at a construction site on any given day. This intentional obsolescence (the state of becoming obsolete), the idea of building as cheaply and quickly as possible to create houses that are inefficient and may soon be in need of repair, but that owners may not mind because they plan to move out and buy another, bigger one soon anyways – made Capp want to create robust, intentional homes, not just houses, that last a family for generations.

In his travels, he also noticed how people in different settings use the materials available to them to construct homes.

In the desert, people use adobe; in the forest, people build with logs; and Capp sees the Black Hills as being a very unique environment because it has a variety of natural resources for building, such as stone, logs, clay, sand, and straw, so he also hopes to bring attention to using local materials.

It’s taken a few years to get all of the approval necessary to construct his house, including changing city ordinances and getting approval from the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Capp realizes that people take

The straw bale walls are covered with 4-6 inches of cob, a mixture of clay and sand, that seals and insulates the house. Left, the cob was made with local materials, such as clay and sand.

Courtesy photo

time to adjust to things with which they are not familiar. While there are parts of southern Oregon where one might see many straw bale structures, that’s not the case in Western South Dakota yet, and Capp knew that it would take time and planning to blaze the trail. He said he’s found that as long as someone comes to the table with credible information, officials are open to conversations about how to make alternative options happen. His older brother, Justin, is a structural engineer, so the two were able to design the structure and the systems within it to provide a stamped set of plans to the building inspector.

Everything we use today was once an experiment, Capp said, and the house has caught the attention of local researchers.

Andrew Gates is a graduate student in the master’s of sustainability degree program at BHSU. “I am super interested in alternative energies because I think that’s the next big thing, whether we like it or not,” he said, describing that when he first hear about Capp’s build, he didn’t think such a design was possible, but once he saw it, his perspective was changed, which made him interested in researching that aspect of the structure.

“I think that it will open a lot of people’s eyes to carbon neutral building,” Gates said.

His research project involves temperature tests to check the efficiency of the design and materials of the straw bale house versus industrially built houses, and one of the biggest parts of research is the social aspect. Gates plans to bring people of different ages, interests, and backgrounds into the straw bale house and survey their reactions about the house and about whether they would consider living in such a building. He hopes the research to be complete by May, when he graduates.

Dr. Andy Johnson, assistant professor of physics at BHSU and one of the faculty associated with the master’s sustainability program, sees the structure as being part of the larger cultural change effort necessary for alternative building options to become mainstream.

“I think it is crucially important that we begin building places to live in that don’t require fossil fuels just to be comfortable and livable,” he said. “We should be building for a future that will be very different from our current way of living, and different also from what most of us imagine. … This is a pretty big cultural change for South Dakota,” Johnson said of Capp’s straw bale design.

Capp understands that being an advocate takes time and that change doesn’t happen overnight.

“I’ve tried to do it slowly and easily … just to show them this is what it (alternative building) is,” he said. “I think once there’s one (straw bale house)… and the novelty is gone, and then there’s a second one, and a third one … then all of a sudden … you’re a place where that stuff happens and where that stuff’s an option.”

Page 4, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Black Hills grows a taste for local food

By Michelle Stampe Black Hills Pioneer

Trays of seedlings line the shelves inside our Bear Butte Gardens greenhouse, called a high tunnel greenhouse. Courtesy photo

SPEARFISH — In the last 25 years, the local food movement has evolved from a niche operation with a select clientele to a lucrative, growing industry.

Functioning as a diet, social statement, and economic strategy, the local trend is something just about anyone can get behind.

There are many incentives for Spearfish citizens to buy their food locally. For Trish Jenkins and Jeremy Smith at Cycle Farm in Spearfish Valley, one of the many benefits of staying local is keeping wealth in our community.

“Trish and I try to shop locally as much as we can and just try to support other local producers or small businesses,” Smith said. “When customers buy our vegetables, we’re able to buy things locally and keep things circulating rather than having that money just ship out of the area. At a larger chain store, most of the money is leaving the local economy.”

Katie Greer, sustainability coordinator at BHSU, suggested that one incentive to eat locally economy comes from a growing desire for autonomy as a community.

“Community resiliency is a new movement with people who are concerned about our climate. If we have crises in any part of the world, we at least know we can feed ourselves here. It’s just smart to be able to take care of yourself,” said Greer.

Climate concerns are a driving force in the move-

Contact Mark today for all your real estate needs!

Including buying, selling, property rentals and professional property management.

www.MarkReese.realtor Great opportunity to own a small farm or horse property! This property has a little bit of everything - house, outbuildings, garden area, pasture, irrigated crop/hay ground and less than a mile off the paved road. There are 3 parcels totaling +/-40 acres, approx 13 of which are irrigated. Irrigation cost $300/yr.

Text HOME7904 to 88000

MLS #45647 • $145,900

Bring an offer on this comfortable home. The owner has completed many updates. The main floor features a spacious open floor plan with plenty of room for entertaining. There are 3 bedrooms on the main floor with an additional bedroom in the partially finished basement.

The large family/game room in the walk-out basement is bright and open.

MLS #46280 • $109,500

Text HOME7905 to 88000

919A Lawrence St., Belle Fourche

Great Price! This well maintained home is located on 4 city lots in the quiet community of Vale. The large corner lot provides ample room for a garden or a nice place to relax under the shade of the mature trees. There is a shallow well that can be used for irrigation. Inside, the open floor plan provides room for entertaining.

MLS #46658 • $69,000

Text HOME7906 to 88000

410 Anna St., Vale

Mark Reese, Broker Associate markreese@rushmore.com 605.569.6761 | 605.642.4607

mation Get infor ctly sent dire ne ho to your p to g by textin 88000

ment. A 2008 study by Weber and Matthews found that the processing, transport, packing, and retail of food amounts to 16 percent of our food’s carbon footprint. Therefore the question of reducing environmental cost of food transport and production has become a major topic of discussion. For the customers of Cycle Farm, part of the answer is buying food grown and sold in their area.

“It’s so cool,” Jenkins said, “having (produce) direct to our customer. All of our CSA (Community Shared Agriculture) members are from Spearfish and a lot of them come to the farm on bicycle. In terms of their food related carbon footprint, it is way lower.”

Local farms offer other environmental benefits, including farming with a greater sense of responsibility toward the land. With unsustainable farming practices creating wasteful water consumption, soil erosion and degradation, pollution, land conversion and habitat loss, many people are searching for a way to feed themselves without further damaging the environment.

“I want to leave the land better then when we found it,” said Michelle Groesk of Bear Butte Gardens, located in the shadows of Bear Butte.

From mixing their own soil with organic inputs to filtering out minerals from ground water to meticulously tracking the temperature of their compost, soil quality and longevity is a priority to many farmers like Groesk.

GROWN LOCAL Pg 5

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 4

GROWN LOCAL Working on a smaller scale makes it faster and easier to implement organic and conservation practices, and therefore the local farms in the Black Hills have the ability to try new techniques that may not be reasonable for larger producers. For example, Groesk has been experimenting with organic granite dust as a soil additive, while Cycle Farm practices an innovative “no till” technique.

“We’re not tilling the soil, so our soil health is awesome,” explained Jenkins. “We have incredible moisture storage capacity, and I think because we’re taking such good care of the soil our plants are more resilient to pest insects and different problems.”

For local producers in the Black Hills, environmental responsibility goes hand in hand with a better product, explained Smith.

“Healthier soil tends to make healthier plants,” Smith said, “healthier plants are less susceptible to disease. If you apply lots of artificial fertilizer it stimulates lots of amazing growth, but it’s weak growth that allows, for example, aphids to come along and pierce the skin of the plant. We have less pest pressure because the plants are a little more stressed in their environment.”

“They are a more robust organism,” Jenkins added.

Another reason people spend the extra dime and buy local is for a specialized product. Because of the smaller scale of the operation, quality control is more effective and efficient. Small adjustments can be made easily and often with more immediate results. This goes hand-in-hand with instant feedback from consumers, allowing our small farms to alter crops and techniques to better suit their customer.

Because customer satisfaction, food quality, and a sense of community are integrated in the local experience, many local farmers around the Hills don’t mind showing their customers around their farm.

“We have a very open door policy out here,” Groesk explained. “Sometimes I’ll be working out in the garden and I hear a voice, ‘Michelle, do you have any eggs today?’

And they’ll help me get the eggs out of the coup. We feel like if we’re not trying to hide anything then people will want to come out and see what we’re doing.”

Of course, one of the most tangible benefits of supporting local producers is in the product itself. As Smith explained, local producers can focus on the taste of their produce instead of other concerns larger farms face.

“We’re able to harvest things when they’re ripe,” Smith said. “A lot of bigger operations that are shipping long distances have to harvest crops prematurely and ripen them in transit. So you’re getting less flavorful, less than perfect vegetables. Trish and I get to choose our varieties based on what tastes the best, rather than how well it stores or ships.”

Yet, however popular buying local is becoming in the region, the movement faces many challenges. Particularly, meeting the growing demand for local food. As Greer explained, the Hills simply needs more local farmers.

“Producers want more producers,” Greer said. “They don’t view that as competition. They view it as help, the more local food the better. Just like at the farmers market, the more people who are vending the more people who will come out to shop. So they really want to see more producers, and that’s an end goal for us to make it a booming industry here.”

Not only does the Black Hills not have enough local producers to support the growing market for local products, the lack of local producers has other consequences as well.

“One thing Trish and I notice in the area is that local food, and the enthusiasm for it, is still cresting,” explained Smith. “(The market) is not saturated to the point where it’s ubiquitous. So I think that can be a challenge because it means Trish and I have to ship in a lot of our tools and equipment because there aren’t enough producers doing what we’re doing to keep supplies stocked.

There isn’t the demand to supply it or to have a local supplier. There just aren’t enough local producers. Trish and I feel like we can’t meet the demand. There’s not a lot of land in the valley that’s being actively grown on. For the

Our Towns 2015, Page 5 size of the community, we need a lot more farmers.”

Of course, in a climate like ours, meeting customer demand for the winter months is a daunting challenge for local growers. Their season generally starts in the spring and expands into autumn, but the harsh South Dakota winters do not allow for vegetable or fruit production. As Smith explained, local producers simply do not have the resources to provide during the winter.

“What we have right now is the very pretty side of local — the big heads of lettuce and ripe tomatoes and salad mix — it’s the iconic side of it, but it fills the least amount of an annual food budget,” Smith explained.

“There’s not the supply to meet the need of a whole winter’s worth of say squash or potatoes. So getting canning workshops and sharing that knowledge or how to keep produce longer into the winter and making that a regional knowledge is a priority.”

Whatever challenges local growers may face, it doesn’t look like eating local will become a dying trend. With many people becoming more aware of environmental issues, the need to keep wealth in the local economy, and their own health, eating local is only gaining in popularity. On any given summer morning it is not surprising to see Spearfish locals swarming the Red Barn Farmers Market and Gage’s Garden, or on Saturdays the Market in the Park.

Other ways in which people are gaining access to local producers is through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares. Both Bear Butte Gardens and Cycle Farm sell most of their produce through the CSA, in which the farm receives financial support in the spring from the member in exchange for weekly boxes of produce.

Another convenient way locals are gaining access to the Hills’ producers is through the SD Local Foods Co-op. This online cooperative offers its members access to 127 local food producers across the state, connecting them to fresh, locally-grown vegetables, eggs, meats, and grains, all at one website. With the pick-up spot for Spearfish located at the Red Barn Farmers Market parking lot, members can support multiple farmers and ranchers without the inconvenience of driving between locations and farmers markets.

Many people choose to support local produce by supporting other local businesses that buy their product. In order to help bring together local producers and consumers, BHSU started an initiative called Spearfish Local. Spearfish Local is an independent certification system that businesses that support local can apply for. If accepted, they receive Spearfish Local status, free advertising in-print and online, and window decals and stickers to show support.

“It’s something they can be proud of and display,” Greer explained. “It means they support local.”

It has become increasingly clear why the citizens of Spearfish support local producers. Whether they are concerned with community resiliency, sustainable and organic practices, food quality, or a more intimate connection to the land, for many members of the community buying local just makes sense.

Locally grown produce provides the freshest option and area residents are willing to pay a little extra for them. Courtesy photos

Page 6, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Northern Hills housing market shows growth in 2014, strong outlook for 2015

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer NORTHERN HILLS — The Northern Hills experienced an 8 percent increase in total sales in the residential housing market in 2014, compared to 2013, with the average sale price increasing by 9 percent.

“Demand for housing is strong, and we are experiencing very low inventory,” Pattie Parrett, president of the Mount Rushmore Association of Realtors, which includes 198 realtors from the Black Hills, as well as 14 appraisers and 40 affiliates, said. She added that more homes are becoming available. “With a rise in home prices, many of the homeowners who have been ‘underwater’ on their homes as a result of the recession are now able to sell their homes without a loss. While there are not enough homes on the market to meet the demands of our buyers, we expect more homes to come on the market this spring, and we are seeing an increase in new construction as a result of the high demand for homes, especially in the $200,000-$250,000 price range.” She added that houses forced into foreclosure or short sales during the housing crisis several years ago could start streaming back to the market.

Spearfish building permits and construction valuation totals in 2014 set records for the city: total construction valuation topped $49.1 million, reflecting 513 total permits and 97 new single family homes.

Lead issued 154 total permits, with total construction

Compared to 2013, the Northern Hills saw an 8 percent increase in total sales in the residential housing market in 2014.

Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

valuation of approximately $6,366,377, greatly impacted by the approximately $5 million visitor center currently under construction. One permit was listed under “new dwelling.”

The city of Belle Fourche issued 72 building permits, with an approximate construction valuation of $3,564,836.70, and 24 of the permits were mobile homes or new homes.

In Whitewood, there were 23 building permits issued, with total construction valuation of $1,023,244.81, with six permits representing new homes.

Deadwood had 157 building permits in 2014, representing a total construction valuation of $6,330,570, and eight of those permits were new residences.

“The Northern Hills continues to be a highly desirable area to reside as evidenced by our increase in building permits and total population,” Parrett said. “Spearfish has a large number of new apartment complexes to meet the demand of our population increase.”

Data compiled from the Mount Rushmore Area Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service shows that housing prices have steadily increased in the Northern Black Hills since 2010, except in Whitewood, though these prices vary from city to city. For example, in Spearfish, the average sales price of residential homes went from $194,271 in 2010 to $247,563 in 2014 – a 27 percent increase. In the Lead/Deadwood/ Central City area, the average sales price of residential homes increased from $165,757 in 2010 to $172,166, a 3.9 percent increase; in Whitewood, the average sale

price of residential homes has decreased by 14 percent from $218,064 to $187,150. These numbers do not include mobile homes on rented lots. Parrett said that are many variable that can affect the average sales price, and that the number of units sold give a better idea of how sales have increased or decreased. The number of residential units sold in each community during 2014, compared to 2010, are: 233, up from 131 in Spearfish; 111, up from 49 in the Lead/Deadwood/Central City area; 106, up from 55 in Belle Fourche; 24, up from 14 in Whitewood; and 94, up from 66 in Sturgis, and these numbers doe not include mobile homes on rented lots.

Parrett said that the high demand for housing in the area is stimulated by many factors.

“Rental rates are increasing, which cause renters to enter the home-buying market. Low interest rates are making homeownership affordable, and FHA (Federal Housing Authority) has reduced its mortgage insurance premium by half a percent, saving new homeowners an average of $900 annually,” she said. “FHA has also lowered its down payment requirements. That being said, lenders’ newer, tighter regulations are making it more difficult to qualify for financing, and first-time homeowners are having to work a little harder to obtain financing.”

In terms of a housing outlook for 2015, the National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun expects interest rates to top out just below 5 percent HOUSING MARKET Pg 8

The Black Hills Pioneer

Express yourself artistically at West River Studio Join us for our SIGNATURE

Sip-N-Paint Classes

Offered afternoons & evenings all week long! BYOB and we supply the rest!

No experience needed. All ages welcome!

Private parties here or TO GO!

Try one of our weekly craft classes, create your own jewelry at any of our Jewelry Design Classes or try your hand at a Silver Smith Workshop & design a Sterling Silver Ring!

Custom Jewelry

by Nancy & Gary Tripp.

Beads • Jewelry • Gifts & More!

Join us for these fun events & visit our Facebook page or Website for details on these and all our classes & events.

www.westriverstudio.net • 605-559-ARTS (2787)

Our Towns 2015, Page 7

s l a v i r r A New

for Spring!

Enjoy incredible prices on a nice selection of furniture and accessories.

NOW CARRYING:

Simmons Furniture Come see what else we have to offer:

Speed Queen, GE, & Crosley Appliances Mattresses • Greeting Cards • Watkins and Lots, Lots more! ere We’re h e to sav y! ne you mo

100s of items in our Dollar Store!

Quality at affordable prices!

Open: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm, Sat. 9am-3pm

541 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish • studiowestriver@gmail.com

613 State Street, Belle Fourche • 605-892-2030

Celebrating

50 YEARS Ellis Tripp and family invite you to see their new location and expanded products and services.

“My family serving your family since 1964”

ET SPORTS

605-723-4288 19111 US Hwy 85 BELLE FOURCHE

OPEN Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5:30 pm • Sat. 8 am-5 pm • www.etsports.biz

Page 8, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Courtesy graph

from Pg 6

HOUSING MARKET this year, but if they defy expectations and remain where they are currently, this could be another boost to housing sales. Yun expects home sales to rise nationally about 7 percent as a result of a strengthening economy, solid job gains, and a healthy increase in home prices.

“Locally, while the North Dakota oil boom appears to have slowed, we will continue to experience interest in our housing market from our neighbors up north, as North Dakota’s oil supply is abundant, and the industry will adjust itself over time and continue to thrive,” Parrett said. “Our unemployment average in the Northern Hills is down, and average household income has risen.”

According to the South Dakota Department of Labor, average unemployment in the Northern Hills was 3.56 percent in 2014, with 3.58 percent in Lawrence County, 3.39 percent in Butte County, and 3.69 percent in Meade County.

According to the Nielsen Company, a global information and measurement company that compiles data, the 2014 Northern Hills estimated average household income (within a 30-mile radius of Spearfish) was $63,321, up from $55,844 in 2013.

The estimated average for 2015 in the same locale is $64,788.

The big unknown for real estate is the health of the global economy, Parrett said. “If the economies of Europe and other powerhouses continue to lag, further U.S. growth could be stymied, slowing the expansion of residential and commercial markets.”

Parrett encouraged people who are considering selling their homes to call a realtor.

“With the small number of homes on the market, there is little competition right now. Many people wait until spring when competition becomes more

fierce,” she said. “Why wait? We have buyers lined up, waiting for the perfect home.”

And she had the same advice for buyers: to work with a realtor, since new listings do not stay on the market long, so buyers should be prepared to make offers

Courtesy graph

quickly as to avoid being beaten out by another bidder.

“We have seen an increase in multiple offers, and the process of buying and selling a home continues to be complicated, requiring the assistance of an experienced professional,” Parrett advised.

The Northern Hills experienced an 8 percent increase in total sales in the residential housing market in 2014, compared to 2013, with the average sale price increasing by 9 percent. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 9

30,907 trees mitigated in recent cutting season

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — Largely scaled down, the 2014-2015 pine beetle battle in Lawrence County netted a total of 30,907 trees mitigated — 15,907 by cut and chunk, for a total program cost of $438,000.

Lawrence County Invasive Species Manager Dave Heck reported the results of this year’s pine beetle battle at the regular meeting of the Lawrence County Commission Tuesday.

“Roughly another 15,000 trees were removed through a Forest Service timber sale in Limestone, taking out hit trees,” Heck said.

“A four-person crew worked up there for two months marking trees so loggers could take them out. This allowed for an additional 15,000 trees to be harvested that were green infested and taken to the mill.”

Approximately 8,914 trees were removed by county crews at Mt. Roosevelt, 6,393 at Tetro Peak/Burno Gulch and 600 in Spearfish Canyon, with 36 sawyers cutting November through January and 21 recon/admin personnel working in conjunction with the sawyers.

Lawrence County Deputy State’s Attorney Bruce Outka said that he received an email from Jean Shaw, formerly of the Spearfish Canyon Homeowner’s Association wondering how the $20,200 donation SCOA made to battle the beetle in Lawrence County was used.

Heck said that the $20,000 was applied toward treatments in the Canyon, with 600 trees cut just west of Lost Camp in Spearfish Canyon.

“So you did 600 trees in a smaller area,” said Lawrence County Commissioner Richard Sleep.

Heck said yes, that the problem is, there are thousands of trees in that area in need of treatment.

“You just pick your poison,” Heck said. “It’s hard to see only 600 trees come out when there are 100,000 in there that need it. They donated $20,000 and the Canyon has a $2 million problem.”

Heck added that the trees that his crews did cut were close to private property, in hopes of stopping the spread of the beetles onto neighboring homeowners in the area.

“I do know that populations in Lawrence County are building, while they are subsiding in Pennington and Custer counties,” Heck said.

“If you look at all the trees in the entire forest, you could say they’re evening out, but that’s because they’re leveling out in those other areas and Lawrence County is picking it up.

Hills-wide it has leveled out, but Lawrence County has picked up ten-fold. And it’s just going to get worse. If you think Spearfish Mountain looks bad not, wait until this time next year. Same thing in Spearfish Canyon.”

Lawrence County continues to find a fight against pine beetles this cutting season nearly 31,000 trees were removed in hopes of slowing the beetle scare. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Page 10, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

OUR TOWNS Special Edition

is produced by the Black Hills Pioneer newspaper 315 Seaton Circle, Spearfish, SD 57783 (605) 642-2761, (800) 676-2761 www.bhpioneer.com

It’s All About

YOU!

Our patients agree:

“Jackson Dental has always been exceptional and a very friendly environment. The staff is always very friendly and makes you feel welcome.”

Jackson Dental takes great pride in being current on technology and able to provide local comprehensive care for our patients.

Your Smile Matters!

1-605-892-6347 1-877-412-2978 John H. Jackson, DDS • Christopher J. Jackson, DMD

503 Jackson St., Belle Fourche, SD Extended Hours Available: Evenings & Fridays

We are a full time real estate company with listings handled through our Real Estate Office, licensed in South Dakota and Wyoming. Our Auction company conducts Real Estate, Liquidation, Estate, Farm Equipment, Antique, Household, and some Heavy Equipment auctions. We have a professional, honest, and friendly staff to handle your request, with the equipment to get the job done.

Jerry Casteel - Auctioneer/Broker/Owner

Call us at: 605-347-5110 or 605-347-9293 or Fax us at: 605-347-6680 E-mail us at jcasteel@rushmore.com Visit our Web page at www.casteelauction.com or www.sdauctions.com

Letitia Lister, publisher Mark Watson, managing editor Dru Thomas, advertising manager Shelby Best, layout The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2015 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 11 Lawrence County Teen Court celebrates its 20th year this year having served nearly 1,700 defendant cases. Courtesy photo

‘It truly gives kids a second chance’ back, continued her high school career as a volunteer and last I know, she’s still career military, which, with her drug charge, probversion opportunity to our local youth with ably never would have happened.” the grand scheme of things seeing it offered The top three charges seen in Teen Court statewide and we’ve reached that level.” cases, since its inception in 1995 are: 758 Teen Court is a voluntary program that as- minor consumption (alcohol/marijuana) sists teenage offenders in assuming respon- charges; 271 petty theft charges and 193 sibility for their behavior through involve- possession/use of tobacco charges. ment in the judicial process and service in “Any misdemeanor charge could be rethe community. First-time offenders are ferred to Teen Court,” Todd said. brought before a jury Out of the 1,674 of their peers, where cases referred, 141 of they are sentenced to the offenders violated constructive service during the course of and from this, they their Teen Court sengain an understanding tence or didn’t comof their roles in sociplete the program, reety. sulting in a 91 percent “Additionally, the success rate. community reciprocalTeen Court is totally benefits from these ly youth driven, deyouths’ involvement pending on the volunin their programs,” teers that range in age Todd said. “Each indifrom seventh graders vidual’s self-worth is through seniors in high maintained by respectschool. ful treatment and con- Marlene Todd, “Also, upon comTeen Court director fidentiality.” pletion of the program, For example, Todd offenders are welcome regularly revisits the to come back as volfollowing example unteers,” Todd said. of Teen Court’s long-lasting impact from “Last night, three out of four who completed around 15 years ago. signed volunteer agreements.”

“I always think of one young lady who In 2014, a total of 46 cases were referred was a Teen Court volunteer who ended up to Teen Court — 44 percent, or 20, being getting charged with possession of mar- female and 56 percent, or 25, being male. ijuana as a result of her family members,” Actual cases sentenced were 39, of the 50 Todd said. “She chose to take the Teen Court cases that were closed in 2014, 36 percent, option and face a jury of her peers with her or 18, were status offenses and 64 percent, own infraction, finished in record time, came or 32, were delinquent offenses. In 2014, 3

20 years of Lawrence County Teen Court

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — Approximately 398 sessions, 1,674 defendant cases and 65,331 volunteer hours later, Lawrence County Teen Court celebrates two decades of service to the Northern Hills in 2015.

“It truly gives kids a second chance,” said Teen Court Director Marlene Todd, founder of the Lawrence County Teen Court program. “Teen Court volunteers give hundreds of hours of service. Right now, we have more teen volunteers than, historically, we’ve ever had. The focus throughout the years has been on defendants and we tend to forget the educational component of the volunteers and the civic commitment they give.”

Started in 1995 by Todd out of a small office in her basement, Lawrence County Teen Court was the first of its kind in South Dakota. As a result of this program, today there is at least one Teen court in each judicial circuit in South Dakota, offering its own unique diversion opportunity.

How does Todd feel about reaching this milestone?

“Nothing but pride,” Todd said. “The kids tease me because I cry at all the events. I am so proud of our young people, what they stand for and the commitment they give to our programs. We now have a Teen Court in every circuit as a result of our success.”

Which Todd calls her greatest accomplishment.

“That the program has spread statewide,” Todd said. “I mean, that’s huge to me. When I had this little vision, it was to offer the di-

“

Teen Court has been established to add a new concept of diversion and accountability for our juvenile offenders.

”

youth out of 39 sentenced cases re-offended within six months after completion of Teen Court.

In lieu of a juvenile court record, teens up to age 18 or graduation can choose to come through the Teen Court diversion, an opportunity to keep their record clean.

“Teen Court has been established to add a new concept of diversion and accountability for our juvenile offenders,” Todd said.

“Young people participating in the program will function as constructive and contributing members of their community. The program seeks to minimize the negative labeling of referred youth.”

Currently two licensed attorneys volunteer as judges to train Teen Court volunteers in court proceedings and more than 25 area youth from Spearfish, Lead-Deadwood and Sturgis spend the first and third Monday evenings of the month volunteering for Teen Court.

“Teen Court goals consist of: assisting teen offenders in recognizing that they are responsible for their behavior and that the consequences they experience are a direct result of their own actions,” Todd said. “Those goals also include promoting a positive attitude toward authority by showing respect, courtesy, confidentiality and dignity to all individuals; providing a forum for teens to experience the judiciary system and, in the process, reducing the likelihood of youth committing repeat offenses; and establishing positive relationships between the community and its youth, the results of which are better understanding and communication.”

The program may also foster better communication between family members, as one TEEN COURT Pg 27

Page 12, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Welcome to Belle Fourche.

Welcome to AmericInn.® Wake up to a free hot homestyle breakfast (gluten-free items available), enjoy our indoor pool & hot tub and keep in touch with complimentary high-speed internet access.

Enjoy your stay!

PAIN IS NOT NORMAL. We can help eliminate your pain by combining manual therapy techniques with exercise for long term results.

• Pain relief from any joint, muscle or movement impairment Physical therapy can get to the source of the problem to decrease pain and improve mobility and function.

• Patient-centered Individualized Treatment Plans

New Rooms Summe r 2015!

Welcome to the end of the day.

Our mission is to assist and educate our patients in living a healthy, active lifestyle, without pain or physical limitations.

Julie Wingen, DPT

Bryce Gades, DPT

• Outstanding Customer Service We strive to exceed customer expectations by providing the highest quality of care in a friendly, encouraging, and relaxed environment.

• No Referral Needed for Most Insurance Companies

™

© 2007 AmericInn International, LLC

2312 Dakota Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605.892.0900 800.634.3444 americinn.com

Bob Forcucci, Owner

605-580-0064 • SPEARFISH

Call to schedule your appointment TODAY!

605-723-0185

1515 5th Ave., Ste. 202, Belle Fourche, SD (Entrance on East Side.)

Monday-Friday 7:15am - 5:30pm • www.bellefourchept.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 13

Tourism drives significant part of local economy Off-season already seeing ‘crazy attendance’ at attractions

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer NORTHERN HILLS — With gas prices predicted to be at least $1 lower per gallon this tourist season than last, those involved in the tourism industry and its ancillary Northern Hills businesses are embracing the possibility of a strong show of visitors this summer. And so far, those predictions are ringing true.

Mike Gussias, vice president of marketing for Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Tourism Association said that so far in 2015 Black Hills national parks have seen “crazy attendance” and are up 48 percent over the same time last year.

“Mount Rushmore and the Badlands between the two have already seen 28,425 more visitors,” Gussias said. “Visiting with park officials at Mount Rushmore late last month, it sounds like they had days in March that were like days in early June so we expect that number to just keep increasing. Along with the increased park visitation, we've also seen increases in room nights (motel occupancy) and the total Deadwood handle up over 2.7 percent. Most importantly, we've seen an almost 12 percent increase in taxable sales during that time. Already more people are coming and spending way more than last year.”

In order to gauge visitor ship, Gussias said that his organization keeps what they call the Black Hills

Tourism Index, which is comprised of: recreational visits reported by the national park units in this region; Black Hills motel occupancy percentage; taxable sales and the total Deadwood gaming handle.

“With that we can give a scoreboard number of how one year compares to another and we've had a good run that seems likely to continue,” Gussias said. “We're currently up 5.31 percent in the young year (with March numbers not reported yet) and for the 2014 calendar year, we reported that the region was up 4.38 percent over 2013 largely due to strong sales and a 2.4 percent increase in occupancy, which from the hotels reporting that means 48,180 more room nights. We think that number is closer to 80,000.”

Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau Marketing Director Amanda Kille said that the estimated 1 million to 1.5 million visitors to Deadwood each year come for many reasons, whether it be history, events, gaming, shopping or sight-seeing.

“Once they get here, they expand their horizons and realize there are many more reasons to come, and come back, to Deadwood,” Kille said. “We are anticipating a strong year. New and expanded retail offerings on Main Street should draw and keep more visitors. New events will also help fill up the community, and it certainly doesn’t hurt that the Sturgis Rally will celebrate 75 years this summer.”

In 2014, Deadwood sales tax revenue was at a 10-year high, gaming revenue was up $1.1 million over 2013 and trolley riders

were up approximately 20,000 in 2014 over 2013.

“There were 14 new or expanded businesses in 2014 resulting in 113 full-time jobs and 26 part-time jobs,” Kille said. “In 2015 we have added an additional eight new businesses to Deadwood. Deadwood.com reflects that growth, showing a 4.12 percent increase in visits, almost 550,000 of which were new visitors to the site. The drive-market remained strong for Deadwood even when fuel was $4 a gallon. We expect this year’s significantly lower prices to result in positive visitation numbers.”

Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Director Melissa Johnson said that while sales tax was up in Lead in 2014 and above what the city predicted, based on numbers from previous years, visitors to Lead were way down.

“The main reason, the DOT Main Street project,” Johnson said. “Businesses especially on Main Street, saw a decline in their business, but that is to be expected with a road closure in front of their business. This year will be another tough year as we enter the final stage of the Main Street project, but hopefully with the new visitor center up in running in June of this year we will see a surge in business.

Johnson said that businesses are aware Lead has one more year of construction, and that Deadwood will be starting their first phase of construction, but added that the people and

The Deadwood Jam attacks thousands pf visitors to the Northern Hills. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Person

businesses are quite resilient. “They know what to expect from the construction since they already dealt with it last year,” Johnson said.

Gussias said that between the anniversary years for the Rally and for the Buffalo Roundup, along with all the great attention the Black Hills and Badlands region has received from various national media outlets, as well as the positive Consumer Confidence Survey reaching pre-recession levels and MMGY's Traveler Index reporting the same, “we have lots to be optimistic about.”

“Lastly, gas prices are also at a level that while research says won’t be a factor, many will make the emotional argument that $2.50 a gallon vs. $4 and more of yesteryear will have a positive impact on traveler spending,” Gussias said. “Again, this all follows three years of growth for our region, as tracked by the Black Hills Tourism Index. The outlook for 2015 is super strong and should prove profitable for many in the region who are geared up and actively marketing for it. We've already seen advance bookings up for the Rally but we didn't expect the off-season to be up as much as it has.”

Gussias said that the region could have had more snow this year but the nice weather seemed to positively affect the Black Hills as a whole.

TOURISM Pg 27

Page 14, Our Towns 2015

AKELA SPA

Akela Spa is the only destination day spa in the Black Hills. Full spa services are provided in a calm, relaxing setting. The Akela Garden, an outdoor relaxation area, offers saunas, steam room, hot tubs & fire pit for a touch of outdoor serenity.

With a custom package and services designed for both men and women, everyone will find the peace they’ve been searching for.

Call us today or use our online scheduling tool to book your next appointment at our facility, tucked away in the Black Hills between Deadwood and Sturgis.

Make every minute count at Akela Spa of Deadwood - where serenity is indigenous.

DAKOTA LUMBER & DAKOTA HARDWARE

Dakota Lumber, located North of Belle Fourche, is a second and third generation lumberyard that has been locally owned and operated by the Bowman Family, who are proud to have served Belle Fourche and the surrounding communities since 1979. On July 1, 2014 the Bowman Family established Dakota Hardware in Sturgis after acquiring Johnston’s Hardware Hank, on Junction Avenue, and are looking forward to joining and serving the Sturgis Community and the surrounding areas. Stop by either location for all your home project needs or call 892-4041 in Belle Fourche and 347-4031 in Sturgis.

FIRST GOLD HOTEL & GAMING

First Gold Hotel & Gaming is committed to providing our customers with the best customer service possible now and in the future. We offer free on-site parking in our covered parking garage, 195 deluxe hotel accommodations and 5 luxurious suites, 11 casinos filled with your favorite slots and live black jack games, along with 3 buffets every day featuring USDA Choice Prime Rib served nightly. Plus, crab and prime rib on Friday & Saturday nights. Also sign up for your free Gold Club Players Card and start earning cash back now! www.firstgold.com

MACK'S AUTO BODY, LLC

For the past 22 years, Mack’s Auto Body has been offering the following “in-house” services: frame, body & spray facility; plastic media stripping and Spray-on Bedliners. Owner Eugene Mack takes pride in all his work and is a “hands-on” boss involved in every aspect of the job. Mack’s Auto Body backs their work with a 100% warranty.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Exploring the final frontier from one mile underground An overview of the Sanford Underground Research Facility’s current and forthcoming experiments

By Adam Hurlburt Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — People often think of space as something “out there,” something separate from their world; a star-pocked obsidian blanket of enigmatic infinity they gaze up at from time to time. Space isn’t “out there,” it’s right here. But the modern Western psyche (to make an unfair generalization) defaults to duality. If we continue to think of space as a destination then we’d better update the roadmap, because if someone in Lead wants to visit space they have a choice to make, “up or down?”

Lead’s Sanford Underground Research Facility is the past, present, and future home of some of the world’s premier high-energy physics experiments. Those who venture a mile down into the bowels of this former gold mine are just as likely to return to the earth’s surface with revolutionary insights on the universe as those who leave the earth’s atmosphere, if not more so.

LUX There’s currently only one operational experiment at work underground, the Large Underground Xenon experiment, or LUX, which is a little more than three months into a 300-day hunt for dark matter, that undiscovered mystery stuff that physicists theorize makes up some 27 percent of the universe.

Finding and subsequently defining dark matter would be one of the premier defining moments of science in the 21st century.

Scientists involved with LUX have the best chances at discovering dark matter of anyone as LUX is currently the most sensitive dark matter experiment in the world. Data reviews from the experiment’s current run should be finished sometime in 2016, when construction will begin on an even more sensitive dark matter experiment in LUX’s digs.

While LUX is the only currently active experiment at the Lab, it’s hardly the only thing going on down there. Four more groundbreaking high-energy physics experiments are currently in various stages of development, each cradling potential to fundamentally alter humanity’s understanding of the universe. Not forgetting the importance of siring the next generation of scien-

tists to define the forthcoming leaps of cosmic knowledge, the Lab’s also working on an underground science campus in conjunction with Black Hills State University.

BHSU underground campus Open to college students from institutions throughout the region, the Sanford Lab’s BHSU underground campus is currently under construction onemile underground, near the facility’s Ross Shaft. Some 800-square feet of the soon-to-be campus is now under transformation from dank cavern to state of the art clean room. Here, students will utilize several low background counting detectors to quantify the radio purity of physical components to experiments like LUX, the Majorana Detector Collaboration, LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ), and SURF’s part of the international collaborative Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), the Long Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF).

“A piece of titanium that goes into the construction of a cryostat, we could hold it in our hand it’s not a big deal, but all these materials give off some level of radioactivity, and the scientists need to understand how that can effect their data — it ends up being noise in the detector,” Mike Headley, executive director the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority said. “What these counters do is, materials from these other bigger experiments get put into these counters and they get counted for a period of days — we try and understand what the radio purity of all these materials are.”

The other quarter of the underground campus will support geology and biology-related studies uniquely suited to the underground environment. Headley estimated students would begin working with the low back-

ground detectors in the underground campus in late 2015/early 2016.

CASPAR Next door to the BHSU Underground Campus we find CASPAR, the Compact Accelerator System for Performing Astrophysical Research, a collaboration between the University of Notre Dame, the South Dakota School of Mines, and the Colorado School of Mines. CASPAR will utilize some existing low power particle accelerator equipment from Notre Dame to mimic the nuclear fusion reactions pulsing inside stars to examine the interactions that produce more than half the elements on the periodic table.

“Understanding the detailed process of that (stellar nuclear fusion) helps us understand how stars work as well as the formation of the elements,” Dr. Kevin Lesko, lead scientific investigator at the Sanford Lab and senior physicist with the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab in Berkeley, California said. “Studying at very low energies we can understand all the detailed processes of what’s going on inside stars.”

When CASPAR’s operational it will be the only underground accelerator experiment performing this kind of research.

Headley reported construction crews recently began the preliminary work to install the HVAC, power, and support systems necessary to support the experiment. Those systems should be installed and operational in August.

Majorana The Majorana Demonstrator collaborative UNDERGROUND Pg 23

Nearly a mile below the ground at the Sanford underground research facility state of the art research is being conducted.

Pioneer photo by Adam Hurlburt

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 15

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED!

SEE OUR FULL INVENTORY AT ROSSEQUIPMENTRENTAL.COM

Slab & Rough Terrain Scissors

JLG 6000 lb 42’ Forklift

Mini Exc Cat 304; Cat 304 with Thumb & Cat 301.8

Driveable 55’ manlift and towable 34’ manlift

Dump Trailers and Trailers

Remote Trench packer; plate packer, jumpin jack; smooth asphalt roller

Ditchwitch RT24 hp 36” trencher

Skidsteers & Attachments

Available Attachments: Breaker; 48”x8” trencher; Grapple and Rock bucket; Landscape rake; broom; 62” tiller; Auger & 6”,9”,12”,15”,18”,24”,30” bits; Forks

The Bobcat MT52 is the perfect tool for small area’s.

Available Attachments: Bucket, Auger, Stump Grinder, 36” trencher, 36” tiller; Forks

ROSS EQUIPMENT RENTAL, LLC

18731 US Hwy 85, Bay #4 (K&K Custom Building) Belle Fourche • 605-210-0553

No matter the season, we remain committed to providing plumbing, heating and cooling solutions that keep you and your family comfortable year-round.

New construction, remodeling & service.

Residential • Commercial• Industrial

Bed & Breakfast for Your Pets • Individual Suites • TVs • Playroom • Homemade Treats • Spa Tub

Big & Small “We Groom Them All!” GROOMING Monday - Saturday

BOARDING Monday - Sunday

Page 16, Our Towns 2015

The Black H

LEGENDA

Where History m

The City of Lead is highest reaches of the Dakota. Long the ho Company, which rem years, Lead boasts sm The Homestake Go but the Sanford Und is in full developmen community. Elegant

Est. in 1877

605-584-1100 | 160 West Main Street, Lead, SD 57754

For a Free Vacation Guide call 1-877-4

Our Towns 2015, Page 17

Hills Pioneer

ARY LEAD

meets the Future‌

s a sparkling jewel nestled in the e Northern Black Hills of South ome of the great Homestake Mining mained the foundation for over 125 mall town charm with large potential. old Mine has now been shut down derground Laboratory at Homestake nt and promises a lively future for the Victorian mansions, quaint miners’

homes and old-fashioned brick storefronts mingle in this mile-high community.

Lead remains a wonderful place to live, work and visit.

Outdoor enthusiasts discover outstanding hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, and some of the most stunning scenery in America. A Homestake Opera House, Black Hills Mining Museum, Homestake Visitor Center & Tours, fine dining and outdoor recreation opportunities are as plentiful as the pines of the surrounding Black Hills.

Join us in Legendary Lead!

4 | www.leadmethere.org | email: leadcoco@knology.net

428-5590 or visit www.CityofLead.com

Page 18, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 19

Deadwood gaming ends year with positive spin Gross revenues up 1 percent for 2014

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — Gamers helped put a positive spin on Deadwood gaming numbers, as the industry showed positive increases in the overall handle and gross revenues for 2014.

Ken Gienger, general manager of the Celebrity Hotel pointed out that the overall year- end gaming numbers were slightly higher than last year.

“There was a tremendous amount of hard work done in Deadwood by private business, the Deadwood Chamber, the City of Deadwood, the Deadwood Business Club, the Deadwood Revitalization Committees, and the great citizens of Deadwood to get that number up,” Gienger said.

“We had some great months of gaming and also some months that we are still working hard to improve on.”

Year-end gross revenues were up in Deadwood by just over 1 percent, or roughly $1 million. A total of $103 million was generated in 2013 versus a total of $104 million in 2014.

The year-end handle is also up in Deadwood by nearly 1 percent, or roughly $10.3 million. Total 2014 handle ended up right at $1.13 billion as compared to approximately $1.12 billion for the same period in 2013.

Table game revenues were up more than 8 percent over 2013 and increased from approximately $10.3 million to $11.2 million. Slot machine revenue is up .22 percent over 2013 and increased from $92.7 million to $93 million.

Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman said that Deadwood December gaming numbers helped push 2014’s annual numbers into positive territory.

“While we are pleased that we were able to slightly beat last year’s annual gaming revenue (up 1.01 percent), we still lag behind 2012’s revenue by 3.1 percent,” Rodman said. “We are also happy that December’s table game revenue contributed to an 8.07 percent increase in 2014 for table games over 2013’s performance.”

Rodman added that Deadwood’s gaming patrons are continuing to seek out diversified gaming options beyond the traditional slot machines.”

Deadwood Mayor Chuck Turbiville said that having just reviewed the gaming numbers for December and year-end, he was very pleased to see them up.

“December showed a nice increase that can be at-

tributed to the weather and, of course, the fact that gas prices were on their way down. I think people were confident in the economy and consequently, it showed.

The fact that the numbers were up slightly for the year is also positive, and I credit that to the Deadwood Chamber and the events they have done for the community. I also give credit to the casinos that are having shows, events and concerts. Everyone in Deadwood is working hard and it shows. I’m pleased.”

Gienger added that in the coming year and with the advent of voters’ approval of Amendment Q in November, Deadwood has a great opportunity to continue to improve its overall business mix and product.

“The approval of craps, roulette and keno will add a different gaming mix,” Gienger said. “The team-work atmosphere that is being developed through the Revitalization Committee is bringing a new can-do attitude to all of the businesses. We are seeing more retail stores coming back to Deadwood, the rodeo grounds infrastructure is being improved, and as you go through town, you see little improvements that help give the town of Deadwood a great feeling.”

The new casino offerings are expected to be available to gamers as early as July 1.

Expected to grow even more with the addition of craps, keno and roulette added to the mix, table game revenue in Deadwood was up more than eight percent for the year, contributing a total of $11.1 million to overall revenues for 2014. Pioneer photo

by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Page 20, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Now Open in Sturgis!

Come see our new state-of-the-art facility specializing in collision repair • Custom Paint & Collision Repair • Works with all insurance companies

Order your cakes online at www.DQCakes.com 208 Pine St., Belle Fourche, 723-7222 • Open 10:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.

2416 Junction Ave. • Sturgis • 605-641-5701

Get the quality building products you need, from

one reliable source.

NOW IN 2 LOCATIONS:

We would like to take this time to thank our employees and customers for their loyalty and support in the last 14 1/2 years. We are grateful to our employees whose hard work & dedication is seen through our high quality standards and products. We appreciate your business and we will do our very best to continue to meet your needs.

Your continued patronage and suggestions are a vital part of our growth. And for that we are most grateful. Thanks again!

We look forward to serving you for many years to come. ~ Alana & Larry Strickland

Lumber • Hardware • Valspar Paints • Cabinets Plumbing • Electrical • Window Screen Repair Picture Framing • Traeger Smoker Grill Dealer Estimates for homes, Decks, Garages & Pole barns

Great Service, Selection & Price across the board.

DAKOTA LUMBER

18751 US Hwy 85, Belle Fourche 605-892-4041

DAKOTA HARDWARE

2222 Junction Ave., Sturgis 605-347-4031

www.dakotalumber.doitbest.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 21

West Coast shipping delays effecting local cattle and wool prices

By Karla J. Flak Black Hills Pioneer BELLE FOURCHE — Thor Roseth, owner of the Belle Fourche and Philip Livestock Auctions said cattle prices have fallen from their peak prices of October and November 2014, however; “They are still very high compared to this time a year ago,” he said.

Prices are $40 to $60 a 100 weight higher than a year ago at this time and there is a high demand for beef on the domestic front, as well as overseas.

“When the U.S. dollar is weak, exporting is good. If the U.S. dollar is stronger exporting is down but on the domestic front people have money, and when they have money they buy red meat,” Roseth said.

Currently ports on the West Coast are having some shutdowns so the cattle market is in the same situation as the corn and wheat markets with interrupted exporting.

“The numbers of cattle being sold locally are still fairly strong at this time, but the market is heading towards its seasonal lull.

Western South Dakota cattle markets peak in the fall and slow-down the early part of the summer months,” he said.

St. Onge Livestock General Manager Justin Tupper weighed in on cattle prices.

He said prices have fallen away from the highs seen in the fall.

“The highs were way beyond what could have been forecasted. We are still at ultimate highs and there is still a bright forecast and positive outlook for summer and fall,” Tupper said.

The numbers of cattle coming in for sale are still really good. He anticipates the normal spring lull and for numbers to rally back after that. “We need to keep eating

beef, and we need to export,” he said. He one of the most susceptible to changes in too, said when the U.S. dollar is strong, ex- the exchange rate. Last year the exchange porting incurs setbacks. rate was $0.93 U.S. to one Australian Barney Barnes, sheep yard manager for dollar, compared to about $0.78 now.

St. Onge Livestock, said sheep prices are Producers will lose about 15 percent from averaging $160 per head for feeders and last year, just from the increased strength bred ewes are coming in between $200 and of the U.S. dollar, Prager said. $300 a head. He said this is pretty much He said that while it is good for the coninline with where prices were last year. sumer when the U.S. dollar is strong, he The Newell location of St. Onge Livestock is the largest sheep auction in the state of South Dakota. Barnes The highs were way said their largest sale beyond what could have day was in the early 90’s when they sold been forecasted. around 21,800 head Justin Tupper, of sheep. Last year, general manager St. Onge Livestock. one day in September the yards also had a record sales day with16,000 head of sheep sold. echoed Roseth and Tupper saying a strong Center of the Nation Wool Inc. General U.S. dollar makes for sluggish exporting.

Manager, Larry Prager forecasted excel“The U.S. can only process about 50 lent wool quality for this shearing season. percent of the wool that we produce,” he “The quality of the wool will be as least said. Those marketing wool will be keepas good as last year and from a quality ing a strong eye on the west coast issues standard, last year was an excellent wool just like the cattle and crop exporters year,” Prager said. He laid out other pos- since forecasts indicate it might be sevitives in the wool industry saying, “There eral months before shipping delays are aren’t any stockpiles or surplus stocks of resolved. Prager said, “But in any case, wool in the U.S. and there is a good de- the U.S. will need export markets for that mand for wool produced in this area,” he remaining 50 percent of the wool we grow said. Much of our wool is used in military each year that must go overseas.” dress uniforms and there has also been an Exporting complications are a driving increase in demand for wool in the hosiery force in prices for beef, wool, and grain industry. He cited a consumer demand for markets, however; the sheep industry is afthe newer lightweight, machine washable fected by a different set of rules. “Imports type of wool socks during the last three to are what affect our sheep market prices,” four years as being one reason for the in- Barnes said. Local sheep producers concrease in demand. tend with producers from other countries “Wool is one of the most internationally who market their sheep in the U.S. traded commodity in the world, and it is

“

”

WOLFF'S PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

Owned by Greg Hartman, Scott Hartman and Jef Mattern, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating has been in business for 69 years. Wolff’s covers all aspects of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Whether you have a new construction project, a remodel or need service, with 38 employees, they can get the job done.

Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating won the CIC Master Craftsmanship Award for Davis Campus (the underground lab at Homestake Mine) as well as the CIC Craftsmanship Award for the BHSU Central Plant upgrades. They are located at 614 S. 32nd Street in Spearfish. For your residential, commercial or industrial job, contact Wolff’s at 605-642-5755.

SPEARFISH GMC - CADILLAC

Locally owned and operated, Spearfish GMC Cadillac has been serving the Spearfish community for over 25 years. They strive to consistently provide you with excellent customer service.

Looking for a new Cadillac or GMC or a quality used vehicle? Look no further. You'll find a great selection and competitive prices. They also have a complete service and parts department to help maintain the long-term value of your vehicle, and offer a complimentary car wash with every service.

Spearfish Motors is a GMC and Cadillac "Mark of Excellence" Dealer and has been ranked #1 Retail Sales Index for GMC and Cadillac in South Dakota.

Stop by and see them at 1910 N. Main in Spearfish, call 605-642-7000 or visit www.SpearfishMotors.com today!

BELLE FOURCHE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Belle Fourche is a community with strong leadership and alliances to help make the development process seamless. Belle Fourche Development Corporation, the city, the county, the school and business leaders within, help lead the way and tie it all together.

They are focused on aligning with companies to build community with WorkForce Development and Housing, Industrial & Rail Park, Business Expansion, and New Business Development.

The Belle Fourche location and transportation network can work well for you. Highway 85, 34 and 212 drive you from ports to plains and coast to coast. Complimented by the rail and our corresponding Industrial and Rail Park, manufacturers can make easy connections. Contact Hollie Stalder, executive director, today for more information 605892-5065 or www.bfdcsd.com.

LYNN'S DAKOTAMART

Sheep at the St. Onge Livestock Exchange in Newell await sales during a mid March sale day. St. Onge Livestock has Thursday sheep auctions and has the largest sheep sales in South Dakota. Pioneer photo by Karla J. Fak

Lynn's Dakotamart is dedicated to being the "better choice" grocery store. They pride themselves on great customer service, providing groceries at a value, operating clean stores and having employees that care.

Today, Don & Jim Feist, the second generation of the Lynn Feist family, operates nine full-time grocery stores in South Dakota - located in Sturgis, Lead, Belle Fourche, Faith, Custer, Hot Springs, Martin, Pierre and Ft. Thompson; one Dollar Giant store in Rapid City, a stand alone liquor store in Rapid City, and two convenience stores, one in Lead and one in Hot Springs. The corporate office is now located in Rapid City, SD. Lynn's Dakotamart has been in business 47 years.

Page 22, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Expert Vision Care for the Entire Family Call to schedule your appointment with Brian Gill, O.D. and Jess Moser, O.D.

Optical is full with a unique selection of eyewear!

The Difference Is Clear!

1432 Mill Street Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-723-3937 www.redwatereyecare.com

Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 a.m.

Queen City Door, LLC formerly M&S Door

Fireplaces EIFS Stucco Brick and Stone

OPTIONS ABOUND

Monuments Signs & Plaques Garden Stones Pet Markers

• Garage Doors and Openers Servicing the • Residential and Commercial Northern Hills for • Installation over 30 years.

• Sales - Cash & Carry option available.

• Repair - We do it all, from Maintenance to Broken Springs.

Visit our website: www.queencitydoors.com

Queen City Door, LLC Come tour our design center 1/2 mi. East of Belle Fourche on Hwy 34

330 Industiral Drive, Spearfish, SD 605-722-3667 • 605-645-8425

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 23

BHSU on track to open Crow Peak Hall

By Michelle Stampe Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Upcoming BHSU students eagerly await the completion of Crow Peak Hall, a new 50,000 square foot residence hall that will connect Heidepriem and Thomas halls. The new hall will boast a kitchen for student use, a two-story common room, fireplace, multi-media study rooms, a main lobby connecting the three halls, an amphitheater, and an outdoor learning venue.

The project began in February 2014 and is slated to be completed and ready for use

by May 15. On completion, students can look forward to a suite-style residence hall, meaning that the occupants of two rooms will share an adjoining bathroom, instead of the traditional common bathroom per floor. It is expected to house over 190 students, with 500 residents residing in the total complex.

“We wanted something that would

from Pg 14

UNDERGROUND experiment, like its fully operational neighbor down the hall the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment, will observe rare, low-energy particle reactions. Specifically it will hunt for evidence of neutrinoless double beta decay, which has never been conclusively seen. Double beta decay, however rare, has been conclusively seen: two neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom convert into two protons and eject two electrons and two antineutrinos. The thought is if the Demonstrator can observe more instances of double beta decay its chances of catching neutrinoless double beta decay, in which two neutrons inside the nucleus of an atom convert into two protons and eject two electrons but no neutrinos.

This is only possible if neutrinos are not only electrically neutral but neutral in all ways, making the neutrino its own antiparticle — a Majorana particle. If the experiment can

reflect the area and its culture,” said Lois Flagstad, vice president of Student Life.

Together the halls will be called The Peaks and are built to reflect the geography of the area. Spearfish is nick-named the “Queen City” for Spearfish’s three surrounding mountains, Lookout Mountain, Spearfish Mountain, and Crow Peak, which make up the “crown” of the city. Each hall will represent one of these mountains.

Dean Kurtz Construction of Rapid City will oversee construction on the $11.3 million residence hall. The total project cost is $13.7 million including the building bid, $226,000 for parking, and $2.1 million in infrastructure to include an electrical loop upgrade, sewer lines, ground work, amphitheater, walkways over the irrigation ditch,

prove this our understanding of the universe will change drastically, necessitating alteration of the Standard Model of Particle Physics, just like the potential outcome of nearly every other experiment at the rebel rousing Sanford Lab. Headley said Majorana team members are just just finishing up the construction of their first production cryostat of two. They expect to start data collection this summer.

LZ Bigger isn’t always better, but it is in high-energy physics. For the most part the unsolved mysteries of the universe remain so because the particle interactions theorized related to them are so incredibly rare. With a bigger magnifying glass in hand more details emerge. It’s sort of the same thing with many high-energy physics experiments, including LUX. LUX-ZEPLIN, or LZ, is LUX’s overeating son with a glandular problem. LZ is the Sanford Lab’s second-generation dark matter experiment. It’ll be twice as sensitive as LUX due to its increase in

and campus lighting, which is all in the area between Meier Hall and The Peaks residence hall complex. The project is completely independent of state funding, and has been paid for exclusively with student rental fees.

Mike Isaacson, dean of students and director of residence life, said the project is on schedule.

“We anticipate occupancy by May 15,” Isaacson said, “so we will begin housing summer groups. Students can move into Crow Peak Hall late August, which is the usual time for students to move in.”

Although previously delayed a few weeks by bad weather, Isaacson said that the construc-

size. The LUX detector utilizes 250 kilograms of liquid xenon to hunt for weakly interacting massive particles, LZ will use 7,000 kilograms.

Construction on the LZ experiment is scheduled to begin sometime in 2016 and the experiment should be commissioned in 2018.

DUNE The internationally collaborative high-energy physics experiment formerly known as the Long Baseline Neutrino Experiment (LBNE) now goes by the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, or DUNE, much to the delight of the science fiction fans in the physics community.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), DUNE’s importance to the global physics community cannot be overstated.

Neutrinos and anti-neutrinos are ubiquitous across the universe, come in three known flavors, and oscillate wildly between those flavors seemingly at random. Large-scale, incredibly precise study of neutrinos

tion crew has caught back up, and is now even a day ahead of schedule.

“The core crew is about 25 to 30 workers,” said Isaacson, “and sub-tractors come and go. For instance, we just hired a dry wall crew so there are an extra twenty workers on campus.”

The hall is the first residence hall to be built at BHSU in nearly 50 years. The project is a culmination of 10 years of planning with the past two years spent speaking with master campus planners, housing master planners, students, and visiting other campuses.

Crow Peak Hall will replace Pangburn Hall, built in 1952, and Humbert Hall, built in 1958. Isaacson speculated that Humbert may be used for overflow student housing, but Pangburn will most likely be used for administrative purposes. However, the official decision will not be made until May or June of this year.

like that afforded by DUNE has the potential to shed light on some of the most vexing unsolved mysteries of the universe.

DUNE will beam neutrinos and antineutrinos some 800 miles from Fermilab in Batavia, Ill., to a large, underground particle detector at the Sanford Lab, where physicists will study the changes the particles underwent in their near lightspeed journey. This brings to mind the totally bonkers notion of an 800-milelong tunnel. Forget that, there’s no tunnel necessary. DUNE’s neutrinos and antineutrinos will beam straight through the subsurface of the earth, just like the trillions of neutrinos and antineutrinos naturally beaming through everything (including you, dear reader) 24/7, 365.

More than 500 collaborators and 148 institutions from 23 countries are currently signed on for DUNE. While Fermilab is the lead laboratory for the experiment, none of this will be possible without the Sanford Lab, where the experiment’s gigantic detector, utilizing 40 kilotons of

liquid argon, will devour Fermilab’s neutrino beams one mile below the surface of the earth.

Headley said team DUNE’s current goal is to have 10 kilotons of the detector operational by 2021, but there’s quite a bit of work to accomplish in Lead before then.

Primary excavation at the Sanford Lab’s scheduled to begin in 2017, but that’s not an option until the Ross Shaft rehabilitation project is completed. Crews working on the Ross Shaft project are at roughly the half way mark and expect to be finished before excavation begins for DUNE’s detector.

“In rough terms, we’re looking at one of the biggest construction projects that’s ever occurred in South Dakota,” Headley said of the $300 million endeavor at the Sanford Lab. “We can be very proud of the vision South Dakotans have shown in moving this project forward,” Gov. Dennis Daugaard said of DUNE in a recent editorial. “The future of the Sanford Underground Research Facility has never been brighter.

Page 24, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Pain or injury stopping you?

Get back to what you love!

INVESTMENTS* • LIFE INSURANCE RETIREMENT* • 401(k) ROLLOVERS* IRA'S • LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE *Registered Representative offering securities through NYLIFE Securities LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, A Licensed Insurance Agency.

“You Choose Your Physical Therapy Provider” Locally Owned & Operated

Cathy Sulentic-Morcom, PT, DPT Owner/Physical Therapist

Brandie Rainboth, DPT, OCS • Quinn McCoy, DPT

520 N. Canyon St., Spearfish • 605-642-7996

Becky Barry, Agent 605-723-2481

New York Life Insurance Company 2398 5th Avenue, Ste. 105 Belle Fourche, SD 57717 www.beckybarry.com

www.bhphysicaltherapy.com

LOOKING FOR THE

BEST PLANTS? Don’t Settle for Ordinary!

There’s No Place Like...

Fruit, Ornamental, & Shade Trees, Shrubs, Garden Supplies & More!

Over 120 Different Perennials!

HOMESTEAD NURSERY & GARDENS South Hwy. 85 at Hay Creek Bridge, Belle Fourche

9-5 Mon. - Sat. May & June (until summer begins): 9-6 Mon.-Sat., 1-5 Sun.

A Variety of Business Options One Great Place to Live!

• Belle Fourche Industrial & Rail Park - State Certified Ready Site!

• Local Business Expansion & New Business Development • Prime Commercial Property Available • WorkForce Development • WorkForce Housing Contact Hollie Stalder today!

Belle Fourche Development Corporation 511 6th Avenue • Belle Fourche • 892-3006

edc@bellefourche.org

www.bfdcsd.com

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 25

Sturgis Main Street renovation to start next spring

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Sturgis awaits the next step in a project that would result in renovation of the world-famous Main Street.

This $3.4 million project consists of two phases. A first phase is set for spring 2016 and span from Junction Avenue to Middle Street.

The second phase spans from Junction Avenue to Fourth Street and would run from fall 2016 through spring 2017.

Main Street renovation includes drainage improvements, pavement removal and replacement, sidewalk removal and replacement, street lighting updates, and water main replacement for both phases.

“There will also be extra landscaping and benches to help make things nicer for walking,” Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie said.

Another feature will include walkways in the middle of the longer blocks.

“We want it to be inviting for residents to feel like it’s a nice environment,” Ainslie said.

He added the city also wants to ensure a welcoming atmosphere for tourists.

Ainslie said that welcoming aspect is just part of the envisioned overall impact. He added another aim is to help bring new businesses into the city.

South Dakota’s Department of Transportation and the city of Sturgis are scheduled to review plans. The city of Sturgis was to do so in March, with the DOT to follow suit in April.

The DOT plans to let bids in December.

Ainslie said everything is on schedule for those deadlines to be met.

Sturgis has reached this stage seven years after the Future Sturgis Process began. A series of meetings identified priority areas in the community, and a retail committee developed a comprehensive plan for downtown redevelopment.

“Infrastructure on Main Street was failing, especially the water lines,” Ainslie said.

Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds will pay for 40 percent to 45 percent of this project, Ainslie said. An additional 20 percent to 25 percent comes from the city water fund, with the rest coming out of capital improvement.

Ainslie said the city has saved $700,000 for several years to help pay for this project.

The city of Sturgis hired RDG to complete a new comprehensive plan in 2010.

A public hearing was held in 2011, and the Sturgis City Council later adopted the Sturgis Comprehensive Plan.

City council members passed a 2013 resolution asking for this project to be placed on the DOT’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. The state granted that request later in the year.

Fourfront Design and the DOT began negotiations in spring 2014 for project engineering and design. An agreement later that year between Sturgis and the DOT permitted the design company to complete project plans.

Ainslie was also asked about retail develop-

ment and industrial development as part of the comprehensive plan.

“Sturgis believes in itself and is investing in itself,” he said. “The downtown area has smaller storefronts.”

Ainslie said Domino’s is building a site in Sturgis, and other businesses are looking to come in. One of these is a plaza, which resulted from a long-term partnership agreement between the city and Harley-Davidson.

J&P Cycles has announced a year-round retail store that plans to be open for business in June. Ainslie said a lot of developments are planned for the Exit 32 area.

“The biggest challenge has been to find a strategy to make the community vision a reality,” Ainslie said in reflecting on the process to this point. He added being able to see Main Street work starting next year has been most satisfying to him.

“It’s wonderful to see the community really embrace this,” Ainslie said.

Student population growth difficult to predict

By Michelle Stampe Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — According to the US Census Bureau, Spearfish has experienced a 5.5 percent growth from 2010 to 2013. With the population increasing by an estimated 575 people, it is not surprising that the public school system is experiencing an increase in enrollment. In 2014, Superintendent Dave Peters released a statement to the Pioneer highlighting the trend.

“The Spearfish School District has grown by about 200 students over the past two years, or roughly 10 percent,” Peters said last year. “That growth has generally been in grades K-8, with high school enrollment more stable. Our current kindergarten class is the largest in the district, with 195 students, and we graduated about 160 seniors this year.”

To study the trend, Spearfish School District as well as a few other districts in the surrounding area teamed up with South Dakota State University and the Black Hills Knowledge Network. In a 2014 study they predicted Spearfish’s K-12 enrollment trends to steadily incline. This prediction has remained largely accurate for 2015.

However, the kindergarten has taken a surprisingly large reduction of students, which was not expected by the study.

“They predicted over 200 kindergarten students this year, and we opened with 163.”

Peters went on to explain that they are experiencing the smallest class size in seven years.

However, Peters suggested that although the dip in enrollment is somewhat surprising, it is not remarkable that the study failed to predict the small Kindergarten class for this year.

“It’s testimony to what we already knew, that predicting these numbers is difficult, and even using scientific methods is no guarantee of accuracy.”

He continued, stating “the problem is the lack of reliable information available to us. We are reduced to making estimates based on the number of kindergarten enrollments made in March of the preceding year.”

Of course, the fluctuation in the Kindergarten class size pales in comparison to the changes in infrastructure the district has made. Peters explained, “Mountain View Elementary School is a direct result of increasing enrolment in the elementary grades. West Elementary enrollment became too large to accommodate three grades es-

pecially with the decision to move to full day Kindergarten.

Creekside Elementary School is being added on to this summer to accommodate the number of students we currently have enrolled at West Elementary School.”

Other districts in the surrounding area are experiencing a different trend than Spearfish.

The Lead-Deadwood School District has been experiencing declining enrollment rates for the last few years. Compared to fall enrollments for 2007, during the projection period from 2008 to 2017, average enrollments for all grades were projected to fall 5 percent, for an average of just 56 students per grade.

Lead-Deadwood also participated in the enrollment trend study by South Dakota State University and the Black Hills Knowledge Network, which predicted class size to continue to decrease. Superintendent Dan Leikvold commented on this years’ trend.

“Enrollment was down from last year in the fall,” stated Leikvold. “It appears the three-year projection (based on the cohort survival method and the past three years’ trend) is more accurate than the five-year projection and the 10-year projection.”

The steady decline in class size could have ramifications for the faculty of these schools.

“Clearly if enrollment falls below a certain number, facility usage will be affected. We are not close to that enrollment figure yet. We will continue to monitor enrollment to see if it has an effect on our staffing,” stated Leikvold.

However, Leikvold did emphasize the difficulty in assessing enrollment prediction.

“We have had only one year to look at the comparison and it is difficult to measure accuracy so soon,” concluded Leikvold.

Belle Fourche enrollment numbers have remained largely steady. Belle Fourche Elementary School Principal Jennifer Robert reported an increase of six students. Principal Kevin Smidt of Belle Fourche Middle School provided student totals for grades 5-8, with enrollment for this year only decreasing by five students from the previous year. Belle Fourche High School Principal Mathew Raba reported enrollment for grades 9-12 this year are at 402, an increase of three students.

Superintendent Steve Willard pointed out that for Belle Fourche, predicting enrollment is especially tricky.

“We don’t have much of a trend because of our transient population. [Enrollment] can be up 50 students one year, and down 50 students the next.”

Kindergarten growth has been a balancing act in Spearfish.

Pioneer photos by Mark Watson

Page 26, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Hub of the Hills!

Northern Hills Sod Farm Reputable, Quality Sod

Serving the Entire Black Hills & Eastern Wyoming

Roch & Rita Bestgen

A division of northwestern engineering

• 3D Blend Bluegrass • Locally Grown • Freshly Harvested • Delivery Available

Providing wood products for the local and surrounding areas.

The Whitewood location is home to a state-of-the-art computer managed wood preservation plant.

RobeRt A. DouglAs PRESIDENT

605-269-2211

Lowe Roofing inc.

SINGLE PLY & METAL ROOFING SYSTEMS

605-347-9606 Toll Free: 888-760-3131

www.northernhillssodfarm.com 20138 126th Place, Whitewood, SD 57793 6 miles north of Sturgis 6 miles east of Whitewood

SONSET STATION CASINO, LAUNDROMAT & CONVENIENCE

1322 Laurel St. Whitewood, SD 605-717-1003 Fax: 605-717-1004

Jeanie Daniels, Manager

HIDEAWAY DINER & BAR

Specializing in

Automatic and Manual Transmission Repair

TOW TEC

Same Great Place. Same Great Food

ALSO

605-490-1837

Sunday Brunch Daily Specials

Engine Computer Diagnostics Drive Train Repair General Repair

Prime Rib • Sirloin Tips

Robert D. Haiwick, Owner

Full service for the Northern Black Hills

Whitewood, SD • 605-269-3911

1125 Meade Street • Whitewood, SD

TOWING & RECOVERY 24 HOUR SERVICE

Doug Hemenway • Whitewood, SD

Broasted Chicken

605-269-2418

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 27 from Pg 13

TOURISM

Spearfish Canyon and its fall colors draws tens of thousands of people to its autumn splendor.

Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

“This early jump on the year could be extra gravy on 2015 which most everyone expects will be memorable — hopefully for all good reasons,” he said.

In Spearfish, 2014 saw an increase in tourism.

“2014 showed a Hospitality Tax increase of just over 3.5 percent in tourism sales and all indications are pointing to a really good year for tourism in Spearfish for 2015,” said Mistie Caldwell, executive director for Visit Spearfish, Inc., the marketing branch for the city of Spearfish.

“Pre-bookings for Spearfish are already up. In the months of January through March of this year, visitor information requests are up 28 percent. This August brings the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and the lodging industry is anticipating record numbers, as is the rest of the area.”

“We are also seeing a significant increase in the motor group event industry. Locals are familiar with the Impalas and Corvettes in July, but this year we are adding a Honda

Valkyrie motorcycle event with 400-500 bikes expected in June and a Ford Thunderbird event this fall. During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in August, we will have a Hamster Custom Motorcycle Show downtown on Tuesday and the Freedom Celebration Ride will be returning on Thursday of Rally week.”

“It’s going to be a great year,” said Caldwell.

A Spearfish-based museum also saw good traffic.

“We had a good year last year,” said High Plains Western Heritage Center Executive Director Peggy Ables. “We had it pick up some over previous years and we are, of course, expecting a lot of visitors because of the motorcycle rally and its expected one million visitors.”

Ables added that two upcoming events will definitely increase visitorship to the area.

One, is a five-state regional meeting the center will host regarding the Great Western Cattle Trail project in July. The other is bus tours that visit the center from mid-May through mid-October.

“We only miss a few states every year,” Ables said. “Those buses bring in a lot of visitors.”

from Pg 11

TEEN COURT mother praised the program during a recent exit interview.

“My daughter seems like a whole new person,” said the mother of one Teen Court participant. “She’s still my little girl, but I think we nipped this one just in time. Thank you all so much for having such an impact on my daughter.”

Teen Court volunteer attorney Kim DeHueck said that from her experience, the biggest benefit of the program for offenders is seeing kids who come through the program realize and discover things about themselves that allow them to make better decisions.

“They realize they don’t have to commit these crimes to fit in,” DeHueck said. “There is a lot of self-discovery for the kids that comes through the program.”

DeHueck sees the volunteer component of the program as providing an equally beneficial benefit.

“Confidence,” DeHueck said. “Those kids come in most of the time, pretty shy and come out of their shell. They realize that they have a talent that enables them to help other kids and they take pride in that.”

Teen Court is a 501c3 non-profit, which currently operates under an $84,000 budget, which will be decreased to $64,000 in 2016 with the loss of a juvenile accountability block grant. That said, Todd estimates she needs to find $50,000 to keep the program afloat.

“We’ve had tremendous commitment from local county and city governments, as well as civic organizations throughout the years,” Todd said.

FAMILY HAIR CARE Arleta 605-269-2210 April 605-430-1826

1005 Meade Street • Whitewood, South Dakota

The Hub of the Hills!

Howdy’sZA

WHITEWOOD PLA Full Line Grocery Produce • Dairy • Beer Health & Beauty Aids • Gas

COME IN AND SEE THE CHANGES IN A&J SUPPLY/CLOTHING AFTER 47 YEARS IN BUSINESS!

Travis at A&J Supply has a room for welding supplies & welders along with fire-resistant gear.

Randee at A&J Clothing carries RedWing shoes and lots of fire-resistant clothing.

Watch for the new Carhartt for children arriving in August, 2015!

Family owned & operated since 1968

Deli-Fresh Hot & Cold Sandwiches made daily Full Time Meat Cutter

Call for your special needs!

605-269-2648

I-90, Exit 23 • Whitewood, SD Open: Mon. - Sat. 5am, Sun. 6am

A&J CLOTHING HOURS:

A&J SUPPLY HOURS:

Mon - Fri 8:30am - 5:30pm Sat - 8:00am - 4:00pm

Mon - Fri 7:30am - 5:30pm Sat - 8:00am - 4:00pm

605-269-2434 • 1-800-564-0224 1020 Laurel Street • Whitewood, SD 57793

Page 28, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

AMERICINN

While life seems to be moving at a faster pace, the staff at the AmericInn welcomes you to relax and recharge in our updated rooms on a Serta Perfect Sleep bed, stay connected with wired and wireless internet, and in room coffee. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy their heated indoor pool and hot tub! Wake up to enjoy the complimentary breakfast including waffles, omelets, gluten free items, fresh fruit and much more. This AmericInn is a completely pet free and smoke free property with reasonable rates. Come for special occasions or just to give yourself a relaxing break!

DEADWOOD EYECARE & MOUNTAIN VALLEY VISION CENTER

A flag-raising ceremony took place in October at the Spearfish Veterans Monument. Pioneer file photo by Kaija Swisher Deadwood Eyecare is located at 88 Charles Street in Deadwood. 605-578-1761 www.deadwoodeyecare-visionsource.com.

Mountain Valley Vision Center is located in Spearfish at 1236 North Ave. 605-642-2645. www.mountainvalleyvision.com.

Both practices strive to give the best eye care experience. Their doctors are skilled in the detection and treatment of ocular disease. In oder to help you see and look your best, they stay current on the latest advancements in eye wear technology, as well as fashion trends.

They are your digital lens experts.

JACKSON DENTAL

Dr. John and Dr. Christopher Jackson believe in providing their patients with the best that dentistry has to offer in technology while giving their patients the Small Town Friendly Service they deserve. The team at Jackson Dental strongly feel, that by caring about their patients like family they can achieve the best overall health for their patients. Your smile matters to them. Community involvement and love for the area, by the entire team, makes Jackson Dental a unique and friendly place to be. Call for your next appointment 605892-6347.

WEST RIVER STUDIO

West River Studio is a vibrant working studio located at 541 W Jackson Blvd in Spearfish. All ages will find a fun & encouraging atmosphere where no experience is required to enjoy artistic expression.

From "SIP-N-PAINT" classes to Crafts & Art classes, Jewelry Designing and Silver Smith workshops, there are a myriad of opportunities for the community to explore.

They also host private parties on site or "to go".

West River Studio's Jewelry Designers, Nancy & Gary Tripp, create one of a kind Silver or Beaded Jewelry, make custom jewelry to order and do jewelry repair.

Beads, DoTerra Essential oils and Artwork for sale. Visit westriverstudio.net or sipnpaint.net for more information.

Spearfish Veterans Monument construction progresses forward Living monument will honor all veterans

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — No longer just a vision, the Spearfish Veterans Monument (SVM) is taking shape at Indian Springs, across from Spearfish City Park.

The Stars and Stripes fly above the concrete that serves as a foundation for the five granite walls to be erected around the flagpole and etched with the names of all veterans from Spearfish who have served, dating back to the SpanishAmerican War, and stretching forward into perpetuity.

“It’s a living monument, so it honors the living as well as those who have passed,” Mitch Mechaley, SVM committee chairman, said, describing that the monument would include the names of those who have served and are currently serving in the U.S. military, and the plans call for extra space on the walls to add the names of future veterans who have yet to serve.

The idea for the monument was conceived at a Spearfish American Legion Post 164 meeting in 2010 after a member mentioned seeing a similar tribute to veterans in Wyoming.

“We all thought it was a great idea,” Mechaley said.

Members of the American

Legion and VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 5860 took on the project, and both organizations contributed $1,000 initially to get the process started.

They estimate approximately $250,000 is needed to build the monument, and they are nearly halfway to that goal, hosting fundraisers and receiving donations from various sources.

“Spearfish has had a long, long history with people going into the military and serving,” Doug Henwood, committee member and co-chairman for fundraisers, said. In his own family, his son is active duty in the Navy; he served 23 years in the Air Force; his father served in World War II in the Army, and as he looked deeper into history, he discovered a long line of military service that he would have never known about had he not done the research.

A self-described “history buff,” Henwood has been doing research to find names from Spearfish’s early history for the monument, and he borrowed a book a fellow Honor Guard member’s wife had found at a garage sale, written in 1920, “Veterans of the Great War from the Black Hills.” As he researches, he sees the same VETERANS MONUMENT Pg 30

The monument committee stands with Jim Benning, of Ainsworth-Benning, Inc., who donated the flagpole in honor of the late Lyle Ainsworth, following the flag-raising ceremony in October. Pioneer file photo by Kaija Swisher

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 29

TRI-STATE REALTY, INC.

Since 2002 Tri-State Realty has stayed on top of the latest in the real estate market of this region. The agents provide expertise in all aspects of real estate including residential, farms and ranches, agriculture lands, building lots and commerical.

Owner/Broker Robert Gerkin is licensed and serving clients in South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana and North Dakota. Robert is joined by agents Alan Kindsfater, Skyler Massie, and Tom Steele. These local agents have in-depth knowledge of the area. Enlist their help and you'll be glad you did! Stop by their office at 1828 5th Avenue in Belle Fourche or call 605-892-2113.

Courtesy photo

Legion Riders still serving veterans

By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — In 1993 two American Legion members in Garden City, Mich., proposed the idea of forming a motorcycle enthusiasts association within the American Legion. The state department adjutant liked the idea, and later that year members of their post passed a resolution forming the American Legion Riders.

The two were joined by 19 other riders from their post and they were quickly overwhelmed with requests to join and for more information.

Today, about 106,000 American Legion Riders meet in more than a thousand chapters in every domestic department and in at least three foreign countries.

Locally a chapter of riders has formed.

In April 2012, 15 charter members formed the Black Hills chapter of the American Legion Riders. Today, there are more than 50 members of the chapter.

The members, all motorcycle enthusiasts, support the mission of the American Legion.

This includes flag raising ceremonies at schools, teaching flag etiquette, performing POW-MIA ceremonies, fundraising, and of course the group’s most visible mission, escorting fallen veterans to their final resting places.

“Our largest mission is to escort fallen veterans to the national cemetery,” said Brian Hambek, director of the Black Hills chapter of the

American Legion Riders, and an Air Force veteran. “In 2014 there were 13 escorts, nine in 2013, and already two this year.”

The riders hold flags at the funeral service site and then escort the hearse to Black Hills National Cemetery.

“It is their final ride. It’s a tribute to that person’s service,” he said.

Hambek, who was an Air Force medic for eight years and is a 15year member of the American Legion said he takes pride in “serving fellow brothers and sisters who served and their families. It is still duty to country.”

Fred Nelson, road captain for the group and a charter member, said he too enjoys serving veterans.

“It’s quite an honor to be in that escort and take the veteran to their final resting place, and it’s always an honor to hold the flag in the flag line,” said Nelson, who is also an Air Force veteran, having served for a dozen years as an aircraft crew chief.

“If we have an escort we can count on at least 10 bikes to show up.

The largest escort we had was probably about 70 motorcycles,” Nelson said.

That escort was for Jason Hoard, a Marine veteran who was killed in a traffic accident July 2014. It consisted of Legion Riders and other motorcycle organizations.

Hambek said the families are happy to have the riders escort their loved ones.

“It was quite an honor to have the riders lead my father to the National Cemetery,” Nelson said.

LEGION RIDERS Pg 30

EXECUTIVE LODGING OF THE BLACK HILLS

Executive Lodging of the Black Hills is the premier vacation home rental company in the Black Hills of South Dakota offering dozens of luxury, fully furnished, vacation homes and lodges, that are located near the best attractions: Mickelson Trail, Spearfish Canyon, Rapid City, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and Deadwood to name a few. USA Today Travel has chosen one of our homes as one of the top 10 vacation homes to add to your bucket list to stay in before you die. With so much variety, the perfect version of your getaway within reach. Great Star Service Award recipient.

SPEARFISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Spearfish

Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation "arE You moving Your companY in thE right DirEction?"

Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) was formed as a private non-profit development corporation in 1980. The organization’s mission is “to improve lives by creating economic opportunities for the Spearfish community and its citizens.”

SEDC’s primary focus is to promote the economic well-being of Spearfish, by assisting in the creation and retention of quality jobs which enhances wealth and provides a growing tax base for the community. Through these efforts, SEDC is proud to have assisted in the creation and/or retention of over 900 jobs within the community and over $27 million in new capital investments.

For more information, contact Bryan Walker, Executive Director at 642-3832 or visit www.spearfishdevelopment.com.

DAIRY QUEEN GRILL & CHILL OF BELLE FOURCHE

Members of the American Legion Riders lead participants of the 2014 Jacket Ride. Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

Dairy Queen is celebrating its 75th Fanniversary and are introducing 9 New Baked Fresh menu items. New Artisan-style Sandwiches including the Chicken Bacon Ranch, Chicken Mozzarella and Turkey BLT. Three new Hot Desserts a la Mode: a Fudge Stuffed Cookie, Apple Tart and the Triple Chocolate Brownie. Finally some Snack Melts including Buffalo Chicken, Chicken Bacon BBQ and a Chicken Quesadilla.

These items and the signature favorites can all be found at the Belle Fourche location off of Hwy. 85.

Page 30, Our Towns 2015

INTEGRITY MEATS

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 28

VETERANS MONUMENT

Integrity Meats is a custom & state meat processing plant. They carry South Dakota made cheese, Hutterite chickens, fresh & frozen cuts of meat, halves or whole sides of beef and pork, and a variety of ready-to-eat products including summer sausage, salami, German sausage, chipped beef, jerky, beef sticks, and pickled items. They also offer wild game processing in the fall.

Their excellent customer service allows them to put quality and honesty at the top of the list.

Serving customers for over 14 years, stop by and visit them today at 404 Industrial Street, Belle Fourche.

SANDSTONE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Sandstone Senior Living provides a continuum of Senior Oriented services bridging the gap between one's independence and their possible need for assistance through both Sandstone Village Independent Living & Sandstone Manor Assisted Living.

Sandstone Village’s key philosophies: • Prolonging Independence • Freedom of Lifestyle • Peace of Mind - Knowing that someone is always there to answer your call for help, and that your spouse or loved one will be cared for if you’re not there gives you peace of mind. Sandstone Manor's Philosophy: Offering a homelike atmosphere, where Seniors can make a smooth transition from leaving their homes, to our assisted facilities.

DONOVAN LAWNCARE SERVICES

Donovan Lawncare Services is a full-service provider of landscaping, sprinkler installation, retaining walls, lawn maintenance and snow removal. Whether you need a stump removed or a complete landscape design, they can help. Owned and operated by Luke Donovan, Donovan Lawncare Services has been in business for six years.

They employ 10-15 people seasonally.

Visit Donovan Lawncare Services at 3227 W. Fairgrounds Loop in Spearfish. They can also be reached by phone at 605-559-1009.

BUDGET APPLIANCE, FURNITURE & DOLLAR STORE

surnames over and over. “Generation after generation has served,” Henwood said, describing Spearfish as a “service-conscious community.” And as long as people continue to serve, he added, the monument committee will continue to recognize and honor veterans for that service.

Mechaley described the project as receiving “a tremendous amount of support” from the community, with people, businesses, and organizations stepping up to help to generate funds and awareness for the project.

“We’re just very grateful for that, because without the community support and individual support, and business support, we couldn’t do what we’re doing. It would just be impossible,” he said.

Dave Wilson, associate professor of art at Black Hills State University, painted a watercolor concept of how the monument would appear, and in 2011, the city of Spearfish approved the site and donated the land at Indian Springs. Everyone involved felt it would be well situated near the Littleton Memorial, in an accessible, visible, fitting place for a veterans monument.

Since then, the foundation and concrete work have been completed, and a flag-raising ceremony in October of 2014 added the centerpiece to the monument. Jim Benning, of Ainsworth-Benning, Inc., donated the flagpole in honor of the late Lyle Ainsworth.

The next phase includes the granite walls with the names of veterans etched in, and the final phase would include the finishing touches, adding benches and detail to create a reflective space for visitors, as well as some kind of “legend” for people to be able to easily find where the name of their loved one is located on the monument.

“What we set out to do is honor all veterans from Spearfish and that’s our main goal,” Mechaley said. “That’s the whole purpose of the monument, that’s the whole purpose of having names etched in granite so people can see those veterans who sacrificed either with time, with their lives – whatever it is that they’ve sacrificed, we want to honor that.”

In addition to this main goal, the committee hopes the monument would become one of Spearfish’s many well-known and sought-out attractions, drawing visitors in and complementing all that the community has to offer, representing its core values.

“The city of Spearfish, its citizens, businesses, and families look forward to the completion of the Spearfish Veteran’s Monument

The Spearfish Veterans Monument, located at Indian Springs across from Spearfish City Park, will honor veterans from Spearfish dating back to the Spanish-American War. Pioneer file photo by Kaija Swisher not only because it will honor those who served and those who continue to serve around the world, but because it will never let us forget the fundamental gift that each name on the monument represents,” Spearfish Mayor Dana Boke said. “As future generations visit this monument, our city’s fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters can look to this monument as a testament to the nobility of service, the honor of sacrifice, and remind us of the respect those listed deserve for putting their lives on the line on our behalf.”

After the monument’s construction phases are completed, the committee also hopes to offer scholarships to students, to incorporate an educational component in to preserving the memories of the veterans.

Mechaley said that the most common statement he hears from people when they learn about the monument is something like, “I’m glad that Spearfish is doing/getting something like this.” Especially since 9/11, a lot of monuments and veterans support programs have grown across the United States, and he said that people are excited to see it built and continually ask about the process and the expected completion date.

While there is not a date set in stone for the monument to be completed, the committee continues to progress with the end goal, collecting names of Spearfish veterans and raising funds and awareness.

Mechaley said that these are the two main needs, and he encouraged people to send in records of military discharge, DD Form 214, as soon as possible, since the more names the

from Pg 29

LEGION RIDERS Budget Appliance & Dollar Store located at 613 State Street, Belle Fourche opened May 1, 1993 the day after Sears closed. Over the last 22 years they have sold different brands of appliances. Their appliance line today is Speed Queen, GE, and Crosley. They also carry furniture by Simmon and various vendors, Omaha Bedding and the dollar store items. Over 10 years ago they opened their dollar store and even though they've had to increase some prices, they still offer a lot for a dollar or less. Ask about the Speed Queen 3 year full parts & labor warranty by calling 605-892-2030.

Families can request the services of the Legion Riders through the funeral homes.

The members also enjoy riding together.

“We serve veterans and serve the community, but we also ride together,” Nelson said. “We go out and enjoy a day of riding.”

“Last year it was every Sunday. Whoever shows, goes,” Hambek said.

The group is open to all members of the American Legion family — the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, or a member of the Sons of the American Legion A primary fundraiser for the American Legion Riders is the American Legion Legacy Scholarship Fund. The 2014 American

committee has prior to the walls going up, the better they can plan for the design. Those who qualify for the monument include any members of the armed forces who were honorably discharged and lived in the Spearfish area (zip code 57783) for at least one year.

People can send donations, records of discharge, or correspondence to Spearfish Veterans Monument, P.O. Box 1072, Spearfish, S.D. 57783, and people can also find out about upcoming SVM events, progress, and information at spearfishveteransmonument.org. There are coins, prints of the artist’s rendering, patches, and a World War II era film available to purchase on the website, as well, with all proceeds benefitting the SVM. There is currently a raffle for a Sig Sauer Model 1911 .45-caliber tactical operations handgun, with tickets $10 each and a limit of 1,000 to be sold. The winning raffle ticket will be drawn on the Fourth of July at the monument site. The SVM has also been chosen as the beneficiary of the Spearfish Lions Club 2015 Jim Haivala Memorial Poker Tournament, set for May 2 at the Spearfish Canyon Country Club, and Henwood added that there are plans in the works for a pancake breakfast in June and an auction in October.

“The blood, sweat, and tears shed on behalf of our country, our state, and Spearfish should be remembered, honored, and memorialized for all time – and this monument will achieve just that,” Boke said.

Inquiries regarding the SVM can be directed to Mitch Mechaley at 717-9318.

Legion’s annual Legacy Run conducted to benefit the children of post 9/11 fallen U.S. service members raised more than $434,000 during the ride, while donations during and on the floor of The American Legion’s national convention in Houston brought that total to $1 million.

"As an unfortunate consequence of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terror, many children of our active-duty military personnel are now members of single-parent families,” according to the Legion. “We are raising funds to ensure that higher education will be a reality for these families, but we need your help. It is estimated that more than 11,000 children have lost a parent in the war overseas. That number continues to grow each day. The Legion is actively working to ensure that all those children who want a post-secondary education will be provided one."

Since 2004, 99 scholarships were awarded. “

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 31

Pursuing optimal wellness with tradition & excellence.

Since 1976, Nelson Chiropractic has provided ethical and holistic care to the Northern Black Hills. Dr. John Nelson, a farm kid from Letcher, SD, discovered the hills because of its beauty and charm. Over the years, he has been spotted at multiple functions, including rodeos and singing events.

In 2015, his tradition expanded with the addition of Dr. Devon Wentz and Dr. Bjorn Nelson. The care continues and the passion prevails at Nelson Chiropractic. As a team, they get the body to an optimal level, focusing on wellness and disease prevention with a specialty in nutrition, sports injuries and sports performance, in addition to acupuncture.

Located on North Avenue and off of Exit 10 Open 6 days a week

Dr. Bjorn C. Nelson Dr. Devon Wentz Dr. John S. Nelson 201 5

1930 North Ave. | Spearfish, SD

605-642-5196

TWO LOCATIONS

To Serve You!

ABOUT THE BUSINESS:

We invite you to consider the importance of your eye care. Doctors David and Jessica Czerny have built an overwhelmingly positive reputation. Working along side Dr. Michael Guilbert our doctors continue to strive for excellence in eye care. To further enhance their team of highly trained professionals they have added another black hills native, Dr. Ross English. You will be very pleased by the level of care you receive from any of our doctors, all of which are skilled in the detection and treatment of ocular diseases including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.

We believe that your vision should be protected, improved, and maximized, and that vision loss can be prevented, or delayed. We know that our cutting edge technology is a complement to the in depth knowledge of our doctors, and we promise to take the time to educate you.

After our doctors make sure you are seeing your best, our staff will make sure you are looking your best. We offer frames that are hand made in Italy, and Denmark, and we bring in fashion forward styles from Europe and Canada. So whether you want a subtle, conservative style, or whether you want something bold and elegant, we will help you find a frame shape and color that fits your personality. We will then present you with the very latest innovations in eye wear technology that will enhance your vision.

When it comes to children, we don’t just prescribe glasses. We help kids learn, and experience life by testing for more than just a glasses prescription. The power behind our four doctor team is that we offer a variety of training and skill sets, from pediatric and developmental optometry to geriatric and ocular disease; we have a very capable team, built to suit your needs.

Doctors David & Jessica Czerny, Dr. Michael Guilbert & Dr. Ross English 88 Charles St., Deadwood, SD 57732

605-578-1761

www.deadwoodeyecare-visionsource.com

1236 North Ave., Spearfish, SD 57783

605-642-2645

www.mountainvalleyvision.com

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Page 32, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

3 Low Tax, Business-Friendly Environment 3 Fully Developed Business Park with Interstate Access 3 Stimulating Cultural and Recrational Opportunities 3 Energetic Workforce Fueled by University Talent 3 Home to the Region's Largest University 3 Exceptional Retail Opportunities

SPEARFISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOULD LIKE TO THANK ITS MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT IN 2015!

Since 1980, the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) has worked hard to expand and diversify the local economy. Committed to supporting job growth, SEDC provides assistance to local businesses wishing to expand, entrepreneurs wanting to start a new business and to businesses looking to relocate to Spearfish. Through these efforts, SEDC is proud to have assisted in the creation and/or retention of over 900 jobs in the Spearfish community which annually provides a direct economic impact of $40.6 million on the local economy.

In Spearfish... We Mean Business.

“Improving lives by creating economic opportunities for our community and it’s residents.”

PLATINUM: Ainsworth-Benning Construction Black Hills Power Montana Dakota Utilities Co. Spearfish Regional Hospital

Dakota Equipment Rental Daryl & Sally Johnson David M Dorsett Regional Senior Care Donovan Construction Elkhorn Ridge Development at Frawley Ranches Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel GOLD: Financial Advisors of the Black Hills Auto Choice Financial Benefits Inc. Black Hills Community Bank Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant Black Hills Pioneer Hills Material Company Butte Electric Cooperative, Inc. Hills Products Group Clarity Telecom, LLC Hood & Nies, P.C. First Interstate Bank Interstate Engineering Great Western Bank Johner & Son GSE Clay Lining Technology, Inc. Jorgensen Development Highmark Federal Credit Union Ketel Thorstenson, LLP. Holiday Inn Hotel & Spearfish Convention Center Knecht Home Center of Spearfish Lawrence Title Company Landmark Realty & Development Co. Pioneer Bank & Trust Leavitt Heartland Insurance SDN Communications Lowe Roofing Spearfish Electric & Heating McDonald's of Spearfish Spearfish Forest Products Midstate Reclamation S.D. Spearfish Motors. Inc. Perkins Family Restaurant SRAM/Quarq Technology, Inc. Phaze Electric TMone/ERC Precision Blending Versatile Carpets & Interiors Prestige Auto Sales Wal-Mart Supercenter Recreation Station Inc. Wells Fargo of Spearfish RE/MAX in the Hills White's Canyon Motors Sharon Hoggatt, C.P.A. White's Queen City Motors Spearfish Family Dentistry Wolff's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Spearfish School District 40-2 Street Image SILVER: Three Waters LLC All About Potential Family Chiropractic, PC William & Associates-Architecture, Inc. Amigos, LLC Black Hills Federal Credit Union BRONZE: Black Hills State University A-1 Transmission Specialists Brady, Pluimer, P.C. A&B Business Equipment Century 21 Spearfish Realty Absolute Realty Clark Printing Amann & Graslie Family Dentistry Croell-Redi Mix

American Family Insurance, Bob Burnett Animal Care Center of Spearfish Baron Properties, LLC Bell's Motor Lodge Motel Black Hills Laundry Canyon Hills Center Captain Clean of the Northern Hills Coca Cola Bottling Company Crow Peak Brewery Dana Dental Arts Daniel & Donna Contonis Double D Builders, Inc. Edgewood Vista Senior Living Ellingson Drilling Estes Campbell Law Office First Western Insurance Agency Flanagan's Irish Pub Foxhammer Inc. Fred Ening Real Estate Georgia Feist Gold Pages Publishing, Inc. H2E Inc. Help-U-Rent Hemeyer Enterprises J.A. Erickson & Company, PC John & Kathy Segrist Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Inc. Karl's TV & Appliance, Inc. Kingsbury Design & Drafting Konstant & Klein Appraisals, Inc. Konstant Appraisals, Inc. Kristi & Kip Wagner L. Ruth Engineering LLC Lamb Painting Lantis Enterprises Lorick Properties, LLC– Rick & Lori Little Mary Ellen Lantis Meyer & Dana Orthodontics Minitman, Inc. Mount Rushmore Area Association of Realtors

Spearfish

Economic DEvElopmEnt corporation "arE You moving Your companY in thE right DirEction?"

Main & Kansas, Spearfish, South Dakota www.spearfishdevelopment.com 605.642.3832

Mountain Shadow Estates Mr. Movies of Spearfish Northern Hills Cinema Northern Hills Technology Northern Hills Training Center Oakridge Development, LLC. PACE Strategic Development LLC Paramount Technical Products Pepsi Cola/Admiral Beverage Corporation Prairie Hills Transit Pro Build Quik Signs Robinson Builders Inc. Sharkey Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Snowflake Metalworks LLC Spearfish Animal Hospital Spearfish Eye Care Center Speedy Mart, Inc. Stadler Industrial Service Subway of Spearfish Taco Johns Western Sky Media, Inc. Williams Properties The Real Estate Center of Spearfish ASSOCIATE: Blayne & Karen Pummel Center for Business, Entrepreneurship & Tourism Ed & Mary Furois Gene & Yvonne Ficek Howard & Elaine Owens Howard & Elaine Perry Jon & Mary Pochop Ken & Erin Halsey Lonnie Humbracht Mike & Liz Manning Ray Spellman Richard & Linda Horak Spearfish Canyon Tours

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 33

Northern Hills communities saw quite a few new businesses open their doors.

Other businesses changed ownership or expanded and moved.

These are their stories.

SPEARFISH — A Step Ahead Foot Doctor has moved from 927 E. Colorado Blvd. Their new location is at 1410 N. Ave, #1. Podiatrist Lorri A. Riley focuses on spending individual time with each patient, with every new patient visit lasting about 45 minutes. They also sell a number of products, including diabetic shoes and insoles. A Step Ahead also boasts a calming, cozy waiting room.

SPEARFISH — Black Hills Psychology has moved from 138 E. Hudson St. They are now located at 115 N. 7th St., Suite 6. The team of experienced and licensed psychologists, therapists, and psychiatrists offer a wide range of specialties and approaches to care for all ages. They ensure the best care available by building a personalized treatment plan.

DEADWOOD — Dairy Queen expanded last year to Deadwood and is located at 673 Main St. They are open seasonally, and will be opening again in May. Dave Jenson owns the Dairy Queen in Spearfish, Sturgis, and Deadwood. Open since 1940, Dairy Queen continues to serve blizzards, sundaes, and other novelty treats, as well as baskets, salads and fries, and specialty ice-cream cakes.

SPEARFISH — Financial Advisors of the Black Hills has moved from 741 5th St, Spearfish. Last October they relocated to 115 N. 7th St., Suite 1. The team of investment professionals strive to meet client goals and exceed expectations by providing unbiased investment advice, comprehensive financial planning, and corresponding client-tailored solutions

created from a full-spectrum of financial products.

SPEARFISH — The Detail Shop is a new business located at 510 Heritage Dr., next to the Super 8. Owner Ron Sneesby opened its doors on Oct. 1, 2014. They offer interior, exterior, and full detail work, as well as odor elimination and sterilization, wash and wax, and show and shine.

SPEARFISH — Fastenal is newly located at 4311 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 1.

Fastenal has grown over the last 47 years from a small-town fastener shop to North America’s largest fastener distributor and a world supplier of OEM, MRO, and construction products.

SPEARFISH — The Glass Shop has relocated to 436 E. Colorado Blvd. Last July, business owner Wade Beringer moved down a block from their old address at 216 E. Colorado Blvd. The Glass Shop supplies glass installation and repairs for commercial and residential buildings, including storm windows, screen repairs, storefronts, shower doors, and more. They also offer free estimates.

SPEARFISH — Heisler’s Ace Hardware has changed its name to Heisler’s Do It Best Hardware. On Dec 1 they left the Ace Hardware franchise in order to diversify product. Do It Best is a US-based full-line, full-service, member owned distributor of lumber, hardware, and building materials. They remain at their downtown location at 535 N. Main St.

Financial Advisors of the Black Hills and other businesses moved to this new office complex in October. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

West River Studio moved to its new location 541 W. Jackson Blvd. in Spearfish Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher SPEARFISH — West River Studio is newly located at 541 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 2, next to Killian’s Tavern. Owners Gary and Nancy Tripp relocated from 611 N. Main St. West River Studio is a working/teaching studio that offers classes in jewelry design, silver smithing, seasonal crafts, painting, and traditional art studies in a fun, relaxed environment.

They also host events and offer an alternative to the usual get together, such as their Sip-N-Paint, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while you paint your canvas.

SPEARFISH — Color Mystique has been renamed Master’s Auto Detailing at Color Mystique. It was purchased July 1, 2014 by Jack and Jenny Scholl. The business continues to offer color quality auto detailing, and is still located at 3150 4th Ave, Spearfish.

SPEARFISH — Mediation Matters is a law practice that is newly located at 115 N. 7th St., Suite 2, near the intersection with E. Colorado Blvd. Business owner Barb Donat relocated from 741 N. 5th St. in November of last year.

SPEARFISH — Trio Salon opened its doors on November 3. It is owned by Tanya Cain, Jana Selk, and Pat Calloran.

It is located at 727 N. 12th St., off of I90, Exit 12. Trio Salon offers professional haircuts and coloring, as well as hair and skin products.

SPEARFISH — Dana Dental Arts conducted a major upgrade to their facility located at 1306 N. Main St. Early in the year major upgrades were made to the treatment rooms. They received new countertops, plumbing and cabinets.

The finishing touches and equipment upgrades were completed by the fall.

Upgraded equipment included new intraoral cameras that can detect things a patient cannot. The office is staffed by four doctors, three of whom have masterships and fellowships in implantology. There are also four dental hygienists. The staff can treat patients of all ages and conducts dental work from initial examinations to full mouth reconstruction.

SPEARFISH — Vision Interiors in Spearfish opened in October at 215 Industrial Dr. It is a furniture and interior design company that offers furniture and accessories, window treatments, wall coverings, counter top, tile, carpet and more. Additionally, owner Jim Robinson and his staff offer design consultation for homes.

SPEARFISH — The Western Hills Humane Society has new directors, Rebecca Rankin and Brenda Hendricks.

They plan to improve the backyard and inspire more daily volunteers. They will be providing more education through the school system and are planning a “Spay and Neuter” fundraiser as well as the traditional “Caramel Apple” fundraiser.

They are still located at 324 Industrial Dr. SPEARFISH — The False Bottom Bar, formerly Horses to Harleys, has been renamed as a tribute to Spearfish’s False Bottom Creek. The bar was briefly closed while it changed hands, and reopened June 23, 2014. New owners Jenny and Luke Donovan and Marc Lewis have attained a full liquor license and now serve hard alcohol. Aside from the minor changes associated with a liquor license, a few more television screens, and some plumbing work, the bar has remained largely the same and continues to be a place for the locals. The business remains at 645 Main St. SPEARFISH — Little Caesars Pizza has changed location to 1420 N. Ave. Suite #3, next to Cherry Berry. The Little Caesars Franchise offers Hot-N-Ready carry-out cheese, pepperoni, and sausage pizza as well as breadsticks and wings.

Custom pizzas are available by calling ahead. The business was formerly located at 923 E. Colorado Blvd., next to the Dairy Queen.

SPEARFISH — Quik Signs in Spearfish remodeled the exterior of its store in 2014.

Owner Kelsie Darling transformed the front of the steel building into a warm, NEW BUSINESSES Pg 36

Page 34, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 35

Lynn’s

45 Years

Dakotam a rt of providing

Hometown Value!

Your Hometown Neighborhood Market!

In 1968, the founder of Lynn’s, Inc., Lynn Feist and his wife, Georgia, purchased their first grocery store in Faith, SD. Throughout the years, their business has been blessed with continual growth.

Today the second generation Feist family operates nine full-line grocery stores in South Dakota and two convenience stores in Lead and Hot Springs.

Bertolotto Real Estate and Auction, Inc. We are a full service real estate and auction firm that can assist you with:

Farm & Ranch. Residential, Commercial, or Recreation

All Types of Auctions including Real Estate, Collectibles & others

REAL ESTATE

AUCTIONS

Hills Grocery Store Locations…

Belle Fourche, SD

Faith, SD

600 National Street

605-892-4330

Custer, SD

145 Glendale Drive

605-967-2622

800 Mt. Rushmore Road

605-673-4463

Lead, SD

114 Main Street

605-584-2905

Hot Springs, SD

505 South 6th Street

605-745-3203

The company is dedicated to being the “Better Choice Retailer” in the communities we serve by providing Better Quality, Better Service & Better Value!

Sturgis, SD

Bob Bertolotto

Owner/Broker/Auctioneer cell 605-490-1500 bob@bertrea.com

Velta Grosch

Broker Associate

cell 605-490-2422 velta@bertrea.com

Mike O’Dea

Broker Associate/Auctioneer Located in Philip, SD cell 605-441-6212 mike.odea@gwtc.net

1111 Lazelle Street

605-347-4483

Locations in…

Lead & Hot Springs

Jake’s Laundromat (Formerly Gold Brick Laundromat)

Let me put my

knowledge & experience

to work for

YOU!

Lori Caldwell owner/broker associate

Clean Facility — Upgrading Parking Convenient Location

605-641-7529 (c) 605-642-2525 (o) Lori@RealEstateCenters.com /Lori Caldwell Real Estate Center of Spearfish

508 W. Main Street, Lead

(next to Common Cents Exxon Station)

605-591-9869

140 W. Jackson Blvd. • Spearfish, SD 57783

Page 36, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH REC & AQUATICS CENTER

ing, training, basketball, soccer, baseball, football and more, and have men, women, and youth sizes.

SPEARFISH — Helen and Barry Bibler purchased the shopping plaza formerly known as O’Neill Plaza and changed the name to 12th Street Plaza in October 2014.

The building was built in 1996 with the intention of enhancing the Exit 12 business environment. Three businesses that re-located to 12th Street Plaza in 2014 and 2015 include: Trio Salon, Sundance State Bank with a loan production office, and Modern Woodmen. Also located in the plaza are Cathies Casino and The Department of Corrections office, as well as Black Hills Cash Advance and Party Time Liquor, which are both owned by the Biblers

The Spearfish Rec and Aquatics Center has something for everyone! They provide a fun, safe and friendly place for personal growth, physical fitness and positive social development. They cater to families, seniors, adults, youth and special groups. They thrive on providing fun, active and affordable opportunities for the community and their visitors.

The facility is owned by the City of Spearfish and has been in business for over six years. Hours of operation are Sunday 12pm-6pm, Monday-Friday 5:30am-9pm and Saturday 8am-6pm. Open until 7pm summer weekends. They are located at 122 Recreation Lane and can be reached at 605-722-1430. Visit www.SpearfishRecCenter.com for additional information.

LORI CALDWELL - THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH

Lori has approximately eight years of Real Estate experience and over twenty-three years of insurance experience in the Black Hills.

She has found that selling real estate and insurance have been a good fit for her, as well as her clients. Her insurance experience gives her unique insight into the Real Estate portion of her business. In 2012, Lori became an Owner at the Real Estate Center of Spearfish, offering expertise to Buyers and Sellers for both Residential and Commercial properties.

Lori grew up in a hard-working farm environment in southwest North Dakota and is a graduate of Black Hills State University. She is a member of the NBH Rotary Club and served as President of the Club from 1999-2000. She is also a member of the BHSU Alumni Board and served as President from 2013-2015.

The Real Estate Center of Spearfish is located at 140 W. Jackson Boulevard. Lori can be reached at 605-641-7529.

Visit www.SpearfishRealEstateCenter.com to view property listings and more!

GEO'S EATS & DRINKS

Creative Cuisine, Killer Coffee Geo’s is locally owned and operated. We focus on fresh, house-made food and the best coffee in Deadwood. We offer kicked-up old favorites and our twist on modern cuisine. Pastries are made in house and baked fresh daily.

We proudly offer Pure Bean Coffee and Steven Smith Tea. All bottles of wine and beer are available to go!

Open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for Dine-In, Carry Out or Drive-Thru. We are located at 11 Charles St., Deadwood Call ahead (605-722-3287) and we’ll have your order ready in the drive-thru!

CEMETERY SERVICES, WILEN MASONRY, INC.

Cemetery Services, a division of Wilen Masonry, Inc. has provided monuments to the Tri-State area since 1986.

Purchased over a year ago, Dion Wilen and his crew continue to provide that excellent service. They continue to create signage, monuments, address stones, and stories in stone with the blending of their masonry & monument business. Employing over 10 employees, Wilen Masonry, inc. strives to provide a high value and quality based product for your family to enjoy. For more information on their products and services, call 605-892-4827.

Helen and Barry Bibler purchased this shopping plaza at the corner of East Jackson and North 12th Street, in October and renamed it The 12th Street plaza.

Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher blood chemical and diet analysis and from Pg 33 lifestyle changes. They join John Nelson who has operated the clinic since 1976.

The clinic has added exercise therapy and expanded hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday inviting façade with a modern flair. Quik through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon on Signs, located at 2925 E Colorado Blvd., received the Business Beautification Award Saturdays in the High Plains Health Centre at 1930 N. Ave., Suite #1. from the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce

NEW BUSINESSES

this year. Quik Signs offers creative marketing approaches and signage and provides signs, banners, wraps, backlit signs, vehicle graphics, window graphics, canvas prints, vinyl lettering, logo design, business cards, posters, flyers, postcards, yard signs, menu boards, magnetics, wall graphics, and more.

SPEARFISH — After 60 years of family ownership, O’Neills Furniture and Carpet has changed hands to a former employee.

Tim Baldwin, of Spirit Lake, Iowa took over the fixture of Spearfish on March 3. He worked for store founder Wally O’Neill while studying at Black Hills State University. He later renamed the business HomeSource Furniture and Floors.

SPEARFISH — Blackbird Espresso is a new business that opened in March of 2014 in Spearfish. The Blackbird offers fine beverages, homemade food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Customers can enjoy their pour-over coffee, which brews each cup of coffee individually for an exceptionally high-quality brew. The food includes many bakery items such as muffins and scones, which are all made from scratch at Neiman’s bakeshop in Belle Fourche.

Aaron Neiman, owner, was able to design the Blackbird exactly how he envisioned it, and it boasts a repurposed wood and stone counter, repurposed chairs and tables, a large dining area and window bar, as well as outdoor seating. The coffee bar is located at 503 Main St. Neiman also owns the Green Bean eateries in Spearfish and Belle Fourche.

SPEARFISH — Nelson Chiropractic Clinic has added chiropractors Dr. Devon Wentz and Dr. Bjorn Nelson. Wentz is certified examiner for the Department of Transportation physical and conducts traditional Chinese acupuncture with deep needling. Bjorn Nelson has expanded the nutritional aspect of the clinic including

SPEARFISH — The Junk Drawer and Naked Olive has a new location at 611 N Main St., next to Base Camp. The business provides funky, refinished furniture and vintage home décor and clothing. They also offer freshly bottled flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars. They recently began selling Black Hills gold jewelry. The business was formerly located at 120 E. Jackson Blvd.

SPEARFISH—The Triple 7 Casino is a new business located at 923 E. Colorado Blvd. Owner Tim Goodwin opened in April of last year. They have multiple gaming machines, cold beer, and a $25 drawing every Friday night at 7 p.m. If you’re a morning person, Triple 7 offers free coffee and muffins from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m., daily.

SPEARFISH—Hibbett Sporting Goods is a new business located at 2735 1st Ave., Suite 109. Hibbetts is a sporting goods chain that opened in November of last year and specialize in footwear, equipment and apparel. They offer gear for running, walk-

SPEARFISH — Level Design and Lounge has changed its name to Level Wine Bar under new owners Bryan and Jill Johnson and Scott and Linda Robuck.

The establishment is no longer selling furnishings and home décor, and is now focused exclusively on high-end beer and wines that you can’t taste at a regular bar.

They also have increased the capacity of the building and have updated seating and installed a new bar. They continue to stay open during renovation and are located at 604 N. Main St. SPEARFISH — Western Dakota Insurers has been renamed Leavitt Heartland Insurance Services, and is located at 2011 N. Main St. Leavitt Heartland offers individual and family insurance, including car, home, and life insurance, as well as business insurance.

SPEARFISH — Sunshine Saloon, “Spearfish’s only hillbilly bar,” opened on Dec. 20 at 3226 W. Fairground Loop.

Owned by Bob and Sherry Ewing, Sunshine Saloon offers a comfortable, Western atmosphere where the beer is cold and the popcorn and peanuts are free. The Ewing’s took advantage of local pine beetle-killed trees using slabs of wood to make table tops as well as the bar top. Bob said the saloon is a fun and quiet place to visit with friends and enjoy one of the 60 types of beers or six wines on hand.

BELLE FOURCHE — Redwater Eye Care is a new business to Belle Fourche NEW BUSINESSES Pg 37

Redwater Eye Care opened this location at 1432 Mill St. in Belle Fourche.

Pioneer photo by Karla Flak

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 36

NEW BUSINESSES located at 1432 Mill St. Optometrists Dr. Brian Gill and Dr. Jess Moser provide comprehensive eye exams, a great selection of glasses, and personalized care. They also provide various types of contact lenses and pre- and post-operative exams for LASIK procedure.

SPEARFISH — Leone’s Creamery is a new ice cream parlor that opened last year and is owned by Rebecca and John Williams and Hannah Leone. They offer homemade ice cream and sundaes, with all of the classics as well as some more creative, seasonal flavors, which are often swapped out. They also have pints and quarts so people can take their ice cream home.

They are located at 722 ½ Main St., in the historic Old City Hall.

SPEARFISH — Rodney G. Bechtold of Modern Woodmen of America has relocated from 1930 North Ave. Ste. 4 to a new location at 727 12th Street Ste. 1. They are a member-owned fraternal financial services organization that offers life insurance, annuities, IRA’s and retirement, investments, college savings plans, and additional insurance products.

SPEARFISH — RollnBones Outfitters is a new business in Spearfish, located at 309 W. Jackson Blvd., next to Barbacoa’s.

They are an outdoor concierge that offers guides, outfitters, and related services. RollnBones takes the stress out of planning a hunt, fishing trip, or any outdoor experience.

BELLE FOURCHE — Cory Brown and Ross Brown owners of Tri-State Tire Factory in Rapid City have expanded to Belle Fourche opening Cory’s ET Tire Factory that opened on Jan 2.

It’s a family owned business that specializes in tires and offers a variety of sizes and brands. Cory’s also provides auto maintenance, and their ASE-certified technicians preform brake jobs, muffler alignments, anti-freeze flushes and fills, tuneups, and scheduled maintenance. They are located at 1909 5th Ave., Belle Fourche.

Our Towns 2015, Page 37 BELLE FOURCHE — New Heart Fitness & Personal Training is a new business to Belle Fourche, located at 521 State St. The gym is dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities meet their health and fitness goals.

BELLE FOURCHE — Beautiful Forks Floral & Home Décor is a new business located at 1407 5th Ave., next to Patty’s Place in Belle Fourche. Owner Christina Nieman opened in December of last year and provides floral arrangements and fine home décor.

BELLE FOURCHE — Reloader’s Corner & Dakota Territory Firearms – Sports and Recreation is a new business in Belle Fourche at 2203 5th Ave. The establishment is a small, family owned and operated gun shop with a priority of customer service. They stock a large supply of firearms as well as reloading equipment from manufactures such as Lee precision, RCBS, Hornady, Lyman, Redding, MTM, and Hoppes.

BELLE FOURCHE — Skis Pizzeria has moved to 2398 5th Ave. Suite 103, from 1853 5th Ave. They serve Brick Oven Pizza, Stromboli, desserts, and beer and wine. Skis Pizzeria boasts daily lunch and dinner specials such as Monday Madness where you can purchase Any large one topping for $8.99 and their Saturday Family Feeder Special that comes with a family size two topping, cheesy garlic bread, and a two-liter for $20.99. Skis supports local high school students with their weekly Big Cheese award, which awards an excellent student with two Meal Deals.

BELLE FOURCHE — Relic Diggers Antiques is the newest antique store to Belle Fourche. Owner’s Bob and Patty Croeni opened the establishment on July 1st, 2014 at 519 ½ State St. Relic Diggers features military, cowboy, and Native American items, including art and furniture.

BELLE FOURCHE — Signature Auto opened a third location at 1915 5th Ave., Belle Fourche. Owner Brett Rang opened on Nov. 3, 2014. He owns two other Signature Autos in Spearfish and Sturgis. The family owned business is locally owned and operated and offers quality vehicles at competitive prices. Signature Auto can finance your vehicle and will work with local credit unions and national banks.

STURGIS — Dakota Lumber Co. in Belle Fourche added another location in Sturgis on July 1st, 2014.

The Bowman family bought Johnston’s Hardware Hank and have renamed it Dakota Hardware. The Sturgis location offers a full serve hardware store, paint color matching, window repair, electrical, Valspar paints, screen repair, plumbing, rental, doors, and a seasonal green house. In addition to the items and services available at the Sturgis store, the Belle Fourche location also offers a full serSignature Auto opened its third location in November, at 1915 5th Ave. in Belle Fourche. vice lumberyard, garages, pole Pioneer photo by Karla Flak barns, cabinets, picture framing, houses, decks, siding, and delivery.

BELLE FOURCHE — Finkbeiner Feed and Seed is now part of the CBH Cooperative, and has been renamed CBH Feed & Ag Services. The CBH Cooperative is headquartered in Sturgis and offers ranch, home and commercial customers energy, agricultural, and convenience products. They are a member of CHS Inc., an energy, grains and foods company owned by farmers, ranchers, cooperatives, and stockholders. CBH Feed & Ag Services provides a number of feed options including feed, barrels, mineral, and salt for livestock. They also offer Croplan and Legend seed including Western South Dakota specific hybirds. They are still located at 77 N. 6th Ave, Belle Fourche.

STURGIS — Indian Motorcycle is a new dealership to Sturgis that specializes in Indian Motorcycle. Owner Bruce Eide opened the business in May, 2014 and is currently located at 2106 Lazelle St. This summer the store will be moving to the corner of Main St. and Lazelle St. The new building will boast a 22,000 sq. ft. show room that will display up to 40 bikes, an expanded parts and customization department, and additional service bays. This is not the first time Indian Motorcycle has come to Sturgis. Legend C.F. “Pappy” Hoel, NEW BUSINESSES Pg 39

BERTOLOTTO REAL ESTATE & AUCTION INC.

Since 1925

Through their service they have helped South Dakotans rediscover a dream that's as old as America itself; love of the land, and the dream of owning a property.

United Country-Bertolotto Real Estate & Auction, Inc., has been serving the people of South Dakota with their real estate and auction endeavors since 2006.

Their professional knowledge and love of the South Dakota Territory coupled with expertise in real estate and auctions allows them to provide their sellers with innovative marketing programs as well as their buyers with vast resources and information. They pride themselves in making a difference through possessing great ethics, integrity, professionalism, and outstanding Real Estate and Auction services.

CORY'S ET TIRE FACTORY AUTO SERVICE CENTER

Cory’s Tri-State Tire Factory of Rapid City has recently expanded into Belle Fourche with the recent purchase of ET Tire (now Cory’s ET Tire Factory) from Ellis Tripp. Cory Brown and Ross Brown, are working together with store manager Kevin McKay to provide area customers with factory-direct tire pricing and the best automotive maintenance in the Black Hills.

They look forward to serving you, call them at 605-723-7700 or stop by 1909 5th Avenue in Belle Fourche.

DANA DENTAL ARTS

“Family Dentistry” takes on a new meaning at Dana Dental Arts. Proudly serving the Spearfish area for over 40 years, Dr. Michael Dana has been joined in the practice by his children Dr. Brad, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Monique. Dr.’s Brad, Nicole and Monique have each received Fellowships and Masters in Implantology from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, allowing them to add this expertise to the many comprehensive dental services offered at Dana Dental Arts. Family friendly care and scheduling compliment the latest technology and patient centered approach which the entire Dana Dental Arts staff are pleased to provide.

JAKE'S LAUNDROMAT

Jake's Laundromat is a clean facility with parking conveniently located at 508 W. Main Street in Lead.

This business (formerly Gold Brick Laundromat) has been owned by Lynette Chitwood and Tammy Fazio for 7 1/2 years.

Page 38, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Should we meet by accident...

We have the skills, equipment and experience to get your car back in shape and on the road again quickly and affordably.

• • • • •

Insurance Work Welcome Frame Straightening Collision Repair Custom Paint Work Plastic Media Stripping

• • • •

Welding & Fabrication Work We Install Spray-on Bedliners Courtesy/Rental Cars Available Major Credit Cards Accepted

3120 4th Avenue Spearfish, SD 57783 LLC

605-642-4143 1-888-786-2257

S T O P I N T O D AY F O R A F R E E E S T I M AT E !

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED!

SEE OUR FULL INVENTORY AT ROSSEQUIPMENTRENTAL.COM

Dog fence installer, commercial edger, log splitter, core drill, breakers, gas & electric cement saw, chain cement saw

Engine hoist, transmission jack

Air compressor

Carpet stretcher

Tile saw, floor sanders

Aerators

Sewer snakes

Floor nailer, roofing & construction nailers

Wall paper remover, texture & paint sprayers

Carpet cleaner

Yard and garden including: sod cutter, tillers, power rakes & seeders

Brush cutter, pole saw, weed trimmers, post hole augers, floor stripper, and more!

ROSS EQUIPMENT RENTAL, LLC

18731 US Hwy 85, Bay #4 (K&K Custom Building) Belle Fourche • 605-210-0553

Skyler Massic

Broker Associate

Alan Kindsfater

Broker Associate

Tom Steele

Broker Associate

Bob Gerkin

Photo courtesy SD Tourism

Broker Owner

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 39 DEADWOOD — The Old Gringo Bar & Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. On July 29th, 2014 owner Beau Burnham opened The Old Gringo for a “soft” opening. Their dishes are made fresh, with hand-cut meat and veggies as well as their sauces and salsas made daily. The Old Gringo is family friendly and located at 645 Main St. LEAD — The Sled Haus, formerly the Wunderbar, is serving up American and German cuisine. The restaurant and bar specializes in New York style burgers and sandwiches as well as domestic, import, and craft beer. The Sled Haus also boasts fun events such as rail jams, where local skiers and snowboarders can ride the rails, eat, drink, listen to live music, and compete for prizes. The Sled Haus is located at 443 S. Main St.

Lead’s Sled Haus specialize in German cuisine and New York style deli sandwiches.

Pioneer photo by Adam Hurlburt free wireless internet, and free parking from Pg 37 and valet service. The Hotel By Gold Dust is located 25 Lee St. Main St Deadwood. a founding father of the motorcycle DEADWOOD — Geo’s Eats and club the Jackpine Gypsies, brought the Drinks is a new coffee shop that opened Indian Motorcycle dealership to Sturgis full time during the first week of in 1936.

November 2014. Business owner George Milos is a Black Hills local and was STURGIS — Belle Joli has opened born raised here in the area. The cofBelle Joli Winery Sparkling House at fee is also local, and is roasted by Pure 3951 Vanocker Canyon Rd., Sturgis.

Bean in Rapid City. Their coffee is 100 The new location boasts a larger tasting room and an outdoor patio facing a five- percent organic and fair trade. Geo’s acre vineyard. This is the location where is also the only place in South Dakota that offers Steven Smith specialty teas. business owners Matthew and Choi All food, including biscuits and gravy, Jackson and Patty and John Jackson produce their sparkling wines. Belle Joli breakfast nachos, and quiche, is made from scratch in house. Geo’s is located produces award-winning wines that are grown, harvested, and bottled in western at 11 Charles St. South Dakota. Their main vineyard is loCENTRAL CITY — Sturgis cated in the heart of Belle Fourche, and Chiropractic takes great pride in protheir other tasting room is located on viding the finest chiropractic wellness Main St. in Deadwood. Belle Joli offers care to their patients. Dr. Al Gunderson a wine club membership that is free to join and gives 20% off all wine and mer- is seeing patients at the new Central City location at 136 US Highway 14A, chandise, free tasting for members and on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and up to three guests, invitations to special Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon. events, an email newsletter, VIP status, and reduced rental rates at the Sturgis Sparkling House.

NEW BUSINESSES

DEADWOOD — The Paw Spa Grooming & Boarding is a new business specializing in dog grooming and boarding. Owner Laurie Vrem ensures each dog gets special attention (they even offer a towel warmer for cold pooches), making the Paw Spa a luxury for your furry friend. They also have a bake homemade dog treats. The Paw Spa originally opened next to the Remax Center in May, but in November they moved to 25 Kirk Rd. DEADWOOD — Security Insurance has moved from their location on Herman St. On December first they opened in the Thunder Cove Building, at 315 Cliff St. Now located at the Thunder Cove Inn, the building offers an easily accessible office, abundant parking, and no steps. Owner Darin Derosier sells a variety of insurances, including health life, Medicare supplement, and accident and cancer policies.

LEAD — Remax Gold has relocated to Lead. On December 29 owner John Keene moved to 161 W. Main St. Suite B, next to Subway. Remax is a real estate office that helps people buy and sell both commercial and residential land.

LEAD — The Historic Town Hall Inn has new owners Mark and Paul NEW BUSINESSES Pg 40

STURGIS — Black Hills Power has a new building location in Sturgis at 1251 Otter Road. They are an investor-owned utility company and part of the Black Hills Corporation. They service western South Dakota, northern Wyoming, and southeastern Montana. Black Hills Power has been in the hills since 1941, when they had small generating plants sprawled throughout the Black Hills.

DEADWOOD — The Hotel By Gold Dust is a new business in the area that opened July of last year. It is a modern boutique hotel owned by the Lamont Companies out of Aberdeen. Every room is non-smoking and brand new as of 2014. The hotel boasts sleep number beds in every room, Keurig coffee machines, granite and marble bathrooms,

SPEARFISH FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

In business for 78 years, the Neiman Family has owned and operated sawmills in the Black Hills since the 1930’s.

They are one of the largest producers of Ponderosa Pine products in the United States. Their products include Heartland Wood Pellets, pine shavings, boards and more.

Nieman Enterprises is a certified member of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. This commitment insures the long-term stability of their company and guarantees future resources through a cycle of renewability.

Spearfish Forest Products employs over 200 people plus 170 contractors, loggers and truck drivers. They are located at 1510 W. Oliver in Spearfish and can be reached at 605-642-7741.

NEW YORK LIFE INSURANCE CO. BECKY BARRY, AGENT

Life Just Keeps on Happening, Do Your Best to Keep Up: Becky Barry, agent, has been an insurance and financial professional working in the insurance and Financial Services business since 1996 and became an agent with New York Life Insurance Company in 2001. Her primary focus is on the Senior Market, assisting clients with Retirement Planning including Income Strategies, IRA's, 401(k) Rollovers, Asset Consolidation, and Social Security Maximization.

If you're ready to take the next step, Becky is ready to help. Contact her at 2398 5th Avenue, Suite 105, Belle Fourche or call 605-723-2481.

BELLE FOURCHE PHYSICAL THERAPY

If you have been dealing with a nagging pain that does not seem to be getting better or have a lack of flexibility and strength making even daily activities difficult, physical therapy will help!

The movement experts at Belle Fourche Physical Therapy will not only treat your symptoms, but will get to the source of your pain to produce lasting results. Their Doctors of Physical Therapy have extensive training in diagnosing musculoskeletal impairments and restoring pain-free movement through manual skills and exercise.

Choose your local private practice for your physical therapy needs. Call Belle Fourche Physical Therapy today for an appointment at 605-723-0185.

THE PAW SPA GROOMING & BOARDING

The Hotel By Gold Dust opened in Deadwood in July.

Pioneer photo by Adam Hurlburt

We are a “Bed & Breakfast” for pets. We offer individual suites, TVs, a large play room, homemake treats from our bakery, all the amenities of home, a “Spa” day with individual appointments, a towel warmer and a large spa tub. Laurie Vrem has re-opened in a new location at 25 Kirk Road in Deadwood. She is open Monday – Saturday for grooming appointments and is available for boarding seven days a week. Please call now to set up a spa day for your furry family members at 605559-3009. Big And Small We Groom Them All

Page 40, Our Towns 2015 from Pg 39

NEW BUSINESSES McGrane. The Boutique hotel is located in Lead’s Town Hall building, which was constructed in 1912. In its prime it served to house the mayor’s and treasurer’s offices, the courtroom, the town jail, and the judge’s chambers.

Today, the ornate building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Town Hall Inn celebrates the buildings history with suite names such as “Vault Room,” “Plat & Tract Office,” and the “Library.” The Historic Town Hall Inn is located at 215 W. Main St. LEAD — As of Aug. 27, 2014, Lead-Deadwood now has a Boys & Girls Club. The club is an afterschool program that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, the arts, and leadership skills. The Boys & Girls Club offers tutoring through Black Hills State University, everyday homework assistance, community partnerships, and a healthy, creative environment. They also offer fun themed events, such as a spring break luau and pajama party. The club is open to all Lead-Deadwood K-12 community youth Monday through Friday, including early release, in-service days, and select holidays. It is open from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for grades four and five, and from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for grades six through twelve. The Boys & Girls Club is located at 845 Miners Ave., on the main floor of the Handley Recreation Center.

The Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — The Deadwood Mountain Grand recently partnered up with the owners of the Akela Spa in December. The Grand now offers the “Grand Spalon,” a spa combined with hair salon services.

The spa specializes shortened signature spa services to include massages, waxing, manicures and pedicures as well as salon cuts and styles. The Grand Spalon is located in the Hotel Casino event center in the Deadwood Mountain Grand at 1906 Deadwood Mountain Dr. The original Akela Spa, which opened in 2013, remains at 11842 US Hwy 14A and provides additional services that the “Grand Spalon,” is not equipped.

LEAD — Cyndi's Odds N Ends is a new and used quality consignment store with jewelry, balloons, clothing, gifts, candy and more. Owned by Cynthia Gaffney, the store is located at 211 W. Main St. LEAD — Lead the Way GPM has offered Lead unique products for special venues and occasions, such as gifts, manufacturing, and promotions. The business custom prints items such as serving trays, plates, mugs, coasters, and cutting boards, and even boasts in shop embroidery. Recently owner Otto Hallberg opened The Wood Grotto, a subsidiary specializing in custom woodworking. The Wood Grotto offers laser engraving, custom gifts, signs, awards and plaques. The Wood Grotto is located at 420 W. Main Lead the Way GPM offers unique products for special events and venues.

Pioneer photo by Adam Hurlburt St.

Lead - Deadwood Full Service Hardware Store • Paint • Paint Sundries • Paint Matching • Tools • Electrical • Builders • Housewares • Automotive

• Lawn & Garden • Plumbing • Heating • Rental Equipment • Lumber • Glass/Screen/Repair • Key Cutting • And Much More

Attorneys at Law With over 60 years of legal experience, we can help in most legal matters:

TWIN CITY HARDWARE, LUMBER & RENTAL

399 Cliff St. • Deadwood • 605-578-3782 After Hours: 605-920-8966 Hours: Mon-Fri. 7:00am-5:30pm Sat. 8:00am-5:00pm Sun. 10:00am-2:00pm Like us on Facebook

Made with shredded beef or chicken, cool garlic-lime sauce and crumbled Mexican cheese all wrapped in a warrm corn-flour tortilla.

Open for Breakfast!

86 Charles St., Deadwood • 605-578-3975

• Appellate Advocacy • Business Law • Constitutional Law • Contract Law

• Criminal Defense • Family Law • Mediation & Arbitration

• Property • Real Estate • Wills, Trusts & Probate

Timothy R. Johns Joseph M. Kosel tjohns@johnskosellaw.com

jkosel@johnskosellaw.com

605-717-2889

203 W. Main St. • Lead, SD 57754 www.JohnsKoselLaw.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 41

Santa Shop an eagerly-awaited annual affair

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer DEADWOOD — Tracy Island knows if kids have been bad or good. She and the dozens of volunteer “elves” she recruits for the cause spend ample time Santa shopping with more than 400 Lead-Deadwood students each year, as a virtual mini mall is constructed, allowing little ones to pick out affordable gifts for friends, family and other loved ones.

Island said Santa Shop has been in existence at LeadDeadwood Elementary for more than 15 years and she has been heavily involved for the last five.

“I’m a Lead-Deadwood PTO member and that’s how I got started,” Island said. “Largely because of my ability to store stuff.”

That said, she and two other instrumental Santa shoppers find uber-bargains on holiday merchandise after sales, scooping them up en masse for next year’s group of kids to peruse.

“We start buying stuff after Christmas for the next year,” Island said. “We get it all on sale. Now we’re able to buy

stuff year-round because we watch the sales. Kids can get something that would cost $25 or $30 for $5 and can buy most of their Christmas list items for between $1 and $5 each. The kids know what they’re worth.

They see the stickers. So if they have a person they want to get a really nice item for, they can do it.”

Island said she’s got Santa Shop almost down to a science.

“We know we need so many men’s $1 items, so many teen $1 items,” she explained.

Last year was both a fruitful year for the program and also a period of growth, as the program offering expanded to middle school students, as well.

“Whistler Gulch Campground donated $500, the Lodge at Deadwood donated a few hundred dollars and also send their salaried people down to volunteer,” Island said. “We have so many great partners and private donors giving between $20 and $30. It goes a long ways.”

Each year, students show up to Santa Shop sans funds.

“If a child doesn’t have any money, we give them $10 to shop with,” Island said. “The idea is to give each and every

child the opportunity to buy something for mom and dad.

Last year, we have around 65 kids show up with no money, so I had to raise $650 going into it to cover last year. This year, we added in the middle school because we had so much donated and so many items purchased.”

Many of the volunteers who help children pay, shop and wrap are not first-timers.

“We get the same volunteers year after year because the minute you help a kid the first time and take that child around and see them light up ‘My mom loves coffee,’ finding what they think is the perfect gift, helping them buy and wrap them, they’re hooked. I’ve had adults come up and say ‘This is the most amazing thing.’”

One huge expense the Santa Shoppers encounter is an approximate $1,000 gift wrap fee, just for supplies.

“Wrapping paper, tape, scissors,” Island said. “We wrap around 5,000 gifts, so that is a pretty large expense. We have 400 kids at the elementary school, around 250 at the middle school, so that’s upwards of 600 kids and every child, on average, buys five. Some buy

for a dozen people.”

After the kids have had their shopping days, teachers and other adults are allowed to go Santa Shopping.

“This helps turn over our product,” Island said.

The reason she sticks with Santa Shop makes Island’s voice break with emotion, upon explanation.

“You get the kids that comes through and they’re not appreciative, not thinking it’s a big deal,” Island said. “But then, there are those moments when kids are wide-eyed and completely amazed. It doesn’t matter if they’re in kindergarten or fifth grade, you can see that to be able to do this is something they don’t get to do … you can tell the difference. They’re so amazed. ‘Wow, I get to give something from myself.’ Those are the ones that are so special … Now it’s become more than just for kids. Adults come at the end and if they didn’t have Santa Shop, I’m sure wouldn’t be able to put much under their tree.”

Santa Shop runs two days at the elementary school and is planned for one day at the SANTA SHOP Pg 50

BLACK HILLS POWER

Black Hills Power has been improving life with energy in the Black Hills area since 1883. We’re an investor-owned utility and part of the Black Hills Corporation family. Our nearly 70,000 customers live in 20 different communities throughout western South Dakota, northern Wyoming and southeastern Montana.

We emphasize the traits that have contributed to our success in the past and will be critical to our success in the future. Black Hills Power’s reliability standards rank in the top 25% of utilities in the country as we provide our customers with safe, reliable energy when and where it's needed.

FORCOLI & SONS PAINTING

Forcoli & Sons Painting is owned by Bob Forcucci. Major Projects include: The Adams House Museum, Golden Hills Resort, Franklin Hotel, Deadwood Visitors Center, City of Deadwood historic light poles, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Latchstring Inn, Matthews Opera House, Lawrence County Courthouse, Mineral Palace, Country Club Village, Great Peaks Realty and the new Creekside Apartments. Forcoli & Sons Painting retains the same quality employees year after year and adheres to their motto, “Perfection is Our Goal... Excellence will be Tolerated!” Call Bob at 605-722-7135.

BLACK HILLS PHYSICAL THERAPY

Black Hills Physical Therapy is an independently owned and operated physical therapy practice that has served the Northern Hills communities for 20 years. Their mission is to provide you with results to get you back to the activities YOU enjoy. Their friendly staff welcomes you to a comfortable and professional environment. They offer exceptional orthopedic and manual therapy care and each physical therapist is committed to ongoing education to ensure you the best results. All treatments are provided by a licensed physical therapist.

Black Hills Physical Therapy is located at 520 N Canyon St. in Spearfish. Visit www.bhphysicaltherapy.com or call them at 605-642-7996 to learn more!

QUEEN CITY DOOR, LLC

Volunteers from Lead-Deadwood High School help Lead-Deadwood Elementary kids work their lists at Santa Shop.

Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Queen City Door, LLC, has been serving the Northern Hills area for over 30 years and they continue to sell and install CHI garage doors and Liftmaster openers. They also provide service and/or repair to many other brands of doors and openers, both commercial and residential.

Visit their website for product information and updates at www.queencitydoors.com or stop in at 330 Industrial Drive, Spearfish.

Page 42, Our Towns 2015

SCOTT PETERSON MOTORS

Exciting times at Scott Peterson Motors! We have been awarded the 2014 Chrysler Customer Experience Award, Ford Elite Dealer Award and Ford President's Award - the only dealership in the nation to receive all three of those awards. Both stores are undergoing massive expansions as well.

Our Belle Fourche Service Shop has expanded to over 18,000 sq ft and we have an express lube - no appointment necessary! Our BRAND NEW State of the Art Sturgis Location at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon opens this summer. Call Scott Peterson Motors in Sturgis at 605-347-3662 or find us in Belle Fourche at 605-892-2643

MARK REESE ASSOCIATE BROKER CENTURY 21 Mark Reese is a licensed real estate agent with Century 21 in Spearfish. He is an expert in this local area, and will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise about buying and selling real estate.

It’s not the same everywhere, so you need someone you can trust for up-to-date information. He is eager to serve you and can assist you with finding your next home, selling your home and even rental opportunities.

Get a positive, helpful partner for buying, selling or renting a home – Call Mark today 605-569-6761.

DEADWOOD GULCH GAMING RESORT

Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort has it all! A casino, restaurant, hotel, bakery, convention center and an award winning staff of 85 employees. It has been in business for 26 years. The casino is open 24 hours and the restaurant hours are 7am-9pm daily.

In 2014 the resort was awarded the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. It is located at 304 Cliff St., Deadwood or you can learn more by calling 605-578-1294 or check out he website at www. deadwoodgulchresort.com.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Black Hills Harley

hulks out just in time for the 75th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

By Adam Hurlburt Black Hills Pioneer

he said. “Having that much inventory, it was really not efficient or customer friendly to have it down the stairs and in the back of the poorly lit basement. So we made a decision years ago that we RAPID CITY — Like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally itself, Rapid needed to start working on an expansion plan.”

This isn’t the first time Black Hills Harley’s expanded their City’s Black Hills Harley-Davidson has swelled in size significantphysical footprint. When Rymer, Reman, and several other partly over the years. And just like 75th running of the Rally, this year ners purchased the Rapid City Harley will be the largest so far for the Hills’ perpetually dealership in 2000 they were operating hulking Harley dealership — construction crews out of a 13,000-square-foot structure. The are currently pounding away on a 27,000-squareteam almost immediately realized they foot addition to the already 73,000-square-foot needed a significantly larger building for Our bike sales have facility. the business to become what they envi“Our bike sales have been increasing every year been increasing every sioned. In 2002, construction began on for the last 10 years, and we’re just out of room. the business current home right off of Exit year for the last 10 We needed more elbowroom for our customers so 55, near Deadwood Avenue. At that time that we could put nicer displays in and just make years, and we’re 55,000-square-feet seemed like more than it a little more comfortable to shop in,” Black the business would ever need, Reman said.

Hills Harley-Davidson General Manager Terry just out of room.

But over the years both supply and demand Rymer said. “This is the first major expansion for Harley-Davidson motorcycles increased We needed more we’ve done for sure. The total facility will be up and wiggle room at 2820 Harley Dr. wigto more than 100,000 square feet with our onsite elbowroom for our gled its way out the door. warehouse.”

“This expansion is a big positive change customers so that we Inside, the new addition adds roughly 20,000 for us, and it culminates many years of more square-feet of showroom space and increas- could put nicer displays steady, solid growth that we’ve experienced es office space. Outside, the building’s façade will here at Black Hills Harley-Davidson,” in and just make it a grow from 100 to 300-feet wide. For reference, Reman said.

“The Black Hills is one of the the Statue of Liberty measures in at 305 feet tall. little more comfortable top motorcycle destinations in the world.

Fun fact: Black Hills Harley-Davidson was Not only is this a motorcycle area, it’s a to shop in. already the largest Harley dealership in Upper Harley-Davidson area. When people think Midwest before the expansion. It’s probably safe Terry Rymer, motorcycles around here that’s what’s reto assume that title will stick for a while.

Black Hills Harley-Davidson ally on their mind. That makes Black Hills The expansion project also frees up some much general manager Harley-Davidson a bit of a crown jewel for needed space for the dealership’s service departthe region. It helps plant the stake in the ment, which will move part and parcel into the ground that this part of the country is one of the leaders in motorbasement. cycling in many aspects — to have one of the largest dealerships Black Hills Harley Dealer Prinicipal Al Reman noted that frusin the country in this area is a bit of a testament to that.” tration with an over-filled basement was one of the catalysts beConstruction began on Black Hills Harley-Davidson’s expansion hind this year’s massive expansion and remodel. in September 2014 and is scheduled to be completed on June 1, “Before this expansion over half our retail inventory of motorroughly two months before staggering numbers of Harley fanatics cycles was in our basement. You’d come in the store and see 50 or from around the globe descend on the dealership in great, rumbling 60 motorcycles, and that looks like a lot, and it is a lot for a lot of swarms for the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Rymer, dealerships, but you’d go downstairs and see another couple hunReman, and their team will be ready, will you? dred. That’s the kind of inventory we have to service the region,”

“

”

HOMESTEAD NURSERY

Homestead Nursery marks its 27th year in business on South Highway 85 in Belle Fourche this spring. They serve customers from all over the TriState area with their wide selection of hardy plants of all kinds, as well as bedding plants in season.

They offer over 200 different kinds of perennials suited for the area. Early spring (April 15th- MidMay) provides the opportunity to buy bare root trees, shrubs and more before they are potted, with big savings over potted prices as well as ease in handling. For personal service and plants you won’t find anywhere else, there’s no place like Homestead Nursery.

This graphic illustration provides an exterior overview of what Rapid City’s Black Hills Harley-Davidson will look like when construction on a 20,000-square-foot addition is completed this June. Graphic courtesty of FourFront Design, Inc.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 43

NELSON CHIROPRACTIC AND ACUPUNCTURE

Courtesy Illustration

New facility for Sturgis’ Indian Motorcycle dealership on track for summer opening

By Adam Hurlburt Black Hills Pioneer STURGIS — In late November 2014, less than six months after Indian Motorcycles made a historic return to Sturgis with a shop on Lazelle Street, motorcycle industry heavies, city officials, and a goat wearing a GoPro camera gathered near the corner of 11th and Main to break ground on a new 22,000 square-foot facility.

“We’ll have a much bigger showroom and a much bigger service department,” Bruce Eide, owner of Indian Motorcycle Sturgis, said in November. “This is going to be the finest Indian Motorcycle store in the US”

Since 1976, Dr. Nelson has been providing chiropractic treatment to the community.

Treating those in need of athletic sports injuries, as well as prevention, is a top priority at Nelson Chiropractic in addition to nutrition, acute trauma care and acupuncture. Recently joining the practice is Dr. Devon Wentz and Dr. Bjorn Nelson.

Together they are able to get the body to an optimal level, focusing on the overall wellness of each patient. Set up your next appointment by calling 605-642-5196.

JAKE'S COLLISION REPAIR OF STURGIS

Aaron Schoon and his 6 person staff have made the move to Sturgis. Jake’s Collision Repair of Sturgis, formerly Jakes Auto Body of Spearfish, just opened up in their new location at 2416 Junction Avenue in Sturgis.

Committed to still offering the best auto body repair in the area, their new location includes a state of the art down draft paint booth. They continue to offer custom body work, motorcycle painting, general restoration, and work with all insurance companies.

Give them a call at 605-641-5701.

Only after a few months of being open, Indian Motorcycle in Sturgis is expanding.

Pioneer photos by Adam Hurlburt Eide’s goal sure seems attainable; his shop’s been the number one performing Indian Motorcycle dealership in the nation since June 2014, the shop’s first full month of operation.

The new facility will feature a larger showroom and display area, a larger service area, more retail space, and space for several offices. The motorcycle dealership plans to utilize their old building for motorcycle rentals.

“We’re gaining room to breathe. We outgrew this dealership quite quickly, especially in being able to house motorcycles,” Indian Motorcycle Sturgis Public Relations and Event Coordinator Melissa Stetser said. “We store a lot of bikes right now in a warehouse. Being

in one location will be a huge benefit to us.”

Sturgis city officials and economic development czars are elated at Eide’s decision to expand his already wildly successful operation.

“The history of Sturgis is so tied with Indian Motorcycles, and we’re so excited to have you here,” Heidi Kruse, executive director of the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce, said to Eide at the groundbreaking.

As for the goat wearing the GoPro …

Eide explained that the site of the new Indian Motorcycles Sturgis facility, which has been nothing more than an empty lot for many years, was once the home of “the goat lady,” an eccentric old woman who kept goats in her yard. Mike Kahler, of the Sturgis Coffee Company, brought along his goat “Gabby” to commemorate Sturgis’s legendary “goat lady.”

Gustafson Builders of Rapid City have been hard at work on construction of the new Indian Motorcycles facility since November.

Construction on the new facility should be wrapped up by July 1, just in time for the 75th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

VAST BROADBAND

Vast Broadband is a local communications company, providing high-speed Internet, high-definition television and digital telephone services for residential and business customers in South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. They are committed to continuous service improvements and enhancements. They are continually expanding and upgrading their fiber optic network to deliver faster Internet speeds and more HD channels. The number one goal of Vast Broadband? To deliver to its customers the region's best products and best customer service . Visit VASTbroadband.com to learn more!

BLACK HILLS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative serving western South Dakota with 250+ employees. BHFCU was founded in 1941. Today, BHFCU has 12 locations throughout South Dakota and offer a full line of financial products and services, including insurance and investments, for people and businesses. BHFCU serves members with 24/7 online services and a world-wide network of ATMs. Black Hills Federal Credit Union's Spearfish branch is located at 835 Main Street. Call 605-718-1818 or visit bhfcu.com for more information.

Page 44, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer The Dakota Five-O, the 50mile mountain bike race held Labor Day weekend in Spearfish, draws riders, along with their families and supporters, from all over the map.

This crowd spends the weekend in the Black Hills, staying, eating, shopping, and enjoying the area, impacting the economy and helping to make Spearfish an outdoor destination.

Pioneer file photos

ROSS EQUIPMENT RENTAL, LLC

Serving the Northern Hills for over 8 years, owners John & LuAnn Trudo of Ross Equipment Rentals have all the equipment needed to do your yard, garden, home improvement and construction projects. They continue to add to their inventory, hoping to reach every customers needs. Stop in and see what's new!

They are located in the B&K Complex, 18731 US Hwy. 85 North of Belle Fourche. See www.rossequipmentrental.com for all your equipment rental needs.

ET SPORTS

Over the past 50 years, Ellis Tripp and 3 generations of family have provided the Northern Hills with products to make your outdoor living a lot more fun! A huge supporter of Belle Fourche and several local groups; ET Sports was named 2015 Chamber Community Pride Award recipient. They carry Polaris and Kawasaki ATVs, Kawasaki motorcycles and PWC, and Lawn Boy garden products. They have a full service and parts department included in their new state of the art building located South of Belle Fourche. Call 605-723-4ATV or stop in today and see what they can do for you – you’ll be glad you did!

CASTEEL AUCTION AND REAL ESTATE, INC.

Casteel Auction and Real Estate, Inc. has been in the Auction Business since 1979. They are actively involved in Farm/Ranch, Residential, and some Commercial real estate.

They will work with individuals on different options or methods of marketing for Real Estate or Personal Property that they wish to liquidate or purchase. Casteel Auction and Real Estate Inc. staff are ready to visit with you on all your Auction & Real Estate questions. Give them a call at 605-347-5110.

SUNDANCE STATE BANK

Sundance State Bank Loan Production office opened its doors in mid December 2014. Our office is capable of producing Commercial, Agricultural and Consumer loans in a confident and timely manner. We have competitive rates, low fees and locally made loan decisions. Sundance State Bank, has been providing services to Northeastern Wyoming since 1895 and is bringing the same exceptional customer service to the Spearfish area through our Loan Production Office. Lenders, Jerome Greger, Commercial/Ag loans and Lorrie Redfield, Consumer loans have nearly 50 years banking history between them. We look forward to helping you in your lending needs.

Pedal power Dakota Five-O creates positive impact for area

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Most people think of big bike events contributing to the Black Hills economy – but the pedal-powered version may not be the first image that comes to mind.

The Dakota Five-O, the 50-mile mountain bike race held Labor Day weekend in Spearfish, is one such event that draws crowds from all over the map. Organized by the Ridge Riders of the Black Hills, LLC, the Dakota Five-O has already filled its 650 registration slots for the 15th annual race scheduled for Sept. 6, 2015. In 2014, the slots and waiting list filled in less than two hours.

Mistie Caldwell, Visit Spearfish, Inc.’s executive director, said two things that people not associated with the event may not know is that the race brings in more than the riders: the riders bring their families and supporters, and there is also a large group of volunteers and spectators who come out for the race.

“There’s a lot of community involvement,” she said. Though the hotel occupancy numbers won’t be out for this month until next month, Caldwell said the larger impact is probably felt by campgrounds, restaurants, coffee shops – businesses that draw a more outdoor crowd.

“The Dakota Five-O weekend is another rally for us,” Janelle Rauterkus, Spearfish City Campground manager, said, comparing the number of guests and facility needs of the campground to the week of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. One major difference, though, is the majority of guests come to stay with families, and she said a lot of people who come for the race stay the entire weekend, making it a mini vacation. All 63 hook-up sites at the campground were full in 2014, with a waiting list topping 30 that started in June.

“It’s definitely one or our busiest times of year,” Rauterkus said, adding that around 75 percent of the campers at the city campground during Labor Day weekend are involved with the Dakota Five-O. Nick Caton, owner of Killian’s Tavern and Steakhouse and Barbacoa’s in Spearfish, said it’s the busiest weekend of the year at his establishments. He prefaced the information with the fact that he’s been involved in helping with the Dakota Five-O and building a presence there for the last nine years.

Barbacoa’s, the Bay Leaf Café, and Crow Peak Brewery set up in the park to provide free product to the riders

during the race and sell to the crowd that PEDAL POWER Pg 50

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 45

Thank you to our Customers and Staff for helping White’s Canyon Ford and Lincoln achieve the highest recognition awards from the Ford Motor Company. Three Consecutive years of President’s Awards and Two Consecutive years of the One Ford Elite Award. We couldn’t do it without you!

whitescanyonmotors.com I-90 Exit 14, Spearfish 605-642-4400 • 888-642-FORD

Page 46, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Let Our Family Care for Your Family!

Spearfish is where our hearts are!

Dr. Mick, Dr. Nicole, Dr. Monique, and Dr. Brad are all proud alumni of Black Hills State University! Dr. Nicole, Dr. Monique and Dr. Brad all graduated from Spearfish High School!

Michael R. Dana, DDS, PC

• Latest Technology • Laser Cavity Detector • Minimal Sedation for Anxiety

• Digital & 3D X-Rays • Drilless Dentistry • Hard & Soft Tissue Laser

CosmetiC Dentistry

General Dentistry

• Veneers • Bonding • Tooth Colored Fillings • Tooth Colored Crowns • Braces

• Implants • Fillings • Extractions • 1 Appointment Root Canals • Gum Disease Treatment • Dentures

1306 Main St. - Spearfish, SD 605.642.7727 or 888.826.7470 Visit us on the web at www.danadentalarts.com

Get to Know the Newest Northern Hills Loan Office • Commerical, Agricultural and Consumer Loans • Competitive Rates and low fees

• Local Loan Decisions for timely loan approvals • Exceptional Customer Service

Located in the 12th Street Plaza

725 N 12th Street, Spearfish

605-559-2265

Jerome Greger, Vice President - Commerical and Ag Lender • Lorrie Redfield, Asst., Vice President - Consumer Lender

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 47

Page 48, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Recognized by the most

IMPORTANT

Community Critics in the Northern Black Hills: DEADWOOD CHAMBER MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS IN 2014 APEX 1996, LLC Baczwaski Law Office Badlands Security Bennett Advertising BH Parrott Welfare Bill & Jaci Pearson Black Hills Area Council, Boyscouts Black Hills Laser Designs Black Hills Playhouse Branding Iron Steakhouse Charter Media

Claim Jumpers Mobile Home Park & Storage Cousin's Big Chair Creekside Campgrounds Custer State Park Dakota Coin & Collectables Dakota Spur Deadwood Legend's Steakhouse at the Franklin Hotel Deadwood Old West Trading Post Deadwood Gaming Association Double Key Treasure Hunts Financial Benefits

BE A PART OF ONE OF THE MOST PROGRESSIVE CHAMBERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA • Internet Directory Listings & Links - Award-winning website with record number of visits in 2014.

• Membership Official Guide Listing - Largest distribution of any South Dakota Chamber. Over 250,000 distributed to information centers, travel shows, meeting planners, relocation packets, individual inquires, and digital impressions.

• Membership Labels or Electronically - Chamber membership list for labels.

• Relocation Inserts - Provide us with your information and we will mail it out with our initial replies.

• Convention Welcome Packets -We will include your information in thousands of attractive welcome packets to conventions and meetings held in the city and surrounding communities.

• Monthly Mixers - A personal invite to all monthly mixers with an opportunity to share your business information and talents with our members in a relaxed atmosphere.

• Visit & Ribbon Cutting - Put your business in the news with a visit from the Deadwood Chamber Staff.

• FAM’s - Familiarization Tour host. Deadwood is asked to host many tour group leaders, travel agents and travel writers to familiarize them with our area.

• Economic Information - Community profile, demographic information, general business statistics, business development assistance.

• Annual Events - The biggest and best events in the region bring tens of thousands of people to the area.

• Chamber Board Room - Use of the Chamber Board Room for business meetings.

• Wild Bill Coupon Booklet - Thousands of coupon books are printed and distributed to Deadwood visitors each year. It is a one time only coupon and entitles discounts or special promotions from participating Chamber member buinesses.

• Free Publications - Each year the Deadwood Chamber prints, distributes and mails multiple promotional pieces featuring Deadwood Chamber businesses including: Visitor Guide, Inspiration Guide, Deadwood Map, and more.

• Chamber Gold Bucks - Chamber member gift certificate redemption program.

• Training Program - Free training programs are available to Chamber members, their managers and employees. Available programs include: hospitality training for frontline employees, hospitality training for owners and managers, and FAM tours for frontline employees.

Geo's Eats and Drinks Gold Dust Casino Gunslinger Coffee Heartland Payment Hotel By Gold Dust Jake's Garage Jerry Greer's Engineering JL's Gift Shop Maverick's Steaks and Cocktails McPherson Auction Miner Brewing Company Miss Kitty's Mercantile Northern Hills Railway

Northern Hills Training Center Old MacDonald's Farm Reptile Gardens Rushmore Office Supply Sick Boy Motorcycles South Side Service Salon by Akela Sturgis Chiropractor The Higby House The Old Gringo The Paw Spa

DEADWOOD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeanna Dewey - President Tracy Island - Vice President Chuck Turbiville - Treasurer Tony Sieber - Secretary

Pat Roberts Dale Berg Dan Leikvold Rich Turbiville Mary Beth Seamands Carmella Biesiot Louie LaLonde

Tom Rensch Austin Burnham Ken Gienger Chuck Williams Mike Trucano Kevin Kuchenbecker Wes Pleinis

DEADWOOD CHAMBER STAFF

Lee Harstad, Executive Director Dory Hanson, Controller/Office Manager Marta Artz, Membership Director Sarah Anderson, Event Coordinator Amanda Kille, Marketing & Sponsorship Director Dawn Burns, Sales Director Alexis Lemmel, 2015 Deadwood Chamber Intern

HISTORY AND INFORMATION CENTER STAFF Approximately 150,000 Guests Visit The Information Centers Each Year Sophia Bichler, Manager

For more information on Membership with the Deadwood Chamber, call 605-578-1876.

767 Historic Main St. Deadwood, SD

605-578-1876 www.deadwood.org

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 49

Wharf Mine sold to Coeur Mining

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer LEAD — Coeur Mining, Inc. of Chicago, Ill has acquired 100 percent of the Wharf gold mine outside of Lead for $105 million. The sale’s closing transaction took place in mid February, six weeks earlier than expected, in a move that will enable Wharf to accelerate its Coeur revenue contributions in the way of production and cash flow, more immediately impacting its bottom line as Coeur’s second-largest projected gold producer for 2015.

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Frank Hanagarne said while the projected life of the mine is eight years, plans are to increase exploration drilling early on and over and above what has been done the last few years.

“We’re extremely pleased to add Wharf as an operational asset to the rest of our operating mines,” Hanagarne said. “We’re extremely happy we’re acquiring a seasoned work force and strong management team. We’re looking forward to doing business in the state of South Dakota.”

Hanagarne said that acquiring the Wharf operation was particularly appealing to Coeur Mining officials because it will increase the company’s production profile for gold, which will be helpful to the economics of the company.

“And it’s in North America, which is a very friendly mining jurisdiction,” Hanagarne said. “It helps balance out our list profile; from Alaska

to Mexico to Bolivia … adding an asset in the United States is helpful to that.”

The Wharf mine purchase represents a 24 percent increase to Coeur’s total gold reserves, leverages Coeur’s 25 years of open-pit, heap leach experience, enhances the company’s overall geopolitical risk file, adds a stable, established source of production and cash flow to Coeur’s existing portfolio, provides quality immediate growth from accretive transaction, is anticipated to reduce Coeur’s consolidated unit costs and is expected to increase the company’s 2015 EBITDA by more than 30 percent and boost free cash flow.

Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Resources Keagan Kerr of Coeur Mining said that several things made the Wharf Mine attractive to add to the company’s holdings.

“I think when we looked at the property, we gained a clear understanding of what Wharf did in the community, the fact that they have long-tenured employees who operate safely and are stewards of the community,” Kerr said. “Those are the things we look for in acquiring a company.”

As part of Coeur’s full-year 2015 outlook and taking into account Friday’s finalized acquisition of the Wharf gold mine from Goldcorp, Inc., production is expected to be 14.8-16 million ounces of silver and 294,000-323,000 ounces of gold or 32.4-35.4 million silver equivalent ounces. Costs applicable to sales per gold ounce are expected to be $750-$825 per gold

The last, large-scale gold mine in the Black Hills was sold in February to Coeur Mining Inc. headquartered in Chicago Ill. Courtesy photos

equivalent ounce at Wharf. The production outlook for gold at Wharf is projected to be between 74,000 and 78,000 ounces in 2015.

Hanagarne said Coeur will continue with the reclamation efforts

currently in place.

“At the end of our operations, we will continue to take care of the rest of that obligation,” Hanagarne said.

Kerr added that culturally, the Wharf Mine is a good fit for Coeur, who takes great pride in its community involveWHARF Pg 56

Page 50, Our Towns 2015

ELKHORN RIDGE RV RESORT

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 44

PEDAL POWER

Elkhorn Ridge RV Resort is located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota; minutes from historic Deadwood, legendary Sturgis, and scenic Spearfish on Interstate 90 at Exit 17. The Resort is ideal for family vacations, reunions, weddings, receptions, retreats, and corporate events. For those who live close by, it is a fantastic weekend getaway. Stay in a fully furnished cabin, load up the RV, or pitch a tent. Bring your bikes along because the entire Resort is paved! Our new Event Center allows for groups of up to 250 people. It’s a perfect setting for meetings, special occasion events, and activities all year long.

HEALTHSOURCE

At HealthSource, we understand how hard maintaining your health can be, working long hours, escorting the kids and juggling everything else makes it easy to let your health take a back seat.

We pay attention to your health, because ignoring the small, sometimes nagging, warning signs can have drastic consequences: always feeling tired and lethargic, constant knee, neck and joint pain, soreness, headaches, sleepless nights Our mission is to make your health our top priority. In fact, we’re the largest provider of chiropractic care in the world, which means, with HealthSource you’re never too far from feeling like yourself again.

REDWATER EYE CARE

Optometrists Brian Gill, O.D. and Jess Moser, O.D. are now seeing patients in Belle Fourche. They are eager to help the entire family with your vision needs. Redwater Eye Care has a full line of unique eyewear and safety glasses. In addition to great service, the doctors and staff are passionate about helping with the gift of sight locally and internationally by providing a drop off location for your used glasses that they donate to the Lions Club.

Stop in and make your appointment at 1432 Mill Street, Belle Fourche or call 605-723-3937.

ROCKINGTREE FLORAL AND GARDEN CENTER

gathers to watch and support the riders.

“We feel the presence of the Five-O, big time,” he said. On the night of the race, Killian’s showed a 40 percent increase compared to the restaurant’s busiest night during the Sturgis rally.

Rebecca Williams, manager of Dough Trader Pizza, said it is the busiest weekend for them, as well, and that it’s hard to explain just how busy it is compared to other times of the year.

“It’s unbelievable,” she said, adding she is amazed how they can surpass the amount of food coming out of their small kitchen from the year before. With limited capacity of kitchen and seating space, Williams said that wait time doubles, from around 30 minutes on a generally busy day, to around an hour on the evenings of the Dakota Five-O weekend.

Though the staff stays extremely busy, she said they enjoy the customers and the event signals the culmination of summer.

“I think it’s great for the area,” Williams said of the race. “It brings a different kind of tourist to the area.”

Corey Brost, owner of Common Grounds, another business that has been involved with the race for years, agrees that the bicyclist demographic of customers seem to be more geared toward supporting local businesses, and his staff sees returners to the race year after year.

“It’s really fun to talk to some of the families,” he said, adding that because the race allows people to come and see what the Black Hills has to offer, it makes an impact in many different industries.

“I think it’s one of the best groups that come to town,” Brost said.

The main event, the race, is sandwiched between various community events. The schedule for participants includes Downtown Friday Nights, a community event featuring live music and vendors on Main Street each Friday during the summer.

Saturday includes packet pick-up and a pasta feed at the Crow Peak Brewery, and Sunday is the day of the race, with music, an awards ceremony, and after-party happening after the race. In addition, for the last two years, the Spearfish Bicycle Cooperative has organized a week of community rides and events to build up to the Dakota Five-O. “I think it embodies what we do well in Spearfish,” Caton said about the how the event encompasses so many things, describing how Spearfish and the Black Hills have become a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. For example, Salsa Cycles, a company that manufactures mountain bikes and accessories, and promotes “adventure by bike” has a bike model named for Spearfish. Its 2014 catalog also features information about rides in the Black Hills. Spearfish is also home to Quarq, a company that produces bicycle power meters, which allow bicyclist to better understand their performance. These companies have presences at bicycling events around the world, and their association with the area

from Pg 41

SANTA SHOP Randy started a landscaping business in Sturgis in 1976. In 1993, he and Carol purchased a lot on Lazelle Street, which became the permanent location. Since then, their business has grown tremendously, now serving customers in a five-state area. They operate a flower and gift shop and garden center with services that include landscaping projects ranging from small residential projects to large commercial projects, installation of sprinkler systems, snow removal, and sales of Christmas trees.

middle school during December, 2015.

Between 40 and 50 volunteers are needed each day, or 20 per classroom.

“It’s ideal to have an adult with each kid,” Island said. “They have to turn in their money, shop and wrap with a 20 minute time frame.”

Lead-Deadwood Elementary Principal Tim Kosters said that Island’s work, not only to purchase the items and set up shop, but securing the Catholic church as a ven-

Pioneer file photos impacts its reputation. Such a reputation brings people to the Dakota Five-O, certainly, but also for repeated visits and possible relocation.

“It will impact us in the future more than we know,” Caton said, describing the Dakota Five-O as the “physical representation” of all the things Spearfish has going for it.

Caldwell voiced similar sentiment.

“It is what Spearfish is,” she said, Caldwell voiced appreciation for Perry and Kristi Jewett, who organize the event, as well as their volunteer base and desire to make the Dakota Five-O a signature event for Spearfish and the people in the community. She said they recognize the importance of the environmental sustainability and the economic impact of the race.

“They’re really great assets,” she said.

Brost added that even though the race has grown exponentially, they’ve gone a really good job managing the growth and keeping the riders – many of whom have participated in each of the 14 Dakota Five-O races since its start – coming back to Spearfish.

For more information about the Dakota Five-O, visit dakotafiveo.com.

ue to hold Santa Shop has been nothing short of amazing.

“The biggest benefit is that kids are able to give their parent a gift without having to go to an actual store to buy it and it is a complete surprise,” Kosters said. “The ability for them to shop for that gift makes kids very happy. At Christmas time, they get so excited to give the Santa Shop gift, a lot of them can’t wait until Christmas to give it to their parents.”

Kosters is also very impressed with the community partnerships that Island has forged.

“There are several different organiza-

tions that help with running Santa Shop and she has been able to find a way to store items at the church,” Kosters said.

“It is a big community partnership and I appreciate that.”

With so many satisfied little customers, it’s easy to see what, just like Santa, keeps Island coming back year after year.

“Giving is even better than receiving,” Island said. “And when you’re an adult helping and part of that, wow. It’s one of those things that makes you feel so good on so many different levels, so many different times for so many different reasons.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 51

Community Partners

The meticulously restored 1892 Victorian mansion with original contents chronicles Deadwood’s transition from a raucous mining camp into a prosperous and technologically rich city. The home recounts the triumphs and tragedies of two of Deadwood’s founding families.

The Queen Anne-style home was built by pioneer businessman Harris Franklin, complete with stained glass windows, thoroughly modern 19th century plumbing and electricity, hand-painted canvas wall coverings and telephone service. W.E. Adams purchased the home in 1920, and after his death in 1934, Adams’ second wife Mary closed the doors.

The home sat silent for almost 60 years. In 1998, under the direction of the City of Deadwood’s Historic Preservation Commission and the Adams Museum, historic preservation experts painstakingly restored the mansion to its former glory. The home is open daily in the summer when the beautiful gardens are in full bloom. During the fall and winter, the mansion serves as a stage for special and private tours. The Adams House Gift Shop, adjacent to the house, features unique gifts. The Historic Adams House

is wheelchair-accessible on the first floor.

Spring hours begin in April, Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed Mondays. Summer hours are May through September, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call for details on winter hours.

Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 7 – 13 and free to children 6 and under. The museum is free to Deadwood History members. Call 605-722-4800 for information on facility rentals and group tours. -

22 Van Buren Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-3724 DeadwoodHistory.com

Spearfish Nutrition Site Tree House Café/Meals on Wheels 430 Oriole Drive | Spearfish, SD 57783

Citizens of the Spearfish community 60 years young plus, have an exceptional opportunity to meet friends and neighbors in a relaxed environment at the Tree House Café (Spearfish Nutrition Site). If you enjoy good nutritious food, meeting people and great conversation, then you need to stop in and see what the newest craze in town is.

Good High Quality nutritious food is essential to our well being and at the Tree House Café, that’s precisely what you will get. We offer three hot entrees and an extensive variety of side dishes Monday through Friday 11:00 – 1:00.

Even though we are a Senior Meals Program, we encourage all ages to join in and enjoy our offerings.

There is no fee for seniors, only donations are accepted. Guests under 60 are charged a fee of $6.59 plus tax. We are a non-profit federally funded program relying exclusively on donations, grants, fundraisers, memorials and some state and federal funding.

Through our Meals-On-Wheels program, seniors unable to adequately cook for themselves and are homebound can have a noon meal delivered to their home Monday through Friday by volunteers who graciously donate their time to help us out. Only donations are accepted for this service.

Our ultimate goal is to bring awareness of the importance nutritious food has in our daily lives. Not only is food a vital part of daily living but fellowship plays a big role in knowing that there is a place one can go and feel welcomed.

For more information, call 642-1277

Page 52, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Community Partners Founded in 2004 LIKE THE NORTH STAR Our mission in life is to point people to Jesus.

605-423-4444 Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, an extension of 12 western South Dakota schools districts, has called Sturgis home for nearly three decades. We value our many connections to the community. Currently we are interested in interviewing potential Direct Support Professionals who would be employed to work with people who have developmental disabilities, in classrooms, residences, our Sturgis office, and at our Pleasant Valley campus.

Jesus isn’t found in a bunch of rules and regulation. A relationship with Jesus should be a guilt-free experience. It doesn’t have to take all the fun and excitement out of life. It happens when you get to know Him in a real, active, organic, life-changing way.

When you come and visit us, expect to be comfortable. Jeans and T-shirts are the normal attire. We’ll worship and pray and our lead minister, Matt, will talk for a while. Don’t worry, though—we don’t let him talk too long!

We’ll take communion and, if you are a believer in Jesus, you’re welcome to take it with us. There will be an offering for people who call North Point home; we don’t expect you to give when this happens. We just want you to get to know us, to see if we’re a good fit for you.

Hope to see you soon.

Celebration Service is at 10:05am Sunday mornings in the Spearfish High School Auditorium

The Adams Museum is the Black Hills’ oldest history museum. In 1930 pioneer businessman W.E. Adams founded the Adams Museum in downtown Deadwood with the purpose of preserving and displaying the history of the Black Hills. He donated the building to the City of Deadwood and placed the operation of the organization in the hands of a board of directors.

The Adams Museum is home to some of the Black Hills’ greatest treasures including Potato Creek Johnny’s gold nugget, beloved American illustrator N.C. Wyeth’s pencil sketch drawing of Western legend Wild Bill Hickok, the mysterious Thoen Stone record of the Ezra Kind party’s discovery of gold in the Hills in the 1830s and a one-of-a-kind plesiosaur (marine reptile).

In addition to exhibits on all three levels, the Adams General Store is located on the main floor and a meeting room is located on the lower level.

Open year round, the Adams Museum is wheelchair accessible.

A suggested donation of $5 per adult, $2 per child is appreciated.

Call 605-722-4800 for information on facility rentals and group tours.

54 Sherman Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-1714 DeadwoodHistory.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 53

Community Partners SIMULATED

UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR

Constructed with pride by local miners!

Live re-creations of the town’s rich history started in 1924 through the Days of ‘76 celebration and award-winning rodeo. The celebration began as a way to honor Deadwood’s pioneers – the prospectors, miners, muleskinners and madams who poured into the Black Hills in 1876 to settle the gold-filled gulches of Dakota Territory.

Deadwood’s newest museum documents the celebration and rodeo. The Days of ‘76 Museum features exceptional displays of carriages, firearms, American Indian artifacts and illustrates Deadwood’s enduring friendship with Buffalo Bill Cody.

The Days of ‘76 Museum is wheelchair accessible. The gift shop is located on the first floor. Admission is $5.50 for adults, $2.50 for

GOLD PANNING

children ages 7 – 13 and free to children 6 and under. The museum is free to Deadwood History members.

Open year round, the Days of ‘76 Museum is wheelchair accessible.

Call 605-722-4800 for information on facility rentals and group tours.

MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP Official Mining Museum of the State of South Dakota

18 Seventy Six Drive Deadwood, SD 605-578-1657 DeadwoodHistory.com

323 W. Main St., Lead • 605-584-1605 www.blackhillsminingmuseum.com

Kiwanis Club of lead

A local service club dedicated to providing assistance to our local youth and the elderly.

Chartered in 1925, the Kiwanis Club of Lead has been actively supporting the Lead and Deadwood communities for almost 90 years. We now have three new clubs in the area to help with service projects and fundraising activities: the Lead-Deadwood High School Key Club for high school students, the Builders Club for middle school students and the Noon Kiwanis Club, a newly formed club that meets at the Pizza Lab. Some of the projects we support include:

The Community Birthday Calendar and the Prospector Bowl.

$1,000 Scholarships for 2 graduating Seniors • Kids Voting American Legion Boys & Girls State • RIF American Legion Baseball • American Legion Government Day Little League Baseball • PTO • Students of the Month & Year Lead-Dwd HS Art Club • Lead-Dwd HS Speech & Debate Lead-Dwd HS Athletics • Post Prom • Lead Rec Center Library Tapes • Community Christmas • Festival of Trees Northern Hills Crisis Outreach • Neighborhood Housing Angel Tree • Senior Tree • Dictionary Project for 3rd Graders Lead-Deadwood Elementary Triathlon Sing each month at Golden Ridge Assisted Living Facility

Meetings every Monday night at 6:00 p.m. at the Lotus Up in Lead. The public is welcome.

Anyone interested in learning more, please contact a Kiwanian or call 584-1777

A gift to your library is a gift to the entire community.

Hearst Library 315 W. Main • Lead, SD 57754

605-584-2013

Our library is located on Lead’s Main Street between the Historic Homestake Opera House and the Black Hills Mining Museum.

Stop in for a cup of coffee or tea ~ stay to read the paper or take advantage of the

FREE internet & wireless access!

• Library cards are free with proof of Lawrence County residency.

• AvAilAble For CheCkout Are:

New release print books, audio books, e-books, movies and magazines

• ProgrAms the librAry oFFers:

Preschool story hour, home school library skills class, library reading group, adult knitting group and summer children's and teen reading programs.

Visit our website: www.leadlib.com • E-mail: hearstlibrary@sdln.net Library Hours: Mon., Tues., Wed. 10am-7pm • Thurs. & Fri. 9am-5pm • Sat. 9am - 1pm

Page 54, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

Community Partners

Deadwood Elks Lodge #508 PO Box 584, Deadwood 578-1333 Club 722-5224 Secretary

If you’ve been around the Hills for a while, there is a good chance that your children, or even you, have directly benefited from one of the many Elks sponsored programs. Besides operating the largest privately funded scholarship program in the U.S., The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks sponsor a nationwide youth free-throw contest called Hoop Shoot, supports the D.A.R.E. Drug Awareness program in schools along with numerous programs and activities specifically for Armed Services Veterans.

Locally, Deadwood Lodge #508 sponsors an annual Easter Egg Hunt and the Lead-Deadwood Middle School Student of the Month awards. Each spring, our Youth Appreciation Banquet honors the achievements of over 300 students and their families from around the region. We are a contributor to the Post Prom events in all of the area high schools, contribute to numerous local athletic events and send a high school student representative to Boys and Girls State each year. Additionally, we answer many individual funding requests for those in need. Members of Deadwood Lodge #508 truly exemplify the Elks mantra “Elks Care, Elks Share”.

The Deadwood Elks Lodge lounge, once the hub of Deadwood’s social dance scene, is much quieter these days. Located right above Deadwood Harley Davidson and next to the Franklin Hotel, it still sports a full bar and is open weekend nights. Recent renovations have restored its magnificent view overlooking Deadwood’s Main Street. Members enjoy one of the best vantage points for taking in Deadwood’s many busy events.

During the early 1970’s and a national movement of deinstitutionalization, a group of parents initiated the effort start a facility in Spearfish for people with disabilities. With the help of community leaders, Northern Hills Training Center was successfully founded. We believe that people supported have human and legal rights which they do not have to work for or earn; have responsibilities that are an inherent part of their rights; and have the right to receive the supports and services they need to live in the community.

Our four primary services include: residential, prevocational/vocational, medical and service coordination.

The goal of residential services is to provide assistance and support to people with disabilities so that they can have opportunities to socialize and to help them become as independent as possible within their living environment. In order to provide a variety of choices for people, these supports are offered in a variety of settings including group homes,

supervised apartments, family homes and traditional community housing. The supports offered by staff in residential services cover a wide variety of daily living skills. The goal of residential services is to provide assistance and support to people with disabilities so that they can have opportunities to socialize and to help them become as independent as possible within their living environment.

Our prevocational/vocational programs help people find employment. The goal is to help people find and prepare for the job of their choice. These choices may include working on a crew or working independently in the community.

The medical/nursing staff supports people in assessing their health care needs and assisting them to access the quality health care services available in Spearfish and surrounding communities.

The service coordinator is a primary advocate for the person supported and ensures that what is important to a person and what is important for a person is identified and addressed.

Northern Hills Training Center supports approximately 130 people.

625 Harvard St. • Spearfish, SD • 605.642.2785

Helping families and individuals achieve their dream of homeownership: Seventy percent of U.S. adults are unaware of down-payment assistance programs available for middle-income homebuyers in their community.

NeighborWorks® Dakota Home Resources provides resources to Western South Dakota Residents to help families and individuals achieve, preserve, and sustain the benefits of homeownership. To date NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources has provided more than 700 families with down payment closing cost assistance; and has provided homebuyer education to 1600 first time homebuyers.

Recently, NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources updated their loan programs to better serve current and future homeowners. NeighborWorks increased their Down Payment & Closing Cost loan limit to allow clients to borrow up to $10,000; this increase will allow borrowers to lower their monthly payment and avoid the high cost of mortgage insurance when paired with conventional loan products.

NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources plays a critical role in helping people find resources like down payment assistance and homebuyer education. For more information about NeighborWorks Dakota Home Resources please contact NeighborWorks at 605-578-1401 or visit us online at www.nwdhr.org.

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer”

www.neighborworksdhr.org - 605-578-1401 795 Main Street, Deadwood, SD

The Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC) serves as a destination appealing to historians, geologists, genealogists, authors, scholars and the general public. It is a research center with a reputation for thoroughness assisting in multi-disciplined fields of study serving a local, state and national audience. The facility is designed to host a variety of public programs, workshops, concerts and lectures that appeal to a diverse and multi-generational audience. The HARCC provides public access to an unprecedented collection of historically valuable archival materials, offering a unique perspective of Black Hills history.

Open year round to the public, the HARCC is wheelchair

accessible.

Room rental and document reproduction rates are available. Call 605-722-4800 for information on facility rentals.

Business hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment.

150 Sherman Street Deadwood, SD 605-722-4800 DeadwoodHistory.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 55

Community Partners

Trinity United Methodist Church

Sunday Worship Service 9:00 a.m.

Fellowship following Worship • Sunday School for all ages Lord's Cupboard • Christian Ministry Center

111 S. Main Street, Lead - 605-584-1328

Welcome to Belle Fourche,

The Center of the Nation Visit our Unique Businesses, Great Merchants, Services & Eateries AmericInn Lodge & Suites Belle Fourche City Belle Flowers, Gifts & Decor Belle Fourche Livestock Belle Inn Restaurant Bentz Equipment BH Laundry & Dry Cleaning BH Pioneer/Prospector Black Hills Real Estate Team Black Hills Roundup Committee Branding Iron Steakhouse Budget Appliance & Furniture 2 Bunney's Body & Collision Center Butte County Post CBH Feed & Ag

Collins Cleaning Systems, LLC Common Cents Dairy Queen Dakota Finanical Services, Insurance Plus at NH Federal Credit Union Dakota Lumber David Pummel & Associates E.T. Sports Cory's E.T. Tire Factory Fast Break Screen & Printing First Interstate Bank Frontier Glass Hair Gallery Hersrud’s of Belle Fourche Hills Interiors Homestead Nursery Integrity Meats Jackson Dental Jeff Main CPA KBFS-KYDT Lifestyles Lindstad Alignment

Lueders Food Center Lynn’s Dakotamart Main Insurance Man Cave Mason’s 5th Ave./BuckStop Miki Dee’s/State St. Co-op Mulligan Nehl Dental New China Garden Office Emporium Patty's Place Pete’s Clothing/ Western Wear Pioneer Bank & Trust Posy Palace Randy’s Discount Tire & Lube The Real Estate Center - Belle Fourche Reid Motel Ross Equipment & Rental Roundup Building Center Runnings Rustic Soul

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Tree Selection Arbor Day Luncheon ................. April 23 Mother & Fathers Day Drawing..................... May Regional Health CEO Address .....May 5

Sand Creek Printing Scott Peterson Motors South Park Lanes Southside Conoco Branding Iron - Noon Stadium Sports Grill Stereo’s N Stuff Summer Fun .......................... July 24-25 Stinton Chiropractic Halloween Parade............... October 31 Subway of Belle Fourche Christmas Kickoff Sunset Motel & Fireworks ..................... November 27 Taco Johns Tim Speidel Business Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Tax Service Trading Post - American West Tripp Family AMC Auto Museum Tri-State Construction Tri-State Museum Waggin Tails Dog Salon Wells Fargo West Tire & Alignment

"Keeping Belle Fourche in Business."

Center of the Nation Business Association

Page 56, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

from Pg 49

WHARF ment in other jurisdictions.

“We have similar mines in similar communities – Alaska and Nevada – and it’s our people who make a difference at Coeur,” Kerr said. “It’s good to have people like we do at Wharf, to help us through the transition. We plan to continue working with the Wharf Fund board to continue to contribute to the community.

We have a strong reputation of contributing to the communities we operate in … and the guys at Wharf have done a great job of setting us up to continue that.”

Wharf Mine General Manager Ken Nelson said the transaction will mutually benefit both parties and contribute to increased benefits on both sides.

“The Wharf management team and site personnel are excited about this opportunity to be a larger part of the company,” Nelson said. “There are a lot of great synergies that we will be able to share between Wharf and Coeur now. We have great expertise on site and by using theirs, together we will increase the business as a whole. I think it’s a great thing for us, as a whole.”

Kerr said that as of right now, no personnel changes are planned and the Wharf Fund will continue the staunch financial community support it has offered in the past.

“From our perspective, it’s business as usual,” Kerr said. “We came into this knowing that Wharf had great systems and processes already in place here, which made it attractive to us as a company, so it’s business as usual from our end. We will rely on the personnel already on site. We will continue building on the foundation the Wharf fund has started. We think the community involvement is far-reaching and evident and plan to expand on what Wharf is currently doing. We need all employees to continue to operate safely and we don’t anticipate any lay-offs or reductions in force.”

The mine has a highly experienced, stable, and dedicated local workforce totaling approximately 190 people with a strong safety track record.

Wharf is an open-pit gold mine located in the Black Hills mining district in Lead.

The Black Hills district was historically the second largest gold producing district in the United States and includes the renowned Homestake mine. Wharf has been in production for more than 30 years after commencing production with an estimated three-year mine life. During that period, Wharf has produced more than 2.0 million ounces of gold and has a current reserve base of 560,000 ounces of gold.

Processing consists of crushing followed by heap leaching, providing gold recovery rates around 80 percent.

With 2014 revenues of $635.7 million, Coeur Mining is the largest U.S.-based

The Wharf Mine expects to produce 74000-78000 ounces of gold in 2015.

Courtesy photo silver producer and a significant gold producer with four precious metals mines in the Americas employing approximately 2,000 people. The company realized average prices of $18.87 per silver ounce and $1,252 per gold ounce during 2014, decreases of 21 percent and 6 percent respectively, compared to 2013. Coeur produces from its wholly owned operations: the Palmarejo silver-gold mine in Mexico, the San Bartolomé silver mine in Bolivia, the Rochester silver-gold mine in Nevada, and the Kensington gold mine in Alaska. The Company also has a non-operating interest in the Endeavor mine in

Australia, in addition to royalties on the Cerro Bayo mine in Chile, the El Gallo complex in Mexico, the Zaruma mine in Ecuador, and a royalty on the Correnso mine in New Zealand. In addition, the Company has two silver-gold feasibility stage projects — the La Preciosa project in Mexico and the Joaquin project in Argentina. The Company also conducts ongoing exploration activities in Alaska, Argentina, Bolivia, Mexico and Nevada.

It owns strategic investment positions in several silver and gold development companies with projects in North and South America.

Community Partners Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Black Hills Post #5969 Deadwood

Post 5969 became reality in February 1946, when Jim Shea and Toby Dahl acquired a charter from the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States of America (referred to as the VFW). Toby Dahl was the first Commander in the old City Building. When it burned down, the club was moved to Main Street. The Ladies Auxiliary received its charter in November 1946 with Clara Mae Ruth as President.

The current location on Pine Street was moved into in 1964. Remodeling was done, to a building that had been a car dealership and home to several grocery stores, to accommodate Post functions. In 1994 the facade was restored to original appearance with assistance from post members and Deadwood Historical Preservation.

One of the earliest community services provided by the VFW was serving as Honor Guard for fallen comrades. Many may recall the Lighting of Bikes for area children. As a nonprofit organization we are continually enlarging our outreach in service to the community supporting youth programs and providing assistance to our Veterans.

The present Post Commander is Toby Edstrom. Arlene Cox,Kay Virkula and Linda Datka are current Auxiliary Trustees. Veterans who have fought on foreign soil are encouraged to apply for membership. Any surviving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter or sister is eligible to apply for the Auxiliary. More information is available by calling our Post at 722-9914.

Any time you see an American flag being marched up Main Street or hear the Star Spangled Banner being played please place that right hand over your heart in remembrance of those who fought to preserve our way of life. It is a matter of respect. They deserve no less.

Opening June 2015

Photo Cre dit:

Sanford U ndergrou nd Researc h Facility

History • Science • Education Gift Shop & Visitor Center OPEN YEAR ROUND!

160 W. Main St., Lead, SD 57754 • 605.584.3110 • homestakevisitorcenter.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 57

Local group quilts for those in need

By Jodi Mathis Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — A group of Spearfish seniors donated or sold more than 800 quilts in 2014, and all for a good cause.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, the Our Savior's Lutheran Church quilters group meet at the church to quilt.

A group of about 20 members meets on Tuesday mornings and about 10 of those members also meet on Thursdays to get extra work done, so they can make as many quilts possible.

“In order to make the number of quilts that we do, we need an extra morning,” said Ella Schloe, who has volunteered at the church making quilts since 2004 along with more than 20 members of the group.

Schole said that all of the quilts are made from donated materials.

“The local motels, hotels, thrift shops, Salvation Army, and many local people as well as retirees bring materials to our church to use,” she said. “Some of the members go

Shown here are some of the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church quilters, meeting to work on quilts for those in need.

Pioneer photo by Jodi Mathis to yard sales and pick up materials that we can use, and oftentimes the seller is told they will be used for material at Our Savior’s Church and they just give us the material.”

The group purchases all of the threading materials and will buy sheets for the backs of

A prayer per stitch Prayer Shawl Ministry offers blessings of peace and healing through warm shawls

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — Carol Athow describes the start of the Prayer Shawl Ministry at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish as “divine intervention.” She had seen knitting books with prayer shawl patterns at the store and thought that might be something she would enjoy once she retired – but when her neighbor’s husband passed away and Athow

wanted to reach out to help her through the grief, she felt the Holy Spirit calling her toward prayer shawls.

“That was the impetus that helped me to get it (a prayer shawl ministry group) started,” she said.

“I owe Carol such a debt of gratitude for not giving up on me,” Helen Duncan, Athow’s neighbor said, describing that after she lost her husband two years ago, Athow continually called to check up on her and invite her out to lunch – and Duncan wasn’t

A Prayer Shawl Ministry meets Fridays at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Spearfish to knit and crochet shawls that are given to those in need of comfort, from the homebound, to the grieving, to those in hospice. Some of the ministry group members, from left, are Rita Schuster, Mary Ann Bohls, Joyce Kirk, Joan Schanzenbach, Darlene Miles, Judy Heinen, Betty Johnson, Barb Handley, Carol Athow, and Helen Duncan.

Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

the quilts when needed.

Dora-Jean Garlick, Spearfish resident and member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, said the quilters put all of the quilts on display in the church around the week of Thanksgiving for people to look at. Then, on quite ready to go out. So Athow came to her home, and they knit, and soon they were joined by another friend, Barb Handley.

Though Handley didn’t know how to knit, she was taken under Duncan’s wing and learned the craft. The three describe that they did a lot of praying, chatting, laughing, and crying during these get-togethers.

“I knew I needed to establish some kind of new normal,” Duncan said, reflecting that the act of knitting and having fellowship with friends provided the start of that, and it was also rewarding, creating something for somebody else in need of comfort.

Other friends continued to join in, and in September, the group began meeting at the church from 10 a.m. to noon each Friday, with anyone who is interested invited to join in the fellowship and ministry. Athow said that the church leadership has been very supportive, and the Prayer Shawl Ministry is part of the CARES (Christ-centered, Anointing, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Spiritual Support) Ministry, a stewardship program that involves the key element of hospitality.

A prayer shawl is a handmade knitted or crocheted garment that, through special blessings and prayers, becomes a religious article with special blessings attached, and each from St. Joseph’s is given with a card that reads, “Our Prayer Shawl Ministry has created this shawl for you with prayers for many blessings, and healing of body, mind, and spirit. As you wear this shawl, may you feel the warm embrace of Our Heavenly Father,” as well as a knotted rosary.

“The real, true meaning of this comes when you present a shawl to the person in need,” Athow said.

Margaret Anderson knits with the group, is the coordinator for the church’s ministry to homebound members, and said that the shawls are given to anyone in need of comSHAWL MINISTRY Pg 58

the first Saturday in December, the church has its Julefest where community members can purchase the quilts. Garlick said all of the quilts that are not sold are then donated QUILTS Pg 58

RE/MAX IN THE HILLS

RE/MAX in the Hills of Spearfish is dedicated to serving both buyers & sellers throughout the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota & Wyoming specializing in Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Lead, Deadwood, Whitewood, Newell, Sturgis, Beulah and Sundance providing listings for Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, and Land real estate. RE/MAX In The Hills was ranked #1 in total sales for 2012 from the Northern Black Hills Association of Realtors. Visit our website www.

HomesInTheBlackHills.com for a preview of our listings and to meet our agents!

WHITE'S CANYON FORD & LINCOLN

White’s Canyon Ford and Lincoln is proud to be an Automotive Leader in the Black Hills. Customer Satisfaction is their #1 priority and their staff is committed to achieving this goal in every aspect of the business. This philosophy has earned them the Prestigious Presidents Award for Sales Performance and Customer Satisfaction for 3 consecutive years.

They have also received the One Ford Elite Award for the last 2 years which ranks them in the top 1% of Ford Dealerships Nationally for Customer Service and Sales. They offer a wide selection of New Ford and Lincoln Vehicles, a large inventory of Pre-Owned including Certified Vehicles, Service all makes and models and have an extensive Parts and Accessory inventory. Give them a call at 1-605-6424000 when you’re looking for your next vehicle or automotive service.

Page 58, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

A drive to help others Spearfish’s Ron Ackerson donates thousands of wooden cars to help children in need

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer SPEARFISH — He estimates he’s given away close to 5,000 handmade wooden cars.

“I saw some pictures in a magazine one time with some toys,” Ron Ackerson, of Spearfish, said of that aspect of his woodworking hobby that he began in his retirement. Raised in Ellendale, N.D., Ackerson lived in Williston and worked in the oil business before retiring about 10 years ago, when he and his wife, Helen, moved to Spearfish. He started Ron’s Antler Art, making custom creations ranging from lamps to chandeliers and beyond as he developed the craft.

After seeing the magazine photos, he decided to try his hand at toys, as well. As a Shriner, Ackerson is familiar with the Shriners Hospital for Children in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, and when he learned that the hospital preferred toys without finish, nails, or metallic pieces, he began making and donating 150 wooden cars each month to the hospital. He delivers the cars to Rapid City, and they are then transported to Minneapolis. He later got a call from the Shriners hospital in Houston, Texas, which had heard about his wooden toys. They asked how much he charged, and he explained that they were donations, asking how many the hospital might be interested in.

“They said, ‘Well, we’d like to have a thousand.’” Ackerson said. “I said okay – but you’ll have to arrange for shipping.”

And sure enough,

from Pg 57

SHAWL MINISTRY fort – Catholic or not.

“It’s just such a nice gesture,” she said.

The shawls have been given to patients in hospice care, residents in nursing homes, those who have lost a loved one and are grieving, and Athow said there have been times when she’s met someone that she felt needed a shawl and happened to have one in her car to be able to present right then.

Anderson described a woman at a nursing home who was thrilled to receive one of the shawls, and the next time Anderson visited, the recipient was wrapped up in it, sleeping peacefully.

“In every stitch, there’s a prayer,” Anderson said.

The group has given out more than 55 prayer shawls and created more than 80 total.

Athow knows that the results of the ministry do not come from those who are creating the shawls; she points to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit allowing the members to use their time and talents to give back to their community “for the glory of God.” “It’s not anything that would happen humanly,” she said.

representatives drove up to Spearfish to pick up the wooden cars in a brand-new pickup, after an auto dealer who heard about the donation provided the hospital the use of the truck for free.

Ackerson said there’s a lot of satisfaction in knowing that children can enjoy the toys he makes, and he knows the hospitals have a great need for toys of this kind.

In addition to the Shriners, Ackerson has donated toys to various organizations on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Mont., and he also donates cars to local businesses, including Perkins Restaurant and Mark’s Old School Barber & Style Shop. Ackerson knew that Perkins supports Give Kids the World, a nonprofit organization that provides weeklong fantasy vacations to children with life-threatening diseases and their families in central Florida, and anyone who makes a donation to the organization at Perkins receives a wooden car.

As a result of this partnership, Ackerson started making bigger models of the wooden toys, adding tractors, semi-trailer trucks, dump trucks, trains, and more, to give to donors supporting the organization.

Marc Casavan, owner of Mark’s Barber Shop, said that he had known Ackerson for years, and last year Ackerson asked if the barber shop would be interested in having wooden cars on hand to give out to children.

Casavan said they would, and now the barbers hand out the cars to children who come in for haircuts or to those there with their families. Many have never seen handmade toys before, and Casavan said they are excited at the prospect of getting to customize the cars with paint.

“It’s pretty unbelievable for him to donate that around to everybody,” Casavan said. “He’s taking time to do that – that’s something special.”

Amos Armijo, barber at Mark’s Barber Shop, agreed.

“The barber shop really appreciates what he does.

The kids are excited when they pick up the cars,” he said. “He’s just been a miracle to us.”

Most of the material Ackerson uses to make the cars is donated by Custom Woodworks and ProBuild, and he is always looking for donations of white or yellow pine, since those types of wood are harder to come by.

While it takes a lot of time and equipment,

Each shawl is unique in the color and stitch, and members of the group say the time it takes to create a shawl varies, depending on how often they knit. Rita Schuster said she makes about one a week, while others in the group laughed and said they are not quite that fast.

The meetings include a lot of laughter and conversation, and many of the members said that in addition to being part of a rewarding ministry, it’s also enjoyable to share fellowship.

Many members of the ministry provide their own yarn and supplies, and local groups and individuals have also provided donations of yarn and funds to help offset the cost of the yarn.

“We’ve been very fortunate to have so many wonderful donations,” Anderson said.

Athow said that about 15 people are involved in the ministry currently, with many knitting or crocheting from home as they are able. Members include Rita Schuster, Mary Ann Bohls, Joyce Kirk, Joan Schanzenbach, Darlene Miles, Judy Heinen, Betty Johnson, Barb Handley, Carol Athow, Helen Duncan, Margaret Anderson, Laurie Anglin, Mary Ann Herrboldt, and Marcie Mack.

“We do have a good group coming” to weekly meetings, she said.

“It’s been amazing,” Athow added.

Since retiring about 10 years ago, Ron Ackerson, of Spearfish, has donated thousands of handmade wooden toys to the Shriners Hospital for Children in Minneapolis, as well as to local businesses in Spearfish.

Courtesy photos Ackerson said that he can make a couple of dozen smaller wooden cars in a day, and though he hasn’t had a chance to go to the children’s hospitals where his cars are distributed, he gets a lot of thank-you cards from the groups there.

“I just enjoy doing it,” Ackerson said.

from Pg 57

QUILTS locally to families or children in need and to different groups and organizations.

Schole said that Relators for Kids is among many groups that help underprivileged children in the community, and about two years ago, in addition to buying clothes and presents for children during Christmas time, the Relators for Kids group bought the mother of each underprivileged child they assisted a quilt.

The quilts are donated to a wide variety of people in need.

“Throughout the year we give quilts when there is a fire, when someone is sick, to people who come to Our Savior’s free clinic, and to people who are living in their vehicles,” Schole said.

This year the group made more than 814 quilts, and Alice Horton, a Belle Fourche resident, made or finished 97 baby quilts. The group raised more than $14,550 from quilts they sold, donated 514 quilts: 325 of those were donated locally and they sent 189 quilts to Lutheran World Relief.

“There is definitely a need for these quilts,” Schole said.

“Spearfish is an area where there are so many in need.”

The quilters group also sells quilts during Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights, at the Senior Center during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, at the Spearfish Harvest Fest, and at the church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday-Friday.

To read all of today's stories, Click here or call 642-2761 to subscribe to our e-edition or home delivery.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2015, Page 59

Having a beautiful yard means more than a neatly mowed lawn. Maximize the beauty of your yard, home or business.

We offer: • Landscaping • Tree & Shrub trimming or removal • Lawn fertilization & weed control • Sprinkler services • Power raking & aeration • Spring cleaning & many more services

Call us today at 605-559-1009!

RE/MAX In The Hills Serving the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming!

Specializing in

• Residential • Commercial • Land • Multi-Family properties

Visit our website to preview listings or meet our agents www.HomesInTheBlackHills.com Marysia McDowall • Kathy Whitelock Bud Hannah • John Teupel • Penny Doering • Liz Clement Lori McNeese • Angi Varland • Ashley Goodrich • Deb Stewart Dorcie Johner • Dan Bahmuller • Heidi Lewis • Dylan Rowe Sandy Donahue • Shelby Lund • Kristin Buckmaster

1145 N. Main Street, Spearfish, SD • 605-642-2500 remax@rushmore.com

Page 60, Our Towns 2015

The Black Hills Pioneer

• 11 Casinos featuring all your Favorite Slots & Live Blackjack Games • Deluxe Hotel Accommodations • FREE Wi-Fi Internet

3 Buffets Daily!

Breakfast

With made to order omelets

Lunch

Daily Specials

Dinner

• FREE On-Site Parking in our covered parking ramp

featuring USDA Choice Prime Rib served nightly

• FREE Beer, Wine & Cocktails for players

Every Friday & Saturday Night

• Group Packages

Prime Rib & Crab Deli Open Nightly