Our Towns 2018

OUR TOWNS 2018 Edition

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

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GAMING IN DEADWOOD

SANFORD LAB

EDUCATION

NORTHERN HILLS HOUSING

A $1 billion industry

World Class lab a mile underground

Looking at student body growth

BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2018 looks to be a positive year

Page 2, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

The personal way to a healthy smile.

Functional Orthodontics at Jackson Dental Functional Orthodontics offers a personalized approach to addressing dysfunction in the muscle, teeth and jaws of a patient.

By working with soft tissue dysfunction, we can bring about long lasting, healthy, and exciting results.

Before

Thanks for 5 Great Years!

Here’s to many more!

Stop by to see our weekly specials!

Weekday Lunch Special Available 11am-1pm

9 Months

Call today to learn more or to set up a consultation.

605-892-6347 503 Jackson St., Belle Fourche Jacksondentalsd.com

Locally Owned & Operated

by Todd and Barb Colgrove Delivery after 4pm

Christopher J. Jackson, DMD, DICOI • John H. Jackson, DDS • Jonathan G. Krum, PhD, DMD

134 Ryan Rd. Ste B., Spearfish, SD

605-559-0344

Relax

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Serving the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota and Wyoming!

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Servicing residential and commercial properties in Spearfish & the surrounding communities

3227 W. Fairground Loop, Spearfish (605) 559-1009 • www.dlslawncare.com

Marysia McDowall • John Keene • Bud Hannah • Penny Doering Liz Clement • Lori McNeese • Ashley Goodrich • Debra Stewart Heidi Lewis • Sandy Donahue • Shelby Lund • Ginger Johnston TJ Larson • Dan Gilger • Britney Routh • Tashi Braun • Lesley Coyle Bradly Larson • Mami Kjerengtroen • Steven Muller • Gary Collins Terssa Markworth • Robin Larson • Beka Zerbst • Jonathan Buckles

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 3

Deadwood gaming a $1.1 billion industry with nearly 1,600 employees

Casino contributions an integral part of state, local economy

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Deadwood gaming remains more than a $1 billion industry, contributing greatly to state and local coffers, despite a relatively flat finish for the area’s biggest business in 2017.

According to the year-end summary issued by the South Dakota Commission on Gaming in January, gamers visiting Deadwood in 2017 dropped $1.1 billion in machines and on tables. Deadwood gaming finished 2017 with a 1.14 percent drop in the cumulative totals, as compared to 2016 levels.

“The 2017 casino win was just over $99 million, which was a slight increase over 2016, despite overall gaming handle being down just over 1 percent,” said Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman. “This is attributable to a slightly better casino win percentage in 2017. What makes this such a success story is that halfway through 2017, at the end of June, casino win was down 4.2 percent, or down over $2 million. All of that loss was made up in the second half of 2017. Some of that turnaround was attributable to a slightly better regional economy and the rest of it was attributable to

a change in marketing strategy by the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce.”

Under the handle comparison category, Deadwood’s table game handle was $69.1 million

In 2017, the Deadwood table game handle was roughly $69.1 million, down a half percent when compared to 2016.

Pioneer photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

in 2017, down roughly .5 percent when compared to 2016 levels.

Under this same category, the slot machine handle was just over $1 billion, down 1.18 percent as compared to 2016.

Celebrity Hotel & Gaming General Manager Ken Gienger said Deadwood in the year 2017 was a year of up and downs and constant adjustments.

“As we all saw in 2017, gaming had its ups and downs and then came out with a positive result (with numbers up 15 percent in December). The gaming and hotel industries were constantly going up and down and then at the end of the year both of those industries ended up over the previous year,” Gienger said. “As the local and regional economy improves and changes we, in the gaming industry, will probably see the same ups and downs as we did in 2017. When Deadwood started gaming almost 30 years ago it was developed on the small scale. As the smaller scale became more successful, it developed into more mid-size casinos and as those became more successful larger casinos started to be developed.

I see this progression continuing for a while with Deadwood becoming more of a mid-size to large size casino town with

an increase in retail. It’s called competition, adapting to it and changing course when needed.”

According to the 2017 Fiscal Year Report from the S.D. Commission on Gaming, $15,726,356 was collected in gaming taxes and fees for the fiscal year.

“The industry is proud that we generated $3,117,404 for the South Dakota Department of Tourism, $2,928.062 to the state general fund, $100,000 to South Dakota Historic Preservation, $779,351 to Lawrence County, $279,125 to the municipalities of Spearfish, Lead, Whitewood and Central City and another $279,125 to the Lead/Deadwood, Spearfish, Meade and Belle Fourche school districts with the balance of the distribution, after administrative costs, going primarily to the historic preservation and restoration in the city of Deadwood.”

As such, the city of Deadwood received a distribution of $6,817,771.

“These governmental entities rely on the revenues produced by the Deadwood gaming industry,” Rodman said. “This is why a healthy gaming industry is vital to the interests of all South Dakotans.”

Other positives for the indus-

try noted by Rodman include the Tru Hotel by Hilton opening in early summer, giving Deadwood the first real increase in rooms in several years, along with new restaurants.

“The Deadwood Comprehensive plan and its vision for Deadwood’s future will soon be completed. The Main Street planning committee will soon unveil their plan for the future and the Deadwood Main Street Initiative is close to unveiling their final plans for the first Main Street Square (along Deadwood Street) along with the formation of Business Improvement District 8, which will generate marketing and promotion dollars for the Main Street Square allowing additional events and recreational opportunities for Deadwood,” Rodman said. “BID 8 is currently working with the Deadwood Chamber on producing a summer concert series on Sundays for this summer and adding a concert in August at the Days of 76 Event Center in conjunction with the Mustang Rally.”

Rodman added, Deadwood has also reached out to the Deadwood/Lead Economic Development Corporation and the Sanford Underground GAMING Pg 4

Page 4, Our Towns 2018

FIRST GOLD GAMING RESORT

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 3

GAMING

First Gold Gaming Resort is committed to providing our customers with the very best customer service possible. Stay in one of our deluxe hotel accommodations or luxury suites, either at our new Travelodge Inn & Suites franchise or First Gold Gaming Resort. We offer free on-site parking in our parking garage, buffets served everyday featuring USDA Choice Prime Rib nightly, and be sure to check out our huge variety of slot machines and live blackjack table games. Sign up for a Gold Club Players Card and start earning cash back now! www.firstgold.com/1-800-274-1876

COWBOYS TOO!

Cowboys Too!, owned by George S. Wilson, carries men and women's fine western apparel including CINCH, Panhandle, Cruel, Cowgirl Tuff, Hooey, Lucchese, Twisted X, and more.

They cater to the rodeo circuit with an emphasis on customer service. Community is king in their store and whenever they can help they do.

Cowboys Too! is growing and expanding into a new store, opening April 25, just across from their current location. Look for new lines like Ryan Michael, Rockmount, Ranch Wear (made in the USA), Girly Go Garter, and more!

Cowboys Too! is located at 506 State St., Belle Fourche. For more information call 605-892-9089 or visit their website at www.cowboystoo.com.

DANA DENTAL ARTS

"Family Dentistry" takes on a new meaning at Dana Dental Arts. Proudly serving the Spearfish Area since 1974, 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 Fellowship 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 complement the latest technology and patient centered approach which the entire Dana Dental Arts staff are pleased to provide.

Research Facility (SURF) to explore additional visitor opportunities with their expansion plans.

“Deadwood operators have also been excited with the increased event schedule at the Deadwood Mountain Grand and the national exposure they bring Deadwood like the recent Showtime boxing event,” Rodman said.

“Deadwood is also pleased that it continues to grow as a convention destination and will host our largest group to date this summer, with approximately 1,800 Shriners from across the Midwest coming in August.”

Rodman added, according to the 2017 State of the States report from the American Gaming Association, Deadwood Gaming employed 1,593 direct employees.

Gienger said he expects another year of change for 2018.

“The continued expansion of hotels on the north end of town is designed to bring a younger customer to Deadwood which should increase our customer base. In the center of town, we have some businesses looking at development of their second floors with added attractions, retail, and hopefully some main street apartments. With the Welcome Center into their second summer season we can expect to see more visitors which mean more opportunity to see our businesses,” Gienger said. “With the new development of Bid 8 and the tax money being used, through the Chamber, for promoting Deadwood and providing more public entertainment for Deadwood residents and guests, it should give our guests reasons to stay and play.”

Gienger added that during Black Hills Central Reservations’ annual meeting many of the hotels, campgrounds, and tourist attractions were very impressed with their early reservations for the summer.

“With the Deadwood Chamber and

Pioneer photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson Main Street Initiative working hard on providing more public venues and entertainment during the summer months we are very optimistic that the Black Hills visitor will make Deadwood part of their

vacation plans,” he added. “I see great things for Deadwood in 2018 because in the long run we all want the same thing, a great place to live and work.”

DAVID M. DORSETT HEALTHCARE COMMUNITY

Thanks to David and Olive Dorsett's envision of a place of healing and promotion of quality of life, David M. Dorsett Healthcare Community became a reality in 1956. For over 60 years, we have been serving those in need in our 100 bed rehabilitation and skilled care center, which includes a 20 bed memory care unit. Dorsett Healthcare is conveniently located near our clinics and hospital. We offer a therapy department, 24 hour nursing care, a beauty shop, dietary services, activities, maintenance, laundry and housekeeping services, and a Social Service Department and business office to help with the transition process. Our mission is to provide the highest quality care in a compassionate and positive environment.

At year-end, approximately 3,077 slot machines accounted for just over $1 billion in coin-in in Deadwood during 2017, down just over one percent when compared to 2016.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 5

Howdy’s Newmart

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Residential • Land Commercial Farm & Ranch

Fred Wilson 605.645.1314

Gloriann Ruby 605.645.8938

Artie Gifford 605.347.1167

1411 5th Ave., Suite B, Belle Fourche

www.DakotaHomeAndRanchRealEstate.com

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HOMESTEAD NURSERY South Hwy. 85, Belle Fourche

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BUSINESS FOR SALE!

Contact Gloriann Ruby at Dakota Home & Ranch Real Estate for information

Page 6, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Bertolotto Real Estate and Auction, Inc. We are a full service Real Estate and Auction firm that can assist you with all types of Real Estate and Auctions, including Farm & Ranch, Residential, Commercial, Collectibles & Others

Bob Bertolotto

Elizabeth Bertolotto

cell 605-490-1500 bob@bertrea.com

cell 605-490-7860 elizabeth@bertrea.com

Owner/Broker/Auctioneer

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Mark Wiley

Broker Associate/Auctioneer cell 605-430-7339 markwiley@bertrea.com

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2222 Junction Ave., Sturgis 605-347-4031

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LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED DISCOUNT VARIETY STORE Area’s Largest DVD Movie Selection • Blue Rays • Music CD’s • Small Appliances

• Candy & Snacks • Household Cleaning • Dry Goods Groceries Supplies • Crafts • Toys • Health & Beauty Products • Office Supplies

COMING SOON!

Coca Cola Products, Ice Cream & More!

521 State St. Belle Fourche

Monday - Friday 10 am - 6 pm • Saturday 10 am- 5 pm

Celebrating 2 years in Belle Fourche

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 7

High science: Deep underground

GOODRICH MOTORS

At Goodrich Motors, we take pride in being a family owned and operated business. There are no other employees – just family! The Goodrich name has been known for automotive excellence for over 40 years! We specialize in affordable pre-owned cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and crossovers for any budget.

When purchasing from Goodrich Motors, you always talk to family so you never get "turned over" to multiple people during the sales transaction or feel pressured to make a purchase. We want the decision to be YOUR decision. Give us a chance, you will be glad that you did!

We are a Carfax Advantage Dealer. We will gladly show you the Carfax on any vehicle on the lot.

LYNN'S DAKOTAMART

Excavation for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is expected to begin this year. Courtesy photo

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) has been at the forefront of science and technology since it stepped in to fill the gap left by the Homestake Mine in 2008.

The intricate network of shafts and tunnels left by the miners was seen as an ideal location for a dedicated underground research for facility for particle physics, including dark matter and neutrino research.

It was already a landmark for physics research: Dr. Ray Davis researched solar neutrinos for nearly 30 years from the mid1960s to the mid-1990s, earning a share of the Nobel Prize in physics in 2002.

In 2006, T. Denny Sanford donated $70 million to the formation of the facility and the state committed another $40 million to form the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, bringing in a plethora of insightful and imaginative scientists who would house their experiments there.

What made the 126-year-old mine so attractive to particle physicists was the shear depths the mine reached — 8,000 feet.

Current major experiments reside on the 4,850-foot level, the rock more than enough to create a natural shield that protects against some of the cosmic particles that constantly bombard the surface of the Earth. This makes for an already “quiet” environment in which to conduct research on very elusive particles.

The term “quiet” in particle physics refers to an environment in which the background radiation is very low. A “loud” environment is one in which the

background radiation is very high. The quieter the environment, the easier it is to study and monitor of particles.

Majorana Demonstrator Experiment

For all the talk coming from the Sanford Lab about studying neutrinos, there’s one experiment taking place that doesn’t want to see any neutrinos at all.

Researchers with the Majorana Demonstrator began building an experiment in the Sanford Underground Research Facility back in 2012 to determine if the environment could be “quiet” enough to detect a rare form of radioactive decay.

In this type of decay, neutrinos are not emitted and, therefore, it is called neutrinoless double-beta decay. To be more specific, a reaction in which a majorana particle is created instead of a neutrino, which is a particle that is also its own antiparticle. If the majorana particle can be detected it would propel antimatter research into warp drive and give answers the most fundamental physics question: Why do we exist at all?

“If you’re going to search for neutrinoless double-beta decay, it’s critical to know that radioactive background is not going to overwhelm the signal you seek,” said Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s David Radford, a lead scientist in the experiment.

In a paper published last month, the team reported that it had achieved its goal: the experiment was quiet enough to scale up to a larger experiment.

The collaboration credits its success to the several things:

a six-layered shield surrounding two cryostats made from ultra-pure copper grown deep underground in the Sanford Lab specifically for this experiment; coupled with the natural radial damping properties of being 4,850 feet underground. The next step for the experiment is to scale up so as to increase the chances of actually catching a glimpse of the here to for unseen neutrinoless double-beta decay. To observe this type of rare physics event naturally, you’d have to wait over 20 septillion years.

“You might say that’s improbable — the universe is only 13.8 billion years old,” said Vincent Guiseppe, co-spokesperson for the majorana collaboration and an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at the University of South Carolina. “But so is the lottery.

To increase your chances, you buy more lottery tickets.”

The majorana research team is hoping to hit the jackpot and discover the first conclusive evidence of an antimatter particle.

SIGMA-V

The Sanford Underground Research facility will act as a proving ground of sorts to test the techniques that will be used to harness geothermal energy in parts of the country with much hotter pockets of rock.

Geothermal systems are areas in which naturally occurring fissures in the Earth’s crust allow for steam generated by super-heated water deep underground to travel up through the crust and generate a great deal of steam energy. If this energy can be harnessed, it could be converted into geothermal elec-

tricity.

Enhanced geothermal systems are areas where the rock underground is hot enough to create a geothermal system, however the liquid to be heated, or the fractures to allow the escaping steam, or both must be supplied. This is where the SIGMA-V experiment taking place at the Sanford Lab comes in.

“The difficulty is that fracturing crystalline rock, which is where all of this heat is, (is not) like fracturing shale; this has to be done in a specific manor,” said Dr. Tim Kneafsey, principal investigator for the SIGMA-V experiment, which is managed by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

“For example, the fracturing of shale for oil and gas, you fracture the rock and the fluids run towards your well. For enhanced geothermal systems you have to fracture in such a way that you can flow a fluid through it, and re-inject it. You flow cold water into the fractured earth and you pump that hot water or the steam out, to run your generator, and you condense the fluid and you run it back into the Earth again.”

What makes the Sanford Lab such an ideal place to test these fracturing techniques is the depth at which they can begin rather than starting at the surface level. This has allowed the team to very quickly set up their seismic sensors and monitoring equipment close enough to the area of rock they wish to test. These tests require no chemicals of any kind. Instead the team will be using water to test their fracturing techniques.

According to Dr. Kneafsey, they hope to begin their fracturing SCIENCE Pg 10

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 50 years.

DONARSKI LAWNCARE AND LANDSCAPING

Donarski Lawncare & Landscaping is locally owned and operated by Joe & Ashley Donarski. They are a year-round full service provider for commercial and residential properties in Spearfish and the surrounding areas. They offer a wide variety of services to fit all of your outdoor maintenance needs such as: landscaping, lawn care maintenance, sprinkler installation & repairs, weed control, tree removal, snow removal, Christmas lights, and much more. There is no job too big or small.

Quality service, attention to detail, and great customer service are their top priorities. Visit their website at www.dlslawncare.com for a complete list of services offered, and call 605-559-1009 to get a free quote! They are located at 3227 W. Fairgrounds Loop. Don't forget to give their Facebook page a "Like!"

WEST TIRE & ALIGNMENT

West Tire & Alignment is a family owned business that has been active in the community for over 50 years. They were honored as Ag Business of the Year in 2011, and owners Don & Delores West served as Black Hills Roundup Parade Marshalls in 2015. They are long time supporters of community events and organizations.

West Tire & Alignment offers tires for your ATV, garden, farm, car, pickup, or industrial use. They also carry interstate batteries and can perform alignments for your vehicle.

Stop in their location at 601 Butte St., Belle Fourche, or call 605-892-2001.

Page 8, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

e c i v r e S Fullr e t n e C Tire

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. • Belle Four 402 Lawrence St 91 • (c) 605-210-3357 605-723-63

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 Letitia Lister, publisher | Mark Watson, managing editor Dru Thomas, advertising manager | Paul Baker, layout

605-892-2001 1-800-824-5183 601 Butte Street • Belle Fourche

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. © 2018 BLACK HILLS PIONEER, all rights reserved.

The helpful place.

Live Pet Store Pet & Ranch Supplies Camping & RV Supplies Welding Supply

Sporting Goods Green House Key Cutting Including Chip Keys Screen Repair

145 Glendale Drive, Lead, SD 605-559-1110 • www.acehardware.com

Carpet Cleaner Rentals Ammunition Sales Clothing Personal Care Items And Much More!

Hours: Monday-Saturday 7am-7:30pm Sunday 9am-5pm

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 9

Just Add Elbow Grease We have everything you need to get the job done.

Home Improvement • Plumbing • Electrical • Household • Outdoor Grilling • Camping Supplies •Valspar Paints • DeWalt Tools • Pet Supplies & Key Cutting

Newell Hardware & Supply OPEN MONDAY - SATURDAY 7:30-5:30 | SUNDAY 11-3

320 Girard, Newell, SD

605.456.2313

Thank Yo for you u r patron age ov er the pa st year !

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YOU’RE MORE THAN A CUSTOMER. YOU’RE A NEIGHBOR.

Looking to Buy or Sell in the Black Hills?

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Page 10, Our Towns 2018 from Pg 7

SCIENCE experiments later this month.

“If we were to do this in the field somewhere else and drill in, then we would never be able to instrument it like we’re instrumenting this. We’d never be able to detect what’s happening like we think we’re going to be able to detect it here at SURF.”

LUX — ZEPLIN

The next-generation dark matter experiment is under construction at the Sanford Underground Research Facility.

The Lux-Zeplin (LZ) experiment will be 30 times bigger and 100 times more sensitive than its predecessor, the Large

HOWDY'S NEWMART

This hometown grocery store is located in a 1915 brick building downtown and has been in business for 36 years.

There is a great selection of grocery items along with produce, dairy, meat department and deli with fresh made sandwiches. If we do not have what you are looking for, we will do our best to get the item in for you. All 18 employees pride themselves on taking care of the customers 110%, because service to the customer always comes first.

We are located at 219 Girard Ave., Newell, SD, and can be reached at 605-456-1660.

BLACK HILLS PHYSICAL THERAPY

Experience. It's the Difference!

Black Hills Physical Therapy is a private Physical Therapy practice serving the Black Hills communities since 1995. Their goal is to get you the results you need to get back to what you enjoy. Their friendly staff welcomes you to a comfortable and professional environment and are committed to meeting your needs from start to finish. They offer exceptional care and are committed to ongoing education to ensure you the best results. All treatments provided by licensed Physical Therapists.

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!

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE ROBERT P. BURNETT AGENCY

Robert Burnett has been an agent for American Family Insurance since December of 1987.

Throughout the last thirty years in the business, Bob and his staff have earned multiple awards for their customer service and Bob’s expertise has gained him the trust of local homeowners and businesses alike. Today, Bob and his office want to help people get the most out of their insurance by assuring they have the coverages they need and eliminating the ones they don’t. Their mission is to empower customers towards the future they dream of by protecting what matters most to them.

The Black Hills Pioneer Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment.

It will use 10 metric tons of ultra-purified liquid xenon in an attempt to detect WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles), the leading dark matter particles candidate, which are extremely difficult to detect because they rarely interact with matter. When the LUX experiment ended its 300-live-day search for the unseen particles it had not detected any traces of dark matter, however, it had proven that scientists could in fact create a quiet enough environment in which these particles might be found.

Researchers believe that if a particle of dark matter comes into contact with an atom of xenon it will create a photon of light, which would be detectable within the experiment. The goal of the experiment is to be able to shield against all the other particles flying around so that when an occurrence is detected, researchers can be sure it’s the occurrence they want. By scaling the ex-

periment up 30 times, the odds of observing those wanted occurrences become much more favorable.

“We have already demonstrated the purification required for LZ and are now working on ways to further purify the xenon to extend the science reach of LZ,” said Daniel Akerib, one of the team leaders at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in California.

Construction of a surface cleanroom and radon reduction facility was completed recently and renovations are underway underground. The LZ Collaboration will begin assembling all the pieces underground and hopes to begin running the experiment by late 2019.

Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is a collaboration of more than 1,000 scientists, 31 countries and 170 institutions. The experiment will be housed at Sanford Underground Research Facility and Fermi National Accelerator Lab near Chicago. Using an accelerator powered by the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, Fermilab will shoot an intense and steady beam of neutrinos 800 miles underground to the DUNE detectors at Sanford Lab. The massive cryogenics system will hold 70,000 tons of liquid argon and will be able to detect naturally occurring neutrinos from space on a scale never before achieved.

Before all that can begin, however, Sanford Lab is undergoing an excavating project the likes of which has never been seen on United States soil. Plans to construct a conveyer system to haul the material from the excavation site into the open cut are are expected to begin this year.

Above left, The Lux-Zeplin is the next-generation dark matter particle detector being constructed at the lab.

Above right, This diagram shows how the detector will detect the particles.

Below, The Majorana Demonstrator Experiment is shielded by copper, lead, and other protective layers to reduce the amount of radiation reaching the detector. Courtesy photos

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 11

Retail resurgence in Deadwood Sales tax up nearly 5 percent in 2017; retail sector showing largest increase

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Shopping and slot machines? Really, the two work very well together.

That said, there’s been a retail renaissance of sorts lately in Deadwood. In a town rejuvenated by casinos and gaming halls nearly three decades ago, the recent resurgence of the retail sector has served to build new business and bolster varied offerings for guests and locals, alike.

Among others, the following retail businesses have opened in Deadwood in the last two years and belong to the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce: Deadwood Distilling Company 645, Lower Main St.; Deadwood Winery, 696 Main St.; Scott Jacobs Studio, 670 Main St.; Naked Winery, 692 Main St.; NYES 1880 Suites 650 Main St.; Oh Fudge, 633 Main St.; The

Pink Door Boutique, 692 Main St.; Starbucks, 555 Lower Main St.; West River - All Things Deadwood, 644 Main St..

“Deadwood’s unique and topof-the-line retail businesses provide more reasons for visitors and locals alike to extend their stays in town, which benefits all businesses in Deadwood,” said Deadwood Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lee Harstad. “These retailers saw an opportunity to successfully cater to guests and are vital to the overall economic health of the community.”

And the numbers show it.

Deadwood Finance Officer Mary Jo Nelson said there was a 4.87 percent increase in sales tax for the year, with $3,602,368 paid in 2017 versus $3,434,959 paid in 2016.

In the retail sector, which experienced the most growth, Deadwood racked up $67.4 million in retail sales in 2017 with $1,152,288 in tax paid, versus $62.6 million in retail sales in 2016, with $1,074,965 in taxes paid.

“One of the biggest areas of tax in

crease for Deadwood was in the retail section of Deadwood,” said Celebrity Hotel and Casino General Manager Ken Gienger. “With the completion of the Deadwood Welcome Center and the free parking that it offered, it gave visitors a

place to park for free, get a taste of Deadwood, and then walk uptown and see what we have to offer.

What they saw was a downtown that is changing from what was mainly gaming to a downtown that is offering a combination of good retail, hotels, gaming, restaurants, and entertainment. We are also seeing a good expansion of

retail onto Sherman Street.”

Now in town for nearly two years, artist Scott Jacobs set up shop in Deadwood, opening a gal-

At least nine new businesses have opened in Deadwood in the last two years marking a retail resurgence. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

RETAIL Pg 15

Page 12, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Top-Shelf Selection & Service Take your pick from one of the area’s most comprehensive inventories of premium beverages. Our knowledgeable staff are always happy to help with tried-and-true recommendations for every budget, palate and occasion.

Stop in to check out our large variety of Bourbons, including Buffalo Trace and Blanton’s, available at either location.

Party Time

LIQUOR

731 N. 12th St., Spearfish (12th St. Plaza) 605-642-4700

210 E. Rushmore St., Spearfish (behind Safeway) 605-642-3662

Open Daily at 9 am • Sundays at 10 am

MINERALS TECHNOLOGIES AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY Bentonite mining and manufacturing leaders with facilities in Belle Fourche and Colony, WY.

Congratulations to the 2018 Residential Master Craftsmanship Winner in Division 15: Mechanical

AGRICULTURE

INDUSTRIAL

PRECISION MECHANICAL

for the Calvin and Kathy Youel Home Fireplace/Furnace in Rochford, SD Designer & Proejct Manager: Dan Larson • Superintendent: JC Corean Foreman: Todd Markielowski Craftsmen: Ryan Corean - Fabrication; Jason Boatwright - Lead Service Technician; Robbie Nolting - Service Technician, Shawn Deome - Service Technician

PET PRODUCTS

METAL CASTING

HEALTH & BEAUTY PHARMACEUTICAL

PETROLEUM

MINING & RECLAMATION

333 Heritage Drive, Suite 5, Spearfish, SD • 605-642-2335

W. HWY 212, BELLE FOURCHE, SD

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 13

Quality at affordable prices

Come check out our new

ET SPORTS

SPEED QUEEN

“My family serving your family since 1964”

Washer & Dryer

605-723-4288

19111 US Hwy 85 • BELLE FOURCHE

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

We carry...

www.etsports.biz

Appliances by:

Furniture by:

M-F 9-5, Sat. 9-2

Greeting Cards & More!

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

CENTURY 21 SPEARFISH REALTY

We have a Long, Established Local Presence - We’ve Been a Part of Spearfish for Over 65 Years! Helping Buyers and Sellers Since the 1950’s!

We Are a Team of 16 Experienced Agents Ready to Serve.

Helping people is our business!

We Are licensed in South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana.

We Can Help You Buy and Sell Real Estate All Over the Black Hills.

We Give You More Exposure for Your Listings - Our listings are Distributed to Over 500 Real Estate Sites such as Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia, and Homes.com, and the List Goes On and On. We Have an FAA Certified Drone Pilot Right Here, In-Office, For Your Listings!

We Provide International, Online Visibility with Advanced Technological Marketing, Century21.com Website Attracts Over 6.8 Million Visits Each Month.

Our C21 Agents Are Active in the Community! We Serve on Boards: SD Association of Realtors BOD, Mt Rushmore Association of Realtors BOD, Regional Health BOD, Regional Health Network BOD, And We Volunteer: Visit Spearfish, Downtown Business Association, Downtown Friday Nights, The Black Hills Shootist Assn., NH Amateur Hockey Assn., American Business Women, Spearfish Planning & Zoning, Lawrence County Planning & Zoning, Lawrence Butte County 4-H, Junior Achievement, Realtors For Kids, and Clothe-A-Kid!

SPEARFISH

TRIPP FAMILY BUSINESSES – SERVING THE TRI STATE AREA FOR OVER 53 YEARS!

123 EAST JACKSON, SUITE 3, SPEARFISH 605-642-4607

Page 14, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Deadwood Chamber of Commerce Recognized as one of the most Progressive Tourism Organizations in South Dakota

DEADWOOD CHAMBER MEMBERS NEW MEMBERS IN 2018 Alpine Impressions Baymont Inn & Suites Best Western Black Hills Lodge Black Hills Real Estate Cabin Grocer Castric Travel Ann Charles Deadwood 1876 Theater Deadwood Cab

Deadwood Custom Cycles, LLC Deadwood Disterlling Company Dicky’s Barbecue Pit Dragon Belly, LLC Earl of Sandwhich Firehouse Brewing Company Flat Iron Property Management FLYT by Alpine Inn Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant Howard Johnson Inn & Suites Independent Scentsy

Kingery Printing Company Marco Marco’s Pizza Medical Center of Spearfish Nyes 1880 Suites Pam’s Purple Door Quik Signs Ramada Mt. Rushmore Rapid City Medical Center Recreational Springs Resort & Rentals

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 2017. New site launched in 2017.

• Membership Official Guide Listing - 100,000 printed annually. Large distribution across a four-state region in 550+ locations. Also distributed to meeting planners, travel shows, mailed to individual inquiries, included in relocation packets and downloaded thousands of times on Deadwood.com annually.

• Membership Electronically - Chamber membership list.

• 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.

• Welcome Center Board Room - Use of the 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, Deadwood Map, and more.

• Deadwood 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.

RPM Entertainment SD ATV/UTV Association Sunshine Towing Sysco Montana T&M Trail Rides The Penny Motel The Pink Door Boutique (Second Location) Travel Lodge Inn & Suites Tru by Hilton West River - All Things Deadwood

DEADWOOD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jeanna Dewey – President Louie LaLonde – Vice President Tom Koth – Secretary Michelle Fischer – Treasurer

Susan Kightlinger Tom Rensch Kip Mau Steve Schaeffer David Schneiter Tony Sieber Chuck Turbiville Weston Pleinis

Dale Berg Tom Blair Dr. Dan Leikvold Mike Trucano Kevin Kuchenbecker Pat Roberts Lonnie Strong

DEADWOOD CHAMBER STAFF

Lee Harstad, Executive Director Dory Hanson, Controller Marta Artz, Membership Director Sarah Anderson, Event Coordinator Amanda Kille, Marketing & Sponsorship Director Dawn Burns, Sales Director Hannah Bohlinger, Marketing & Events Specialist Robin Carmody, Information Specialist

INFORMATION CENTER STAFF Approximately 150,000 guests visit the information centers each year Mike Olsen, information center manager

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

501 Historic Main St. Deadwood, SD

605-578-1876 www.deadwood.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 15

NEWELL HARDWARE & SUPPLY

from Pg 11

RETAIL lery and studio in July, 2016.

Known for paintings of motorcycles, cars and wine appearing so real, many people mistake his detail-laden art pieces for actual photographs, widely celebrated photo-realist painter Scott Jacobs moved his headquarters West Coast operation to Deadwood, opening Jacobs Gallery and Scott Jacobs Studio at 670 and 672 Main Street. Now, everything is shipped from South Dakota.

Jacobs said he looks at the new venture in Deadwood as a Field of Dreams.

“If you build it, they will come,” Jacobs said.

“I’ve never been so busy.”

Why Deadwood?

“It’s a motorcycle mecca,” Jacobs said. “Yes, there’s Sturgis, but Sturgis is not a year-round business … Deadwood has things to draw you into it, casinos, outdoor recreation. I hope more people take note from what we did and try to bring nicer retail stores to town. We’re trying to make our gallery in Deadwood a destination …

We love Deadwood. We love the Black Hills.”

Jacobs’ oldest daughter, Olivia JacobsChrisman, who is the marketing director and director of operations at the shops, said the decision to locate in Deadwood was arrived at through first-hand business experience with the area.

“We have been displaying Scott Jacobs’ artwork during the Sturgis Rally for over 20 years,” Jacobs-Chrisman said. “We thought that opening a brick and mortar location in the heart of the event was a good decision based on our demographic.”

Apparently, the decision was a smart one.

“Business is going amazingly well,” she added. “We have been open for almost two years now and our numbers are only improving.”

And parting advice to anyone looking at locating in Deadwood?

“It’s all about being unique,” JacobsChrisman said. “Take the time to figure out what you have to bring to the town that’s different and you’ll succeed.”

Newell Hardware & Supply, owned by Troy & Julie VanDerBoom, is a locally owned and operated hardware store in Newell, serving the needs of farmers, ranchers, contractors, and do-it-yourselfers.

They offer competitive pricing and if they don't have it, they will do their best to get it.

Newell Hardware carries tools, Valspar paint and paint supplies, pet supplies including dog and cat food, plumbing, lawn and garden items, nuts and bolts, electrical, toys, farm and ranch, lumber, welding gas, camping gear, grills by Traeger & Pit Boss, with new items arriving weekly.

Visit them at 320 Girard Ave., or call 605-456-2313.

MASON'S 5TH AVE. COMPLEX

Mason's 5th Ave. was established 20 years ago when Bill & Sally Mason bought Wimpy's Quik Stop in Belle Fourche. What started as a small mom & pop store has since evolved into Mason's 5th Ave. Complex, which is now run by the Mason & Sutter families.

The Phillips 66 convenience store is home to the Mason Jar Deli which specializes in homemade food. You can get great breakfast items like biscuits & gravy starting at 3:30 a.m. Lunch entrees like homemade soup, hot dishes, 100% all-beef burgers, salads & subs are also ready to grab-n-go.

The Mason Jar Bakery is best known for its banana bread, chocolate no-bake cookies & unique birthday cakes. The gift shop has Center of the Nation items plus strawberry margarita jam, jewelry, locally made items, and collectible dolls.

Mason's BuckStop, which is a sporting goods store, adjoins the convenience store and has live bait, licenses, new & used guns, fishing, hunting, reloading & camping equipment... plus great customer service. The BuckStop is proud to be affiliated with Dakota Custom Rifles, Center of the Nation Sportsman's Club & Prairie Anglers. This is where "B.S." actually stands for "Better Service."

Mason's 5th Ave. would like to thank all the loyal customers who have helped make this complex "the #1 Station in in the Center of the Nation" for the past 20 years.

Deadwood was a main source of retail shopping when the Homestake Gold Mine was thriving. But when the mine slowed and gaming took over, retail stores fell to the wayside. However retail is making a Deadwood comeback. Pioneer photos by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Page 16, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Welcome to Belle Fourche.

Welcome to AmericInn.® Wake up to a 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!

Welcome to the end of the day.

™

© 2007 AmericInn International, LLC

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

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 17

Bridging the gap, building support, one child at a time Boys & Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood grows membership to 450 in four years

SPEARFISH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a private, non-profit corporation formed in 1980 to improve lives by creating economic opportunities for the community and its citizens.

The primary focus of SEDC is business expansion, attraction and retention, resulting in the creation of quality jobs. Business development and job growth supports economic vitality and sustainability, while improving the quality of life in the community. SEDC is committed to "growing business by nature."

For more information on joining SEDC and making a greater impact in the community, contact Kory Menken, Executive Director at 642-3832 or visit www.SpearfishDevelopment.com

SUNSET MOTEL

The Boys and Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood is seeing tremendous growth. Pioneer file photo

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — In less than four years, membership in the Boys & Girls Club of LeadDeadwood has exploded, grants received by the organization have skyrocketed, and community support is staunch.

The secret to their success?

“Lead-Deadwood believes in its youth and Boys & Girls Clubs is a trusted national organization that is meeting the needs of families in the community,” said Unit Director Anne Rogers-Popejoy.

“When you combine those two things, you garner a high level of engagement, which translates into dollars that allow us to operate and meet those needs. We also have a very strong relationship with the school district and other community non-profits, so having that backing and a mutually trusting relationship has put us ahead, as well.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood is part of the national Boys & Girls Clubs organization, offering after school and summer programs that promote academic success, healthy lifestyles, the arts, character, leadership, and more.

The Boys & Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood has been built upon and bolstered by hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations and grant money from the community,

since they opened four years ago and filled a gaping gap in the line of child care.

“We have a $150,000 operating budget and most of it is grants and donations,” said Rogers-Popejoy.

With an enrollment of more than 450 and an average of 100 kids served per day, the club started out with just 40 kids on the roster.

“We serve K-12, but the majority of kids are in first through ninth grade,” Rogers-Popejoy said. “This year, our biggest demographic is second grade.”

Over the years, the community has shown great support for the club in both donations and significant corporate contributions.

Large contributors have been Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, CoeurWharf, and Wellmark.

“The first year we were open, Wellmark gave us $25,000, which really allowed us to get off the ground,” Rogers-Popejoy said. “Each year, we are grateful for the community donations that come in from our annual campaign.”

For example, just recently and in December, 2017, Coeur-Wharf pledged $80,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood. In November, the Kiwanis Club of Lead-Deadwood gifted the Boys & Girls Club of LeadDeadwood with an $11,000 Reading Oasis library with more than 1,200 volumes.

Why such an incredible show of community support?

“I think we have a really tremendous reach, especially when we started serving k-12,” Rogers-Popejoy said.

“A lot of programs we run are very visible in community. For example, Zoe as state youth of year, handing out dinners and free school supplies. The impact the Boys & Girls Club makes is tangible and demonstrates that kids are genuinely important to community. People trust us within their donations because we are a national organization. People can see where their dollars are going and the good work they do.”

When the Boys and Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood opened its doors on June 2, 2013, it employed three.

Today, 12 employees give and get the benefit of working with local youth.

“We employ a lot of college students, so we work a flexible schedule with them,” Rogers-Popejoy said. “We have college students over the summer, too, to bring that number higher. Most of them are education or human services majors, so some of them come as interns and stay on as staff. Really, they’re building their experience as they go on and look for jobs as teachers. A benefit for them is they are working with kids before they start the student teaching component of their degree, so it gives them a leg up. There

are currently three employees who are also student teachers.”

Rogers-Popejoy was quick to point out that the club benefits from these employees, just as much as the experience they garner benefits them.

“For us, it means they’re bringing best practices in education to club programs and a strong partnership with Black Hills State,” RogersPopejoy said. “Those college students are ideal role models. They’re close enough in age, they’re working on a degree and setting a fantastic example.”

A widely-known fact that virtually anyone associated with the Boys & Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood will acknowledge is that Rogers’ passion for the club and its members is over the top, which has translated into superb growth and ample affinity for the organization, at many levels in the community – from little ones to parents and guardians and community partners.

What inspires her to give it her all?

“I’m incredibly passionate about equal access,” RogersPopejoy said. “It’s something I studied in college and is always in the forefront of my thinking, as I am working with individual people and as I move though my career.

Boys & Girls Clubs are a BOYS & GIRLS Pg 19

The Sunset Motel was purchased by Barb Hoffman and Dan Davis in July 2017. In addition to taking over this new venture the couple also operates a cattle and sheep ranch and has their own agricultural water pipeline business.

The Sunset Motel is host to 12 theme rooms, 3 of which have been remodeled for dog friendly guests, and has 16 full RV hookups that are now winterized.

They offer front door parking, free wifi, social areas for BBQ and games.

Sunset Motel is located at 19022 US Hwy. 85 South in Belle Fourche.

SUNDANCE STATE BANK

Sundance State Bank Loan Production Office is an extension of our main bank located in Sundance, WY, which has been operating since 1895. We are an independently owned community bank that continually provides the necessary financial products and services for our valued customers to successfully achieve their financial goals in an ever-changing economic world including commercial, agricultural, consumer, and real estate loans.

We can be reached at 725 N. 12 Street, Spearfish; 605-559-2265; or www.sundancestate.bank.

CENTURY 21 SPEARFISH REALTY

Having been a part of the fabric of Spearfish for over 65 years, we at Century 21 Spearfish Realty work relentlessly to help YOU find your dream! Whether you're a first-time home buyer or looking to upgrade, an investor looking for another great rental or recreational property, or a dedicated veteran searching for the perfect home after or while proudly serving our country, YOU will receive the utmost level of respect, hard work, and superior quality of service. Our creative driven energy, our knowledge of the ever-changing market, and our desire to stay on top of the Century 21 ‘state of the art’ technology world continues to raise the bar in Black Hills real estate.

Put your trust in a real estate office that has been in business for over 65 years, Century 21 Spearfish Realty RELENTLESS! Call and talk to one of us today and let us put the power of Century 21 to work for you.

Page 18, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

SHOP WHITEWOOD

The Hub of the Hills!

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

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

Call for your special needs!

Celebrating 40 years in the Whitewood Community.

’sZA HowOOdD y PLA

WHITEW

605-269-2648

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

SONSET STATION CASINO, LAUNDROMAT & CONVENIENCE A division of northwestern engineering

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.

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

Jeanie Daniels, Manager

Dr. Will John Johnson Dr. Kylee Johnson (605) 717-2428 1001 Meade St. Whitewood, SD Open weekdays with evening hours on Tues. and Thurs.

Open Saturdays by Appointment.

Come in and check out our uniquely designed clinic!

Northern Hills Sod Farm Reputable, Quality Sod

Serving the Entire Black Hills & Eastern Wyoming

Roch & Rita Bestgen

The “I” Bar+Grill Specializing in Fresh Baked Pizza 605-717-2418 Lots of Parking All Rooms Ground Floor with Outside Entrances 888-888-9091 · 605-722-7574

600 Whitewood Service Road, Whitewood, SD www.ironhorseinnsturgis.com

TOW TEC

TOWING & RECOVERY 24 HOUR SERVICE

605-490-1837 Doug Hemenway • Whitewood, SD

Full service for the Northern Black Hills

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

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

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 19

from Pg 17

BOYS & GIRLS great example of this. They are open to absolutely everyone, so it’s good for my own goals and ideology and for this community.”

For example, Rogers offered up the Boys & Girls Club golf lesson program, offered through a partnership between the club, the PGA, and the Deadwood Elks, which served more than 100 children in 2017.

“We are the only youth program in the area where kids can take professional level golf lessons,” Rogers said. “One of the strengths is that we cater to club

members. It’s your club, your hours, your community. One of our long-term goals is to better meet the needs of parents working in such industries as gaming.”

Other club programs include: The Arts, Triple Play sports club, Gastronomy Blitz cooking club; Dance Team, Science Spectacular, Archery, Historic Preservation Commission’s (HPC) History Club, Trips for Kids: Lead-Deadwood; Club 5 Homework Help, and Talking Hands Sign Language Club.

“We have very high-level tutoring available because of our relationship with Black Hills State,” Rogers-Popejoy said. “We also have retired teachers who volun-

The Boys and Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood has an enrollment of 450 kids.

Pioneer file photo

BOYS & GIRLS Pg 20

SHOP WHITEWOOD

The Hub of the Hills!

AFTER 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW.

Specializing in

Automatic and Manual Transmission Repair ALSO

Engine Computer Diagnostics Drive Train Repair General Repair Robert D. Haiwick, Owner

605-269-2418

1125 Meade Street • Whitewood, SD

A & J Supply carries a large selection of hardware, welding and building supplies.

Also have iron, steel and treated posts.

A & J Clothing has a complete line of work, western, and casual clothing for men, women, and children. Boots, shoes, and moccasins by brands such as Redwing, Justin, Muck, Ariat, Hush Puppy, and Minnetonka. Nocona Boots coming soon!”

Family owned & operated since 1968

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

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

Drive up | Meeting Room

Monday-Friday 6:30 am - 4 pm Saturday 8 am - 2 pm 1338 Laurel Street, Whitewood 605-717-1771 coffee@themilliron.com

RobeRt A. DouglAs PRESIDENT

605-269-2211

Lowe Roofing inc.

SINGLE PLY & METAL ROOFING SYSTEMS

Page 20, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

VERSATILE CARPETS & INTERIORS

Tim and Lois Verhulst moved to Spearfish in the spring of 1991 with four young kids and everything they owned in a truck. They were broke, in debt, and Tim had $1,200 cash in his pocket. They moved into the apartment above Versatile Carpets and never moved out. Within the first month, Lois suffered a deep vein thrombosis blood clot in her leg. She spent 10 days in the hospital. They had no insurance and accumulated another $25,000 in debt. Tim can still remember writing checks to the hospital each month for $15.00.

Things turned around and by the spring of 1992, they were able to purchase the business from Mr. Vern Lecy.

Vern Lecy was the most kind and understanding person they had ever met. As he took Tim & Lois around and introduced them to other citizens, they were greeted repeatedly with the phrase, “Welcome to Spearfish! You are going to love it here!” To this day, that phrase is printed on the back of Tim’s business card and on a sign on the north side of their building.

Today they offer all types of flooring, along with Hunter Douglas and other brands of window fashions. They are exclusive distributors of “Step Warm Floor” in floor radiant heat. Warm floor is a unique, low voltage floor heat system that can be installed safely under any flooring, including WOOD! It self regulates, so it can be installed anywhere, even under fixed furniture, without the danger of overheating and damaging the finished floor.

Tim and Lois have enjoyed their 26 years here and look forward to many more!

DEADWOOD MOUNTAIN GRAND

This place rocks! Our award-winning property is host to 40+ shows each year featuring the biggest names in entertainment. From legendary bands to comedians.

We cater to your furry friends too! Pets receive complimentary Woof!® branded pet swag at check-in.

Featuring world-class entertainment, pet-friendly luxury hotel & spa, lively casino, indoor/outdoor casual dining, sports bar, coffee bar & deli, and a boutique gift shop since 2011.

Rated #1 globally, among Holiday Inn Resort® brands. Updated Six String at Deadwood Mountain Grand features casual, fun dining by Chef Aaron Richards We’re slinging rockin’ cuisine, and throwing unforgettable parties. And at closing time – just take the elevator home!

1906 Deadwood Mountain Dr., Deadwood SD 57732 605.559.0386 • 877.907.GRAND(4726) deadwoodmountaingrand.com

PARTY TIME LIQUOR/ QUEEN CITY LIQUOR

Party Time Liquor has been family owned and operated since June of 2005. Owners Barry, Helen & Theresa Bibler expanded in April of 2015 when they purchased Queen City Liquor.

Party Time Liquor has the largest wine, liquor and beer selection in the Northern Black Hills. They boast a large gift center where you can find the perfect gift for any occasion. Queen City Liquor has the area’s only drive-up window, as well as a casino with video lottery. No matter which location you shop at, you can expect friendly, personal service and competitive prices. Choose from microbrews, imported and seasonal beers, South Dakota wines and so much more. You can even make special orders at no extra charge.

Visit either location in Spearfish; Party Time Liquor at 731 N. 12th Street or Queen City Liquor at 210 E. Rushmore Street.

from Pg 19

BOYS & GIRLS teer with us.”

She added, one of the things that makes kids enjoy coming to boys and girls club is that they are made partners in learning and the programs offered.

“They get to determine what programs are offered and when,” Rogers-Popejoy said. “For example, teens run the fit club with our partnership with Handley Center, something they wanted to do.

One of their favorite things to do is a cake boss competition …. Things like that make them feel a part of what is happening and they are.”

Coming back from maternity leave, Rogers-Popejoy will serve the club in a part-time role, as long-time employee Kierstin Webster, currently completing her student teaching at Lead-Deadwood High School, will step forward to take the Unit Director position.

“I will still be with the club, just in a different role,” Rogers-Popejoy said.

The Boys and Girls Club of Lead-Deadwood offers a ariety of programs for kids.

Pioneer file photos “Kierstin has been with us since the day we opened. She has a great legacy with the kids, best practices education and

experience with Boys & Girls Clubs.”

The Boys & Girls Club of LeadDeadwood is open 3-8 p.m. Monday through Friday and is open early release, in service and select holidays. The club is located at 845 Miners Ave. in Lead, on the main floor of the Handley Recreation Center.

Cost is a $25 annual membership fee and scholarships are available.

For more information, contact Anne Rogers-Popejoy at 584-1113 or anne@ bgcblackhills.org.

“A lot of times when I talk to people about the Boys and Girls Club, they say they can’t imagine the community without us,” said Rogers. “That’s a huge testament to the success of the club. In a short time, we’ve made an impact on the community, to where they can’t imagine what it would be like without us, where those kids would be. We need to uphold that trust and take good care of these kids and take good care of people’s donations.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 21

After 18 months of construction, Deadwood opens Welcome Center

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — The 9,246 square foot, $6.5 million Deadwood Welcome Center project officially opened in June 2017, with local and state dignitaries providing the pomp and circumstance for a project that gives visitors more access to and more information regarding the best of Deadwood.

“This is a wonderful day for Deadwood,” said Mayor Chuck Turbiville at the ribbon cutting event. “It’s a new era for Deadwood. This is probably the best welcome center in the Midwest. It is going to allow us to entertain and direct the 1.5 to 2 million guests we get in this community each year.

This building has been open for three weeks and in that time, we’ve entertained and informed more guests than the first three months of last year.”

Deadwood Police Chief Kelly Fuller, who chairs the safety committee and as a result, headed up the welcome center project, said the building has seen so much traffic, it has already been decided that counters will be placed on the doors to more accurately gauge

attendance.

“I’ve heard a lot of comments on how beautiful the building is and how great the project area is with creek access, the bridge, hiking,” Fuller said, explaining that when planning for the project began in 2012, it was with the idea of making Deadwood a worldclass destination. Ground was broke on the construction site in January 2016.

“What we were finding is that people were stopping in Deadwood as part of a day trip to the Northern Hills or bypassing the community altogether,” Fuller said. “We thought, what if we could capture just a percentage of those people to stay overnight here? And that’s where the whole concept of Base Camp Deadwood came from. We wanted to take this four-acre parcel of property that was underutilized for most months of the year and build an iconic gateway to the community, get people to stop, go through, and discover hidden gems in Deadwood, maybe even stay here.”

Fuller said that a unique tool designed to enable visitors to do just that and more is available for folks to customize their

local itinerary.

The tool, contained on state of the art kiosks in the welcome center, was fashioned after a mobile app developed by the Black Hills Pioneer called Xplore Black Hills that provides an insider’s guide to the Black Hills.

Black Hills Pioneer Publisher Letti Lister explained that kiosk users can leverage the same type of information contained in the app – dining, lodging, attractions, events, trails, and seasonal things to do throughout the region.

“When we approached Kevin Kuchenbecker with Deadwood Historic Preservation, about participating on our mobile app, he and his staff liked the local content and format so much that they then asked us to produce the information for them in a large-format version on touch-screens in the new Deadwood Welcome Center,” Lister said. “This was an avenue we never envisioned, but were excited to delve into, resulting in a unique final product that provides visitor information in the most user-friendly formats available.

With the vision of our partners in Deadwood and our own ad-

aptation of interactive technology, we are excited to see just how far we can take these new platforms.”

There are currently two of these types of kiosks at the Welcome Center, with more slated to be added at strategic locations throughout town over time.

On hand to perform a Masonic Temple stone placement and building blessing were members of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota.

“This cornerstone laying ceremony is an honor for the Grand Lodge of South Dakota,” said Grand Master Mike Rodman. “This is such a beautiful building and this is such a historic city.”

The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Lt. Gov. of South Dakota Matt Michels, who good-naturedly waved and said hi to a motorist passing by who honked.

“You’re supposed to be welcoming, right?” he quipped.

Michels segued with a Freemasons theme, playing up the “free” portion of their name and how the visitorship in Deadwood is a benefit of living

JACKSON DENTAL

A new approach to an old passion. For years Jackson Dental has been known for doing family orthodontic work.

Partnering with experts in our community, they have seen a variety of approaches to help patients achieve their best smile.

As dentistry has evolved, new and exciting treatments have become available. The research that the doctors at Jackson Dental have analyzed over the years lead them to pay special attention to functional orthodontics.. This detailed approach addresses soft tissue dysfunction, which is the root cause to orthodontic issues. The practice of functional orthodontics is positioned to produce beautiful and healthy smiles.

Dr. John, Dr. Krum, and Dr. Christopher are excited to share the results they have already produced and to offer their patients the most cutting edge and least intrusive form of orthodontics available.

SANDSTONE SENIOR LIVING

Sandstone Senior Living is located in the beautiful Sandstone subdivision in Spearfish, South Dakota and offers personalized assisted living and independent senior housing with optional services. We understand no two people are alike. Our goal is to assure peace of mind for each resident through the Sandstone Signature Experience through tiered levels of care. Because we are a small assisted living, we are able to get to know each resident and provide personalized care. We focus on the physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs of each individual and help achieve whole wellness with diet, exercise, and fun social activities.

PRESTIGE AUTO SALES

WELCOME Pg 22

Since 1991, Prestige Auto Sales of Spearfish has been offering the largest quality selection of pre-owned cars, trucks, vans and SUV's in the Black Hills. Here at Prestige, we believe that making the customer happy is just as important as making a good deal. We only staff with friendly and knowledgeable sales consultants to make sure that you have all your questions answered when purchasing your next vehicle.

Come join our family, we will take care of you!

REGIONAL HEALTH

An official ribbon cutting commemorating the Deadwood Welcome Center Grand Opening with Lt. Gov. Matt Michels doing the honors was held in June. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Regional Health is an integrated health care system devoted to helping patients and communities live well. Based in Rapid City, Regional Health provides community-based health care in more than 20 communities in two states. Throughout the region, patients have access to 32 specialty areas of medicine.

Regional Health is comprised of five hospitals, 25 clinics and more than 5,000 physicians and caregivers. Regional Health hospitals in Rapid City, Spearfish and Sturgis have been rated as four-star hospitals by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. For more information, visit regionalhealth.org.

Page 22, Our Towns 2018 from Pg 21

WELCOME in the United States with freedom to pass through states and venues freely, adding to the commerce of the area today, just as it added to Deadwood’s founding commerce in 1876.

“The gaming industry is an

The Black Hills Pioneer attraction, but it is not the only attraction to Deadwood. It’s history, as well,” Michels said.

“Deadwood is such a great contributor, a strong leader in welcoming tourism to South Dakota.”

Michels said that from its beginnings, back in 1876, Deadwood has welcomed all sorts of people from different backgrounds and ethnicities and the building is a

testament to that continued effort today.

“Congratulations to all of you for being so welcoming and so hospitable,” Michels said. “So we can continue to say, ‘Welcome,’ to so many people in the state through this beautiful building you’ve established.”

Lister said the Deadwood Welcome Center is a grand show-

piece, which really sets the tone for what visitors will experience in the beautiful Black Hills.

“As the local newspaper, we are so pleased we could assist in providing information to help enhance the visitor experience,” she added. “The Black Hills Pioneer cranked out the first issue off our presses in Deadwood on June 8, 1876. Our business has survived

and thrived because we have always been willing to embrace and utilize technology.”

“It goes to show you what a community can accomplish when we work together,” Fuller said.

The new address of the Deadwood Welcome Center and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce is 501 Main St.

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 23

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Page 24, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 25

Area school districts reporting, for most part, positive growth in years to come

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS — Area school districts are reporting positive growth, both in facilities and curriculum. Even in districts where enrollment is down, the dedicated staff and faculty of Black Hills schools remain committed to providing our students with safe, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment in order to better prepare them for an ever-changing world.

Spearfish School District

Kirk Easton, superintendent for Spearfish schools, reports growing numbers for the district.

“We always hope to grow a little bit every year,” he said.

Easton said there’s no one factor to account for the steady stream of students entering the district; however, affordable housing and economic development are almost assuredly contributors.

Easton highlighted long-term plans to update facilities and increase school safety. He mentioned renovations to West Elementary School potentially taking place in summer 2019, including upgrades to the heating and cooling system, updating the lighting, and networking capabilities, and installing a bus pick-up/drop-off area.

Some increased safety measures Easton mentioned include controlled access points at the high school, upgrading keyless entrances, and special training in new plans and procedures as new threats may arise.

One other major project mentioned by Easton would be the possible construction of a new career and technical education building located near the high school. If approved by the board, the new facility could be used to house district offices as well as classrooms, which would allow technical and vocational classes outside of the regular curriculum to be offered.

Easton added that this new education center would be available for adult as well as student classes.

Pictured is Lead-Deadwood Elementary School. Pioneer file photo

Lead-Deadwood School District

Lead-Deadwood School District has seen a steady decline in enrollment since the Homestake Gold Mine closed in 2002, and as families have moved out of the area, the percentage of the district’s budget that comes from property tax levies has been decreasing as well. This year’s enrollment was a bit higher than recent years; however, school officials don’t see that trend continuing based on predictions from a consultant the district hired to survey long-term needs for the district.

Despite uncertainty in funding and student enrollment, some major long-term facility upgrades are in the works for the coming years. This summer, phase one will start

Pictured is Stagebarn Middle School. Pioneer file photo

with construction of an elevator at the high school and improvements made to the outside of the elementary and high school.

Then in the summers of 2019 and 2020, the first, second, third, and fourth floors of Deadwood Elementary School will be renovated. Dr. Dan Leikvold, superintendent for Lead-Deadwood School District, said the reason for these renovations are two-fold: “To make sure that our education environment is suitable for providing a quality education in 2018 and beyond, and efficiency.”

The district is in the midst of many conversations to ensure its continued commitment to its students and its faculty. Those conversations center on school safety and how to best prepare students for the future.

Belle Fourche School District

Dr. Steven Willard, superintendent for Belle Fourche School District, points to the new Career and Technical Education Building currently under construction as a focal spot for the district. The new facility is scheduled to be completed by late September and will focus on agriculture, welding, family and consumer science, and business classes with an emphasis on accounting and hospitality.

“The district is trying to meet the needs of the surrounding area,” Willard said. “We need welders, we need people in the ag industry, we need chefs, and we need people in the hospitality-tourism industry. So we’re trying to meet that need for students who need summer work or credits to go on to college.”

The district is also beginning to partner

with Western Dakota Tech to offer dual enrollment in order to give high school students a leg up when they graduate. Willard said the district enrollment has been staying steady for the past five years.

“We haven’t seen a huge increase like Spearfish or Sturgis, but it’s not declining, which is good for our community,” he said.

Willard said he believes a strong job market in the area and more affordable housing opportunities in other districts are the biggest factors for the plateaued growth.

Meade School District

Meade School District currently has approximately 2,825 students enrolled in its 12 schools. The economic and housing boom taking place in Sturgis is the driving force behind Meade County schools enrollment growing by leaps and bounds for the past five years. A new building is nearly complete in Summerset, which will be open for the start of the 2018-19 school year. The facility will house grades five through seven in its first year and five through eight in the second. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house is scheduled for April 16.

Another new building is slated to begin construction this summer in Union Center.

This facility is anticipated to open in fall 2019. The total rural student enrollment for this new building is currently 115.

Meade School District also provides award-winning vocational and career preparation programs for students includSCHOOLS Pg 29

Page 26, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 27

Belle Fourche School District on target with $2.87M CTE building District to expand career and technical education offerings to students

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche School District broke ground on its Career and Technical Education (CTE) building addition in the fall of 2017, and the project, aimed to offer more educational opportunities to the district’s students, is progressing as planned.

The district in July 2017 awarded the $2.87 million bid to Rapid City-based Scull Construction Services, Inc., for the construction of its CTE building being erected on its 21,000-square-foot property at the corner of Lawrence Street and Thirteenth Avenue.

The 100-by-100-foot building is planned to fulfill the local needs for educating high school students in numerous industries including welding, family and consumer science, accounting, hospitality, agriculture, and includes an area for an expanded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum. The new building is slated to offer high school students who elect to take CTE courses better opportunities to do so, in a more

modern facility.

Steve Willard, the district’s superintendent, said that Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s June 2017 election as head of the Western Governors’ Association, and subsequent announcement of the launch of a new asso-

ciation initiative on workforce, aided in moving the district’s project forward.

Through

Daugaard’s initiative, Willard said, governors aim to identify high-demand skills, add to career training opportunities for students, and make strategies for rural communities.

“The governor has put in place a variety of workforce development committees throughout the state,” Willard said. “In Western South Dakota, it involves public school districts, universities, Western CTE Pg 28

Construction of the Career and Technical Education building to the north of the Belle Fourche High School is beginning to make up some time lost due to inclement weather. Pioneer photo by Lacey Peterson

LET’S GET

FOCUSED

Do you or someone you know have glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eyes or cataracts?

We want you to know that we are making a difference in our community by protecting our patients from vision loss associated with these conditions. Doctors David Czerny, Jessica Czerny, and Kami Serfling have built an overwhelmingly positive reputation, and are accepting new patients. All of our doctors are skilled in the detection and treatment of ocular

disease, and with the latest advancements in technology, we can diagnose sight threatening conditions many years before our patients can even notice a change in their vision!

We believe that your vision should be protected, improved, and maximized, and that vision loss can be prevented, or delayed through early detection.

What has allowed us to make such a profound difference for our patients and community?

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Page 28, Our Towns 2018

ALTERGOTT FORESTRY, LLC

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 27

CTE Altergott Forestry, owned by Adam Altergott, is a private and commercial forestry management company. They provide stewardship planning, land use enhancement, fuels reduction, forest thinning, fire break construction, prescribed burning, vegetation management, land clearing, wildlife habitat restoration, fire suppression and all risk disaster relief services.

They have helped attain the Firewise Community Status for the Woodlands HOA in Spearfish for 2018 and provided fire suppression services for the Legion Lake Fire in Custer State Park and throughout the country.

Altergott Forestry specializes in the risk assessment and fire fuels mitigation efforts around homes and communities, to promote forest health and create safer surrounding spaces near homes. Adam has extensive experience in fire fighting and fire mitigation practice with an education rooted in forestry and fire science. They are certified professionals and dedicated to healthy forestry practices.

They can be reached at 605-639-0238; online at www.altergottforestry.com; or their location at 19739 Prairie Ridge Rd.

DAKOTA HOME AND RANCH REAL ESTATE, LLC

Potential clients should choose Dakota Home and Ranch Real Estate, LLC if they are seeking a professional experience with integrity and care for the client. Our goal is to assist all of our clients no matter the property type, in their journey to purchase or sell their home, ranch, or business. It is of utmost importance to us that we help our clients discover the best property to meet their needs and circumstances and to educate both sellers and buyers about the entire process of listing and selling.

We are privileged to work with buyers and sellers in Wyoming and South Dakota with residential, ranch/ farm land, as well as commercial property. With the 40+ years of combined real estate experience we are able to draw on that experience to best suit the correct broker with the client's needs.

We can be found at 1411 5th Ave. Ste. B, Belle Fourche or www.dakotahomeandranch.com. We can also be reached by phone at 605-645-8938 (Gloriann Ruby); 605-645-1314 (Fred Wilson); or 605-347-1167 (Artie Gifford).

RING CONTAINER TECHNOLOGIES

Ring Container Technologies is a privately held, multinational corporation headquartered in Oakland, Tennessee. Established in 1968, we now have operations in 18 US locations, Canada, and England.

The Belle Fourche plant opened December 2005 and is located at 10887 US Hwy 212.

Instead of trying to be all things to all customers, Ring focuses on resources on specific end-use applications for industries including retail food, chemicals, and pet care. We begin with engaging our customers in design, then together develop the end product through advanced technology. We finish the strategy by geographically locating near our major customers. As a result, some of the world's most recognized companies entrust their brands to us and to our beautiful and functional jars, jugs, bottles, and wide-mouth cannisters.

Our goal is to continuously improve our products and services to meet our customer's needs, allowing us to prosper as a business. We achieve these goals by enabling our employees to be our leaders and innovators, offering superior customer service, and supplying innovative products at lower costs. For employment opportunities, contact us at 605-892-2300 or www.ringcontainer.com

Dakota Tech, and industry and business leaders to see how career education can be enhanced and more opportunities of job exploration given to high school students.”

Willard said the new accommodations would not only facilitate more modern processes and equipment, but they would also provide more space to allow more students an opportunity to participate in the courses.

In the school’s family and consumer science courses, for example, students will move from the current facility built in 1954 to a new modern commercial kitchen. setting. Additionally, the district’s reinstated ag program will have a classroom conducive to the modern curriculum and the welding program will be in a larger space with better ventilation and upgraded equipment. Willard said the business and accounting classes will have a hospitality component addition, along with expanding internship roles.

Willard said the addition is being funded with district capital outlay monies, a matching $500,000 workforce development grant from the state, and a zero-interest loan from Butte Electric.

Construction on the building is nearing the halfway point.

Jerud Pummel, with Upper Deck Architects, Inc., the Rapid Citybased architecture firm working with the school district on the construction of the CTE building, updated the school board during its March meeting.

Although the construction project is two to four weeks behind, recent warmer temps have allowed crews to make up time lost.

The new Career and Technical Education building near Belle Fourche High School will Pummel said the updated comfulfill the local needs for educating students in numerous industries. pletion date is expected to be Aug. Pioneer photos by Lacey Peterson 29.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 29

LEGACY CUSTOM HOMES & DESIGN

Legacy Custom Homes & Design was founded on the desire to build each home and project with the utmost integrity.

The decision to buy and build a home is one of the most important decisions a family can make. Our customers can be confident that their experience with Legacy Custom Homes will involve not only satisfaction with the finished product, but also the process leading up to the buying decision and the warranty phase afterwards. We continue to set high standards for both ourselves and our staff in order to provide our customers with the best home building experience possible.

From comfortable family homes to large customs and even commercial, we have your building needs covered. Call us today for a bid on anything construction.

ET SPORTS AND BUDGET APPLIANCE

Pictured is Spearfish High School. Pioneer file photo from Pg 25

SCHOOLS ing advanced placement and dual enrollment courses for college credit, a school-to-career internship, and a career fair.

“Meade School District enjoys wonderful community support. Parents are actively involved in parent organizations at the schools. The business community supports our schools as well as our students,” said John Pederson, interim superintendent for Meade School District.

Newell School District

Despite rumors flying that the district will be closing facilities, Newell Superintendent Robin Dutt assures that is totally untrue.

“We still have adequate funds for years to come,” she said.

Currently, the district is in the middle of an $80,000 project to repair a section of the grounds that has continually allowed water to seep into classrooms. Future plans for a $250,000 project to repair the

hail-damaged roof of the elementary and middle schools are underway as well. In 2017, the staff received a classroom innovation grant, which was used to create a MakerSpace room for students to hone their creativity/technology skills.

The district also received a $30,000 Perkins Reserve grant to purchase industry grade equipment for cabinetry/ woodworking courses. Dutt said enrollment trends have been holding steady for the past three years, with around 295 students district wide. She added that a lack of exposure

to tourism could be the major detriment to growth occurring in the district. However, she was quick to point out that the area’s strong ag economy is most likely responsible for the district’s consistency.

“Newell School District will continue to serve our students and community with quality education. There are always improvements to be made.

People looking in from the outside need to understand making improvements is not about flaws; it is about moving into the future,” Dutt added.

Ellis & Mary Lou Tripp, along with 3 generations of their family, have been providing outdoor fun to the tri-state area since 1964. A huge supporter of Belle Fourche and surrounding communities, E.T. Sports and Budget Appliance are financially involved with many groups and situations.

We are proud to offer Polaris, Kawasaki & CF Moto ATVs & UTVs, Hustler, Snapper, Simplicity & Big Dog lawn equipment. ET Sports has an extensive parts & accessory department, as well as a full service mechanics bay. Stop in and check us out — Buy More-Pay Less at ET Sports.

605-723-4ATV, www.etsports.biz.

Budget Appliance, also owned by the Tripp family, carries a variety of Made in the USA products by Speed Queen, GE, Crosley, Omaha Bedding, Perdue, Simmons and more!

Visit them on State Street or on Facecbook.

WOLFF'S PLUMBING & HEATING, INC.

Owned by Greg Hartman, Scott Hartman and Jef Mattern, Wolff’s Plumbing & Heating has been in business for 72 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.

AMERICAN DISCOUNT & SURPLUS

Pictured is Newell High School. Pioneer file photo

American Discount & Surplus offers DVD movies, blue rays, music CDs, small appliances, candy, snacks, dry goods, groceries, health and beauty, household cleaning supplies, crafts, toys, and office supplies.

They moved to their downtown location in November 2017 and will soon offer Coca Cola products, ice cream, and more as they are always getting more products in weekly.

They are a locally owned and operated discount and variety store located in downtown Belle Fourche. They believe in offering quality products at a fair price – no exceptions.

Stop in at 521 State St., Belle Fourche, or call them at 605-723-7283.

Page 30, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

With over 60 years of legal experience, we can help in most legal matters: • Appellate Advocacy • Business Law • Constitutional Law • Contract Law • Criminal Defense • Family Law

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 31

Page 32, Our Towns 2018 in the ed to Spearfish Lois and I mov d evan ds ki g ith four youn w 91 19 of g rin sp ere broke, d in a truck. We w erything we owne y pocket. $1,200 cash in m in debt, and I had apartment e three-bedroom We moved into th r moved ve Carpets and ne above Versatile suffered is Lo , st month here fir e th in ith W t. ou her leg. bosis blood clot in a deep vein throm e had no in the hospital. W She spent 10 days r $25,000 cumulated anothe insurance and ac checks to g remember writin in debt. I can still .

00 5. month for $1 the hospital each e spring around and by th ed rn Things tu the busiable to purchase of 1992 we were o…time Lecy. 26 years ag ness from Mr. Vern flies! undere most kind and Vern Lecy was th s he took e had ever met. A standing person w sinessduced us to other bu meso us around and intro a e were greeted with rfish! es and citizens, w ea Sp to se, “Welcome what unusual phra thought love it here!” We to g in go e ar u Yo rfish, SD. e to describe Spea this was the them the back rase is printed on To this day, that ph d on a sign on the north rd an of my business ca g. in ild bu r ou of along side l types of flooring, r fe Today we of al of winas and other brands with Hunter Dougl stributors e are exclusive di dow fashions. W ant heat. oor” in floor radi of “Step Warm Fl or heat flo ge ique, low volta Warm floor is a un system flooring, d safely under any that can be installe so it can ! It self regulates, including WOOD ed furfix here, even under g and be installed anyw in at he er e danger of ov niture, without th ed floor. damaging the finish 26 years here and look r ou d ye jo We’ve en e! or m y an m forward to - Tim Verhulst

Since it’s our

2ve6rstahry

The Black Hills Pioneer

E L A S T S E BIGG !

R A E Y E H OF T

, i n n A ave a promotion! we should h

e prices!)

competitiv r e f f o s y a lly. We alw a e r t o n , (Well

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FREE PAD!

Hmmm, no. We include in our price a high quality 1/2” pad. Of course, if you would like to upgrade or downgrade, we’re happy to adjust accordingly.

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(Or as it really reads, prices as low as 99¢/sq. ft. on “select merchandise.”) Sometimes we do have closeouts or inventory clearance items at that price, amounts may vary.

FREE INSTALLATION!

Again, not really. We actually pay highly qualified people to install your flooring. And we stand behind the work!

FREE FINANCING!

Check the fine print on those ads shouting at you about financing. There is always a cost involved and it is figured into the retail price. Ask how much the price would change if you pay cash and the price will be lowered. We can offer financing if needed, but do not include it on our price. If needed, we will show you our cost for the financing and you can decide if it is worth it.

We offer free in home estimates for all of our products.

Bring some rough dimensions in when shopping, make your selection, and we will give you a “rough estimate.” If it seems appealing, we will schedule a visit to your home, do a complete measure of your space, and give you a firm price.

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FASHION WINDOW TREATMENTS

Custom window fashions are more affordable than you think. We offer stylish window solutions for every budget and make it easy to coordinate your look.

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 33

New Businesses and New Locations

2017 was a busy year for business owners as new storefronts opened throughout Northern Hills. Other businesses changed ownership or received major remodels keeping our area’s business environment thriving.

Spearfish Paint Solar Bros. Window Tinting opened a new location in August 2017. Jesse NORTHERN HILLS — There were SPEARFISH — Robert Gudahl bought SPEARFISH — Solar Bros. Window and Amber Horstmann run the office and many changes to businesses throughout the Spearfish paint from Justin Nauta in April.

Tinting moved to its new location at 3214 showroom at 3525 E. Colorado Blvd. in area, with new businesses opening or area The Benjamin Moore authorized paint store E. Fairground Loop in Spearfish in March.

Spearfish. favorites relocating. 2017 was a busy year is located at 1714 North Ave. for business owners as new storefronts They offer custom auto and residential winSouth Dakota Overhead Doors opened throughout Northern Hills. Other Spearfish Farmers Market dow tinting as well as vinyl sticker printing.

SPEARFISH — South Dakota Overhead businesses changed ownership or received SPEARFISH — In conjunction with Hills Doors opened a secondary showroom in major remodels keeping our area’s business Horizons farmers market, which is held at Black Hills Laundry & Dry Cleaning Spearfish in May. The new location at 430 environment thriving.

Brady Park in the summer, a year-round RAPID CITY — Black Hills Laundry & E. Colorado Blvd. offers residential and Farmers Market opened in November at 111 Dry Cleaning added a new location to its commercial garage, overhead, and rolling Black Hills Moto Illinois St. Offering locally produced crafts, steel doors.

BELLE FOURCHE — Black Hills Moto, roster in December. Clark Sowers purchased the indoor location hopes to add meats and Laundry World located at 1315 Haines Ave., owned and operated by Alex and Sandra produce in the coming months. in Rapid City. The new location offers free Spearfish Economic Development Johnson, opened its new location at 310 Corporation Roundup St., in Belle Fourche in December. Wi - Fi, cable TV’s, snack and beverage Edward Jones vending machines, showers, ATM, and house SPEARFISH — Kory Menken became The fully stocked showroom houses power SPEARFISH — Ryan B. Meredith coffee and hot tea. the new executive director of the Spearfish sports gear and accessories. moved his Edward Jones financial advisory Economic Development Corporation in office from 120 W. Hudson St. in Spearfish Dollar General March. Some of the notable achievements Jumpin’ Jacks to 2525 Paramount Dr. suite. 203 in STURGIS — Dollar General opened a new Menken mentioned in his first year include BELLE FOURCHE — Jumpin’ Jacks in November. Meredith specializes in financial new businesses coming into the area and the Mid-America Travel Plaza, located at 16 location in Sturgis in September. Located at 1940 Lazelle St. the bargain retail chain offers increased communication with membership. planning for retirement, college savings, 5th Ave., has been under new management individuals with insurance needs, and india range of household goods, groceries, beauty Menken’s office is located in the Spearfish since September when Ken Nash took over viduals with estate needs. products, and more.

Area Chamber of Commerce building at the restaurant. The Mid-America Travel 106 W. Kansas St. Plaza serves Belle Fourche as a truck stop, Paws & Relax Greg Hollibaugh CPA convenience store, gift shop, and gas staSPEARFISH — Paws & Relax offers SPEARFISH — Greg Hollibaugh bought Spearfish Physical Therapy tion. daycare and lodging for dogs. It opened in Sharon Hoggatt’s certified public accountant SPEARFISH — Dr. Brandie Rainboth April at 493 Tinton Rd. It is owned by Dr. practice after she retired in November. The opened the doors to Spearfish Physical Sunset Motel David Elsom who also owns the practice at office is located at 717 5th St. in Spearfish.

Therapy at 1420 North Ave. in December.

BELLE FOURCHE — New owner Barb the Spearfish Animal Hospital. They cater She is board certified in orthopedic therapy, Hoffman and manager Dan Davis took over to all breeds and sizes, and include a comBest Western Black Hills Lodge and specializes in the treatment of muscle the Sunset Motel in July. Located at 19022 plementary bath with each extended stay.

SPEARFISH — The Best Western Black and joint pain.

U.S. Hwy. 85 in Belle Fourche, the motel Hills Lodge, located at 540 E. Jackson Blvd. now offers three pet friendly rooms for its Prairie Auto Parts of Belle Fourche in Spearfish began a total remodel of its lobby Black Hills Equipment Rental guests.

BELLE FOURCHE — In August, Duane in November. The project, which is nearly SPEARFISH — Henry Kallis opened Wolfe opened a new Prairie Auto parts store complete includes all new crown molding, Black Hills Equipment Rentals at 2940 Green’s Alignment in Belle Fourche at 105 Ziebach St. With and is meant to make the lobby better match Aspen Dr. in June 2017. They specialize in BELLE FOURCHE — Tyler Williamson other locations in Dickenson and Killdeer the newly remodeled rooms. small to large heavy construction equiptook over the Green’s Alignment in N.D., the NAPA-certified store is currently ment rentals. They also offer equipSeptember. Green’s Alignment, located at expanding its inventory to fit their customLegacy Enterprises ment mechanic services, and 311 National St. in Belle Fourche, performs ers needs.

SPEARFISH pick up and delivery. alignments, brake work, and, “Anything — Legacy under the car,” Williamson said.

American Discount & Surplus Enterprises BELLE FOURCHE — John Frenden moved his American Discount & Surplus store from Lead to 521 State St. in Belle Fourche in April. The discount variety store offers DVD’s, dry goods, toys, jewelry, health and beauty items.

Legacy Custom Homes and Designs in Spearfish has been in business since 2010 and built a new building at 3525 E. Colorado Blvd. The twostory structure has 15,500 square-feet of usable space, with room for eight offices for the design, sales, and management staff, along with two showrooms. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

Willow Creek Tax BELLE FOURCHE — Willow Creek Tax opened a new office at 1401 5th Ave. in July. Certified Public Accountant Laura McNally is available for all your personal or professional tax preparation, payroll, and bookkeeping needs.

American Ag Video Auction BELLE FOURCHE — American Ag BUSINESSES Pg 35

Page 34, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

CELEBRATING YEARS! 50 MAKING BOTTLES SINCE 1968

Established in 1968, Ring Container Technologies is a privately held, multinational corporation headquartered in Oakland, Tennessee. Focused on finding sustainable solutions for the consumer packaging industry, our company has grown to be one of the largest plastic container manufacturers in North America with operations in 18 US locations, Canada and England.

Ring Container Technologies started out with a machinist having the vision to satisfy customers with varying shapes and sizes of bottles at competitive pricing. Machinery was made and designed for more efficient bottle designs, and to locate various plants at strategic places throughout the US, Canada and United Kingdom to accommodate customers.

Instead of trying to be all things to all customers, Ring focuses resources on specific end-use applications, including retail food, chemicals, and pet care. We begin with engaging our customers in design, then together develop the end product through advanced technology.

We finish the strategy by geographically locating near our major customers. As a result, some of the world’s most recognized companies entrust their brands to us and to our beautiful and functional jars, jugs, bottles and wide-mouth canisters.

Ring Container Technologies is a leading manufacturer of plastic containers for food and other packaged products. Our goal is to continuously improve our products and services to meet our customers’ needs, allowing us to prosper as a business.

We achieve these goals by enabling our employees to be leaders and innovators; focusing on our customers’ needs by providing quality products and services that exceed our customers’ expectations; using and being a leader in techonology allowing us to offer innovative products at lower costs.

Ask about job openings at the Belle Fourche Plant, which may include: Equipment Operator

Job Highlights: Change out the molds used in production; monitor downstream equipment for different sizes of bottles; troubleshoot lines to remedy any fluctuation in bottles using knowledge in electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic practices, measure and record bottle size and weights to ensure quality.

Downstream Operator

Job Highlights: Set up downstream equipment on production line for different sizes of bottles; inspect bottles while stacking them in units per customer specifications; troubleshoot and restock downstream equipment; ensure labels are printed and correctly placed on units; maintain records of production daily.

One of the Largest Plastic Container Manufacturers in North America

Producer of some of the world’s most recognized brand’s bottles: Skippy Peanut Butter, McCormick Spices, Utz Pretzels, Dukes Mayonnaise, Marie’s Salad Dressing, and of course kitty litter bottles for our local customer to name a few.

10877 US Hwy 212 | Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-892-2300 - www.ringcontainer.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 35

from Pg 33

BUSINESSES

Pictured is the Newell Hardware store.

Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

Video Auction moved from its former location in Spearfish to 1901 U.S. Hwy. 85 in Belle Fourche in September. Owner/ Auctioneer Tom Baer conducts and facilitates live, online video auctions of hay consignments and farming equipment.

Twisted Apparel Co. BELLE FOURCHE — Jen and Hans Johnson bought Cam’s Custom Apparel at 10940 W. Wood Rd. in Belle Fourche in August and renamed it Twisted Apparel Co. In addition to basic screen-printing needs, they also specialize in last-minute additions.

TJ’s Laundromat SPEARFISH — Co-owners Tim Goodwin and Jeanette Roush opened a new 24-hour laundromat at 919 E. Colorado Blvd. in Spearfish in March. TJ’s Laundromat houses 20 washers and 19 dryers, and a wash-and-fold station open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. where people can drop off their laundry and come back and pick it up laundered and folded.

Vigilant Business Solutions SPEARFISH — Ken and Dory Batka opened Vigilant Business Solutions at 1505 Buena Vista Rd. suite 101 in Spearfish. The company offers pre-employment screening, criminal background, national sex and violent offender registries, Department of Motor Vehicle driving history, education verification, employment verification, credit reports, and tenant screening.

Doggie Style Grooming SPEARFISH — Cassandra Estrada opened the doors to Doggie Style Grooming at 1940 North Ave. in Spearfish in June.

Estrada offers haircuts, baths, and even fragrance treatment with doggie cologne.

Accents Salon and Day Spa SPEARFISH — Mindy Ladner moved Accents Salon and Day Spa to its new location at 3226 W. Fairgrounds Loop in Spearfish in October. The new, larger location allows for each stylist to have their own station as well as the additional waiting and relaxation rooms.

Amos’ Barber Shop BELLE FOURCHE — Master barber

Amos Armijo opened Amos’ Barber Shop at 1403 Fifth Ave., suite A in Belle Fourche in January. Amos’ 23 years experience is coupled with a rustic, old school barber shop charm to create a unique experience while getting your hair cut.

Newell Hardware & Supply NEWELL — Troy and Julie VanDerBoom bought Newell Ranch Supply in April and renamed it Newell Hardware & Supply. Located at 320 Girard Ave., the store carries a wide selection of tools, home and garden supplies, and camping gear. The VanDerBooms also own Boom Concrete.

Old Roosevelt High School BELLE FOURCHE — The Roosevelt school building, at 1010 State St., in Belle Fourche was purchased by James and Provatia Pietila in November. They plan to turn the building into a community gathering space.

Caveman Cigar BELLE FOURCHE — James Moross bought The Man Cave Cigar shop at 617 State St. in Belle Fourche in July. After changing the name to Caveman Cigar, the shop now offers cigars, vaps, hooka, pipe tobacco, roll your own tobacco, and local art from Lost Crek Creations.

Dakota Home & Ranch Real Estate LLC BELLE FOURCHE — Gloriann Ruby opened Dakota Home & Ranch Real Estate at 1411 5th Ave. suite B in Belle Fourche in

August. The three real estate agents on staff have over 40 years experience and specialize in home, commercial and ranch sales.

Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast SPEARFISH — Sonya Donovan, Samantha Finkbeiner, Jennifer Lee, and Shannon Rochel bought Secret Garden Bed & Breakfast from Beverley Delon in March. The B&B offers five bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, farm-to-table breakfasts, a hottub, and skin and aroma therapy on location.

Main Street Salon SPEARFISH — Main Street Salon opened its doors in July at 517 N. Main St., in Spearfish. Manager Kris Mitchell, and her staff offer haircuts, Brazilian blow-outs, pedicures, artificial nail work, and perminate makeup.

Bear’s Fluffy Pups SPEARFISH — Jami Bear moved Bear’s Fluffy Pups to 305 Seaton Circle from its location in Belle Fourche in June. With her 25 years experience, she offers dog grooming, nail and hair trimming, and teeth cleaning. She specializes in smaller dog breeds.

Farmers Insurance, Kari Clites Agency SPEARFISH — On May 1, Kari Clites opened a Farmers Insurance branch at 3135 E. Colorado Blvd. in Spearfish. Clites said she tries to take out the frustrating aspects of purchasing insurance. Her branch offers auto, home, life, commercial, and recreational insurances. She offers a free caramel roll and coffee to people getting insurance quotes.

The Hot Room SPEARFISH — Jess Eixenberger and Devon Nelson opened The Hot Room in June at 1930 North Ave., in Spearfish. They offer hot yoga classes, hot strength training, and more in an 800-square-foot sauna studio.

The Rustic Rolling Pin SPEARFISH — In the same building as Farmers Insurance, Karl Clites, along with her husband Jason Clites, opened The Rustic Rolling Pin. Having managed coffee shops before, she thought that the bakery and insurance agency would work well together. The Rustic Rolling Pin offers homemade, made from scratch pies, rolls, caramel rolls, other desserts, soup and light lunches. She said she offers simple, homemade, and affordable food.

AccuQuest Hearing Centers SPEARFISH — Located at 206 N. Main St. AccuQuest Hearing Centers offers in-office hearing aid repairs, cleanings and adjustments for life and a large selection of products. The business opened in June and also has a Rapid City location.

The Shear Cut SPEARFISH — Co-owners Amy Walker and Leah Muhm moved their salon from its long-standing location on Jackson Boulevard to its current local at 1410 North Ave., in October. The two stylists offer haircuts, waxing, combs, and coloring.

The Sled Haus LEAD — Owners Beth and Michael Staeckeler moved The Sled Haus from its previous location on South Main Street in Lead to a brand new building at 209 Glendale Ave., in October. The restaurant offers a wide selection of specialty, craft, and imported beers as well as wine and gourmet grub.

Split Ends Salon SPEARFISH — Split Ends Salon moved to its new location at 541 W. Jackson Blvd.

Owner operator Shelly Binner and stylist Lynn Corkins offer cuts, perms, colors, pedicures, manicures, and waxing in a “cozy” location with “good vibes.”

From left, Dr. Devon Nelson, Brock Axthelm, and Jess Eixenberger pose in The Hot Room, a new yoga and fitness studio at 1930 North Ave. The studio features infrared heating panels. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

Freckled Fox SPEARFISH — Co-owners Amanda Goetz and her mother Beth Goetz opened the Freckled Fox women’s boutique at 312 W. Jackson Blvd. in April. With something for almost every age group, the shop offers women’s apparel, accessories, some locally made items, and a bit of home décor.

Page 36, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Construction strong in Black Hills in 2017

SPEARFISH FOREST PRODUCTS, INC.

In business for over 80 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 605642-7741.

Spearfish breaks building valuations record; Sturgis sees 2nd highest numbers in history

THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH KARI ENGEN

Kari specializes in representing her clients in the purchase and sale of single-family residences and income property within Spearfish. She truly loves this area and prides herself on knowledge of current transactions, school districts, neighborhood information, and related services including mortgage, insurance, and inspections.

Kari graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in business, and then moved to the Black Hills area in 1998.

She is a customer driven Realtor dedicated to achieving results and providing exceptional service.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, she will put her 18 years of real estate expertise to work for you!

Kari can be reached at 641-0670 (cell), 642-2525 (office), www.KariEngen.com, or 140 W. Jackson Blvd.

WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark and Heidi Watson started their home-based photography business, Watson Photography, 11 years ago.

Watson Photography offers elegant and timeless wedding, senior, family, and newborn portraiture.

Details are in the moments, and our photos reflect that. Watson Photography captures unique images that reflect personality and fond memories with an artistic perspective.

Mark and Heidi also offer nature and wildlife photography from around the Black Hills and beyond.

Book your portrait session with Watson Photography today.

Many new construction projects are taking place in the Northern Hills, like the new Spearfish Knecht Home Center, pictured in March.

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS — 2017 brought record-breaking and near record-breaking building project valuations to communities in the Northern Hills.

With nearly $52 million, the city of Spearfish hit a new record in building project valuations in 2017.

“This is great news for the city of Spearfish,” Tom Paisley, city building official, said previously of the record $51,989,447.50 total building project valuation, representing 439 various types of building permits.

In 2016, the building project valuations totaled $43,778,969.81, with 453 permits issued; in 2015, the total building project valuations was $46,350,137.83, with 458 permits issued. The city hit its previous record in 2014, with total valuation of $49,103,173, reflecting 513 total permits.

The next closest record for total new construction value was 2004, at approximately $44 million.

Paisley explained that the numbers for total project valuation come from an estimated cost of each project that requires a building permit, and permits are usually required for new buildings, additions, alterations, and repairs. “(In 2017) we saw a good balance of both residential and commercial projects,” he said.

The 100 new single-family residential dwellings included in the total, representing 79 new residential dwellings and 21 manufactured home placements, were valued at $24,348,948.

“On the residential side, there has been a constant high demand for new homes over the last five years,” Mayor Dana Boke said previously. “Spearfish is drawing in both new families and retirement couples.

I believe the reason for this is multifaceted.

The university brings a youthful energy to our community, and having quality schools and health care contribute to the decision to move to Spearfish. Of course, living in a beautiful place with diverse recreational and cultural activities brings a quality of life that few can match.”

The 15 new commercial buildings are valued at $14,952,317, with 62 commercial alterations and nine commercial additions valued at $8,312,103.

“On the commercial side, our new and existing businesses are confident in the economy of Spearfish,” Boke said. “They are remodeling, growing, and expanding to meet the needs of the market.”

The city of Sturgis issued 62 new construction permits — 40 residential and 22 commercial/industrial — in

2017, representing almost $11 million in building valuation, the second highest annual total for the city in total permit valuations, Christina Steele, the city’s public information officer, said.

“Growth in Sturgis continues on a steady, healthy pace and is on-track to set a 10-year population growth rate of 11.9 percent,” she said, adding, “Sturgis offers a friendly service to developers along with progressive builder incentives. As more and more people search the Black Hills for a place to call home, many find Sturgis to have a safe, family-friendly atmosphere that is still affordable. Having made many improvements in the downtown area, along with several new housing developments still underway, Sturgis is enjoying growth of our residential areas that goes hand-inhand with exceptional retail and commercial opportunities.”

According to documents from the city of Belle Fourche, there were 327 permits issued in 2017, 21 of which were new single-family homes and three of which were CONSTRUCTION Pg 37

BLACK HILLS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Black Hills Federal Credit Union is a memberowned, not-for-profit, financial cooperative with a passion for service and mission to improve lives.

With 15 locations across South Dakota, BHFCU has the convenient products and services you need to achieve your financial goals, including mortgage options, youth savings accounts and VISA Rewards credit cards. Take advantage of their Online and Mobile Banking options, or visit with their friendly, knowledgeable staff at their location on 835 Main Street in Spearfish today! Call 605-718-1818 or visit bhfcu.com for more information.

The city of Spearfish had a record-breaking $51,989,447.50 of building project valuation in 2017. The record includes 15 new commercial buildings, like the building at the southwest corner of Jackson Boulevard and Main Street, pictured under construction in January. Pioneer photos by Kaija Swisher

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 36

CONSTRUCTION new commercial. The total construction valuation for the year was $10,662,499.17, with $4,005,500 as new commercial construction values.

In Deadwood, 149 total building permits represented $18,277,620 in valuation in 2017.

Of those permits, two were new commercial buildings; three were new single-family homes; one was a new manufactured home; and two were new residential garages.

“The remainder are both commercial and residential remodels, i.e. new windows, siding, re-roofing, etc.,” Trent Mohr, building inspector, said. “A large number of these are associated with Deadwood’s Historic Preservation programs.”

He added that 2017 showed an increase in total number of permits issued over the previous two years.

“I would attribute this to more participation in the Historic Preservation programs,” Mohr said.

In Lead, 123 building permits were issued for 2017, which is a pretty normal count for the year, Building Inspector Dennis Schumacher said. The total valuation was $2,437,446, which includes two new single-family homes, one new commercial structure, and work at Sanford Underground Research Facility.

“Lead offers tax incentives for remodel and new construction, which can be very helpful to the owner,” Schumacher said, adding that land values in Lead are affordable compared to other areas in the Northern Hills, with houses still within reasonable cost – “even the fixer-uppers.”

In Whitewood, 32 permits were approved, for a total valuation of $1,992,530, and of the permits, nine were new homes, with one new commercial property.

Assistant City Finance Officer Pamela Jacobs said that 2017 was a good year overall.

“It is centrally located to many areas,” Jacobs said of why people choose to build in Whitewood. “For example, Spearfish, Sturgis, Belle (Fourche and) Deadwood are all within 20 minutes of Whitewood. … I would say Whitewood has grown to be quite a cute little community where everyone looks out for everyone.”

This year is shaping up to be an important one for building, as well. For one thing, there is a new edition, the 2018 edition of the International Building Code, residential code, fire code, mechanical code, property maintenance code, existing building code, and mechanical code, which many cities adopt.

“It is important for us to adopt the most recent editions of these codes to ensure that new construction in our community is built to the most recent standards for fire and life safety,” Paisley said previously. “The public has an expectation of building safety. That expectation of safety is a result of what building officials and inspectors do every day.”

He added that 2018 is also looking like it will be another busy year in terms of construction.

“There are several new developments underway, and there will be more buildable lots with the development of Top Shelf, The Reserve phase 4, more lots at Elkhorn Ridge Golf Estates, new lots at the Village at Creekside, and exciting news recently near Exit 10 with (Regional Health’s) announcement (to build a new health care campus),” he said.

Our Towns 2018, Page 37

Notable area commercial construction projects underway/ recently completed:

Atlas Building, Spearfish An additional 10,000 square-feet of interior space was finished inside the approximately 40,000 square-foot Atlas Building at 120 Industrial Dr. in Spearfish. About 5,000 square-feet of the newly-renovated space is laid out with individual offices and space for cubicles, conference rooms, etc., with the other half of the space split into three suites, with one 1,800 square-feet, and the other two 1,100 square-feet each, as well as restrooms to serve the area. The idea is that individual tenants could take each space, which were built to have separate, private entrances, or a business could come in and lease the entire 10,000 square-feet of space, since it can all be connected, as well. In addition, the 20,000 square-feet of space that is closed off but not “finished” is designed for manufacturing, with high ceilings, so a tenant could also lease office and manufacturing space, if need be. One tenant, Mass Markets, currently takes up approximately 10,000 square-feet of finished office space within the building in the Spearfish Industrial Park off of Exit 14, dubbed the “Atlas Building” for the winter storm that caused its predecessor to collapse in 2013.

Spearfish Knecht Home Center The new Knecht lumberyard and home improvement showroom will be 74,000 square-feet in size compared to the present 12,000 square-feet. The new facility at 2905 4th Ave. will sit on seven acres of property that will allow room for a parking lot with 130 stalls.

Legacy Custom Homes and Designs, Spearfish Legacy Custom Homes and Designs in Spearfish has been in business since 2010 and built a new building at 3525 E. Colorado Blvd. The two-story structure has 15,500 square-feet of usable space, with room for eight offices for the design, sales, and management staff, along with two showrooms.

New building at Main St./Jackson Blvd., Spearfish The 14,000-square-foot lot that most recently housed the one-story Spearfish Plaza and parking area in July 2015 is now home to an approximately 23,000-square-foot, unnamed commercial building on the southwest corner of Main Street and Jackson Boulevard.

Space on the ground level includes Spearfish Brewery and the RedWater Kitchen, with additional businesses to locate on both levels.

Newman Center, Spearfish The 6,000-square-foot, $3.75 million

Newman Center at the corner of King and University streets in Spearfish is getting closer to completion, with a traditional look incorporated into the two-story building. The center includes a basement with a fellowship hall, rec rooms, classrooms, kitchen, and restrooms, with a chapel on the main floor, that, including its balcony, can seat 175, as well as a narthex/gathering area and meeting rooms. The building also includes residences. Its second floor includes an apartment for two Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionaries, as well as two dorm-like rooms for students who could apply to live for reduced rent in exchange for basic facility maintenance, cleaning, and hosting assistance.

Recreation Station, Spearfish Recreation Station, which deals primarily in boats and water sports equipment, is moving a half mile east to its new location at 3595 E. Colorado. The business presently sits on less than half an acre of property with 2,600 square feet of covered space. The new facility at 3595 E. Colorado Blvd. will sit on eight acres of property with 16,000 square feet of covered space.

Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic The $10.3 million expansion at Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic includes a new, larger emergency department and waiting room, plus expanded ambulance capacity.

The new 20,000 square-foot clinic includes 36 medical examination rooms, four urgent care and walk-in exam rooms, three clinical procedure rooms, and one physical therapy clinic. It is set up in three pods with exam room entrances for patients to the outside and entrances for the caregivers on the inside.

Proposed $100 million Regional Spearfish Health Care Campus Regional Health is currently planning to invest $50 million and raise an additional $50 million to build a new health care campus north of Kerwin Lane and east of Highway 85, part of the proposed 700-acre residential and retail Dakota Meadows development. 2-Bar-T Ranch, LLC, donated 40 acres for the campus, which would collocate Spearfish Regional Health hospital, clinics, urgent care, and specialty clinics in one place.

The campus would feature an approximately 81,000-square-foot hospital, with private patient rooms, private labor and delivery rooms, surgical suites, operating rooms, procedure rooms, medical imaging, and emergency department. An approximately 100,000-square-foot space would feature specialty clinics and surgery, with an outpatient surgery center, family practice/urgent care, orthopedics and sports medicine, podiatry and foot clinic, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and dialysis. The proposal lists expanded services such as gastroenterology/digestion, cardiology, pain management, urology, infusion, and weight management, and conceptual features such as a family care center, healing garden, and wellness center.

METROPLAINS

Founded in 1983, MetroPlains Management, LLC has grown to become the Upper Midwest's leading provider in the affordable housing industry. We currently manage over 5,500 housing units and approximately 435,000 sq. ft. of commercial space throughout South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, and Oklahoma.

Our specialty services include property management, commercial property management, market analysis, accounting, asset management, compliance consulting, and physical asset managing.

With over 30 years of experience, our dedication and quality service allow us to strive professionally through managing commercial, retail, or residential properties.

For more information, call 605-347-3077.

SPEARFISH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

As a membership based organization, the Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce serves their members as the leading voice of business by providing advocacy, leadership, and resources. They offer marketing, recognition, growth, and networking opportunities for their members. The Chamber serves Spearfish as an information portal for relocation information and local businesses, an educational platform for governmental and civic events, and a mentor for workforce development.

The Spearfish Area Chamber of Commerce has a dynamic range of members and services. They offer a 9-month Leadership Spearfish program, host an active young professionals group, provide marketing opportunities, and arrange recognition and community events.

Stop by at 106 W. Kansas Street in Spearfish, call 605-642-2626, or visit www.spearfishchamber.org to find out how you can get involved.

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.

PRECISION MECHANICAL

Precision Mechanical, owned by Rocky Hamley (president) and Steve VanDam (vice president) opened in 2006. They offer installation of HVAC equipment, custom sheet metal fabrication and installation, indoor air quality systems, plan service and preventive maintenance of mechanical systems, temperature controls, mechanical system design, geothermal heat pumps and solar panels,.

Precision Mechanical is the only company in the area that can provide custom-built spiral ductwork. They provided the ductwork for the Black Hills Surgery Center's new surgical addition.

They can be reached at their Spearfish location at 333 Heritage Dr. Ste. 5, 605-642-2335; their Rapid City location at 5700 S. Hwy 79, E3, 605-341-7618; or their website at www.precisionmechsd.com.

Page 38, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

More tourists eye Black Hills for vacations

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS –– Northern Black Hills communities continue to see an uptick in tourism, and the 2018 season outlook continues to further that stride.

Although it can be difficult to estimate visitor number because most Northern Hills communities do not individually track visitors, visitor centers help shed some light.

Based on traffic to welcome centers, sales tax, and gaming numbers, event attendance and occupancy rates, Deadwood welcomed more than 2.5 million visitors to town in 2017, bringing a considerable amount of revenue to the community.

“Tourism drives Deadwood, and the millions of visitors that come to this community of 1,300 people help shape it,” Lee Harstad, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau executive director, said. “More than $1 billion was wagered in Deadwood in 2017, and nearly 300,000 rooms were occupied, not including any private rental homes or businesses, and sales tax was up some 7 percent.”

Harstad said Deadwood started the year out “a bit soft” and down a few percentage points related to sales tax. Following a change up in marketing strategy, subsequent tourism and gaming increases were notable, allowing the town to finish out the 2017 season strong.

“And we ended the year better in many areas compared to 2016,” Harstad said.

Harstad said it’s difficult to not be optimistic looking onto the 2018 tourism season.

“Deadwood offers so much for visitors, and 2018 has started quite strong,” he said.

“We track a lot of indicators, and those indicators are showing increases. I’d antici-

Pioneer file photo

pate seeing a better year in many comparable areas.”

All in all, Harstad said, businesses throughout Deadwood take pride in their offerings and he looks forward to the 2018 tourism season.

“Our event line-up is one of the strongest we’ve had,” Harstad said. “Some businesses in Deadwood, such as a new Tru Hotel as part of Cadillac Jack’s, are expanding, Deadwood Mountain Grand has locked in strong concerts throughout the year, the City of Deadwood continues to improve the event complex along with areas around town, unique and popular retail offerings up and down Main Street continue to attract shoppers, Deadwood’s restaurants continue to impress diners, and of course Deadwood’s casinos continue to cater to players by offering the latest and greatest machines and table games.”

Amanda Kille, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Bureau marketing and sponsorship director, said it’s interesting to compare Deadwood’s total sales tax dues for the year to other South Dakota communities of similar size that aren’t tourism focused.

The following information highlights the total sales taxes due from 2017 from Deadwood and other South Dakota towns with similar populations: Deadwood, population 1,264, 2017 sales taxes due: $3,602,368.17; Lemmon, population 1,227, 2017 sales taxes due: $670,985.71; Britton, population 1,241, 2017 sales taxes due: $712,648.49; and Parkston, population 1,511, 2017 sales taxes due: $651,164.88.

These numbers, which exclude gaming, are based on the calendar year as it is released by the state Department of Revenue highlighting December 2016 to November 2017.

“I think these numbers show vitally important tourism is to the economy of Deadwood,” Kille said. “Deadwood’s sales tax due/taxable sales are roughly five times greater than communities with a similar population.”

Similar to Deadwood, tourism statistics related to Belle Fourche were sourced from the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center.

Kristi Thielen, museum and visitor center director, estimated 10,460 visitors to the center in 2018.

“Given that there was no significant anniversary to hang our hat on, (such as a Sturgis Motorcycle Rally or National Parks anniversary) I think it went well,” Thielen said of the 2017 season. “And it behooves us to continue advertising to reach those who travel the Yellowstone-Devil’s TowerMt. Rushmore route.”

As for a 2018 outlook, Thielen said she sees no reason to believe that the tourism season will be less than in recent years.

Thielen said she couldn’t put a number on revenues brought into the community in 2017 specifically related to tourism.

As for Spearfish, Mistie Caldwell, Visit Spearfish executive director, said the definition of “tourist” is a difficult one to quantify.

“There are group visitors (events, business conventions, reunions, etc.), and leisure travelers (individuals and families), and there is not a place where every person

is counted — especially because our largest attraction is Spearfish Canyon and there are no admission fees or traffic counters there,” she said.

As for revenue, Caldwell said Visit Spearfish utilizes the revenue collected through the Hotel Business Improvement Occupancy fee, collected from nine hotels by city ordinance and one voluntary contributor, and through the hospitality tax collected, often called third penny or hospitality tax. In 2017, that represents $638,371.99, a 1.08 percent increase over 2016.

“We continued an upward movement in our hospitality tax and that is awesome,” Caldwell said of 2017.

So far, 2018 is looking strong, Caldwell said.

“Our most recent hospitality tax numbers show that we are up 6.48 percent year over year,” she said. “Hotels indicate that demand for Sturgis Rally rooms are up over last year. We are excited to see more and more businesses coming to town that attract visitors — from new restaurants and breweries to new entertainment options, Spearfish is thriving.”

Caldwell said she feels Spearfish is growing its footprint as an outdoor adventure destination.

“Our biking, running, etc. events, the addition of outdoor/fly fishing/ UTV rentals in the Spearfish area and an indoor climbing gym are a few of the exciting things going on,” she said. “We are working on assessing new event opportunities for the community this year. I am looking forward to all of the new things.”

Michelle Thomson, president of Black Hills and Badlands Tourism Association, said that visitor spending in South Dakota rose slightly, 1.2 percent, in 2017. With the 75th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2015, followed by 2016 with the 100th anniversary of the National Parks and 75th anniversary of Mt. Rushmore.

“With two such strong years, the industry was happy to see another spending increase in 2017,” Thomson said.

Also, this year marks the 70th anniversary since Korczak Ziolkowski started work on Crazy Horse Memorial, which Thomson said will surely gain media attention and entice visitors to the area.

Although Thomson said it’s still a little early to gauge how the 2018 tourism season will be, many of the communities’ visitor inquiries and hotel bookings are up over 2017. “Additionally, consumer confidence and spending remain strong, unemployment is low and the country has seen wage growth,” she said. “U.S. Travel research indicates that the number of American’s searching for lodging is up over last year.”

Thomson said Destination Analysts State of the American Traveler reported “Travel spending expectations are also soaring, with 36.5 percent of travelers expecting to increase their travel budget this year. In this most recent wave of the survey, the typical traveler reported having a maximum annual travel budget of $3,865, up 6.1 percent from a year earlier.”

“We’re fortunate in that travelers are travelers are looking for iconic sites new experience,” Thomson said. “TripAdvisor research shows that historic and heritage experiences are the fastest growing seg-

ments. Outdoor recreation as a contribution to the economy is also growing nationally.”

Mike Gussiaas, with the South Dakota Department of Tourism, said several tourism initiatives are underway this year.

The first is a creative campaign based on the slogan that was first used in 1989, “Great Faces, Great Places,” including TV advertisement that includes faces people can find when visiting like Blaine Kortemeyer at Mount Rushmore or Sandi at Prairie Berry.

“Standing out from other travel marketing, our campaign uses an artistic double-exposure that we use to showcase both a great face and a great place,” Gussiaas said.

Additionally, the department invited South Dakota musicians to do covers of the Great Faces, Great Places jingle to give it an even more authentic and sincere South Dakota flavor.

“We’re very excited about the new creative and early results show success,” Gussiaas said.

Gussiaas said the department is doing more evergreen, or year-round, marketing to help build the shoulder seasons, the time between the high and low season in the travel market, and reach potential visitors no matter when they start planning.

“Our Out-of-Home or billboard efforts are expanding,” Gussiaas said. “So not only do we have some engaging placements in Chicago (Ill.), Minneapolis (Minn.), Denver (Colo.), and Madison (Wis.), that involve spots that show the same Mount Rushmore, Badlands, or Custer State Park scene in both morning and then at night with a starry sky, we’ll have smaller more non-traditional billboards in Omaha (Neb.), Kansas City (Mo.), Des Moines (Iowa), Cedar Rapids (Iowa), Milwaukee (Wis.), Madison, St. Paul (Minn.), Chicago (Ill.), and Denver.

The department will further its efforts on mobile platforms as well.

“Mobile ads we’ll be serving are an interactive compass unit that as they turn their phone, will help them discover more about specific South Dakota locations,” Gussiaas said.

Kirk Hulstein, also with the South Dakota Department of Tourism, said that Tourism Economics estimated total visitor spending at $512 million for the Northern Hills counties in 2017, a 1 percent increase over 2016.

Municipal gross receipts taxable sales for the same counties reached $212 million, or a 2.5 percent increase. This data is provided by the state Department of Revenue and only includes those businesses that are subject to the tax.

“Statewide estimates for visitation reached 13.9 million last year,” Hulstein said. “While we don’t have visitation at the county level, I think it’s safe to assume most communities in that area had a solid year based on the spending figures.”

Hulstein said “intent to travel” are all up over this time last year and that is a good indication of optimism and represents those planning to take trips to South Dakota this summer.

“Gas prices are holding steady and while they may increase to the $2.70 mark later this spring,” he said. “We don’t expect this to dissuade any travelers from making the drive to South Dakota.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 39

PHILLY TED'S CHEEZSTEAKS

Northern Hills Recreation Association spotlights all recreation opportunities

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Northern Hills Recreation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and strengthening the recreational resources we enjoy in the northern Black Hills.

“For quite a long time there’s been a lot of talk about how outdoor recreation is a feature that we have here that is maybe not being promoted well,” board member Jeff Barthel said.

The association was first formed in 2014 but has grown by leaps and bounds in recent months. It consists of 25 volunteers who work to organize and facilitate recreational activities both indoors and out. Some major events the organization has been involved with are; The Lead-Deadwood Hillcross, Snow Jam, Black Hills Mud Days, which will be held May 19-20, and Terry Peak Summit 5K, which will be held Sept.

15.

With the exception of such high profile events, many recreation opportunities go relatively un-promoted in the Black Hills, other than advertisements from the various facilities where equipment can be rented.

“We wanted to shine a light on all the recreational opportunities that we have up in the Northern Hills and particularly the LeadDeadwood area,” Barthel said.

Focusing on all recreation opportunities, not just events, the association also works to develop and maintain a diverse network of recreation and backcountry trails for skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, running, hiking, and equestrian activities. The association’s trails committee was instrumental in the development of the Homestake

Trail, which opened to the public in September. The 3.5-mile trail winds from the Lead City Dog Park down to Powerhouse Park in Deadwood near the Mickelson Trailhead. Trailgoers can enjoy the scenic views and groomed terrain on foot, or by bike.

Barthel explained that primary funding for the association comes from event fundraisers, private and public grants, and corporate sponsors For more information about the Northern Hills Recreation Association, and for a complete list of upcoming events and activities visit www.northernhillsrec.org or call Jeff Barthel at 580-3326.

Todd and Barb Colgrove opened Philly Ted's with "Family" as their theme. They had found an awesome product and wanted to share it with the community they loved so dearly. They opened the shop, located at 134 Ryan Rd., in July 2013, and have enjoyed building relationships with their customers ever since.

Philly Ted's brings a big-city taste to the Northern Hills at a great price. Everything is cooked fresh using fresh, local ingredients. The cheesesteaks are authentic, grilled to order, and served on freshly baked breadjust like Philly.

For more information stop in, call 605-559-0344, or visit us on the web at www.phillyted.com

THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH

LORI CALDWELL-DEVRIES

Lori is an owner at the Real Estate Center of Spearfish and sells both residential and commercial properties.

She has over 10 years of real estate experience in the Black Hills, and over 25 years of insurance experience. She has found that selling real estate and insurance have been a good fit for her, as well as her customers.

She came to college in Spearfish in 1982 and fell in love with the area. After graduation, she moved to the Denver area for five years. Lori was able to relocate back to Spearfish in 1992, and has never left. She enjoys hiking all over the Black Hills, skiing, kayaking, and many other outdoor experiences as well as sporting and cultural events in the area. She looks forward to serving your real estate needs, whether you're ready to buy and sell right now or sometime in the future. It's never too early to start planning.

Lori can be reached at 641-7529 (cell), 642-2525 (office), www.LoriCaldwellRealEstate.com, or 140 W. Jackson Blvd.

EDGEWOOD VISTA

Our new Enhanced Memory Care unit is now open! Call us to schedule a tour today!

From the moment you see Edgewood Vista, you are home. We offer gracious living spaces with sun-filled rooms and remarkable amenities, plus the level of care you need, when you need it.

Services include nutritious home cooked meals, housekeeping services, 24-hour nursing services, medication management, and transportation to local medical appointments. Residents can enjoy the on-site movie theater, billiards room, chapel, exercise room, beauty salon, library, and more.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call us at 642-2977 or visit us at www.edgewoodseniorliving.com

HOMESTEAD NURSERY

Homestead Nursery marks its 30th year in business on South Highway 85 in Belle Fourche this spring. They serve customers from all over the Tri-State area with their wide selection of hardy plants of all kinds, as well as bedding plants in season. For personal service and plants you won't find anywhere else, there's no place like Homestead Nursery.

BUSINESS & PROPERTY FOR SALE: We're still here and open for your garden needs, but looking for someone to take over as we need to retire. Contact Gloriann Ruby at Dakota Home & Ranch Real Estate.

Page 40, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Lynn’s 50th

1968-2018

Anniversary

Dakotam a rt Your Hometown Neighborhood Market!

We would like to take this time to thank our employees and customers for their loyalty and support in the last 17 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

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.

Hills Grocery Store Locations…

Belle Fourche, SD 600 National Street

605-892-4330

Custer, SD

800 Mt. Rushmore Road

605-673-4463

Faith, SD

Lead, SD

114 Main Street

145 Glendale Drive

605-967-2622

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

1111 Lazelle Street

605-347-4483

Locations in…

Lead & Hot Springs

Informational meeting will be held late-April.

Email us! CoWorkSpearfish@gmail.com or visit CoWorkSpearfish.wordpress.com for more information by April 17 to R.S.V.P. Location to be announced.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 41

18 years

of Professional Real Estate Experience

in the Black Hills!

Kari Engen Owner/Broker Associate, CRS

140 W. Jackson Blvd., Spearfish, SD 57783

605-641-0670 • www.KariEngen.com

From property management to development services, we work hard to maximize each asset’s value and promote an exceptional quality of life for our residents.

OUR NORTHERN HILLS PROPERTIES SPEARFISH: Rolling Hills Apartments WHITEWOOD: Bauer Geiger Apartments Chiang Apartments BELLE FOURCHE: Tanglewood Apartments NEWELL: Newell Townhomes STURGIS: Butte Ridge Apartments Bluff’s Edge Apartments Hunters Run Townhomes Heritage Acres

1113 Sherman St., Sturgis | 605.347.3077 | www.metroplains.com

Page 42, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Good Shepherd Clinic expands services to offer immunizations

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The newest addition to services offered through the Good Shepherd Clinic (GSC), a free medical clinic in Spearfish that serves the uninsured in the Northern Hills, is the offering of vaccinations.

“One challenge that underserved populations in general, and in particular, uninsured populations have, is access to some preventative services,” Dr. Margaret Becker, GSC medical director, said. “The clinic has been serving a need to try to provide acute care, as it’s available on Monday nights, and then also to provide some care for chronic diseases so people come back and get medications refilled and get some tests done. We have some new patients every night, but we also have some returning patients every night, just like any clinic practice would.

“As part of that, we wanted to really expand access to immunizations,” Becker said. “Uninsured or underinsured children have access to immunizations to programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program), but adults typically do not, and there’s good evidence that … those immunizations reduce disease, reduce early death, improve overall health, keep people out of the emergency room, keep them out of the hospital, keep them from getting sicker.

So we wanted to expand access to those vaccinations as much as we could, which also helps to meet goals of care for adults, generally.”

Becker said that the GSC team has been working to put together a framework for the immunization program as well as working to provide access to vaccinations and funding to provide the vaccinations. She said that the initial focus was on providing flu shots, which was a huge benefit, given the flu season that followed, and she added that the clinic would be expanding to offer

Going into its 10th year of operation Good Shepherd Clinic provides medical, emergency dental care to uninsured

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer

The Good Shepherd Clinic in Spearfish has been serving the uninsured in the Northern Hills since 2009 and is expanding its services to provide vaccinations for adults.

Courtesy file photo pneumonia vaccinations.

Becker explained that not every adult needs a pneumonia vaccination, but certain high-risk populations do, so the GSC would be offering the service to those populations, and then offering a couple of other kinds of vaccinations to very specific high-risk populations as time goes on.

“It’s an exciting expansion of care,” Becker said, adding, “It (access to vaccinations) improves care not just for that patient, but it improves care for the community.”

Becker said the timing of the added services coincides with the clinic’s natural growth through the years.

The clinic started in 2009 with the mission of providing quality medical care to people without health insurance and taking the light of Christ into the community.

It provides acute care, as well as management for chronic conditions, and the GSC began offering emergency dental services in 2015.

“This is a well-run free clinic, with stable staff and a robust structure, and that allows expansion into an additional area of care because there are structures in place for other care that’s already being provided,” Becker said.

The GSC board described Becker and Steve Chase, GSC lead pharmacist, as “champions” for the new GSC Immunizations Program.

GSC services are available to Northern Hills area residents ages 1964 who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Assistance, Native American assistance, or private insurance and who meet eligibility guidelines.

Patients are seen based on priority need and must bring proof of identification.

For more information about the clinic, which opens at 6 p.m. Mondays, leave a message at 7172080 or visit oslcspearfish. com/ministries/good_shepherd_clinic.php.

SPEARFISH — Since opening on Feb. 2, 2009, the Good Shepherd Clinic (GSC) has managed approximately 4,825 patient visits as of Feb. 25, and Feb. 26, its 140 volunteers, 16 health care providers, 15 dentists, numerous resource community partners, clinic leadership, board, and committee members were invited to celebrate the ninth anniversary and look forward to beginning the free medical clinic’s 10th year of providing medical services to the uninsured in the Northern Hills.

“Looking at our past, where we came from, and where we’re headed into the future, it has been a whirlwind to believe that we have made it nine years,” Rita Stacey, GSC board president, said. “We have come a long way from the very beginning.”

The GSC, which operates on Monday evenings in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1020 State St., in Spearfish, started in 2009 with the mission of providing quality medical care to people without health insurance and taking the light of Christ into the community.

Dr. Steve Vosler is considered the founder of the clinic, and he described that the idea was born out of conversations with Pastor Kent Stillson, the pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church at the time. The men would visit about the need for medical care that wasn’t being met in the community, and they started putting together ideas for starting a clinic, formed an advisory committee, decided to form a nonprofit corporation, and put together a board. The board decided how the clinic would progress and looked at free clinics elsewhere to form bylaws, decide the scope of practice for the clinic, and set eligibility requirements that coincide with Regional Health’s Patient Assistance Program. The board then arrived at a drug formulary, medications they thought were affordable in the budget, talked to local pharmacies, and got some on board that would allow the nonprofit to purchase drugs at an affordable price.

Vosler said that the clinic was able to expand its scope of practice, offering diagnostic and therapeutic services through a partnership with Spearfish Regional Hospital.

“It just kind of blossomed,” he said of the clinic. “It’s become a self-sustaining and expanding operation, mainly because of the dedication of the board.”

According to medical stats kept by the GSC board, on an average Monday

evening, 16-18 medical patients are expected at the clinic, with up to 24 patients served per Monday. The clinic averages 525 patient visits per year. On the emergency dental side of things, the clinic can serve up to four patients per Monday, with 272 dental patients served since the program began in October 2015 through December 2017.

When asked an approximate guess as to how much these services equate, financially, the GSC board explained that it is nearly impossible to measure – though they know it’s significant since medical care provided through the GSC deters emergency room visits and provides care otherwise offered through regular clinic appointments for common and chronic illnesses; the dental program deters emergency dental care visits, plus the participating dentists provide an incredible amount of money for free follow-up emergency dental care; and GSC pays for prescriptions to properly treat patients’ conditions, with some patients requiring more than one script. Last year alone, GSC wrote approximately 2,000 scripts, including refills.

“I think people can add all that up to show that GSC is a significant socio-economic impact partner within the Northern Hills communities,” GSC board member Sue Konstant said. “Patients who receive care through GSC ultimately produce a positive impact not only within their own families but also across their economic and job security positions.

When patients are courageous enough to reach out and properly treat their illnesses and poor oral health, and be proactive in health prevention, they are then able to work and provide a more stable, economically viable, and positive environment for their families.”

The GSC also has community partnerships for referral needs, with numerous partners providing a significant amount of support, from optometrists and counselors, to non-medical resources like quilts, personal supplies, transportation, etc.

“If they come here, they generally have more needs that just medical,” Tammy Silvernagel, who volunteers in the resource department at the clinic, said, describing that volunteers visit with patients to determine what needs they may have and refer them to agencies that can assist with those needs.

Statistically, chronic care cases are growing in terms of the patients served by the GSC, 56 percent versus 44 percent common illnesses.

CLINIC Pg 43

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 43

AMERICINN

While life seems to be moving at a faster pace, the staff at the AmericInn welcomes you to relax and recharge on a Serta Perfect Sleep bed in our refreshed rooms, stay connected with wired & wireless internet, and in room coffee. Bring your swimsuit to enjoy their heated indoor pool and hot tub!

Wake up to enjoy the complimentary hot, homestyle breakfast including waffles, omelets, gluten free items, fresh fruit and much more. AmericInn is a member of Wyndham Rewards, the world's most generous hotel loyalty program. This "Voice of Customer Excellence" award winning 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!

TRI-STATE REALTY, INC.

The Good Shepherd Clinic celebrated its ninth anniversary recently and is entering its 10th year of providing medical services to the uninsured in the Northern Hills. Pioneer file photo by Kaija Swisher from Pg 42

CLINIC “The needs, it seems like they are getting more complex, basically, just for the simple fact that people know we’re here, whereas they didn’t have a medical avenue before,” Stacey said.

“People are referring patients here more.”

Dr. Margaret Becker, GSC medical director, described that there is a significant population of uninsured patients in the state and in the area who sometimes struggle knowing where to find access to medical care. The GSC has been able to offer access to emergency dental care, a tremendous need, as well as access to management for chronic diseases, such as diabetics able to get medications and preventative care so they don’t progress to having complications that could be avoided. Patients who are asthmatic, patients who have lung disease, patients with heart disease/high blood pressure, Becker described, are all things that, with good management, benefit not just the patient but also the community because the end result is a healthier person in the community.

“That need has been persistent,” she said. “There’s still a significant need for care of uninsured individuals.”

Chris Davis, GSC eligibility volunteer, assists in one of the first parts of the process for people coming into the clinic, asking questions to deter-

mine their eligibility. The GSC offers medical care to Northern Hills area residents ages 19-64 who do not qualify for Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Assistance, Native American assistance or private insurance and must meet eligibility guidelines. Patients are seen based on priority need and must bring proof of identification.

The walk-in medical clinic is open on Monday evenings, starting at 6 p.m., and is operated by approximately 140 medical and non-medical volunteers who keep the clinic running at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on State Street. Davis described that the fellowship hall in the church gets remodeled and rearranged each Monday evening to provide the services, and about 18 volunteers are needed each Monday.

“It’s just a full perfect example of reaching out into the community and meet people where they are, as such,” she said of the clinic’s configuration.

Those involved with the GSC encouraged people in the community to consider making gifts of financial donations or volunteering.

“The more donations we get, of course, the more we can expand services,” Silvernagel said.

One does not need to have a medical background to volunteer; people are needed at the welcome table, for setting up and tearing down the clinic, and more.

“I think there’s lot of opportunities for what fits into schedules or interests or where the calling is,” Davis said.

And everyone involved pointed to the commitment and mission of those around them for making the clinic what it has become.

“I feel a drive to help people, primarily, but it is such an unmet need, and it’s great to see this mission of all these committed people with a moral compass of doing what’s right,” Stacey said, adding, “It’s a great organization to be involved with. It’s fun, it’s fulfilling, and I would suspect that a lot of the volunteers feel the same way.”

“I think it’s a great thing for the patients, but even greater for those that volunteer,” Vosler said, describing that the board and volunteers took the clinic from being an idea to a reality.

“They’ve spent a lot of time in the last 10 years doing this. … I think it’s nice to see that all the people who volunteer still have an interest and a passion in what they’re doing, and they’re not just letting things continue as they are, but they are looking at things how they can expand and improve and do more things along the same lines. There’s still passion and enthusiasm in the board members and volunteers. It’s pretty neat.”

“I really have been so impressed …

To have a clinic that functions so well and for so long just speaks highly of the founders of this clinic and the people who participate and the people who donate and the community that supports it,” Becker said. “It’s been fantastic to be able to be a part of it.”

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 commercial.

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, Tom Steele, and Andrew Nelson. 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.

INTEGRITY MEATS

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, German sausage, jerky, beef sticks, keilbasa, beef hot dogs, pickled jalapeno Polish, and pickled eggs. 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 17 years, stop by and visit them today at 404 Industrial Street, Belle Fourche.

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.

Stop by either location for all your home project needs or call 892-4041 in Belle Fourche and 347-4031 in Sturgis.

Page 44, Our Towns 2018

THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH

The Real Estate Center of Spearfish has been helping people buy and sell real estate since 1992. Eight Owner/ Broker Associates, three Broker Associates, two Broker Assistants and three Office Coordinators are ready to assist you. With a combined experience of over 150 years in real estate, they know their business and can help you through the process!

Their dedicated support staff helps with every step of the transaction. This provides their realtors with more time to focus on sales, networking and excellent customer service to both current and potential clients. They invite you to join their satisfied clients. Let one of their brokers work with you on your next real estate transaction!

Visit spearfishrealestatecenter.com for the most up to date property listings and like them on Facebook at SpearfishRealEstateCenter.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Community celebrates new Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic

FRONTIER GLASS OF BELLE FOURCHE

Roger & Diane McNary relocated to a new location South of Belle Fourche in August 2015. This has given them more room for service work in their new state of the art facility. Roger has been doing glasswork since 1984 and in 2008 the couple purchased Frontier Glass of Belle Fourche.

Servicing customers all over the Northern Hills from Rapid City to Buffalo, SD the small team provides friendly quality service to their loyal customers. While auto glass repair is their main focus, they are also able to provide home glass needs, including custom glass table tops, fireplace glass, screens, glass shelving and more. Frontier Glass is insurance approved and they welcome you to stop by and see them.

ACE HARDWARE OF LEAD

As your local Ace Hardware, our store is a member of the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry. As part of a cooperative, every Ace Hardware store is independently owned. Each store is unique and tailored to meet the needs of the local community. We are all committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products.

This Ace Hardware store in Lead has been open for 2 years.

145 Glendale Drive, Lead • 605-559-1110

QUEEN CITY DOOR, LLC

Queen City Door, LLC has been servicing the Northern Hills area for over 30 years. Formerly M&S Door, Queen City Door was a start-up established by Martin Deichert.

Ford and Kodi purchased the business from Martin and have owned and operated Queen City Door for over 7 years. They have one full time employee, Jim Riggs, and one part time employee, Joe Loux.

Queen City Door carries CHI Overhead Doors and Liftmaster Openers, but they can service most doors. They are a CHI 4-star Dealer. Their doors are manufactured in the USA in Arthur, IL. CHI continues to offer quality doors and are consistently striving to update their doors and door styles and colors. A variety of doors and color options are available to create a unique look for your home or business.

Sturgis celebrated in early March the opening of the new $10.3 million expansion of Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic. Participating in the ribbon cutting are, from left, Dr. Charles Lewis, Sturgis Community Medical Director, Darrell Pulscher, chairman of the Patient-Family Advisory Council, Mark Schulte, president of the Sturgis Market for Regional Health, Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen, Dixie Olson, Eric Fowler, and Dr. Tom Herrmann. Pioneer photos by Deb Holland

By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Amid the hoopla of an event to celebrate the completion of a $10.3 million expansion at Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic in early March, Diane Hendricks and her mom, Doris Merrick, sat side-by-side in one of the facility’s new waiting rooms.

Although they weren’t much in the partying mood, they did however, take notice of the beautiful new facility and appreciated all that it means for continued quality health care in Sturgis.

Both Hendricks and Merrick were awed by the facility, which combines all Sturgis health care under one roof.

“I’ve been doctoring in this town for 20 years or more. This is just lovely,” Merrick said.

The hospital and clinic share an entrance, reception area and waiting room. The renovated hospital includes a new, larger emergency department and waiting room, plus expanded ambulance capacity.

The new 20,000-square-foot clinic includes 36 medical examination rooms, four urgent care and walk-in exam rooms, three clinical procedure rooms, and one physical therapy clinic. It is set up in three pods with exam room entrances for patients to the outside and entrances for the care givers on the inside.

Hendricks, a retired nurse, is impressed not only with the state-of-the-art clinic, but also with the staff who fill it.

“I think Sturgis is very fortunate to have the doctors and the PAs that we do have.

Small town medicine often struggles to get knowledgeable staff,” she said.

Among the staff of 14 doctors and 240 caregivers is Lori Fritz, a certified nurse prac-

titioner. She said she finds the new clinic very user-friendly.

“I like the layout of it. It’s easier for me to get to my patient rooms faster and access my computer more efficiently,” she said.

People seem to be adjusting well to their new surroundings, said Mark Schulte, president of the Sturgis Market for Regional Health.

“There’s a little bit of a learning curve anytime you are in a new building, but they are already seeing the benefits of being here,” Schulte said.

Since 1951, patients in the Sturgis area have doctored at the Massa Berry Clinic. In 1996, Regional Health acquired the clinic and the next year began building a new facility which served the community just off east Main Street.

In 2002, Regional Health purchased Sturgis Community Hospital from Banner Health.

Shortly after, community conversations began about streamlining services onto one campus.

That wish became a reality on Feb. 19 when the clinic opened in the new area adjacent the hospital.

“This is a culmination of a dream that really has been mine since I first came to town four years ago. I knew people in the community had a desire to have health care on one campus. To be able to achieve that is really fulfilling,” Schulte said.

Dr. Charles Lewis, Sturgis Community Medical Director, concurred saying it has long been a dream of the medical community in Sturgis to get everything on the same campus.

“It’s beyond my expectations. It’s a stateof-the-art facility that is going to propel us forward for many years,” he said.

Lewis points to progressive leadership in helping Sturgis retain its hospital and actually

expand health care services over the years.

“Sturgis has come a long way in the past 20 years because of that leadership,” he said.

Opening the new clinic is just the start of great things happening in health care in Sturgis, Schulte said. Regional Health Sturgis will expand the hours it offers urgent care, opening at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Mark Schulte, president of the Sturgis Market for Regional Health, holds up a horse shoe contractors found early on while digging footings for the new Regional Health Sturgis Hospital and Clinic.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 45

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Regional Health to open new campus Pioneer staff reports

SPEARFISH — Regional Health announced in late November that it plans to build a new health care campus near Interstate 90’s Exit 10.

The announcement follows a 40acre land donation north of Kerwin Lane by 2-Bar-T Ranch, LLC, a Spearfish company planning the Dakota Meadows development.

The Dakota Meadows project, a planned 700-acre residential, and retail development, located north of Interstate 90 and east of Highway 85, was announced in 2015.

With the donation of the land, Regional Health started a fundraising campaign with the goal of raising $50 million of the more than $100 million estimated price tag of the health care campus.

Regional Health hopes to receive the $50 million through philanthropic support from the public, cities, counties and state. Funding is anticipated to come from a variety of sources, including possibly from local governments, Regional Health officials said.

In January, Regional Health formally requested $20 million from the city of Spearfish over the next 10 years. The city has yet to make a decision on the request.

“The Spearfish market is one of the most vibrant regions of South Dakota, and this investment demonstrates our intention to provide the most advanced health care possible and meet the community’s changing health care needs for many years to come,” said Brent Phillips, president and CEO of Regional Health, in a prepared statement. “As we move forward, I believe the Northern Hills can serve as a rural health care model for the entire country.”

Thomas Worsley, interim president of Spearfish Regional Hospital and the Spearfish and Belle Fourche markets, told the Pioneer that a construction time-

Pioneer file photo line on the new facility will largely be determined by the fundraising efforts.

Worsley said the planned campus would consolidate health care in Spearfish.

Worsley said clinic locations spread throughout Spearfish creates logistic challenges. “What we are really looking to do is create a campus that patients and families will be able to come and receive their care in one location where it is really designed around the patient,” he said.

The campus, he said, would also allow physicians to better collaborate on patient care.

Regional Health currently operates a hospital, two clinics, and several other specialized facilities in Spearfish.

Services in Deadwood and Belle

Fourche would remain unchanged, he said.

Worsley said the construction of the new campus would allow for additional services, including some surgical services that are not available in Spearfish now, but it is too early to determine what surgical services would be added.

“Right now we are tapped out on space,” he said. “Our desire for this is that people will not have to travel and leave Spearfish. They will be able to receive all their care here.”

Spearfish Regional Hospital is a level 4 trauma center, and severe trauma cases are transferred to Rapid City Regional Hospital, a level 2 center.

The new campus would not likely include an increased trauma center; however, Worsley said

Pioneer file photo

Regional Health would like to expand its obstetrics and pediatric services to possibly include a neonatal intensive care unit, but that would hinge on growth.

Worsley said that with consolidated health care, there would not be a need for the clinics scattered around Spearfish. Some facilities are owned while others are leased in the Queen City. Worsley said a plan will be formalized for the future use or sale of the clinics and hospital after the new facility is built.

Regional Health employees nearly 600 people in Spearfish currently. With the new campus, he anticipates that number to increase.

“We envision this will be a spark to the local economy,” Worsley said.

“This is very exciting news for Spearfish. I appreciate the vision of Regional Health CEO Brent Phillips and his leadership team, and their continued dedication to invest in the Spearfish community,” said Spearfish Mayor Dana Boke in a prepared statement.

“This new health care campus will not only allow us to attract more physicians and their support teams to the Spearfish area, but it also benefits the entire western South Dakota region.”

Kory Menken, executive director of the Spearfish Economic Development Corp., said the new hospital and clinic campus would be a welcome addition to the Spearfish economy.

“As our community’s largest employer, Spearfish Regional Health has a significant impact on our economy,” said Menken. “This proposed expansion would amplify

that impact by creating more jobs and generating increased revenue within our community. We look forward to continuing to work closely with Regional Health on this exciting project.”

The history of medical facilities in Spearfish begins with Lookout Memorial Hospital, which opened in 1963 after a group of citizens saw the need to organize a fund drive to build a hospital at the north edge of town. That facility expanded through the years, both in size and services: Family Medicine Center was added to Lookout Memorial in 1993, with the expansion of surgery, obstetrics, and the emergency department in 1998. The facility joined Regional Health in 2002, with Spearfish Surgery Center and Queen City Medical Center joining in 2007. A dermatology clinic opened in 2011; Regional Rehabilitation/Regional Sports Medicine opened in 2012, and in November 2017, Regional Health announced plans to develop the new health care campus.

According to a brochure about the Spearfish Health Care Campus, it would feature an approximately 81,000-square-foot hospital, with private patient rooms, private labor and delivery rooms, surgical suites, operating rooms, procedure rooms, medical imaging, and emergency department. An approximately 100,000-square-foot space would feature specialty clinics and surgery, with an outpatient surgery center, family practice/urgent care, orthopedics and sports medicine, podiatry and foot clinic, physical, occupational, and speech therapies, and dialysis.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 47

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Our Towns 2018, Page 49

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 51

$31 million Cadillac Jack’s expansion slated for July opening

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — One new hotel, one revamped hotel, one new parking garage, five new restaurants, and an expanded casino comprise the $29 million Cadillac Jack’s expansion, with the hotel, restaurant, and gaming offerings expected to open in early July and the new 134-space underground parking garage already up and running.

“The projected opening date is July 3, with the plan to improve on that date as construction progresses over the next couple of months,” said Caleb Arceneaux, chief executive officer, Liv Hospitality, the management group for Cadillac Jack’s. “We are working in earnest on the ground floor which includes the food and beverage outlets, the expanded casino and the DoubleTree hotel front desk.”

The new TruHotel features 107 rooms and is geared toward Gen X and millennial generations, with restaurant offerings in the lower portion of the hotel to

feature Flyt

by Alpine Inn, Earl of Sandwich, Marcos Pizza, and Made Market by Hilton. A conversion of the existing Cadillac Jack’s hotel to a Doubletree by Hilton and a gift shop with expanded offerings are also part of the package.

“The Tru and DoubleTree will open within a few weeks of each other,” Arceneaux said. “The DoubleTree will likely open before the Tru hotel. The entire project should be complete by late June.”

Also a new customer offering, Guadalajara’s Mexican Restaurant will open in the current Brown Rock Café location during the same time period.

“We look for underserved niche offerings and destination gaming guest desires,” Arceneaux said. “We will have a nice blend of ethnic food offerings, with a taste of Americana to appeal to a broad range of guests.”

The keystone of the new food and beverage offerings will be a venue called Flyt.

“This original concept, threemeal

dining experience, will be owned by the highly respected and sought after Alpine Inn group out of Hill City, South Dakota,” Arceneaux said. “This new concept will feature the same great entrees visitors to our area are accustomed to seeing in the Hill City location, with a twist. The name references flight options of toppings for your steak, or baked potato or alcoholic beverages such as local wines and craft beer. Flights of options will be available for all selections. The anchor to the menu will be tenderloin filet and, of course, the highly secretive and highly sought-after ranch dressing Alpine Inn is so famous for.”

But that’s not all. Get ready to get down.

“A unique quality to our resort will be the nightlife we are bringing into the market. We will have an approachable, yet discerning night club (FLYT) that will satisfy the destination visitor’s desire for a night on the town,” Arcenaux added.

“After hours (10 p.m.), Flyt will become a state-of-the-art night club featuring DJs from around the region. The plan is to offer this entertainment option on the weekends and expanding into weekdays as demand may dictate. This will be a firstclass

experience, complete with exclusive VIP seating, bottle service and high energy entertainment.”

The expansion will also bring roughly 25-30 new gaming devices to the complex.

“It will bring a dramatic change to the gaming scene in Deadwood. It will truly be a game-changer,” Arceneaux said.

“The architecture, technology and finishes will all exude a contemporary and stylish feel, all the while being approachable, energetic and welcoming.”

The tax-increment-financing district portion of the project has brought a new pedestrian bridge across Whitewood Creek, crosswalk, underground utilities, sidewalk improvements, and other amenities to town, as well.

“This makes it easier for guests to access the Mickelson Trail, rodeo grounds, and downtown Deadwood,” Arceneaux said.

Key TIF construction components, include the relocation of a portion of the existing Williams Street and the accompanying utility infrastructure.

Other improvements include burying existing overhead power lines/utilities and replacement of the existing six-inch cast iron water main with a new 10-inch water main, both located along Highway 85 and Highway 14A, a soil nail wall, excavation and retaining walls for utilities, street improvements, storm sewer and detention, street-

. Construction crews are in the final phases of a $31 million expansion of Cadillac Jack’s. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

scaping and lighting.

Total development costs are estimated at $24,558,225; total TIF costs are estimated at $6,204,088, for an estimated total project cost of $30,762,313.

“The TIF portion of the project benefits the city of Deadwood in many, many ways.

The biggest benefit to the city is the inclusion of city infrastructure work,” Arceneaux said.

“This expense is part of the TIF financing rather than being a part of the Capital Improvement Plan outlay. Utility work such as storm sewer and water lines will benefit the city for years to come. The inclusion of a beautiful pedestrian bridge over Whitewood Creek has been a great addition to the city as well.

That is paid for through this TIF effort. There is also a significant upside in sales, occupancy and BBB tax revenues for the city that will ultimately benefit other business and the residents of the city of Deadwood. We are proud to be in Deadwood and excited to partner with the City for the various enhancements to the town.”

The new development is projected to provide an additional 75 jobs to the market.

This is the second major addition to the Cadillac Jack’s Gaming and Lodging complex.

The original Cadillac Jack’s hotel and gaming facility was constructed in 2001. The complex was first expanded in 2012 with the construction of the 78-room Springhill Suites by Marriott and the accompanying underground parking garage Liv Hospitality LLC is the operations and management group for properties owned by Optima, LLC.

Page 52, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum plans expansion, new facility

By D eb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum is undergoing a transformation that will leave the museum poised for the future.

Opened in the old Sturgis Post Office on Main Street in 2001, the museum was in need of expansion to help tell the story of the history of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

On March 19, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum became an official deed holder. The City of Sturgis turned over ownership of the property located at 999 Main St. to the museum.

An addition of 2,500 feet will be added to accommodate more visitors, house a Sturgis timeline exhibit and add a virtual reality exhibit to the museum.

The museum also is adding a second location on land at the mouth of Vanocker Canyon, off I-90 Exit 32. Plans include an amphitheater for music, more space for vendors during the rally, more exhibits, and outdoor space for non-Rally events. They are hoping to open in time for the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

For that reason, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame Executive Director

Myrick Robbins has many irons in the fire these days.

He’s overseeing the renovation of the museum at Main Street and Junction Avenue, and spearheading the campaign to build the new museum.

The Hall of Fame portion of the museum recognizes individuals or groups who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycle community.

Just this past year, motorcycle royalty Willie G. Davidson was among those honored.

The first phase of the project will cost about $1.5 million and will focus on the downtown museum. It includes an addition to the building on the north. And, a new entrance will be added on the east of the building.

That means that when someone walks in the door of the Main Street location they will see references to 1938 when the rally began. It will include historic displays that pay homage to Pappy and Pearl Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies.

“It will basically be the timeline of the rally,” Robbins said.

The renovation of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has been a work in the works for many years. Plans about five years ago were to

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame has plans to build a second location near Scott Peterson Motors Sturgis called Heritage Hill that will house the hall of fame, pre-1938 collection, and various galleries. They hope to have the facility completed in time for the 80th anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2020. Courtesy photo

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame at the corner of Junction and Main in Sturgis is beginning a remodel that will add 2,000 square-feet of space and move the entrance to the east side of the building. It is scheduled to be completed in 2019. Courtesy photo make the current location four stories tall with a giant motorcycle façade on the outside.

“It was all very conceptual because to actually do what that showed would have been more costly than just mowing this building down and starting over,” Robbins said. “But, it did get people excited and got the capital campaign rolling.”

Robbins said museum officials knew they couldn’t do ‘big’ on Main Street, but they didn’t want to lose the location at Junction and Main — Sturgis’ motorcycle mecca.

“Why would you want to give up what you had?” Robbins

said. “We came up with the idea of keeping the museum on Main and taking the hall of fame out by the interstate.”

The second location will be called Heritage Hill and be built on land donated by Scott Peterson Motors Sturgis, adjacent to the Ford dealership.

Heritage Hill will house the hall of fame, pre-1938 collection, and various galleries. That project will cost about $5 million.

“The overall facility will give the museum space to offer educational programs, meeting and event space, and a place for the community and visitors to expe-

rience motorcycling, learn about the great people of the Hall of Fame, and their heritage,” said Robbins.

There also will be a cafe and gift shop and areas for restoration and training.

Both locations of the museum and hall of fame will feature virtual-reality rides. The downtown location will feature a ride through Main Street during the Rally. The Heritage Hill location virtual-reality rides will focus on rides through the Black Hills including the ride to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Devils Tower.

Community Partners

The Black Hills Pioneer

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives Your free federal lands attraction!

VISIT. LEARN. INSPIRE. D.C. Booth is America’s gathering place for all things fisheries - preserving our fisheries history to inspire present & future conservations.

Visitors can stroll the hatchery grounds from dawn to dusk any day of the week, 365 days a year. Spend the day getting up close and personal with brown and rainbow trout, or take a hike on one of the beautiful nature trails located on the 10-acre grounds.

The Pond Gift Shop, Von Bayer Museum, Railcar, and Booth House are open during the summer season from mid-May through September.

You can support the hatchery by becoming a member of the Booth Society at www.dcboothfishhatchery.org/contribute.

Admission to the Hatchery grounds is always free.

See you at the hatchery!

Our Towns 2018, Page 53

8 Weeks of Live Music Thursday Nights 6-9pm in June & July Downtown Belle Fourche Since 2013, Hometown Thursdays, a non-profit organization, has been bringing free live concerts comprised of local talent, and multiple genres to Belle Fourche with the help of community sponsors. This family friendly event is held every Thursday night from 6-9pm in June and July. The committee volunteers; Craig & Tara Knapp, Jim Kallas, Chip and Dallas Conner, Hollie Stalder, Todd and Michelle Watson and JD Young; were just recently recognized by the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce as Volunteer Group of the Year. They are committed to bringing this event to Belle Fourche and promoting the importance of community. Find more information online at www.hometownthursdays.com or 2018 check Facebook for weekly posts of • Concert Schedule • Bands and Sponsors. They hope to see you there!

JUNE 7...................35th and Taylor JUNE 14...................Brandon Jones 2017 Belle Fourche JUNE 21.......................Dirty World JUNE 28.........................32 Below Chamber Volunteer JULY 5...................Dakota Country Group of the Year JULY 12....................Trucker Radio JULY 19.........................Judd Hoos www.hometownthursdays.com JULY 26........................Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts

Community Partners

Page 54, Our Towns 2018

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 historic home serves as a stage for special and private tours. The Adams House Gift Shop features a diverse selection of unique merchandise and specialty gifts. The His-

The Black Hills Pioneer

toric Adams House is wheelchair-accessible on the first floor.

Spring hours begin in April, Tuesday – Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Closed Sundays and 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 $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6 – 12 and free to children 5 and under. The museum is free to Deadwood History members. Call 605-7224800 for information on group tours.

22 Van Buren Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-3724 DeadwoodHistory.com

Deadwood Elks Lodge #508

Trinity United Methodist Church

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 on the second floor and just down from 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.

Sunday Worship Service 9:00 a.m.

Fellowship following Worship • Christian Education for all ages Lord's Cupboard • Christian Ministry Center

111 S. Main Street, Lead - 605-584-1328 - www.leadtumc.com

Community Partners

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 55

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 over 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 Stampmill. 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 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

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.

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.

Open year round, the Adams Museum is wheelchair accessible.

A suggested donation of $5 per adult, $2 per child is appreciated.

The museum is free to members.

Call 605-722-4800 for information on group tours.

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 Mercantile gift shop is located on the

first floor. Admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children ages 6 – 12 and free to children 5 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 group tours.

54 Sherman Street Deadwood, SD 57732 605-578-1714 DeadwoodHistory.com

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Free & Confidential Pregnancy Testing & Ultrasound

605-642-4140 • bellapregnancy.com

18 Seventy Six Drive Deadwood, SD 605-578-1657 DeadwoodHistory.com

Community Partners

Page 56, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

825 Heritage Dr. • Spearfish, South Dakota

642-WEST (9378) | www.westernheritagecenter.com

The Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC) serves as a destination appealing to historians, 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.

Document and photograph reproduction rates are available.

Business hours are Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

High Plains Western Heritage Center contains a five-state regional museum founded to honor the old west pioneers and the Native Americans of North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Nebraska.

The museum features a wide range of western artifacts including displays honoring the cattle and sheep industry, the Native American, blacksmithing, saddle making, natural history, mining, forestry, and, of course, the cowboy and rodeo.

Cowboy Supper & Spirit of the American Cowboy Comedy/Music Show July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, 31, & Aug. 1 Starting at 5pm Adults: $30 • 6-12: $15 Under 6: Free Show Only: $15

Contributions in recent years have allowed for a spacious theatre complete with sound system, a Transportation Room that includes a stagecoach, chuck wagon, a “Tally-Ho” wagon, buggies and sleighs. Outside displays include a oneroom schoolhouse, log homestead cabin and antique farm equipment.

The Heritage Center thrives due to the many individuals and businesses from the area that contribute time, labor, materials and finances. Grain and hay are donated to feed live longhorn steers, which are displayed in the front pasture from May through October.

The Heritage Center, as an important regional community center, is available for rent to individuals, groups and organizations looking for a beautiful and unique venue for their event.

150 Sherman Street Deadwood, SD 605-722-4800 DeadwoodHistory.com

North Point is a church of people who can be themselves: no pious pretenders, false humility, or fake sincerity—just authentic people committed to sharing Christ and building believers through sincere relationships, engaging worship, and community involvement. We want families and kids in the Northern Hills to connect with God, serve Him with their lives, and grow as followers of Jesus.

We gather each Sunday at 9am & 10:30am.

Our new facility is located at 10959 Kellem Lane in Spearfish (2 miles north of Exit 10).

Community Partners

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 57

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 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. Veterans who have fought on foreign soil are encouraged to apply for membership. Any surviving wife, husband, son, 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.

Community Partners

Page 58, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

SIMULATED

UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR

Constructed with pride by local miners!

GOLD PANNING MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP Official Mining Museum of the State of South Dakota

323 W. Main St., Lead • 605-584-1605 www.blackhillsminingmuseum.com

ART is the

HeArt of Our Community

Armchair Travelers Book Club Meets the 1st Thursday of Every Month at noon at the Sturgis Library.

History at High Noon Discussions and presentations about the place we call home and the people that live here. Meets the 3rd Thursday of most months at the Sturgis Library.

“Godspell” - June 21-25 Annual Easter Cantata and Annual Community Christmas Concert Proud sponsor of the Northern Hills Band Sponsor of the Dakota Players Children’s Theater Monthly “Artist of the Month” displays at the Sturgis Library One Book SD Discussions

Support the Arts! Become a member! www.sturgisareaartscouncil.org

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 59

Newman Center taking shape at corner of King, University streets in Spearfish

By Kaija Swisher Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — It’s been a dream for more than a decade, and every day, the 16,000-square-foot, $3.75 million Newman Center at the corner of King and University streets in Spearfish gets closer to completion.

“It’s a far cry from our small, converted space to this,” Kristin Thompson, development director of the BHSU Newman Center, said in February, comparing the new building to the small house adjacent to St. Joseph Catholic church’s parking lot about a mile from the BHSU campus that has served as the St. Joseph Newman Center since 2004. “The students are very excited to have a much larger space that is close to campus. They are looking forward to the opportunity to have more events and being able to walk from campus to the center.”

Since the 1950s, the Newman Club has been a recognized student organization at BHSU, and it is estimated that approximately 15 percent of students on campus, or around 700, identify as Catholic. The Newman Center has the mission “to bring students and faculty of Black Hills State University to Jesus Christ through the Gospel and full participation in the life of the Church, challenging them to be faithful disciples and preparing them for their Christian mission in the world.”

Thompson said that the students have had a chance to tour the space as it is taking shape and are very excited for the new space, which will provide a place for students and faculty to worship and find spiritual direction, religious education, a quiet place to study, community service, socialization, and recreation close to campus.

“It will be a mecca of activities, I’m fairly certain,” she said.

The motto of the Newman Center is “A home away from home,” and the center is an ecumenical space, open to all students and

faculty.

“I think it’s going to be a great space – open to all students, of all faiths, all the staff and faculty, anyone who can draw anything from what we do – doors are going to be open to them,” Thompson said.

Conceptual designs for the building were started in 2007 by Williams and Associates Architecture, Inc., of Spearfish, with a traditional look incorporated into the two-story building.

The center is funded/underwritten through St. Joseph Catholic Church, with the Catholic Diocese of Rapid City having committed $1.25 million to project, and the remainder of the funds coming through local parishes, private donations, and some grants.

The Newman Center includes a basement with a fellowship hall, rec rooms, classrooms, kitchen, and restrooms, with a chapel on the main floor, that, including its balcony, can seat 175, as well as a narthex/gathering area and meeting rooms. Williams and Associates designed the Newman Center at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City, as well, and found that not only do students utilize the space for Mass on Sunday evenings, but members of the greater community also use the chapel, so more space was devoted to the chapel to increase the seating capacity in Spearfish after seeing that trend.

The building also includes residences. Its second floor includes an apartment for two Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) missionaries, as well as two dorm-like rooms for students who could apply to live for reduced rent in exchange for basic facility maintenance, cleaning, and hosting assistance. Thompson explained that FOCUS missionaries are sent in teams of four, generally, two men and

Pictured is a design rendering of what the final product of the new, approximately 16,000-square-foot Newman Center will look like. The building is located at the corner of King and University streets in Spearfish. Courtesy image two women, to college campuses March 2017, and the plan is for Monsignor Michael Woster, across the country to be able to the building to be complete and pastor of St. Joseph, St. Paul, and provide outreach to meet students open when the fall semester begins St. Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic where they are, offer programs and at Black Hills State University in churches in Spearfish, Belle activities, etc., so their presence, August.

Fourche, and Newell, respectively, as well as the expanded space, will “Construction has gone very well, described that it has been awesome allow the Newman Club and users and we are grateful to our contracto see the project come to fruition of the space to do more. tor, CVD Construction and all of after envisioning it for more than 10 Once complete, the building will the subcontractors, who have been years. include amenities like wifi, bigworking diligently on the building,” “For me, what’s really exciting, screen TVs, fully-stocked kitchen/ Thompson said, adding that she’s is when the doors are open next fall, dinning room, games, ping-pong taheard a lot of positive feedback we’re going to begin to minister to ble, grill, fire pit, and more, to allow from the community as the building a group that’s eventually, over time, students and staff a place to have has taken shape. The building was going to become thousands of young Bible study, or have a study group, also featured in a video presenpeople,” he said, describing that the or give a presentation, or host a retation at the Spearfish Economic Newman Center would be present as treat, or socialize – the building was Development Corporation annual long as the campus exists. “That’s a designed to be multifunctional to al- meeting as part of the record-breakgreat gift to the community, a great low for a variety of uses. Thompson ing building valuation in Spearfish gift to the church, a great gift to the said students and faculty are already in 2017. campus, so it’s a win-win, I think, coming up with new ideas for how “We are excited to share this for everyone.” the space could be utilized. space with the community soon,” Thompson said that there would “Seeing this space full of students Thompson said, adding, “The enbe a ribbon-cutting celebration on is going to be awesome,” she said. thusiasm the students are showing Aug. 25, with tours for the commuShe added that venues in the faabout the building is really wonnity to check out the space once the cility, including the large fellowship derful to see. With the new center’s center is complete. hall and kitchen area, would be close proximity to campus, we For more information about the available to the community to rent know that more students, staff, and Newman Center or for events, speakers, etc. faculty of BHSU will be able to Newman Club, The groundbreaking for the draw from what we provide, visit bhsunewNewman Center took and that is very excitman.com/ place in ing!” index.php or its Facebook page.

The approximately 16,000-square-foot Newman Center is taking shape at the corner of King and University streets in Spearfish, creating a new space for Black Hills State University students and the community to use and enjoy. It is pictured under construction in February. Pioneer photo by Kaija Swisher

Page 60, Our Towns 2018

AMOS'S BARBER SHOP

Amos and Kim Armijo are the owners of Amos's Barber Shop in Belle Fourche that opened January 17, 2017. Since 1994, Amos has been cutting hair and finally has a place of his own. This old fashioned barber shop has a friendly atmosphere, a kids chalkboard corner, and you may possibly catch Amos strumming on his guitar.

Amos's Barber Shop offers veteran and military discounts and also provides haircuts for the JSC kids in Rapid City once a month.

Stop in for a cut, trim, or a good old fashioned hot lather shave at 1403 5th Avenue Suite A in Belle Fourche, or call ahead 605-569-0940.

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.

Our leadership is focused on aligning with companies to build community with workforce development and housing while helping with new business development, and business expansion, in and around Belle Fourche and our State Certified Ready Industrial & Rail Park.

The Belle Fourche transportation network drives you from ports to plains and coast to coast with Highway 85, 34, and 212 intersecting at the heart of the community. Only 10 miles from Interstate 90, our central location has extensive connection points complimented by the Rapid City Pierre & Eastern railroad, which sides at the Belle Fourche Industrial and Rail Park.

Contact Hollie Stalder, executive director, today for more information at 605-892-5065 or www.bfdcsd.com.

LEVERINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF THE NORTHERN HILLS

It’s a funeral home owned by a husband and wife who help people say goodbye – and to them, this is much more than a business. It is a calling and a way of life. They serve the western South Dakota region and they love to help people. People often say to them, “We see something different about the way you care for people. We can see it’s not just a job to you.” They would be honored to help you.

They work hard at serving the community in many ways.

Mark has served almost 10 years on the Black Hills Roundup Board of Directors, and he’s been Chairman of the Parade for seven. Deb volunteers on the board of directors for the Belle Fourche Chamber. They financially support many great organizations as well. You see them involved because they think its important to give something back to this great community.

You can trust them because the reason they do what they do is they really care about people.

DEADWOOD EYECARE & MOUNTAIN VALLEY VISION CENTER

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.

The Black Hills Pioneer

New Stagebarn Middle School to open this fall

By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — In 2016, anticipating further population growth in the area between Rapid City and Sturgis, along the Interstate 90 corridor, the Meade School District moved forward with a plan to build a new $18 million middle school in the Piedmont/Summerset area.

Based on new estimated figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau March 22, their hunch has become a reality.

Meade County continues to be among the fastest growing counties in the state of South Dakota. The county was listed as the fourth fastest growing county behind Lincoln, Lake and Minnehaha counties.

The Census Bureau’s estimated growth figures since the 2010 census are: Lincoln, 26.4 percent, Lake, 14.4 percent, Minnehaha, 11.3 percent, Meade, 10.2 percent, Dewey, 10.1 percent, Pennington, 9.1 percent, Jackson, 8.5 percent, Brown, 7.2 percent, Brookings, 7.2 percent and Custer, 5.8 percent.

Piedmont Valley Elementary School, a feeder school to the new middle school, has grown by more than 80 students in the past five years.

School district officials expect enrollment at the new middle school next fall to be at more than 300 students, with staffing dependent on enrollment. The building is designed for a maximum of 600 students in grades 5-8.

The school will open with grades 5-7 for the 2018-19 school year, and eighth grade will be added for the 2019-20 school year.

Grades 5 and 6 will be designed using an intermediate school model to assist with the transition from elementary school to middle school.

Along with all core subjects, students will have music, computers, art, and PE, as well as multiple elective classes to choose from.

Dave Olson, currently the assistant principal for Sturgis Elementary School and Sturgis Williams Middle School, has been named principal at the new school.

Currently, Piedmont Valley Elementary School, houses fifth and sixth grade students from the Piedmont/Summerset areas. Those students and staff from PVE will move to the new Stagebarn Middle School.

That will free up needed space at Piedmont Valley Elementary. Meade School business manager Brett Burditt said the elementary school has been overcrowded for some time.

He said the school was built for a population of about 570 students and this year had 642 students.

The new middle school project is ahead of

Meade School District Business Manager Brett Burditt talks about the underlay for the floor in the gym at the new Stagebarn Middle School.

Pioneer photo by Deb Holland schedule and under budget - music to the ears of school officials and school board members.

Burditt said the final cost should be about $16.5 million.

Primary contractor Scull Construction first moved dirt for the 110,000-square-foot school last April on the 34-acre site, with an official groundbreaking last July 26.

On a recent afternoon, workers were pulling in electrical wiring, nailing in underlayment for the wood floor in the gym, finishing up the area around the main entrance and working on the massive kitchen.

Burditt said the school is scheduled to take the reins of the new facility on July 1. He said desks and other instructional material would arrive around that time. Staff would set things in place for the fall opening slated for Monday, Aug. 27.

The district found itself with about $700,000 remaining in its contingency fund for the Stagebarn Middle School.

A committee of the school board was formed to determine how the contingency fund money should be spent for add-ons to the original Stagebarn Middle School project.

Items to be done with the contingency funds include: An asphalt track with interior drainage around the proposed football field costing $354,495.25.

A playground area, $25,000.

Electrical rough in for a future digital sign for a cost of approximately $7,955.42 to $13,577.42.

Cold storage building for an additional cost of $57,307.51.

Here is the view of the new Stagebarn Middle School from Interstate 90. The two wings house classrooms. The gym is to the right. Pioneer photo by Deb Holland

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 61

Spearfish to host new baseball team

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Spearfish’s newest baseball team will begin its season this May when the Expedition League opens with eight teams in two divisions.

The Expedition League is a collegiate wood-bat circuit featuring players 19 to 21 years of age. Players are predominantly NCAA Division I or Division II, with others possibly coming from the junior college or NAIA ranks.

“They’re all playing baseball at a very, very high level,” Expedition League Founder and President Steve Wagner said in describing the players. “They’re looking to make their mark and hopefully, ultimately, get drafted and make it to professional baseball.”

The Spearfish Sasquatch hosts the Souris Valley Sabre Dogs in that threegame opening series at Black Hills Energy Stadium in Spearfish. Game times are 6:35 p.m. May 25, 6:35 p.m. May 26, and 5:35 p.m. May 27.

Spearfish is in the Clark Division along with the Casper Horseheads, Hastings Sodbusters, and Western Nebraska Pioneers (Gering). Lewis Division teams are the Badlands Big Sticks (Dickinson, N.D.), Hub City Hot Shots (Aberdeen), Pierre Trappers, and Souris Valley (Minot, N.D.).

Rapid City residents Kevin and Heidi Bybee own the Sasquatch. Ryan Wright is the head coach, with Grant Hamilton serving as pitching coach and

Wright’s assistant.

Each team plays 64 games in a regular season that ends in mid-August. Hastings will host the mid-season All-Star game in early July, and the two division winners will meet in an end-of-season playoff to determine the champion.

“It’s been a lot to do: a big undertaking to get everything lined up,” Kevin Bybee said. He added the organization is on track with there it wants to be.

One of the biggest goals is to get host families for the players, Bybee said. “It’s an integral part of the team,” he added.

“We just need a place for them to stay during the summer.

“We actually consider them to be part of the team itself.” Bybee said two free season tickets go to someone hosting a player.

Bybee said the need for host families is urgent. He added the players only need a bed, shower, and maybe share an occasional family meal.

Sixteen players were on the Sasquatch roster as of March 19. Bybee said the roster would total about 30 players, with 14 to 16 being pitchers.

Plans are to fill the roster during the next several weeks, Bybee said. He added pitchers are competing for their respective college teams, and taking a wait-and-see attitude (depending on arm conditions) as far as signing with the Sasquatch and

other Expedition League teams.

Bybee was asked what would make this Sasquatch season a success.

“We want to make sure that we are putting a good product on the field,” Bybee said. He also desires a top-quality fan experience, and that includes on-field promotions and fan participation.

Bybee said the organization most looks forward to Black Hills residents coming out and enjoying a night out.

Spearfish Economic Development Coroporation Exeutive Director Kory Menken called the league an exciting opportunity for the city. He cited quality-of-life aspects along with sales tax revenue and people coming to Spearfish to stay in hotels and eat in restaurants.

“That’s really what we’re all about,” Wagner said. “Great, great baseball on the field, but it’s really fun for fans.”

Wagner envisions the Sasquatch being able to tie into local events and drawing fans from the entire region. He said baseball is as much a social event as an athletic event, largely because of the frequent breaks in play.

RE/MAX IN THE HILLS

Celebrating 20 years in Spearfish!

RE/MAX in the Hills opened their doors in July, 1998. Since that day, they have been dedicated to serving both buyers and sellers throughout the Northern Black Hills of South Dakota, and Wyoming, providing listings for residential, commercial, multi-family and land real estate.

RE/MAX in the Hills has consistently ranked in the Top 5 for sales from the Northern Black Hills Association of Realtors.

ECOCOUNTERTOPS USA

Ecocountertops USA is locally owned and operated by Beth Lynn and Chris Price. Since 2014 we have resurfaced 100s of countertops, bathtubs and showers in home and commercial settings.

The entire process takes one day to complete and can be used 24 hours later, and at a fraction of the cost of replacing. There is no need for a plumber or electrician and nothing to take to the landfill when the job is complete.

We have 65 color choices with a speckled granite look that give your countertop, fiberglass bathtub, ceramic tile or shower a fresh new look. We also have 7 solid colors for cast Iron and porcelain. Visit our website to learn more

BLACK HILLS ENERGY

Black Hills Energy is a natural gas and electric utility serving 1.2 million customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Black Hills Energy of South Dakota is the electric service provider for about 70,000 customers in 23 communities within the Black Hills region of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming.

Black Hills Energy is part of Black Hills Crop. (NYSE: BKH), a growth-oriented, vertically integrated energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Black Hills Corp. also generates wholesale electricity and produces natural gas, oil, and coal. More information is available at www. blackhillscorp.com and www.blackhillsenergy.com.

MACK'S AUTO BODY, LLC

For the past 23 years, Mack’s Auto Body has For the past 25 years, Mack's Auto Body has been offering the following “in-house” services: been offering the following "in-house" services: frame, and plastic media frame, body body& &spray sprayfacility; facility; and plastic media stripping.

Owner Eugene Mack takes pride in all stripping. Owner Eugene Mack takes pride in all his boss involved in every his work work and andisisaa“hands-on” "hands-on" boss involved in aspect of the job.

Mack’s Body backs their every aspect of the job. Auto Mack's Auto Body backs work with awith 100% their work a warranty.

100% warranty.

Page 62, Our Towns 2018

The Black Hills Pioneer

Pine beetle spread grows from 2016, but not to epidemic levels CUSTER — The U.S. Forest Service, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Wyoming State Forestry Division have released the results of the 2017 forest health survey on the Black Hills National Forest and surrounding lands.

Aerial surveys conducted in the fall indicate that approximately 4,700 acres have been affected by pine beetles in 2017, while approximately 2,500 acres were affected in the year prior. In total, over 450,000 acres have been affected since the mountain pine beetle epidemic began 20 years ago.

While officials have called the epidemic over, the mountain pine beetle continues to be a native insect in the Black Hills National Forest. As such, trees or groups of trees will continue to be killed each year, which is natural and expected.

“Working together has made a significant positive impact on ending the epidemic,” said Mark Van Every, Black Hills National Forest supervisor. “We will continue landscape scale treatments to ensure our forest is more resilient to future insect epidemics and catastrophic wildfire.”

As a native species, the mountain pine beetle has always been a part of the Black Hills forest ecosystem, with periodic epidemics.

The first recorded epidemic in the Black Hills occurred from the late 1890s through the early 1900s. Epidemics also occurred in the 1930s, 1940s, 1960s, and 1970s, each lasting eight to 13 years.

“With the end of the mountain pine beetle epidemic, we look forward to working with the Forest Service and other cooperators to manage for a healthy and diverse forest that is resilient to future disturbance,” said Greg Josten, South Dakota state forester.

“While we have turned the corner on the current beetle epidemic, we still have serious forest health problems that we need to continue to work together on for our forests in the future.” said Bill Crapser, Wyoming state forester.

About the size of a grain of rice, the mountain pine beetle has killed more than 450,000 acres of the 1.2 million acre Black Hills National Forest in the recent epidemic that ended in 2016. That year, about 2,500 acres were infested.

In 2017, that number grew to 4,700 acres.

Pioneer file photos

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2018, Page 63

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WILDFIRE? Call today for your property analysis & free quote Services Provided:

• Land Clearing • Whole Tree Removal • Chipping • Burning • Bug Tree Removal • Fire Hazard Reduction • Consultation • Pre-Commercial & Commercial Thinning

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FACTS • 100 bed rehabilitation & skilled center • 20 bed memory care unit • Admissions 24/7 • Tours available 7 days a week

BUSINESS OFFICE • Mail services for residents • Billing & financial information

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ACTIVITIES • Religious activities • Crafts • Music • Outings • Bingo • Special performances

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• Housekeeping • Laundry staffed 7 days a week • Beauty shop open Monday-Friday • 24/7 maintenance for facility & grounds

• Outpatient therapy offered • Speech, physical, & occupational

Call us to schedule a tour!

605-642-2716

NOW OFFERING • Dental Care • Massage therapy • Music therapy

Page 64, Our Towns 2018

It’s Where

The Black Hills Pioneer

Deadwood Begins

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BREAKFAST with made to order omelets LUNCH daily specials DINNER featuring USDA Choice Prime Rib served nightly

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605-578-9777 • 1-800-274-1876 www.firstgold.com

For a virtual tour, please visit our website at edgewoodseniorliving.com

Call us to schedule a tour today!

Make yourself right at home.

• Staff Members and neighbors that make this a special place.

• Nutritious Home-cooked meals • Full Schedule of activities • Beauty Salon • Housekeeping services

• 24-hour nursing services • Medication Management • Movie Theater, Chapel, Exercise Room, Billiard Room, Library & More • Transportation to local medical appointments

For a personal tour, please call 642-2977

• ASSISTED LIVING • MEMORY CARE Exit 14 • 540 Falcon Crest Dr., Spearfish, SD www.edgewoodseniorliving.com From the moment you see Edgewood Vista, you are home.