Our Towns 2021

OUR TOWNS BLACK HILLS PIONEER

SECTION 1 OF 4

2021 EDITION

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

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2

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CELEBRATING BUSINESS THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

WHO’S NEW IN BUSINESS?

COPING WITH COVID: INNOVATION AND CHANGES

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Page 2, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Lumber prices have spiked since pandemic While mills slowed production, housing projects continued to boom

By Tom Lawrence Special to the Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Last year, the lumber market faced instability in supply and demand.

The pandemic created a massive demand for materials for new residential projects, the building of temporary barriers for COVID-19 and the rise in Americans who are staying home and are trying do-ityourself projects.

At the same time, lumber mills struggled with the pandemic, and some shut down while others operated on a limited basis due to government restrictions.

This caused lumber prices to skyrocket.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), homebuyers should expect an additional of at least $24,000 to the cost of a new single-family home as lumber prices increased by 134% over a one-year peri-

od. The NAHB has reached out to Congress to request help in toppling the ongoing lumber crisis.

Ralph Siemonsma, the owner and president of Siemonsma Construction in Spearfish, has been in the building industry since 1973. He said this is unprecedented.

“This is the most dramatic across-the-board increase I have ever seen,” Siemonsma said.

He said while the COVID-19 pandemic impacted much of American life, “the building industry never shut down” because of an increase in demand for its services. But sawmills, like most companies, reduced their production.

“All the inventory that was amassed is gone,” Siemonsma said.

A year into the pandemic, mills have not returned to their former level. Many are operating two shifts instead of three, which has not matched the demand for lumber, he said.

“It has created shortages, and when you create shortages you get dramat-

ic price increases,” Siemonsma said. “Supply and demand.”

The lumber supply was also affected by older Americans who are waiting until the pandemic is over before selling their homes.

This has caused a drop in existing home inventory, causing buyers to look at newly constructed homes instead.

The market normalized as soon as the supply was sufficient and caused prices to de-

crease. A three-month lull was experienced from September to November last year. However, prices jumped again from December until January.

Bryan Rice of Rapid City, regional manager for Knecht Home Center, said he has never seen anything like this in his 43 years in the building industry.

“It is unprecedented,” Rice said. “It certainly has had an impact. It’s kind of gone up nonstop. We don’t like it. We don’t think it’s sustainable. We certainly hope there is a correction.”

But he said housing starts are continuing in western

South Dakota. The spike in lumber prices, along with a much smaller increase in other products needed for home construction, have slowed some projects, he said, but not stopped them.

Tony Jockheck, executive vice president of the South Dakota Home Builders Association, said it has been a painful period for builders and homeowners.

“Lumber prices have been especially volatile in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased demand and supLUMBER Pg 3

Pioneer file photo

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 3

“

The unprecedented spikes in lumber prices have added more than $24,000 to the price of the average, new singlefamily home.

Tony Jockheck,

Executive Vice President, South Dakota Home Builders Association

from Pg 2

LUMBER

”

ply-side constraints,” Jockheck said. “The unprecedented spikes in lumber prices have added more than $24,000 to the price of the average, new single-family home.”

He said there have been some positive developments.

“However, historically low interest rates have helped combat the rise in lumber costs,” Jockheck said. “With a 30-year mortgage, we’re seeing roughly $100 added to the monthly mortgage spread out over 30 years. Here in South Dakota, our builders remain busy with few projects being canceled due to lumber prices. Our builders could take on more projects with more labor in the workforce.”

He said there is reason for opti-

mism.

“Yes! As more states begin to lift COVID-19 work restrictions, we should begin to see production by the lumber producers increase,” Jockheck said. “The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) continues to work with the Biden administration to urge domestic lumber producers to ramp up production.”

The South Dakota Home Builders has 1,808 members across the state with local chapters in Aberdeen, Black Hills, Brookings, Lewis & Clark (Yankton area), Oahe (Pierre area), Sioux Empire (Sioux Falls area) and Watertown.

Pre-pandemic problems

The problem started before the pandemic, however. In 2017, the U.S. Commerce Department imposed countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber following a failed effort to complete a renewal of a trade agreement.

The World Trade Organization stated in August 2020 that there was no factual basis for the tariff, and it was cut from 20% to 9% in December. That was hailed by National Association of Home Builders Chairman Chuck Fowke.

“The Commerce Department’s action to reduce duties from more than 20% to 9% on softwood lumber shipments from Canada into the U.S. is a positive development, but more needs to be done,” Fowke said. “Tariffs have contributed to unprecedented price volatility in the lumber market in 2020, leading to upward pressure on prices and harming housing affordability for American consumers. The U.S.

Lumber prices have risen significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic forcing home prices much higher. Pioneer photos by Mark Watson needs to work with Canada to end the tariffs and achieve a long-term, stable solution in lumber trade that provides for a consistent and fairly priced supply of lumber.”

Zonda, an online service that compiles data on the building industry, has examined the issue.

Zonda chief economist Ali Wolf said with the soaring lumber prices and a shortage of available land, new U.S. home sales are projected to rise 5% this year compared to nearly a 20% increase from 2019 to 2020.

BHNF woes

The national lumber problem is based on price increases. Locally, there is another reason for a shortfall.

The Black Hills National Forest is facing a sharp downturn in available lumber, with researchers saying the forest must recover from the loss of almost 9 million ponderosa pine trees from a mountain pine beetle infestation that lasted for two decades.

According to a 2016 report, 448,000 of the 1.2 million acres in the Black Hills National Forest were affected by pine beetles; many were completely devastated.

A report from the USDA Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Research Station released on March 23 called for a 50-60% decline in production for the BHNF for several decades. That would be devastating for the private companies that bid for timber contracts from the forest.

As rumblings of the recommendation were being felt, Nieman Enterprises announced plans to shut down its sawmill in Hill City. The mill, which employs 120 people and works with 12 contract crews, is owned by Neiman Enterprises, based in Hulett, Wyo.

Jim Nieman, whose family has owned and operated businesses in the Black Hills since 1936, said he was reluctant to close the mill but saw no other option.

Lawmakers from South Dakota and Wyoming immediately responded, sending a letter to U.S. Forest Chief Vicki Christiansen.

“We write to express concern with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recommendation to reduce the timber sale program on the Black Hills National Forest (BHNF) and the process the USFS used to reach this recommendation. Further, we are concerned that a reduction in the sale program would have a detrimental impact on the ability of the USFS to manage and care for the forests in the Black Hills and on the health of our local communities,” said the letter signed by South Dakota Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds, South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson, Wyoming Sens. John Barasso and Cynthia Lummis and Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney.

“To continue successful management and care of the BHNF, we urge the USFS to substantially increase involvement from the states of South Dakota and Wyoming, local county commissions, and other stakeholders who stand to be most affected, including the forest products industry, in discussions of the BHNF timber sale program and forest planning,” the letter stated. “We also request that the USFS immediately implement the recommendations from the BHNF Advisory Board, including maintaining the timber sale program at 181,000 CCF sawtimber and 21,000 CCF of 5-9” trees, and prioritize providing resources needed for the BHNF to accomplish the recommendations.”

Page 4, Our Towns 2021

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 5

Meade County experiencing ‘incredible’ growth

By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Housing lots in southern Meade County are a hot commodity.

Bill Rich, longtime Meade County deputy director of planning, told county commissioners at their meeting March 24, that home lots along the Interstate 90 corridor sell out as fast as developers get them on the market.

Rich said he spoke with a developer who had 15 home lots remaining, and when he offered them to the buying public they were gone within hours.

Three other developers, who recently received plat approval from the county, have sold out every lot and are starting Phase 2, he said.

“One of the developer’s builders put a house up for sale on a Sunday and within an hour he had 17 bids on the house. He sold it to the highest bidder. That’s how fast property is moving,” Rich said.

And the type of housing going up isn’t necessarily in the “affordable” housing range, he said.

“They’re more expensive houses. We’ve had permits for million dollar homes, half a million dollar homes and people aren’t blinking an eye. It’s just crazy,” Rich said.

Developers of more than a dozen large subdivisions have recently received plats

Basements are in place for homes in the Trailhead subdivision in Sturgis. The development will add 23 homes to the community. in Meade County. The subdivision and number of lots include: • Bridle Ridge Block 3, Box Elder, 10 • AR Ranch Estates, Elk Creek Road, 34 • Freedom Park, Box Elder, 28 • Shadowland, Piedmont, 9 • Range at Bear Butte, Alkali Road, 6 • Garden Grove, Sturgis, off Pine View Drive near Flex Fitness, 57 • Hidden Valley, Sturgis, west of Sturgis off Avalanche Road, 40 • Trailhead, Sturgis, off Pine View Drive, 23

• Pleasant Valley Phases 1-3, near Fort Meade Way off Exit 37, 73 • Prairie Haven Phase 3, Elk Creek Road, 18 • Bridle Ridge Block 4, Box Elder, 19 • Unnamed subdivision, Elk Creek area, 90 • Unnamed subdivision, Black Hawk area, 400 In 2019, Meade County issued 248 building permits.

In 2020, the county issued 353 building permits. That’s a 42% increase in one year.

Meade County Director of Equalization Rhea Crane said there are many subdivisions springing up in the southern area of county,

but recent growth has also come from Pleasant Valley north to Sturgis.

“I would say the growth down in the southern area probably has to do with the B-21. That will have a big impact on both Pennington and Meade counties when that comes to fruition,” she said.

The B-21 “Raider” is the next-generation bomber and it was announced in last year that Ellsworth Air Force Base would be the preferred site to house the aircraft. If that comes to pass, it will bring hundreds of new airmen, support personnel and their families to

the area.

Crane said that perhaps Gov. Kristi Noem’s push for tourism during the pandemic brought people to the state, they saw how beautiful it was and decided they wanted to move here.

The boom in the housing sector has put a huge burden on the county’s planning office.

“We have had the longest planning meetings in the last few months than we have ever had. By the longest, I mean the largest number of plats and the most lots. All of it has just been incredible,” she said.

More than a dozen new subdivisions are planned in Meade County. County officials say home lots sell out as fast as developers get them on the market. The Garden Grove subdivision in Sturgis, which will accommodate 57 new homes, is well underway in Vancocker Canyon. Pioneer photos by Deb Holland

Page 6, Our Towns 2021

THE MILL IRON COFFEE HOUSE

The Black Hills Pioneer

Sky Ridge continues to grow upward and outward

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer The Mill Iron Coffee House, owned by Alan and Marla Loken, is a modern coffee house that tips its hat to the yesteryear.

It offers a large variety of espresso coffees, homemade biscuits & gravy, soups, breakfast sandwiches and sweet treats. They also offer King's Pasties as well as handmade wooden creations by Alan Loken.

The Mill Iron Coffee House will soon have a digital menu board for drive-up customers to allow for easy ordering and faster service.

The Mill Iron Coffee house has been open for 3 1/2 years and is located at 1338 Laurel Street in Whitewood, SD. 605-717-1771

LYNN, JACKSON, SHULTZ & LEBRUN, P.C.

Lynn Jackson’s attorneys provide the highest quality legal representation to clients throughout the state and region. Our litigators have years of experience representing clients in state and federal trial and appellate courts, as well as before administrative bodies. Lynn Jackson’s team of business and transactional lawyers assist clients with all their banking, corporate, and business needs, and our estate planning and trust attorneys are considered some of the most trusted and experienced attorneys in the field.

ACE HARDWARE LEAD & STURGIS

The helpful place.

SPEARFISH — The Sky Ridge housing development in Spearfish has been well received by the community as evidenced by the number of applicants waiting for the chance to purchase one of the new homes.

There are 220 names are currently on the list as of April 8 waiting to buy a lot.

The excitement from first time homebuyers has been so great that the city added an additional 14 lots to Phase 1 of the project. The addition will bring the total number of lots available to be purchased this summer to 164. Infrastructure for an additional 17 homes is scheduled to be installed by the city in the future after the completion of Phase 1, which will bring the total number of new homes at Sky Ridge to 181.

The change will extend Aurora Avenue, the western most edge of the development to the south, but is not expected to effect the overall completion date of the project.

The additional cost of $173,527.86 to this phase of the project will be deducted from the Phase 2 budget.

“Money spent now will

be money saved later in Phase 2,” said Brandy Kean, Spearfish Public Works director.

The premier feature for the development is to provide affordable homes and attract first time homebuyers to Spearfish in order to address the increasing workforce migrating into the area. In order to keep the homes under the South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s first-time

homebuyer’s purchase price limit, which is currently set at $275,000, the homes that will be built in this project have been broken down into three categories.

Category one homes must make up at least 40% of the development, and be priced between $100,000 and $175,000 with a minimum size of 800 square feet of finished living space not including the garage. These homes

must have a minimum of a one-stall garage and two driveway parking spaces for a total of three offstreet parking spaces as defined by Spearfish city ordinance.

Category two homes must make up at least 40% of the development, and be priced between $175,000 and $225,000 with a minimum size of 1,000 SKY RIDGE Pg 13

There are 5,000+ Ace Hardware stores that are locally owned and operated across the globe. We are committed to being "the Helpful Place" by offering our customers personal service, quality products and knowledgeable advice. Each store is unique and tailored to meet the needs of the local community.

Ace Hardware of Lead has been open for 5 years at 145 Glendale Drive — 605-559-1110 Sturgis Ace Hardware opened in November of 2018 at 2222 Junction Ave. — 605-347-4031

THE BROTHEL DEADWOOD

Work on the new Sky Ridge workforce housing development is well underway. Pioneer file photos

The Brothel Deadwood outlines the 104-year history of sex work in Deadwood, where prostitution operated illegally from 1876 until 1980. Visitors are transported through this story with a guided tour of the original site of the Shasta Rooms or Beige Door brothel. The mission is to humanize the women who worked in this often dangerous and misunderstood industry.

The Brothel Deadwood is open year-round. You must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Purchase tickets online at DeadwoodBrothel. com or call 605-559-0231 for more information.

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 Sona O’Connell, advertising manager | Paul Baker, layout

The publisher will not be responsible or liable for misprints, misinformation or typographic errors herein contained.

Publisher also reserves the right to refuse any advertising deemed not to be in the best interest of the publication. © 2021 BLACK HILLS PIONEER,

all rights reserved.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 7

December gifts Deadwood gaming a 20% increase Industry ends year 2.35% down, with overall $1.1 billion handle

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Deadwood’s 2020 saw some of the best months on record for gaming, and two of the worst, including an April with zero revenue.

The year began well, but in March, when COVID-19 was spreading across the country, gaming slowed, and then ended altogether when the city commission ordered casinos closed as so little was known at the time about the virus.

They stayed closed in April before reopening in May. Some reopened May 7, but others remained closed for a time.

May was the last down month for the industry in 2020 as visitors to Deadwood dropped by the casinos to play. The year was capped in December with a huge increase in play.

The gift of a 20% increase in December was just what Deadwood gaming needed to bridge the pandemic-induced six-week shutdown gap, as statistics released by the South Dakota Gaming Commission show double-digit gains for December compared to 2019.

“What a strong finish for Deadwood gaming,” said Mike

Pioneer file photo Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association. “It is amazing that we have bounced back to finish the year down only

2.35%. This put Deadwood’s casino win for 2020 at almost $104 million dollars. We applaud Governor Noem’s por-business approach

during the pandemic and her commitment of additional tourism marGAMING Pg 8

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Page 8, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

A closer look at 2020 total gaming action by monthly compared to 2019 January February March April May June July August September October November December

$93,369,965 $82,515,348 $68,758,081 $0 $88,406,305 $112,620,674 $128,732,534 $120,094,436 $135,794,061 $104,282,196 $89,117,145 $99,145,466

Up 12.14% Up 9.86% Down 20.14%* Down 100% Down 14.77%* Up 13.75% Up 8.79% Down 0.51% Up 18.73% Up 5.49% Up 13.3% Up 20.34%

*Casinos closed at noon March 25 due to COVID-19 and some began reopening May 7.

from Pg 7

GAMING keting dollars that made these numbers possible.”

While for 2020 overall, Deadwood gaming ended the year with a total of $1,122,836,215 in gaming action, down 2.35% compared to 2019 cumulative totals.

Gamers visiting Deadwood in a very mild December dropped $99.1 million in machines and on tables, a 20.34% increase compared to December 2019.

Under the handle comparison category, in December, table games had a handle of $6.1 million, up nearly 2.5% compared to December 2019 levels. Under this same category, slot machines had a handle of $93.1 million in December, up roughly 22% compared to December 2019.

In 2020, the slot machine handle cumulative total was more than $1.1 billion, a 1.6% decrease compared to 2019 levels, and table games had a cumulative handle of $63 million, a 14% decrease compared to 2019 levels. Several establishments closed or drastically cut back their table games in order to accommodate social distancing, even after casinos reopened May 7.

As stated in the report, approximately 2,552 slot machines accounted for roughly $93.1 million in

Pioneer file photos coin in, with gamers winning around $85.3 million with an estimated average payout of 92%, leaving a statistical win of around $7.8 million for the slot category in December. The two largest contributors were 2,008 penny machines, with $70.5 million in coinin, which generated rough-

ly $6.3 million in statistical win and a 91% payout to players, followed by 231 one-dollar machines, with $8.6 million in coin-in, which generated roughly $602,066 in statistical win, and a 93% payout to players.

With 84 tables reporting revenue, table games gen-

erated a drop of $6.1 million in December and an estimated statistical win of $1.1 million, with an average payout to players of 80%.

The leading revenue generator in this category was blackjack, with 37 tables reporting a drop of roughly $3 million and a statistical win of $472,819 with an 83%

payout to players.

Four craps tables in town generated a drop of $411,775, a statistical win of $68,213, and an 83% payout to players; nine roulette tables in town generated a drop of $287,131, a statistical win of $41,445, and an 86% payout to players.

bhpioneer .com bhpioneer.com Your Community Connection Your Community Connection

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 9

Sports wagering in Deadwood nearing goal line

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Destination Deadwood

DEADWOOD — Making a legal sports bet in Deadwood is nearing the finish line, as gaming officials work to get the new gaming offering up and running with the goal of making it available to bettors by the fall football season.

Moving the ball down the field has been steady thus far, as voters approved sports betting on the November 2020 ballot 58% to 41% and the South Dakota legislature soon followed up by passing supporting bill in February.

“Sports wagering can start no sooner than July 1; however, the gaming commission must first promulgate rules, which the legislative rules committee must approve and then begin the licensing procedures and background investigations for the sports wagering service providers, which could take several months,” said Deadwood Gaming Association Executive Director Mike Rodman.

“So there is no clear time that sports wagering will begin in Deadwood, but hopefully in time to bet on the fall football season.”

While the decisions of the operators to include sports betting in their gaming mix will be determined by the final rules, operators that have discussed their interest with Rodman include: The Lodge at Deadwood, Cadillac Jacks, Tin Lizzies, Mustang Sally’s, Silverado/ Franklin, Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood Gulch Resort, and Midnight Star.

Weston Pleinis, casino general manager of The Lodge at Deadwood, said his establishment will be opening “BetLodge Sportsbook” at the Lodge as soon as legally allowed.

“Sports betting will have a ripple effect for Deadwood. Major sporting events will make Deadwood even more of a travel destination than it is now. In addition to larger gaming revenues,

more rooms, meals and drinks will be sold,” Pleinis said. “That inevitably will lead to more jobs through the gaming establishments themselves and all the vendors throughout the state that help service those establishments. I think it’s going to be a lot a fun and may start off small but will grow and will be a positive. We look forward to the addition of sports wagering in Deadwood.”

Rodman explained the parameters of sports wagering. Importantly, a sports wagering bettor must place their wager in person inside the premises of a licensed gaming facility in Deadwood.

“It will be conducted inside the premises of a licensed gaming facility in Deadwood through wagers on sporting events placed in one of the following ways: at a betting window with a casino employee, at a kiosk, or on a mobile device,” Rodman said.

“Most sports wagering bettors will probably open sports wagering accounts with an advance deposit and bets will be subtracted and their winnings deposited. You will not be able to bet on high school sporting events, South Dakota collegiate contests, and minor league sporting events.”

According to a study by Oxford Economics, sports wagering would likely generate $6.1 million in direct sports wagering income and create a total of $22.1 million in overall gaming increases.

“The same Oxford Economics study estimated sports wagering would create an additional 152 jobs here in Deadwood,” Rodman said.

“Individual properties will not only need employees in their newly created sports lounge areas, but also in areas of accounting, marketing and customer service. Additional employees will be needed for additional gaming traffic, hotel stays and food and beverage sales.”

With the goal of remaining competitive in the gaming

environment, especially considering neighboring gaming jurisdictions and their varied offerings, the addition of sports betting will give Deadwood one more edge in remaining relevant to gamers.

“Sports wagering will be another tool in Deadwood’s toolbox to keep us a competitive gaming destination.

Deadwood needs to provide the products our customers ask us for. It will give us more marketing opportunities to promote Deadwood at times that have been historically slower for Deadwood,” Rodman said. “As the Oxford Economics study alludes, sports wagering could bring an overall increase of approximately 15% to Deadwood’s gaming numbers.”

Gambling in Deadwood brings in tax revenue that gets distributed across the state through the general fund and grants for historic preservation.

The state assesses a 9% tax on Deadwood gaming revenues. Casinos are also charged a $2,000 per device or table fee. From those revenues, 1% goes to the state general fund, 40% to the state Department of Tourism, 10% to Lawrence County, and the rest to the South Dakota Gaming Association until its expenses are met. Following Deadwood’s revenue, excess funds are distributed to Lawrence County cities and school districts.

Gaming has been good for Deadwood’s economy, transforming the town with a failing infrastructure in the ‘80s into a premier tourist destination today, with $1.1 billion wagered in 2020 in the 26 casinos lining the streets.

In 2014, 57% of South Dakota voters approved an amendment to the state’s constitution allowing keno, craps, and roulette be added to Deadwood’s gaming lineup.

Those games were placed on the casino floors on July 1, 2015 and resulted in about 10 percent of the table revenue – about $10 million.

Rodman believes Deadwood would see simi-

Twin-City Hardware has been a locally owned and operated full-service hardware store for over 30 years. With great product selection and unmatched customer service they offer a full-service shopping experience. Twin-City Hardware offers a great paint department, fully stocked power tool department, lumber department, expanded office supply department, outdoor power equipment, housewares, hand tools, and much more.

If they don’t have it, they can get it thanks to the 67,000-item warehouse backed by Do it Best and over 500 additional vendors. TwinCity Hardware strives to be the best hardware store for customers in Deadwood, Lead, Central City, and all of Lawrence County.

Twin-City Hardware is located at 399 Cliff Street in Deadwood. For more information, call 605-578-3782.

Werlinger Auto Body Repair is a full-service auto body and collision repair shop. We are family owned and operated and have served the Northern Black Hills area for 36 years. Whether you have been in an accident or are looking to repair hail damage, we are here for you.

Call today and see why Werlinger Auto Body Repair of Sturgis is a different type of collision auto repair shop — where our MISSION is 100% customer satisfaction.

Stop by and visit us at 3441 Whitewood Road, Sturgis, or call 605-347-5550 and we'll make sure to get you and your vehicle back on the road!

DEADWOOD RECREATION & AQUATICS CENTER

Deadwood Recreation & Aquatics Center has everything you need for fitness and fun! Our facility features a zero entry pool, lap pool, indoor walking/running track, racquetball/squash court, cardiovascular equipment, weights, basketball court, sauna, and a new hot tub.

We offer affordable memberships starting at a one month minimum, with special pricing for families, single adults, children, seniors, and high school students.

Deadwood Recreational Center is located at 105 Sherman Street. For more information, visit our page on the City of Deadwood site at www.cityofdeadwood.com, or call 578-3729.

Please call us for COVID-19 restrictions.

SPORTS WAGERING Pg 21

Pictured is Sportsbook Deadwood, scheduled to open this fall.

Courtesy illustration

The Spearfish Sasquatch are part of the summer collegiate wood bat baseball Expedition League. Based in Spearfish, SD, we aim to provide fans with affordable, family friendly entertainment in addition to the highest quality baseball in the entire region.

Comprised of college baseball players from throughout the entire country, the Sasquatch play 64 games from late May to early August.

The Expedition League is home to 12 teams spanning across Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota & Canada! For more information visit www.spearfishsasquatch.com or email spearfishsasquatch@gmail.com.

Page 10, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Tourism put to the test in 2020 Black Hills remain a visitor hot-spot

Veteran Owned and Operated Green's Alignment is the trusted name in auto repair and maintenance services across our area, with ASE-certified technicians on staff to service your vehicle.

As a NAPA AutoCare Center, we back qualifying work through nationwide warranty.

Our shop uses high-quality parts and meets all requirements to provide the automotive and customer service you expect and value.

We appreciate your patronage and believe in integrity and honesty. Our staff is available to answer any questions and ensure your experience is a positive one. Stop in our Belle Fourche location at 311 National St. or call today at 892-2851.

THE JUNK DRAWER

Lindsey Gillette put her love of painting, woodworking and her entrepreneurial spirit to work when she opened The Junk Drawer and Naked Olive in May 2013. She quickly realized she needed more space than her Jackson Boulevard location would allow, and relocated the store to its current location at 611 N. Main St., Spearfish.

The Junk Drawer and Naked Olive carries funky furniture, infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars, local consignment art, one-of-a-kind home décor, men and women’s apparel, and fun, unique gifts. They also offer custom items including apparel, coffee mugs and other gifts.

The store is open Tues.–Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is open late during Downtown Friday Nights. Stop into the Junk Drawer today, you won’t find another store like it!

Jim and Kelli Ryan purchased K&K Kustoms in May of 2019, rebranding the business to emphasize RV repair in addition to the horse and utility trailer repair services already offered. Progress RV offers a wide range of RV products and services, with a friendly atmosphere and caring employees welcoming all jobs, large or small.

As camping and rodeo seasons wind down, now is the perfect time to make those repair lists and schedule appointments to fix all the little things you noticed during the summer.

And don't forget to winterize — they are happy to help with that as well.

For more information, visit ProgressRV.com, call 723-1132, or stop by their location at 18731 US Hwy 85 in Belle Fourche.

WELLS SUPPLY, LLC

Wells Supply, LLC., is the local go-to business for all your plumbing, heating, and electrical needs. Effectively improve your landscape by taking advantage of their innovative sprinkler systems and irrigation supplies, or stock up on farm and ranch essentials.

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Stop in their Belle Fourche location at 1700 5th Ave., or call 605-892-2613.

Pictured is a buzzing COVID-19 version of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Pioneer file photos

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD ——The second largest South Dakota industry could have been crushed by fall-out from COVID-19, but it remained robust in the Black Hills in 2020.

“Though the tourism industry has always been resilient, 2020 proved it more than ever,” said Jim Hagen, secretary of the Department of Tourism. “Tourism in South Dakota is a job-creating, revenue-generating industry that plays a vital role in supporting the state’s economy year after year. And it didn’t just make a difference for the state’s bottom line. This money greatly impacts communities and families across South Dakota.”

Global Media and Public Relations Director for the Department of Tourism Katlyn Svendsen said despite the challenges of COVID-19, South Dakota was one of the best performing states in the country.

“At the worst moments during the COVID-19 pandemic, there were times that travel spending losses were at 75% across the nation,” Svendsen said. “This reduction greatly impacted every state and city.

However, the resilient tourism industry in South Dakota found a way to safely succeed.”

Svendsen said early into the pandemic, departmental research showed there was still a segment of people who still welcomed receiving travel messaging.

“We continued delivering inspirational marketing to consumers and emphasized, when they were ready to travel, South Dakota was open and ready to host them safely,” Svendsen said. “When it comes to travel and tourism, South Dakota was one of the best performing states in the country

in 2020.”

With tourism not only a local mainstay, but also a substantial revenue contributor statewide, the 2020 Tourism Annual Report states that visitor spending reached $3.4 billion in 2020, while visitation to South Dakota reached 12.6 million visitors and the industry supported 49,500 jobs, representing one out of 12 jobs in South Dakota, generating $1.6 billion in income for those employed in those jobs.

While the state’s overall outlook is positive, the Pioneer caught up with several local tourism officials to reflect on 2020, while gauging their take on the upcoming tourist season.

Lead

Lead Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sierra Ward said tourism in Lead was down in 2020.

“But we had an amazing year, despite everything. I think everyone in tourism was shocked by how far people were driving to visit us,” Ward

said. “In the spring, everyone predicted five states driving tourism, but we were surprised to see a steady stream of visitors from both coasts. Tourism also changed because with kids doing online school and parents working from home family tourism wasn’t as cut and dry as in previous years.”

Ward listed Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center among Lead’s main tourist attractions.

“Most tourists come here while they’re in town,” she said. “In normal years we can see anywhere from 50,000-60,000. In 2020 we had about 30,000.”

Ward feels the visitor center acts as a starting point for visitors.

“Often they aren’t familiar with Lead or aren’t sure where to go and what to do. We get to help communicate that to them,” Ward said. “We have the advantage of being next to a giant landmark, the Open Cut, and have a great parking lot. Our goal is to move them up Main Street and also see our Opera House and Mining TOURISM Pg 11

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 10

TOURISM Museum.”

Ward said most visitors come to Lead for the outdoor recreation.

“And a lot of them are staying in the houses outside of town in groups,” she said. “Most people know about Deadwood, but Lead is kind of a hidden gem. I would say most of our visitors are adding Lead as a bonus to their trip to the Black Hills. Maybe they found out about it after they were already here, or they stumbled across our things to do.”

So what is Ward’s outlook on tourism for this season?

“I personally think it’s going to be crazy,” she said. “The ground swell is ripe for everyone to visit our great state. People are more ready than even last year to get out and see things and take a break and South Dakota offers a very appealing destination because there’s lots of outdoor stuff, it’s cheap and there’s a lot to do.”

And if she could provide one powerful statement to prospective tourists, enticing them to Lead?

“Lead is amazing in all seasons, with our outdoor recreation options, and fun things to do in town, we offer several days of family fun for all ages,” Ward said.

Deadwood

Deadwood Chamber of Commerce Director Lee Harstad said the pandemic put a halt on tourism last spring as non-essential businesses closed temporarily.

“Up until that point, we were seeing solid visitation increases across the board and were poised to see high levels of travel,” Harstad said.

“Despite being relatively closed for that time period, visitation picked up right where it left off once the green light appeared and businesses could re-open in May. Deadwood was a popular place in 2020, and visitation and spending numbers, I feel, exceeded a lot of expectations.”

Harstad expects Deadwood to show an increase in visitation this year over last year.

“Rolling into 2021, numbers have continued to rise,” he said.

“Deadwood saw a lot of first-time visitors last year, and I believe we made a positive impact on them and they will return, along with our long-term fans.”

Deadwood typically sees between 2 and 3 million visitors annually.

“In 2020, with the pandemic, I still believe we were right in that range, maybe even on the higher side,” Harstad said.

And Deadwood has wide appeal, as demographics don’t limit the type of visitor the city sees.

“Everyone, from all walks of life and all ages, can enjoy Deadwood’s offerings,” Harstad said. “It’s hard to pinpoint the ‘traditional’ Deadwood visitor as it changes with the seasons.

When taking a walk on Deadwood’s

Our Towns 2021, Page 11 Main Street, you’ll see a bit of all.

From past intercept studies and redemption of our PastPort and Wild Bill Me programs, we’ve found that these visitors spend three to five days in town and come from all 50 states and many other countries, and are in a wide variety of age groups.

Deadwood offers something for everyone, and we are grateful for all those that come to visit,” Harstad said.

In contemplating what visitors are looking for when they come to Deadwood, Harstad said each is looking for something a little bit different.

“But regardless of why they chose Deadwood as a destination, it’s our history that really sets the tone. We are the Wild West history everyone remembers and gets to be part of while in town,” he said. “Our casinos are a major draw, of course, and many of these visitors who may be in town primarily to try their luck are also interested in the history and modern-day excitement that Deadwood offers.”

Harstad said that over the past couple of years, the unique shopping experiences have also grown, and the town’s entertainment offerings are always a draw.

“There are always going to be gaps in what we offer, but we work hard to fill them and improve the visitor experience even more,” he said.

“Deadwood is very thankful for many of our business owners who continue to step up to improve their businesses and provide an even better experience for our guests.”

Harstad said there’s so much to see and do in Deadwood, and something for every taste, so it’s hard to say what the main visitor attraction is.

climbers, snowmobilers, snow-shoers, skiers, and all other outdoor enthusiasts.

“We continued to welcome travelers with safe travel messages and encouragement to keep themselves and others safe while enjoying the opportunities South Dakota continued to offer to those looking for a recreational outlet,” Caldwell said.

Looking forward to this visitor season, Caldwell expects increased traveler confidence and early booking projections, which already appear to be on course for a spectacular year.

“The upcoming Black Hills Corvette Classic is positioned to be the biggest yet,” Caldwell said. “Also, many of the conventions and events postponed are coming back this year.

Year-to-date through February 2021, our visitor guide requests are up over 50% from this time last year, which was before the pandemic had any effect on the numbers.”

Caldwell said with the opportunity for people to access the COVID-19 vaccine, she believes it will increase traveler confidence and their willingness to take vacations again. That said, Spearfish has much to offer.

“People are attracted to the area and its culture — foodies, craft beer drinkers, coffee enthusiasts, outdoor adventure seekers — this is a common thread among visitors regardless of age,” Caldwell said. “Spearfish Canyon is one of our anchor attractions and about which we receive the most inquiries. Also, we have a great arts and entertainment opportunities through many of our major attractions — the Matthews Opera

House and the High Plains Western Heritage Center. In addition to contributing to the arts community, the High Plain Western Heritage Center offers a glimpse into the western history of the area. History buffs also enjoy the DC Booth National Fish Hatchery and its archives, as well as the commercial and residential historic walking tours throughout town.”

Caldwell cited sports as another attractor to the area.

“Sasquatch Baseball is a newer attraction that is very popular among visitors,” she said. “The community benefits from local sports organizations that bring large sporting events to town — basketball, baseball, adult softball, soccer, and wrestling all host events that bring overnight stays to the area.”

Hagen said state tourism officials are seeing great interest in South Dakota.

“In a recent survey, national respondents noted they are looking for six things in their next trip. Four of them directly relate to South Dakota’s offerings, including rural destinations, state and regional park exploration, visiting national parks, and mountain destinations,” Hagen said. “South Dakota is set up for success in these areas. We are expecting 2021 to provide great rebounds compared to what we faced in 2020. We know we aren’t in the clear just yet.

Visitors will continue to expect the continued emphasis on safety precautions, increased hygiene and cleaning protocols, and our industry is doing just that.”

Spearfish

Visit Spearfish Executive Director Mistie Caldwell said Spearfish had a very strong start to the 2020 tourism season with great snow for winter activities.

“Mid-March was when Spearfish tourism started feeling the effects of COVID-19. We were in the middle of the South Dakota State B Girls Basketball Tournament when they canceled it mid-weekend,” Caldwell said. “March is our big event month.

We lost all of our major events, beginning with the remainder of the state tournament, the Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament, and the Queen City Classic Basketball Tournament.”

And it didn’t get any better.

“From there, many, if not most, all conventions were canceled or postponed to 2021,” Caldwell said. “The Black Hills Corvette Classic, National Impala Association Convention, and many other events followed suit.

Spearfish had a handful of hotel properties that closed for four to six weeks during March and April. Obviously, all of this had affected tourism. But, we are resilient and tenacious.”

Before long, Spearfish found itself bursting at the seams with campers, hikers, UTV riders, cyclists, rock

Scenic Spearfish Canyon is always a draw of out-of-state visitors, especially during fall color time. Pioneer file photo

Page 12, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 6

SKY RIDGE square feet of finished living space not including the garage. These homes must have a minimum of a two-stall garage.

Category three homes would make up the rest of the development, and be priced between $225,000 and $275,000 with a minimum size of 1,200 square feet of finished living space not including the garage. These homes must have a minimum of a two-stall garage.

Mike Harmon, Spearfish city administrator said he’s proud that 80% of the houses in this project will be priced under $225,000 as it addresses the need for less expensive home-buying options for lower income professionals.

Plans for the site were designed

by HDR Engineering, out of Rapid City; Zandstra Construction, out of Rapid City was hired as the general contractor to build the infrastructure including grading, utility line installation and road paving. Once all that is complete, the city will sell the individual lots to Dream Design International, Inc. (DDI) who will then work directly with homebuyers to construct houses designed to be economic and affordable.

An unseasonably mild start to winter allowed crews to work

Our Towns 2021, Page 13 diligently far beyond the average construction season. Harmon said homes could begin to be built as early as July of this year.

“As soon as we have, at least, the first lift of asphalt down so their equipment can get in and out of the subdivision without tracking mud and other things onto Colorado (Boulevard), that’s when they will be able to start their construction sequence,” he said.

To help keep the cost of each house down the homes have been designed without basements unless otherwise discussed with DDI. To help offer protection during hazardous weather conditions, Harmon said the city is looking into a building resilient infrastructure and communities (BRIC) grant to turn the concession/restroom area of the sports complex into a storm shelter for the entire subdivision.

The sports complex itself has been uniquely designed utilizing the natural topography of the rolling hills and will feature four tournament-ready softball fields, six soccer fields, and two parking lots at varying elevations.

“We take into account the existing elevation and topography of the land and then design it to take maximum benefit of it,” Harmon said.

“I think we’re building the premier soccer complex in the region. As you look down, they have the differ-

ent elevations and the parking lots and you’re surrounded by the hills.

I think we’re really building something special here.”

The softball fields will be built to adult regulation size, but scalable to accommodate youth participation. Five of the soccer fields will be built to tournament regulations, but one will be expanded to “championship size” for extra seating, lights and scoreboard.

A large concession/restroom building is planned to be located in the center of the softball fields that will also house a climate controlled coach/umpire room. A smaller concession stand will also be built near the soccer fields and east parking lot.

There was a feature play area, bathroom, and community shelter planned near the west parking area and soccer fields, but those were removed to meet budget restraints.

Discussions with the council, however, did not rule out adding those elements to the complex at a later date.

“Would this be a good time to put the plumbing in for that for the future,” asked Councilman Marty Clark.

Ehnes said the plumbing and electrical lines will be placed for those elements, but construction will be paused for the time being.

Councilman Rob Herrmann said

that the playground and bathroom, which will serve not only the sports complex but also the housing development as a whole, should take priority for future development of the site.

“As an older guy, who still has a 6-year-old, I’d really like to … focus on that playground … not only for that neighborhood as it’s developed, but also for siblings of players and children of players,” he said. “And, again as a parent of a young one, get that restroom next to the playground.”

The complex will feature an entrance from Colorado Boulevard, which will lead to the east side parking lot, as well as an entrance from the housing development that will lead into the west end parking lot. The complex will have designated electricity and water access for food trucks. To help keep the cost of the complex below the $10 million bond taken out by the city for funding, officials said they will be seeking $2 million is sponsorships.

Ehnes also said the financing committee has identified several spots throughout the complex as recognition areas, where local businesses and individuals can be recognized for their contributions.

The development, now under construction, is located near Exit 17 just south of Colorado Boulevard and west of U.S. Highway 85.

Page 14, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Belle Fourche 1413 5th Ave 605-892-2658 Central City 101 US Hwy 14A 605-578-3552

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 15

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Page 16, Our Towns 2021

RE/MAX IN THE HILLS

The Black Hills Pioneer

Mysteries of the universe uncovered a mile underground Sanford lab on cutting edge of science

Celebrating 23 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.

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, and Jim Feist, the second generation of the Lynn Feist family, operate nine full-time grocery stores in South Dakota with locations in Sturgis, Lead, Belle Fourche, Faith, Custer, Hot Springs, Martin, Pierre, and Ft. Thompson; and four convenience stores located in Lead, Hot Springs, Pierre, and Custer. The corporate office is now located in Rapid City.

Lynn's Dakotamart has been in business for more than 53 years.

BACK TO NATURE

Jodi Harris, ND, SRT, has owned and operated Back to Nature Natural Foods and Supplements/ Holistic Wellness Center since 1996. She has been practicing herbology since 1986 and homeopathy since 1990. Jodi is also known for her radio talk shows "Herb Talk" and "Naturally Speaking", on KBHB, KBFS, and KYDT. "Naturally Speaking" is now available on Podcast.

Back to Nature offers a great variety of organic foods, meats, produce and supplements. Jodi also offers services such as Hair Analysis, Spiritual Response Therapy, Reflexology, and Healy Frequency Sessions.

Back to Nature has hundreds of monthly sales on food at wholesale prices. Discounts are available for buying in bulk. Visit Jodi at Back to Nature, 825 14th St., Sturgis, today! 605-347-2225

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 16 years of real estate experience in the Black Hills, and over 31 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 are ready to buy and sell right now or sometime in the future.

It is never too early to start planning.

Lori can be reached at 605-641-7529 (cell), 605642-2525 (office), www.LoriCaldwellRealEstate. com, or stop by the office located at 140 W. Jackson Blvd.

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD – In 1965, Dr. Ray Davis installed a physics experiment 4,850 feet down inside the Homestake Gold Mine in Lead; cutting edge thinking by Davis at the time.

Today, over 50 years later, the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) continues the cutting edge legacy of Davis.

After 126 years and extracting 41 million ounces of gold, the Homestake mine closed its doors and devastated the town of Lead.

Luckily for Lead, Davis’ experiment had literally planted the seed that would once again put the old mining town on the map.

The state fought hard to have Lead selected as the site of a deep underground lab by the National Science Foundation, helped significantly by a $70 million donation by T. Denny Sanford. The combined support allowed the mine to be transformed into a state of the art research facility.

Today SURF has become a world-leading laboratory, making scientific breakthroughs in the fields of physics, biology, geology, and engineering.

“Ray Davis was a pioneer in going underground to look for these rare processes,” said Jaret Heise, science director at SURF. Heise is no stranger to deep, dark places. Originally from Canada he worked on the solar neutrino experiment called the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO), which studied the properties of neutrinos and the core of our sun, before becoming SURF’s science director in 2008.

“Frankly, it was an excellent opportunity to get in on the ground floor of building a lab that would support underground science,” he said.

For more than a decade Heise and the team at SURF have been building a world-class research laboratory, which has

housed a cornucopia of experiments that has revolutionized mankind’s understanding of our planet and how the universe was formed. Many of those experiments have already yielded groundbreaking results and are currently being scaled up in order to probe even deeper into the inner workings of our universe.

Majorana Demonstrator

A “quiet” environment is a key factor when studying neutrinos.

However, in the particle physics community, “quiet” doesn’t mean a lack of noise in the normal sense, it refers to limiting the amount of unwanted particles that could interfere with readings. Even the nuts and bolts used to build the housing of the experiment can produce relatively massive amounts of unwanted particles and confound the most sensitive detectors. The Majorana Demonstrator sought to test the limits of how “quiet” an experiment can be at SURF by using ultra pure components, many of which were manufactured underground so as to never expose the parts to cosmic rays, which would have contaminated the experiment. The researchers even perfected a proprietary method to grow their own copper to

be used in the experiment, making it the purest, and therefore quietest, copper on the planet.

“There was a whole R&D project on the side just to measure how pure it is,” Heise said.

The Demonstrator uses enriched and natural germanium to try to detect an extremely rare form of radioactivity called neutrinoless double-beta decay. So far, the Demonstrator hasn’t found that reaction; however, it did yield impressive results regarding the purity of the experiment.

“Their main goals were technical,” Heise explained of the scientists running the experiment. “They wanted to show that the techniques that they had developed were sufficient to inspire the federal funding agencies to invest in a ton-scale version of this experiment.”

Now, the Majorana team is taking the next step by joining forces with another neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment.

“They’ll be testing some new hardware, some new cables and connectors that will help improve their results potentially for this experiment but more importantly, they will be used in the next generation; a detector called LEGEND-200.”

Heise explained that LEGEND-200 would bring together expertise MYSTERIES Pg 22

Top right, A new, 25,000-square-foot building will replace three old machine shops located at the Yates complex at the Sanford Underground Research Facility. Courtesy illustration

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 17

Xenon: the porridge of particle physics

How the heavy element proves to be just right for dark matter detecting

Xe

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — When the Large Underground Xenon (LUX) experiment completed it 300 day run in 2016, it had failed in its mission to prove the existence of dark matter in the universe, but it did prove to the world that xenon might be our best bet at finding the elusive particle.

“So what you can do is keep on running with that experiment for another 50 years, or you build a 50 times bigger one and run with that for a few years,” explained Dr. Markus Horn, a research scientist at Sanford Lab. “So obviously since we all want to be alive when we’re getting our Nobel Prize, we decided to build a bigger one.”

Where LUX used approx. 300kg of liquid xenon to attempt detecting dark matter, LUX-ZEPLIN’s (LZ) tank will hold 10 tons of the super-cooled fluid and be 100 times as sensitive. “(Detecting dark matter is) a statistics game, so you need to have a huge amount of xenon atoms that eventually a dark matter particle (might hit) one of them,” Horn said. “To increase the amount of xenon atoms you build a bigger detector and you liquefy the xenon so you have more xenon atoms in the same volume.”

In addition to dark matter detection

131.29

54

Xenon

Jeff Cherwinka, LZ’s chief engineer, stands with the filtration system that will circulate the liquid xenon used in the experiment. Pioneer file photo experiments, xenon can also be used in light bulbs, as an insulation gas in microchip manufacturing, and as an anesthetic.

Horn said xenon is a naturally occurring noble gas that makes up approximately 0.005% of the atmosphere. The process of distilling xenon is complicated and requires several rounds of distillation to

achieve the desired purity level.

Approximately 18 million liters of xenon are distilled each year.

Collecting, distilling, storing, and shipping xenon can be a pricy endeavor. In 2016 When Sanford Lab purchased the 1.5 million liters that will be used for LZ, the price was $5-$6 per liter, and that number has only gone up since then. Horn said the price of

xenon is currently around $10-$15 per liter.

Although it’s a large investment, Horn said the xenon used in LZ might actually increase in value as the experiment runs.

“Even if you have a super pure vessel (like the tank which will hold the 10 tons of xenon used in LZ), you’re still outgassing into whatever you put in there,” he said. “We don’t like any contaminants in our xenon we want our xenon to be as pure as possible.”

For LZ the xenon will be cooled to -160 degrees, turning it from a gas to a liquid and increasing its density. As the liquid xenon passes through the XENON Pg 21

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Page 18, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

In particle physics, less can sometimes be more

From Left: Robert Burnett, Agent, Barb Hale, Office Manager, Betsy Stevens, Customer Service, Shellee Finley, Sales Specialist, Rachel Woodroof, Sales Specialist.

Small particle accelerator housed at Sanford Lab

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The CASPAR particle accelerator at Sanford Lab smashes particle into each other to study the effects and better understand how those reactions create the basic building blocks of life in the universe. Courtesy photos For over 28 years, Mack's Auto Body has been offering the following "in-house" services: frame, body & spray facility; and plastic media stripping. Owner Eugene Mack takes pride in all his work and is a "handson" boss involved in every aspect of the job.

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By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Most people are aware of the Large Hadron Collider in CERN Switzerland, the approximately 17mile long particle accelerator has been a boon to scientific discovery and innovation since it came online in 2008. Some may be surprised to discover, however, that Sanford Lab also houses its own particle accelerator called CASPAR (Compact Accelerator System for Performing Astrophysical Research).

“To really get CASPAR’s mission, we have to go back a little bit, to the beginning of the universe,” said Mark Hanhardt, an experiment support scientist at SURF and Ph.D. candidate working with CASPAR. Hanhardt explained that it took approximately 380,000 years after the Big Bang for the universe to expand enough for particles to slow down and settle into the first atoms.

Once that occurred, things started to get interesting. Among the first atoms to be created was hydrogen.

“When a hydrogen atom hits another hydrogen atom head on with enough energy, it undergoes a fusion and starts a process that results in the creation of helium,” he said.

That process is called stellar nucleosynthesis and generates a great deal of light and energy, which we call stars. In stars much larger that our sun, that process continues; creating heavier and heavier elements that appear on the periodic table until it reaches iron.

“Basically when you hit iron you

hit this nuclear wall because as soon as you hit iron, running atoms into each other to make bigger atoms doesn’t actually release energy it absorbs energy, and you can’t do that long before your star collapses,” Hanhardt explained. “But that still leaves 80 or 90 elements unaccounted for, and those are elements that are necessary for creating, like, Earth.”

When a dying heavy star collapses, it’s known as a super nova.

Hanhardt said that at the precise moment a super nova occurs about half of the mystery elements can be formed due to the extreme amount of energy produced by the event.

That process is called rapid neutron process (r-process).

“Where we’re standing right here on the Earth – the atoms in our very body came from the core of a dying star,” he said.

The slow neutron capture process (s-process) is a relatively passive way for elements to form wherein atoms inside less energetic stars absorb passing neutrons and slowly build up to heavier elements. That process is one of the things CASPAR is trying to recreate and study.

“There’s all these interesting processes that happen along the way that you have to track in order to understand how we end up in a universe like we do,” Hanhardt said.

In order to do that, CASPAR creates a controlled environment for particles to smash into one another.

“It’s really a fancy toy that smashes things into other things,”

Hanhardt said. “It really doesn’t get much more complicated than that.

The way we achieve that, however, is a complicated procedure.”

CASPAR generates an electrostatic field, much like a Van de Graaff generator you might have seen where you place your hand on an orb and your hair stands up.

Hanhardt said CASPAR’s electrostatic field is around 10 times stronger than that.

“We’re generating this electrostatic field, so your hair would stand up, we put a positively charged particle next to it and it just shoots it away.

We have all these magnets that keep it in the beam line, but that’s pretty much it,” he said.

The particle is sent careening down a 50-foot tunnel, at the end of which it runs into a metal foil where it hopefully smashes into the other particle the team is looking to study.

A detector called the HECTOR detector then logs the nuclear reaction caused by the interaction.

Hanhardt said this type of research is often called blue sky research, which is a fundamental avenue of scientific study that seeks to better understand the universe for the sake of adding to the collective knowledge of mankind without an immediate application of the knowledge gained.

“Blue sky research into stuff that no one thought mattered is exactly how we ended up with electricity; its how we ended up with the internet.

The foundation of everything that PHYSICS Pg 21

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 19

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B

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 9

SPORTS WAGERING lar gains with the addition of sports betting, as well as additional spending.

“This would result in more hotel stays, retail

Our Towns 2021, Page 21 sales, and food and beverage sales. We see the traditionally off-season time periods positively impacted by events like the Super Bowl, March Madness, and the World Series,” Rodman said. “Deadwood needs to continue to grow as a visitor destination that has

from Pg 17

XENON filtration and cooling system, it will be continually purified maintaining its quality throughout the course of the experiment.

There are several properties of xenon that make it ideal for dark matter detection. Horn said it is already a very “radio pure” element, which means it doesn’t produce internal backgrounds through radioactive decay like many other elements do.

Combined with the cosmic particle shielding from the lab being located nearly a mile underground, xenon becomes a very suitable medium for dark matter detection.

“You have a mile of rock above you, that helps you at shielding everything that comes down from the atmosphere, however the rock itself is a little radioactive and thus has an intrinsic background, so you need to shield (the xenon) from that, hence you build more shielding around your detector on top of that, the xenon itself is so heavy and so dense in its liquid form that it is self-shielding,” Horn explained.

Once as many outside and inside particles have been eliminated as possible, whatever remains interacting

from Pg 18

PHYSICS makes our every day nice is the result of blue sky research,” he said. “To suggest that that’s not worth funding is to suggest that society should stop moving forward. This is the foundation of what will be possible tomorrow.”

Hanhardt said it’s not the flashiest field of physics a scientist can enter, especially considering all the more popularized ideas being researched by experiments like the Deep underground Neutrino Experiment and LUXZeplin.

“If they find what they’re looking for, it’s headlines and Nobel prizes. It’s a giant leap forward and we have to change physics books,” he said. “CASPAR is the other 99% of science that is steady progress; we know

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with the xenon atoms are likely to be candidates for dark matter.

Horn said xenon fits the bill perfectly for these types of detection because elements with a lesser atomic density are easier for the particles they’re looking for to pass through undetected. Elements with higher atomic densities than xenon tend to be more radioactive making it harder to pick out the reaction they’re looking for.

Another reason xenon’s atomic weight makes it ideal for LZ is its similar mass to theorized models of dark matter itself. Although dark matter has yet to be observed, the gravitational effects of dark matter are seen throughout the galaxy.

“You have a spiral galaxy but you don’t see enough mass in the galaxy to explain why the outer stars are moving that fast because they should actually fly away. So you need more mass in the spiral galaxy to keep these outer stars in line,” Horn explained.

Based on what is already known about how particle physics effects gravitational distortion, Horn said scientists are able to establish some parameters for how they think dark matter is built, including its approximate atomic weight.

“The various observations we’re having; we are using to kind of build a model of dark matter. … If you put

exactly what we’re looking for, we just need to map it out and deepen our understanding of it.”

Although not nearly as high profile, CASPAR is a notable research achievement as it deals with some element-building processes that up until now have never been directly observable.

“For the bulk of the experiments that we’re running we’re the first experiment in history that’s able to get to low enough energy to actually recreate what’s happening inside of stars,” he said Because CASPAR is such a relatively small particle accelerator, it is able to create and document interactions as they occur at very low energy levels. Imagine roasting a chicken at either a high temperature for a short period of time, or a low temperature for a longer period. Either way the

Court paved the way for legal wagering three years ago.

“South Dakotans, like the rest of Americans, want to wager on sporting events in a safe, legal regulated environment and Deadwood will provide them that opportunity,” Rodman added.

these parameters in to your model you realize that there’s only a certain range that makes the whole system work,” he said. “So you need them to be a bit heavier and a bit slower to actually confine them within the galaxy.”

Horn said many models for dark matter list it as having an atomic weight somewhere in the range of 50 times the mass of a proton, which would indicate that a particle of dark matter should be roughly the same size as an atom of xenon.

“If you then have two similar size or heavy atoms then the (reaction) works best.”

Another quality xenon has is it produces a visible flash of light when it becomes ionized by another particle.

“We are trying to see this dark matter particle that is hitting a xenon atom and when it’s hitting it, it produces light,” Horn said.

As the life-blood of LZ, Xenon may be the key to detecting dark matter in the universe.

“In the grand scheme of things this is always how you create progress – you’re trying to do something to push the boundaries of your knowledge a bit further,” Horn said. “We physicists kind of do this on a very far away scale, but it still has, eventually, effect on your daily life.”

chicken gets cooked, but the end result can be drastically altered.

“We’re trying to recreate the heart of a star which, it’s not going to sound like it, but is pretty low-energy as far as the universe is concerned,” Hanhardt said. “We’ve intentionally gone to the lowest energy we possibly can with our accelerator.”

Noted astronomer Carl Sagan famously said, “The nitrogen in our DNA, the calcium in our teeth, the iron in our blood, the carbon in our apple pies were made in the interiors of collapsing stars. We are made of starstuff,” referring to the origins of the cosmic particles that comprise everything we see and are. Although not the “sexiest” form of physics, the work being done

by CASPAR at Sanford Lab is helping to provide scientists with a better understanding of how

that “starstuff” works and comes together to allow more interesting configurations like those that result in life throughout the universe. Science can appear very cold and calculating to we laypeople, but sometimes, when you slow things down just enough and really start to take a look at the building blocks of the universe like CASPAR is doing you can find a commonality that brings a sort of peaceful hope and reassurance to the universe.

As Hanhardt puts it “Unimagined, there’s an actual connection between you and me, me and the Earth, and me and everyone who’s ever lived and will ever live and the chance to track that back, the chance to actually answer the question, ‘where did we come from and where are we going,’ it’s absolutely fascinating to me.”

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Page 22, Our Towns 2021 from Pg 16

MYSTERIES and techniques from the Majorana Demonstrator as well as its European counterpart GERDA, housed in Italy.

“They both used germanium to look for neutrinoless double-beta decay,” he said. “(Scientists will) coalesce these competing technologies, take the best of each and build up a combined detector with those two collaborations converging.”

LUX-ZEPLIN

One of the greatest mysteries of science today is the existence of dark matter.

“We have a lot of empirical evidence, or indirect evidence that dark matter exists,” Heise said. “Looking at the rotation speeds of galaxies; they’re spinning way too fast, they should be flinging themselves apart.”

Heise also described gravitational lensing, which is the observation of light bending around an object that we can’t see. It’s sort of like looking at a ball with a light shining behind it; in this case we can’t see the ball, but we can deduce that it must be there. Heise explained that scientists still don’t know if dark matter is made up of light particles or heavy particles, just that it is subject to the effects of gravity.

The Large Underground Xenon (LUX) dark matter detector sought to detect the elusive particle in much the same manner as Ray Davis did in the mid-1960s with his experiment to look for neutrinos from the Sun. Davis set up a tank filled with dry cleaning fluid on the 4,850-level of Homestake Mine and waited for neutrinos to careen into a target particle inside his tank. Over many decades, Davis and his collaborators counted neutrino collisions that ultimately led to new discoveries in physics. But key to his success was the underground laboratory that created an environment quiet enough to make those measurements.

Heise said although LUX didn’t detect any dark matter, it was so good at creating an environment capable of detecting dark matter that even after it was switched off, it took a year for other experiments in the field of dark matter research to catch up.

The Black Hills Pioneer “So LUX found nothing better than anyone else, and LZ (LUX-ZEPLIN) hopes to improve on that.”

Heise explained that in order to catch a glimpse of some of the most elusive pieces of cosmic flotsam and jetsam in the universe, it’s better to cast a wide net. LZ will be using many of the same techniques as LUX, just on a much larger scale.

LZ will be 100 times more sensitive than LUX, utilizing 10 tons of xenon. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the components of the LZ detector are now in place nearly a mile below the surface, and ready to receive the flood of ultra-pure xenon that may be the key to uncovering dark matter.

Detector operations are expected to begin later this year.

LBNF/DUNE

SURF has teamed up with Fermilab located outside of Batavia Ill., to build what will be the largest neutrino study in the world – the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). The Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) is under construction at Sanford Lab, which will be the receiving end of a concentrated beam of neutrinos fired from a particle accelerator at Fermilab. Using the accelerator, Fermilab will shoot the neutrino beam 800 miles through the earth to the massive detectors deep underground at Sanford Lab in Lead.

“They are going to be shooting protons into a graphite target (in Batavia) and what comes out are particles called pions, which decay to muons,” Heise said.

“The muons will (themselves) decay, giving off muon neutrinos.”

As the muon neutrinos travel from Fermilab to SURF, they can change from one type into another. There are three flavors of neutrino – muon, electron, and tau – and what starts off as a muon neutrino may end up being detected as an electron neutrino or a tau neutrino.

At SURF, four DUNE detectors will be installed 4,850 feet underground, consisting of huge cryostats (50 feet wide, 46 feet tall, and over 200 feet long) filled with a total of 70,000 tons of liquid argon and an array of detection wires.

The argon in the cryostats will “catch” neutrinos from the beam. Neutrinos

interacting with particles of liquid argon will produce other particles that will ionize the argon atoms and release electrons, and those electrons will be caught by the detection wires. From that signal, researchers will be able to deduce what type of neutrino arrived after the long journey.

“If it’s a muon neutrino interacting, it will produce certain charged particles, and if it’s a electron (neutrino) it will (create) slightly different particles,” Heise explained.

The LBNF/DUNE study of neutrinos could lead to a better understanding of how matter and antimatter interact in the universe.

Heise explained that at the moment of the Big Bang, an equal amount of matter and anti matter was released out into the universe. This should have meant that the two particles cancelled each other out.

“If you remember your ‘Star Trek’ physics,” Heise said. “Matter and antimatter, when they collide, will annihilate into energy.”

Had the amounts of matter and antimatter remained equal throughout the universe, it would have resulted in a universe comprised entirely of energy, or light.

Since we can observe that matter exits, scientists have concluded that at some point after the Big Bang, matter gained a foothold over antimatter as the most abundant form of matter in the universe.

“LBNF/DUNE will shoot a beam of muon neutrinos and then they’ll shoot a beam of muon anti neutrinos, so we’ll be able to study the matter process and the anti matter process,” Heise said.

The research that will be done by LBNF/DUNE may help bring scientists one step closer to understanding one of the most fundamental questions held by mankind; how the universe we see today was formed.

“If neutrino interactions choose matter one part in a billion over the antimatter versions, that would give you the universe that we see today,” he said. “If there’s no asymmetry built into that interaction then we’ll have to go look somewhere else.”

The world will have to wait just a little while longer before researchers at SURF start probing the greatest mystery of the physical universe, however. Before any cryostats can be filled,

or antimatter beams can be fired, new caverns at SURF will need to be excavated to make room for the gigantic experiment.

In order to house the massive cryostats scientists will use to look for the illusive interactions, the LBNF/ DUNE team has contracted with Thyssen Mining, a world class leader in excavation, to expand the underground laboratory space at SURF. Some of those excavations have already begun, with the lion’s share of the work picking up this spring.

Kiewit/Alberici Joint Venture (KAJV) construct a 4,000-foot conveyer system across Highway 85 that will haul the 800,000 tons of crushed rock from its location at the 4,850-foot level to be deposited into the Open Cut behind the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center.

Once the caverns have been excavated and the facility infrastructure is in place, Heise said the experiment should be ready to start taking readings around 2026.

Deep Observatory

Life exists in some extreme places on this planet, including inside solid rock.

Since 2015, collaboration has been doing research in the field of exobiology that has also had broad reaching applications, including to NASA’s Mars Rover missions.

“Exobiology in general, but Mars would certainly be something closer on the horizon,” Heise said.

Some of the tools and monitoring equipment tested deep underground at SURF is currently exploring Mars on board the Perseverance rover.

The research has always centered on studying microorganisms and how they can survive and thrive in conditions too extreme for any other life forms.

“They had quite a large collaboration of different national labs but also a mixture of biologists and geologists, as well as some physicists looking for processes that cross (normal) boundaries (between disciplines),” he said. “It was a really interesting collaboration, it still is an interesting collaboration.”

Some of the tests they conducted involved running water across different mediums in order to see what conditions promote microor-

ganism growth. Another test ran electricity into water flowing through rock to observe how the microorganisms process energy.

“What better place to test your quasi-robotic biologists and geologists than here?”

Practical Implications With all the high concept science taking place at SURF, it can be easy to lose sight of how the work being done can relate to the everyday lives of the general population of South Dakota.

Heise said the opportunity for education is probably the largest real-world application SURF has to offer in the short term.

“Training South Dakota students, whether they be in biology or physics, geology, engineering, I think that’s a really tangible benefit.”

Heise went on to say that there are even medical applications that can be derived through the kind of basic research being done at SURF. “(A) good example would be using particle accelerators to treat cancer,” he said.

Heise explained that using particle accelerators not unlike the CASPAR low-energy particle accelerator being used at SURF can also be used in proton therapy research, which utilizes highly concentrated beams of energy to impact cancer cells in the human body without effecting the healthy cells.

The learning opportunities that come out of SURF’s research aren’t exclusive to institutes of higher education, however. Heise spoke about the Education & Outreach Team at SURF, which focuses on bringing the advanced research being done underground to the kindergarten through 12-grade level. He said the team reaches 80 percent of South Dakota counties.

“We develop curriculum units that draw on the latest teaching standards and develop modules for different grade levels. In some cases they bring the teachers in during the summer and say, ‘this is what we’re doing, this is how you can teach this material.’”

Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of the Big Bang, understanding the unknown composition of dark matter, or teaching 3rd– graders how magnets work, the research being done deep underground at SURF is “Miles Above Ordinary.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 23

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Page 24, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

OUR TOWNS

Section

2

The Saloon #10 and Deadwood Social Club currently employ seven Keehn family members. The family has owned Saloon #10 since 1963.

Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

Saloon #10 on 4th generation

SECTION 2

OF

4

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

2021 • BLACK HILLS PIONEER

DEADWOOD — From father Lew’s decades-old Keehn-era family founding of the iconic Saloon #10 on Deadwood’s Historic Main Street to the family members who are now counted among the Main Street mainstay’s employees, the “10,” as it is affectionately referred to by loyals and locals, is now in its fourth generation of family involvement.

Lew Keehn purchased the Saloon No. 10 from Stu Donovitz Dec. 1, 1963.

He was very involved in making major decisions, but definitely had his druthers when it came to roles in the business.

“He probably didn’t get behind the bar as much as he was on hand behind the table or a bench against the wall where he could entertain people and visit with people,” said Louie Lalonde of her father.

When the family purchased the bar, Louie’s brother Gary was 21 years old and stepped into the role of bar tender, managing inventory and pricing, as well.

Lalonde started getting involved in the business when she was 9 years old.

“I would come down with my dad and my job was to wash all the glasses that had already been washed and to wipe the bottles off and I got paid 25 cents an hour.

I had my own timecard,” Lalonde recalled. “But as time went on, I am definitely that person that watched my siblings Gary and Linda, my older sister who’s deceased now, manage the bar, and I personally made decisions whether they were right or wrong, that I liked that what they were doing or I didn’t like that what they were doing.”

In the late 1970s, Gary moved his family back to Deadwood from Alaska and became more involved in Saloon #10 and purchased Gold Street & Main, the building next door, which now houses Maverick’s Trading Post and put in a walking mall.

When gaming started, Lew became more involved in helping develop rules and regulations for gaming, as well as politics.

“That was a very good fit for him,” Lalonde said.

Linda and Gary slowly took over management of Saloon #10 and following a detour into Amway sales

on the side, Lew reigned his charges back in.

“My father, when gaming started, called Gary and me and said, ‘You guys are gonna’ decide if you’re gonna’ sell whiskey or you’re gonna’ sell soap,’ Lalonde recalled. “Because you’re not gonna’ do it both.”

Although Lalonde, Linda, and Gary were all working in the business, Gary wasn’t interested in a managerial role.

“So in 1990, when it really just started, I got my chance and I took it and I wonder what the hell is wrong with me,” Lalonde said with a laugh. “As far as what makes a generational business, at least in this one, work, because for years, Toby (Keehn, Gary’s son) worked here, but I like to believe and it isn’t so much my philosophies and what I believed in, but what my parents did, and I followed their footsteps and how they lived in the community and what they believed in and giving back. It was just always more important to give than to receive. That’s what we all learned.”

When Toby Keehn left the business, it was to branch out on his own, establishing

Mustang Sally’s across the street from Saloon #10.

“I like to think that some of his own philosophies are philosophies that came from here,” Lalonde said. “That kid has done really well. I’m proud of him. We have always embraced every grandchild or niece or nephew that wants to come and work and many of them have.”

There are currently seven family members employed

by Saloon #10 out of a total of 100. Overall, the business has seen 19 Keehn family staffers over the years.

Lesson learned

Lalonde doesn’t know what, exactly to attribute the decision to list Saloon #10 for sale a few years ago, but is quick to say it was a lesson learned – for all siblings involved.

“I think everybody was getting a little bit tired and I was getting a little bit … maybe I had dollar signs in my eyes, but, we put this emotional price tag on it and it was probably on the market for maybe two years,” Lalonde said. “As soon as it was released, it was headlines that it was for sale. But SALOON #10 Pg 10

Page 2, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Monumental contributions made to Black Hills area Deadwood Granite and Marble Works, est. 1906

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — A business that can’t help but make monumental contributions to the Black Hills area is three generations strong and still making impacts on Deadwood, the surrounding area.

Deadwood Granite and Marble Works was established by current owner David Akrop’s grandfather, Albert Duchene, who came to Deadwood from Fairbault, Minn. in 1903 or 1904.

“We have a piece of information where he and another man formed a co-partnership in 1906,” Akrop said. “We have the books that went with the business through its history and his name is listed as having been an employee, I’m assuming, of the business that he and the other man, more DEADWOOD GRANITE Pg 3

David Akrop shows an example of a hundred-plus-year-old Mt. Moriah monument he is using his decades-old skill and talents to repair and refurbish. Pioneer photo by Jaci Conrad Pearson

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 2

DEADWOOD GRANITE or less, either bought out or took over. So we know he was here and working in 1904, and I think, possibly, even in 1903.”

Prior to Duchene’s partnership forming, the stone business was owned by Henry Guyor.

Duchene and his partner, Thomas H. Young, began building a new building in 1909, which opened in 1910 at 142 Sherman St. Prior to that, in 1906-1908, the stone business was located in a much smaller building and a close corner location, next to Cemetery Street.

A story in the July 9, 1910 edition of the Black Hills Pioneer that describes the new building as being a 24-foot-by-96foot structure.

The partnership between Duchene and Young went on from 1906-1918, at which time, Akrop found a newspaper article documenting the dissolution of partnership.

Akrop’s parents were married in 1943.

“That was in the year my grandmother died, Albert Duchene’s wife, Marian,” Akrop said.

“Dad was in the service, World War II. … My dad came back from the war in 1945, so he would’ve had only roughly one year of experience working with his father-in-law before Albert Duchene died in ’46.”

The business was then owned by Marian and her brother from California, Neumann Duchene, who inherited the business.

“Within two years, my uncle sold his portion of it, so that it became my mother and dad’s ownership from there,” Akrop said. “Our dad died of a fatal heart attack in 1966.

He was 54 years old. Then it became the sole ownership of my mother.”

Akrop’s parents were Genevieve and Paul.

“Dad grew up in Lead,” David said.

Genevieve passed the business on to David, Greg, and Mary Ann (Oberlander).

Greg and Mary Ann decided they no longer

Our Towns 2021, Page 3 wanted to be a part of the business, and David purchased their portions, becoming the sole owner in 2014. He is also the sole employee of the business, which has historically been a small operation.

David said he took over the business because he didn’t want to give it up, totally, as he feels a sense of responsibility in fully completing the stone purchase and process.

“When we sell a stone, say, to a couple, husband and wife, sometimes the stone was purchased, say 20 or 30 years ago, well, then, the wife survives the husband by 30 years,” David said. “There’s a certain satisfaction to complete the lettering on the stone that many years later. There’s just a sense of still being able to complete, like, that particular job. There’s so much history involved with it, I don’t like to just say, ‘I want to step away from the plate, now.’”

How the stone business has progressed

As technology has evolved in the gravestone industry, a lot of work is done with lasers. But David remains true to the time and tried process of doing much of the process by hand.

“Back then, when they first started, of course, they were using compressed air as power, but in the earlier years the equipment was not as advanced as it is now,” David said. “I’m going to say that there were many of the stones that were marble and marble is a softer stone than granite, so you could do some of the work with an air hammer, which would be like a vibrating nozzle to do some of the carving on the stones. Then as it progressed into using the compressed air power, then they started using more granite, because that is a much harder stone, an igneous stone, that takes greater power to letter in the names and dates and so forth, than was used with the marble.”

In the earlier days, because stoneworkers were still using the air hammer, a vibrating chis-

el-type tool, the lettering went in at a shallower depth.

“You could still do the same thing, but they weren’t going to the depths because it didn’t have the volume of air pressure that you get by using an air compressor,” David said. “We’re still following the same methods that they did, even in the earlier times.

I still put what’s called a stencil on the stone, which is a piece of rubberized material that comes in different sized rolls.”

He still cuts the letters out of the roll by hand.

The stone is sandblasted with the open letters accepting the sand carving the design.

“Everything else is masked off or protected, so that the material just bounces off the rubber surface and it erodes the area where you’ve opened up the letters.”

David said the technology has advanced over the years.

“Now, of course, they use computer systems, and they actually cut the stencil with a machine, where I’m doing it letter by letter by hand, pressing it out, running a roller across the surface, then you’re just picking out the insides of the letters, where I’m actually going around the whole perimeter of every letter I’m cutting.”

The sandblasting process is done the same way, in a separate room, where the stoneworker stands outside the room and over time checking on the work, every 10 or 15 minutes, to see how deep the impression is or what areas might need more concentration.

Uncovering the location of the stones

With more than 15,000 stones created in the lifetime of Deadwood Granite and Marble, the company’s tendrils run through the Hills and even into Wyoming.

“You could pretty much find work in almost every cemetery in the area,” David said.

“Seth Bullock’s is one that we’ve always been real proud of,” David

said. “The total accomplishment of the work.”

Although it can be accessed through Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Seth Bullock’s grave is actually outside the bounds of Mt. Moriah, located on a mining claim on the way to White Rocks.

“It was chosen because … he and Theodore Roosevelt were personal friends and supposedly when the monument was placed, you could look across the canyon to Deadwood and view the tower to Mt. Roosevelt,” David said.

A large granite base houses the rectangular monument.

“One of the pieces weighed in the neighborhood of 5,400 pounds and the top portion of it was 4,300. So there was five tons of stone between the two pieces,” David explained.

Some of the other projects that were worked on by members of David’s family over the years include the nine-ton obelisk-shaped, 18 feet tall Annie Talent monument near Stockade Lake in the early 1920s by Albert Duchene and the Thoen Stone replica near the former Passion Play in Spearfish, completed by Paul Akrop.

A stone in Lemmon, located in a petrified wood park, 4 feet to 5 feet long in the shape of the state of South Dakota, complete with the Missouri River running through it and containing area cattle brands from local ranchers is another of David’s favorites.

“There’s pride in having done it,” he said.

More recently, the Akrops became involved with the city of Deadwood in 1984, when it was determined that monies from cemetery entrance fees would go toward either resetting stones that had toppled over or settled.

“We were in on the ground floor of that program and did that work for them for a number of years,” David said, adding that when Mt. Moriah was refurbished, Deadwood Granite and Marble Works was involved in that process, doing work for the city of Deadwood.

AMY CARLSON Amy Carlson is glad to be back in Spearfish! She attended BHSU from 88-91, where she fell in love with the city. She graduated with an elementary teaching degree and taught for 20 years in the Hoven/Faulkton areas. Amy then switched it up and worked at a small Faulkton restaurant, DOT T’s.

Now, she's happy to be back in Spearfish and joining the realty team of CENTURY 21 Spearfish Realty Inc. She loves the Black Hills area and all the outdoor activities available.

Amy looks forward to helping you find that special place you’ll call home. She can be reached at 380-8058 (cell), 642-4607 (office), or amycarlson@spearfishrealty.com.

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.

DEADWOOD-LEAD ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Deadwood-Lead Economic Development Corporation serves the communities of Deadwood, Lead, and Central City. Their mission is to promote the growth and development of existing businesses, attract and pursue quality new businesses, and create quality jobs in the immediate vicinity of the communities of Deadwood, Lead, and Central City.

The change in Executive Director has elevated the presences of the organization in all three communities which the Development Corporation serves. Through these efforts they have been successful in accomplishing many of the strategic initiatives for the growth and development of these communities.

As a local non-profit since their inception, they have helped to create and expand the jobs market by 93 and have invested over $32M in our communities.

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 605-642-7741.

Page 4, Our Towns 2021

LEVERINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF THE NORTHERN HILLS It’s a funeral home owned and operated by a husband and wife who help people say goodbye – and to them, this is much more than a business. Caring for hurting people is a calling and a way of life for them. Located in Belle Fourche, they serve the western South Dakota region and they provide care when it matters most. 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.” And they would be honored to serve you.

The funeral home is handicap accessible.

Everything is on one level, and it can seat 150 people. Luncheons can be served there as well.

They have become known for their professional video tributes and the live-streaming internet service – all provided at no charge. Every summer they hold several pancake suppers with free will donations given to the fire department.

You can trust this couple and their staff to provide professional service with extra touches of care, because they really do care about you.

Find them on facebook and on the internet at: LeveringtonFH.com.

Founded in 1980, Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is a private non-profit dedicated to improving lives by creating economic opportunities for the Spearfish commuity and its residents.

SEDC's primary areas of focus are business retention and attraction, workforce recruitment, and entrepreneurial support.

For more information on joining SEDC and supporting economic growth in the Spearfish community, contact SEDC at (605) 642-3832 or visit www.SpearfishDevelopment.com.

The Olive Branch is a unique, eclectic mercantile, locally owned. It focuses on handmade items and features merchandise made in the USA including women’s and children’s apparel, home decor, jewelry, custom woodworking, greeting cards, and so much more.

The Olive Branch endeavors to be a blessing to their customers and their community where everyone feels welcome. Stop by to browse and shop in Belle Fourche at 501 State Street. You can reach them at 605-723-1111 or visit their Facebook Page at The Olive Branch.

Designs by Daphne Gallery adds a shop unlike any other to downtown Belle Fourche. Owners Paul and Daphne Johnson have a passion for taking old treasures and making them new again, specializing in refinished and painted furniture. While they carry a unique selection in stock, they also offer services to renew pieces you already own and love, providing custom painting, refinishing, and upholstery.

In addition to furniture, Designs by Daphne carries a hand-picked collection of antiques, art, and home decor, as well as a line of custom silver and copper jewelry created by Dana Licking.

Stop by the store at 614 State Street in Belle Fourche to find a one-of-a-kind piece you will be proud to have in your home. You can also view select inventory and see before/after photos @designsbydaphnegallery on Facebook, or call the store at 723-1640 for more information.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Four generations of growth

From small gas station to major car dealership and service station, Junek’s celebrates 90 years of business in Spearfish

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — In the early 1930s, James Junek went broke farming outside the Yankton area, and was on his way to start a new life in Seattle with his family. He broke down in Spearfish, and never left, but opted to start one of only two gas stations in town.

Ninety years and four generations later, that gas station has evolved into a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram dealership and service station that is one of the longest running businesses in Spearfish — Junek’s Service.

“That’s one of our older anniversaries,” said current owner Ryan Junek, pointing to a framed newspaper advertisement that commemorated the company’s 50th anniversary. “On the other side of that is everyone who worked here up until then. That number has probably tripled. That’s a lot of mouths this place has fed. We’re servicing about 300-400 cars a month, and we usually have contact with about 150 people a month to buy a car. So that’s really rewarding. Taking over the family named business is a lot of responsibility to take care of people correctly and take care of yourself. There is a lot of pride to it.”

The walls of the Junek’s sales department building are lined with photographs that tell the story of how the business has evolved over time. Starting with a simple gas station located along the main highway through town, Ryan’s grandfather, Delmer Junek, left Black Hills Teacher’s College (BHSU) to take over the business when James died in the 1930s. After several years of operating the gas and service station, Delmer and his brothers and sister, Jerry, Clarence, and Pearl were forced to shutter the family business when they left to fight in World War II. “When they came back in 1944 or 45, they opened back up and things were good. They were all either a mechanic or a salesperson, and they worked really well as a team,” Ryan said.

His grandfather and uncles later added on to the service building in the 1950s. They also expanded the business to sell wholesale parts to gas and service stations throughout the five-state region. That was before Napa or CarQuest Auto Parts stores existed.

“When you go through these little towns that had operating gas stations that have been there for a long time, or ones that are shuttered up, that’s who they served,” Ryan said.

“They had three delivery trucks and salespeople who would service

Ryan Junek stands in front of framed newspapers celebrating his business’ 50th anniversary. Now, 90 years and four generations later, he heads the dealership.

Pioneer file photo the surrounding states. They did that for a long time. In the 1970s, they started to get competition from these other brands (like Napa and CarQuest).”

Right around about that time, Ryan said his dad, Ron came back from South Dakota State University to work in the family business as a mechanic. Interstate 90 had just been constructed in the late 1960s, and the Chrysler dealership in Deadwood went out of business as a result. It wasn’t long before representatives from Chrysler approached Ryan’s grandfather, uncles and dad about converting their station into a Chrysler dealership.

It took a year for the family to get organized, but soon the gas station part of the business was closed, with cars parked along the frontage of the original 1930s shop, as well as on lots across the street that the family owned.

Then, Ryan said in the 1990s the family bought the neighboring Piggly Wiggly building, where the Junek’s sales lot is currently located.

The business has weathered some storms over the years, most recently when Chrysler underwent two separate bankruptcies — withdrawing dealership locations across the country. Ryan still remembers

holding his breath while Chrysler decided which dealerships it would retain, and slowly exhaling when he found out Junek’s made the list.

But in order to keep their Chrysler dealership status, Junek said the business was required to make some upgrades to the store.

In 2010 Junek’s completed about $500,000 worth of renovations to its show room and the exterior of both buildings, and in return the dealership acquired the Jeep brand.

“My phrase nowadays is that vehicles are complicated and expensive,” he said. “That phrase is growing by exponential rates every year.”

Right now, Ryan said the company is going strong. Over the years, he said the company has consistently had between 17 and 23 employees, serviced about 300 cars a month, and talked with about 150 customers about buying cars. Ryan said he is looking forward to going into the company’s 100th anniversary year just as strong as ever, serving a customer base that spans a 150-200 mile radius.

“As long as they keep making cars and parts for us, we can supply the service side of things and that’s the nature of that relationship,” he said. “Spearfish is growing and the Black Hills keeps growing.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 5

ROGER BECK AGENCY Exceptional service. Quality experience. A commitment to the community. That’s what sets Farmers apart from the rest.

As your local Farmers agent, I can review your coverage, discuss available discounts and review any additional opportunities and coverage options that can benefit you. I offer a Farmers Friendly Review, so as your insurance needs change over time, your coverage can do the same. With a broad range of insurance products including Home, Auto, Life, Business and Financial Planning, I can help cover all areas of your life.

605-347-4562 • 1241 Sherman St., Sturgis

THE GIVING GOAT CRYSTAL SHOP

Sarah and Josh Bunney are the second generation to run Bunney’s Body & Collision Repair Center. Pioneer photo by Wendy Pitlick

Bunneys keep auto body shop in the family

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Customers who patronize a well-established, generational business can have confidence that the owners will work hard to gain the people’s trust, while largely steering clear of major corporation and government control.

“I think seeing this last year how much huge corporations control what the laws are, I think it makes small town mom and pop businesses all the more important,” said Sarah Bunney, who owns Bunney’s Body & Collision Repair Center with her husband, Josh. “We didn’t have to shut down during the pandemic. All of our employees gladly came to work, and we kept going even when the rest of the world was shut down. A lot of places didn’t get to do that because they were run by major corporations. Moving forward, it’s scary to imagine a world that doesn’t have small businesses.

Mom and pop businesses are more important than we can imagine.”

Josh and Sarah are the second generation of Bunneys to run the Belle Fourche-based auto body shop that serves customers from Belle Fourche, Faith, Dupree, Gillette, Wyo., Hulett, Wyo., Alzada, Mont., and Broadus, Mont.

“

Mom and pop businesses are more important than we can imagine.

Sarah Bunney,

”

Bunney’s Body & Collision Repair Center

In 2000, Josh’s dad, Jim Bunney, purchased the business from Scott Peterson Motors. Back then, it was located on Belle Fourche’s State Street, across from Pioneer Bank.

But when Josh started working for his dad on Jan. 1, 2007, Jim knew they would need a bigger shop to accommodate the growing business.

“We thought we’d never fill this shop,” Josh said of the location his father built at 118 5th Ave. in Belle Fourche. “We thought this was more than we’d ever need. Now we need a bigger shop. We do a lot of farm and ranch work. We do in-

town, but we get a lot of out-of-town work. It comes in from all areas, it seems.”

Josh said when his father bought the business, he had eight employees. Today, he has 13 full time employees on staff.

“The guys that are here have been here a long time,” he said.

“We’ve got a good staff and we just move forward and work on as many (vehicles) as we can, as timely as we can.”

The business of auto body repair requires meticulous attention to detail, which Josh learned from his dad. That’s why his customers have come to trust him so much.

“Our business is very meticulous,” he said. “We’re painting your car back to where it should be, and it’s gotta be the way it was before. If it’s not, we have a problem. We have to make sure we are doing the best job. It has to be perfect. No, we’re not in there working on engines. What we’re working on is what you’re looking at every day.”

Overall, Josh said he is thankful for the family business, and the opportunity to serve such a broad area of customers. It’s humbling, because it’s hard work, he said. But the payoff in building customer relationships is worth it.

The Giving Goat Crystal Shop offers a wide collection of high quality crystals and unique metaphysical supplies/services to support wellness and positive energy! We are also home to the Zodiac Smoothie bar offering your choice of gem infused drinks with crystal wand energy and frequency!

Visit us at 1420 North Ave., #5, Spearfish, SD. 605-490-4430

STURGIS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

2021 is our 75th anniversary! This year marks 75 years of advocating on behalf of our members and actively supporting business, agriculture, and tourism in the Sturgis area.

Contact our office at (605) 347-2556 or visit 2040 Junction Avenue to learn about becoming a member and how we can help your business succeed. We also offer funding, involvement, and educational opportunities! Visit our website at SturgisAreaChamber.com to learn why Sturgis is one of the best communities in the Black Hills.

Jennipher Creed started Creed Bookkeeping Services in Spearfish in January 2017, three months after moving from San Diego, CA. Then on Aug. 1, 2018, she opened an office at 125 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste 2E. in Spearfish.

As the owner of Creed Bookkeeping her background comes from San Diego where she had several clients in different industries including, but not limited to construction, fitness, aircraft landing gear manufacturer, and mortgage. She also worked in the accounting department of one of the local fire departments until making the move to Spearfish.

She and her staff offer all bookkeeping services including, but not limited to A/R, A/P, account reconciliations, payroll and filings, sales/excise tax filings, new account set up.

With the continual growth of clientele and many thanks to the current clients and her staff, they have exciting news! Creed Bookkepping Services, LLC., will be opening a second location in the city of Lead at 201 W. Main St. Ste 104, beginning in May.

Page 6, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Community Partners A HOUSE IS A F O U N D AT I O N F O R A S TA B L E F U T U R E HOWEVER, AFFORDABLE HOUSING WAS IDENTIFIED AS A TOP PRESSING NEED IN THE NORTHERN HILLS AREAS. In 2018, 4,523 (42%) housing cost related calls were made to the 211 Helpline. 53% of all housing related calls in the Black Hills were for utility assistance.

With affordable housing, families would have more money for other living costs, groceries, and utilities.

At United Way of the Black Hills, we collaborate with partners throughout the Northern Hills to expand affordable housing opportunities such as NeighborWorks and Black Hills Area Habitat for Humanity.

We also fund partners like Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills that provide financial education courses so families are financiall prepared for homeownership.

When you donate to United Way of the Black Hills, you are making an investment for families in your community.

LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED TODAY BY VISITING: WWW.UNITEDWAYBLACKHILLS.ORG OR BY CALLING OUR OFFICE AT: (605) 343-5872

Free & Confidential: Pregnancy Testing Ultrasound Confirmation Information on Options

605-642-4140 • bellapregnancy.com

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 7

Community Partners The Spearfish Nutrition Site is a Non-profit organization that provides nutritious and affordable meals in our community. Our services include congregate dining, take out, frozen and home delivered meals (for qualifying individuals).

Please join us!

Old FORT MEADE MUSEUM

Bldg 55, Sheridan St., Fort Meade, SD Open: Tuesday - Saturday | 10 AM - 5PM May 18 - Sep 30 605-347-9822 | fortmeademuseum.org

430 Oriole Drive 11 am – 1 pm | Monday - Friday.

If you are unable to leave your home then Meals on Wheels may be right for you!

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME! For more information, call 605 642-1277

Page 8, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Community Partners 1896

-

2021

D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery & Archives D.C. Booth is America’s gathering place for all things fisheries – preserving our fisheries history to inspire present and future conservations.

As we enter our 125th year we celebrate our strong community support, visionary leadership, innovative ideas and research, educational outreach, and unique visitor experience.

Visitors can stroll the hatchery grounds from dawn until dusk any day of the week. 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.

Learn more about the hatchery, shop online and become a member of the Booth Society at www.dcboothfishhatchery.org

Honoring the Past

Celebrating the Present

Building the Future

See You at the Hatchery!

South on Canyon St., Spearfish, SD

If you or anyone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out to Crisis Intervention Shelter Service.

WE ARE

HERE TO

HELP. P.O. BOX 842, STURGIS, SD 605-347-0050 | 1-800-755-8423

CISS@RUSHMORE.COM | STURGISCISS.ORG Crisis Intervention Shelter Services is a non-profit domestic violence organization in Sturgis, SD

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 9

53 years and 3 generations of service

Lynn’s Dakotamart spreads community spirit across western S.D.

By Alex Portal and Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS — For almost 53 years, the Feist family has been operating Lynn’s Dakotamart and actively supporting the communities in which they serve.

Lynn Feist started the network of grocery stores in 1968, when he bought the former SuperValu Grocery store in Faith. According to family stories, Feist had been playing “store” with his toy cash register since he was a young boy.

When he heard the store in Faith was for sale, he finished his night shift at the Red Owl in Rapid City, picked up his young daughter, and drove the 129 miles to meet with the SuperValue Grocery store owner.

“It was late at night and it was (Faith) Stock Show Saturday,” Feist’s daughter, Tammy Sletten said when recalling memories during the store’s 50th anniversary celebration. “Supposedly Bob Kelly (the former owner) didn’t want anybody knowing he was selling the store, that’s why he wanted to meet during the (Stock Show) parade.”

After the sale, the Feist family moved from Rapid City to Faith.

But with a mind for business and ambition to expand, Feist soon found another store to purchase in Lemmon. One year later he bought a store in Eagle Butte, and the year after that he purchased one in Sturgis. Seven years after purchasing that first store, in 1975, Feist built a new store in Lemmon, where he also held his corporate office.

“We used to get $5 allowance until the eighth-grade year and then that stopped,” Jim Feist, Lynn’s oldest son said. “His attitude was ‘I’ll give you a job, I don’t care where you work, but you’re gonna work.’”

As the three Feist kids grew up stocking shelves and taking inventory, the two boys found their calling, while Tammy went on to follow a teaching career.

The business continued to grow with stores being bought in Fort Thompson and Lead. In 1996 Lynn Feist passed away. His two sons, Jim and Don, stepped in to continue his legacy. Don Feist, who is the administrative head of Lynn’s Dakotamart said whenever Feist bought a store, he would keep the original name and just add “Lynn’s” in front of it. That all changed in 2000 when the company bought “Dakotamart” in Pierre.

“It was always ‘Lynn’s SuperValu’, ‘Lynn’s Family Foods’,” Don said. “We combined

the two, just took the ‘Lynn’s’ and ‘Dakotamart’ and added it together.”

Today, Lynn’s Dakotamart operates stores in Faith, Sturgis, Lead, Belle Fourche, Custer, Pierre, Ft. Pierre, Ft. Thompson, Hot Springs, and Martin.

Growing the business and community commitment are paramount in the minds of Jim and Don Feist as they look toward the future. The Sturgis store was the first grocery store in South Dakota to implement barcode scanning.

Most recently, the company has added high quality, self-checkout machines in several of their stores.

“We are probably late to the dance as far as self-checkouts go, but we have a better system than what was initially in the marketplace,” Don Feist said. “It has been just tremendously successful.”

Additionally, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last year, Feist said there were many times when store employees took grocery orders over the phone, and shopped for customers who needed curbside or delivery services.

Community involvement, for Don Feist, is one of the four necessary pillars to success for a company, right along with being a progressive, fair and fun company.

Throughout its 10 locations, Don said, Lynn’s Dakotamart works hard to serve the people.

“It’s just part of the fiber of who we are, growing up in Faith and

NEW PIC: This year Lynn’s Dakotamart is celebrating its 50th anniversary serving the communities and people of western South Dakota. From left, Jim Feist, Tammy Feist Sletten, Don Feist, and Georgia Feist, seated. Pioneer photo by Alex Portal OLD PIC: One of the only pictures (circa early 1970s) of the entire family, from left, Lynn Feist, Don Feist, Tammy (Feist) Sletten, Georgia Feist, and Jim Feist. Also pictured, is Snoopy the dog. Courtesy photo Lemmon,” he said. “It’s just a way of life. We are very passionate about the small towns.”

One of the company’s most visible community programs is its “We Care” program. The program encourages customers to save Lynn’s receipts and donate them to local non-profit organizations.

For every $10,000 in receipts that are turned in, Lynn’s donates $100

to the group. To date, the company has given more than $1 million to organizations in the communities they serve.

As Don and Jim Feist continue to be active in the family business, Don said his son, Lincoln, has graduated from college and is preparing to someday take the baton of legacy that is Lynn’s Dakotamart.

Page 10, Our Towns 2021 from Pg 1

SALOON #10 luckily enough, I think it was a good business lesson for us because we figured that we would just put it on the market and we’d all be rich. But running a bar is like running a farm, because you depreciate all of that equipment every year and pretty soon, in the end, you owe the government more than you even had any idea it was going to turn out that way.”

Lalonde said it was definitely a rude awakening.

“And a very good family business lesson, because even my smart, smart brother even had a little sticker shock when he saw that, so we quickly decided that we wanted to keep it forever,” Lalonde said. “And that the right thing to do would be to pass it on to other family members that wanted it. And I’m very, very, very grateful to know that I have three family members that are waiting to take over and they’re excited to do their own thing and they have their own dreams and ideas and I like to think and believe that I have set a standard and a certain path that they should follow. Not only for the business, but what we would like to do for the community and who we are in South Dakota.”

Although Lalonde is in the role of

The Black Hills Pioneer general manager, she refers to herself as co-owner.

“I would not have it any other way, than to have a family business,” she said. “It’s hard and it’s a bigger challenge, but I think, in the end, your accomplishments and what you can do together, especially in seeing them grow – and fail. But pick themselves back up and keep on going. There isn’t anything better than that. It’s the right thing to do.”

Years of growth

Over the years, just as the family has grown and evolved, so has the business and buildings, themselves.

In the late 1980s, upstairs renovations began on what were formerly apartments that housed several family members.

“We started with a restaurant called Aunt Sally’s. We had fried chicken. We had a chicken chute that ran from up here. It was a chute that came down into the middle of the bar that would bring the chicken down and in the back, in the kitchen, which was much smaller then, there was the broaster and the fries and we did ribs and we named it crazy names,” Lalonde said.

Three years into gaming, a professional chef was hired, who instituted many of the Deadwood Social Club’s dishes, including the seafood nest.

“It was really the first experience of really having a real chef, because he was good,” Lalonde said.

In 1993-94, the Keehns secured the Deadwood Social Club trademark/ copyright and renamed Aunt Sally’s the Deadwood Social Club.

Lalonde has been very hands-on in developing the restaurant business.

“And I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve enjoyed doing a wine list. I’ve enjoyed coming up with a crazy martini list,” Lalonde said. “Lori and I had a blast designing the patio. It’s a learning experience all along the way.”

The addition that houses the patio was purchased in 2006.

“We bought it in November. We closed early December. We started the demolition right away and we really had a pretty good pace on everything and then in April, when we had, unfortunately, just taken off the majority of the roof, we had one of those surprise snowfalls and it dropped, like, four feet of snow. So we had all of that water in that building.

We lost the floor.”

The patio opened during the Days of ’76 Rodeo in 2007.

“It was probably one of my more proud accomplishments, simply because of what it is,” Lalonde said.

The Charlie Utter Theater, opened in 1999, is a byproduct of the aftermath of the 1988 Syndicate Block fire.

“The Holiday Inn decided to come

in and buy everything. My father, fortunately, had a great relationship with Lloyd West, who owned the building at that time, and he probably had a lot of offers, but when my dad asked, he decided to sell it to my dad.”

When Holiday Inn construction started, the Keehns made a deal with them to sell the back half of the building that houses the Charlie Utter Theater to house the Holiday Inn swimming pool if they would put in the basement infrastructure.

“My dad died in ’99 and my mom died in ’99 and we wanted to make sure that we called it the Utter Place because he loved Charlie Utter so much,” Lalonde said.

Because the nature of a family business entails long, hard hours of siblings working in tandem, managing conflict is key.

“I’m really very proud that in my family business, we all love each other. I can honestly say that,” Lalonde said. “That I don’t have even one relative that sits in the background and is working against the business, is doing whatever he can to cheat, steal, make sure that he’s getting more or that it’s going to be his. We have all worked together and we all get along.

We meet at Christmas. We’re all still a unique family business, when you really get down to the world of family businesses.”

Community Partners Arts, Culture & Live Entertainment Year Round – In a Historic Setting Arts Education • Comedy-Drama Musical Theatre • Events • Concerts Homestakeoperahouse.org • 605.584.2067 313 W. Main St., Lead, SD 57754

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 11

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

NEW DEADWOOD CHAMBER MEMBERS A Black Hills Taxi Agnico-Eagle Artz Parking Lot Ava Apparel Black Hills Bike Week Rendezvous Black Hills Stock Show Foundation Carter FMX LLC ISI, LTD Dakota Sky Stone Dakota Territory Resources Deadwood Day Spa

Deadwood Escape Rooms Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort (re-opening) Deadwood Miners Hotel and Restaurant Deadwood Trading Post Deadwood UTV Rentals Four Points by Sheraton at Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort John Hirsch Latchstring Getaways Life Light Creative Main Street Espresso/Big Dipper

BE A PART OF ONE OF THE MOST PROGRESSIVE CHAMBERS IN SOUTH DAKOTA • Internet Directory Listings & Links - Award-winning website with over 1 million unique visitors per year.

• 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. Only members are included.

• Economic Information - Community profile, demographic information, general business statistics and 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 - Free 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, only available to members.

• 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.

• Information Centers - The Deadwood Chamber manages the information centers in Deadwood and only our members are featured. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Deadwood Visitor Centers annually.

Mt Rushmore Brewing Company Nonnas Cottage Nonnas Kitchen Oswald Entertainment Group (Deadwood Live!)

Powerhouse Dance DJ's and Sound Productions Stage Coach Gifts Stan and Ollie's Pub The Mix Three Cousins Pizza Venue at the Spa

DEADWOOD CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS Louie LaLonde – President • Michelle Fischer – Vice President Tom Koth – Secretary • Susan Kightlinger – Treasurer Tom Rensch Kip Mau Lonnie Strong Steve Schaeffer David Schneiter

Carolyn Weber David Ruth Jr. Dale Berg Leo Diede Dr. Dan Leikvold

Kevin Kuchenbecker Jeanna Dewey Mike Rodman Bart Hamm Jim Burgess

DEADWOOD CHAMBER STAFF

Lee Harstad, Executive Director Dory Hanson, Controller Ingrid Hayward, Membership Director Sarah Kryger, Event Coordinator Amanda Kille, Marketing & Sponsorship Director Dawn Burns, Sales Director Brittany Schoenfelder, Marketing & Events Specialist Robin Carmody, Information Specialist

OUTLAW SQUARE STAFF

Bobby Rock, Outlaw Square Director Jesse Allen, Outlaw Square Operations Manager Staff: Tanner Ruth, Jachin Ruth, and Savanna Pickett

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Phyllis Fleming, Information Center Manager Mike Olsen, Ally Scheurenbrand, Guy Gregory, French Bryan, Jean Mackley, Marc Asmussen For more information on Membership with the Deadwood Chamber, call 605-578-1876.

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Page 12, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 13

Page 14, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Twin City Hardware in second generation of ownership

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Since 1974 in Montana, John Gary has been involved in the hardware business.

His daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Les Bellet, came into the business in 1988 when they purchased his second store in Watford City, N.D. Whether they were serving customers in Montana, at their former home of Watford City, combining hardware with lumber sales at the former Deadwood Home Center, or expanding their Twin City Hardware business in its current location at 399 Cliff St., the two generations are still working strong together to build a legacy that could be passed down in the family.

Cindy Bellet said her dad first purchased the Twin City Hardware, which was called Midway Hardware Hank at the time, in 1990.

Years later he operated it with the help of his son-in-law, as Les would travel weekly between the Watford City hardware store to Deadwood.

“It’s 273 miles to the front door of this store from the front door of the store in Watford City,” Les said, as he remembered well the many miles he put on. “It took about four and a half hours. Actually, I would stretch it out because I would stop and stretch my legs in every town with a “B” — Belle Fourche, Buffalo, Bowman, Belfield — because it got to the point where I was so used to it, and I didn’t want to fall asleep.”

Under John’s ownership, Twin City Hardware in its current location grew exponentially. When it started, the building was also home to a pawn shop and a hair salon, among other businesses. But over the course of several years, John acquired the space those proper-

Les and Cindy Bellet are second-generation owners of Twin City Hardware in Deadwood. Pioneer photo by Wendy Pitlick ties occupied and expanded the When Tim (Conrad) went out of hardware store business. As the the lumber business, we expanded building space grew, so did the serinto lumber. Our latest addition vices and need for more inventory, is, we are taking the garage here, until Twin City and we’re going up Hardware became to 16 feet with the a neighborhood side walls, so we’re mainstay for all doubling the space customer constructhere. We bought We try hard to sell tion needs in the the car wash lot what you want. The in February, and Lead-Deadwood area. we’re going to run big boxes say, ‘this Then, in 2003 the it as a car wash. But is what we have, and eventually we plan Bellets decided to move to Deadwood this is what you can to use the north permanently, so Les side for more lumbuy.’ We say, ‘if you could work with ber storage, since come in and you John in the store. the housing and When John turned real estate market want something, 70 years old in 2010, is going so good we’ll find it for you.’ now.” he sold the business to Les and Cindy.

The business of He still continues to retail sales has work and provide been a challengOwner at Twin City customer service at ing reward for the Hardware the store he worked two generations, so hard to build, the Bellets said. and he continues to And though their help the next generation grow the son currently works in the store, business.

Les and Cindy said they’re unsure “When the office supply store about whether the next generation closed, we moved it up here and will take up the baton. That’s OK we’ve been cultivating that and though, they said, since both Les that’s been a growing part of our and Cindy said they expect to have business,” Les said. “It takes a many more years of serving Leadlot of TLC, but it’s been working.

Deadwood and the surrounding

“

Les Bellet,

”

areas in ways that only a locally owned business can.

“You have to take care of your customers,” Les said. “There are only so many ways you can make more money in a small community.

You can raise your prices, which is never good. You can try to buy better, which is very difficult. We are a Do It Best, which is probably the number one member-owned franchise hardware chain in the country. Or you can go out and find more customers, which is hard when we have such a limited area.

It has helped that we are growing with our vacation rentals and everybody coming to our area. So, we get more customers there. But basically, you just have to take care of the customers. We try hard to sell what you want. The big boxes say, ‘this is what we have, and this is what you can buy.’ We say, ‘if you come in and you want something, we’ll find it for you.’”

“That’s one of our specialties here is we find what our customers want,” Cindy added. “We believe that it’s important to work your own business and have a good, knowledgeable staff. We get complimented on our customer service.

We greet people when they come in and help them find what they want.

That’s a key thing.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 15

Dakota Lumber — 3 generations of excellence

“

Black Hills Federal Credit Union is memberowned and not-for-profit. With 15 locations across South Dakota, we are passionate about serving our members and improving lives in our communities. Since 1941, we have helped members buy vehicles, purchase homes, insure assets, start businesses, and much more. Members can access their finances from anywhere with our top-rated Mobile App, Online Banking, Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs), and other convenient services.

Stop in and talk with one of our friendly, knowledgeable staff at 835 Main Street in Spearfish. Find us online at bhfcu.com or text or call 605-718-1818.

It means everything to be supported.

We wouldn’t be here without it. My family obviously likes it.

SPEARFISH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Nathan Bowman,

”

Owner of Dakota Lumber

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — For three generations the Bowman family has been supplying the Northern Hills with lumber and materials at Dakota Lumber, and business just keeps getting busier.

“My grandpa (Richard “Dick” Bowman) worked at one of the old lumber yards that’s not around anymore,” said Nathan Bowman, who with his wife Raelyn purchased Dakota Lumber from his parents, Roger and Jean Bowman, in 2018.

“Grandpa worked at Saunders and Young and then the Belle Fourche Building Center, which is now the current location of Roundup Building Center downtown. The opportunity for Richard and Arlene to buy Dakota Lumber from the Justice family came up in 1979.”

Back then, Bowman said Dakota Lumber consisted of a small retail space and warehouse. When his parents bought the business in 1995, they began expanding it to it’s current footprint, including buildings and land. It is four to five times the size form when Richard and Arlene owned it. “It’s cool,” he said. “But it’s just what has to happen.”

Keeping the business in the family means everything to Bowman, as it represents the hard work of three generations serving the Northern Hills area.

“My brother and I grew up here in the summers when we were little when my grandparents owned it, and both of us started working when my parents bought it,” Bowman said. “We both worked here through high school and college, and my little sister would answer the phone. Literally everyone in my family has worked here at some point — my grandparents, parents, brother, sister, aunt, and now my wife and I.” Dakota Lumber helps supply

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 emerging professionals.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 St. in Spearfish, call 605-642-2626, or visit www.spearfishchamber.org to find out how you can get involved.

Nathan Bowman is the third-generation owner of Dakota Lumber in Belle Fourche.

Pioneer photo by Wendy PItlick lumber, plumbing, electrical, and other materials for projects in Belle Fourche, Nisland, Newell, Spearfish, Lead-Deadwood, Sturgis, Hulett, Wyo., and Sundance, Wyo. The recent housing boom, Bowman said, has been good for business. But the growth has also brought some challenges.

“It has definitely been busier the last two years,” he said. “It’s been difficult, because there’s a shortage on everything and with all the shortages, building material prices have skyrocketed to all-time record highs and it just keeps getting worse. It’s been good, but it’s been challenging.”

Bowman said he is thankful for

his loyal customers, who have kept the business in Belle Fourche. The importance of supporting local, family-owned businesses, cannot be understated.

“It means everything to be supported,” he said. “We wouldn’t be here without it. My family obviously likes it.”

Additionally, he said supporting family-owned business is good for everyone in the town.

“First of all, tax dollars stay here,” he said. “Every employee here, lives here. That’s a big thing.

We are more likely to give back to the community. A big box isn’t going to give your kids money for their jerseys or other stuff.”

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Visit bunneysbodyandcollision.com, stop by 118 5th Ave. in Belle Fourche, or call 892-2802.

INTEGRITY MEATS

Integrity Meats is a custom and state meat processing plant. They carry South Dakota made cheese, Hutterite chickens, fresh and 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, 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 20 years, stop by today at 404 Industrial St., Belle Fourche.

Page 16, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 17

Belle Fourche Laundry & Dry Cleaning serves community for 20+ years

Clark Sowers, left, and his son Randy Sowers pose at the front desk of Belle Fourche Laundry & Dry Cleaning, which has been a State Street staple for more than 20 years.

Pioneer photo by Lacey Peterson

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE –– Belle Fourche Laundry & Dry Cleaning has long been a mainstay on Belle Fourche’s State Street, serving the community’s laundering needs for more than two decades.

James “Clark” Sowers, who owns the dry-cleaning plant located at 711 State St. in Belle Fourche, said he’s taken pride in serving the

community for 22 years in April.

Visitors who walk into the plant gets a feel for Sowers’ appreciation of history. A 60-year-old Kenmore mangle, designed to wring napkins and small cloth items, sits in the front office of the Belle Fourche plant which is adorned with many historical photos of the Sowers family and the Belle Fourche area taken in 1926.

The plant serves the dry-cleaning

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needs of customers 100 miles to the north, east, and west, and 30 miles to the south.

“This store really depends on the ag people to keep it open as far as its customer base,” Sowers said.

This is made obvious when comparing the customer bases of Sowers’ Belle Fourche and Spearfish locations, he said three-quarters of the orders the Spearfish handles consist of busi-

ness attire. Conversely, Belle Fourche handles one-quarter business attire and three-quarters ranch attire.

Sowers & Son, owned by Sowers and his son Randy Sowers operate Black Hills Laundry & Dry Cleaning, with locations serving the entire Northern Black Hills and Rapid City. In addition to Belle LAUNDRY Pg 18

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Page 18, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 17

LAUNDRY

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 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).

West Tire is a full service tire dealer serving the region for over 50 years. They feature tires for passenger cars and light duty trucks, farm and ranch equipment and implements, heavy duty commercial trucks, trailers, as well as ATV tires. They feature top brands like Goodyear, Michelin, Toyo, Bridgestone, Kelly, Titan, Hankook, Maxxis and more.

West Tire has been a long time supporter of many community events and organizations.

They are located at 601 Butte Street in Belle Fourche, or call 605-892-2001. Email address is westtire@rushmore.com.

Opened in December 2017 by Dr. Brandie Rainboth, DPT, OCS, Spearfish Physical Therapy is a welcoming space for patients of all diagnoses to recover and heal. They specialize in the treatment of muscle and joint pain, and recovery from injury or surgery, with a special interest in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and running injuries.

Spearfish Physical Therapy is the only physical therapy clinic in the Northern Black Hills that is owned and operated by a physical therapist who has both a Doctorate of Physical Therapy and is Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

Visit spearfishpt.com or call 605-559-0381.

DAKOTA LUMBER

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.

Stop by 18751 US-85 in Belle Fourche for all your home project needs or call 892-4041.

Fourche Laundry & Dry Cleaning, the company owns Spearfish Laundry & Dry Cleaning, Sturgis Laundry & Dry Cleaning, and Laundry World and two French Cleaners locations, in Rapid City.

On top of that, the company owns and operates laundromats in Belle Fourche and Sturgis.

Sowers purchased the building on State Street from Vern Bills, local businessman and owner of Southside Conoco two doors down, in 1999. Prior to Sowers taking over, the store was used as a Salvation Army, and a café before that.

Twenty years before that, Sowers and his wife, Cathy, who is a nurse practitioner, held their wedding rehearsal dinner at the location.

Soon after the purchase, Sowers attended dry cleaning school in Maryland.

Prior to embarking on his new dry-cleaning journey, Sowers was in the garbage business for 25 years. His father owned Sowers Sanitation. At age 19, after working with his father for only three days, his father took a sabbatical to have heart surgery.

“So, in three days, I was running the business,” Sowers said.

Just over two months later, Sowers’ father died at age 54 from complications of his heart surgery.

“It was a hard time,” he said.

That experience gave Sowers perspective.

“I’ve just got today,” he said.

Sowers channeled his love for the town’s downtown district when he decided to put his plant on State Street.

“Our downtown area needs vested businesses,” he said. “We just thought it would be a good, positive business for Belle Fourche (and) State Street … good for the community, good for the region.”

“Very quickly I realized, we’ve got to branch out,” he said.

Sowers purchased a laundromat in Sturgis in 2002. He also branched out in Spearfish and opened a drop location for items to be dropped and then shipped over to be processed at the Belle Fourche plant. Then, in 2003, Sowers purchased Queen’s Wash & Dry, where the Sowers’ still operate Spearfish Laundry & Dry Cleaning on Canyon Street.

“We got that bought and it kind of established our base,” Sowers said. “So within three years, we branched out to Spearfish and Sturgis.”

Over the next two decades, it morphed into a true family business.

“Through the years, my kids have all worked with me,” Clark said. “Being able to work with my kids is one of the great privileges of owning my own business.”

Clark and his wife have 10 chilyou (the employee) invest in us, we dren, ranging in age from 17-39. (the company) invest in you, this In 2013, the Sowers’ built the will be a beautiful relationship. new self-serve laundromat half a Because really we’re managing 25block to the south on Eight Avenue 35 relationships.” beside 8th Avenue Bakery, and in “We’re really in the business of 2015, they built a new laundromat trying to help people feel better and drop store by Cenex in Sturgis about themselves,” Randy said. and moved from his former loca“Who doesn’t feel good when they tion. put on nice clothes?

That is when You feel good about Randy Sowers came the way you look, on board with the you feel good about company when he yourself, you feel It’s OK to make was 32. good about going money, it’s OK to “Randy brings a out. And that’s lot to the table with what we’re in the pay your people his mechanical business of doing.” good wages, it’s skills … and a new During the panOK to be part of the demic, Sowers & perspective,” Clark said. “Without him, Son has partnered community, it’s we wouldn’t have with Monument OK to contribute gone into Rapid.”

Health and In 2017, the comSalvation Army to and donate to pany expanded launder materials projects. into Rapid City to turn into masks.

It’s about the with the purchase The company is of Laundry World. also asking for docommon good.

One year ago, in nations on cotton 2019, it procured and elastic and French Cleaners time and talents to & Shirt Laundry’s offer more to the Owner at Belle Fourche two locations. community.

Laundry & Dry Cleaning Clark said busi“And we’re going ness is the most to ask people to competitive sport donate their time in the world. and talents to sew masks … and we “Sometimes it’s not so much who will be the hub of distributing the your competitors are but the world materials to those people,” Randy in general,” he said. “I’ve worked said, who will then sew the materiwith some great people throughout als into masks. “And then, getting the years, in the garbage business the masks, and bringing them back and the dry-cleaning business, to to our stores, (wash) and distribute help them through (on) their way, them to the community. Kind of and for them to be very good ema way of protecting ourselves and ployees … that’s the fun part,” he the Black Hills in that way.”

It’s a symbiotic relationship said. “Not that there haven’t been between the community and the difficulties from time to time. But laundry plant, Clark said. the continually falling forward, is “Because it helps us keep our important to us.”

Clark lives and operates his busi- people working and it provides hopefully some good for the resinesses by a simply but poignant dents in the area,” he said of the perspective. company’s volunteer efforts. “It’s “The whole thing is, that I’ve felt a critical time to struggle through through the years … it’s really to this.” promote the common good,” Clark Clark, who served as the city’s said. “It’s OK to make money, it’s mayor for two years in the 90s, OK to pay your people good wages, said he’s encouraged by what he’s it’s OK to be part of the community, it’s OK to contribute and donate recently witnessed on the city’s main business district. to projects. It’s about the common “What I’ve seen recently is this good.” effort by the State Street businessRandy agreed. es to change the culture of what do “It’s also about providing for down here,” Clark said. “That enyour family,” he said. “I can’t procourages me. I see State Street as vide from my family unless I’m an opportunity to rise … because providing for 30 other families. So, it’s been a struggle.” the decisions I make … affects 30 Clark credited some of his sucfamilies. And that’s not something cess in the laundry business to I take lightly.”

Employees and customers are the one of his longtime mentors, Gene Williams, former owner of Rapid two assets a business has, Randy City Laundry. He said Williams said.

“So how do you provide a service was a great mentor and teacher to him over the years. to the customers and employ and Clark doesn’t intend to ride off grow your employee … because into the sunset just yet. we’re happiest when we’re grow“I’m grateful for every day,” ing,” he said. “So, putting them Clark said. “Retirement will come in a work culture where they feel soon enough.” safe and there’s structure … it’s kind of one of those deals where,

“

Clark Sowers,

”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 19

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#OuttaSight SPEARFISH SASQUATCH

CityofSpearfish.com/recreation

BLACK HILLS ENERGY STADIUM 350 W. HWY 14, SPEARFISH, SD 605.559.0214 • SPEARFISHSASQUATCH.COM

5/29, 6:35 .....CCS 5/31, 6:35 .....PTR

JUNE 6/1, 6:35 .......PTR 6/11, 6:35 .....CCS 6/12, 6:35 .....CCS 6/13, 4:35 .....CCS 6/22, 6:35 .....BBS

6/24, 6:35 .....BBS 6/25, 6:35.......WNP* 6/26, 6:35 .....WNP 6/27, 4:35 .....WNP 6/28, 6:35 .....BBS

JULY 7/6, 6:35 .......CCH 7/7, 6:35 .......CCH 7/8, 6:35 .......CCH 7/9, 6:35 .......CCS 7/10, 6:35 .....CCS 7/11, 4:35 .....CCS 7/16, 6:35 .....MCT 7/17, 6:35 .....MCT 7/18, 4:35 .....MCT

7/22, 6:35 .....CCH 7/23, 6:35 .....CCH 7/26, 6:35 .....PTR 7/27, 6:35 .....PTR 7/28, 6:35 .....SFS 7/29, 6:35 .....SFS 7/30, 6:35 ...WCW* 7/31, 6:35 .....WCW

AUGUST 8/1, 4:35 .......WCW

*Fireworks Game

For complete game and promotional schedule, visit spearfishsasquatch.com. All home games held at Black Hills Energy Stadium.

EXPEDITION LEAGUE Lewis Division

Clark Division

Badlands Big Sticks Canyon County Spuds CHH Casper Horseheads MCT Mining City Tommyknockers SVS Souris Valley Sabre Dogs WCW Wheat City Whiskey Jacks

FRM Fremont Moo HAS Hastings Sodbusters PTR Pierre Trappers SFS Sioux Falls Sunfish SPS Spearfish Sasquatch WNP Western Nebraska Pioneers

BBS CCS

Page 20, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Lynn’s 53

rd

1968-2021

Anniversary

Dakotam a rt Your Hometown Neighborhood Market!

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

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

Cheryl Westland, Owner 605-723-5920

Full Service Pharmacy | Drive through available Large selection of over-the-counter medicines & supplies COVID VACCINES AVAILABLE - Call for an appointment!

319 Summit Street, Belle Fourche, SD

— Now Carrying — Ortho Molecular Products — All Natural Vitamins — Call or stop by for details.

We carry a full line of Dr. Squatch Products

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am - 6pm Saturday 8am - 1pm Sunday Closed

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

PUZZLES & GAMES | SD JEWELRY | HORSE HAIR POTTERY | SUNGLASSES & SUNSCREEN

Locations in…

Lead & Hot Springs

Affordably Chic & So Unique!

For over 25 years,

Trusted.

Personalized.

Local.

Experience the difference.

Cathy Sulentic-Morcom PT, DPT • Maria Matson PT, DPT Jens Matson PT, DPT, OCS, CMPT Katie Schuelke PT, DPT • Kelli Karr PT, DPT

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

Handcrafted Goods • Women’s Apparel • Home Comforts Custom Woodworking • Local & Made in U.S.A. Products and so much more!

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 21

Your Hometown Home Improvement Store!

More than 10,000 square feet of quality antiques, collectibles and hand-crafted items, including: Antique guns and ammo Western leather gear Animal mounts Saddles Antlers, cowhides Fur & leather purses and pillows Handcrafted furniture and décor Trendy décor Framed photography Handcrafted garden décor Glassware

Bottles and crocks Slot machines Signs Steel & wooden wheels Toys & games Collectible coins Toy soldiers Jewelry Model cars Memorabilia Framed prints Braided rugs Coin banks

Open 10-5 Monday-Saturday; 12-4 Sunday 605-642-5884 • 630 N. Main St., Spearfish

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

Newell Hardware & Supply 320 Girard, Newell, SD • 605.456.2313

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

Page 22, Our Towns 2021

STURDEVANT'S AUTO PARTS

Sturdevant's Auto Parts has been a regional leader in parts, accessories, and equipment for over 90 years with 49 locations throughout South Dakota, Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska, including local stores in Central City and Belle Fourche. Sturdevant's has been locally owned since 1922, and its history has spanned nearly a century as it moves into its fourth generation.

The Sturdevant Company is a proud employer of veterans, which make up 16% of its total employee base. As it nears the milestone of 100 years, Sturdevant's has seen many changes as it has evolved and grown to meet customer needs; however, one thing that remains steadfast for this locally owned family business is its core values of integrity, quality products, and commitments to the needs of the customer.

Belle Fourche: 1413 5th Ave., 605-892-2658 Central City: 101 US Hwy. 14A, 605-578-3552

The Black Hills Pioneer

DC Booth Hatchery expands its land

Owned by Greg Hartman, Scott Hartman, Dan Hartman, and Ben Arambel, Wolff’s Plumbing and Heating has been in business since 1946. Irvin Hartman worked for the previous owners before purchasing the business with sons Greg and Scott, and eventually Dan and Ben. The company is experienced in all aspects of plumbing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.

Their 37 employees carry many years of experience in commercial, residential, and service applications.

Wolff’s won the Construction Industry Center’s Master Craftsmanship Award for their work on the Davis Campus at the Sanford Lab, as well as the BHSU Central Plant Upgrades.

Wolff’s Plumbing and Heating prides itself on quality finished projects and excellent customer service throughout the building process. They appreciate every customer and enjoy helping any way they can. They are a family owned business that values their employees and their families.

THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH

Pictured is a birds-eye-view of the fish hatchery and the 64 acres of additional land just acquired by the Booth Society. Courtesy photo by Nathan Hoogshagen

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer The Real Estate Center of Spearfish has been helping people buy and sell real estate since 1992.

Seven Owner/Broker Associates, five Broker Associates, three Broker Assistants and three Office Coordinators are ready to assist you. With a combined experience of over 150 years in real estate, we know our business and can help you through the process!

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

Visit spearfishrealestatecenter.com for the most up to date property listings and find them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

CENTURY 21 Spearfish Realty, Inc. is a fullservice real estate company. We are committed to providing the best real estate experience by delivering EXCEPTIONAL Quality Service, we have been doing it for over 67 years! Our real estate knowledge and expertise includes everything from residential, to vacant land/ lots, commercial investment properties, multifamily residences, vacation & recreational properties as well as farm & ranch properties.

Our experienced and creative agents stay current on the ever-changing real estate market in the Black Hills. Stop by the office or give us a call – 605-642-4607.

open space, and allow the Booth Society, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and their SPEARFISH – partners to impleIn July 2019 the ment a variety of Booth Society, educational, culturthe nonprofit proThe Booth Society al, and recreational motional arm of opportunities for the D.C. Booth is thrilled with the the benefit and Historic National community’s support, enjoyment of the Fish Hatchery public.” both financially and and Archives, The land was purpurchased a 64general support of chased from Evon acre plot of land the project. We are Ward Breeding for to the west of the hatchery, which pleased we were able $642,500. Through grants, fundraisers, will help protect to raise the money and donations from the Spearfish walocal businesses in about 14 months, tershed and open and individuals, more educational far exceeding our the last payment opportunities for expectations of the for the land was the facility. made in September “Acquiring the completion of the 2020. land will proproject.

“The Booth tect the hatchery Society is thrilled groundwater with the communisupply which is ty’s support, both important for fish financially and Executive director cultural purposes general support of the Booth Society and protection of of the project,” the Spearfish waHolzer said. “We tershed,” explained Karen Holzer, executive director of are pleased we were able to raise the money in about 14 months, far the Both Society. “It will maintain

“

Karen Holzer,

”

exceeding our expectations of the completion of the project.”

Holzer said the society would take a conservational approach to the land as it looks to develop it to enhance the community.

“We are excited to be able to protect the historic integrity of the hatchery, secure pristine prairie and scattered ponderosa forest from development, enhance wildlife habitat, and preserve open space for the community,” she said.

For the time being, the land is closed to the public as the Booth Society navigates the organization, liability, and planning process as a federally funded facility. Holzer said it could take a few years before anyone can enjoy the new land, but plans are in early stages to partner with the city to build a trail connecting to it’s newly designed Spearfish Nature and History trail.

“Kudos to all those that supported us, joining in this endeavor, to preserve the acreage for hatchery use, and eventually access by the community for public open space,” she said.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 23

Page 24, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL IS CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Family owned and operated for 36 years.

• Collision Repair • Paint-less Dent Repair • Full Auto Body Work • Vehicle Frame Repair • Auto Glass Replacement • Towing Service Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm Saturday:

By Appointment Sunday: Closed

Werlinger Auto Body Repair 3441 Whitewood Rd. - Sturgis, SD 57785 605.347.5550 - werlingerautobodyrepair.com

OUR TOWNS

Section

3

SECTION 3

OF

4

Darren and Nancy Manzari opened Nonna’s Kitchen in January. After a shutdown during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, they reopened and welcome guests to unique and traditional Italian dishes. Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

2021 • BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2020 Northern Hills business overview

It’s tough enough to open a business and be successful, but can you imagine opening a business in the middle of a global health crisis?

Customers are reluctant to venture out, those who do shop seem to spend less, and in some parts of South Dakota, businesses were ordered closed. Yet the Northern Black Hills saw entrepreneurs finding opportunities to open or expand their businesses in 2020. New owners took over existing ventures, and some businesses expanded their offerings.

These people drive the American spirit.

44° North Whisky & Seltzer Bar, located at 2721 Lazelle St., at the Baymont Inn & Suites in Sturgis, opened in December. Owner Lonnie Strong said, “Our bar is set up to be a warm, inviting environment.” The menu includes over 100 whiskeys,

hand crafted seltzers with guest choice of vodka or gin and a variety of food.

All Balanced Bookkeeping opened its doors in June at 118 E Hudson St., Spearfish, and is owned

by Tracie Juby. They assist businesses of all sizes with bookkeeping, reconciling, payroll, unemployment taxes and setting up a new business.

American Family Insurance Frank Pavich, expanded to open an office in Spearfish at 2430 Platinum Dr., Suite 2, and offers auto, home, life and business insurance and will also continue to serve clients in the Deadwood location. Pavich has an insurance team that is “knowledgeable, community-minded and fun to work with,” said Denise Gienger, agency branch manager.

Barbed Wire & Lace Boutique opened its doors in September at 2715 Lazelle St., Suite B, in Sturgis, offering gifts, household décor, jewelry and shoes. “We are a full family boutique from newborns to men’s, and everything in between,” said owner Shawn Fischer. A second location opened in December in the Rushmore Mall.

Belle Flowers Design & Decor was purchased by Quinton and Felicia Vavra in January and now has a new store front at 619 State St., in Belle Fourche. They offer in-house flower designing, special order flowers and blooming plants, gifts and seasonal décor, along with apparel imprint services.

Big Trout Deli celebrated its grand opening in June at 403 W BUSINESS OVERVIEW Pg 2

Page 2, Our Towns 2021 from Pg 1

BUSINESS OVERVIEW Main St., in Lead, and offers deli sandwiches, meat and cheeses by the pound and barbeque cooked onsite. Owner Marty Venburg said his deli started curbside service and delivery in April and is “an eclectic place, with a fly shop in the back, odds and ends, and military surplus for sale.”

Boulder Canyon Convention Center is under new management at 2715 Lazelle St., Suite B, Sturgis, and is open as a rental space for weddings, meetings and classes.

“We had a Christmas get-together for kids to make gifts. We plan to offer a dance at least once a month and classes like Sip-and-Paint,” said new manager Shawn Fischer.

Deadwood Escape Rooms, located in The Hotel by Gold Dust at 25 Lee St., provides interactive puzzle rooms with rotating scenarios including a Wild West room and Vigilante Maze. Owned by Lamont Companies, the Escape Rooms opened in October and are open on Fridays and Saturdays. Advance reservations are recommended.

The Black Hills Pioneer Farm Bureau Financial Services – Dane Kissack, opened an office in Sturgis at 2620 Lazelle St., Suite 200, in September after retiring from professional rodeo.

Kissack offers home, auto, life and commercial insurance, and specializes in farm and ranch insurance policies.

Edward Jones – Melissa Hampton, located at 1247 Sherman St., Sturgis, opened its doors in May providing financial advising in the areas of estate strategies, insurance and annuities, retirement income and savings, entrepreneurship and college savings.

“I help people find financial peace by establishing goals and building customized plans with clients,” said Hampton.

Floor It! opened its doors at 3326 E Fairgrounds Loop, in Spearfish, in October. Owner Nicole Kruske provides help with design work and consultations for flooring in home remodels, new construction and commercial buildings. Visit the showroom to view samples of carpet, tile, hardwood, luxury vinyl and plank flooring.

Gateway Mortgage Group opened a new location in August at 2315 Park Ave., in Sturgis.

Managed by Lorre Buhler and Amber Dodson, Gateway offers mortgages including new purchases, refinances and construction loans. Buhler and Dodson brought Gateway to South Dakota by opening the Rapid City location in 2016, followed by Spearfish in 2018.

Gentle Touch Chiropractic PLLC opened in January at 807 10th Ave., in Belle Fourche, and is owned by Rylee Anderson.

Anderson provides “holistic-type chiropractic care with manual therapy” promoting general wellness.

Historic Bullock Hotel, located at 633 Main St., in Deadwood, is now run by Slowey Management.

The hotel features a bar, casino and restaurant in addition to 19thCentury style accommodations with 21st Century amenities. The hotel is named after Deadwood’s first sheriff, Seth Bullock.

Historic Hickok’s Hotel and Casino is under new ownership by Steve Slowey and investors. This premier, historic hotel and casino at 685 Main St., in Deadwood, is open 24/7 and continues to serve its award-winning pizza.

Howdy’s Whitewood Plaza, located at 1319 Laurel St., was purchased by Dvorak Convenience Stores in December and will be renamed to BJ’s Country Store Whitewood. The gas station has a full meat and produce department, deli, groceries and alcohol for sale.

Iron Horse Inn & Casino at 27 Deadwood St., reopened in Deadwood in June under new ownership by Latchstring Getaways.

All 19 hotel rooms on the property are being renovated. Three Cousins Pizza was added on the Inn’s main floor featuring Chef Steve Reynolds’ original homemade gourmet pizza. The main floor of the Inn also includes casino games.

Jacobs Brewhouse & Grocer began serving the Deadwood community in June at 79 Sherman St., with a restaurant and bar, grocery, and bakery with freshly made donuts and bread. “This spring we will expand to three buildings total with a brewery offering our own craft beers,” said Alexa Perce, who owns the business along with her parents, Scott and Sharon Jacobs, and sister, Olivia Chrisman.

Jailhouse Taps, located at 215 W Main St., Lead, provides a nod to the old city jail which occupied the space in the early 1900s. Owned by Paul, Mark, and Jade McGrane, the Jailhouse offers six Belgium beers on tap, South Dakota wine, and domestic beers accompanied by free nachos.

JP Barbering Company opened its doors at 2398 5th Ave., Suite 104, in Belle Fourche. Owner Jeremy Polk offers traditional barber cuts, straight razor and hot towel shaves along with fades for all ethnicities.

Polk’s business philosophy is that “every customer leaves happy.”

Pictured is Spearfish Physical Therapy at 305 N. Main St. in Spearfish. Pioneer file photo

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 3

Black LAUNDRY & Hills DRY CLEANING

Black Hills Laundry & Dry Cleaning, owned by Clark Sowers and son Randy Sowers, meets the dry cleaning and laundering needs of the entire Northern Black Hills and Rapid City.

They Clean the Fabric of Our Communities!

Belle Fourche Laundry & Dry Cleaning is a State Street staple, continuing to serve Northern Hills communities after more than two decades. The Belle Fourche plant remains the source of all dry cleaning, with services including uniform cleaning, medicals, alterations, and more.

They own three laundromats in the Northern Hills: Spearfish Laundry & Dry Cleaning at 712 Canyon St., 722-9400 and Sturgis Laundry at 2014 Main St., 347-8429; Belle Laundromat 710 8th Avenue, Belle Fourche, which is unattended. Belle Laundry & Dry Cleaning is around the corner at 711 State St., or by calling 723-6301.

The laundromats are open 24/7 and provide amenities such as small to extralarge machine capacities, vending soap, atm, free internet access, and pickup and delivery service in town. Each location also provides a drop-off site for dry cleaning and laundering services. Other laundromat locations include Laundry World and two French Dry Cleaner locations in Rapid City.

Pictured is SME’s Treats at 1302 4th Ave. in Belle Fourche. Pioneer file photo

Nonna’s Kitchen, a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant at 544 N. Main St., Spearfish, opened in January by owners Darren and Nancy Manzari. Nancy’s vision for Nonna’s was to have guests feel like they were coming to her home for dinner, to relax and enjoy both unique and traditional homecooked Italian dishes.

Nonna’s Treats by Yulla’s Desserts, opened to the public in February. This in-house bakery located at 111 East Hudson St., Spearfish, and connected to Nonna’s Kitchen, offers a wide variety of uniquely prepared desserts by Yulla Nickles. Dine-in with coffee or take-out, “You won’t be disappointed by these amazing treats,” said Darren Manzari, who is a partner in the bakery along with his wife, Nancy, and Nickles.

Northern Car Brokers expanded in the fall to include a retail location at 2203 5th Ave., in Belle Fourche, with trucks and other vehicles for sale. Owner Brad Huffman brought on a partner, Jeran Konstant, for the retail location with the goal of providing “exceptional vehicles at a fair price,” said Huffman.

Paws on Main, located at 1100 Main St., in Sturgis, opened to dogs and their owners in November. “We are an upscale retail and full-service grooming salon for dogs,” said owner Tiffany Smith, who provides care to each pet as if it were her own.

Rancho Los Agave opened its doors in September at 1807 5th Ave., in Belle Fourche. Owned by brothers Raul and Gerardo Gezman from Jalisco, Mexico, the restaurant serves Mexican food including burritos, tacos, enchiladas.

Real Deals opened its doors in November at 145 E Hudson St., Spearfish. Colleen Moorehead and Angela Reder opened this retail boutique featuring home décor such as mirrors, lamps, clocks, furniture and seasonal décor, along with clothing in sizes S – 3XL, shoes and accessories. Inventory changes weekly and the owners say the value is just as great as the selection.

RoundUp Cafe, located at 1405 5th Ave., Belle Fourche, opened in August in the space previously occupied by Patty’s Place. Owners Mindy and Dave Homola offer a different entrée each day along with rotating soups. Watch for new sandwiches on the menu and extended hours on Thursday and Friday evenings this spring.

Sasha’s Cycles of Sturgis, located at 808 Lazelle St., opened in April as a motorcycle repair shop specializing in old motorcycles including vintage Harley-Davidsons.

Sasha Haleta owns the shop with his wife, Lindsay. Haleta has 30 years of experience working on motorcycles.

SaversMart, located at 805 6th Ave., in Belle Fourche, was bought

by Kari Hudelson and re-opened in October. The consignment and thrift store has clothing, housewares, décor, used furniture and

a section of free items. “I started shopping here when I was a kid and wanted to keep the store going,” said Hudelson.

Scooptown Car Wash opened in May at 710 Anna St., in Sturgis, with both soft touch and touch free automatic carwashes open 24/7 along with self-serve bays. Owner Chris Bergman said Scooptown also has a “large outdoor self-serve bay for trailers and RVs, dump stations for RVs, and a pet wash.”

SME’s Treats is a special-order bakery offering customized cakes, cupcakes, cookies and bars for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays located at 1302 4th Ave., in Belle Fourche. Owner Sheila Erhart says SME’s is a “onestop shop for your confectionary treats.”

Spearfish Counseling Services opened in July at 1320 North Ave., and offers therapy for all ages including couple, family and faith-friendly services. Owners Susan Terveen and Carolyn Short are both registered play therapists and Terveen is a licensed addictions counselor. In-person and telehealth therapies appointments are available.

Spearfish Physical Therapy relocated to 305 N. Main St., Suite 2, in March. “The new space offers a large gym space, three private treatment rooms, convenient parking and no step access to the entrance,” said owner Brandie Rainboth, who is board certified in orthopedic physical therapy with emphasis in manual, hands-on techniques.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW Pg 5

Prairie Hills Pharmacy is a one-stop-shop!

We have something for everyone! Fill your prescriptions and browse the unique gift shop. Brumate, CBD products, Myra bags, Dr. Squatch, jewelry, greeting cards, candles, baby items, bath products and new items added regularly.

Come in to learn about our new line of ORTHO MOLECULAR vitamins. We have a product to help with sleep, immune system, probiotics and overall health!

Our over the counter items include medications, pet supplements, compression socks, diabetes supplies, all natural skin care, first aid, and much more.

We offer immunizations as well, which can be done in our private counseling room.

To make your hectic schedule easier, we have the convenience of a drive thru along with convenient parking.

PRAIRIE HILLS PHARMACY is locally owned, where your CARE always comes first! Stop in at 319 Summit Street in Belle Fourche, or call 7235920 for more information. Like us on Facebook

DEADWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau promotes partnerships with businesses and professionals to create opportunities for economic growth and community improvement.

Membership includes many benefits such as a listing on Deadwood.com (which has over 1 million views to the site annually) and in the Official Deadwood Visitor Guide and Membership Directory (these guides are distributed to over 100,000 people annually); monthly mixers, ribbon cuttings, newsletters, and citywide event participation. Energetic volunteers and staff ensure that members get the most from their investment.

In addition, the Deadwood Chamber allocates approximately 60% of the annual budget for advertising and promoting the Deadwood area.

The Deadwood Chamber is located at 501 Main Street, Deadwood, SD. www.deadwood.com 605-578-1876

Page 4, Our Towns 2021

SHOP

The Black Hills Pioneer

WHITEWOOD The Hub of the Hills!

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!

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.

Specializing in

The “I” Bar+Grill Specializing in Fresh Baked Pizza 605-717-2418

Automatic and Manual Transmission Repair

An Alltech® Company

ALSO

Celebrating 42 years in the Whitewood Community.

Engine Computer Diagnostics Drive Train Repair General Repair

Lots of Parking All Rooms Ground Floor with Outside Entrances

Robert D. Haiwick, Owner

888-888-9091 · 605-722-7574

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

605-269-2418

1125 Meade Street • Whitewood, SD

Northern Hills Sod Farm Reputable, Quality Sod

Serving the Entire Black Hills & Eastern Wyoming

Twyla & Dirk Bestgen

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

605-347-9606 www.northernhillssodfarm.com 20138 126th Place, Whitewood, SD 57793 6 miles north of Sturgis 6 miles east of Whitewood

Every bar has a story, but ours is pretty unique...

Bullwacker’s Saloon and Steakhouse has been a continuously operating saloon in this building since 1888. Originally built as a bar, it had two fronts: one faced the railroad and the other faced Meade Street, which was Whitewood’s main street.

Operated for many years as the Whitewood Bar, it has been, and still is, a favorite watering hole for locals and travelers alike. Please take time to look around at the many old-time Whitewood photos, view the original tin ceiling (complete with original bullet holes) and the back bar that has been here since the early days of Whitewood.

We offer a wide variety of menu options to please even the pickiest of eaters!

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 5

THE REAL ESTATE CENTER OF SPEARFISH

from Pg 3

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

KARI ENGEN Meet your real estate secret weapon, Kari Engen. She is a leading real estate agent with knowledge of the Black Hills Real Estate market. She specializes in the buying and selling of singlefamily residences, land and income property within the Black Hills. Kari graduated from North Dakota State University with a bachelor's degree in business, and moved to the Black Hills with her husband Tom in 1998. As a family they stay active hiking, fishing and biking as well as watching their children participate in sports. She is involved in various community organizations such as Zonta Club of Spearfish, Realtors For Kids, Spearfish Foundation for Public Education and Spearfish Community Foundation.

Kari and her family love living in this community and she cannot wait to show you around. If you are ready for a positive real estate experience you can reach Kari at 641-0670 (c), 642-2525 (w), www.engenrealestate.com, or stop by the office at 140 W. Jackson Blvd. in Spearfish.

Stan & Ollie’s Pub opened in July and features occasional live music and a full bar at 27 Deadwood St., in the lower level of Iron Horse Inn & Casino in Deadwood.

Owned by Pipedream Entertainment, LLC, the Pub has a small stage creating an intimate venue for local and regional musical talent. Three Cousins Pizza is served in the Pub including gourmet pizza, flatbreads, subs and salads.

Sturgis Car Museum features 100 cars on display at 940 Dixon Street.

Owners Tom and Patti Donney opened the museum in June and it will be open seasonally May 1 through Oct. 15. Most of the cars have a story in the windshield about the vehicle’s history. Guided tours are available at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and self-guided viewers are also welcome.

The Farm Stand at Bear Butte Gardens opened in July at 20445 Hwy. 79 in Sturgis.

Owners Michelle and Rick Grosek carry locally produced and made items including fresh and frozen produce, canned items, frozen meats, cheeses, spices, baked

Noah, Lynley, Brian, and Lucas Mehmen took ownership of the Butcher Shop in June. They offer a full-service front end counter with custom meat and cheese. Pioneer photo by Mark Watson goods, wine and beer, grains, lotions, candles, grains, books and seeds.

Also located at Bear Butte Gardens is The Kitchen at Bear Butte Gardens which opened in July as a business expansion. This inspected and licensed commercial kitchen is used for cooking classes, farm to table meals, and is available to rent for those wanting to make items to sell at markets or to retail establishments.

The Good Witch Cake Shop opened in May

at 2709 Lazelle St., in Sturgis. Owner Shelby Spratt offers a selection of breakfast pastries such as scones and muffins, desserts, gluten free items, quiche, pour-over coffee, tea and lunch options Tuesday through Saturday. The shop takes orders for wedding and birthday cakes.

The Rose Boutique opened in November located at 1853 5th Ave., Suite D, in Belle Fourche.

Roseanna Koistinen owns the shop along with her two daughters. The Rose

Boutique sells special order fabrics, essential oils, cookbooks, soaps, clothing in baby to adult sizes, unique wood bowls and gifts.

The Spearfish Butcher Shop was purchased in June by Brian, Lynley, Lucas and Noah Mehmen located at 3204 E Fairgrounds Loop. Still providing meat processing, this family-owned business also has a retail side with fresh meats, cheeses, and provides “only the finest cuts.”

Wild Magnolia Coffee Bar and Eatery, formerly the Belle Fourche Green Bean at 710 State St., Belle Fourche, was purchased by Danielle Voyles and Troy Jensen in November. Popular drinks including lattes, Americanos and Big Train blended coffees, and customer favorite paninis remain on the menu.

Woofers Pet Resort opened in November at 955 Pineview Dr., Sturgis, as an upscale animal boarding, daycare and training business offering an exceptional facility, attentive care, and personal customer service.

“Our customers are the type who want the best for their animals,” said owner Jayme Feary.

Pictured is Woofers Pet Resort at 955 Pineview Dr. in Sturgis. Courtesy photo

The best in service, the best in business and personal banking... in the best communities!

First National Bank has a history and commitment to customers that goes back to 1934. Since commencing operations in Pierre, S.D., we've been proud of our tradition as a family-owned business and the connections to the communities we serve.

Over the years we've grown, adding more locations and banking products, but always continuing to offer our customers personalized service. We take great pride in treating each and every one of our customers with the attention and care they deserve. First National Bank will always be your community bank, committed to doing what's right for our customers in this generation — and the next.

955 Main St., Sturgis, SD • 605-347-4416 197 Glendale Ave., Lead, SD • 605-584-2622

MJ PLUMBING INC. 2020 receivers of the Best of Black Hills Award, Theresa and Anthony Medina have been in business for over 10 years as a family owned, woman owned business. Giving back to Spearfish is important to us and we always strive to give back with donations to schools & community fundraisers.

We Provide: sewer camera & location, sewer rodding & repair, new & old construction (plumbing), re-piping of water, sewer & vents.

Lines and H.WH installation. If it has to deal with plumbing we can do it.

For any plumbing needs contact MJ Plumbing Inc. at 605-641-8881, www.mjplumbingnd.com.

Belle Fourche Country Club is a 9 hole facility that is open to the public. Only 20 minutes from Deadwood on the edge of the Northern Hills, BFCC prides itself on quality turf conditions and quality customer service. Our green renovation on Hole 2 will open in June and we are excited to play the new Par 3 hole.

Forget something? The golf shop is fully stocked with the best brands in the game such as Titleist, Taylormade and Srixon.

Come out to Belle Fourche Country Club for an enjoyable round of golf. To make a tee time visit BelleFourcheCountryClub.com or call directly at 605-892-3472.

Page 6, Our Towns 2021

10 years and beyond

The Black Hills Pioneer

Belle Fourche Community Theater celebrates a decade of thrilling the community

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE –– For the last decade, and with more than 21 stage shows in the books, Belle Fourche Community Theater has transported audiences around the world and through time and imagination.

“We’re just so excited to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” said Derek Olson, executive director of the organization.

Olson, who has participated in some manner in every single one of the organization’s shows except two, said he still loves it after 10 years.

The organization of the group spurred from a number of local adults who enjoyed participating in theater in high school and college and wanted to continue that creative outlet. So they made it happen.

The theater troupe presented its first show, “Is he Dead,” in August 2010, featuring a large cast.

“We had a really good turnout that first year; it was a lot of ex-

citement,” Olson said, adding that according to his research, he could not find evidence of any community theater in Belle Fourche for at least many decades, if ever.

After performing four shows in the first year, Olson said it was a success.

“I’m happy to say that we still have people from that first year still participating,” he said. “I think that’s something we definitely take a lot of pride in – that we still have people going.”

The wide array of productions the group has put on over the years, Olson said, has lent to the group’s success.

“It’s (the cast has) been a wide, diverse group,” Olson said. “In the 10 years, we’ve gotten to do a lot of different kinds of shows, which I think has been awesome, too.”

Fast-forward a decade and more than 100 thespians taking part in that time, the ensemble is still going strong with a grassroots community theater group that has adapted as the town has grown.

Since its creation, the theater

GAME ON!

troupe coordinated with other organizations, including the Belle Fourche Arts Council and the city of Belle Fourche. Throughout their tenure and with each successful show, they learned, they grew, and last year, they decided it was time to venture out as an independent organization.

Although many of the members have been with the organization for many years, some from the beginning, this represents a new chapter in the group’s story.

“We were excited to celebrate our first year as a nonprofit with our own, dedicated board,” Olson said.

The board held its annual meeting via Zoom on Oct. 21, 2020, officially marking the organization’s first full year as the Belle Fourche Area Community Theater. The group gained nonprofit status in July 2019.

“We discussed all the things that went well (in 2019),” Olson said. “And we kind of talked about talking about the things we had hoped to do but ended up not being

able to do this year with everything (COVID-19 pandemic) going on. It definitely was kind of an interesting start for our first year.”

All things considered, Olson said it’s been a good year.

“We started in October (2019) with $0. We had a couple of generous people that donated right off the bat, trying to get things moving.”

Even with choosing to curtail seeking sponsorship and the impact of the pandemic, Olson said the community theater was happy to see they still had money in the bank at the end of the first year.

“Which is great because it’ll lead nicely into this coming season,” he said.

Before the pandemic, Olson said the group had three plays scheduled for the summer and September, but was forced to cancel for safety reasons. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemonium, though, the group was able to squeeze in its annual Christmas play in COMMUNITY THEATER Pg 10

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Our Towns 2021, Page 7

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Our Towns 2021, Page 9

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The Black Hills Pioneer

from Pg 6

COMMUNITY THEATER December 2019.

During the annual meeting, Olson said the group focused on the hopeful COVID-free future.

Although the group doesn’t have an exact date for when they’re going to be able to perform live again, Olson said they hope it will be this spring.

But, the troupe didn’t sit around and mope during the isolation of the pandemic. They hiked up their britches and created a socially distanced performance that would be safe for anyone to watch from the comfort of home.

That’s where the idea of an audio play production, released totally online, was born.

The group thought it would be fun to make an entertaining audio production, modeling it after radio dramas that were popularized a century ago.

The first three-episode set was released in July and August.

Jupiter & Mars is about a disgraced journalist, Maxine Jupiter, who has to move back to her hometown of Belle Fourche to start again. While doing a report on a slightly odd at-risk-youth ranch on the outskirts of town, she met a young man, Mars Mitchell.

Mitchell has a troubled past that he claims is because of mind control inflicted on him at the camp.

Together, the two of them must unravel the mysteries and dangers of the Calamity Ranch, a place that is much more than it seems.

Olson said the group hopes to release two more three-episode sets to wrap up the feature.

In addition to the radio show production, the community theater group held numerous online story time readings, and a couple of live reading events, during the isolated times of COVID.

The Belle Fourche Community Theater, now called the Belle Fourche Area Community Theater, is celebrating a decade’s worth of entertaining locals. Pioneer file photo Olson said the group is seeking people interested in helping with the online story times. If you are interested in assisting, contact him through the group’s Facebook page.

“Our goal is to keep moving until we can get together and do an actual live show; keeping moving, keep doing things so it doesn’t die out,” he said.

In addition to links to the Jupiter & Mars episodes, Olson said more information about future shows and activities can be found on the community theater website: www. bellefourcheact.com.

Community theater, and its associated costs, can be more expensive than some may realize, Olson said.

With costs racking up prior to beginning a show, such as licensing.

“It’s not one of those (things) that you can pay after your show’s over,” he said. “So it’s really important that you have money in the bank to actually do stuff. And we do; we’re definably considering this a success.”

The community theater group, as with many around the country, could always use more assistance with funding. Olson said there is an anniversary pledge drive going

through the end of the year on the website and Facebook page.

“It’s called our 10-by-10-for-10,” he said. “What we’re asking people (for) is a donation of $10 and then to share it with at least 10 people that you did it.”

Although times are trying for many organizations currently, Olson said the group is looking toward the future positively.

“We’re really excited for everything to come,” he said. “Our goal is to cram as much as we can into 2021. We definitely have a lot of plans for the future.”

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 11

Meade School District prepares for growth

By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

SUMMERSET – They say that success happens when preparation meets opportunity.

In this case, those preparing are officials with the Meade School District. The opportunity, if it can be so described, is the continued influx of students coming into the school district.

Since 2016, the Meade School District has grown by 200 students – much of that growth has come in the Piedmont and Summerset areas of the district.

The challenge for the district is how to pay for land, buildings, and staff that come along with that growth.

Meade School District Superintendent Don Kirkegaard said the district has tried to set aside money every year to fund projects they know they will need.

“We can’t do all the projects we know we need to do, but we could do some projects with our cash on hand,” he said.

But just like the taxpayers who help fund the schools, The Meade School District must also pay down its debt for money already borrowed.

The district borrowed $20 million in 2016 which they used for the new Stagebarn Middle School at Summerset and the new Central Meade County School at Union Center. The district also spent $2.1 million to upgrade computers district-wide.

For Fiscal 2021, the district will pay $3,317,028 in debt service – that’s about 60% of the money it collects annually in the capital outlay fund to pay down debt.

“We are very highly leveraged.

Our goal we want to be at is probably about 30%. We have a ways to go to get there,” said Meade School

District Business Manager Brett Burditt.

It will take the district until the 2028-2029 school year to get below that goal of 30%.

Going forward, Kirkegaard and the Meade School Board members need to determine the district’s funding priorities.

The current inflation of building materials offsets any savings the district tucks away for future projects, Kirkegaard said.

“We add $400,000 to the pot, but the cost of the construction goes up $350,000 to $500,000, so you don’t make the kind of strides you would like to make” he said.

Add to the mix of future growth associated with the arrival of the B-21 aircraft at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

“We don’t have to wait for the B-21 to see the growth. It’s happening now,” Kirkegaard said.

Since the building of Stagebarn Middle School, which was completed in 2018, the district administration has been looking for properties in the area to purchase for even more growth.

“We have thoroughly looked through the whole address book in Piedmont, and there just aren’t any good sites” Burditt said.

The challenging thing in the Piedmont and Summerset areas is that there is no infrastructure such as water and sewer lines, instead developments use septic systems.

When staff look at the best school locations in the district for expansion they include Sturgis Brown High School and Stagebarn Middle School.

Dr. George Jenter has an additional eight acres of land adjacent the Stagebarn Middle School, but he and the district currently can’t agree upon a price. If the district were to purchase that land, they would have a total of 47 acres at that campus.

Other locations are mostly landlocked such as Piedmont Valley

Elementary, Sturgis Elementary, and Sturgis Williams Middle School.

“We would like to be in on the conversation when the city talks about what they are going to do with the fairgrounds,” Burditt said. “In that development concept, is there space designated for a school?”

Burditt said the challenge is to stay ahead of growth in the district.

In an effort to control the surge of students, the district also must consider if they want to limit enrollment through the open enrollment process.

“At some point in time we’ve got to serve our district first,” Burditt said.

There are tough decisions ahead for the district and most all revolve around money, he said.

But the district is fortunate to have Kirkegaard back at the helm, Burditt said. Kirkegaard guided the district through seven years of growth before leaving for a job as South Dakota Secretary of Education then a superintendent’s position in Wisconsin.

“When Don left to go to the department of ed we, had a good plan in place. It was easy to execute,” Burditt said.

Kirkegaard also has friends who work in educational administration, one in the Harrisburg School District which in the past 20 years has grown from 750 students to more than 5,000 students.

“One of his closest friends has spent 15 years at Harrisburg. They have the fastest accelerated growth in the state. That’s a valuable knowledge network that Don brings back to the district,” Burditt said.

But it requires spending money which is oftentimes a hard sell to the taxpayers, Burditt said.

“When times are tough, that’s a hard concept to advertise to people that we are spending their dollars – a lot of them,” he said.

MEADE SCHOOL DISTRICT Pg 14

Eight acres of land adjacent the Stagebarn Middle School, are for sale, but the district and the seller can’t agree upon a price. If the district were to purchase that land, they would have a total of 47 acres at that campus. Pioneer photo by Deb Holland

Newell Hardware & Supply

Newell Hardware & Supply has been owned and operated by Troy and Julie VanDerBoom since April 2017. The store employs five people plus enlists the help of the kids when available.

Since 2017, there have been several updates to the building including a new front facade and roof, updated lighting, drop ceiling and updated heat and A/C. The store offers a good selection of seasonal products including lawn care items. Due to COVID-19, they increased their variety of inventory to promote shopping local.

Troy and Julie truly believe in hometown service and they have made themselves available for their customers after hours for emergency supplies.

Newell Hardware & Supply is very happy to be open and grateful to the community for their support and patronage. It’s been a great 4 years and they hope to provide service for 20+ more.

Stop by Newell Hardware & Supply at 320 Girard in Newell. Where you’re more than a customer, you’re a neighbor.

At Home Instead, we understand that deciding to use outside help to care for your loved one requires a lot of trust and humility. We are committed to not just providing capable care, but compassionate care. We want you and your loved ones to experience distinctive care with a compassionate touch.

We provide all kinds of services ranging from companionship to personal care to Alzheimer's care to hospice.

If you or a loved one could use a little help around the house, or are struggling with the decision of whether or not to put a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living, please give us a call at 605-559-0368. To us, it’s personal.

TACO JOHNS OF DEADWOOD

At Taco John’s®, they serve traditional Mexican food—with a twist. By fusing bold American flavors with south-of-the-border spice, they have defined their signature menu.

From their trademark Potato Olés® and freshly prepared tacos, to their infamous breakfast burritos and made-in-house tortilla chips, you’ll always find something to crush your craving. Come see why their customers become life-long fans.

They have been locally owned and operated for 24 years. Visit their Deadwood location at 86 Charles Street.

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 fi nancial products and services for our valued customers to successfully achieve their fi nancial goals in an ever-changing economic world including commercial, agricultural, consumer, and real estate loans.

We can be reached at our Spearfi sh location at 725 N. 12 Street; by phone at 605-559-2265; or online at www.sundancestate.bank.

Page 12, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 13

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Page 14, Our Towns 2021

STURGIS LIQUOR

Sturgis Liquor has been serving the community for over 80 years. This full service, off sale liquor store has the largest selection of beer, wine, and spirits in the region, and carries many popular seltzers.

They are also the exclusive outlet for Officially Licensed Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally Jack Daniels Single Barrel Decanters, and engraved gifts.

Sturgis Liquor is open 7 days a week, so stop in at 1075 Lazelle St. in Sturgis and check out the everyday low prices and monthly specials.

They can also be reached at 347-5953.

For 65 years, Liechty Homes has been providing distinctive, energy efficient, and affordable manufactured and modular homes throughout the Midwest.

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Rob Creed started Creed Construction in Spearfish, SD in July 2016, after moving from San Diego, CA. Then on Aug. 1, 2018 he opened office at 125 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste 2E in Spearfish.

As the owner of Creed Construction, his background comes from San Diego where he ran his own business as a general contractor for 20 years. He has worked in the construction industry for 35 years with hands-on experience in all construction trades.

As a general contractor, his company offers building of new construction (both residential and commercial buildings) and remodels.

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Creed Construction (owner & crew) would like to thank the community of Spearfish and surrounding areas for welcoming and helping our business grow.

SALOON NO. 10

Legend refers to Old Style Saloon No. 10 as “the only museum in the world with a bar”.

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The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 11

MEADE SCHOOL DISTRICT Burditt estimates that the district will spend $10 million in the next five years to accommodate growth. The district’s five-year capital projects plan also includes putting away money each year to fund that growth.

Kirkegaard says that by early fall, school administration will bring to the board that capital projects plan.

One of the projects already on that list is the expansion of the lunchroom at Sturgis Brown High School.

“For 800 kids, we cook our meals in a tiny space. We need to do something with our cafeteria at the high school because it is way too small,” Kirkegaard said.

Once presented the plan, the school board must determine which projects rise to the top.

Kirkegaard said the district already is addressing staffing needs in the Piedmont and Stagebarn schools because of growth.

They have been working with architects concerning building plans with different enrollment scenarios, he said.

One scenario is to add four or eight classrooms to an area south and west of the current building at Piedmont Valley Elementary School.

“We will probably wait until fall to see where our numbers are and when that has to happen,” Kirkegaard said.

When Piedmont Valley Elementary was built 10 years ago, the plans called for extra classrooms.

“They didn’t build them at the time because of funding. They thought they would have plenty of time to add them if needed,” he said.

Four classrooms would accommodate 100 more students, eight classrooms, built on two levels, would accommodate 200 students, he said.

“The problem isn’t so much the space for 200 more kids, but it’s how does that impact the overall

elementary school,” Kirkegaard said.

Enrollment for the 2020-21 school year at PVE was 520 students. It had been near 650 before fifth-grade students were moved to the new Stagebarn Middle School. Pushing the enrollment at Piedmont Valley Elementary to 700 would be taxing on the current building, he said.

“That is more than we would like,” Kirkegaard said. “It causes challenges for PE, music, and lunches. So, even if we can physically add the space, what does that mean for other areas. Would we need to add additional space someplace else as we are adding classrooms on this side?”

There are currently additional classrooms at Stagebarn Middle School, but then the district faces the same issue with having to staff the school for increased number of students.

The optimum population for an elementary school in a growing district is about 600 students, Kirkegaard said.

“Once you get over that, the economy of scale starts to diminish. Now you have to add more teachers for PE, more teachers for art, more teachers for music,” he said.

But if the population of a school is kept at the 600-student range, then typically the school would not have to add staff or space.

Kirkegaard used the Harrisburg School District as an example.

“They build an elementary school for 550 to 600 students. Once they get to 600 they are going to start the next one. They might go a little bit above 600 for a while, but then it will go back down once the new school is built,” he said.

The district will attempt to stay ahead of growth and not find themselves in the same situation as the Rapid City School District which a facilities planned showed they needed $250 million to build new schools and make critical repairs to current buildings which had fallen into disrepair, Burditt said.

Kirkegaard concurred saying, “We want to make sure we are using our taxpayers’ dollars as wisely as we can.”

The new Stagebarn Middle School, completed in 2018, continues to add students.

Pioneer file photo

GF&P reports record license sales in 2020

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

PIERRE — Year-end totals for 2020 show that fishing license sales skyrocketed in South Dakota, and the new year is showing no slowdown.

The S.D. Game, Fish & Parks Department reported that 2020 saw record numbers of licensing for both resident and non-resident hunters and anglers. Though various categories saw different numbers and trends, fishing appears to have been an activity of choice for many outdoorsmen last year.

South Dakota residents in particular seemed to want to ensure their fishing experiences would last, since annual license sales skyrocketed by more than 15,000, going from 52,021 in 2019 to a record 67,302 in 2020. Annual licenses were also up by more than 10,000 over the three-year average tracked from 2017 through 2019. The increase represents an almost $300,000 spike in revenue from annual residential fishing licenses. For South Dakota seniors, fishing license sales also increased significantly, with nearly 2,000 more licenses sold this year, or more than $23,000 worth. Single-day fishing licenses were also up by 1,500, representing a revenue increase of more than $12,000.

The first quarter of 2021 is also seeing a tremendous growth of license sales.

Heather Villa, wildlife administration chief with the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks presented a report on year-to-date small game, combination, migratory bird, predator, furbearer and fishing license sales in April. As of March 31, Villa reported the state has sold a total of 68,201 resident licenses, and 30,832 nonresident licenses.

Villa’s report reflects that this is an increase of 4,611 in resident licenses, and 9,155 more non-resident licenses from what was sold at this time last year.

“It is really promising to see such strong license sales at the beginning of the year,” Villa said. “The positive trend from last year has continued and we have been fortunate to have great weather to recreate in. The outdoors have always remained open and a lot of people are enjoying South Dakota’s greatest outdoor traditions – hunting, fishing, and camping.”

Resident combination license sales are leading the increase this year, as the end of March saw 1,744 more combination sales than the same time period last year. Senior combination sales are also showing a spike in sales, with 1,011 more sold. Resident annual and senior fishing licenses have also been way up, with 1,027 more sold so far this year. In fact, the only resident licenses that are not up from this time last year are one-day fishing licenses, which are down by 27%. So far, the GF&P has collected nearly $4.3 million in small game and fishing license fees, an increase of $805,152 over March 2020.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 15

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Page 16, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

OUR TOWNS

Section

4

Using ultraviolet UVC light towers that traditionally were used at Rapid City Hospital to decontaminate patient rooms, Monument Health adapted the devices to sterilize as many as 1,900 N95 masks per day. Courtesy photo

SECTION 4

OF

4

Lessons learned from a pandemic

2021 • BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Monument Health embraces innovation

By Deb Holland Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — They say necessity is the mother of invention.

And that innovation in time of crisis is exactly what happened at Monument Health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thomas Worsley, president of Spearfish Hospital and Hills Markets for Monument Health, said the pandemic required everyone at Monument Health to think and act a little bit differently than they had previously because the challenge was so much different.

“None of us in our careers had ever encountered anything like the COVID-19 pandemic,” Worsley said.

Monument Health’s strong culture of teamwork became an asset they could tap, he said.

“We know that we are all in this together. We work together as a team, and I think that culture really doesn’t stand in the way of innovation,” Worsley said.

Teamwork also was evident when caregivers were asked to help out in other ways throughout their hospitals and clinics during the pandemic.

In many instances in healthcare industry, licenses dictate what nurses, doctors and others can do.

“When we started getting into the pandemic and many of our own caregivers were out sick, we had to continue to care for patients,” Worsley said. “We really came together as an organization. It was nothing short of inspiring and impressive to see the sort of sense of esprit de corps.”

Worsley said the overall attitude became “what can I do” versus “what can’t I do.” People stepped up to say they were willing to work extra hours or do whatever was needed within the organization, he said.

“Time and time again we just found enthusiasm from our caregivers and from our team. It was a matter of getting people to the spots where they could be most effective. That was a wonderful process to be a part of,” Worsley said.

Problem solving 101

That innovation was put to the test when Monument was presented with the challenge of overcoming supply chain gridlock at the start of the pandemic.

“From an innovation standpoint, we had teams that were working on putting together alternatives that we could work on with our local community members,” he said.

That included securing everything from disinfectant, sanitizers, surgical drapes and many other items, Worsley said.

“There were things that we didn’t have access to, that we had to think creatively of how we could address those things. The solution was really between our four walls. We really had to work together as a team to come up with novel and creative solutions,” he said.

When it became evident that personal protective equipment would continue to be in short supply, the hospital LESSONS LEARNED Pg 2

Page 2, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

Multipurpose air purification

from Pg 1

LESSONS LEARNED tapped into an innovative sterilization process used in other areas of the organization.

Using ultraviolet UVC light towers that traditionally were used at Rapid City Monument Health to decontaminate patient rooms, Monument Health adapted the devices to sterilize as many as 1,900 N95 masks per day.

About 7-1/2 minutes of exposure to UVC light will disinfect 20 masks at a time. Each respirator mask can be sterilized with UVC light as many as five times.

“We set up a sterilization process in Rapid City, in the Northern Hills with a plan and a process. It helped us during a really critical time,” Worsley said.

Angie Bohling, manager of Surgical Services, and Peggy O’Sullivan, director of Surgical Services at Rapid City Monument Health rolled out the new system on April 1, just six days after the project began.

Other examples of that innovation have come when Monument furnished unused shell space with beds, oxygen lines and other hospital equipment to accommodate a possible mass surge. And recently when they opened an offsite vaccination clinic at the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City and in Spearfish.

Somewhat like the mask purification situation, Monument Health staff realized an active air purification system installed within its Rapid City Hospital to neutralize exhaust fumes from medical helicopters landing on its rooftop helipad could also be used to kill pathogens such as the COVID-19 virus.

After seeing successful installation of the systems in Rapid City, the Monument Health team decided to add more GPS purification systems to other locations within Monument Health. They were installed in the patient care areas within the Custer, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish and Sturgis hospitals.

In total Monument Health invested more than $250,000 in these air purification systems to improve air quality, remove odor, reduce potential for hospital-acquired infections and help kill common pathogens such as C-difficile, MRSA, E.coli, NoroVirus, and Legionella.

“This is a significant investment that will improve the health and safety of the communities we serve and the physicians and caregivers who care for our patients,” said Dave Ellenbecker, vice president of Facilities Management and Plant Operations.

The technology works by breaking up the water molecules in the air, creating ions that treat aerosolized

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that Monument Health needed to do testing in house. The expanded testing benefits areas beyond COVID-19 and it will continue into the future. Courtesy photo airborne and surface-borne pathogens in the space. These systems continuously push ionized air into the building’s spaces, killing pathogens, protecting patients and caregivers from hospital borne illness.

Emergence of telemedicine

Concern over the possible transmission of the coronavirus also prompted Monument Health to move away from in-person visits to LESSONS LEARNED Pg 3

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The Black Hills Pioneer from Pg 2

LESSONS LEARNED their clinics and move forward with a telemedicine program.

Telemedicine allows health care professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients at a distance either over the phone, or by using smart devices capable of high-quality video transmission.

One of the barriers before the pandemic with telemedicine had to do with billing process of insurance companies.

“You had the situation where the technology allowed us to do it, but sort of the business process did not support telemedicine,” Worsley said.

Couple that with the desire of many patients to physically go to the doctor’s office and sit across from that caregiver, made telemedicine a hard sell.

“During the pandemic, it was amazing how walls and barriers came down to allow the process of telemedicine to take place,” he said.

Worsley commends Monument Health’s IT Executive Dr. Stephanie Lahr for leading the effort to launch the telemedicine program throughout the healthcare system.

Doctors were excited about getting trained and up-to-speed concerning telemedicine, Worsley said. Training actually began at Monument Health Spearfish.

“We piloted it in that location.

The desire was there with the providers,” he said.

Caregivers were trained both in use of the technology and the intricacies of interacting with a patient via telemedicine.

“I think that our providers did a good job of trying to replicate the service and quality that had been done previously. You had to ask questions a little bit differently because you can’t take advantage of some of that body language or non-verbal communication,” Worsley said.

During the pandemic, the federal government helped to make telemedicine visits a billable service, he said.

“We really did a lot of telemedicine during the pandemic. But as we are coming out of this, we’re finding patients don’t always have a desire to continue,” he said. “It’s not that it wasn’t quality, or that it wasn’t done well, but it goes back to the desire for a lot of people to have that person who is caring for me right across from me.”

That leaves Monument Health pondering the role of telemedicine going forward.

“That is something we are going to have to continue to evaluate,” Worsley said.

Another issue with telemedicine was spotty cell phone service and slow internet service with patients who live in remote areas throughout the region.

Our Towns 2021, Page 3 “I some cases, those patients did not qualify to be able to have a visit because there is a certain level of connectivity that you need in order to conduct a telemedicine visit,” he said.

Worsley alluded to a goal of Gov. Kristi Noem to spend $100 million of the state’s available surplus to get reliable internet infrastructure to every South Dakota, no matter where they live.

Reliable connectivity would help to expand telemedicine options for those people, he said.

In-house testing

A year ago, nasopharyngeal specimens for COVID-19 had to be sent to the state Public Health Laboratory in Pierre for processing. It quickly became apparent that Monument Health needed a more direct role in testing.

“We never thought that testing would get pushed to the forefront so quickly,” Worsley said. “From a laboratory capacity standpoint, there has not been any area pushed to the brink as much as our laboratory. They just really stepped up.

They were such an asset to the community through this whole thing.”

By April 10, 2020, Monument Health was processing samples inhouse. The expanded testing benefits areas beyond COVID-19 and it will continue, Worsley said “We have invested in some equipment that provides us opportunities in the future to do more testing locally,” he said.

To date, they have collected nearly 86,000 tests, including 16,000 in November alone, the healthcare organization’s one-month peak.

Today, Monument is processing all COVID-19 tests in-house, and turnaround times are less than 48 hours. Their nurse triage line model has proven effective and they are looking at how that service could continue in a new capacity.

Keep calm and carry on

Worsley said there never really was a moment of panic within the Monument organization when the pandemic struck. Instead, he said, once they identified that COVID was for real, they immediately launched into surge planning – which is scenario planning for capacity at all of the healthcare facilities in their group from Sturgis, Deadwood, and Custer, to Rapid City and Spearfish.

“We understood we were caring for our communities, so I think that really inspired everyone,” he said.

Worsley admits there were periods during the height of the pandemic in November 2020 when the surge became real. Hospitals across the region were full.

“I would not describe that period as panic, but it required us to prioritize the sickest of the sick. We

wanted to make sure they were getting the level of care they needed,” he said.

That was a time during the pandemic when there was gridlock concerning healthcare. There was little ability to move patients, and within the healthcare realm, that patient movement is so important, Worsley said.

“That was probably the period of time when I would describe as not panicked, but things were at their height of intensity and sort of pushing folks to their limit,” Worsley said.

But the intense situation was a learning opportunity for those in Monument Health, he said.

“We learned a lot,” he said. “We certainly learned more about patient movement and what our capacity could be.”

SPEARFISH RECREATION & AQUATICS CENTER

The Mission of the Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center is to encourage personal growth, physical fitness and social development through a safe and friendly environment.

This 71,000 square foot state of the art facility opened in 2008 having been transformed from a box store to a recreation and community center.

Today it is a place where you can find community, youth and family events, fitness and fun.

The Rec and Aquatics Center offers basketball courts, a cardio room, a strength training room, a seasonal water park with a food and beverage concession, and room rentals.

Check out the Spearfish Rec & Aquatics Center at 122 Recreation Lane, visit the website at www.cityofspearfish.com/recreation or call 605-722-1430.

POSY PALACE FLORIST

The real thing

Preparing for a pandemic using table-top scenarios on paper is nothing like living through a pandemic and what that can teach you, Worsley said.

“Once it became real, we found that we could care for those patients. We could take good care of them,” he said.

Any analysis of the pandemic should also include its impact on vulnerable populations, Worsley said. Those individuals, which include the elderly, were not only physically impacted, but also mentally impacted by the isolation brought on by the pandemic.

“I’m not sure we will ever know the price of that,” he said. “As we go forward that really needs to be something that we evaluate. How can we protect, fortify and take care of our seniors?”

It also taught the organization much about how they communicate with the communities they serve.

There often were weekly and sometimes daily meetings with city and county government officials to keep them apprised of the pandemic and the hospital’s situation.

“We spoke frequently and the question was always, ‘what do you need? Or, what can we do to help?’

It was always teamwork. There was never finger pointing,” he said. “That really emphasized that we are a team. That’s maybe an advantage we have in our smaller communities versus the big urban areas.”

So, even though the pandemic was difficult, it was inspiring to learn that it requires a heartfelt collaboration with communities across the region, Worsley said.

He said it would be a missed opportunity if Monument at some point did not step back and review their performance during the pandemic.

“We need to determine if there are things we can do from a preparedness standpoint that will make that process even smoother,” he said.

Posy Palace Florist is family owned and operated by Shelly Kapsa. She’s been designing unique floral arrangements in the Belle Fourche community since she purchased the shop in December of 2000. The shop itself has been open and serving the community since the 60s.

In November of 2020, Toniya Canales joined the team at Posy Palace Florist. Together, they are a full-service florist and can make any occasion special.

Be sure to stop in at 839 State St. in Belle Fourche and view the large selection of wine, gourmet food/sweets, jewelry, home decor and treasures. There is something for everyone!

Check us out online at posypalaceflowers.com or follow us on Facebook. Place your delivery order today by calling 605-892-2244. Make Posy Palace Florist your first choice for premium floral and gift items in Belle Fourche!

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 29 years here and look forward to many more!

Page 4, Our Towns 2021

Larry Andrews, PhD, LPC, NCC a licensed professional with Gateway Counseling Center recently moved his practice to Spearfish in November of 2020 from Laramie.

Wyoming. In business since 1994 we are committed to providing you with the best counseling services possible.

Gateway Counseling Center provides many counseling services for individuals, couples and families from a Christian perspective.

Larry can be contacted at 307-272-8880

CARPET BUYERS OUTLET

James A. Pellegrino has been owner of Carpet Buyers Outlet for over 40 years. Along with 2 employees, Jim offers a full range of flooring options such as carpet, luxury vinyl tile & plank, hardwood and ceramic tile. Carpet Buyers also offers free in-home estimates and our personal touch & experience to help the consumer make the right choice to fit their flooring needs.

They have recently been selected to be one of the only two dealers of Karastan Carpets in the Black Hills. Stop in for any flooring needs at 4425 East Colorado or call 605-644-1665 and visit the website at carpetbuyersoutlet.net.

HomeSource Furniture & Floors is a family owned and operated business specializing in high quality furniture, flooring, and home decor. With a passion to walk with you each step of the way in making your house a true home, HomeSource strives to offer a wide variety of brands and styles to appeal to every taste and any budget.

Since moving to a larger and newer building in 2019, HomeSource has been able to offer even more to their customers including carrying a variety of top-selling selections in stock. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of flooring, from carpet and tile to luxury wood and vinyl, you are sure to find the perfect fit for your home and family.

Stop by the new Spearfish location at 2535 E. Colorado Blvd., visit homesourceff.com, or call 642-3822 to explore a tremendous variety of options for your home.

VISIT SPEARFISH

For 12 years, Visit Spearfish has been the recognized destination marketing organization for the City of Spearfish. Their mission is promoting Spearfish as a premier destination while cultivating the Spearfish brand, for the purpose of economic development.

In 2020, Visit Spearfish received the Booster of the Year Award from the Spearfish Spartan Athletic Booster Club and a Golden Addy for their Spearfish video in a joint effort with 605 Creative Co. Also in 2020, Visit Spearfish safely greeted nearly 2000 visitors despite being closed to the public for six weeks amidst Covid-19.

Mistie Caldwell and Jackie Robles run a seven-day-perweek visitor center from Memorial Day to Labor Day. All businesses that collect the hospitality tax are represented in the visitor center, with no membership dues required to receive promotion from Visit Spearfish.

Stop by 603 N. Main Street in Spearfish, call 605-717-9294, or go to visitspearfish.com, for more information.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Navigating uncertain times

Northern Hills school districts thrived through challenges

By Lacey Peterson Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS — Following the spring 2020 closure of schools across the state, Northern Hills schools experienced a back-to-school period like no other in recent history.

Fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic cast an uncertain future over education across the globe, raising a host of questions related to how education can safely endure for area students.

Although challenges were bound to arise, area schools watched and learned in real time, and learned to thrive among the difficulties.

Spearfish

Kirk Easton, Spearfish School District superintendent, discussed the 2020-2021 school year.

Easton said following the closure of area schools in March 2020, he and his administrative team spent much of the summer planning for the 2020-2021 school year. Using several studies, news articles, and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) related to COVID-19, and input from the school board along the way, the group eventually compiled a suitable plan.

“It all started with that … just trying to figure out what the plan was going to look like,” Easton said.

“That was our biggest step … getting a plan put in place, and how we were going to initially deal with certain mitigation strategies, and then how we were going to react when we knew that there was going to be community spread.”

Easton said that Halloween could have been a “significant spreading event, because it was in the week or two following that that we started seeing increases in our (COVID-19 infection) numbers between primarily students, but also staff.”

The district followed its plan.

“Our staff absolutely played probably the biggest part in this,” Easton said, adding that the implementation of the mitigation strategies, such as social distancing, fell on the shoulders of the teachers and staff.

“They (teachers and staff) did a lot of the mitigation strategies that we asked of them,” Easton said, giving kudos to those staff members.

“But where they really earned their money this year was the students that were out that were either identified as having COVID, or identified as a close contact,” he said. “They were teaching the kids in front of them during the day, and then after school, they were making sure that they were providing assistance to those students that were at home doing work remotely. So they were doing double duty there quite a bit for quite a while.”

Easton said he appreciated the extra effort from his staff.

“They put in a lot of hours,” he said.

“So, kudos for them wanting to make sure that they provide … that continuous education for those kids that were out for a week or two.”

“At one point, we reached a point, according to our plan, that we could’ve went to remote learning in the high school,” he said.

According to the district’s plan, a transition into Category 3, which would require remote learning, would be appropriate when there were at least 10% of a building’s population with an active COVID-19 illness. However, because the number of students with the virus was so small, Easton said the school board kept the high school is Category 2.

“Because we were going to sacrifice the education of 90% of our students that would be there in person for the possibly 10% of students that were already at home (with the virus),” he said. “So, it didn’t make sense for us to close the school down and jeopardize the learning of the vast majority of the students.”

Easton said contact tracing identified the vast majority of viral transmission occurred outside of school.

“And 95% of them was not tracked back to the school,” he said, adding that transmission to district students most often occurred in the home or social activities. “There were some isolated cases where maybe there was a student (who) was working one-onone with a staff member right across the table, that type of situation where we could tie it (transmission) to the school setting.”

The district offered a remote learning option for students and their families that wished to take extra precautionary efforts. The district has approximately 2,400 students.

“We started the year with 195 (students participating in remote learning); and at the last count, we have 138,” Easton said March 25.

Belle Fourche

Belle Fourche Superintendent Dr. Steve Willard said that by implementing the safety recommendations kicked off a safe reentry to the 20202021 school year.

“We never really closed, we just tried to continue the best we can with social distancing, recommended masks, hand sanitizing, good hygiene practices, which have gone really well,” he said. “(Over) the last couple weeks, I think we’ve only had one quarantine (and) no cases. So, we’re really in good shape for now.”

Both face-to-face instruction and a distance learning option were offered to Belle Fourche students since the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.

Approximately 60-70 of the district’s 1,350 students, chose to participate in distance learning. Now, most who were distance learning have returned to the classroom, Willard said.

Willard said the district added high filter systems to the air filtration systems to provide a safe school and work environment for students and staff.

The rates of COVID-19 within the district have continually went down in recent months, Willard said.

“And the more vaccinated (the population becomes), the better it’s going to get,” he said.

As for the next school year, Willard is hopeful.

“I think we’re going to be in good shape next fall,” he said. “We’ve got to get past everybody’s mental anxiety (related to COVID-19), that’s what worries me the most now.”

Meade School

Although Superintendent Don Kirkegaard said he thought that the traditional face-to-face school setting would be a “super spreader” and that school-related activities would be almost non-existent, he was wrong.

“They truly have been able to participate; I am pleasantly pleased to say that I was wrong on both of my predictions as far as how it was going to impact school and athletics,” he said. “For the most part, we’ve had a really good year.”

Kirkegaard said the district, which educates approximately 3,000 students, has had “very few cases” of COVID-19, overall.

“We haven’t had any schools that have met the criteria where masks are required since before Christmas.

Just recommended, not required,” he said.

The district staff, like other Northern Hills school districts, also dealt with some COVID-19 cases.

“Of our total numbers (of COVID-19 cases), we’ve had way more students than we have staff,” he said. “But we also have way more students in the district than we do staff as well. Some people have been impacted harder than others. So, we hope that we can eliminate having staff get COVID.” Kirkegaard said that although the district cannot always accommodate social distancing among students, due to the overall number of pupils, the district implemented a six-foot social distancing rule among the staff.

“We truly have emphasized to our faculty from day one, ‘Do everything you can to make sure you give yourself enough distance so that you give yourself an opportunity to social distance, wear a mask, to do the different things,’” he said. “And I think our faculty have done a good job at that.”

Vaccination has been popular among Meade School District staff member, Kirkegaard said, with approximately 60% of the staff reporting in a district survey that they felt they would most likely receive the vaccine.

As with other Hills area districts, SCHOOL DISTRICTS Pg 10

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 5

2020

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Page 6, Our Towns 2021

Community Partner Lead – deadwood Kiwanis CLub A local service club dedicated to providing assistance to our local youth and community.

Chartered in 1925, the Lead Deadwood Kiwanis Club has been actively supporting the Lead and Deadwood communities for over 90 years.

Other than our main club, we have three 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 satellite club that meets at the Sled Haus at noon on the first and third Wednesday of the month.

Some of the projects we support include:

The Prospector Bowl & The Community Birthday Calendar

$1,000 Scholarships for 2 graduating Seniors • Teen Court American Legion Boys & Girls State • Jr Class Post-prom • Meals on Wheels • School Signs • Handley Rec Center Preschool • HOBY • Library Audio Books • Lead-Dwd HS Art Club • Lead-Dwd HS Speech & Debate • Lead-Dwd HS Athletics • Community Christmas Meal • Rob Lester: Halloween Bags NeighborWorks Kidwierd • The Lord’s Cupboard • Junior Achievement • Dictionary Project for 3rd Graders Lead-Deadwood Elementary Triathlon • Cloth-A-Kid • Optimist Club Dental Bus • Sing at Golden Ridge Assisted Living Facility

Main Club Meetings every Monday night at 5:30 p.m. at the All-in-One in Lead. The public is welcome.

Anyone interested in learning more, please contact a Kiwanian or call 920-8635.

The Black Hills Pioneer

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 7

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Page 8, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

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The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 9

An appetite

AMERICINN

for Feeding Deadwood

By Jaci Conrad Pearson Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD -- A pandemic-produced start-up in March 2020 had local volunteers for Feeding Deadwood addressing local food insecurity issues with a much-needed initiative that is still going strong.

“We do not have any qualifier,” said Kerry Ruth, Feeding Deadwood volunteer co-founder and co-director. “If you think you’re in need, then we want you to come. If you believe you’re in need, then that’s good enough for us.”

While Ruth didn’t have any idea what to expect, a mere year ago, she dove in head-first to help and, with the fall-out from the pandemic happening quickly in a domino-like effect, knew a difference had to be made.

“It’s near and dear to my heart,” Ruth said. “I can’t believe it’s been a year.”

When the LeadDeadwood School District closed, due to the pandemic in mid-March 2020, Feeding Deadwood co-founder Louie Lalonde contacted Deadwood Mayor David Ruth, Jr. “She was worried about kids not having food,” Kerry said. “So, Dave said, ‘Call my wife. She’s worried, too.’”

Lalonde and Kerry began contacting local businesses to put together sack lunches.

“And, of course, the schools quickly put a plan into place and made sure kids and families were taken care of,” Kerry said. “So we did sack lunches for probably about a month.

And it was all donated by local businesses with restaurants.”

Individuals stepped in to help with the cause, as well.

As restaurant businesses began to close, due to the pandemic, Kerry was contacted by Feeding South Dakota.

“They wanted a food distribution in Deadwood, because they have always done mobile food pantries in Rapid, but in no other communities prior to the

Pioneer file photo coronavirus pandemic,” Kerry explained. “And I said yes because I say ‘yes’ to anything. So they started with food boxes, and we decided that instead of sack lunches, we would do some grocery supplements.”

Examples included pasta sauce for pasta and jelly for peanut butter.

Soon, Coeur Wharf contacted Kerry and expressed interest in helping with the food distribution.

“We didn’t know what it was going to look like, but, just all of these people in the community wanting to give, really pushed us to the direction that we ended up,” Kerry said.

Food distributions were originally being done out of the Deadwood Welcome Center and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce agreed to have all of the financials run through their office.

“So they manage all of our finances for us, which is amazing,” Kerry said.

“Because then, people can just send the check to the chamber and it’s all accounted for.”

Feeding Deadwood officials were just not sure how long their initiative would be up and running, once the pandemic was under control.

“But what we’ve found is, the need has not really diminished,” Kerry said.

“There is need in our community and it’s not just related to the pandemic is what we’ve discovered.”

For instance, Feeding

Deadwood serves a fair number of senior citizens.

“More seniors than, I would say, young families,” Kerry said. “And a lot of people we’re serving are also working. I mean, they work. They still are in need, despite having an income. It’s just challenging.

We see a lot of people that are just barely getting by.”

Typically, right around 30 families are served each week by Feeding Deadwood.

“It can be as many as 50 and as low as 20,” Kerry said. “But 30 is pretty consistent. And when the food truck comes once a month, that’s a really big distribution.”

Feeding South Dakota started its Deadwood distribution with a food box.

“But it’s really expanded,” Ruth said. “They bring a food box, and they bring meat and produce and dairy.”

On a weekly basis, Feeding Deadwood distributes a grocery bag.

“We use the money that’s been donated from businesses and the city and residents and we try to do things like bread, milk, produce, peanut butter and jelly,” Kerry said. “So it’s just a smaller grocery bag to help people.”

On food truck days, close to a dozen volunteers help with the effort. On a typical grocery bag day, four to six volunteers handle the distribution.

Lalonde passed the baton to her sister Lori Keehn, once the grocery bag phase

of Feeding Deadwood began.

“We’ve really seen, this fall, a huge increase in people,” Kerry said.

While Feeding Deadwood does not require any type of qualifying information, Feeding South Dakota does require an ID and address be presented.

Asked to give an example of a particularly impactful incident, Kerry said there was a time there was a volunteer from another organization who was going to pick up for a person who doesn’t have a car and has children.

Kerry had to do some other deliveries, so she said she’d deliver it.

“I took it up the stairs, dropped it off, rang the doorbell, and just left,” Kerry said. “And I heard the door open and a little 4-year-old boy said, ‘Yay! Milk!’ And I just, I mean, pure joy and excitement over a gallon of milk that I left outside the door. That one got me right in the feels. And we have people that tell us, ‘We’d be in really big trouble without you.’ They say things like that. Very, very grateful.”

Feeding Deadwood distributes 1-2 p.m. every Friday at the Deadwood event complex.

So, what does the future look like for Feeding Deadwood?

“With the money that we received from the city, and we’ve received donations from Wharf and First Interstate Bank, we have enough that I think we can go for another year, based on those funds,” Kerry said. “One of the things that is so great about what we do is that every single penny that is donated to us purchases food. We have no overhead costs. It’s all volunteer. And it seems to be working. We’re making an impact every single week and meeting these needs.”

Those wishing to make a donation can send it to: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce, 501 Main St. “And in the memo just write, ‘Feeding Deadwood,’” Kerry said.

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Page 10, Our Towns 2021

The Black Hills Pioneer

S.D. Community Foundation sees nearly $180M in donations

By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

NORTHERN HILLS — With nearly $180 million in donations, 2020 was a record-breaking year for the South Dakota Community Foundation.

The foundation manages about 1,000 funds, including 80 community savings accounts across the state.

That includes community funds in Spearfish, Sturgis, Belle Fourche, and LeadDeadwood, where earmarked donations are distributed locally. Other funds that the foundation manages include several scholarship opportunities, donor designated and donor advised funds, and makes competitive grants

through the South Dakota Fund, and Community Innovation Grant partnership with the Bush Foundation.

“We celebrate the generosity of our donors and partners,” said S.D. Community Foundation President and CEO Stephanie Judson. “The foundation works with individuals, communities and organizations who are interested in supporting nonprofit and charitable causes across the state. Our success hinges on our ability to engage and inform our donors and other funders about the needs and opportunities that exist in our state and to provide a pathway for them to support and help where they can.

We are very proud to have earned the trust and respect

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of so many donors and are honored to walk alongside them to accomplish their goals.”

Judson said while 2020 was a record-breaking fundraising year, there has been a steep upward trajectory of donations in recent years.

The foundation works with donors who want to make a difference within the state.

Additionally, she said they work with financial advisors, attorneys, accountants and trust officers who educate their clients about the many charitable giving opportunities around the state.

“Trusted professionals often suggest philanthropy when helping their clients accomplish their tax, business or estate planning goals,”

from Pg 4

SCHOOL DISTRICTS students had the opportunity to participate in remote learning from home during the 2020-2021 school year.

“At one time … almost 300 kids, or about 10% of the district was doing online,” Kirkegaard said, adding that as of March 23, about 150 students are still learning remotely. “Quite a few of them have came back and continue to come back.”

The results of remote learning varied, Kirkegaard said. The district will continue to offer a remote learning option, but Kirkegaard said it will be based on unique circumstances, as opposed to allowing anyone fearing the pandemic to have the ability to choose the option.

Kirkegaard said those conditions have provided growth opportunities.

“This was an opportunity for us to look a little bit outside the norm and there’s some good things that can come out because of the change,” he said.

Kirkegaard is optimistic about the next school year.

“We want to get back to a little bit more of a normal environment as best we can, and we think that’s going to happen for next year,” he said.

“We really appreciate the dedication of our teaching and support staff, the parents, the community, we could not have done what we did without everybody’s support,” Kirkegaard added.

Lead-Deadwood

For Lead-Deadwood Superintendent Dr. Dan Leikvold, the education world took a sharp turn in the spring of 2020.

“Obviously, starting on March 13, 2020, our entire world, including the education world has been impacted dramatically by the worldwide pan-

Judson said. “We value the trust and confidence they place in us when referring a client to SDCF.” The S.D. Community Foundation invests donated funds in a permanent endowment. Grant funds are distributed at a certain percentage of the invested funds, to ensure that money is available in perpetuity.

As a result of the increased donations, Judson said the S.D. Community Foundation awarded nearly $18 million in 2020, with $2 million of that awarded through competitive grantmaking programs.

Additionally, she said the foundation manages more than 1,000 charitable funds that distributes between $1620 million annually.

demic,” Leikvold said, referring to Gov. Kristi Noem’s mandate to close schools across the state.

He said there was a steep learning curve and several speed bumps.

“But I think we stepped up,” he said, crediting the teachers, staff, family members, and students for pushing through the challenges.

Leikvold said the district implemented flexibility related to distance learning and events toward the end of the school year.

“We did all we could to try to have some normalcy to recognize our seniors and to get the rest of our students through the end of the year,” he said.

The summer was spent figuring out how to safely move forward in the fall.

“We had a lot of meetings, included parents and surveys, and staff and surveys, talked to community members, and had board meetings, and had public meetings,” Leikvold said.

The district came up with a plan that gave students three options – attend school for traditional face-to-face instruction, do remote learning from home, or homeschool.

Of the district’s approximately 700 students, Leikvold said that about 15% to 18% chose distance learning instruction from home, and less than 20 who chose homeschooling.

“So that was good; most of them chose to come back,” he said.

To facilitate learning, the district used Microsoft Teams.

“Rather than what we did in the spring where we said, ‘OK, the teachers are going to post stuff, and then the kids can kind of access it and do the work and report back whenever they want, which was asynchronous,” Leikvold said, adding that with the platform used this school year, students, whether learning from home or on school property, were required to adhere to the more typical school day

During the pandemic, Judson said the S.D. Community Foundation switched gears.

“We very quickly pivoted from our normal grantmaking efforts to focus on the emergent needs brought on by the pandemic,” Judson said. “We immediately started a COVID Relief Fund that allowed us to solicit gifts from individual donors and other funders. We reprioritized our competitive grantmaking programs to provide funding to those organizations adversely impacted by the pandemic. As a result of these combined efforts, we distributed over $2 million in grant support to agencies who were working on the front lines to help those most in need.”

schedule, checking in at certain times of the day as they regularly would. “I think that was a lot better; it was also a lot more difficult on our teachers.

And we appreciate all they did to get us through that.”

With their plan in place, the LeadDeadwood students resumed school in the fall.

“We got all of our fall activities, our fall sports, started, and away we went,” Leikvold said. “And about … (the end of August, early September), is when we started to get notified … about students and staff who were positive (for the virus). That’s when it started, and it hasn’t ended since.”

Including both students and staff, Leikvold said the district has had 198 close contacts and 92 positive cases.

“Some of them are repeats, but most of them aren’t, so that’s about 290 out of our 700 (students) that have been gone for a period of time,” he said.

That is just over 40% of the student body who either had close contact or the virus, causing them to be out of the classroom. Fast forward to the district’s March 9 school board meeting, Leikvold said he and the administrators recommended to the board that, “we bring back all students, K-8 and discontinue our remote learning, starting March 29, which is the first day of the last quarter. The board approved the recommendation.

“We know that … some of those kids haven’t been here for a year (and) we need to start to bring them back to figure out where they’re at (related to reaching their educational benchmarks),” he said.

The district will continue to screen students participating in activities and recommend social distancing and wearing facemasks to continue mitigation efforts, Leikvold said.

Leikvold said about 80% of the staff indicated they want to get vaccinated,” he said.

The Black Hills Pioneer

Our Towns 2021, Page 11

makeSPACE collecting funds for continued COVID relief

By Alex Portal Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — In January makeSPACE, in Spearfish, launched its second local fundraising effort to encourage people who are able to share a portion of their federal COVID stimulus checks with those in the community that are more financially impacted by the pandemic.

“When the first round of stimulus checks were going out, (in 2020) there were a couple organizations that organized a ‘share my check’ campaign,” said Niklas Peters, program director for makeSPACE. “Basically, if you still had secure income and you didn’t actually need this federal stimulus money for survival, then you were encouraged to donate it either to organizations or other groups that could use it.”

Peters said that between May and October 2020, makeSPACE collected around $8,000 from donors.

“100% of the money goes out to people. We’re not using any of it for administrative expenses or anything like that,” he said. “We created a short online form where they gave us a bit of information about their situation. … Someone from

Northern Hills have been very fortumakeSPACE would have a follow up nate throughout the pandemic, but call just to verify some of that inforPeters said what he mation.” and the COVID reLast year, 21 famlief fund committee ilies received on saw last year was a average $370 to help bit of a wake up call pay for groceries, “We had these issues to action. utilities, and warm “It was definiteclothes for winter, of people struggling ly an eye-opening with some families with housing – with experience for receiving up to $500. makeSPACE and While most folks good employment the members on this who received funds prior to the committee – how just needed a little pandemic and the much of a housing extra cash to stay ahead of their exCOVID-19 pandemic crisis there is in Spearfish and the penses, Peters said just makes all these Northern Hills there were some where there’s just families who found issues even worse not affordable housthemselves in far and come to light. ing for people and more dire straits. it’s really hard for “There were some folks to get into folks that were livmakeSPACE, anything that has ing at a campground program director some sort of rental and looking to get assistance or that into a permanent has a section 8 sort rental,” he said.

“Basically they had become homeof thing,” he said. “We had these issues of people struggling with housless and the best option was to be ing – with good employment prior camping at a nearby campground to the pandemic and the COVID-19 … (As a way) to not be on the streets pandemic just makes all these issues essentially.” even worse and come to light.”

By and large, Spearfish and the

“

Niklas Peters,

”

In the months since the relaunch the COVID fund campaign, Peters said makeSPACE has already collected over $4,000 from the community and provided assistance to more around 10 families, each payment averaging around $350.

“Items covered by direct payments include utility bills, car repairs, groceries, medication expenses, and rent,” he said.

With a third and for many, substantially larger stimulus payment making its way to individuals throughout the country, makeSPACE is still collecting donations from folks that are looking to spread some extra good will with the extra money they may not necessarily need during this time.

“Those who are in a more secure financial position, their money can go a long way in helping a family make ends meet,” Peters said.

The program will continue through June, with any money left in the fund distributed to a local non-profit to be determined later.

For more information about makeSPACE and its COVID relief fund email Peters at info@ makespacesd.org, or visit www. makespacesd.org/covid-fund.

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Page 12, Our Towns 2021

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The Black Hills Pioneer

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