FACTORS

Bickett said the National Association of Home Builders reports a shortage of 500,000 construction workers in the country.

South Dakota home builders recently held their annual winter meeting in Pierre and that was a primary topic. He said builders have long tried to recruit new workers, and state officials have been very supportive.

“We’ve been getting the money, but unless somebody provides the bodies, the money doesn’t really do anything,” he said.

Bickett said high school students are being told they have to get a college degree to have a successful life. But that ignores the fact that some construction workers are making $80,000 a year.

There is plenty of work to be done, and good-paying jobs are readily available. Bickett said with a prediction that more houses will be built at the end of this year and into 2024, workers will continue to be needed.

Celebrating 25 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.

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.

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 605-347-5953.

Black Hills Energy is a natural gas and electric utility serving 1.28 million customers in eight states: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming. Black Hills Energy of South Dakota is the electric service provider for about 70,000 customers in 32 communities within the Black Hills region of western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming. Black Hills Energy is part of Black Hills Crop. (NYSE: BKH), a growth-oriented, vertically integrated energy company based in Rapid City, South Dakota, with a tradition of improving life with energy and a vision to be the energy partner of choice. Black Hills Corp. also generates wholesale electricity and produces natural gas, oil, and coal. More information is available at www.blackhillsenergy.com.