Empire Oct 2023

KIM BURMA Generous by Nature

CONTRIBUTORS

team of writers

Andrea Van Essen, Tanya Manus, Lauren Johnson, Stacey Kracht, Emily Pogue, Erica Wilcox and Brenda Fredericks

Account Executives

Jill Foley

712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com

Kevin Culhane

605-661-8509 | kevin@michelscom.com

Chris Hilson 605-661-9940 | chris@michelscom.com

Editor

Vanessa Carlson Bender vanessa@michelscom.com

Photography

Shane Monahan Photography

www.shanemonahanphotography.com

Harberts Media www.harbertsmedia.com

graphic designers

Makenzie Jorgenson

Jonathan Kruger

Melissa Carter

DIRECTOR OF DIGITIAL MARKETING

Cory Johnsen cory@michelscom.com

chief of operations

Hanna Michels

605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com

KIM BURMA

Generous by Nature

CONTENTS

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF MAKING HOMES BEAUTIFUL

Creative

14

BREWING UP FUN

Surfaces Dakota Coffee

PINKTOBER - BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

TRAVIS LAWSON

BRANDON'S SPOOK ROAD

HomeServices

Dressed Blonde

We encourage local professionals and businesses to submit articles. All articles are subject to publisher’s editing and approval. Empire Magazine does not necessarily endorse or agree with content of articles or advertising presented.

© Copyright 2023 Michels Communications Corporation. All

rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the

“IF YOU’VE BEEN BLESSED, YOU’VE GOT TO PAY IT FORWARD WITH TIME, TREASURE OR TALENT.”

-Kim Burma

KIM BURMA Generous by Nature

By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Shane Monahan Photography

Kim Burma has built a sterling reputation in her community as someone with a passion for people and longstanding commitment to giving back.

Generosity is a muscle Kim developed early on. Born and raised on a farm in Anthon, Iowa, she says her parents always modeled caring for others however they were able to.

“I learned compassion and going the extra mile from my parents…as kids we were encouraged to get involved as long as chores were done. Besides farming, my dad was an auctioneer, and they owned the local restaurant, so everyone knew them.”

When she moved to Vermillion to attend the University of South Dakota (USD), Kim found herself naturally drawn to volunteer and university opportunities like the Adopt-a-Grandparent program, which matched college students with folks in the local nursing home who didn’t have family or friends to visit them.

Her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta, also provided volunteer opportunities,

and she says that as someone coming from a small town – her high school class had just 40 students – it proved to be a great way to meet others.

With her knack for getting involved, Kim participated in several organizations by the end of her time at the University as well as holding officer positions for the Strollers Organization and Alpha Xi.

Growing up on the farm, Kim also knew the value of hard work. While at USD, she stayed busy with work-study roles and also landed a job with the Vermillion Chamber of Commerce. That role led to her first job out of college with Southeast Area Tourism Association, where she worked for just over 4 years before moving to a sales manager job with KTWB Radio.

It was while working in this position that she met her husband, Jim Burma Jr. It all started when Kim called on Jim’s father, who owned Carlson Distributing, a beer distributor. He purchased radio advertising from Kim and KTWB held several promotions at local establishments. They both

happened to attend a weekly promotion at a local pub together and the rest is history.

Later while discussing client relations, she laughs and says, “One of the best things I ever did for a client was give them grandkids.”

All jokes aside, she has built a long, successful career characterized by positive client relationships, from her time in radio to the transition to cable television. Kim started with the stand-alone radio station, KTWB back in 1992. Midco purchased KTWB in 1998. Midco then sold the radio division in 2004 and Kim transitioned to cable television and now is approaching 32 years with the company.

“I’m lucky to have had the same employer for such a long time. It’s fun to still be working in the areas I love with such a great company that is so good to their people,” she said.

During her time with Midco, Kim has been part of the advertising team, holding a variety of positions such as local sales manager, advertising account executive and her current title of senior advertising agency account executive.

She has made a name for herself in Sioux Falls’ advertising industry for her diligence, integrity, and dedication to her clients.

“I’ve had the fortune to meet and work along side with so many amazing people,” she said. “Having done it for so long, many of my clients are my friends, and it’s exciting to develop campaign schedules and commercials for their businesses or events.”

One attribute she most appreciates about Midco is how much they care about their people and their communities.

“It’s not all about them, they’re invested in their employees. They want us to maintain a healthy personal and professional life through provided programs and training as well as encourage volunteerism and supporting the communities we serve,” she said.

Midco has supported Kim’s commitment to giving back to her community. She serves on boards including the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Children’s Home Society, United Way, Sioux Falls Cares and USD

Howling Pack.

Photos from left to right: Kim and husband Jim enjoying a new favorite destination…Turks and Caicos Islands; Kim has had the opportunity to meet several celebrities while working promotions including Charles Barkley and Luke Bryan

She has a particular passion for supporting children and seniors, as evidenced by her early volunteer days with Adopt-a-Grandparent and many of her board commitments. Ultimately though, she says Sioux Falls is overflowing with organizations doing incredible things.

“It’s such a forward-thinking community. So many individuals and businesses are willing to step up to support community projects and events achieve their goals all while creating their own successful work environments. As the city grows, so do our problems, but it seems like we have our arms around what’s going on,” she said.

“If you have been blessed, you should pay it forward with time, treasure or talent.”

Give back a family affair for the Burma’s – since Kim’s husband’s retirement, he was Potentate of the El Riad Shrine in Sioux Falls and currently sits on the Board of Governor’s for Shriners Children’s Twin Cities. Though not directly involved, Kim says she’s moved by the positive impact Shriner’s make for children.

In their free time, Kim and her husband treasure spending time with awesome friends and family. They like to travel, attend live sporting events and concerts. Jim and Kim have two grown kids, Jimmy lives in Colorado with his fiancé Alexis and Maddie resides in Sioux Falls with significant other Hank. They have a family lake cabin in northern Minnesota where they spend a lot of time together and a lot of the family golfs as well as started taking up pickleball.

The Burmas enjoying an annual family vacation to Cabo San Lucas

“Most golf but me, so that’s something I want to spend more time on practicing. We set up a pickleball court at the lake and now pickleball is another activity I would like to learn,” she said.

And if she isn’t spending time with friends, at the cabin or visiting her family, there’s a good chance that Kim is in Vermillion cheering on the USD Coyotes. She loves to attend her alma mater’s athletic events and annual Dakota Days celebration.

Sports have been an interest since she was young and now she is able to engage her longtime hobby with her advertising career with Midco Sports.

“I emphasis sports advertising to clients - both on nationally televised games and on regional games through Midco Sports. I also like to assist at different events like tailgates and games hosted by Midco Sports. It’s fun to be a local sports provider in the Dakota’s and watch our local high school and collegiate teams compete. The rivalries between local universities are also exciting to be a part of,” she said.

From taking time to spend with family and friends, to finding success for her clients and serving her community through charitable organizations, Kim Burma weaves her commitment to generosity through every aspect of her life.

Kim was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to advertising and furthering the industry standards

In high school, Kim was a guard on her six on six basketball team.

October 2023 will mark Kim attending her 40th consecutive Dakota Days.

Kim was honored to receive the South Dakota ADFED Silver Medal Award in 2021.

KIM BURMAFive Things about

Photos from top to bottom: Kim is not only a graduate of the University of South Dakota but is also a USD Howling Pack Board member, USD Trustee and past USD Alumni Board member; Kim learned her hard work ethic on the farm from her parents, Larry and Marge Feddersen

Celebrating

By: Tanya Manus

Creative Surfaces is proving to be as long-lasting as the Cambria quartz it sells. The business has achieved two milestone anniversaries this year.

Creative Surfaces opened its Sioux Falls location in 1988. Along with celebrating its 35th anniversary in business, Creative Surfaces is marking 25 years as a Cambria quartz dealer.

“It’s an amazing product with amazing designs. What it brings to your home is purely stunning and beautiful. It just makes a real statement in your home,” expressed Denise Pins, Creative Surfaces’ sales and marketing coordinator.

“We were one of their first certified installers to sign up with Cambria,” she continued. “Cambria quartz is the number one seller of countertops. It’s a very popular product. Cambria is probably one of the top-of-the-line quartz products in the market.”

Much of Cambria’s appeal is that it’s nearly indestructible. The quartz is an engineered, nonporous product, seven times more durable than granite. It’s stain-resistant, scratch-resistant and nearly maintenance-free, Denise explained. If a blemish does occur on Cambria quartz, Cambria will send someone to fix it.

OF MAKING HOMES BEAUTIFUL

Years

Creative Surfaces’ main focus is countertops. Cambria quartz currently offers a wide range of colors and 188 designs. More patterns and colors are released every few months, with the newest designs having debuted in late September, Denise said.

“What we’re seeing in trends with quartz countertops and quartz, in general, is waterfall

end panels (on) both ends of the island. The quartz is extended down the end of the cabinet, which is super cool,” Denise remarked. “I don’t see that trend going away.”

Classic white and gray remain among the most enduring, popular choices. A hint of metallic gold veining in some of Cambria’s designs is a subtle, chic accent to the quartz.

“When you have a design that has a distinctive river or vein that runs through it — because Cambria does an amazing job of matching up those veins from the top down the leg of the waterfall — it all looks like one piece but it’s not,” she disclosed.

What’s on-trend now is using Cambria quartz in place of tile on full-height kitchen backsplashes. Quartz beautifully extends the counter up the wall and requires minimal care.

“When you have it behind your cooktop, Cambria is a nonporous product so when you spill something on it, it doesn’t take on any of that residue,” Denise affirmed. “You spill a glass of wine or your kids spill their juice, it doesn’t take on that moisture so it’s really easy to clean.”

The combination of beauty, durability and ease of cleaning makes Cambria quartz an appealing alternative to tile in shower surrounds and on fireplaces, Denise pointed out.

Denise said Creative Surfaces focuses on high-quality products and customer service that helps people achieve the homes of their dreams.

“When we meet with customers, we keep the lines of communication open from the very start,” Denise said proudly. “We ask as many questions as we possibly can and we want the customer to ask lots of questions as well. Let’s get the questions, decisions and timeframe made on the front end so all of our expectations have been met.”

In addition to its Sioux Falls location, Creative Surfaces anticipates its showroom at The Elements in downtown Rapid City will be open by the end of 2023.

Denise and Jud Pins

for Seniors Living at Home Alone

As we age, we all strive to maintain independence. We’ve always been able to do this or that, and we don’t need help to do it now. But the fact of the matter is, we start to naturally lose some of our balance abilities as well as other motor and mental skills. It’s important to keep in mind the need for safety and assistance. There are many dangers that can come with being a senior and living at home alone.

ACCIDENTS

With the natural process of aging, our bodies change, both physically and mentally. It’s important to be aware of your physical abilities and take steps to make your space safer for you. Some seniors may also experience a change in mental acuity and memory. Falls and medication mistakes are two major accidents seen in the home.

The CDC reports that nearly a third of U.S. seniors fall each year and about half of all falls that require hospitalization take place at home. A National Institutes of Health study also found that 40% of seniors take five or more prescription medications and 90% take at least one prescription, yet as many as 55% of seniors take their medications incorrectly.

SOCIAL ISOLATION

Experience teaches us a great deal. Many aging seniors feel they will be fine living alone. They’ve lived a long life and have learned how to deal with any situation. However, loneliness can be a serious issue that can lead to depression and other negative health issues.

The AARP cites isolation as a growing health epidemic that’s as bad for your health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. What’s more, those who are socially isolated — feeling detached physically or psychologically, or being disconnected from support groups of family, friends and community — have a 26% increased risk of early death.

MALNUTRITION

Proper nutrition is a vital part of aging. Your body will need more of some nutrients, medications may affect taste or other chronic conditions may create the need for dietary restrictions. Senior malnutrition is a very serious issue that may easily be overlooked when living alone.

OVERLOOKED ILLNESS

When you live alone, you don’t have that often handy second set of eyes to see you all the time. You may not recognize the onset of some illnesses. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, someone in the United States develops the disease every 65 seconds and one in 10 people age 65 and older has Alzheimer’s disease.

Diseases like this are often slow to progress. You may assume it’s just “part of getting older.” That’s where a second perspective can be so important. A friend or loved one may recognize the changes and help to get attention to address them in a timelier manner.

FINANCIAL STRAIN

Odds are, you’ve spent your entire life sharing the expenses with a significant other, and once you come to live alone at home, things can get overwhelming. The costs of maintaining a home can be great. Mental illnesses can lead to problems like forgetting to pay a bill or make needed payments. The financial strain of living alone at home may lead to excessive stress, which can be bad for your health.

If living alone at home is not working as expected, StoneyBrook Suites is ready to help fill that void and give you back your independence. Our mission is to foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.

WHO WE ARE OUR MISSION

We are a

AMENITIES

Coffee Shop Theater Salon

Courtyards

Walk-in Whirlpool Spa

Spacious Suites all on one level

Centrally located meals and activities

SERVICES

Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff

Three homestyle meals per day

Personal housekeeping & laundry

State-of-the-art medication administration

Scheduled daily social and exercise activities

On-site physical, restorative and cognitive therapy

Wellness clinic

Personal pendant system

SCAN HERE

Brewing UpFun

BY: LAUREN JOHNSON

The festival invites the public to come taste a variety of coffees and specialty beverages and treats from dozens of vendors across the Sioux Empire. Activities include lessons from coffee industry experts on everything about the brewing process, a latte art competition and the opportunity to buy drinks, supplies to mix your own coffees at home and unique holiday gift items for the coffee lovers on your shopping list.

Doria Drost was new in her role as Director of Marketing for the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center during the week of the first event. “The event

came about as a way to find a connection between members of the community and the coffee industry,” Doria says. “We have wonderful Sioux Falls and Siouxland roasters, cafes and coffee houses, but not many people know the process of how they get their local coffee. One of the roasters, Coffea Roasterie, made a connection with the Convention Center, and they really wanted to work together to find a way to not just educate people on the coffee industry and find ways to connect vendors with their customers, but also find a way to give back to the community.”

More than 800 people attended last year’s festival. “Being the first year, we didn’t know what to expect about the number of vendors or how many people would attend, but 800 was phenomenal,” Doria says. “What’s really cool this year is we’re doubling our space to be in both exhibit halls at the convention center. We already have about two dozen vendors who have expressed interest, so it’s going to be huge.”

A portion of every ticket sold helps support one of the festival’s non-profit missions. “The Community Outreach, which battles homelessness in the Sioux Falls area, was a partner last year and is coming back for our second year,” Doria says. “They help community members who can’t afford their utilities to make sure they don’t get turned off, and they also find affordable housing.” Another local beneficiary is the Sanford Foundation with Sanford Health, the nonprofit helping those in need of medical services in different specialties. Proceeds from the event will also benefit Mighty Peace, a business that uses technology from OffGridBox to offer clean water initiatives in the Congo where a lot of coffee production takes place.

“Our collaboration with them is to raise money to provide these wells in underprivileged communities like the Congo so that coffee production can continue being as great as it is,” says Doria.

Doria loves that the festival resembles a farm-to-table experience, except with coffee. “By making that connection with roasters and other experts, a customer can learn why coffee beans smell a certain way, or the difference between iced coffee and Frappuccino, or how to do latte foam art. It’s a really fun day.”

General admission starts at $20. A new VIP experience for $50 offers an intimate space where coffee drinkers can connect one-on-one with international experts in the industry and enjoy an exclusive tasting experience separate from the main event, as well as a bag of coffee.

or

THE DAKOTA COFFEE FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED BY

nktober

By: Brenda Fredericks, RN, BSN

When we think of fall, the colors orange, red and brown often come to mind. This October, we ask you to “think pink” and honor “PINKtober.” One of the most important things Brenda Fredericks, Women Veterans Program Manager at Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, wants you to do this Breast Cancer Awareness Month is get screened for breast cancer if you are 45 years old or older.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, just behind lung cancer. Besides skin cancer, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women. In fact, 1/8 of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. While breast cancer is a serious concern, it has a 99% survival rate if detected early.

One of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer is through a mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends women with an average risk should complete regular screenings starting at age 45. Women 45-54 should be screened annually, and women 55 and up should be screened biennially or have the opportunity to continue screening annually.

When screening for breast cancer, doctors use a screening mammogram to look for early signs because mammograms can detect breast cancer without warning signs or symptoms. Women who are at an increased risk of breast cancer should receive a special screening through a breast MRI. Breast MRIs catch cancers that are harder to detect by mammogram.

You are not alone.

FEATURED ARTIST

What most excites you about your work and the contribution you can make?

I get very excited when my art inspires someone to create art themselves. I often get the comment, “You are so talented,” to which I like to respond by quoting Bob Ross. “Talent is just a pursued interest. Anything that you are willing to practice, you can do.”

Who was the most influential person to you (artistically speaking)?

Painter Bryan Mark Taylor has been and still is the most influential person to me.

How do you want to be remembered?

I just mainly want to be remembered as a good person who may have inspired someone with my art.

What habits do you have that encourage creativity?

I try to consume as much art as I can. I follow a lot of artists on Instagram, which I check a few times a day. I also get a lot of inspiration from movies and video games, since they were an early passion for me as a child.

What would you tell your younger self?

Start drawing and painting earlier. Try to get into more art classes as soon as you can.

What’s your favorite piece of art? Why?

This is a very tough question for me since I don’t feel like I have a favorite. If I were to choose one, I guess I would say Elk Creek by Jay Moore. This painting is talked about in one of my favorite art books, Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice. Even though this painting is talked about in the chapter about natural and expressive color, I really enjoy the brushwork in the piece.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I was very inspired by the Star Wars films in my early years. When I watched the digitally enhanced version and learned that computers made all of that possible, I instantly knew I wanted to do something with computers. Which is why I went to college for both computer science and computer graphics.

What are three things still left on your bucket list?

• Travel to Italy.

• Paint an extremely large painting.

• Explore every inch of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

What is one art rule you always follow?

I always try to make the focal point have the most contrast and color saturation.

If you could invite four famous people to dinner, who would you choose?

Harrison Ford, Steven Spielberg, Jim Butcher and Ryan Reynolds.

If you could replay one moment in your life, what would you choose?

This may sound a bit cheesy but my favorite moment in life would have to be my wedding day. It was so amazing to have all of our friends and relatives with us to celebrate that day.

What three words describe your art collection?

Painterly, Inspiring and Memories.

Where can our readers learn more about your work?

My Instagram and Facebook pages have the most up-to-date paintings, but I also have a website.

Instagram: @travislawsonartist

Facebook: facebook.com/travislawsonartist

Website: travislawsonartist.com

Please think of us with your END OF YEAR GIVING!

Donate As a small, 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely solely on private donations to raise the funds needed to rescue and care for the dogs in our program. Your generous contribution will have an immediate impact on dogs in need today!

Adopt Dogs in our program reside in foster homes in the Sioux Falls, SD area. Our process is designed to match potential applicants and dogs to be set up for a lifetime of success!

Foster Fosters are the heart and soul of B-Squad Dog Rescue! If you have a love for animals, making a difference, and a can-do attitude, you may be the perfect foster!

Volunteer We truly couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers! Our ability to change lives is directly dependent on the number of volunteers we have. If you want to help save dogs while having fun with a group of like-minded people we hope you’ll consider joining us!

Interested? Visit BSquadDogRescue.com for more info!

Donate here:

Donate here:

Donations can also be made at BSquadDogRescue.com/Donate for your convenience

B-Squad Dog Rescue transports, heals, fosters and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs.

AT

BY: STACEY KRACHT

NIGHT, HOWEVER, WHEN THE SHADOWS

MOVE IN, SO DOES A SINISTER ATMOSPHERE...

...that locals and thrill-seekers alike have experienced sparking legend that this section of road is haunted. The area has been adeptly nicknamed “Spook Road” and is considered one of the scariest spots in the state.

The tales told are the kinds of things nightmares are made of.

Phantom images have been seen, heard and even felt. As legend has it, figures appear out of nowhere, and just as suddenly are gone, bodies dangle from trees and eyes peer back at you out of the darkness. It’s no surprise that those brave enough to traverse the road after dark have reported feeling as though they’re being watched.

When the sun is shining on the brightly colored fall leaves, it’s a typical rural South Dakota view on three miles of 264th Street outside of Brandon: a picturesque gravel road lined on both sides by an abundance of cottonwoods between Highway 11 and the Beaver Creek Nature Area.

The image is of the blocked portion of Spook Road about 1.5 miles east of Highway 11 and 264th Street (Eric Renshaw/For the Argus Leader)

It’s been said that demon-like deer and black cats have sprung out of the darkness, mysterious objects have brushed up against those adventurous enough to get out of the car to explore at night and beyond-the-grave contact has been attempted – with spine-chilling results –by 605 Paranormal Society.

Unknowns loom around every corner. The road bends through a tight cavern of trees that creates an ominous tunnel effect and makes it impossible to see around the next curve. The trees are so close to the road, in fact, that the township considers them a hazard and had made plans to clear them, but backlash from locals stopped the project.

Another factor that makes Spook Road so eerie is that nobody agrees on the number of bridges the path actually has. Tales are told of four, five, six and even seven bridges on the road. Even more unsettling is the fact that some say the number of bridges you cross going one way is different from the number you cross heading in the opposite direction.

The same is true for the supposed existence of a cemetery – or a single, unmarked grave, depending on whom you ask. Some say there is one; others disagree.

Regardless of what you believe about Spook Road, you can’t listen to the many supernatural stories without getting goosebumps. Nobody can know for sure if it truly is home to disturbed beings lurking in the darkness, so you’ll just have to muster up the courage to check it out for yourself!

Trees are shown cut down on Spook Road (264th Street) (Elisha Page/Argus Leader)

*

When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you will experience the best technical education available.

How do we know that Mitchell Tech may be your best choice?

• 99% Job Placement*

• Fully Accredited

• Numerous Program Accreditations

• Regionally Unique Programs

• Many Dual Credit Options Available

• 81% Retention Rate**

• The Newest Campus in the Region

• Military Friendly School Since 2010

The bottom line . . . if you want to be the best, you have to work hard, learn by doing and put your skills to work in the real world.

Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.

**Among best in nation for 2-year colleges (IPEDS first-time, full-time students - 2022-23, National Center for Education Statistics)

Graduate outcome data is gathered through graduate surveys, faculty-collected data, and phone surveys started six months after graduation. 460 of the 466 graduates in 2021-22 are represented in the data. Employment rate is figured by: (graduates employed)/(responding graduates who are seeking employment).

KRISTEN GULSON Chief Executive Officer

RASE 2023 HOUSING MARKET STATISTICAL REPORTING

Higher mortgage rates, along with elevated sales prices and a lack of housing inventory, have continued to impact market activity during the summer homebuying season. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has remained above 6.5% since May, recently hitting a two-decade high in August, according to Freddie Mac. As a result, existing-home sales have continued to slow nationwide, dropping 2.2% month-over-month as of last measure, with sales down 16.6% compared to the same time last year, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

New Listings in the Sioux Falls region increased 2.3% to 676. Pending Sales were up 20.9% to 573. Inventory levels fell 2.1% to 1,430 units. Prices were fairly stable. The Median Sales Price increased 0.5% to $311,600. Days on Market was up 4.8% to 66 days. Buyers felt empowered as Months Supply of Homes for Sale was up 14.7% to 3.9 months.

Falling home sales have done little to cool home prices, however, which have continued to sit at record high levels nationally thanks to a limited supply of homes for sale. According to NAR, there were 1.11 million homes for sale heading into August, 14.6% fewer homes than the same period last year, for a 3.3 months’ supply at the current sales pace. The shortage of homes for sale has boosted competition for available properties and is driving sales prices higher, with NAR reporting a national median existing-home price of $406,700, a 1.9% increase from a year earlier.

New-home sales recently hit a 17-month high, rising 4.4% month-over-month nationally, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. New-home sales were up 31.5% year-over-year, led by gains in the Midwest and West, where monthly sales jumped 47.4% and 21.5%, respectively. The new-home market continues to benefit from the lack of existing-home inventory, and with many builders offering sales incentives, including price reductions and mortgage rate buydowns, homebuyers are increasingly turning to new construction for their next home purchase. For the 12-month period spanning September 2022 through August 2023, Pending Sales in the Sioux Falls region were down 14.8% overall. The price range with the largest gain in sales was the $800K to $900K range, where they increased 61.9%.

The overall Median Sales Price was up 7.1% to $300,000. The construction type with the largest price gain was the Previously Owned segment, where prices increased 5.5% to $290,000. The price range that tended to sell the quickest was the $200K to $250K range at 59 days; the price range that tended to sell the slowest was the $1M and Above range at 107 days.

Market-wide, inventory levels were down 2.1%. The construction type that gained the most inventory was the New Construction segment, where it increased 17.3%. That amounts to 3.7 months’ supply for Single-Family homes and 4.7 months’ supply for Condos.

By: Emily Pogue | Photography By: Harberts Media

There is something truly magnificent about the way seamless functionality and flawless design come together in this stunning two-story home from Smart Homes. Offering 3,225 square feet, this five-bedroom, four-bathroom home at 133 N. Wildcat Dr. in Sioux Falls is a beautiful illustration of the proficient craftsmanship, thoughtful layout and breathtaking concepts Smart Homes incorporates into each of their builds. And with views of the city lights and a location conveniently tucked away in a cozy eastside neighborhood, is as well positioned as it is delightfully designed.

Arriving at the home, the contrast between the cedar-colored features and the darkly hued siding provides a gorgeous introduction to the contemporary theme of the entire home. Landscaping, courtesy of Earthscapes, includes rock edging and a gorgeous lawn that wraps around to a rear fenced yard, an inground pool installed by AAA Pools & Construction and a sundeck. Whether you are enjoying a moment to yourself or entertaining company, the backyard is sure to be a popular destination for all who walk through the door.

Inside, the home is delightfully airy and bright due largely to the extensive 20-foot ceilings that tower over the living and dining rooms of the open-concept layout. Adding to the brilliance of this design are white-painted walls and Schoeneman Bros. millwork, modern black accents including

black-framed Andersen windows, carefully chosen light fixtures, surround sound and a security system. With such an expansive feel, it would be easy to fall prey to a more sterile aesthetic but the addition of warmly toned plank Thornton Flooring wood floors and an incredible amount of natural light infuses the home with endless comfort.

The open space under the soaring ceiling consists of a chic and cozy living room and adjoining dining area. Against a wall in the living room is a sleek gas fireplace with a contemporary, brick and wallpaper façade that runs from floor to ceiling. This room will surely be a place to gather in any season.

When it’s time to transition from conversation to cuisine, simply shift into the dining area located at the heart of the open-concept main floor or continue into the amenity-rich kitchen. Bleached oak lower cabinets and shelving from Dakota Cabinets mingle with white uppers and stand in beautiful contrast to the black cabinets of the black, quartz-topped island, while gold fixtures and hardware tie everything in fluidly. Additional storage and organizing space can be found in the adjacent walk-in pantry with custom shelving.

In any other home, stairs may simply be used as a means of getting from one floor to another but this home capitalizes on the opportunity at hand and creates

another unique statement piece alongside the utility of it. Custom panes of glass run up the stairs under a black banister and around the perimeter of the upper loft area, thus keeping the design open and the space seamlessly cohesive. The lofted room includes a sitting area with a bar and is not only a fantastic place to gather and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the living and dining rooms, but also provides access to the upper level of a two-story composite deck at the rear. Running 30 feet toward the back of the home, this second-floor deck from Undercover Systems of the Heartland not only offers amazing vistas of the backyard and refreshing pool but it has also been waterproofed to allow the deck below to be covered and enjoyable in any type of weather.

Back inside, owners and visitors alike will find that the dreamy accommodations surpass all expectations. Four guest bedrooms are beautifully and conveniently laid out to include all the style, space and storage one could ask for. Each of the home’s three guest bathrooms is well-appointed with expertly laid tile, elegant finishes and plenty of storage space.

While each of the secondary bedrooms and bathrooms is splendid in style and function, it is truly the primary bedroom that takes your breath away. In this oasis, you will not only find a sprawling amount of space in which to relax and indulge but also access to the deck and the additional peace it provides. As breathtaking as the bedroom is, the attached bath and giant walk-in closet with seating area are actual showstoppers. The spa-like bathroom features a gorgeous, multi-toned, tiled walk-in shower, richly-stained wood vanity with dual sinks and seat and gold fixtures that heighten the graceful elegance across the board. The space is customized with lush carpet, a seating area, tons of natural light and an unbelievable organizing system that took a typical walk-in closet to an owner’s dream.

For additional room to spread out or entertain, stairs leading to the lower level open into a carpeted great room with another sleek fireplace and plenty of natural light. This level also contains a bedroom, full bath and a large utility/storage area with epoxy floors.

With such a delightfully designed interior, it is no surprise that the attached three-stall garage is finished with impeccable attention to detail. Understanding the wants and needs of any homeowner, the builder has included hot-and-cold-water access, beautiful epoxy floors from Garage Force and a floor drain.

A client-focused approach, customized designs and exceptional craftsmanship have given Smart Homes a well-earned reputation as a trusted, reliable builder in the Sioux Falls area. Owners, Vince and April McCormick, work together to support their clients through the building

process from design to closing with transparency and professionalism. April uses that same positive client approach to uniquely tailor her strategy for each of her realty clients as well. As a real estate advisor for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midwest Realty, April’s goal is to provide clients with the information, expertise and guidance they need to feel empowered in the buying and selling process. This exquisite home at 133 N. Wildcat Dr. is yet another example of the positive client experience at the forefront of each interaction with Smart Homes and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Midwest Realty.

PICTURE

By: Erica Wilcox

Crispy leaves, pumpkin patches and some of the most exciting fall holidays are upon us! While we start to feel the temperatures drop, many of us are starting to plan family pictures. Whether it be for a traditional fall family photo or preparing holiday greeting cards, coordinating outfits for everyone in the photo can seem like a daunting task. You don’t want everyone to look too “matchy-matchy,” yet you don’t want the outfits to seem chaotic next to each other either. Here are some tips and tricks to coordinate everyone in your photos.

Start with pieces you already have in your closet that you plan on using or that have the potential to be included in the photos. This is a good time

to take inventory of what the family has and what they need in their wardrobes as well. From there, find your pieces that have a design or print on them. While having more than one print/design is fine, you do want to make sure that they harmonize with one another and don’t clash. Ideally, there should be more solids than prints in your overall total number of outfits.

You may find it helpful to move forward with planning outfits if you lay them down. I will take a picture of the printed outfits we plan to use and plan around them. Laying them on the floor with space in between allows you the creativity to add an outfit in the empty space. Whether shopping

in person or online, snap a picture and put it in the empty space to see if everything harmonizes together. To determine if the colors harmonize, they should look like they were made to be by each other. If you’re unsure of what colors harmonize, you can simply search online, ‘harmonizing colors…’ or look within the prints themselves. You can also look for undertones; does it look warm or cool? Try to keep everyone’s outfit in the same undertone. A lot of retailers will color-coordinate their collections and groupings to harmonize as well.

Lastly, try to incorporate some dark and light shades in the mix. If everyone is wearing a dark color, this can impact the coloring and contrast of your photos, creating a duller overall appearance. To avoid this, outfit one person in a lighter top or bottom, use contrasting denim or you can simply add in bright accessories.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and the free shopping app, LTK, to see my daily favorites and links to fall outfits!

@bestdressedblonde

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.

My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.

After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did. Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!

On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.

READY TO DETOX YOUR SKINCARE AND MAKEUP?

FOLLOW ME FOR MORE OUTFIT INSPIRATION!

@bestdressedblonde

bestdressedblonde.com

Residential

GLASS Stair Railings

Residential glass stair railings are growing in popularity and for a good reason! They’re attractive, make spaces seem larger and are adaptable to a variety of areas. Many will wonder if glass rails for stairs, decks or balconies will work for their specific property. At Glass Doctor, we’re excited to offer glass railing solutions that can be customized to work for virtually any space. They’re a safe, durable and modern alternative for interior and exterior stairs and balconies.

The Pros of Glass Handrails

Glass stair railings are prized for the feeling of spaciousness they promote in a property. Most importantly, glass handrails are safe for interior or exterior use. Whether you’re remodeling your home or building new, a glass stair railing can impart a feeling of openness in your space.

Glass Stair Railing Pros

• Aesthetic appeal. It’s up to personal preference, but many modern homeowners prefer a sleek or minimal look.

• Light, open spaces. For small or dark stairwells, glass railings allow more natural light into the space.

• Design versatility. There are many options for what kind of glass you can use on a glass stair railing. Choose from frosted, textured, tinted or carved glass to incorporate the desired aesthetic.

• Durability. Interior and exterior glass rail systems do not degrade or decay. Generally, they’re more durable than wooden or even iron spindles and rails.

• Low maintenance. Other than regular cleaning, glass handrail systems are virtually maintenance-free.

• Resale value. A timeless, top-quality railing system may significantly increase the resale value of your home.

• Eco-friendly building. Unlike other material options, glass railings are recyclable.

Glass Railing System Options

Now that you have chosen to install a glass railing in your home, the next step is to consider your options.

Glass railing systems can be classified as framed or unframed.

There are three common glass railing systems to choose from for interior use in your home, including:

• Dadoed Glass Railing: This glass railing is designed to be framed within a wooden or metal banister, which means there are no clips to hold glass panels together, giving it a seamless look.

• Standoff Glass Railing: In this glass railing system, the panes of glass are secured with “standoffs” (round stainless-steel cylinders), making this a frameless system with minimal visible hardware.

• Clamped Glass Railings: Clamped glass systems are designed with separated glass panels commonly clamped together on posts or the railing itself.

Glass railing systems are custom fit for your space. The size of the panes and the thickness of the glass will depend on the system selected. Your local Glass Doctor will work with you to choose, customize and install the interior glass railing system that’s right for your home.

Ready to Install Your New Handrail?

If a glass handrail system is right for your home, don’t delay! At Glass Doctor in Sioux Falls, we are committed to helping you with all your glass needs—including selecting your new handrail system. We’re here to assist you with every step of the process, from consultation to installation. Call Glass Doctor to begin your renovation or request an appointment online.