Aberdeen Magazine May/June 2023

FEATURED CONTENT

34

Tia Swiontek

➼ Tia’s passion for both dance and art emphasize the importance of self-expression.

30

Memories to Last a Lifetime

➼ These tips from local photographer Tyra Gefroh will make your senior photos stand out from the rest.

52

What’s in a Photo?

➼ Take a closer look into our history with a photo from Flag Day 1918.

18 22

Get to Know:

Madisen Vetter

➼ Even when away from home working at the State Capital, Madisen is able to make Aberdeen proud.

Abrakabradeen

➼ Making magic in the Hub City.

Teen Shooters

Becoming New Top Guns

➼ The South Dakota Clay Target League showcases the sport’s youngest participants

42

The Heart of Aberdeen

➼ Holgate students share what makes Aberdeen special.

58

Modern ShortStay Rentals Draw

Aberdeen Visitors

Downtown

➼ A historic building gets a breath of fresh décor.

Time to subscribe? Do it now at aberdeenmag.com/subscribe

EVERY ISSUE

From the Editor

20

What’s New

➼ Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen.

Then & Now

➼ Capturing the change and growth of our city through photos.

Calendar

➼ Never miss an event in the Hub City.

40

Changing the World

➼ Girl Scouts learn to ‘change the world’ at Richmond Lake.

Taste

➼ Chicken Katsu is a simple, delicious dish that is a great introduction to Japanese cuisine.

64

ON THE COVER

Aberdeen Book Club

➼ Not sure what to read next? We’ve got you covered!

➼ Magic Joe Barnett has harbored a love of magic since he was 5 years old and has been performing around the state for several years. He is one of Aberdeen’s many magicians, and they all play an important role in keeping the magic alive. Joe also has an impressive collection of antique magic props and posters. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

ere at Aberdeen Magazine, we’re always working a couple of months ahead. As I write this note in April, I can only hope that the excess snow has finally melted and sunnier days have headed our way. Our What’s New section is full of exciting things that will be happening this summer, including a 5k for a good cause, our Farmer’s Market, and a Pride Festival. Our long-time gardeners are itching to get back outside, and our newest coffee shop, Sydlee, is the perfect spot to hit up for some ice cold drinks. We had the chance to work with Holgate students yet again, and many of them wrote about their favorite summer hangout spots.

It’s also the season for senior photos, and Tyra Gefroh has provided us with some amazing tips to help you get the most out of your session. Dave Vilhauer with SD SportScene has a great writeup about the South Dakota Clay Target League, and our new What’s in a Photo section shows a sunny, snow-free Flag Day back in 1918.

I’m partial to cooler weather myself, but I have to admit we all have summer on our minds now. I hope that this issue can get you hyped up for plenty of summer fun – and as a bonus, you can use it as a fan when you’re done! //

 CONTRIBUTORS

 PATRICK GALLAGHER is a regular contributor commenting on Aberdeen’s personality, food options, and history.

 TYRA GEFROH captures love stories through the art of photography providing you with timeless memories that last a lifetime. She recently opened a new studio space in Aberdeen, as well.

MANAGING EDITOR

Annie Scott annie@aberdeenmag.com

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen troy@mcquillencreative.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Eliot Lucas eliot@mcquillencreative.com

AD SALES

Julie Lillis julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

PUBLICATION OFFICE

McQuillen Creative Group 423 S. Main St., Suite 1 Aberdeen SD, 57401 605.226.3481

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at annie@aberdeenmag.com

PRIVACY STATEMENT Any personal information, email addresses, or contact submitted to the editorial office or online via our Facebook page will not be sold or distributed. Aberdeen Magazine does wish to publish public comments and attitudes regarding Aberdeen, therefore written submissions and comments on our Facebook page implies permission to utilize said information in editorial content.

COPYRIGHT 2023 Aberdeen Magazine is produced exclusively in Aberdeen, South Dakota. All content is copyright with all rights reserved. No content may be shared, copied, scanned, or posted online without permission. Please just ask us first. We're pretty flexible.

 TARAH HEUPEL is a marketing professional living in Aberdeen with her husband and three children. In her spare time, she can be found curled up with a good book, dreaming up her next vacation, or shuttling her crew of kids around town.

 DAVE VILHAUER is a veteran Aberdeen journalist and creator/ owner of a sports website called SD SportScene. He has 42 years of experience in serving the community as a member of the media.

 ANGIE CLEBERG and AARON SCHULTZ are on the executive team at the United Way of Northeastern South Dakota. The United Way is instrumental in providing support for health and human service programs in our community.

FOLLOW US

Facebook @AberdeenMagazine INSTAGRAM @aberdeenmagazine

www.mcquillencreative.com

Annie Scott MANAGING EDITOR

Family Ties Run Deep at Sydlee Coffee

Aberdeen’s newest coffee shop, Sydlee, isn’t just serving up delicious beverages. The new business is also a testament to a family’s strong bond.

“My mom, Cindy Kirschman, passed away last May,” said owner Danae Kirschman. “She loved socializing and she loved coffee shops. We wanted to find a way to remember her and honor her.”

Danae will be working with her son, Lee, and his fiance, Sydni Rux.

“They’re great with coffee. We also have the help of our family and friends,” said Danae.

Sydlee, which is named after Lee and Sydni, will serve coffee from Kool Beans Coffee and Roastery in Brookings, SD. They are also working with Mohr Honey from Columbia, SD.

“We want to emphasize consistency and quality,” said Lee. “We will be using organic syrups from Holy Kakow and alternatives to dairy milk.”

In addition to coffee, Sydlee will be serving boba tea, matcha drinks, and other vegan and diabetic friendly options. Patrons can also order from their dessert menu, which includes brownies, cookies, muffins, donuts, and bagels. In the future, they would like to offer more breakfast options.

“Being creative is a big focus for us,” said Sydni. Works from local artists will be displayed in their shop, and some of Cindy’s pieces are prominently featured as well. Special events are going to be planned, and they are looking to collaborate with other agencies in the community. // —Annie

Scott

 Sydlee coffee is open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM every day. They are located at 816 6th Ave SE, and can be contacted at 605-262-0152.

Run With the Police for a Cause

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 4’s 9th Annual Run with the Police will return to Aberdeen on May 13 this year. The event is a fundraiser for their other endeavors, including their basketball tournament, Camp Dreammakers, Shop with a Cop, scholarships, and assistance for other nonprofits in town.

“We were thinking of ideas on how we could raise funds,” said Officer John Kirnan. “We used to do concerts every year, but costs for that started to go up. This 5k replaced it, and it’s been very successful.”

The event had a humble beginning, but now there are over 275 participants each year, and it has become one of Aberdeen’s biggest 5k races.

“It’s not just a run,” said John. “It’s an event for all ages, so walking is encouraged as well.”

The day will start with a Junior Run at 9:30 AM followed by the 3.1 mile walk and run through Wylie Park at 10:00 AM. Entry fees are $30 for runners 13 and older and $20 for 12 and under. // —Annie

Scott

 For more information, visit their website at runwiththepolice5k.wixsite.com/aberdeensd

Photos by Annie Scott.

 All ages are encouraged to participate in the Run with the Police 5k. Photo courtesy of John Kirnan.

Farmer’s Market Returns in 2023

The Farmer’s Market community is excited to announce they will be returning to downtown Aberdeen starting Saturday, May 13th on Malchow Plaza, right outside of The Market on the Plaza! Each Saturday, through October, find a vast variety of homegrown goods from local growers and businesses such as fresh produce, beef, canned and baked goods, herbs, honey, plants, flowers, eggs, and many other unique finds. The Farmer’s Market will be set up from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and will also be providing opportunities for various family-friendly hands-on activities, education, and a special Fall Fest.

The Health and Wellness Committee, through the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, will also be providing a gleaning cart to place donated items that will go to local non-profit organizations that assist in getting food to those in need. Customers can purchase items to place in the cart as well as food donations from growers and businesses.

The Farmer’s Market is grateful for the support and sense of community received from the Aberdeen Downtown Association, The Market on the Plaza, the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Aberdeen Community.

If you are selling homegrown items and related products and would like to be part of the Farmer’s Market, please send an email to aberdeenfarmersmarket@gmail.com to register, or reach out on the Aberdeen Area Farmer’s Market Facebook page. It is free to have a booth, but registration is required. // – Angela

Huffman

EVENT

Aberdeen Celebrates Pride This June

Aberdeen Area Pride’s 2023 Pride Festival festivities will kick off on June 2 this year.

The weekend is packed full of activities for all ages. On Friday, the Opening Remarks will be held at the Red Rooster Coffee house and will be followed by karaoke and a video game tournament.

Saturday’s events will begin at Aldrich Park with a Solidarity Walk to the Outdoor Festival, which includes vendors and live music on Main Street. Two drag shows are also scheduled. The Red Rooster will host the All Ages Drag Show at 3:00 PM, and an 18+ show at City Lights Bar & Grill will begin at 8:00 PM.

The festival will conclude on Sunday with a Drag Brunch at the Red Rooster.

“Our goal is to plan more events for all demographics,” said President John Schwab. “We host events all year long, and we are always looking to plan more.”

New events including a dinner theater production, art show, and a comedy night have all been added since the group was founded.

Aberdeen Area Pride was founded in 2021 by Megan Snow. They connected with Dan Cleberg, owner of the Red Rooster, and organized their first Pride event. Their goal was to raise awareness about injustices against LGBTQ+ individuals in South Dakota while also celebrating members of the community. // —Annie

Scott

 For more information, visit linktr.ee/aberdeenareapride.

DOWNTOWN

 Farmer’s market: West Acres Garden is one of the many booths at the Farmer’s Market. Photo courtesy of The Market on the Plaza.

 The Solidarity Walk is a chance for people to come together and share their stories. Photos courtesy of John Schwab.

 President John Schwab kicks off the festivities at the Opening Remarks.

A Long Time Love for Gardening

Gardening is a popular hobby, but there are a few Aberdeen residents who have cultivated their love of plants for just a little bit longer than most.

Succulents are known for their hardiness and long lifespans, but George Casanova’s 130-yearold Christmas cactus is a cut above the rest.

His grandparents, Ernest and Gottliebe Brick, immigrated to the United States from Germany in the 1880s. Gottliebe received the Christmas cactus in the 1890s, and it has remained in the family ever since.

“My mother and father inherited the plant, and after that I kept it,” Casanova said.

The plant’s longevity is attributed to a few factors. George doesn’t move it around much, and it likes dry soil. He waters it once a week, but he also pays attention to its leaves to make sure it’s getting enough water. The plant gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight from his living room window.

Joel Murano also has a Christmas cactus that he inherited from his grandmother Phyllis Harms. She received the cutting from her mother-in-law as a wedding gift, and she kept it thriving ever since. A few years ago, Phyllis gave Joel a portion. In the summer months, he keeps it on the back patio and moves it to his basement in the winter. The cactus blooms from December to February. The original cutting is at least 105 years old.

“My grandmother was a master gardener, and she was also one of my very best friends,” Joel said. “It’s an extremely special heirloom that she trusted me to care for.”

Carolyn Eaton’s oldest plant isn’t a succulent –it’s a geranium. Her husband’s grandmother had a geranium and gave her a start 50 years ago.

“My mother-in-law and her mother could grow anything,” Carolyn said. She held onto the plant

through their many moves, and the geranium did well until they moved to South Dakota.

“I almost lost it at one point,” Carolyn said. “I trimmed it down to nothing, but it came back and is doing better now.”

Now the geranium is inside full time and has a grow light to help it out.

Renita Kainz has an impressive collection of plants both inside her home and her 18x10’ heated greenhouse in her backyard. Her oldest plant is a jade plant she got in college. She also has a rabbit foot fern that she received from her mother over 20 years ago. Her love of plants began in high school, when her mother brought home an impatiens plant.

“It’s so much fun doing stuff like this,” Renita said. She had worked in a greenhouse in Minot, ND for several years and now starts her own seeds and propagations. // —Annie Scott

 Renita Kainz’s greenhouse is full of succulents.

 George Casanova and the original Christmas cactus.

 Joel Murano’s Christmas cactus in bloom.

HOBBIES

 Carolyn Eaton’s geranium and its propagations. She also has a 3-year-old orchid.

Photos by Annie Scott

Then – A Snowy Mess on Main Street – On Sunday, January 3, 1897 Aberdeen began to be pelted with a blizzard that would become the worst recorded in the new town. On Tuesday, January 5, the Aberdeen Daily News reported “The west side of Main street appeared to be a mountain chain of snow and glacier.” Trains were stopped, newspapers stopped, and people essentially didn’t go out for 48 hours. This view was probably taken from the second-floor balcony of the Sherman House located at the corner of 3rd Avenue and Main Street, looking northwest. There are at least three distinct buildings from this 1897 view still standing today. They are 212 S. Main (Sammy’s Restaurant, formerly Plymouth Clothing), 206 S. Main (Studio 9 Salon, formerly Huffman’s), and 126 S. Main (Habitat for Humanity Store). Others could still be there, but they have been changed beyond recognition. There is lots to look at in this picture and one can only wonder how they removed that much snow back then. You can see a group of men on the left, behind the snowbank, perhaps with camera equipment. // —Troy

McQuillen

The Aftermath of a Snowy Mess – On Tuesday, April 4, 2023 Aberdeen began to be pelted with yet another storm. When it was over, we had received 11 inches more snow. To date, we received over 70 inches of snow in the 2022-2023 winter season. This photo isn’t that attractive because the snow has been mostly cleared, and temperatures warmed enough to begin the messy melt. This image of the west side of the 200 block was taken at the same corner of 3rd and Main, however, I could not get up higher to replicate the perspective shown in the 1897 THEN photo. You can recognize several buildings, including the three mentioned in the THEN photo, such as the Red Rooster, (red awnings on the left), and the Citizens Building. The Citizens Building was built in 1909 and was one of the tallest in the region at the time. Further down the street you can see that the road is barricaded. This is due to the collapses of the three-story Van Slyke building that ejected rubble into the street, immediately after the snow fall. //

—Troy McQuillen

2023 May & June

May

Farmer’s Market

Saturdays, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

➼ See our article on page 8 for more information.

AberdeenFarmersmarket@gmail.com

Comedy with Trevor Anderson featuring Lee Bruns

May 6, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Hub City Station Event Center

➼ Join us for a night of comedy at Hub City Station with Minneapolis comic Trevor Anderson, featuring Lee Bruns from Watertown! Tickets are $10 online or at the door.

 605-622-0041

Aberdeen Area Men's Choir 2023 Spring Concert

May 7, 3:00 PM

First Presbyterian Church

➼ The chorus will return to First Presbyterian for the group’s 2023 Spring Concert. The director is Clark Lunstrum and the accompanist is Missy Nguyen. Tickets are $10 for adults. Ages 18 and under are free.

ARCC Dance Recitals

May 12 - May 19

Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center

➼ The annual ARCC Dance Recitals showcase students in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, acro, Broadway, and more! Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for students.

 605-626-7081

9th Annual Run with the Police 5K

May 13, 10:00 AM

Wylie Park

➼ See our article on page 6 for more information.

runwiththepolice5k.wixsite.com/ aberdeensd

Women’s High Tea

May 13, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Aberdeen First Assembly of God

➼ Ladies of all ages are invited to join us for High Tea! It will be a great time of fellowship, delectable food, and Jan Erickson will be sharing her testimony. Please bring a vase as we will be creating fresh floral arrangements.

 605-225-5322

Come As You Are Comedy Showcase

May 19, 8:00 PM

Hub City Station Event Center

➼ Aberdeen Area Pride and Hub City Station welcome you to a night of LGBTQIA+ friendly comedy with three regionally celebrated comics! A portion of the proceeds benefits Aberdeen Area Pride. Tickets are $15.

 605-622-0041

Hub City Con

May 20, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Best Western Ramkota Convention Center

➼ Celebrate your favorite fandoms with vendors, gaming, a cosplay contest, a martial arts demo, trivia, panels, and even a film festival!

Admission is $5 and children under 13 get in free.

 Hub City Con

25 26 26

Spring Plant Sale

May 20, 9:00 AM

Brown County Fairgrounds

Home Arts Building

➼ Prairie Partners Master Gardeners will be selling perennials, native plants, flowering transplants, vegetable transplants, and garden rummage. Questions will be answered by Master Gardeners!

 605-225-2052

Wine Walk

May 25, 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Downtown Aberdeen

➼ Enjoy wine tasting in downtown Aberdeen! As you make your way from one stop to the next you’ll also find lots of great deals from our downtown businesses. There will also be music and art to enjoy. Advance tickets can be purchased online. www.aberdeendowntown.org

/events/wine-walk

Star Party

May 26

Kuhnert Arboretum

➼ Come and learn about the night sky at the Kuhnert Arboretum. Bring your telescope, binoculars, or just use your own eyes. Event begins at dusk.

 Aberdeen Backyard Astronomy

Hub City Open

May 26 - 28

Hub City Axe Throwing

➼ Hub City Axe Throwing will be hosting Hatchet, Big Axe, Duals, and even a Non-Sanctioned Women’s Tournament!

 605-277-7779

Pride Opening Remarks

June 2, 7:00 PM

Red Rooster Coffee House

➼ Kick off the start of Aberdeen Area Pride’s festivities with karaoke and a video game tournament at the Red Rooster! linktr.ee/aberdeenareapride

Garden Plotters

15th Annual Plant Sale

June 3, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

911 11th Ave NE

➼ Pick out some new pieces for your garden or simply come and admire the wide variety of beautiful plants. All proceeds to benefit The Kuhnert Arboretum.

 Aberdeen Garden Plotters

Aberdeen Area Pride Drag Shows

June 3

All ages: 3:00 PM

18+: 8:00 PM

➼ Celebrate Pride with these two drag shows. A Drag Show Story Hour will be hosted at the Red Rooster and all ages are welcome. An 18+ event will be hosted at City Lights Bar & Grill. linktr.ee/aberdeenareapride

Aberdeen Growers Club Plant Sale

June 8, 4:00 - 8:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

➼ Enjoy some new plants as well as a special drink menu from The Market. This plant sale will benefit the DTOM Veterans Ranch.

 Aberdeen Growers Club

2023 South Dakota High School Clay Target League Trap and Skeet State Tournament

June 9 - 11

Aberdeen Gun Club

➼ More than 58 South Dakota high school teams featuring over 900 student athletes are expected to attend the 2023 tournament.

Schedules for shooting times and field assignments will be posted a week before the tournament.

www.sdclaytarget.com

Pickle on the Prairie Pickleball Tournament

June 10, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Brown County Fairgrounds Holum

Expo Building

➼ It’s pickle on the prairie! Aberdeen’s inaugural pickleball tournament to benefit the Dacotah Prairie Museum Foundation. If you already play pickleball or if you are “pickle-curious” and want to know more about the sport, join the Aberdeen players as they have fun and raise money.

 605-626-7117

Arts in the Park

June 17 - 18

Melgaard Park

➼ A Father’s Day tradition we all know and love. Arts in the Park features fine and folk art, entertainment and a wide variety of food items. Admission is free.

 605-226-1557

Summer Concert Series

June 22, 7:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

➼ Live performances by local and regional artists with vibrant Downtown Aberdeen as the backdrop – what could be better? June’s event, featuring Flannel, is the first three family-friendly, free outdoor concerts each summer. Food and beverage stands open at 6:00 PM. www.aberdeendowntown.org/eventspages/summer-concerts

Star Party

June 23

Kuhnert Arboretum

➼ Come and learn about the night sky at the Kuhnert Arboretum. Bring your telescope, binoculars, or just use your own eyes. Event begins at dusk.

 Aberdeen Backyard Astronomy

MADISEN VETTER Get to Know:

by ANNIE SCOTT

When Madisen Vetter was attending Central High School, she kept herself busy with plenty of extracurricular activities, particularly with the school’s music program. She was in Show Choir for seven years, All State Chorus for three, Vocal Jazz for two, and was also involved with the Acapella Choir and any other vocal activity out there. After graduating in 2022, she kept up her momentum and added to her ever-growing repertoire of activities.

In February of this year, she was crowned Miss Central States Fair 2023 and started her journey to compete for Miss South Dakota this June.

She currently attends The University of South Dakota and is pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science on the Pre-Law track. Since January, she has been living in Pierre and is currently interning for the Governor’s Office until May. This summer, she plans on staying in Pierre and will intern with the Attorney General’s office under Consumer Protection.

Even when away from home working at the State Capital, Madisen is able to make Aberdeen proud.

Q.

HOW DOES YOUR WORK REFLECT YOUR PASSION? A.

My work reflects my passions in multiple areas. Within the Governor’s office and what I am studying, I am given the opportunity to meet a lot of people and gain a lot of knowledge and experience. I am passionate about making a difference and leaving the world a better place than I came into it, which is why I decided to study law and politics. I was once told that you can either sit back and watch people make decisions for you, or you can help be a voice in making those decisions, and I want to be that voice for others. Politically, my involvement helps me advocate for things that are important to me, whereas my involvement in the Miss America organization allows me to copy and paste that into another area of my life.

Q.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THE ABERDEEN COMMUNITY? A.

One thing that I always get asked when I am being social is where I am from and what I was involved in. I always get the opportunity to praise Aberdeen where I tell people about the opportunities this community has. The most impressive thing about Aberdeen is that no matter where you go, you will always run into people to visit with. Whether you’re at the grocery store or a public event, there is always an opportunity to meet people and form connections, and still have big city opportunities.

Q.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? A.

Honestly, with all the things I am involved in, I don't have a lot of free time. Between being a full-time student, intern and local queen, a lot of my time is spent building my future. When I do get a free second, I like to read books about psychology or utopian societies, along with finding new things to try, like a new coffee shop or top golf.

Q.

WHERE IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES TO GO IN ABERDEEN?

A.

One of my favorite things to do in Aberdeen is go to Thunder Road. Every summer my friends and I ride go karts, mini golf or walk around Storybook Land. This is where some of my best memories were made. When it is snowy or not favorable weather, I love going to Red Rooster Coffee House or attending a Wings Game!

Q.

WHAT IS ONE WORD YOU WOULD USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF?

A.

One word I would use to describe myself is determined. I am constantly finding ways to further my connections, career, and community. I am multiple steps ahead of what I am supposed to be at 19 and a freshman in my undergraduate degree. I am also competing at Miss South Dakota a lot younger than I ever thought I would. I foresee me staying determined and making Aberdeen proud.

Q.

WHY IS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IMPORTANT TO YOU? A.

Community involvement is important to me, but it is also important to the wellbeing of each community. Involvement is a win-win situation, it helps build young adults’ connections and skills along with building the awareness and fresh perspective of businesses and programs. It is important to me personally, because I would not be the person I am today without the involvement of my community along with their support.

Q.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED DURING YOUR MISS SOUTH DAKOTA JOURNEY?

A.

I have not been on the journey to Miss South Dakota for very long, only a few months, but I have had tremendous embrace and support. The most important thing I have learned is that in order to be successful you have to be brave enough to ask questions. There are a lot of things in life that I am still learning, along with how to compete. People cannot help you reach a goal if you don’t ask and 9 times out of 10 people are more than willing to support you.

Q. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED WITH YOUR INTERNING EXPERIENCE? A.

I have been blessed by being able to intern in the Governor’s office. I have learned many things from how the executive office works to how to interact with people you might not always agree with. The main takeaway from this experience has been how to stay professional in tough situations. With me only being 19 years old, sometimes it is hard to stay mature and levelheaded. After being around very important people and successful people, that has rubbed off on me, which will definitely benefit me in the future. //

 Madisen Vetter is currently interning at the Governor’s Office.

Photo courtesy of Shannon Marvel.

Changing the World

Girl Scouts Learn to ‘Change the World’ at Richmond Lake

by UNITED WAY STAFF

n partnership with the United Way and United Way Foundation, the Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons (GSDH) is offering a unique camp aimed at exploring Eco-Science and how we can all improve the environment. At ‘Camp Change the World’, Girl Scouts engage in activities that promote the idea that small actions can have significant impacts. The camp is divided into two age groups: Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts, and Junior and Cadette Girl Scouts.

The younger age group, composed of kindergarten through third grade, participate in a station rotation model. One of the stations involves the girls acting out the steps in the water cycle and studying how water pollution can affect an ecosystem. They will also construct models of the natural filtration processes that occur in watersheds to test their limits when

faced with point-source pollution. Additionally, Scouts will learn about the life cycle of butterflies and create miniature pollinator gardens. They will discuss how something small, like planting flowers, can have an impact on an entire species and will create a craft that can be used to share native pollinator seeds with members of their community. Throughout the day, campers will engage in activities that promote the idea that every person has unique strengths and skills, and that everyone can have an impact on the world.

For the older age group, composed of fourth through eighth grade, their camp experience will focus on making choices that can create a cleaner, brighter future. They will complete stations where they calculate their carbon footprint and learn about alternative energy sources like wind or solar, which produce less air pollution than fossil fuels. The girls will build models of various alternative energy systems and explore how alternative energy is already at work in South Dakota. Other stations will involve analyzing real air quality data and modeling the impact of pollution on health. Throughout the

day, the girls will learn how to become advocates for the environment and develop and complete a take action project to help raise awareness for their chosen issue within the Aberdeen area.

The camp aligns with the Girl Scout council's strategic plan to increase girl program opportunities and to offer program support to volunteers by providing a quality camping experience in the Aberdeen area. GSDH Camp Manager Megan Howard, adult volunteers, and youth program assistants will plan and conduct the camp, providing one-to-one guidance for the camp participants. In addition to her duties on the Girl Scout staff, Howard is an earth science and physics instructor at Northern State University. "I love the combination of science and nature. Whether it's astronomy, environmental science, botany or zoology, every field has chances for girls to wonder, marvel, and discover," stated Howard, a lifelong Girl Scout.

The United Way Foundation has provided a grant to help offset the cost of the summer program. Girl Scouts and the United Way have been partnered for many years. “Girl Scout programming fits perfectly with our youth outreach focus for funding, we can’t wait to see the wonderful projects that come from this great summer-time opportunity.” //

 Last year’s scouts completed an aquatic invertebrate survey to determine water quality at the lake.

Photos courtesy of United Way

 Similar hands-on learning activities will take place at the Girl Scouts Change the World Camp.

 Magic Joe Barnett and one of his antique hats.

Photo by Troy McQuillen.

MAKING MAGIC HUB CITY in the

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

“Every boy likes magic to a certain extent. I just took it a step further.”

When Magic Joe Barnett said that, it resonated with me. A budding magician as a kid, I was all about performance and not rehearsal, so my tricks failed, but I remain impressed by and envious of those who do practice and can do magic. Aberdeen is lucky to have a few of them. Five local magicians (if there are more, maybe they’ve disappeared) told me their stories, if not their secrets, and showed me tricks. For a vocation not known for giving away secrets, there’s a lot of sharing among them. Following Magic Joe’s maxim, all these magicians first got interested as boys.

ORIGIN STORY

Barnett, the man in the middle age-wise, might be the current face of magic in the Hub City. In his mid-30s now, Barnett was turned on to magic at about age 5 when his mom and grandmother took him to see a magician at the Ramkota.

“He wasn’t a big name,” he said, “but it was an awesome show!” The real excitement came after he found his brother’s magic set and its ball vase, a simple trick in which a ball disappears and reappears. “After figuring it out, I took it to preschool, and the kids’ reaction was amazing.” The performing bug bit.

In coming years, he read books and watched videos to learn tricks. As the only one checking out magic books from his school library, the librarian eventually let him keep one.

Largely self-taught, Barnett also learned from Randy Kantack. “I was already deeply into magic by the time I talked to Randy,” Barnett said. “He was definitely a mentor and knew the business aspect. He had a really cool magic room in his basement with a trunk like Houdini’s. He lent me tricks and props.”

Kantack is the most senior of Aberdeen’s illusionists. “I had two uncles who were magicians,” he said. “One followed the old magicians’ code where you don’t show how it’s done. The other taught me a magic trick, and that got me interested.” But the major push

came when his kids were in elementary school and wanted him to do a magic show at May Overby. “I only knew a couple tricks, so I bought a videotape, watched it, and did a show with the tricks I learned.”

Former Holgate teacher Kurt Drube had “gotten a magic set as a kid, but I grew out of it.” Then Kantack, who was doing financial work for him, piqued his interest again. “He’d come to the house and do a magic trick before we started the business talk,” Drube said. “Before long, we were meeting just about magic.”

Paying it forward, Drube was instrumental in intriguing the two other magicians. Logan Sibble first became interested in magic at about age 10. He saw a magician at a library in Houston, who did the Chinese linking rings trick.

“I held two large rings separated from each other, and another volunteer held two that were linked,” he remembered. “The magician tapped them and linked mine and undid the others. I was wowed and needed to learn how it was done.” Sibble had Drube as a teacher at Holgate, and “He got me hooked. I did my first performance in the talent show with him. Without Kurt, I wouldn’t be here as magician.”

Brandon Heim remembers receiving a magic kit from his parents and doing a trick for his aunt when he was six. “It worked!” he said. In eighth grade, he watched a TED Talk about misdirection. “I saw the arm twist trick where you get the audience to tie their arms in a knot they can’t untie.” Then he learned how to do it on Google (and worked it on me). That same year, with some inspiration from Drube, he participated in Holgate’s talent show. “As an introvert, I decided to do a big show and did magic. I got a standing ovation that ignited a fire to do magic.” He learned more, and “Everyone knew who I was: the magic guy. I loved the identity that came with it. It gave me a personality when I was an awkward person.”

GIGS

For his first paying gig, Heim got connected with the Aberdeen Downtown Association’s Brent Brandt, who hired him to do street magic

 Brandon Heim has many card tricks in his repertoire. Photo courtesy of Heimmark Photography.

for the Wine Walk. “I also opened for a band in Redfield, did a birthday party for a fellow cast member of Hairspray, and performed at Central’s Homecoming.”

Sibble’s first big gig was tragic. “I had a levitating table where you would hold a cloth, and it rose in the air,” he explained. He was performing outside on a blocked off Second Avenue north of the old Red Rooster. “The wind was really rough, and I noticed people pointing behind me.” When he looked, he saw the broken legs of the table of his $700 trick.

Later, he did the Daddy-Daughter dance at CHS. “I did walkaround magic, but it wouldn’t have happened without Joe Barnett.” He remembered, “I got called to principal’s office wondering what I’d done wrong. The principal was stern, acting like I was in trouble, then he let up and offered me the gig.”

Kantack got requests to do shows fairly soon after his May Overby debut, and he “learned that magic needed a presentation.” Involved with Toastmasters, he decided to combine his magic with a speech, which he called Magic with a Message and incorporated a motivational talk.

His biggest gig was in front of 500 people a credit union annual meeting in Aberdeen, and he’s also entertained for conventions here as well as around South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota.

Once he was scheduled to perform for the entire Britton school. When he got there and opened his empty car trunk, he discovered “I’d left my stuff in Aberdeen.” Thinking quickly, he asked the janitor for about 15 items and improvised. He pulled it off and got a standing ovation. “I shared

my pay with the janitor,” he added.

Barnett got his first paying gig at about age 10. For a Christmas event in Westport, “Santa canceled so they subbed in a magician,” he said. “I got paid $25.” He also learned some lessons about performing. “I had a trunk with tricks, but I didn’t really have a set list.” After the show, his dad, attorney Joseph Barnett, complimented him but gave a tip: “When someone comes on stage, get the person’s name and say it three times before starting the trick. It gets the person and everyone else to pay more attention.”

Starting with birthday parties for $10, in high school Barnett added corporate gigs, such as Christmas parties, picnics, and grand openings. Now he’s booked most of the summer doing fairs, festivals, and family reunions. He’s done the Brown County Fair, fairs in South Dakota and Minnesota, and the South Dakota State Fair twice. “It’s a true honor to do that,” he said.

At birthday parties, he saws a child in half. “They’re always volunteers who don’t know how it’s done,” he said. But he really likes stage shows. “I like props. They’re very visually appealing. Lots of interesting things on the stage are more intriguing for the audience who wonder what they’ll be used for.” He has a trailer and can set up a stage to do an outside show. His wife Brianna is his assistant, and family vacations often get scheduled around gigs.

 Randy Kantack shows off an unique way to authenticate a $100 bill. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

 Magic Joe’s summers are busy with performances across the state of South Dakota. Photo courtesy of Joe Barnett.

MEMORIES

All performers are going to have moments. A memory Barnett might want to forget was at a fair. “I had a prediction box suspended in the air with a prediction inside it,” he said. As he was doing the trick, “I knocked over my case, which knocked over my scrolling sign and caused a mess.” After he regrouped and it was time to reveal the prediction, he couldn’t find the key for the prediction box, which presented the embarrassing problem that “the magician couldn’t break into the lock of his own box!” While cleaning up after the show, he found that the key had gotten trapped inside the sign, which had snapped closed. “The handful of people still around saw that my predictions had been right,” he noted wryly.

Heim, who also had prediction box issues, had a frustrating experience with a successful prediction at a college talent show. Performing after his roommate whose singing wowed the audience, “I did a prediction trick, and everything

went perfectly, but I got NO response from the audience,” he lamented. “It was devastating. I nearly quit magic.”

On the other hand, “The CHS homecoming was the best I’ve ever done,” he said and credited Barnett’s help. He performed a trick that involved an outline of a person and a fivefoot-tall house. “I had people come on stage and color in the outline with their choice of color,” he said, then, pulling the pieces together, he assembled the house on stage as the audience

watched. “I knocked on it a couple times. When I got a knock in reply, my girlfriend at the time lifted up the roof of the house and emerged wearing a costume in the colors the volunteers had created.”

Even more success came when he attended a national swing dancing event in college. “I thought ‘what if I did magic while dancing?’” he said. “So, I pulled a card from one partner’s ear when we danced, then a coin from the next partner.” It was a hit. Returning home, “I did

 Magic Joe’s tricks leave audiences in awe. Photo courtesy of Joe Barnett.

 Kurt Drube’s favorite trick is a rope trick he debuted on Randy’s birthday. Photo courtesy of Kurt Drube.

 Brandon Heim performs for a group of students.

Photo courtesy of Brandon Heim.

the same at the Red Rooster, and that partner became my wife.”

Impressing peers is, not surprisingly, a source of pride. Kantack’s wife invited Drube to perform magic for her husband’s birthday. “I had been doing a rope routine that I’d never done for people,” he said. “So, I did it then, and it blew Randy away! Randy has commented on how good the trick was, which makes it better.”

One of Kantack’s favorite memories happened when he was pulled over for speeding in Minnesota. As it happened, he was listening to an audiotape on making the best of a bad situation. “I got out of the car and walked to the officer with my hands over my head,” he said. When the officer told him he was speeding, “I produced a hankie out of thin air and wiped my eyes.” After a few more magic tricks, the amused officer went to his car, and “When he returned, he told me he tried to write the ticket, but it magically disappeared.” Kantack smiled, “Magic can get you out of trouble!” The best of a bad situation indeed.

MAKING MAGIC

Asked for their favorite tricks, Barnett, the magic historian, mentions the cups and balls, “perhaps the oldest trick in world.” In the trick,

the performer—sometimes a street magician/ con artist—puts a ball under one of three cups, then moves the cups around, sometimes stacking them, and has audience members guess where the ball is—maybe putting money on it—and usually losing. “Many old artworks and posters show a magician doing the cups and balls,” he said, “sometimes with an accomplice pickpocket working the crowd too.” The trick involves so many sleights of hand, “Houdini said all magicians should master the art of the cups and balls.”

Drube’s favorite is the rope routine he developed and debuted on Kantack’s birthday. In fact, “I liked it so much, I didn’t show my proteges how it worked.” It took a year of practice before he performed it. Ropes multiplied, knots disappeared, colors changed. “I still have the rope, but it’s been ten years since I performed it regularly, and it’s hard to recall how I did the trick now.”

A favorite trick of Sibble’s is when a volunteer chooses a card, but as the magician, he produces the wrong one. Momentarily flustered, he then waves the card in the air, and it changes to the correct one. Making an apparent mistake seems to have become a general favorite type of trick, seemingly marking a break from the more formal

magicians of a half-century ago. Sibble criticized earlier generations of magicians who suggested they had mystical powers. “New magicians are breaking the mold of older, classic magicians,” he said, debunking some of the conceit.

FLOURISH

Today, only Barnett and Kantack perform regularly. Sibble and Heim have scaled back, interested mostly in small, close-up performances. Drube has mostly retired and, in the spirit of Aberdeen magicians helping each other, “gave most of my stuff to Logan”—although there’s still some “stuff in the basement I couldn’t give away yet,” including that rope trick. The oldest of the magicians, Kantack acknowledged his friend Drube has stepped back, “But I haven’t been able to back out,” he said. “It brings joy to so many people.”

In a similar vein, bringing the story back to the sharing among magicians that’s more common than one might expect, the magic evangelist Barnett commented on a, perhaps, charmed aspect of the shows he does at fairs. “Sometimes the same kids show up over and over again,” he said. “I’ve given them magic tricks and taught them how to do them.” Reflecting on this kind of passing of the magic wand, he said, “feels like recreating my experience watching a magician for the first time.” //

 Magic Joe has a large collection of antique magic props. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

 Rabbits make great assistants too! Photo by Troy McQuillen

Memories to Last a Lifetime

These tips from local photographer Tyra Gefroh will make your senior photos stand out from the rest.

by TYRA GEFROH

Out of all the things I have photographed, Senior photos are definitely one of my favorites. I love getting to know my seniors and getting to be creative while showcasing their interests, talents, and what they love! It really is so fun to be creative in this process. I love bright, bold, colorful, crisp, fun, and timeless images. I am very laid back and my sessions are very casual and comfortable. I have photographed many seniors over the past 10 years, and these are my top tips to prep for your senior photo session!

LOCATIONS

As the photographer, I love to be creative and find locations that go with the personality of my clients, but if you have an idea or a certain photo you are wanting, definitely show your photographer!

Photos courtesy of Tyra Gefroh

TIME OF DAY

The time of your photo session is important. Different times of day will give you different types of light. Mornings or evenings when the sun isn’t so harsh is a great time for a photo session. You can certainly have photos sessions at other times as well if your photographer is comfortable shooting at those times. For most of my clients the evening sessions are the most popular, but they also book up the quickest. I do book sessions in the morning and afternoons too if my evenings are booked.

OUTFITS

To me this is the most fun part about senior photos. Of course, you want to showcase your style, but I always suggest to my clients to have a couple outfits that are outside the box! This is a fun time and a reason to try something new and it really is exciting to be creative with fun clothing pieces! Try a bold, unique jacket or a statement dress!

ACCESSORIES

Accessories are a must! Statement jewelry, fun shoes, rings, hats, etc. These things add so much character and texture to your photo. I always tell my clients to not skip out on this!

POSING

Do not worry about posing. I do the posing right alongside my senior, as most photographers do! Do not be worried about looking silly or not knowing what to do. I fully direct my seniors through posing!

MAKEUP

Makeup Is included in my Senior Collections. Even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup, I would recommend getting a very natural look done. It prevents you from being washed out and it enhances your natural beauty!

SHOWCASE

Photos are so fun when you have something to showcase. No matter what it is- Art, Reading, Sports, Dance, Music, your Pet, your car - Anything that shows who you are and what you love! You can never bring too much to your senior session when it comes to Showcasing who you are!

HAVE FUN!

This is your time! This summer, Senior year, and your Senior photoshoot will be something you will not want to forget, take it all it and enjoy it!

 Currently booking Class of 2024, Tyra Gefroh Photography, www.tyragefroh.com

ONE THING I’VE LEARNED IS THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE OPPORTUNITIES WHILE YOU HAVE THEM.”

– TIA SWIONTEK

TIA SWIONTEK TIA SWIONTEK

TIA’S PASSION FOR BOTH DANCE AND ART EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF SELF-EXPRESSION.

by TARAH HEUPEL

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Tia Swiontek was undecided about her major when she met with her NSU advisor a little more than a year ago. She had considered roles in health care, like pediatrician or optometrist, but they didn’t quite seem like the right fit. When her advisor mentioned exploring art, something Tia hadn’t seriously considered before, she was intrigued.

“I always enjoyed art, but I didn’t practice consistently,” Tia said. “I would doodle a lot, and periodically I would create something out of the blue, but I didn’t go beyond the required art classes in high school.”

That would soon change. After her first class with Northern State University art professor Peter Kilian, Tia was hooked.

“That’s where my interest really developed,” she said. “I started painting, adding in details that meant something to me or felt right for the piece.”

Her first-ever painting took third place in a juried art show, using a primary color scheme for a collage of abstract shapes and whimsical images. Another professor liked the piece so much, she commissioned a similar one for her husband’s birthday. Tia incorporated winks and nods to their personalities in their painting, utilizing a similar collage style.

Her painting technique is detailed and full of shapes that could be one thing, until you view it from another angle and realize it could be something else entirely.

“One of my paintings was being installed in the gallery at NSU, and the people hanging it weren’t sure which direction to hang it,” Tia said laughing. “It can be looked at from different angles, and it feels like a new piece each way you take it in.”

Just one year into her art journey, Tia has been busy. Her work was recently featured in an NSU student art show at the Red Rooster, and her piece Progression was selected by the Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce and Aberdeen Area Arts Council for a public art installation. The eye-catching painting can be found wrapping the traffic control box at the corner of 6th Avenue and Main Street.

 You Pick. The oil painting is a cubist impression of Tia’s friends. It was created in a painting course at NSU, where she learned to use low and high-key colors.

 Progression. Full view of the piece selected for the utility box, created in 2022.

Local Art Galleries

PRESIDENT'S GALLERY, JFAC

GALLERY, STUDENT CENTER

GALLERY, AND GALLERY X

Northern State University

 1200 South Jay Street

 605.626.7766

 President’s Gallery: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM, JFAC Gallery: Mon–Fri 8 AM–4:30 PM, Student Center: Mon–Fri 7 AM–4:30 PM and weekends 1–9 PM

Gallery X: Mon-Fri 8 AM - 5 PM

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

 21 South Main Street

 605.626.7117

 Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM, Sat and Sun 1–4 PM

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

Uptown Aberdeen

 3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48

 605.725.0913

 Thurs–Sat 11–6 PM & Sun 12–6 PM or by appointment

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre

 415 South Main Street

 605.225.2228

 Open during events, call ahead for additional hours of operation

ARCC GALLERY

Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center

 225 3rd Ave SE

 605.626.7081

 Mon–Thurs 9 AM–8 PM

Fri 9 AM–5 PM & Sat 10 AM–12 PM

RED ROOSTER

COFFEE HOUSE GALLERY

 218 South Main Street

 605.225.6603

 Mon–Thurs 7 AM–7 PM, Fri 7 AM–9 PM and Sat 8 AM–9 PM Sun 9 AM–2 PM

THE MARKET ON

THE PLAZA GALLERY

 506 S Main Street Suite 4

 605.824.4189

 Mon-Wed 7:30 AM-4 PM

Thur-Sat 7:30 AM-9 PM & Sun 8 AM-3 PM

“It was exciting to have my work selected and displayed so publicly,” Tia said. “One thing I’ve learned is that you have to take opportunities while you have them. I’m still starting out and I want to share what I’m creating with people.”

While painting came first, Tia has also branched out into watercolor and pen and ink pieces. She’s having fun exploring different styles and finding what speaks to her. An oil painting in a cubist style, an ink drawing with

shading made up entirely of line work - her portfolio doesn’t all fit into one box.

The same is true of Tia’s other form of artistic expression, dance. Growing up in Aberdeen, Tia started gymnastics and dance classes at a young age. That grew into a passion for dance in high school. From ballet to modern, acro, jazz, contemporary, and dance team, Tia explored various dance styles much the same way she’s exploring art styles today.

“Ballet was always the base of everything for me,” Tia said. “From there I branched out into other styles and that opened my eyes to some of the opportunities in the larger dance world.”

Tia passed her student exams through grade V, part of the technically rigorous Cechetti method for ballet training. She also attended the South Dakota Ballet summer intensive the last two years, honing her technique with professional dancers from across the country. This year is her first teaching dance at the ARCC, choreographing and coaching students in ballet, modern, and jazz.

Now a sophomore at NSU, Tia has settled on art education as her major, hoping to blend her love for art and teaching. While she’s leaning toward focusing on teaching elementary art, anything is possible. With a few more years of coursework left, she’s looking forward to exploring more artistic genres and continuing to evolve her own signature style. //

 Ink drawing. This piece focuses on shading and value through crosshatching. This piece made it into the juried art show at NSU.

Teen Shooters Becoming New Top Guns

group of sharp shooters are right on target when it comes to growing their sport.

Boys and girls from across the start are part of the South Dakota Clay Target League, which has its annual state tournament at the Aberdeen Gun Club each June.

The sport got started in 2017 and has grown ever since.

“Overall, it continues to grow,” said Roncalli coach Cory Backous. “They set records every year on number of teams and number of participants. It’s growing every year.”

As a point of reference, the league is expecting to increase the amount of shooters at this year’s state tourney by about 100.

“Last year we had probably close to 900 that competed in the state tournament,” said Aberdeen Gun Club President Jerry Brick. “I’m expecting probably over a thousand this year.”

The sport’s origins can be traced back to

Minnesota, which has about 9,000 participants at its state tourney.

“It’s just really phenomenal what’s going on,” Brick said.

There are three teams from the Hub City: Aberdeen Central, Aberdeen Christian and Aberdeen Roncalli. Area schools that have teams include Groton, Warner and Bowdle to name a few.

The sport is not sanctioned by the South Dakota High School Activities Association, so the schools operate under the direction of the state league.

The shooters practice once a week and then have a virtual competition against another opponent once a week. Scores are recorded and then compared with the results of that week’s foe.

Because squads do not have to leave town to shoot, it allows individuals time to compete in other sports besides trapshooting, which

many do.

Backous believes that has helped to increase the number of participants in the sport.

“It’s very unique in that respect,” Backous said. “Kids aren’t gone two nights a week to Britton or Redfield or Sioux Falls or wherever.”

In fact, it doesn’t take shooters much time to compete at all compared to participating in other sports.

“They probably spend more time running out to the gun club than it does to actually shoot the trap, the two boxes of shells that they shoot,” Backous said.

The only time that the shooters actually compete against each other in person is at the state meet.

That event has always taken place at the Aberdeen Gun Club.

“We were fortunate that we saw what was going on over in Minnesota and just started making inquiries before anybody else did,”

Photos courtesy of John Davis

The South Dakota Clay Target League showcases the sport’s youngest participants. by DAVE VILHAUER

 Participants line up at the the South Dakota Clay Target League’s annual state tournament.

Brick said of being able to host the state event. “That’s what happened. I think they like having the tournament here.”

The local club is one of the few ranges in South Dakota big enough to host a state tournament and it does its best to make sure the shooters are happy about their experience when they come to town.

“I talked to a lot coaches that are perfectly happy coming to Aberdeen,” Brick said. “They like to shoot there.”

Brick said the individuals like the grounds as well as the targets that they are shooting.

“There’s been times I’ve been walking up and down the line,” Brick said. “I talk to the coaches and I say, ‘You know I think we could set those targets down a little bit,’ and the coaches say, ‘Aah, just leave them the way they are. That’s the best ones they’ve shot all year.’“

Brick said the thing he enjoys most about the annual state tournament is the environment surrounding the competition. He said while everybody wants to win, the shooters also want others to do well.

“I like that shoot, because everybody is so kind,” Brick said. “They’re competing out there, but it’s not a try to kill each other type thing. Everybody likes to see each other shoot good scores.”

And speaking of good scores, today’s generation of shooters is definitely hitting its mark.

The winner of the last two state high school tournaments nailed 100 targets in a row to claim state championships. Not only that, but two of the high school shooters ended up finishing right near the top of the adult state tourneys the past two seasons.

There are several reasons why today’s teens are turning into top guns on the range.

Part of it is the amount of time spent shooting to help foster their muscle memory.

“These kids are competing with the adults but the reason for that is the exposure,” Backous said. “Trapshooting is all about practice. It’s all about putting rounds in. It’s like shooting a basketball.”

The logic is the more you work at something, chances are the better you will be at doing it.

“The reason why these kids are a lot better now days is we’ve provided these leagues for them,” Backous said “and they’re putting in hundreds, if not maybe thousands, of rounds each spring into it.”

Not only that, but today’s equipment is much better than when Brick was growing up, plus the coaching has improved.

“They’ve got good coaches that can show them what they’re doing for techniques and things like that,” Brick said.

A big factor when it comes to being in a clay target league is cost and that is where the Great Plains Outdoorsmen has played a key role. The organization gives each local shooter between $70 and $100 to help cover the costs associated with trapshooting.

“They’ve been very, very helpful and very supportive of this,” Backous said.

While boys far outnumber girls in the sport, that does not necessarily mean they are more accurate when it comes to nailing targets.

“Girls have won the last two state tournaments,” Backous said.

He is not exactly sure the reason for that, but he does have a theory.

“The reason why I think that is, is when girls get it figured out, they’re better shooters because they’re calmer,” Backous said. “They’re just not amped up like boys are.”

There have been more than a few changes in the sport since Brick was a teenage shooter growing up and who knows what the future will hold.

“We did a lot of traveling around the state and competing in the different towns around the state,” Brick said, “but nothing at all like this.” //

 Jerry Brick of the Aberdeen Gun Club.

TRAPSHOOTING IS ALL ABOUT PRACTICE. IT’S ALL ABOUT PUTTING ROUNDS IN.” – CORY BACKOUS

 The number of participants grows every year, according to Cory Backous.

Chicken Katsu

by ANNIE SCOTT

Ilove traveling for many reasons, and trying out new restaurants is high up on that list. Growing up, my go-to travel meal was sushi. I was sure I’d never get tired of the stuff. Imagine my surprise, though, when sushi places finally opened up here in Aberdeen. I was super happy, but I was also slowly coming to the realization that it was possible to get a little tired of my favorite food. When we’d travel, I started to expand my palate and tried out some other Japanese dishes. Chicken katsu quickly became a favorite of mine as well, and it turns out it’s super easy to make it at home yourself. Nori and mirin might be new ingredients to you, but you can find them in the Asian food aisle in any of our grocery stores. //

INGREDIENTS

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in half horizontally

1 ½ cup all-purpose flour

3 eggs

3 cups panko bread crumbs

Vegetable oil for cooking

OPTIONAL

Nori (dried seaweed) Rice

Vegetables of your choice

TONKATSU SAUCE

½ cup ketchup

2 tablespoons

soy sauce

2 teaspoons

brown sugar

1 tablespoon mirin

(rice wine)

2 teaspoons

Worcestershire sauce

DIRECTIONS

1. Make sure to cut your chicken breasts in half horizontally. Set up three bowls for your breading station - one bowl for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko crumbs.

2. Cover each chicken breast half in flour and shake off the excess. Then dip them into the egg wash, ensuring they are fully covered. Next, coat them with the panko bread crumbs.

3. Place them in the fridge for about 10 minutes while you make the sauce. To make the sauce, combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

4. Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Cook chicken until it is golden brown, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side.

5. To assemble, slice chicken into thin strips. Chicken katsu is best served with white rice, and you can add vegetables of your choosing as well. Drizzle the tonkatsu sauce over the chicken, and cut up your nori sheets into thin strips to garnish the chicken.

Photo by Anna Jahraus

A simple, delicious dish that is a great introduction to Japanese cuisine.

The Heart of Aberdeen

STUDENTS SHARE WHAT MAKES ABERDEEN HOME

Holgate teachers Carolyn Geyer and Mia Bergan came up with an assignment for their 7th grade language arts students: What’s Aberdeen lucky to have? The following pieces highlight the special treasures that make Aberdeen a truly great place to live.

 I walk into the store and the staff greets me with a pleasant smile and a “Hello, how are you?” The sweet smells of the doughnuts in the bakery make my mouth water. This is the feeling I get when I walk into Ken’s Superfair Foods. Ken’s makes Aberdeen a great place to visit. The staff is top of the line. They were always there when I forgot an ingredient for a meal I wanted to make. Also, they were there for my birthday parties with the cake, cookies, cupcakes, and catering. They make jobs for the poor and truly help the public. I truly appreciate Ken’s.

BY COOPER HEPPERLE

 As you hear shots ring out through the air, and the dogs blasting through the thick grass, this is what you will experience when hunting in Aberdeen, SD. As you walk through the fields, the suspense is at an all-time high as you wait for a pheasant to take off out from the grass. Then you hear ROOSTER, !!BANG!! You pull the trigger and through the cloud of smoke, you see the pheasant drop to the ground. Hunting has also provided me with so many memories. I can't even tell you how many. Not only that, but the land is beautiful during this time, and I appreciate having the opportunity to hunt in Aberdeen.

BY TEEGAN MEDILL

 Bees are buzzing, the sun is shining, birds chirping, and a light cool breeze is going through the trees making them sway ever so slightly while you take a taste of your ice cream. You are at TwistCone. TwistCone is a unique place to enjoy scrumptious ice cream, along with friendly service. TwistCone has a TON of flavors; they have for one week of the summer, such as strawberry butter, Georgia peach, orange dreamsicle, purple cow (grape), and lemon. The ice cream always tastes better with their special little candy eyes! TwistCone is a nostalgic and wholesome place, and my family and I look forward to visiting there this summer!

BY JAYDA HOFFMAN

 I walk through the big glass doors and the amazing scent of books and acrylic paint are wafting in the air. The sound of computer keys tapping can be heard, and the sight of art everywhere. It’s the K.O. Lee Public Library. The library is my favorite place to go when my family has spare time. They have computers there, and I play games with my brother on them. There are shelves of books for little kids, teens, and adults. A few years ago, my family and I participated in an arts and crafts event the library held. That’s why the library is quite special to me.

BY GERALDINE MARSHALL

 Laughter and yelling are what I hear when I enter Allevity Entertainment. This is a place where I can enjoy having fun with my friends and family. I remember playing all the arcade games there with my friends and hitting the jackpot; they all went crazy! When my friends and I are playing laser tag, we all go onto one team and try to go so hard against the other teams. Sometimes when my friends and I are exhausted, we go by the bowling alley and watch a football game. I truly love going to Allevity Entertainment, and Aberdeen is fortunate to have this fun-filled attraction.

BY BENJAMIN WEISHAAR

 Mrs. Geyer’s Block 1 class.

Class photos courtesy of Carolyn Geyer and Mia Bergan.

 You feel cold air blowing throughout the room while you hear a coach congratulate a girl for nailing a skill. As the next person jumps in line, you think about your next skill. Aberdeen Gymnastics Association (AGA) is without a doubt an amazing place in Aberdeen. Whether you’re doing a back handspring, or you're doing a simple cartwheel, you will always find something to do. The best thing about AGA is the coaches. When you want to learn how to do a skill, the coaches will gladly help you. This is mainly for gymnasts with experience or someone with a desire to learn. AGA is truly an extraordinary place I enjoy in Aberdeen.

BY ISABELLA BRUCE

 The water is still, the whistle blows, the break is over, and every kid rushes into the pool. You hear laughter and splashes. You feel excitement and joy when you're at the Aberdeen Aquatic Center. I love swimming at the water park with all my friends. The food is amazing, and the water is cool. I love the ice cream there when it’s a hot summer day. The slides are entertaining, the lazy river is the best, and I love pushing my friends off the alligator. Altogether, the pool is an awesome place to go with friends and family.

BY J.J. MULLER

 You step onto the yellow brick road, with the green grass surrounding both sides, and see plush trees, numerous rides, and children laughing in joy. I have always loved the talking trees with the Wicked Witch of the Forest, in her massive castle looking down at me. StoryBook Land has roller coasters and playground parks everywhere for kids to play. When you walk around, you can see statues everywhere such as the Wizard Of Oz, Jack and The Beanstalk, and the knights guarding their castle while the prince saves the princess. There is “No place like Storybook Land”.

BY QUENTIN FRANKLIN

 Fish tanks bubbling. Water with colorful species of all shapes and sizes. Birds chirping and rabbits munching. Caleb's Aquatics is an amazing place for people of all ages to admire the animals while begging to get one. I love this place because I really enjoy animals, along with pets. Because of this, I try to visit frequently. The thrill you see in the children's eyes while they carry out a fish or maybe a hamster is so amazing. I have owned fish from there, and they are really special to me. That's why Caleb's Aquatics is a special place in Aberdeen.

BY LILLIAN FADNESS

 As I walk down to the beach, I can hear waves splashing onto the sand. A boat goes by with a tube following behind it, and you can hear the excited screams of the people riding it. This is an ideal summer day for me because I love Richmond Lake. I have lived right next to the lake my whole life, and I love to swim, fish, go tubing, and wakeboard any chance I get. There are also many other things you can do, like eat at Anchors Away, or watch the firework show on the Fourth of July. I love the lake, and that is just one thing that I love about living in Aberdeen.

BY ANNISTON BINDENAGEL

 Mrs. Geyer’s Block 2 class.

 “Yipee!” is what you hear when you arrive at Wylie Park. When you enter, there's golf, fishing, and Thunder Road. During the autumn, there's the Haunted Forest! The reason I appreciate Wylie Park is because every summer my family and I have a relaxing day fishing with my dad or a memorable day golfing with my mom. I might even go to Thunder Road on the water boats with my family. I also love Wylie Park because of the rides at Storybook Land. My favorite is the air balloon ride. Wylie Park is truly one of a kind, and I feel fortunate that we have this fun-filled attraction to visit.

BY LOGAN HEIER

 “One More Rep C’mon”. These are the words that I would say to my friends at the YMCA. The reason I go to the YMCA is to hang out with my friends, while working out, and we hype each other up. The YMCA means a lot to me because it’s about the only thing I can do that will help me with my sports ability. Another thing that means a lot to me is the quote up on the wall; it says, “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things, there is no law.” I truly appreciate the YMCA in our community.

BY BRODY KAAN

 You are sitting quietly painting when all of a sudden, you hear, “Boom tip tap”. You find yourself tapping your foot to the beat. The ARCC is such an inspiring place. It is what I look forward to most about the summer. It is a safe place to be your own creative person. One of the things I enjoy most about the ARCC is the teen art classes they provide. Making anything from pottery to paintings is what I enjoy. Not to mention, the staff there is delightful. We are truly blessed to have a wonderful place like this ARCC in Aberdeen.

BY ELLI DOCTER

 It’s game day at the Odde. The nets and pucks are on the ice and the players come charging. The stick strikes the puck and ‘Score’ the Aberdeen Wings are in the lead and the crowd jumps up and goes wild. The Odde is my favorite place in Aberdeen. I enjoy going to the Wings games with my dad every Friday. I like that the Odde gives me the opportunity to spend time with my dad. The Odde gives me an opportunity to be a part of a hockey team and to do something that I love.

BY MASON BREMER

 “YES! DRILL SERGEANT”, the recruits say as they are instructed to report to duty. These recruits are directly from the National Guard stationed here in Aberdeen, SD. Our National Guard Reserve Center is here to serve when duty calls. Some of these duties include serving on the front lines for the United States alongside activity duty forces if need be. They also provide food, water, and shelter during times of natural disasters, and protect our homeland when outside forces threaten us. I chose the Aberdeen National Guard because of my great interest in the forces and because the National Guard offers opportunities to aid and protect America. The National Guard is a great addition to the already great Aberdeen, the place I call home. This is why the National Guard is special to Aberdeen. “Always Ready, Always There”.

COLE MILLER

 Mrs. Geyer’s Block 3 class.

 Imagine you hear popcorn bubbling, people screaming, and zombies roaring. That's only a few of the spectacular things about the Haunted Forest. The Haunted Forest is a magical event that only happens once a year around October. This gruesome event includes many horrifying monsters, delicious food and drinks, and quality time with friends and family. The Haunted Forest only costs $15 for almost two hours of horrifying fun. During your adventure, you might come across zombies with chainsaws and people yelling for help, but if you're like me and love scary and gruesome adventures at night. I thoroughly enjoy this event, and I recommend you visit the Haunted Forest, too.

BY MOLLY PETERSON

 Walking and laughing are what you hear. It's Storybook Land, a magical place where my family and I go every year. Storybook Land has all of my favorite rhymes and movies. It is my favorite place to go in the summertime. It is nice to walk with my family there. My favorite ride is the Humpty Dumpty because I went on that ride a lot last summer. My cousins and I go on rides together. The first time that I went there was a couple of years ago, and it was really fun. I will definitely be going back to Storybook Land often because it makes me happy.

BY MYA SAINZ

 You walk into the Yapatorium and hear, “Hey, hey, hey”! The voices of the kids playing multiple games like PlayStation games, pool, etc., fill the air. The Yapatorium is an extremely fun place to go after school or at any time. You can go there with your friends or by yourself and play numerous entertaining games. It’s a very cool place to go with your friends. They have multiple competitions, like Fortnite and pool. In conclusion, the Yapatorium it’s an exciting place I frequent with my friends, and I appreciate having it here.

BY SHEFKET HYSENI

 “In Jesus' Name, Amen,” says the New Life Fellowship congregation as we end church in prayer. New Life Fellowship is a comforting church. It is almost like a second home to me. I can always talk to anyone at the church, and they will listen and share the Lord's word with me. Also, they will accept anyone new that walks into the church no matter what their background is. Once you get comfortable with the church, you will learn to take them in as family; you are surrounded by people that love you and care what you say. That is why New Life Fellowship is a treasure to me and Aberdeen.

BY SHAYLA UDELL

 VROOM! VROOM! The chainsaws roar through the night. People are screaming and yelling, and a long line stretches across the sidewalk. Welcome to the Haunted Forest, one popular event in Aberdeen. Walking through the forest at night, people are hidden and ready to scare with chainsaws and clown masks. The adrenaline I get when one of the actors comes out from behind or from the side scares me. The Haunted Forest happens once a year every October and going there with my friends is a blast. The first part of the trail is exhilarating, and I am always disappointed when it comes to an end.

BY HENRY HTOO

 Have you ever heard the whooshing sounds of rollercoasters, the happy screams of kids, or even the deep-fried food all around you? The Brown County Fair is my favorite attraction in Aberdeen because it keeps you entertained while the summer goes on. I enjoy the time on the rides and hanging out with my friends. I also like going to the fair because there are carnival games, and it is fun to win prizes. The fair is a fun place to go to in the summer because then I can see my friends before school starts.

BY LYKHAIJRYK LAWRENCE

"Tick", "Tock", "Tick", "Tock". Picture yourself in a jungle-themed room, panicking and frantically trying to beat the clock. All you need is one more key, and you’re out! This is how I feel when I’m at the Unravel Escape Room. My friends and I have celebrated my birthday there for the past few years. We love the thrill and exhilaration we get when we are trying to escape. It works our brains and really makes us think. The accomplished feeling you have if you escape is awesome. The Unravel Escape Room is an astounding place to visit.

BY AVA SCHAUNAMAN

 In Aberdeen, there are many places to go, but my favorite place is the Aquatic Center. The reason why it’s my favorite place to go in the summer is that there are many slides you can go on and diving boards, and even a tube slide that you can go down. Yes, there are like five or ten-minute breaks, but it’s worth it because it’s a place where you can be with friends and family and just have fun. There are many things to do. Of course, it’s a lot of walking from place to place, but it's worth it.

BY ANGEL BEARSHEART

 You walk through the double doors, and the scent of the most vivid smell hits your nose; it smells like heaven. You have just walked into the best dinner in Aberdeen, South Dakota, at Three22. This place can hold your best memories—the delicious food, the families all around. I have some of my best moments here, even with me and my family celebrating my sister finally coming back from her college classes in Texas. Also, my grandparents leave and go to Arizona. Sounds fun, right? You can just escape the winter, but every time they leave, we go to Three22 to say goodbye.

BY CARTER BOARD

 Ms. Bergan’s Block 1 class.

 On a cold October night, you can hear chainsaws and people screaming in the forest. You get in line, and once you get to the front of the line, your palms start to sweat. With adrenaline pumping through your body, you prepare to be scared. The Haunted Forest and Wylie Park are two of the scariest and most exhilarating things to do around Halloween. I like going with my friends, and I always have lots of fun. My favorite part is the beginning, because the first couple of times you get scared, it's very exciting.

BY CODY KIESZ

 The YAPAtorium makes Aberdeen special because it is fun and free to go to. They have all sorts of things to do, such as a PS5, gaming PCs, and even VR. They also have things like billiards and other activities like gaming tournaments and scavenger hunts. I know that not a lot of people go here or even know about it, but to me, it makes Aberdeen different. They let the teens be in control and make their own decisions there. YAPA is for teens, by teens. I don’t know any other place like it, and it is really unique.

BY LEVI EDWARDS

 Dacotah Prairie Museum is a step into the past, over 100 years ago. I think the Prairie Museum is one of the best things to do in Aberdeen. It is a place that I love to go to learn about and explore the vast history of South Dakota. The second I walk in, I see friendly faces and history all around me. I always look forward to the animal exhibits being put back out again. One of the coolest things, in my opinion, is to see realistic representations of animals that you don't see every day. The Dacotah Prairie Museum truly helps bring history to life before your eyes.

BY MARCIS WILSON

 The sounds of arcade games, the feeling of a laser gun I had so much fun! Allevity was a familyfriendly place for my friends and family to enjoy some quality time together! Allevity ranges from many arcade games, foods, and rewards. I heard so much excitement here! Allevity features many things in its cozy environment. When I went with my dad, the best food there was definitely their sandwiches and pizza! Drinks are also offered at Allevity. I chose the hot chocolate for its festiveness. That is only a briefing on Allevity from when I went, but it was one memory I’ll never forget!

BY MARCUS PLUMMER

 Every Friday in the summer I walk into the Brown County Speedway, hearing people talking while getting food and hearing race cars' engines roaring. I see little kids with sound-canceling headphones and kids cheering on the race car drivers. When I’m there, I get a feeling of excitement coursing through my body. Watching kids try to catch the candy falling from the flag stand and hearing the announcer announce who won the bike drawing. I have been going to the Brown County Speedway ever since I was little, so it has become an essential part of my life and is one of my favorite things to do on the weekends in Aberdeen.

BY KYRA HEUPEL

 Right as you walk in, you smell the fresh smell of snacks. I always see joyful people skating and having fun playing arcade games. I walk around on carpet along the snack bar, past disco balls and colorful lights going everywhere. Kids are winning prizes with their tickets they got from winning arcade games. It’s very fun. It's family friendly, a great place for birthday parties or even just a family evening. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The DJ does a great job playing songs and playing everyone’s favorites. And if I want to take a break from skating, there are plenty of things to do.

BY ELLISA WOODEN KNIFE

 Waves crashing against the dock's side, music booming from speakers, rumbling engines, and sizzling food on the grill are all audible. You may wonder, "What are you talking about?". I'm referring to Richmond Lake. I frequently watch individuals wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. I also frequently see visitors at the state park, on the beaches, pontoons, speedboats, and bike paths. The air is thick with the scent of campfires and barbecues. Because I enjoy going swimming and tubing with my pals, I am looking forward to visiting Richmond this summer. It is how I would choose to pass a sunny day.

BY HENRY BIEGLER

 Ms. Bergan’s Block 2 class.

 You might be thinking, "What’s so unique about Aberdeen?" Well, we have many different fun places to go to, like, for example, Storybook Land. Many kids love to go there because you can see animals and enjoy enjoyable rides! Kids like to go to Storybook Land and should visit Storybook Land too! I love to go to Storybook Land because of the food and rides like the Humpty Dumpty roller coaster. This is one of the many places that make Aberdeen so unique.

BY HSA SOE

 The variety of activities available at Richmond Lake is one thing I like. A nice area to hang out with friends is Richmond. Fishing is one of my favorite activities. I fish all day and all night with family and friends. The walleye fishing in Richmond is excellent. I got a 26-inch fish. There, one of my friends caught a 25-inch walleye. Walleye. I also like to eat at a Richmond restaurant after a long day of fishing. I also enjoy getting my boat out on the water and tearing around on it. To me, Aberdeen wouldn't be the same without Richmond.

BY JACKSON MERCER

 When’s the last time you let your creativity flow? Downtown in our town, Aberdeen, come to Colorful Creations! When you walk in, the staff will greet you with a smile and ask what you would like to do. You’ll see young and old artists having fun making and painting clay dinnerware. You don’t think you’re an artist? You don’t have to be! The staff will walk you step-by-step through how to create your masterpiece if you ask. You don’t even need a reservation! Every time I want to make a home-made gift, I go to Colorful Creations!

BY JENNIFER ROEKER

 Imagine going to your backyard and seeing the sun setting right over a slowly flowing creek. Sounds beautiful, right? My neighborhood allows me to go to the creek in the field behind my house. During the winter, I go on the creek and mess around on it, and when the ice is thick enough, we take the snowmobile on the ice. I don’t swim in it though; it is mostly for looks and to walk on in winter. I love the creek, and I’ve lived over there for 7 years, so it has also been a huge part of my childhood.

BY JOVEE WALDO

 You are walking down the yellow brick road with your family, and your siblings are running around! You are at the only Storybook Land in the U.S. Thousands of people visit each year to learn about the Wizard of Oz and the characters from nursery rhymes. Alongside that, you may want to take a spin on the balloon ride or on Humpty Dumpty's roller coaster. Whenever I get hungry, I make my way to one of the two concession stands. When I’m there, I always get my favorite pretzel with cheese, along with more goodies. I look forward to the park's opening every spring.

BY LASEN REDINGER

 With the sound of the roaring crowd vibrating through your body, the way the cast seems to bounce onto the stage to bow. These are the feelings I get when I visit the Aberdeen Capitol Theater. Not to be overzealous here, but it’s an amazing way to spend an afternoon. It's always great when I see one of my friends walk onto the stage. Personally, the whole show is convivial. When the splendor ends, there’s a mixture of slight melancholia and excitement. Taking everything into account, the Aberdeen Capitol Theater is one of my favorite places to go in Aberdeen.

BY JADA VOLK

 You can hear the booming, loud music as you approach the Odee Ice Arena and the audience is getting excited. Every weekend I look forward to seeing the Wings play and getting to spend time with my friends and family while watching the most thrilling game. When I attend a Wings game, I enjoy the energy of the crowd's constant yelling at the referees and watching the puck enter the goal as the crowd erupts and goes wild. Attending a Wings game in Aberdeen is always the best experience.

BY MASON ARNOTT

 Click, Click. This sound is the sound of the credits. Those are some of the sounds that you will hear at the Golden Ticket Cinemas. The Golden Ticket Cinemas are now a new and updated movie theater compared to what used to be there. This movie theater is where you can hang out with your friends. The seats are also very comfortable, so your back does not hurt after you leave. I personally go there a lot with my mom to see movies. The most recent movie I saw was Sing 2. This is my favorite part of Aberdeen.

BY WILL BOYNTON

 Whoo. The whistle blows, and the server serves the ball over the net. The crowd cheers wildly as a long rally ends and their team gets the point. One of my favorite things to do in Aberdeen is go to Matchbox. I always look forward to going to practices and tournaments. When you go to practices and tournaments, you're with people from neighboring towns. Matchbox has volleyball camps for all ages, and they are really helpful with improving your skills. I am very thankful for Matchbox because without them, my skills wouldn’t have improved to what they are now.

BY JULIA MALSOM

 For more entries, visit aberdeeninsider.com

 Ms. Bergan’s Block 3 class.

What’s in a Photo?

A closer look into our history.

by TROY MCQUILLEN

Whenever I come across a historic photo of Aberdeen, I scan it at a very high resolution so that I can zoom in and look at the people, the attire, the vehicles, and the activity. I have had this photo for many years not knowing what it was depicting. As you can see, there is a very large flagpole in front of the Milwaukee Depot on Main Street. A search of newspaper databases revealed information to me that I believe describe this event. Over the next few pages, you’ll see photo enlargements taken from just this one photo. There is a lot to look at, and we have enlarged some scenes from the original photo.

The day was Friday, June 14, 1918, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. It was flag day. This photo depicts a flag raising ceremony that took place at noon. The day before, The Aberdeen Daily News reported: Aberdeen will unite tomorrow in the observation of Flag Day with the Milwaukee officials and employees of Aberdeen. A big ceremony and flag raising at the Milwaukee depot…with addresses and other features, will mark the day in the Hub. The flag pole, eighty feet in height, was set into the ground on the depot lawn by men this morning. The celebration tomorrow will be held at 12 o’clock and the city officials, recruiting officers, school children and others

of Aberdeen will participate, as well as the Milwaukee force here.

The article goes on to say that the Milwaukee Railroad is holding pledge celebrations across the county to mark its commitment and cooperation to help the government win the war. World War One would end five months later. The flag being flown in the picture was sent over from the trenches and had been waving over US troops in France.

Songs were sung, the pledge of allegiance was said, and according to the Aberdeen Daily

American, H.C. Jewett delivered a “stirring four minute talk in which he spoke of the principles for which the flag stood. He said the crowd assembled was paying tribute to the greatest flag of the greatest country on earth…Washington and his men gave to us liberty; Lincoln preserved it, and Wilson, with God’s help was going to preserve and give it to all the world.” This division of the Milwaukee Railroad

had bought $170,000 worth of war bonds and the men were commended for transporting troops across the country. Even before the Pheasant Canteen, Aberdeen was playing a significant part in a global war. The day ended with an appeal that everyone would be loyal in every word and deed. So, what’s in a photo? The community of Aberdeen coming together to help win a world war. //

Modern Short-Stay Rentals Draw Aberdeen Visitors Downtown

Historic building gets breath of fresh décor

photography and story by TROY MCQUILLEN

 This is the second short-stay unit the Pochops created. The first, right down the hall, opened in 2021. This one was completed at the beginning of this year.

Many will recall Carly Pochop’s creative art studio on Eighth Avenue NE called Colorful Creations. There she built a steady following of artists, crafters, and hobbyists. But in 2018, she and her husband Cory were attracted to the downtown area due to increased foot traffic and a vibe of revitalization. They purchased a white glazed terra cotta building at 207 south Main (formerly Jan’s Ceramics) and relocated Colorful Creation in Aberdeen’s historic core. During a facelift of the building (purchased, renovated, and sold by Downtown Aberdeen Revitalization Team, or DART), the original business sign was discovered, revealing the building’s date and original owner. The name is A. Olander, and the store was a fine men’s wear shop when it opened in 1912. After a run at several downtown endeavors, a pregnant Carly decided to slow down and focus on the family. She sold Colorful Creations in 2021, but she and Cory retained the building, for which they had major plans.

Instead of traditional leased apartments, they went a different direction. They decided to convert them to short-stay rentals and advertise them on online services like Airbnb. They still went through a major backbreaking renovation of the units, stripping away 100 years of patina, wall coverings, and modern amenities from the 1970s. Carly says they furnished the units with things she would love to have in her home if the short-term rental plan doesn’t work out. They now have two finely appointed, historic-modern, hip rental units for visitors to Aberdeen. //

 The Pochop family is Carly (with baby number 4 on the way), Weston (5), Remi (3), Willow (1), and Cory.

 An odd fact about the Pochop’s Olander building is that it no longer has a staircase within its own walls. At some point the staircase in the Engels Event Center, known as the Firey Building, provided, and continues to provide, access to the second floor of both buildings.

 Guests love the comfy home like feel and love being within walking distance of a lot of great places here in Aberdeen.

 It was important to retain elements that spoke to the building’s history while giving them a good polishing.

 Cory and Carly believed some of the material covering the brick wall was installed when the building was built in 1912, so the brick had never seen sunlight.

 Carly said, “It was a ton of work to renovate this space. The hardest part was tearing down the 3 layers covering the brick wall and carrying buckets of plaster, lath, and drywall down 32 stairs for weeks. It was a good workout.”

 The Pochops were surprised that guests come here from all over the country. They have a little notebook where guests can write a note or two, and they have sat down and read through all of the notes.

BookClub

Not sure what book to pick up next? K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library’s Assistant Director Cara Perrion has got you covered. Whether you’re an avid reader or picking up a book for the first time in years, these picks will help readers of all ages find the next adventure to get lost in.

We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship

Will Schwalbe’s We Should Not Be Friends: The Story of a Friendship, is more than a memoir of two Ivy League graduates who stayed in touch for over forty years. At first glance, the concept of this book seems light and funny. Two young men of opposite personalities become friends for life. The end. However, that’s just the beginning. Will Schwalbe and Chris Maxey were both asked to join a Yale secret society that encouraged members to engage with people who are completely different than themselves and learn to be vulnerable as well as accepting of others. After two dinners a week, several autobiographical presentations, and spending a lot of time together, Will and Maxey broke down barriers and learned from one another’s

by Will Schwalbe

life experiences and a friendship began. Schwalbe wrote, “From the start it was clear that Maxey and I should not be friends. What was less obvious was that I was much more prejudiced against him than he was against me.” Like most relationships, their friendship ebbed and flowed but was always connected by a common thread of the importance of being friends with people who are not like us, to push our boundaries of acceptance and vulnerability, and to continue to learn and encourage one another. This meaningful book is a bit philosophical, heartwarming, and yes, a tad humorous. A memoir of friendship at its core but evidence of how enriching and important relationships can be to one’s life. No matter how unlikely.

I Will Find You

by Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben’s latest standalone novel, I Will Find You, is a fast-paced thriller that will have you holding your breath as you turn the pages. The story opens with a man serving a life sentence for killing his son. He, of course, claims his innocence even though he has no memory of the night his son was murdered. Quickly there is a twist as a visitor shows him a picture with a boy who looks just like his son in the background. Suddenly this story turns from murder mystery to a prison escape, kidnapping, and before

THRILLER

it ends, back to a murder mystery. The reader will encounter some very shady characters and some good characters who chose to do bad things for all the right reasons. This is an action packed read with several plot twists, good bad guys, and like all Coben novels, that thread of hope that justice will be awarded. If you are a long time Coben fan, you will not be disappointed and I dare say, this could possibly be his best to date. If you are new to Coben, prepare yourself for an adventurous read with characters you will never forget. //

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