Aberdeen Magazine September/October 2020

REGULARS

04 FROM THE EDITOR

06 BUZZ

Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen.

14 CALENDAR

Never miss an event in the Hub City.

FEATURES

16 JUST A BOY AND HIS MOOSE

Local sixth grader Rylan Cooper is set to become a published author!

18 AN EXCHANGING OF IDEAS FOR COMMUNITY

The Exchange Club of Aberdeen commits to many service projects throughout the year, but most of their time is spent raising awareness for the prevention of child abuse.

20 GIVING BACK IN A TIME OF NEED

COVID-19 has changed many plans for non-profits. United Way has put its best effort into making sure these local charities continue to provide aid to their communities.

22 BUILDING BUSINESS IN HUB CITY

Kelly Weaver is the go-to woman when starting a business in Aberdeen. She has the know-how, skills, and connections to help get any business off the ground.

24 BIRD IS THE WORD

The Aberdeen Pheasants Forever chapter has created the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition to keep the tradition of hunting in Brown County.

28 SOUP’S ON

Get in the kitchen and celebrate the harvest this autumn with two festive and delicious soup recipes!

32 FEEDING ABERDEEN’S GROWTH

From family owned to industry giants, precision ag is the leading standard in farming technology today.

38 SPANISH FLU IN ABERDEEN

It’s hard to understand a pandemic when living through one, but looking back to Aberdeen in 1918, one may find history repeating itself in the Spanish Flu pandemic.

44 FIXING UP OUR FIRST HOME

Take an inside look at what the first-time home buying experience was like for Stephanie and Jordan and how they’ve renovated their first home together.

52 IT TAKES A TEAM

Aberdeen has a rich history of athletic greatness. Explore some of the greatest coaches and athletes to ever be a part of sports in Hub City.

58 BACK TO SCHOOL FIELD GUIDE

School will be different for kids this year. To ease this transition, local clinical psychologist Mandy Reed offers advice on checking in on kids’ mental health.

62 HOME SWEET HOME

In part five of our Aberdeen 2020 series, Aberdeen’s growth rate is steadily increasing, but is the housing market providing enough opportunity to match this growth?

68 TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from you!

Feelin’ our content? You really should subscribe ;-) Do it now at aberdeenmag.com/subscribe

FALL SOUPS

COVER

Looking for a new recipe to try? This Roasted Tomato Soup is not like other soups. Its rich and thick, and its gorgeous orange color is the perfect compliment to fall. Dip a grilled cheese or some crusty bread into this soup and you’ll think twice about reaching for a can of soup ever again. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

oesn’t that soup on the cover look tasty? I can personally tell you it is! To celebrate the upcoming fall harvest, and to help cope with the upcoming colder seasons, we featured Roasted Tomato Soup on the cover. It’s the perfect meal to get cozy with on a cold night. You can find this delicious recipe and another tasty soup on page 28.

We are keeping up with the outdoorsmen as the local Pheasants Forever chapter is busy with the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition. Find out how thousands of acres are being enrolled in the program on page 24. Have you ever wondered how farmers utilize modern technology to get the biggest yields? In an in depth look at precision agriculture, learn how both local farms and co-ops are using the tech on page 32.

Karlie Spiry MANAGING EDITOR

Housing is a priority in Aberdeen. Whether you are a first time home buyer or simply curious about the market, we’ve got you covered. First time home buying is a huge commitment. Learn how Stephanie and Jordan made the transition from rental life to owning and renovating their first home on page 42. In the next installment of our Aberdeen 2020 series, we look at how Aberdeen is addressing housing on page 58.

We have so much wonderful Aberdeen content in store for you, and as you flip through these pages, learn about all the great businesses that are on the comeback from COVID-19 closures and the people who are working towards making Aberdeen a fantastic place to work and live.

Finish your readthrough of the magazine with a Halloween-inspired comic by our very own Eliot Lucas! Have a laugh with the Aberdabber on page 68.

I do have one special announcement for our September/October issue. In cooperation with McQuillen Creative Group and University of Aberdeen Branded Apparel, I have the privilege of announcing a special photo contest taking place for a grand prize of $500! Here’s what you have to do to enter for your chance to win:

• Take a photo of yourself, kids, pets, friends, etc. in front of the new Greetings from Aberdeen billboard (see page 12) on the south side of the McQuillen Building at 423 South Main Street.

• Post the photo on Aberdeen Magazine’s Facebook and Instagram pages with the #GreetingsFromAberdeen hashtag.

• On September 30, one random winner will be drawn and announced on the magazine’s Facebook and Instagram pages and will receive the $500!

CONTRIBUTORS

 JENIFER FJELSTAD is a journalism and French major studying at Augustana University. In her free time, she enjoys dancing in hip-hop and pom styles with the Augustana Spirit Squad.

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

 JENNY ROTH is a writer who loves this beautiful, windy corner of South Dakota. She and her husband farm near the Hosmer area and are raising three daughters. She is the former Managing Editor of Aberdeen Magazine.

MANAGING EDITOR

Karlie Spiry

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jenifer Fjelstad

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen

DESIGN

Eliot Lucas

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 SUBMISSIONS

Aberdeen Magazine welcomes your input. Message us your story ideas, drop off historic photos, or stop in for a chat. Email us at: troy@mcquillencreative.com

WEBSITE

www.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.

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.

Facebook @AberdeenMagazine INSTAGRAM @aberdeenmagazine

 SUSAN SCRUPSKI is a writer, filmmaker, advocate, and publisher. She enjoyed a long career in the tech industry, and now spends her free time photographing the beautiful South Dakota landscape.

 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.

www.mcquillencreative.com

 STEPHANIE LUDENS is a video producer for McQuillen Creative Group and Countryside Productions. Her passions are graphic design, photography, and video.

Malchow’s Moves On

Early in June, longtime Aberdeen furnishing store Malchow’s was bought by Montgomery’s, a family owned furniture store chain based out of Sioux Falls. Since 1945, Malchow’s has helped Aberdeen citizens decorate and furnish their homes. Montgomery’s, which has been around since the 1880s, plans to offer the same services and more. Their Aberdeen location will be in the vacant Office Max building between Target and Walmart and is set to open in 2021. A retirement sale is planned for Tom Malchow in the new location. The new business intends to hire a 8-10 person staff, and Mark Malchow will take over as a managing partner in 2021. // -

Karlie Spiry

Give the Gift of Buying Local

At South Dakota Gift Baskets Unlimited, only the best South Dakota made products are sold. From a variety of game salami and meat sticks, top quality cheeses, jams, and syrups, to locally sourced pancake mix, kuchens, and candies, they have something for everyone to enjoy. For the past 25 years, Jan Webber has worked tirelessly to source these local products and to celebrate South Dakota. This year, more South Dakota made honey products, as well as wing sauces, and a new goat milk and honey lotion are being added to the online store. To shop South Dakota Gift Baskets Unlimited, visit www.sdbaskets.com, or make an appointment with Jan to see the Mina-based location by calling (605) 225-7262. //

- Karlie Spiry

Great Plains Bank’s Successful Century

Very few businesses can tout a century of success, but for Great Plains Bank, 2020 marks 100 years being one of the only locally owned banks in the Aberdeen Area and in South Dakota. Back in 1920, Dr. Otto H. Gerdes helped charter Guaranty State Bank in Eureka, but things quickly turned bad in its first decade of operation. After saving the bank, Dr. Gerdes became the first president of Great Plains Bank. His family members joined him in working towards creating a local bank many could depend on. Fast forward to 2020, and the bank still believes in being a dependable resource for everyone’s banking needs. Plans for a celebration are on hold for the time being. // -

Karlie Spiry

The Puck Stops Here

The puck skids across the ice into the goal: what a close shot! Wait, did that really just happen? With the Wings’ new 18’ by 10’ video board, fans can watch important replays easily. Aaron Smith, director of operations for the Wings, says the backlit projector screen on the west end of the Odde Ice Center means gameday excitement from fan interaction, commercials, and player introductions. The Daktronics board is ready now for next season. Each off-season, the Odde family renovates more of the arena, like adding the light and smoke show. Aberdeen’s team anticipates an October 9 start date to their 60-game season. // - Jeni

Fjelstad

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Great Plains Bank is located at 3915 Sixth Avenue Southeast in Aberdeen, with more locations in Eureka and Egan, South Dakota. Photo courtesy of Great Plains Bank.

 Montgomery’s has plans to expand the former Office Max building to double its size before the store opens.

 The Mina-based store has a variety to choose from when it comes to selecting the finest South Dakota made products.

 The new Daktronics board is ready for the Wings’ season opener on October 9. Photo courtesy of the Odde Ice Center. Photo provided by Aaron Smith.

Cone-gratulations, Twist Cone

Another Aberdeen icon celebrated a milestone anniversary in July. Twist Cone held a weeklong celebration to commemorate its half century of business in Hub City. Highlights of the week included a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of America in which $750 was raised, an all-employees reunion, a special performance from Funky Al and the Gators, and tons of ice cream fun! Twist Cone opened in Aberdeen in 1970 at its iconic 503 North Third Street location. Twist Cone closes for its summer season at the end of October so be sure to stop by for the best ice cream in town before it’s too late. // -

Karlie

Haggerty’s Services are Instrumental

Haggerty’s music store opened in June to offer equipment, repair, rental, and expert advice. Top requests based on the Rapid location stock the store, from the low budget starter to expensive custom instruments. Owner Marcus LaVake, who grew up in Redfield, opened this branch of his Rapid City-based business here in 30 days from conception to launch. Logan Schumacher jumped onboard to be an expert in repair. For lessons, Haggerty’s sends musicians to Dakota Music Academy, and in turn, Andrew Grendpre and other academy staff work in the store. The staff is full and prepared for a school-year influx of eager young musicians. Any service or item not available in Aberdeen is only a quick shipment away from the larger Rapid City store. // -

Jeni Fjelstad

 Contact Haggerty’s at haggertysaberdeen@gmail.com or (605) 262-0326 and find them at 22 2nd Avenue Southeast.

An Alternative Place to Shop

West Oak brings a different edge to the fashion community of Aberdeen. The store offers clothing with rock and roll, boho, and southwest styles that are inclusive in size from small to 3X in tops and 0 to 22 in jeans. West Oak is also an alternative store that sells crystals, incense, herbs for teas and home use, and home décor. Owner Allison Carda said, “I noticed Aberdeen didn’t have a store dedicated to these kinds of items, and I knew there had to be a demand for one.” Located in the Uptown Aberdeen Mall, West Oak is focused on inclusion. Allison says people from all walks of life are welcomed to the store. For product updates, check out West Oak’s Facebook page. // - Karlie Spiry

Ship Shape for the Summer

Making sure you have the best equipment to enjoy time at the lake is a top priority for Mason Dinger and Matt and Kelly Harr of Helm Marine. The full-service marine dealership sells Avalon and Premier Pontoons along with Crestliner, YarCraft and BasCat fishing boats. Helm Marine also offers a full service and repair of all boat, jet ski, dock, and lift brands. Recently, Pacifica Hot tubs were added to their product lineup as well as Ice Castle fishing campers. An intown location is open at 305 South Brown County Road 19, but their service location is open at 379970 North Shore Drive South in Aberdeen. For more information, call Helm Marine at (605) 225-1250. // -

Karlie Spiry

Spiry

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Alongside Twisty are the owners past and present of Twist Cone: Rod Eikamp (2nd owner), Ann Vetch (original owner), and Sandy and Lee Klitzke (current owners). Photo provided by Jennifer Klitzke.

 Marcus LaVake, owner of Haggerty’s Music, along with the rest of the staff at the music store, offer a variety of services when it comes to instruments.

 Unique and eclectic, West Oak offers a variety of fashion that is size inclusive as well as unique home décor.

 Helm Marine’s sales address is at 305 South Brown County Road 19.

Waving the Best in Aberdeen

Making the Old New Again

A hidden trove of antique treasures can be found at JB’s Country Store in the Uptown Aberdeen Mall. The antique furniture shop specializes in upcycled, refurbished, handcrafted, rescued, vintage, antique, and new furniture. “We like to bring the old back to life,” said owner Jordan Breeding. For those looking to add a little bit of character to their home, JB’s has something for everyone. JB’s Country Store is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and closed on Sundays to go picking for the upcoming week. To see previews of what they have in stock, head on over to their Facebook page at JB’s Country Store. // -

Karlie Spiry

Dacotah Prairie Museum at 50

From Museum Director Patricia Kendall, “The Dacotah Prairie Museum celebrates 50 years as Brown County’s premier history museum this October. Over the decades, the museum has been a storehouse for the county’s collective memory and has provided exceptional archival, research, exhibit, and educational services. The museum is housed in the historic Northwestern Bank building built in 1889, a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s vibrant downtown district. The museum was established in 1969 and found its permanent home at 21 South Main Street in October 1970.” Stay tuned for updates to help the museum celebrate their anniversary and join them as they make their way toward a century of providing Brown County a historic home. // -

Karlie Spiry

Many were seemingly unaware of Aberdeen’s old city flag until recently when Hub City’s new branding campaign unveiled the new city flag. “The old flag, which was chosen as the winner of a design contest the Exchange Club hosted in the '80s, features yellow details on a blue background. The old flag pays homage to the railroad’s integral part in the city’s founding. The new flag reflects the campaign, “Changing the Game,” and was designed by Pinned Workshop. While paying respect to Aberdeen’s past, the new city flag represents Aberdeen’s growth for the future. Both flags are vastly different in design, but they both represent the best of Aberdeen. //

-Karlie Spiry

Mall Rebrands to Uptown

For three decades, Aberdeen has enjoyed the benefits of having a diverse mall. The stores have changed often over the years, but for 2020, it’s the name of the mall itself that will change. In a rebranding effort from RockStep Capital, the business that owns the mall in Aberdeen, as well as several others in surrounding states, the change stems from the word ‘mall’ not fully being associated with shopping anymore. “Uptown helps evoke the spirit of these properties and continues the positive momentum that has allowed for a powerful revitalization occurring in smaller communities,”

said Andy Weiner, CEO of RockStep Capital. // - Karlie Spiry

 Located in the Uptown Aberdeen Mall in the former Footlocker location, JB’s Country Store has something for everyone.

 Aberdeen’s new flag represents how we are “Changing the Game” to continue our town’s future growth.

 In 1969, the museum was temporarily housed at the Anderson Recreation Center. But Fred Hatterscheidt offered up the 21 South Main location in 1970, and the museum has been there since.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Thirty years after opening in Aberdeen, the mall will be known as the Uptown Aberdeen Mall.

High End Boutique Makes a Comeback

Fashionable mother-daughter duo Jo Dee and Kiernan McCranie opened Skal Moon in February.

“With the closing of so many department and clothing stores over the years, we saw a need here for a place to buy clothes we love to wear and a place to buy men’s clothes, especially dress shirts, ties, and shoes,” said Jo Dee. The store sells high end fashion and accessories. Recently, new baby gift items and christening gowns were added to the store. After only being open for a month, COVID-19 forced the boutique to close. June 19 was the new reopening for the store, and both Jo Dee and Kiernan are happy to be open for business once more. Skal Moon is located at 3828 Seventh Avenue Southeast in Suite E. in front of Walmart. // - Karlie Spiry

Greetings from Aberdeen

Downtown Aberdeen is fast becoming the new center for welcoming visitors to the Hub City. Malchow Plaza is underway as the construction workers build towards completion. But across the street, a new art visual has been installed at the McQuillen Building. In the style of a large letter postcard, citizens and visitors of Aberdeen who make the trip up Main Street are greeted by the new signage “Greetings from Aberdeen”. The new stretched canvas, which measures 14’ x 8’, adds an extra dose of Aberdeen flair to the downtown sector. Each letter was personally designed by Aberdeen native Troy McQuillen and features an iconic Aberdeen sight. Stop by 423 South Main Street to see the new billboard and even take your picture in front of it for a chance to win $500 (see page 4). // - Karlie Spiry

Rep Hub City

The City of Aberdeen is well known for its two college campuses. Dozens of fans of each school rep merch to show support. Now it’s Aberdeen’s turn to have an apparel line of its own for people to show their support for the city. University of Aberdeen is a collegiate-inspired apparel line that is 100% locally designed and produced. It’s all about keeping it in the community to support the community. A few clothing designs and a sleek looking beverage glass are currently available online, but new designs are announced regularly. The online store offers flat rate shipping to anywhere in the country. To shop University of Aberdeen Branded Apparel, visit universityofaberdeensd.com

// - Karlie Spiry

Aberdeen’s Plans for COVID Fund

When Governor Kristi Noem visited our community in June, she brought news of the South Dakota Local Government COVID Recovery Fund. This fund was established to help communities throughout South Dakota as they continue to work through the ongoing pandemic. Aberdeen is eligible for up to $6,388,224 in recovery costs, but Noem says this money cannot go towards recovering business losses. The money from this fund can go towards Personal Protective Equipment, extra testing supplies and equipment, shelters for those who become exposed to the virus, and emergency responses that require overtime. Mayor Travis Schaunaman says the money will go towards buying Personal Protective Equipment and towards covering the cost of overtime for the Aberdeen Police Department. // - Karlie Spiry

 Skal Moon is a high end boutique with small town service. Jo Dee and Kiernan are always ready to help customers look their best.  Represent

 Governor Kristi Noem delivers news about the COVID Recovery Fund.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Visit the new billboard to test your knowledge of Aberdeen icons.

SEPT

AAUW/DKG BOOK SALE

September 10 - 11, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

September 12, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Milwaukee Depot

 Booklovers can gather to find and buy already-loved books. Masks required. Used book donations by September 7.

 (605) 225-6713

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

September 10

5:15 - 7:00 PM

CashWa Distributing

$15 members, $20 non-members

 Mingle with business owners and hear from a leader in local business. RSVP in advance.

 (605) 225-2860

MEDIUMSHIP GALLERY WITH TANIA RAE

September 11

7:30 - 9:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

$35

 Spiritual Psychic Medium Tania Rae shares messages from the departed. www.eventbrite.com

AAHS RESCUE RUN

September 12

8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Brown County Fairgrounds

Registration is required

 Join the Humane Society at the Brown County Fair Grounds for the furriest 5K/10K run/walk around! Tickets available at www.anewleashonlife.net

HUB CITY HOEDOWN

SKATE COMPETITION

September 12

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Melgaard Skate Park

$10

 The Hub City Hoedown is a multi-discipline skate, scooter, and rollerblade competition for 18 and under.

 (605) 626-3595

FREEDOM FEST

PARKING LOT PARTY

September 12

2:00 - 11:00 PM

Dakota Event Center General admission $40, VIP $100

 Let loose outside the DEC at this surprise concert with food and vendors available.

www.dakotaeventcenter.com

HOLISTIC

SPRING RENEWAL

September 13

2:00 - 5:00 PM

Fit and Fire Studios $25 per session or $60 for all three

 Ayurveda, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tibetan and Crystal Bowl Sound Vibration therapy combine for a healing afternoon.

 (605) 290-4947

SOUTH DAKOTA

FILM FESTIVAL

September 17 - 26

All day

Online event

Free event

 See and discuss Great Plains region films in a virtual version of the yearly film festival. www.southdakotafilmfest.org

SOUTH DAKOTA

DISK GOLF STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

September 19 - 20

All day

Richmond Lake Disc Golf Course Free event

 Enter in this statewide tournament to see if your disking skills have what it takes.

 (605) 228-7812

 Gypsy Day Parade

 South Dakota Disk Golf State Championships

WINE WALK

September 24

5:00 - 8:00 PM

The Workshop to other participating downtown businesses

$30 in advance, $40 at the door

 Pick up your souvenir wine glass at The Workshop and stroll to other businesses for wine and beer tastings, shopping bargains, and other treats. Proceeds help Art on Main Street. www.aberdeendowntown.org

BROWN CO. REPUBLICAN

LINCOLN DAY DINNER

September 25

6:00 - 9:00 PM

Best Western Ramkota

Tickets: $40.00, Student: $25.00, Table (8 seats): $320.00

 The rescheduled 2020 Brown County Lincoln Day Dinner featuring guest speaker Senator Mike Rounds.

 Contact Katie Washnok for tickets (605) 645-8790

NSU HALL OF FAME BANQUET

September 25

5:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

Free event

 Northern inducts five alumni and two coaches into the 2020 Hall of Fame. www.northern.edu

 Jerrod Niemann and Lee Brice will play at the Freedom Fest Parking Lot Party

NSU GYPSY DAY PARADE

September 26 9:00 AM

Main Street

Free event

 Celebrate the “Howling 2020s” at the biggest parade in the state with bands, floats, and free goodies. www.northern.edu/campus-life/

gypsy-days

17TH ANNUAL ABERDEEN CUP

September 26 - 27

Tee times depend on play type.

Lee Park Golf Course and Moccasin Creek Country Club

 Aberdeen golfers tee off for a weekend tournament, players party, and served meals. www. moccasincreekcc.com/

Golf_Events

OCT

October 3

Pre-Event at 4:30 PM

Grand Tasting at 6:00 PM

Boys & Girls Club

VIP $100 or $65 for Grand Tasting

 The fundraiser event includes live and silent auctions, wine tastings, and hors d'oeuvres.

 (605) 225-8714

PUMPKIN PATCH FOR KIDS

October 6

12:00 - 3:00 PM

Centennial Village

Free will donation

 Kids 10 and under can pick a pumpkin, ride the barrel train, eat a hot dog, and get their faces painted.

www.aberdeen.sd.us

SD SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NORTHEAST AREA

BOWLING TOURNAMENT

October 16

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Village Bowl

Free event

 Special Olympics hosts singles bowling, register by October 1.

 (605) 228-4972

NORTHERN SOUTH

DAKOTA PHEASANTS

FOREVER FALL SHOOTOUT

October 16

City Lights

 This night of fun and games, raffles, and live and silent auctions helps kick off the start of pheasant season.

www.pheasantsforever.org

PHEASANT SEASON OPENER

October 17

All day

All across South Dakota

 It’s the official start of Pheasant Season!

THE HANDMADE MARKET

October 19

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

Free event

 This shopping event gathers vendors of handmade items, farmer’s market goods, and unique décor. The Handmade Market on Facebook.

TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN STREET

October 31

3:00 - 5:30 PM

Downtown Businesses

Free event

 Pirate parents, toddler ghosts, baby pumpkins, or whatever your family is this year can creep door to door downtown for a safe trick or treat.

www.aberdeendowntown.org

HALLOWEEN FREE SKATE DAY

October 31

3:45 - 6:15 PM

Odde Ice Arena

Free event

Located in Aberdeen Mall Facebook.com/FuzeSD

A boutique and metaphysical store dedicated to the eclectics.

Mall Wednesday

in

september/october 2020 ABERDEEN MAGAZINE 15

Just a Boy and His Moose

Local sixth grader’s book teaches kids about gratitude.

by JENI FJELSTAD

From Dog Man to The Last Kids on Earth, sixth grader Rylan Cooper has been collecting books from Scholastic fairs for his bedroom bookshelves his whole life. The avid reader learned in May his book about a cranky teen moose won the “2020 Write Across America” Books4Kids contest. The South Dakota-based program partners with PS Publishing for a free children’s book fair. Their contest, sponsored by the Remembering Sharon Jakober Foundation, gives kids the chance to have their own books published and given away at the fairs. Rylan’s book won out against almost 60 other submissions.

Being published as a sixth grader doesn’t happen on its own. Rylan was a finalist in the contest last year, and with a little extra persistence this year, he won the publishing contract and cash prize. Coleen Liebsch, founder, and CEO of Books4Kids, says Rylan’s book carries a message of overcoming jealousy

RYLAN’S TOP 5 TO GET READING

Get those little ones excited about reading with some of Rylan’s favorites. The Coopers also recommend a creative writing game — making up stories in the car! Make up one sentence and pass the next off to the kids for unpredictable tales that spark imagination.

and being grateful that is perfect for kids in kindergarten. Coleen says Rylan will get to work with a professional illustrator to pick exactly what his spunky characters will look like before the story gets printed this fall. Rylan’s original drawings and name for the moose may all change in the editing process, but the heart of the book is all Rylan and his favorite animal.

Rylan says he reads “to pass time, to get smarter, to learn about things or just to have

fun reading about some character.” When Rylan graduated kindergarten, he asked his mom, Kathy, if it meant he could be the teacher, as if all he needed to know was already packed away in his brain. In the same way, he is ready to leave fifth grade at Trinity Lutheran behind and soak up all the knowledge that sixth grade has to offer. By then, it’ll be time to virtually visit other classrooms as a guest author at the Books4Kids fairs. //

 Rylan Cooper’s book was selected as the winner of to “2020 Write Across America” Books4Kids contest and is in the design process. Publication of the book is set for fall this year.

Photo by Kathy Cooper

"Mission Survival" series by Bear Grylls

“Dog Man” series by Dav Pilkey “The Last Kids on Earth” series by Max Brallier

“Extreme Adventures” series by Justin D’Ath

National Geographic nonfiction books

A STAR SPANGLED BANNER

The Exchange Club has a history with flags in Aberdeen. They hosted the contest that produced the original city flag of Aberdeen in the '80s. They also purchased the enormous 30’ x 60’ U.S. flag at Wylie Park that proudly flies when the weather is good. Jan said, “the Exchange Club also purchases the state flags that are put up in the Circle of Flags at Wylie Park.” The plaque on each flagpole identifies the state and the name of the family who donated it. In addition to the flags at Wylie, the Exchange Club also added 14 U.S. flags to an already existing Vietnam War memorial at Anderson Park. The 14 flags represent the 14 soldiers from Brown County who lost their lives while fighting in Vietnam.

An Exchanging of Ideas for Community

by KARLIE SPIRY

an Bohling had no idea how much of an impact the Exchange Club would have on her life until she became a member and got involved. In 2004, she was invited to attend one of the bi-weekly luncheons the club hosts to hear about the National Project on the prevention of child abuse, something Jan was no stranger to as a child abuse survivor. Upon learning about the work the Exchange Club did for child abuse prevention, Jan knew it’s where she was meant to be. “I wanted to be on this committee so I could help others,” she said. “I grew up an abused and neglected child until I was eight years old and was taken from my mother to live with my aunt and uncle.” Now in 2020, Jan is the secretary of the Exchange Club in Aberdeen, and the club’s work to raise awareness for child abuse prevention remains strong.

The Exchange Club in Aberdeen is part of the National Exchange Club, which is a nonprofit organized and operated exclusively for educational purposes. The very first Exchange Club met in 1911 in Detroit, Michigan. Charles A. Berkey is credited as the founder of the organization, and when it came time to naming

it, he believed the exchanging of ideas between club members could lead to great change in the community. The concept stuck. Club chapters began to show up all over the country.

Aberdeen’s Exchange Club wasn’t established until 1972 when Rollie Benson, an Exchange Club member from Mitchell, moved to Aberdeen to start the new chapter. After the Jaycees disbanded, members of that group were asked to join the Exchange Club. Founding members of the Exchange Club were Rollie, Gerald Miller, Jerald Loebs, Bob Wuertz, Jerome Schmitz, Wes Bonnet, Al Roseth, and Bob Beadle. Today, membership sits at 49 individuals and businesses from the Aberdeen Area.

Adopted by the national club as the National Project in 1979, the prevention of child abuse is the main priority for the Exchange Club at the local and national level. Aberdeen’s Exchange Club spent the last five years fundraising

$30,000 for a room in Safe Harbor’s visitation center. Safe Harbor works with Child Protective Services, which requires parents do supervised visits with their kids says Executive Director of Safe Harbor Gina Karst. Called Kids Konnection,

Proper flag retirement is also a big deal to the Exchange Club. Every year, the club retires hundreds of flags that are collected at their drop off box at Runnings. The club held flag retirement ceremonies at NSU as part of Constitution Day in the past, and more recently held a flag retirement ceremony at Primrose Retirement Communities that allowed for elderly veterans to participate.

The Exchange Club is selling flag contracts to businesses and individuals in the Aberdeen community with the hope of celebrating Americanism. Members of the club will install a flag holder at a designated location and put up and take down a U.S. flag for up to 15 holidays and special events during the year says Jan. Are you interested in having Ol’ Glory fly outside your business? Contact Doug at (605) 380-1177 for more information.

The Aberdeen Exchange Club raises awareness for the prevention of child abuse through educational efforts.

Photos courtesy of Aberdeen Exchange Club

 The Exchange Club is dedicated to community service. In this photo, just a handful of the 49 members in the Aberdeen chapter have gathered in front of the flag shed where they store the club’s massive collection of the U.S. flag.

 The Exchange club hangs up over 400 flags during holidays and special events across Aberdeen.

the new room provides a safe and neutral space for kids to interact with their parents.

Since 2008, the Exchange Club has continued to raise awareness for infant abuse through education by purchasing RealCare baby dolls for the high schools in Aberdeen. RealCare baby dolls simulate realistic infant behavior. “The baby dolls we purchase are programmed to show the effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and drug abuse in infants,” Jan said. The project was designed to show teens the unfortunate outcomes of infant abuse when drugs and alcohol are involved, and how it can be prevented. The Exchange Club also uses a RealCare baby doll to demonstrate Shaken Baby Syndrome and what happens to babies that are shaken or rocked too aggressively.

Education through community service is a tenet of the Exchange Club, as is Americanism, and a swift dedication to youth projects. Jan says the purpose of the club is to make our communities better places to live in. For Aberdeen, this includes community-oriented projects like the Freedom Shrines which can be found at most of the public schools, Northern State, Presentation College, the YMCA, Brown

County Courthouse, Uptown Aberdeen, the Aberdeen Regional Airport, and the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Freedom Shrines serve as a callback to the foundation of our country. These shrines display replicas of the historic documents that were created to ensure and protect our freedoms. The Braille inspired Freedom Shrine at the South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is the first of its kind.

The Exchange Club hosts bi-weekly meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month

at the Ramkota at noon. It’s there that they discuss business and accept donations from club members that go towards the prevention of child abuse project. On the last Monday of the month during the school year, the Exchange Club hosts their Youth Award Luncheon, where stand out school age kids can earn accolades from the club. The Youth Citizenship and Youth of the Month Awards are just two that middle and high schoolers from across Aberdeen can be presented with. High school seniors can receive the Youth of the Year and A.C.E. Award along with small scholarships at the end of the school year. The winners of the last two awards are then submitted for monetary district awards. If a student wins at the district level, their name is submitted to the National Exchange Club for consideration of a $15,000 scholarship.

Is having fun and making a difference in Aberdeen important to you? The Exchange Club would like to invite anyone, whether a business or just someone who’s interested in making a change, to attend their next meeting. They will even pay for your first meal. Check out the Exchange Club’s Facebook page for more details. //

I wanted to be on this committee so I could help others.”

–JAN BOHLING

Giving Back in a Time of Need

by UNITED WAY STAFF

n April 6, 2020, The United Way of Northeastern South Dakota established a local COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist area non-profits that were directly impacted by the pandemic. The response was astounding! Within the week, the United Way had over $100,000 in commitments, including donations from the United Way Foundation, Knight Foundation, area businesses, and individuals. Below is a list of funded programs along with quotes from the recipient agencies. Donations have been distributed to:

• Aberdeen Area Senior Center – Meals On Wheels Program to help assist with client charges ($8,073)

• Area IV Senior Nutrition Program – to help cover an increase in meals for seniors ($12,500)

• DTOM 22/0 Foundation – care support for the ranch and financial assistance for therapy ($3,000)

• Journey Home – Food Box Program to help meet the higher need for food assistance ($7,000)

• Salvation Army – rent, food, and utility assistance to individuals and families ($46,255)

• Avera Foundation – purchase of medical grade thermometers to assist businesses and non-profits reopen ($10,000)

• SPURS - care support for the ranch and financial assistance for therapy ($10,000)

• Aberdeen Family YMCA – Youth Development Center conversion to add more classrooms to comply with CDC guidelines for reopening ($4,976.50)

• Presentation College – food and material assistance for students ($8,400)

• Child and Adolescent Services System Program (CASSP) – Flex Funding for families ($5,000)

• Aberdeen Boys and Girls Club – HandBid Software to assist with virtual fundraisers ($2,500)

• Ipswich Tiger Post – summer care assistance ($8,000).

“In the spring of 2020, the United Way allocation was the only consistent funds we had coming in at that time.” —Becky Fischbach, SPURS

“The Avera St. Luke’s Foundation had an idea to help safely open up and give back to our community. By the end of the week, the United Way COVID-19 Relief Fund provided the seed money to begin the thermometer distribution program. To date, over 300 thermometers have been distributed to business, schools, and nonprofits in the region.” —Amy Blackstone, Avera St. Luke’s Foundation

“We never really needed to buy food in the past, but with the shutdown of the NALC Food

Drive this spring, we needed to figure out how we would provide our food boxes to people in need. The United Way COVID-19 fund quickly provided $7,000 dollars towards stocking our food pantry.”

—Alex Miller, Journey Home

“The Meals On Wheels program has a number of clients that live on the edge of financial stability. With furloughs and reduced hours, the United Way COVID-19 fund ensured our clients would not need to worry about missing a meal during the pandemic.” —Jackie Witlock, Aberdeen Meals On Wheels

“This year, we are missing out on a least two of our largest fundraisers. The COVID-19 funds are being used to help us create a virtual platform for fundraising and making sure we can keep the doors of success open for this coming year.” —Mike Herman, Aberdeen Area Boys & Girls Club. //

 For more information on how you can help the Aberdeen Area during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact United Way of Northeastern, SD or Dial 211 to learn more.

The United Way’s local COVID-19 Relief Fund provided much needed support to nonprofits during the pandemic.

 The Avera St. Luke’s Foundation partnered with United Way and the Boys & Girls Club in purchasing thermometers for local businesses and non-profits to utilize in the Aberdeen Area. Pictured is Foundation Director Amy Blackstone of Avera St. Luke’s, Executive Director Aaron Schultz of United Way, and Executive Director Mike Hermann of the Boys & Girls Club.

 Boys & Girls Club staff member Allie Bauer takes the temperature of Alexander Quillen as a safety precaution before entering the Boys & Girls Club building.

Photo courtesy of United Way

BUILDING BUSINESS

IN THE HUB CITY

Kelly Weaver stands out as a respected leader in Hub City business.

by JENI FJELSTAD

Abudding business idea needs detail-oriented care to grow into a full-blown start-up. Kelly Weaver nurtures those ideas and fights for small business owners.

Whether she’s working at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or on her own time, she’s supporting local entrepreneurship.

“That’s the foundation of our state, that’s the foundation of rural economic development,” Kelly says.

She problem solves with start-up owners, inspires students through BIG Idea, and writes for the Chamber’s Progress. Kelly also helped create and staff SCORE, a program to support business owners.

Kelly not only helps in Aberdeen but takes her service on the road as a figure in statewide business. Not a business owner? You’ll still spot Kelly around town or catching drifts on her snowmobile with the Aberdeen Driftbusters Club.

BUSINESS IS GREAT

Kelly inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs as coordinator for BIG Idea.

BIG Idea is a fall statewide competition that teaches more than 300 high schoolers how to create a business plan, design a marketing strategy, and present those ideas to officials.

 At the South Dakota Small Business Development Center, Kelly Weaver works to give small businesses a strong foundation to succeed.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

The “BIG” stands for “Business Is Great,” exactly what Kelly and the team want contestants to think.

In 2007, Pat Gallagher and Paul McDonald hatched the idea, and Kelly volunteered to take charge. She organized a committee and has spent the last 13 years growing the program statewide.

If BIG Idea were an engine, Kelly would be the “spark plug,” a piece vital to the machine running smoothly, Paul says.

Kelly regularly mentors an SBDC intern, usually from her alma mater NSU, who helps plan BIG Idea. Together they host meetings, recruit judges, and organize the final event.

Kelly says BIG Idea gets kids thinking about how to solve problems in their community.

Paige Evans, a second place BIG Idea winner, noticed middle and elementary schoolers had trouble getting around town. She thought, ‘What if high school students helped out by driving them home or to the library for tutoring?’

clients can be realistic about how their start-up will do and set goals to improve.

“It’s our job to make sure they're as prepared as possible,” Kelly says.

Gail Ochs, Chamber President, highlighted Kelly’s 2012 Woman of Spirit Award, saying it shows the wisdom, integrity, and inspiration she’s lent to businesses all over.

The economic challenges of COVID-19 mean Kelly’s most often been helping owners apply to new grants and loans.

“She’s a strong advocate for businesses, entrepreneurs, and students,” Kae McNeil, a fellow Chamber committee member, says.

STEPPING IN TO HELP

Kelly jumps to the rescue in any way she can when a start-up client walks through her office door.

Susan Evans had been in healthcare for 30 years when she noticed clients having a hard time organizing their nebulizer treatments.

there in a business competition.

But a spring snowstorm hit the day of the annual Governor’s Giant Vision Business Plan Competition in Sioux Falls, and the day of business pitches, including NebTray’s, was canceled.

When Susan couldn’t reschedule an in-person presentation, Kelly pulled out all the stops to ensure she could still participate. She arranged professional McQuillen Creative Group videography at the Workshop for a video submission. Seated in a row, the four mock panelists questioned Susan about NebTray.

NebTray won third place, a big step for the startup.

Looking forward, Susan will redesign NebTray and wait for rescheduled respiratory conferences.

BEHIND THE NUMBERS

Aside from client meetings, Kelly gives seminars and workshops about hot topics in business. In mid-July, she showed 50 clients, bankers, and resource providers how to calculate their break-even point in an hourlong Understanding Financial Statements webinar.

KELLY’S SMALL BUSINESS TIPS:

BE BRAVE: “You don’t have to wait for permission. If you want to start a business, start a business.”

The idea would solve a problem and help busy parents. So, she wrote “Smart Rides,” her runner-up plan for the competition.

Creativity like this shows the competition really inspires students to fill local needs. In the future, Kelly hopes the online format could bring the competition beyond South Dakota.

KEEN ADVICE

Starting a new business can be scary. Kelly makes people feel comfortable so they feel invited to become owners.

The encouragement is huge in a region that depends on entrepreneurs.

“We get to be just the coaches and the cheerleaders,” Kelly says.

As Regional Director of the SBDC, Kelly lends advice, resources, and warnings to start-ups and small businesses.

Kelly asks red-flag questions, so

The home health nurse had a solution: NebTray.

It’s a labeled organizer for vials, so patients can manage treatments throughout the week.

Many people look to start a business because they know their skill well, like Susan. But she struggled to keep up with business details.

Her first prototype was a shoebox lid with holes. Susan needed help with business projections and marketing. It was time to call Kelly.

“Literally everything that’s happened in terms of starting my start-up has happened because of Kelly Weaver,” Susan says.

Kelly’s business support always puts Susan’s wellbeing first. Kelly assembled a dedicated team and showed Susan some realistic needs and challenges for her business. Then, the time came to get Susan’s idea out

“What’s also so great about Kelly is the workshops and trainings she puts on,” Gail says. “I think they just go above and beyond to meet the needs of the local community.”

For growing businesses, Kelly focuses on their needs, decodes business projections, and composes a break-even analysis. When the numbers seem incomprehensive, Kelly breaks it down into cups of coffee or cars fixed in a week to show owners just what their business might look like.

Where some might see jumbled ones and zeros in a financial plan, Kelly interprets trends signaling stability or profitability.

“She’s an extraordinary leader in communication and the management of details,” Paul says.

Kelly’s community-oriented leadership has grown Aberdeen businesses for more than 20 years, and her creative problem solving will support them for years to come. //

FILL A NEED: “Entrepreneurship doesn’t have to be some big new invention to be successful. All you need to do is fill a need.”

SAY YES: “People need to take those steps and have faith in their knowledge and their research.”

CONSIDER TIMING: “Sometimes the timing isn’t right, whether that’s a market circumstance or a personal circumstance, and that’s okay.”

She’s an extraordinary leader in communication and the management of details.”

–PAUL MCDONALD

bird is the word

Pheasant season will open on October 17 this year. According to local small talk, the east side of South Dakota, in particular Brown County, has some of the best pheasant hunting in the state. Credit is due where credit is due as South Dakota’s breathtaking environment helped create the perfect habitat for these birds to flourish. But man also played a significant role in making sure pheasants are protected from overhunting and educating hunters how to hunt properly and safely.

PHEASANTS FOREVER IN ABERDEEN

by KARLIE SPIRY

Pheasants Forever is a national organization dedicated to the conservation of pheasants and other wildlife through habitat improvement, public awareness, land management, and education. For Aberdeen, the local chapter is called the Northern South Dakota Chapter and its headed by chapter President Chris Goldade, along with Terry Larson as Treasurer, Greg Yonkovich as Habitat Chairman, Jerry Ochsner as the Sponsor Chairman, and Shelly Ruenz as Secretary. Chris also serves as the Youth Program Chairman and has been a part of the nonprofit organization since 2001 when he came to work as a Farm Bill Biologist for Pheasants Forever.

The Aberdeen chapter started in 1987 as the 77th chapter of Pheasants Forever overall, and one of the first in South Dakota. Today, Pheasants Forever has more than 700 chapters with over 140,000 members across North America. On average, over $500 million is spent on conserving upwards of 10 million acres of land. In the Aberdeen Area, the money raised by the Northern South Dakota chapter is spent on local projects and kept in the area.

GOING WHERE THE BIRDS ARE

The Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition addresses the need for more public hunting areas in Brown County. The idea came from Emmett

Pheasants Forever works to keep the hunting tradition alive in Brown County through the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition.

 The Northern South Dakota Pheasants Forever chairs are (from left to right) Greg Yonkovich, Jerry Ochsner, Shelley Ruenz, Terry Larson, and Chris Goldade. They work year round to make pheasant season fun and enjoyable for all who participate.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

GONE HUNTING

Hunting is one of the most popular activities in South Dakota. Here are several facts you should know about for the upcoming season!

1 For locals, the season opener is October 10 and runs through the 12, but everyone else can join in on the fun and begin hunting October 17. The season lasts through January 3, 2021!

2 Over 4.5 million acres of public land across the state are available to hunt during pheasant season. But some areas of land are privately owned and will require the owner’s permission to have access.

3 Pheasants can be found statewide, but the best hunting is on the east side of the state where pheasants can enjoy open fields, wetlands, wooded draws, and land set aside specifically for them and other wild game.

4 Make sure you have the proper licenses when hunting in South Dakota as Poaching is a serious crime. Poaching is a serious crime in South Dakota. Visit gfp.sd.gov for more information on rules and regulations.

Lenihan, another Farm Bill Biologist working for Pheasants Forever. Alongside sixteen local businesses, the Northern South Dakota chapter worked towards creating an incentive for farmers and landowners to sign up for the Conservation Reserve Program and enroll through Game, Fish and Park’s Walk In Area program. These farmers and landowners receive payment for providing access to their lands to hunters during the season. “We’ve spearheaded an effort to enroll thousands of acres of land in Brown County into conservation programs so people can enjoy it for years to come,” said Chris.

Another goal of the Aberdeen Pheasant Coalition is to create sustainable habitats for pheasants that support healthy breeding habits for the birds. The upkeep of the land falls to the private landowners, but to receive their incentives, they must follow land regulations closely. This includes converting some land from cropland to permanent nesting coverage that includes grasses and fords.

HUNTING TRADITION CONTINUES

While the Aberdeen chapter doesn’t teach hunter safety courses, they do offer several youth pheasant hunts throughout the season. They also offer a youth hunting program in which young hunters who have completed their safety

course can participate in a hunt with their parent or guardian. Over the years, attendance at the youth hunts have reached over 400 participants. Last fall, the Northern South Dakota chapter established the apprentice hunt. Chris says it’s a new event where adults with little to no pheasant hunting experience are shown the ropes by seasoned hunters. “They are taught everything they need to know from how to read the rules and regulations, map reading, gun safety, hunting tips, how to clean game, and how to cook what’s been harvested,” said Chris.

To celebrate the opening of pheasant season, the Northern South Dakota chapter has their annual fall shoot-out scheduled for October 16 at City Lights. It will be a night of fun and games, raffles, and live and silent auctions in preparation for the start of pheasant season. “All of the money raised at this event stays in the local area and is used to help us continue our mission of habitat conservation and public education,” Chris said. To become a member, contact any of the board members to purchase an annual membership or stop by Hitchn’ Post to see Terry Larson for more information. Meetings are held on Thursdays during the spring and fall. For more updates, check out Northern South

Dakota Chapter of Pheasants Forever #77 on Facebook. //

 The Casanova Wildlife Management Area was purchased by the Game, Fish and Parks in 1991. The Northern South Dakota Chapter of Pheasants Forever was a major contributor to the purchase and it is one of the most popular public pheasant hunting locations in South Dakota.

 Chris Goldade, the president of the Aberdeen Pheasants Forever chapter, stands in just one of the many fielded areas enrolled in a conservation program.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Soup’s On!

Harvest soups to keep you warm and cozy

by KARLIE SPIRY

Anew aspect to cooking I’ve discovered is utilizing vegetables I’ve grown. As a first-time gardener myself, I now understand the sense of pride farmers and gardeners alike have in feeding their families with food they’ve labored over. It’s a special joy to cook this way. Whether it’s hearty red tomatoes, crisp kale, or even fat little onions, if it comes from my garden, it makes the meal even more special to me. With this feeling in mind, I created two soup recipes that are hearty and robust in flavor and celebrate the hard work that goes into producing a successful harvest. //

TUSCAN SOUP

One of the first things I harvested this year was kale. A simple leafy green that is so versatile when treated right. I used it in this Tuscan Soup recipe along with potatoes, beans, a bunch of aromatics to deliver a flavorful soup that’s sure to keep you warm on any cold night.

INSTRUCTIONS

Chop onion, garlic, potatoes, and kale into bite size pieces. In a soup pot over medium heat, brown the sausage and onions together until the onions are soft.

Add garlic, potatoes, strained beans, and seasonings to the pan and stir it all together and let it cook for about 5 minutes and then add in the kale and chicken stock and stir.

Let everything simmer together on the stove covered for 20 minutes or until everything is cooked through and then enjoy!

SERVES 8 PREP 10 mins

COOK 30 mins

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound of ground Italian bulk sausage (I used Johnsonville’s Mild Italian Sausage)

• 3 large Yukon gold potatoes

• 1 medium size onion

• 1 bunch of kale (about 6-8 large leaves)

• 4 cloves of garlic

• 1 16 oz can of white beans

• 1 quart of chicken stock

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Tuscan Soup is a tasty bean and potato soup recipe that will leave you full and satisfied.

ROASTED TOMATO SOUP

INGREDIENTS

• 3 pounds of tomatoes

• 1 head of garlic (about 8-10 cloves)

• 1 large onion

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup of cream

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 2 teaspoons pepper

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil

I had bountiful tomato plants this year, and one of my favorite ways to prepare tomatoes is to roast them. So why not try to make a soup out of it? This rich and creamy Roasted Tomato Soup recipe is one of the most comforting soups I’ve ever made. Forget the stuff in the can, this is the only recipe you will need to fill that tomato soup craving. With the right amount of garlic, wine, and other flavors, this soup is perfect for anyone looking to add gorgeous autumnal colors to their bowl while enjoying a cozy meal.

INSTRUCTIONS

Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and slice in half, quarter the onions, and peel the garlic leaving the cloves whole.

On a lined baking sheet, spread out the ingredients in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes at 400 degrees.

Let everything cool. Then, blend it all in a high-powered blender or food processor until smooth. After blending, pour into a soup pot on medium-low heat.

Add the basil, oregano, vegetable broth, cream, and then salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 10 minutes before serving and enjoy.

SERVES 4 PREP 15 mins COOK 55 mins

Photos by Troy McQuillen



Better than any can of soup by far, this Roasted Tomato Soup recipe will leave you wanting more.

FEEDING GROWTH ABERDEEN’S

by SUSAN SCRUPSKI

recently moved to Aberdeen, and I thought it would be a clever idea to pitch the editorial staff here on a tech column for this lovely magazine. I mean, I’ve been a tech writer all my life, and wouldn’t it be fun to write about tech in the Midwest? They use technology in farming, don’t they? What’s it called? AgriTech? Precision something?

WRONG! Wrong, wrong, wrong. It was not fun! This is an exceptionally deep and detailed tech sector!

“Precision ag is farming.” That was Lance Larsen, Agtegra’s Precision Service Coordinator, who set me straight at the massive co-op’s Innovation Center in Bath. He went even further, “Literally, if you’re not using precision ag, you’re not a farmer.”

Drive four miles out of Aberdeen in any direction, and you are guaranteed to land squarely in the expanse of South Dakota’s beautiful farm country. Who knew that those beautiful vistas of a crystal blue sky smiling over endless rows of healthy crops are powered by the steely precision of math, science, data, colorful LCD screens, satellites, sensors, and a whole lot more? Everyone except me, apparently. Yet, what a fascinating area of tech!

Let me tell you what I learned.

For starters, the city of Aberdeen is heavily dependent on the agriculture sector. My exploration focused on the crop production community, as opposed to livestock farming which has its own rich technology story. According to the most recent USDA Census County Summary data, there are 1,034 farms (livestock and crop) in Brown County. The majority of the farms were at the extremes: $100,000 or more in sales (388 farms) or less than $2,500 in sales (376 farms).1 In total, these thousand or so family farms contributed roughly $19 million alone to the Brown County economy in 2018. There have been better years, of course, such as 2016 when that number was closer to $61 million.2

But it’s not only the farmers themselves in Brown County that fuel business in downtown Aberdeen, it’s also the extended agriculture industry with its labyrinth of ecosystem partners from tool, seed, equipment and service suppliers to the million dollar ethanol plants. In short, if ag has a good year, it has a direct impact on the city’s economic health year to year. It’s been that way since the turn of the 20th century when agriculture became a thriving industry for the county.3

And the force multiplier today behind agriculture’s success? Larsen nailed it: technology. In the ag sector, tech gets loosely lumped into “AgTech” which includes nearly everything from genetic engineering to robotics to blockchain technology. In my research, I found a Silicon Valley investor who is tracking 1,600 startups in AgTech.4 It’s a hot market. Here in Northeast South Dakota, most growers are talking about the submarket of AgTech called, “Precision Agriculture” or “precision ag” for short. There’s even a popular website with the same name I consulted to do a lot of my research. An editor there, Paul Schrimpf, kindly helped me assemble the table of information with the topmost popular key terms you need to know in this space.

It appears PrecisionAg.com grappled with some of these definitional issues itself and had to consult with the International Society of Precision Agriculture (ISPA) for an official definition: “Precision Agriculture is a management strategy that gathers, processes, and analyzes temporal, spatial, and individual data and combines it with other information to support management decisions according to estimated variability for improved resource use

Precision agriculture is changing how farmers utilize technology and farm

 Matthew (right) and Scott Sperry are fourth and fifth generation farmers on their family farm in Bath, SD. Matthew is holding an iPad that is displaying field information via satellite imaging.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

efficiency, productivity, quality, profitability, and sustainability of agricultural production.”

What does that mean? It mostly means that growers who depend on precision ag technology are using data inputs to increase productivity, efficiency, and increase profit. That’s my interpretation. Trust me, it gets VERY complicated. But the bottom line is the technology informs the grower how to make more money. That’s it. Go deeper than that, and you’re in some serious tech weeds.

Agronomists specify and prescribe the best treatments for a grower’s fields by utilizing soil productivity zones. Inputs like fertilizer and seed can be analyzed and optimized with rates that increase and decrease throughout the field. These sophisticated in-cab data collection and monitoring displays connected to planters and combines allow the grower to literally see what’s happening in real-time and make decisions on the fly.

We’re fortunate here in Aberdeen to have the Agtegra Cooperative, which is one of the largest agricultural cooperatives in the U.S. It is, in fact, the largest local farmerowned ag cooperative in the U.S. Brent Wiesenburger, Agtegra’s Director of Ag Technology Services, said he has eight million acres in his field database. That’s a lot of ground to study. Agtegra serves 6,500 member-owners (743 in Brown County). A major benefit of the coop is in its thorough field testing of new products and treatments. “A lot of this technology the growers can get themselves. Over the years, we’ve done a very good job of sorting through the B.S. and protecting them from a really horrible investment,” he said.

For instance, Agtegra has been looking to UAVs to enhance yield in specific spots after the field's already planted and growing. But Wiesenburger recognizes there are technology limitations to the prevailing standards. “Right now, the industry standard for data transfer is a humongous file that’s hard to push through a cell[ular network].”

He’s right about that. I also had the opportunity to sit down with a father and son team who run a medium size farm in Bath. Scott and Matthew

PRECISION AG COMMON TERMINOLOGY

Auto-Steer

A GPS guidance system that steers agricultural equipment with centimeter accuracy. This level of accuracy requires real time kinematic (RTK) correction of GPS signals. Auto-steer is an add-on component for equipment. It includes both the GPS system to receive and process the signals, software and hardware to allow the input of control maps and the mechanical equipment to actually steer the tractor. Some new tractors are available “auto-steer ready.”

Data Layer (in GIS)

A layer of information on a GIS map. A map can have many layers to present different types of information. For example, the first layer of a map may be a satellite image of an area. The next layer may have only lines that represent roads or highways. The next layer may contain topographic information and so forth.

Literally, if you’re not using precision ag, you’re not a farmer.

 Lance Larsen is the Precision Services Coordinator at the Agtegra Innovation Center in Bath, SD. He works with farmers to make sure they have the equipment they need in order to farm.

–Lance Larsen

Flow Sensor

A sensor that measures the amount of flow through an enclosure (tube, pipe or housing) per unit of time.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A computer-based system used to input, store, retrieve, and analyze geographic data sets. The GIS is usually composed of map-like spatial representations called layers which contain information on a number of attributes such as elevation, land ownership and use, crop yield and soil nutrient levels.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A system using satellite signals (radio-waves) to locate and track the position of a receiver/antenna on the Earth. GPS is a technology that originated in the U.S. It is currently maintained by the U.S. government and available to users worldwide free of charge. There are 30 satellites in the GPS constellation.

Sperry farm 2,500 acres off Highway 12. Scott’s great grandfather started the farm in the '30s, so Matthew is the fifth generation to inherit the love of farming. Matthew, now a double major at South Dakota State University (SDSU) in agronomy and precision ag, talked about drone challenges. He said you’re still subject to bad data if you have a bad day. “If it’s windy, the image is blurry. It’s junk data,” he said.

Scott, Matthew’s Dad, sees the future in 5G. “I think that 5G is going to be the real thing.” They both commented on how with 5G you’d have the speed required to send the large files Wiesenburger was talking about to do more instantaneous uploads to a server where large datasets could be processed and displayed on an iPad or other LCD screen in the field.

Even today, sensors are pulling a lot of data. Matthew points out saying, “There are sensors on every single row of the planter. There’s a monitor that runs that and iPads that sync with that monitor.” With 5G we’re expecting datacapture devices to proliferate in every field and agriculture will be no exception, as sensors are a critical component of what the tech community refers to as the Internet of Things (IoT).

The first major step-change in technology

mentioned by both Agtegra’s Larsen and at the Sperry farm is auto-steer, which was once an option, but now comes standard on all combines and tractors. “It just helps you so much. Now I just watch the machine. You can drive straight all day long. It was probably one of the earliest technologies available after the mapping yield monitor,” said Scott Sperry.

With the detailed prescription maps programmed to control the massive planters and spreaders, Wiesenburger describes the accuracy and repeatability of the GPS signal, “They’re turning a corner in a rowed field, hitting the engage button on their auto-steer and going back to monitoring equipment or checking the markets, and they don’t probably even look up until they get to the other end of the field.”

It’s getting sophisticated out there. Family farms in the Aberdeen Area are lucky to have excellent education options here locally. In 2016, SDSU was the first university in the country to offer a major and a minor in precision agriculture. SDSU’s Dr. Van Kelley, the department head there, said they’re 95% done with the $46.1

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Brent Wiesenburger is the Director of Ag Technology Services at Agtegra. He oversees testing on new precision ag tech and methods.

–Brent Wiesenburger

A lot of this technology the growers can get themselves.

PRECISION AG COMMON TERMINOLOGY

Precision Farming

Managing crop production inputs (seed, fertilizer, lime, pesticides, etc.) on a site-specific basis to increase profits, reduce waste and maintain environmental quality.

Prescribed Application

The dispensing of a material or chemical into the field on a prescribed or predetermined basis. A prescription map is generated by an expert (grower and/or agronomist) based on information about the field in use before an application. The prescription determines how much of something will be applied.

Soil Map

A map that indicates differences in soil properties (texture, fertility, organic matter, pH, etc.) within a field.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly known as a drone and also referred by several other names, is an aircraft without a human pilot aboard. The flight of UAVs may be controlled either autonomously by onboard computers or by the remote control of a pilot on the ground or in another vehicle. In agriculture, UAVs are typically used to survey crops. The available two types of UAVs –fixed-wing and rotary-wing – are both equipped with cameras and are guided by GPS. They can travel along a fixed flight path or be controlled remotely.

Variable-Rate Technology (VRT)

System of sensors, controllers and agricultural machinery used to perform variable-rate applications of crop production inputs.

Yield Map

A map that indicates differences in crop yield within a field. Data is usually collected by a yield monitor on a combine over one to three second intervals.

million Raven Precision Agriculture Center. Once that is operational, they will be considering graduate degrees in precision agriculture.

According to Larsen at Agtegra’s Innovation Center, Lake Area Tech and Mitchell Tech both have excellent programs, too. “Mitchell and Lake Area Tech propel the kids quicker. They let their kids out in March to do internship work to get the hands-on. SDSU kids don’t get out until May. By that time, precision agriculture hardware has already been installed, and we’re already in the field. The two-year grads are way ahead,” he explained.

Dr. Gregg Carlson, who’s now retired but still teaches a few classes in precision ag at SDSU, says a lot has changed over the 45 years or so he’s been at this professionally. “From my perspective, precision agriculture is just the way we farm today. It’s an evolution of agriculture.” Yet he cautions, “It’s incredibly great technology that is improving our accuracy in farming, which is both good and bad.” Carlson explains that as the efficiency, effectiveness, and price of technology decreases, it creates surpluses. And that hurts the ag economy in aggregate. “It’s almost a Catch-22. As an individual farmer, you have to be as good as you can be, but when you have more farmers getting better and better and better, you increase the supply of the grain, which reduces the price. But as an individual farmer, you don’t have a choice. You’re competing for your ability to produce products,” he said. Carlson is looking to innovation and new markets to solve that problem. He mentions hemp as a possibility.

One thing is for sure. If the ag business is going to evolve into new areas, chances are Northeast South Dakota will be leading the way in innovation. I heard from nearly every source in this column that the Aberdeen, Brown County region has a reputation as a leader in adopting new technologies. Wiesenburger, who ranks in the top ten most influential precision ag experts in the country5, says he travels around the country in his position. “I have many peers in this business. I’m part of many social groups. We get together, talk shop and challenges. I’ve

been doing this since '96, and our adoption in Brown County is second to none when I go other places.” A familiar refrain he hears is, “You guys have it so good out there.”

When I asked him why that is, in true South Dakota fashion, he pointed not only to his own team, but to his competitors. “I think [the growers in this area] have had access to really good companies that were aggressive in getting the technology out there. Agtegra, RDO Equipment, Titan -- all have good support networks. Early on, there were some pioneers that really saw the need for service in the ag technology space. I think the growers had access to a lot of talent over the years that could help them through some of the decisions that had to be made. In a lot of other areas, they leave the grower high and dry,” he said candidly.

He said there’s still a lot of work to do in precision agriculture. His focus right now is providing an indisputable, clearly understood return on investment for the grower. “We haven’t been able to execute on that,” he admitted.

Dr. Carlson understands that motivation. “Profitability of agriculture is incredibly important to all South Dakotans. It’s the very basis of our economic model for the state. It’s the profitability that pays for the electricians, the teachers– everybody indirectly is impacted, even though they don’t know it.” The same is true for the City of Aberdeen. If the ag sector is doing well, the city is doing well. And, rest assured, technology will continue to drive growth and innovation in agriculture well into the future. //

1. The National Agricultural Statistics Service 2017 Census of Agriculture.

2. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Gross domestic product (GDP) by county and metropolitan area

3. Brown County History, History Committee of Brown County Museum and Historical Society, 1980

4. Better Food Ventures

5. The Top 10 People in Precision Ag Technology, PrecisionAg.com, 2016

Precision agriculture is just the way we farm today. It’s an evolution of agriculture.

–Dr. Gregg Carlson

THE

SPANISH FLU IN ABERDEEN

World War I was devastating, but the Spanish Flu pandemic levied a larger loss of life than the conflict. Learn about Aberdeen’s efforts to understand and manage the disease in 1918.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

Author’s note: A few issues ago, as we entered the 2020s, my article about 1920s Aberdeen appeared here. In discussing antecedents of the decade, I noted World War I and other events, but not the 1918 influenza pandemic. In fact, while about 900 Brown County men were called up for the war, only 49 died. Only is an inadequate word choice, but as will be clear, flu was a greater enemy (many of those soldiers died of flu). Yet despite its magnitude, I overlooked it, and I’m not alone. COVID has made many look back. In my earlier story, I smugly proposed the cliché that history may not repeat itself, but sometimes it rhymes. And sometimes it repeats.

Historians believe the virus came back from Europe by ship, probably with returning American soldiers, since the camps again became hot spots. New recruits continued to be sent to Army camps around the country, and in those close quarters, the influenza spread, this time with a vengeance. A much harsher form of the flu now accompanied troops when they moved between camps. By early October, more than 100,000 soldiers were sick in camps across the country. The men didn’t stay in the camps, and neither did the virus.

At the time nobody knew a virus caused influenza. Science blamed a bacterium, a misunderstanding that stymied vaccine research. Another 15 years passed before the flu virus was discovered.

 Miss Aberdeen Faith Nell posed for our vintage recreation of an Aberdeen scene during the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic. Costuming supplied by Aberdeen Community Theatre and Paige Waith. In the background is an early 1900s image of the Northwestern National Bank building, which is now the Dacotah Prairie Museum (who also supplied the photo).

he first reported case of what became known as Spanish Flu was in a Kansas Army camp in March 1918. There were also outbreaks on the East Coast, tending to occur where soldiers prepared for World War I. When they went overseas, the virus went with them. Many soldiers and civilians on both sides of the fight became sick, and many died. In the United States, meanwhile, the spring epidemic faded away.

 Clipping from the Aberdeen American News, December 1918.

HUB CITY

In an early October 1918 newspaper, Dr. Louis Holtz, Aberdeen city health officer, anticipated the disease’s arrival. He understood, the paper said, “that Aberdeen is quite a railroad center.” When the flu came, it probably came by train.

An October 5, 1918, newspaper reported the first three flu cases in Aberdeen with others “under suspicion,” but Dr. Holtz had “no fear of this disease spreading to any extent.” Even though the next day’s paper reported more cases, health officials told the public not to be alarmed because “we have the situation pretty well in hand.” It was common nationwide for officials and newspapers to downplay the disease. Within days, State Director of Health

SPANISH FLU?

What’s with the name of the disease? It’s a politically incorrect name but, also, geographically incorrect. Spain is one of the places researchers are sure it didn’t originate. Because Spain was neutral in World War I, its newspapers weren’t censored, so they reported on flu in the country. This led other censored European papers to write about their neighbor’s plight, blaming the “Spanish Flu,” and the name caught on. Except in Spain, where they called

Dr. Park Jenkins of Waubay reported 109 cases in Brown County.

Jenkins ordered all doctors to report cases daily to the state office or risk losing their license. Soon, local cases numbered 300 and then 600. (Unfortunately, newspapers were not always clear whether the numbers reported were for Aberdeen or Brown County or whether they were new cases or cumulative cases. Archives did not preserve case counts.) Perhaps less sanguine than before, Dr. Holtz believed fewer than half of all cases were being reported and found it “deplorable” that doctors were failing to report them.

Holtz’s scolding might have been unfair because the doctors were busy. In addition to

tending to local patients, Aberdeen physicians regularly drove to other county towns, and caring might have outweighed reporting. Mrs. Wilfred Bassett, quoted in a Presentation Sisters history, noted that doctors “were in their cars day and night, even slept in their cars at that time.”

And some died. Hecla’s only doctor, Charles Holmes, died of influenza in mid-October. The 45-year-old left behind a wife and twoyear-old. Three days later, his home became a temporary hospital.

VICTIMS

During the epidemic, one paper reported, "Thus far the influenza in the city has not been of the virulent type. It is similar to the grip which seized

it the “Naples Soldier,” perhaps because they blamed Italians for bringing it to the country, but more likely it came from a song of that name from an operetta. One said the flu was as catchy as the song. The other name was more contagious.

The geographic origin of the H1N1 virus strain that produced the pandemic remains uncertain. The generally acknowledged first patient diagnosed with the disease was a cook in a Kansas military camp who became ill on March 4, 1918. However, it’s not certain he really was the first patient. In the

preceding two months, a brief outbreak of flu had been in rural Kansas not far from the camp. There were also other outbreaks of diseases in other parts of the country and the world that may or may not have been the same disease. Some researchers have suggested Europe and Asia as points of origin as well, but the search is complicated by the challenge of tracing the lineage of a virus more than a century old — one that might have passed among humans, birds, pigs and horses before returning to humans in 1918.

the nation twenty years ago and while there are several cases in town most of them are not yet so bad" (“grip” and “grippe” were synonyms for influenza). It’s not clear exactly how virulent the disease in Aberdeen was because little was reported about victims’ actual experience. Across the pandemic, most recovered after typical symptoms — fever, cough, and sore throat — but some suffered a brutal disease that so ravaged the lungs that victims bled from nose, mouth, and eyes. A reduction in oxygenation turned skin blue. Some people died within hours of showing symptoms.

John M. Barry, in The Great Influenza: The Epic Story of the Deadliest Plague in History (2004), suggests flu tended to make its earliest victims sicker than those infected later in a local epidemic. Similarly, the areas hit earliest were struck harder than later ones. The East Coast and the South seemed harder hit than the West Coast, which was hit harder than the interior. Barry also suggests it’s possible that during the pandemic the virus mutated to a less virulent form.

Within a week of the first cases, Aberdeen suffered its first flu death, but the papers didn’t identify the victim. Whoever died first, many followed.

A snapshot of obituaries points to an unusual aspect of the pandemic: Clarence Johnson, 19, whose brother and sister were also ill; Anna McGlauflin, 20, left behind a husband in the army

and a six-month-old as well as eight sick family members; Ashley Brundage died on her 21st birthday and had a brother and sister seriously ill; Grace Johannsen, 23, was to be married within a month to Mark Anthony, who died within 12 hours of his fiancé — they would instead have a joint funeral. This group exemplifies the virus’ outsized impact on people in the prime of life. Almost half of all Spanish Flu victims were 20 to 40 years old. Because of this, average life expectancy in the United States declined by almost 12 years.

CARING

Caring for loved ones was dangerous. In Rapid City, Hazel Mee, daughter of Aberdeen’s wellknown Easton family, cared for her husband and 13-month-old daughter when they couldn’t find nursing care. When she became sick, her parents found a nurse, who also became sick, and Hazel died soon after. In another instance, Elsie MannCase became ill while caring for her husband and son who were too sick to come to her deathbed.

Other obituaries shed light on the problems above: Barbara Field, 26, died while her husband, a doctor, was serving in France. Red Cross

nurse and 1918 St. Luke’s nurse graduate Naomi Templin died in Camp Grant in Illinois. Across the country, the military had taken many doctors and nurses. Health care workers were stretched thin. St. Luke’s Hospital, which had opened in 1901 with 15 beds, was quickly “overflowing with grippe cases.” Mrs. Bassett, quoted earlier, said, “They thought they would be able to open some of their rooms at the hospital, but there were so many that they couldn’t take care of one-third of the patients.” The hospital could accept no more flu patients, only pneumonia victims (pneumonia was the most common cause of flu death). As a response, officials set up temporary hospitals in Aberdeen and county towns, including in Northern’s Graham Hall, and St. Luke’s nurses took charge of them. A hospital history notes, “Mother Raphael and the late H.C. Jewett helped to set up and equip these emergency hospitals. Hundreds of patients were cared for by Sisters, senior nurses and lay helpers.” A Presentation Sister assisting St. Luke’s superintendent Sister Raphael, would later become Superior of the Presentation Convent. A history of the Presentation Sisters reported the Sisters, who operated and largely staffed St. Luke’s, “volunteered their services whenever needed, especially where an entire family was stricken.” Many local Sisters contracted influenza, but none died of it.

H.C. Jewett was chair of the Brown County Red Cross. Initially involved in the war effort, the

 From Northern’s The Exponent archives: in 1918, students gathered on Northern’s snow covered campus in face masks. It was the height of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Graham Hall was turned into a makeshift hospital to help shoulder the influx of infected patients. Image supplied by Stephanie Cossette, Archivist, Beulah Williams Library, Northern State University.

REMEMBERING FLU

Most of this article is based on newspaper accounts of the epidemic in Aberdeen as it was happening. Famously the “first draft of history,” journalism — in Aberdeen and most of America — seems not to have fed much history. There hasn’t been much writing on the pandemic, especially compared to other major historical events. Laura Spinney, author of Pale Rider: The Spanish Flu of 1918 and How It Changed the World (2017), found that WorldCat, the large library catalogue database, lists approximately 80,000 books about World War I but only around 400 on the 1918 flu.

This isn’t a phenomenon of just academic research. More often than not, various local histories I checked, such as those of local churches (probably all of whom buried parishioners), said nothing about the 1918 flu. Brown County History, a book written in preparation for the 1981 centennial, includes information about the flu, but its index has 54 entries for World War I and nine on the 1918 epidemic.

Others have speculated on the reason for this general lack of memory about the pandemic. Spinney suggested, “Memory is an active process. Details have to be rehearsed to be retained. But who wants to rehearse the details of a pandemic? A war has a victor, and to him the spoils…But a pandemic has only vanquished.”

Red Cross was important in caring for influenza victims. Taking advantage of an overwhelming patriotic war spirit, the Brown County chapter called on the “practical patriotism” of Aberdeen women to help make 4,000 flu masks for army training camps. Jewett frequently toured the emergency hospitals, noting in mid-October, “Conditions in the county are pretty bad, and people cannot realize or appreciate what suffering is going on, until they make the rounds and see it.”

INTERVENTIONS

The city attempted to mitigate disease spread. While minutes show the City Commission took no action regarding the flu, others did. On October 11, a week into the epidemic when Aberdeen had about 200 cases, Mayor A.N. Aldrich issued an order closing all churches, public and parochial schools, theaters, dance halls, and other public places. Northern Normal closed. High school football was upended. The local Republican Party cancelled campaign talks by Governor Peter Norbeck (who also contracted influenza).

Some public events still occurred. On November 5, the nation voted. South Dakota decided many state races as well as a constitutional amendment on women’s suffrage. In Brown County, about 4,000 men voted for the last time without women, who won the right to vote. Most Republicans won too.

The next week, a headline said, “Aberdeen Forgot the ‘Flu’ and Turned Out for a Spree!”

On November 11, Germany accepted terms of surrender, ending conflict in World War I. That morning, the “banking girls” got permission to celebrate and started an impromptu parade down Main Street, collecting recruits from businesses until the celebration covered a dozen blocks. Then, the “big parade” started at three o’clock. Hundreds, probably thousands, celebrated downtown. Festivities lasted past midnight.

A week later, about five weeks after issuing it, the city lifted the closing order. “Aberdeen can go to show,” a headline exclaimed. Merchants were optimistic and relayed the reopening “by telegraph and telephone to virtually every section of the state, and many people who have feared to come will now take their long deferred trips to the metropolis.”

MASKING

Despite the confidence of the reopening and headlines forever suggesting a declining epidemic, a mid-December story reported that the Commercial Club, which had earlier been designated headquarters for the local war effort,

would become an emergency hospital “for the great number of cases in the city and county surrounding.” The story also noted, "Chairman H.C. Jewett of the Red Cross declared that the flu situation was worse now than at any time since the epidemic broke. It had receded but was now coming back worse than it was in the first instance." In mid-December, weekly case counts jumped to between 400 and 500.

On December 16, a month after the city reopened, the health board ordered compulsory wearing of masks in all public places. The health board’s Dr. Alway (filling in for Dr. Holtz, who had abruptly resigned in November) said the board aimed “to stop the epidemic in its present tracks, and the public will be a big factor in stopping it, if the public will adopt and rigidly live by the precautions set forth." Wishful thinking.

Patriotism was again a tool. One official felt that when people understood the “patriotic Americanism” in wearing a mask, they would do so because “all Americans are patriotic.” The Aberdeen Merchants Association pledged to enforce the mask order. At first, a paper reported, "Probably three-fourths of the people who were visible on the streets at noon today were wearing the mask…There are very few 'conscientious objectors.'"

But there were objectors. Dr. R.L. Murdy opposed the mask mandate as “hysteria.” While he agreed that those sick with flu should wear masks, he argued that for others masks were "incubators for germs." He further suggested that the 1918 epidemic was "nothing but another visit of similar epidemics which have visited the country three or four times each century." This flu was different, but that might have been hard to see from the inside.

Murdy’s view prevailed, however. A week after issuing the order, the health board lifted the mask-wearing requirement. Dr. Alway reported the health board, “in common with all well-informed persons,” believed in “the efficacy of the influenza masks” and asked the public to continue wearing them, “as a duty each one owes to himself as well as his neighbor." Alway also held mask critics "responsible for the disregard of the masking order, which disregard will undoubtedly be the cause of several deaths and hundreds of cases of disease."

Cases did continue to mount, with hundreds reported over the coming weeks. Brown County History (1980) noted, “Christmas day of 1918 was a black Christmas — more people died on that day than on any other.” Whether the increase was due to rejecting masks is unclear. It's readily acknowledged that masks in 1918 were often

of poor quality — frequently homemade from inadequate material — and often not worn. Relief from the disease may ultimately have come only because the virus mutated and weakened.

DENOUEMENT

In mid-January 1919, a headline announced, “Influenza epidemic has run its course say city's doctors.” It wasn’t the first time such optimism appeared. Sounding the same confidence as after the city’s reopening, the story added, "Business, so seriously hampered by the outbreak of the epidemic and the disproportionate alarm which the disease caused, is now regaining its normal course and within a few days will be entirely recovered from the setback." But now the epidemic really was receding. Although the flu hung around until summer, by the end of January, the number of cases reported dropped to a relative handful per week, often zero. While the third wave was severe in many parts of the country, Aberdeen’s experience was nothing like the fall had been, and life became more normal.

Pursuing the “disproportionate alarm” comment above, one might wonder what circumstances would have made the response seem proportionate to the writer. Globally, the Spanish flu killed between 50 and 100 million people, perhaps 6% of the world’s population, in a handful of months — almost as many as all combat and civilian deaths in all 20th century wars. An estimated one-fifth of the world’s population became sick. The toll in the United States was lower proportionately but still immense: 675,000 deaths — about 0.6% of the population — more than total U.S. deaths in all 20th century wars. More World War I U.S. servicemen died from influenza than from combat, and nearly half died in the States, not in the theater of war. Economically, the U.S. as a whole recovered relatively quickly. It helped that the war created huge demand.

In South Dakota, influenza claimed about 0.3% of the population. Year-to-year statistics help tell the tale.

CITY IN BRIEF

About 0.5% of Brown County’s population died of the epidemic, and perhaps ten times as many were ill, not to mention family members, friends, health care workers, and employers affected — the impact was exponential.

Many questions remain about the 1918 pandemic (some were answered after the virus was successfully reconstructed in 2005 and kept in a super-safe laboratory — a reality that surely inspired potential movie plots). The primary question is: Will there be another pandemic as deadly? In 2004, historian John Barry wrote that new pandemics are almost inevitable and quoted an influenza expert, “‘The clock is ticking; we just don’t know what time it is.’”

Today, we might feel as though the clock says 1918. There are many echoes of that pandemic in the COVID-19 outbreak. In one sense, it’s not surprising since whatever the virus, its drive to reproduce and biology are fundamentally the same. The interaction between people and health guidance is also very familiar. It’s worth noting that as of this writing, COVID-19 has already killed more Americans than any other single epidemic since the Spanish Flu (other than AIDS, an epidemic that began in 1981).

If you’re reading this, it means the right people in your lineage survived the 1918 pandemic. Most people did, of course, but one way or another the Spanish Flu touched almost everyone. Despite this, the public memory of the flu has not been well kept. Maybe it’s the sense of powerlessness and randomness, the lack of winners and too many victims. But people, families, tend to remember. It’s in our blood. //

Reporting of local and state cases shared just numbers, not people’s names. Names came in obituaries but also in the personal news notes that appeared in papers under headings such as “City in Brief” — the almost trivial tidbits of comings and goings, e.g., who’s visiting Aberdeen, who returned from vacation, and who is dealing with influenza. In fall 1918, almost every issue of every paper’s version of City in Brief included news about the flu. The following come from the Aberdeen Daily News.

Nine cases of Spanish influenza have been reported in Aberdeen during the past two days, one of them being at the home of a man named Ernst at 506 North First street.

Mrs. T. C. Bonney, who is confined to the hospital with an attack of the influenza, is reported to be much improved today. Mrs. Bonney was at Graham hall, before her illness, helping to nurse the patients who were suffering from the epidemic when she was taken ill.

Mrs. J.E. Bing, who has been spending some time at Athol, where she has assisted in caring for her folks, who have been very ill, has returned to Aberdeen. While at home she cared for two pneumonia patients and four influenza patients, one of them a baby, succumbing to the disease.

Dr. Owen King made a professional visit at Onaka Tuesday and reports influenza and pneumonia in that section [to be] very bad. Several entire families are stricken with it.

Mrs. P.J. Coffey of Sioux Falls and Miss Nora and Joseph Haley of Madison are in the city at the bedside of Miss Gertrude Haley, who is ill with pneumonia. Miss Haley is a nurse in training at St. Luke’s hospital.

 Most of my research came from digital searches of Aberdeen newspapers of 1918-1919, primarily Aberdeen American, Aberdeen Daily News, and Aberdeen Weekly News (to save space, newspaper sources of individual quotations are not identified in text). Books noted in the text provided valuable overviews of the world and U.S. experience. Articles, including “I Had a Bird Named Enza (The Spanish Flue in the Dakotas, 1918),” a 2014 Dakota Conference paper by Charles T. Wise, and “1918 Flu Pandemic in South Dakota Remembered,” a South Dakota State Historical Society brief by Matthew T. Reitzel, were helpful in framing the statewide story. Thanks to the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library, Dacotah Prairie Museum, Presentation Convent Archives, and others for their assistance.

Timothy Ronayne has arrived home from Omaha, Neb., where he has been attending Creighton college and will remain at home until school has opened again, it being closed while the epidemic of influenza is raging through the country.

R.C. Fauss has recovered again from influenza enough to be able to fit his duties as city mail carrier. He came back a few days ago but was again taken sick. During his absence his place has been filled by Professor M.S. Hallman, principal of the high school.

Fixin’ Up Our First Home

A pair of first-time homebuyers share how they found the right fixer-upper for them at just the right time.

by KARLIE SPIRY

photos by STEPHANIE LUDENS

For many first-time homebuyers, the search can be quite daunting and full of many unsuspecting turns.

Stephanie Ludens and Jordan Staab had rented for over two years in Aberdeen before they decided to make the leap towards homeownership after learning interest rates were low in the area. The process of finding a home within budget and a home that checked off all the boxes on their must have list proved to be a challenge.

Stephanie knew exactly who to turn to help meet this challenge. Lorna Johnston from Century 21 Investment Realtors has an excellent history of selling homes to first time buyers. According to Stephanie, she was the realtor her parents used when they bought their first home over 20 years ago. Lorna helped keep Stephanie and Jordan on track in finding a home that best suited their wants and needs.

After spending months looking at all kinds of homes in Aberdeen and the surrounding area, Stephanie and Jordan came across their home by chance. “We actually passed up on our house initially because the photos didn’t show it well,” said Jordan. The couple were driving over to their friend’s house one evening for game night, when a house on the corner of the block with a

three-stall garage caught their attention. Jordan and Stephanie both had a feeling about the house, which looked much better in person than in photos. After putting an offer in and waiting for what Stephanie describes as the longest day of her life, they got the house.

For a home pushing almost a century in age,

it was semi-updated, which was perfect for the couple because they could put their own stamp on the house by adding personal touches and not have to worry about a full renovation. This allowed for them to focus more on design rather than construction. “I get a lot of inspiration from Chip and Joanna Gaines and their HGTV show

“That classic, rustic farmhouse look just fits us because we are both from small towns.”

–STEPHANIE LUDENS

Fixer Upper,” said Stephanie. “That classic, rustic farmhouse look just fits us because we are both from small towns.”

The kitchen needed the most updating. The cabinets were painted a farmhouse white, new flooring and a fridge were installed, and décor pieces were added to give the room some

personality. Stephanie says the old kitchen and dining room felt very dark and small before the updates, and now both rooms feel much brighter and welcoming.

As for other projects she and Jordan tackled, a lot of them were cosmetic, like adding decorative paneling to the dining room walls, refurbishing the

dining room table and chairs, redoing the wooden split level stairwell, and decorating the rest of their home with décor items the couple DIY’ed.

For other first-time homebuyers, both Stephanie and Jordan say to take your time when searching for your home. The right home will find its way to you at the right time. //

 Stephanie and Jordan purchased their first home earlier this year. Since buying the century old property, they have been renovating and upgrading their home to fit their style.

 The house, circa 1950s.

 The dinning room and breakfast bar area received a fresh update with new laminate wooden floors, a simplified version of the coffee bar, and tall, light, and airy curtains to help frame the light from the windows.

 The couple installed their own paneling on the dining room wall to add more of that rustic farmhouse style they were inspired by. The couple also took time to completely redo an old kitchen table and chairs. They stained the flat surfaces a darker shade and painted the rest white for contrast.

 The dinning room felt dated and small with the old vinyl flooring and excessive two level breakfast bar.



“The new kitchen feels so much brighter since we painted the cabinets and walls,” said Stephanie. The new laminate wood flooring in the dining room carries into the kitchen. The old fridge was upgraded to a new black one to match other appliances better. A rustic wooden backsplash above the sink adds interest and pop to the white window trim and cabinets.

AFTER

 Cave-like is how Stephanie would describe the old kitchen. The brown cabinets and brown walls made the space feel small and not at all a focal point of the home like the couple wanted.

BEFORE

 Before renovations, the basement was used as a storage space. The walls were painted a neutral shade of green that neither Stephanie nor Jordan liked.

 The basement is now Jordan’s man cave. The walls were painted a fresh shade of light gray to balance out the newly added wood paneling along with the color of the door. Jordan also built shelves to go above the new bar on the wall in the back. Comfy leather couches and big flat screen tv were added to make this the ultimate man cave.

BEFORE AFTER

 The spacious living room is decorated with a large rug, a comfy six person sofa, and recliner. The couple loves to entertain, so having enough seating and room for everyone was important to them.

 Rather than having an all gray house, Stephanie and Jordan opted to keep the warm color already on the walls and decorate around it.

 The couple decorated the small space at the foot of the stairs with a bookshelf and milk jug side table they DIY-ed. They painted the milk jug a pure white color and attached a small stained tabletop to the upper metal ring of the jug to create a unique sidetable.

TH D AK S P OR S HA L L O FA M E

Hub City’s Legacy in the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

In 1968, the South Dakota Sportswriters Association created the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame to honor and celebrate the state’s athletic legacy. In over half a century, the SDSHOF has inducted 301 men and women. According to former Aberdeen American News sports editor John Papendick, “More than one-fourth of the Hall’s inductees have Aberdeen or Aberdeen Area connections. Many of the remaining ones have participated in sporting events in Aberdeen sometime during their careers.”

Papendick has been involved with the SDSHOF for about the past 15 years, as well as in the 1980s during his time as sports editor of the Mitchell Daily Republic. The Hall of Fame is now managed by a group of more than 30 volunteers from across the state. A selection committee, on which Papendick sits, evaluates nominees, and refers them to the full committee to be considered for induction.

The selection committee used to be just sportswriters, Papendick says.

“Back when I started, sports editors had been at papers a long time, but even by the 1980s that changed with turnover,” he adds. “The consistency wasn’t there. There were fewer writers who knew a lot about sports across the state.” So the selection committee’s make-up changed, and it now has a cross section of members from across the state, not just sportswriters. “We try to get people who are balanced in their assessment, not biased for certain nominees,” he explained.

He also described the selection process: “Normally, we elect and induct 10 people a year into the Hall. And we will never run out of inductees as we currently have more than 200 nominees.” He adds, “I really admire the volunteers on the committee. It’s a big time commitment. It’s cool to see the dedication of my teammates on the committee.”

Dozens of people with Aberdeen connections have been inducted into the SDSHOF. Here are a few of those with brief summaries of their accomplishments leaving out many statistics, awards, and inductions in other halls of fame. In addition, a few Aberdonian inductees shared some reflections — a common theme of which is that none of them earned the honor by themselves. It takes a team. //

FOOTBALL

Aberdeen native. 1930 NSU grad. Coached Claremont to a national record of 61 consecutive 6-man football victories 1947-53 (topped previous record of 42). In 1948, Claremont set a national record scoring 608 points. Over 10 years, his teams went 84-3 with nine conference titles. Led Webster to the 1938 state high school baseball title and Claremont to the 1949 state Class B track title. Coached many basketball teams, including 1954 28-0 team. Inducted in NHSACA Hall of Fame, 2005.

With the 2020 Hall of Fame Banquet rescheduled for June 12, 2021, many people around Aberdeen and South Dakota are left wondering what it takes to receive one of South Dakota’s greatest athletic honors. Being athletically gifted is a big help, but what makes a great athlete or coach stand apart from the rest? John Papendick offers a play by play on who is worthy of the honor.

1956 NSU grad. 32 years as NSU coach and/ or athletic director. First year as football coach (1969) led the Wolves to an unbeaten season. 67-46-7 in 12 seasons as football coach. A Little All-American (a recognition for top national players in classes other than Division I) at NSU. Held school career rushing record (4,121 yards) for almost 45 years.

“My wife is amazed I can remember almost every ball game I was in,” Kretchman notes. “Lots of memories—some I’d just as soon forget and some that bring great pleasure.”

“Almost every sport you can think of is represented in the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame,” John says. “From traditional sports like football, rodeo, track, and basketball to polo, horseshoes, auto racing, and trapshooting to everything in between.” No sport is left behind, and all athletes with a serious dedication to their sport are considered if nominated.

1938 USD grad. NSU coach and/or athletic director, 1946-1986. Initially coached football, basketball, track, tennis, and golf with no assistants. Winningest football coach in NSU history: 146-42-4, four perfect seasons, and 15 SDIC titles. Former president of the NAIA. Member of U.S. Olympic Committee, 1975-84.

He started school in Lebanon, SD, which had 17 students. Then he moved to Faulkton with a “huge” enrollment of 100, “but it had football,” he noted. “The first football game I saw was one I played in. I didn’t have a clue what was going on,” he said. Not bad for a guy who held the NSU career rushing record for over 40 years.

1957 NSU grad. Winningest high school football coach in state history, 284-78-2. Coached Yankton 30 years, ending with a perfect season and state Class 11AA title in 1994. National football coach of the year, 1986; inducted in NHSACA Hall of Fame, 1996.

Despite his accomplishments as a player, he spoke more about coaching, “A coach’s equity is really tied up in people. I coached around here, and many athletes I coached still live here. It gives me no greater joy than to visit with them now.” He added, with a chuckle, “I always remember our teams as being better than they probably were. That’s one of the good things about human memory. It enhances things.”

Like most good athletes (and most good people), he recognizes that he didn’t do it all on his own. “Clark Swisher was my coach, then I coached for him and then he coached for me,” he said, reflecting the different NSU roles each man had over time. “Never do I think of athletes or Northern without thinking about Swish. We were probably about 180 degrees different in personality, but he had a great influence in the community and on me.”

“Coaching is a rewarding career,” he concluded. “If I had to do it all over again, I’d follow the same path.”

“The Hall is all about uniqueness,” he points out. Amanda Clement was baseball’s first paid woman umpire. Lyle “Dusty” LeBeaux not only coached all eight of his children in state basketball tournaments, but also some of his grandchildren. Pal Christensen officiated 22 basketball games in eight days. Paul Sheeks co-founded the National Basketball League, a forerunner to today’s NBA. Groton’s Earl Sande rode Gallant Fox to horse racing's Triple Crown in 1930 after coming out of retirement.

When it comes to South Dakota’s Olympic athletes, not many have found their place in the Hall just yet. “The standards to be inducted are tremendously high,” says John. Olympic gold medalists in the SDSHOF include runner Billy Mills, trapshooter Frank Hughes, and wrestler Randy Lewis.

The Hall’s showcase is in the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls (call ahead to be sure it’s open). Anyone can submit nominations to the Hall by filling out a form at www.sdshof.com . The SDSHOF is also always looking for contributions and/ or sponsors. If interested, contact papendickjohn@gmail.com .

MAX HAWK

JIM KRETCHMAN

BILL WELSH

CLARK SWISHER

1969 Aberdeen Central grad. 1973 Iowa State grad. At the 1969 state Class AA track meet in Spearfish, threw discus 211 feet, 4 inches — farther than any U.S. high schooler had ever thrown it, still a state record. (Record never recognized nationally because later surveying showed uneven terrain.) Held state record in shot put. As ISU tailback, he set the single-season rushing record of 1,316 yards. All-American quarterback 1972. Set ISU records for total offense in a career, touchdowns scored in a game, season, and career, and touchdown passes in a season. Finished 7th in Heisman Trophy vote. Set the ISU record in the discus. First round draft pick of Houston Oilers in 1973 — only first rounder ever for ISU. Played three seasons in the NFL.

BASKETBALL

1973 Aberdeen Central grad. 1977 NSU grad. Coached NSU women's team to a 44-10 record in two seasons. Followed his college coach, Bob Wachs, as men’s basketball coach, 1985-1999: career record 305-129, six conference titles, five NAIA national tournament appearances, and runnerup in 1994 and 1995. In NCAA Division II, earned national tournament berths in his first four seasons, including Elite Eight in 1997-98. National coach of the year, conference coach of year five times. Coached 27 all-conference players, five NAIA All-Americans, one NCAA II First-Team All-American, and eight Academic All-Americans. Athletic director for 13 years. Also taught and worked as an admissions counselor. Coached Roncalli basketball 1981-1983, with a 27-13 record.

Bob Olson reflected on memories, particularly of the people who contributed to his and NSU’s success. “Collaborating with Todd Jordre, Tim Miles, Brad Christenson and many other coaches and assistants made our program successful,” he noted.

“Coaches Wachs and Kretchman impacted my entire career as a student and coach at NSU,” Olson recalled. “Their professionalism and work ethic and desire to win were passed on to me. The time they took to establish rapport with students and fellow coaches was phenomenal.” He added, “Newspaper reporter John Papendick was fair and good at his job of reporting our games.”

He summed it up, “There have been so many contacts made through sports that have made major impressions on me and their impact has helped promote NSU Athletics as we worked together as a team.”

1938 Aberdeen Central grad. 1942 Creighton grad. Led Central to 1938 Class A title. A top collegiate player in the early 1940s. Helped Creighton to third-place finish in 1942 NIT and to 1941NCAA tourney in an eight-team field.

1974 NSU grad. Voted best allaround male athlete in NSU history. Earned 16 varsity letters, four years each in football, basketball, baseball, and track, most ever by an athlete at any South Dakota college.

1957 Aberdeen Central grad. 1961 NSU grad. On four SDIC championship teams, three NAIA national tourneys. NAIA All-American. Drafted 7th round by the Boston Celtics (never played in NBA). Coached basketball at Sioux Falls O'Gorman, 1961-68, went 92-35, won state Catholic title, 1963, and qualified for state Class A tourney, 1967 (first year parochial schools were eligible). Augustana basketball coach, 1971-1980; athletic director, 1974-80.

1947 Northern Colorado grad. NSU men’s basketball coach 1955-1985. His 532-286 record makes him winningest coach in South Dakota men's basketball. Led Wolves to be SDIC champion 10 times, NIC twice, NAIA national tourney eight times, and have 12 seasons with at least 20 wins.

1965 NSU grad. South Dakota’s winningest boys’ basketball coach, 748305 record. Coached more than 40 seasons, most at Custer. Coached one unbeaten team (Custer, 25-0, 1990) and five one-loss teams. His teams won seven state titles.

RICH ANDRZEJEWSKI

GEORGE AMUNDSON

BOB OLSON GENE HALDEMAN

MEL KLEIN

LARRY LUITJENS

BOB WACHS

1970 Aberdeen Central grad. 1974 NSU grad. 13th-winningest college women’s basketball coach of all time, 846-306 record in 39 seasons. Just the 16th head coach across all NCAA divisions to reach the 700-win mark. Led NSU to NAIA Division II tournament five times, winning titles in 1992 and 1994, finishing second, 1993, third, 1981. The Wolves were 30-4 in 1992 and 32-1 in 1994. Six NSIC titles; 45 consecutive wins, 1993-95. In NCAA Division II, Lady Wolves made five postseason appearances, reaching regional semifinals three times. Had 23 20-plus and two 30plus win seasons. Coached 32 1,000-point scorers; 63 all-conference selections; eight All-Americans; and three Academic All-Americans. At Central, he played first-team All-State football and basketball. At NSU, he played NAIA All-American football and baseball. One of the greatest amateur baseball players in state history.

Curt Fredrickson seems to have coached everything in Aberdeen. Besides women’s basketball at NSU, he was assistant football coach for 14 years, women’s fastpitch softball coach for

1967 Northern Colorado grad. NSU men’s basketball coach 11 seasons. Retired 2010 as winningest men’s basketball coach in NCAA history. Career record 923324; only one player he coached completed eligibility but did not graduate. NSU 221-104 record, two conference titles, five postseason berths, and at least 20 wins seven years in a row. Coached three years at Hamline University, 24 years at Lipscomb University. Thirteen NAIA tourney appearances, winning in 1986.

four years, and women’s track coach for four years. In addition, he coached 15-16 Teeners and the Smittys, and he ran spring youth baseball.

He also played amateur baseball for nearly 30 years, racking up impressive stats. His pitching record is an unbelievable 256-13, and he hit .410 with 277 home runs. He is the only player in state history with more than 250 home runs and more than 250 pitching victories — the personal statistic he says he is most proud of. During most of that time, he also ran the amateur team.

A member of four sports halls of fame, he recognizes, “You’re in with a select group of outstanding athletes.” He credits the “outstanding coaches” who contributed to his success, mentioning Smittys coach Reedy Fossum, high school coaches Don Reshetar, Jack Niesen, and Dave Smith, college baseball coach Bart Berndt, and Jim Kretchman, who was his college football coach when he played and, then, athletic director when he coached. He adds, “You pick up things from every coach. It forms your coaching philosophy — things you try to implement in your program.”

Abbreviations

For the sake of brevity in the biographical summaries here, abbreviations for institutions and organizations were used in most places. Here is a legend:

BHSU: Black Hills State University

LPGA: Ladies Professional Golf Association

NAIA: National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics

NCAA: National Collegiate Athletic Association

NCC: North Central Conference

NHSACA: National High School Athletic Coaches Association

NIC: Northern Intercollegiate Conference

— forerunner of today’s Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)

NIT: National Intercollegiate Tournament (basketball)

NSU: Northern State University (Northern State College)

PGA: Professional Golfers’ Association

SDHSAA: South Dakota High School Activities Association — forerunner South Dakota High School Athletics Association

SDIC: South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference

SDSHOF: South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame

SDSMT: South Dakota School of Mines & Technology

SDSU: South Dakota State University

USD: University of South Dakota

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TRACK

1954 NSU grad. Earned four letters each in football, basketball, and track. Started NSU cross country program, 1959; head track and cross country coach, seven years. In 1967, started the cross country program at BHSU. Also served as BHSU head track and golf coach and athletic director. President of SDIC and NAIA, member of the U.S. Olympic track and field committee.

1986 Aberdeen Central grad. 1990 SDSU grad. NCAA Division II indoor national track 800-meter champ, 1988 and 1989. Seven-time All-American in 800 meters. Won 11 individual indoor and outdoor NCC titles, 1987-1991. MVP NCC indoor meet, 1988, and outdoor meet, 1990. Her 800-meter outdoor time of 2:06.24 remains a school record after nearly 30 years; her indoor 800-meter run school record only broken in 2017.

Kim Fordham-Lien spoke of people who influenced her by challenging her. “In high school, I was impressed by how tough and talented the runners at Central were that I got to run against every day in practice,” she said. “It helped prepare my work ethic, which helped me get noticed by SDSU coach Scott Underwood.” FordhamLien said that Underwood “set some pretty high goals” for her.

She is also a competitive horse rider and has competed in triathlons and duathlons. “I saw it on TV and thought it looked really hard and really fun — and it was,” she said. “It’s hard, but it’s a blast.”

1958 Aberdeen Central grad. 1963 NSU grad. Track and/or cross country coach for more than 50 years, mostly at Watertown, but also, Indonesia and Kingdom of Bahrain as head coach of Bahrain Olympic track teams in 1984, 1988. In Watertown, earned state titles in boys’ track, 1998, and girls’ cross country, 2001. State coach of the year for girls’ cross country, 1993, and boys’ track, 1998.

GOLF

Born in Eureka. Introduced to golf by her dad who owned and ran Hyde Park (now Lee Park) Golf Course in Aberdeen. In 1942, at age 14, youngest ever South Dakota state amateur champion. Family moved to California. In 1950, at 22, one of 13 founding members of LPGA. With sister, Marlene Bauer Hagge, were featured in national magazines wearing shorts while playing, uncommon in the ‘50s. One of the first golfers to travel the Tour with her children.

“At college I got to run on the track with some of my idols. I’m still friends with many of those people, amazing human beings.” She concluded, “None of it would have happened if Scott Underwood hadn’t taken a chance on me. He opened up my world. I owe it all to Scott Underwood.”

In Aberdeen, she has been chair of the Chamber of Commerce and United Way campaign, and she has served on the Safe Harbor Foundation board and the Aberdeen Planning Commission — activities she credits sports for. “When I was young I was really shy,” she said. “Sports gave me more confidence. It gave me confidence whether it was speaking in front of people or volunteering. I was not afraid of embarrassing myself,” she laughed.

Born in Eureka. First woman named to SDSHOF. Family lived in Aberdeen Hyde Park (Lee Park) clubhouse before moving to California. Youngest athlete ever named Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year, Golfer of the Year, and Teenager of the Year. Founder and, with sister Alice, one of 11 charter members of LPGA in 1950. In 1952, got her first Tour victory at age 18. Remains youngest player to join LPGA Tour and youngest winner of LPGA event. Inducted World Golf Hall of Fame, 2002.

MARLENE BAUER HAGGE

ALICE BAUER

KIM FORDHAM-LIEN

VIC GODFREY

BILL JORDAN

BASEBALL

•

Born in Columbia. Played youth baseball in Columbia and Aberdeen. 1946 Indiana University grad. Played pro baseball for 11 seasons (19441945, 1947, 1950-1951) with Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Athletics, and St. Louis Browns.

COACHES and ADMINISTRATORS

1954 Aberdeen Central grad. 1958 NSU grad. Officiated high school and college sports for decades. Officiated the first football game at DakotaDome, 1979. Held many administrative positions and earned numerous awards.

1955 NSU grad. Coached track, volleyball, softball, and basketball teams at SDSU in the 1970s and 1980s. Outstanding fastpitch shortstop, inducted in South Dakota Softball Hall of Fame, 1989.

•

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BACK TO SCHOOL

FIELD GUIDE

Mental health stress and online schoolwork take their toll on students and parents, but a local licensed psychologist and an elementary teacher are here to help.

by JENI FJELSTAD

A

berdeen elementaries are finding creative solutions to a unique problem. As adaptations to coronavirus concerns happen daily, Hub City schools are remaining flexible. They haven’t forgotten how important the relationship between students and teachers can be — whether learning is virtual, hybrid, or in person. Aberdeen Christian, Roncalli, and the public school district are all making big changes for kiddos to socialize and learn safely. Most of all, the return to class seems like a beacon of hope.

Two major differences shadow this year’s return to the classroom: children's mental health being affected by another stressful transition and parents adjusting to facilitating both homework and online classwork. Local professionals Mandy Reed and Mark Stone share their advice for a smooth return to the school year.

Is my child feeling okay?

The shrill beep blares through hallways. A third grader lines up at the door and follows his classmates across the road to the streetlight. He’s used to fire drills, and if this were a real fire, he’d know exactly what to do.

Mandy Reed, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist at Northern Plains Psychological Associates, says that’s how prepared kids should be this fall.

Mandy, who’s not only passionate about children’s mental health but is also a mother herself, compares kids’ psychological response to the pandemic to disaster trauma.

“It has all of the traumatic stress effects that a typical disaster does,” Mandy says.

It’s hard to focus in class if a kid doesn’t feel safe. As in disaster preparedness, like a fire drill, children need to practice for returning to school in a safe way.

Illustration by Eliot Lucas

In disaster mental health, traumatic stress happens because a child’s natural coping methods become overwhelmed. With major stressors like getting sick, money troubles, or a parent’s work situation, it’s no surprise youngsters could be struggling.

She adds that some kids can come to think of COVID-19 as a monster coming to get them. Others think totally differently, maybe their toy dinosaur can conquer it.

Transitioning from summer to school is tough for kids in its own rite, but this year, a pandemic snatched “normal” away and shadows their return whether online or in-person.

“Good transitions cause stress too,” Mandy says.

So, even a child longing to swing from the monkey bars with friends could be feeling anxious.

A child experiencing traumatic stress might act out of their ordinary. This could be attentionseeking, isolating, or nervous habits.

Mandy’s biggest tip is to openly communicate with them. Drop the question, “how are you feeling?” Then, set their expectations now by talking through any changes they’ll see in school.

According to Mandy, kids will feel calmer in the long run knowing that school might need to move online like back in March or that their teacher might wear a mask.

In the end, remind them that it’s okay to feel nervous or unsure.

Mandy compares those conversations to a fire drill. The action might cause a little nervousness at first but will let them work through the anxiety in advance. They’ll be calmer when a fire — or an outbreak — does happen.

HOW CAN I NAVIGATE MY CHILD�S ONLINE CLASS?

When stress looms, consistency can mean everything for a child’s mental health. It’s much easier to sort through emotions when a kid feels comfortable in a daily routine. Bedtime stories or family game night reassure kids even more that they have something to look forward to.

“When normalcy doesn’t look normal, we can still have a routine,” Mandy says.

As for social needs, Mandy says children mainly use time with friends and loved ones to heal from trauma. She reminds parents that the classroom is not the only place that’s possible.

Kids will benefit from outdoor playdates or walks with their friends or cousins. Dice games and Battleship also can be played from afar.

If relatives like grandparents or aunts could call to chat with little ones, kids will have a higher “perceived social support.”

Mandy explains that means kids feel someone would be there for them, even if they don’t ask for any help. The support is great news for a child’s mental health.

If you’re looking for more ways to make sure your child is doing alright, Mandy advises taking care of yourself. Kids are perceptive, so they’ll pick up on your response and mirror it.

“Kids heal [at] the pace of their parent[s],” Mandy says.

Kids are resilient. So, when they understand that scientists learn more daily about the mysterious virus, the hope for less uncertainty can carry them through.

Don’t be afraid to reach out for help for yourself or your child. For more information and resources, visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network at nctsn.org. //

It’s no surprise that schools call on parents to step in when kids have a sick day, get caught in a virus outbreak, or need regular homework help. But it’s not always easy for parents to jump into that role or tutor in areas they haven’t thought about in years. That’s why Mark Stone, who teaches fourth through sixth grade religion classes at Roncalli, shares helpful advice for parents. Rest assured,though, that you won’t be expected to become a full time homeschool teacher. “If my students are at home or in school,” Mark says, “that doesn’t change the fact that it’s my responsibility to provide education for them.”

If your kid keeps getting distracted... REPLICATE A ROUTINE: Create a schedule similar to the one at school to keep kids focused when homework time arrives.

If your kid gets it wrong...

SAVE BY SUPPORT: Allow kids to do their own work and encourage a failed problem as a chance to learn.

If your kid feels confused... COLLABORATE AND QUESTION: Facilitate open communication with the teacher and don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions over email or phone.

If your kid asks but you can’t answer... RESORT TO RESOURCES: Use teachers to find online resources, have extra video lessons, or arrange tutoring.

If your kid learns something new... FIND THEIR STYLE: After reading or watching a lesson, allow kids to show their comprehension in whatever way comes naturally like drawing a picture, writing a summary, or showing a hands-on example.

If your kid wants to learn more...

ENCOURAGE STRENGTHS: Give them permission to play into their strengths whether that be art, technology, or writing.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Mandy Reed, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist at Northern Plains Psychological Associates.

Home Sweet Home

by JENNY ROTH

 HAPI’s new 1st North Subdivision is under development. The subdivision is located north of Holgate Middle School, and several houses are for sale.

Since January, we've dedicated one story in every issue of Aberdeen Magazine toward big topics on our minds as we start a new decade. Our strengths and weaknesses. Addiction. Transportation. Business. In this issue, we're continuing our Aberdeen: Version 2020 series with housing. What challenges are we up against to create housing in Aberdeen, and how are we facing them?

photos by TROY MCQUILLEN and STEPHANIE LUDENS

WHY HOUSING MATTERS TO YOU

Aberdeen is a great place to live and work. Have you ever heard someone say that? Maybe you've said it yourself. Especially at the Thanksgiving table, when your cousin, who lives far away, questions why you settled in Middle-ofNowhereville, South Dakota. Let's focus on the first part. Aberdeen is a great place to live. There are a million specific reasons why that's true for you, but in this story, we're unpacking what it's like to literally have a home in Aberdeen right now. Whether you rent or buy, housing connects us all. If we fail at housing, we fail everywhere. People can't put down roots and pour themselves into a community without first having a place that feels like home within city limits. When you make your home somewhere, that's where you work, shop, send your kids to school, and volunteer. All of this is good for Aberdeen. Maybe that's why we have so many great organizations in town making sure we get it right. But having a home is complicated. There are costs and floodplains. There are families with specific requirements and seniors with an entirely different set of needs.

To break it all down, here are five key things you need to know about housing in the Hub City.

Continued on page 60.

 Each house has an open floor plan and plenty of space for every growing family. The upper floor is finished, and the lower level is left as an unfinished utility room.

1

.

ABERDEEN IS GROWING

This isn't new. We have a steady history of population growth. Over the past decade, about 300 new residents have made Aberdeen their home every year. That's a yearly increase of at least 140 new households. To keep up with our projected growth, Aberdeen will need to add about 170 housing units every year. This includes homes and rentals (Aberdeen Housing Study, 2018). Even as we navigate COVID-19, the demand for housing is expected to remain constant.

When people move to town, if they rent, they're likely choosing from apartments. According to Eric Vetter with RentAberdeen.com, "There are many apartments for rent in Aberdeen compared to three to five years ago and a lot more for people to pick and choose from. One thing contributing to this is the increase in apartments that have been built in town." He says between 65 and 110 people visit his website every day, all of whom are looking for rentals in Aberdeen. Homes for rent are popular, but they are few and far between compared to apartments. And cost is a factor. Renting a home is usually close to, or more than, $1,000 per month plus utilities. The average monthly rent in town is about $600. Still, "There is definitely room for more homes to rent," Eric said.

For newcomers wishing to buy, Aberdeen has choices in a variety of price points. Homes Are Possible, Inc (HAPI) has worked tirelessly to construct single-family homes in Aberdeen and provide homebuyer education and assistance.

They are now working on their largest subdivision yet (located just north of Holgate) out of the dozen they've done so far. The nonprofit isn't stopping there. They've also purchased two additional plots of land north and east of this subdivision, both for home development.

With growth comes new construction, and we need that for our aging homes in Aberdeen. About 54% of our housing was constructed in 1969 or before. This is well above the national average of about 38%. Many of our older homes have been well-kept, but we also have many in need of repair (Aberdeen Growth & Comprehensive Plan, 2018).

2

. SENIOR AND FAMILY HOUSING ARE MUST-HAVES

Aberdeen's aging population is also growing. As of 2018, 45% of all Aberdeen households were headed by a person 55 and older (Aberdeen Housing Study, 2018). Meanwhile, the median age in town is about 35. What does this mean? Senior and family housing should be on our radar. Both populations look for safe neighborhoods with the small-town feel Aberdeen is known for. Families want a yard and space for their kids to play, while seniors may be looking for less property maintenance.

"We’re seeing developments with townhousestyle rentals starting up for this senior population," explains Brett Bill, city planning &

zoning director. Jeff Mitchell, executive director with HAPI, acknowledges they put up houses specifically with this population in mind. For example, they recently added a few smaller, twobedroom, one-bathroom homes with no steps and an attached garage.

3. THERE IS A DISCONNECT BETWEEN INCOME AND HOUSING COSTS

How can a two-income household not earn enough to pay for housing? It's not that people aren't trying. It's that incomes aren't meeting the costs of living. In Aberdeen, 26% of all residents are considered cost-burdened by housing, meaning more than 30% of their income goes toward their rent or mortgage. Of these, 43% are renters, and 15% are homeowners (Aberdeen Growth & Comprehensive Plan, 2018). Imagine getting two paychecks every month. The first is enough for your rent. The second is enough for daycare, groceries, and maybe a car payment. You don't have anything left for savings, and you are one disaster away from a financial crisis.

 Jody Zueger is the executive director of the Aberdeen Housing Authority. The Aberdeen Housing Authority helps with rent assistance for low income families across Aberdeen.

"We can have a double-income household, with both parents working in retail or the service industry and with two kids, and they qualify for housing assistance," said Jody Zueger, executive director of the Aberdeen Housing Authority. The Housing Authority is a rental property management company that solely handles income-based rentals. Currently, they have 379 rental units in town. They also administer the Section 8 voucher program for five counties in and around Aberdeen to help families pay a portion of their rent based on income. Through this program, they serve about 400 people and have a waiting list of about 300. Job loss and reduced employment due to COVID-19 have played a large role in the increase in need for housing assistance. Jody said, "The majority of people on our program are in the service industry or working retail. These people are the backbone of the community. If they weren’t doing these jobs, Aberdeen wouldn't survive."

Jody said, "The people you see working around town as you run your errands aren't able to afford rentals priced at $800-$1,000 a month.

Service Is Our Business

 HAPI Executive Director Jeff Mitchell and Home Ownership Coordinator Rachel Dix stand next to the map at the HAPI 1st North Subdivision. A few lots have either been sold or are pending sale, but plenty of lots are still available.

KEVIN SPITZER BRANDON LESLIE CHUCK MITZEL JR.

That's not to say those apartments aren't worth that. It's just that there may be a disconnect between rent and what people make an hour." Statistics back this up. The median household income in Aberdeen is $47,290. That's below the rest of Brown County ($53,073) and the state ($52,078). According to the city's 2018 Growth & Comprehensive Plan, "The median family income has grown since 2010; however, the rate of income growth is trailing the rate of inflation."

This is not exclusive to Aberdeen. Jeff says the cost of materials somewhat causes the cost of housing to grow faster than the income of buyers and renters. Most raw materials used in housing are not manufactured locally. “Every time we go out for contracts to build houses, material costs go up a little bit here and a little bit there. If incomes do not rise with it, the risk is pricing people out of the market. That’s one of the reasons why we try to offer several styles and price points on our houses, so more people can potentially afford them.”

Plenty of open land surrounds Aberdeen, but that doesn't automatically mean we have space to expand housing. In fact, finding developable ground is one of our biggest hurdles. It's no secret we have a lot of floodplains and wetlands in and around the city. Along with this, we frequently run into soil conditions that are poor for construction. It's also tricky to get infrastructure, like sewer and water, to new developments in these kinds of situations.

So how can we overcome our natural barriers? Maybe with money, but that doesn't mean it’s easy. "It makes it so cost-prohibitive for anyone to develop when they have floodplains," Brett said. Even so, the city's growth plan has mapped out specific areas favorable to future residential neighborhoods within the next 25 years.

Replacing old homes with new ones is another solution. Brett gives credit to HAPI for helping immensely with the city's in-fill housing. "If a dilapidated structure is torn down, HAPI has been great in buying that property and putting a new house on it."

Along with natural barriers, we have some that are man-made. You can’t plop a residential area next to a railroad track, stockyard, or factory, for example.

When discussing what Aberdeen does well in terms of housing, one word always comes up: HAPI. Brett explains, "HAPI has helped us increase our housing inventory to a great extent. Without them being here, our housing would not have grown as it has." Other communities are even taking notes and trying to replicate what this nonprofit is doing within their own cities too.

Jody also acknowledges the city for the work they do in making housing growth possible. "When we were putting up our properties, we had to go through the city, and they were very, very supportive of what we were doing." The city ensures that all property is appropriately zoned, and that infrastructure is subbed out to areas that could be developed. This way, if the infrastructure is already in place adjacent to a developable piece of land, it helps reduce some of those building costs.

Along with HAPI and the Aberdeen Housing Authority, many other organizations in town try

to break through the housing barriers. Whether that's helping with utility bills or security deposits or providing homebuyer education, we have people working toward making sure everyone can have a steady roof for their family. Jeff said, “If you’re buying a home, do your homework. Go to a free homebuyer’s ed class and find out what’s available for assistance programs and see if you qualify. There are resources here if you want to own a home, so take advantage of them. You are not on your own.”

At the beginning of this story, we talked about how good it is for Aberdeen when we have more people wanting to make a life here. In truth, the future of Aberdeen's housing largely depends on those of you who already call the city home. There is one super important thing anyone reading this can do to help housing flourish:

"Continue to shop and buy local," Brett explained. "This creates jobs in those stores, which translates into a need for more housing. New construction then means jobs for so many others. Plumbers. Developers. Electricians. It keeps the economy rolling for everybody." //

 For information on HAPI, visit homesarepossible.org. To learn more about the Aberdeen Housing Authority, go to aberdeenhousing.com. The 2018 Housing Study and Growth & Comprehensive Plan are available at aberdeen.sd.us.

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. OUR NATURAL BARRIERS POSE DIFFICULTIES

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. WE HAVE CHALLENGES, BUT WE ALSO HAVE RESOURCES

 Brett Bill (right) is the City Planning & Zoning Director. Next to him is Building Inspector Barry Dunlavy. The Planning and Zoning Department does a lot, but in regard to housing, this department looks at past and future housing and land trends in Aberdeen.

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I got a Snickers and a Reese's.

What did you get?

Hand sanitizer and toliet paper.

by Eliot Lucas