BUZZ

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

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 8-10 100 years being one of the only locally owned banks in Dr. Otto H. Gerdes helped charter Guaranty State Bank in

person staff, and Mark Malchow will take over as a managing partner in

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.

Great Plains Bank’s Successful Century

Very few businesses can tout a century of success, but for Great Plains Bank, 2020 marks the Aberdeen Area and in South Dakota. Back in 1920, 2021. // - Karlie Spiry

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

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

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.

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

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.

Cone-gratulations, Twist Cone

Another Aberdeen icon celebrated a milestone anniversary in July. Twist Cone held a weeklong shipment away from the larger Rapid City store. // - Jeni Fjelstad

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 Spiry

Unique and eclectic, West Oak offers a variety of fashion as unique home décor.

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 that is size inclusive as well

 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

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

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

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

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

Waving the Best in Aberdeen

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Photo by Troy McQuillen

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 that is 100% locally designed and visit universityofaberdeensd.com. // - 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  Visit the new billboard to test your the trip up Main Street are greeted by the new knowledge of Aberdeen icons. signage “Greetings from Aberdeen”. The new 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

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 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, stretched canvas, which measures 14’ x 8’, adds an extra dose of Aberdeen flair to the downtown

Represent your favorite city with this brand new, university inspired apparel line!

Governor Kristi Noem delivers news about the COVID Recovery Fund.

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