Aberdeen Magazine July/August 2021

A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN

➼ A story behind the stories.

Aberdeen’s Storybook Land Theatre has been bringing the community together for decades, creating laughs and entertainment for people of all ages.

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

REGULARS

04 FROM THE EDITOR 06 BUZZ

Your source for what’s happening in Aberdeen. 16 CALENDAR

Never miss an event in the Hub City.

18

FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY

The United Way addresses a major obstacle in Brown County and draws attention to regional programs that are working hard to offer relief for the community.

40 WATCH

If you are looking for ways to round out your movie selection, consider these two films to add depth and emotion to your list.

42 TASTE

Refreshing snacks and beverages that will cool you down during the sunny summer weather.

68 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers!

68 THE ABERDABBER

ON THE COVER

➼ Aberdeen’s Storybook Land Theatre (SBLT) performed its first show in the Castle in June 1989 with a total of 12 performances that summer. Now, Artistic Director Brian Schultz and his cast prepare over 24 shows for Aberdeen and travel to neighboring towns on tour to spread their creativity and love for theater. Our cover story gives you a behind the scenes look at the history of SBLT, Brian’s passion and commitment to Aberdeen theater, and the dynamic personalities of the 2021 SBLT cast. Photos courtesy of Wildfire Studios.

A WHOLE NEW GAME

➼ A seventh grader created a league of his own here in Aberdeen. Now, he prepares for round two. Check out this unique story about the Aberdeen Wiffle Ball League.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ABERDEEN!

➼ Aberdeen celebrates 140 years since its establishment. But as you dive deeper into the rich details of our past, the various accounts of history may tell a different story. Bonus! Discover what the stars have to say about the Aberdeen community.

FEATURED CONTENT

20 SUMMER FUN FOR EVERYONE

The Brown County Fair: Find out what’s happening at the summer’s biggest event.

24 DOWNTOWN ABERDEEN REVITALIZATION TEAM

Improving “The Street” One Building at a Time: A closer look at the team whose mission is to upgrade Main Street buildings, bringing a spark to new and growing businesses.

32 TALKING ‘BOUT THE CAR WASH, YEAH!

Two car wash businesses are making their debut in Aberdeen, but they are far more than your average car washing station. Take a glance at all the new features coming this way.

34 DID YOU HEAR THE NEWS?

The former American News building went under new ownership this past spring. With the times changing, the News needed a smaller space, and the building’s new owner needed a home.

36 WHAT’S IN STORE?

The Malchow Plaza might still be the new kid on the block, but it’s no stranger to the people of Aberdeen. Find out more about the people who have made the Plaza a success.

46 THE MARCH TO TAME POLIO

Travel back in time to learn more about how polio affected the city of Aberdeen.

54 ELM LAKE DAM PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

Aberdeen’s water supply will see little change as construction begins to repair damage on the spillways caused by last year’s summer storm.

Ihave flipped through many of the stories printed in Aberdeen Magazine--looking for inspiration as the new editor, but mostly out of genuine curiosity. I read about talented local artists, rich Aberdeen history, tasty innovative recipes, fascinating business ventures … the list goes on and on. Each story brings a new perspective--a different lens to view Aberdeen. But out of all the stories I browsed through, I discovered one thing that unites them all: Community.

Growing up in a small town south of Aberdeen, I visited the local boutiques and dined at the restaurants, attended summer Storybook Land events and competed in sports at the high school gyms. Through those years, I had yet to experience all that Aberdeen had to offer. During my time at Presentation College, I started to truly see the community around me--the hometown pride, the kindness of strangers, the hard work of business owners, the continuous celebration of local success--and I loved it! Working for Aberdeen Magazine continues to change and expand my own lens of Aberdeen as I immerse myself in the stories of the community.

MANAGING EDITOR

Josie Clemens MANAGING EDITOR

In this issue, change inspires many of the stories, and overcoming challenges is the root of most change. As you turn through the pages, you will find stories that embrace those challenges including one about a seventh grader who created a Wiffle Ball league amidst a pandemic so he and his friends could enjoy their summer, another on the ongoing construction of a damaged spillway to ensure the people of Aberdeen have a backup water supply, and yet another on how, decades ago, the community united to battle a virus different than the one we face today. These stories highlight and celebrate the local events that bring the people in Aberdeen together.

Every editor and contributor add their own unique touch to Aberdeen Magazine, but every story circles back to the splendors of our community. Aberdeen is home to small victories and large successes, families and free-spirits, art and history. There is a story everywhere you look in Aberdeen, whether it’s a new face to a recent addition or a familiar face mixed with tradition, and I am delighted to be a part of sharing those stories through Aberdeen Magazine.

And please, share your stories with us! We love to hear from our readers. If you have any ideas, information, stories, or feedback, let us know by emailing josie@aberdeenmag.com or calling 605-226-3481. I look forward to hearing from you! //

CONTRIBUTORS



Josie Clemens josie@aberdeenmag.com

PUBLISHER

Troy McQuillen troy@mcquillencreative.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Eliot Lucas eliot@mcquillencreative.com

AD SALES

Julie Lillis julie.aberdeenmag@gmail.com

INTERN

Symmone Gauer

PUBLICATION OFFICE

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

PRINTING

Midstates Printing

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

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

COPYRIGHT 2021 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.

FOLLOW US



 SYMMONE GAUER is a senior at SDSU studying journalism and French. Originally from Aberdeen, she is excited to be interning with Aberdeen Magazine. Symmone also loves reading, writing, music, photography, and traveling.

 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.

Facebook @AberdeenMagazine

INSTAGRAM @aberdeenmagazine

PUBLISHED BY

www.mcquillencreative.com

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

CONNIE SIEH GROOP lives and thrives on their family farm at Frederick. As a freelance writer, she enjoys connecting with fascinating people to share their stories.

JAMES HEISINGER is a student at NSU and a writer for Northern’s newspaper, The Exponent. He writes movie reviews and serves on the student government as a senator from the School of Education.

 JEANNETTE HERMANN is an astrologer who designs travel programs for Americans to Europe. She lives in France and Tucson, Arizona when it gets cold, and believes that travel opens a person's mind and heart to other ways of being in this world.

The Zoo Bar

Remodels and Expands Services

When you think about The Zoo Bar in Aberdeen, the college party scene may be your initial impression, but The Zoo is more than just the typical “college bar.” As of August 2020, the bar officially became a wedding and event venue.

The idea of offering the location as a wedding and event venue has been in the works for a couple years because of the extensive remodeling and the addition of the outdoor patio. Lowell and Denise Punt, owners of The Zoo Bar, waited for the right opportunity. Their daughter’s wedding reception set the plan in motion.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Lowell and Denise’s daughter and son-in-law were forced to postpone their wedding. When rescheduling, the couple had limited options, but the spacious layout of The Zoo with the bonus of an outdoor patio became the perfect place for them.

Since then, the venue has hosted multiple events, including the Aberdeen Area Wrestling Fundraiser. The months ahead are also looking bright for The Zoo Bar as other customers have already scheduled their events with the new service.

This venue has the complete package. Clients have exclusive access to the location from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM the day of their event with a full wait staff, bartenders, and a DJ. The entertainment feature includes dance floor lights, a microphone, and five projector screens.

If you are looking for a place to host your event, The Zoo Bar is an established business and is welcoming everyone to try out their new wedding and event venue on 1017 South Main Street in Aberdeen. // - Josie Clemens  Need more info? Contact The Zoo Bar Wedding and Special Events via Facebook @TheZooBar or email thezoosdevents@gmail.com.

The Return of Scotty’s Burgers

Scotty’s is back and better than ever as Scotty’s Tavern and Burgers.

The building on 719 North Main Street has quite the history. This Aberdeen hotspot started as Scotty’s Drive Inn back in 1962, which eventually was renamed Daddy’s Bar and Grill. When Daddy’s announced its closure in 2015, Stacy Gossman, owner of Big Fella’s, jumped in without hesitation.

The menu went back to the staples of Scotty’s original food but with a hint of Big Fella’s trending items. After five years of owning the business, Stacy decided to lease the property to Los Primos, a Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately, amidst the global pandemic, Los Primos found that with limited staff and customers, the business could not prevail.

This gave Stacy another opportunity to reopen his 50s-themed burger shack this year in March.

The owner of Big Fella’s and Scotty’s says that the newly reopened restaurant is getting better every day, but without the dedication and commitment from his cook and staff, the burger restaurant would not be able to operate successfully.

The new menu carries everything from the classic Rebel burger to French dip sandwiches to fish n’ chips. Stacy keeps his food old-school, but Scotty’s Tavern is far from traditional as Stacy prides himself in the evolution of his craft, the ambiance of the restaurant, and the love from his customers.

This local favorite is sure to have food for every craving.

// - Josie Clemens

 Food service at Scotty’s Tavern and Burgers is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. The tavern typically stays open until 11:00 PM. For specials and updates, visit www.facebook.com/ScottysDriveInn.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Stacy Gossman is the owner of Scotty’s Tavern and Burgers and Big Fella’s restaurants.

 This spacious venue opens up many options for arrangement and decoration to celebrate any style and occasion.

Photo by Symmone Gauer

A Collaboration of Wellness Advocates

Appoise, the newly built wellness spa on 10 Railroad Ave. SW, officially opened its doors on June 1. This modern business offers a culmination of whole health and selfcare services and products for its customers.

Nicole Johnson, the founder of Appoise, has extensive training in everything from organic skincare modalities to advanced skincare products and worked with over 20 skin care lines before moving back to Aberdeen and venturing into her own unique space. Her goal was to bring individual businesses together, creating a onestop shop for all their customers’ needs, and organize and lead free-to-low-cost education and workshops.

Appoise is a collaboration of wellness advocates working together under one roof to provide an array of skincare and therapeutic services alongside healing wellness resources. With eight individual businesses working under the umbrella of Appoise, services range through a plethora of specialties: facials and waxing, yoga and Pilates private instruction, life and nutrition coaching, massage therapy, and foot zoning.

The excitement does not stop there. A lobby extending off the waiting area houses local artwork, kitschy retail gifts, and the products used by the businesses at Appoise. Nicole has even partnered with local businesses to include supplements for Alzheimer’s care and support.

“Sounds cliché, but one thing that is most important is knowing that we all can do our best, act with kindness, and live out loud while we invest in other people’s health,” Nicole said. // - Josie Clemens  For details about Appoise, check out their website www.appoise.com, look up AppoiseSD on Facebook, or call 605-846-0725.

Inflating Success at Beyond the Balloon

The old train depot building on 1 North Main Street is home to a new business in Aberdeen: Beyond the Balloon.

Beyond the Balloon offers balloon decor including balloon walls, arches, wreaths, and bouquets.

When Tara Heitmann first brought her idea of starting a balloon business to her husband, Josh, he laughed nervously but quickly realized her ideas went beyond the everyday balloon. With weeks of online research and practicing various displays, the couple turned their balloons into art.

The first public announcement of Beyond the Balloon was made January 29 through a Facebook Live video. The response surpassed anything the owners expected.

Since opening, even people in surrounding towns like Warner, Mellette, Groton, and Britton have requested Tara and Josh’s exceptional displays. With this much interest, Beyond the Balloon is already looking for ways to add other services for parties like a candy cart.

Not only do the balloons bring a lively element to any occasion, but their air-filled designs can last for weeks if handled with care.

From your everyday birthday bouquet to weddings and large events, Josh and Tara can do it all! The next time you are stuck on decorating ideas or want to liven up your celebration, check out Beyond the Balloon here in Aberdeen. // - Josie Clemens

 Shop and browse Beyond the Balloon designs at http://beyond-the-balloon. square.site/s/shop or call 605-228-1789 for more information.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 The balloon inventory organized by size and color.

 Tara and Josh Heitmann stand in front of one of their many creative balloon displays.

 The team of wellness advocates at Appoise. Back row (from left) – Tiffany Twiggs, Hope Shatto, Natasha Valnes-Jorgenson, Dena Sievers. Front row (from left) – Melia Mounga, Alaina Lock, Nicole Johnson, and Anna Rostad.

Warm Weather Welcomes Dempsey’s Hot Dog Cart

Danger von Dempsey’s Pizzeria & Brewhaus in Aberdeen is known for its pizza and craft brews, but as the days grow longer, a popular summer feature makes its appearance on South Main Street. Danger von Dogs, Dempsey’s eccentric hot dog cart, reopened on May 13.

The unique hot dog cart made its Aberdeen debut in August 2020.

Sean Dempsey, the owner of both Aberdeen and Watertown locations, launched the first hot dog cart at Dempsey’s Brewery in Watertown in June 2020. Curious to see if the residents of Aberdeen would love hot dogs as much as Watertown, Sean opened the second hot dog cart in Aberdeen.

Danger von Dogs was a perfect fit for Aberdeen, especially as the pandemic forced businesses to alter their hours. Being able to offer a mobile food option allowed the business to expand hours for part-time workers as well as continue to offer a lunch option for Dempsey’s customers.

The main menu consists of Chicago, Coney, Cincinnati, and Warsaw styles. The crowd favorite being the Cincinnati, a chili cheese dog with crushed Fritos. This noteworthy hot dog cart also features a hot dog of the week with fun

The Aberdeen hot dog cart will be operating three days a week: Thursdays in front of Danger von Dempsey’s and Fridays/Saturdays in varying locations. Look for the cart at the Malchow Plaza farmer’s market as well as the Downtown concert series. The cart will remain open through

- Josie Clemens

Stay updated on the specials and location of the hot dog cart on Facebook on the Proper Hot Dog Aberdeen page. Questions? Email dangervondempseys@gmail.com.

Mr. Appliance Excels Amidst a Pandemic

Mr. Appliance of Aberdeen, Watertown, and Brookings began business in April 2020 and operates as an in-home appliance repair and service on all makes and models.

Cory and Rebecca Barber, the owners of Mr. Appliance, recognized a business opportunity when they opened at the beginning of the global pandemic. People sought to repair their older appliances rather than replace them, most likely due to the limited availability of appliances caused by factory shutdowns.

Cory is fully equipped to tackle any repair service after serving almost nine years as an electronics technician in the US Naval Nuclear program and subsequently completing his engineering degree. With several years of experience in engineering and computer systems management, Cory understands the complex microprocessors within many of the modern appliances.

Mr. Appliance offers a “Job Satisfaction” guarantee, and the technicians are trained and dedicated to doing the job accurately and efficiently.

According to Cory, most of the time, people think that they must replace an appliance once it stops working, but more often than not, appliances can be restored for less than half the replacement cost.

Starting a new business may seem unattainable, especially when facing a global pandemic, but that never stopped Cory and Rebecca. Mr. Appliance offers competitive services, and the customer testimonies are glowing with customer service satisfaction. // - Josie

Clemens

 Mr. Appliance operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. If you have questions or want to schedule a service, go to www.MrAppliance.com or call 605-824-6116.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Photos courtesy of Danger von Dempsey’s

 Sean Dempsey enjoying the delicious flavors with every bite.

 Danger von Dogs offers a variety of unique hot dog combinations and toppings. Pictured in the photo are (from left) Michael Bacon and Pat Witte. Photo by Troy McQuillen

Dance Studio Combines Tradition with New Perspective

The first official full year as Rachel Peterson Dance Studios in Aberdeen starts this August. The studio resides in the former Living Arts Dance Studios on 901 South Main Street previously owned by Vicki Schnoor.

Rachel Peterson, current owner of the studio, began dancing when she was four years old at Johnny Cavelle Studios and continued dancing with Vicki at Living Arts. She bought the studio in hopes of taking the traditions of Johnny Cavelle and Living Arts and mixing it with her new vision and direction.

“I was so proud of my studio as a student, and now I am even more proud and excited to create this studio as an extension of myself, my training, and my love for dance,” Rachel said.

Rachel Peterson Dance Studios offers classical dance training for ages 3 to 18. This training offers a multitude of core styles including ballet, tap, jazz, and modern with additional class offerings of pointe, poms, character, Irish, and Pilates.

“Our syllabus is designed so that as our students are developing ability and technique, they are introduced to more and more styles of dance to build their repertoire,” Rachel said.

Dance students in Aberdeen can look forward to the studio offering new dance styles to a larger age range and summer workshops to bring in unique styles and outside experience to the dancers. // - Josie Clemens

 To learn more about Rachel’s studio, visit the studio’s Facebook and Instagram page @rachelpetersondance or call 605-380-4739.

Banner Continues to Grow

The construction that began in mid-March on the Banner Engineering facility is expected to wrap up in the later part of July. The expansion on the building cost nearly three million dollars, and the company has also invested in multiple pieces of equipment for the new space that will be brought in once the space is finished.

Tim Hanigan says that, fortunately, the mild end to winter and early start to spring has allowed the construction to stay on schedule. Tim is the Senior Production Manager and is responsible for the plant engineering operations in both Aberdeen and Huron as well as the general oversight on day-to-day operations.

The new expansion will add 45,000 square feet to an existing 66,000 square-foot building. This nearly-75 percent increase in production space will allow the company to meet manufacturing demands that come from a growing worldwide market for their products. The Aberdeen facility specializes in surface mount production and the manufacturing of finished good sensors.

Banner has been hiring on a rolling basis since last fall. The company hired an additional 70 employees between September and May and, as of May, employed around 330 people. Tim says based on what they have been experiencing and with the corporation’s projected sales growth, they will continue to expand their workforce for the next year or two. // - Symmone Gauer

 For more information on the project or to apply for a job, visit www.bannerengineering.com.

 Rachel offers dance training in her studio with a variety of core styles, teaching students from ages 3 to 18.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Photo by Symmone Gauer

 The new Banner Engineering addition will add 45,000 square feet of space to the existing building.

The Community Welcomes Montgomery’s

The new Montgomery’s furniture store will soon open in the old OfficeMax location. The store will celebrate the new partnership between the Malchow family of former Malchow’s Home Furnishings, which suffered a fire in 2019, and the Sinclair family of Montgomery’s.

The Grand Opening of the store will be July 16. The theme is Neighborhood Block Party, and it will be a great time for everyone to get together. There will be live music, food vendors, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony with the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce.

“We just want to thank everyone in the community for supporting this project,” Mark Malchow says. Mark also says they had a great

community turnout for the retirement sale last fall in honor of his dad’s retirement.

As managing partner, Mark will be in charge of oversight of the new Montgomery’s store. Several employees are returning from Malchow’s to work at the new store. In total, there will be between 16 and 18 employees.

They made two additions on the original building, changing the total space of the former OfficeMax from 23,500 to 55,000 square feet. The new Montgomery’s store will provide all the

same lines and services as Malchow’s originally did but on a much larger scale. That will include furniture, a mattress gallery, a floor gallery, a lighting gallery, a window treatment gallery, a budget center, and a delivery service.

“We’re really excited...it’ll be the home furnishing store in the region and a gem of a store for the city of Aberdeen,” Mark says. // – Symmone Gauer

 For more details, go to Montgomery’s Aberdeen on Facebook or call 605-262-4700.

 Construction on Montgomery’s new storefront is ongoing at the former OfficeMax location.

Photo by Symmone Gauer

2021

JULY & AUGUST

BROWN COUNTY SPEEDWAY

Fridays 7:00 PM

 Embrace the excitement at the Brown County Speedway as cars race around the dirt track every Friday night. www.browncountyspeedway.org

MALCHOW PLAZA FARMERS

MARKET

Saturdays

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

 Stop by and browse through the locally grown and crafted produce.

july

MELGAARD PARK FUN RUN

July 7

7:00 PM

Melgaard Park

 Lace-up your shoes for this run alongside the Moccasin Creek. This noncompetitive event is open to runners of all ages with a fee of $3 per person or $5 per family.

 605-626-7015

ABERDEEN SENIOR BINGO FUNDRAISER

July 12 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Wylie Park Pavilion

 Ready to win some prizes? This special bingo event is open to the public. Regular bingo games are 25 cents per card and blackout games are 50 cents per card.

 605-626-7081

ABERDEEN AREA

SENIOR GAMES

July 14 - 17

9:00 AM

Various Locations

 Seniors 50 years and older: Showcase your talents at the Area Senior Games. Events include Free Throw contests, golf, 8-ball pool, bowling, Whist, and much, much more. Must register in advance by July 12.

 605-626-7015

www.aberdeen.sd.us/337/Senior-Games

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: RHINO

July 15

6:00 - 11:00 PM

Malchow Plaza

 Experience the beauty of Downtown with a live performance of alternative, 80s, and classic rock music by Rhino. Enjoy delicious food and cold drinks at this family-friendly event.

 605-824-4189

www.aberdeendowntown.org/events/ summer-concert-series-july/

16 16

SUMMER CRAZY DAYS

July 16 - 17

All Day

Downtown Aberdeen

 If you are looking for some summer fun, check out this Downtown event to find inflatables and games, unbelievable shopping discounts, great food, and live music.

www.aberdeendowntown.org/events/ summer-crazy-days/

STORYBOOK LAND FESTIVAL

July 16 - 17

Friday 5:00 - 9:00 PM;

Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Storybook Land

 Bring your kids to Wylie Park to take photos with costume characters, watch the concert in the Castle, join in on arts and crafts, and play in the inflatable.

 605-626-7015

DUDEFEST

July 17

4:00 PM

The Village Bowl

 This new event is everything Lebowski featuring bowling, screening of the film, a dog show, live band, car show, costume competition, and more!

 605-229-4800

MIDWEST REGIONAL SHOW SKI TOURNAMENT

July 23 - 25

Dahme Lake in Aberdeen

$5 for Adults; $3 for Students

 Cheer on the Aberdeen Aqua Addicts in the annual ski show tournament. Stay updated with Aberdeen’s water ski team at www.aquaaddicts.org

 605-622-0440

"ON THE ROAD TO WISHES" POKER RUN

July 24

Run starts at 1:00 PM

Biegler's C&S Motorsports

 You are invited to the 18th Annual Make-A-Wish Poker Run! Sign-up is from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy door prizes, raffle items, a live DJ, games, and more.

 605-225-7262

ABERDEEN KART CLUB STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

July 30 - 31 10:00 AM

Brown County Fairgrounds

 Buckle up and enjoy the fast-action competitive events at the 2021 Go-Kart South Dakota State Championships.

 605-228-5113

BANDS, BREWS AND BBQ

July 31

12:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Centennial Village

 You are not going to want to miss this summer event. Music kicks off at 1:00 PM and registration for the Cornhole Tournament starts at 4:00 PM. Stop by the food vendors for delicious BBQ and cold drinks all day. Proceeds benefit the South Dakota Snow Queen Scholarship Fund.

 605-225-2414

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: BON JOURNEY

August 27

6:00 - 11:00 PM

Downtown Main Street

 The series continues with a live performance from a Bon Jovi and Journey tribute band. Kick back and relax with fresh food and a cold beverage, and enjoy the family-friendly performance Downtown

 605-824-4189

SIZZLIN’ SUMMER NIGHTS CAR AND BIKE SHOW

August 27 - 28

Friday evening; All day Saturday

Downtown Main Street

 Bring your camp chairs and kiddos to enjoy an evening of free music and fun. Then, come back to browse through some of the coolest cars and bikes in the region.

 605-226-3441

ABERDEEN FAMILY FUN FESTIVAL

August 28

12:00 PM

Melgaard Park

 Enjoy a summer day with your family at Melgaard! Listen to live music, participate in games and group activities, and most importantly, have fun all day long.

www.facebook.com/AberdeenF3

BROWN COUNTY FAIR

August 16 - 22

All Day

Brown County Fairgrounds

 Don’t miss the event of the year: corn dogs, funnel cake, ice cold lemonade, carnival rides, livestock shows, concerts, and so much more!

www.thebcfair.com

GONE TO THE DOGS POOL DAY

August 22

5:30 - 7:30 PM

Aberdeen Aquatic Center

 Ending the summer with a splash! Bring your dog for a swim in the pool before they close for the season. Any monetary donations will go towards the Aberdeen Area Humane Society and Aberdeen City Parks & Rec. www.facebook.com/aahsnewleashonlife

91ST DAKOTA OPEN

August 28 - 29

7:00 AM

Moccasin Creek Country Club and Lee Park Golf Course

 Be a part of this major Aberdeen tradition. The Dakota Open is one of the oldest golf tournaments in the country. $125 per player.

 605-226-0989

‘SOGGY DOGGY’ DOCK DIVING

August 29

2:00 - 4:00 PM

Anchors Away - Richmond Lake

 Bring your dog and enjoy a day of fun at Richmond Lake and watch the dogdiving competition. Anchors Away will be serving lunch. This family-friendly event is a fundraiser for the Aberdeen Area Humane Society.

www.anewleashonlife.net/dockdiving

 Bon Journey

Fighting Food Insecurity

➼ “I’m hungry!” ... “There’s nothing to eat!” … as a container from last night’s supper blocks the view of the previous night’s take out. While this chorus rings through many homes this summer, the reality is that food insecurity is a major concern for many households in this region.

This begins our four-part series from United Way focusing on the programs and resources that address major obstacles community members face every day. The first issue is food insecurity.

Population estimates from the US Census Bureau states that our current Brown County population is 38,839, and, of that population, 9.4 percent (3,650) of our county residents live in poverty. According to South Dakota KIDS COUNT, in 2017, 37,907 South Dakotans from age 0 to 18 lived in poverty. At the same time, 1,038 children 0 to 18 lived in poverty in Brown County. While these are only a few of the statistics surrounding food and financial insecurity, it starts to paint a

picture of those who live around us, and perhaps, even ourselves.

We are fortunate to have several critical groups working hard to tackle our region’s hunger and poverty issue. The following is not an exhaustive list of hunger or food programs. Rather, it includes programs within the region that have touchpoints with United Way.

SALVATION ARMY

The mobile sack lunch program started in 2016 with a United Way Foundation Grant. The Salvation Army provides sack lunches to children all summer long at various drop-off points around the community. The program typically provides 150 to 175 sack lunches every day between Monday and Friday. That equals over 7,000 sack lunches each year.

Feeding SD partners with the Salvation Army to provide Senior Meal Boxes. The Salvation Army also provides a hot lunch every day in their center at 100 Sixth Ave. SW.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides a lunch and afternoon snack, averaging 147 snacks and 128 meals per day.

Children and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides an after-school snack and supper meal. In the 2020-21 school year, the Boys and Girls Club averaged 205 snacks and 83 meals per day.

BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN

Wednesday night meal service is open to the public from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM free of charge or with a goodwill offering. On average, over 400 people are served each Wednesday. During the pandemic, meals were provided in paper sacks with a grab–and–go style.

FEEDING SD

Freedom Church—Mobile Food Pantries travel across South Dakota distributing food to individuals and families in need. These distributions supplement the work of agency partner pantries, shelters, and meal sites operating in fixed locations. Typically, each family receives approximately 50 to 70 pounds of fresh and frozen produce, dairy, meat, breads, and other non-perishable food items. The type of food distributed varies depending on what is available at the current time. The Aberdeen distribution will be located at Freedom Church on July 27, August 24, and September 21 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

THE JOURNEY HOME

The Journey Home Food Box program serves all families and individuals experiencing a food crisis. They offer a food box to each household once a month, and it includes canned vegetables, fruits, cereal, rice, pasta, and soups. Each household is allowed a maximum of three food boxes. Once they receive their third food box, Journey requires that they meet with our United Way team to talk about their situation and to see if we can offer them any of our other services. //

by UNITED WAY STAFF

Volunteers and organizations work hard to combat hunger and poverty in Brown County.

 (From left) Virginia Kopecky and Caitlynn Barse help with the Boys and Girls Club Summer Food Service Program.

 (From left) Sara Gab and Mikella Ambriella pack meals for the Boys and Girls Club Summer Food Service Program. Photos

Fun for Everyone at the Brown County Fair

The Aberdeen Fairgrounds makes room for the annual fair in August, bringing back traditional elements and adding new features.

by JOSIE CLEMENS

The Brown County Fair is no mystery to Aberdeen.

From live entertainment to open class livestock to greasy food to home arts exhibits, the fair is guaranteed to fit everyone’s fun-filled agenda.

Set for August 16 through 22, the fun-foreveryone, end-of-the-summer event is highly anticipated not only by the people of Aberdeen, but also by people across the state.

“We’re always looking for the next thing we can improve to implement to make the fair better,” Interim Manager Sonje Oban said.

While a large part of the fair is to bring new and exciting features to keep the public interested, the fair board still wants to stay true to tradition with the livestock events, home art competitions, camping, vendors, and some of the best concerts in the area.

So, what can you all expect for the 2021 Brown County Fair?

Grandstand Schedule

Dacotah Bank Stampede Rodeo

Monday (16) and Tuesday (17) at 7:00 PM

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Sara Evans

Wednesday (18) at 8:00 PM

Eli Young Band and Randy Houser

Thursday (19) at 8:00 PM

The Grandstand entertainment is packed with unbeatable entertainment starting with two nights of the Dacotah Bank Stampede Rodeo, continuing with top artists in various genres including country, rock, and hip hop, and finishing with the Antique Tractor pull. For a detailed version of the Grandstand schedule of events and artist biographies, visit www.bcfair.com.

Three tents will be set up—Ken’s Family Tent, Kessler’s Big Top Tent, and NVC Tent—for free entertainment all week long. In those tents, people can enjoy the Area Federal Credit Union Rising Star Competition talent contest, bingo, musicians and bands, hypnotists, Minute to Win It, root beer float feeds, and local entertainment.

For the people who love to browse, shopping will be available in the Holum Expo building and the Odde Ice Arena, and some vendors can be located outside around the fairgrounds on Machinery Row to the east of the carnival and south of the Odde Ice Arena.

Daughtry and Black Stone

Cherry

Friday (20) at 8:00 PM

Jo Dee Messina, Michael Ray, and Nelly

Saturday (21) at 8:00 PM

Antique Tractor Pull

Sunday (22) at 1:00 PM

The carnival, another major staple for the fair, will host 30 rides for those seeking a rush of adrenaline. If you don’t have a need for speed, wander around the prize booths for familyfriendly games.

For the families looking for activities for children, the Sanford Kid’s Zone has free activities for youth of all ages: a petting zoo, game-show style contests, and coloring pages.

Fairgoers can expect the usual fair favorites from the food vendors like the large corn dogs, fresh fries, flavorful funnel cake, Tubby’s Burgers, and sweet rolled ice cream. But people should expect more variety from the 2021 fair.

New food that will make an appearance at the 2021 fair includes Happi Lao Foods with egg rolls, rangoons, Laotian fried rice, noodles, spring rolls, and more. Boki European Street Food will bring paella and piada plates, and wood fire pizza is making a comeback.

Last but not least, people can satisfy their sweet tooth by checking out the new dessert stand: “Just

A Note from the 2021 Fair Board President

Your Desserts.” If you are looking for ice cream cones to cool you off in the hot August weather or wanting something richer with chocolate-dipped fruits and desserts or need a simple parfait, this new vendor will be the place to go.

A few hidden gems that people should watch for in this year’s fair is the Agriculture education feature in the Odde Ice Arena with the interactive exhibit and a new area where children can write letters to farmers, cooking demonstrations in the Home Arts building on August 18, and pie/ cheesecake contest on August 21.

“We strive to provide a wallet-friendly experience that encourages people to come back for more than one day,” Sonje said. “We try to book unique vendors and entertainment so that our fairgoers are seeing something unique every time they walk the grounds.”

The 2021 Brown County Fair will not disappoint, so be sure to check out all there is to offer starting August 16. If anyone has questions or would like to volunteer, call 605-626-7116.//

www.aberdeensd.com/therightmove

➼ My name is Tom Paepke, and I was honored to be elected Fair Board President in October 2019. Due to the postponement of the 2020 Brown County Fair, the members of the Fair Board have given me the opportunity to serve as president for the 2021 fair. I live in Groton on a farm close to Ferney, and my wife, Barb, and I have been long-time supporters of the Brown County Fair. This is actually my second round of serving on the Fair Board. I previously served from 1998 to 2003. The reason I became a board member was that I enjoy working with people and giving back to my communities. It amazes me how twenty-plus people of various ages, experience, and backgrounds can work together for a common goal of putting on a successful fair for Brown County.

My favorite area of the fair is watching the youth share and show projects that they have worked on all year long. They are our future board members, and we need to continue to encourage all of them in their endeavors.

After suspending the 2020 fair, the members of the fair board have worked diligently to make the 2021 Brown County Fair bigger and better. We encourage everyone to come out August 16 through 22 and see what’s new. We start the fair off with an exciting rodeo produced by Sutton Rodeos on Monday and Tuesday. The fair carries on with delicious and traditional fair food, various vendors, 4-H and open class exhibits and shows, and at the end of the week, some great concerts. We look forward to seeing you in August!

Tom Paepke, Fair Board President 2021

A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME

Seventh-grader Joe Cogley started a wiffle ball league last summer, and it’s a hit with the youth.

Photo by Symmone Gauer

by SYMMONE GAUER J

oe Cogley, a seventh grader at Roncalli, first thought of the idea last summer while watching YouTube videos of people playing wiffle ball. With the pandemic limiting options for sports, a league seemed to be just the thing to make the summer a little more exciting.

“I said to my mom, ‘Wouldn’t it be fun to start one in Aberdeen?’” Joe said.

With his mom’s help, Joe founded and commissioned the Aberdeen Wiffle Ball League. About 50 children joined the league after Joe’s mom, Abby, created a Facebook group to spread the word about his idea. Each captain chooses their own team of three to five people, and teams are able to pick their team’s name. Joe’s team is the Octopi.

Each team also gets to design its own t-shirts. Quality Quick Print in Aberdeen helped with creating the logo they used on shirts and banners for the league.

Last year, there were eight teams, but Joe is really hoping to make 16 teams this summer and said they have already had a few more people interested.

“Tom and I were very supportive of Joe’s desires to start this wiffle ball league because it allowed for a creative outlet for his ideas in a fun and safe manner that would build community,” Abby said. She also says a childled league is important because it teaches them opportunities for organization, compromise, conflict management, and self-expression.

Joe’s whole family is very supportive. Joe’s dad, Tom, also helps Joe practice and perfect his pitches.

“He’ll play wiffle ball in the backyard with me,” Joe said. Last year, his sister Grace even helped out the league by selling popsicles at concessions for the games.

The Cogleys are playing it by ear, but Joe said he hopes to keep the league going for as long as possible.

This year the league is open for anyone ages 10 through 15. When he gets older and there are not as many children his age to play it, Joe’s dream is to move the age bracket back down and continue to act as a manager.

“Hopefully my brothers will want to play then,” he said. Joe has three younger brothers, Gabe (6), James (4), and John (2), along with his two sisters, Grace (10) and Felicity (9).

Joe, who will turn 13 in August, enjoys watching baseball, looking up stats online, playing video games, and reading in his free time. He also likes playing baseball and basketball, but he said baseball is his favorite.

Wiffle ball is similar to baseball, but there are twists in the game that make it uniquely fun. Home runs are easier to hit, there is an element of dodgeball within the game, and the design of the wiffle ball makes it possible to experiment with different pitches.

“I like getting to know the pitches in your opponent’s arsenal and trying to guess what they’ll throw,” Joe said.

He spent hours coming up with his slider and fastball. Some pitches were so fast last year that they were nearly impossible to hit, which led to Joe enacting a 50 mph limit for the league - still fast, but manageable.

Joe points out that the playoffs are also really fun, and this year they are planning for 19 games to leave room for more teams to join.

The league organization day will be July 14, and the first game is July 21 to allow state baseball to finish its final games. The season will go through August 22. Games are on Sundays at 1:00 PM and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM at the Roncalli High School northeast lot.

“The best part about everything is seeing the other teams getting to play what I made,” Joe said. //

 Kids who are interested can sign up as a team or a single person on the ‘AWL Wiffle Ball’ Facebook page by July 13.

 Photo courtesy Abby Cogley.

Improving

“The Street” One Building

DART: at a Time

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

t all started with an eyesore. About six years ago, Co-Op Architecture principal architect Tom Hurlbert visited with Rod Fouberg, retired Dacotah Bank chair, about a rundown building on Main Street that they wished they could renovate. That opportunity did not materialize, but it led to a much larger discussion about what could be done to create, as Rod put it, “a better looking street.”

Before long, Tom and Rod brought in Siegel, Barnett & Schutz attorney Rod Tobin to create the Downtown Aberdeen Revitalization Team (DART) with a mission to upgrade Main Street buildings to make it easier for businesses to start up and grow. It was a new approach. As Rod Fouberg pointed out, “A lot of activity downtown had come from either the City or nonprofits,” or from businesses doing their own upgrades. DART would be a for-profit group organized,

essentially, to flip buildings. The process would involve buying, renovating, and selling buildings to owner—occupied businesses–no absentee owners—that would drive more foot traffic downtown. Three buildings later, the partners see their impact, and so do others.

“The question is how do we clean these buildings up as a community, and how do we make Main Street more viable for the long-term benefit of Aberdeen, building property values and such?” Tom said. “We can see the potential of downtown as a generator for property tax, sales tax, tourism, retail activity, the arts, and more housing, but attacking it alone isn’t viable, both financially and in terms of horsepower.” So the team went in search of people with similar views and money to invest. “That was kind of the pitch,” Tom added. “Not to make a bunch of money but to make community. This isn’t the

The Downtown Aberdeen Revitalization Team looks to boost Aberdeen businesses and consumer activity by buying, renovating, and selling buildings in Downtown Aberdeen.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

silver bullet for downtown. It’s just another piece of the puzzle.”

In looking for those investors, Tom mentioned Rod Fouberg’s advantage as a 45-year member of the core area community of business owners, managers and employees. Rod said he “approached people in the core area who had an interest in Downtown. We raised $220,000 from 19 investors [who] came from up and down the street,” or had a strong tie to the core area.

“DART made clear to the investors from the onset that this was an endeavor that most likely would yield no return on their investment and, in fact, it was possible that the initial investment would be lost as well. DART was always portrayed as a community/ downtown support effort, an effort to preserve Aberdeen’s downtown historic aesthetic,” Rod Tobin said. So what did the investors get out

of it? “Revitalizing downtown buildings and facades was the proposed compensation for the investment,” he explained. Virtue is its own reward, the Stoics said, and this probably took some stoic gumption. Rod Fouberg added that occasionally the investors also got to “pay a little income tax on some profit.”

It must have worked. More than five years later, DART retains the same 19 investors who first signed on in the early endeavor. They are silent investors, as Tom, Rod Tobin, and Rod Fouberg are the managing members of the limited liability corporation, and they make the purchase, remodel, and sale decisions.

While those three are the key players, Tom noted, “Heath is super helpful with his real estate background—sort of a de facto member of board.” A principal in Dakota Plains Commercial Real Estate, Heath Johnson

maintains that he is an investor in DART with no input on decisions. “I help them acquire or move buildings,” Heath said. “I’ve been involved in all four buildings by helping acquire the property, by selling it, or both.”

The fourth building Heath mentioned is 313 South Main Street, most recently a consignment shop, which DART purchased in late 2020. Renovations will begin in 2021. Rod Tobin said, “313 is a great DART project. While it does not possess the most ornate of facades, it is one that fits downtown well.” He mentioned one of the benefits the project can bring to buyers.

“The other aspect that makes 313 a good DART candidate is that it has second floor residences. Our goal is for DART buildings to end up in the hands of owners whose businesses will occupy the store front. Second floor apartments help small businesses by providing a steady cash flow

“Downtown development requires a lot of cooperation from many partners, including the City, business owners, and developers. We’re not the ocean; we’re a wave.”

–TOM HURLBERT

 Tom and Abby Cogley bought a DART building at 420 S. Main in 2020 for their respective businesses; Cogley Law Office and Mattress by Appointment.

 The 1912 A. Olander building at 207 S. Main features glazed bricks and ceramic tiles in the facade. It was purchased by Carly and Cory Pochop and became the home of Carly’s business, Colorful Creations.

to smooth the peaks and valleys of their own business.” While having apartments is a plus, residential isn’t a specific goal for DART, and those improvements are up to the buyer. Only two of the buildings they have purchased so far have had apartments.

Just what is a DART project?

Generally, they look for smaller footprint buildings, and more specifically, “the low hanging fruit.” Simply, as Rod Fouberg put it, the building has to be “available and affordable,” and the plan is to do one building at a time. The basic DART project has included repairing the roof and improving the face of the building. Tom explained, “By doing the roof, we save the buildings from water damage. Doing the facade helps tell the story and inspire somebody” to buy, launch a business, and help grow downtown. Another goal, he says, is “to honor the historic design of the buildings. We work from historic photos of the buildings and try to replicate [them]. There’s value to our historic downtown.” Plus, the architect working with an attorney and a banker said, “It’s also easy to agree on historic value and look compared to design, which is a taste thing.”

The three completed projects to date have been The Workshop at 208 South Main Street, purchased first by the Aberdeen Development Corporation and sold later to the Aberdeen Downtown Association, both of whom have operated it as a shared workspace meant to assist small businesses. The second project is directly across the street at 207 South Main Street, purchased by Carly and Cory Pochop, whose Colorful Creations occupies the main floor with three apartments on the second floor. The most recently completed project is at 416 and 418 South Main Street, purchased by Tom and Abby Cogley and home to their businesses, Cogley Law Office and Mattress by Appointment. This project was complicated by the discovery that the front of the building was actually leaning toward the street. Repairing it cost more, but the result is still an authentic historic renovation. Abby noted that the facade is “one of the main reasons we were drawn to buying the building,” and they receive many compliments on it.

But it still took the Cogleys a couple of looks to say yes. They had become serious about looking for space when Abby’s shop in Super City Mall flooded in a water main break in 2017. They wanted to find a place that could house both businesses. Tom Cogley, the attorney who had been working downtown since they moved to Aberdeen in 2010, enjoyed being in that area and liked being able to walk to the courthouse. Abby wasn’t sure a mattress store would fit the “boutique vibe” of Main Street—for example, boutiques don’t usually need to take deliveries from semis. In fact, in 2018, they looked at both the building they ultimately bought and what became Colorful Creations. They passed on the latter because Abby knew she did not want to manage the apartments, plus, they weren’t sure both of their businesses would fit. About a year later in 2019, they took the plunge. It helped that Tom Hurlbert sketched out the space. And it’s worked out well. “I love it in here,” Abby said. “My sales have gone up.” Also, although she had worried that the law office wouldn’t be big enough, “Tom’s [Cogley] offices are right-sized, not over-sized, not like a 1960s-style lawyer’s office that looks

like a den.” She added that working with DART was very easy. “We knew our boundaries and knew we could walk away,” she said. “There was good transparency in the working relationship. They knew we wanted it, and we knew they wanted to move it and get it occupied. DART liked our business. We would be owner-occupied and bring people downtown.” All in all, she concluded, “Working with DART was fantastic.”

Is the DART model working?

From Rod Fouberg’s perspective, it’s simple: “I feel good when I walk or drive by the buildings.” Similarly, Tom Hurlbert believes “We’ve made a difference,” but he added, “You don’t know if you’ve inspired people to think more about downtown.” Looking at the big picture, he noted, “Downtown development requires a lot of cooperation from many partners, including the City, business owners, and developers. We’re not the ocean; we’re a wave. I do think there’s good momentum downtown.” He came back to their unique and community-minded approach, “Nobody else is doing what we’re doing because DART is not in the money-making business. We’re not here to lose money, but we’re not big into money making.”

Money-making or not, Heath Johnson agreed DART is the only group flipping buildings on Main Street, and he believes they’re “very successful in doing what they set out to do. It’s a successful model, and it’s helping property values downtown.” Heath suggested another benefit: “A lot of buildings downtown are 60 to 100 years old, and we’re essentially buying another 60-100 years in these buildings.”

Aberdeen Downtown Association executive director Shelley Westra-Heier said the impact of DART’s work is “much more than people can visually see. They’re breaking down barriers for people who want to own a business but can’t afford to fix the façade, the roof, and so on. They’re making it easier for a business that wants to start up or expand. That’s critical for downtown.” More broadly, she added, “There’s a positive impact on property values that isn’t visible but is beneficial for downtown and the whole city. There’s the impact of the increased business and the virtuous cycle it creates.”

They may not have been eyesores, but the buildings that DART has improved have had a lasting effect on Aberdeen. Summing up her estimation of the group’s impact, Shelley says, “Can we have more than one DART organization in town? Please?” //

 The Aberdeen Downtown Association recently sold their DART building at 208 S. Main. They used if for their offices and a shared workspace for small businesses.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Storybook Land Theatre has brought decades of family-fun entertainment to Aberdeen. by JOSIE CLEMENS

he Storybook Land Theatre (SBLT) takes its audience to a magical place full of positivity, laughter, and imagination. The cast members share an abundance of energy through each performance, and the scripts are full of life and creativity. A combination like this is hard to find anywhere else and brings a one-of-akind series of shows to the people of Aberdeen. The best part? Well, there isn’t just one, but the plays are designed to entertain everyone, not just children. Whether you have children of

your own or are in need of some light-hearted, comedic entertainment, this summer theater has something in its playbook for you. And while the audience can see the cast during the summer plays, there’s much more to this familyfriendly theater than what is seen on stage.

Opening Act

This story begins back in 1987 with the creation of the Storybook Land Castle.

David Eckert, the Aberdeen Recreation & Cultural Center (ARCC) supervisor, led the

development of the program under the city’s Parks and Recreation department as he searched for ways to draw people to Storybook Land and, more specifically, the Castle. After carefully considering all the options, David realized he wanted to provide an entertainment and arts event at the Castle in the hopes of bringing more people to the newly created park. David felt inspired by the idea of an outdoor children’s theater and hired Tom Roberts, who grew up in Ipswich, SD, and attended college at NSU, as the director.

Photos courtesy of WILDFIRE STUDIOS

The grand opening of SBLT took place in June of 1989. Tom and four actors--a mixture of high school and college students--performed a different play every week, three times a week. This carried on for four weeks, and the response was beyond successful. Over 3,500 people attended the 12 performances.

The success of the program led to its inevitable expansion, which has caused a slight shift in the program’s goals. The primary purpose will always be to bring crowds to Storybook Land, but the priority is not as high due to the park’s growing popularity. David mentioned the Theatre is strong enough now that it draws in visitors from outside the community, which is good for the economy and improves the overall quality of life in Aberdeen.

Another priority of the city for SBLT is to look for development and growth opportunities for the program. The idea of providing fun and quality entertainment to Aberdeen that brings the community together will always be at the core of the Theatre’s decisions.

David’s favorite part about the theater is “seeing how much the audience appreciates the show.” He continued, “I can see it in their faces, in their laughter.” His pride in SBLT resonated

Meet the Cast!

BRIAN T. SCHULTZ

Artistic Director/Actor

Age: 44

SBLT Color: Orange

Instrument: Guitar

Interests/Hobbies: Playing guitar, grilling, and cooking

as he described witnessing the happiness it has brought to so many people in the Aberdeen area. Aberdeen’s support of SBLT has been nothing but positive since the opening performance in 1989. “From day one, what’s amazing to me is that the response, enthusiasm, and acceptance has never diminished,” David said.

Behind the Scenes

In 2000, Storybook Land Theatre hired a new director, Brian Schultz, who has remained the Artistic Director of SBLT for 21 years.

“To be able to continue doing this after all this time is truly a blessing. Going in, I had never really given much thought to how long my tenure might be, but to just enjoy it as long as it lasts,” Brian said. “I’m so pleased that now, all these years later, it’s even better now than when I started.”

Brian is also the Associate Artistic Managing Director for the Aberdeen Community Theatre (ACT) coinciding with his responsibilities at SBLT. While Aberdeen Parks and Recreation still oversees the development and programming of SBLT, the city has a contractual agreement with ACT in which ACT provides directorial services for SBLT. In other words, Brian was able to continue as the director for SBLT even after he

CLAIRE VETTER

Actor

Age: 21

SBLT Color: Red

Instrument: Ukulele

Interests/Hobbies: Baking, singing/dancing, and hanging out with cool people

started working for the community theater.

“Folks don’t often get careers in which they are given the freedom to do everything they want to do, the way they want to do it. But I’ve been lucky enough to have that,” Brian said.

David described Brian as someone who is always full of energy, enthusiasm, and excitement, and he did not want to lose that spirit and charisma.

Brian’s journey in the Aberdeen arts began with the Storybook Land Theatre. In 1994, he moved to Aberdeen to attend NSU, and he first experienced the Castle when a friend gave him a tour of Aberdeen. It wasn’t until a couple years later that Brian was introduced to SBLT and began acting with the program.

“I kind of lucked into it, and it still remains one of my favorite things that I have ever done and still get to do,” Brian said.

Brian’s work at ACT includes planning mainstage events and programming details alongside developing education programs for both youth and adults in the community. Youth theater has been his primary wheelhouse since

JACKSON ROTT

Actor

Age: 16

SBLT Color: Yellow

Instrument: Guitar and bucket drums

Interests/Hobbies:

Theater, history, music, and riding bike

 1999 cast: Director Rhonda Haglund (green), Steve Gors (red), Molly Wilson (blue), Josh Trumbo (orange), and Katie King (yellow). Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

 1997 cast: Director Bea Ulrich (green), Katie King (yellow), Molly Wilson (blue), Chris Ruud (red), Meg Bailey (purple), and Brian Schultz (orange). Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

the children’s theater out at Storybook Land, and he has been able to continue that passion with the Young People’s Theatre through ACT.

Directing SBLT for over two decades, Brian has been able to experience the growth of the program first-hand. One area Brian described when talking about the evolution of the program is the development of music from outside recordings to a live band.

“Normally, if you go to a show, you’ll hear just some recorded music playing--you know, just peppy music,” Brian said. This enabled the Theatre to give the audience something other than silence to listen to while the cast was preparing for their performance. “I don’t even remember when we started, but I grabbed my guitar and just started noodling around with some songs. I thought it would be more fun to listen to than just piped music.”

The theater group has now formed a “band” that has been rising in talent and increasing in popularity within the community. Requests

have been sent in to SBLT to simply perform their music at various events around the Aberdeen area. They have a repertoire of 60 songs that the cast members can pull out at any moment’s notice. This is just one of many examples of how much Brian has contributed to the development of SBLT.

“The steadiness and inspiration that my coworkers provide me will likely go far in helping me move forward. SBLT and, more specifically,

KARA SINAR

Actor

Age: 16

SBLT Color: Green

Instrument: Bass, saxophone

Interests/Hobbies: Tennis and singing/ dancing

Actor

Age: 19

SBLT Color: Blue

Instrument: Violin

Interests/Hobbies: Dance!! Softball, writing, and reading

Brian, has taught me to push my limits and solve problems—skills which translate well to many other areas of life,” violinist and cast member Kara Sinar said.

David, as the supervisor of ARCC, said the third and final purpose of SBLT is to provide an opportunity for people to work in the arts and receive education and training to help them craft their skills before taking the next step in their career, whether it is for a college education or another job.

“I learned a lot about myself as an artist through my years with SBLT. I found a passion for children’s theater by helping lead the children’s camps. I gained vital experience of what working in the entertainment industry is like,” former cast member Paige Walth Tiede said. Paige used her experience to graduate Summa Cum Laude from MSUM with a degree in Theatre Arts: Design and Technology. Her love for theater brought her back to her roots, and she now works at ACT as the Theatre Technician and Facility Coordinator.

MAC BRUEMMER

Actor

Age: 24

SBLT Color: Blue

Instrument: Voice and kazoo

Interests/Hobbies: Singing, reading, playing video games, riding bike, and eating bacon

AVA ROTT

This summer is going to be so much fun!”

-Sadie Raap

 Former cast members (bottom to top) Jani Gisi, Justine Haaland, Adrienne Weigel, Kevin Kelly, Elias Rostad, and director Brian Schultz. Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

 2008 cast: Director Brian Schultz (orange), Liz Haglund (yellow), Emily Davis (purple), Eryn Schatz (green), Austin Gehrts (red), and Josh Jung (blue). Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

 Discover Storybook Land Theatre production of “Tied to the Tracks” in June 2002. Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

That is what sets the Theatre apart from similar ones in the area. It enables the cast to obtain a pre-professional theater experience, giving them experience on how to both perform and teach in the arts. Brian holds everyone to a high standard of excellence, which is easy for him, he said, because everyone in the cast is already so devoted to SBLT and its mission to bring fun and entertainment to the community.

“Being on the castle stage feels like home,” vocalist and cast member Emily Davis said.

When the cast is exerting all their passion and commitment to their performance and they love what they are doing, that energy and excitement is bound to carry over to the audience. It is what makes SBLT so special to the Aberdeen community.

Even though the cast makes the job look simple and light-hearted, an abundance of time is spent perfecting the nuts and bolts of each performance.

EMILY DAVIS

Actor

Age: 29

SBLT Color: Purple

Instrument: Voice, tambourine, and kazoo

Interests/Hobbies: Singing, theater, music, video games, reading, and watching movies

“I think part of the magic is making what we do look easy, and look like tons of fun,” Brian said. “We rehearse five days a week, many times working up to three different shows each day.” With all the time they spend together vigorously working to memorize a show in under three days, Brian and the cast have become more like family than coworkers.

And with the challenges SBLT faced last year due to the global pandemic, the cast is more than ready to venture back to their usual summer schedule in the Castle.

Sneak Peek to Summer Fun

“This summer is going to be so much fun!” sound tech Sadie Raap said.

Each show is performed three times a week at 10:00 AM Tuesday and 7:00 PM Wednesday and Friday. SBLT was also a part of the Fourth of July Celebration at Wylie and will perform in the Storybook Land Festival on July 24.

An intriguing feature for many of the stories will be their twist on classic fairy tales. Brian also shared his excitement of returning all of their music components and continuing their tour. The tour is an encore of sorts that allows SBLT to embrace their creativity and originality to towns outside the Aberdeen area.

How can you support SBLT this summer?

According to Brian, “As far as the survival of the program, really, that’s all on the city, so we are able to keep it free for the public. Just the fact that they come out and watch and enjoy the shows and tell all their friends about it is the greatest support they can offer.”

So, stop by the Castle during its showtimes to see the creativity and joy of the cast and experience the magic of SBLT for yourself. //  With three shows already completed, you don’t want to miss any more! Check out the Summer Events Schedule for a list of showtimes.

HAVEN BRUNES

Actor

Age: 20

SBLT Color: Purple

Instrument: Guitar and banjo

Interests/Hobbies:

Cars!! Music, cooking, and dogs

Summer Events Schedule

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

By Tom McCabe

Sunday, July 4, 2021 5:00 pm

Part of July 4th Celebration

Tuesday, July 6, 2021 10:00 am

Wednesday, July 7, 2021 7:00 pm

Friday, July 9, 2021 7:00 pm

The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

By Mike Kenny

Based on the book by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith

Tuesday, July 13, 2021 10:00 am

Wednesday, July 14, 2021 7:00 pm

Friday, July 16, 2021 7:00 pm

The Tiger Who Came to Tea

By David Wood

Based on the book by Judith Kerr

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 10:00 am

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 7:00 pm

Friday, July 23, 2021 7:00 pm

Saturday, July 24, 2021 10:00 am

Time TBA: Part of Storybook Land Festival

Best Summer Ever

By

Kevin Kling

Music by Victor Zupanc

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 10:00 am

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 7:00 pm

Friday, July 30, 2021 7:00 pm

Dear Edwina

Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler

Music by Zina Goldrich

Tuesday, August 03, 2021 10:00 am

Wednesday, August 04, 2021 7:00 pm

Friday, August 06, 2021 7:00 pm

STORYBOOK LAND THEATRE: ON TOUR

Dear Edwina

Book and Lyrics by Marcy Heisler

Music by Zina Goldrich

Dates, Times, Locations TBA

Check out www.facebook.com/SBLTheatre or www.AberdeenCommunityTheatre.com/ Young-Peoples-Theatre/young-peoples-theatre/ for performance schedule

SADIE RAAP

Sound Tech

Age: 16

SBLT Color: Green

Instrument: Guitar

Interests/Hobbies: Music, reading, playing video games, board games, and hanging out with friends

 The 2006 cast – Kevin Kelly (green), Justine Haaland (purple), RoseAnn Kelly (blue), Jani Gisi (yellow), Director Brian Schultz (orange), and Eryn Schatz (in black robe) pose in their costumes. Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

 The 2009, cast members Israel Raba-Mickelson (blue), Jamie Bjur (red), Director Brian Schultz (orange), Ashley Orr (green), and Emily Davis (purple) warmup with the crowd before one of their summer productions in the Castle. Courtesy Storybook Land Theatre.

Talking ’Bout the Car Wash, Yeah!

Aberdeen adds two new locations to clean your car in town, and each business offers more than just your standard car wash.

by SYMMONE GAUER

STREET CORNER URBAN MARKET

➼ Residents on the north side of town can look forward to the opening of a new business. The well-loved Max & Erma’s restaurant may have closed back in April 2019, but just a month later, the building was sold to new owners and is now being turned into Street Corner Urban Market.

This all-inclusive facility will include a Sinclair fuel station, a car wash, a family-friendly sports bar, a casino, and Urban Market. Urban Market is a superette, which is similar to an expanded C-store with fresh produce, grocery, and restaurant-quality made-to-order food.

Two additions are being added on to the main, existing building that was once Max & Erma’s. When finished, the space will be approximately

8,500 square feet. As of May, construction was about halfway done. The new car wash is being built separately from the main building.

The Street Corner franchise has locally owned locations across the country, and the new owners of this business are Toby and Liz Doeden and Kevin and Kara Pharis. They had hired a nationally leading research company called IMST to perform a market study on the Aberdeen area to determine what the highest needs were.

“We wanted to pursue a project that most benefited Northwest Aberdeen residents and our visitors from the north,” Toby Doeden said. He also mentioned they have not yet started the hiring process for regular staff, but they are looking forward to opening the new business to the public this fall.

CONVERTED CAR WASHES

Not every car wash stays a car wash forever. Here are a few that have been repurposed for other uses.

 Catching Fireflies Boutique on the corner of Lawson and Sixth Avenue Southeast was originally built as Deluxe Car Wash.

 Several businesses, including Precision Drywall, operate out of a former car wash on the corner of South 16th Street and Sixth Avenue Southwest.

 The former Max and Erma’s restaurant is being converted to a new gas station/bar/ restaurant/casino called Street Corner.

➼ As most people are aware of by now, Hardee’s on Sixth Avenue closed abruptly on January 3, making way for the new Tommy’s Express Car Wash. Demolition of the former Hardee’s building started this past spring, and construction for the new building is expected to wrap up sometime in November.

Tommy Car Wash Systems is a national chain founded in 1969 based out of Holland, Michigan. The new facility will be 5,550 square feet and will include a 130-foot dual belt conveyor system, a tire shine service, a body wax service, and a self-service interior cleaning and vacuuming site.

Customers can even sign up for the Tommy Club Membership Program to receive unlimited washes. The facility will have a license plate scanner that allows enrolled members to drive right through onto the conveyor belt.

The company also specializes in green and energy-efficient technology, such as using recycled materials for the buildings and a clear roof design that eliminates the need for electric lighting during most operating hours. Every location uses an advanced water reclaim system to use 60% less fresh water than washing at home.

All the facilities are independently owned and operated. The construction management company for the new site here in Aberdeen is Paces Lodging Corporation, a company based out of Fargo, ND.

As of April 2021, there were 61 Tommy’s Express Car Washes in operation across the country with over 230 sites currently in development and/or under contract both nationally and abroad. This will be the first Tommy’s Express location in South Dakota. //

Located at 720 Sixth Ave. SW., across from JR’s Furniture, this retired car wash is now known as Advanced Automotive.

This garage for B&E Siding and Windows located at 315 S. Roosevelt St. was a car wash operated in the late 1970s to early 1980s.

 Hardee’s and Black Diamond Casino were recently demolished to make room for Tommy Car Wash Systems on Sixth Avenue Southeast and South Second Street.

Photos by Symmone Gauer

Did You Hear the News?

The former American News building was sold in May to Sovereign Grace Church, and both organizations look forward to their new homes.

by SYMMONE GAUER

any people think of the familiar building on Second Street and cannot remember a time when it was not associated with the newspaper, especially as its sign overlooks the busy street. The building had belonged to American News since it was built in 1950, but in June, the News left the building.

The 14,000 square foot building that was once home to the newspaper was made for a printing press, so the layout is not one of a typical commercial building. With the printing press no longer being used, the building was simply too big for the paper’s needs, giving them reason to move.

“It makes business sense for them,” founding Principal of Dakota Plains Real Estate Heath Johnson said. Dakota Plains is the national broker for Gannett, the publishing company that owns American News.

The building went up for sale back in August of 2020, and in February, Sovereign Grace Church decided to make an offer. Sovereign Grace Church of Aberdeen started in 2011, and since then, they had been renting the basement and sanctuary of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. For about two years, Sovereign Grace was searching for a new place to call their own.

The sale officially closed on May 27, but since the printing press was torn out in April, all news staff occupied only one side of the upper level for a short time to allow room for the church to begin renovations.

The Rev. Scott Ristau said that, much to their

surprise, the building was already well suited to their needs and would lend well to a sanctuary and gathering space.

“We also want to have a visible presence in the community because we believe we have the best news in the world,” Ristau said. Working alongside Ristau, the Rev. Sam Ellyson is another pastor at Sovereign Grace Church.

Renovations on the former news building are still underway, but “Lord willing,” Ristau said, “we will be able to begin meeting in the new space in fall of 2021.”

The church has a congregation of about 90 members, but approximately 130 people attend

the Sunday morning service. All are welcome to attend service.

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

Change isn’t new for the newspaper industry, especially considering the trend towards online publishing in the past two decades. Ever since its founding, the American News has been accustomed to change.

The Aberdeen newspaper was first founded in 1885 by C.W. Starling and Paul Ware. Soon after, the paper merged with the Ordway Tribune, whose printing press allowed the company to become a popular daily paper for the area.

Photos by Symmone Gauer

 This massive room on the north side of the building once housed the printing press, which was torn out in April.

Throughout the years, the paper has changed ownership several times. In the 1920s, many different competitors bought out the paper, and eventually the Ridder family bought and managed the American News. They oversaw the construction of the building we know today.

Years later, in 2006, the American News merged with McClatchy news agency. Soon after, it was purchased by Schurz Communications, and again in 2019 by GateHouse Media, which then merged with and became Gannett.

Gannett made a centralization effort to move all the printing in the area to Sioux Falls, so the

Aberdeen printing press hasn’t been in use since the spring of 2020.

But Scott Waltman, current editor at the American News and someone who’s worked there for over 21 years, said the pandemic has been bigger than any other change he’s seen in his career.

“Nobody prepared me for that,” he said.

Many of the people at the newspaper have been working at home since the start of the pandemic, and Waltman said being back in the same place will be good for communication. He was not upset with the move and instead saw

it as a fresh start and a place to bring everyone back together.

“I’m looking forward to working with my coworkers in this new and exciting space,” Waltman said.

The American News moved out of its former location June 15 and into a different building downtown where a new and smaller space means everyone can be much closer.

“I’m just glad that the newspaper’s going to stay in town,” Johnson says.

Now both the newspaper and the church have a new place to call home. //

 The former American News building on Second Street was home to the newspaper for 70 years.

 The former newsroom stands empty as Sovereign Grace prepares to move into their new space.

What’s in Store?

A glance at Malchow Plaza and the businesses that occupy the space.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

he coolest and hottest place in downtown Aberdeen may be an empty space. The Malchow Plaza at the corner of Fifth and Main Street is not empty, of course. It’s partly a place of business filled daily with dozens of staff, clients and customers, but it’s also, dare we say it, a field of dreams. Okay, it’s a concrete pad. But there’s a lot going on there, with more to come.

The Aberdeen Development Corporation (ADC) built and owns the Malchow Plaza, and ADC CEO Michael Bockorny spearheaded the project. Constructed on the former site of Malchow’s furniture store, which burned down in late 2019, the new complex includes the former Anchors of Faith building, which ADC renovated after the fire, a new two-story retail and office building, and a 10,000 square foot open-air plaza.

The ADC moved to Malchow Plaza a few months ago from the SMART Center, which it built in the industrial park east of town in 1997. But the new building was an idea long before it had a name or address. “The location stemmed from a desire to get closer to our key partners: the Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), Aberdeen Downtown Association, and United Way,” Michael said.

That vision was shared. Gail Ochs, Chamber president, explained, “For the past several years, our organizations have looked at several locations along Sixth Avenue and downtown Aberdeen to build and/or remodel a space that could encompass multiple community organizations.” She added, “Our goal was to have a ‘one-stop shop’ to make it easier for businesses

and residents who require the services and resources our organizations provide on behalf of Aberdeen and the region.” CVB executive director Casey Weismantel noted, “The Malchow Plaza gave the perfect opportunity to make this all come together.”

A specific idea guided the planning: they wanted a unique space that did not duplicate or compete. The bottom line is, Michael added, “We want the thing to be used a lot.”

While the building has only been open a few months, getting the organizations in closer proximity is paying off. “We’re seeing benefits of being closer to our partners,” Michael said. “We see each other more often, in the parking lot, on the sidewalk. We’re building new relationships by being on the street.”

TENANTS

Of the community organizations, only the CVB is a Malchow Plaza tenant, and it’s been a good fit. Casey said, “The Aberdeen Area CVB has always had visitor information available. This true visitor center was something Aberdeen was needing for quite some time.” The Main Street storefront will also be easy to find.

The Small Business Development Center, which offers business consulting services, followed the ADC downtown from the SMART Center. “I have already had clients referred by our fellow building tenants,” regional director Kelly Weaver said. “As we are getting a coffee or grabbing lunch, we find ourselves connecting

with new and existing customers.” SBDC’s fiscal sponsor, GROW South Dakota, a statewide community and economic development nonprofit based in Sisseton, also has lending staff in the new office.

The remaining tenants weren’t as predictable. Dakota Broadcasting relocated from a strip mall in northwest Aberdeen because, station

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Aberdeen Development Corporation’s CEO, Mike Bockorny spearheaded the effort to convert the space left by Malchow’s Furniture building into a much-needed Downtown gathering space with commercial office space.

 The Market on the Plaza offers food, beverages, a conference space, and unique, locally-made and inspired items.

 The facade of the new building built alongside the open-air plaza faces 5th Avenue SW.

manager Devin Reints explained, “We have been looking for something else for a while that had a little better exposure than where we were.” As president of the CVB board, he was involved in the CVB’s move and heard space was available. “The rest is history,” he said.

Dakota Broadcasting’s DJs are visible from the Plaza through studio windows. At Devin’s first radio station, the studio had a window looking out on the street, and “It was always fun to watch people walk by and wave or try to get some interaction with the DJs. It makes them feel like they are part of the show.”

The final occupant, Market on the Plaza, a combination retail shop/coffee shop/tap room, owns its space and presented an unexpected opportunity. Michael said, “I hadn’t been thinking of retail, but it made sense.”

He wasn’t the only one. Co-owner Carly Pochop wasn’t planning on this business before the Plaza came along either, but the building helped inspire the idea. She had learned from her Colorful Creations customers, as well as her brother visiting from out of state, that people were looking for fashion forward, regionally inspired products— “local love things,” she called them—that did not look like it was from the Black Hills.

Carly added, “I heard about the Plaza and thought it’d be a shame if it was only offices,” so she enlisted her partner Brodie Mueller, and together they created the Market on the Plaza to meet a need. Spanning two floors, the Market offers coffee, food, and retail items on the main floor and beer, wine, and seating upstairs. The food and beverages can also be enjoyed on the Plaza.

THE PLAZA

The inviting outdoor plaza has drawn the most attention. A mural, supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Aberdeen Fund and the Aberdeen Area Community Foundation, graces the north wall of the CVB offices. Produced by local artists Nick and Nicole Fischer, the mural celebrates Aberdeen.

Like any well-appointed table, the Plaza has a stunning centerpiece, a large planter area with a wall tall enough to comfortably seat 100 people. In May, Carly added a poignant new feature to the planter—600 yellow clay roses she and other Aberdonians created to honor the memory of loved ones.

Besides the Plaza’s casual use, the ADC is working with the Downtown Association and the Market to run events. Here, the Plaza hearkens back to a much earlier occupant of the corner. Built in 1893, the Grain Palace was the original Aberdeen event center where Presidents spoke, but it burned down in 1902.

Shelley Westra-Heier, ADA executive director, said, “Having the Plaza allows for a specific spot for downtown activities to take place. We have studied the success of a downtown plaza or square in other cities for a few years now. We know a space like that on its own attracts people, but it also gives the Downtown Association a programmable space for events to take place.” The Farmers Market moved to the Plaza in May, and in addition to other annual events, some ideas include a Pheasant Fest tied to the CVB’s Rooster Rush and Christmas on the Plaza.

Now that the construction is finished, Michael mused, “It will be interesting to go through the summer to learn what works and to see what we can enhance. There are lots of opportunities and a lot haven’t been identified yet.” That’s not just the community partners, he added, “That’s for the whole community: how do we identify and execute on opportunities to grow our community?”

When it comes to Malchow Plaza, he repeated his mantra, “Just use it! Using it is the whole point!” //

The Malchow Plaza gave the perfect opportunity to make this all come together.”

–Casey Weismantel

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Radio personality, Curt Campbell of Dakota Broadcasting DJs from their studio “on the Plaza.”

 Kelly Weaver of the Small Business Development Center is at home on the second floor of the Plaza building.

 Casey Weismantel, Executive Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, enjoys an office with a view of the Plaza.

 The Market on the Plaza’s food counter features regionallyroasted coffee drinks.

International Queue

Two emotionally powerful films to round out your must-watch movie list.

by JAMES HEISINGER

t’s difficult to find something new to watch on streaming, but it’s even more difficult to find something that feels new. Often, new movies and shows feel so … generic. Sometimes a movie that feels new is exactly what we need.

I’d be willing to bet that most Aberdeen residents are not familiar with the movies I’m recommending this time, unless you are a big purveyor of Romanian and Bosnian cinema. While they may not be the brightest or happiest movies, they will certainly force you out of your cinematic comfort zone.

QUO VADIS, AIDA?

DIRECTED BY Jasmila Zbanic

STARRING Jasna Djuricic,

Bajrovic,

LENGTH 1h 41 min | GENRE Drama, History, War WATCH ON Hulu

➼ Taking place in 1995 during the Bosnian War, Quo Vadis, Aida? is unlike any war movie I’ve seen. Reminiscent of the various cinematic recreations of the Nazi Occupation of Europe, the movie follows Aida, a UN translator who attempts to save her family during the occupation of the Bosnian town of Srebrenica by the Serbian secessionist military. Aida’s family is one of many groups of refugees who are desperately seeking shelter and relief and thought to have found it in a UN refugee base in Srebrenica.

This is a pulsating, high-intensity, pressure cooker of a film, and almost stealthily so. I did not quite realize just how on edge I was until close to the end of the movie, once the tension was finally released. Through a wonderful combination of cinematography, performances, and direction, Quo Vadis, Aida? is absorbing and altogether devastating, as it forces you to examine what can or should be done during times of crisis.

COLLECTIVE

STARRING

LENGTH 1h 49 min |

WATCH ON Hulu

➼ What could feel more real than a documentary? Collective focuses on the fallout from one of the most important events of recent Romanian history: a fire at the Colectiv nightclub in the Romanian capital of Bucharest that immediately killed 27 people. In the months following the fire, 37 more people died due to receiving negligent health care. Those resulting months unraveled a scandal in Romanian health care, which has defined their politics to this day.

The documentary’s narrative is centered on the investigative journalism performed

by the sports newspaper Gazeta Sporturilor to uncover fraudulent data regarding disinfectant effectiveness. The documentary is not only a barebones examination of Cătălin Tolontan’s exposure of health care fraud, but also of the immense struggle of changing the system. While the subject matter can oftentimes be harrowing or downright disturbing, director Alexander Nanau takes a restrained approach to his filmmaking, electing to show events as they play out instead of utilizing the more traditional style of documentary with studio interviews and narration. By the end, the audience is both shocked and incensed, and also frustrated. They are frustrated because, even in the face of obvious maltreatment, there seems to be very little the government or the people can do about it.

I knew only vague details of the Balkan wars during the 1990s before watching this movie, and I think that particular frame of mind was critical to the immense visceral impact this movie had on me. I will not go into the details of the second to final scene, but it affected me on a level beyond sympathy or heartbreak. It made me realize there are multitudes of tragedies that I am unaware of, and they are no less deserving of remembrance. //

Izudin

Boris Ler

DIRECTED BY Alexander Nanau

Liviu Iolu, Razvan Lutac, Mirela Neag

GENRE Documentary

 Journalist Catalin Tolontan, center, in a scene from the documentary Collective.

 Jasna Djuricic is Aida, a high school teacher turned U.N. translator, in Quo Vadis, Aida?

EASY BLUEBERRY LEMON TRIFLE

MAKES 2 to 4 trifles

INGREDIENTS

• Frozen Pound Cake

• Instant Lemon Pudding

• Blueberries

• Whipped cream

Think Refreshing!

by TROY MCQUILLEN

It’s hot, and it’s going to be hot for many more weeks. We wanted to offer up some very easy ideas (they are barely recipes) for light snacks and refreshing beverages to make on a weekend day or for a small gathering of friends. I’ve been making sandwiches like these for years, and you can find all sorts of complicated versions online. Stick to simple, unless you want to experiment and add your own spin.

CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

INGREDIENTS

• Cream cheese

• English cucumbers (fewer seeds), peeled

• Bread (Cottage bread is best)

• Dill, fresh

• Salt

➼ I’ve provided no quantities because it’s so easy. Make as many sandwiches as you like. Let the cream cheese warm up a bit then smash it with a fork multiple times so you can spread it more easily on the delicate Cottage bread. Coat both sides (some do butter on one piece, cream cheese on the other), pull apart the dill and sprinkle the leaves all over the cream cheese. Slice the cucumber into half centimeter cross sections and lay on one piece of the bread. You can overlap if you like, but it will be harder to cut. I just laid them edge to edge. Salt the cucumbers then add the other piece of bread. Cut the crusts off and slice into three “fingers.” Serve chilled so they are cool and refreshing.

EGG SALAD SANDWICHES MAKES 2 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS

• 3 hard cooked eggs

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• Watercress

• Bread (Cottage bread is best)

• Celery Salt

• Butter

➼ This is not a complicated egg salad. Smash up the eggs in a bowl, or chop with a knife so you have an even texture. Mix in the mayonnaise. Rip a handful of greens off the top of your watercress bunch, chop it up fine and add it to the eggs in stages. You don’t want to turn it into a watercress salad so add just enough to have the green dispersed evenly. Lightly butter four pieces of bread, spread the egg mixture evenly over two of the pieces, salt with celery salt, then add the other pieces of bread, completing the sandwiches. Cut off the crusts and cut into three “fingers.” I find it best to lightly “saw” through the top layer of bread then press through to the bottom piece. If you’re not careful, you’ll just smash the sandwich, which isn’t classy.

➼ These are really fancy, but so quick and simple to make. Make the pudding according to box instructions. Make whipped cream from scratch or cheat and use a spray can. Cube up thawed pound cake into half-inch squares. Add sugar to your blueberries if they need more sweetness (mix them in a bowl every couple minutes). Find a fancy glass or a clear Solo cup, start with a layer of pound cake, add a few blueberries, scoop on some pudding, add a thin layer of whipped cream, then repeat the layers again, ending with a dollop of whipped cream garnished with more blueberries. That’s it! Fancy and really light and delicious. We added lemon zest in our photo, to be even fancier.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Think Refreshing!

➼ Continuing the refreshing theme, give these cool, tasty tea-based drinks a try.

LEMONADE LAVENDER ICED TEA

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp. lavender buds/flowers (Natural Abundance has them)

• ¼ cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed, about one large lemon)

• 8 tea bags (basic iced tea variety, nothing flavored or spiced)

• 1 cup sugar

• 9 cups water

➼ Begin by making a simple syrup with the sugar and one cup of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil. When the sugar dissolves, add the lavender. Let it steep for about a half hour. In another pan, or an electric kettle, bring two cups of water to a boil then toss in the tea bags. Kill the heat and let the tea steep for a half hour as well. Squeeze your lemon. After everything has cooled a bit, combine the lavender syrup (strained), tea, and lemon juice into a two-quart container. Top off with six cups of water. Chill, then serve over ice. This has just a hint of lavender flavor (feel free to add more, but it can be overpowering) and a bit of sweetness.

GIN TEA COCKTAIL

INGREDIENTS

• 10 ounces Gin

• 2 ounces lime juice (fresh squeezed, about two small limes)

• 6 Earl Gray tea bags

• 3 cups water

• Mint for garnish

• Ice, large cubes

• Simple syrup (optional)

RECIPIE CONTAINS ALCOHOL. NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.

➼ You have to be a Gin drinker to appreciate this as it is a bit “sharp” or bitter. Bring the water to a boil in a pan and toss in the tea bags. Let it steep for 15 minutes. Squeeze your limes in the meantime. Let the tea cool completely. In a pretty pitcher, combine the Gin, tea, and lime juice. Mix it up and chill. Pour into cocktail glasses filled with a generous amount of ice. The drink is meant to be diluted with the melting ice. Garnish with mint and serve. If it’s too bitter for anyone, add an ounce (or more) of simple syrup to sweeten.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

THE MARCH TO TAME POLIO

Learn about the history of polio in Aberdeen and how natural concern led to citywide action against the virus.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

Virtually unheard of today, polio once struck fear into American parents. Even though the disease affected relatively few people—its worst year … 150 million people—it earned perhaps outsized attention, especially because many of those who suffered were children whose symptoms could be devastating. This includes Aberdeen.

By the 20th century, polio became a fairly common occurrence, particularly in more developed countries, perhaps because better hygiene reduced early exposure to germs that would confer later immunity. The vast majority of polio cases involve minor or no symptoms, but it is best known for the minority of cases in which patients suffer paralysis or, more rarely, death. Because many victims were children, it earned the name infantile paralysis, but it didn’t only affect the youth.

RAISING AWARENESS

Despite relatively few victims, polio benefited from intense public awareness, by natural concern at first and later aided by more intentional guidance. It would be in 1946 before polio fundraising invented the concept of the poster child, someone who personified the cause and inspired support, but the real first poster child appeared a quarter century earlier. In 1921, a healthy 39-year-old Franklin Delano Roosevelt, fresh from serving as secretary of the Navy and running unsuccessfully for Vice President, contracted polio. His legs were paralyzed, and only after a good deal of

treatment, he could walk with the help of leg braces and someone’s arm support. Still, he ran successfully for President in 1932. Although the media never showed him in the wheelchair where he spent most of his time, Americans knew he had polio. During his 1936 visit to Aberdeen, the papers didn’t mention polio, but a photo caption stated, almost with a wink, “The President is holding the arm of his son.” When he was President, parents of polio victims wrote to thank him for the role model he offered their children. It should be noted that although it was diagnosed as polio, some historians believe he had a different disease.

 St. Luke’s Hospital scene from 1951. Sister Alacoque Geppert and Ruth Whittenmore adjust bracing on Timmy, a polio patient.

 A 1936 fundraising poster advertising the President’s Birthday Ball to help fight infantile paralaysis.

FDR established what became the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, which he later renamed the March of Dimes Foundation, and put his law partner Basil O’Connor in charge. The latter created a strong national organization with local chapters to support treatment, research, and ultimately a vaccine.

INCREASINGLY FRIGHTENING EPIDEMICS

There were polio outbreaks in the United States in the early 20th century, but in the years 1946 through 1953, the nation saw more intense epidemics. In late July 1946, the count of polio patients in Aberdeen had reached 10. While officials tried to instill calm, they stressed preventative measures: personal hygiene, sanitizing garbage containers, and avoiding overexertion among children. Before the end of the month, the bathing beach at Wylie and the wading pools at Melgaard and Lincoln parks were closed indefinitely—despite the assurance of “no epidemic of polio here." Polio in Aberdeen was on the front page of the paper almost every

 Sister Alacoque Geppert monitors a patient in St. Luke’s Hospital’s hydrotherapy tank in 1952.

day in August. South Dakota had 385 cases in 1946, and 37, nearly one in every ten SD cases, were Brown County residents. St. Luke’s treated more than 100 polio patients, many from out of the county.

The same scenario played out in ensuing years. Statewide, both 1948 and 1949 surpassed 1946, with 890 and 406 cases, respectively. From the late 1940s into the 1950s, South Dakota was among the states with the highest per capita incidence of polio. The worst came in 1952, with the highest numbers of cases in both the United States—more than 57,000 with 3,000 deaths— and South Dakota—1,017 cases and 48 deaths. Brown County had 47 cases with one death. St. Luke’s Hospital treated 125 polio patients, half of whom were adults.

TREATING PATIENTS

St. Luke’s treated polio patients for months and sometimes years before they were released to care at home. Already a local partner, in 1948

 A patient in

at St.

Hospital, 1941.

the iron lung

Luke’s

This iron lung was purchased for St. Luke’s by the 40-8 veterans service organization in 1939 and is currently in the collection at the Dacotah Prairie Museum.

CONNECT!

The March of Dimes: Making a Difference Today

➼ The March of Dimes Foundation, originally created in response to the polio epidemic, has broadened its focus to the prevention of premature births, birth defects, and infant mortality, as well as the improvement of overall health for both the babies and the mothers.

Since 2001, March of Dimes has partnered with hospitals to provide help and support to NICU babies and their families, reaching over 50,000 families each year. In South Dakota, this initiative includes services such as prenatal/ preconception classes, education on birth defects, health care training, and seminars, as well as having a NICU Family Support Specialist available part time at the hospitals in Sioux Falls. For more information on March of Dimes or if you’d like to donate, visit marchofdimes.org or download the March of Dimes’ Charity Cloud App on your phone. You can also contact the Sioux Falls office by calling 605-334-8203 or emailing sd450@marchofdimes.com

the National Foundation named St. Luke’s a permanent polio clinic, and the hospital dedicated whole floors to polio care.

The most well-known treatment for polio was the iron lung, essentially a tank in which a patient lies, leaving only the head outside. The iron lung varied the air pressure in the enclosed space to stimulate breathing for those whose illness made it difficult or impossible. In 1939, the 40-8 Veterans group acquired an iron lung for St. Luke’s.

Another popular treatment was the Kenny Method, which used heat packs to increase circulation and massage to relieve pain. At St. Luke’s, Presentation Sister Alacoque Geppert was a primary practitioner of the method. In 1945, she became one of the first—perhaps the first—registered physical therapists in South Dakota. The next year she started 40 years as St. Luke’s physical therapy director. Long remembered by polio patients, in 1969, she was named “First Lady of the Year” for Aberdeen,

 This picture was published in an August 1946 Aberdeen Daily News paper. The caption read, “Not as much fun, but safer–Here is a familiar scene in Aberdeen these days–children not allowed to stray from their neighborhood by the threat of polio infection, gather on front porches to ponder wistfully on entertainment from which they are barred, the movies, junior baseball, a coke at the corner drugstore. Shown left to right are Elizabeth and Tommy Mark, Benji Mandery and Peter Mark, foregathering on the porch of the S.L. Mark home, 1115 Jay St. S.

and in 1992, the South Dakota Physical Therapy Association inducted her into its Hall of Fame.

CHASING A VACCINE

In the 1940s, polio research, funded primarily by the National Foundation, focused on vaccines derived from either a weakened live polio virus, championed by Albert Sabin, or a killed virus, led by Jonas Salk. In 1954, after about six years of work, Salk’s vaccine was approved for massive public trials. Nearly two million children, including 1,400 in Minnehaha County, received the vaccine. The National Foundation promoted participating in the trials as a patriotic duty. In April 1955, the vaccine was declared effective. Emblematic of the national excitement, the Aberdeen American News dedicated half of its front page to the news. The News interviewed local parents, hearing, “I nearly cried with happiness … This means so much to all of us that have children.” Plans to vaccinate area children began, but that was optimistic.

Several companies produced the vaccine and rushed it out to the country aided by the federal government, which bucked charges of socialized medicine to heed public demand. Then, disaster struck when a handful of people contracted polio from the vaccine. It was discovered that one company had somehow allowed live virus into

its process. After the company was removed from the project, vaccinations continued.

Aberdeen held shot clinics in June, and about 750 first and second graders received vaccinations. Demand grew, and polio cases declined rapidly across the country.

Meanwhile, Sabin developed a live virus vaccine. Rebuffed in America with Salk’s vaccine working, he tested it on 100 million people in the Soviet Union. The vaccine— delivered in a sugar cub—was approved for use in 1961. In 1962, Aberdeen vaccinated 16,000 children in its first clinic. America stopped using Salk’s vaccine for now.

Because Sabin’s vaccine contained a live virus, a handful of people contracted polio from it every year, which wasn’t a risk with Salk’s vaccine. In the late 1990s, the CDC reintroduced the Salk vaccine to be paired with Sabin’s, but when polio cases persisted, the Sabin vaccine was dropped.

PAYING FOR IT ALL

The National Foundation was very successful in raising money to fight polio, nearly matching the combined efforts of most other national health organizations. Aberdeen participated wholeheartedly. After FDR became President, O’Connor promoted local fundraising balls

celebrating his birthday. The first year, 1934, saw around 6,000 balls across the country, including in Aberdeen. Labor groups, businesses, and fraternal organizations ran it here, and FDR spoke over radio to balls across the country. Through the 1930s, balls in Aberdeen raised hundreds of dollars each year, not a small feat during the Depression.

After FDR’s death in 1945, the balls ended, and Aberdeen held other fundraising events, including concerts, radio appeals, and auctions. The city participated in the March of Dimes, in which solicitors wore special boxes on their lapels where people deposited their dimes. These post-war fundraisers typically raised over $10,000 a year, up to 70% of which helped pay for treatment of local polio patients.

POLIO TODAY

Vaccines have led to the near worldwide eradication of polio. The last South Dakota case occurred in 1963, and the last endemic U.S. case was in 1979. Two years later, the Western Hemisphere was declared polio free. By 1960, the March of Dimes had shifted its focus to birth defects. Only a handful of countries still routinely see cases—a few dozen a year—and some vaccination vaccination efforts are hampered by cultural suspicions and misinformation, but vaccination efforts continue.

While new polio cases are largely nonexistent, there are an estimated 300,000 polio survivors in America. Some still deal with the effects of the disease, and others will develop post-polio syndrome decades after their initial infection, which can include muscle weakness and fatigue. In South Dakota, late effects of polio contracted earlier in life have caused one to three deaths a year over the past decade.

The polio vaccination campaign remains one of America’s most successful public health initiatives, and the polio vaccine continues to be a required childhood immunization. Aberdeen did its part to develop the herd immunity that has all but eliminated polio, and it’s a discipline that needs to be maintained. //

 Thanks to the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library and the Dacotah Prairie Museum for their assistance with this article. Thanks as well to Kathleen Daly of the Presentation Sisters Archives for providing the photos.

 This is presumably the Drinker-Collins Respirator (iron lung) featured in the image on page 49. It is shown here at the Dacotah Prairie Museum where it is a permeant artifact. There is a plaque on the machine that credits its purchase to the 40-8 veteran services organization in 1939 on behalf of St. Luke’s. Photo by Troy McQuillen.

ELM LAKE DAM PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

by CONNIE SIEH GROOP

People give little thought to the age of dams. The bulwarks across the country safely hold back water to create lakes for recreation and, in many cases, serve as water supplies for cities and towns. Only when the structures erode do people get concerned. After a fierce storm in northern Brown County last summer, officials deemed the damage to the dam at the south end of Elm Lake critical. It might cost up to $7 million to repair the structure built by Works Progress Administration laborers in the 1930s.

“The spillway is more than 80 years old and has reached the end of its anticipated life,” the

commissioner of South Dakota’s Office of School and Public Lands, Ryan Brunner, said. “We’d been looking at replacing it. During last year’s storm on July 24 and 25, some panels broke off, which pushed expected repairs on the dam into a much tighter time frame. This year’s South Dakota Legislature appropriated $9 million for School and Public lands projects, with about $7 million estimated for the Elm Lake Dam about 45 miles northwest of Aberdeen.”

The South Dakota Office of School and Public Lands oversees inspections and repairs to 98 dams in South Dakota, including this structure. According to newspaper accounts, Aberdeen

received permanent rights to the top 12 feet of water in Elm Lake for $15,000 in 1937.

According to Aberdeen City Manager Joe Gaa, “The Elm River is a major source of water for the city of Aberdeen. In a normal year, we don’t take too much from Elm Lake but in a drought year, we depend on it as our backup water supply. Willow Dam and the lake in the same watershed is the city’s primary backup.”

Because of that, the city of Aberdeen pledged $1 million towards the project.

Requests for bids will be made this summer and should result in late summer/early fall construction. Ryan said, “Our goal is to get the

Construction on the spillways northwest of Aberdeen repairs damage and ensures safety standards are being met.



An aerial view of the emergency spillway. Courtesy of Kevin Barton - Chief, Frederick Fire Department.

Elm Lake Dam Aberdeen

 Elm Lake Dam is located 37 miles north of Aberdeen.

primary concrete spillway done this fall or early winter and finish up repairs on the secondary spillway in the spring of 2022.”

Elm Lake dam is 42 feet high and 1,000 feet long. The primary spillway is concrete, 150 feet wide with an 8-foot freeboard. The second spillway is earthen. The lake holds about 5 million gallons of water.

Initial repair estimates increased because the dam does not meet high-hazard standards. Changes to the structure need to be made to limit the potential for damage and loss of life downstream from the dam. This year’s appropriation will provide funds to complete the work plus money to help with repairs at Richmond Dam and other state-owned dams.

The work will slightly more than double the output the two spillways together can handle in a high flood event. “That July 24-25 storm almost overtopped the dam. It was inches away from eroding out or causing significant damage downstream,” Ryan said.

To begin construction, “We can use the floodgates to manage water,” Ryan said. “We will build a temporary cofferdam at the top of the spillway to keep water from going over it. If there is a high flood event, we will route water

Newspaper reports show WPA workers received 35 cents an hour with a maximum monthly income of $47.95 when the dam was built in 1937.

into the emergency spillway.”

According to Ryan, the primary spillway will be replaced completely. The plan is to widen the dam to 170 feet, allowing for more water to pass over the dam, even in normal circumstances.

“This will add a lot of capacity. The work will replace the primary stilling basin with a concrete stilling basin, which will slow the water and prevent breaches,” Ryan said. It will raise the crest of the spillway’s dirt embankment by 4.5 feet but leave the spillway at its current level. “These changes will mean the spillway can release more water in a high-water event but will not raise the lake level. This will meet those high-hazard safety levels.”

There are signs that this may be a drought year and precautions are under way to conserve resources for the city of Aberdeen. “When it comes to the dam, it affects our potential as they lower the level to start construction. It takes away some of our initial water supply, but we are going to make sure our other water sources are up to par,” Joe said.

Aberdeen City Engineer Robin Bobzien said, “We use the water from Willow Dam as our primary source and Elm Lake as our secondary source. Elm Lake is a recreational facility, so we leave the water until we need it in town. This summer, the bottom line is we will lower the water as needed to facilitate construction of the dam. We plan to pump any excess into Willow Dam so that it will be full.

“If we face a several-year drought, we don’t want to deplete our potential sources,” Robin

PREHISTORIC MOSASAUR FOUND AFTER ELM DAM BUILT

➼ In 1945, 14-year-old Don Neff of Frederick scooped up some shiny brown enamel teeth about two inches long. Don was excited with his discovery, which turned out to include the bones of a 29-foot mosasaur—a type of aquatic reptile that lived from 65 to 95 million years ago. The creature, dubbed – “Freddie” – was found just below the Elm Lake Dam. Don’s mother, Margaret Neff, contacted the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) in Rapid City about the discovery. Scientists extracted the skeleton. The creature is in a family of extinct aquatic reptiles related to modern-day monitor lizards. Dr. Darrin Pagnac is the curator of fossil vertebrates at SDSMT and said this mosasaur is one of the most complete fossil specimens of its kind. Pagnac said interest in this giant lizard continues, even though it is far from its resting place in the mud of the Elm River Valley. The bones from the site 10 miles west of Frederick are on display 350 miles away at the SDSMT’s Museum of Geology in Rapid City.

 Collapsed spillway on the south end of Elm Lake. Photo by Troy McQuillen

Photo courtesy South Dakota Mines, Geology & Geological Engineering / Museum of Geology.

ELM LAKE COMMUNITY

said. “During construction, they will release four to five feet of water through the emergency spillway to lower the water in Elm.”

Robin believes most people in Aberdeen know— or they should know—the Elm is one source for their drinking water. “We are truly fortunate to have it. Without it, in dry years it would be difficult to have enough water to go around.”

Joe pointed out that the people of Aberdeen should notice little change in their water supply. He said, “It’s important to understand we don’t use the water from Elm Lake all day, every day. Most of our water comes from the Elm River. About twenty-five percent comes from groundwater wells.”

Robin said that as an example, last year, neither the Willow nor Elm dams were open, except to check the valves and make sure everything was functioning properly. There was sufficient water coming down the Maple River that runs through Frederick to feed into the Elm River.

Joe said with concerns about potential drought conditions, they want to make sure they are good stewards of this precious resource.

The bridge over the dam needs to be removed for construction and an alternative location of the boat dock on the west side of the lake is being considered.

“The cost to move the boat dock is a lot less than putting in a new bridge. We will work with the southern lake access in the short term and in the long term, we will relocate the boat dock. How that will be done hasn’t been decided. Our focus is getting the spillway replaced. We have to meet state and federal dam safety regulations,” Ryan said.

While current sources meet Aberdeen’s water needs, the city is funding a study to explore a pipeline, which would bring water from the

Missouri River to Aberdeen. Looking to the future, Joe said, “There is no room for industrial growth. They built both the water plant and the wastewater system for a smaller residential community with limited industrial use.

“We have a couple of industrial users that are taxing our system and are looking at expanding. We need to grow. I think there are some opportunities given our location with agriculturally based industries or customers that want to come here. We are looking at the big picture of how we expand our water and waste-water systems. If we are going to do that, we need additional water. I think we’ll find that’s probably going to be really costly.” //

➼ For many years, few cabins dotted the shores of Elm Lake. Today, it is a vibrant community with more than 75 homes and a resort that offers camping and caters food, drink, and conversation to those who enjoy fishing and boating.

 The southern end of the Elm Lake Dam damaged from the storm in July 2020. Courtesy of Kevin Barton - Chief, Frederick Fire Department.

 The secondary spillway was also damaged in the July 2020 storm. The flooding cut huge holes in both spillways. In some places the depth of the erosion measured 10 to 15 feet deep and over 300 feet across.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

Happy Birthday Aberdeen!

established 1881

An online search about the founding of Aberdeen will leave you confused. Here’s what you need to know about our roots.

by TROY MCQUILLEN

Most people haven’t noticed that 2021 is Aberdeen’s 140th birthyear. Previously we have celebrated the Golden Jubilee (1931, 50 years), the Diamond Jubilee (1956, 75 years), the Centennial (1981, 100 years), and the Quasquicentennial (2006, 125 years). It is pretty obvious these milestone Aberdeen anniversaries are based on the birthyear in 1881.

Recently, I have had a couple people call and ask me what our founding year is. I thought it was obvious after all these celebrations. But then I realized the confusion. Google. Google search results are hitting dozens of mentions of our birthyear—on dozens of websites—and they are

 A FAST-GROWING COMMUNITY

This illustration was taken from the book, Early History of Brown County South Dakota, 1965. The actual illustration is nowhere to be found. If you subscribe to the notion that Samuel Jumper arrived at an empty townsite in May 1881 to start selling lots, it seems crazy to imagine—in just two years with floods and winters—that the town could have grown this fast. In fact, the first newspaper in town boasted in August 1881—just two and half months after Jumper’s arrival--that there were 64 buildings in Aberdeen. That is almost one structure per day. If things had gotten started even a year earlier, this scene would be more plausible. But maybe it’s accurate. Early stories say people did not take the time to paint their buildings because commerce moved so fast.

This view from June 1883 looks southeast from where the two Milwaukee lines meet (bottom center). The Northwestern Railroad is up on the horizon. The original plat of 1880 is indicated in color. The only thing that is recognizable is the Presbyterian Church on Kline Street. The building has since moved from that spot and placed on First Avenue Southeast—currently home to Spellman Painters. The roundhouse in the bottom center was just recently demolished by the BNSF Railroad. Can you find the baseball game? Image restoration by Symmone Gauer.

all inconsistent. The key words of the search also affect the answers appearing online—founded, established, settled, incorporated, ironed (when the railroad tracks were laid), or platted.

I don’t think I would care so much about this elusive date if it weren’t for the various confusing information out there. Most city organization websites are not quite right when it comes to terms and associating dates. The problem results from a simple question. When is a town officially a town?

GETTING ON THE MAP

I started my research with the go-to source for Aberdeen’s history--the late Don Artz. He wrote several books about our early years, all thoroughly researched from the archives of several Aberdeen newspapers, books, official documents, and stories from old-timers. I found all his dates to be accurate, and I believe Mr. Artz would agree that Aberdeen’s birthyear is 1881.

I, personally, am not so sure. Here are the circumstances that created Aberdeen. Rail line superintendent Charles H. Prior was responsible for all land dealings and track location west of the Mississippi for the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul Railroad (Milwaukee Road). Prior was securing land for the Hastings and Dakota line from Minneapolis, heading west into Dakota Territory in early 1880.

Prior had originally planned to angle the west-bound track northwest from Andover, through Columbia, and connect with Bismarck. Unfortunately, the men who owned the land on

which Columbia was built wanted Milwaukee Road to pay for depot land and rights-of-way through Columbia. Prior refused and walked away from Columbia. He instead planned to proceed west along a relatively straight line from Andover--targeting an intersection between the northbound route of his own Milwaukee Road line and that of the competing Chicago & Northwestern line heading northeast. Where the competitors crossed, people set up a townsite called Grand Junction (or Grand Crossing). Prior was not a fan of sharing that intersection of his two lines with Chicago & Northwestern. So, he changed course again.

Prior angled his west-bound track slightly upwards, dashing the hopes of the Grand Junction townsite. He picked a spot in a swampy area two miles north for a new townsite. Prior created his own intersection running east to west and south to north, free of competitors. Southeast of his intersection, Prior platted 16 blocks of lots and streets and called the grid Aberdeen, which was inspired by the birthplace of his boss, Alexander Mitchell, in Aberdeen, Scotland. The spot he selected was already owned, as was most of the land within Dakota Territory. Thus, he had to purchase the land from two property owners who each owned sections within his new 16-block town. The price paid was $380. Chicago & Northwestern’s trajectory (Rudolf to Ordway) would skirt past this plat several blocks to the east, intersecting with Milwaukee Road twice. This depot is still standing on Dakota Street.

Prior had a surveyor officially draw up a plat of his new townsite. That original plat is on file at the Register of Deeds in the Brown County Courthouse. This piece of history contains an abundance of interesting details and three distinct dates: October 30, 1880 the notarization of the Aberdeen plat by D.C.

McKenzie, representing Dakota Territory and acknowledging that the surveyor did indeed draw up the plat of Aberdeen and presented it to him; December 21, 1880--the notarization that Charles and Delia Prior do indeed own the land Aberdeen is platted on and grants use of the alleys and streets to the public forever; and January 3, 1881--noted that the plat was registered with the Brown County Register of Deeds and recorded in the books at 9:00 AM. In a newspaper article commemorating the

75th Anniversary of Aberdeen in 1956, the late Walter Butler–a former Aberdeen Engineer, a map maker, and the originator of the term “Hub of the Dakotas”--said Charles Prior hatched the plan for Aberdeen on June 3, 1880. On that day, the land for a townsite was procured by Prior. On June 4, 1880, Prior announced that this new land he was eyeing would be the location of a new town. It would not be until November 10, 1880, that Prior would officially take ownership of the land. Around the same time, others were

securing land in the immediate area including Andrew Melgaard’s tree claim, and an area that became part of the Hagerty Lloyd Subdivision (Aberdeen Daily News, June 17, 1956, page C-11). Word must have traveled because people started coming to the area in 1880 before Aberdeen’s official establishment.

Did you catch that? Aberdeen was surveyed, platted, and named in 1880.

For the most part, many seem to want to stick to January 3, 1881, as our birthyear, the

Here is the very first certified drawing of the new townsite of Aberdeen, Dakota Territory on file at the Brown County Courthouse. It was probably drawn up in summer or fall of 1880 as marker stones could not have been laid in the snow. We have transcribed all the handwriting for you. The delicate lines on the top and left edge are the grades of the Milwaukee Road. North and South traffic curved east into town. It’s important to note that the street names are now different. Main Street is consistent. To the left would be current day First and Second Streets. To the right would be Lincoln and Washington. The Avenues are correct. Railroad Avenue would be at the top, but no road is shown on this plat.

I hereby certify that I am the person who surveyed the Town of Aberdeen of which the annexed is a true and correct plat. That said town is located in the Southwest quarter, Section 13 Town 123 North Range 64 West. That the Town was surveyed into Lots, Blocks, Streets and Alleys and marked upon said plat and that all the Lots, Blocks, Streets & Alleys. In and Out lots so surveyed are marked thereon, that the Blocks so surveyed are numbered in progressive numbers from one (1) to sixteen (16) inclusive and marked upon said plat. That the names or numbers of streets that divide or border said Town are marked upon said plat and the widths thereof given in figures representing feet and that the courses and extent of said Streets are in-dicated on said plat. That the lots of said Town are numbered in progressive numbers and marked on said plat and their precise width and length are thereon stated in figures representing feet and tenths of feet the length marked on side and the width on end of lots. That stonessix inches in diameter are planted on lines of principalstreets for Base line at points indicated thus (•) on said Plat Vig On center line of 2nd Avenue at intersection with East line of 1st St. at intersection with center line of Main St and with west line of 4th St and intersection of center line of Main St. with North line of 4th Avenue.

F.L. Hildebrand Surveyor

Office of Register of Deeds Brown County Dakota Territory. I hereby certify that the within instrument was filed for record in this office the 3rd day of January AD1881 and was duly recorded in Book 1 of Warranty Deeds, Pages 176 & 177 Filed 9 o’clock AM.

Fee $

D.C. McKenzie Register of Deeds

Know all men by these presents that we Charles H. Prior and Delia M Prior his wife of Hennepin County, state of Minnesota, overseers and proprietors of the south west quarter of Section Thirteen Township one hundred twenty three (123) north of Range sixty-four (64) west in the Territory of Dakota have caused a portion thereof to be platted as the town of Aberdeen as shown by the plat hereto attached, and we hereby dedicate to the Public use forever the streets and alleys thereon shown.

Witness

Charles H Prior Delia M. Prior G. H. Pergilade A.P. Dewiers

Before me Don C. McKenzie a notary public in and for Dakota Territory this day personally appeared F.L. Hildebrand to me known to be the identical person who as Surveyor executed the above Certificate and acknowledged the same and the accompanying mapand that he executed the same for the uses and purposes therein, mentioned.Witness my hand and official seal this 30th day of October A.D. 1880.

D.C. McKenzie Notary Public

State of Minnesota

County of Hennepin

Be it remembered that on this 21st day of December 1880 before one A.W. Shuey a notary Public within and for said County and state personally affirmed Charles H. Prior and Delia M. his wife, well known to me to be the persons who are described in and who executed the foregoing instrument and severally duly acknowledged to me that they executed the same freely. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and official seal the day and year above written.

A.W. Shuey Notary Public Hennepin Co.

official file date of our plat. However, Brown County Register of Deeds, Roberta Nichols says, “Recording a plat does not create or legitimize a town, it creates a blueprint of property containing pertinent information often called subdivisions or additions. It is my understanding that a town is legitimate when it is chartered or incorporated as a municipality. However, I do not know what the laws were back in the 1800s.”

So, is the 1881 filing date any more significant than the 1880 platting date? As a side note, “filing a plat” is not the same as the “incorporation” of a town, which I will discuss later.

LOTS HAPPENING IN 1880

The activity following the January platting can be described by local lore. One of the most confusing discrepancies involves Samuel Jumper. In articles based on Jumper’s own accounts, he came to the newly surveyed spot of Aberdeen in May 1881 to start selling lots for Charles Prior. He claims he was the first person in recorded history to stay overnight on the site, and there was nothing here except a tent or two from the surveyors. However, in the Early History of Brown County South Dakota (1965)

book, Jumper is mentioned showing people around the townsite in 1880. This book also mentions, by name, several families that lived in Aberdeen during the winter of 1880-81. It also makes mention of the first death/funeral that occurred in 1880 in Aberdeen.

Many other accounts of our early days conflict with Jumper’s testimony as well. People had claimed and owned most of the land in Brown County with the first parcels being secured as early as 1864. So, chances are likely that there were structures in the vicinity of Aberdeen’s townsite.

I checked with the Brown County Assessor’s office, and my search indicates there are five properties currently on the tax roll that were built in 1880. And who knows, there might have been more. Without reading all the records at both the Register of Deeds and Assessor’s office, it seems like some development was happening in the area during the midsummer of 1880 around the same time Prior made his decision to plat Aberdeen. However, none of the houses listed at the Assessor’s office from 1880 fall into Prior’s original 16-block plat.

The manner in which history has been told

to me, and written by previous authors, they paint a picture of Prior in late 1880 redirecting the railroad grade to an empty area, and then platted it as Aberdeen in 1881. He started to sell lots in May, and the train arrived in July. After that, growth in Aberdeen took off.

That’s simply not the case if houses were already here at least six months to a year before the train. In August of 1881, only three months after Jumper’s claim of nothingness, the local newspaper reported there were 64 structures in Aberdeen. If only there was something deemed official that clearly defined when Aberdeen was a bona fide town that listed a specific day and year. Perhaps then I would understand the establishment of Aberdeen better.

And to my delight, there is ... sort of.

In 1882, things in the newly formed town were going fairly well. On April 4, 1882, the Brown County Commission voted to allow the people of Aberdeen to conduct a vote on whether or not to incorporate. During the Commission meeting on May 18, 1882, the members declared Aberdeen incorporated. Aberdeen held an election on June 5, 1882, and the newly incorporated town elected E.H. Alley as the Executive (or Mayor).

Could that be our official birthyear?

But wait, there’s more. Just a year later, a new Alderman form of government was desired by the townspeople, and a new charter was created. On March 15, 1883, the Territorial Legislature made an official ruling, based on the wishes of the townspeople, that Aberdeen hereby become a fully incorporated town. Yet again, elections were held.

So, is 1883 our birthyear? Attorney friends of mine say the 1883 incorporation is superfluous, and the 1882 incorporation is the year of our official status as a town.

Local history professor, Brad Tennant, from Presentation College concurs with the 1881 birth year based on the official filing of the plat with Brown County. The newspapers and Chamber of Commerce have also stuck with 1881 as the town’s birthyear. The Dacotah Prairie Museum likes to tell tours that July 6, 1881, should be the birthday of Aberdeen because that’s when the first train rolled in, bringing supplies that built the town. Some research will show a community’s platting date alongside their incorporation date, but there seems to be no consensus as to which year should be celebrated in upcoming jubilees--aside from simply picking one. When is a town officially a town?

ANNIVERSARY CONFUSION

I realized that if I wanted to learn as much as I could about Aberdeen’s formative years, Aberdeen was not the place to look because there were no newspapers in the town during the time of the platting and filing.

One outside source, the Wisconsin State Journal, wrote on December 7, 1880, “But the Milwaukee & St. Paul has put most of its energy of construction into its Hastings and Dakota branch. This has been pushed sixty miles further into Dakota, to Bristol; while the road is graded to Aberdeen, on the James River. The grading has also been carried north and south of Aberdeen along the James Valley, over an extent of 100 miles.” Seems as though Aberdeen was a growing concern in late 1880. The Yankton Press and Dakotan made a report a couple days later that read “A new land and locating office has been located at Aberdeen, the business center of Brown County.” The date was December 9, 1880. The “business center”? In 1880? Hmmm…

So, I went back to old Aberdeen newspapers. In the archives, I searched 10 and 20 years after 1880 and 1881 to see if there were mentions of anniversary celebrations. In two separate Aberdeen newspapers in 1907, there was an announcement in “City Briefs.” It read, “On next

Monday, December 23, Aberdeen will be 27 years old. The city was platted on December 23, 1880, by Charles H. Prior.” They believed the anniversary year to be 1880, but for some reason, they were a couple days off from the actual second date that’s on the plat itself (December 21, 1880). Then, in a newspaper article from 1930, the headline asked, “Should we be celebrating our 50th anniversary?” Some folks around town were trying to push that idea at that time. The newspaper referred the matter to T.C. Gage, an original Aberdeen pioneer–merchant and developer–turned historian, who in fact declared Aberdeen’s birth year as the year of the plat filing of January 3, 1881. The townspeople would have to wait another year to party.

T.C. Gage kept a scrapbook during the formative years of Aberdeen. He has clippings in it from the 1931 Aberdeen Daily News’s Golden Jubilee edition. One clipping shows a picture of C.F. Easton (of the Castle fame) with the text, “C.F. Easton, the father of the Home Building and Loan Association movement in this city, arrived in Aberdeen in the summer of 1879.”

What? 1879?

Two columns over is another mention, “Frank Beard…an honored guest at the fiftieth anniversary of the city, arrived in the townsite of Aberdeen in the early summer of 1880.” In the same newspaper, “Patrick Burns…At Ortonville, Mr. Burns hired a team and drove to Aberdeen, arriving here on October 2, 1880, for the first time.” By all media accounts, Aberdeen seems to be a popular destination in 1880.

The local newspapers loved to retell stories of old timers’ recollections. Those stories got reprinted every 25 years in the next jubilee newspaper. Almost every single mention of dates and years associated with our founding or incorporation are inconsistently noted in some fashion. Some could simply be typos made by a typesetter. Then there’s Google, which comes along and mixes the search results up even further. I feel bad for any children in school trying to do a report on the founding of Aberdeen.

After all this research, I would be confident in saying Aberdeen was established in 1880. There was a plat of a town, a town name, the hype, and people who claimed they lived in Aberdeen in 1880. Terms like established, settled, platted, incorporated, and founded all mean different things to a town’s history. Again, when is a town an official town? Who’s to say--other than our relatively consistent history of anniversary celebrations--what our real birthday should be? For now—to keep the peace and avoid rewriting our history—Happy 140th Birthday Aberdeen! //

RECAP

The REAL Dates According to Aberdeen’s Recorded History

October 30, 1880--Certified Plat of Aberdeen, D.T. notarized by Territorial representative. Shown on actual (or reproduction of) plat drawing.

December 21, 1880--Charles and Delia Prior claiming they own the land Aberdeen is platted on and that they give all free access to the public of streets and alleys. Shown on actual (or reproduction of) plat drawing.

January 3, 1881--Official filing of the plat with Brown County Register of Deeds. Shown on actual (or reproduction of) plat drawing.

July 6, 1881--First freight train of the Milwaukee Road arrives in Aberdeen as reported in many newspapers and books.

April 4, 1882--Citizens ask Brown County Commission if Aberdeen can hold a vote to incorporate. Transcription of minutes from Brown County commission meeting.

April 20, 1882--Date of presumed incorporation vote. This date is mentioned in the minutes of the April 4 County Commission meeting that the town will have a vote.

May 18, 1882--Brown County commissioners canvas the incorporation vote and declare Aberdeen incorporated. Transcription of minutes from Brown County commission meeting.

March 15, 1883--Aberdeen is incorporated again after changing its form of government. Incorporation granted by and noted in the minutes of the Territorial Legislature.

 I could not have written this without the help of Roberta Nichols, Register of Deeds for Brown County. Sarah Swenson from the Brown County Department of Equalization office also helped with early date verification. I accessed early newspapers from Aberdeen including the Aberdeen Daily News, the Aberdeen Democrat, and the Aberdeen American News. The books, Early History of Brown County South Dakota, (Western Printing, 1965) and Brown County History (Northern Plains Press 1980) provided lots of information about Brown County and early Aberdeen settling. Don Artz’s books, The Town in the Frog Pond (Memories, Inc. 1991) and The Life and Times of the Dacotah Prairie Museum Building (Aberdeen/Brown County Landmark Commission 2000) were used for many details.

When The Stars Align...

What can the stars tell us about the founding of Aberdeen?

by JEANNETTE HERMANN

➼ Years ago, I met an astrologer and writer who did horoscopes and star charts for communities based on when they were founded. She says this helps people understand a community better when visiting or better helps residents connect with the energy of a place. If we are to presume and accept that January 3, 1881, is our true date we were founded, see what the stars have to say about us. This was written by a person who knows nothing about Aberdeen other than what astrology revealed and research available to her online when she made Aberdeen’s chart. –Troy

McQuillen

Aberdeen was registered as a city on January 3, making it a Capricorn kind of town. Capricorns are practical and ambitious with a strong sense of social responsibility. They are willing to work hard to achieve goals and provide a sense of security. Doing the right thing and being good at it are important. The city prospered.

At the same time the Moon and Venus were together in Aquarius, giving the town charm and an unusual way of viewing their place in this world. It’s an attitude that is curious about what is next and not afraid to try unique solutions–such as when trying to tame the Frog Pond flooding, they instead discovered how to build a truly unique artesian water system.

And Aquarius likes input from places and people with different ideas. The town was created by business-minded adventurers arriving on four railroads crisscrossing throughout town. It was the Hub City, the center of a very busy wheel of trade and migration. With all that influence from speculators, explorers, and pioneers, many businesses and store fronts were quickly built, bringing opportunities that invited people to stay and put down roots.

The plat of Aberdeen was filed at the country office at 9:00 AM when the constellation of Aquarius was on the horizon at dawn, giving Aberdeen the allure of an exciting place with its own sort of charm. It attracted diverse characters with good intentions, who stayed for their individual reasons and formed a community. Aberdeen became a town wanting its own identity amidst the emerging western territories. Hundreds of famous people are from Aberdeen. The list includes musicians, actors, sports figures, politicians, inventors of things such as Super 8 Motel, and authors, one of which went on to write the widely imaginative Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

campuses. Being aware of what is going on in the world is important, as is religious belief and the serving of justice. And one wouldn’t be surprised if Aberdonians love to travel, so they can see for themselves what lies beyond their borders. And if not, one can at least enjoy the world through the wonderful films brought with the South Dakota Film Festival.

Three planets were in earth signs when the city papers were registered which gives the town a solid, practical base where things get done. This backdrop provides structure, government, schools, and jobs so citizens can make their livelihood, raise a family, and feel safe. The challenge for Aberdeen is not to enforce these structures, laws, or rules to an extreme to an extent that the freedom to make needed changes is not welcomed.

The gift Aberdeen has is its solid foundation, beautiful environment for everyone to enjoy, the generous water supply, and its unique community of citizens. It also has a curious heart and that must not be discouraged. In the years ahead, as many planets travel through the sign of Aquarius, Aberdeen may again be called upon to become a new Hub City of creative ideas. The town has grown and changed with the times, honoring each person’s creativity. The road ahead looks as though it will continue to do so if the challenges of change are accepted. //

CAPRICORN

With Mars the planet of action in the long view sign of Sagittarius, the city has always welcomed strangers. The tales of adventure and daring are not beyond reach, and the idea to build a better community are always appreciated and passed along. Education is valued, as evidenced by the two university

 This chart is a picture of the sky January 3, 1881 at 9:01am when Aberdeen was founded. Sun in Capricorn. Moon in Aquarius and Aquarius Ascendant. The line across the middle is the horizon. Dawn is on the left side, noon at the top, sunset on the right, midnight at the bottom.

We Want to Hear from You!

Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers! Do you have a topic you want us to cover? A critique of something we could be doing better? Or do you simply want to gush about everyone’s favorite, locally owned magazine in Aberdeen? Then tell us about it!

We love letters! If you want to go the traditional route and send a letter, the address is: Aberdeen Magazine

423 S Main Street Suite 1 Aberdeen, SD 57401

We get it. Letters are a little old fashioned and not for everyone. That’s perfectly okay. You can send an email to josie@aberdeenmag.com, and she will get back to you faster than you can say “Grab it! Read it! Share it!” You can always reach us on social media, too. Find us on Facebook and Instagram by searching for Aberdeen Magazine and send us a message.

by Eliot Lucas