Aberdeen Magazine September/October 2021

MADE-TO-

ORDER COFFEE BEANS

➼ The Freds have recently turned their family passion into a family business. The locally owned business air roasts its beans to offer maximum freshness in every customized order.

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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 ADVOCATE FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The United Way addresses issues in Brown County and draws attention to regional programs and agencies that offer beneficial resources for the community.

Add Tales of an American Hoodrat to your watchlist. The film was written and directed by an Aberdeen native. 36 TASTE

Pair Fred Coffee Co. air roasted beans with these three recipes to make delicious coffee during the fall season.

72 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Aberdeen Magazine wants to hear from its readers!

72 THE ABERDABBER

ON THE COVER

➼ Christina Shilman from Paisley Tree Photography captured this cover image on the patio at Canterbury Deli & Catering. The floral arrangements and gold decor were provided by Aberdeen Floral, and the half-arch balloon display was designed by Beyond the Balloon. Skal Moon’s colorful outfits and unique accessories lit up this casual dining scene. For more images of this dinner scene, go to page 60.

BUILDING A CRAFT

➼ Ron Lyren started his hobby with wooden toys and now transforms wood into art with his intarsia. Turn to this story to see his craftsmanship.

MEET QUEENSLY

➼ The Aberdeen Area Diversity Coalition shares the stories of community members from around the world.

FEATURED CONTENT

26 WOLVES WELCOME NEW STADIUM

The construction of the Dacotah Bank Stadium has finally reached an end. The excitement from athletes, students, and fans to use the Wolves’ newest feature is undeniable.

38 A CLEAN LANDFILL

It’s not your grandfather’s dump. The Brown County Landfill plays an important role in the community, and the process of trash disposal is efficient and environmentally friendly.

46 9/11 IN ABERDEEN

20 years later, residents of Aberdeen recount their experience of the day that forever changed our city and our country.

50 A HUNTER’S GUIDE

We visit two area hunting lodges to see what our visiting hunters can experience when they stay near Aberdeen: Hidden Hill Lodge (Roslyn, SD) and Flatland Flyways (Hecla, SD).

60 MAKE EVERY DAY A PARTY!

These photos will inspire you to start wearing the outfits you’ve been saving in your closet, even if you are going to something as simple as dinner with your friends.

66 MAKING A MARK

Jews make up only a small fraction of Aberdeen’s total population, but their achievements and contributions over many decades have left big footprints in the community.

s the seasons change, I can’t help but feel a growing excitement for all things fall! The crisp, cool autumn air, the beautiful colors of the leaves decorating lawns with various shades of yellow and orange, the unmatched energy of the home crowd at football games.

Usually, during this time of the year, I am a couple weeks into my classes, but for the first time since I was four, I didn’t take the annual “First Day of School” picture. It was bittersweet when I realized I swapped my school desk filled with notebooks, art supplies, and notes passed between friends with an office desk and a coffee mug that reads “Secretly judging YOU’RE grammar.”

That doesn’t mean I’ve stopped learning. I am simply in a different kind of classroom now, and I have a front row seat into a new, intriguing subject: Aberdeen!

Josie Clemens MANAGING EDITOR

Some of you may already know this, but Aberdeen Magazine is such a great resource to learn about our community. You have the history, the businesses, the activities, the people. And once you thought you have heard it all, another story comes to the surface and adds a new perspective about Aberdeen.

In this issue, we of course include our seasonal features with a stylish dinner party, two local lodges for our avid pheasant hunters, and delicious cinnamon and pumpkin inspired coffee recipes. You will also find stories that expand outside the fall festivities. You might learn something new about the history of the Jewish community in Aberdeen or find something surprising about the process of the Brown County Landfill.

My hope is for you to enjoy learning about our community with every issue we print. As always, a special thank you to our readers for your loyalty and enthusiasm for Aberdeen Magazine! //

CONTRIBUTORS

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

 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.



 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.

 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.

 KAYLYN MEHLHAFF is a freelance editor, writer, and publicist. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, you can find her walking around downtown Aberdeen with her husband, Joe, and their fluff-ball of a dog, Belle.

 CHRISTINA SHILMAN is wife, mom, mental health therapist, and owner of Paisley Tree Photography. Christina enjoys capturing families, children, seniors, and weddings through portrait and lifestyle sessions and recently started offering family films. Her passion shines through her work and provides you with beautiful, authentic memories full of love and connection.

MANAGING EDITOR

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.

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PUBLISHED BY

www.mcquillencreative.com



SHEILA RICHARDS is an original stakeholder in the Aberdeen Area Diversity Coalition. Now retired, she has worked as a teacher and as an ordained clergy for United Methodist congregations in South Dakota.



DKG Takes Over Annual Book Sale

The 2021 Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) Book Sale will take place from Sept. 9 through 11 at the Wylie Park Pavilion. The proceeds go toward funding at least two college scholarships for young educators.

The Epsilon Chapter of DKG in Aberdeen is an organization that promotes both personal and professional growth and excellence of women educators. DKG partnered with the Aberdeen Association of University Women (AAUW) for the book sale two years ago but now takes full responsibility for this substantial fundraiser.

In the previous sales, DKG received between 15,000 to 25,000 books. With the number of books already collected and sorted this year, the organization believes they may have over 25,000 books for this year’s sale. The starting prices are as low as 10 cents, and books will be organized by genre for easy shopping.

“The Aberdeen community is to be complimented on their part of this partnership. Without all the wonderful books and the customers who faithfully buy from us, the scholarships would not be possible!” DKG member Sharon Osborne said. // —Josie Clemens

 Drop-off locations include Kessler’s, Ken’s SuperFair Food, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. For larger donations, call Dee Zahn at 605-225-6713. Check out the Calendar for event hours.

A New Downtown Dining Experience

Three22 Kitchen & Cocktails on Main Street is officially open for business.

The restaurant began soft opening events at the beginning of June and unlocked its doors to the public on June 15. The summer concerts and exciting events happening in Downtown Aberdeen provided the perfect opportunity for Three22 to be a part of the excitement on Main Street.

The menu is crafted with a variety of choices from burgers and wood-fire pizza to housemade chorizo meatballs, chicken and waffles, and street tacos. The next time you stop by Three22 be sure to try the customer-favorite Moo Shu Pizza or the Bruschetta Board.

As for the drink options, Three22 provides 30 beers on tap, a carefully selected wine list, and cocktails crafted with class and innovation.

The owners, Kraig Schlaht (owner of Mavericks and Pounders) and Lamont Companies (founded by Jeff Lamont in 1998), came together to give Aberdeen a dining experience unlike anything offered in the community.

If you are searching for a new dining experience, trying to watch a game at the bar, celebrating a special occasion with your family, or looking for a place to enjoy a night out, Three22 would be the right place for you. // —Josie

Clemens

 Three22 is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday and 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday. Visit three22kitchen.com for the full menu and more information.

Members of Delta Kappa Gamma (from left) Sharon Osborne, Tonya Zinter, Kathy DeGroot, Madeleine Carlson, Virginia Doerr, Sue Jerde, Dee Zahn, and Marie Schumacher organize the donated books at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 The management team at Three22 Kitchen & Cocktails consists of General Manager Jacob Collins, Bar Manager Kyle Klipfel (seated left), and Assistant Manager Hannah Menzia.

Shoe Science Moves to Main Street

The building that was formerly known as Webb Shoe Co. on Main Street will once again be home to an esteemed footwear store. Shoe Science, currently in the Uptown Aberdeen mall, is set to move to its new location on 315 S. Main St. on Sept. 2.

Shoe Science offers a variety of brands that guarantee high-quality running and walking shoes. Brooks, Asics, Hoka, Nike, and Altra are just a handful of brand names provided by the footwear business.

The charisma of the store and the loyalty of the customers has led Shoe Science to its local success and inevitable growth. The Aberdeen business has decided to move locations to a space almost 4,000 square feet larger than the original store in the mall to enhance its customers’ experience and offer a wider range of products.

Webb Shoe Co. was a legacy business in Aberdeen for over a century, and it only makes sense that another local sit and fit footwear store has made its way back into the building. // —Josie Clemens

 Shoe Science is open 7 days a week. Call 605-225-5111 for more information.

THE Fall Style Show

Local boutiques. Fall and winter fashion. A runway. All key ingredients to finding the perfect styles and distinguished trends right here in Aberdeen. Shopping locally is one of the best ways to support the community, and the Fall Style Show, an Aberdeen Magazine event, highlights a wide selection of local businesses.

Appetizers, drinks, vendors, and prize drawings will be available during the event. Participating vendors offer a variety of product and service types from health and beauty to home services.

The Fall Style Show will take place on Sunday, Sept. 26 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the Dakota Event Center.

To guarantee a seat at this exciting style event, you can purchase tickets in advance for $20. If you wait until the day of the show, tickets will be $25 while seats are available. All tickets include two drink tickets and access to delicious appetizers.

So, what are you waiting for? Buy your tickets online at aberdeenmag.com, or stop by McQuillen Creative Group on 423 S. Main St. and purchase the tickets in person. // —Josie Clemens

 Tickets are limited. Buy yours now at www.aberdeenmag.com before they are sold out!”

 McKenzie Serfoss, Shoe Science manager, and Kyle Walz, coowner, show a picture of their new store on Main Street. They will be taking over the space formerly known as Erosion CrossFit but is more famously known for being Webb’s Shoes for decades.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Celebrating Celtic Culture

This year’s NESD Celtic Faire and Highland Games festival will take place Sept.18 and 19 at Richmond Lake.

Hundreds of people across the Midwest and Canada attend the annual festival. The festival first started in 2008 to showcase and celebrate ancient Celtic culture and heritage, and it’s still the only Celtic Faire in the region.

“It’s a unifying and inviting experience,” said festival Vice President Jon McNutt.

The Highland Games, which includes events like the caber toss and hammer throw, are open to everyone, and entry is $40. Athletes can sign up online or in person. The Games and the bands are the most popular parts of the festival.

New to the Celtic Faire stage this year is the band Conae Loch from Madison, SD. Other performers include Brian Borus Irish Pipe Band, The Northerly Gales, Guthrie School of Dance, and ARCC Cloggers. There will also be food, craft, and retail vendors for people to enjoy.

The Highland Games start at 8:00 AM, and gates open at 10:00 AM Saturday and noon on Sunday. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online or at the door.

// —Symmone Gauer

 If you’d like to volunteer, sign up for the games, or purchase tickets, visit nesdcelticfaire.com.

“Cancer Doesn’t Sleep and Neither Will We”

The Brown County Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society is celebrating an incredible 25 years of community-driven support and remembrance of all the lives touched by cancer.

“[The Relay’s] purpose is, of course, to raise funds for research, but it’s so much more. We raise awareness, provide education, offer support for families and caregivers,” Co-chair of Brown County Relay for Life Fadia Champlain said.

The 25th year is a “Blast from the Past” with special events and prizes unique to this year’s Relay. The celebration began Aug. 18 with Paint the Town Purple. For the first time in Brown County’s history, two weeks were dedicated to decorating homes, schools, and businesses in purple to illustrate the community’s encouragement for the fighters and survivors of cancer.

The Relay itself is at the Brown County Expo Building on Sept. 10 at 6:00 PM. This 12-hour special event welcomes everyone at any time during the night to honor the people affected by cancer.

Go out to the Expo Building and listen to the music, participate in the silent auction, purchase t-shirts, luminaria, and lanterns of hope for the fundraiser, and join the walk to stamp out cancer. // —Josie Clemens

 For more information about the walk or to volunteer for the event, email browncountyrfl@gmail.com.

 Co-Chair of the Brown County Relay for Life Fadia Champlain stands behind some of the items offered at the event as well as donated items that will go to the survivors.

 Festival-goers have fun while learning how to perform a traditional Celtic dance.

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 The Northerly Gales is a Twin Cities-based Celtic/American group that performs at the Celtic Faire each year.

 The Caber toss is a traditional Scottish athletic event in which competitors throw a large tapered pole so that it lands in the 12 o’clock position. It is one of the events for the Highland Games.

NSU’s New President

Dr. Neal Schnoor became Northern State University’s 18th president on July 1. Schnoor said it’s thanks to the community, NSU staff, and members of the Board of Regents that he’s had a smooth transition to the university.

Schnoor had about a month-long period where he worked as both president of NSU and at his previous position as chief of staff at California State University Long Beach. Prior to that, he was senior advisor to the chancellor for executive affairs at the University of Nebraska Kearney and the dean of the School of Education and Counseling at Wayne State College in Nebraska.

Schnoor has a Ph.D. in education and a master’s in music from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. He also served as a band director at three high schools in Nebraska.

“Northern has great students, a faculty and staff who are deeply committed to student success and serving the public good, and a remarkable community that is passionate and supportive,” he said at a Board of Regents meeting in June.

With the school year just starting, Northern students and staff can look forward to a great semester with their newest president.

Gauer

 Keep up with Northern news online at northern.edu/news

Squeaky Clean Windows with TripleC

Aberdeen has numerous businesses that fill their niche in this small-town community. One of those businesses includes TripleC Window Cleaning.

TripleC is a cleaning service that focuses on the entire window—glass, frames, and tracks—for both residential and commercial buildings. The business is local to Aberdeen, but the cleaners have traveled to surrounding areas such as Britton, Redfield, Watertown, Sioux Falls, and beyond for their clients.

Ethan Westby, the owner of TripleC, grew up in Aberdeen, and his intuitive entrepreneurship skills began with a lemonade stand across from the M&H gas station. Ethan’s dream to one day own his own business was inspired by his parents who run multiple businesses. After attending Baylor University in Texas, the entrepreneur realized that his passion did not rest in a Fortune 500 company, but rather remained in his roots and his love for Aberdeen. He then moved back to Aberdeen and opened TripleC.

Three principles govern Ethan’s business—Caring, Communicating, and Cleaning. TripleC is a business that adapts to the growth of its industry to deliver the best experience to all clients and invests in improvements to equipment to guarantee safety when cleaning buildings up to six stories tall. // —Josie Clemens

 Call or text 605-777-0489 to book with TripleC Window Cleaning now or check out the business on Facebook @triplecprofessionals.

Photo by Symmone Gauer

 Ethan Westby is able to clean windows on buildings as tall as six stories with the help of new improvements to his equipment.

 Dr. Neal Schnoor is the 18th president NSU has had since its founding in 1901.

Photos courtesy of Madelyn Westby Photography

Photo by Troy McQuillen

Bringing an Alternative Approach to Health

Happy Health Shack located at 10 5th Ave. SW. in Aberdeen is not your average retail business. Opened in November 2020, Happy Health provides natural healing products and supplements with quick absorption for real results, and free individualized consultations are available for every customer to guarantee proper healing guidance.

The owner, Lisa Tye, has a wide-ranging educational background that she uses for her business. Lisa has studied the healing properties of plants for three decades, earned certifications in Naturopathy, and received an EdD in Education, MS in Administration, and BS in Biology and Botany. With her extensive education, Lisa has become a highly qualified advocate for her clients.

Lisa’s personal experience with poor health and pain compelled her to discover holistic and healthy alternatives to chemical pharmaceuticals. Her journey allows her to connect personally with her clients and the products she hand-selects for her business.

“Our customers become our family, and we want them to live a happy and healthy life by providing the highest quality products you can buy. Happy Health products will truly change your life,” Lisa said.

Happy Health Shack is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday. // —Josie Clemens

 Order online at www.happyhealthshack.com and be sure to look for specials and product videos on Happy Health Shack’s Facebook page.

Silly’s Character Entertainment

A new business on the block is bringing characters to life while creating memories for all ages. Silly’s is a mobile business that provides costume character entertainment to Aberdeen and the surrounding areas. For those looking to spice up an event, Silly’s offers just the right thing.

Silly’s specializes in birthday parties, corporate and company events, holiday parties, community celebrations, grand openings, and bachelorette and bridal parties. Employees are primarily college students with theater backgrounds.

Planning a pool party? Silly’s mermaid character is sure to make a splash. There are over 25 costume characters in the Silly’s lineup, including Elmo, Dora, Trolls, superheroes, robots, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Christmas packages feature a variety of characters like Santa Claus, Elf, Grinch, and Olaf from Frozen.

Silly’s also has an angel character exclusively for funerals and memorial services as a visual comfort to those mourning the loss of a loved one.

While the business itself is relatively new, the idea came about in 2016 when founder Gameillia Becker entered and won the “BIG Idea” high school business idea competition for the marketing division.

In addition to the character entertainment, they also sell balloons and candy for doorstep deliveries, showing that Silly’s has something for everyone.

// —Symmone Gauer

 For more information or to schedule a booking, call 605-380-3636.

 Maddie Witte lounges by a pool in her mermaid costume, a mermaid being one of the Silly’s characters people can book for parties and events.

Photo by Symmone Gauer

 Owner Lisa Tye (left) and her daughter Meghan Syverson stand beside the assortment of Happy Health Shack products. Lisa offers free consultations to help her customers select the right products that will benefit their healing and overall health.

2021 SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

18

ABERDEEN MOOSE FAMILY BINGO

Thursdays

6:00 PM

Moose Lodge

 Packet prices start at $21 and include 20 regular games plus additional specials.

 605-225-5158

WEDNESDAY NIGHT TRIVIA

Wednesdays

8:00 PM

Dempsey’s

 Play #PubTrivia at Dempsey’s for free using your smartphone or tablet. Prizes for the winners!

 605-262-0167

18

OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK

September 18

9:00 - 11:30 AM

Odde Ice Center

 Join the walk to support mental health and prevent suicide. Registration is free and donations will go to the SD AFSP Chapter for Community programming, resources, and events. www.afsp.org/aberdeenSD

BARN DANCE FUNDRAISER

September 18

4:00 - 11:00 PM

SPURS Therapeutic Riding Center

 Put on your boots and dance the night away! There will be dinner, silent and live auctions, and a live band (Avenger Joe). Ticket prices: $20 Individual or $40 Family. www.spursaberdeen.org/events/

18

DKG BOOK SALE

September 9, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

September 10, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

September 11, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Wylie Park Pavilion

 Browse through thousands of used books in this fundraiser for college scholarships. Prices start as low as 10 cents.

 605-225-6713

RELAY FOR LIFE

25TH ANNIVERSARY

September 10, 6:00 PM - Sept. 11, 6:00 AM

Brown County Expo Building

 Support the fight against cancer in this 12-hour special event with music, silent auction baskets, and special items for sale.

www.relayforlife.org/browncountysd

NESD CELTIC FAIRE & HIGHLAND GAMES

September 18 - 19

Gates open 10:00 AM on Saturday and 12:00 PM on Sunday Richmond Lake

 Experience Celtic heritage, history, arts, food, music, and more at this family-friendly festival. www.nesdcelticfaire.com

WINE WALK

September 22

5:00 - 8:00 PM

Various Downtown Businesses

 Pair together shopping and drinking and find amazing deals throughout Downtown businesses. Buy your ticket in advance for $30 online.

www.aberdeendowntown.org

HARVEST STROLL

September 25

11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Dacotah Prairie Museum

 Welcome the fall season with a stroll Downtown. Visit booths outside the museum, grab a fun fall craft kit, decorate pumpkins, listen to folk and western music, and take part in the scavenger hunt.

 605-626-7117

FALL STYLE SHOW

September 26

2:00 - 5:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

 Check out the stylish fall and winter fashion from local boutiques and clothing stores. Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance and include appetizers and two drink tickets.

www.aberdeenmag.com

NSU GYPSY DAY PARADE

October 2

9:00 AM

Downtown Aberdeen

 It’s NSU’s 105th annual homecoming parade. Grab your chairs and watch the hundreds of entries of floats, groups, and area marching bands

www.northern.edu

BEER & PIZZA PAIRING

October 7

7:00 PM

One-Legged Pheasant Brewery

 Jimmy’s Pizza and One-Legged Pheasant Brewery are hosting another four-course beer and pizza dinner with a Southern flair. Tickets are limited and available online. Must be 21 or older. www.jimmysaberdeen.com

AAHS RESCUE RUN

October 9

Time TBD

Centennial Village

 5K/10K walk/run fundraiser for the Aberdeen Area Humane Society. Dogs are welcome! Register online or on race day. www.anewleashonlife.net

GROTON PUMPKIN FEST

October 9

10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Groton, SD—City Park

 Celebrate fall with hayrides, train rides, inflatables, and pumpkins.

 605-397-8422

ABERDEEN WINGS

SEPT/OCT 2021 SCHEDULE

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 15-18 @ NAHL SHOWCASE IN BLAINE, MN

SEPT 24-25 @ NORTH IOWA

OCTOBER

16

SD SPECIAL OLYMPICS

NORTHEAST AREA BOWLING

October 15

9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Village Bowl

 Special Olympics hosts singles bowling in Aberdeen. Register by Oct. 1 or call to volunteer for the event!

 605-228-4972

PHEASANT SEASON OPENER

October 16

All day across South Dakota

 It’s the official start of Pheasant Season. Welcome hunters!

HANDMADE MARKET

October 16

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Dakota Event Center

 Shop from a collection of local vendors to find farmer’s market goods and one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items.

 605-725-2641

HAUNTED FOREST

October 22-23

6:30 - 10:00 PM

Storybook Land

 Are you looking for a spooky thrill? Then you won’t want to miss this exciting Halloween event. And for the youngsters, Trick or Treat throughout the park on Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

 605-626-7015

OKTOBERFEST

October 23

1:00 - 11:00 PM

Aberdeen Civic Arena

 The 7th Annual Oktoberfest celebrates German/Russian heritage with food, beer, Dachshund races, and games!

 AberdeenSDOktoberfest

TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN STREET

October 29

3:00 - 5:00 PM

Downtown Aberdeen

 Bring the kids to trick-or-treat for free at downtown businesses. www.aberdeendowntown.org

OCT 1-2 VS. ST. CLOUD

OCT 8-9 @ BISMARCK

OCT 22-23 VS. NORTH IOWA

OCT 29-30 VS. AUSTIN

Red denotes home game Call Aaron Smith at 605.380.5852 to schedule your night at the Odde Ice Center!

Corporate game sponsorships are available now!

Get your tickets online at tickets.AberdeenWings.com!

Your Family’s Needs. Our Custom Medications.

We make it easier for your little ones, and even pets, to take their meds! Compounding disguises a medicine’s flavor, eliminates allergens, or turns them into an easy-to-swallow form.

Plaza Pharmacy Ken’s Superfair Foods 605.225.6344

State Street Pharmacy

Avera State Street Medical Square 605.225.1945

United Clinic Pharmacy Sanford Aberdeen Clinic 605.225.4001

ABERDEENPHARMACY.COM

Advocate for Mental Health Resources

The United Way of Northeastern South Dakota continues its fourpart series addressing pressing issues in our region.

by UNITED WAY STAFF

As the season changes and the longdry summer days give way to cool evenings and the rustling of leaves, talk of school schedules, farm yields, and Viking wins and losses tend to dominate the arena of small talk. Moving into the fall routine can trigger emotional stress and anxiety for people of all ages. In our home, the morning discussion focuses on getting kids to school on time, practice schedules, and what event happens later that evening. This often has us running out the door, hoping to make all the required deadlines, just in time to start the process all over again the next morning.

One of the defining characteristics of mental health issues is that it affects all of us at some time and that it can add significant disruptions in our life. If you ever had trouble sleeping due to situational issues in your life, your mental health is already being affected. If our recent pandemic has taught us anything, it is that we are wired for connection and interaction. Unfortunately, isolation and disconnect is often associated with mental health issues. The United Way is proud to be partnered with agencies such as Northeastern Mental Health Center, Lutheran Social Services, and the HelpLine Center’s 211 resource line.

Over the last three years, South Dakota’s 211 informational line fielded more requests for mental health/addiction services than any other area. During the first six months of 2021, we see this trend continue. This can be viewed a couple

needs between

and 6/30/2021. Some individuals may have expressed more than one need during a contact.

Specific Needs

Top 10 Need Categories From 2020

Total Needs: 125,556

Some individuals may have more than one need during a contract.

different ways. One perspective is that mental health is the most pressing need identified year in and year out for South Dakota and our nation. A second perspective is that more people are reaching out for help from organizations mentioned earlier and the stigma associated with mental health services is lessening. Either

way, our mental health vitally is important. Just as we doctor regularly for our physical wellbeing, we must be prepared and willing to work on our mental well-being.

If you or someone you care about needs help, we encourage you to call 211 to learn about mental health resources in our area. //

Meet Queensly

Six years ago, Queensly Ayegba was living in Nigeria with her husband, Emmanuel, and their two daughters, Andrea (9) and Tamara (8). Since then, Queensly has journeyed to the United States on a student visa with her two daughters in pursuit of a higher education.

Emmanuel stayed in Nigeria and is an electrical engineer in Abuja, the capital city. He has funded secondary education for many family members. The entire family places great value on education and giving back to their country. Nigeria is in constant unrest, and with the high poverty level, there is a desperate need for

better health care and services.

“It was my dream to be a nurse to help my people. My husband and financial sponsor, Emmanuel, wanted me to come to USA where nursing education and practice is much more developed than in Nigeria,” Queensly explained.

How did she choose South Dakota?

She almost laughed as she told me her husband Googled “safest cities in USA with college or university for nursing or pre-nursing.”

Black Hills State University (BHSU) in Spearfish was the right place. When Queensly and her daughters arrived in Rapid City, she said she had never felt more love than she did walking

into the airport, welcomed by a group of people waving and smiling.

Queensly also gained new friendships and a support team from the church she joined in Spearfish and also the Freedom Church when she moved to Aberdeen. They have all become family to Queensly.

After finishing pre-nursing courses at BHSU, Queensly enrolled at Presentation College for a BSN in Nursing. She graduated in May and is presently studying for the South Dakota State Boards.

It was a sorrow that her husband, even with proper documents and established career in Nigeria, was denied a visa to visit since 2018 and couldn’t support Queensly in person at her graduation. Luckily, the family is still able to stay in touch, using What’s App for free messaging and calls.

Queensly's plan is to earn a master’s degree in nursing, become a nurse practitioner, and gain experience before returning to Nigeria.

“I want to be able to teach others what I have learned. I want to be credentialed and very skilled in what I am doing so I can give back to my country. The suffering and need is great in Nigeria in spite of the abundant energy resources [oil and gas] in the country,” Queensly said.

Queensly then shared with me some of her cultural experiences since arriving in Aberdeen. Queensly is really surprised at the skimpy portions of food served compared to home. In Nigeria, it is rice, rice, and more rice with even more chicken. Queensly prepares most of the family’s meals and enjoys venturing beyond chicken and rice. Her favorite food is lasagna.

I cautiously asked about her beautiful dreadlocks. Several African women help one another as there are no beauticians trained in Aberdeen to do dreadlocks. Queensly does her own hair and freely does hair for others as well.

Queensly also explained that she continually works to improve her “American” English. It comes more naturally for her children. Andrea and Tamara attend C.C. Lee in Aberdeen, and they love math and art classes. In her free time, Queensly takes Zumba at the YMCA. Together, they enjoy walks around the neighborhood and would visit Wylie Park every day if they could.

Queensly, Andrea, and Tamara all love Aberdeen. “We even love the snow although learning to drive in it has found me in the ditch many times in Spearfish and Aberdeen!” Queensly said. //

“Ever since I was a small child, I wanted to help people. I wanted to be a nurse.”

by SHEILA RICHARDS

Photo by Troy McQuillen

 Queensly Ayegba moved from Nigeria to Aberdeen with her two daughters to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner. She will gain high-quality experience in her field before going back to Nigeria to help in health care.

Creating art and mastering a craft comes in various shapes and sizes. Some people turn their skills into a full-time job. Others are dedicated hobbyists. Ron Lyren’s passion for woodworking falls under the latter.

Ron was born in Aberdeen and grew up on a farm east of Turton. His first job was with Dutenhoffer Construction in Aberdeen, but his work was interrupted when he went to serve in

Turning a Hobby into Art

An Aberdeen local uses precision and patience to create toys and construct art with wood.

by JOSIE CLEMENS

the Vietnam War. In 1970, after his service, Ron returned to his wife, Joanne, who worked for the government in Aberdeen. The married couple decided to stay in Aberdeen, and Ron continued to work construction with a local contractor for 34 years. Now, he helps with maintenance at First United Methodist Church and enjoys fishing and hunting. Ron’s lifestyle illustrates his strong work ethic and aligns with his passion for woodworking and crafting wooden toys.

Inspiration to try a new hobby was simple for Ron: it would give him something to do. So, over 15 years ago, the craftsman decided to learn how to build wooden toys.

Since then, he has built himself a vast collection of wooden toys, from an AC 130 Gunship to Noah’s Ark to a WWII Jeep, to name a few.

The wooden toys are displayed all throughout the house. Ron has trucks, cars, boats, planes,

Photos by Symmone Gauer

 Ron Lyren has an entire room in his house filled with the various wooden toys he has made since he started his hobby. The AC 130 Gunship is the centerpiece of this display, and it even opens to reveal more detail on the interior of the model.

and trains neatly placed on cabinet shelves and countertops. One room in the basement houses dozens of wooden toys, including an assortment of larger, more complex designs as well as simpler pieces attached with memories or stories.

While the finished products look great on the shelves, Ron made sure the wooden designs could also function as toys. All parts that would move on reallife equipment and vehicles can also move on the toy. The most common moving piece that Ron previously bought but now carves himself is the wheels on all the vehicles.

As time went on and Ron dove further into his craft, other details were fine-tuned and strayed from the original blueprint. Some of the vehicles contain side mirrors special-ordered from the House of Glass in Aberdeen. Granite pieces given to him by Lien Construction lay along the railroad track as well, and even real pieces of coal sit in the train car.

Creating wooden toys gave Ron an outlet to work with his hands and turn a broad concept into a physical

Local Art Galleries

WEIN GALLERY

Presentation College

 1500 North Main Street

 605.229.8349

 Mon-Fri 8 AM-5 PM

PRESIDENT’S GALLERY, JFAC GALLERY AND STUDENT CENTER GALLERY

Northern State University  1200 South Jay Street  605.626.7766

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

LAMONT GALLERY

Dacotah Prairie Museum

 21 South Main Street

 605.626.7117

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

ARTWORKS CO-OP GALLERY

Aberdeen Mall  3315 6th Ave SE Suite #48

 605.725.0913

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

JANE WEST GALLERY

Capitol Theatre

 415 South Main Street  605.225.2228

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

ARCC GALLERY

Aberdeen Recreation and Cultural Center

 225 3rd Ave SE  605.626.7081

 Mon-Thurs 9 AM-8 PM, Fri 9 AM-5 PM and Sat 10 AM-12 PM

RED ROOSTER

COFFEE HOUSE GALLERY

 218 South Main Street

 605.225.6603

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

 Made from oak wood, the 1932 Buick sedan is one of the first wooden toys Ron made.

 The wood on this 1951 Ford pickup is over 110 years old. Ron grabbed the boards from the siding of an old family barn.

 Ron uses a blueprint to build his intarsia. This helps guide the pieces to exact shapes and sizes and eventually fit together for the final image.

 The image of this intarsia displays Neil Armstrong stepping on the moon, a memorable moment for Ron. The intricate design is all clear coat, except the blue paint on the flag. The shadow pieces on the suit were chosen from a pine board that grew with a blue streak.

piece of art. One of the most enjoyable parts of making wooden toys was giving them to his grandchildren when they were younger.

Within the last eight years, Ron has expanded his craft to include intarsia.

Intarsia is a form of wood inlaying. Ron selects the right type of wood, shapes it, and places the pieces together to form an image. Imagine putting a puzzle together, except you have to create the pieces yourself from scratch. The patience and precision that Ron possesses is unquestionable, and the finished pieces are beyond exceptional.

The hobbyist’s collection contains over 100 intarsia art pieces. Ron has entered some of his wooden toys and intarsia in competitions and has even received awards at the state fair. One of his favorite intarsia projects is The Last Supper, which he once displayed at his church for Easter. Some other pieces were given away or donated at events and fundraisers. The pheasants that

Ron builds even found homes in Minnesota, Idaho, and Texas.

Ron is best known as an artisan because of his intarsia, but he very rarely sells anything he makes. “How do you put a price on it?” Ron said. His purpose for creating wooden toys, and eventually intarsia, was to pick up a hobby that enables him to build creatively.

Calculating the costs of time and materials to come up with a price would take the fun out of the process, he explained.

The process of Ron’s woodworking that he refers to is as interesting as his finished products.

The Lyrens’ garage has been arranged to accommodate to Ron’s hobby. He has a workbench to lay out his blueprints that he purchases or finds online, to assemble the intricate elements of his toys, and to piece together the various wooden parts for the intarsia. Boards and scraps of wood are organized by type throughout the garage. The wood Ron uses comes from the lumber yard, scraps from cabinets from a contractor friend, and family members. There are even times Ron has to order wood online because he cannot find it locally.

Ron has used over a handful of different types of wood throughout the past decades including redheart, cedar, aspen, redwood, Peruvian walnut, birch, and many more. The reason that Ron uses many different types of wood is because of their color.

He said the biggest challenge he faces is trying to determine what wood he should use. Each wood brings out a specific color that adds to the complexity and beauty of his work, especially when making intarsia. Paint is seldom used in any of his designs with the exception of green and dark blue.

Once he has a finished product, Ron takes the wooden toys and intarsia to a friend who applies a clear coat, bringing out the subtle colors and texture of the wood. To adapt to this change in color, Ron keeps clear-coated scraps from every type of wood he has used to visualize the color of his designs.

The most satisfying part for Ron is seeing his toys and wood inlay after spending countless hours perfecting the details. Anyone who has had the opportunity to see some of Ron’s work on display will recognize that Ron’s craftsmanship is more than just a hobby. The hours of dedicated precision and the mastered skill is evident in the minute details found throughout Ron’s vast collection.

//

 The bright red on the body of this firetruck is not painted. Ron ordered redwood from Africa to liven this wooden toy.

 The curve of the base alone took Ron three hours to shape. Ron created Noah’s Ark down to the very last detail, including fitting tiny wooden pegs as dowels at the end of each board to replicate real-life engineering.

 There is more that meets the eye with Ron’s version of Noah’s Ark. Pairs of animals reside inside the main cabin and little figurines oversee the remaining animals on the deck. Even a rainbow was made to overlook the whole creation.

Photos by Symmone Gauer

Wolves Welcome New Stadium

The long-awaited Dacotah Bank Stadium will host its inaugural game for the Northern Wolves on Sept. 11. The football home opener will be against Southwest Minnesota State University, and you can expect to see a huge crowd.

A year and a half after breaking ground on the former site of the School for the Blind, the stadium is ready for use and packs all the amenities sports fans and college students could want. The multi-purpose facility features premium suites and party decks, club and loge seating, a champions club and state-of-the-art locker room, priority parking and tailgating, and so much more.

The $33 million football stadium is part of the Regional Sports Complex, which includes

the Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field and the 16,700 square-foot addition to the Barnett Center on Northern’s campus.

More Than Just a Stadium

NSU did a feasibility study when deciding how best to utilize the 39,200 square-foot stadium. The result showed that the demand is for more social congregating areas. Dacotah Bank Stadium can seat about 4,000 to 4,500 people, but between 8,000 to 10,000 will be able to watch a football game when you include things like standing room and the berm grass seating area to the south.

There’s also plenty of standing room for the softball field, which has between 300 to 400 seats in its 495 square-foot structure, and it will be surrounded by low fencing so thousands of

people can have a great view of the game.

“We want people to make this a social atmosphere and environment where they get to enjoy the game, but it’s more than the game— it’s all the people involved,” NSU Foundation President Zach Flakus said. The Foundation is the primary fundraising arm for the university, providing scholarships, operating support, and capital projects such as the Educational Impact Campaign (EIC).

The EIC, which funded the sports complex, the new School for the Blind, and the Athletic and Recreation Fields, covered the initial building costs, but NSU will have to raise operating funds each year for the stadium’s maintenance and repair. A projected $400,000 each year will come through things like concessions, the Wolves Club, sponsorships, and premium parking and

NSU’s Dacotah Bank Stadium is ready for its Pack. by SYMMONE GAUER

tailgating spots. Tailgating will be in the new parking lot to the west of the stadium.

Between the new parking lot, the Barnett Center lot, and other lots across campus, there is plenty of room for fans to park on game days. Eventually there will be a grass area southwest of the stadium for additional parking. It won’t be available this fall because the grass seed won’t be down, but once it’s ready, it will also be used for things like bouncy castles, bean bag toss games, and other family-oriented activities to make things fun for everyone.

“We have not built a Division II stadium,” Justin Fraase, Vice President of Enrollment, Communications and Marketing, said. “It is something that is truly one of the best facilities in the country, particularly in the

 The new stadium’s inaugural game is Sept. 11, and people are expecting it to be packed. Photo by Troy

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Midwest, and it’s an experience that you’re going to want to be part of.”

A Brand New Season

Football and softball coaches, especially, have been seeing a lot more interest from students all across the country. Head football coach Mike Schmidt said the stadium has changed the entire game of recruiting.

The pandemic really sparked the push for virtual recruiting, but NSU played to the strength of selling the stadium, and it worked out well. Just this year, the football team signed recruits from 18 different states, compared to signing recruits from just five Midwest states last year.

Jake Oliphant, who is from Nevada and in his fourth year at Northern, said the stadium

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would have been a huge deciding factor back when he was choosing where to go to college.

“You don’t see a stadium like this,” he said. Jake plays left guard for the football team.

Fall camp was Aug. 9, the day after most of the new recruits moved in. Since then, Coach Schmidt’s focus has been getting the team ready to go big on Sept. 11.

“This is a once in a career opportunity for me, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for these players to open up a new stadium,” he said. “We still have a game to win, but I want them to enjoy that.”

The team thinks the new stadium will help them do well this season because it boosts morale and gives the players something to get excited about and increases a level of expectation.

“I personally think we’re going to go pretty far this year,” Dakota Larson, a 4th-year wide receiver who’s also from Nevada, said. “Everyone’s getting better. We’re getting a lot of good guys, a lot of good coaches, etc.”

Jake agreed, saying, “Even this spring when we played, it was just different. With the guys, it seems like they have a goal in mind.”

Jake said he’s most excited to experience running out of the locker room with everyone for the first home game. Dakota is also looking forward to the new season, especially since last fall’s season was cancelled because of COVID.

“That was kind of hard,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to playing again with all the guys. … Just to go back out there again and show all the work we’ve been putting in is exciting.”

 The Koehler Hall of Fame Softball Field is just south of the stadium. Photo courtesy of NSU

 State-of-the-art locker rooms are part of the Barnett Center addition, and they feature all the amenities the Wolves could need. Photo by Symmone Gauer

9/11 Dacotah Bank Stadium Inaugural Game vs Southwest Minnesota State

Ag Bowl vs USF

Gypsy Days vs UMary

Blackout Cancer vs Minot State

11/6 Senior Day vs Bemidji State

Investing in the Community

The stadium is something for everyone to enjoy, not just student-athletes. Students on campus will now be able to have the classic college experience and convenience of walking to the stadium for games without worrying about driving.

“I am so very excited to be able to experience the new stadium this fall. It’s a beautiful facility that is going to allow us students to make some great memories cheering on the wolves,” Bailey Hammrich, a junior elementary education major, said.

Gypsy days, especially, will be a huge fan favorite and a fun community event.

“For me, growing up in Aberdeen, Gypsy Days was always a huge day. … It’s always our mostpacked game of the year, and having it in the new stadium? It’s going to be crazy,” 4th-year Collin Stoebner said. Collin is a middle linebacker for the football team.

"I think the new stadium is a great addition to the NSU campus. I am very excited for all that is to come!" Tanner Pietz said. Tanner is a junior vocal music education major from Aberdeen. He has many memories of going to games at Swisher Field but is looking forward to the experience of Dacotah Bank Stadium.

“Leaving Swisher is kind of bittersweet,” Collin said on the topic, “but it’s going to be nice to play on the field that is unique to our college.”

He said friends and family will be “just ecstatic” at the opportunity to experience wolves football in a professional atmosphere. The new stadium buzz is going around the region and among NSU alumni, and Northern is anticipating maxing out on capacity for the first home game.

“It’s going to be eclectic in there!” Collin said.

The new stadium will also be able to host marching band events, activities for summer camps, New Student Orientation events, concerts, and possibly even future commencement ceremonies.

“It offers so many more options than anybody at Northern has had in a long time,” Zach Flakus said.

There is no doubt that the stadium is a sign of a good investment in the community. Zach mentioned that many employers in the area will drive potential hirees past Northern’s campus to show them what activities Aberdeen and the university have to offer the community.

“People are going to want to come to Northern,” Dakota said. “People are going to want to be a part of this, and it’s pretty special to see the community that helped us build that, too.”

Looking to the Future

Northern has seen a 15% increase in undergrad applications during this past year, and they’ve been able to maintain the number of campus visits even during the pandemic, which is a good indicator that Northern is growing. Additionally, about two-thirds of NSU grads stay in South Dakota, which helps the state as a whole.

Everything Northern has done since the Master Plan was unveiled in 2017 has been for the students. Northern wanted to make it clear that students were number one, so there were other priorities that needed to be taken care of before the football stadium was built.

Those other academic projects included renovating and building new residence halls, renovating the Johnson Fine Arts Center, and building the science center. Raising the funds, getting the approval, and making all these changes in a short amount of time is “truly incredible.”

“We’ve revitilited campus in five to ten years, and we’ve done that without raising tuition or putting it on the backs of students,” Justin Fraase said.

With this big project finished, the NSU Foundation can go back to focusing on the students and providing scholarships, which helps with enrollment as well.

“We’ve been able to do all of these things because of the generosity of our community and our donors, so we owe it to everyone in this community to give it our all when it comes to bringing students here to campus,” Justin said.

Down the line, Northern looks to build the Glenna Fouberg Student Success Center and expand the School of Business, both things that show Northern is continuing to make students a priority.

And as Zach put it, “This just really sets up Northern for a long time.” //

 The president’s suite is on the second-highest level of the stadium. Photo by Symmone Gauer

 The Kessler’s Champions Club room is part of the addition to the Barnett Center. Club members will have access to the room for pregame and halftime festivities. The club room can also be rented out for different events throughout the year. Photo by Symmone Gauer

Teenage Melancholy in South Dakota

Check

out this movie directed by an Aberdeen native!

by JAMES HEISINGER

TALES OF AN AMERICAN HOODRAT

DIRECTED BY Brandon Lunzman

STARRING Brandon Lunzman, Nate Bruce Wilson, Thomas Goetz, and Tylan Glover

LENGTH 99 min | GENRE Comedy/Drama/Coming of Age

WATCH ON Amazon Prime & Tubi

There’s something about the thought of making movies, especially making your own movies, that seems to capture the mind of almost everyone who calls themselves a lover of cinema. The personal connection one may create between themselves, and their film could be likened to the relationship between parent and child. Creating something so original and authentic that it can feel like a separate and distinct part of yourself is paramount to this feeling.

From my point of view, it seems that this is how Brandon Lunzman feels about his debut feature film, Tales of an American Hoodrat. As writer, director, and editor of his own movie that is based on real events from his life, it’s obvious that Lunzman deeply cares about the

project. And to be fair, the movie is, at times, legitimately emotionally rousing. The story follows a group of teenagers who are coming of age at the same time that they are falling further into criminal lifestyles.

There’s an enormous amount of heart and sense-of-self present in every frame of his debut. Lunzman, an Aberdeen native, decided to film on location in Aberdeen for several scenes, seemingly displaying both his nostalgia for a place where he grew up and his remembrance that not every memory he made in his hometown was a happy one.

The movie was released in 2019 and claimed the award for Best Feature Film at the South Dakota Film Festival that same year. As a community, it’s exciting to see local filmmakers find success and continue to push themselves through introspective filmmaking like this.

Lunzman has an obvious visual filmmaking talent. The cinematography often impressively hits above its weight and never feels restricted by the movie’s budget. There’s very little stability in any shots either, as most of the movie is filmed with a handheld camera, going even farther in emphasizing the erratic and stressful nature of the characters and story.

Since this movie has made its way to the national spotlight with it being made available

on Amazon, I thought I’d look at it with the same critical eye I would with any commercially made film. While I may think the acting is not Hollywood quality and that the script could be refined, I can also recognize that it’s not a Hollywood blockbuster. However, it is a full-length feature film, full of both the locations and the people of Aberdeen, and that should be celebrated as an amazing accomplishment.

It’s important to remember that this is exactly the kind of cinema that needs support—local, small-budget, and personal. I probably wouldn’t give it many stars as far as reviews go, but to see our community, friends, neighbors, and family tell a moving story on the big screen is a bit of a thrill. Watch it for yourself, help out a local filmmaker, and you be the judge. //

 Brandon Lunzman in Tales of an American Hoodrat.

Made-to-Order

Coffee Beans

Fred Coffee Co. pairs air roasted freshness with family values.

by KAYLYN MEHLHAFF

or Greg and Kendra Fred, starting a coffee roasting business was a natural outpouring of their shared love of coffee and family.

Having already launched a successful wedding videography and photography business together, the married couple—along with Greg’s parents, Denise and Mike Fred—used the reduced-pace life that 2020 presented to bring their dream of selling their own air roasted beans to life.

“For us, coffee marks these simple memories of family gatherings,” Greg said. “We would always brew coffee in the mornings, and it’s something we all love.”

Fred Coffee Co.—bearing the last name of both couples—officially began when it launched its website last December. Unofficially, the Freds have been roasting coffee as a hobby for

over 20 years, dating back to when Greg was growing up in Springfield, MO. Kendra and Greg now headquarter the business out of their home in Aberdeen, while Denise and Mike air roast Fred Coffee’s beans from their home base in Bismarck, ND.

The Freds chose to air roast their beans rather than the more common method of drum roasting for the sustainability and freshness air roasting offers. The process, which uses a bed of hot air to roast the coffee beans, is also more efficient and fits Fred Coffee’s model of small-batch, made-to-order coffee beans.

“Coffee isn’t made to sit on a shelf,” Kendra said. “Peak freshness is within three days to a month of roast, so that’s why we decided to do made-to-order and sell based on region.”

Fred Coffee Co. currently offers beans from a variety of regions around the world, including Peru, Kenya, Colombia, Papua New Guinea, and others. The Freds also have an espresso blend and decaf beans.

One of the perks of being a small, familyrun business, Kendra said, is being able to

accommodate the different tastes of their customers. When a customer was wanting to order coffee from Guatemala and Fred Coffee didn’t offer that origin, the Freds tried out the beans themselves, liked them, and decided to add that region to their lineup. That’s just one of the many benefits of shopping local—becoming a part of a business model that puts customers, who often become friends, first.

“It’s been really awesome to see this thing we’ve had a passion for and dreamed about for so long become a reality,” Greg said. “The support from our family and the community has been exciting.” //

 Find out more about Fred Coffee Co. on their website www.fredcoffeecompany.com. Beans are available at the farmer’s

market and online.

 Meet the Freds! (From left) Emmett, Greg, Kendra, Denise, and Mike. Photo Courtesy of Fred Coffee Co.

 Greg (left) and Kendra Fred work with Greg’s parents, Denise and Mike Fred, to produce air roasted coffee beans that are made-toorder, so every customer can have a fresh cup of coffee.

 The Freds experiment and create new coffee drinks using their own roasted beans, pairing the different varieties with other spices and flavorings.

Beans Made for You, Coffee Made by You

Fred Coffee Co. selected three fun, fall recipes for you to try at home. These coffee drinks are especially delicious when you pair them with the Freds’ air roasted beans. So, turn on your coffee makers, grab a warm blanket, and enjoy these tasty autumn drinks. //

ICED HONEY CINNAMON LATTE

INGREDIENTS

• 2 shots of espresso

• 1 Tbsp. of honey

• 1/8 tsp. of cinnamon

• 1/2 cup of milk of your choice

• Handful of ice

DIRECTIONS

➼ Brew espresso and mix it with the honey and cinnamon while it’s still hot. Stir those three ingredients well. The heat helps the honey melt and combine. Pour over as much ice as you want and add your milk to taste.

MEXICAN COFFEE

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup ground dark roast coffee

• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 6 cups water

• 1 cup milk

• 1/3 cup chocolate syrup

• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

➼ Place coffee and cinnamon in filter basket of coffeemaker. Add water to coffeemaker; brew as directed. Simmer milk, chocolate syrup, and sugar in small saucepan on low heat until sugar dissolves. Stir milk mixture and vanilla into brewed coffee. Pour into serving cups. Garnish with whipped cream and cinnamon, if desired.

SLOW COOKER PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE

SERVES 6

INGREDIENTS

• 6 cups milk of your choice

• 1 1/2 cups very strong coffee

• 1/3 cup pureed pumpkin

• 1/2 sugar or honey

• 1 tsp. of cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp. cloves

• 1/4 tsp. allspice

• Whipped cream (optional)

DIRECTIONS

➼ Add the milk, coffee, pumpkin, sugar, and spices to your slow cooker. Whisk well to combine and cook on high for 2 hours. Serve with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

The S.S. Minnow And Flocks Seagulls Of The Things We Leave Behind at the Landfill

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

“It’s an odd statement to say you keep a clean landfill,” says Mike Scott, manager of the Brown County Landfill, but he thinks he does. Maybe it was meant to be. In 1992, “One day I brought some trash out and found they were looking for a scale operator,” he remembers. “I said, ‘I can do that,’ and here I am almost 30 years later.” He became manager in 1996.

It wasn’t always a clean landfill—and it wasn’t always a landfill. From probably before Aberdeen was incorporated, it had dumps located in various places over time, both outside and inside city limits.

DUMPS TO LANDFILL

Those dumps had several problems. Newspapers frequently reported fires caused by discarded trash and fueled by winds. Rats infested the dumps, and Aberdeen often resorted to poisoning them. Many dump neighbors complained about litter falling onto their property from trucks hauling to the dump. Another unsurprising problem was eau de dump. A 1962 newspaper story about complaints of bad odors in town included the dump southwest of town as a source and noted, “it would seem the problem could be attacked by an extension of the land-fill program which improves sanitary

conditions by burying the debris that is deposited there.”

By the early 1960s, the city was considering a landfill approach but progressed fitfully. Eventually, the state legislature mandated larger counties to have a landfill in operation by mid1975 and ordered all open dumps closed by mid1977. In response, the County opened the current landfill west of Aberdeen in 1975.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) started regulating landfills in 1992, when Mike came on the scene. That was when Unit 1 was open for dumping. Today, it’s the hill behind the scale house. Closed and covered in 2009, Unit 1

Photo by Stephanie Ludens

 The Brown County Landfill is a seriously large facility. This view, looking west, shows cells on the right that have reached maximum elevation. The new Cell 4 is located off the horizon. When this new cell reaches ground level, the previous three cells will begin to rise to capping level.

sinks about 50 feet below ground and rises 50 feet above ground and contains 750,000 tons of trash. Next to it is a larger pile of dirt created from digging Unit 1 and the cells (pits) of Unit 2 west of that hill. The construction of Cell 4 of Unit 2, a $2 million project, was completed in summer 2021.

LANDFILL PROCESS

Generally, the landfill process is relatively simple: trash received on a daily basis is pushed into the cell, compacted as densely as possible, and covered with dirt—hence landfill. Repeat. But, with an average of nearly 200 tons of trash received daily (60,000 tons in a year), you might imagine there’s more to it for Mike and his crew of five equipment operators and a scale operator.

First there’s receiving and sorting trash. Loads brought by the public are dumped on the pad south of the scale house. The landfill accepts almost every kind of trash (except

CLEANUPS

Among the most popular offerings at the landfill are the Fall and Spring Cleanups, when people can drop off waste for free. The Fall 2021 Cleanup is already under way and will end on Sept. 11.

Recent cleanups have been particularly heavy. In Spring 2021, 6,593 vehicles brought 790 tons to the landfill, and in Spring 2020, 8,534 vehicles brought 1,786 tons. These vehicle counts exceed each Spring cleanup in 2015 to 2019.

certain hazardous and explosive waste) and most at the same price per pound. Individuals can deposit in one of at least ten separate piles: household trash, metals, tires, appliances, paint, oil, and more—about 10,000 tons of this is recycled each year.

Eventually, the trash pile joins the loads brought directly to the tipping floor above Cell 3 by haulers, which include County trucks bringing loads from the 18 dumpster sites around the county (Mike said only Brown County offers that convenience), commercial haulers, and trucks from communities that pay to use the landfill. Throughout the day, the landfill crew uses a loader to push dumped trash to the edge of the cell. Then, the 80,000-pound compactor gives the trash its final ride. First, from the rim of the cell, the compactor’s huge blade pushes the piles into the cell, and then it follows the trash into the pit. With its weight and huge steel wheels with large knobby studs, it spreads and compresses

the waste to 1,300 to 1,500 pounds per cubic yard. That kind of density contributed to a 75% drop in the number of American landfills by allowing each acre of landfill to take 30% more waste.

At the end of the process, a scraper drives over the day’s compacted trash and spreads about six inches of dirt on it. For good measure, they also hose it down with a fire truck.

The basic process offers many benefits. Rats caught in 1,500 pounds per cubic yard and buried stop being a problem. That’s not the case for all scavengers. As birds swooped over food trash, “The seagulls are here every day. If you close your eyes you think you’re at the ocean!” Mike said.

Covering trash with dirt also smothers most of the stench and reduces the fire hazard. “We haven’t really had fire issues since 2007 after the major flooding in Aberdeen when a lot of loads came in and we didn’t always know what was inside,” Mike explained, like old batteries or other discarded items that sparked fires. The

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 The new Cell 4 was completed for $2 million this summer. Trash is being pushed in from the far, west edge. This image is facing northwest.

 Thousands of seagulls continually descend on the “fresh” garbage and gorge themselves on our household waste.

 The landfill maintains a fleet of very heavy machinery to handle waste daily.

landfill is prepared, however, with surplus fire trucks. Burying trash reduces litter that can blow around, but it still blows. The crew regularly drives a large litter vacuum around the landfill to suck up the mess.

MAKING MOUNTAINS OF TRASH HILLS

Unlike Unit 1, which had four cells, Unit 2 will ultimately have 12 cells and occupy most of the west side of the landfill property. Each cell will be 400 feet by 900 feet by 45 feet deep with sloping sides. Cells 1 and 2 are filled to ground level and covered. Cell 3 will likely reach ground level soon, and the crew will begin putting trash into Cell 4, which Mike thinks will reach ground level in about five years. Then it will be covered, and just as with Unit 1, the crew will begin

A TRASHY PICTURE

The average American produces about 4.5 pounds of trash every day, nearly twice as much as in 1960. Back then, nearly all trash went to landfills, but now only about half of all waste per person does.

Mike Scott doesn’t have a breakdown of the trash received at the Brown County landfill but assumes it is consistent with national figures. The EPA calculates landfill trash as follows:

Speaking of breakdown, the figures in parentheses are the rough estimates of how long it takes waste to decompose.

21.9% Food waste (2 months)

19.2% Plastics

(grocery bags 10-20 years; bottles 450 years; credit cards 1,000 years)

13.1% Paper/paperboard (paper 2-6 weeks; cardboard box 2 months)

9.9% Metals (aluminum can 200 years)

8.7% Wood (plywood 1-3 years)

8.0% Textiles (cotton shirt 2-5 months; wool sock 1-5 years)

depositing trash on top of Cells 1 through 4 until it reaches 50 feet above ground, which may take ten years. Then Cell 5 will open. With seven cells to go after that, the County should have approximately 85 years of dumping life left at the landfill.

A key goal of landfill design is to prevent water contaminated by trash and leachate— landfill lingo for liquids produced by trash— from reaching groundwater. The base of Cell 4 has a two-foot clay liner topped with one foot of sand, which is sloped to direct drainage to a pump that sends it to the landfill’s waste pond. Mike adds that even with the efforts to ensure leachate does not penetrate the base, they regularly test the groundwater for contamination. They also check for methane, another byproduct of trash decomposition and a potent greenhouse gas.

6.2% Yard waste (before I get it out of my car)

4.9% Glass (bottle 1,000,000 years)

3.5% Rubber and leather (leather shoe 25-40 years)

2.3% Miscellaneous inorganic waste

2.1% Other

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 Brown County Landfill Manager Mike Scott leans against “Lego” blocks he created from garbage. He likes to utilize interesting things that he believes still have a little life left in them.

 An exposed cross section of very old Brown County garbage was revealed when digging Cell 4. It’s all still there.

With so much science in landfills, it’s no wonder Mike completed a Management of Landfill Operations program when he became manager. His business degree from Southwest Minnesota State University helps him manage the landfill as an enterprise program within the county. Through fees and recycling, it pays for itself. Mike summarized, “We’re environmentally friendly. We take care of trash responsibly, recycle, and offer a user-friendly facility.”

THE FUN SIDE OF WASTE

Mike also has fun on the job. It comes as no surprise that people throw away interesting things, and many spark Mike’s creativity. Landfill users are amused by the life-size dioramas he’s

created. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a 25-foot boat christened the “S.S. Minnow” (of Gilligan’s Island fame). Next to the scale house is a lounge scene made of a large feed tank, stools, and an abandoned bar sign—which, maintaining the sitcom theme, says “Cheers”. As he explains, “I like to make things a little unique.” Fortunately, he hasn’t matched the 1914 finding in an Aberdeen dump of a box containing four human heads. They belonged to a doctor who had obtained them for dissection, but someone threw the heads away by mistake.

Mike also makes the landfill an entertaining and educational place to visit. Each year, he gives about 30 tours, mostly to students, who ride on the Brown County Fair’s people movers.

“Whether they’re five or 75, most people learn something and have a good time doing it,” he said. “The organizers want to come back every year.” After the educational part, he sometimes takes people up to the top of Unit 1 and lets them roll old tires down the west side at discarded mobile homes. He also hosts sledding parties in the winter for youth groups.

It must be obvious Mike loves his job and that he is invested in it, in both expected and playful ways. Both ways might be summed up in his desire “to find a use for things.” Mike added, “When things come in, we’re always looking to give away or reuse. If not, we’ll bury them!” His operation isn’t just a clean landfill; it’s a pretty unique one too. //

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 A discarded boat is used to recreate a Gilligan’s Island scene. The TV show theme music can sometimes be heard upon entering the landfill.

 Fun sets are created by the landfill staff out of interesting junk.

 This is the only part of the landfill where people can actually take things out of the garbage.

 Repurposed tires became a Minion.

20 YEARS LATER

ABERDEEN LOCALS REMEMBER THE TRAGIC EVENT THAT STRUCK THE NATION ON SEPT. 11, 2001.

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

n Sept. 11, 2001, Aberdonians awoke to Aberdeen American News headlines about construction of the new Central High School, a resurgence of whooping cough, and portentously, surveillance cameras at Webster’s school. The next day, the front page shouted, “America Stunned” after the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania. For the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, Aberdeen Magazine asked several people to share memories of the day and its impact in the Hub City.

THE DAY WE WILL NEVER FORGET

On the morning of 9/11, the mayor at that time, Tom Hopper, was in a meeting in his office when his secretary said a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Turning on the TV, they saw the other tower “hit by the second jet, and then soon, the third jet crashed into the Pentagon.”

46 ABERDEEN MAGAZINE september/october 2021

Soon after, “Governor Bill Janklow called me to say he wanted to meet with the mayors of all the larger cities in South Dakota at his office in Pierre,” Tom said. On his drive back after the meeting, Tom noticed “how quiet and strange the skies were since all airline flights had been grounded nationwide.”

City Safety Commissioner Jacki Omland was teaching at Central when she heard about the attack, and “We had to scramble to close the airport and put barricades up,” she said. People who had boarded the 8:48 AM AberdeenMinneapolis flight had to deplane.

Beth Smith, area director for U.S. Senate Majority Leader and Aberdeen native Tom Daschle, remembers the Senator’s mother “being whisked away to safety as a precautionary measure” by Aberdeen Police.

Aberdeen schools faced decisions whether to inform students about the attacks, but they found out regardless. State senator Mike Rohl remembers being headed to elementary school music class when his teacher heard the news from a secretary. “We then diverted to the gym to watch on TVs,” he said. Public school superintendent Brad Meeks asked principals to review the district wide crisis plan. Roncalli president Stacy Levsen remembered “talking with students and staff members who had friends and relatives living in Manhattan and trying to assist in contacting them to ensure they were safe” as she worried about her own son who lived there.

The newspaper covered several local families with similar concerns. “We looked for all of the local ties we could find,” said Scott Waltman, a reporter for the News. “We also had an afternoon edition. It's the only special edition of the American News I can recall in my lifetime.”

Some Aberdonians experienced 9/11 from across the sea and on top of the world. While Aberdeen Magazine publisher Troy McQuillen and his wife traveled in England, a family member picked them up and said, “It’s World War III in the U.S.” Later, when they were on a bus in France, during the international moment of silence, “the traffic on the freeway came to a gradual halt—not a traffic jam—and we sat in eerie silence as the world halted,” Troy said.

Super 8 Attorney Harvey Jewett’s group was temporarily stranded while hunting geese near the Arctic Circle after their plane was grounded because of the attacks. With little communication and no pictures, “we thought [the buildings] tipped over sideways. We kept speculating how close it came to 42nd Street,” Harvey said.

INCREASED SECURITY

State representative Carl Perry, then at Aman Collection Service, noted, “I thought it was good to see many people turn to God.” Expressions of faith were frequent. Among them, Roncalli High School had a prayer service on the afternoon of Sept. 11. Bethlehem Lutheran Church held a community prayer service that night, and the next morning, Rev. Harold Salem held a radio prayer broadcast on KSDN.

Patriotism was also prevalent. Mike Rohl said he “will never forget the American flag in every house, business, and public building.” Local stores reported increased flag sales.

At the airport, flights resumed Sept. 13. Tuesday morning’s grounded plane took off Thursday evening. Before 9/11, passengers did not go through security in Aberdeen but in Minneapolis when catching connecting flights. Afterwards, installation of increased screening at the airport was accelerated. Among many who commented on airport security, Jacki Omland said, “I am getting used to taking my shoes off and putting all of my carry-on things in a bucket on a conveyor belt. Every time I do, I still remember 9/11.” Within days of the attacks, Governor Janklow called for “tactically equipped” personnel at airports, and National

Guard troops patrolled the terminal.

Police Officer Jay Tobin foresaw their work being “affected by the security measures being discussed,” which Mayor Hopper said exceeded city resources. Enter the Federal Department of Homeland Security, created in October 2002, which funded security needs. That funding helped many institutions, including schools, install security cameras, as Webster was before 9/11.

A UNITED RESPONSE

In response to 9/11, many people wanted to give back. Brown County Commissioner Mike Wiese signed on as a reserve police officer, and

Presentation College

religious studies

professor Martin Albl joined the rural firefighters. Many joined the military, and those already enlisted prepared themselves.

Tom Croymans, now retired from the National Guard as a Brigadier General, said he “knew there would be a response from the United States at some point, but during that day and in the days immediately following, it wasn't exactly clear who or where the response would be focused.”

For Sarah Bierman, a student who had been in the National Guard for a little over a year, the attacks “resulted in a deployment to Kuwait/Iraq in April 2003 for 14 months.”

Beth Smith remembers hundreds of calls from people asking what they could do to help, and there were many opportunities. Blood centers reported an overwhelming response to calls for

“I REMEMBER HOW THE COUNTRY CAME TOGETHER. IT WASN’T POLITICAL. JUST REAL CONCERN FOR ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED.”

DEB KNECHT, COUNTY COMMISSIONER

“9/11 WAS A GREAT UNITER OF PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES. IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE MAJOR EVENTS DO THAT NOWADAYS.”

SCOTT WALTMAN, ABERDEEN AMERICAN NEWS

“UNFORTUNATELY, I THINK THE FEAR AND UNCERTAINTY THAT WAS INSTILLED HAS PUT MANY PEOPLE ON EDGE AND MANY OVER THE EDGE. THAT FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND DISTRUST HAS SINCE BEEN PASSED ON TO THE NEXT GENERATION.”

JACKI OMLAND, CITY COMMISSIONER AND CENTRAL TEACHER

 This mural on South Fifth Street near the corner of Third Avenue Southwest was created days after the attack. It has significantly faded over the last 20 years. Photo by Troy McQuillen

donations. Numerous fundraisers supported rescue and relief efforts. In addition to the Salvation Army and Red Cross, local firefighters raised money, and Brown County farmers and ranchers donated grain and livestock. The Walk for New York—from downtown to PC and back—raised over $4,500. In a kind of foreshadowing, the Aberdeen 3M plant donated thousands of facemasks to rescue workers on the East Coast. Many impromptu tributes to victims sprung up around the area. Northern students made red, white, and blue ribbons to wear.

Because the terrorists were Islamic extremists, President George W. Bush called

on Americans not to scapegoat Muslims. In that spirit, churches and service organizations invited Martin Albl to do presentations on Islam. He wanted to discourage “sweeping generalizations such as ‘Islam promotes terrorism’" and remembered, “people seemed genuinely interested in learning more about Muslim beliefs."

20 YEARS LATER

With the possible exception of the pandemic, perhaps nothing since World War II has impacted America more than 9/11—challenging assumptions and solidifying beliefs. State representative Al Novstrup said, “9/11 reinforced to me that there are people who are evil and want to destroy the USA. I believe in a strong country and a strong military to deter evil.”

“It has not changed my beliefs of race or people,” said current Brown County Emergency Management director Scott Meints. “I do think we need to do better screening of folks coming into our country, and if they have not so nice

backgrounds, they maybe should not be allowed in. But not all people are bad, so just locking the door is not the correct answer either.”

Beth Smith has detected a “much deeper mistrust with government” among some people, pointing to conspiracy theories that “perhaps our government was in on it; that our government used this to strip us of our privacy.” She added, “The deep confusion, anxiety, unknown is something that has stuck with me; yet it also did much to unite us.”

Despite the shock of the attacks, life went on in Aberdeen. Some activities were cancelled or delayed, but many went on as planned. NSU celebrated its centennial the weekend after 9/11— preparing everyone for cannon blasts after touchdowns during the football game. Other local sports continued, even on the night of Sept. 11.

Maybe the lingering effect of 9/11 is that feeling of looking over one’s shoulder. “It's been twenty years since we've had an attack on the homeland, but we need to stay vigilant,” Tom Croymans summarized. “We have to remind ourselves of what happened that day lest we forget and become complacent and risk history repeating itself.” //

 On October 7, 2001, the United States launched an attack on Afghanistan in retaliation for harboring the 9/11 terrorists. It became America’s longest war, coming to an end just recently, only a few months before its twentieth anniversary.

“MY LIFE WAS AFFECTED BY APPRECIATING FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND TO RECOGNIZE LIFE IS A GIFT AND HOW QUICKLY LIFE CAN END.”

TOM HOPPER, FORMER ABERDEEN MAYOR

“MY INITIAL FEELINGS WERE THAT THE WORLD CHANGED THAT DAY. WE WERE NO LONGER AS SAFE AS WE WERE THE DAY BEFORE AND WOULD NEVER RETURN TO THAT PREVIOUS CONDITION.”

TOM CROYMANS, BIA AND NATIONAL GUARD



Just a few days after the attack, a group of NSU art students were contacted by Joan Russell, owner of the storage facility on South Fifth Street and Third Avenue Southwest. She requested some sort of artwork to be done to instill patriotism in Aberdeen. The artists who worked on this mural are Sara Hemquist, Jodi Klett, Lisa Wagner, Roberta Goldade, and Nick Fischer. Fortunately, Goldade took pictures and saved them. She provided the prints for us to use.

Hidden

Hill

Lodge makes their guests feel like family.

Hidden Hills Lodge near Roslyn, SD, is certainly hidden. With only one access road, the lodge isn’t visible until you’re right up on it. Their seclusion has turned into a huge plus as it helps people disconnect from their busy life and focus on having fun. While Christianity and spirituality isn’t necessarily what they’re known for, it’s clear their guests become like family as connections are formed mainly due to the God-given beauty of their site.

Carla and Lorrie Sanderson are in their ninth season of operation. They run an all-season lodge specializing in guided pheasant hunts and private lodge rentals for family reunions and corporate and private party retreats. In between those events, the Sandersons offer individual room rentals, but most of those are multiplenight rentals as well.

A private access lake is right out the front door, and many pheasant hunters participate in what they call their “Blast and Cast.” After bagging

their limit with shotguns, the hunters grab their fishing rods and take to the lake to fish. The Sandersons believe ice fishing is as popular as pheasant hunting. Other activities kids and families enjoy are their nine-hole pasture golf course (when not under water), trap shooting, and a long-range rifle range.

The lodge is spacious. It can sleep 34 people in a combination of queen-size and extra-long twin beds. The building has three full floors of rooms and common areas. The most popular common area is the converted garage where the dogs hang out. The Hidden Hill Lodge Allinclusive Guided Pheasant package includes lodging, guided hunts, full-service meals, and more. Private party rentals and individual room stays may choose between full-service meals or cooking their own meals in the guest kitchen.

Whatever the draw is to Hidden Hill Lodge— the spirit, the camaraderie, the action—people keep coming back year after year from all over the United States and as far away as Kenya and

England. They even attracted an International Space Station astronaut.

“We don’t push Christianity on our guests, but it’s just a part of us. We are so blessed and humbled to have this place, and to be able to share it with others. As a form of thanks, we always say grace before each meal, and the dogs even bow their heads before their meal. After a few meals, everyone is joining in the prayers because they see how peaceful and happy we are, and they feel like family,” Lorrie said.

“When we think it can’t get any more marvelous, God gives us better and better sunsets,” Carla concluded. //

 For a comprehensive listing of all area hunting lodges, visit HuntFishSD.com.

story and photos by TROY MCQUILLEN



After a little praying, some divine intervention, and a foreclosure, Lorrie (left) and Carla Sanderson of Claremont jumped at the opportunity to purchase an empty lodge near Roslyn, SD, and turn it into Hidden Hill Lodge.

 The Sandersons keep eight pointing labs with them at all times to assist with hunts. Hunting groups are typically 20 people, and they break those down to three groups with two dogs per group, allowing some to stay back and rest up. The dogs have become somewhat famous on social media as they “bow their heads as Lorrie leads them in prayer” prior to eating.

Flatland Flyways Lodge Aims Higher

When you look at the facilities at Flatland Flyways, you won’t see the proverbial log furniture found in many lodges in the hunting business. While there are some sleeker pieces of “stick-built” furniture in the decor, Megan Russo, who operates the lodge with her husband Alex and his family, said their style is modern rustic, with hip, industrial twists in rooms like the bathrooms and bedrooms. You can tell quickly that they wanted to do something different with this retreat—something unexpected and grand. Modern, industrial, and rustic don’t always go together as a style, but here, it works. In fact, each bedroom has a wall of reclaimed barn wood from an old barn of Bill Mitchell’s which was located right down the road. And it is a retreat. “This is the ultimate place to unplug and unwind,” Megan said. Of course, there is premier waterfowl and pheasant hunting, but there is so much more with their unsurpassed meals, fitness center, yard games, biking, hiking, trap shooting, and relaxing by the campfire. It’s a great place for guys to gather with buddies, businesses to have retreats, families to have

reunions, and small groups to getaway without the extensive travel. They even host a few Christmas parties for families or companies when possible.

Located on the edge of Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, not far from Hecla, SD, at a spot known as Hassler Hill, Flatland Flyways draws people from around the world for guided duck, goose, and pheasant hunting in the fall months. In the spring, people come for conservation snow goose hunts, which runs until April. The summer months are pretty much left for private lodge rentals, corporate events, parties, and open dining opportunities for the locals. “We are a smaller, family-ran operation focusing on quality over quantity in order to provide the best experience,” Megan said.

Personalized experiences are at the core of the staff’s mission. They strive to provide individualized customer service and enjoy getting to know their guests. Online reviews truly reflect this notion as customers are extremely satisfied with their stay and look forward to returning. Aside from great hunts,

everyone comments on the exquisite food, served to guests in a style found in the swankiest restaurants.

Orvis has endorsed Flatland Flyways as a Wingshooting Lodge ideal for waterfowl hunting adventure in South Dakota. A deep respect for waterfowl hunting along with passion and family values lead to the creation of the lodge. Their guides have been hunting in South Dakota for years, so they know the land and have unsurpassed hunting expertise. Not only that, the lodge and the 30-mile radius from the lodge that they hunt, is right in the middle of the central waterfowl migratory flyway.

“The Dakotas are key in America waterfowl production, and we are grateful to be able to share unique experiences while creating unforgettable memories with hunters from around the world,” Alex said. //

 For a comprehensive listing of all area hunting lodges, visit HuntFishSD.com.

Photos by Austin Kaufman (Guide/Operations/ Photographer) and Nick Costas (Founder of Digital Media Company—Split Reed)

“When you join us, you join the Flatland Family. We only have you for a short while, and we want to make it the best experience from the moment you walk through the door.” — Megan Russo

 Flatland Flyways owners and operators, Megan and Alex Russo, with their son, Gage.

MAKE EVERY DAY A

Party!

STOP SAVING YOUR “GOOD” CLOTHES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND START LIVING EVERY DAY IN STYLE.

We all have at least one piece of clothing in our closet that we couldn’t resist buying in the store, knowing it would look remarkable at a wedding or fancy restaurant. But months go by, and you are still looking for that perfect opportunity to wear it. Well, here is your sign to stop waiting and start adding style to every part of your day! Whether you are out buying groceries, having a relaxing evening with your friends, or going to the movies with your family, no moment is too small. We never know what the future holds, and on these pages, Skal Moon shows you how to celebrate TODAY! So put on that stunning dress you’ve been hiding in your closet, grab that colorful button-down shirt you have been waiting to wear, and dress to impress for every occasion this fall. //

Photography CHRISTINA SHILMAN, PAISLEY TREE PHOTOGRAPHY

Venue CANTERBURY DELI & CATERING

Outfits, accessories, drink glasses, martini set, and wine chiller SKAL MOON

Floral arrangements, gold decor, and lights ABERDEEN FLORAL

Half-arch balloon display BEYOND THE BALLOON

 Models: (front row) Laure Swanson and Amy Blackstone; (back row) Grayson McCranie, Lorenzo Pereda, Kelly Herther, Courtland McCranie, Vicci Stange, Jerry Trefz, Kiernan McCranie

Making a Mark

by PATRICK GALLAGHER

Ifirst met with Herschel and Bea Premack for this story a week after the Jewish holiday of Passover. Typically, all families in the congregation are invited to a full Seder, a meal preceded by the telling of God’s deliverance of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt. Due to the pandemic, however, they planned what Herschel called a mini-Seder. He was pleased to say about 15 people came, noting it was about double the normal attendance for regular weekly services. It’s a sign of hanging on for a community whose impact in Aberdeen outweighs its declining numbers.

Despite small numbers, Jews in Aberdeen have left an impact on the community.

A PLACE OF THEIR OWN

Aberdeen has had a Jewish community since before 1887. That was when the Strauss family, the first recorded Jewish family in the city, arrived—and found another Jewish family already here. The several families in the area identified themselves as an informal congregation as early as 1908.

In the beginning, the congregation held services in rented space on the second floor of the Northwestern Public Service building on the southwest corner of Fourth Avenue and South Main Street, welcoming families from surrounding towns who came to worship. According to reports, the first formal religious services were conducted during the Jewish High Holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in fall 1915. The next year, the congregation of at least 60 worshipers began planning to build a

synagogue, but those plans changed.

In March 1917, the group formally chartered as Congregation B’nai Isaac. The name Premack was among the charter members of a growing congregation, and Herschel reported that his father came to Aberdeen around this time to join the other families. A few months later, in August, the newly named congregation bought the Wesleyan Methodist church on Second Avenue and North Kline. This space became their synagogue, and they celebrated the 1917 High Holidays in their own building that fall.

As one of the oldest buildings in Aberdeen, B’nai Isaac is the oldest of only three active synagogues in state. Over the years, the building has gradually changed. A 1951 remodeling replaced the steeple with a peaked roof, added a full basement, removed the front steps, and enlarged the entrance.

Is it Kosher?

➼ In slang usage, “kosher” has come to mean acceptable or “by the rules,” but its original meaning comes from traditional Jewish dietary laws. It is one of the most recognized—if little understood—Jewish religious practices. “Kosher means ritually clean food,” Herschel explained. “For example, meat needs to be ritually slaughtered, meaning the least painful way to slaughter an animal.”

Keeping kosher includes the practice of choosing dairy or meat for meals. “If you have a meat meal, there is no dairy; if you have a dairy meal, there is no meat,” Herschel said. Meals can also have neutral foods, like fruit and vegetables. Some foods in stores have a rabbinical stamp if they are kosher.

From the early days in Aberdeen until today, Jews who keep kosher (not all do) have had to order most of their meat from out of town.

House of Worship

➼ At the front of the worship space in B’nai Isaac is the Aron Kodesh—an ark that holds three scrolls, each a complete Torah. Central to Jewish worship is the Torah, the five books of Moses, which correspond to the first five books of the Christian Old Testament.

“It’s considered an honor and a privilege to be called up to participate in the reading of the Torah,” Bea explained. Young people read from the Torah during their Bar Mitzvah (for boys at 13) or Bat Mitzvah (for girls at 12) as a part of becoming adults in the faith. The Torah is read three days each week, including the Sabbath, which begins at sunset on Friday and ends at sunset on Saturday. Holidays also begin at sunset, and each includes a worship service, although some tend to be observed at home. “For every holiday, there’s special food,” Bea added.

 Herschel and Bea Premack have been dedicated members of the B’nai Isaac congregation for decades. They are always willing to give tours of the synagogue to visitors and groups.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

PERSEVERANCE OF FAITH

About a dozen rabbis served the congregation over 60 years, starting with Julius Hess, who arrived in 1914 and guided its charter and the move into the synagogue. Through those years, the congregation’s size rose and fell, reaching about 60 families shortly before World War II.

In its first few decades, the congregation followed the Orthodox movement in Judaism, the most strictly observant of tradition of the three broad branches of the faith—Conservative and Reform being the other two. One example of a practice in the Orthodox congregation is that men and women sit separately in worship. Bea said, “In the early days here, only men were required to come to synagogue—women weren’t counted” as part of the minyan (quorum) of 10 men required for a service “because they had more important things to do, such as caring for the family and the home.”

Over time, larger changes eventually came to the congregation. “After World War II, young men came home from the war with newer ideas, and they took over,” Herschel said. Around the same time, some of the older Orthodox members left Aberdeen to live closer to children who had moved away.

In 1949, a B’nai Isaac congregation of 29 people (fewer than before the war) adopted affiliation with the Conservative movement—a view of the faith that understands Jewish law as binding but also evolving and not fixed. Women

became more involved and joined the men in fulfilling the minyan. Bat Mitzvah for girls was another addition of this movement. In the early 1950s, B’nai Isaac joined United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism.

In the seven decades since, numbers have declined in the congregation, yet B’nai Isaac has persevered. Its local organizational chapters continued to stay active into the 1990s by raising money for local and international causes through events like rummage sales at the synagogue or selling baked goods at Arts in the Park. While there were fewer children, United Synagogue Youth held a regional conference in Aberdeen in 1972 that drew people from several states and Canada. Nationally known poet Danny Siegel attended and wrote a poem about the local congregation that hangs in the synagogue.

B’nai Isaac congregation has also had to make do without a rabbi since the 1970s, but Herschel has served as lay worship leader. Sometimes, the congregation brings in a rabbi or cantor to perform holiday services. In 2004, Rosh Hashanah coincided with Central High School’s all-school reunion, and many Jewish alumni visited the synagogue and attended services.

The congregation’s perseverance might be best recognized in the 2017 celebration of the synagogue’s 100-year anniversary and the building’s listing on the State Register of Historic Places in March 2021.

Local Chapters

➼ In the first few decades after officially becoming Congregation B’nai Isaac, the families of the synagogue established local chapters of national and international groups. In 1924, women organized a chapter of Hadassah, which helped support Jewish communities worldwide. In particular, the local chapter assisted the international organization with the construction of the first hospital in what would become Israel. The hospital is still open to all people today. A few years later, Jewish Ladies Aid convened to look after the congregation’s needs. In 1926, a chapter of B’nai Brith, an international men’s service organization, was launched. These organizations were recognized for contributions to the congregation and the Aberdeen community. In 1945, the Dakotas Council of B’nai Brith held a regional meeting in Aberdeen that drew Governor M.Q. Sharpe and Mayor O.M. Tiffany. In 1975, Governor Richard Kneip recognized Hadassah at a meeting in Aberdeen.

 The B’nai Isaac Congregation Synagogue is located on the corner of Second Avenue Northeast and North Kline Street, right beside St. Mary’s Church. In 1917, the congregation acquired the building from the Wesleyan Methodist church.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

 The synagogue has several Yahrzeit memorial boards that contain the names of deceased family and congregation members. This one dates back to the early years of the congregation while newer ones feature names in bronze.

SETTING UP SHOP

Outside the synagogue, Jews have been active in the Aberdeen community in many ways. They were involved in business, politics, education, sports, and charity. Some early Jewish settlers were drawn to the Aberdeen area by the Jewish Agricultural Aid Society’s effort to encourage Jews to farm. Some worked as doctors or attorneys, and others ran various kinds of businesses. Herschel’s family ran a scrap dealing business for decades. Most arrivals, however, tended to work in retail trades, and Jewish grocers served many neighborhoods in town.

Several Jewish-owned businesses thrived. Some long-lasting, well-loved businesses were marked by their confidence in their new hometown. The impact of all these businesses is significant to the growth of the Aberdeen community. A brief look into three former Main Street staples shows this.

Pred’s. Born in France and raised in Russia before traveling to Nebraska, Isaac Predmestky— later abbreviated to “Pred”—was a peddler who stopped in Aberdeen around the early 1910s. With an entrepreneurial enthusiasm that would prove to be infectious among other Jewish businessmen, he found “a bustling, thriving town, like a little metropolis with streetcars and restaurants serving menus every bit as good as those found in New York City.” In 1916, he opened a shop here and sent his twenty-something sons Abe and Dan to run it.

Aberdeen became Abe’s town. He operated multiple women’s fashion stores over the years, including The Paris and The Hollywood Shop, which was renamed Pred’s in 1945. The store locations moved around but settled at 220 S. Main St. in 1964. Much like his father, Abe said he bought the building, “as an expression of

confidence in the future growth of Aberdeen and the Main Street business community.” Around the same time, Abe’s son, Jack, bought into the business and eventually became its owner. He would see the same promise his grandfather and father had, saying, “I really believe that Aberdeen, the business community, is probably better than any other community I’ve seen of a town of this size. And it’s certainly better than a lot of towns I’ve seen that are larger than Aberdeen.”

By the 1990s, Pred’s downsized to focus on coats. Perhaps an optimist in a period when stores were leaving Main Street (some to the new mall on the east side of town), Jack believed

Renaissance Man

➼ Many Aberdeen Jews were active in the community in various ways, including service organizations such as Yelduz Shrine, the Chamber of Commerce, and local colleges to name only a few. Perhaps no one was more involved than renaissance man Abe Pred, who came to Aberdeen in 1916. A two-term state senator, Pred was involved in many civic activities. Some of those groups included the Chamber of Commerce, Salvation

business prospects were good “primarily due to the fact we have a mall that is going to help extend our trade area and bring people into the community.” In 1992, after more than 75 years on Main Street, Pred’s Coats moved to the mall. In what would become a recurring theme, Jack’s sons chose to pursue other career paths, and in 1995, Jack sold the store.

Feinstein’s. In 1924, brothers Abe and Sol Feinstein bought a shop in the Ward Hotel (some later reports said it was the Sherman Hotel). Six years later, they moved their Golden Rule Store to 317 S. Main St., stating, “We have splendid confidence in the future of Aberdeen and the

Army, Boy Scouts, and B’nai Brith. For more than 25 years, he chaired the United Jewish Appeal, which raised funds for local and national charities.

Aberdeen was frequently a leading fundraising community for the Appeal on a per capita basis and the national leader in 1948. He was also King of the Gyps at Northern and Frosty at Snow Queen. Not surprisingly, in 1975, almost 60 years after he arrived, he earned the Chamber’s George Award.

But outside the store, Abe may have

been most recognized for athletics and his accomplishments in boxing, wrestling, and baseball. Abe was probably best known for sponsoring Pred’s amateur baseball team, which won six state championships and was national runner-up twice. In 1962, he was named to the state’s amateur baseball hall of fame. Longtime Smittys coach and Pred’s outfielder Reedy Fossum summed up in his history of the Pred’s team, “Too bad there aren’t more Abe Preds around.”

 A photo from the Brown County Assessor’s Office shows both Pred’s building and Frank’s The Main on the 200 block of Main Street.

 The Dacotah Prairie Museum has a few retail artifacts from various stores downtown in Aberdeen. Above is a garment box featuring three separate Pred stores— Pred’s, Cloud Nine, and Miss Pred’s.

Photo courtesy of Dacotah Prairie Museum

surrounding territory.” Reporting on the store’s grand opening, a newspaper lauded its “popular modernistic design” and its “gorgeous font, which would do credit to a Fifth Avenue store in New York city.” A 1952 fire in the store forced a move to 307 S. Main St. In between these events, Feinstein’s Bootery also opened downtown.

In 1953, Sol’s son Manley came to manage what had become Feinstein’s Ready to Wear and expanded it, adding a bridal and formal shop as well as a youth shop. In the 1980s, Manley’s son, Marc, became the third generation to manage the store. Feinstein’s had opened branch stores around the area but sold them to concentrate on the Aberdeen shop, which continued to expand. The store always focused on women’s fashions and was known for the children’s slide on the stairs that led to the basement. While it thrived for years, Feinstein’s closed in 1993 after Marc went to law school at USD.

The Main. Burton Frank came to Aberdeen in 1947 from St. Paul following his service in World War II. In 1951, after a few years working for Goodman News and Arcola Grocery, he opened

a war surplus store in what is now the Dacotah Prairie Museum. Four years later, Burton moved his store to 218 S Main St.

Over time, his store changed to The Main and focused on men’s clothes. Years later, the Franks eschewed a move to rumored malls coming to town because, as Burton’s son, Steve, said, “Downtown Aberdeen is here to stay. It’s one of the strongest downtowns in the entire Midwest.”

In 1983, a dream came true for the Franks when they bought the former Olwin-Angell Department store at 321 S. Main St. Burton called it “the best corner in town.” Perhaps providentially, it was across the same intersection where Jews first worshiped in Aberdeen, thirty years before Burton arrived. “I’ve been in love with that building a long time—maybe 25 years. ... That’s the best retail corner in both North Dakota and South Dakota,” Burton said. More broadly, he asserted, “Downtown Aberdeen retail-wise is the best in northeast South Dakota. We have good stores, and everybody is spending a lot of money to fix up.” By the 1990s, the Franks also owned Mister’s Men’s Wear and the Uptown Mini-Mall. In

Connect!

➼ Bea Premack has served on boards at Northern State University and Presentation College and helped establish the Aberdeen Area Arts Council. She earned the Chamber’s Woman of Spirit Award, the Exchange Club’s “Golden Deeds” award, and was named to the South Dakota Advisory Committee to the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Bea was also named First Lady of Aberdeen for her many contributions to the community.

 Like Pred’s, the Feinstein family operated different storefronts downtown in Aberdeen on the 300 block of Main Street. Their facades were uniquely modern for the time and were surely the place to shop in town. Pictures are from the Brown County Assessor’s Office. Above right are more retail artifacts from the Dacotah Prairie Museum.

Photos by Troy McQuillen

a familiar theme, however, Steve’s son was not interested in taking over the business. In 2003, The Main closed, marking the end of the three perhaps most prominent Jewish-owned stores in Aberdeen.

VERY STRONG ACCEPTANCE

The number of Jews compared to the rest of the Aberdeen population has always been small, but they have never truly felt like outsiders in this community.

Herschel and Bea insist that being Jewish has not affected their ability to live and do as they please in Aberdeen. “Whenever our children have been involved in activities, there’s been a very strong acceptance,” Bea said. “We have always seen that. We’ve also been very straightforward with our identity, and that’s made Aberdeen a very good place to live.”

Over the past century, many Jews told of loving Aberdeen.

Rabbi Abraham Kertes, who arrived in 1953,

noted, “Aberdeen is my real home, not just a residence. The people of Aberdeen are my friends. From the mayor to all my neighbors, I love them all as my brothers who deserve to be loved, without regard to what church they attend.” Similarly, the son of Rabbi Aaron Hardin, who came in 1923, recalled to Bea, “My parents loved Aberdeen and the people there. I think it was the happiest time of their lives.”

“There’s been no problem with acceptance of Jewish people,” Bea reiterated. The congregation’s proactive approach might have contributed to this. For decades, they have invited people to the synagogue to learn about Judaism. A Christian group was scheduled for the weekend after we spoke.

Given this sense of acceptance, it’s not surprising that Bea has been a part of making recent newcomers feel welcome in Aberdeen. She has been a part of the Aberdeen Area Diversity Coalition since its earliest days and said, “There’s huge diversity in the community, and we need to make a real effort to welcome people.”

It may seem patronizing to point out the accomplishments of local Jews, like the Premacks and the business owners, as though it’s surprising. When looking at the numbers, Jewish families are only a small fraction of the total population in Aberdeen. That count is consistent with the surprisingly small worldwide population of Jews, which is estimated to be 15 to 24 million. In that sense, the impact of local Jews is a case of overachieving. Jewish families have always been a part of Aberdeen, and even though their numbers have declined, they continue to leave their mark on the community. //

 Writer’s note: It’s a fool’s errand to try to write a history of a culture of a relatively small group of people in a relatively small place like Aberdeen, but the publisher found his man. I’m grateful for learning from visits with Herschel and Bea Premack; Bea’s paper on the history of Aberdeen’s B’nai Isaac congregation; “Fewer Rabbis than U.S. Senators: Jewish Political Activism in South Dakota,” by Art Marmorstein et al. in The Plains Political Tradition (volume 3); and the K.O. Lee Aberdeen Public Library.

Thanks also to Steve Frank, former owner of The Main men’s clothing store on Main Street.

 The Frank family operated a couple stores downtown as well. Both Mister’s Mens Wear and The Main were downtown staples and maybe the best place to get men’s suits and clothing. The Main was last in the Olwin-Angell building on the corner of Fourth and Main. Mister’s is now The Workshop, containing many small business offices and the Aberdeen Downtown Association (208 S. Main St.).

 A portrait of Eleanor and Burton Frank was created by Mary Gorder Groth.

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by Eliot Lucas