The Farming Families of Minnehaha County-October 2019

of Minnehaha County OCTOBER 2019

Meet the

WILLARD Family

L to R: James and his wife, Janice; Roger and his wife, Sherri

FAITH

/

FAMILY

/

FRIENDS

Photo by AllScapes Photography

/

FARMING

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub *This | October 2019

of Sioux County

OUR PHILOSOPHY There was a farmer who grew excellent quality corn.

Every year, he won the award for the best grown corn.

One year a newspaper reporter interviewed him and learned something interesting about how he grew it.

The reporter discovered that the farmer shared his seed corn with his neighbors. “How can you afford to share your best seed corn with your neighbors when they are entering corn in competition with yours each year?” the reporter asked.

“Why sir,” said the farmer, “Didn’t you know? The wind picks up pollen from the ripening corn and swirls it from field to field. If my neighbors grow inferior corn, crosspollination will steadily degrade the quality of my corn. If I am to grow good corn, I must help my neighbors grow good corn.”

So is with our lives... Those who want to live meaningfully and well must help enrich the lives of others, for the value of a life is measured by the lives it touches. And those who choose to be happy must help others find happiness, for the welfare of each is bound up with the welfare of all. ~ Author Unknown ~

Call it power of collectivity.

Call it a principle of success.

Call it a law of life.

The fact is, none of us truly wins, until we all win!

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

~ Proverbs 11:24-25 ~

October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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of Sioux County

SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH & TAXES

PUBLISHERS Garrett and Mindy Gross, AGE Media SOUTH DAKOTA MANAGER Garrett Gross, AGE Media DIRECT ADVERTISING INQUIRIES TO:

(515) 231-9367 garrett@agemedia.pub DIRECT STORY SUBMISSIONS, SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS AND OTHER CORRESPONDENCE TO: (605) 690-4071 mindy@agemedia.pub © The Farming Families, Age Media & Promotion The Farming Families is distributed free exclusively to the farmers, ranchers and producers in rural Lincoln and Minnehaha Counties in SD. All rights reserved. Content in this magazine should not be copied in any way without the written permission of the publisher. The Farming Families assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

Content in articles, editorial and advertisements are not necessarily endorsed by The Farming Families and Age Media & Promotion.

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

PUBLISHER’S NOTE October 2019 With all the weather challenges everyone faced in southeastern South Dakota, this year will certainly go down in the books as one to remember. Many readers of these publications felt the brunt of the weather first-hand.

We try our best to keep the Farming Families Magazine’s focus on the positive side of the farming and rural lifestyle. We do this because our readers already know and are well-aware of how the realities of weather, markets and breakdowns can impact the mindset of the farmer. It is not our job to remind people about the details of how challenging farming can be.

Our goal is to provide a vehicle to take your mind off the negative and focus on the positive; that is why we focus on the people who farm and why we try to build community in the farming circles.

We do not try to paint a picture that isn't accurate or real world when we profile the people and families in our magazine. We try to simply point out that there are others who face similar challenges and others who love the farming community as much as you do. We are always open to ideas and suggestions for stories. If we don't immediately get back to you, please know it does not mean we are not interested. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

We also want to point out that without the support of the businesses and advertisers you see on these pages, this magazine would not be possible. Because of their involvement with this magazine, you receive this magazine every month.

So, if you enjoy these publications, please consider patronizing these businesses if you’re in need of their services or products and also take a moment to let them know you appreciate their involvement in the magazine.

Thank you! Happy Fall!

Garrett Gross Principal AGE Media (515) 231-9367 Garrett@agemedia.pub

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October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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MINNEHAHA COUNTY FAMILY

ALL IN THE FAMILY:

THE WILLARDS CONTINUE THE FARMING TRADITION Photos by AllScapes Photography, unless noted otherwise Left to right: Roger, Michael and James Willard

The Willard family has been farming southeast of Colton for over 140 years. James Willard and his brother Roger, along with James’ son Michael, farm the ground Levi Willard homesteaded back in 1878. Levi was living in Iowa in the late 1870s when he rode on horseback to scout out some farm ground to homestead. What he discovered was an opportunity to bring the whole family to the area, and the Willard family continues the tradition established over 140 years ago.

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

Levi Willard is James and Roger’s great-grandfather, and now Michael represents the 5th generation of Willards to farm the land. The Willard brothers bought the farm from their father, Merle, in 1974 and they’ve been farming together ever since. James and his wife, Janice, and Roger and his wife, Sherri, live in homes both on the farmstead. Both brothers raised their families there and James still lives in the home

that was built by lumber hauled in on wagons from Luverne, Minn. in the early 1900s.

James and Roger joke that they got into farming because they were born into it, and it’s all they ever knew and add that their education beyond high school comes from experience and classes attended at the School of Hard Knocks.

Over the course of their lives, they’ve had good years and challenging years. Much has changed in farming.

As young kids, they recall the Willard Family had a threshing machine and crew working with four other neighbors which helped improve efficiency. Then in 1950, they bought their first combine which made life so much easier. The brothers have seen corn planting change dramatically from getting a mere 50 acres planted per day to 250 acres a day. “We have seen corn harvesting go from 1,000 bushels a day to 15,000 bushels a day,” explains James. “One of the most memorable moments was when we had one corn field yield 250 bushels. That was a happy stat.”

As a family, the Willards have always tried to improve their operation. They were one of the first farms in the area to get electricity so they could grind grain for other farmers in the area to use, and their combine was also one of the first in the area. “We never thought in our lifetime that we would see the day that tractors would drive themselves,” says James.

Roger shares that his favorite part of farming is putting the equipment back in the shed because that means the work is done. While James says that spring planting is his favorite. The two agree taking livestock to the sale is something they both enjoy.

Family has always been a huge part of their operation.

“When our kids were still home, everyone took part in helping out on the farm where needed. The kids helped with feeding livestock, picking up rock in the field, and they rode the bean buggy. They

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Left to right: James and Roger Willard

learned the value of hard work and had fun turning that hard work into their 4-H projects.

Our wives helped in all areas of the farming operation. They gave up their teaching careers to work on the farm and raise a family,” explains Roger.

Time away from farming revolves around grandkids’ activities and involvement at their church and township board. To relax, the brothers say they enjoy just driving

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Top: The farm’s “big barn” still stands today. (Provided by Laura Willard Jensen); Bottom: Willard 125th family reunion on the farm (Provided by Laura Willard Jensen)

around the countryside to see the crops and spending time with family.

Holidays are always a big deal as they host an open invitation to all extended family as well as children and grandchildren on the 4th of July and Christmas Eve. “Family knows they are welcome to come anytime if they are able,” explains James.

“We have a family reunion every year during the Colton Community Days. We started

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

this back in 2003 when the Homestead was 125 years old.

We have a reunion every year with big years being every five years. All eight of our siblings usually make it to the reunion each year. It is a wonderful time to reminisce with the family!”

Since 1878, the farm southwest of Colton has been home for many Willard generations. They are proud to carry on Levi’s legacy and keep it “all in the family”.

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KEEPING LOCAL HISTORY ALIVE

Howard area tornado, 1884 (This could possibly be the tornado Laura Ingalls Wilder references in her book The Happy Golden Years, based on timeframe and noted location.)

HISTORIC TORNADOES IN SOUTH DAKOTA

By Garrett Gross Photos courtesy of the Siouxland Heritage Museums

On September 10th, we celebrated the 10th birthday of our 2nd daughter. During the day, I heard news reports of how an impending late summer thunderstorm—possibly severe— would start mid-day in central South Dakota and work its way to the east through the night.

I went to bed early and was 10

awoken by my dog about 10:45 PM as it seemed he knew something was off the norm.

Shortly thereafter, my phone started blowing up and buzzing with warning after warning of severe thunderstorms and a tornado warning for northern Lincoln County. This got my attention!

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

So, my wife and I took our daughters into the basement of our home in southern Sioux Falls. At about 11:25 PM, I heard a report that a tornado touched down by the Avera Heart Hospital. At this time, I went upstairs and looked out my front window and saw a 30-foot tree across the street

Sioux Falls Tornado, 1932

bend about 45 degrees. Had I looked out my west window instead, I likely would have seen the 3rd of three tornadoes that touched down in Sioux Falls that evening. We live across the street to the east from an elementary school; 6 homes to the north and northwest of that school and about 1.5 blocks from us were severely damaged. A few were a total loss, and others had massive damage to their roofs and garages.

SERVING SOUTH DAKOTA FROM SOUTH DAKOTA SINCE 1916

We are very thankful to have only sustained some damage to our fence and some fallen tree branches in the yard. These tornadoes got me thinking about the history of tornadoes in our area. Most people can recall where they were in May of ’98 when the Spencer tornado occurred and others in the area have vivid memories of Tornado Tuesday in June of ’03.

There are three historic tornadoes from the past that struck the area, however, it’s not likely many have vivid memories of these events. First, dating back to August 28, 1884, a tornado near Howard became famous because it was the first known photograph of such an event. Second, the Davis Tornado that took place on September 13, 1928 that altered the history of that Turner County town forever. Finally, a tornado that touched down just outside of Sioux Falls west of the Big Sioux River on July 9th, 1932 near what is now 41st street just west of The Olive Garden restaurant.

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Top Left: Big Sioux River Bridge, what is now 41st Street, before the 1932 tornado; Top Right: Display at Old Courthouse Museum (Photo courtesy of ???; Bottom: Beam through tree after 1932 Sioux Falls tornado

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

The 1884, Howard area tornado is best known for the historical significance of the famous photo that was taken.

However, there is another interesting twist to that photo and storm. In Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book The Happy Golden Years, she describes going on a buggy ride with her husband Almanzo and seeing “…three funnels that take turns tearing at the ground.” Now, is the storm in the famous photo the same that Laura writes about in her book? No one will ever know for sure, but the approximate timeframe, location and description are eerily similar.

Perhaps, Laura and her husband were ahead of their time and were early storm chasers.

The Davis tornado is well known for the photos that were taken after the storm.

In the early 1900s, panoramic photos were very popular. An area photographer took a powerful image of the destroyed main east/west road that goes through the town. Prior to the storm, Davis was a bustling town of over 250 people. Now almost 100 years after the tor-

nado, Davis has never rebuilt to that level. Perhaps as much to do with its proximity to the nearby Vermillion River which has flooded the area several times over the years, but there is no question this storm left a legacy in the area.

The historic Sioux Falls tornado has been best remembered by a piece of debris which was a steel beam that was torn away from the Big Sioux River bridge that was driven through a cottonwood tree like a toothpick through a piece of meat. The Old Courthouse Museum in downtown Sioux Falls has the actual tree trunk and steel beam on display and it is one of their more popular artifacts of Sioux Falls history. This tornado killed one person during the storm and then one person succumbed to head injuries a week later.

nobody was killed or severely injured in the recent tornadoes that came through Sioux Falls and a little too close for comfort for my family. It is interesting to see how these storms compare to others that have gone through the area over the decades.

In the aftermath of these tornadoes, severe storms and excessive rain—no storm is stronger than the love and support from friends, neighbors, family and even strangers who join together to help those who have been hit hard by these storms.

Thank f ully and m i r a c u l o u s l y,

Top: Davis, SD, after September 13, 1928 tornado; Bottom: Panoramic photo of Davis, SD after the Sept. 13, 1928 tornado

October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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LINCOLN COUNTY FAMILY

THE LOEWES Photos by AllScapes Photography, unless noted otherwise

Matt and Paula with daughters, (left to right) Kathryn, Allison and Madeline

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

Over the past two and a half years, the pages of these Farming Families publications have featured many stories of families that run 4-5 generations deep on land that has been farmed for over a century. Those are always fun stories to share, but not every farm has years of history like that. The Loewe Farm located south of Lennox is one that started 18 years ago when Matt and Paula Loewe started farming that ground.

Both Matt and Paula were raised on farms. They met at South Dakota State University, and after marrying, an interesting opportunity presented itself 18 years ago, and the Loewes took advantage of it. Both have degrees in Ag related majors; Paula has a degree in Agricultural Business and Matt in Animal Science and a Masters in Agronomy. The opportunity seemed to be a great fit to start their careers. “The SDSU Foundation had recently acquired this property about the same time as I earned my M.S. They needed a manager; I needed a job,” explains Matt. For about a dozen years, Matt ran the SDSU Opportunities Farm where he managed the farm and helped with teaching, demonstrations and research on behalf of the University. Then in 2015, SDSU stopped the Opportunities Farm, and the family acquired it and still farm the ground.

Over the course of those 18 years, the Loewe family has grown. They have three daughters, Madeline (17), Kathryn (13) and Allison (8), and they all attend school October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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Left: Matt and Paula Loewe; Right Top: Left to right: Kathryn, Madeline and Allison; Right Bottom: Allison petting their cows

in Lennox and are active in 4-H and other Ag related activities.

“We started working a small cow herd as a family with the girls’ first 4-H heifers. It is now roughly 40 cows strong. It’s an interesting dynamic when nearly half of your herd has names and come when called,” jokes Paula.

Matt recently ran the Sioux Falls Marathon which was his first after running many 5-10K races and half-marathons over the years. Madeline has followed suit as she also runs cross-country. All the girls, including Paula, are active in Taekwando together. They 16

value family time—whether working cattle and other projects on the farm or hiking and climbing mountains on summer vacations to Colorado.

Matt, who is originally from Le Sueur, Minn. has a love for hockey, and each year the family tries to make a trip to Winnipeg to take in a Jets hockey game.

Professionally, Paula works at Temple Insurance in Lennox where she sells Property/ Casualty Insurance and Crop Insurance. Within the community, the Loewes are active within the Delaware Reformed Church, and the girls enjoy

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

being part of the Delaware Formed Youth Group. Paula is on the township board. Matt helps in a consultative role in teaching a senior level ag course at SDSU as well.

When asked what they enjoy most about farming, they say they enjoy the cyclical nature of raising crops and livestock together as a family. It’s not uncommon for the whole family to be working together, whether it’s harvest time or just managing the day-to-day operations of the feed lot or just making sure the farm fresh eggs are taken from the coop behind the house.

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

SUMMER AT KLONDIKE PHOTO BY BRETT DAVELAAR OF BD PHOTOGRAPHY October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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COUNTRY NEIGHBOR

THE WALTNERS

Left to right: Amy and Kevin Waltner; Daughter Libby (far right) with her husband, Dalton Miller 20

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

There are certain unique landmarks that catch your eye as one drives the backroads of South Dakota. Whether it’s a well-kept old barn or unique silo or another interesting piece of folk art on the side of the road, these are the landmarks that make the county oil roads more enjoyable to travel. On the “Marion Oil” near Hurley, there is a field that is lined with old elevators on the north and south fence lines that is tough to miss. With 100+ elevators positioned in a parade like formation it begs the question, how did they all get there? The answer is very simple, Kevin Waltner put them there. The reason Kevin put them there is just as simple; he likes old elevators, nothing more to explain than that.

“I don’t really have a favorite elevator. I’m always looking for odd ones. They are getting harder to find. I’ll quit collecting when I can no longer go to auctions.” Brands in the collection include: Stan

Kevin and his wife Amy live 1/2 mile west of the Marion Oil on a farm that has been in the Walther family for 130 years. Kevin grew up in the house they now live in and perhaps this strong connection to the past or his love for the agriculture community is why the elevators have lined up like they have. Or, its just because Kevin enjoys the hunt to acquire more and the people he meets along the way.

This interest in old iron led him to start attending auctions. “I went to an auction and didn’t want to see an elevator go for scrap so I bought it,” explains Kevin. “One day, I moved 17 elevators to the pasture with the goal of seeing how many it would take to make a mile. It took 125.”

October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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Hoist, Kewanee, John Deere, Kelly Ryan, Valley, Crop King, and more. For the most part the collection takes care of itself and requires minimal maintenance and upkeep.

“Over the years, only two have been blown down by the wind,” chuckles Kevin.

Kevin and his wife, Amy, who is originally from North Dakota by way of Freeman Junior College’s Nursing Program, raised their daughter, Libby, on their farm. She is now married to Dalton Miller. The family enjoys hosting “Waltner Christmas” when everyone gathers at the farm. Amy explains, “We’re so glad our nephew, niece and their families still want to visit though their mom and grandparents aren’t here anymore.”

Other than Christmas, one of the more exciting times 22

of the year is harvest and their family traditions that come along with that time of year. Kevin explains, “Amy especially enjoys harvesting south of Highway 18, because the ground is higher and you can look out the combine and enjoy the colors of the trees.”

Kevin manages the day-to-day operation and Amy helps with field work. She says that she will never plant, however, she is the main combine operator.

Kevin followed in his father’s footsteps when he retired from farming and just like his father and grandfather, he enjoys using and tinkering with old equipment. Holding onto the family’s farm equipment is important to Kevin as he jokes, “When a piece of equipment comes on the farm, we keep it… for a long, long time.” In 1928, Kevin’s Grandpa Ben (Waltner) purchased a new International

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

1020 tractor with a two-bottom plow for $895. He traded that in for a Farmall F20 in 1939.

Kevin says the 1020 was always in the community, owned by a local collector. Then in 2005, Kevin bought it back for $900.

The plow was not traded and has always been on the farm.

The 1020 was the only tractor that was ever traded but is now back on the family farm as well. His antique equipment does have a degree of value, but to Kevin, the collection is priceless.

So the next time you travel on the Marion Oil near Hurley you’ll know who is behind the collection of elevators lined up from end to end of the fence line, and you’ll know a little history of why they are there as well.

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October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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TRADITIONS

Wendy Ketcham, 1st Place winner in King Author Flour Contest

Article and photos provided by Wendy Sweeter The 80th Sioux Empire Fair kicked off Aug. 2 and exhibit numbers in the Arts Center were down slightly from a year ago.

One hundred sixt y-five exhibitors entered 1,495 exhibits in the Arts Center.

That’s down 68 exhibits from a year ago, but still up from two years ago.

“This year has been an extremely odd weather year that had many of us off schedule this year. Many gardens and flowers had a hard year and timing was off for many of them. However, it is good to see increases in exhibits in other areas,” said 24

Wendy Sweeter, Arts Center coordinator.

Classes that saw increases included needlework, arts, crafts & hobbies, antiques and the junior division. Antiques saw the biggest increase with 162 exhibits, which is up from 77 last year. With the interesting weather this year, floriculture and horticulture exhibits were down, which was expected.

“We are excited to see the interest at this year’s fair. We hope our visitors enjoyed looking through the exhibits and appreciate the hard work our exhibitors put into their projects,” said fair manager Scott Wick.

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

Keturah Wollman, 2nd place winner in Jr King Arthur Flour Contest

Rosemary Mohrhauser, 2nd place winner in First Dakota Pie Contest

Top Left: Karin Sweeter, Floriculture Award Winner; Top Middle: Chanel Mohrhauser, Horticulture Award Winner; Right: Julia Tinker, Jr Baking Award winner; Bottom Left: Linda Tom, Honey Contest Winner; Bottom Middle: Leigh Anglin, Photo Award Winner

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS FOR 2019 INCLUDE: Quilts: Mary O’Connell, Sioux Falls Needlework: Lois Holmes, Sioux Falls Clothing & Constructed Articles: Cheryl Hilbrands, George, Iowa Arts, Crafts & Hobbies: Andy Perrion, Sioux Falls Color Photography: Chris Nemmers, Sioux Falls Black & White Photography: Jason Pfitzer, Sioux Falls Photography Theme: Leigh Anglin, Sioux Falls Artwork: Alexa Ensz, Tea Antiques: Belinda Lorenzen, Kranzburg, S.D.

Baked Goods: Barb Papik, Mission Hill, S.D. Food Preservation: Wendy Ketcham, Sioux Falls Floriculture: Joy Bendt, Sioux Falls Potted Plants: Cynthia Christensen, Wentworth, S.D. Horticulture: Wendy Ketcham, Sioux Falls Junior Division Arts: Tajsia Herron, Sioux Falls Junior Division Baked Goods: Julia Tinker, Brandon Junior Division Floriculture: Karin Sweeter, Worthing, S.D. Junior Division Horticulture: Chanel Mohrhauser, Crooks, S.D.

CONTEST WINNERS INCLUDE: King Arthur Flour Contest: Adult Division: 1st – Wendy Ketcham, Sioux Falls (pictured); 2nd – Linda Tom, Sioux Falls; 3rd - Rosemary Mohrhauser, Hartford, S.D.; Junior Division: 1st – Bode Sweeter, Worthing, S.D.; 2nd – Keturah Wollman, Sioux Falls; 3rd – Nevaeh Wollman, Sioux Falls.

LEGOs Contest: 3-5 Year Old Division: 1st – Mercedes Pulscher, Dell Rapids, S.D.; 2nd – Alan Brosius, Gypsum, Colo.; 3rd – Robyn Honerman, Sioux Falls; 6-9 Year Old Division: 1st – Malcom Pulscher, Dell Rapids; 2nd – Sam Binkerd, Brandon, S.D.; 3rd – Jack Brosius, Gypsum, Colo.; 10-14 Year Old Division: 1st – Keturah Wollman, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Heidi Brosius, Gypsum, Colo.; 3rd – Tenley Eck, Sioux Falls.

Sunshine Foods Salad Contest: 1st – Sue Grinde, Dell Rapids; 2nd – Stephanie Wollman, Sioux Falls; 3rd – Linda Tom, Sioux Falls.

Young & Richards Sunbonnet Contest: 1st – Emery Vis, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Jo Beal, Sioux Falls; 3rd – Keturah Wollman, Sioux Falls.

Flowers by Bob Flower Arranging Contest: 1st – Penny Malsom, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Jodi Eck, Sioux Falls; 3rd – Keturah Wollman, Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Beekeepers Association Honey Contest: 1st – Linda Tom, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Rosemary Mohrhauser, Hartford.

First Dakota National Bank Pie Contest: 1st – Wendy Ketcham, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Rosemary Mohrhauser, Hartford; 3rd – David Grinde, Dell Rapids.

US Bank Salsa Contest: 1st – David Grinde, Dell Rapids; 2nd – Linda Tom, Sioux Falls; 3rd – Cara Uken, Renner.

Mystery Box Challenge: 1st - Matthew Walicke, Sioux Falls; 2nd – Tenley Eck, Sioux Falls; Tie for 3rd – Keturah Wollman, Sioux Falls; Cara Uken, Renner.

Mary O’Connell, Quilt Award Winner

Note from Farming Families magazine: We regret we are unable to include photos of all winners. However, we want to congratulate everyone on their hard work and awards!

October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

25

SPONSOR PROFILE

The Main Street Movie Theater

DOW RUMMEL VILLAGE: CELEBRATING ALL AGES Photos provided by Darla Van Rosendale

Dow Rummel Village, a retirement home and assisted living community located just southeast of North West Avenue and Russell Street in Sioux Falls, continues to grow their assisted living community according to their mission: through Christian spirit and service, Dow Rummel seeks to design and embrace a safe and caring social community for active seniors pursuing their fullest potential.

Established in 1963, Dow Rumm e l was th e f irst 26

retirement home in Sioux Falls and is now the premier Life Plan community in the region.

Jacob Rummel and Emilie Dow were among the individuals who envisioned a new type of community in Sioux Falls to serve those in advancing years.

Both graciously embodied their visions for the community in their wills.

events and to safely enjoy their homes at Dow Rummel Village.

Dow Rummel has expanded their services and grown their facility over the years to offer its residents even more opportunities for interactive

Darla Van Rosendale, CEO of Dow Rummel, says the Main Street area was created to bring business services to the campus with a “small town

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

In 1992, Dow Rummel built the first independent living apartments on a retirement campus. They were the first retirement community to develop the “Main Street” concept and wellness center with a pool on campus in 2004.

feel”. “We started with a First National Bank branch, beauty salon, store, library and a game room where residents could meet their neighbors to play cards, pool or other activities.”

That first area of their Main Street space opened in 2005.

“We wanted to be able to provide the business services the residents use frequently right here at Dow Rummel so they were more convenient for them to use, and the residents didn’t have to depend on someone else to take them.”

In 2006, Dow Rummel opened their Flex style apartments to give residents the options for independent or assisted living within the same apartment.

D ow R u m m e l re ce ntly renovated the game room and opened it in early September.

They renamed it The Club, which still gets used for cards and pool but is also a place where residents have social hours and gather with their neighbors for cocktails and socializing. They can also enjoy the outdoor patio with a fireplace. The newest additions of Main Street include a theatre, coffee shop, larger beauty salon and spa, workshop, art studio/craft room, Skype room and a golf simulator with an outdoor putting green. This portion of the Main Street work took about 9 months. Dow Rummel partnered with the Journey Group of Sioux Falls on the Main Street expansion projects.

Van Rosendale says the vision for The Main Street project was to provide a space for residents to get together. “Whether it is

continuing to do the hobbies they have been doing, learning a new hobby or simply grabbing a cup of coffee or watching a movie together—this space helps our residents stay active,” she explains. “Activities include wood working, stained-glass work or painting. A number of residents have been golfers but find they can’t play 9 or 18 holes of golf like they used to.

The golf simulator and putting green allow them to continue to golf but at a pace that they are more comfortable with.”

Dow Rummel resident Fred Sprenger shares, “When I walk the extended main street, ‘opportunities’ for living here crowd my mind. There are the comfortable blue cushioned seats in the theatre. I like to play golf so here is a simulator golf center. I like putting on the

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27

green and there is a putting green for me to use too. I like doing stained glass work and now there is a shop in which to do it. I visit the salon regularly. Beside the opportunities, the color schemes, the signs, the decorations and the seating all create such a pleasant and inviting environment.”

Van Rosendale anticipates that there will be many opportunities to use their new Main Street areas like special art classes or exhibits, painting classes in the Art Studio and special movie showings in the theatre. “The golf simulator and putting green will allow us the opportunity to have golf leagues and tournaments. There are so many opportunities to use these spaces when you really stop and think about it,” she adds.

The Club

On Sept. 8, Dow Rummel Village hosted Grandparents Day, a free and public event.

The goal of the festival is to not only celebrate grandparents but to encourage intergenerational relationships, educate the youth about past generations and the value each generation offers, help to facilitate

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

intergenerational mentorship programs, and to host a fun and memorable event for families in the Sioux Falls community.

Activities included music entertainment by Phil Baker and John Mogen, fire truck tours by Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, inflatables, face painting, resident interaction booths, carnival games, food, crafts, and more. “We wanted to showcase and honor the older adults in our area by hosting a fun community-wide festival to encourage all ages to gather, learn from one another, and offer a variety of activities all generations can enjoy together,” says Kjersten Joachim, Director of Marketing and Communications at Dow Rummel Village. “It is important to remember that each generation has the power to impact others in different ways.”

Dow Rummel’s strategic plan includes looking for opportunities to add another campus in Sioux Falls or the surrounding area in the future. As the need for long term care increases, Dow Rummel will continue to provide an environment with opportunities to maintain a healthy, active and enjoyable quality of life. Their goal is to continue “adding life to your years and years to your life”.

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COUNTRY NEIGHBOR

THE KEPPLINGERS The Kepplinger farm on Highway 18 west of Olivet has raised sheep in Hutchinson County for many years. Kerry Kepplinger’s father and grandfather were in the sheep business as long as he can remember. Now, Kerry’s sons, Kyle and Kreg, mark the 4th generation of Kepplingers in the family business. They now do much more than raise sheep—they produce a well-known product: Kepp’s Sheep Chislic. “Our family has been raising sheep when not many others were doing it. We know this business very well and the quality of our product shows it,” explains Kerry.

In the immediate areas of Turner and Hutchinson County, almost everyone is familiar with chislic and most know the difference between lamb and mutton chislic. However, this is not the case all over the state; it wasn’t until 2018 when chislic was named the “Official 30

Nosh” of the state of South Dakota. During that legislative session, the popular region snack became better known statewide and beyond.

This im p o r ta nt mil e s to n e happened due to more than just luck. Kerry Kepplinger and others active in the chislic industry lobbied for legislators to pass this in Pierre, because they saw an opportunity to increase exposure for the product and more importantly, to open new markets for the unique South Dakota dish.

“This was great for the chislic industry, and we feel other states will follow suit and name a nosh for their states as well,” says Kerry.

The timing on the announcement was great because it coincided with plans that Kerry and his family had for expanding their operation to produce more product and distribute to a larger footprint.

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

Left to right: Kreg, Kerry, and Kyle Kepplinger

Since 2008, Kepp’s Sheep Chislic has been in area grocery stores and the product has been served in area bars and restaurants.

Now that Kerry’s sons are older and able to assume a bigger role in the family business, the Kepplingers have been constructing a multipurpose building on their family farm site where they’ll be able to do everything from A-Z as it pertains to the business. They’ll be able to finish raising sheep on the property then slaughter and process the product, and finally, package the product. They will continue to distribute their chislic to retail sites. They are also opening a retail store in the building, where they will sell their product.

Both Kerry’s sons attended Morningside University and played football. While there, they also majored in Biology, and Kreg also studied Food Science.

Kreg is entering his senior year at Morningside and recently completed an internship with Wells out of Le Mars which enabled him to see first-hand how large a family owned, food production business can become. The Kepplingers have a long way to go to attain that level, but the principles of family and business are similar.

The growth the company has experienced since inception has been a true family effort. Everyone has played a key role, and they all chip in to help. Kerry and his boys have done as much works as possible on their own to build out their new facility while running the current business at the same time.

Kerry’s wife, Kathy, and Kyle’s wife, Kelsey, help when needed and their support is important to the longterm vision of the company. The boys joke that it is not mandated that they marry a wife whose name

starts with the letter “K”, but it is nice to keep consistency in the family brand.

The Kepplingers produce chislic for large events and festivals in the region. They also serve product themselves at the South Dakota State Fair and provide product for the Turner County Fair. “It doesn’t matter to us how our product is used. We can serve it or supply it for others,” explains Kerry. “With our expansion, this ability will only be better for the customer.”

The Kepplingers anticipate their new facility to be completed and up and running in mid-2020. Until then, they will continue to work together to finish the facility and to build new connections and relationships to promote their product and open new distribution channels. Once this new facility is

Left to right: Kreg, Kyle and Kerry Kepplinger

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October 2019 | www.agemedia.pub | The Farming Families Magazine

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FROM THE KITCHEN MOLASSES COOKIES Provided by Bode Sweeter, Worthing, SD

Bode Sweeter of Worthing, SD was the winner of the King Author Flour Junior Division contest at the Sioux Empire Fair with this molasses cookie recipe.

INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 c. shortening • 1 c. brown sugar • 1 egg • 4 Tbsp. molasses • 2 c. flour • 2 tsp. baking soda • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1/2 tsp. cloves • 1 tsp. ginger

DIRECTIONS: Cream shortening and sugar, add egg and molasses. Add dry ingredients. Form balls of dough and roll in sugar. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes.

( )

­

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34

The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019

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The Farming Families Magazine | www.agemedia.pub | October 2019