HagenKaraAn
Eye for Aesthetics
Seeing the dentist is getting a little more convenient for people in the Northern Hills. Orchard Meadows Family Dental & Denture Clinic is coming to Spearfish, and we want to treat you like family. Not only are we bringing the highest quality patient care in the region, but we’ll also make sure our patients have a great experience. TVs in each dental suite, massaging dental chairs, and warming blankets are all part of the experience. We’ll even give you a fresh baked cookie before you leave!
You can visit the dentist at a lot of clinics, but in our office you’ll feel like you’re visiting family. Call today to find out more about our brand-new Northern Hills office.
From left to right: Mason Hericks, DDS; Kimberlee Elmore, RDH; Mark Garner, DDS
Kara Hagen An Eye for Aesthetics
Creative.
Considerate.
Determined.
Talented.
Visionary.
Those are the top five words that Kara Hagen’s friend Shelley would use to describe her. “She’s also really fun, so I guess I have six words!” adds Shelley.
Those words so carefully chosen by her friend describe Kara impeccably. Kara is the type of person who speaks articulately, has an eye for detail, and a natural talent for creating beautiful aesthetics. One look around Moccasin Springs Natural Mineral Spa in Hot Springs—which Kara has owned since 2014 and operated as a business since 2019—proves this. The luxurious wellness spa is a manifestation of all of Kara’s passions, skills and talents.
“Something inside of me motivates me to create beautiful spaces,” says Kara. “When I was 11 years old, I spent a couple days meticulously reorganizing the garage. It’s one of those things I remember because it was the first time I really impressed my dad.”
Kara, 61, grew up in New Richland, Minnesota. When she was 10 years old, she moved to Mitchell, South Dakota. She graduated from Mitchell High School in 1982. She then studied business and marketing, attending college in both Sioux Falls and Aberdeen.
While in college, Kara took a trip with the business club to Denver. She fell in love with the vibrance of the city, deciding to move there in 1986.
In Denver, Kara got extensive experience working in restaurants, in property management, one of her jobs was setting up corporate rentals for pilots at Stapleton International Airport. She then began investing in herself, and became interested in fixing up and reselling properties, and she would hold onto some and turn them into corporate rentals. She obtained her real estate license, selling real estate for 12 years in the Denver area.
Kara’s path changed course when she began getting sick, and when her dad passed away in 2000.
“I never had asthma as a child, but I got asthma as an adult at age 31. With all of this going on, I started thinking about moving closer to home, but I didn’t want to go to Mitchell. I decided to check out Hot Springs because I’d heard it was a cool town. I went there as a child but barely remembered it. My parents said we went to Evans Plunge.”
By Molly Barari •
In November 2001, Kara purchased the FlatIron Historic Sandstone Inn and turned it into a coffee bar with live music, along with an Airbnb. She had the property for 18 years, and she also got to know Hot Springs much better during this time. She decided to permanently stay there in 2007.
“I like the slow pace of life, and I like that there is a lot of opportunity in Hot Springs,” says Kara. “I like being back in a smaller community since I grew up in one, and I love the history of Hot Springs. It’s a beautiful little town.”
I’d never be able to do the kind of things I’m doing in Hot Springs in a big city. “ “
Kara says she’s been on a personal wellness journey since she took a 200-hour yoga teacher training in Denver in 2011, then a 300-hour yoga teacher training in Rapid City in 2015. She also has training in massage and holds a 750-hour licensed massage therapist license.
Photos by Open Spaces Photography
Left to Right: Snow shoeing in the Black HIlls, Enjoying time at the beautiful Carmel Beach in Carmel, CA
In the
When she purchased the Moccasin Springs property in 2014, she started with a clean slate. Some of the structural foundation of the original springs was still intact, giving it historical charm, but this was a project which required construction from the ground up.
“I had done a lot of fix and flips, but I hadn’t done this kind of construction before,” explains Kara. “I had to think outside the box when doing the renovations, bringing the old into the new. I felt like rustic modern was the way to go with this property.”
The Moccasin Springs project took a lot of careful planning and endless conversations with contractors. Bringing the business to fruition was Kara’s greatest challenge, as well as her greatest triumph.
“I love to create beautiful spaces and figure out the details in a project. The difference is always in the details. You can make compromises in your plan, but you can’t compromise on quality. Finding the happy medium is the challenge,” says Kara.
“With Moccasin Springs, I wanted to keep it simple yet striking. Aesthetics are so important. Even if people don’t know it, they can feel it. With Moccasin Springs, it’s the old structure and the ruins. It’s the detailed mason work. It’s the hibiscus as big as your head and the green grass around it. It’s the fresh open air as you soak.”
Kara is proud to have opened the Dragonfly restaurant at Moccasin Springs this January, which filled the void of Buffalo Dreamer. The restaurant is now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and features an expanded menu so more guests can enjoy it.
In the future, Kara hopes to expand the restaurant even further, expand the gift shop area and build another pool. She’s currently in the process of creating a retreat area on the back side of the property for next spring through fall. Moccasin springs will host a yoga teacher training in January 2025 in our Lotus
I always had interest in owning a spa, and I always had interest in natural hot springs. “ “
midst of construction at Moccasin Springs
yoga
She’s also in the process of creating a coffee table book with Marcus Heardt, “The Story of Moccasin Springs.” The book will be robust with photos and history, releasing sometime in 2025.
Along her journey, Kara has had many role models, but she cites her parents as the most influential.
“My dad was an entrepreneur, so I learned a lot from him growing up. He knew I had a knack for creativity and real estate and encouraged that. My mom has also been a good influence. She has good practical wisdom and keeps me centered. She’s a good bounce for me—I always bounce ideas off her.”
With Kara’s passion for preserving history and beauty, it’s no surprise that she has been on the Hot Springs Historic Preservation Commission since 2015. She also currently serves as the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Board President this year. In the past, she sat on the Hot Springs City Council for two years.
“I’ve always been rooting for Hot Springs and the future of the town. I’m happy it’s moving in a positive direction. We’re getting more people investing in businesses downtown and road construction is nearing completion. The extended cantilevered sidewalk they’re putting in downtown will make it even more beautiful and walkable. Hopefully this will attract even more people in our community.”
Kara—who is single and has no children—hopes to spend more time with her Mom, 2 brothers and several nieces, nephew and great nieces and nephews who reside in Mitchell, SD with others in Minnesota, doing yoga, taking walks, and traveling in the future.
“I was just in Colorado for nine days. I went to a blues festival in Telluride. Now I’m taking a trip to Minnesota and the entire upper peninsula of Michigan, including wine country to see the fall colors with my mom. I also like to go visit hot springs in other spaces. It inspires me.”
Kara and her dog Happy in Duluth, MN; Kara near the side of the road on the Road to Hana; Kara enjoying the sites of Wine Country in California.
studio.
Fun Facts About Kara
Life is hard, so do the best you can.
1. In her lifetime, she’s done over 50 property renovations.
2. When she lived in Colorado, Kara hiked three fourteeners (mountain peaks with elevations of at least 14,000 feet). “That’s something I’ll never do again,” she says with a laugh.
3. She also went sky diving in Colorado when she was 25. “I thought about doing it again for my 50th birthday but decided not to,” she says, chuckling.
4. Last year, she rode the entire Mickelson Trail with a friend on e-bikes. “It was so much fun!”
5. Kara grew up around horses and shared a strong bond with them. Her beloved horse Chance—whose official registered name was Tomorrow’s Chance—got sick and she didn’t ride for a while after that. “Some days I wish I had a little ranch with horses on it.”
For every “ no ”, you’re closer to a “yes.” Every time I wanted to give up, I remembered this and came back even stronger.
Top Left to Right: Kara in front of FlatIron Inn; Kara enjoying the sights of Minneapolis; Paddle Boarding near Sarasota, FL Bottom Left to Right: Kara at Moccasin Springs; Kara whale watching near Lahaina, HI
WHAT IS A HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT?
By Chris Rykwalder
Let’s say you finally set up a savings account for that kitchen renovation you’re planning to start next year. And though you’ve been diligently stashing money away, you’d love to give your cash a boost to help fund that splurge-worthy backsplash you’ve been eyeing That’s where a high-yield savings account can come in handy. These accounts offer a higher interest rate, or annual percentage yield (APY), than traditional savings accounts. The higher the interest rate on your account, the more opportunity your money has to grow, thanks to compound interest.. If you’re looking for a place to park your cash until you’re ready to decide on that kitchen tile, you might consider placing it in a high-yield savings account.
BENEFITS OF HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
Keeping your money in a high-yield savings account has its perks. Here are the top advantages to consider.
1. THEY OFFER HIGHER INTEREST RATES
There’s no official threshold that pushes a savings account’s APY into high-yield territory.; it’s more that the rates are higher when compared to the rates typically offered by banks. (This is why high-yield savings accounts are also called high-interest savings accounts.)
As of June 2024, the average interest rate on a traditional savings account is just 0.45 percent, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). But if you’re shopping around, you’ll notice that rates can be as low as 0.01 percent. High-yield savings account rates are another story. Over the past year, some APYs are as high as 5.55 percent. Let’s pretend you put $10,000 into a high-yield savings account with a 5 percent APY. After a year, your balance will grow by more than $500, assuming interest is compounded daily.
How can banks offer savings accounts with such high interest rates? APYs on savings accounts are loosely tied to the federal funds rate, which is a benchmark rate set by the
Federal Reserve. This rate directly affects how much it costs commercial banks to lend and borrow money between each other. These changes often trickle down to people with highyield savings accounts. When the federal funds rate goes up or down, APYs usually do too.
2. THEY’RE LOW-RISK INVESTMENTS
Have a financial goal you’re trying to reach within the next few years? Whether you’re funding a dream vacation next year or setting money aside for a new car in three years, a high-yield savings account is a good place to consider putting your savings.
One reason you might opt for that over an investment account is the risk of losing money if the markets get volatile—and the shorter your time frame, the higher that risk could be. Another upside of having a high-yield savings account at a bank is that your money is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000. Similar protection is available from the National Credit Union Administration Union (NCUA).. And if interest rates go up, your APY might get even higher.
A high-yield savings account can be a good place to put your emergency fund—and your earnings could also be a nice source of passive income. What’s more, your money has the chance
to grow while being 100 percent liquid. That means it’s always accessible to you in a pinch. Pulling money out of an investment account, on the other hand, could result in early withdrawal penalties and tax repercussions.
Note that money market accounts are often considered interchangeable with high-yield savings accounts, but they are different. A high-yield savings account can be more easily accessible (liquid) than a money market account. And a high-yield savings account is FDIC insured.
3. THEY’RE EASY TO OPEN
You may find that a lot of online banks advertise high-yield savings accounts because they don’t have the same overhead costs as their brick-and-mortar counterparts. That allows them to pass those cost savings on to consumers in the form of higher interest rates.
The truth is that traditional and online banks both offer these types of savings accounts, so it’s important to shop around for the best APY. You should also read the fine print on those highinterest offers because you might have to meet certain terms and conditions to qualify.
If you’re looking for a place to park your cash until you’re ready to decide on that kitchen tile, you might consider placing it in a highyield savings account.
DOWNSIDES OF A HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Like any other financial product, high-yield savings accounts have some potential downsides. Below are a few important things to keep in mind.
1. RETURNS LAG BEHIND OTHER INVESTMENTS
If you’re trying to supercharge your long-term savings, a highyield savings account might not be your best option. Investment accounts, which involve more risk, can potentially lead to better returns in the long run.
2. YOU MAY HAVE LIMITED ACCESS TO FUNDS
A big selling point of high-yield savings accounts is their liquidity, but there may be stipulations here. Up until 2020, the Federal Reserve limited consumers to six savings account withdrawals per month. That official rule is no longer in effect, but banks differ. For
ONE MORE PRO TIP
Consider keeping your savings account at a different bank from where you keep your checking. If they’re both with the same bank, it can be dangerously easy to dip into your savings when temptation strikes. Keeping things separate could help you reach your savings goals faster.
example, you may be limited to six electronic transfers and withdrawals per month. After that, you might encounter a fee if you go online to transfer funds out of your savings account.
3. THERE MAY BE FEES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
There are plenty of high-yield savings accounts out there that don’t charge fees, but that isn’t always the case. You might run into maintenance fees, overdraft charges, inactivity fees and more. Also be on the lookout for minimum opening deposit requirements. Similarly, some banks may reserve their highest APYs for account holders who maintain a certain balance. Again, high-yield savings accounts are a great option to get some growth from your savings, but it’s possible to lose money in the form of fees. Translation: Get clear on the bank’s policies before opening an account.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE OPENING A HIGH-YIELD SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Speaking of fine print, here are a few things to check for when comparison shopping:
• Whether the advertised APY is permanent or just an introductory offer
• How often the interest is compounded, and how often they credit your account with that interest (the more frequent, the better)
• How much money you need to deposit to open the account
• Whether you’ll be charged a fee if your balance falls below a certain amount
• Whether the bank requires you to open other accounts (like a checking account) to get the advertised APY
If you choose to go with an online bank, read their reviews and make sure you’re comfortable with their app. Also ask about their ATM network in case you need actual cash.
Matthew A. Culhane, RICP Managing Director
909 Saint Joseph Street Suite 202 Rapid City, SD 57701
matt.culhane@nm.com
mattculhane.nm.com
605.999.9367
IS YOUR HOME READY FOR WINTER?
As winter approaches and we are soaking up these last fall days, preparing your home for colder weather is essential to save energy and lower utility bills. Saving energy around your home or workplace can be simple, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Black Hills Energy offers tips to help you prioritize where to spend your time and efforts to make a big impact in your energy consumption.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE
WEATHERIZATION TIPS
Seal Windows and Doors Gaps around windows and doors can let warm air escape and cold air in, leading to higher energy usage. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal any leaks and prevent drafts.
Install Insulation Proper insulation keeps heat inside your home, reducing the need for your heating system to work overtime. Focus on insulating attics, walls, and basements for maximum efficiency.
Replace Furnace Filters A clean furnace filter improves airflow and helps your system run more efficiently. Change filters every 1-3 months during the heating season.
Install a Programmable Thermostat Set your thermostat to lower temperatures when you’re asleep or away from home to save energy. A programmable or smart thermostat can automatically adjust to your schedule.
Black Hills Energy takes assisting customers with their energy costs seriously. We know that there are times in life when paying the electric bill may be difficult. To help with those circumstances, we offer a variety of programs and services to help customers in tough times.
Budget Billing Black Hills Energy offers budget billing programs to help spread the cost of heating evenly throughout the year. This can prevent large spikes in your energy bill during the colder months. You can log into your account or call customer service to enroll in budget billing.
Low-Income Energy Assistance In 2023, only 30% of the income-eligible population in South Dakota received energy assistance through the state’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). If there is a chance you may get behind on your energy bill, it’s important to apply before the situation becomes critical. Applications for this year’s heating season are currently being accepted.
Black Hills Cares partners with local assistance agencies to help eligible customers pay their energy bills or emergency energy-related expenses. The program is supported through the generosity of our customers, employees, and our Black Hills Energy Foundation.
Black Hills Energy works hard to provide safe and cost-effective energy that you can rely on all-year long. You can find these tips and resources on our website at www.blackhillsenergy.com. A little preparation for winter will ensure a cozy home while keeping energy costs manageable.
500,000 Ways to Use Leftover Turkey Try Them All!
By Dorothy Rosby
Whatever else happens this Thanksgiving, you can count on a few things: There will be football. There will be a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. And there will be leftovers.
As the head chef at my house, it’s not only my job to make the Thanksgiving meal, it’s my job to manipulate my family into eating the inevitable leftovers. In preparation for this year’s effort, I went to that great recipe book in the sky: the internet. As a public service, I will now share with you what I learned so that you too can use up your Thanksgiving leftovers by Christmas. And I’ll start with the star of the meal:
Turkey: Actually, you should use—or freeze—your leftovers long before Christmas. The Department of Health & Human Services recommends eating or freezing turkey within three or four days. The same goes for stuffing. Also for pumpkin pie, though I’m not sure there’s ever been a need to test that.
An internet search for “how to use leftover turkey” came up with a whopping 532,000 results. I’ll just mention a few since you probably won’t have enough leftover turkey to try them all.
Along with the usual casseroles, pot pies, tetrazzinis and ala kings, you’ll find some unusual suggestions, for example turkey gumbo, turkey calzones and turkey gouda frittata, all of which sound…uh…gouda. I’ll probably stick with my old favorite, turkey noodle soup. Honestly if it weren’t for turkey noodle soup, I’d serve prime rib on Thanksgiving.
Mashed potatoes: When cooking potatoes for mashing, I always use that time-honored rule of thumb, one potato per person and one for the pot. Unfortunately potatoes come in wildly different sizes and so do the people who eat them. It goes to show you that just because a rule-of-thumb is time-honored doesn’t mean it works. In my research, I discovered a more practical rule of thumb: Cook
half a pound of potatoes per person. But that’s not perfect either. It assumes you have a food scale and can find it when you need it.
Whichever rule you use, you may still wind up with extra spuds and according to my research, they’re safe to eat for five days. But it’s going to take you a lot longer than that to try all 3,730,000 of the results I got when I did an internet search for ways to use them. You’ll probably need more potatoes too.
I suggest trying those with the potential to reach the highest achievement of a leftover: being disguised so well that your family doesn’t even know they’re eating leftovers. Sure you can make potato pancakes or shepherd’s pie. But to really trick the family, why not try cinnamon rolls, brownies or even candy made with leftover mashed potatoes. Then bring some to my house.
Gravy: Mashed potatoes and gravy are truly a “mash” made in heaven. They go together like peanut butter and jelly, turkey and dressing and potato chips and cottage cheese. Trust me. They do go together.
But making the right amount of gravy is challenging. Some people just put it on their potatoes. Some put it on their turkey or stuffing or both. And some get on the gravy train and put it on all three. What’s a cook to do? Take a survey before dinner?
Besides some years my gravy doesn’t turn out so well. It should come as no surprise that I have more left over those years. I’m not sure it’s wise to reincarnate bad gravy in other forms, but good or bad, it can be added to soup or used
as a sauce on pasta or meatballs. Or if it’s a particularly unsuccessful gravy year, you can do what I do: freeze it to throw away later.
Stuffing or dressing: I don’t make stuffing—the “stuff” that cooks in the bird. I make dressing. And I make the kind that comes from a box. Don’t judge me. It’s good and there aren’t many leftovers to deal with. But if you wind up with some, there are many uses for it, including stuffed peppers, stuffed mushrooms, meatballs, bread pudding, casserole and more, which I think you’ll agree is much ado about stuffing.
Cranberries: There’s an easy way to avoid having leftover cranberries: Don’t serve them. And I wouldn’t except that one of my guests thinks turkey goes with cranberries like potato chips go with cottage cheese.
He’s the only one of my usual guests that thinks that though, so I always have leftover cranberries. There are plenty of recipes for using them, including treats like cookies, bars and cakes. But we always have plenty of other desserts on Thanksgiving that don’t involve cranberries. So I do the next best thing: I send our leftover cranberries home with the one guest who likes them. Dorothy Rosby has
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