From Small Town Roots to Big Community Impact
Mack Nelsen TEAM
Lauren Johnson, Carrie Moser, Dorothy Rosby, Kory Lanphear, Tamie Hopp, Natalie Frazier, Kristina Roth, Sarah Krecklow
Melissa Chinn 605-310-7563 | melissa@michelscom.com CHIEF
Hanna Sitting Crow 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
By Lauren Johnson • Photography by Chapters in Focus, LLC
At just twenty-something, Kallie Ruland has already carved out a remarkable path. From being a legislative page in Pierre as a junior in high school to now serving as the Senior Business Development Director for Elevate Rapid City while Kallie is also working as a Trade Specialist for South Dakota Trade. It’s a dualrole job that might overwhelm most people, but Kallie simply says, “Economic developers tend to wear many different hats.”
When she first joined Elevate, her focus was on local business retention, meeting with companies, learning what they needed to grow, and connecting them with resources to help them thrive. “It made sense to proactively speak about South Dakota Trade while working with local businesses through Elevate,” Kallie says. “Thanks to the leadership of both, they’ve allowed me to shape how that looks and how I communicate with both organizations.” She meets with 135 local companies each year, working closely with economic development organizations across the region.
Her work at Elevate recently expanded with new responsibilities in promotion, and she’s quick to credit her team for helping balance the demands of both roles. “We have an outstanding business development team, and I am excited to expand their engagement in trade and global market expansion efforts here locally.” she says. “We’re all trying to find creative solutions in economic development.”
Innovation is what drives Kallie. “One thing I love about my job is being onsite in different facilities and meeting business leaders,” she says. “I get to know what their ‘why’ is and see their passion behind the work they’re doing. It’s inspiring to see every day.”
Kallie’s ‘why’ has been with her since childhood, even if she didn’t always know what shape it would take.
“When I was young, people would ask, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ And I couldn’t answer,” she says. “I knew I wanted to make an impact, but I didn’t know what that looked like.”
She watched her mother work in local government and saw firsthand while growing up how one person could influence positive change in the community. That early exposure sparked her interest in government and public service. “That’s what inspired me to be a legislative page in Pierre when I was 17.”
From there, Kallie’s path unfolded. “I met people, learned from legislations, and was really fascinated by the process.” She pursued a political science degree at Black Hills State University. “I am a proud alumnus,” she says. “I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with a political science degree, so I added business administration as my minor to open more doors.” A six-week internship during her junior year with Senator John Thune’s Rapid City office turned into something more when, during her senior year, she received a call from Mark Haugen offering her a full-time position right out of college. “It was a huge opportunity,” she says. “I’m so grateful for my time there and still eat lunch with Mark and keep up with others in the local congressional delegation staff roles.” She calls it a “god wink,” one of those moments when life nudges you in a certain direction and you have to trust it’s the right move.
Her love story with her husband Riley seems like a “god wink” too and has its own small-town magic. Kallie was born in Wall and lived there until she was four. She and Riley went to daycare together. “When people ask how we met, I always joke that we met at daycare, and then I have to tell them the whole story,” she says. They reconnected years later through high school rodeo, then again in college when Riley, a
student at Eastern Wyoming in Torrington, visited friends in Spearfish. “We had always been friends,” she says, “and our connection grew from there.” Their families had known each other for decades, and those overlapping connections kept bringing them back into each other’s lives.
In 2022, after college after college, her time in Senator Thune’s office and getting married, Kallie and Riley were deciding what to do next. “We are horse people,” she says. “We wanted to stay engrained in horses and the rodeo that brought us together. We wondered how we would find somewhere to live so we could have our horses and stay involved with that lifestyle while also working?” The answer was to move back to Wall.
Kallie became the Wall Economic Development Director and Assistant City Finance Officer, and the couple began building their home from the ground up. “We absolutely love it. We kind of put a house in the middle of his family’s pasture,” she says. “We have our horses and an arena there. We actually built an arena before we built a deck on our house! Riley’s family homesteaded on that land, so it’s very near and dear to our family.”
Today, Riley still competes in team roping jackpots and rodeo, and Kallie participates in breakaway roping and local jackpots when she can. Their one-year-old daughter, Quincy, may already be showing the spirited personality of a future cowgirl. “She’s a redhead and has a redhead personality,” Kallie laughs. “If I had a dollar for every time someone asked where it came from.” (The answer is from both sides of the family.)
Recently, Kallie’s work with South Dakota Trade included a trip to Nuremberg, Germany, with several South Dakota companies for Interzoo, the leading international trade fair for the pet supply industry. Her role was to support companies through pre-departure preparation to ensure readiness for the mission, as well as while in-country by building strategic
relationships, identifying leads, and assisting with logistics. “Our role from South Dakota Trade is to proactively search for global partners that align with industries in South Dakota and facilitate B2B matchmaking while offsetting a portion of attendance costs through the State Trade Expansion Program grant.” Kallie says the partnership that allows her to work fulltime for Elevate Rapid City in tandem with South Dakota Trade has been a great resource for local companies to expand their markets.
Despite all these efforts, Kallie recognizes that economic development does not happen quickly. “This does not always happen instantly. It takes consistency, follow-up, and the courage to take chances,” she says. “This work is challenging, and the results are not always immediate. But over time, it creates ripple effects that shape and strengthen our regional economy.”
Kallie emphasizes that none of this work happens alone. “You can’t do economic development without partnership and teammates,” she says. “The people I work with motivate me to keep working hard, stay focused on the bigger picture, and remain committed to the impact we are able to make. A co-worker, Taylor Davis, once told me, ‘Team gain, team win,’ and it’s true.”
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I love to golf. Riley’s a big golfer, so it’s become a huge pastime for us.
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I love being the middle child between two sisters. I’m very close to my family. My sisters live in the Black Hills area, so it’s great to have them nearby.
I recently found out we are 5th-generation South Dakotans, which just expands my love and appreciation for South Dakota even more.
I’m an extremely picky eater, or what some call an ‘undeveloped palate.’ When I find something I like at a restaurant, I always order the same thing.
A lot of what I do is fueled by coffee, more specifically, Iced Dirty Chai.
By Lauren Johnson
Wild Deadwood Reads returns to The Lodge at Deadwood this June, bringing with it three days of books, learning, conversations, and the kind of experience only a room full of authors and readers can create. That’s what motivates the co-founders, Ginger Ring and Linda Rae Sande, to keep making it happen each year. “We love getting to see all our writer and reader friends who return each summer,” says Ginger. “It’s like a big family reunion.”
This year’s event takes place from June 11–13 and offers something for every kind of book lover. Now celebrating its ninth year, Linda Rae says, “Where did the time go? We’ve grown so much and learned (sometimes the hard way) what works and what doesn’t to bring about the best fair possible each year.”
Thursday and Friday feature free Learning Days, where authors and readers can sit in on sessions, sharpen their skills, and connect with others who love books as much as they do. Thursday night is the Author Meet and Greet, with light appetizers and a cash bar. Registration is required for these events, but they are free to attend.
Friday night’s Wild Book Readings bring a playful twist, with authors sharing scenes from their books while guests enjoy desserts and beverages from local vendors like Chubby Chipmunk Chocolates for a $10 fee. Saturday morning begins with the popular ‘Breakfast With the
Authors,’ a hearty buffet for $23.39 where readers can dine and chat at an author’s table before the doors open to the main event: the multi-author, multi-genre Wild Deadwood Reads Book Fair, from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
Admission is free to attend the fair, with tables full of books and swag, cover models ready for photos, and authors ready for book signings. Unlike most book events, Ginger and Linda Rae intentionally do not charge a fee to enter. “We do this for the readers,” Ginger says. “We never want anyone to miss out on meeting their favorite or new favorite author because they couldn’t afford to get in.”
Wild Deadwood Reads also gives back. The sales of raffle tickets for the gift baskets, always a crowd favorite, benefit the Shiloh Horse Rescue in Newell, a sanctuary for older and special-needs horses and a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity. “Our authors are so generous,” Linda Rae says. “You’ll find everything from books, boots, food, wine, kid’s toys, and even a Free Little Library.” Winners are drawn from 3 to 3:30 on Saturday.
For locals and visitors alike, Wild Deadwood Reads offers a chance to slow down, wander the aisles, and page through hundreds of books. “Be sure to check out all the tables,” Ginger says. “We really have books for every reader and everyone in the family! Attendees also have the opportunity to win a Kindle e-reader simply by collecting autographs from the authors in the free memory book we distribute to attendees.”
“Every writer started as a new author,” says Linda Rae. “You might just discover the next best-selling author here.”
To register or purchase tickets scan the QR code or visit their website at wilddeadwoodreads.com under the tickets tab.
By Dorothy Rosby
Technology is changing my behavior in embarrassing ways. More than once I’ve tried swiping photos in a photo album like I do on my phone. It doesn’t work. And I’ve caught myself wanting to rewind a news story on the radio like I do podcasts and television shows. That doesn’t work either, at least on my radio.
Even more embarrassing, today I left a voicemail message for a friend that went something like this: “Hope you’re having a wonderful day exclamation point. Call me period.” Yes I spoke the punctuation marks on a phone message. And it’s not the first time I’ve done it either.
You understand how that could happen if your phone has voice-totext capability and you use it as often as I do. For those who don’t, let me explain. The voice-to-text function is exactly what it sounds like. You say what you want in your text and include the punctuation marks and it types it right up. And before you know it you’re leaving phone messages like the one I left. And you’re running into friends on the
street and saying, “Hi exclamation point. How are you question mark?”
Old-fashioned texting—you know— when we let our thumbs do the talking—is dangerous enough exclamation point. See how I did that question mark?
It’s easy to hit the wrong letters on that itsy-bitsy keyboard. And even when you hit the right ones, the autocorrect may decide that instead of okey dokey you wanted to say okay donkey and instead of hors d’oeuvres you must have meant horse divorce. And it’s embarrassing to thank someone for their friendship and have the text say, “thank you for your fried shrimp.”
But the voice-to-text function is even more dangerous. Maybe it doesn’t understand jargon, accents and dialects or maybe I don’t articulate well. Whatever the case, it misquotes me pretty often. Like when I was voice texting about an upcoming airline flight. I mentioned my “carry on,” as in luggage, but it typed “carrion,” as in the decaying
flesh of dead animals. I don’t think I should take that on the plane.
I once voice texted someone, “I like my way better.” But the message read, “I like my weight better,” which was kind of mean. Also a lie.
And sometimes I use voice-to-text when the news is on, which is why in the middle of a benign text about lunch plans or a birthday party there could be a few words about a political scandal or a measles outbreak.
I’ve also been known to voice a text when someone near me is talking which explains how I can send a text with the words, “get off your phone” in the middle of it.
None of this would be problematic if I read my texts before I hit send. But, whether I text with my thumbs or the voice recognition function, I have a peculiar tendency to read texts after I’ve sent them which is as useful as putting the lid on after you’ve spilled the marbles.
On the bright side the receiver of my
message doesn’t have to wait long for me to text my apologies for any swear words or insults I’ve inadvertently texted or my corrections of any misinformation I’ve sent them. I won’t repeat the swear words. But as for misinformation, I’ll admit that I once texted someone I’d see her at 2, but the message read “I’ll see you at zoo.” Thank goodness we don’t have one of those. She might still be waiting for me.
The voice recognition application can lead to embarrassment when I’m texting but it can be downright inconvenient when I’m using it for other purposes. Like when I make a grocery list with it. Then I get to the store and wonder what I meant by Nabisco socks.
Or when I put an event on my calendar. Then the date rolls around and I see I have an appointment with a mental hygienist.
I often dictate memos on my phone when I’m out walking and come up with column ideas. I was once inspired to record a memo about the silliness of TV advertising. But it turned out like this: “Television advertising showing the power of something and meaningful beauty on the mountain. Now if only I were a melon.”
I’m not making that up. And that experience is what really inspired me to write this column. Meanwhile I won’t be writing one about television advertising anytime soon.
By: Natalie Frazier
There is a moment somewhere between a sun-baked Nevada hillside and a jewelry case in historic Deadwood where a rough, unassuming stone becomes something you’ll treasure for the rest of your life. At Dakota Sky Stone, that journey is not a supply chain. It’s a family story, told in turquoise.
It began in 1971 when Ginny, the first generation of the Tice family, drove down to the Southwestern United States to the reservations of Arizona and Nevada with an open heart and a curiosity she couldn’t shake. She fell in love with the people, the artistry, and the stones themselves. What started as a trinket box traveling the reservations became Ginny’s House of Turquoise, and eventually, the business her family still builds on today.
“The stone has to speak to you,” says Annie Tice-Poseley, third generation and the driving force behind the business today. “It has to spark your interest, and it kind of chooses you more than you choose it.”
That philosophy shapes everything. Dakota Sky Stone carries more than thirty different types of turquoise, from the bright blue ripples of Sunnyside stone to the deep two-toned greens of Royston, to the pale-to-dark blues of Kingman turquoise from Arizona. Each mine tells a different story through color, matrix, and character. The Tice family knows those stories by heart because they’ve been there.
Once raw turquoise arrives at the Dakota Sky Stone design house in Wall, it doesn’t sit in a bin waiting to be sorted. It goes to work in the hands of the family themselves. CJ Tice has become a master lapidary, shaping rough stones into the finished cabochons that will eventually become the centerpiece of a one-of-a-kind piece.
“I have a big passion for stone,” CJ shares. “We’ll get turquoise in its raw form, cut it, and shape it. There’s a lot of work that goes into it before it even becomes jewelry.” His father Jim, a master silversmith, taught him the craft, and that handson knowledge means the family isn’t just selecting pieces; they understand them from the ground up.
From there, the stones are hand-laid and curated for design. The family works directly with approximately 280 Native American artists, Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni, who have been trusted partners across generations. These are not vendor relationships. They are friendships, some stretching back to Ginny’s earliest trips to the reservations fifty years ago.
But what happens next is what truly sets Dakota Sky Stone apart: those carefully sourced stones come home to Wall, where customers can sit down with the family and help shape what they become.
“It is not just about sourcing stones,” Annie explains. “It is about the people, the land, the energy, and bringing all of that into an experience our customers can actually be part of, from choosing their stone to wearing a finished piece they helped create.”
By the time a finished piece rests in the Dakota Sky Stone display case, it has been touched by the earth, shaped by family hands, designed with intention, and crafted by an artist who learned their silverwork the same way the Tice family learned theirs from the generation before them.
That’s why Nettie has always said: “Ask questions. Trust your jeweler and ask them about the piece. Ask them what kind of turquoise it is and who made it, and if they can’t answer that, they probably don’t know what they are selling.”
At Dakota Sky Stone, they always know. Every piece is hand-selected, guaranteed, and backed by a family that has spent five decades building the relationships that make authenticity possible.
“We do our research so our customers can always rest assured that things are 100% authentic,” Annie adds. “When customers come in here, no one ever has to worry. The stones are the highest quality we can find, and so is our artistry.”
Plenty of shops sell jewelry. Very few can walk you through the mine, introduce you to the artist, and explain what a stone meant to the Navajo warrior who wore one just like it centuries ago. Dakota Sky Stone can, because they were there for every step of the journey.
You may walk in as a customer. You’ll walk out as a friend for life.
From building a business to helping clients build their futures, our financial representatives find meaning in their work every day. Read their stories to see how hard work, flexibility, and passion can push Northwestern Mutual and your career forward.
In the world of finance, it’s an advantage to work with an advisor who is not only comfortable navigating the fluctuations of the market, but one who thrives in it.
Blaine Bacon of Northwestern Mutual’s Spearfish office is exactly that kind of advisor who embraces competition and uses it as motivation to succeed.
Growing up in Spearfish, Blaine was involved in several activities. Competitive sports in high school, soccer being one, left a lasting impact on Blaine. The benefits went far beyond the game itself.
His leadership, passion for the game, and competitive drive led him to Dakota Wesleyan University, where he continued playing soccer at the collegiate level. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always pushed myself to improve year after year,” he says.
While at DWU, Blaine’s achievements extended far beyond athletics. He was recognized for his outstanding campus leadership, academic excellence, civic engagement, and character. It was also during this time that he met his wife, Madison, now a registered nurse with Monument Health in Spearfish. Together, they are raising their two young children, Layton, 4, and Bergen, 2.
Blaine began his career with Northwestern Mutual in the Mitchell office, serving in a variety of roles before realizing his true goal was to become an advisor. “I knew I
wanted to take that next step,” he explains. “Moving back to Spearfish and opening the Black Hills/Spearfish office felt like the right decision.”
Driven by what he calls “competitive growth,” Blaine embraces the challenges of the financial industry. “I have no control over the market,” he says, “but I am competitive when it comes to advising and helping others growwhether that’s their business or their financial future.”
One of the aspects Blaine values most about his career is the balance it provides. “This profession offers more than financial rewards-it gives me time,” he notes. “I can set my schedule, be present for my family, and stay involved in my community.”
That commitment to community is evident in his involvement with local organizations, including Spearfish Downtown Friday Nights and Spearfish High School’s Career & Technical Education program. “I love Spearfish,” Blaine says. “Giving back and helping create a path forward for my children and others is important to me.”
In today’s increasingly tech-driven, AI-focused world, Blaine believes the human element of his work matters more than ever. “Trust and personal connection are everything,” he emphasizes. “I want clients to know who I am, what I value, and that they can rely on me-even on their worst day.”
In addition to serving his clients, Blaine is also mentoring new members of the Northwestern Mutual team. His advice to them is simple but powerful: “Bet on yourself. Take chances, take risks-you’ll be enriched, whatever career path you take.”
Blaine Bacon, RICP® Financial Advisor
108 E Grant St Spearfish, SD 57783 605-645-7108 blaine.e.bacon@nm.com
By Carrie Moser
In today’s job market, many people are searching for more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for purpose, connection, and the chance to make a meaningful impact. At Black Hills Works, that opportunity exists every day.
For over 65 years, Black Hills Works has been dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living, working, and thriving within their communities. Behind that mission is a team of compassionate, driven professionals who bring it to life—and they’re always looking to welcome more people into that work.
Two of the most impactful roles at Black Hills Works are Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Job Coaches—positions that offer both purpose and hands-on experience.
Direct Support Professionals play a vital role in helping individuals live independently and engage in their communities. Whether assisting with daily living skills, building relationships, or encouraging personal growth, DSPs are often the steady, supportive presence that helps participants achieve their goals.
Job Coaches focus on employment success, working alongside participants and local businesses to create meaningful job opportunities.
Through guidance, training, and encouragement, Job Coaches help individuals build confidence, independence, and long-term success in the workplace.
While these roles differ in dayto-day responsibilities, they share a common thread: human connection. Employees often say the relationships they build are the most rewarding part of their work.
At Black Hills Works, a career is not a static experience, it’s a journey. The organization places a strong emphasis on professional development, ensuring employees have the tools and support they need to grow.
New team members receive comprehensive onboarding and training, setting them up for success from day one. From there, employees have access to ongoing learning opportunities, mentorship, and pathways into leadership roles.
Many supervisors and program leaders began their careers as DSPs or Job Coaches, reflecting a strong commitment to promoting from within. Employees are encouraged to explore different roles, build new skills, and grow alongside the organization.
For Erin Neal, a career at Black Hills Works has been defined by relationships—and the quiet, meaningful moments that come from building trust over time.
Erin began her journey more than two decades ago as a Direct Support Professional. Over the years, she has grown into multiple roles across the organization, from residential support to vocational services, and now serves as an internal service coordinator supporting individuals in community living settings. Her path reflects the wide range of opportunities available to employees who are willing to learn and grow.
One moment has stayed with her throughout her career. She recalls supporting an individual who was initially uncomfortable with any form of physical touch. Together, they started small with “air high-fives” and “air hugs” while gradually building trust. Then one day, that individual reached out and held her hand.
It was a simple gesture, but one that represented significant growth, trust, and connection.
Experiences like this are what have kept Erin passionate about her work for more than 20 years. She embraces a person-centered approach, focusing on “doing with, not for,” and supporting individuals in achieving their own goals, on their own terms. She’s looking forward to more years ahead at Black Hills Works.
Working at Black Hills Works isn’t always easy—but it is deeply rewarding. Every day brings new challenges, small victories, and moments that remind you why the work matters.
It’s in helping someone achieve a personal milestone. It’s in celebrating a first step toward independence. It’s in building relationships that can truly change lives.
For those who are compassionate, patient, and motivated to make a difference, this work offers something truly unique: the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself.
Whether you’re exploring a new career path or looking for a way to make a difference in your community, Black Hills Works offers opportunities to get started. From entry-level positions with training provided to roles that build on existing experience, there’s a place for individuals who are ready to learn, grow, and contribute.
To explore current openings and learn more about joining the team, visit careers.blackhillsworks.org
726 St. Joseph Steet Rapid City, SD 57702 (605) 718-6274 blackhillsworks.org/donate
By Kristina Roth
The Suzie Cappa Art Center and Gallery in downtown Rapid City has a lot to celebrate this year! It is honoring Jonna Montgomery, Artist of the Year, in addition to marking its 25th anniversary and completion of a successful building expansion.
Founded in 2001 as a program of Black Hills Works, the art center recognizes that disability is not a boundary. “The artists at SCAC are proof that in a supportive environment, every individual can learn, grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural and economic life of our community,” says Haley Friedt, art center director. “Artists’ personal and professional growth is recognized annually by selection of an artist of the year and the passing of the golden paintbrush.”
Jonna Montgomery joined the Suzie Cappa Art Center in 2020 and quickly expanded her notable artistic skills. “She puts a lot of thought and research into her projects. She never takes her eyes off her art,” says Jenn Madden, a Black Hills Works’ staff member. Jonna creates masterpieces in watercolor, acrylic, caran d’ache, printmaking, sculpture, fiber, and more. She worked diligently on her goals in 2025, demonstrating significant growth. She is delighted to be the 2026 Artist of the Year.
Jonna says, “It’s really fun to do this interesting work and see how my work has grown over the years. I like to make it stylized and dynamic.”
She especially loves anime, noting, “I hope to become a comic book artist someday and make my own series.” She’s been developing a cast of characters and storylines for several years. Like all of her colleagues at the art center, Jonna takes commissions, which further stretch her skills and subjects.
The art center was founded in memory of Suzie Cappa, a talented artist who selected her own subjects and mediums. Instruction from local artist Ida Jansen allowed Suzie to study a variety of art forms from 1985 until her passing in 1997. Selections of Suzie’s original work are on display in the art center gallery.
Thanks to her legacy, dozens of artists have had the opportunity to create, learn, and sell their art. The art center continues to thrive thanks to generous donors who provide dedicated workspaces, most materials, and a beautiful gallery to showcase the art. Grants through the South Dakota Arts Council support ongoing workshops and instruction with professional artists in residence.
Currently, up to 30 artists can be employed at the art center. And just as the artists grow and develop, the program itself has grown. Black Hills Works’ CEO, Brad Saathoff, says, “Making the art center
bigger was always a goal.” Thanks to our generous community, this long-desired expansion was completed in February! A new, second studio will allow more artists to work at the center. An additional, smaller gallery offers display space for more art shows. The expansion also includes storage for art supplies, two additional Americans with Disabilities Act accessible restrooms, and a lift to the second story.
A public reception and ribbon cutting in February celebrated Jonna and the opening of the new expansion. Visitors are always welcome to browse the gallery and purchase original, local art! The space is also available to rent for private and community events. Suzie Cappa Art Center is open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 – 4:00, at 722 Saint Joseph Street in Rapid City.
By Kory Lanphear, Photos by Erika Bratten-Cianca
It used to be that taking care of patients with a life-limiting illness was strictly the responsibility of whatever family members or even friends were around and could make reasonable accommodations. Always a very demanding and highly emotional situation, very little help was available.
The last few decades, however, have brought major improvements, thanks to the emergence of hospice care. Amazingly, in the 40-year span of the hospice program at Monument Health, only three different directors have led the department, which speaks to the consistency of vision and the high standard of the quality of care that is offered.
Often misunderstood as a strictly physical space, comparable to a hospital (likely due to the common saying that patients are “in” hospice care) hospice is more accurately described as a philosophy of providing comfort and care for those with life-limiting illnesses or who are at the end-of-life stages of an illness. The care is designed to take place in the home of the patient whenever possible. However, there are resident facilities where patients can live while under hospice care. Monument Health’s current facility in Rapid City, for example, is called Hospice House.
for Community Health Nursing in Pennington County, took over the newly formed department at Rapid City Hospital (RCH). “We had about 12 staff . We developed a program by hiring specific, dedicated staff in addition to the Home Health staff,” Dodie said. “We needed to have a social work volunteer coordinator, we needed to have chaplains and we had to do a lot of education and training. So on the basis of learning more about hospice, we grew.”
The presence of hospice care at Monument Health can be traced back to the early 1980s.
The fledgling Home Health program had four levels of care, which included routine home care, residential care, inpatient care and respite care. After about 20 years, the need for a dedicated inpatient facility became clear. “The hospice program had benefited by many generous memorials to the program, and so we did have a piggy bank that helped us to meet our goal of building a facility,” Dodie said.
That 12-bed Hospice House facility opened in 2007. Dodie retired in 2008 at the age of 65. She was later inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame, in great part due to her hospice care efforts.
Supervisor
The presence of hospice care at Monument Health can be traced back to the early 1980s. Dodie Brown, at the time a
Dodie was succeeded by Marcia Taylor, a certified institution at RCH, who spent a total of 51 years
employed there in a dizzying array of positions, many of them in leadership. She retired from Monument Health at the end of 2025.
“We worked very hard to determine what is more important: quantity of life or quality of life; comfort, reassurance, family connection or longevity,” Marcia said.
As hospice care evolved, one project Marcia’s team tackled was educating family members on how to help provide care in the home. “Just think about taking care of a loved one — brushing their teeth, combing their hair, giving them a sponge bath in the home — it’s not so easy when you don’t have a hospital room, aids and nurses surrounding you. We had to help the families learn how to do that,” she said.
One of the nurses on Marcia’s staff at the time was Marcia’s own eventual successor and current Director of Home Care and Hospice, Michelle Sieveke.
“I came to hospice and home health because my grandfather was on hospice services, and I was helping take care of him in the home along with the hospice team. I was looking at going to nursing school eventually, and they said you should come work for us as an aide,” said Michelle.
She began her career as a licensed practical nurse under Dodie, later advancing her education by earning her RN degree, followed by a Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Management. She continued to grow under Marcia’s mentorship before stepping into the Director position.
Michelle now oversees a staff of 140 employees who service about 450 patients from all over the Black Hills. “The goal of hospice is to surround patients and their families with compassionate, expert care that eases suffering and supports
the whole person,” she said. “We focus on what matters most to each individual — whether that’s comfort, connection or meaningful time together. We help families feel supported, prepared and confident in honoring their loved one’s wishes.”
Still, there are challenges. Conversations with families of patients reveals that putting their loved one in hospice care can feel like giving up. Michelle and her staff try to help reframe that thinking.“Research shows that patients who come onto hospice services often live longer. With the compassionate, high-quality
Hospice also goes beyond strictly patient care. Once a beloved family member or friend has passed, they leave behind grieving loved ones.
care we provide, we’re able to improve comfort in ways that can positively influence both quality and length of life,” said Michelle.
Another thing that community members often don’t realize is you can change your mind. If a patient is not ready for hospice, there are other appropriate options, including home health or palliative care, depending on their goals and desire to continue treatment.
Support is also needed to help cope with loss. “In the hospice program, you don’t just end it with the passing of their loved one, it starts really prior to the patient passing, with social work and chaplaincy working very closely, routinely with the families, but then it continues after the loss of the loved one with the bereavement program,” said Marcia.
The availability of the bereavement programs has extended beyond Rapid City into the different communities around the Black Hills. There are now hospice-sponsored programs in Hot Springs, Custer, Spearfish and Sturgis.
The hospice program also benefits from the participation of many volunteers. From therapy dog visits to handmade crafts to assistance with a patient’s family and friends, Hospice House in particular has flourished thanks to these selfless citizens who donate their time, energy and even money to the patients.
It’s a testament to the foundation which Dodie built, Marcia added to and which Michelle carries on that many remaining loved ones of hospice patients have expressed that they wish they’d known about what the program has to offer earlier so that their loved one could have benefited for longer.
“It’s a subject that’s difficult. It’s about what you want in life and throughout your life,” Marcia said. “What you want at 25 is different than what you want at 70 or 85 or when you develop a disease that you had not foreseen. So, I encourage all of us to talk to our families and physicians, tell them what means the most to you.”
Hospice Care
224 Elk St, Rapid City, SD 57701 (605) 755-7710
monument.health/hospice
BY CHAMBER STAFF & COMMUNITY MEMBERS
509 Grant St. Belle Fourche, SD 57717 (605) 892-676 bellefourchechamber.org
Summer in Belle Fourche is filled with opportunities for families to make memories together. From afternoons spent at the park to community events that bring neighbors together, Belle Fourche offers the perfect setting for a summer full of connection, recreation, and small-town charm. Whether you are visiting for the day or making the most of the season close to home, there is always something happening that makes Belle Fourche feel welcoming, active, and family-focused.
This month, we are highlighting summer in Belle Fourche through memories and experiences shared from the perspective of local youth — showcasing the places and moments that make growing up here so special.
This park remains one of the community’s favorite gathering places during the summer months. With its shaded walking paths, beautiful mature trees, spacious green areas, and updated playground equipment, the park offers something for every age. The City of Belle Fourche continues to invest in the park through ongoing improvements, including updates to the bandshell, playgrounds, and grounds maintenance, ensuring it remains a centerpiece for community events and family recreation. Belle Fourche truly has a showcase for all of their parks in town. Families can also look forward to welcoming the Air Force Band back to the park on June 30 for another exciting community performance.
“One of my favorite memories as a child was spending time at the playground with my friends. We would make up games, compete to see who could swing the highest, or play ‘the floor is lava.’ Whenever we got thirsty, we would walk over to Common Cents for a slushy and a snack.”
Located next to the Belle Fourche Area Community Rec Center, Highline Park provides wide open spaces perfect for picnics, games, and spending quality time outdoors.
The park features multiple playgrounds for children and a recently renovated skate park that has become a favorite destination for surrounding youth and visitors alike.
“This was the park my friends and I would go to after school, especially on nice days. Even in high school, we still loved spending time at the playground and just laughing together. We would even use the little toy shovels to dig in the dirt or play on the teeter-totter. Those are memories I’ll always remember.”
One of the busiest and most exciting destinations in Belle Fourche is the Roundup Grounds Complex during the summer season. The complex includes four baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, two rodeo arenas, picnic shelters, and access to the Belle Fourche River Walk Trail. It is also home to the Austin Jewett Memorial Playground, giving children a fun place to play while families enjoy tournaments, rodeos, and community events nearby.
Throughout the summer, the Roundup Grounds bring people together through youth sports, rodeos, tournaments, and outdoor recreation that create lasting memories for families and the community.
“One of my favorite things to do was take sunset walks there with friends. Sometimes we would pack a picnic and spend the evening by the water enjoying the view.”
Museums, Adventures, and Downtown Shopping Families can also escape the summer heat while exploring local attractions that make Belle Fourche unique. Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum offers an exciting look into the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the region, while PaleoAdventures gives visitors the opportunity to dig for fossils and experience hands-on paleontology adventures in the South Dakota Badlands. These experiences create unforgettable opportunities for children and families to learn and explore together.
Downtown Belle Fourche also offers a wonderful way to experience the town’s welcoming atmosphere. Local boutiques, western stores, gift shops, and small businesses provide a fun place for families to spend time together while supporting the local community.
“I grew up playing soccer on these fields, and later I had the opportunity to perform with the Belle Fourche Cowboy Band during the rodeo. There was always something happening here, and it has been exciting to watch the complex continue to grow over the years.”
For families looking to enjoy the outdoors, Orman Dam is a favorite summer destination just outside of town. The area offers beautiful scenery, peaceful walking opportunities, fishing, camping, and plenty of space to relax and enjoy nature. Nearby Rocky Point Recreation Area hosts campers, fishing tournaments, and programs such as Veterans Outdoor Therapy, making it a popular location throughout the summer months.
“As I got older, I realized how important it is to support local businesses. One of my favorite things is getting to talk with the owners and seeing the passion and joy they have for what they do.”
From parks and playgrounds to community events, outdoor adventures, museums, and local shopping, Belle Fourche truly is a place where families can create meaningful summer memories together. The sense of community, connection, and hometown pride is what continues to make summer in Belle Fourche special for residents and visitors of all ages.
109 SHERMAN STREET SILVER CITY, SD 57702
MLS #177985
Set along the scenic banks of Rapid Creek just minutes from Pactola Lake, this exceptional fully furnished estate offers over 4,200 square feet of custom craftsmanship surrounded by the beauty of the Black Hills National Forest. Combining luxury, privacy, and direct access to year-round outdoor recreation, this is a rare turnkey opportunity in one of the most sought-after areas of the Black Hills.
Inside the main residence, soaring 23foot ceilings, exposed wood beams, hardwood floors, and a stunning floorto-ceiling stone fireplace create a warm yet dramatic great room filled with natural light and breathtaking creekside views. The chef’s kitchen is designed for both style and performance, featuring granite countertops, professional-grade appliances, a walk-in pantry, breakfast bar, and the character-filled “Silver City Saloon” wet bar perfect for entertaining.
The spacious main-level primary suite opens directly to the deck overlooking Rapid Creek and includes a beautifully appointed ensuite bath and convenient main-floor laundry. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms share a full bath and a cozy loft-style sitting area overlooking the great room below.
The walk-out lower level is built for relaxation and recreation, offering a large family room with direct creek access, a dedicated fly-fishing room, a guest bedroom, and a full bath. Completing the property is a beautifully restored 1918 guest cabin featuring two bedrooms, a full bath, and open-concept living space ideal for guests or extended stays.
Whether enjoying trout fishing on Rapid Creek, floating to Pactola Lake, exploring nearby ATV and hiking trails, or simply relaxing on the heated covered porch surrounded by nature, this property delivers an unmatched Black Hills lifestyle in every season.
LORI BARNETT Owner/Broker
