team of writers
Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox,
Lauren Johnson, Natalie Frazier, Stacey Kracht, & Kari Leiting
Account Executives
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
Jill Foley
712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
Chris Hilson
605-661-9940 | chris@michelscom.com
Editor
Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com
Photography
Shane Monahan Photography www.shanemonahanphotography.com
Desmet Pageant
graphic designers
Makenzie Jorgenson
Ashley Carrison
Flint Farley
chief of operations
Hanna Michels
605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
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Rebekah Scott reads her obituary three to five times per week.
Yes, you read that right.
While she admits the practice sounds “a bit creepy,” she says that writing, and then regularly reviewing and rewriting her own obituary helps ensure that she’s building a legacy she’s proud to leave behind.
She sums up that legacy in the following line: “I want people to leave me with a renewed sense of joy of what they, too, want to accomplish.”
Rebekah’s accomplishments are many, and from the looks of it, she seems to have it all together. As a wife, mother of four, and a successful entrepreneur, she wears a lot of hats — sometimes literally. She’s incredibly stylish — and truthfully, she does have a knack for balancing it all. But the best part is, she’s passionate about teaching other women how they can, too.
She started her business, Rebekah Scott Designs, a custom handmade purse and accessory brand, in 2004 as a way to stay at home and raise her babies while doing the creative work she loved — sewing. Since then, she has expanded the business to include a line of leather products, 1948 Leather, as well as The Encourager, a podcast and coaching program.
From the outset, Rebekah has been committed to undoing what she refers to as the worldly lies that women are told about what they can accomplish. She says that many women are convinced they have to choose between raising children or pursuing a creative talent or career.
“I’m here to remind them, over and over, that you can do both, not always both at once, but I’m sick and tired of hearing the message that you have to choose,” Rebekah shares.
“Why would God have given us the desire and ability to have children and unique talents if we weren’t meant to do both?”
Rebekah Scott Designs grew out of her love for sewing, which was nurtured from a young age. Rebekah grew up on a ranch in Philip, South Dakota, and she remembers being four years old, watching her mom work away on the sewing machine.
“I watched her be super joyful while she was creating. She would sing and hum, and I always wanted to be near her when she was in that kind of mood,” Rebekah added.
She also recalls being around ten years old and realizing that the handmade items her mom was selling at a local show were underpriced.
“I was doing the math, and I was like, ‘You’re not making anything off this with the cost of materials and the time involved.’ Looking back, I learned a lot about quality and charging what you’re worth, and I was always quite entrepreneurial-minded,” Rebekah explains.
She went on to study radio and broadcasting in college, but says she probably should have pursued design instead.
“I remember being told that there’s no way you could be a successful designer in the Midwest — you’d have to go to one of the coasts — and subconsciously that’s probably why I went into broadcasting.”
Clearly, whoever told her that was dead wrong. Today, Rebekah runs a successful design business from her farmhouse in Valley Springs, South Dakota, all while putting her family first. It’s a testament to her belief in pursuing what makes you light up in life.
“I actually have the phrase, ‘Own who you are’ federally trademarked. What I mean by that is that you were uniquely created, and it’s okay to step into that. Don’t let the world tell you who you should be, own exactly who you are and who God made you to be.”
She emphasizes that “having it all” is not about doing everything at once. She believes that these
different areas of life — she often refers to them as systems — can integrate harmoniously.
In fact, part of her coaching program includes tips and tricks for mastering the five systems she says everyone operates within — yourself, your food, your home, your work and your family.
As a coach, she encourages women that it is possible to find success in each of these areas, but sometimes it’s a matter of “doing things at 80 percent, or if that’s too overwhelming, even just giving one percent,” and doing what you can, whether it’s just sending one email or switching a load of laundry.
The world often shows two extreme ends of the spectrum for women, and Rebekah wants to make it clear that there’s a balance and an in-between — that’s where the magic happens.
“You’re either told that it’s cool to be chaotic and wear a messy bun and leggings and not get anything done, or that you have to have it all perfectly put together, and I want to use my resources to provide simple things women can implement in ten minutes to show that it is possible,” Rebekah shares.
One of the life hacks Rebekah is known for is timing everything she does.
“The majority of the time, the reason we get so overwhelmed is that we don’t know how long something will take. When you know a task will only take 10 to 15 minutes, you just don’t get as overwhelmed,” Rebekah shares.
On a larger scale, she says her faith and relationship with God are a driving force behind all her decisions.
“Everything I’ve ever done goes through this filter. First and foremost, I’m a servant of God, then a wife, then a mother, and finally a business owner. In everything I do, I ask, ‘Is this allowing me to serve God? Does it allow me to be a good wife? To be a good mom? And then, what will it do for my business?’” Rebekah reflects.
Across the board, in every system and role, Rebekah brings abundant joy and fun to her life.
She says her family and her team — more than 20 women, all of whom get to work from home — have always been supportive of the way she chooses to operate.
“I worked from home before anyone did, and I love to think that they’ll have good memories of that,” Rebekah says.
“DON’T LET THE WORLD TELL YOU WHO YOU SHOULD BE, OWN EXACTLY WHO YOU ARE AND WHO GOD MADE YOU TO BE.”
Her husband Nick, whom she met at church camp at age 13, works on the farm and also does construction.
“He’s off the charts supportive. He’s never asked me to get a real job and rarely says no. He’s even let me sell livestock to start projects when we haven’t had an extra dollar to spend,” Rebekah smiles.
When it comes to balancing work and her kids, she recalls a moment from when they were building her at-home studio.
“I fought tooth and nail to ensure that the door to my studio was huge. I never wanted the kids to think, ‘Oh this is Mommy’s studio, and this over here is our life.’ We harmonize both of them together, and I am never not available to them,” Rebekah explains.
She aims to lead with fun when it comes to her kids, who range in age from 9 to 17, and living on a farm provides endless opportunities for that.
“We like to go four-wheeling and watch the sunsets. We’re calving right now, so I got to wrestle a calf the other day. We also have horses, and in the summer, I like to let them sleep wherever they want — in the back of the pickup, underneath the stars, in a tent — we really try to keep things out of the ordinary,” Rebekah shares.
She’s also the type of mom who will show up to school pick-up in a costume, just to make her kids laugh.
“I love making things light and funny. We’ve had tragedies in our life, and I’ve learned how important it is to hold space for both sadness and joy,” she adds.
That balance and harmony is what defines Rebekah’s approach to life, and it has been key to her success. It’s not about everything being perfect or even faking it ‘til you make it, but acknowledging the challenges and finding space for joy, whether it’s one percent at a time or 80 percent.
That’s a legacy worth writing about.
Top to Bottom: Rebekah’s kids on a coral at their farm, from left to right, Iversyn, Gus, Rozelyn, and Pixyn; Two of Rebekah’s nieces, Kinley and Olive; Rebekah after participating in a mud race; Rebekah popping confetti at the Junkstock Show in NE for show season; Family photo after Nick and Rebekah renewed their vows; Nick and Rebekah renewing their vows at Storm Mountain Church Camp (20 years), he proposed again in the same spot
She is a closet dog lover (they use theirs for work but she loves them beyond reason!)
She loves fitness and challenges (She did 13,242 burpees one year), she also rarely passes up a pull up bar (ego involved!)
She loves costumes so much that she has three bins for live events including 5 blow up costumes
She dreams about tiny homes and stylizing them
She is a twin
and her
Top to Bottom:
dressed in her Christmas
in her St. Patrick’s Day costume for a school appearance; Chore time with Nicholas; Rebekah’s family on the bridge at Storm Mountain Church Camp where she first met Nick; Rebekah dressed up 80s style for the ‘12 Days of Christmas’ giveaways promotion
B-Squad Dog Rescue transports, heals, fosters and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs.
Donate As a small, 100% volunteer-run organization, we rely solely on private donations to raise the funds needed to rescue and care for the dogs in our program. Your generous contribution will have an immediate impact on dogs in need today!
Adopt Dogs in our program reside in foster homes in the Sioux Falls, SD area. Our process is designed to match potential applicants and dogs to be set up for a lifetime of success!
Foster Fosters are the heart and soul of B-Squad Dog Rescue! If you have a love for animals, making a difference, and a can-do attitude, you may be the perfect foster!
Volunteer We truly couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers! Our ability to change lives is directly dependent on the number of volunteers we have. If you want to help save dogs while having fun with a group of like-minded people we hope you’ll consider joining us!
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When walking through the doors of Dakota Sky Stone Jewelry, the bustling noise of tourist crowds filing through Deadwood is quickly replaced by Nettie Tice’s voice recalling joyful stories of her mother, traveling to Native American reservations, trips to stone mines and learning about the traditions of different cultures she has been able to share with her children and her grandchildren.
That family story is not only captivating to customers who flow in and out of their stores, but something that truly makes Dakota Sky Stone remarkably unique and special. Throughout four generations, they can still recall and bring it all back to the family roots which started it all.
Striking a passion in the early days
“How do you wrap up a lifelong legacy into a short bit?” Nettie Tice asks.
Nettie Tice was born and raised right here in South Dakota. Growing up near Keystone, this midwestern area is something she has always known. Her father Clint was a traveling insurance salesman who frequently visited Native American Reservations in Arizona and New Mexico in the late 60’s. During one trip, he met an artist named Justin Morris, whose talent and artistry amazed him.
Being so intrigued and amazed by the jewelry he discovered, Clint brought his wife Ginny to Arizona the very next week to take part in learning more about turquoise and the artistry behind it. She immediately fell in love with everything about the turquoise and that would be where the family passion and urge for more knowledge was ignited.
According to Nettie, each time her mother would travel with her dad she would bring back more and more turquoise pieces in a little black trinket box. She would stun her friends and even sell some pieces. Most South Dakotans had never seen this type of jewelry before.
Fast forward to 1971. Ginny let the entrepreneurial spirit she had developed through the years guide her into opening her very first turquoise jewelry store, “Ginny’s House of Turquoise.” In 1974 Ginny opened another storefront through her own building they called “Ginny’s Village,” which was quite the landmark for Rapid City for decades. That building housed 16 stores including her own turquoise shop and a dress store on top of it all.
“The artists would come in, and movie stars would come in and buy jewelry from us because no jewelry had ever been brought in like this,” Nettie shares. “She was the pioneer of bringing in this kind of jewelry.”
With that trailblazing spirit, the love for the art of turquoise would trickle down through the generations.
Throughout the years, Nettie has collected her fair share of memories traveling to stone mines, and Native American reservations with her mother learning everything she could about turquoise and the process artists experienced to create such beautiful works of art. She fondly recalls the respect and care for preservation her mother had for different tribes and the symbolism behind their work. That mutual respect led to many valuable relationships her family has built throughout their work.
While sharing stories of their travels to her own children, Nettie continues to instill that respect for the art and process in her own children who have since continued to share stories, knowledge and passion to their children. That devotion to the quality and process behind their jewelry is evident from the moment you step into their stores.
Nettie married her husband Jim in 1980. With his already budding love for creating jewelry, Jim quickly became intrigued by the processes of Turquoise and the Native American artistry.
“We opened our first store in Deadwood in 1983,” Nettie adds. “At one time we had eight stores, but our artists couldn’t keep up with us. We still have our store on Main Street Deadwood,” Annie shares. Annie and her family opened a Wall store in 2006.
Annie Tice-Poseley, Nettie’s daughter, remembers vividly working with her mother and grandmother before she could even see over the jewelry cases in the store. She has been inspired by the relationships that have been made throughout the years and is so excited to see the same passions that grew through her becoming a part of her own children’s lives.
“I am looking forward to watching the next generations have the passion and the love that my mother did,” Nettie shares. “If I can instill that in my children, grandchildren and hopefully great grandchildren, what an honor it has been to work with the people we work with and to have what we have as far as the Black Hills. It is so important.”
A dedication to authenticity, telling stories and creating new ones
A constant theme throughout the story of Dakota Sky Stone is the dedication the family has to preserving the art of Native American artists. They have continued to travel, learn and share their experiences with the younger generations of their family.
“I don’t even know what to say besides I am just incredibly blessed,” Annie’s daughter Zoe says about getting to experience the travel, culture and knowledge she has been afforded.
Customers that visit Dakota Sky Stone can rest assured that the quality of the turquoise and other stone jewelry they offer is top notch. Stones are hand-picked by members of the family and Native American artists work in tandem with the family to create the beautiful pieces you see in their cases.
“We try to go to the reservation and respect and learn what they believe in,” Nettie says. “Each tribe is different, and they have a different spirituality in the way they do things.”
Dakota Sky Stone works artist direct with around 280 artists that help design all different kinds of jewelry pieces. In addition, the store is home to more than just turquoise and house painted pottery, beading and local photography. The family prides themselves on their ability to give a local, family-made product back to their South Dakota community. Straight from their family to yours, Dakota Sky Stone has a piece for everyone.
“South Dakota is a wonderful place,” Nettie reflects.
Their deep-rooted love for South Dakota is why it is so important to all of them to make sure they can vouch for the jewelry they place on their shelves. The process of choosing a piece of this art should be stress-free for those who stop by their store. It should feel like working with a trusted friend.
The Tice Family agrees that they enjoy being able to share their family story with turquoise and the ability to help others tell their story through the pieces they create. Jim summed up their philosophy perfectly. “Whether it is the connection Ginny was making in those early days in Arizona, a captivating family tale told by Nettie herself or even a sweet smile from Zoe, with her sweet family puppy in hand, you leave Dakota Sky Stone feeling inspired by the family legacy that is alive and well in the heart of the Black Hills.”
“You may walk in as a stranger to our store, but you will leave as a friend for life,” Jim shares.
The Medical Assistant is a professional, multi-skilled person who assists in all aspects of medical practice. Medical assistants help physicians examine and treat patients and perform routine tasks to keep offices running smoothly.
Medical assistants perform clerical duties such as answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, completion of insurance forms, handling correspondence and arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services. Clinical duties include taking and recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examination, collecting laboratory specimens, administering medication (excluding intravenous), authorizing prescription telephone orders and preparing patients for X-rays. Opportunities exist in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and insurance companies.
Our mission is to prepare you for a successful, skilled career. Come and visit or check us out online and you will find out how you can Be The Best at Mitchell Technical College.
Here’s this summers it-list for everything you need to wear this season. We’re seeing a lot of trends returning from the 90’s, including some minimalistic fashions as well as style genres rising to the top of the trending charts.
These are everywhere! You can find them in a matching set or pair with almost any bottom and you’re good to go!
Florals are taking a backseat to a minimalist pinstripe that can be found everywhere from swimwear cover-ups on up to 2-piece suits.
If it has raffia, you’re trending! You’ll see this textile in all footwear styles.
This dressier style short doesn’t have to be for dress-up occasions only. Throw on a basic tee and sneakers for a clean mix-n-match style.
The return of the infamous skort! We saw this a lot in athleisure last year and this year we’re seeing it the most in denim.
Whether it’s a jumpsuit or a romper, you’ll find every style and shade in this trending garment.
The chunkier the better with this earring trend. You can find this in hoops, teardrops, and everything in-between.
The key to this one truly is the length. You can rock just about any style jacket, but when out shopping, look for the cropped length.
Quiet, luxury vibes are on-trend with this elegant and luxe looking handbag style.
This genre is all the rage! Think boots, lace, denim one-pieces, hats and braided details.
Ready to upgrade your makeup & skincare this summer?
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and the free shopping app, LIKEtoKNOW.it, to see links to these items, daily sales and looks for summer! @bestdressedblonde
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.
since I could dress myself. I was every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get asked for fashion advice.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I an internship and study trip, I knew
not sure where to go with it.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty my personal website, Instagram showcase my passions!
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find
makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON PROVIDING OUR CLIENTS WITH UNDIVIDED ATTENTION AND THE ENERGY THEY DESERVE ON THEIR SPECIAL DAY. OUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY IS CENTERED AROUND UNIQUE COLOR PALETTES, SOFT TEXTURES, AND INTENTIONALITY IN EVERY DETAIL.
In 1993, Bridget Hoefling started Tri-State Nursing with one goal in mind: to create a complete staffing solution for home health care, hospitals, long-term facilities, clinics and industrial sites. Present day, almost 31 years later, she has achieved her goal and is adding services to better the Sioux Empire medical community. Tri-State Nursing offers a unique outpatient clinic that focuses on function and outcomes. They pride themselves in being able to help and treat clients from time of hire until they retire, specializing in workers’ compensation and the ability to save companies money.
With the growth of Tri-State Nursing, Bridget has teamed up with John Stollberg (OTD, OTR/L, CHT, CKTP, ASTYM Cert., CEAS, CPAM) and Cassandra Feske (PT, DPT, SASTM cert.), to bring Tri-State Nursing Occupational Health and Therapy Services to the Sioux Falls area.
“We’re hoping to be a resource for the Sioux Empire area for doctors, healthcare professionals, employers and patients who really need therapy services,” John says. At Tri-State Nursing, it’s their goal to keep
employees and the community healthy. Specializing in workers’ compensation, the organization provides services beyond the typical occupational and physical therapy.
“We are providing post offer employment testing, functional capacity evaluations, work conditioning, drug screens, fit for duty testing, job analysis and ergonomic assessments,” John explains. “Those are our main heavy hitters.”
Tri-State Nursing Occupational Health & Therapy Services focuses on function. The more they know about your day-today activities and, in some cases your workplace, the better. The organization offers a series of services that really incorporates all. “From anyone who might be having some pain to being proactive from the rehab side, or employers who have somebody who has pain, we’re a new resource for the Sioux Empire area,” John shares. Patients can expect to receive comprehensive care and individualized treatment sessions.
“We focus on the person and function,” says John. “We want to make sure you’re completely tended to and not looked at like a number.”
With their given mission and values,
Tri-State Nursing Occupational Health and Therapy Services will truly be able to provide one-on-one patient care. And as a Certified Hand Therapist, John brings his own expertise to the practice. “We have specialties in our practice that make sure we are able to treat patients to the best quality, and really get what they need. That will set us apart. We have different specialties that we either have, or are willing to get, to make sure we’re fitting our clients’ needs,” he says.
Bridget, John and Cassandra and their team of professionals look forward to working with you, helping you focus to meet your goals, whether it is for your own well-being or that of your employees. Professionals with pride. Right here in Sioux Falls helping companies establish a healthy way of life with freedom of movement.
To learn more about how Tri-State Nursing Occupational Health and Therapy Services can help, call 605.271.9980.
President and CEO of Tri-State Nursing
Bridget has owned Tri-State Nursing for 28 years – and they are still growing. The company currently serves over 16 states now. “We have added the Occupational Health and
Therapy clinic to our services as we discovered there is a need in helping employers with their work comp and company needs,” says Bridget.
OTD, OTR/L, CHT, ASTYM cert., CEAS, CKTP, CPAM
John is excited to bring the company’s unique services to the Sioux Falls community just as they have in Sioux City. “Sioux Falls is a city that keeps growing and is always bringing new opportunities to the marketplace. What makes us truly unique is how we are more than just a physical therapy and occupational therapy provider,” shares John. “We help employers with injury management and injury prevention in the workplace. We offer an extensive service line
that covers all of your Occupational Health and company needs.” TriState Nursing Occupational Health and Therapy Services’ leadership team has specialized in work comp for many years and has been able to serve numerous employers, insurance companies, and MDs over time. “Our focus is to help companies find a program that is specific to their needs and to help them encourage a healthy workforce and by saving them money overall,” says John.
PT, DPT, SASTM cert.
Cassandra began her educational career at South Dakota State University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with a Health Science minor. She then continued her education at Briar Cliff University where she received her doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Since graduation, Cassandra has worked in private outpatient physical therapy clinics where she has specialized in balance/vestibular rehab, pre/post-surgical rehab, manual techniques, and acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries related to personal and work.
By: Stacey Kracht | Photos By: Desmetpageant.org
he Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant showcases the Ingalls family, famous first residents of the town, and is held annually at 43387 Rose Lane in De Smet, South Dakota. Set in the Big Slough from Ingalls Wilder’s books, the outdoor theatrical production can be viewed from the provided seating or lawn chairs brought in. After gates open at 6 pm, and before the 8 pm show, guests can enjoy live music, wagon rides, face painting, historic children’s activities, concessions, and gift shop. The pageant is held the three weekends following July 4th and the 2024 performance dates are set for: July 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21.
“The outdoor setting is part of the show, held on the prairie looking out on the Cottonwood trees that Charles Ingalls planted,” says Ann Lesch, member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Society’s board of directors and employee at Ingalls Homestead. The pageant is a community theater organization, with volunteers acting in and producing the show, greeting guests at the gate, working the concession stands, and more.
Ann explains that the pageant’s humble beginnings attracted thousands and quickly grew. “The pageant started right before the television show, and once that became popular, the pageant [also] grew quickly.” The Hallmark Playhouse radio show presented “The Long Winter” starting in 1951 and it can still be listened to online. Stemming from that initial broadcast, locals became interested in producing it.
“The Long Winter” was first performed in 1955 in the local high school auditorium and again during a summer arts festival in 1968. Because of its popularity, it became an annual occurrence, and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Society was founded in 1971. It was originally produced on the Ingalls homestead grounds, and later in 1974 the land across the road was purchased, and the theater has overlooked the Ingalls homestead ever since.
Over the years, the performance has featured all of Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House” books set in De Smet, SD. “That’s what we’re doing again this year,” Ann says. “We have a new three-show series we are writing and producing this year.” The series is called “Laura’s Dakota Stories,” and this year’s pageant is subtitled “Prairie Girl.” Next year’s title will be “The Hard Winter,” and “Daughter of the Prairie” will debut in 2026.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant Society hosts additional events on certain performance dates. This year, a panel discussion and presentation by authors of new books about Ingalls Wilder will be held. “We focus a lot on the books because five of the nine books in the series are set here in De Smet,” Ann shares. On all three Saturdays of the pageant, a reader’s theater-style cemetery tour will feature historical individuals buried in the cemetery. In addition, a non-denominational church service will be held on pageant grounds on Sunday show dates. A full schedule will be available on their website at https://www.desmetpageant.org/.
The pageant is just one component of a rich tradition of arts and culture in De Smet. Other historical attractions include the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society, the Loftus Store, the Ingalls Homestead, and the Depot Museum. “They each complement each other very well,” Ann says. “People come for the pageant and don’t realize the other things you can experience in De Smet.”
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society houses the largest collection of Ingalls family artifacts, hosts a different exhibit every summer, and offers guided tours
of the Surveyor’s House, the First School of De Smet, and the Ingalls Home.
The Ingalls Homestead is defined as the quarter section of farmland the Ingalls family acquired during the Homestead Act of 1862. Guests can take a covered wagon ride, attend a one-room schoolhouse session, make a corn cob doll, or grind wheat and twist hay as portrayed in The Long Winter.
The Loftus Store sells Laura Ingalls Wilder souvenirs and is the only remaining building on the town’s main street, Calumet Avenue, that was featured in Laura’s books.
For more information, you may call the Laura Ingalls Wilder Memorial Society at 800-880-3383 or the Ingalls Homestead at 800-776-3594, or you can email questions
The Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort’s commitment to providing its guests with an exceptional all-around experience only heats up as the summer months approach. They continue to provide patrons with numerous opportunities for an extra special vacation.
Marketing Director for Grand Falls, Greta Stewart, says “The commitment to exceptional experience is ingrained in our corporate mission; the goal is to make each visit the gold standard.”
“We really work hard to make each guest feel like they are a priority here, because they are,” Greta adds. “We really want to remind people that they don’t have to travel far to feel like they are on vacation.”
From certain amenities opening up over the summer, to summer holiday meals, Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort has a little bit of something for everyone to feel like a V.I.P. on their next vacation.
“Grand Falls offers so much more than you may think,” Greta shares.
Beat the summer heat with the Grand Falls outdoor pool lounge
With summer rapidly approaching, Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort is excited to open its outdoor pool lounge.
Guests can kick back and enjoy a relaxing poolside environment while having the opportunity to order food and beverage service from a lounge chair or cabana.
Throughout the summer, live music will be held in the lounge area every Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The pool will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are not a guest at Grand Falls you don’t need to worry, as daily passes are available for $25.
“The pool is one of our best-kept secrets,” Greta says. “Our pool is super relaxing. You get full service while kicking back and enjoying the water, food and drink, and sun.”
Greta suggests getting to the outdoor pool lounge early as cabanas and lounge chairs are first come, first serve and fill up quickly once the summer weather hits. In addition to the outdoor pool lounge, Grand Falls has an indoor pool and indoor-outdoor hot tub that is open all year around to hotel guests.
“Our golf course is truly a work of art,” Greta explains. “The Falls is a championship golf course which is a big deal to those serious players. You won’t find anything like it in the area.”
The 18-hole course was designed by Rees Jones, a designer who has created over 100 different courses throughout the world. Jones’ courses have been home to 16 major championships and a variety of different professional golf events. The Falls spans over 7,100 yards and is home to gorgeous views of the countryside, and includes a 30-foot waterfall that flows into a 12-acre lake.
The beautiful layout and attention to detail in The Falls Golf Course will create a memorable experience for novice players and experts alike. To top it all off, the golf course also offers a fullservice golf shop.
As the summer months approach, tee times are already filling up fast. You can find more information online at Grand Falls’ website on how to book a tee time.
Not your typical Midwest Casino
“We have a lot to offer out on our gaming floor,” Greta explains.
The Grand Falls Casino will make you feel like a Las Vegas high roller without without buying a plane ticket. You won’t have to travel far to receive that red carpet casino feeling. The casino offers the latest slot machines and video poker as well as table games throughout the gaming floor. You can even step away for a break at the Center Bar or Sports Bar and Grill.
Throughout the summer, the casino offers free live music on Friday and Saturday nights in the Center Stage Lounge.
A Local Luxury Experience at Ruthie’s Steak and Seafood
Ruthie’s is known to be an intimate dining experience that allows you to experience an elegant luxury meal while still feeling comfortable. The high-end American steakhouse brings the finest Midwestern cuts of steak and the freshest seafood to your table complemented by other local house-made fare.
Greta says that throughout the summer months guests can look forward to a variety of summer holiday meals. The brunch buffets at Robert’s Buffet will be open for the Fourth of July and Labor Day.
Whether you wish to relax poolside at the outdoor pool lounge, hit the links on a meticulously groomed 18-hole course, or enjoy luxury cuisine, Grand Falls Casino Resort and Golf Resort has your summer fun covered.
JUNE 1 VS. IOWA 7:05 PM
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Renner Days is back for its annual event held August 16-18, when the Renner community throws a three-day celebration to benefit Renner Fire Rescue, the community’s local volunteer fire department. The big event allows locals, visitors, and vendors to support each other as they bring in the bucks for their local heroes.
“It started back in the ‘80s, when the fire department did a public safety day and luncheon,” says Brenda Hoek, a veteran committee member of 14 years. “Then, the Monarch Lounge was hosting a car show, and they decided to combine the events and have them on the same day. Since then, it’s grown to be a bigger and much more organized event.”
Most events and vendors raise money to support the fire department, and all money raised is donated to the Renner Fire Rescue for whatever they need to purchase. “Volunteer firefighters have a high rate of cancer in general,” Brenda says. “One year the money went to help purchase new washers for the fire equipment and uniforms because of the carcinogens in their uniforms. Another year the money went toward funding for a new truck. Whatever they need the money for is their decision. Donations are necessary to supplement funds from the county, state, and federal government to keep our community and our firefighters safe,” Brenda explains. Renner Days opens with a Friday night kick-off party at Monarch Lounge at 8 pm. Saturday’s events include Public Safety Day at the Renner Fire Station, a local craft fair, an SDSU ice cream truck, lunch served by Renner Fire Rescue, Monarch’s Annual Antique and Classic Car and Tractor Show, free kid’s activities like inflatables and a petting zoo and even a kid’s fire fighter tryout. The annual Firefighter Water Wars, and the parade are must-attend activities for anyone curious about the event. “Anybody can be part of the parade,” adds Brenda. “Local businesses can drive through the parade and get ten minutes of free advertising.”
The bean bag tournament and golf ball drop round out the afternoon’s activities. “The bean bag tournament is a 50/50 pot where the winner gets 50% of the proceeds and the other 50% goes to the fire department,” Brenda shares. “This year we’re doing a golf ball drop where participants try to drop a ball into the hole to win half the pot.” There’s also a hog raffle donated by Renner Corner Meats.
Sunday activities include breakfast served by the Renner American Legion and the Renner Days Golf Tournament sponsored by the Northern Links Golf Course. Entry fees are split with Northern Links for hosting the event, and the rest is donated.
Brenda says it’s the great group of people that volunteer and support the event each year. “Everyone is willing to help out, and we all have our specialty that we focus on so it goes very smoothly. This is just a
fun time to get out be part of your community and let everyone get to know the volunteers in our fire department. It’s also great for our firefighters to see the community members in a happy environment rather than a terrible situation.”
Renner Days a win-win for all as community members get out and experience a fun event and meet people in their community, there’s no charge for kids’ activities, and the events held at local establishments bring in new business.
“I would say that the most special thing this year is who our Grand Marshal for the parade is,” Brenda says. “Dave Bond runs the Legion here in Renner as the commander. He’ll be wearing a special vest—on the one side are his patches, and on the other side are his dad’s patches. His insignia is on the back, and he’s pretty proud of that. We always try to find someone to be Grand Marshal who is involved in the community, preferably a veteran. We like to say our veterans and volunteers keep the world going round.”
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All of us at Empire know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Sioux Falls!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
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As Father’s Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the wisdom, experiences, and stories of our fathers. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or simply want to connect on a deeper level, asking thoughtful questions can create meaningful moments and strengthen your bond. Here are some questions to inspire a heartfelt Father’s Day interview with your dad:
• What are your earliest memories of your own father?
• What are some traditions or values you’ve passed down to our family?
• What hobbies or activities have brought you the most joy over the years?
• What were the highlights and challenges in your career journey?
• What historical events have left a lasting impact on you?
• What do you think is the most rewarding part of being a father?
• What advice would you give to new fathers?
• How do you feel about the advancements in technology and society since your youth?
• What are some of your most memorable travels?
• What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in life?
• When you look back on your life, what are you most proud of? How do you hope to be remembered by future generations?
These questions can serve as a starting point for a meaningful conversation that honors your father. Remember to listen attentively, cherish the stories shared, and celebrate the special bond between father and child on this Father’s Day and beyond.
Record video responses for a treasured memory!
“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.”
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We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”
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• During your consultation, discuss what areas you'd like to treat, your body contouring goals, and ask questions about treatment.
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is mental health condition that can occur after you experience or witness a traumatic event. This can include experiences like combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, or serious accidents like a car wreck. It is normal to have stress reactions to these types of events including symptoms like upsetting memories, feeling on edge, or difficulty sleeping. Most people start to feel better after several weeks.
PTSD impacts about 6% of the general population and about 11-20% of Veterans. Symptoms of PTSD include re-experiencing the traumatic event (e.g., nightmares, intense memories), avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, changes to a person’s emotions and thoughts, and increased reactivity (e.g., startling easily, difficulty sleeping). These symptoms can vary across people depending on the traumatic event they experienced as well as their beliefs and interpretations of their experience after the fact. For some people,
PTSD symptoms may start well after their traumatic event, or may come and go over time.
While PTSD can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, it is important to know there are effective treatments for PTSD. Evidence based psychotherapies, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing have all been shown to be effective at reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms. These treatments typically involve meeting weekly with a therapist to work on addressing factors that may be causing or maintaining PTSD symptoms.
The National Center for PTSD website, www.ptsd.va.gov is an excellent resource. It has information about recommended treatments and how to choose a treatment. It also provides information for family members and friends on the effects of PTSD, ways they can help, and how they can get support. The VA provides free apps for anyone to download including PTSD Coach, Beyond MST, COVID Coach, Mindfulness Coach, Path to Better Sleep, AIMS for Anger Management, and PTSD Family Coach.
For those eligible for VA services, same-day mental health appointments are available at the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. There are outpatient psychotherapy and psychiatry services available to treat PTSD and other mental health concerns. Additional services that can positively impact mental health are whole health services such as acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, yoga, and tai chi.
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