That passion is evident in her business, but it also rings true throughout her life, from nonprofit involvement to family life and a commitment to authenticity.
Growing up in Alexandria, Louisiana, a small city in the central part of the state, Inkka says everything was oriented around family — whether that included immediate relatives or the community surrounding you.
“That’s one of the things I love about back home is wherever you go, people make you feel like you’re family,” Inkka shares.
Inkka attended college just a few hours south of home, at Southern University in Baton Rouge, and it was during her senior year that the opportunity to move over 1,000 miles north to Sioux Falls arose.
She had been dating Julian Beaudion — her nowhusband — since high school, and there were several things pulling him to Sioux Falls, from a surgery for his torn ACL, to his mom who already lived there and a promising job opportunity.
“He was going to move there and stay, and I was like, ‘What? South Da-who? Where’s that on the map?’” Inkka smiles.
That summer, she rode the bus all the way from Louisiana to visit, and Julian and his mom took her to see all the highlights of downtown and Falls Park. When she returned home, she told her dad that she had really enjoyed the city and saw it as an opportunity
to step out of her comfort zone and see what life had
“As the oldest of five siblings, I don’t think either of my parents were really ready to see me leave, but my dad was very supportive,” Inkka adds.
“He never wanted to hold us back and always wanted us to go out and take opportunities. My mom was a bit hesitant, but now as a mother of three girls myself, I completely understand that.”
It was a potentially risky decision, but Inkka says she knew she wasn’t making this change for just anyone.
“I knew I wasn’t taking a chance on someone I didn’t know or didn’t have a future with, and we made it work,” Inkka explains.
“We didn’t have anything to our name, and that first year when we got here, we both took jobs in the kitchen at Apple Tree and just took our time getting adjusted to Sioux Falls and saving up money.”
Inkka held a variety of jobs over the years before things began to align for her to pursue cooking. It wasn’t a linear path, but ultimately, cooking became a way for her to create community.
“Where we grew up in Louisiana, food is our connection to people, it’s literally food for the soul. One of the things I feel has really impacted me in wanting to be able to pursue it has been how food can bring people together the communion that can happen over a meal,” Inkka shares.
It was during a short stint living in Pierre, where Julian was stationed as a state trooper, that Inkka got her first opportunity to cook in a restaurant setting. She was working at a bank, and the bank’s president happened to own an upscale restaurant in town. Inkka would occasionally cook for her colleagues at the bank as a way of sharing and connecting with
people, and the president asked if she would like to be a featured chef at his restaurant.
“It was the first time I got to be featured and create a dish for people to enjoy in that capacity. I made crawfish etouffee, which is a very popular dish back home. I wanted to do something authentic,” Inkka adds.
After they returned to Sioux Falls, she found another job in the financial sector, but soon felt like she was just going through the motions. Julian encouraged her to take a step away from the corporate world and follow her dreams.
“I was pushing myself to help grow this company’s business and meet their goals, and I just questioned it, like, ‘Why don’t I take some of this same determination and hard work and do it for myself?’”
She started small, setting up tents at local festivals and introducing her style of cooking to Sioux Falls. At the time, her mother-in-law was also serving lunch — gumbo, jambalaya and bread pudding out of the fellowship hall at their church, and a local business owner reached out and encouraged Inkka and her mother-in-law to start a food truck together.
They did that together for three years before things grew to the point that they could open up their initial restaurant location in the Jones Building downtown.
“We’ve been doing this for almost ten years now, and we’ve had so many supportive people who are truly, genuinely proud of our growth, and that’s very helpful. Some days are rough, and I have moments of asking myself, “Why am I doing this? For me? Or for the people? And what’s the right answer? It’s a hard balance.”
Inkka says that tension can be a real challenge in the service industry, and it’s something she makes a point to check in on with herself.
“I should be doing this for me because it’s my passion, but sometimes you lose sight of that because it’s all about the people and you want the people to have a good experience,” Inkka explains.
That tension has heightened in recent months, as Swamp Daddy’s has faced multiple setbacks in their physical location, from flooding to a chemical leak that shut down business for about eight months.
“We got so much support and pressure from people saying, ‘We miss you guys,’ or ‘We can’t wait for you to reopen.’ It was a lot of pressure and very overwhelming, and I really had to take time to recenter and refocus and show up for myself first. I wanted to take that and use it as fuel, as an opportunity to give purpose back to the life of Swamp Daddy’s,” Inkka says.
Ultimately, the people and community that are created over a meal are what fuels that purpose and passion.
Photos Top to Bottom: Inkka’s first time visiting Colorado Springs; Julian and Inkka visiting one of their favorite local bookstores in New Orleans, a favorite travel tradition; Inkka having fun in the kitchen at a private catering event at the Culture Cove; Inkka’s three girls Jamiah, Jalayah and Jalysse on a family trip to Kansas City
“I miss seeing my regular customers and those conversations — not even about the food particularly, but you get to know people, to really know their stories, their kids, about their jobs. It really builds community, and that’s what I think about when someone is opening a restaurant — that it’s more than just the food. The food is just the pathway to connection,” Inkka adds.
Inkka has taken initiative to personalize and customize her business in a way that fosters that connection, from the open concept of the kitchen to the people she hires. She also says that finding ways to focus on herself and her other passions helps keep her authentic.
She is heavily involved in a variety of organizations, including the African American History Museum, ACE Collective, Juneteenth Sioux Falls, FaceIt Together, and The Hub, a nonprofit started by her husband to help the BIPOC community flourish in business.
In her spare time, she also enjoys outdoor activities like roller skating, running and hiking. Ultimately, however, family comes first. Her three daughters, Jamiah (13), Jalayah (9) and Jalysse (4) are all in different stages of life, and she loves finding ways to come alongside each of them, whether that’s shopping and makeup with her oldest or playing and exploring outside with the younger ones.
The whole family prioritizes dinner time together each night, where Inkka says they sit around the table, say grace and enjoy phone-free time filled with jokes and conversation.
“It’s our time to focus on us without any external distractions,” Inkka says.
She also emphasizes the incredible support and encouragement from her husband, Julian.
“We’ve been together for so long, and we continue to develop and grow, and we’re not the same people we were years ago. Being able to continue to love each other through all the transitions in life, and the amount of support he’s given me, whether that’s financially, encouragement or manpower, that’s something I greatly appreciate,” Inkka shares.
“To this day, he still takes the opportunity to do the sweet things, like we were dating, even though we’ve been together for a very long time. He always shows me how much he loves me and supports me, and I know that being a business owner and a mom without having such a supportive partner would be a lot more difficult.”
Photos Top to Bottom: Julian and Inkka swimming in the cave in Tulum, Mexico; Ladies night out in Omaha. Inkka loves to spend time with her friends making memories and having fun; Inkka making meat pies at home for dinner; Family trip to Disney
A few years ago, Inkka participated in the Warrior Run a 5k obstacle course — in Iowa, and placed second out of all women. She was really proud of that, and is excited to be doing it again in a few weeks.
Inkka’s favorite dish served at Swamp Daddy’s is the pastalaya. I love pasta, and it brings together all the flavors and components of jambalaya, but we substitute pasta instead of rice.
Inkka and her family just got a new dog, a sheepadoodle named Beignet. They love taking him for walks, and he’s been a really great addition to our family.
Inkka’s mother-in-law, Gwendolyn, who goes by “Mama Gwen,” still shows up to help out in the restaurant and especially loves to make her signature bread pudding.
Though the effects have been extremely challenging, Inkka says people did get a laugh out of the fact that when the condo above the restaurant flooded their space with 800 gallons of glycol, an antifreeze material with a slick, lime green consistency, it looked like something out of a Hollywood movie — a true “swamp” effect.
By: Lauren Johnson
If you like the idea of snuggling up with a good book and a sweet treat while the aroma of coffee wafts through the air, this event is for you! Come meet local authors, attend a writing workshop, or relax with a latte at the first-ever South Dakota Literature and Lattes book event on October 25-26 at the Brandon Golf Course. This multi-genre book event is free and family-friendly and features book signings and panels by authors from South Dakota and across the country.
The hosts, mother- and daughter-in-law, Paula Miller and Myja Miller, came up with the idea because they wanted to have a book event in South Dakota that was close to home.
“Readers and writers have been wanting to find something in our area without having to travel for a day to get there,” says Paula. “After chatting about it, we thought, ‘Why don’t we just do a book event ourselves; how hard can it be?” Myja laughs, “We found out later that it would be a lot harder than we thought.”
Myja previously worked for the South Dakota Humanities Council, where she served as an apprentice for the Festival of Books. “I loved being immersed with fellow book lovers and I wanted to continue bringing opportunities where literary creatives across South Dakota could share their work, meet one another, and continue building this amazing community,” Myja says.
Paula and Myja attended the Wild Deadwood Reads book fair last year, and they were hooked. “We loved talking to the writers and congregating with people who understand you on that level, who like to write and read and talk to authors.”
Literature and Lattes has added vendors to the creative mix, including food trucks, coffee baristas, treats, and a plethora of coffee and book-related merchandise to delight any book lover. “It’s something that anybody can come to,” Paula says. "If you come with your friends or family, there is someone who can savor the fudge, drink coffee, read a book, or join a class about publishing. There’s a little bit for everyone.” More information is available at www.sdliteratureandlattes.com.
D.E. CARLSON
HEIDI HERMAN
C.S. KJAR
DAWN FORD
“We want our audience to know we’re doing this for them, and we’re doing this for our fellow readers, writers, and coffee lovers in the tri-state area,” says Myja. “We want to serve the community and create an environment that is warm and inviting, where people can just come and enjoy the experience alone or as a family. South Dakota inspires such beautiful creativity that we’re happy to foster an event that supports authors from across the country, too.”
The venue at the Brandon Golf Course is nestled in a quaint valley and hugged by Split Rock Creek. “It’s a great location, and the landscape and view from the golf course center is stunning,” Paula says. “The golf course is a marriage of beauty, affordability, and the ease of travel. It’s easy to come in and meet the authors, browse their tables, and buy their books. And there’s plenty to do in the area if you’re coming to town for the weekend.”
Swag bags go to the first 25 people through the door, and the proceeds of a silent auction will benefit Bread Break, a non-profit organization focused on reducing food waste and fighting food insecurity. They achieve this by sourcing surplus food from various local providers and facilitating its distribution to community food banks, shelters, and social services. "Bread Break volunteers take bread to places like domestic abuse centers or veterans’ organizations, and Myja and I thought we’d like to help someone else while we’re trying to bring authors together," Paula says.
“We’re hoping Literature and Lattes can become a permanent fixture in the East River community. We’re hoping that there will be a lot of enthusiasm so we can stay around for a very long time,” says Myja.
ANGELA SCHMELING
DAWN STEPHENS
EMILY G. WATSON
DORIS GUGGISBERG
MILLIE COPPER MARY YUNGEBERG
By: Michaela Feldmann
When you look better, you feel better. Julie Haagenson, co-owner of JuLiana’s Boutique La Femme in Sioux Falls, knows that firsthand.
“It gives me the best feeling to watch someone just find the greatest outfit. They light up, they’re happy and they’re excited. It always ends with a hug and out the door they go,” Julie shares.
For eight years, Julie has been operating JuLiana’s Boutique with her best friend, Lana Olshove, offering women elevated, contemporary, elegant clothing in the downtown area.
“I love when a woman walks into the store and we can help brighten her day. The experience we give our customers is top-notch. You’re not going to be ignored. You will be handed a beverage if you want one, and you will receive personalized, hands-on attention. Maybe they’re looking for a new outfit for an event or they’re having a bad day and we can be a small part of lighting that fire in them again and helping them invest in themselves.”
Julie knows how important investing in yourself truly is.
“As I aged and went through menopause, I started gaining weight in my tummy area. I had a C-section when my daughter was born and soon, I had this flap there. I work out all the time. I have a personal trainer. I eat well. I’m not a smoker and I only drink wine occasionally, but I could do a thousand sit ups and it’s not going to go away,” Julie explains.
To be the best and most confident version of herself for her customers, Julie decided it was time for a change.
“Finally, I said to my significant other, ‘Honey, I cannot stand this anymore.’ My pants don’t fit right, and I can see this literal smile on a tighter fitting dress. I want to have a consult for a tummy tuck.’ I wanted to look like how I felt on the inside,” Julie explains.
So, Julie went to the doctor she trusted – Dr. Breit at Plastic Surgery Associates.
“I trust them so much there. Dr. Breit did implants and a lift for me in the past. They make you feel so comfortable. They’re warm and friendly from the second you walk in the door, and they treat you like family. Dr. Breit has the best bedside manner. I can’t say enough good things about them.”
Two years later, Julie says it’s the best thing she ever did for herself.
“I can’t even begin to tell you how life-changing it is and what it did to boost my confidence. Finally, I feel like I can wear these clothes that fit right. It’s unbelievable. I don’t even know the word to give you. I would do it a million times again.”
It was also the right time for her personally.
“I think everything worked out when it was supposed to. If I wouldn’t have gone through that menopausal weight gain, I don’t think I would have thought of it. I wanted to do it before I was 60, and I did.”
Julie says not only did it change her physically, but also emotionally and mentally.
“We have to invest in ourselves. Who else is going to? If you’re not feeling your best, it’s harder to take care of your family, friends or clients. I think for me, taking care of my body, being healthy, trying to get good rest, eating and exercising right – I’m able to do all those things better because I invested in myself. Your partner is happier because you’re happier. When you’re in a better mood and everyone is seeing that, it wears off on them, too.”
Julie’s positive experience with Plastic Surgery Associates is something she is proud of, and she says it’s something she’s never afraid to talk about.
“My partner just told me the other day that I look brand new. That was the best compliment I can get because I feel brand new. I’ve always been honest about what has happened and what I’ve had done. I don’t think you should feel shame or feel bad because you’re trying to improve yourself. It’s not for the world, it’s for yourself. If you can afford it, it is such a good thing. To me, I think of the longevity of it all. The more you take care of yourself, the longer you’re going to be around. It all works hand in hand.”
Julie says it also makes her better at her own job of helping women feel confident and beautiful.
“When I come in and I’m confidently wearing the clothes we sell, it helps make women feel happier and more confident that they can wear the same things. Even if they’ve never had a tummy tuck or procedure, they can see how confident I am wearing the clothes. They know I can help them get that same confidence. Helping people feel better is such a great profession to be in and is such a great feeling.”
Life is too short to eat boring food.
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!
By: Lauren Johnson | Photos By: Harberts Media
As first-time home buyers who were new to the Sioux Falls area, Maddie Crabtree and Austin Bormann worked with husband-and-wife team Vince McCormick, builder with SmartHomes605, and April McCormick, realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, to help take the couple’s dream of home ownership to the next level.
“Through the whole process, they were upfront, proactive in communications, and you never really felt lost in the process or left feeling uninformed,” says Austin. “They were extremely transparent, which was one of the biggest reasons we wanted to work with them to design and build our home. They were so personable and had such integrity.”
“We hadn’t been in the Sioux Falls area long when we decided to build,” Maddie says. “We give them a lot of credit for helping us out with communication about Sioux Falls and helping us conceptualize the market and building industry.”
Austin and Maddie’s home is designed with many smart and beautiful customized details in this unique, onestory ranch home with four bedrooms and two baths. Even though Maddie describes the couple’s design and décor styles as slightly different, given that she prefers more Bohemian style and he prefers more modern, she credits April with helping to guide them in mixing both of their styles.
“We both have to say that April and Vince found the way to mesh our styles,” Maddie says. Austin agrees, adding that they helped push the couple outside their comfort zone about things they didn’t know and couldn’t conceptualize at first. “If we had gone with all of our original mindsets, the house wouldn’t be as lovely as it turned out.”
The couple’s home at 100 N. Mystic Creek Circle has a striking presence with a series of dramatic pitched roof lines, contrasting wood, stone and flat surfaces, and dark bronze framed windows in whimsical shapes and sizes. From outside to inside, these large window areas are inviting and one of Maddie and Austin’s favorite features.
“I love the natural light that the windows bring throughout the house,” Maddie says. “The windows are so big and cast so much sunshine that we don’t have to turn on the lights at all during the day. It’s a very efficient home in that way.”
“I love the natural light as well, and I love the modern architecture and more progressive building features,” Austin says. “It stands out and looks very different from other homes in the area.”
Entering through the front door into the foyer you are greeted by a pass-through fireplace, a welcoming feature that transitions you seamlessly into an open floor plan living space. In the living room, the fireplace is a visual delight with its floor to ceiling stacked stone facade in deep rich color tones and texture. While the soaring ceilings add spaciousness, the ceiling fan, fireplace, and adjustable recessed lighting work together to create warmth. Maddie says it’s a lovely space to stay in and hang out. “It’s a cozy, homey feeling to be in together.”
The kitchen features stone panels in classic, black, white, and grey that continue up into the backsplash for a smart, contemporary look and feel, while the modern flat panel cabinetry contrasts both the color and texture of the stone with warm wood tones. The quartz countertops are both beautiful and easy to maintain.
“I love the large kitchen counters,” Maddie says. “I love to be in the kitchen and able to cook with plenty of space and storage.” The pendant lights add whimsical charm as they dance in the space above the center island. The island is the major food prep space with easy clean up with the sink, dishwasher, and trash pull out right there.
Austin and Maddie selected luxury vinyl plank flooring to flow throughout the house as it gives you the warmth and
feel of wood flooring, while being water repellent, scratch resistant, easy to maintain, and great for kids and pets.
The light wood tones flow seamlessly through the house. In the bathrooms, the combination of dark flat panel cabinetry and contrasting large porcelain tiles with the look of Carrara marble create a modern yet timeless look and feel. In each bathroom the materials are used differently to make each space unique, yet the consistent color tones make the whole house design flow.
Maddie especially loves how the tall ceilings continue into the shower where they chose a waterfall shower head that is super fun!
For Austin, some of the featured details he most enjoys are the smart home products from Dupont Pro. They provide security systems with smart tec controls and surround sound speakers throughout the house. Another favorite for Austin is the way April and Vince helped maximize space where they wanted it most, like in the entertainment and kitchen areas.
The couple included the installation of a panic room off the primary bedroom for several reasons. “We have quick access whether for a storm shelter or 911 situation,” says Austin. “If it’s in your garage, then your cars are parked over it, making access difficult.” Just like in a favorite mystery movie, the room is hidden by a bookshelf and opens by pulling on a book.
The couple are moved in and loving their new custom home. “I probably walked around for the first two months just taking it all in,” Austin says. “It took a while to feel like this was really ours.”
Vince & April
When you enroll in one of Mitchell Tech’s more than 35 high-demand, high-tech programs, you will experience the best technical education available.
How do we know that Mitchell Tech may be your best choice?
• Fully Accredited
• Numerous Program Accreditations
• Military Friendly School Since 2010
• Many Dual Credit Options Available
• 99% Job Placement*
• Regionally Unique Programs
The bottom line . . . if you want to be the best, you have to work hard, learn by doing and put your skills to work in the real world.
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.
How IsolatIon Can Lead to Elderly Depression
It is important to be aware how isolation can be a significant factor in depression among seniors. As individuals age, their social circles often shrink due to the loss of loved ones, retirement, or health issues that limit mobility. This reduced social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, which, if left unaddressed, can lead into depression.
Isolation-induced depression appears because of a lack of social interaction. In other words, if the elder doesn’t have a strong support network or spends a large amount of time alone, isolation (and subsequently depression) can sometimes set in. Some studies have even found that perceived isolation—the feeling of being isolated even if you aren’t—can also have negative effects.
Psychology Today highlights that social isolation can occur by choice. For instance, some individuals may consciously decide to withdraw from social interactions. This type of intentional isolation might be temporary, such as during events like the COVID-19 pandemic, where social distancing measures were necessary for safety. However, when isolation becomes a long-term choice, the individual may be referred to as a “shut-in,” a term often used to describe those who have little to no contact with the outside world.
On the other hand, social isolation can also result from circumstances beyond an individual’s control. For instance, if it’s the middle of winter and snow and ice starts to accumulate on the roads, the senior may have a difficult time getting out, which creates a lack of social interaction until the roads become clear. Or, if the senior has poor health, it may make it more difficult to go out in public or make social calls, leaving the senior with a lot of time alone.
The consequences of such isolation are far-reaching. Chronic loneliness has been linked to various health problems, including cognitive decline, weakened immune function, and increased mortality. Moreover, the psychological impact of isolation can be severe, leading to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and deepening depression.
At StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living, we recognize the importance of maintaining social connections for our residents’ mental and emotional well-being. Our facilities are dedicated to creating a vibrant, engaging environment that combats the negative effects of isolation. We offer a variety of activities such as games, crafts, live entertainment, socials, holiday events and more, all planned to engage our seniors and create a loving and fulfilling environment.
We believe that every senior deserves the opportunity to live a life full of joy, connection, and purpose. By prioritizing social engagement and providing a warm, community-focused atmosphere, we help our residents build meaningful relationships and maintain a positive outlook on life.
L I f E IS Sw EET IN S TONE yB ROO k SUITES !
OUR MISSION
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.”
AMENITIES
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
SERVICES
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
If you’re considering assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Personal pendant system
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
• Oil Change
• Install New Spark Plug
• Install Fuel Filter (If Needed)
• Clean/Lube Drive Assembly
• Check Shear Pins & Grease Auger
• Check Impeller
• Lube/Adjust Cable & Chute
• Check/Adjust Belts & Tires (If Needed)
• Test Equipment To Ensure Performance
• Clean Machine
FOR THE
By: Molly Barari | Photos By: Blue Hour Creative
The love story of Kylie Daniel and Jayce Huska began when they met in nursing school during the pandemic. After graduation, they both got jobs as travel nurses and they have traveled all over the country together, including the Seattle area twice, where they became hockey fans. During their travel nursing adventures, they also picked up golfing.
“We started golfing as a way to get outside after work,” explains Kylie, 26, who is originally from Iowa. Jayce, 29, grew up in Vermillion.
The couple had been golfing at Grand Falls Casino and Resort at least once a week when they noticed a wedding party taking photos on the golf course. This planted the seed of an idea: perhaps they could also get married at Grand Falls.
On a gorgeous summer day in August of 2023, Jayce proposed to Kylie on the 18th hole. The couple had been dating for six years, and they knew it was time to commit to forever.
“It was such an exciting moment!” shares Kylie. “I knew I was ready to spend my life with him.”
Jayce and Kylie took the next step and set up a meeting with Cindi Johnson, Group Sales Manager at Grand Falls Casino and Resort, to start planning the big day. They realized that their vision of getting married on the golf course could become a reality.
“We realized that getting married at Grand Falls Casino and Resort was surprisingly affordable—and they offer so many amenities for guests, like a pool, spa and casino,” says Kylie. “Cindi was incredibly helpful as we planned our perfect wedding day.”
The Huska wedding took place on August 17, 2024, exactly one year after the proposal on the green. Jayce and Kylie were married on the 10th hole tee box.
“It was the perfect day—not too hot, and not too windy,” shares Cindi. “Kylie was the most beautiful bride.”
“It was wonderful having our closest family and friends there to witness us committing ourselves to each other forever,” says Kylie. A buffet dinner and reception inside the resort with 200 guests followed.
Kylie describes the wedding vibe as minimalistic, yet elegant. “We wanted it to feel like a nice night out somewhere.”
And very nice it was. Grand Falls catered dinner for the guests, serving beef short ribs and parmesan-crusted walleye. The couple rented a dance floor from a vendor in Sioux Falls, which guests enjoyed all evening. After the reception was over, several people in the wedding party moved to the casino for more fun.
“What I appreciated the most about Grand Falls is that it could host the rehearsal dinner, the ceremony and the reception all in one place, and the staff was incredibly accommodating,” says Kylie. “We also stayed in the spacious bridal suite Friday night, and our stylists came to our room Saturday morning to help us get ready.”
“It truly is a gem out here,” adds Cindi. “People don’t realize that you can get married on the golf course, have your reception here, and have all your guests stay here. We had eight weddings this past year!”
Kylie says the scenery at Grand Falls can’t be matched anywhere else. “It’s gorgeous there, being out on the golf course for the ceremony and seeing the falls behind you. Blue Hour Creative took stunning sunset photos near the waterfall. At that moment, there were some people finishing up their golfing game and one golfer gave Jayce a bottle of whiskey and said, ‘Here you go, groom!’ It was a fun memory!”
The newlyweds are heading to Wisconsin next, where they will continue to work as nurses. They plan to travel and experience different regions and cultures until they are ready to settle down and buy a home.
“We’d recommend Grand Falls Casino and Resort to anyone planning a wedding,” says Kylie. “It was a wonderful experience from start to finish.”
ABOUT GRAND FALLS CASINO & RESORT
Grand Falls Casino and Resort is located just outside Sioux Falls, SD in Larchwood, IA and is an ideal location for weddings, conventions, corporate events, Christmas parties, anniversary parties, and golf tournaments. The resort has 163 guest rooms, an indoor pool with an indoor/ outdoor hot tub, an outdoor pool, an entertainment area, a casino gaming floor with live music on weekends, a spa with a full line of services from facials to massages to manicures and pedicures, Ruthie’s Private Dining; and a great buffet on weekends. The golf course is open April 1-October 1. For more information, visit www.grandfallscasinoresort.com or contact Group Sales Manager, Cindi Johnson, at 712-777-7777 Ext. 3579 to plan your perfect event.
1415 Grand Falls Blvd., Larchwood, IA 51241 (712) 777-7777
grandfallscasinoresort.com
By: Sarah Grassel | Photos: Corey Gross Photography
Never out of style, furs are the best in quality and warmth to stock up on before the winter months are here. Eilers Furs in Sioux Falls has been serving the region for more than 95 years and is excited to share their products and services in a new location! Owner and fur enthusiast, Brandy Ann Fiala says, “We are now located where the old Tip Top Tux place was and are already seeing more traffic than before.”
With the business’ lease at The Bridges at 57th Street coming to an end, Brandy decided that now was the perfect time to relocate. “As one of the first tenants in the previous location, it was a difficult decision to part ways. In the end, with our current trade routes and business, I feel it will make a positive impact on Eilers Furs,” Brandy explains.
With winter around the corner, only time will tell if the new location will bring the impact that Brandy is hoping to see. From previously owned consignment products to new garments and accessories, Eilers Furs has a large storefront for customers to browse. Stop in at 2425 S. Shirley Ave. Suite 107 to walk through the new layout or drop off your custom orders and consignments.
One of the big changes with the new storefront is layout. Now, instead of one mixed room with consignment products and new designs, there is separation. Customers who are looking for modern works or brand-new accessories have a direct browsing area whereas customers searching for the perfect authentic vintage piece have their own space.
Some of the previous customers that Eilers Furs has worked with have already shared positive feedback with Brandy about the change and are excited to continue working with them.
Brandy adds, “As the only furrier in the tri-state area, we are happy to be able to serve such a wide range of customers as well as meeting the needs in our local community as well.”
Founded in 1927 by original owner William Eilers, the business has been focused on reserving the art of fur crafting with passion, pride, and a steadfast commitment to quality. William and his wife brought professionalism and their dream to life and family. Eventually, Eilers Furs passed onto William’s eldest son, William “Bill” Eilers Jr. Keeping it in the family helped maintain their quality of products and service overall, which Brandy says is still key to the success of the business.
Before taking over operations at Eilers Furs, Brandy was one of the dedicated customers who came back year after year for new product or upkeep services. “My passion for fur products really started in 2011 after a house fire that burned all of my winter garments. Once you go fur, you never go back because you learn that there really is nothing warmer or more comfortable,” Brandy shares.
Eilers Furs doesn’t just stop at coats and jackets, though. There is a lot you can do to repurpose furs. In addition to light and heavy-weighted coats, customers can shop
for a variety of winter accessories from hats and gloves to hand-made and beaded slippers, purses, vests, and more. “We are excited for our new manufacturer that will be shipping us little elephants, lions, and puppies that are made from real fur in addition to our teddy bear stock,” Brandy says.
Customers who already have furs from their own hunting experiences or that have previously-owned products can also bring in their product to bring new life to it through repair or repurposing. Pillows, earmuffs, etc. Brandy smiles, “You name it, we can do it.”
Another new product Brandy is excited to offer clients is fur boots with a kick. They have ice picks that can flip out for a little extra grip during any midwestern ice storm! With a new location and new products, the remainder of 2024 is looking up for Eilers Furs as Brandy carries the business into a new period of success. Be sure to check them out in store or online at www.eilersfurs.com
be Warm, feel Fabulous, wear Fur.
2425 S. SHIRLEY AVE. STE 107, SIOUX FALLS, SD 57106 (605) 335-6021
EILERFURS.COM
By: Heather Casper-McLay, DNP, ANP-C, AOCNP
id you know that women in the United States have a 1 in 8 chance of developing breast cancer at some point? Did you know that there will be over 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed this year in the United States? Did you know that breast cancer can also affect males with just over 2,500 cases diagnosed annually in this country? October is breast cancer awareness month, and this is a good time to review some important facts regarding breast health.
There are two types of breast cancer risk factors, those that can be modified (modifiable) and those that cannot (non-modifiable). Modifiable risk factors include things like diet, physical activity, and lifestyle. Nonmodifiable risk factors include things like age, genetics, family history, race, and breast density. Understanding your personal risk for developing breast cancer is important and should be discussed with your provider.
To address modifiable risk factors, there are a few things individuals can do to lower the overall risk of breast and other types of cancer:
• Maintain a healthy weight and limit overall weight gain with aging
• Participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five times per week
• Avoid or limit alcohol intake to no more than 0.5 - 1 alcoholic drink per day
Most current guidelines indicate that women of average-risk for developing breast cancer should begin screening with mammography at age 40. The frequency of mammography should be discussed with your provider. Women at high-risk for developing breast cancer may need to begin screening with mammography at an earlier age and may also need additional imaging such as breast MRI or breast ultrasound.
Be sure to follow-up promptly with a medical provider if you notice any of the following:
• Lumps or pain in the breasts or underarms
• Rash or skin changes on the chest or breasts
• Nipple changes or discharge
• Swelling of the breasts
This October, and every month, be sure to understand your risk factors and modify when possible. Be alert to changes in your breasts, and discuss overall risk and screening options with a provider. Taking these steps can lead to improved overall health, better breast health, and early detection of breast cancer.
At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, we believe in helping you feel confident, comfortable, and empowered in your body. Whether you’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a transformative change, our board-certified surgeon J. Anothony Breit, MD and board-eligible surgeon Brady Coburn, MD offer a range of breast procedures tailored to your unique goals:
• Breast Augmentation: Enhance size, shape, and symmetry for a fuller, naturallooking silhouette.
• Breast Lift: Restore a youthful contour and firmness to combat sagging or loss of shape.
• Breast Reduction: Relieve discomfort and achieve a more proportionate shape for improved comfort and confidence.
• Breast Reconstruction: Rebuild and restore your breasts after mastectomy with compassion and precision.
Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and beautiful, natural results. Ready to take the next step? Let’s work together to create a plan that’s just right for you!
Envision Your Event with Us
At Gate City Events & Lodging, we offer a customized experience for personal and business needs! Rely on us for holiday parties, corporate events, family gatherings, life celebrations, and events of any size! Our chic, rustic venue features two distinct areas that can be rented separately or together, depending on your event's needs and guest count. Whether you’re needing a large space to accommodate up to 360 guests or a smaller intimate space to host 100 guests or less we have you covered!
Explore our recent upgrades, including a refurbished venue floor, bar, and exterior. Our new indoor patio and outdoor space feature bar access, fire pits, and turf, all framed by an elegant black fence for added privacy. With our open vendor policy, you can bring your unique vision to life. Enhance your event with accommodations in our on-site rental house, which can host over 20 guests and includes a saltwater pool. We also offer cozy motel rooms and full hook-up campsites for additional lodging options.
Ready to create a memorable event? Schedule a tour today to see all the details and discover the endless possibilities at Gate City Events & Lodging!
Event Venue | Rental House | Motel Rooms | Campground
Happy Fall! Back by popular demand, we are excited to announce our next closet sale event… but with a twist! Introducing the Sioux Empire Closet Sale x Fall Edition! Five local socialites in the Sioux Empire area are coming together again for an unforgettable event of the season! We are thrilled to back in the fall season with a new venue and vendors that we have lined up. Grab your calendars and tell your shopping ladies because you won’t want to miss out on this event!
What is a ‘closet sale’ exactly? This is a rare event to shop inside the closets of five fashionable Sioux Empire ladies at the beautiful Prairie View Event Hall right off the interstate in Tea! All of the ladies agree that their industries; influencing,
Sizes:
Tops, Jackets, Dresses: XS-3XL
Jeans & Bottoms: 2-18
Shoes: 8-11 (1/2 sizes included)
Home Décor
event planning, modeling, and entrepreneurship bring them more clothing, shoes, décor and accessories than the average consumer.
Trends are constantly changing, as are the seasons, so it is an opportunity for these ladies to make room in their closets for more new and upcoming trends to share with their followers. With each sale the selection and the quantity of everything gets a little bigger! At this event you’ll be able to shop for clothing, shoes, jewelry, home décor, handbags and more! Many of which are brand new or barely worn. We’ll have clothes from all four seasons in a wide variety of sizes.
Vendors:
Prairie View Event Hall
Cultivated In Love Charcuterie
Jane Lee Studios Permanent Jewelry
MEET AND FOLLOW THE HOSTS:
Erica Wilcox
Influencer, content creator and clean beauty advocate behind Best Dressed Blonde. I’m a fashion enthusiast who shares my passions, purpose, and love for my community on social media! Online you’ll find me sharing the best deals, latest trends, toxin-free beauty, all sprinkled with a little humor. My style could be described as, everyday closet staples, pops of trendy, and versatile pieces. I’m excited to bring my vast selection of fall fashion as it’s by far my favorite season to dress for.
Kaylee Slagus
PLUS-SIZE FASHION INFLUENCER AND CURVE MODEL
• BEHIND KAYLEE.SLAGUS •
Plus-size fashion influencer and curve model. My content is dedicated to celebrating our bodies as they are, with a strong emphasis on self-love and plus-size fashion inspiration. I aim to empower women of all sizes to embrace their confidence, feel sexy, and own their power. Online, you will find me sharing all the plus-size and tall girl fashion finds. My style ranges from comfort and athleisure to streetwear, bodycon, and oversized styles.
@KAYLEE.SLAGUS
LIFESTYLE INFLUENCER
• BEHIND KAYLAMARWALDNER •
Influencer and content creator behind kaylamarwaldner, with a passion for supporting local businesses. I love all things fashion, lifestyle & fitness! My content includes day-today snippets of my daily life while sharing my go-to products, general fashion, beauty, and healthy living. A few of my favorite brands include Anine Bing, Abercrombie, Lululemon, Mango, and Free People. My style in a few words: comfortable, but elevated.
@KAYLAMARWALDNER
Be sure to follow them all on Instagram and other social media platforms! Share this article with a shopping buddy!
Kayla Maria Waldner
BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL
• BEHIND MARILYNJOAN •
ENTREPRENEUR & EVENT PLANNER
• BEHIND LOGHINWELCH •
Entrepreneur & event planner. I’m a busy, on-the-go gal who loves to be casual, but professional with my fashion. I love finding new dresses for all the events I work and attend, but also love a good pair of jeans and a fun top. I have a very diverse array of clothing in my wardrobe that I can’t wait to share with you all!
@LOGHINWELCH
Marilyn Dikun Loghin Welch
Mommy and business professional who loves shopping and keeping up with the latest trends. My wardrobe is very extensive to match my on-the-go, active and professional lifestyle, while still maintaining work from home casual comfort. It’s no secret that I love to shop, so I am constantly updating my wardrobe. You can expect to find current, on trend pieces from me on the sale!
@MARILYNJOAN
By: Lauren Johnson
If you’ve driven between I-29 and W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls, then you are undoubtedly aware of the “big hole” that rests in between, just a few miles southwest of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. That big hole is the quarry that’s been in operation since the 1940s, first by Concrete Materials and most recently by Knife River, who took over Concrete Materials in 2018. Looking down from the top at street level to the bottom of the North Hole is 240 feet, and the portion known as the South Hole has depths that reach over 325 feet.
Its presence among commercial and residential areas is a sight to see, and the quartzite mined there has been used to construct many historic Sioux Falls buildings that reflect that pink hue throughout the city, noticeable even in the blackest asphalt on the roads in Sioux Falls. The quartzite blocks were also used to build many of the timeless, maroon-colored stone buildings downtown. Quartzite is between 1.6 and 1.7 billion years old, making it some of the oldest and hardest rock in the world.
The history of quarries in Sioux Falls dates back to the 1880s, when C. W. Hubbard and James E. Riley opened a
quarry operation six miles east of downtown. The quarry was built in 1887 and took advantage of the abundance of quartzite that is just below the surface in the area. By 1890, the successful Sioux Falls Granite Company had almost 500 men working there who cut the stone by hand and shipped it by rails to cities like Omaha, St. Louis, and Chicago to use as street paving.
The quarry’s success was short-lived though, and the economic downturn of 1891 combined with the 1893 Panic slowed production, and the company went bankrupt in 1893. George H. Perry then acquired the property and operated the East Sioux Falls Quarry Company. By the turn of the century, concrete had become the preferred building material, and workers began to leave East Sioux Falls. The city gave up its charter in 1913.
The modern company was founded in 1930, and the company transitioned to the Sweetman family in 1952, when R.S. Sweetman purchased Concrete Materials to support his existing road building and heavy construction company. Having an operational in-town quarry is extremely rare today, and one benefit for the Sioux Falls
area is that it keeps transportation and access costs low. The Chicago and North Western Transportation Co. originally provided rail service for the Sioux Falls Quarry, but the railroad company abandoned service to Sioux Falls in 1988. Concrete Materials purchased the westernmost twenty miles of track from the railroad so service to and from the quarry could continue, allowing the company to rail aggregate from the production sites to other sites. Trains typically consist of twenty-two railcars, and each car can handle up to 100 tons of material.
Making this quarry even more unique is that, in the early 1990s, a tunnel was built under Madison Street to allow the gravel truck traffic to go between the holes without interrupting traffic by going over Madison Steet.
The in-town quarry continues its operation today, and Knife River operates aggregate, concrete and asphalt plants throughout southeast South Dakota. Your fellow community members working at the Knife River quarry help to build the roads, bridges, and airport runways that connect you with where you want to go. From driveways to highways, the mission of Knife River is to build strong neighborhoods and communities and support charitable efforts with an emphasis on programs for youth, veterans, and community betterment.
Knife River Quarry continues the tradition established by Concrete Materials of providing a series of seasonal quarry tours for the community. The company partnered with Siouxland Heritage Museums, which promotes the popular tours as part of its available programs. The museum handles reservations while Knife River provides busing and tour guides.
No tours are currently scheduled, but the siouxlandmuseums.com website is the place to go for updated information. “The tours are wildly popular events, and we’ll resume in the spring or summer,” says Carolyn Johnson, museum interpreter. “Tour groups remain on the bus the entire time, and our staff discuss the historic quarrying in the area during the tour. Then, an employee from Knife River joins the bus near the quarry, and visitors get to drive around and see what a modern-day quarry looks like. It’s really something to see Sioux quartzite around the town everywhere, and then so fun to see where it all begins.”
PIGEON605.COM
PIGEON605.COM
PIGEON605.COM
B-Squad Dog Rescue transports, heals, fosters and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs.
Please think of us with your END OF YEAR GIVING!
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!
