Empire

A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

A LIFE-SAVING DISCOVERY THROUGH HER EYES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE

JONES STUDIOS

EMPIRE

CONTRIBUTORS

Account Executives

Jill Foley

712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com

Cory Johnsen

605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

Social Media Manager & Administrative Coordinator

Jess Jervik jess@michelscom.com

graphic designer

Makenzie Jorgenson

Photography

Kate Jones Studios

katejonesstudios.com

JRanae Photography

Yellow Bug Photography

team of writers

Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Sarah Grassel, Joanne Fox, Samantha Brockhouse, Kathryn Swanson, & Duane Duimstra

Editor

Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com

Director of Digital marketing

Cory Johnsen

605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR

Stace Osthus

605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com

chief of operations

Hanna Michels

605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com

Hupke-Franzen

At Mitchell Tech, your tomorrow begins today. With more than 35 career-driven programs, you’ll learn by doing, not just listening. From hands-on labs to real-world experience, every step prepares you for a high-demand career.

This fall, take the next step toward your future. There’s no better way than experiencing Mitchell Technical College for yourself.

Tech Camp – Wednesday, October 22: Hands-on sessions designed just for high school students. Try out different programs, meet instructors, and see where your skills can take you.

Exploration Day – Thursday, November 6: Tour the campus, connect with students, and explore the many high demand career opportunities waiting for you.

Visit us in person or online—and see how you can get ready at Mitchell Tech.

By: Andrea Van Essen | Photos By: Kate Jones Studios

As an optometrist at Visions Eye Care and Therapy Center in Sioux Falls, she’s been trained to catch subtle signs of potential health issues. Though not an everyday occurrence, Dr. Hupke and her partners have been able to flag serious problems like diabetic retinopathy and even leukemia in patients through their eye exams.

“Eyes are an extension of your brain, and there are a lot of health things we can see with the eye that you wouldn’t necessarily think about,” Dr. Hupke explains.

It’s a skill that took on new meaning when her husband, Stewart, suddenly developed double vision, an early clue that led to his rare cancer diagnosis in 2020.

Dr. Hupke performed an initial exam on him and was concerned enough to request further imaging, which led to his diagnosis of skull base chordoma.

“Nothing was wrong with his eyes, but the tumor was compressing one of his cranial nerves, which controls how your eyes point,” she notes.

Within weeks of Stewart’s diagnosis, he underwent a 12-hour surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, followed by

two months of proton beam radiation. Nearly four years later, his follow-up scans remain stable, though ongoing monitoring continues.

That season was challenging for obvious reasons, but it was only amplified by the timing. In the midst of COVID-19 lockdowns, with three kids at home and a demanding career, Dr. Hupke recalls feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

She credits her husband’s calm and steady presence for carrying them through that period.

“He had the best attitude because he works in the medical field and sees very high-risk, life and death situations every day. He helped put me at ease because he was so calm.”

It’s a perspective their whole family has carried forward: focusing on what matters most because nothing is guaranteed.

They are intentional about making time for each other, whether it’s weekends at the lake, family mealtimes, or trips together, like their recent celebration in Kauai for her parents’ 55th wedding anniversary.

Photos left to right: Taking in a Duke Men’s basketball game at Cameron Indoor Stadium; Enjoying some beach time over the long winter; Their annual Halloween work group costume

“Obviously, things can change very quickly, so you try to enjoy every day,” Dr. Hupke adds.

Raised in the small town of Langford, South Dakota, Dr. Hupke grew up with strong family ties and a solid work ethic modeled by her parents. Her father farmed while working at the local school as the business manager, and her mother was a nurse.

At the University of South Dakota, she earned degrees in business and biology with the intent of pursuing physical therapy. A summer shadowing experience changed her plans.

“I had a great mentor who encouraged me to consider optometry,” she recalls. “I liked the mix of medical care and long-term relationships with patients.”

She went on to earn her doctorate in optometry at Pacific University in Oregon. The program culminated with internships in Portland, OR, Redmond, WA, and Maui, where she even fit in a skydiving adventure. Despite enjoying the experience of living out west, she always knew she wanted to return to South Dakota.

“Family pulls you back,” she added.

Stewart was her high school sweetheart; in fact, all four of their parents went to high school together in Langford as well. After Jennifer graduated from optometry school in 2002, the couple got married in 2003 and moved back home shortly after.

At the time, optometry jobs were hard to come by, an issue she says has completely flipped now. Initially, she took a position at the Walmart Vision Center in Mitchell for about 9 months before an opportunity arose in Sioux Falls at LensCrafters. She was there for a few years, but has been settled at Visions Eye Care and Therapy Center since 2010.

She is one of three partners, and says running her own business within a group practice has been a learning process, but rewarding.

“You’re managing staff and making business decisions on top of patient care,” Dr. Hupke explains. “It can be a lot to juggle, but I’ve learned so much from it.”

At home in Tea, she stays busy raising three kids: Ella, a freshman at USD; Avery, a junior at Tea High School; and Evan, a sixth grader at Tea Middle School. Between sports and school activities, their calendar is full.

Yet, whenever they can, the family heads north to their cabin on Clear Lake between Sisseton and Britton. The cabin has been their retreat since 2010. It’s small, and they spend most of their time outside.

“It’s only about 20 minutes from where we grew up, and it’s become our place to unwind,” she notes. “We spend as many weekends there in the summer as possible, grilling, boating, or just sitting outside.”

Whether at home or the lake, Dr. Hupke finds comfort in simple routines: walking her French bulldogs, Zion and Bert, watching college sports with her family, and cooking treasured family recipes.

Sports are also a common bond in their household. She cheers for the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team, enjoys catching Summit League basketball games, and closely follows the Duke Blue Devils. Her husband’s uncle worked at Duke, giving them a chance to see a game at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Through every chapter, Dr. Hupke has stayed rooted in the lessons of her upbringing: work hard, keep family close, lean on your friends, and stay strong in your faith in uncertain times.

Photos top to bottom: Taking in the amazing view in Hawaii; Celebrating Stewart’s last day of radiation at Mayo Clinic; Taking in a Jacks game with the Franzen crew

Hupke is actually Jennifer’s maiden name. She just goes by it professionally. Her real name is Dr. Jennifer Hupke-Franzen.

As an optometrist, the number one thing Dr. Hupke tells people NOT to do is go to sleep while wearing their contacts. She says it can lead to corneal ulcers, scarring, eye infections, and even blindness.

She also recommends the 20/20 rule to combat the effects of increased blue light and screen time on vision: Every 20 minutes, you should take 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away from you.

In high school, Dr. Hupke competed in track and says a patient recently brought in a newspaper clipping showing that her relay team record had been broken after 30 years.

Dr. Hupke and her husband, Stewart, started dating in high school, when she was a sophomore and he was a junior.

TALKIN’ TIRES

with Graham Tire

PREPARING TO POWER THE FUTURE THROUGH AN EDUCATION AT MITCHELL TECH

By Sarah Grassel

Step into any Mitchell Technical College classroom or lab, and you'll feel it right away: the hum of welders sparking, the steady click of keyboards in information security training, the whir of drones mapping farmland, and the confident voices of nursing students practicing patient care. This isn't education in the abstract. It's hands-on, high-impact training designed to launch careers and fuel South Dakota's future.

At Mitchell Tech, students don't just get ready for a degree; they get ready for what comes after. With more than 35 programs in highdemand fields like healthcare, energy, construction, manufacturing, and precision agriculture, the college has become a powerhouse of workforce preparation. Employers know it. Communities depend on it. And for students, it means real-world experience that translates directly into opportunity.

For recent Automation Controls/ SCADA graduate Bianca Medina, Mitchell Tech stood out because of its reputation for producing graduates with strong, practical skills. Industry leaders specifically seek out Mitchell Tech students, and Bianca quickly saw why. "Working with the material hands-on helped reinforce what I learned, making the information stick," Bianca says.

we needed to know for our careers but also showed us how to create successful resumes and taught us how to continue learning on the job," she explains. Even when challenges arose, she found instructors ready to guide her, not just through the problem at hand, but through the process of problem-solving itself.

Bianca pursued her career path after being inspired by her father, who worked in the same field. "Watching my dad work and hearing his stories always fascinated me. Listening to what he did made it seem like he never had a boring day," she recalls. That spark, combined with the DOUBLE EDGE Scholarship she received, fueled her journey through Mitchell Tech.

What stood out most to Bianca was how the college prepared her for life beyond graduation. "They not only taught us what

Jackson Caba also knew that Mitchell Tech was the right place to start building his future. With dreams of becoming a lineman, he chose the Power Line Construction and Maintenance program, one of Mitchell Tech's most highly regarded offerings.

At Mitchell than 35 high-demand, designed education

If you want you’ve got push your in the real every day.

"My older brother is a lineman, and that was a big influence on my decision to enter this field," Jackson says. "The program is taught in a way that prepares you for work after college. The instructors have been in the industry, so they know the standard and what to expect from their students."

Jackson funded his education through a combination of local scholarships, including the Golden West Scholarship, Tyndall Rotary Scholarship, Hoch Foundation Scholarship, and the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship. Those resources allowed him to focus on his training without financial stress.

Like many students, Jackson's biggest challenge was adjusting to college life. But Mitchell Tech worked to make the transition smoother. He adds, "They realize it's a big change for most students, so they try to make the process as easy as possible. The college also hosts multiple activities, giving students a chance to make new friends."

Our mission for a skilled, Recognized performing the nation, that checks edge programs, experienced training, and Visit us in person you can get

Mitchell Technical College, we offer more high-demand, high-tech programs to give you the best hands-on education out there.

want to get ready for a great career, got to work for it, learn by doing, limits, and apply your skills world. That’s what we do

mission is simple: prepare you skilled, successful career. Recognized as one of the top performing technical colleges in nation, we offer an experience checks every box: cutting programs, expert and experienced instructors, real-world and outstanding value.

person or online—and see how get ready at Mitchell Tech.

605-549-1188 | daletree.com

By: Joanne Fox | Photography

By: JRanae Photography

Mark Fonder pondered this question when he discovered the number of Sioux Falls kids who could not afford a lunch:

"How can students listen to their teacher if they are listening to their stomachs?"

The answer resulted in Hungry Hearts, a Sioux Falls nonprofit that raises money to take care of school lunches for kids who can't afford them.

“But it goes beyond that,” Mark emphasizes.

"I was one of those kids growing up on the free/reduced lunch program," Mark adds. "And many of our volunteers know exactly what it felt like to be one of 'those kids.'"

Mark recalls it was in 2017 when a social worker friend brought the disparity to his attention.

"My business, The Barrel House, has a fundraiser every year in which we donate to various nonprofits," Mark shares. "That's when my friend pointed out that there were a large number of children not receiving a hot lunch due to financial hardships, in the Sioux Falls School District."

Since then, Mark, who is president of the organization, Jesse Severson, who is the Vice President, and many other volunteers have come together to hold an annual Hungry Hearts fundraiser at The Barrel House, in addition to various food drives and fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds for school children.

"We are 100 percent volunteer-driven," Mark notes. "No funds are spent on salaries or management; every dollar goes toward a need." Those needs go beyond underwriting school lunches, Mark points out.

"In addition to school lunch support, we fund backpack giveaways, school supplies, youth outdoor programs, winter clothing drives, and so much more," Mark explains. "And 100 percent of all funds raised are donated to local children in need, including but not limited to: The Sioux Falls School District Hot Lunch Program and other educational necessities, and surrounding community school districts' lunch programs."

Mark explains that Hungry Hearts raises money for these necessities through an annual fundraiser, held on the first Saturday after school starts at The Barrel House.

"We had tons of fun activities such as ax-throwing, a dunk tank, and a bouncy house that are just a lot of great stuff for kids and families," Mark affirms. "We hosted a barbecue contest with prizes and people's choice awards, a silent auction, and closed the day out with live music."

The event is the biggest fundraiser for Hungry Hearts, bringing in about $200,000, Mark estimates.

"We often get asked why we do what we do," Mark adds. "Understand, we're not doing this out of sympathy. We're doing it out of a deep sense of responsibility."

Not only do Mark and his volunteers see themselves in these youngsters, but they see their future in these students.

"They are tomorrow's leaders, tomorrow's workforce, tomorrow's parents and neighbors and community builders," Mark shares. "But before they can grow into these roles, they need full stomachs, warm coats, and the tools to learn and dream big."

That's where Hungry Hearts steps in, Mark adds.

"We're not just filling gaps; we're building bridges," states Mark. "We're investing in every child's dignity, potential, and hope."

Mark clarified that all the credit shouldn't go to Hungry Hearts and its volunteers.

"For example, our local Scheels store donated all the backpacks," Mark notes. "We've had folks match us dollar for dollar on school lunches, thanking us for this outreach."

He added, "We couldn't do what we do without community and business support."

For more details, visit https://hungry-hearts.org.

Dates: Oct. 1 – Oct. 31, 2025

Location: Participating Downtown Sioux Falls Restaurants

Admission: Free to participate; menu prices vary by location

Event Description:

Prepare your taste buds— Pork Showdown is bringing the sizzle back to Downtown Sioux Falls! Throughout the month of October, local chefs go head-to-head in a delicious, Downtown competition celebrating the most creative, savory, and mouthwatering pork creations.

Diners are invited to try featured pork entrées at participating downtown restaurants and vote for their favorites based on flavor, presentation, and originality. From bold barbecue to upscale twists on comfort classics, each dish showcases the culinary talent that makes Downtown Sioux Falls a foodie destination.

PUMPKIN SPICE & EVERYTHING NICE (FOR YOUR SKIN!)

Fall is the best time for laser resurfacing, here’s why!

After a summer of sunshine, pool days, and outdoor fun, your skin may be showing the after-effects—sun spots, uneven tone, fine lines, or a dull appearance. While sunscreen is your best defense against UV damage, there’s no denying that summer often leaves its mark. The good news? Fall is the perfect time to reset your skin with advanced laser resurfacing treatments at Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota.

WHY FALL IS THE PERFECT SEASON FOR LASERS

Laser treatments like Halo, BBL, Moxi, and TRL resurfacing deliver transformative results, but they work best when paired with the right timing. Here’s why autumn is ideal: Less Sun Exposure: Post-treatment skin is highly sensitive to UV rays. With shorter days and more time spent indoors, fall provides the perfect environment to protect healing skin.

Recovery Before the Holidays: Planning treatments in October or November allows your skin to heal and glow just in time for holiday gatherings, photos, and celebrations.

Cooler Weather, Easier Healing: Dry, cool air helps minimize post-laser redness and swelling compared to the hot, humid months of summer.

A Fresh Start After Summer Damage: It’s the perfect time to undo pigment changes, freckles, and other visible signs of sun exposure.

YOUR LASER RESURFACING OPTIONS

At Plastic Surgery Associates of SD, we offer the latest in Sciton laser technology, with treatments tailored to every skin type and lifestyle.

BBL (BroadBand Light):

• Corrects sun spots, redness, and discoloration

• Stimulates collagen for long-term skin health

• Virtually no downtime

Moxi:

• A gentle, “lunchtime” laser for all skin types

• Improves tone and texture

• Great for maintenance or early signs of damage

Halo Hybrid Fractional Laser:

• Combines ablative and non-ablative wavelengths for powerful yet comfortable resurfacing

• Reduces fine lines, sun damage, and enlarged pores

• Noticeable results with minimal downtime

Sciton TRL (Tunable Resurfacing Laser):

• The deepest and most transformative option

• Performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort

• Treats deeper wrinkles, advanced sun damage, and significant texture issues

• Offers dramatic, long-lasting results for patients seeking a full rejuvenation procedure

PAIRING TREATMENTS WITH SKINCARE

To extend and enhance your results, our deeper resurfacing procedures are paired with medical-grade skincare, such as Revision Skincare and Alastin, which protect your investment and help maintain your glow.

REFRESH YOUR SKIN THIS FALL

Fall is a season of change—and your skin deserves the same. Whether you’re looking for a gentle refresh with Moxi or a complete rejuvenation with TRL, our team at Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota can create a customized treatment plan for you. Now is the time to book your consultation and step into the holiday season with brighter, healthier, more radiant skin.

Local influencer& Content Creator

The Annual 365 Giving Tree

There's something special and incredibly significant about a family tree. Its roots are firmly planted, and its branches vary in age. Some branches are young, and new, while others have been there a while and serve as the tree’s strength and foundation.

At the Ronald McDonald House, we too have a family tree. Its branches and leaves represent the people that make it possible to keep families close. We have over 140 active Giving Tree community members, providing over 140 weeks of family stays. Every year, we work to add new leaves, to strengthen what we do each day.

Each $365 gift sponsors a one-week family stay at our South Dakota Ronald McDonald Houses. A family won't have to worry about paying for a hotel, or where their next meal is coming from. We give families with a place to rest, a place to rejuvenate, to collect their thoughts, and to recharge for the next day. Many of our families tell us they don’t know what they would have done without the Ronald McDonald House.

As a member of our Annual 365 Giving Tree program, you make a HUGE impact on our mission of “Keeping Families Close”. We have added the option to also sponsor a two-week or three-week family stay. Know that at whatever level you choose to sponsor, it is appreciated by the families who stay with us.

Our Giving Tree community is made up of individuals, businesses, corporations, and civic organizations.

Your $1 per day donation keeps families close while their child is receiving care at one of the medical facilities in the Sioux Falls area. Each $365 gift provides a oneweek family stay.

$365 Provides a One-Week Stay for a Family

FALL TRENDS

By: Erica Wilcox

Currently loading…everyone’s favorite season to shop for: Fall! This season is all about layers, boots, denim, suede, and cozy textures that define what’s “hot” right now.

Let’s start with a trend that’s impossible to ignore: animal prints. Spots, leopard, and cheetah patterns will be everywhere this fall, from clothing pieces to purses and shoes. Whether you want to start small with a subtle accessory or go all-in with a statement piece, any printed item will keep you on-trend.

Slouchy Bags: The purse world is embracing relaxed silhouettes. While viral designer versions are making waves everywhere, there are fantastic budget-friendly alternatives available, like this Amazon option that delivers the same chic look for less.

Boat Shoes Make Their Return: After years away from the spotlight, boat shoes are finally making a comeback! Traditional Sperry-style options are great, but I’m loving this platform version from Walmart for under $30. It’s the perfect hybrid of boat shoe and loafer, and loafers are trending again this season too.

Barrel Jeans: These jeans are having a major moment, though this trend might seem intimidating at first. The key is knowing that not all barrel jeans are created equal, some are less dramatically shaped than others. If you have a straighter figure, the fuller barrel jean shape can actually create curves and add dimension to your silhouette.

Suede Everything: This is the ultimate fall textile! Look for statement jackets, footwear, and purses all crafted in luxurious suede.

Track Pants with Style: Effortless meets trendy with track pants featuring classic side stripes that deliver major nostalgic vibes. You’ll also find styles incorporating popular prints like cheetah and camo.

BE THE exception

Do not be spooked by market swings

STAY THE COURSE WITH CONFIDENCE

By: Kathryn Swanson, Financial Advisor

Stock markets fluctuate from week to week. Extreme fluctuations grab attention. Even those who don’t typically keep tabs on stocks often hear when stocks are performing extremely well or declining quickly. It is easy to stay invested as you see your portfolio grow. It is also easy to think the perfect time to invest is after seeing the stock market perform well for an extended period of time. What happens when stocks take a downturn, though? Should investors remove their funds from investments? Should those on the fence about investing be turned away by a decline?

Investing in the stock market involves an inherent amount of risk. As with most things in life, the higher the risk, the higher the reward tends to be. Investing in stocks allows you to contribute your money to companies that you believe provide value to the economy. As these companies grow their value, their stock price rises, and as a shareholder, you get to reap the benefits of the company going up in value. Unfortunately, the contrary is also true: as companies you are invested in decline in value, so does your investment.

Investing seems easy to anyone who has invested in a rising market, but if stocks start to fall, human tendency is to sell out of investments.

Unfortunately, this strategy of buying when stocks are doing well and selling when stocks are doing poorly rarely produces results that investors are looking for. It is commonly said that time in the market is better than timing the market. Being invested in stocks over a longer period of time is more likely to produce positive results than trying to invest based on market swings.1 On top of that, buying when the market has been rising consistently and selling when it has started falling is the opposite of one of the top investment rules: buy low and sell high.

Instead of trying to time the market, take a few steps today to protect against reacting poorly to market swings.

One important aspect of investing is to have a plan. Investing allows for opportunities for your hard-earned money to grow, but it can also lose value. Approach investing with a clear plan and strategy. When markets fluctuate, remind yourself of the plan. If the plan needs to be re-evaluated, re-evaluate when emotions are not the driving force behind the plan.

Part of your plan should include

diversifying your investments. Allocate your money toward different sectors of the economy. Many different factors affect how stocks perform, but if you are invested in companies across sectors, this decreases your chance that all your investments will simultaneously decline in value.

Randomly picking stocks is not a solid investment plan. It is important to have outside research or a second opinion when investing. That outside voice can range from researching a company’s financial statements yourself to hiring a financial advisor or portfolio manager to help you reach your goals. This outside advice can help you remain level-headed and confident in the success of your plan.

Research indicates that holding individual stocks contributes to lower returns than broad market exposure.2 Instead of selecting individual stocks, take advantage of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or mutual funds. These vehicles invest in a variety of stocks within one fund. These funds often allow diversification and exposure to different sectors of the economy.

This October, don’t be spooked by changes in the market or in your life circumstances. Set a financial plan and stick to it. At Swenson Wealth Management, we can help you create a plan that gives you confidence in your financial future.

The key lies in creating a tailored approach that matches your unique goals and circumstances, ensuring your financial plan evolves alongside your family’s changing needs.

Finances, economics, and investing have fascinated me since my very first Econ 101 class. Over time, I discovered how overwhelming these topics can feel for many people and recognized the critical importance of having someone walk alongside you in your financial journey.

My passion for helping others understand their financial picture and reduce financial stress drives my work as a financial advisor. I enjoy collaborating with clients to make educated, confident financial decisions that align with their life goals. Recently, I passed the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® exam, an integral step toward becoming a CFP® Professional, representing the highest standard in financial planning.

I’d be honored to partner with you as you work toward your financial goals. Reach out today to start creating a financial plan that instills you with confidence moving forward.

1. advisors.vanguard.com/insights/article/the-difficulty-and-rewards-ofstaying-the-course

2. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4541122

Investment advisory services offered through Alternative Investment Advisors, LLC. (AIA), An SEC-registered investment Advisor. AIA and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Swenson Wealth Management. Swenson Wealth Management is not a registered investment advisor and is not a subsidiary or affiliate of Alternative Investment Advisors, LLC. Swenson Wealth Management and its individually licensed and appointed insurance agents and AIA are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.

MORE ABOUT KATHRYN SWANSON

The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System recently opened its doors to Veterans, their families, and community partners at the new Pre-Op and Same Day Surgery area. The open house, held on Monday, August 25, 2025, showcased the renovated space and highlighted its potential to enhance care for Veterans.

Spanning 11,000 square feet, the new facility was thoughtfully designed with Veterans in mind. It aims to create a calming atmosphere to help ease their minds prior to and after surgery.

“The space provides a safe, calm environment for Veterans undergoing surgery and a comfortable area for their families to wait while their loved ones recover,” states Roseann Kleinschmit, Surgery Nurse Manager at the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System.

In comparison to the previous setup, the updated Pre-Op and Same Day Surgery area offers significantly improved functionality. The layout and workflow are designed to operate like surgical services should, benefiting both Veterans and staff. Notably, the new design enhances safety by increasing nurses’ visibility

By: Duane Duimstra, Sioux Falls VA Public Affairs Officer

of patients during recovery from their workstations.

"Its new location is a game changer for improving safety, efficiency, and the quality of care Veterans receive," remarks Roseann.

The new space features three preoperative exam rooms and 13 same-day surgery bays. These larger areas will provide a more comfortable environment for Veterans and their families. Each bay is spacious and equipped with its own private bathroom.

Additional upgrades include an improved physician dictation room, medication room, medical supply room, and various other enhancements compared to the previous space.

The newly unveiled Pre-Op and Same Day Surgery space exemplifies the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System’s commitment to prioritizing Veterans and delivering high-quality, comprehensive health care.

Sioux Falls VA Health Care System

2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-3230

va.gov/sioux-falls-health-care

FEATURED ARTIST

By: Samantha Brockhouse

In the heart of small-town Ruthven, Iowa, where cornfields stretch for miles, artist Danielle Clouse Gast discovered her creative spark. Growing up in a small Midwest town, Danielle was always immersed in art, something that felt less like a choice and more like a calling to her. “As long as I can remember, I’ve always been creative,” Danielle says. “I feel lucky that I get to continue that and pursue it professionally.” Danielle’s father was a K-12 art teacher, which in turn set a foundation that she would build on throughout the years. By 2008, Danielle began painting professionally, bringing to life a vision that balanced her own sense of creativity.

Where many artists experiment with different types of media, Danielle has always gone back to oil painting. The reason, she explains, comes down to color. “My foundation was static images of landscapes, color matching exactly to the eye. Oil paints stay wet longer, which means I can layer, blend, and create depth in a way that feels alive. I’ve always been drawn to that process.” Her love for color and texture eventually evolved into the distinctive abstract landscapes that have shaped her signature style. Danielle has a way of telling a story and making you feel the emotions come to life on her canvas.

While Danielle’s roots are firmly planted in Iowa, her creative vision stretches far beyond its borders. She has started experimenting with aerial perspectives, using drone footage to inspire paintings of farmland and lake regions from above. This shift adds a new dimension to her landscapes, giving viewers a ‘bird’s-eye view of places they recognize from simple landmarks. Danielle continues to expand her canvas and hopes to move westward into the famous South Dakota Black Hills. These landscapes would provide a new color palette, texture, and style that her paintings don’t incorporate quite yet.

Continuing to keep herself busy, there isn’t a canvas Danielle is afraid to try. Now living in the heart of Spirit Lake and Okoboji, she finds herself surrounded by boats of all shapes and sizes. This summer, she began experimenting with wrapping and painting actual sails from sailboats, transforming functional pieces of fabric into works of art. By painting images of sailboats directly onto sails and leaving seams and numbers

exposed, there is truly something special about the way she creates. Through her sailboat work, Danielle has raised over $10,000, using her art as a way to give back to her community and causes she cares about. “It started as something for me,” Danielle explains, “but it’s also something for everyone else.”

Her journey in philanthropic arts started with sailboats, but has grown immensely in the Sioux Falls and Okoboji communities. She is one of the artists featured at the Children’s Home Society in Sioux Falls, where her painting now hangs as part of a mission to support children and families. However, one of her proudest moments is represented by a piece for Arnolds Park Amusement Park on Lake Okoboji. Danielle painted the park’s iconic Queen II boat, a recognizable symbol of summer on the lake. The piece went on to raise $27,000 at auction, contributing to a total of $37,000 she’s helped raise through her art in just the past year. For her, this impact is what makes the journey so meaningful and rewarding.

After speaking with Danielle, it is clear that her passion lies far beyond just art itself. The community she is surrounded by and the joy art can bring are what have made her journey so memorable. She celebrates the gift of color, movement, and generosity that continues to ripple far beyond the canvas. As art keeps changing and evolving, Danielle will continue to expand her talent and abilities and plans to share it with others.

DANIELLE CLOUSE GAST’S LATEST SERIES, RURAL RHYTHM, WILL BE FEATURED AT REHFELDS MODERN THROUGH THE MONTH OF OCTOBER.

MORE THAN CARE. A COMMUNITY.

You love them deeply. You want the very best for them. But the truth is, outside care can’t always be there, and it can’t always provide the emotional and health benefits that come from living in a safe, active community.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Give them more than care, give them community.

At StoneyBrook Suites, your loved one will find more than care. They’ll discover a community filled with friendship, activities, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing support is always close by. Choosing assisted living before an emergency means your loved one can fully enjoy the comfort, security, and joy of a thriving community.

Why Families Choose StoneyBrook Suites:

• Safe, comfortable environment

• Daily activities & social connection

• Personalized support when needed

• Peace of mind for families

Because your loved one deserves more than care, they deserve community.

Call StoneyBrook Suites today to schedule your tour. Life is Sweet in StoneyBrook Suites.

Life is Sweet in StoneyBrook 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.”