Tell us why you think that special someone should be Queen for a Day by sending in a 200 word max story and photo to jess@michelscom.com by March 31, 2026. Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Empire, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. An amazing prize package perfect for a Queen will be awarded to the winner! FOR A DAY Have a mom, daughter, grandma, friend, sister or wife that you think
EMPIRE
CONTRIBUTORS
Account Executives
Jill Foley
712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
Stephen Nohr
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Social Media Manager & Administrative Coordinator
Jess Jervik jess@michelscom.com
graphic designer
Makenzie Jorgenson
Photography
Kate Jones Studios katejonesstudios.com
Siouxland Heritage Museums
team of writers
Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Lauren Johnson, Samantha Brockhouse, Peaceful Pines, Melissa Chinn, Samantha Westhoff, Sara Schweigert, Joseph Cottle, Kathryn Swanson, & Erika Jacobson
Editor
Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com
Director of Digital marketing
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Melissa Chinn
605-310-7563 | melissa.chinn@michelscom.com
chief of operations
Hanna Sitting Crow
605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
REDEFINING COURAGE BY LEARNING WHEN TO STAND DOWN
By Andrea Van Essen | Photography by Kate Jones Studios
Jenny Van Roekel is not who most people expect to see in a SWAT team uniform. Talk to her for a while, and you realize that courage and strength look different for everyone.
Jenny’s 20-year career in law enforcement put her face-to-face with some of the most brutal and harrowing crimes in the Sioux Falls area. Yet, if you’d known her as a child, her path might have surprised you.
Raised by a single mother struggling to keep five kids afloat, Jenny’s childhood lacked stability. She describes herself as “hyperactive” and feeling like she “didn’t belong anywhere.”
Without a healthy outlet for her energy and emotions, she got in trouble with alcohol at a young age, even being sent to Keystone Treatment Center at age 14, though she says this was less about the severity of her drinking and more about her mom’s lack of resources when it came to managing her behavior.
Things reached a boiling point when Jenny was kicked out of her house and briefly quit school. Fortunately, she discovered Aspire High, an alternative school that became
a turning point for her. This new environment gave her the stability to withstand the challenges of her teenage years, including a serious car accident that threatened to derail her progress.
Despite it all, Jenny graduated early and worked her way through college, earning a degree in criminal justice.
Her career began at the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, where she interned and eventually met her future husband. She started as a jailer before getting promoted to Deputy Sheriff and jumping at a sudden opportunity to apply for a role in investigations.
Jenny had almost no expectation that she would be considered.
“When I got the detective role, they had asked me to come into the office, and I was just thinking, ‘Did I do something wrong?’” she recalls.
Despite the surprise, she embraced the role, diving into rigorous training, from interrogation and crime scene work to writing search warrants and blood spatter analysis, and forensic interviewing of children.
Photos from left to right: Jenny and her future husband Scott at her graduation from the Law Enforcement Academy; Jenny and her daughter Payten; SWAT training. Jenny was on the team for four years; Jenny at her retirement ceremony, celebrating 20 years of employment
Shortly after, a spot opened up on the SWAT team.
Jenny had started working out in college after a weightlifting class helped her manage her anxiety. She was in phenomenal shape and outperformed some of the men who were applying for the SWAT position.
“I was lucky enough to be chosen to be the first woman on the SWAT team,” Jenny explains. “I was little, maybe 125 pounds, but I was muscular. I’d go to training sessions with these big, muscular men, and you’ve got 25 pounds of gear on, and you’re learning how to breach houses and deal with shooting and explosives.”
It’s the type of environment and career path you would expect of someone bold, brash, and unafraid, yet Jenny says she has always struggled with anxiety.
“I would not consider myself someone who has a lot of courage. I’m probably more scared than the average person to do things. I really have to muster it up, but I do it. I follow through with things,” Jenny affirms.
“Some people don’t get that nervous. My husband Scott is in law enforcement, and he’s the coolest, most collected person. That’s not me, but when we’d do these huge search warrants, it was like I had tunnel vision. It’s like jumping out of an airplane,” Jenny notes.
Jenny’s anxiety compounded after Scott was stabbed in the abdomen with a six-inch blade
Photos from left to right: Scott, Payten and Jenny at Payten’s graduation; Jenny and her husband Scott; Jenny working as a School Resource Officer at West Central School
during an encounter with a suspect. He survived but was out of work for about six weeks.
“I almost had a harder time after that than he did. It’s just the idea of how fragile life is and that it can be taken from you in a second. Plus, my husband’s a big guy, so if you can hurt him, you can hurt anyone,” Jenny shares.
Still, Jenny proved throughout her career that things like fear and anxiety, or outward appearances, do not have to be limiting factors. In fact, there are many scenarios where
“My niche was crimes against persons, and I loved interviewing and interrogating. They never saw me coming because I looked like a little kid,” Jenny adds.
As a forensic interviewer, she was trained to remain objective and empathic, no matter the evidence.
“You have to keep an open mind and treat people with kindness, even if they just killed their wife. That’s how you get people to talk,” Jenny explains.
Over time, however, the work took its toll. Years of exposure to violence, particularly against women and children, were compounded by a body that began to fail her in ways determination alone could not fix.
After getting pregnant with her daughter, Payten, in 2006, Jenny was diagnosed with lupus, an autoimmune disease that caused severe joint pain, fatigue, and later, life-threatening complications affecting her kidneys.
Though she stepped down from SWAT, she continued working in investigations for more than a decade, continuing to handle some of the most difficult cases in the county while navigating her chronic illness.
Stress aggravated her condition, but like many in law enforcement, Jenny had learned to compartmentalize, a survival skill in law enforcement. There was always another case to work on.
Finally, the burnout became too much, both mentally and physically. She retired early, five years before she had planned to, and the full weight of everything she had carried began to surface. The vigilance that once kept her safe and focused on the job followed her into daily life, manifesting in anxiety and symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
“I had a few hard cases in my career that really rocked me, and you don’t process it until you sit still and don’t have anything new coming in to occupy your mind,” Jenny recalls.
Seeking EMDR therapy marked another way Jenny moved forward with courage. Processing those years of accumulated trauma required a different kind of strength than she had relied on while in uniform.
But it wasn’t just the emotional toll that came crashing in when she retired; her body retaliated as well.
“It’s like my body knew. My kidneys shut down. I caught listeria, developed a severe rash, and began retaining so much fluid it crushed my lungs.”
This all happened during COVID, so Jenny was stuck in the hospital for a month with strictly limited visitors. Her daughter Payten was a freshman at the time, and she says she just kept praying that her health would prevail and she could get Payten through high school.
Thankfully, Jenny recovered with time, physical therapy, and now, a significantly slower pace of life.
Today, Jenny still serves, just differently. She works from home, part-time, in an intelligence role that supports law enforcement agencies across the state, contributing her experience without putting additional strain on her health.
She spends most of her time on the acreage she and her husband share, caring for a collection of rescue animals and maintaining physical routines that help her stay strong and grounded.
Though slowing down would have once felt like a setback to her, Jenny no longer measures courage by how much she can endure or how far she can push herself. Instead, she has learned to listen to her body, ask for help, and prioritize peace over constant vigilance.
Learning when to stand down, she has discovered, is not about giving up. It is about knowing where your strength is needed.
Jenny at work one year before retirement
While she was still working in law enforcement, Jenny found ways to meet new people and use her skills outside the department by serving on the boards of The Compass Center (now called Solace) and the Family Violence Council.
After working in investigations for 16 years, Jenny was one of, if not the longest-standing, investigators in the department.
When she was experiencing severe burnout, Jenny “took a break” by taking a position as a school resource officer in Hartford, which she says was one of the most fun things she did in her career. “Those kids look at you like you’re a superhero.”
11 years ago, Jenny and her husband Scott bought her former partner’s acreage and “started collecting animals,” including goats, donkeys, chickens, and rescue dogs. She calls it her “therapy farm.”
She works part-time as an intelligence analyst for the Fusion Center, an agency funded by the Departments of Homeland Security and Public Safety. The position allows her to use her skills to support law enforcement officers while maintaining balance for her mind and body.
By Erica Wilcox with Best Dressed Blonde
A fresh year signals the beginning of new trends for the upcoming seasons. It’s my favorite time of year to dive into what the fashion moguls are predicting will be the best trends of the year.
I try to sprinkle in a little bit of the top trends in my wardrobe throughout the year without going overboard. Being mindful of how much you’re investing in some trends, knowing that some will take you throughout the year, while others may just be hot for a season. Here are the top trends for 2026:
1. Polka Dots: You’re going to be seeing polka dots everywhere! Big circles or small, a jacket or a skirt, we’re seeing head-to-toe sets as well as a single piece of polka dots paired with basics.
2. Preppy: Polos, collared shirts, loafers, and pleats are making a comeback. I’ve personally loved this style for a couple of months now, and you’re going to see a variety of price points and colors in this trend, not just classic neutrals.
3. Low-Rise Pants: I know. I’m not very excited about this one, either. However, contrary to my peak millennial days, the fit of the pants and jeans is much more forgiving than the skin-tight silhouettes we used to rock. In addition, the rise isn’t as low as it used to be. Historically, we saw 3-5” rises, and now a 6-8” rise is considered “low.”
4. Brooches: A trend I’ve personally never embraced that I’m excited about this year. Broaden your horizons on this one, as they won’t just be placed on a jacket anymore. Think: socks, bags, t-shirts, get creative!
by Filly Flair
5. Tracksuit Pants: A mix-and-match dream for the season, as you will be able to easily dress this piece up or down. We’re seeing track pants with a dressy button-down shirt and ballet flats, to a casual vibe with a layered sweater and sneakers. You don’t need a name-brand pair to achieve this. Look for the stripes on the side of a pair of pants, and you’re good to go!
Here are some other trends to keep in mind that are easy to add to your daily outfit: spring neutrals: browns, yellows and soft greens, silk scarves, checkered print, and boho pieces. Think: textures, ruffles, and a roomy fit.
Photo
At Mitchell Technical College, 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 Tech for yourself. Visit us in person or online and see how you can get ready at Mitchell Tech.
By Lauren Johnson
When a friend who wanted to purchase the former Boys & Girls Club building asked Neil Hlebichuk to run the bingo hall, he wasn’t interested. But after months of cajoling, Neil finally agreed to look at the operation. “The thing that stuck in my head was that it was the same crowd of 50 to 80 people every night, but no new players were coming in, and just to play cost $93. I thought there was no way young couples or families could just go play bingo, hoping to win something,” Neil shares.
But then one night, a $6,000 jackpot drew nearly 200 people, and something clicked. “A light went off,” says Neil, now president of Giving Hope Bingo. “The key was getting people in, so we needed to figure out how to do that.” That moment sparked the transformation that became a community-driven organization built on one vision: providing funding through fun.
"Giving kids hope is our passion and vision at Giving Hope Bingo," Neil adds. "It's our calling and the reason we get out into the trenches every day." His philosophy was simple: make bingo accessible. "Any person should be able to play bingo for two to three hours, eat a good meal, and not spend more than $50."
By spring 2017, Neil's team had redesigned packages, refreshed the space, and lowered prices. Attendance rose, and on their first anniversary, they gave away $17,500 in grants to six organizations. When younger players arrived, and some regulars complained about noise, Neil converted a storage area into a private event room, the first of many creative pivots.
In late 2017, a softball parent asked about hosting a fundraiser. Neil created a model where groups bring in players and receive 15% of profits after payouts, with sponsor checks matched up to $1,000. By 2018-19, fundraisers filled weekends, and by early 2020, the expanded venue was fully booked.
Then COVID-19 hit. Despite three months of closure and sharply reduced payouts, the mission didn’t waver. Giving Hope Bingo awarded two $45,000 grants in 2020 and a $125,000 grant in 2021.
"We are constantly giving back," Neil says. "Checks have gone out for as much as $4,000 in a single night. And we match $1,000 to $1,000. That means the organization starts with $2,000 raised before a bingo ball is even dropped."
As the economy tightened, Giving Hope Bingo has added 21 partner locations bring their program into local bars and restaurants, returning 25% of proceeds to local charities. "If it's not local, we don't do it," Neil emphasizes.
Grants have supported many organizations across eastern South Dakota, including rural libraries, sports teams, Hungry Hearts, Make-A-Wish South Dakota, and the LifeLight Youth Center in Pettigrew Heights, offering warmth and safety to kids in crisis.
"Kids 7 and older can play with a paying adult," Neil says. Special events like Kids Day invite families to play affordably. "The whole idea for six years now has been to get family and friends away from the TV and screens, enjoy a great meal, win prizes, and contribute to the community."
Popular events include Purse Bingo, held on the second Thursday in March, featuring designer purses, a buffet, and wine. "It's a fun evening that has become a special fundraiser for Make-A-Wish," Neil says. "Every dollar from those $5 chances goes to Make-A-Wish as well as a percentage of the night's sales."
"My goal when I took over in October 2016 was to give away a million dollars by 2026," Neil shares. "With about 10 months left, I have about $115,000 to go."
Giving Hope Bingo welcomes the community to schedule fundraisers, plan outings, book parties, or simply come play. "What we offer is a great value and a really good time." Together, with the Sioux Falls community, we can continue to build a future where fun fuels hope, one bingo ball at a time.
Foodies
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 Peaceful Pines
Some love stories aren’t loud. They don’t announce themselves with grand gestures or perfect timing. Instead, they unfold quietly over decades in shared songs, handwritten letters, inside jokes, and daily routines that slowly become sacred.
Many of us grew up witnessing that kind of love. The kind where grandparents were married for 50 or 60 years. Where dating stories began during wartime, love letters crossed oceans, and marriage meant staying, even when staying was hard. The kind of love that sang “New York, New York” together at the dining room table to distract from the obvious toll time had taken on one’s memory, and later held hands through doctor’s appointments, memory loss, and goodbyes that came far too slowly.
It’s a kind of love that feels rarer today, but for those who have lived it, its lessons endure.
Love Through the Decades
For seniors who built a life together over decades, love was never just a feeling. It was a commitment shaped by time, patience, and shared responsibility. It survived distance, financial strain, raising children, and the ordinary challenges of everyday life.
As couples age, love evolves. Passion may soften, but intimacy deepens. Conversations grow quieter, but understanding grows stronger. Love becomes less about what is said and more about what is known without words.
Many couples who have been married for decades describe their relationship not as perfect, but as steady. They stayed because they chose to, again and again.
When Love Meets Memory Loss
Few tests of love are as profound as walking alongside a partner through Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, or cognitive loss.
For some families, that love becomes so protective that they choose gentleness over truth. A spouse may pass away, but the surviving partner, whose memory has faded, still asks where they are. And so, the family says, “He’s at work.” Not as a lie, but as an act of compassion. Because love, at that point, is about comfort, not correction.
In these moments, love becomes devotion. It shows up in sitting bedside, retelling the same stories, holding hands through confusion, and staying present even when recognition disappears. The relationship shifts, but the bond remains.
Wisdom from Those Who Made Love Last
When seniors reflect on what sustained their relationships through decades, their advice is rarely complicated.
They speak of friendship, marrying someone whose company you genuinely enjoy. They emphasize respect, treating a spouse with the same kindness you would offer a stranger. They highlight communication, not the absence of conflict, but the willingness to talk through it. They warn against keeping score, understanding that giving and receiving will never be perfectly balanced. They stress acceptance, loving someone as they are, not as you wish they would become. And above all, they remind us that love is a choice made daily, quietly, and with intention.
Love as the Reason for Choosing Community
For some couples, love is also the reason they move into a senior living community, not because help is needed, but because closeness matters. There are stories of spouses who choose community living simply so they can walk down the hall to kiss their partner goodnight, to be nearby when memory fades, when mobility changes, or when caregiving becomes too heavy to carry alone.
In these moments, senior living becomes less about services and more about support, removing daily burdens like home maintenance, transportation, and safety concerns so couples can focus on what truly matters: time together. This, too, is love. Choosing proximity, ease, and shared moments over convenience or pride. It’s recognizing that independence isn’t about doing everything alone, but about preserving what matters most.
What Love Leaves Behind
Enduring love leaves a legacy, not just for the couple who lived it, but for the generations who witnessed it. It teaches us that love is patient, resilient, and often quiet. That it shows up in songs sung decades later, in memories retold, and in decisions made with someone else’s comfort in mind.
Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love is meant to be shared, whether with a loved one or a friend. Across communities like Peaceful Pines Senior Living, Valentine’s Day activities and mixers create space for seniors to come together, form new friendships, and celebrate the relationships that shape their lives. Happening all month long, we invite you to share in the season of love with us.
Because the truest love stories aren’t the ones that end quickly. They’re the ones that shape our memories.
A LIGHTER START TO THE NEW YEAR: Planning
for Breast Reduction Surgery in 2026
January is often about resolutions, but February is where real change begins. As the excitement of the new year settles, many people start thinking more intentionally about what they want their year to feel like, not just what they want to accomplish. For women living with the physical and emotional burden of overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be a meaningful step toward a lighter, more comfortable year ahead.
WHEN COMFORT BECOMES A PRIORITY
Breast reduction is one of the most common and rewarding plastic surgery procedures performed today. While often associated with aesthetics, the benefits go far beyond appearance. Many patients seek breast reduction due to chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain, painful bra grooves, skin irritation, posture issues, or difficulty exercising and finding clothing that fits properly.
As a new year begins, these daily discomforts can feel especially frustrating — particularly for those setting health or fitness goals that feel out of reach due to physical limitations. Breast reduction can remove excess breast tissue and reshape the breasts to better align with a patient’s body frame, allowing for improved comfort and mobility.
WHY FEBRUARY IS THE PERFECT TIME TO PLAN
February is an ideal time to start planning for breast reduction surgery. Many patients have settled back into routines after the holidays, making it easier to schedule consultations, prepare for recovery, and thoughtfully plan time off if needed. For those with summer activities, travel, or fitness goals in mind, planning for surgery earlier in the year allows ample time for adjusting schedules, healing and enjoying the results.
Additionally, breast reduction is often covered by insurance when specific medical criteria are met. Starting the process in the new year gives patients time to gather documentation, complete insurance requirements, and move forward without feeling rushed.
MORE THAN A PHYSICAL CHANGE
While the physical relief of breast reduction is often immediate, many patients are surprised by the emotional impact as well. Feeling more proportionate can lead to improved self-confidence, easier clothing choices, and a renewed sense of ease in everyday life. For some, it’s the first time they feel their body truly reflects how they see themselves.
Planning breast reduction as part of a new year intention isn’t about vanity, it’s about investing in long-term comfort, health, and confidence.
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH TO CARE
At Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota, breast reduction surgery is approached with careful planning and individualized care. Our board-certified plastic surgeons take the time to understand each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and anatomy to create results that look natural and feel balanced.
From consultation through recovery, patients are guided every step of the way with education, transparency, and support, ensuring they feel confident in their decision and their care.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the new year invites reflection, it’s a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t have to happen overnight. Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to lighten what’s been weighing you down for years.
If breast reduction has been on your mind, the new year may be the perfect time to explore your options and take a thoughtful step toward a more comfortable, confident you.
FEATURED ARTIST
By Samantha Brockhouse
“Each piece begins as an intuitive yet intentional observation of the natural world,” artist Nancyjane Huehl says, a statement that defines the foundation of her creative process. That mindset, present since childhood, has guided her artistic journey from a young age. As a child, her first steps were towards a window to look outside, foreshadowing her love and appreciation for vast open landscapes on the canvas.
This way of seeing became the foundation of her work. Drawn to open roads, wide horizons, and time spent immersed in nature, Nancyjane found freedom in places without boundaries or deadlines. Painting these landscapes became a way to slow down and observe. Over time, this approach shaped her understanding of composition and visual balance.
While her subject matter has expanded, the essence of those early landscapes remains. A sense of openness continues through her use of color and design, shaping the tone of each piece. What began as a focus on landscape has evolved into a means of expressing memory, emotion, and perception.
As she developed her technique, Nancyjane’s approach has evolved from working primarily with negative space to composing relationships between color and design. “Now I focus on composing between color and design to describe the emotion of a subject, to reflect experience through sight,” she explains. As a result, her work is less about depicting a scene and more about capturing a feeling. Color and design become tools for expression, reflecting how a moment is experienced rather than how it appears.
Her relationship with color is deeply personal. Possessing an extra color cone in her vision allows Nancyjane to perceive a broader range of color than most, heightening her sensitivity to subtle shifts in tone, shade, and temperature. This expanded perception allows her process to be guided by her decisions in the studio, shaping how emotion is embedded within each piece.
Each compositional choice is made with the viewer in mind, inviting a pause, attention, and presence. Rather than offering a single interpretation, her work encourages the viewer to create space for personal connection. These intentions
Nancyjane’s art is displayed across South Dakota in many different locations, such as The Children’s Home Society, The Sanford Heart Hospital, The Rapid City Surgery Center, and more. Nancyjane’s latest piece, Skywalkers, will be featured at Rehfeld’s Modern Fine Art & Framing through the month of March.
extend beyond the studio, positioning her work as something meant to be lived with rather than simply observed. Whether encountered in a quiet moment or within a shared space, Nancyjane’s paintings are designed to foster engagement and reflection, reinforcing her belief that art gains meaning through time, attention, and experience.
“I hope that they find my artwork evokes a moment of reflection,” she explains when asked how she wants her art to make people feel. “A dialogue or a moment of engagement for the viewer, and the desire to take this experience home and put it on their walls. Life is too short not to enjoy experiences and tangible reminders of them, and I hope that they feel inspired to look at a work of art longer and in person more.”
Shared Reflections
Featuring Nancyjane Huehl & Angela Behrends Showing February & March 2026 at Rehfelds Modern Artist Reception March 6, 6-8 PM
Understanding the Emotional Well-Being of Older Adults
By Sara Schweigert, RN, StoneyBrook Suites Huron Administrator
When we talk about mental health, we often picture young people, teenagers, or working adults facing stress and emotional challenges. But mental health does not retire when we do. It remains a vital part of well-being throughout life, and for the elderly, it can be both more fragile and more essential than ever.
As people age, they face unique emotional and psychological pressures, including loss of loved ones, changes in mobility, chronic health conditions, reduced independence, and sometimes the painful reality of social isolation. Each of these experiences can deeply affect a person’s mental and emotional resilience.
Depression, for example, is not a normal part of aging, yet it affects millions of older adults. Anxiety, too, can increase with age as life becomes less predictable. Cognitive decline, including dementia, adds another layer of complexity. It affects memory and daily functioning while also influencing mood, behavior, and identity.
One of the biggest challenges the elderly face is invisibility. Their struggles are often dismissed as “just aging,” leaving many seniors to cope in silence. A person who once lived an active, meaningful life may suddenly feel isolated, unvalued, or forgotten.
But here is the good news. Mental health challenges in older adults are not only real, they are treatable. Emotional well-being can be strengthened at any age. And one of the key groups that can make a real difference is assisted living facilities.
How Assisted Living Facilities Can Help
Assisted living communities play a powerful role in supporting the mental health of older adults. They are more than places of residence. They are environments designed to promote dignity, purpose, and connection. Here’s how:
1. Reducing Isolation Through Daily Social Interaction
Loneliness is one of the strongest predictors of depression in older adults. Assisted living facilities offer group dining, activities, clubs, and communal spaces that help residents build relationships and remain socially active. Even simple daily interactions can significantly improve mood and reduce anxiety.
2. Providing Structured Routines and Purpose
A consistent daily routine, including meals, activities, exercise programs, and hobbies, provides stability and a sense of purpose. This structure helps combat apathy, improves cognitive engagement, and supports emotional balance.
3. Creating Safe, Supportive Environments
For seniors living with dementia or cognitive decline, assisted living communities provide trained staff who understand behavioral changes and respond compassionately. This reduces stress for residents and offers peace of mind for families.
4. Encouraging Physical Activity
Exercise is one of the strongest tools for improving mental health. Assisted living programs often include safe, accessible fitness options such as chair yoga, walking clubs, and strength classes that boost mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
5. Supporting Independence While Providing Help
Maintaining independence is deeply tied to self-esteem. Assisted living allows older adults to make choices, engage in activities they enjoy, and live as independently as possible while still receiving help with daily tasks when needed.
The right community can make all the difference. Visit StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living to learn how our approach supports emotional well-being and independence. Call 605-373-0013 to schedule a tour.
StoneyBrook Suites
Assisted Living
Sioux Falls 605-373-0013
Dakota Dunes 605-242-0013
Brookings 605-627-4445
Huron 605-352-0014
Watertown 605-882-0013
With the rising need for dementia care, especially in Veterans, the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System (SFVAHCS) has developed innovative ways to meet the needs of our nation’s heroes. The Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) team and Caregiver Support work hand in hand to provide care for the Veterans and support for their caregiver.
A Partnership in Dementia Care
By Erika Jacobson, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Caregiver Support Program Manager and Behavioral Recovery Outreach (BRO) Team Supervisor
These two programs developed by the SFVAHCS are essential because, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the number of Veterans living with Alzheimer’s dementia is projected to increase by 8.4% through 2033, reaching more than 488,000.
The VA Caregiver Support Program offers clinical services to caregivers of eligible and covered Veterans. Services offered include the Annie Caregiver Text Program, which promotes self-care for caregivers and provides education specifically related to dementia. The Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers’ Health (REACH VA) program is an evidence-based intervention that is delivered by a VA clinical staff to provide group or individual sessions on topics such as dementia, spinal cord injury, ALS, MS, PTSD, and others.
The BRO Team is a team-based intervention for Veterans struggling with dementia that assists by providing basic education, exploring challenging behaviors, and developing behavioral interventions to address behaviors related to dementia.
These programs work together to support Veterans and caregivers to ensure both parties remain healthy and successful. This is done by Caregiver Support coming alongside the caregiver to integrate the caregiver as part of the care team while BRO ensures individualized, behavior-based care for the Veteran to maximize independence and quality of life.
Some examples of this have included:
• BRO Team is providing quarterly education to caregivers on basic dementia care concepts.
• Caregiver Support offers help to caregivers who are coping with Veterans exhibiting dementia related behaviors.
• Both teams assist in coordinating difficult care transitions to long-term care facilities, hospice care or the emergency room.
Dementia is a complex illness that requires flexibility and compassion for not only the affected person but those caring for that individual. The VA Caregiver Support Program and BRO Team are examples of what quality dementia care looks like.
For more information about Sioux Falls VA Dementia Care Services or events, please visit the Sioux Falls VA website and/or request a copy of the Sioux Falls VA Dementia and Aging Care Services booklet by contacting the BRO team at 605-336-3230 ext. 7735 or the Caregiver Support Program at 5080.
Sioux Falls VA Health Care System
2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD
605-336-3230
va.gov/sioux-falls-health-care
BUILDING BEYOND THE BASICS
By Joseph Cottle | Photography by Drift Media Co. & DaleTree
For DaleTree Decks, 2025 was a year that quietly reshaped what the company builds, what it offers and what it is capable of handling.
Looking back on the year, owner Tim Schoffelman doesn’t point to a single project so much as a steady evolution of the work itself.
“We did quite a bit of deck lighting this year,” Tim says, noting the growing popularity of low-voltage lighting integrated directly into steps and railings. “That’s becoming more and more popular every year. We’re doing more of that.”
Those lighting projects accompanied a wide range of builds, from composite wraparound decks and pergolas to family decks designed simply for safety and everyday use. But alongside that steady core of work came something new: scale. DaleTree began taking on larger, more design-forward projects, including what Tim describes as “executive-level decks,” with expanding square footage and more customization.
“We’re taking on bigger projects,” he adds. “Our square footage on a number of our projects is continuing to increase. Those have been fun projects to take on.”
Part of what continues to set DaleTree apart is the consistent detailing built into every main deck. Tim explains that every primary deck surface includes picture framing, a finished border that hides exposed board ends and gives the deck a more refined look. On the perimeter of the main deck we’ll put a picture frame in there. Paired with integrated lighting and custom railing, those design elements have increasingly defined the company’s work.
Growth in 2025 was not limited to design. Internally, Tim credits the year’s success to the performance of his team and the systems supporting them.
“We are always concerned about quality,” Tim says. “If there’s a miscommunication, usually we’ll just own it on our end and take care of the customer.”
That mindset extends from job sites to the administrative side of the business. DaleTree’s office team handles permits and logistics so customer can focus only on selections and design.
“We try to make it as seamless as possible for our customers,” Tim shares.
The year also brought challenges. Tariff concerns and broader economic uncertainty slowed decision-
making early on, forcing contractors to manage fluctuating expectations.
“We were able to navigate through that just fine and ease a lot of our customers’ concerns,” Tim says. By mid-summer, momentum returned, and DaleTree’s project pipeline accelerated.
“Everybody started realizing the end of the world wasn’t going to happen, and then they started pulling the trigger on projects.”
By late summer, waitlists had grown again, reaffirming the company’s position in the market. Even as timelines shortened earlier in the year, DaleTree still had a sizable waitlist of customers wanting to get on their schedule.
Another notable step forward in 2025 was DaleTree’s role as a regional dealer for STAR Rail, a railing system sold to contractors and homeowners. “We had a number of contractors that started buying our railing last year,” Tim adds. “It installs in half the time as other leading manufacturers, while offering a stable, quiet, and safe deck railing for a competitive price.”
Together, those developments reflect a company focused on healthy growth. By year’s end, DaleTree was booking projects from more than an hour away and preparing for even larger builds in 2026.
“It all speaks to what our team can handle,” Tim says.
Living Life Together Living Life Together
Where life is shared, celebrated, and lived fully at every stage of life
Fall in Love With the Feelin o o e Fall in Love With the Feeling of Home
Peaceful Pines is where comfort, connection, and care come together. Thoughtfully designed to support independence and meaningful relationships, our communities honor each person’s story and create a true sense of belonging.
From everyday moments to milestone celebrations, life at Peaceful Pines is shaped by purpose, joy, and shared experiences. It’s in the simple things like laughter, discoveries, and the reassurance of support that life together becomes meaningful.
That sense of connection is especially meaningful during the season of love. This Valentine’s Day, Peaceful Pines invites seniors to gather for Valentine’s mixers at communities across South Dakota. These welcoming events offer an opportunity to connect, share conversation, and celebrate the season together.
COMMERCIAL FLOORING FINDS
Commercial flooring is no longer just for corporate offices, retail stores, or industrial buildings. Today, it is finding its way into some of the most personal and creative spaces, from man caves and she sheds to lofts, shop offices, and home workspaces. Designed to handle heavy foot traffic and real-world wear, commercial flooring offers durability, style, and versatility that traditional residential options often cannot match.
One of the biggest advantages of commercial flooring is value, especially during a liquidation sale where customers can buy at cost. This type of sale creates a rare opportunity to access premium materials without the premium price tag. Large rolls of carpet, carpet tiles, and area rugs that are typically reserved for commercial projects become affordable solutions for home and small business upgrades.
NEW LIFE IN EVERYDAY SPACES
By Melissa Chinn
Whether you are finishing out a shop office, refreshing a loft, or adding warmth and comfort to a creative space, buying at cost allows you to invest in quality while staying on budget.
Commercial carpet and carpet tiles are especially popular for flexible spaces. Carpet tiles make it easy to replace sections as needed, perfect for workshops, offices, or high-use areas. Large carpet rolls provide seamless coverage and a polished look, ideal for basements, studios, or shared workspaces. Rugs add texture and personality, tying a space together while still offering the durability expected from commercial-grade materials.
That combination of quality and opportunity is what makes the liquidation sale at Walden Flooring so compelling. Based in Sioux Falls, Walden Flooring is a locally owned and veteran-owned business with deep experience in commercial flooring solutions. Their team understands how different materials perform and can help customers select flooring that fits both function and style.
Because commercial flooring is built to last, it is well suited for spaces that see daily use and changing needs. Man caves and she sheds benefit from flooring that can handle foot traffic, spills, and rearranged furniture. Shop offices and lofts need surfaces that are easy to maintain while still looking sharp and professional. Commercial options check all of those boxes.
Beyond the products, choosing a local and veteran-owned business matters. Owner Keith Netten brings a strong commitment to service, attention to detail, and community pride to every project, large or small. Their liquidation sale is more than a discount, it is a chance to bring professional-grade flooring into everyday spaces at an unbeatable value.
For anyone planning an upgrade or build-out, this is the moment to think beyond traditional flooring and take advantage of commercial quality at cost.
LIQUIDATION
L O V E I N L I V I N G C O L O R
B Y S A M A N T H A W E S T H O F F , I N T E R N A T I O N A L L Y T R A I N E D C O L O R A N A L Y S T & O W N E R O F B L O O M I N C O L O R
V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y i s w r a p p e d i n r e d r o s e s , p i n k r i b b o n s , a n d h e a r t - s h a p e d e v e r y t h i n g . B u t w h e n i t c o m e s t o c o l o r , o n e s i z e n e v e r f i t s a l l . I f y o u ’ v e e v e r w o r n a r e d t h a t f e l t o v e r p o w e r i n g o r a p i n k l i p s t i c k t h a t l o o k e d d u l l o n y o u r f a c e , i t ’ s n o t t h e t r e n d , i t ’ s t h e t o n e .
C o l o r a n a l y s i s r e v e a l s t h e s h a d e s t h a t n a t u r a l l y h a r m o n i z e w i t h y o u r s k i n ’ s u n d e r t o n e , d e p t h , a n d c o n t r a s t . W h e n y o u w e a r t h e r i g h t c o l o r s , y o u r c o m p l e x i o n a p p e a r s b r i g h t e r , y o u r e y e s c l e a r e r , a n d y o u r c o n f i d e n c e e f f o r t l e s s . T h i s V a l e n t i n e ’ s D a y , c h o o s e a g i f t t h a t l a s t s l o n g e r t h a n f l o w e r s o r c h o c o l a t e W h e t h e r f o r a p a r t n e r , b e s t f r i e n d , o r y o u r s e l f , k n o w i n g y o u r c o l o r s t r a n s f o r m s h o w y o u s h o p , d r e s s , a n d s h o w u p e v e r y s i n g l e d a y
Image by Baya Rae Photography
T h e C o l o r s o f C o n f i d e n c e
C o l o r a n a l y s i s i s a b o u t t o o l s , n o t r u l e s I t g i v e s
y o u t h e c l a r i t y t o c h o o s e c o l o r s t h a t w o r k w i t h
y o u , n o t a g a i n s t y o u T h i s m a k e s g e t t i n g
d r e s s e d e a s i e r , s h o p p i n g m o r e i n t e n t i o n a l , a n d
y o u r w a r d r o b e m o r e c o h e s i v e T h e r e s u l t i s n o t
r e s t r i c t i o n , b u t f r e e d o m , t h e f r e e d o m t o f e e l
c o n f i d e n t , a l i g n e d , a n d t r u l y a t h o m e i n w h a t
y o u w e a r T h i s V a l e n t i n e ’ s s e a s o n , f a l l i n l o v e
w i t h c o l o r a n d w i t h t h e v e r s i o n o f y o u r s e l f t h a t
f e e l s m o s t l i k e y o u
F i n d t h e R e d T h a t L o v e s Y o u B a c k
T h e r e i s n o “ o n e r e d . ” W a r m r e d s ( t o m a t o , b r i c k ,
f i r e ) f l a t t e r w a r m u n d e r t o n e s . C o o l r e d s ( c h e r r y ,
b e r r y , w i n e ) g l o w o n c o o l u n d e r t o n e s I f r e d e v e r
f e e l s h a r s h , i t ’ s n o t t o o b o l d I t ’ s j u s t t h e w r o n g
t e m p e r a t u r e o r d e p t h f o r y o u
P i n k : S w e e t & S t r a t e g i c
P i n k c a n b e s o f t , r o m a n t i c , b o l d , o r p o w e r f u l
d e p e n d i n g o n t h e t o n e . W a r m p i n k s ( c o r a l ,
s a l m o n , m e l o n ) a d d w a r m t h a n d v i t a l i t y C o o l
p i n k s ( r o s e , m a u v e , f u c h s i a ) b r i n g c l a r i t y a n d
c o n t r a s t W h e n p i n k m a t c h e s y o u r n a t u r a l
c o l o r i n g , i t f e e l s c h i c , n e v e r c o s t u m e - l i k e
L o v e a t F i r s t W h i t e
W h i t e m i g h t s e e m s i m p l e , b u t t h e r i g h t s h a d e c a n
m a k e y o u r s k i n g l o w w h i l e t h e w r o n g o n e c a n
l e a v e y o u l o o k i n g w a s h e d o u t I f y o u h a v e w a r m
u n d e r t o n e s , w h i t e s w i t h a t o u c h o f c r e a m , i v o r y , o r
e c r u b r i n g g e n t l e w a r m t h a n d h a r m o n y t o y o u r
c o m p l e x i o n . C o o l u n d e r t o n e s s h i n e i n b l u e - b a s e d
w h i t e s ( t h i n k i c e , p u r e o r o f f - w h i t e ) , w h i c h a d d
c l a r i t y a n d s u b t l e c o n t r a s t n e a r t h e f a c e I f w h i t e
e v e r f e e l s h a r s h , d u l l , o r u n f l a t t e r i n g , i t ’ s n o t y o u
I t ’ s j u s t t h e w r o n g s h a d e F i n d i n g y o u r p e r f e c t
w h i t e b r i n g s b a l a n c e , p o l i s h , a n d a n e f f o r t l e s s
g l o w t o e v e n t h e s i m p l e s t o u t f i t .
Color
Tip You’ll Love
W e a r i n g r e d s o r p i n k s ? P a i r y o u r l i p s t i c k a n d
b l u s h t o t h e s a m e u n d e r t o n e W a r m w i t h w a r m ,
c o o l w i t h c o o l . A c o l o r a n a l y s i s s e s s i o n r e v e a l s t h e
s h a d e s t h a t e n h a n c e y o u r n a t u r a l b e a u t y a n d
s h o w s y o u h o w t o c o o r d i n a t e m a k e u p w i t h y o u r
s e a s o n a l p a l e t t e , m a k i n g e v e r y l o o k f e e l p o l i s h e d
a n d e f f o r t l e s s
D i s c o v e r y o u r b e s t c o l o r s . S c h e d u l e a c o l o r
a n a l y s i s s e s s i o n a n d b l o o m w i t h c o n f i d e n c e !
Image by Baya Rae Photography
Love your Legacy
PLANNING TODAY TO PROTECT TOMORROW
By Kathryn Swanson, Financial Advisor
Life Insurance can be a confusing conversation. It is easy to put off the conversation, thinking that if you stay healthy, you won’t have concerns about money after you die.
On top of that, life insurance doesn’t benefit you directly. It benefits your loved ones after you have passed away. Many people do not realize the value it adds until it is too late.
Life insurance does not have to be this way. A proper plan and an effective advisor or life insurance agent instill confidence and provide clarity, not confusion.
What is the purpose of life insurance?
Life insurance provides a tax-free benefit at death to the beneficiary of the policy.
Families use life insurance to cover:
• Final expenses
• Remaining debt
• Income the deceased provided
• Liquidity needs
The tax-free benefit is also beneficial. It allows the beneficiaries not to worry about paying taxes on the large sum of money they just received.
Why is life insurance confusing?
Part of what makes life insurance such an easy-to-avoid conversation is its complexity. Life insurance provides a variety of benefits and is used for multiple purposes.
I recently met with someone who had a life insurance policy. I asked them what type of policy it was, and they looked back at me in confusion. I asked them how much they were paying for it; more confusion. I asked if they had any information on it; even more confusion.
When estate planning, life insurance can be a key piece to a complex estate. Life insurance often funds the taxes that need to be paid on large estates or can provide the liquidity that heirs need.
Think of a farmer who had three children. One of them farmed, while the other two had moved away. When the farmer and his wife passed away, the farmland went to all three kids equally. The farming child wanted to buy his siblings’ portion of the land, but did not have the cash to do so. Life insurance was the missing piece. A life insurance policy provided cash to the children, allowing the farming child to buy the land from his siblings.
What type of insurance should I get?
Let’s start with the basics. There are two main types of life insurance:
• Permanent Life insurance, which lasts your entire life
• Term Life insurance, which ends after a set term
Paying for insurance that eventually ends can be frightening, but term insurance is typically the best option for individuals. Permanent insurance is considerably more expensive than a term policy.
Permanent insurance is often touted as providing a savings vehicle with market exposure for investments. While many policies can do this, the high cost of these policies makes them an ineffective option for most people’s investments and savings. For the right plan and the right person, though, these permanent policies can provide major benefits.
How much should I pay for life insurance?
Your cost of life insurance is very dependent on your cash flow and income. One important thing to consider is that life insurance is just part of planning for your legacy. Investments and savings are another important part. Neither one should be prioritized at the cost of the other.
How can I avoid confusion regarding my insurance?
Have you ever been asked about your life insurance and realized that you barely know what you are paying for? Instead of looking back in confusion, start with a conversation.
At Swenson Wealth Management, advisors help families and business owners understand their policies and move forward with clarity and confidence. Call today for a simple conversation to get the clarity you are looking for.
MORE ABOUT KATHRYN SWANSON
Helping you create confidence in your finances
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.
of principal. Alternative investments may involve higher risk, greater volatility, limited liquidity, and complex structures, and are not suitable for all investors. Past performance is not indicative of future results. This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation.
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 their 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.
While often overlooked on the map, South Dakota has had its fair share of notable visitors. In honor of Presidents’ Month, we’re taking a closer look at the presidents who made their way through the Rushmore State. From early statehood to the modern political era, these visits helped place South Dakota within the broader national conversation.
The first of many was the 25th president of the United States, William McKinley, who visited in 1899, just 10 years after the state was admitted to the Union. While visiting, McKinley made 12 stops across the state alongside Governor Andrew Lee. Since the primary means of travel was railway, the purpose of his tour was to highlight ways to develop the Western country.
Following McKinley’s visit was Theodore Roosevelt in 1903. Roosevelt spent several days in Sioux Falls before continuing his statewide journey to Yankton and Aberdeen. Recognized for his strong connection to frontier life, Roosevelt’s visit contributed to the growing national interest in the region’s resources and communities. His appreciation for the outdoors resonated strongly with residents of a state shaped by land and agriculture.
In 1911, William Howard Taft made his way through South Dakota as part of a statewide train tour. Taft
By Samantha Brockhouse | Photography by Siouxland Heritage Museums
Theodore Roosevelt in a convertible car with Seth Bullock and Sioux Falls’ mayor George Burnside
President George H. W. Bush at the Sioux Falls arena during a visit to South Dakota. He is addressing the crowd with South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson in the background
primarily visited several Black Hills towns before continuing to East River, making additional stops in Pierre, Huron, Redfield, and Aberdeen. His journey reflected South Dakota’s growing role as a key stop in national political tours during the early twentieth century.
That pattern continued in 1919 when Woodrow Wilson visited Sioux Falls during his nationwide train tour promoting the League of Nations. Wilson spoke at the Sioux Falls Coliseum in an effort to gain public support following World War I. The visit placed Sioux Falls on the national stage at a time when the country was debating America’s role in global affairs and marked one of the most historically significant presidential stops in the city’s history.
Perhaps the most well-known presidential connection to South Dakota came just a few years later. In 1927, Calvin Coolidge and his wife, First Lady Grace Coolidge, spent their summer in the Black Hills, staying in Custer State Park. During their stay, Coolidge continued tending to his presidential duties and essentially making the State Game Lodge the summer White House. Their time in the state helped cement the Black Hills as a place of national significance and remains one of the most memorable presidential visits in South Dakota history, as few states can claim they temporarily housed the presidency itself.
As the 20th century progressed, South Dakota continued to grow and attract presidents, often in connection with the visits to Mount Rushmore. Presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan all made visits to give major speeches or national celebrations at the monument. Over time, Mount Rushmore eventually became a backdrop for modern presidential moments.
In more recent decades, South Dakota has remained a destination for sitting presidents and running candidates. George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump have all made appearances in recent years for speeches, events, and national observances. These visits often drew large crowds and national media attention, highlighting South Dakota’s continued relevance in modern political conversations. Whether tied to elections, commemorations, or public appearances, each visit carried on the tradition of presidents engaging directly with communities across the state.
President Calvin and First Lady Grace Coolidge entering the Congregational Church in Hermosa, South Dakota
President Gerald Ford came to Sioux Falls to help campaign for Jim Abnor. Photo taken on September 11, 1980, at the Holiday Inn in Sioux Falls
