Downtown Sioux Falls blends small town charm with big city excitement. Its vibrant and bustling downtown continues to serve as a must stop for South Dakota travelers and beyond. From the natural beauty of the iconic Falls Park to the lively atmosphere of local festivals, events, restaurants and markets, Downtown Sioux Falls offers something for everyone.
Events in Downtown Sioux Falls offer travelers an unforgettable experience, blending local charm with a lively, inclusive atmosphere. From bustling art walks and farmers markets to seasonal celebrations, the city’s events showcase the best of its culture, creativity, and community spirit. With live music, diverse food vendors, and interactive activities, these gatherings provide an authentic glimpse into the heart of Sioux Falls.
6
EMPIRE
CONTRIBUTORS
team of writers
Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Tanya Manus, Lauren Johnson, Sarah Grassel, Teresa Mentzer, National MST Support Team
Account Executives
Cory Johnsen
605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
Stace Osthus
605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com
Jill Foley
712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
Editor
Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com
Photography
Kate Jones Studios katejonesstudios.com
Harberts Media
Mary Novak
graphic designer
Makenzie Jorgenson
chief of operations
Hanna Michels
605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
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LEADING WITH GRATITUDE
By: Andrea Van Essen |
Photos
By: Kate Jones Studios
Jenny Eggers is the type of person who exudes warmth and kindness from the moment you meet her, but it goes much deeper than just a friendly face.
Jenny says she developed a heart of gratitude at just six years old, shortly after her mom passed away in a tragic accident. Her upbringing from then on was challenging — Jenny and her siblings were left to grow up on a farm in rural Nebraska with an abusive and alcoholic father — but she has come away from that experience with a stunning capacity for gratitude and a heart that is passionate about mentoring and supporting others.
“I think we all cope with trauma in our own ways,” Jenny explains. “My dad was just doing the best he knew how to do. His whole life, he was just surviving, and he very much taught my siblings and I to be survivors because he thought we would have to keep living that way. He wanted us to be very tough.”
“Once I left home though, I realized the world wasn’t as harsh as how we had been living,” Jenny reflects.
After graduating from high school, Jenny moved to Sioux Falls, where she says she “Didn’t even know how to drive in traffic,” but knew that she had to get out of her small town of 400 people.
“It’s tough growing up in a town like that where everyone looked in and talked about you, but no one ever came to you to see how you’re doing. I think experiencing that gave me the confidence now to put myself in hard spots and say, ‘How can I help?’ — whatever that looks like.”
She adds that when you go through hard times and overcome them, you become passionate about meeting others without judgment.
“We’re all doing the best we can,” Jenny notes.
From a 20-year career in massage therapy to starting her nonprofit, 605 Roots, on top of running her family’s acreage, where she hopes to host retreats and camps this year, Jenny’s career has revolved around helping others find healing and peace from trauma.
Massage therapy was where she started out when she first arrived in Sioux Falls, and though she loved the work and her clients, she says she knew she was meant to make a difference somewhere else.
That’s where horses entered the picture. Jenny has always loved riding. Growing up, her maternal grandparents were a critical support system for her, and at age 12, her grandpa bought her a horse. Riding and caring for the horse quickly became her safe place to escape life’s hardships.
“If I was at home, I was with my horse, and I knew early on that I wanted to be able to provide that feeling of safety to other people. It was just a seed of an idea that I tucked away for someday,” Jenny says.
She stayed involved with horses as she got older, even running a local stable with her first husband. So, in 2020 when that nudge came along to pursue something more, she found herself exploring Draper Sensory Therapy — a method of therapy and experiential learning through horseback riding that connects the head and the heart; the brain and the body.
Initially, Jenny got certified simply to help friends and
family who were struggling with various issues and traumas, but people quickly began traveling from around the region to experience the horses.
“It just sort of blew up. I never really advertised. People are skeptical at first about how a horse can do this, but once they experience it, they feel so empowered,” Jenny explains.
“Horses don’t know religion or politics. You’re communicating with an animal that doesn’t speak your language.”
Jenny works with lots of kids who are experiencing challenges or struggling to communicate with their parents, but she also helps adults who are facing situations like divorce, veterans with PTSD or folks who simply need to understand their worth and that they are enough.
Generally, she works with people for 8-12 weeks, and while she does charge for sessions, as a nonprofit, she doesn’t turn people away who aren’t able to afford the cost.
“We can really move the needle for people. Draper therapy can be a successful gateway to other healing or treatment because once you get those neuropathways going, people are starting to dream, and they’re focusing forward and seeing their purpose,” Jenny states.
Jenny primarily offers therapy in the warm, summer months, but she stays plenty busy throughout the winter, too.
She serves as the president of Rising Rock Rodeo Bible Camp, the leader for the South Dakota chapter of Grit & Grace Nation, offers life coaching via Zoom and is currently moving in a new direction of working with couples and holding retreats out in nature.
“We want to create an atmosphere where people can experience the farm, come learn about animals, reproduction, manure, planting flowers, all that good stuff. It’s all really important to teach the values of a hard work ethic.”
Outside of these pursuits, Jenny’s family has been a source of great healing and joy for her. Growing up without her mother, she says what she wanted most in life was to be a mom someday.
Photos Top to Bottom: Rising Rock Rodeo Bible Camp is the highlight of the Eggers family summer; Jenny never sits on the sidelines as she is surrounded by smiles and sweet moments, she shares an evening with teens at Rodeo Bible Camp, helping them connect, grow in their faith, and find community; wrapped in the golden glow of a Big Sioux River sunset, the Eggers family soaks in nature’s beauty and each other’s love. These are the moments that make life feel like heaven on earth; Jenny loves spending time with her family Zayden, Olive, Kinley, Stein, and husband, Josh; She also loves to travel, she is pictured here in Fort Worth, Texas at the PBR world finals; A powerful moment of faith and courage—praying with PBR Bull Rider, Wyatt Rogers before his ride at the world finals in Fort Worth, Texas. Grateful to walk alongside incredible individuals chasing their dreams; Riding through the rugged beauty of Idaho’s mountains, Jenny and Josh find their rhythm in the saddle on a horse drive; Investing in the next generation! As a South Dakota chapter leader for The Grit and Grace Nation, she’s honored to teach girls to lead with courage and step boldly into their purpose.
“Thankfully the Lord has blessed me abundantly with all kinds of kids, two of my own and my husband has two as well, and then lots of spiritual kids that I claim as my own,” Jenny reflects.
Between Jenny and her husband, Josh, they share four kids including Zayden (16), Olive (16), Kinley (14) and Stein (12).
The Eggers have been married for eight years, and Jenny says she wouldn’t be successful without Josh’s support as a husband and provider.
“We knew we were kindred spirits right away. I’m very thankful to do life with someone who cheers me on.”
Josh works in the North Dakota oil fields on a week-on, week-off schedule, and she says they’ve aligned their schedules so that all four kids are at home during the weeks he’s at home, and with their other parents when he’s away.
“The weeks when everyone is gone are when I really try to work, and when everyone’s home, it’s crazy. Our house is really open to invitation. We love a full house with kids on the counters and all over the place — we really love this season of life,” Jenny shares.
“HORSES DON’T KNOW RELIGION OR POLITICS. YOU’RE COMMUNICATING WITH AN ANIMAL THAT DOESN’T SPEAK YOUR LANGUAGE.”
In their free time, the family enjoys riding horses, taking in sunsets and sunrises and being around each other and their animals.
Whether it’s with her nonprofit or coaching clients, her family or the people she has the opportunity to mentor through Grit & Grace or her church, Jenny leads first and foremost with gratitude.
It may sound like a surprising approach for someone who has been through so much in life, but she says God has shown her how she endured it all for good.
Jenny was raised with religion, but it wasn’t until she got plugged into a new church after her divorce that Jenny says she realized just how sweet that relationship with God was.
“I was struggling with a lot of guilt and shame for all the things I had experienced. After my divorce, for instance, I felt like all my dreams were being stripped from me, but I learned that rejection can be God’s protection. It gave me the opportunity to focus on my kids and get them in a good place, and now He’s put me in a spot where I can love others well.”
Leap Before You Look: Jenny jumps headfirst into her goals without necessarily having a clear roadmap. She believes that when you take the first step, the help or information you need always shows up. Courage for her is trusting that the Lord knows better than she does. Plus, she’s really good at asking for help—her community plays a huge role in her success because she’s brave enough to reach out.
Seriously Funny: Her work can be pretty serious, so she balances it out with a solid dose of humor. Jenny loves playing funny games with family and friends and pulling a good practical joke. Watch out—she might just jump out from behind a corner to give you a playful scare! And yes, she cheats at games—because, why not? It’s all about having fun!
Learning Warrior: Jenny achieved success despite learning challenges that made school really tough. She graduated with a sixth-grade reading level, and while certain tasks are still challenging, she never let it stop her.
Polka Pride: She grew up listening to polka music with my grandparents. Jenny’s family is Czech, and polka was a big part of their community. Nothing like a good accordion jam to bring back those memories!
Everybody’s My Friend: Jenny always tells her kids, “Everyone is my friend—they just don’t know it yet.” I truly believe in the power of connection and treating strangers like friends.
Success in Good Company: To Jenny, success isn’t measured by how far you go but by how many people you bring on the journey with you.
Diner Days: One of her favorite jobs was as a cook at a small mom-and-pop restaurant growing up. Jenny and her husband still love stopping at dive bars and local eateries—the people you meet there often turn into fast friends.
Queen of the Road: Last summer, she learned how to drive her husband’s semi. It was exhilarating—proof that it’s never too late to try something new!
Kitchen Champion: Jenny makes a mean gravy and fried pork chops. If you’re ever at her table, expect comfort food at its finest!
Imposter Syndrome Is Real: Despite her accomplishments, Jenny still struggles with imposter syndrome. It’s a reminder that even when things look polished on the outside, we’re all just figuring it out on the inside.
Photos Left to Right: You can find Jenny at YOUTH every Wednesday night, investing in the next generation. She learned at a very young age the power of prayer and is passionate about sharing that truth with today’s youth—planting seeds of hope, faith, and strength; Trailblazer and Farm Camp at 605 Roots in Brandon is where the magic of horses meets the power of a positive mindset! It’s all about creating habits that lead to a lifetime of growth
Have a mom, daughter, grandma, friend, sister or wife that you think deserves to be queen for a day?
FOR A DAY
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, 2025. Clips of various stories will be chosen to run in the April edition of Empire, with one winner to be ‘crowned’ in May. A great prize package perfect for a queen!
Who? Local organizations such as businesses, church organizations, and social clubs.
Use our kitchens to prepare home-cooked meals for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House.
You choose the day and the meal you want to prepare. Shop for the ingredients. Come to the house and prepare your meal. Breakfast, brunch, or dinner.
Want to learn more? Call Samantha at 605.336.6398 ext. 8 or email samantha@rmhcsodak.org. 5
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By: Lauren Johnson
2025 marks the 30th year that the Sioux Falls Area Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program has been promoting and protecting the best interests of abused and neglected children through the advocacy efforts of staff and volunteers dedicated to making a powerful impact in the lives of these children.
Nearly 500 children are assigned to the CASA program each year as a result of their involvement with the court system through no fault of their own. These numbers have continued to rise every year.
“What we do is so important because these kids don’t have a voice,” says Stacey Tieszen, Chief Executive Officer of Sioux Falls CASA.
“They’ve been in a home environment that most of the time has been so neglectful, with parents who are substance abusing or have untreated mental health issues, domestic violence, poverty, and sometimes a combination of all those things. These kids get lost in the system when they get removed from the home, not because staff is not capable, but simply because the system is overwhelmed because so many kids are in need.”
The numbers don’t lie. Right now, 354 kids have been assigned to the Sioux Falls CASA office, and 260 kids are waiting for an advocate. “Being a volunteer helps bring the next level of information to the judge, so they know how the family and kid is doing in order to make an informed decision about what’s best for the child,” Stacey notes.
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
Throughout the month of April, Sioux Falls CASA calls on our neighbors, friends, and family members to stand together to combat child maltreatment in
all its forms. Whether you donate, volunteer, or help raise awareness on social media, together we can prevent and address child abuse so that every child can thrive in a safe and stable home environment. Every dollar given to Sioux Falls Area CASA Program stays local in the 2nd Judicial Circuit (Minnehaha and Lincoln Counties).
Red Cape Campaign
In addition to heightening awareness in April for Child Abuse Month, CASA in Sioux Falls also hosts an annual Red Cape Month.
“We believe every child deserves a superhero, and we have so much fun with our Red Cape Campaign, which helps bring awareness to the severity of abuse and neglect as well as our need for more volunteer advocates,” Stacey explains. “It’s also our largest fundraiser! We love seeing community-wide support and people willing to pose heroically for social media. We have even sent capes with volunteers and staff when they have gone on vacation!”
CASA partners with local businesses, key sponsors, and the community to spread awareness and drive donations. Donating to Sioux Falls CASA during Red Cape Month is the best way to make a lasting impact in the Sioux Falls area. It costs approximately $5.25 per day to support a child with advocacy efforts from trained volunteers, totaling about $2,000 per year per child. Your support is needed now more than ever! Sign up for the Red Cape Challenge at siouxfallscasa.org.
You Can be a Superhero
“I’m in awe of our volunteers,” Stacey adds. “We firmly believe our volunteers are superheroes working diligently to advocate for kiddos with broken hearts and broken homes. It’s not miracle work, but it’s definitely heroic work. They get to know these kids and build relationships with them and with the parents. They are the eyes and ears of the judge, by drafting reports and attending court on behalf of the kids. Parents are often repeating what they’ve experienced when they were growing up. Expecting them to do something different without giving them the tools to do so is not helping them to change. Our volunteers can help bring change to those kids and families lives.”
Being a volunteer requires 30 hours of training and the ability to see the child twice a month and meet with their attorneys, day care providers, teachers, and anyone that the child comes into contact with in order to develop these reports, with the help and guidance of CASA staff. The report then goes to the judge who can then make the best decision possible to do what’s best for the kiddos.
“A lot of our volunteers visit the kids every week, even though it’s only necessary to do so twice a month. Our volunteers are so amazing to put in that extra time because they feel called, and we love them for that,” Stacey shares.
Training programs happen quarterly, with April, July, and October scheduled for 2025. Sioux Falls CASA likes to assuage the fears of those who feel like they don’t know what to do or don’t feel qualified to help. No prior experience is necessary, and you can bow out if you realize you can’t do it or it’s too much. “If you are anti-anything, then we are not a good fit,” states Stacey. “We can’t dictate what kids are coming into the system. You just need to have a heart for helping kids.”
Each volunteer is assigned an Advocate Supervisor to ensure guidance and encouragement. “We are grateful for our volunteers; we just need lots more of them!” Stacey exclaims.
STACEY TIESZEN, CEO
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By: Tanya Manus | Photos By: Harberts Media
Merle and Cheri Krull moved to Sioux Falls knowing they wanted to build their dream house here. After searching to find a builder who could bring their vision to life, the Krulls chose Vince and April McCormick from SmartHomes 605 and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices because they were perfect team to create the distinctive, custom home they envisioned.
“We started going to open houses at the Parade of Homes, and that’s where we ran into April and Vince,” Merle adds. “We struck up a conversation and a quick friendship.”
“The thing we liked about SmartHomes 605 is we did talk to several other builders, and for some reason we felt very comfortable with Vince and April,” Merle explains.
About the Build
The Krulls had a wish list they wanted for their home’s location and the house itself. Merle and Cheri credit April with helping them find property that provides privacy, while also offering convenient access to nearby shopping and Veterans Parkway.
Home Selection
The Krulls had retired to Las Vegas and spent a few years there in a desert dream home. Ultimately, the couple wanted to live closer to their family in Minnesota, so they sold their Las Vegas home and relocated to Sioux Falls. Their vision included a house with modern farmhouse aesthetics and space to host friends and family.
Knowing what they wanted in a home and trusting their instincts when choosing a builder proved to be a formula for success.
Merle and Cheri are impressed with how well Vince and April were able to incorporate their wish list into their finished home. The Krulls’ four-bedroom, 3.5-bath onestory walk-out fulfills their needs and wants. The couple loves to entertain, and their 3,800-square-foot home gives them ample space for guests.
Smart Homes 605 designs unique, personalized homes while ensuring every aspect of their clients’ dream home is exceptional. Through every decision and design choice, Vince and April were there to guide the Krulls through the entire process.
“We started looking at plans and came up with what we thought we wanted, and Vince took it from there,” Cheri adds. “We had a house plan we showed them and what
we wanted done differently, and they drew it up.”
“The thing we like about our house is it’s all open concept,” Merle notes. “It ended up being everything we wanted.”
Having two master suites was high on the Krulls’ list of priorities, as were amenities such as a powder room and a spacious back yard deck. A home that was designed for entertaining also features several conversation areas throughout.
The Krulls are thrilled with their kitchen, too. Merle jokes that their huge walk-in pantry is larger than his first apartment in college.
Details Matter
The Krulls’ home in Las Vegas had a kitchen island the couple loved. The SmartHomes 605 team was able to recreate the island, and it’s the star of the kitchen space.
“It’s an exact copy of what we had in Las Vegas. I wasn’t expecting them to be able to do it,” Merle shares. “Most kitchen islands are counter height
or bar height. Ours is a drop-down where we have regular dining chairs, and it’s circular on one side. It’s cool. We were very pleased with that. We brought a little bit of Las Vegas back here with us.”
Though the process of building a house isn’t easy, the Krulls describe their experience with SmartHomes 605 as “pretty much stress-free” — despite being plagued by inclement weather.
Vince told the Krulls SmartHomes 605 was a 120-day builder, and despite setbacks, he kept his word.
What Happens When Things Go Wrong?
The Krulls closed on their home on July 10, 2024. They appreciate their beautiful home and the added peace of mind that comes from the one-year warranty SmartHomes 605 provides.
Vince and his team understand that it’s common for new homes to need small “tune-ups” or repairs during the first year after a home is built. Vince provides that service rather than leaving clients to do the work.
“Once a quarter, we send Vince a photo and brief description of what needs to be looked at or repaired in our home and The SmartHomes 605 team responds promptly,” Merle adds.
“They’re very good at service after the home sale,” Cheri notes.
Shortly after their home was built, the Krulls did need to lean on SmartHomes 605 and Vince’s excellent customer service as a dishwasher water line leaked, damaging their lower-level flooring. “We had that peace of mind as Vince took care of it right away,” Merle adds. The floor was replaced with no questions asked at no cost to the Krulls.
To learn more about unique custom home design or the building process, visit SmartHomes605.com.
Vince & April MCCORMICK
Striking the right balance at Mitchell Tech ON THE ROAD
Students on the rodeo team at Mitchell Technical College must learn to find the right balance between coursework, training, and a tight travel schedule for rodeo contests.
The Mitchell Technical College Rodeo Team, founded more than 20 years ago, competes as a club team in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA). The team travels to area college rodeos in both fall and spring. The spring schedule includes travel to Iowa State University at the end of March, two rodeos in South Dakota in April, and the University of Nebraska at the beginning of May.
For MacKenzie, balancing her career path and hobbies hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies. Rodeos are nearly every weekend during the main season, so it can be difficult to juggle everything. MacKenzie says the thing she’s learned so far is to keep schooling the main focus during the week and simply plan ahead. She smiles, “It can be challenging, but staying organized and committed to both my education and passion for rodeo makes it possible.”
MacKenzie also jokes that since several of the shows are travel opportunities, the long trips offer ample time for studying either in the truck or finishing assignments in a comfortable hotel room.
Starting in the world of horses at an early age, MacKenzie Baumgardt has always had a passion for riding. Her first show was at four years old, but before that, MacKenzie was riding solo at just two years old. Proudly, she shares that Western Saddle Clubs Association (WSCA) shows and local jackpots have been a highlight throughout the course of growing up.
“I was competing almost every weekend and was fortunate enough to be bringing home many different champion and reserve champion awards – from buckles and plaques to chairs and hay bags,” MacKenzie smiles.
By: Sarah Grassel
MacKenzie had her first taste of rodeo in the spring of 2020. She convinced a family friend to loan her a horse for a “trial run” and the rest was history. “After that, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. My parents have always supported me in my decision by helping me try to fine tune my skills running around in Little Britches rodeos around the Midwest,” MacKenzie adds.
As high school came to a close, MacKenzie wasn’t sure what the future held. “I didn’t want to waste money for
“I may not make it to the big leagues in rodeo, but I’m going to enjoy this time and continue participating in the incredible sport along the way while earning my degree.”
a career if I didn’t need to and I knew I wanted to continue in rodeo,” she reluctantly shares. Working all of the logistics out and taking a leap of faith was a little intimidating.
While talking with a friend, MacKenzie learned about Mitchell Tech’s welding program. MacKenzie explains, “He said the faculty were knowledgeable and that I would learn lots while simultaneously continuing my rodeo career on the [Mitchell Tech rodeo] team if I wanted to try it out.”
With a top-notch program just a short distance from home – and the opportunity to continue in rodeo –MacKenzie felt it was worth a shot.
The Progressive Welding Technology program at Mitchell Technical College is industry-driven to educate students who want to pursue a career in the manufacturing industry. The program
provides the skills for graduates to excel in welding, machining, and lean manufacturing techniques with a 100 percent placement rate after graduation.
MacKenzie discovered her passion for welding while in high school, and her enthusiasm for the career path continues to grow as she progresses through the program. “I’ve learned a lot about welding with how the courses are organized,” she starts. “Not just how to pass a test, but how to do things the right way. Just in my first year, [instructors] Jed and Travis have helped me to refine the skills I learned early on before college, perfect my work, and helped me to see how I can turn welding into a long-term career.”
By the end of the program, students learn how to identify principles of safety in welding, cutting, and machine operation; complete various AWS code qualification weld tests, interpret welding code, administer quality and production improvement processes, and more. MacKenzie highlights her welding economics course for example. “The class has been especially valuable, teaching me how to calculate different factors – like how long a job will take, how much filler material I’ll need, and the overall cost of the project,” she explains.
“Whether I’m looking at a weld test that I know I have to finish in a pinch or if I’m about to enter the alley to the large outdoor pen in North Platte, Nebraska, I love the challenges I get to see and overcome in both welding and in rodeo.”
By: Teresa Mentzer
Mentors are invaluable. They serve as someone to walk us through the paces and to ease life’s learning curves. When Jean (Wood) Fuller was hired to coach girls’ track at Yankton High School in 1970, she quickly realized that she lacked the mentorship that her male colleagues had received.
Jean had a degree in physical education, but growing up in Sioux Falls, she had no opportunities to participate in organized sports. Unlike her male counterparts, she had not been required to take coaching or sports instruction classes at the University of South Dakota.
As a new coach, she relied on her limited experience in PE classes, YMCA games, and informal neighborhood competitions. Recognizing her need for guidance, Jean sought support from fellow coaches. Head boys’ track coach Max Hawk and field events coach Ray Kooistra helped her manage the large number of girls interested in track. Her husband, Bill Fuller, a former track athlete, provided insights into relay handoffs and competition strategies.
While Jean was building Yankton’s girls’ track program, Tyndall had already established itself as a powerhouse in girls’ track and field. Tyndall introduced girls’ track in the 1960s, following the success of its boys’ program, led by star athlete Lee “Lefty” Hisek. Hisek set state records in the 100 and 220-yard dashes, bringing recognition to the small town. Inspired by the boys’ success, the girls embraced the sport with enthusiasm.
“We didn’t realize we were pioneers in girls’ track history; we just wanted to compete and have fun,” said Connie Hisek Svanda, a former Tyndall athlete. Growing up
watching Hisek and other athletes inspired the girls to excel. Their preparation gave them a competitive edge over teams from other towns.
Tyndall won the first officially sanctioned girls’ state track meet in 1969 in Yankton and defended their title in 1970 in Mitchell. Janet Wagner, one of Tyndall’s standout athletes, held the state discus record after winning the 1970 championship.
Despite the excitement surrounding girls’ track, challenges remained. Girls had to share facilities with boys’ teams, creating logistical difficulties. However, track and field were well suited for this arrangement since both teams could use the open space simultaneously.
Jim Miner, a Yankton boys’ track coach, recalled the early days of integrating girls into the program. “It was fun having the girls practice alongside the boys. I coached the long jump and high jump, and the girls just joined in. They worked just as hard and were just as coachable as the boys.”
Jean (Wood) Fuller’s impact on Yankton’s track program was profound, even though her coaching tenure lasted only from 1970 to 1972. She and her husband, Bill, were beloved by their athletes. Jane Barnes, one of Jean’s early runners, fondly remembers the couple’s enthusiasm.
“Jean and Bill wanted us to be prepared for competition, but they also made track fun,” Jane recalls. Unlike Jean, Jane had experience with organized sports through competitive swimming. Her endurance from swimming
helped her excel in distance running.
Coach Miner encouraged Jane, telling her she had the potential to compete in college. He was right. Jane went on to play basketball and volleyball at the South Dakota School of Mines, despite limited court time in high school. She also became the first girl in South Dakota to receive an athletic scholarship, which was for $300.
Jean (Wood) Fuller was a tireless advocate for her athletes, pushing for them to receive the same resources as the boys. She successfully lobbied for Yankton’s girls to compete in the prestigious Howard Wood Dakota Relays, a milestone event for female athletes. Jean’s grandfather, Howard Wood, had founded the Relays in 1923, yet girls had never been included until 1972.
That year, two girls’ events debuted at the 48th Invitational Relays held May 6, 1972: an invitational 440-yard relay featuring eight high schools and a mile relay following a torch ceremony. Jean and her Yankton runners were among the elite eight teams. Despite the fact that her grandfather started the event, Jean received no special recognition.
“I was aware that Jean was Howard Wood’s granddaughter, but she was not given any attention at that time,” Jane recalls.
Jean’s priority was ensuring that her athletes felt confident and respected. She successfully secured the boys’ cross-country warmups for the girls to wear, elevating their team’s presence. “She fought for us and for what was fair,” Jane says.
Jean’s leadership paid off. Yankton’s mile relay team—Jane Barnes, Joleen Becker, Ann Binder, and Roxann Baumfalk—won the event with a time of 4:23.8. Tyndall, Washington, Hurley, and Lincoln followed. The Yankton 440-yard relay team finished fifth behind Lincoln, Tyndall, Washington, and Canton.
“The high school girls enjoyed a hearty reception in afternoon action at the Howard Wood Relays Saturday,” wrote sportswriter Dave Jurgens in the Argus Leader.
Though Jean never competed in track, she developed a passion for the sport. She continued coaching in Sioux Falls for several years and became the first female member of the South Dakota High School Coaches Association. Her advocacy for girls’ athletics came full circle when she joined the Howard Wood Dakota Relays Board of Directors.
Since 1972, thousands of young girls have competed at the Howard Wood Dakota Relays, standing alongside the region’s top track athletes. At the 100th running of the Relays on May 2-3, 2025, Jean will be in the stands with her family, celebrating her grandfather’s legacy and over 50 years of girls’ track and field achievements.
#1. Jean (Wood) Fuller; #2. Coach Fuller instructs team before practice; #3. Jane Barnes, ran distance, relays and high jumped; #4. Girls just wanted to have fun. Yankton ‘72 track team members
By: National MST Support Team
April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month — an important time to reach out to Veterans and other former service members and share that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides free services for military sexual trauma survivors whenever they are ready, at any time of year.
Military sexual trauma, or MST, is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or sexual harassment that occurred during military service. People of all sexes, ages, sexual orientations, racial and ethnic backgrounds and branches of service have experienced MST. For some MST survivors, the experience affects their physical and mental health, work, relationships and everyday life, even many years later.
Healing after MST can take time, and VA understands that every survivor heals at their own pace and in their own way. That’s why VA offers free MST-related services that are tailored to each individual. VA stands ready to help survivors on their path to healing, no matter how long it’s
been since they experienced MST or how it’s affecting them now. There are more VA resources available for survivors of MST than ever before:
• Every VA health care facility has an MST Coordinator — a professional who can assist MST survivors in accessing care. The Sioux Falls VA Health Care System’s MST Coordinator is Dr. Desiree Poppens. She can be reached at 605-373-4080.
• The Sioux Falls VA offers free counseling and treatment to Veterans and former service members for any mental or physical health condition related to their experience of MST. VA offers flexible treatment options tailored to meet MST survivors’ needs and preferences.
• Community-based Vet Centers provide free MST-related outpatient counseling and referral services in a nonmedical setting.
• Beyond MST is a free, secure, self-help mobile app created specifically to support MST survivors’ health and well-being.
• MentalHealth.va.gov/MST provides educational and coping resources about MST for survivors, family members, friends and health care providers.
Want to help spread awareness? Visit the Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month page of the MST website for sharable video, social media posts and e-billboards.
Eligibility for MST-related care at VA is expansive, and no documentation of the MST experience is required to receive this care. Survivors do not need to have reported the MST experience at the time it occurred or to have sought care within a certain time frame. VA believes MST survivors and is ready to help them heal.
Your Loved Ones Deserves the Best
Perhaps you’ve observed changes in a loved one’s mobility or noticed that everyday tasks, like lawn maintenance, have become challenging for them. While it’s tempting to attribute these challenges to the natural aging process, it’s essential to recognize when assistance is needed. Providing the right level of care can ensure the safety, health, and overall well-being of your family member, restoring a sense of care-free living.
Moving to an assisted living facility can give your loved one back independence and enjoyment of life. With less to worry about and more time to focus on their interests, our residents find themselves enjoying life to the fullest. Whether it’s engaging in social activities, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying leisurely moments, the transition to assisted living opens doors to a more enriching and enjoyable lifestyle. Each new day at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living can give your loved one the chance to live life exactly the way they want. Family members gain peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved ones are not only safe and secure but are healthy and fully living life, surrounded by a caring staff and peers.
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites. It is our goal to be more than just a retirement center. We want to ensure your loved ones feel at home with a listening ear, a caring embrace, and an overall sense of community.
O U R M I S S I O N
We are a full-service assisted living community with a mission “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.”
A M E N I T I E S
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
S E RV I C E S
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Personal pendant system
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Dakota Dunes
BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF TRUST
The birds are beginning to sing again, the pasque flowers are budding, and the sun is shining a little longer these days. Spring is coming. It’s time to start dreaming up all of the possibilities for your spring cleaning and upgrading projects! From a new custom-built deck to watch the sunset on, to new outdoor lighting around the patio for late-night conversations with friends, DaleTree is a company you can trust.
Serving the Sioux Falls metro area since 2020, DaleTree Decks and Outdoor Lighting works around the foundation and philosophy of 2 Peter 1:2-3, “Built to Encourage.” The business began with a mission of serving others while meeting their needs in each season of life.
Proud owner, Tim Schoffelman, says, “We accomplish that by not only serving our community through each service, but we also make it a point to pray for our customers through each build.” Their Christian values are a large part of how they’ve grown their company, clientele, and friendships over the years.
“We know the importance of having people root for you in each unique season of life, and we are so thankful for the chance to cheer you on as you go through yours,” Tim adds. Beginning during a global pandemic, DaleTree put an emphasis back on creating spaces where people can truly enjoy spending time since more people were working remotely and staying home.
Tim goes on to say, “Our faith is the foundation that sets our goals and mission for the company, designing and building a space that encourages togetherness, family time, and making lifetime memories.”
While the real estate market is ever changing, more and more people are choosing to upgrade their existing homes rather than selling.
By: Sarah Grassel
One of the biggest ways homeowners can maximize their property value is through expanding livable space, including the outdoor areas. Top trends that the DaleTree team have noticed include: installing a pergola to add shade and comfort during the hottest summer days, metal privacy railing, and outdoor lighting.
The metal privacy railing is a newer feature that some people may have had an opportunity to see at our Sioux Empire Home Show booth this last February. Tim says, “It has all the code ratings of a metal railing, but it’s six feet in height and comes with a number of different configurations to increase privacy.”
Imagine mixing a newly built privacy rail with professionally installed outdoor lighting. There are many low-cost DIY lighting solutions, but the life-spans are less than desirable. For those who are serious about lighting up the night in their space, professional low-voltage lighting has proven its value and durability over time. Not to mention, Tim adds, “The lights we install can be configured to work with a switch in your home as well as with an app from your mobile device.”
Stay comfortable in bed if you forget the outdoor lights on at night and simply switch them off while tucked in for sleep.
Many projects in the warmer months have even combined
services. “There is a huge increase in interest in metal pergolas with motorized louvers,” Tim explains. “These are sleek and come with some amazing upgrades from heaters, lighting, and even motorized screens.”
“Our faith is the foundation that sets our goals and mission for the company, designing and building a space that encourages togetherness, family time, and making lifetime memories.”
The first step in working with DaleTree is to set up an initial budgeting call. The consult goes over the full scope of the project and offers a rough estimate so the clients have a more realistic idea of what the numbers may run.
Next is an in-person meeting on site. Tim says, “We come out to meet with you and get eyes on the space, gather more detailed measurements, and confirm the vision for the project.” Standard 10’ x 12’ decking projects are typically built in 3-5 days. Larger custom projects vary based on size and complexity, but may take up to a month to complete.
When going over materials and project scopes, composite decking has become the most popular choice. Although it’s not a free upgrade, it does go a long way at reducing
overall maintenance needed on the deck while adding a beautiful finished and complete look.
Tim goes on to explain that composite decking is made up of 95 percent recycled plastic and reclaimed sawdust. “The best part is that even the base level composite comes with a 25-year warranty against fade and stain while higher end materials, like PVC decking, come with a 50-year warranty,” Tim says.
Reach out to the team at DaleTree.com to get started and to explore all your options including PVC boards, STAR aluminum railing, and more.
By: Erica Wilcox | Photos By: Mary Novak
he excitement always builds this time of year as we start to see consistently warmer days, patios opening and the bike paths getting busier. If you’re like me, there’s not much motivation to shop in the earlier months of the year, unless you’re planning a getaway. It’s around this time each year that I start to really grab those staple pieces that are not only trending, but versatile enough to allow me to mix and match them throughout spring and summer. Here’s the top trends you’ll want to consider adding your wardrobe right now.
Matching Sets: From athleisure to the office, matching sets continue to trend. When thinking of the workplace or an outing, we’re still seeing the matching trouser short and vest and a denim-on-denim two-piece set. For a more relaxed vibe, there’s a variety of sets in any color imaginable at almost every retailer. One of my favorites currently is Athleta. They always have a wide range of colors, and they have a great rewards program.
Belts: This year will be the year you regret tossing out all your belts from years past. They all seem to be resurfacing and truly everything goes in terms of style and color Chain, leather, buckle, western, skinny, thick, they’re all going to be resurfacing, and a belt will be the perfect piece to complete a head-to-toe look of basics you currently have in your wardrobe.
Pinks & Yellows: Personal favorites of mine that I couldn’t be more excited for. Think pink trousers, yellow silk dress, pink blouse… these soft hues will be in every garmen style. In terms of shades of pink and yellow, light to medium
will blend in better with the spring color palette.
Coastal: Boat shoes are back in a big way! I remember when Sperry’s were the IT shoe and we’ll be seeing this style resurface in new and modern ways (woven, leather, etc.). You’ll want a great pair of white pants that can not only be worn with said boat shoes, but to pair with your navies and nautical stripes as those will also be back.
Skirts: The options are endless with this trend. We won’t just be seeing the class denim or mini skirt, but we’ll see a variety of textiles, lengths and “flowy” options to accommodate
Born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, I’ve been obsessed with fashion since I could dress myself. I was one of those kids who dressed up every day for school, no sweatpants here! My first taste of real fashion was my first retail job at 15. Working in fashion and living it through my everyday outfits, I noticed that everyone would always ask me about my outfits! I’d often get personal shopping requests or asked for fashion advice.
My passion kept growing to the point where I knew this was what I wanted to further my education in. I went on to get my bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in business at South Dakota State University. After completing an internship and study trip, I knew that this was my calling, but I was not sure where to go with it.
After doing some corporate buying and retail management, I was grateful for the experiences but needed more. After years and many individuals telling me to start a blog, I finally did.
Best Dressed Blonde was born… an everyday fashion, clean beauty and lifestyle brand. Sharing through my personal website, Instagram and other fashion platforms is the perfect way to express and showcase my passions!
On Best Dressed Blonde, you’ll find me sharing daily deals and sales, makeup tutorials, try-ons and a little bit of everyday life! My passion has also grown into my clean beauty business with Crunchi where I help women detox their skincare and makeup with truly high-performing and clean products.
