Empire - Dec 25

EMPIRE A

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

HEA LTHCA RE THAT FEEL S LIKE HOME PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE J ONES STUDIOS

SIOUX CITY SIOUX FALLS OMAHA FARGO WAYZATA

SIOUX FALLS | Bridges at 57th

2 1 0 9 W. 5 7 T H • S I O U X FA L L S , S D • ( 6 0 5 ) 3 3 8 - 9 0 6 0 • W W W. G U N D E R S O N S . C O M

8 EMPIRE A

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CONTRIBUTORS Account Executives Jill Foley 712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com Cory Johnsen 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

Social Media Manager & Administrative Coordinator Jess Jervik jess@michelscom.com

graphic designer Makenzie Jorgenson

Photography Kate Jones Studios katejonesstudios.com Filly Flair Kylee Warrick Photography Jordan Road Photography

team of writers Andrea Van Essen, Erica Wilcox, Lauren Johnson, Samantha Brockhouse, Kathryn Swanson, Melissa Chinn, Duane Duimstra, & Ingrid Hayward

Editor Heather Jordan heather@michelscom.com

Director of Digital marketing Cory Johnsen 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com

SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR Stace Osthus 605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com

chief of operations Hanna Sitting Crow 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com

WWW.EMPIRELIFESTYLEMAGAZINE.COM PO Box 91606, Sioux Falls, SD 57109 | 605-332-0421

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Every month Empire showcases local human interest stories along with beauty, fashion, family, home, career, health and nutrition information all with beautiful photography. We also feature businesses, men and women and homes in the Sioux Falls region. Want to subscribe to Empire? One year subscription is only $40.

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Table of

CONTENTS

HEALTHCARE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8

Dr. Lauren Skattum

GET YOUR HOLIDAY GLOW WITH THE SCITON HALO TRIBRID AT PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA. . . . 16 Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota LTD

ADDING HOLIDAY SPARKLE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Best Dressed Blonde

FLOORING EXPERTISE GUIDED BY EXPERIENCE. . . . . . . .

22

Walden Flooring

LINN SKOGLUND THYGESON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26

Featured Artist by Rehfeld's Modern Fine Arts and Framing

20

36

26

A SANCTUARY IN SONG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28

History

YOUR YEAR-END FINANCIAL REVIEW: THE SMARTEST MOVE YOU'LL MAKE ALL YEAR. . . . . . . .

32

Swenson Wealth Management

WITH HEARTFELT THANKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

WISHES THAT HEAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40

Community Spotlight

SWEET SMASH-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Yonutz Donuts and Ice Cream - Sioux Falls

42

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8 n EMPIRE

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

From the time she was young, Dr. Lauren Skattum knew she was meant to be a physician, and she’s spent her career redefining what that can look like.

“Both my parents are aerospace engineers, actual rocket scientists, but I wanted to be a doctor. I have a picture of me and my brother when I was little, where I’m holding a stethoscope, so I was always driven in that direction,” Lauren explains.

Today, she owns Britt Haus, a direct primary care (DPC) practice specializing in gynecology, hormone therapy, and lifestyle medicine. Her passion for the direct care model was nurtured over years spent working in both hospital and group practice settings. But she wasn’t always honed in on women’s health.

Anniversary party celebration with Lauren’s family, all living in Sioux Falls. (L to R: Alexis, Lauren, Ben, Sarah, Andrew, and Anna)

Lauren had an early interest in cardiovascular surgery, even getting the opportunity to scrub in to some open-heart cases while still in college. An opportunity she knew was special at the time, but is now unheard of.

While in medical school, however, her passion for medical missions brought her on a six-week trip to Cameroon, Africa.

The purpose of the mission was to build snail farms for a local tribe that would provide a viable protein source and a good source for trading.

Rock climbing the Needles in the Black Hills. Lauren and Andrew love watching their kids accomplish hard things

“I’m an expert in these African giant snails; they’re the size of your palm,” Lauren affirms.

Though snail farming was a fascinating experience in its own right, a separate event proved life-changing for her: she witnessed her first Cesarean (C-section).

At the time, she was between her first and second years of medical school and had yet to witness a birth, much less a C-section. Cameroon was her introduction.

The heat was 100 degrees before sunrise. There was no running water. No electricity. Flies buzzing everywhere. The only pain relief available was “ketamine hung from a 2 x 4.”

As a University of Alabama graduate, Lauren enjoys taking her family to a football game. It’s a bonus that the Tide has a South Dakota Coach VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 9

“It was the most horrific and awe-inspiring thing I’d ever seen,” Lauren recalls.

women’s health can be transformative for self-worth and quality of life.

Incredibly, the mother and baby both lived.

“Something really impactful to me on that trip was the complete lack of care. We were stationed in the jungle, and these women would walk for over 24 hours to be able to get to a bigger city, though not big at all, to access greater resources or be able to see a physician. You were allotted a single glove to care for hundreds of women.

There were absolutely no resources.”

Though some students might have been traumatized or, at the very least, turned off by witnessing such a crude surgery, Dr. Skattum was inspired.

Her career took a left turn, and “women’s health became a passion project,” she notes.

That trip also got her thinking about how healthcare should ideally be delivered, as well as the fact that prioritizing

Back in the United States, she completed medical school and an OB/GYN residency.

Lauren and her husband, Andrew, also a surgeon, matched at the same hospital for

residency training in Ohio. The two had met on Lauren’s first day of medical school. Ultimately, ended up in Orlando together.

Andrew was originally from Rapid City, but Lauren grew up in the deep south in Alabama.

She loved the warmth, the sun, and the Southern cooking.

“I said, ‘I’m never remembers, laughing.

leaving,’”

Lauren

Despite all the upsides of living in Florida, after getting to experience being at home more often during COVID, Lauren says she and her husband both had a wake-up call. They realized they wanted a slower pace of living for themselves and their family.

“Our schedules were really hard. We never saw each other. We never saw our kids, and then COVID happened, and we went, ‘Wow, this is what we’ve been missing,’” After life returned to normal in 2021, she says they tried to re-assimilate into the chaos again. They decided they needed to make a major change.

“We had been talking about moving to South Dakota for a while, and we really felt called by God. We had been praying about it.

He gave us the green light, and we got here in April 2022.”

Though she had been working in a private group practice in Orlando, the move allowed Dr. Skattum to take the DPC model into her own hands. She started Britt Haus as Sioux Falls’ first DPC provider, focusing on gynecology and lifestyle care outside of pregnancy.

“I always liked the babies, but I loved the moms more,” she noted of her previous obstetrics experience.

According to Dr. Skattum, the DPC model, which is independent of insurance, is more prevalent on the coasts. It is a philosophy she firmly believes in.

Lauren and family white water rafting the Snake River at Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Baptism celebration at Central church. It was so special that Andrew and Lauren got to baptize Hank and Alice

“It’s not restricted by time, which is driven by insurance, so I can take care of people as they need it, whether insurance says we’re VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 11

supposed to or not. Doctor-patient relationships are critical for health. I joke that when you become my patient, I’m your new best friend with a medical degree.

You can call or text me with anything.”

Since opening Britt Haus, Dr. Skattum has found a rhythm that feels both purposeful and peaceful. At work and at home. She picks her kids up from school several days a week, cooks dinner with them gathered around the counter, and has even gotten on board the sourdough baking train.

“I realized I couldn’t keep preaching self-care to my patients while running myself into the ground,” Lauren shares. “Now I protect my schedule and realize I’m modeling that for my patients as well.”

Dr. Skattum blends the science of traditional medicine with the practicality of lifestyle medicine. She believes lasting wellness comes from understanding the whole picture of nutrition, sleep, stress, faith, and relationships, not just lab results or prescriptions.

“I have a unique blend of traditional Western medicine with an emphasis on holistic lifestyle care. While medication and surgeries are important, many can be avoided with lifestyle changes. Our goal is to increase healthspan, not just lifespan.”

The choices you make every day matter. That conviction extends beyond her clinic walls. Lauren and her husband are active in their church and serve together on the national board of Collision, a faith-based organization that equips high school students to share their faith in school. Her own faith, she says, is inseparable from how she practices medicine.

“I think faith is absolutely critical to health,” Lauren says. “Because I don’t have anybody to answer to, I’m very straightforward and just ask people, ‘How is your faith? Do you go to church? Do you pray? Do you have a relationship with Jesus?’ Even from a scientific standpoint, there’s so much research on the benefits of faith, gratitude, prayer, and breathwork. I do think Jesus is the answer.”

Ultimately, Dr. Skattum hopes Britt Haus will help women rediscover confidence, connection, and joy in every stage of life.

“Women are the centers of our homes,” she explains.

“When we’re well, our families are well, and that makes for stronger communities. It’s a beautiful ripple effect for good.”

For Lauren, that’s what Britt Haus is all about: combining top-tier care and genuine connection to remind women they’re seen, supported, and built for a vibrant life.

Patio date night with her husband (and best friend) Andrew

Bucket list trip to Machu Picchu, Peru, April 2025. Lauren has wanted to go ever since 7th grade World History

DID YOU KNOW? Lauren was on the chess team in high school and was a chess champion.

Lauren had wanted to visit Machu Picchu since the 7th grade, and went last year as a family for her birthday. Her daughter was eight at the time, and she was the youngest person their guide had ever hiked with.

She works out every week at Origin Strength.

Lauren started her fitness regimen about a year before their trip to Machu Picchu, and she’s so glad she did. Lauren doesn’t know if she would have been able to finish otherwise.

She had been telling women for over a decade that they need to lift heavy weights, especially in perimenopause and menopause, so she finally took her own advice.

Lauren’s business name and logo all have different meanings. Britt is her maiden name, and originally, she wasn’t going to change it when they got married because she was already a doctor. After they had their son, Lauren thought it would be cool if they all had the same last name.v It was her husband’s idea to keep “Britt” as part of the practice’s name. Haus is a nod to the fact that you can always come home. It doesn’t matter how weird or gross or intimidating you think your situation is; you always have a place you can go and talk to someone.

The bee in the logo is an ancient symbol of fertility. The queen bee is the head of her household – she works hard but also savors the honey of life.

Photos left to right: Daughter Alice picking beets in their backyard garden last summer. Homegrown is the best; Andrew and son Hank pheasant hunting with dog Piper; Hot air balloon ride in the Black Hills; Andrew and Lauren teaching a culinary medicine class at Plum’s Kitchen. Food is her passion, and she loves sharing it with the community and her favorite sous chef VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 13

WWW.KATEJONESSTUDIOS.COM

KATEJONESSTUDIOS

DECKS & OUTDOOR LIGHTING Certified installers of STAR Railing and Trex, TimberTech, AZEK, & Wolf deck boards.

For more information or a Free Estimate SCAN HERE 605-549-1188 | daletree.com

GET YOUR HOLIDAY GLOW WITH THE SCITON HALO TRIBRID AT PLASTIC SURGERY ASSOCIATES OF SOUTH DAKOTA When it comes to skin that truly glows, there’s nothing quite like the Sciton Halo Tribrid, and this holiday season, there’s never been a better time to experience it at Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota.

Known as the world’s first and only Hybrid Fractional Laser, the Halo Tribrid takes skin rejuvenation to the next level by combining three wavelengths in one powerful treatment. This advanced technology allows for fully customizable results that can precisely target surface concerns like tone and texture, while also stimulating deep collagen remodeling for long-term improvement. The result? Smooth, luminous, youthful-looking skin that keeps improving over time.

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WHY PATIENTS LOVE THE HALO TRIBRID

Unlike traditional lasers that focus on either the surface or deeper layers of the skin, the Halo Tribrid does both, delivering transformative results with minimal downtime! Patients love Halo Tribrid for its ability to: Even out skin tone and texture Reduce sun damage, fine lines, and visible pores Boost collagen and elasticity Improve clarity and overall radiance The treatment also features intelligent energy delivery, ensuring maximum results with enhanced comfort and quicker healing. In the days following your treatment, you’ll notice the hallmark “Halo glow” emerge—a refreshed, luminous complexion that continues to improve for months.

HOLIDAY HALO PROMOTIONS

This season, Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota is making it easier than ever to reveal your best skin yet with three special holiday offers: Merry & Bright Eyes: Purchase a Halo Tribrid Face Treatment for $2,000 and receive a FREE Tribrid Eyes Add-On ($500 value).

Redeem your treatment before March 1, 2026, and receive a FREE 0.5oz DEJ Eye Cream from Revision Skincare.

Winter Wonder-Glow: Purchase a Halo Tribrid Face Treatment for $2,000 and receive a FREE Tribrid Neck & Chest Add-On ($1,000 value). Redeem your treatment before March 1, 2026, and receive a FREE 0.5oz DEJ Boosting Serum—the perfect post-laser companion to enhance your glow.

Comfort & Joy: Purchase a Halo Tribrid Face Treatment for $2000 and receive a FREE Pro-Nox add-on for ultimate comfort and a complimentary Alastin Skin Nectar to boost your skin’s healing and enhance results. Redeem your treatment before March 1, 2026, and enjoy a FREE full-sized Soothing Facial Rinse to complete your post-laser glow routine.

THE PERFECT PRE-HOLIDAY TREATMENT

The Halo Tribrid is an ideal treatment before the holidays, giving your skin time to refresh, heal, and shine in time for festive gatherings and photos.

With personalized settings for every skin type and concern, our expert team will help you achieve your healthiest, most radiant skin yet.

READY TO GLOW INTO THE HOLIDAYS? Call Plastic Surgery Associates of South Dakota at 605-335-3349 to schedule your consultation and reserve your Holiday Halo promotion today!

605-335-3349 plasticsurgeryassociatesofsd.com VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 17

Adopt Foster Donate Volunteer

Donate here:

Donations can also be made at BSquadDogRescue.com /Donate

for your convenience

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WEDDING SHOWCASE Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 12:00pm to 3:00pm The Ballroom at the Sioux Falls Convention Center

• Wedding inspiration & trends • Live fashion show - gowns & tuxedos • Food and dessert tasting • Complimentary signature cocktail • Swag bag with samples & coupons

Scan to get pre-registered and be eligible for cash prizes and giveaways!

or visit unveiledshowcase.com

Think. Plan. Be Married.

est. 2020

By: Erica Wilcox

‘Tis the season for sparkle and shine, and this year’s trends are glowing from head to toe.

You can easily add some holiday cheer to your wardrobe with accessible, affordable, and on-trend pieces that will elevate your outfits from dreary to dazzling. Here are a few tips and tricks to level up your style for the season without breaking the bank.

Before investing in an entirely new outfit, consider checking for deals first. Many retailers are already discounting holiday merchandise to clear inventory before the season is over.

I’m always the first to say: “Don’t pay full price for trendy items that have a shorter wear season.” Keep an eye out for those coveted “last-minute deals” and “holiday steals.”

Photo By: Filly Flair

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Photo By: Filly Flair

For your wardrobe consideration: This season showcases shimmer fabrics, mesh tops, and appliqués. Consider incorporating stretchy fabrics with touches of gold, silver, or rose gold, along with added details and embellishments that pair beautifully with modern comfort pieces. To maintain a balanced look for an event that isn’t overly formal, I recommend combining one statement piece with a more muted complement.

In my styling approach, I favor a mesh and beaded top with denim, paired with rose gold lurex pants and a chunky sweater. Your accessories and makeup can also contribute to holiday interest with minimal investment.

Hair accessories, such as a festive bow, sparkle handbags, a bold lip color, or even a pop of color in your footwear, can all serve as effective ways to incorporate sparkle or a holiday hue. These elements instantly transform an outfit and elevate what might otherwise be considered “trendy” into something with genuine flair.

This is the ideal time of year to venture beyond your comfort zone and take some risks with your wardrobe. Cheers to a stylish season!

SAVE ON TOXIN FREE SKINCARE AND MAKEUP NOW!

Scan me

FOLLOW ME FOR MORE OUTFIT INSPIRATION!

@bestdressedblonde

BE SURE TO FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM AND EXPLORE THE FREE SHOPPING APP, LTK, TO SEE MY HOLIDAY STYLES, MAKEUP LOOKS, AND GIFT GUIDES FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST! @BESTDRESSEDBLONDE VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 21

FLOORING EXPERTISE GUIDED BY EXPERIENCE Walden Flooring, established in 1972 by the visionary entrepreneur Jim Walden, has been a pillar of excellence in the flooring industry for over five decades, particularly in the greater Sioux Falls Area. As the years went by, the time for Jim’s well-deserved retirement approached, and he was determined to ensure his legacy lived on.

In 2022, Walden Carpets transitioned to Walden Flooring under new ownership while upholding the Walden legacy.

This includes fully embracing the values and dedication to customer satisfaction that have defined the business for generations.

New owner Keith Netten brings strong values, a driven work

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ethic, and a clear vision for quality construction. With more than 25 years of experience across home building, roofing, flooring installation, and even snow removal, Keith understands every angle of the industry. He is also an Army veteran who served his country with pride, and today he brings that same dedication to serving the Sioux Empire with dependable flooring solutions and true craftsmanship.

Today, Walden Flooring continues to offer an extensive selection of carpet, hardwood, luxury vinyl, tile and more.

Customers can explore a wide variety of textures and styles in a practical, easy-to-navigate showroom that makes side by side comparison simple.

By Melissa Chinn | Kylee Warrick Photography

Whether you are selecting soft carpet for a cozy living room, a waterproof option for a bathroom, or a tough surface for a high-traffic commercial space, the team focuses on guiding each client toward choices that provide long-term value and lasting durability.

Walden Flooring is dedicated to keeping up with current trends and eco-friendly options. One of its newest offerings is concrete polishing for both residential and commercial applications. This process uses diamond abrasives and densifiers to transform existing concrete into a smooth, refined surface that can be finished in anything from a soft matte to a high gloss. The result is a sleek, low-maintenance floor that resists stains, stands up to heavy use, and offers impressive longevity.

With more than fifty years of history, a dedication to customer satisfaction, and a clear focus on quality, Walden Flooring remains the go to resource for anyone looking to refresh, upgrade or completely reinvent their space in the Sioux Falls area and beyond.

WA LD EN FLOORING

3100 S Carolyn Ave Sioux Falls, SD 57106 (605) 361-6199 (605) 777-4487 text waldenflooring.com

Keith Netten, owner of Walden Flooring VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 23

5

Signs Your Loved One is Ready for Assisted Living

Deciding to place a loved one into assisted living is one of the most difficult decisions you may face in life. Watching a loved one age and seeing their abilities change can leave many feeling helpless.

StoneyBrook Suites is here to help when that time comes.

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Signs of fire, trouble with there been any red flags?

1 Have Has your loved one fallen, gotten in 5 appliances or entrances left open?

a fender bender,confused medications or had a medical scare? These can be indicators that it may be time to look into assisted care.

Is the house in disarray? If mail is 2 piling up, trash is not being removed, the house is not as clean as it used to be or laundry and linens aren’t getting clean, maintaining the house is probably becoming more than your loved one can manage.

Noticeable weight loss, body 3 odor or change in looks? These are signs that your loved one is having a problem managing activities of daily living. Assistance may be needed in areas like food preparation or personal hygiene. This is also a sign of loneliness or depression. of loneliness, depression 4 Complaints or social withdrawal? Losing a

spouse or close friend, or having limited social opportunities due to a lack of mobility or transportation, may leave your loved one isolated and depressed.

Safety and security issues are common reasons to research an alternative living arrangement. The thought of a major accident can be terrifying. As loved ones age, they may begin to forget things that can lead to safety concerns.

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.

The sculpture, known as the Inukshuk, found outside of each of our facilities, symbolizes the message that “You are on the right path” and that life is an “Endless Journey.”

‘ T I S

T H E

S E A S O N

F O R

Comfort, joy & peace of mind.

If time spent with loved ones over the holidays sparks a conversation about assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.

OUR MISSION We are a full-service assisted living community “To foster the well-being of each resident by nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while maintaining each resident’s enjoyment of independence and dignity in a secure and supportive environment. We invite you to come to StoneyBrook Suites, where our joy is in serving you.”

AMENITIES • Coffee Shop • Salon • Walk-in Whirlpool Spa • Centrally located meals and activities

• Theater • Courtyards • Spacious suites all on one level

StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living

SERVICES • Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff • Personal housekeeping and laundry • Scheduled daily social and exercise activities • Wellness clinic

Dakota Dunes

• Three homestyle meals per day • Professional medication administration • On-site physical, restorative and cognitive therapy • Personal pendant system • Assistance with activities of daily living

Brookings 605-627-4445 Dakota Dunes 605-242-0013 Huron 605-352-0014 Sioux Falls 605-373-0013 Watertown 605-882-0013

BROOKINGS | DAKOTA DUNES | HURON | SIOUX FALLS | WATERTOWN

www.StoneyBrookSuites.com

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 25

FEATURED ARTIST By: Samantha Brockhouse

In a world full of the unknown, featured artist Linn Skoglund Thygeson always knew what she was meant to pursue. Raised on a small farm in South Dakota, Linn was surrounded by the quiet beauty of rural life, a landscape that shaped her artistic vision from a young age. Across the United States, her paintings hold a special place in the Midwest’s heart, representing the architecture and landscape that is her homeland.

Linn has studied art in a variety of places that shaped her diverse technique, such as Minneapolis, Flagstaff, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, California College of the Arts, and at the Sorbonne in Paris. Each place left its mark on her expertise, yet she eventually found herself drawn back to the land that first inspired her. After years of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, she returned to South Dakota.

“My inspiration has always been the Dakota landscapes.

There’s nothing like them. I miss California, but this is my home,” she adds. Many of Linn’s pieces still reside in the Bay Area galleries to this day, primarily in Oakland, CA. While inspired by the physical land forms of the Midwest, Linn’s work does not aim to portray them literally. “Rather than presenting a factual reality, I fabricate an illusion,” she notes. Her paintings explore the spaces between memory and imagination. Through this abstract lens, she investigates the essence of landscape and architecture rather than their surface details. Her work often allows the viewers to reflect and discover connections to the scene she evokes.

Now settled back in Sioux Falls, Linn finds her artistic process is experiential. Often, Linn begins with a vague idea in her head, only to find the final outcome

26 n EMPIRE

unfolding in unexpected ways. For her, the inspiration starts when the brush meets the canvas with an open mind.

“Because of this, I learn something new from each painting I do,” she describes. “It’s hard to even pick a favorite painting I have done because each one has taught me something in the process that made the next one better.”

Linn’s creative talent has taken many forms over the years, from costume design for the opera to teaching photography and working as a graphic designer for the San Francisco Chronicle. These experiences enrich her artistic approach, giving her work a sense of structure and a narrative to tell her story with a paintbrush.

Linn’s work can be found in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, and South Dakota. She is a featured artist at Rehfeld’s Modern Fine Art and Framing and continues to expand her knowledge and work collectively with each brush stroke she takes.

Alix Kyrie, Gallery Director at Rehfeld’s, had nothing short of positive things to say about Linn. “Linn is one of those people you feel you’ve known forever, even if you just met five minutes ago. Perhaps my perspective is skewed, as I see ‘her’ every day,” Alix notes.

Linn’s personality lives on canvas through her playful use of color, fluidity, and layering in her abstract work.

Each day, Linn continues to explore her home through texture, color, and abstraction. Her journey, shaped by places near and far, always circles back to the farmland skies that inspired her. Through her art, she invites others to see the beauty in returning to where it all began, offering a quiet reminder of the depth and wonder in familiar places.

For more information on Linn’s work and upcoming exhibits, visit Rehfeld’s Modern Fine Art and Framing’s official website.

605-336-9737 | REHFELDSONLINE.COM VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 27

Mike Pederson, The Nora Store owner By: Samantha Brockhouse | Photos By: Jordan Road Photography

In the fall of 1989, Mike Pederson’s journey began with an organ, or at least, that’s how he tells it. Mike accounts for half of the population in Nora, SD, unless the neighbor has visitors. However, this tiny dot on the map, just seven miles outside of Alcester, SD, carries a legacy that is felt far beyond its midwestern roots.

Mike has worked as a painting contractor for over 50 years across the state. Settling into Nora in the 1970s, he spent the next decade restoring the country store building, eventually making it his home.

Over time, he purchased the neighboring land and officially moved in, becoming a friendly face in the small community. Mike was kind to all, blessing paths with everyone he met. “My motto in life is to treat everyone like they’re somebody,” Mike explains, a belief rooted deeply in his faith and the way he feels God calls him to live.

He has carried these beliefs his entire life, and that same trust in God’s timing placed him in the right place at the right moment when he crossed paths with a well-loved, hand-me-down pipe organ. Piece by piece, the organ began to come together through various parts stored at the 28 n EMPIRE

University of South Dakota’s National Music Museum.

What began as scattered components, Mike and his friends restored to honor God. That very organ, which still sits in The Nora Store today, became more than a piece of furniture. It became the spark God used to plant an idea in Mike’s heart: a way to spread beauty, joy, and the love of Christ through song.

“I told my friends I was going to put an ad in the paper and see if anyone wanted to come sing Christmas carols,” Mike recalls. “I didn’t know if anyone would come; my friends actually laughed at the thought, but I knew God had a plan.”

That first year, 15-20 people showed up at the Nora Store to celebrate the love of Jesus during the Christmas season, and the rest is history. Now, 36 years later, Mike welcomes private groups every week and fills the home every weekend. Families drive from hours away to experience this holiday tradition, some returning every single year, while others discover it for the first time and leave with tears in their eyes.

Over the years, many people have shared with Mike how deeply the experience had touched them in a way that they can’t find the words to describe. They felt peace, community, and a presence far greater than their own: God’s love.

“I want people to know they can spend an hour or two in a place where they feel welcome and can leave their sorrows at the door,” Mike expresses. His hope has always been that The Nora Store would be more than a building, that it would be a sanctuary.

The Nora Store has been featured on CBS, USA Today, and more, but Mike takes no credit. “I want Jesus to be the famous person in this story, not me,” Mike explains.

The Nora Stores caroling schedule starts the Friday following Thanksgiving and continues through December, with times on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6 pm, and Sunday afternoons at 1:30 pm.

Mike Pederson graciously accepts donations to continue the preservation of The Nora Store, as there are very few country store buildings left. You can send donations directly to the Nora Store, or stop by and experience the magic for yourself at 30707 475th Ave, Alcester, SD 57001.

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 29

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By: Kathryn Swanson, Financial Advisor

It’s almost the end of the year, and it might be too early to set a New Year’s resolution, but before we know it, January will be here. Before setting any resolutions, though, we need to take inventory of the past year. What went well? What needs to change? What could be done better? It is important to ask these questions about your finances. Below are four questions to ask yourself as part of a year-end financial review. If the answers to any of these questions are no, that indicates it is time to call a financial advisor to help you create a new financial plan.

1. Did you take advantage of employer-offered benefits?

And do you understand the benefits your employer offered to you?

Employers often offer retirement and insurance benefits.

If you do not know what benefits your employer provides, ask them. You may be unintentionally forgoing part of your pay package. Contributing to your retirement plan at work often comes with an employer match. This match can give you a 100% return on what you contribute if they match 100%. Understanding the health, dental, vision, and life insurance that your company offers you is important to use your money effectively. If your employer does not offer these, there is often supplemental coverage you can 32 n EMPIRE

get outside of work. Ask us how we can get answers to questions you have about employer benefits.

2. Did you have enough money for your large, unexpected, and emergency expenses?

If yes, take note of how you saved so you are prepared again next year. If you struggled to have cash on hand for your unexpected expenses, it is time to put a plan in place.

Often, that starts with building a budget. Another factor to look at is where your savings are going. Are you earning a return on the money you have saved, or is inflation eating it while it sits in a coffee can? Are your savings accessible enough to use when you need them, but set aside so they do not get spent on ordinary expenses?

3. Did your investments perform how you wanted them to?

If your investments did not perform as anticipated, it is important to diagnose the issue. Was the broader market down overall? While in some years that may be the issue, the general stock indices have performed well in 2025. Was a lack of investment knowledge contributing to poorly performing investments? Did you work with

an advisor who did not understand your goal for the money? A portfolio should be built around your goals, risk tolerance, and risk capacity. We work with all of our clients to understand how much risk they are able to take on.

4. Do you have money in savings for anticipated expenses in 2026?

Consider what big-ticket items may come up this year.

Are family changes, such as new kids, marriage, or a child graduating, going to cause a change in expenses? Are you looking to remodel? What about going on a trip? Is an RV or a vacation home in the picture? A proper investment plan can make these dreams a reality and help prepare for family changes.

If the answer to the above questions is no, call our office to discuss how we can help you build a plan. As a candidate for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® designation, I can look at your full financial picture to build a financial plan that is right for you. As you consider your goals for 2026, keep in mind that many lifestyle goals are often impacted by your financial plan. Review your plan and call today to see how it can be improved!

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

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

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

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

CONTACT INFO: Investment advisory services offered through Alternative Investment

605-274-8707 | Kathryns@swensonag.com 5002 S. Broadband Ln. Ste 110, Sioux Falls, SD 57108 www.swensonwealth.com

Advisors, LLC. (AIA), An SEC-registered investment Advisor. AIA and its advisors do not render tax, legal, or accounting advice. Fixed insurance products and services are offered through Swenson Wealth Management.

Swenson Wealth Management is not a registered investment advisor and is not a subsidiary or affiliate of Alternative Investment Advisors, LLC. Swenson Wealth Management and its individually licensed and appointed insurance agents and AIA are not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any government agency.

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Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED

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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.

Travisk@swensonag.com 5002 S. BROADBAND LN. STE 110 SIOUX FALLS, SD 57108 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 33

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VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 35

By: Duane Duimstra Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Public Affairs Officer

As 2025 comes to a close, the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System would like to thank every individual, employee, organization, and business in Sioux Falls and surrounding communities that donated and volunteered their time to help our Veterans in the community.

“Every person and organization who have donated and volunteered has shown remarkable generosity by helping those who have served our country. This kind of selflessness truly embodies the spirit of patriotism,” said Sara Ackert, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System Director.

Volunteers are an integral part of the Sioux Falls VA. They have assisted Veterans as escorts around our facility, ensuring they get to their appointments while providing comfort and companionship to our inpatient Veterans. This past year, we had over 200 volunteers and over 300 occasional volunteers who helped at events throughout the year. All the volunteers accumulated over 17,000 volunteer hours.

Some volunteers also ensure that Veterans can make it to their appointments. As of November 2025, our volunteer drivers have given over 4,500 rides. These volunteers remove the stress for Veterans who need a dependable 36 n EMPIRE

ride to get to their appointments at the Sioux Falls VA or to our community-based outpatient clinics.

This year, the Sioux Falls VA Health Care System has received over $190,000 worth of items and monetary donations. These donations came from generous individuals, organizations, companies, and staff members. The donations assist countless Veterans in need in our community.

We were able to provide hygiene, clothing, and other items to our homeless Veteran population. The donations also helped in supplying Disabled American Veterans (DAV) vehicles to transport Veterans to their appointments for free, recreational therapy programs that help injured or recovering Veterans with opportunities to participate in activities such as archery, skiing, kayaking, and more.

Volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for those who have served our country. By volunteering or donating, you become a vital part of a community dedicated to honoring and uplifting our Veterans. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference in ensuring our Veterans receive the care and support they deserve. Thank you for standing

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with us and continuing to support this cause.

Together, we can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of our nation’s heroes. For any questions, feel free to reach out to our Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) at 605-333-6806 or via email at vhasuxvoluntary@va.gov.

Sioux Falls VA Health Care System 2501 W. 22nd St., Sioux Falls, SD 605-336-3230

4521 W. EMPIRE PL., SIOUX FALLS, SD (605) 271-5600 | THEDISTRICTSF.COM

va.gov/sioux-falls-health-care VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 37

Soft Gingerbread Cookies

EMPIRE A

L I F E S T Y L E

M A G A Z I N E

INGREDIENTS: 3 c. all-purpose flour ¾ c. packed light brown sugar ¾ tsp. baking soda 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon 1 tbsp. ground ginger ½ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. salt ¾ c. butter, softened to room temp. ¾ c. unsulphured molasses 2 tbsp. milk

INSTRUCTIONS: With an electric mixer, stir together the flour, brown sugar, soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt at low speed until combined.

Add the butter and mix at medium-low speed until the mixture is sandy and resembles fine mea.

Your Family Deserves the Best.

Add the molasses and milk, and mix on low speed until the dough is evenly combined.

Scrape the dough onto a work surface and divide it in half. Working with one portion at a time, roll or press the dough ¼-inch thick between 2 large sheets of parchment paper.

Leaving the dough sandwiched between the parchment paper, stack the dough on a baking sheet and freeze until firm.

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Remove one dough sheet from the freezer or refrigerator and place on the counter. Peel off the top parchment paper.

Using a cookie cutter, cut the dough into gingerbread people. Work quickly; the dough softens and can be harder to work with the longer it's out of the refrigerator.

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Transfer the shapes to the prepared baking sheets, spacing about an inch apart. You can use a thin metal spatula to help transfer the cookies to the baking sheets. If the dough is sticking and hard to peel up after cutting into shapes, pop the tray back in the refrigerator or freezer.

Repeat with the remaining dough until the baking sheets are full. Because flour is not added during rolling, dough scraps can be rolled and cut as many times as necessary.

Bake the cookies until just set, about 8 to 9 mins. Don't overbake! Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Frost or pipe, as desired.

38 n EMPIRE

LEARN MORE AT DTSF.COM

By: Lauren Johnson

Make-A-Wish traces its inspiration to Christopher James Greicius, an energetic 7-year-old boy battling leukemia who wished to be a police officer. In 1980, his Phoenix community made that wish come true, a moment that sparked a movement that would transform millions of lives.

Last year, the Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana chapter granted 110 wishes to children with critical illnesses. Sue Salter, President and CEO, says the organization’s mission is to work together to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. “Our vision is to grant the wish of every eligible child. This is our north star – it guides and inspires us in granting wishes that bring lasting hope to the kids we serve, their families and entire communities.”

Eligible wish kids range from 2.5 to 18 years of age.

"We see in everything we do the power of community in bringing joy where it's needed most. While medicine can cure kids physically, wishes can cure them emotionally and socially and can give them the strength they need to fight. I just got back from a conference where a wish dad got up and spoke, and 40 n EMPIRE

he said doctors and medical teams saved their son's life, and Make-A-Wish saved their family's spirit."

Wishes begin with a referral from a caring individual.

Medical professionals, parents or legal guardians, and family members with detailed knowledge of the child’s medical condition can make referrals.

“Our Board of Directors, staff, medical advisors and referral sources are committed to finding every eligible child so we can make their heartfelt wish come true,” Sue explains.

Fundraising and special events, both internal and external, happen year-round, including two signature internal events in Sioux Falls and Watertown. “These events have been going on for decades and have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for our organization, thanks to the generosity of so many supporters,” Sue adds.

The Sioux Falls summer event, celebrating its 26th year in 2026, includes a golf tournament and an Evening of Inspiration. "We typically sell out," Sue notes. "Twenty-five golf teams come together at the Minnehaha Country Club, and the evening is a mission-filled program with dinner and an auction that gets many of our wish kids involved."

Sue lights up when describing wish reveals. One year, a wish for an ice house for fishing was revealed at the event. "Wish Kids are the center of everything we do and are the highlight of all of our events."

The 33rd annual Watertown dinner and auction drew more than 300 people and was a record-breaking event.

"We are deeply touched by all who so generously support these events," Sue says.

Wishes vary widely, whether meeting a superhero, traveling somewhere special, or feeding a giraffe. Sue remembers the first wish she experienced nearly eight years ago: Edison’s wish for a space-themed room makeover. “Edison wore an astronaut suit all day while he was off having fun away from his home so the room transformation could happen. We all watched as he joyfully walked up his driveway and into his house to see his new space-themed bedroom where a real astronaut had left him a video message on his brand new iPad.” About 240 volunteers across South Dakota and Montana are the Chapter's backbone, supported by a lean but mighty staff of nine, a 15-member board, and six medical advisors. There are many ways to help. Volunteering as a wish-granter is the most popular role. "Wish granters go out to meet with wish kids and their families to discover the child’s heartfelt wish through a meeting filled with open-ended questions that uncover the creativity and

interests of the child. The goal is to always get to the heart of the child’s wish."

Sue hopes local stories inspire people to join the journey and become wish makers. “Wish kid Jaxon, who wished to feed the aforementioned giraffe, remains actively involved with our chapter,” Sue shares. “Every year on his birthday, Jaxon brings in boxes and boxes of toys, books and games he’s requested and received from family and friends, not for himself, but for other wish kids to bring joy to them on their wish journey.”

Another wish that highlights the kind hearts of our wish kids is Koen’s. Koen is a big-hearted farm kid from central South Dakota who wished to transform his pediatric specialty clinic’s waiting room at Avera into “Koen’s Farm,” an area filled with fun farm themes and an interactive display to help kids like him waiting for their medical appointments take their minds off their illness and focus on something fun.”

"Continued growth depends on community support and engagement," Sue adds. “Bringing lasting hope and joy to kids who need it most is only possible with the generous support of individuals, businesses, foundations, and events who come through for us every single year.

It truly is a grassroots effort of community support in making every wish come true.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION SCAN HERE VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 41

BY: INGRID HAYWARD

If you love dessert or can’t resist scrolling past unique sweet treats on TikTok, you’ve probably seen Yonutz creations, doughnuts stuffed with ice cream, drizzled with sauces, sprinkled with candy, and practically begging to be devoured. Now, Sioux Falls locals don’t have to watch from afar. Yonutz has officially opened at 2802 W. 41st Street.

The Signature Smash Yonutz Donuts and Ice Cream’s signature Smash takes two classics and transforms them into something entirely new: a soft, fluffy doughnut sliced open, filled with creamy ice cream, and layered with toppings from crunchy pearls to chocolate drizzle and pressed warm until it becomes a gooey, melty masterpiece.

For owner Kim Cerwick, part of the appeal is that there’s literally something for every taste. Smaller bites? The mini doughnuts deliver concentrated hits of sweet bliss.

If you want your dessert extra, the smashed Milkshakes take it to the next level, thick, creamy, and topped with a full doughnut, sauces, and sprinkles. Each shake is

both decadent and photogenic, a treat that will satisfy your taste buds and your camera roll. What people might not realize is that Yonutz also serves savory sandwiches all day, giving visitors another reason to stop in beyond sweets.

Bringing Yonutz to Sioux Falls are local entrepreneurs Kim and Matt Cerwick, along with their kids, who are making it a full family affair. Kim says they chose this franchise for the joy it brings to everyday life, and that fun, colorful energy shows in every corner. The neon-lit interior, along with the friendly staff and unique choices, brings us all a moment of joy. The grand opening drew crowds twice as large as any other Yonutz location in bigger markets, proving these over-the-top doughnuts bring happiness to smaller cities, too.

Kim adds that what she didn’t expect was the TikTok and influencer side of the business. With fans filming, sharing, and lining up for their chance to star in a viral dessert moment, even the youngest fans, some as young as ten, stopped by to ask if Angelo, the founder’s

YONUTZ IS MORE THAN JUST DESSERT 42 n EMPIRE

son and a familiar face from the brand’s viral TikTok videos, was working. It’s proof that Yonutz is as much about personality and experience as it is about flavor.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Yonutz features a claw arcade, giving visitors another playful reason to linger, laugh, and maybe snag a

Owners Kim and Matt Cerwick with children Ben and Lily

prize along with their dessert. For special occasions, the Sioux Falls location now offers a photo option, putting pictures right onto your doughnuts, perfect for anniversaries, baby showers, or any celebration.

Yonutz also caters to events of 50 people or more, from weddings to corporate parties. Their mobile setup brings the dessert theater straight to your celebration, creating a sweet centerpiece guests will remember for years to come.

Whether you’re grabbing a morning doughnut with coffee, indulging in a mid-afternoon snack, or ending the night with a milkshake that doubles as a sculpture, Yonutz is pure joy in edible form. For foodies, influencers, and anyone who loves playful dessert, it’s a must-visit spot where every bite is an adventure, and every photo tastes as good as it looks, bringing joy to the whole family.

605-366-2282 | 2802 W. 41ST ST., SIOUX FALLS, SD VOLUME 6 ISSUE 3 n 43

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