SIOUXLAND WOMAN
SHANE MONAHAN
FREEDOM
60 CHRONO SPECIAL EDITION
SPECIAL GUESTS KORY AND THE FIREFLIES
“That Little Ol’ Band From Texas” has been at it for well over a half-century, delivering rock, blues and boogie on the road and in the studio to millions of devoted fans. With iconography as distinctive as their sound, ZZ TOP is virtually synonymous with beards, hotrod cars, spinning guitars and that magic keychain, all of which transcend geography and language.
Siouxland Woman CONTRIBUTORS
Account Executive
Jill Foley 712-490-8506 | jill@michelscom.com
graphic designer
Ashley Carrison
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR
Lori Breyfogle
team of writers
Lydia Gleiser, Joanne Fox, Cheryl Wells, Emily Smith, Michaela Feldmann, Lisa Croston, Lindsey Buchheit
cover PHOTOGRAPHER
Shane Monahan Photography www.shanemonahanphotography.com
Editor
Heather Jordan | heather@michelscom.com
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL MARKETING
Cory Johnson 605-951-3567 | cory@michelscom.com
SENIOR ADMINISTRATOR
Stace Osthus 605-261-0437 | stace@michelscom.com
chief of operations
Hanna Michels 605-760-4269 | hanna@michelscom.com
BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICAL EXAMS play a crucial role in promoting the health and well-being of students by supporting their success in the classroom and on the field. Local, convenient, quality care.
ALL IN
Surprise Florida trip to celebrate Emily’s Dad’s 80th birthday, along with her mom, Evie, and two daughters, Kendra and Kali
Emily with her two daughters, Kali and Kendra
Family trip to Kansas City to cheer on the Cyclones
THE CARDS
Emily and her husband, Mark
Emily’s son Carson, taking Emily on her first flight with Carson as the pilot Covey Family Christmas featuring Tito, everyone’s favorite pup
Family trip to Mexico
Grandma spending time with her first grandbaby, 7-month-old Palmer
Kendra and her boyfriend, Roger, ready to cheer on her sister’s fiancé at a UNI football game
MORE WITH
Emily and Kendra love the Siouxland area and spend their summers with family at their lake house in Okoboji. Emily’s favorite pastime at the lake is fishing.
Evie’s Hallmark was lovingly named after Emily’s mother and Kendra’s grandmother, Evie.
The Fourth of July is Emily’s favorite holiday to celebrate; she is very patriotic and appreciative of those who serve and have served our country. Kendra’s favorite is Thanksgiving; she enjoys this holiday and dedicates her time to appreciating family and friends.
In her spare time, Emily is a runner. Many would be surprised to know that Emily puts up her Christmas tree in October and reluctantly puts it away in late March.
Kendra admits that she’s a Diet Mountain Dew-aholic, along with any TLC reality show. Kendra shares that she is very crafty. After Kendra’s grandma taught her how to knit, Kendra now knits blankets and animals and embroiders tea towels. She is also a bunny mom to Scooter and Archie.
A NEW CHAPTER: Moving Forward!
After more than three decades of growth, learning, and building relationships with clients in downtown Sioux City, we are excited to announce a major milestone – we’re moving! While a change of address may seem like a small thing, this move reflects something much bigger – an evolution in how we serve you!
Our new office will be conveniently located right off the interstate, making it easier than ever to find us whether you’re coming from work, home, or across town. There will be ample free parking and no one-way streets! We know how valuable your time is, and we want you to be able to stop in, have a meaningful conversation, and leave feeling confident about your financial future without the stress of looking for a place to park.
But it’s not just about location or parking. Our new space has been designed from the ground up with you in mind. A modern buildout means our office layout, technology, and infrastructure are intentionally designed to support the way we serve our clients in today’s world!
The history of our Sioux City office dates back to the 1950s, when TC Henderson first opened the office in the Badgerow Building. Eventually the name of the firm changed and the office moved to 5th and Nebraska Streets. In 1995, it settled at 4th and Jackson in a space we called home for 30 years, as a Stifel office since 2009. Over that time, the financial world has evolved considerably. Back then, conversations were about stock certificates and paper trails of trade orders. Financial advisors were called “stockbrokers,” and they kept records in notebooks. An assistant would call the New York Stock Exchange and get updated stock prices every 15 minutes and write those updated prices on a chalk board for the whole office to see. Computers eventually came along, with the first one being shared on a lazy Susan in the middle of what was called the “bullpen” – a flexible workspace brokers shared. The pace of life and financial markets have accelerated dramatically since those days. With that more intensified shift comes a new way of doing business: more personalized, more transparent, and more responsive to your needs.
Just as the world has evolved, so have we. Our wealth management group has grown substantially over the years, both in terms of the number of personnel and in terms of the insights we have gained. We’ve welcomed new financial advisors and support staff – all committed to helping our clients navigate
the complexities of today’s financial landscape. Several team members have brought fresh insights and skills, allowing us to expand the services we offer and enhance the support we’ve always provided.
Backed by Stifel’s high-caliber resources, our office is dedicated to serving you and your family and endeavoring to position your portfolio to grow through those changes. We strive to stayed focused on one goal – developing a customized investment plan that aligns with your needs and goals.
We believe that adaptability is not just a survival skill – it’s a success strategy. Your financial portfolio should have the opportunity to grow and change as your life does. Whether you’re starting a new career, launching a business, saving for your children’s education, or preparing for retirement, your financial strategy should reflect the world around you – not merely reacting to every bump in the road, but moving forward with clarity and intention. Financial planning is not a one-time event. It’s an evolving, ongoing process that should reflect the world you live in today and the paths you take.
That’s where we come in.
Just as we’re upgrading our physical space to better meet your needs, at Kletschke Wealth Management Group, we want to help ensure that your investment plan is current, resilient, and aligned with your goals. Markets shift. Technology advances. New opportunities emerge. We’re here to help your investment plan evolve to help address today’s challenges and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Whether you’re a long-time client or just beginning to explore your financial future, we want our new office to feel like a place where you belong – a place built for conversation, collaboration, and connection. A place where we can celebrate wins, navigate challenges, and plan with purpose. We look forward to sharing our new home with you! You’ll find us at 400 Gold Circle, Suite 200 in Dakota Dunes (located on the second floor of the beautiful Central Bank Building). Give us a call at (712) 252-6931 to schedule a conversation about your future today.
Forbes’ Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors and Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams rankings are based on the 12-month period ending September 30 and March 31, respectively, of the year prior to publication and selected by SHOOK Research, LLC from a pool of nominations as indicated in the methodology. The rankings may not be representative of any one client’s experience and are not indicative of the financial advisor’s future performance. For more information, see www.stifel.info/award-disclosures.
Kletschke
Kim Cleaver Kletschke Senior Vice President/Investments kletschkek@stifel.com Korey Kletschke, CFP®, ChFC® Vice President/Investments, Branch Manager kletschkeko@stifel.com
summersipping MENU
Lay around pool-side with a spritz in hand. Or, grab a seasonal mixer and make mocktails for the whole crew! Pick up your supplies at Palmer's!
STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE RECIPES
Mocktail
3oz Mixly Strawberry
Pomegranate
1.5oz Sparkling Water
Spritz
2oz Mixly Strawberry
Pomegranate
4oz Sparkling Wine
1oz Soda Water
Margarita
3oz Mixly Strawberry
Pomegranate
1.5oz Tequila
Cosmo
3oz Mixly Strawberry
Pomegranate
1.5oz Vodka
0.5oz Orange Liqueur
BLUEBERRY LEMON SAGE RECIPES
Mocktail
3oz Mixly Blueberry Lemon Sage
3oz Sparkling Water
Blueberry Margarita
3oz Mixly Blueberry Lemon Sage
2oz Tequila
0.5oz Orange Liqueur
Blueberry French 75
2oz Mixly Blueberry Lemon Sage
1oz Gin
3oz Sparkling Wine
Blueberry Cocktail Culture
3oz Mixly Blueberry Lemon Sage
1.5oz Gin
1 Heaping Bar Spoon Greek Yogurt
(Shake Over Ice and Strain Into Glass)
ELDERFLOWER MINT SPRITZ RECIPES
Single Spritz Cocktail (makes 1 spritz cocktail)
1.5oz Mixly Elderflower Mint Spritz Mixer
3oz Prosecco (or any dry sparkling wine)
0.5oz Sparkling Water
Instructions: Simply combine Mixly Elderflower Mint Mixer with Prosecco, top with sparkling water, and serve in a glass over ice. Garnish with a lime slice or a fresh mint sprig.
Non-Alcoholic Spritz Cocktail
Instructions: in the recipe above, swap out the Prosecco for your favorite non-alcoholic, dry sparkling wine, or simply mix with sparkling water to taste.
There is a new business in downtown Le Mars that is really special, as well as the owner! I spent quite a bit of time with Priscilla Kenowith to hear her story and learn about what she is doing, as well as her passion behind it. You all know how I love the stories that explain and bring more context to a situation. Priscilla just opened The Market, and it is right next door to the Wells’ Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. She and her husband Daniel have lived in Le Mars since December 2019 with their children. They were living in California where she was raised near L.A. and they came to check out our little community where her husband Daniel had grown up and left many years ago when he went in the Marines and was stationed in 29 Palms in Joshua Tree, California. They decided to come visit with their children during Ice Cream Days in June 2019, and they fell in love with Le Mars and Priscilla told Daniel that she wanted to move here. Six months later on December 22nd of that year they did arrive. I loved hearing her story of being raised by hard-working parents who loved her well and taught her to know her potential and to rise above circumstances and difficulties. Priscilla’s father had an accident in 1997 and became a quadriplegic and even this has been motivation for her and her siblings to work hard and take care of the rest of the family. Her parents taught her through their actions and words that she can do anything and don’t ever give up. She has so much love and appreciation for her parents and mom was just in Le Mars and surprised her for her grand opening. Dad lived in a wheelchair for 17 years and passed in 2014, shortly after she and Daniel were married in 2012. Dad was such a big part of her life and supported her in all the tough times. A big part of her life is also her spiritual journey and how she and Daniel came to know Jesus Christ as their
A ComeDreamTrue
by Cheryl Wells
personal Savior shortly after her father passed. Since then, they have been praying about all the steps that they have taken individually and as a couple, and God has been leading them.
Priscilla gave me more of her backstory and shared that when she was in high school, she got pregnant and raised her son living with her mom and dad. At 18 she moved out and supported herself by getting a job at a print shop and wanted to learn all about it. Her parents loaned her money to purchase a single needle embroidery machine, and she learned how to use it and began to make things and put them in a local market where military wives shopped close to the base. In 2011 she opened a business called Forever His Couture making all kinds of things that were customized to the military community and
the wives. It was successful and she was able to grow that, and it was a niche that she could make money at. It’s like the next step in her journey came very organically from what she learned and loved and was good at. When she moved to Le Mars and was looking for what to do next, she found some good things to do that would provide an income for her but also that made a big difference in the community. Daniel was working at NorAm operating a forklift and then left there to work at Wells’ doing maintenance work, and he still works there. Priscilla was doing some laundry for her family at a laundromat and saw a need there and began to ask good questions, which led to her being hired by the owner of several different locations in our area. She is managing all four of them to this day. Shortly after arriving she became very interested in the Le Mars City Wide Rummage and in 2024 she took over the leadership of that when the person that started it couldn’t do it anymore.
I think we are seeing a trend here and Priscilla has always been willing to step in and work hard and lead where there might be gaps.
It had always been a dream of hers to have her own storefront since she opened her business in California and so this was the next step for her to continue with her screen printing and embroidery. In September 2022 she opened “Shop Near the Corner” in Le Mars in a building that Michaela Brown owns. She accommodates customers that want one or two items, as well as more. There are print and embroidery shops, but her niche is that she will make as many or as few as you want. It is an untouched market in our area, and it has been a good business for her. She found out from Michaela that she would have to be out of her storefront by March of 2025 because the Browns were doing a restoration of the space that she was in and it would become the Brown Family’s new theater that will hold 450 people. The Browns have relocated all the businesses that were in the space, but it wasn’t going to really be what Priscilla thought she needed for a location. Her hope for the store next was that she would be on Central Avenue instead of Plymouth where she had been located. She spoke very highly of Michaela and is so grateful for the opportunity that she had given her to get started in a storefront. It’s going to be so fun to see what the Brown’s do with that space and that is to come very soon. As the Browns are broadening their footprint, so was Priscilla and she had a dream for more.
Her vision was to do a vendor market where a small business could display their handmade items and sell them
easily with a monthly fee but no need for someone to run the shop. Priscilla leased an open store front right on Central Avenue with 6000 square feet of space that she and her husband, along with some friends, built out with 41 booths of different sizes. She interviews and chooses what kind of businesses that she wants so that there is a very wide variety of things. Each booth can be creatively made to look how ever the booth renter wants it to be so that it will reflect what they are selling. There are 8 different sizes of booths priced from $48 to $200 a month with things like homemade pizza, freeze dried candy, all kinds of gift items, sough dough baked goods, home décor, farm fresh eggs, baked goods, candles and more. All the things for sale at The Market have to be made by hand. It’s a great location in a beautiful, small downtown that is thriving. She talked about her bar code system that she purchased that makes it really easy for the vendor to know immediately what they have sold and how many dollars. The booth owner gets 90% of the sales and Priscilla gets 10% as part of their cost for having a booth. They opened the 1st of May, and it is going well! The store is full and there is a waiting list. Priscilla has her embroidery shop also in the building and is taking custom orders, so give her a call. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know this hard-working woman, and there’s nothing that she won’t try. I admire her faith and her obedience to the call when she feels led to pursue something. God bless you Priscilla and I will be in to shop often in the Market!
Visit her at 127 Central Ave. NW in downtown Le Mars or visit her online at ShopNearTheCorner.com today!
Monday - Thursday: 10:00AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 10:00AM - 8:00 PM
Summer Food Trucks on Fri: 4:00 - 8:00 PM Saturday: 10:00AM – 4:00PM Sunday (1st, 3rd, & 5th): 1:00PM – 4:00 PM
Cheryl Wells
Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike. c.wells@sbsmin.org (712) 546-7544
Order Up
THE LUNCH BOX SERVES UP DELICIOUS HOMEMADE GOODNESS
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
What began as a simple passion for creating delicious homemade food has evolved into The Lunch Box, a beloved eatery in Jackson, Nebraska that’s bringing joy to the community one meal at a time.
“I always kind of had the idea for something like this,” says owner Tess Etherington. “I just didn’t know what it would look like.”
The inspiration struck during an unexpected moment when the phone company was doing construction in town. Tess turned to her husband, Jeff, with a simple question: “What if we fed people from the porch?”
At the time, Tess was selling her signature cinnamon rolls online and working as a cook at Siouxland Christian, where her children attended school. “The orders would just roll in. I think people just loved the idea of something nostalgic and homemade,” Tess shares.
Looking for a summer venture, Tess researched food trucks extensively. “I read so much online; I bought a book. One day, we ended up finding this little 1964 Winnebago camper in Sioux Falls,” explains Tess.
The family transformation project began with gutting the vintage camper. “Converting the camper was just like any other project — more work than you expect,” Tess remembers. “My son Jack is just very skilled with things like that. He’s an electrician and did all the wiring.”
The original menu featured three sandwiches that remain staples today: sloppy joe, pulled pork smoked by Jeff, and Italian beef, all served on homemade buns with potato salad, coleslaw, kettle chips, and baked beans. “That is still our basic menu today, but we’ve added a lot since then with breakfast,” Tess explains.
Today’s expanded menu includes breakfast platters with pancakes, eggs, sausage, or bacon, plus breakfast sandwiches on signature homemade buns. “We’ve also added an all-beef hot dog and a sloppy dog, which is a hot dog with our sloppy joe meat and brats. We also offer chocolate chip bars, bread pudding, and our original cinnamon rolls,” Tess continues.
After three years, they purchased the Sweet Tooth, a Jackson institution known for ice cream for over 40 years, bringing that beloved treat back to their menu.
“The response from the community and surrounding communities has been overwhelming,” says Tess. “It’s a blessing to know people like my food. It feels good to know that when people leave, they were cared for. It feels like ministry in a way, and we are thankful for those opportunities.”
The Lunch Box is located at 123 W. Elk Street in Jackson, NE, and is open Tuesday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tess’s other children—Katie, Kindi, Josh, and Tommy—handled demolition, painting, and roofing. “It really was such a family effort,” Tess recalls. “It was just really cool the way it all came together.”
The first Lunch Box operated from their front yard on Highway 20 for three years. “We set up a bunch of picnic tables under our big ash tree, and people came.”
A happy place, keeping it simple and sweet and all homemade!
•
• Kitchen:
- Sanitize countertops, sink & dining table
- Clean appliances: microwave, oven, stove & fridge
- Sweep and mop floors
- Remove trash
• Bedrooms:
- Clean & sanitize surfaces & furniture
- Disinfect showers, tubs & toilets
- Vacuum carpets &/or mop
featured artist
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you got started as an artist.
I grew up in a very creative family. I learned about craft and baking from my mom, and art and gardening from my grandpa. In high school, I started experimenting with painting and sculpture. I refined my skills by earning a BFA with a concentration in painting from the University of Minnesota. After college, I worked as a picture framer in Minneapolis for 25 years, where I was exposed to countless works of art and framing techniques that bolstered my own practice.
laura
Multi-Media Artist and Botanist
Hallen
What are some common themes that you pursue in your compositions?
I explore the intricate patterns of plants by abstracting them through diverse media— painting, mixed media, and immersive installations. My practice is a continuous investigation into how we grow, interact with, and rely on plants in everyday life. Rooted in a deep fascination with the botanical world, my work draws inspiration from the history of ethnobotany, the science of plant taxonomy, the discovery of new species, and the evolution of both real and imagined flora.
Describe a real-life situation that inspired you.
When I was a kid, I visited the Oregon coast and saw tidal pools for the first time. The starfish, creatures, sea anemones, and seaweed blew my mind. Most of my childhood summers were spent on the coast of Lake Superior, which has empty tidal pools. In 2020, I created my own sea creatures with modified plant material and submerged them in the empty pools using sculpture and photography. It was a temporary on-site project just for me to fulfill my dream of creating my own tidal pools in a landscape I feel a deep connection with. To this day, my work has an aquatic feel to it; showcasing plant’s relationship to water.
Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I am a certified Aromatherapist and Botanical Skincare Formulator. I have been developing my own botanical skincare line for the last five years called Maatila Beauty, using plants that I grow and forage. I hope to launch it within the next few years.
Are you known for any particular technique or style?
I would call myself an abstract botanical artist. My main focus is painting, but I have also dabbled in large-scale installation, mixed media, and sculpture.
In your portfolio, you have several different media of art that you create. What is special about each, and do you have a favorite type or style?
I’ve been making art for 35 years, mostly painting. Fifteen years ago, I created a body of mixed media work that included artificial plant material, marshmallows, streamers, gems, found objects, and more. I went through a phase where I rescued sad artificial plants from public spaces and incorporated them into my art, giving them a better life.
For the majority of my career, I have been painting on or using Plexiglas in my work, which is incredibly versatile. I have found endless joy working with that material. I find that sculpture informs painting, and vice versa. My main focus these days is painting on Plexiglas, but I am always open to experimenting.
Who was the most influential person to you, artistically speaking?
My grandpa, Ray. He was an artist and inventor. He still inspires me beyond the grave.
How have you overcome a creative block?
I had a creative block from 2020-2024. During that time, I focused on my herbalism, so I feel as if I was still creative—I just pivoted to a different form of creativity. I also moved to Sioux City in 2023 and needed to get over the culture shock of a new city. Reading the book “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin always gets me out of a rut.
Where can readers view your work and learn more?
Viewers can find my work on my website at www.laurahallen.com and on Instagram @laurahallenart, @lusciouslovejoy, and @maatilabeauty.
See Laura’s Next Show
“Solarium” will open at the Le Mars Art Center on July 17th from 5-7 PM and will be on display through August 22, 2025. Visit www.lemarsart.com for more information.
HEALTHY HYDRATION
Emily Smith, MS, RD, LD, LN, LMNT, CLC (515) 695-3053 emily.smith@hy-vee.com
Watermelon Salsa
Recipe adapted from https://jessicalevinson. com/watermelon-salsa-recipe/
Ingredients:
• 3 cups finely diced watermelon
• 1 ½ cups peeled, seeded, & finely diced English cucumber
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• 1-2 jalapeno peppers, seeded & minced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped mint
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ tsp kosher or sea salt
Instructions:
1. Combine watermelon, cucumber, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, mint, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl. Season with salt.
2. Cover & store in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Serve chilled with corn tortilla chips & enjoy!
Why Water?
• Did you know your body is 60% water? Water plays an important role in keeping all your body’s systems in working order.
• Staying hydrated helps lower your risk of constipation, kidney stones, & urinary tract infections.
How Much Water Do I Need?
• Fluid needs vary depending on your age, gender, activity level, and climate. Reach out to your local dietitian for recommendations.
• In general, it is recommended to drink at least 8-10 cups (64 – 80 oz) of water daily. Men typically have higher fluid needs than women.
• An easy way to make sure you are drinking enough water is to check the color of your urine. If your urine is pale yellow in color, you are likely drinking enough water. If your urine is dark yellow or amber in color, you likely need to drink more water.
Tips for Staying Hydrated!
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables – you should aim for 5 servings a day!
• Fruits and vegetables high in water: melons, peaches, strawberries, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and asparagus! Skim milk and plain yogurt are also high in water.
• Add hydrating fruits and/or vegetables to your ice water or favorite smoothie recipe!
Sources: 1. Gordon B. How Much Water Do You Need? Eatright.org. https://www.eatright. org/health/essential-nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need. Reviewed May 17, 2024. Accessed May 16, 2025. 2. Williamson L. Beat the Heat with Hydrating Foods This Summer. Heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/06/22/beat-the-heat-withhydrating-foods-this-summer. Published June 20, 2023. Accessed May 16, 2025.
I love being a mom and a grandma for so many reasons, and that just increases over the years. My oldest grandson, Landon, just got accepted into medical school and my two oldest granddaughters, Peyton and Kenzie, just graduated from high school in the last few days and I got to spend some really sweet times with all of them in the midst of that. There were all the last things that go along with graduating, as well as all the family events and celebrations, and rightfully so. Landon has been at the University of Iowa for the last six years preparing for what he loves and will be working towards becoming a brain surgeon and doing research for inventing a medical device used for that. Peyton will be going to Iowa State and Kenzie to University of Nebraska/Omaha, this fall to continue their education and life experiences. I know that they all will do well as they have been given a legacy of godly faith and love from their parents and grandparents on both sides. No, we have not lived perfect lives, nor have we escaped from generational family dysfunctions that touch all of humanity, but instead they have been
raised in an atmosphere where there has been much talk and work done in recovery and transformational living.
I am reading a new book right now called Think Again by Adam Grant. Brene’ Brown says it is the right book for right now and it’s also been said that it is “guaranteed to make you rethink your opinions.” I would say that has been the best thing for me throughout my life because in my late twenties I realized how powerful my thoughts and opinions were. Not that what I thought was helpful or even true, but that I lived out of what I thought my truths were and that was keeping me trapped in less than what God had for me. Adam Grant said that “when it comes to knowledge and opinions…we tend to stick to our guns. Psychologists call this seizing and freezing. We favor the comfort of conviction over the discomfort of doubt, and we let our beliefs get brittle before our bones.”
I have learned how important it is to reevaluate and rethink those things that I held onto desperately, even though it
had caused great harm to my soul. I’m not saying that like it is a one and done, but the opposite is true. It’s a continual journey that I have been on since then and I’m grateful for the painful growth. I have had so many people in my life that have modeled this for me and have held my hand through the toughest times while loving me and allowing me to choose. Because of the trusted relationships, they were given the right to speak their truth to me at critical times. Proverbs 27:6 says, “faithful are the wounds of a friend” and I still need friends and family in my life that will say what is needed for my good. I love living in community with people that understand this and live by it. We are very intentional about being in friend groups and work teams that practice healthy living using godly accountability, as well as book studies and inner healing therapy. I’m so grateful for the growth that has continued in my life that has brought great freedom and healing to my soul.
Reading stories or telling stories to my children and grandchildren through the years has been a constant pastime. Stories about my own life and growth, as well as stories about my children and grandchildren have been really good to build connection. The grandchildren love stories about their parents, as well as those about themselves when they were born and when they were young. As they get older, they really like to hear about grandma and grandpa and things that seem so far removed from their own lives. We have tried to tell stories that remind them of who they are and also the stories that might impact how they think and look at their own life situations and even difficulties. Times like these through the years with the grandchildren has built this special bond of safety and quiet love that goes unspoken at times, but other times is very much discussed and promoted. It has created honest, open communication that fosters intimacy in our relationships through vulnerability in sharing the stories that need to be shared. Through the years as they got older
those moments have continued and increased in the intensity of the vulnerability so that things could come out that need to be shared with both my children and grandchildren.
I believe and hope that it has created authenticity that is very loving and safe, and that will lead to emotional intelligence. I had no idea what that meant or how to even get to my emotions as a child and into my adulthood. It took me a lot of years to open my eyes fully and come out of the denial because it was like I was asleep and unaware of so much. It became my drug of choice and then other ways of coping became very destructive patterns that hurt me and others close to me. God has turned around so much in my life and in my thinking. It turns out that we live out of what we believe to be true and what we have allowed in our heart. The Bible says, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” I try to intentionally do a little heart check up regularly with the Lord, giving Him access to my thoughts and heart. I trust Him and I know it is for my good and I want His will to be done. It has become a time for me to surrender my will and my thoughts through reflecting and thinking with God about what I am stuck on and obsessing about. God is so good to redirect me and bring me to peace and rest. I hope and pray that I am planting seeds that will bear good fruit in those coming after me, and I know that I can trust that. There is great freedom in living and trusting.
Cheryl Wells
Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike. c.wells@sbsmin.org (712) 546-7544
A vibrant community isn't just about beautiful parks and bustling businesses; it's about the connections between the people who call it home. It's about looking out for one another, lending a hand, and investing in the well-being of everyone. At CENTURY 21 ProLink, we believe deeply in this principle, and it's why we're so passionate about our "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" focus.
Our Neighbors Helping Neighbors program isn't just a catchy name – it's a commitment. Each year, our team focuses its energy on providing meaningful support and volunteerism to make our community a better place for all. We identify critical needs, partner with local organizations, and dedicate our time and resources to address challenges head-on. Our team will gladly step in to assist a homeowner who needs an exterior facelift or spend the day at our local Ronald McDonald House cooking meals for families and preparing care bags for patients. A team favorite is walking dogs at the Sioux City Animal Adoption and Rescue Center.
How Philanthropy Builds Stronger Communities
Lisa Croston
Broker/Owner CENTURY 21 ProLink & Managing Broker of Sioux City & Le Mars offices
712.251.5214 Licensed in IA, NE & SD
The Power of Collective Giving: C21 Week of Giving
Our commitment to community extends beyond our local team. As part of the Century 21 (C21) family, we are proud to participate in the annual C21 Week of Giving, a nationwide initiative that takes place every July. During this special week, C21 offices across the country unite to volunteer and give back to their respective communities. It’s a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can create lasting positive change on a larger scale.
This year, on July 23, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the back parking lot of the CENTURY 21 ProLink office, the Siouxland Blood Bank will have their bus available for blood donation. What better gift than the gift of life to our community?
The CENTURY 21 ProLink team invites fellow peers, friends, clients, and community members to join us in this blood drive.
At CENTURY 21 ProLink, we believe that we all have a role to play in building stronger, more vibrant communities. By embracing the spirit of "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" and supporting philanthropic efforts, we can create a brighter future for everyone. I hope to see you on July 23!
filling a need
How Mid-Term
Rentals Are Helping
Bring Professionals to the Community
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
Tonya Vakulskas is no stranger to the world of homes. She’s been in real estate for 21 years. But a couple of years ago, she noticed something missing in Siouxland.
“Earlier this year, I had two different clients who were relocating to Sioux City for their jobs,” Tonya explains. “They didn’t know where they wanted to be, and for one reason or another, they needed short-term, temporary housing for a couple of months.”
However, Tonya discovered there wasn’t anything suitable available.
“What you’ll find is that people either rush into making a purchase, or they get stuck in a one-year lease. So it’s a real challenge to find something for clients in the interim.”
Recognizing this gap in the market, she decided to fill that niche herself. “I’d been looking for investment properties for quite a while, but there wasn’t much available for what I was specifically seeking,” Tonya says.
“I’d been looking for investment properties for quite a while, but there wasn’t much availability for what I was specifically seeking,” Tonya says.
Then, a 1950s ranch-style property on the north side of Sioux City came onto the market, and she purchased it.
“When I went to look at it, I immediately loved it and jumped on it,” she recalls. “It was a great location with great bones. The size was nice, and it was a ranch-style home, which is what I was looking for. It really helps broaden the potential tenant pool because there are minimal steps and it’s easy to navigate.”
Tonya knew it was perfect for a mid-term rental—a place for people to stay anywhere from one week to three or four months.
“A lot of times, traveling professionals are interested in that sort of arrangement,” Tonya explains. “Maybe they’re on assignment for their jobs, like travel nurses, healthcare workers, or people relocating to the Siouxland area.”
Cosmetically, the property needed a little bit of love.
“It hadn’t been updated in about 40 years, but you could tell the bones were exceptional, and the prior owner really took good care of it.”
The renovation took six weeks to complete and became a true family effort. Tonya’s grown children helped out, and her husband, who owns Vakulskas Electric, handled all the electrical updates.
“We removed all the carpeting and refinished the hardwood floors. Every room in the house had wallpaper, and we spent weeks removing it all,” Tonya says with a laugh. “Don’t get me wrong—I love wallpaper, but it had been up there for 40 years, so the style wasn’t exactly current.”
The updates didn’t stop there. The majority of the light fixtures were replaced, everything received a fresh coat of paint, they cleaned up the yard, and they completed a moderate kitchen refresh rather than a full remodel.
“Again, it just had great bones. We really only had to do some basic things. We installed some recessed lighting, but it was a moderate refresh overall.”
The home’s abundance of natural light was another feature that captured Tonya’s heart.
“Every room gets really, really good light, and I loved that. My favorite room in the house has to be the dining room.”
The two-bedroom, two-bathroom ranch house’s dining room features windows arranged in a distinctive V-shape, looking out toward the backyard.
“I’ve been in real estate for 21 years, and I’ve never seen a dining room like that,” Tonya notes. “When I worked on the decor, I really wanted to emphasize that unique feature. So we installed a statement-making, mid-century chandelier. We painted the room a darker color, but I wanted to showcase the V-shape and bring the outside in. The energy and feel of the home are just really great.”
It’s that positive energy that Tonya hopes her tenants will experience.
“I tend to be a little adventurous in my decorating style, but it does run more modern. This is a little more traditional than I would typically do in my own home and properties, but I really wanted this home to be fun and adventurous. I think it can match the kind of people who are coming in.”
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Tonya reports they already have tenants and 15 to 16 pending reservations. “There’s been so much interest already! It’s exciting to see people getting excited about the space,” she says. “That was my hope for it. Of course, I wanted to help fill this need in the community, but I also wanted it to be a safe, clean, and fun space that was warm and inviting.”
Tonya provides Wi-Fi, heating, and cooling with the rental.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Erectile Dysfunction Therapies
Weight Loss Therapies with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide
HGH Peptides
Vitamin Therapies like B12
Brad Krommendyk Owner
P ICKING THE P ERFECT PEACH IS EASY!
I NGREDIENTS
Spread such as whipped
cream cheese
Sliced peaches
Honey
DIRE CTIONS
Top toast with desired
Then add fresh mint and
FRESH PEACHES TYPICALLY FALL INTO ONE OF TWO CATEGORIES
CLING peaches contain pits that are not
but they may not be the best choice for canning or freezing as the preparation is
FREESTONE peaches easily release
make up the majority of peaches found
YELLOW WHITE
The Art of Choosing Artwork for Your Home
The gravity-defying skills of the Design Team are always appreciated by homeowners with walls that can be difficult to access. Even for the more easy-to-hang pieces, the Design Team will ensure your art is perfectly placed –not too high and not too low.
Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.
– Pablo Picasso
This homeowner struggled to find the perfect piece for this two-story foyer. Instead of a framed piece or canvas wrap, the Design Team installed a six-foot functional abacus that’s flanked by contemporary floor lamps on top of a midcentury-inspired console. While many wouldn’t expect an ancient calculator moonlighting as a very impressive piece of artwork, it’s perfect in this space.
No hammer … no problem. This large piece of framed art isn’t hanging; it’s placed on the mantle and leaning on the wall. Artwork doesn’t necessarily have to hang … the Design Team frequently leans pieces on mantles and shelves.
The Phillips Collection is an award-winning design studio and Elements’ favorite that features some of the most interesting pieces crafted from natural materials like wood, stone and metal. The company’s CEO sought out Kathy in their showroom in Las Vegas to meet who was selling more of his pieces than showrooms in major US cities. This room features multiple pieces from their collection, including a grouping of natural driftwood dyed black that even creates an interesting addition with the reflections in the silver coffee tables.
Image courtesy of the Phillips Collection
The combination of black and white seems simple, but it can be one of the most sophisticated pairings. The Design Team chose a canvas wrap with a companion piece. One would be too small, but flanked together, the scale is perfect.
Good things come in threes! These abstract human line drawings in black and white, when grouped together, function more as a single design element than separate pieces and, when stacked vertically, fill the space.
PH30 PURE HYDRATION
Pure Hydration is the most advanced electrolyte formula to help fight the signs of dehydration and fatigue. PH30 helps you to maintain proper mineral and electrolyte levels to perform better than ever. Our exclusive blend uses Aquamin® S Minerals & ConcenTrace® AC minerals along with the most absorbable forms of electrolytes and B Vitamins to bring you natural energy throughout the day. Raspberry Lemonade | Fruit Punch | Watermelon
New Iowa Law Prohibits
Courts from Requiring Divorced Parents to Pay College Expenses
Buchheit & Ehrich Law, PLC/Lindsey Buchheit & Jack Ehrich
our M ission
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.”
a M enities
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
serV ices
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Theater
• Courtyards
• Spacious suites all on one level
If you’re considering assisted living, we are here to help every step of the way. Schedule a tour and see the quality of life available to you or your loved one.
• Three homestyle meals per day
• Personal housekeeping • Professional medication administration and laundry
• On-site physical, restorative
• Scheduled daily social and and cognitive therapy exercise activities
• Wellness clinic
• Personal pendant system
• Assistance with activities of daily living
Our passion for assisted living shines through every day at StoneyBrook Suites.
By:
Photo
Wild Ridge Photography
Jessica Krohn, Owner
Photography by Lauren Baker photography Images from Summer in the Garden workshop
BLOOD DONOR DAY IS JULY 30TH!
Written by: Joanne Fox
Photos by: Jeh L Photography
Kevin along with his daughter, Melody, and the rest of the Clayton family
BLOOD DONOR DAY LOCATIONS
4501 Southern Hills Drive, #17, Sioux City, IA 7AM - 4PM
Southern Hills Mall Center Court, Sioux City, IA 11AM - 7PM
To schedule an appointment or for questions call 1-800-287-4903 or visit LifeServeBloodCenter.org
BEDROOM BLISS
Your bedroom deserves more attention than it typically receives. As the space where you spend a third of your life, it should function as a personal retreat where stress dissolves and peaceful sleep comes naturally, not just a room filled with leftover furniture.
Creating a Calm and Relaxing Oasis with Mod House Interiors
Start with a calming color palette. Soft, muted tones like warm whites and gentle grays naturally promote relaxation and lower cortisol levels. Avoid energizing colors like bright reds or electric oranges that belong in active spaces rather than restful ones.
A cluttered bedroom creates mental chaos. Clear all surfaces and invest in smart storage solutions like under-bed boxes, nightstands with hidden drawers, and wall-mounted TVs with concealed cords. Every item should have a designated place.
Lisa Kalaher Owner
Move Your Way: How Exercise Impacts Your Mental Health
Moving
is good for you, but it’s not just for your physical health.
“Movement is something that helps to regulate our mood levels, our stress levels, and it can help kickstart your energy levels,” says Michelle Halladay, MS, LIMHP, LADC, LPC, LMHC, Outpatient Clinical Director for Heartland Counseling Services.
Simply put, movement impacts our brains, helping release different endorphins.
“Those are the feel-good things that help us stay motivated and help us finish tasks. If you experience a little depression or anxiety, exercise can help break that cycle a little bit,” Michelle explains.
By: Michaela Feldmann
It also has a direct correlation to how we react to situations and others.
“You might not notice it until after you’ve already been in a situation and you think, ‘I wish I had handled that differently.’” Michelle notes. “You might be more irritable. Maybe you don’t want to go out and do things you used to love. Going to a movie might sound like a chore instead of something fun. Then, we tend to isolate or withdraw from those around us.”
When our mental health suffers, so does our physical and emotional health.
“Mental health is really the foundation for it all,” says Michelle. “It affects how we function throughout the day, how we’re reacting to situations, how we feel, how we’re interacting with others, and we need to give it the attention it deserves for us to function well.”
That’s why moving is critical.
“Any movement is good movement,” Michelle adds. “As long as it’s an intentional thing that you’re doing for yourself to promote your mental fitness and your mental wellness, I think that’s good.”
Getting started can feel overwhelming. If you have physical limitations, Michelle says consulting your primary care physician can be a great resource.
“I think doctors often have a lot of good insight and can help you come up with ideas within your physical limitations. The Y is also a great resource for physical movement,” Michelle suggests.
If you’re feeling ‘stuck’ for movement because you work in an office setting or from home, Michelle says you’re not alone. Sitting frequently can have an impact. That’s why it’s important to get up and move, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
“I have to sit a lot for my job, so I always make sure to take a couple of extra laps around the building or do some different forms of movement under my desk with my feet,” Michelle notes.
There isn’t a specific number of times that you have to move, and that can be helpful for people.
“Exercise can feel like this really daunting task, so people just don’t do it,” Michelle explains. “Choose something that isn’t so intimidating. Don’t set a goal for yourself to run a mile if you haven’t done that in a while, or ever. It’s not, ‘I have to work out for two hours straight and lift this amount of weights’ because that will make a lot of people stop moving altogether. It’s about being realistic and building from there.”
“Start small with something you know you can accomplish to give you that immediate positive feedback or reinforcement.
“Set small goals for yourself,” Michelle adds. “That helps to change your mindset from ‘I have to do this’ to ‘I’m choosing to do this for myself, my wellness, and my future.’ Don’t do it for someone else either. Do it for yourself.”
Michelle advises against putting pressure on yourself.
“Again, any movement is good movement. Find something that you enjoy. When you incorporate that intentional movement with something you enjoy, you’re more likely to move,” Michelle notes.
That may mean moving at home versus in a gym. Michelle says there are some great resources out there.
“YouTube has some good workouts for chair yoga and other things like that. If you don’t have weights, try using something a little bit heavier, like a can of corn, laundry detergent, or something similar. It also helps to have a buddy, or someone you can talk to about it—someone to motivate you to make it a bit more fun.”
And the more you do it, the better and easier it will be. “It all comes down to creating a routine for yourself,” explains Michelle. “It doesn’t have to be every day, but if you find something that works for you, try to stick to it. That way, you reach the expectations you have for yourself. Some days we don’t reach that expectation, and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day to try.”
Michelle is a Nebraska native, growing up in Wakefield and graduating from Wayne State College in 2003 with a psychology major. Michelle graduated with her master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska Omaha in 2003. She worked as a school-based mentoring coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands, also spending time as a mentor with the program for over ten years. She started her therapy career at a dual diagnosis treatment group home for adolescents in Omaha, Nebraska, where she worked for six years. Michelle and her family then moved to the Siouxland area, where she worked as an Office of Juvenile Services caseworker for one year. She then began as a therapist at Heartland Counseling Services, Inc., a 501 (c)3, nonprofit, community behavioral health center for 11 counties in northern Nebraska and all of Siouxland. She has filled the role of internship coordinator, mental health administrator, and is currently filling the role of Clinical Services Director, supervising all mental health and substance use therapy programs. Michelle is trained as an adoption-competent counselor and also specializes in trauma. Michelle has been a graduate of Leadership Dakota County and has helped create a program within the community, Trees of Hope, providing families in need with a Christmas tree. Michelle was recognized in 2018 by Women Aware as an individual in the community who is taking risks. Michelle and her husband, Kelly, have two children, Mason and Kinsey, and reside in Salix, Iowa. When not at work, Michelle can be found watching baseball or crafting.
Michelle Halladay
MS, LIMHP, LADC, LPC, LMHC
946 WYNSTONE DR., WYNSTONE, SD
5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | 4-CAR GARAGE | 6,518 SQ. FT. | 1.6 ACRES | $850,000
Welcome to this 1.5-story home with 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, formal and casual living areas, an oversized 4-car garage, fresh landscaping, and a huge deck, all sitting on a 1.6-acre lot on the Preserve. A bubbling rock water feature is located in the landscaping by the front door. Double entry doors welcome you to a 2-story open foyer with 2 coat closets, wood flooring, and a staircase. Off the foyer is a formal dining room with a butler's pantry nearby. The living room features stunning 2-story windows with an 18-foot ceiling and a gas fireplace. A casual family room on the main level has a gas fireplace, built-ins, a door to the deck, and corner windows. The eat-in kitchen includes oak cabinets, an island, pantry, wood flooring, a desk area, a gas stove, double ovens, and two sinks. A second staircase to the upper level is nearby. Coming in from the garage, you'll find a convenient drop zone and laundry room. The master bedroom has carpeting and a door to the deck. The master bathroom features a heated floor, a large tile shower, a whirlpool tub, a double vanity, and 2 walk-in closets. Upstairs, there is a loft area and 2 bedrooms, each with a walk-in closet,
vanity, and access to a shared full bathroom (which also has a door to the hall). A third bedroom also includes a walk-in closet. The walkout lower level offers lots of space to entertain or relax. The first family room has carpeting, a gas fireplace, built-ins, and daylight windows. This area is open to the wet bar, which features tile flooring, cabinets, a mirrored backsplash, granite counters, a bar sink, a dishwasher, and a nearby refrigerator. A second family room has carpeting and a walkout door to the patio. The current theater room could also be used as an office (projector included). The fifth bedroom has carpeting, an egress window, and a double closet, with a door to the 3/4 bathroom that also has a door to the hall. The current workout room has carpeting, a double closet, and a sauna (this room could serve as a bedroom). A half bath completes this level. Relax by the new fire pit. A sprinkler system covers 2/3 of the yard. The deck was new in 2020. Two new water heaters were installed in 2021, along with one new Lennox furnace and two new AC units. A pet fence has been installed.
"Where do I begin! We couldn't have asked for a better REALTOR ® when it came to buying our first home in Iowa. Barb was so kind, professional, and beyond resourceful when it came to assisting us with buying our dream home. She made an experience that's usually so stressful, feel enjoyable and exciting! She is incredibly knowledgeable about so many things and it made us feel secure and certain within the homebuying process as we knew we had a third pair of eyes vetting everything alongside us. We are so lucky to have worked with Barb and we'd recommend her to anyone looking for an incredible REALTOR, ® resource and overall real estate expert! I cannot recommend Barb enough!"
- Jori & Stephanie Sioux City, IA
Life is too short to eat boring food.
All of us at Siouxland Woman know that food is the ingredient that brings us together! In the coming months, we will be featuring the best foodie spots in Siouxland!
Want to feature your foodie spot? We’d love to have you! Email ads@michelscom.com for more information!
SIOUX CITY
From concept to shelf, we’re the agency that makes your brand unforgettable and energizes your bottom line.
Logos
Packaging
Market Research
Video Production
Websites And more!
Keep your eyes peeled for Mud on Main’s bold new look hitting store shelves – a fresh brand identity crafted through our perfect blend of creative vision and market insights that’ll make you do a double-take in the coffee aisle!
Breakfast Menu Features
NEW ADDITIONS TO OUR BREAKFAST MENU
Start your morning right with the Maple Bacon Melt a savory sandwich with crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a touch of maple sweetness. Craving something sweet? Try our fluffy, poppable Pancake Bites, perfect for on-the-go And for a healthy boost, sip on our Protein Smoothie, blended with real fruit and protein to fuel your day
