SIOUXLAND WOMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
SHANE MONAHAN
KRAGTHORPESarah
away in downtown Sioux City, IA, Jitters is more than just a beloved coffee and donut shop; it’s a reflection of owner Sarah Kragthorpe’s vision, determination, and heart. Leaving behind a corporate career to follow her passion in creating Jitters from the ground
Sarah has proved that with
sometimes the risk is
Siouxland Woman CONTRIBUTORS
Account
graphic designer Ashley Carrison
ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Lori Breyfogle
team of writers
Lydia Gleiser, Joanne Fox, Cheryl Wells, Emily Smith, Michaela Feldmann, Lisa Croston, Mark Gaul
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
605-549-1188 | daletree.com
SarahKRAGTHORPE
BREWING A HOMETOWN DREAM
Tucked away in downtown Sioux City, IA, Jitters is more than just a beloved coffee and donut shop; it’s a reflection of owner Sarah Kragthorpe’s vision, determination, and heart. Leaving behind a corporate career to follow her passion in creating Jitters from the ground up, Sarah has proved that with dedication and drive, sometimes the risk is worth the wait.
WRITTEN BY: LYDIA GLEISER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SHANE MONAHAN
Sarah’s story began in Sioux City, where she moved at age five and grew up in a loving, supportive household. At North High School, she participated in softball, track, and basketball.
“I thought I wanted to be a television broadcaster,” Sarah shares. This vision led her to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where she majored in Public Communications.
During her sophomore and junior years at college, Sarah interned at KTIV, immersing herself in the television industry she thought she wanted to conquer. While she cherished the relationships she built, the experience revealed a crucial truth: television broadcasting wasn’t her calling.
Determined to complete her degree, Sarah graduated and moved to Davenport, Iowa, where she joined Von Maur (formerly Petersen’s) as their Christmas decorator. “They made me the Christmas elf,” Sarah laughs. “I would start in July and travel to ten different stores where I would start Christmas decorating.”
Though fun, the position felt temporary and unfulfilling. At 23, feeling restless and uncertain about her future, Sarah decided to move back home, and started working odd jobs and filling out job applications. “I kept telling myself, I have to get out of here and do something,” Sarah recalls. That’s when she made a decision that would define her adventurous spirit: she responded to a help-wanted ad in the newspaper.
“The next thing I knew, I was on an airplane headed to New York to be a nanny,” Sarah remembers with a laugh. “I had never even been on an airplane before.”
Sarah enjoyed nannying. It was in a nice, gated area, and the family was wonderful to work for. A year later, by chance, Sarah met someone who worked at a high-end ski outfitter, who encouraged her to apply to sell ski equipment. “They told me just to stop by and hang out,” Sarah says. “They told me I would like the environment.”
Cruising with Sarah’s mom
Family Christmas fun
“I did so much traveling back then, and one of my favorite things to do was to visit funky little coffee shops and cafes.”
After she was hired, Sarah began working at the luxury ski shop where she spent the next three and a half years assigned to specific clients while assisting them with their purchases. Again, she liked this job but wanted something more.
Ready for another challenge, Sarah again turned to the newspaper, this time answering an ad for a tiny bicycle company she’d never heard of: Cannondale. The company hired Sarah and eleven other employees to grow their brand across the United States, relocating her to Chicago.
“The job really was too good to be true,” Sarah shares. “I had a variety of clients from people who just wanted a recreational bike to professional race teams.”
Sarah’s calm demeanor and collaborative spirit earned her a promotion, where she spent five years working with sourcing, new hires, other directors, and professional athletes. Her time in Chicago was spent growing her Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois sales territory, and her success opened another unexpected door.
When Cannondale needed a territory manager in the United Kingdom, Sarah once again took a leap of faith. Her new territory encompassed England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales.
“It was an incredible adventure,“
Sarah beams, recalling her fourteen months abroad.
Despite soaking up every moment while working abroad, she missed the familiarity of home. Cannondale, reluctant to lose such a valuable employee, named Sarah as their Sponsorship Director at Cannondale’s headquarters in Connecticut for her final three years, where she hosted and entertained potential clients before her position was eliminated during a reorganization of the company.
Throughout her extensive corporate travels, Sarah developed a particular fascination with coffee shops and cafés. In every city, she sought out the most unique establishments, mentally cataloging what made each special.
“I did so much traveling back then, and one of my favorite things to do was to visit funky little coffee shops and cafes,” Sarah shares.
She began collecting ideas on a yellow legal pad, noting special art pieces, setups, and environments that caught her eye. The dream of opening her own coffee shop began to take shape, initially envisioned for the East Coast.
When corporate reorganization eliminated Sarah’s position, she faced a crossroad. Rather than return to territory sales, she decided to pursue her coffee shop dream. However, she quickly learned that starting a business on the East Coast would mean doing it alone, without the support system she needed.
“I quickly realized that I didn’t know anyone, and I wouldn’t have the comfort of family and friends,” Sarah admits.
Recognizing that her new venture would require stability and support, Sarah made the pivotal decision to return to Sioux City. Sarah’s sister, Ann Brouillette, owned Heart and Hand Dry Goods in the Indian Hills Shopping Center at that time and told Sarah about available space. Sarah knew she’d found her opportunity, and she and Sarah became neighbors when she first opened her business.
Sarah’s four great nieces dressed as fairy princesses
Cannondale days working with the racing teams
Sarah’s happy place
Sarah threw herself into research, developing a comprehensive business plan that impressed the bank enough to approve her small business loan. Armed with determination but admittedly little experience, she began building Jitters from scratch.
“I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, but I was ready,” Sarah laughs.
After relocating a couple of times and acquiring equipment from Sunshine Donut, Sarah transformed Jitters into a sought-after destination where customers can grab a quick coffee or settle in to admire local artwork while enjoying lunch.
The journey wasn’t without challenges. “There were definitely hard times as any business owner can understand,” Sarah acknowledges. “Without the ongoing encouragement, help, and loyalty of family, friends, and customers, I would’ve failed.”
Knowing the importance of making connections with others and maintaining strong family relationships, makes Sarah emotional as she couldn’t imagine living and creating her coffee shop anywhere else.
“Moving back here was the best thing I could’ve done,“
Sarah reflects. “I am
a
firm believer in always taking risks, helping others, and not taking anything for granted.”
Sarah’s great niece, Annie’s, baptism
Sarah’s wine club reunion celebrated with ugly sweaters at their Christmas party
Sarah’s parents, Betty and Art, at Jitters one year anniversary party
More withSARAH
As a special memento, Sarah still has the 27 year old, yellow legal pad where she wrote all her coffee shop ideas.
Sarah credits her friends from Connecticut for helping her create the Jitters name and logo. “I knew the name needed to be short, relatable to the business, and memorable,” Sarah shares. “We all sat down together, and they helped me come up with the name.”
Community involvement is important to Sarah as she shares that she is involved with Noah’s Hope, Partners for Patriots, Support Siouxland Soldiers, Children’s Miracle Center and the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.
So many special people have helped Sarah along the way. “I had one of my first customers, Larry Axlund, who found a spot for Jitters to move to in the Leeds area. Larry and his partner in crime, Marsha, have also become dear friends over the last 25+ years. I actually have customers who physically helped move my equipment to new locations,” Sarah says. She considers Jim Johnson, one of her first landlords, a business mentor and is appreciative of his guidance and grace. She is grateful to Bill and Jacky Christopherson Knoepfler for their assistance and support, and Kyle Kelly for helping to secure her previous location and referring Sarah to KJ and Jennifer at Property Pros to find her newest location.
Sarah has two adopted fur babies, Lilly and Jack, both rescues from Noah’s Hope.
Sarah’s two rescues, Lilly and Jack
How to Manage Anxiety Without Medication
by UnityPoint Health
Anxiety, while natural and unavoidable, is an unwelcome guest for many people. Whether it’s occasional jitters or a constant sense of dread, knowing effective ways to calm anxiety — with or without the additional support of medication — makes a big difference in your ability to regain control of big emotions. Kristin Yaneff, UnityPoint Health therapist, shares 14 alternative treatments for anxiety and how to recognize when a deeper level of care is needed.
While medication can play a role in managing anxiety, it’s important to remember that people experience anxiety in different ways. Some outwardly struggle, while others appear successful and capable despite significant internal worry. Informally, this is called ‘high-functioning anxiety.’ Regardless of how anxiety presents, Yaneff says practical coping strategies are essential.
“In many cases, anxiety is manageable without psychiatric medication. Of course, it can be helpful, but coping strategies are fundamental to any anxiety disorder self-care plan.”
Explore Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
There are many types of therapy used to treat anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most common and effective. Through CBT, you learn to understand thinking patterns that negatively impact your life. By exploring the connection between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors, you can view challenging situations with more clarity and learn to handle them better.
“In cognitive behavioral therapy, we focus on working through cognitive distortions, transforming negative self-talk, learning coping skills, identifying triggers, naming and understanding emotions, establishing healthy communication strategies and setting healthy boundaries. These tools are all essential for managing anxiety and its symptoms.”
Avoid Triggers
Identifying your anxiety triggers, such as certain situations, people, thoughts or stimulants, is an important coping skill. While you can’t always avoid them, focusing on what you can control can help. Reducing alcohol, caffeine, nicotine or social media use, and limiting overwhelming social events are all practical ways to
Kristin Yaneff, LMSW UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Behavioral Health
Practice Grounding and Breathing Exercises
Grounding and breathing exercises for anxiety are powerful tools to help you reconnect with reality when your thoughts take you elsewhere. Yaneff recommends several coping mechanisms to anchor yourself in the present.
“Simple actions, like placing your hand on a table to bring yourself back to the present when you’re feeling overwhelmed, doing a body scan or box breathing, can refocus the mind away from negative thoughts. Similarly, aromatherapy, yoga and meditation offer pathways back to the present moment, too.”
Box breathing, also called square or 4x4 breathing, is an effective way to calm your nerves. It involves a balanced four-part breathing pattern:
• Exhale: Slowly breathe all the air out of your lungs.
• Inhale: Slowly breathe in deeply through your nose while counting to four.
• Hold: Hold your breath for a count of four.
• Exhale: Slowly breathe out through your mouth f or a count of four.
• Hold: Hold your breath again for a count of four.
• Repeat: Continue this cycle for a few minutes or until you feel calmer.
Yaneff says, “Any form of deep breathing is important for managing anxiety. It helps ground us and keeps us in the here and now and focused on our breathing.”
To perform a body scan, lie or sit comfortably and slowly bring awareness to each part of your body, noticing any sensations. This practice helps you become more aware of how anxiety feels in your body, such as muscle tightness or a fast heartbeat. Grounding you in the present moment, body scans shift your focus away from worries and can ease the physical tension anxiety creates.
The core of both grounding and mindfulness is in using various coping skills to stay present, which is crucial for overcoming negative thoughts fueled by anxiety.
Get Quality Sleep
It’s common for anxiety to be worse at night. Worrying about sleep can make your anxiety worse as bedtime approaches. Also, when the day’s activities quiet down, it’s easier for intrusive thoughts to materialize.
Yaneff gives a few self-care suggestions on how to calm anxiety at night.
“If we’re not sleeping, our brain isn’t getting the rest and nutrients it needs. Our mental health is negatively impacted by that. Positive self-talk is helpful, along with taking deep breaths and practicing relaxation techniques like prayer, meditation or listening to a sound machine. Having a good sleep routine is also important for calming yourself down before you physically lay down. Taking a hot shower, bubble bath, doing your skin care routine or reading a book are all good self-care strategies.”
Repeat Positive Affirmations and Mantras
“One of my favorite approaches for managing anxiety is called thought blocking,” Yaneff says. “It involves actively interrupting negative thoughts and replacing them with positive, more rational ones.”
Thought blocking can be supported with positive affirmations and mantras — simple, encouraging statements you repeat to yourself.
“For instance, when faced with an irrational fear, thought blocking, coupled with affirmations like ‘I am safe’ or ‘I am in control,’ involves reminding yourself of past, safe experiences and focusing on what you can control. This active use of self-talk, reinforced by positive affirmations, helps to counter negative, intrusive thoughts and maintain a more balanced perspective.”
Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity, whether high-intensity cardio, weightlifting, walking or calming practices like yoga for anxiety, helps regulate your body’s stress response.
Yaneff says, “When our mental health suffers, our physical health often does, too, and the other way around. So, it’s important to care for both. Simple exercise like walking and relaxation can ease anxiety. Plus, when you’re active, your brain releases a feel-good chemical that helps with anxiety and encourages healthy habits.”
Practice Meditation or Journaling
Guided meditation helps manage anxiety by training the mind to stay present and observe thoughts without judgment, promoting calm and emotional balance. Similarly, journaling offers a safe outlet to process emotions, reduce overwhelm and identify anxiety triggers and patterns for better coping.
Listen to Calming Music
Whether instrumental pieces or nature sounds, calming music for anxiety is a simple and powerful way to promote a sense of peace. Physically, it can slow your heart rate and breathing, lower blood pressure and reduce stress hormones. Mentally, it may boost chemicals that make you feel at ease.
Yaneff adds, “It’s a good way to occupy your mind and give yourself a mental break from anxious thoughts.”
When to Talk to Your Doctor about Anxiety
Building coping skills is essential for preventing anxiety and negative thinking from taking over your life.
Yaneff says, “Your feelings aren’t always facts. Recognizing and naming your emotions can lessen their impact. Understanding that some thoughts are just irrational or intrusive, not reality, is key to managing anxiety.”
While natural approaches help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care doctor if anxiety persists, disrupts your daily life or causes physical symptoms like chest pain or difficulty breathing. They can assess your situation, rule out other causes and discuss helpful treatments, including therapy, medication or a combination. Seeking help is a sign of strength and can prevent anxiety from worsening.
UnityPoint Health St. Luke’s New Beginnings Outpatient Therapy is currently accepting adults and adolescents with a mental health diagnosis. Call (712) 279-3906 or scan the QR code to learn more.
Photography by Lauren Baker photography Images from Summer in the Garden workshop
of Community and Comeback
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
2640 NICKLAUS BLVD., SIOUX CITY
2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHROOMS | 3-CAR GARAGE | $485,000
This two-bedroom two-bathroom contemporary ranch walk-out in Whispering Creek is a stunning blend of modern design and practical functionality. Its striking exterior showcases all the latest color combinations, setting the tone for the elegance found within. Upon entry, you're welcomed into an open foyer leading to expansive main living areas with soaring 10-foot ceilings. The living room serves as the heart of the home, featuring a sleek electric linear fireplace set against a stylish stone wall, seamlessly connecting to the kitchen and dining area. In the kitchen, crisp white cabinetry, a spacious pantry, and gleaming quartz countertops provide a fresh and inviting space, while all kitchen appliances stay. Custom blinds, installed in 2021, enhance both privacy and aesthetics. Off the dining room, sliding doors open to a covered Trex deck, ideal for enjoying the outdoors. The primary
suite offers a refined retreat, complete with a tray ceiling, a thoughtfully designed 3/4 bathroom, and a spacious walk-in tile shower. A convenient pass-through from the master closet leads directly into the laundry room. Designed with accessibility in mind, this home features zero entry from the garage, which itself boasts extra depth for additional storage. The unfinished lower level presents endless possibilities, with a walkout, plumbing rough-ins for an additional bath, and potential for a rec room, bedroom, and storage space. Outdoor enhancements include professional landscaping with curbing around the perimeter, adding both beauty and structure. With a tax abatement in place, property taxes will adjust down next year, offering savings for the next seven years. This home combines modern luxury with smart design choices, making it a standout option in Whispering Creek!
"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
PANTRY PASTA SALAD
Needle & Nerve
Rewriting the Rules of Beauty and Medicine
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
By day, she’s a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), trusted with some of the most high-stakes moments in healthcare. “You have to look at a patient and understand what they need, sometimes quickly if it’s life-threatening. You can’t hesitate even for a moment,” Angie states.
SOME WOMEN FOLLOW A PATH. OTHERS BUILD THEIR OWN. ANGIE SCHWABE IS DOING BOTH — IN SCRUBS AND STILETTOS.
By night and weekends, she’s the founder of No Filter Aesthetics — an aesthetics studio that blends medical expertise with modern beauty treatments designed to make women feel powerful, not plastic.
Angie is assisted by Rai Jackson, a certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist who believes that patient care should be the first priority. Rai specializes in anesthesia, but has also discovered a love for aesthetics. According to Rai, “I have loved treating my patients and helping them feel like their best selves!”
“When I get a patient in my aesthetics chair, it’s more art for me,” Angie explains. “I already have all that critical care and needle understanding from being a CRNA. So, aesthetics is just easy for me and fun because it’s artistic. I get to bring in intuition, connection, and creativity.”
It’s science — but it’s also art. It’s what makes her stand out. At No Filter Aesthetics, there are no hard sells, no filters, and no fake promises — just medically backed treatments delivered by a woman who understands both the science and the stakes.
“In an anesthesia setting, people want me to take care of them. I bring that same aspect to aesthetics. It’s about trust. I’m going to take care of my clients. I’m not going to sell them something that I don’t think they need. I’m going to do every service the best I can, as if you’re my mom, my friend, or my sister,” Angie shares.
Because women deserve options. Whether she’s performing a nerve block in the operating room or perfecting a lip enhancement in her studio, Angie brings the same level of focus, care, and trust. In aesthetics, she gets to be the one calling the shots.
“Aesthetics is often dismissed as vanity. But here’s the truth: feeling good in your skin isn’t superficial — it’s powerful,” Angie asserts.
Her story isn’t about choosing one identity over another — it’s about integrating both. “I’ve started thousands of IVs and art lines. I have years of clinical experience under my belt, and I want women to feel confident. In the age of Snapchat filters, where everyone thought they had to be perfect, I thought, why not combine my two passions?”
“There’s no rule that says you can’t be serious about medicine and still love aesthetics,” Angie continues. “You can be the one pushing meds in the OR — and also the one perfecting someone’s cheeks. I’ve stopped asking permission to be both.”
From neurotoxin and fillers to Morpheus 8, Lumecca IPL and Hydrafacials, to Biote hormone replacement and IV therapy, No Filter Aesthetics is here to make you look and feel your best. “My clients are like my friends and family. It’s my goal every day to provide the best service here.”
That’s one reason she’s hosting an exclusive beauty event called
A Tini Bit Hotter
on September 16 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Warehouse Sioux City. “Women deserve to feel their best. It’s just an incredible day to come, relax, learn about some of the products and how they can be beneficial for you,” Angie notes. The event will feature exclusive deals, giveaways, music, and food.
In a culture still learning to value women who want more than one lane, Angie is proving that you don’t have to choose between intellect and aesthetics. You can wear scrubs by day, own a business by night, and build a life on your terms — with no filter required.
DR. RYAN MCKENNA
DR. KENNETH TJEERDSMA
Plan a head for Peace of Mind
When it comes to assisted living, timing is everything. Waiting until there’s a crisis can make decisions feel rushed and overwhelming. That’s why we encourage families to explore their options before they’re needed - and discover the peace of mind that comes with being prepared.
At StoneyBrook Suites, we believe the best time to tour is now. A visit gives you the opportunity to truly see and feel what life here is like — the warm smiles, the personal touches, and the active, vibrant lifestyle our residents enjoy.
From spacious suites and home-cooked meals to engaging daily activities and compassionate 24/7 care, everything at StoneyBrook Suites is designed to support independence while providing the comfort of a caring community. You’ll meet our dedicated team, see our inviting spaces, and start imagining what a secure, joyful future could look like for your loved one.
Schedule a personal tour today and take the first step toward a plan made with clarity, confidence, and heart.
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 eni T ies
• Coffee Shop
• Salon
• Walk-in Whirlpool Spa
• Centrally located meals and activities
serV ices
• Caring, trusted, 24-hour staff
• Personal housekeeping
• 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
• 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.
Housekeeping Ideas You Can Use Anywhere
Use vinegar and baking soda drains naturally.
Wipe baseboards with dryer sheets to repel dust longer.
Keep a squeegee in the shower to prevent water spots and mildew buildup.
Use old pillowcases to clean ceiling fan blades without making a mess.
Disinfect sponges in the microwaves (wet them first!) for 1 minute.
Use lemon peelings, they clean microwaves and make garbage disposals smell fresh.
Tidy one room before moving to the next. Less chaos, better results.
Create a cleaning caddy to carry all your supplies from room to room.
Find a health care provider you can talk to openly about your sexual health. If needed, consider finding a second provider for your sexual health care. The best provider for you is one you’re comfortable with!
Make prevention and testing part of your journey.
Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know your status. And knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy!
Practice safer sex.
Condoms are highly effective in preventing HIV and other STIs when used correctly. You can also choose sexual activities with a lower chance of passing an infection.
Get in care. Stay in care.
If you’re living with HIV, taking your HIV medication as prescribed helps you stay healthy. It also prevents transmission of HIV to your sex partners.
Scan the QR code or visit stophiviowa.org to learn more
I’m Arielle Kuchel. I started Divine Oil Co. as a hobby in 2018 and it’s been such a fun adventure!
To make a long story short, I’m OBSESSED with candles. In 2017, I realized that I was having daily migraines and it ended up being due to the candles I was burning. I switched to only diffusing essential oils but I missed candles. So, I started researching and began to make my own!
Divine Oil Co. candles are made from soy wax from farmers located right here in Iowa. We use cotton wicks and phthalate free fragrance oils. These candles burn longer and cleaner than others on the market.
WHY ESTATE PLANNING IS A FAMILY CONVERSATION –NOT JUST A LEGAL TASK
When you hear the phrase “estate planning,” your first thought may be of wills, legal documents, or a quiet meeting with a lawyer. But what is often overlooked is that estate planning isn’t just about legal checklists – it’s about financial clarity, family communication, legacy planning, tax planning, and long-term wishes. And it has the opportunity to work even better when your financial advisor is involved in the process alongside you, your attorney, and your tax professional.
At Kletschke Wealth Management Group, we’ve seen firsthand how one spouse will often lead the charge when it comes to longterm planning – balancing caregiving responsibilities, organizing household finances, and ensuring everyone in the family is taken care of. That can leave the other spouse or family members with unexpected outcomes, disagreements, or even hurt feelings. That’s why we believe involving your family and your financial advisor in estate planning conversations is important.
Why Family Involvement Matters
Estate planning decisions affect more than just assets. They have an impact on real people: spouses, children, siblings, and sometimes even close friends. Choosing who will manage finances or medical decisions in an emergency, passing down family property, or providing for a loved one with special needs –these are deeply personal choices.
Too often, families are left in the dark until a crisis hits. By involving your family in estate planning conversations early, you can reduce misunderstandings, mitigate conflict, and ensure your intentions are clear and, therefore, honored. This is especially important if your plan includes things like leaving unequal inheritances or involves stepchildren. By working with Kletschke Wealth Management Group, we can help you gain clarity and devise a possible strategy before you meet with your attorney.
Your Financial Advisor’s Role
While attorneys draft the legal documents and your tax professionals give you tax advice, as your financial advisor, we can help you see the bigger picture:
• Understanding your full financial landscape. As your advisor, we take record of all your assets – retirement accounts, life insurance, investments, and real estate – with the goal of having your estate planning strategy align with your financial goals.
• Projecting future needs. We help you plan for longevity, healthcare costs, and income needs so you can pass on wealth without sacrificing your own retirement goals.
• Facilitating family conversations. We often act as a neutral third party by helping families navigate tricky dynamics, explaining complex topics, and striving to have everyone involved walk away feeling confident and informed.
• Keeping the plan updated. Life changes happen –marriages, births, divorces, business success, or market
shifts. We endeavor to help you keep your estate planning strategy current and flexible and will encourage you to meet with your attorney when appropriate.
Starting the Family Conversation
When is the right time to bring family into the conversation? There is no perfect moment, but here are some tips to get started:
1. Be clear on your values. What kind of legacy do you want to leave? What matters most to you … education for the grandkids? Support for a cause near and dear to your heart? Protecting assets from a spend-thrift beneficiary?
2. Set a time to talk. Consider holding a family meeting. Let your loved ones know in advance what you would like to discuss.
3. Bring in your financial advisor. If emotions or complexities arise, we can help keep the conversation grounded and focused on your goals.
4. Encourage questions. Give your family members the chance to ask about their roles – whether they will be an executor, power of attorney, or simply a beneficiary. The more they understand now, the smoother things may go later.
Planning With Purpose
Estate planning can be emotional, but when done thoughtfully and collaboratively, it becomes more than just a legal process. It is a way to care for your family, express your values, and show the importance to future generations of planning ahead.
At Kletschke Wealth Management Group, we are honored to be guiding you and your loved ones through this process with clarity, compassion, and deep experience. From organizing your assets to coordinating with your attorneys and tax professionals as needed, we strive to make sure no detail is missed and that your family isn’t in the dark regarding your wishes.
Estate planning is a journey. We’re here to help navigate that path with you and your family as it relates to your overall financial goals. Contact us today to start the conversation.
Stifel does not provide legal or tax advice. You should consult with your legal and tax advisors regarding your particular situation.
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.
at the 26th Annual
Pink Ribbon Golf Classic
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
Ashley Patten, 2024 Pink Ribbon Classic speaker
Do you suffer from
· General/chronic pain
· Back pain
· Neck pain
· Knee pain
· Hip pain
· Ankle/Foot pain
· TMJ
· Muscle sprains/strains
· Sports injuries
· Concussion
· Arthritis
· Post-op orthopedic injuries
· Imbalance
· Vestibular/Dizziness conditions
FYZICAL Therapy is your first-line of treatment for your pain and vestibular health!
DR. KELLY SONIUS
Dr. Kelly is the newest member of the FYZICAL team. She grew up in Britt, IA, and graduated from West Hancock High School. She attended Grand View University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology while playing basketball. Kelly obtained her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2025 from Briar Cliff University. Kelly is excited to start her career at FYZICAL, treating patients with vestibular/balance disorders as well as orthopedic disorders. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys spending time with friends and family, watching her husband coach the Briar Cliff women’s basketball team, and working out. She is excited about serving the Siouxland community by providing personalized physical therapy care to each patient!
“I’m so excited to help people with dizziness, vestibular issues, and various orthopedic conditions. One of my favorite areas to treat is the knee—there’s something so rewarding about helping patients regain strength, stability, and confidence with every step they take.”
- Kelly
Written by: Joanne Fox
After 30 years of Labor Day weekend festivities, ArtSplash is making a bold change. For the first time in its history, this signature Sioux City Art Center event will take place September 13-14 instead of the traditional Labor Day weekend.
Don’t worry—this family-friendly celebration will still deliver the same engaging entertainment, amazing artists, and phenomenal food that attendees have come to love. The change is all about reaching more people and creating better opportunities for everyone involved.
According to Summer Amman, Development Coordinator for the Art Center, the decision came down to a key factor that kept surfacing in planning discussions.
“We know many people travel over Labor Day weekend, which doesn’t allow them to attend the festival,” Summer explains. “Secondly, by choosing a different weekend, we hope to create even greater exposure and sales opportunities for all our artists, as well as a fun weekend for even more Siouxland residents who might have otherwise been traveling on Labor Day weekend.”
That’s not the only change ArtSplash attendees will experience, and it’s in response to feedback.
“We’re introducing evening hours until 9 p.m. on Saturday,” Summer adds. “The new timeframe on Saturday, extending into the evening, will allow us to appeal to those community members and art buyers the chance to browse in a more relaxed environment. We will close children’s art activities for the evening, offer alcohol sales, and turn on the lights in the artist booths for a fun, casual experience with the festival artists.”
In May 2024, the Art Center introduced a new annual festival, Free Family Art Day.
The art, activities, and entertainment of Free Family Art Day are, as the name indicates, specifically designed for families with children.
“We intentionally created Free Family Art Day, which includes art projects, face painting, balloons, etc., to be geared to families and children, as we planned
Summer Amman
to shift ArtSplash to focus primarily on art and exhibiting artists,” Summer explains. “Of course, we have many things for families and children to enjoy at ArtSplash, and you’ll still get to experience free art projects -- thanks to our sponsors.”
However, Summer clarified that these parts of the festival will conclude at 4 p.m. on Saturday to transition into the more adult-focused environment in the evening. But they’ll be back for Sunday’s hours.
Attendees will still see both new and returning artists from across the country displaying and selling their creations. Entertainers will delight the crowd on stages on the front lawn. And plenty of food trucks will be on hand with a variety of menu items.
ArtSplash will have the same footprint around the Art Center’s campus as the last few years: art vendors will be set up on 3rd Street between Nebraska and Pierce Streets and Pierce Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets.
Summer admits that ArtSplash is a complex event with so many options for participants.
“The staff works on this project year-round, and come spring, it just gets busier and busier with the logistics coming together, and then, finally, the set-up begins, the artists start loading in, and before we know it, we open the gates,” Summer shares. “I think that my favorite part is watching all of the planning and effort come together to finally welcome in the community to experience ArtSplash. It’s incredibly satisfying.”
Although those in attendance love the art, the entertainment, and the food, free admission is a great incentive to attend, Summer acknowledges.
“We were able to start providing free admission to ArtSplash in 2021, and then in 2024, thanks to incredible sponsors, we were able to make the art projects free as well, all of which we know was greatly appreciated,” Summer notes. “And this year, we are thrilled that ArtSplash is presented by empirical foods.”
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 FROM 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 14 FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
SIOUX CITY ART CENTER CAMPUS
Caring for Those Who Care for Us
Whether you have one, know one, or are one, caregivers play a vital role in our lives.
“A caregiver is someone who takes care of another person, from elderly parents to parents who take care of children with disabilities, to someone taking care of a member of our community for their job,” explains Shawn Rasmussen, a mental health therapist with Heartland Counseling. “They are important because they’re helping someone who is dependent on someone else for basic needs.”
Written by: Michaela Feldmann
It’s a selfless act that fills someone else’s cup while potentially depleting their own. The reality is stark: “At some point, most caregivers will experience burnout, especially when they cannot express their stressors or feelings to others. Too often, they push their own needs aside, focusing exclusively on someone else’s needs and feelings,” explains Shawn.
Burnout manifests first through physical symptoms that are impossible to ignore. Caregivers may experience increased muscle pain, a compromised immune system, and find themselves getting sick more easily. These physical warning signs serve as the body’s urgent plea for attention and relief.
Beyond the physical toll, mood and behavioral changes signal deeper distress. “These come along with burnout—increased irritability, anxiety, and depression,” Shawn notes. “Many times, they can start to feel hopelessness, like nothing is going their way. It’s just harder to function generally.”
The warning signs extend to social withdrawal and disinterest in previously enjoyed activities. Sleep patterns become disrupted, concentration wavers, and isolation increases. Perhaps most challenging of all, resentfulness can develop— often directed toward the very person they’re caring for.
“They’re more easily frustrated, and they may feel more anger toward the person they are caring for,” Shawn explains. “That can lead the caregiver to have a lot of mixed emotions and feelings around it. It takes a toll.”
Here’s the crucial message every caregiver needs to hear: it’s okay to feel these feelings. The key lies not in suppressing emotions but in how you approach and handle them. Recognition and acceptance of these feelings mark the first step toward healing and sustainable caregiving.
“Ask for help,” Shawn emphasizes as the most critical strategy. Creating a specific list of tasks others can assist with makes requests more concrete and actionable. Trusted friends and family members often want to help, but need clear direction on how they can contribute meaningfully.
Respite care represents another lifeline—having trusted family or friends provide temporary care allows caregivers essential time to step away and breathe. These short breaks can provide immense relief and perspective.
Support groups offer an invaluable connection with others facing similar challenges. “It’s helpful to know that you’re not alone. It can feel isolating at times. Caregivers can feel guilt for feeling the feelings they have. But it’s ok to ask for help and get some time to talk about your feelings, your stressors. Just getting some relief is so important,” Shawn advises.
“Engaging in self-care is the most important part of keeping yourself out of burnout,” Shawn stresses.
“Engaging in self-care is the most important part of keeping yourself out of burnout,” Shawn stresses. Even small acts matter—a few minutes spent on a favorite hobby or activity can provide significant relief. Connecting with others outside of caregiving relationships proves essential for maintaining perspective and emotional balance.
The fundamentals remain powerful: seven to nine hours of sleep nightly, proper nutrition for sustainable energy, and regular physical activity. “Exercising, going for walks, yoga, relaxation meditation, breathing exercises, and things like that can really make such a difference,” Shawn notes. “It feels small, but it really does matter.”
If health issues increase, contacting your primary care physician for a comprehensive physical becomes essential to rule out major problems. Therapy provides a safe space to process feelings, frustrations, and stressors—often making a world of difference in managing caregiver stress.
“Just know you are not alone,” Shawn reminds every caregiver reading this. “There is help out there. Just be aware of your symptoms, how you’re feeling, and don’t forget to take care of yourself.”
Shawn Rasmussen PLMHP
Shawn began working at Heartland Counseling in 2020 as our Community Support Provider, Crisis Responder and Life Center Case Manager for the South Sioux City office. In August 2022 she moved into the role of School Based Mental Health Therapist and in August 2023 she moved to the SSC clinic doing therapy. Shawn has her PLMHP.
Caregiving represents one of humanity’s most noble acts, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your own well-being. By recognizing burnout signs, asking for help, and prioritizing self-care, caregivers can continue providing compassionate care while preserving their own health and happiness. Remember: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s essential for everyone involved.
TRULY GREEK
Discover Lakonia Imports' top Greek products, bringing authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen.
TRULY YOURS
Lakonia Imports was born on a warm Greek Summer, under the shade of olive trees in a Greek Village, Aghios Nikolaos, in 2018. Founders, Peter Marules and his cousin Kyriakos Maroulakos, desire is to introduce the rich Mediterranean diet, taste, and feeling to food enthusiasts, all over the world. Culinary traditions, recipes, and products we grew up with, come from Greece to your table.
EVERY SPACE HAS A PURPOSE & A STORY TO TELL
FROM FLOODED RUIN TO CLASSIC CLUBHOUSE:
Two Rivers Clubhouse has a big story to tell. Established in 1991, Two Rivers Clubhouse suffered the most recent devastating flood, the damage was more than structural - it disrupted a well-loved gathering place for many of their golfers and club community What once was a hub of camaraderie and tradition now stood silent, waterlogged, and in desperate need of new life.
Fresh from an extensive remodel, the Two Rivers Clubhouse is now a refined yet relaxed retreat for both men and women where classic clubhouse style meets a modern twist
HONORING HISTORY AND ELEVATING STYLE:
Our design team approached this project with a deep respect for the clubhouse’ s heritage The goal was not simply to repair what had been lost, but to create a space that would feel both timeless and freshly inspired
The interiors feature rich wood-like wallpaper, deep leather furnishings styled in both green and camel, and warm, layered lighting elements that evoke the charm of an old-world clubhouse At the same time, subtle modern touches ensure functionality and longevity, with durable materials and discreet technology enhancing the experience without overshadowing the classic aesthetic.
A GATHERING PLACE RESTORED:
Many of the clubhouses faithful members have stopped to see the newly restored clubhouse and have had nothing but admirable things to say We are overjoyed to see our community take such a liking to the new Elmwood Golf Club (also known as Two Rivers). Elmwood has expanded their offerings to their members and community by having pool tables, darts, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, additional tv screens, a walk in cooler, an elevated pro shop, and most enjoyable their new simulator
HAVE YOU CHECKED IT OUT?
Today, the clubhouse stands once again as the social heart of the course and community a place where members can unwind after a round, share stories, and build lasting memories. It’ s more than a renovation; it’ s a revival of tradition, camaraderie, and timeless design If you have not yet, check out the new Elmwood Lounge and share your feedback with us! Interested in getting luxury design in your home or commercial space?
CHECK US OUT!
SCAN THE QR CODE TO BE DIRECTED TO OUR DESIGN CONSULTATION FORM
605-321-3891
319 DAKOTA DUNES BLVD SUITE D & E DAKOTA DUNES, SD 57049
I wanted to share another Destination Le Mars story with you all, and once again I asked Mark Gaul to write this one. This is new news, as the Le Mars City Council just voted on this a few days ago and it passed with everyone saying yes, this is something we approve of. I have been a part of this from its inception, and we really believe that it will enhance Le Mars and will continue to build on the strategy that is in place to draw people to the Ice Cream Capital of the World. We are watching people come to visit and have fun with their families at some of our events and some of those people have even decided to move to our beautiful little community. I believe that people love Le Mars because of the warmth and love here, the kind of community that people know they are seen, heard, and cared for. Small towns are known for their heart and who can resist that kind of draw?
A few years ago, Mike and I started meeting with a few others in Le Mars to talk and dream about starting a foundation for our community that would be for our big community events. We have been working on it and the vision kept continuing to expand. As we invited key stakeholders into those meetings, the plan kept getting better. We needed other input and that is always true when you dare to dream about something big. We are always better together, and that has been something I have shared over and over in these articles. Mark Gaul has been the Community Development Director in Le Mars since July of 2022. These are his comments about the new foundation:
Nestled in the heart of Plymouth County, Le Mars, Iowa—long cherished as the “Ice Cream Capital of the World”—is taking bold new steps to shape its future as a year-round destination. At the center of this transformation is the newly launched Hometown Le Mars Heritage Foundation (HLHF), a community-powered nonprofit committed to expanding Le Mars’ tourism potential while preserving the charm that makes the town beloved by locals and visitors alike.
HLHF is more than just a new organization. It’s the culmination of years of visioning, planning, and passion from community leaders, business owners, and volunteers. The foundation’s mission? To attract guests to Le Mars, deliver delightful experiences, and make everyone want to return. Its guiding vision: for Le Mars to be known and loved by all as a must-visit destination.
A Home for Our Heritage
Le Mars has always punched above its weight in hospitality. From Ice Cream Days to Christmas in Hometown Le Mars, signature events have long showcased the city’s welcoming spirit. But until now, these events lacked a unified home. Recognizing this gap, local leaders—including Mayor Rob Bixenman, City Administrator Jason Vacura, and Economic Development Director Mark Gaul—teamed with longtime community supporters like Mike and Cheryl Wells and Wells Enterprises executive Adam Baumgartner to establish HLHF.
Through a collaborative process involving public input, tourism surveys, and strategic guidance from consulting partners PASQ and ISG, HLHF took shape with an ambitious yet clear purpose: celebrate and promote Le Mars year-round.
Built on Vision 2045
HLHF directly supports the Le Mars Community Development Plan – Vision 2045, the city’s roadmap to population growth, economic vitality, and expanded quality of life. One of Vision 2045’s core goals is to grow Le Mars into a city of 20,000 residents and $350 million in annual retail sales—objectives that hinge not only on industry and infrastructure, but also on culture, tourism, and civic pride.
By coordinating tourism strategy outside the traditional Chamber and Convention & Visitors Bureau structure, HLHF provides the capacity and focus needed to elevate Le Mars as a unique destination. The foundation aims to build new programming, promote local assets, and strengthen partnerships— all while preserving the character that makes the city feel like home.
Leading with Heart
The founding board reflects a balance of civic leadership and community investment. Chaired by Mike Wells, with Adam Baumgartner as Vice Chair and Michaela Brown of the Brown Family Century Theater serving as Secretary/Treasurer, HLHF is positioned to harness the energy of longtime stakeholders. Cheryl Wells serves as at-large member, while City Councilor Brad Pick represents the City of Le Mars. The foundation’s work is guided by collaboration, stewardship, and courage—values deeply rooted in Le Mars’ culture.
What’s Next?
HLHF’s first major milestone is to formally take the reins of Ice Cream Days and Christmas in Hometown Le Mars. These events, beloved for their small-town charm and big-time appeal, will now be elevated by a dedicated tourism entity with the resources to grow their reach and impact. In addition, HLHF plans to develop new signature events, expand promotional campaigns, and create opportunities that draw in new visitors—from across Iowa and beyond.
At its core, HLHF is about honoring the story of Le Mars while building new chapters. It’s about celebrating what’s already great and imagining what’s possible. And for residents and visitors alike, it’s a chance to fall in love with this sweet town all over again.
As HLHF Executive Chair Mike Wells recently said: “We’re not just promoting events—we’re investing in the heart of our community.”
And with that heart beating stronger than ever, Le Mars is ready to shine.
This article is a collaborative piece by Mark Gaul and Cheryl Wells, brought together by their shared love of Le Mars. Their combined insights reflect a deep commitment to the growth and spirit of the community.
Cheryl Wells
c.wells@sbsmin.org (712) 546-7544
Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike.
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.
Replace harsh overhead lighting with multiple layers of soft, warm illumination. Combine bedside table lamps with warm LED bulbs, string lights or wall sconces for ambient glow, and dimmer switches for adjustable evening intensity. This layered approach mimics natural light patterns and supports healthy circadian rhythms.
Since you spend 7-9 hours nightly in direct contact with bedding, quality matters. Choose natural fibers like cotton, linen, or bamboo for breathability and temperature regulation. Layer different textures—plush comforters, lightweight throws, and varied pillow sizes—to create an inviting, hotel-like atmosphere.
Mod House Interiors of Sioux City brings timeless mid-century modern lines into the 21st century, with hand-picked pieces designed to be both lovely and comfortable. Their curated bedroom collection includes:
Luxurious Bedding: Premium comforters, throw blankets, and bed pillows crafted from natural materials that regulate temperature and enhance comfort throughout the night.
Ambient Lighting: Modern table lamps and accent lighting that complement their clean lines and simple form philosophy, perfect for creating the layered lighting essential for bedroom tranquility.
Stylish Rugs: Hand-selected area rugs that add texture and warmth while maintaining the sophisticated, uncluttered aesthetic that promotes restful sleep.
Thoughtful Décor: Carefully chosen bedroom accessories and wall art that enhance the peaceful atmosphere without creating visual chaos.
Creating bedroom bliss isn’t about achieving perfection—it’s about intentionality. Every design choice should support peaceful, restorative rest. By thoughtfully addressing color, lighting, storage, bedding quality, and sensory elements, you can transform your bedroom from a neglected afterthought into the healing sanctuary you deserve.
Lisa Kalaher Owner
BE A BACK-TOSCHOOL HERO!
Emily Smith, MS, RD, LD, LN, LMNT, CLC (515) 695-3053
emily.smith@hy-vee.com
Superhero Bento Box
Adapted from https://healthyfamilyproject. com/recipes/superhero-bento-box/#recipe
Ingredients:
• 1 whole wheat pita pocket
• 1 slice of cheddar cheese
• 2 slices of low-sodium turkey or ham
• 4 slices cucumber
• 4 cherry or grape tomatoes
• 8 pieces of pineapple (cubed or diced)
• 8 blueberries
• 8 mini marshmallows
• 4 mini skewers
Instructions:
1. Put deli meat and sliced cheese inside the pita pocket and put into large section of bento box.
2. Thread blueberry, marshmallow, and pineapple onto skewers and place in one small section of bento box.
3. Place cucumbers and tomatoes into the other small section of bento box.
Summer is coming to an end, and back-to-school days are near. Hy-Vee Dietitian Emily is here to help parents prepare for one of the busiest times of year!
Emily represents Hy-Vee as a nutrition expert promoting healthy eating throughout the community. Emily is a member of the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
Pack A Survival Kit:
• Grab-N-Go Snacks: Cheese sticks, meat sticks, mandarin oranges, energy or protein bars, nuts, freeze-dried fruit
• Water: Make sure to send a refillable water bottle or tumbler with your child for the day, and get one ready for yourself as well. Keeping a water bottle on hand makes drinking water an easier choice and helps ensure adequate hydration.
• Portable Charger: Send one with your child and bring one along to work to ensure you and your child can reach each other throughout the day.
• Hand Sanitizer or Antibacterial Hand Wipes: Great for killing germs and keeping those hands clean all day long!
• Notebook/Agenda & Pen: Keep these handy for notes, grocery lists, and reminders, and to keep track of those busy back-to-school schedules and activities.
Keep Kids Healthy:
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain important antioxidants and vitamins.
• Get enough sleep! School-aged kids (6-13 years old) need about 9-11 hours of sleep per night.
• Encourage regular physical activity and do it together as a family.
• Reduce stress – talk to your child about stress, anxiety, and mental health. Prepare as many things as you can ahead of time to reduce chaos.
Meal Planning Made Easy:
• Keep your pantry and freezer well-stocked with items your family loves!
• Make time to wash and prep all fruits and veggies for the week at once.
• Buy cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own to save time and energy.
• Cook a little extra some days to allow for leftovers. Leftovers make easy lunches!
• Include both protein (lean meats, beans, hard-boiled eggs, peanut butter, nuts) and fiber (fruits, veggies, and whole grains) at each meal and snack!
1. Shaw T. Mom’s Back-to-School Survival Kit. Healthyfamilyproject.com. https:// healthyfamilyproject.com/moms-back-to-school-survival-kit/. Published August 2, 2023. Accessed June 4, 2025. 2. Shaw T. Tips for Boosting Kids’ Immunity for Back to School. Healthyfamilyproject.com https://healthyfamilyproject.com/tips-for-boosting-kidsimmunity/. Published July 11, 2022. Accessed June 4, 2025. 3. Shaw T. Easy Back-toSchool Meal Plan. Healthyfamilyproject.com. https://healthyfamilyproject.com/easy-backto-school-meal-plan/. Published July 19, 2023. Accessed June 4, 2025.
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
URGENT CARE,
ealthcare just got even more accessible for Siouxlanders with the opening of Floyd Valley Healthcare’s new Urgent Care Clinic on the south side of Le Mars. This expansion marks another milestone in the organization’s commitment to providing convenient quality care for the region.
“Our new urgent care facility meets a growing need for timely medical attention that falls between routine visits and emergency care—not just in Le Mars but throughout Siouxland,” says Dustin Wright, CEO of Floyd Valley Healthcare. “With easy highway access and a brand-new facility, it offers area families an efficient option when they need care quickly.”
Knowing when to visit urgent care instead of the emergency room can save time and money. Floyd Valley Healthcare’s clinic is equipped to handle a wide range of non-life-threatening medical needs that shouldn’t wait.
“Urgent care is perfect when your primary doctor isn’t available—like evenings, weekends or when you can’t wait for a regular appointment,” says Director of Clinic Operations Sarah Sturgis, RN, BSN.
Floyd Valley Healthcare Brings Convenient Urgent
Care to Le Mars’ South Side
coming from a nearby community, the quick in-andout experience makes the trip worthwhile.” The clinic offers both walk-in and appointment options, giving patients flexibility. Whether you call ahead or walk in with a sudden illness or injury, you’ll be seen by local providers.
Its south Le Mars location with convenient highway access makes it easily reachable for residents across Siouxland—without the hassle of navigating urban traffic or waiting in crowded facilities.
Designed for patient convenience, the clinic features ample parking, a streamlined check-in process and on-site equipment to handle most urgent care needs without referrals for basic diagnostics.
More than just a service expansion, the clinic reflects Floyd Valley Healthcare’s investment in local healthcare infrastructure. It ensures families have reliable access to high-quality care close to home. For working parents, busy families and anyone facing unexpected illness or injury, having dependable urgent care nearby brings real peace of mind.
Urgent care is ideal for issues like minor cuts, sprains, mild asthma attacks, ear infections, sore throats, cold and flu symptoms, urinary tract infections and minor burns. The clinic also offers wound care, fracture assessments and treatment for non-severe allergic reactions.
The emergency room remains the place for lifethreatening conditions including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injuries, loss of consciousness, heart attack or stroke symptoms and poisoning. When in doubt, it’s always safest to head to the ER.
A key advantage of the new clinic is its efficiency. Staff are dedicated solely to urgent care so patients are seen quickly without the long waits often associated with ER visits.
“What busy families will appreciate most is the minimal to no wait times,” says Sturgis. “Even if you’re
Floyd Valley Healthcare’s new urgent care clinic on Le Mars’ south side stands ready to serve the entire Siouxland region with dedicated staff, minimal wait times and the convenience that today’s families need. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturdays from 8:00 am to noon and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.
Whether you walk in or call ahead, quality care without the wait is now within reach. Learn more at floydvalley.org or call (712) 546-3665.
Close to Home
OU Irish Road Bowling Teams consist of 4 players (21 and older) who “bowl” a small cannonball as far as they can down a designated road. Scoring is on the honor system and it’s similar to keeping score for golf. All throws are completed underhanded, and teammates move down the road ahead of each bowler to watch where the team’s ball stops. Team members take turns rolling the ball. The team with the fewest number of “rolls” at the end of the course wins!
I feel so blessed because of special times that we have had with specific groups in our family lately. At our age we can look back and remember times where we just didn’t have the bandwidth to travel and be with family like we wanted to. With the pressures of the family business through the years and then when we started our non-profit exactly 23 years ago today, as well as Habitue’ 15 ½ years ago, our plates were full and spinning. In the midst of all that, we both learned a lot about intentionality and having a plan. I love entertaining and hospitality, as well as I just love people. Mike is the one who studies the calendar and looks at the whole year and all the stuff going on to logistically plan. He’s also the one to pack the car or whatever is needed for organization. However, I wouldn’t ask him how much food we need or how long something should last. He’s great with set-up for a dinner or event, and he loves doing dishes but sometimes wants to clean up too quickly and I like to let people visit. We are a great combination, and we respect each other’s ideas and gifts. Mike has a servant’s heart, and I have seen that play out so much lately.
We began about ten years ago taking all of our grandchildren on a trip with us without their parents. Through the years we have had so much fun with them each summer planning a trip to different places that we thought they would enjoy. For a lot of the years, we had so many kids that we took along a helper, that continued many years with the same dear friend. It was helpful that she knew them well, and they knew her and loved her. She planned the meals and did most of the cooking, as well as she planned the snacks! We laugh about all of those things still. Thanks so much Lauren! It was helpful also that she is quite a bit younger than we are. I think the most that we had at one time was eight children, but we always go for like 5-6 days. She would trek from Florida to Iowa each time and come a few days early to get groceries
by Cheryl Wells
and prep what was needed and then stayed a few days after to help me unload and clean things up. She also took wonderful pictures that we will cherish forever. The memories are so special of all those trips and things that happened while we were all together are stories that we continue to talk and laugh about. So many stories that we can continue to tell and remember with the grandchildren, and even that we can tell their parents and someday our great-grandchildren to come. Telling those stories is so good and whether the story is happy or sad, it brings a connection that they can begin to know enough to understand and really know that person at a deeper level. Telling experiences firsthand that connect with what was going on emotionally is something that is very vulnerable, but it connects us intimately with one another.
We are in Grand camp season right now, and we still have two more to go this summer. As the number of kids continued to grow and they got older, it got more complicated. When they were younger, we would take one trip with everyone and they all enjoyed going to the Black Hills and the Wisconsin Dells, as well as they all loved to just go to the lake for a week. As they got into Junior high and High school it became evident that we needed to split up girls and boys and at their ages, they just had different things that they liked to do. Also, we didn’t want the older siblings to feel like they had to take care of the younger ones. They can come to camp if they are age 4-5, depending on the child, and we do a special trip when they graduate. We have a lot of boys the same age group, as well as girls that are siblings and cousins and they love spending time together. In early June we took three granddaughters on a graduation celebration trip. One is not graduated yet, but she is close in age to the other two, so she got a bonus trip.
Mike and I ended up doing lots of things on the trip that we wouldn’t have, but they chose what we did, and we wanted to spend the time together. They held stingrays and swam with pigs, as well as we took a rafting trip down a river in Jamaica. I was the one that ended up with a huge spider (or a crab) climbing up my leg in the raft. I have a huge fear of bugs and spiders, so that became a thing for everyone in our raft. The guide didn’t care, but I wasn’t about to stay in that raft when I didn’t know where he went. Gives me the willies right now just thinking about it again! The girls had a good laugh! Laughing together and crying together in the middle of our experiences is so special and heartwarming. Knowing each one of them so well, I knew when there might be a hesitancy to want to do something because of a fear or maybe a past incident that caused that fear. I would know not to push or say anything but to pray and believe that they might step into it as they were wanting to get everything they could during those few days that we were together in a place that they might not ever be again. I watched that happen on this trip and it created some uncomfortable moments at times, much like me in that raft. They faced some fears, and they tried some things that they were sure they weren’t going to like. Even grandpa got stretched a bit. We will be traveling again in a few weeks with a couple of younger granddaughters to the Black Hills for a week, and I can’t wait. The relationship building time is so sweet and we will be very intentional with our days and hours. In August we will also take three high school grandsons to San Diego for a week, and I will be praying about some good conversation starters, as well as good stories to share about our own lives.
A few months ago, we went on a trip of a lifetime with our son Matt and his husband Nic, as well as Nic’s parents. We love the Ballecer’s, and we have spent time with them over the years, mostly in California, where Nic was raised. Matt and Nic live in San Diego, and they have been married for three years. They are both the youngest in their family and they are very emotionally connected to their family members, as well as they are very purposeful in those relationships. They had been wanting to spend some time traveling with us all together, and they love to travel and know all the good places to go. Nic is a travel agent, and he is a foodie, so when you are with him you know, you are going to eat well. He hit it out of the park on this trip to Athens, Greece. Our resort was
so beautiful and Nic planned the itinerary so that we knew all we had to do was follow the plan. He kept the fact that he was traveling with both sets of parents in mind as he chose our schedule, and we had a balance of days of exploring and days open for rest and choosing our own agenda as couples. Along the way I also realized that the boys were being very intentional about hearing our stories and connecting vulnerably. How beautiful that they were desiring to hear our hearts and wanted to understand more about us. Everyone opened up during our days there and some really beautiful things happened. We got even closer to Teri and Fred, and Nicolas and Matthew learned things about their parents. They were holy moments, and we left there desiring more; more connection and honesty with one another. The relationships went to another level as we heard about some tough times that had never been shared ever before. I love each one of them even more. We also decided that we will take another trip together, and it will be in 2027. I look forward to that.
Cheryl is a John Maxwell certified speaker, trainer and coach. She lives in Le Mars, Iowa with her husband Mike.
c.wells@sbsmin.org
Cheryl Wells
Homeowner associations (HOAs) in the United States manage 370,000 communities; 12 new associations form every day, according to iProperty Management.
Before you buy a property with an HOA, take time to review the financial condition of the HOA.
Here is a breakdown of how to review HOA financial reports, covering the different funds and offering some helpful tips.
Understanding the Basics: HOA Financial Funds
An HOA's finances are generally structured around three primary funds:
1
Operating Fund (or Operating Account)
What it is:
This is the HOA's "checking account" for day-to-day expenses. It covers the costs of regular operations, maintenance, and administration.
Examples of Expenses: Utilities (if common areas are metered)
Funding Source: Regular assessments (monthly or quarterly dues) paid by homeowners.
2
3
Reserve Fund
What it is:
This is the HOA's "savings account" for major repairs and replacements of common property assets. It's for infrequent, but expensive, items with a predictable lifespan.
Examples of Assets Covered: Roof replacement
Funding Source:
A portion of the regular assessments is allocated to the reserve fund. Sometimes, the HOA may conduct a special assessment to boost the reserve fund if it's underfunded.
Special Assessments
What it is:
A one-time fee levied on homeowners, in addition to regular assessments. Special assessments are typically used when the HOA faces unexpected or extraordinary expenses that exceed the operating budget and/or the reserve fund balance.
Examples of Situations Requiring Special Assessment: Utilities (if common areas are metered)
Downsides: Special assessments can be a burden on homeowners and can sometimes cause financial hardship or even lead to disputes.
Tips for Reviewing HOA Financial Reports:
1. Request and Review Key Documents:
• Budget: This is the most important document. It outlines the planned income and expenses for the year.
• Balance Sheet: A snapshot of the HOA's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time. It shows the financial health of the HOA.
• Income Statement (or Profit & Loss Statement): Shows the HOA's revenues and expenses over a period (e.g., monthly, quarterly, annually). It reveals whether the HOA is operating at a surplus or deficit.
• Reserve Study: A professional assessment of the condition and remaining useful life of the HOA's major assets, and a funding plan to ensure sufficient reserves for future replacements. This is crucial!
• Bank Statements: Verify cash balances and transactions.
• Audit Reports: If the HOA conducts an annual audit (recommended, especially for larger HOAs), review the auditor's opinion and any findings.
2. Analyze the Operating Budget:
• Compare to Prior Years
• Review Line Items
• Assess Assessment Sufficiency
• Look for Hidden Costs
• Evaluate Transparency
3. Scrutinize the Reserve Fund:
• Review the Reserve Study
• Funding Level
• Funding Plan
• Withdrawals
• Investment Strategy
• Component Analysis
4. Investigate Special Assessments:
• Reason: What was the reason for the special assessment?
• Amount: How much was the special assessment per homeowner?
• Payment Terms
• Frequency
5. Look for Red Flags:
• Consistent Deficits
• Underfunded Reserves
• Unexplained Expenses
• Lack of Transparency
• Poor Communication
• High Management Fees
• Frequent Special Assessments
• Waiving of Reserve Funding
6. Ask Questions
7. Consider Professional Advice:
Reviewing HOA financial reports requires diligence and attention to detail. By understanding the different funds, analyzing the key documents, and looking for red flags, you can help ensure that your HOA is financially sound and well-managed.
A healthy HOA protects property values and maintains the quality of life in the community. Remember that a proactive and informed homeowner is a valuable asset to any HOA. These funds are your funds.
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