As South Dakota’s Population Booms, So Does the Need for Emergency Air Medical Care
With so much to explore and enjoy in western South Dakota, it is no wonder the area is teaming with both visitors and new residents. However, the increase in people also brings more car accidents, more lost or injured hikers, more heart attacks and strokes, and more trauma.
When emergency strikes, the people of Pennington and Fall River Counties, as well as the surrounding areas, trust Black Hills Life Flight to come to the rescue. The program is part of Air Methods, the largest air medical service provider in the country. With bases in Rapid City and Hot Springs, Black Hills Life Flight provides both helicopter and fixed wing service, and transports patients from emergency scenes or between hospitals for specialized treatment.
and equipment that may not be available in a ground ambulance. Patients should never delay care by waiting for a specific program or aircraft to arrive – the first available aircraft should be utilized for transport to the hospital as quickly as possible.”
Black Hills Life Flight has first responder status, and once dispatched, their helicopters can land at the scene of an emergency and begin administering medical care immediately. The aircraft functions like a flying intensive care unit, with best-in-class flight nurses and paramedics who carry lifesaving equipment, medications, and blood on board the aircraft to save lives and improve patient outcomes.
Quality emergency care helps support not only the people of the region, but also the businesses who employ them. Both can benefit from excellent pre-hospital care that, in many cases, helps shorten recovery times so workers can return to good health and their daily activities as quickly as possible.
How Medical Helicopters are Requested
When 911 is called for a medical emergency, first responders determine if air service is needed and call for an aircraft. Individuals cannot request air medical transport without first calling 911, and service providers may not self-dispatch.
“Air medical care is required when a patient needs to be seen in a hospital very quickly or when the higher level of pre-hospital care air medical teams can provide is necessary,” said Darryl Crown, account executive with Air Methods. “Flight nurses and flight paramedics are highly trained and have specialized skills
“There are incidents in those rural areas that may take first responders [on the ground] an extensive amount of time to respond to the scene due to the distance or road conditions,” said Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Paul Thompson. “It may well be there are times when Black Hills Life Flight is able to arrive at the scene and render medical service prior to other first responders arriving.”
Additionally, aircraft can be used to move patients from one hospital to another for higher-level care. It can be difficult to move large or complex medical gear with the patient, so Black Hills Life Flight’s clinical teams are trained to transport patients with specialized equipment. They also have extensive experience in transporting high-risk obstetric and pediatric patients. Those needing to travel a long distance or in inclement weather are transported by fixed wing airplane while those going shorter distances are typically moved by helicopter.
Understanding the Cost
“We believe that when someone suffers from a serious illness or injury, they deserve to focus on their recovery rather the bill,” said Jeffrey Loew, patient relations supervisor with Air Methods. “We do all we can to make the process as easy as possible for our patients and their families.”
When the federal No Suprises Act went into effect in January 2022, it ensured that patients wouldn’t get a surprise medical bill for any covered service. Insured patients are encouraged to review their policies and understand their deductible, co-pay, coinsurance, and maximum out-of-pocket cost. Regardless of the insurance provider, or whether it is in or out of network, patients cannot get a surprise balance bill that exceeds the limits of their policies.
Medicaid patients have no deductible at all. Commonly, Medicare beneficiaries have a Medicare Supplement (or “Medigap”) plan. There are several approved and regulated Medigap policies that cover deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance for many medical services, including emergency air medical services.
Whether insured or not, patients are encouraged to contact the Air Methods Patient Advocacy department if transported by Black Hills Life Flight. Contact information is available at airmethods. com, and patient advocates work with each
individual to ensure affordability based on their own personal situation.
Air Medical Memberships Are Unnecessary
Some air medical service providers sell memberships. These memberships are similar to a form of insurance in that members pay a fee in advance to avoid a bill if they need air medical transport later. It is unnecessary to spend money on an air medical membership for several reasons.
- The odds of needing air medical transport are very slim. Only 0.0017% of the U.S. population ever requires emergency air medical service.
- Under the federal No Surprises Act, there is no need for an air medical membership since patients are only responsible for the deductible, co-pay, co-insurance, or maximum out-of-pocket cost outlined in their insurance policies.
- In an emergency, patients don’t get to choose which provider arrives. The closest available aircraft should transport the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible. Care should not be delayed by waiting for a specific provider based on a membership.
South Dakotans can rest easy knowing they are in good hands with Black Hills Life Flight. For more information on the program and the quality clinicians providing medical care on board, please visit airmethods.com.
Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , is pleased to offer five$1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a business /finance related field.
Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , is pleased to offer five$1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a business /finance related field.
Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , is pleased to offer five$1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a business /finance related field.
2025 Scholarship Application
Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , is pleased to offer five$1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a business /finance related field.
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Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a field.
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Ally Dakota Development, your trusted ally for small business finance , is pleased to offer five$1,000 scholarships to students pursuing a post -secondary degree in a business /finance related field.
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To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
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To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
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• Be a U.S. citizen
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To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Email Address:
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Phone Number:
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a U.S. citizen
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you following criteria:
Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
To be eligible for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, you must meet all of the following criteria:
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, institution in South Dakota
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Be a high school senior attending a South Dakota High School
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated scale
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
All applications must be sent to:
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
• Be accepted into a business /finance program at an accredited, post -secondary institution in South Dakota
All applications must be sent to:
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
All applications must be sent to:
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025 documentation is listed below .
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater, calculated on a 4.0 grading scale
All applications must be sent to:
All applications must be sent to:
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship 730 East Watertown Street
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship
• Submit an application (with documentation) by March 31, 2025. Required documentation is listed below .
Rapid City, SD 57701
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship
All applications must be sent to:
730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
All applications must be sent to:
All applications must be sent to:
All applications must be sent to:
Ally Dakota Development
730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
Attn: Scholarship
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship 730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
730 East Watertown Street
Rapid City, SD 57701
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship 730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship 730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, us at 605-221-8729.
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Ally Dakota Development Attn: Scholarship 730 East Watertown Street Rapid City, SD 57701
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Terms and Conditions:
Terms and Conditions:
Terms and Conditions:
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
Terms and Conditions:
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
For more information about the Ally Dakota Development scholarship program, please contact us at 605-221-8729.
Terms and Conditions:
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
Application Postmark Deadline: March 31, 2025
Terms and Conditions:
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
Terms and Conditions:
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
Terms and Conditions:
Terms and Conditions:
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
All eligibility requirements must be met. Scholarships may not be used for any purpose other than tuition. If selected as a recipient, I consent to the release of my name and photo to the public, on social media, and/or Ally Dakota’s website. Scholarship applicants will be notified by mail of scholarship decisions and scholarship payment process.
Signature:
1. Essay: In 500 words or less, describe why you should be considered for an Ally Dakota Development scholarship, reasons for choosing a business-related field, and your career goals. The essay should be typewritten/computer-generated on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet.
2. Activities: Being involved and helping others within South Dakota is a priority at Ally Dakota Development. To illustrate your contributions to your community, please include a summary of your school, extracurricular, civic, religious, volunteer work, work experience, and special interest activities. You should note any leadership roles/positions. The summary should be typewritten/ computer-generated on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet(s).
3. Character: Please attach two personal recommendations from unrelated third parties. Give specific examples regarding character, dependability, involvement and other distinguishing characteristics of the applicant. Recommendations must be typewritten/computer-generated on an 8-1/2 x 11 sheet.
4. Academic: Please include an official transcript, including your cumulative GPA, from the last semester. Also, include proof of acceptance into a business/finance program at an accredited, post-secondary institution in South Dakota.
SEDC Presents SURF 2025 Award of Excellence
The Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) presented its 2025 Award of Excellence to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) during the organization’s 45th annual meeting in Spearfish.
The Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) presented its 2025 Award of Excellence to the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) during the organization’s 45th annual meeting in Spearfish.
“This is an incredible honor that I’m delighted to accept on behalf of our 200 South Dakota Science and Technology Authority staff members and our board of directors,” said Mike Headley, SDSTA executive director and laboratory director at SURF.
During the award presentation, Headley noted that SURF will have a $2 billion economic impact while creating 1,200 jobs in South Dakota this decade. “A lot of that economic impact is happening right here in the Northern Hills. Over a quarter of the total staff working at SURF call Spearfish home,” he said. “We also contract with many small and large businesses in Spearfish and rely on their support to make SURF successful.”
He also noted the ongoing partnership with Black Hills State University. “Our K-12 STEM education and outreach program is a partnership with BHSU. Together, we provide high-quality
science instruction to 16,000 to 20,000 students in South Dakota each year. Also, our teacher professional development program provides some of the highest-quality science instruction available for over 400 South Dakota teachers each year,” Headley said.
He concluded with a note thanking SEDC executive director Kory Menken for his support during the 2023 legislative session, when SURF sought and received funding for the ongoing underground expansion effort.
“SURF is proud to be a partner with SEDC and all of the communities, businesses, and institutions in the region who are helping us achieve our mission of advancing world-class science and inspiring learning across generations,” Headley said.
SURF maintains an important presence on the SEDC board. During the annual meeting Mandy Knight, the administrative services manager at SURF, completed two terms of service on the board. Kimberly Flock, the controller in the finance department at SURF began her first term of service on the board.
Spearfish Economic Development Corporation recognizes leaders
By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer Jan 21, 2025
SPEARFISH — In 2024, Spearfish saw $96,804 more in hospitality tax revenue than it did in 2023. The second cent tax brought in $95,448 more than it did in 2023. The size of the city’s total workforce increased from 6,797 to 6,913. The number of employed workers in the city increased from 6,708 to 6,799, and unemployment also rose from 89 to 114 — to 1.6 percent overall.
Those statistics were presented by the non-profit Spearfish Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) at their 45th annual meeting on Thursday. Since the 1980s, SEDC has aimed to stimulate job growth, facilitate access to funding for business development, attract new businesses, and expand existing ones through investments in marketing, workforce development, and entrepreneurial opportunities.
SEDC Executive Director Kory Menken called 2024 a “remarkable year for economic development,” citing the completion of the Career and Technical Education Center at Spearfish High School, and the expansion underway at Spearfish Monument Health Hospital as evidence of progress in workforce development and modernization in the city.
The Atlas Building, managed by SEDC, is
now at full capacity. Named after the 2013 winter storm that caused the previous building on its site to collapse, the roughly 40,000-square-foot building is now mostly occupied by government offices.
Menken noted that Peaceful Pines Senior Living Center has started to accept new residents, and construction on several multi-family housing units has begun.
“Sales tax revenues continue to significantly exceed pre-pandemic levels. Our building permit valuations are almost double what they were. I think those are both very solid indicators that the Spearfish economy remains stable and healthy,” Menken said.
SEDC Award of Excellence
Annually, SEDC presents an Award of Excellence to a business that “best exemplifies dedication and commitment within the areas of business development, capital investment, and job creation.”
This year’s recipient is Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF).
“We’re really kind of blown away being a business that is not formally located in Spearfish to be receiving this honor, but we’ve worked with Spearfish and the businesses for a number of years,” SURF Laboratory Director Mike Headley said.
Headley is also the executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary.
“We’ve been doing world-class science underground for about a decade and a half,” Headley said. “We’ve had a $2 billion economic impact on the state in this decade. As you can imagine, the vast majority of that expenditure is in the Black Hills and specifically the Northern Hills. We’re creating 1,200 jobs, and over a quarter of our staff live here and call Spearfish home.”
Headley said local businesses are an important part of the puzzle when it comes to making the lab successful on the world stage. He also noted Menken and SEDC have helped to lobby for funds to expand research at the lab.
2025 Spirit of Enterprise Award
The Spirit of Enterprise Award was created in 2002 to recognize entrepreneurs and small businesses. The 2025 Spirit of Enterprise Award was awarded to Buxton Enterprises, the developer working to construct Peak View Apartments north of the Spearfish Holiday Inn and Convention Center.
Kory Menken, the executive director of the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, Kory Menken offers an update on the state of the local economy at the non-profits 45th annual meeting Thursday. Pioneer Photo by Sierra Ferguson.
Outgoing SEDC president Jenni Sneesby presents the 2025 Spirit of Enterprise Award to John Buxton of Buxton Enterprises. Pioneer Photo by Sierra Ferguson.
Mike Headley, the executive director of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority and the Laboratory Director of Sanford Underground Research Facility addresses the annual meeting of the Spearfish Economic Development Corporation, after SURF was recognized with the 2025 Award of Excellence. Pioneer Photo by Sierra Ferguson.
BUSINESS CONNECTIONS EVENT FEATURING:
Build Dakota Scholorship
05:00 - 07:00
5:00 PM: Registration
5:00 – 5:30 PM: Networking
5:30 – 5:45 PM: Presentation
5:45 – 6:00 PM: Q&A Session
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Social Hour
Building A Better Future “It’s
Phylloceuticals to Establish
Pilot Facility in Rapid City Ushering in New Era of Biotech Innovation
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2025
At its annual meeting late last year, Elevate Rapid City announced the arrival of Phylloceuticals, a pioneering Contract Manufacturing Organization (CMO) that is set to revolutionize the biotech industry by using plants to produce therapeutic medicine. The company’s innovative approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing positions it as a game-changer in delivering clean, affordable medicine.
Leveraging Rapid City’s unique resources and community, Phylloceuticals launched its operations in January 2025 by establishing a state-of-the-art pilot facility in the David Lust Accelerator Building (DLAB). This facility will begin with the buildout of a library of biosimilars, using the company’s groundbreaking production methods. Future plans include scaling to a clinical production facility, followed by a large-scale commercial production facility, solidifying Phylloceuticals’ long-term presence in Rapid City.
Why Rapid City? Phylloceuticals’ decision to establish its roots in Rapid City reflects the region’s unique advantages for biotech innovation:
entrepreneurs, and investor groups, were eager and open to working together. We are committed to making medicine in a different way – a cleaner, faster alternative to traditional animal cell-based drug development.”
Elevate Rapid City’s Role
Elevate Rapid City played a pivotal role in facilitating this partnership by showcasing the region’s economic and academic strengths, connecting the Phylloceuticals team with key stakeholders, and providing vital resources to support the company’s relocation and growth.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Phylloceuticals to Rapid City,” said Lori Frederick, senior economic development director of
• Access to Talent: The university ecosystem provides a pipeline of technically skilled graduates, and Phylloceuticals aims to contribute to retaining that talent within the region.
• Strategic Location: The rural healthcare landscape offers a compelling backdrop for demonstrating the company’s mission to improve access to medicine in underserved areas.
• Collaborative Ecosystem: Rapid City’s smaller, closeknit business and community networks enable access to key leaders and foster robust collaboration.
“We were welcomed with open arms by so many groups in Rapid City,” said Mark Brown, President and COO of Phylloceuticals. “The people we met in and around the community, including Elevate Rapid City, business leaders, university administrators,
Elevate Rapid City. “Their innovative approach to pharmaceutical manufacturing aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the region’s economy while addressing critical healthcare challenges. This partnership exemplifies how Rapid City can be a hub for transformative industries.”
About Phylloceuticals
Phylloceuticals is a trailblazer in biotech innovation, leveraging plant-based technology to create accessible and cost-effective medicines. With a leadership team boasting extensive experience in biotech, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and science, the company is poised to set a new standard in the industry. For more information, contact Susan Stipa @sstipa@ phylloceuticals.com or visit Phylloceuticals.com.
About Elevate Rapid City
Elevate Rapid City is a public-private partnership organization leading economic development and small business efforts in the Black Hills region. Our mission is to elevate the Rapid City region for all by fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration. Visit elevaterapidcity.com to learn more.
Wall, South Dakota Uses $2 Million REED Loan to Improve Street and Sewer Infrastructure
The City of Wall, South Dakota recently completed a $4 million project to update the road, sidewalks, and sewer along six blocks of 4th Avenue. Funding for the project came from the city budget, a Department of Transportation grant, and a loan from the Rural Electric Economic Development (REED) Fund. These project improvements will make it welcoming for tourists to visit Wall – and the famous Wall Drug Store – while also providing easier access for residents and the local farming community.
“Whether you are driving a car, an RV, a truck, or a Tesla, you will have a good first impression when you visit Wall and you won’t have to dodge any potholes,” says Mary Williams, Mayor of Wall.
The results of this project will benefit Wall for decades while supporting the local economy. Learn why these infrastructure improvements were so valuable and why the project needed to be done now.
The Improvements Replaced 50-Year-Old Infrastructure
Even the best-laid asphalt roads and wellinstalled sewers have a limited lifespan, and the City of Wall noticed that the stretch of road on 4th Avenue was starting to wear out. The 50-year-old road was difficult to drive on because of potholes and cracks, while the aging sewer system would potentially need costly repairs in the future.
Fourth Avenue is significant because so many visitors drive on it. It is a common road for tourists who take exit 109 on I-90. Even though Wall has a population of 600, it receives more than 20,000 visitors per day during the peak summer months from May through September. The road
needs to accommodate a much larger flow of traffic to keep up with tourists.
There is also a prominent agricultural community that relies on Wall for grain transport and supplies. Fourth Avenue needed to support large truck traffic as grain farmers haul through town to Dakota Mill & Grain.
“Tourism is extremely important, but what helps us year-round is the agricultural community,” says Mayor Williams.
Even keeping the Wall Drug Store stocked requires heavy truck traffic. Everything that businesses sell in town comes in on a truck.
The REED Fund Made This Project Possible
The City Council in Wall knew 4th Avenue needed significant infrastructure improvements more than three years ago. It applied for a DOT grant and received $600,000 to support the project. However, the costs were still too high. The city knew that it needed to improve the road to maintain its tourism and agriculture industries but lacked the budget. The DOT grant also had a limited timeline for use, and the funds were about to expire. This is where the REED Fund came in.
“The REED fund was instrumental in helping us handle the project,” says Mayor Williams. “REED was phenomenally
helpful in the process to secure these dollars and to make it financially possible to take this project on.”
With the DOT grant and REED loan, the city council was able to fund the rest of the project and start work on the infrastructure improvements.
“As the new CEO of West River Electric, I see a lot of value in REED,” says Robert Raker. Raker’s predecessor, Dick Johnson, supported by a forward-thinking board of directors, joined REED because they saw the value it provided. “I’m glad that we are part of REED especially when it helps projects like the 4th Avenue improvements become a reality. “
Residents Can Also Enjoy the Infrastructure Upgrades
The road improvement project creates a good first impression for anyone who visits Wall. The community feels more inviting and the solid roads encourage tourists to explore other streets and stores. Mayor Williams is particularly proud of the new sidewalks on both sides of the street. These make it safe for those who seek a healthy lifestyle by walking on a daily basis.
These infrastructure improvements not only make Wall more inviting for tourists but also enhance the quality of life for the people who live and work here. “As the headquarters for both West River Electric and Golden West, Wall serves as a central hub for two cooperatives that are deeply committed to the community,” says Raker. “Whether it’s families taking a stroll, trucks transporting goods, or employees commuting to their offices, this project, makes Wall a better place for generations to come.”
Wall also recently paved a new parking
lot and installed Tesla charging stations, which further increases the town’s accessibility for drivers of all vehicles.
“Wall is an amazing place,” says Mayor Williams. “Our community takes pride in itself. The residents keep their yards beautiful so it’s always inviting. It’s also a great destination because of the Wall Drug store, which employs more than 200 people in the summer and brings millions of tourists here each year.”
It’s a great place to do business because of its SD-Certified Light Industrial Park, extended airport runway, accessibility to
Interstate 90, and “Open for Business” attitude. Wall is also a great place to live with two new housing developments, a great school, and amazing outdoor amenities like the Badlands National Park, National Grasslands, Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, biking, hunting, and fishing galore!
Learn More About Other REED Fund Projects
The REED Fund has issued $133 million in loans in its nearly 30 years of operation. It supports 27 electric cooperatives across
South Dakota and Minnesota, making a difference in communities of all sizes. Read about other projects made possible by REED and their impact. From new gokart tracks to improved medical facilities, REED supports economic development and community growth in the region.
Future Makers Groomed for Success at Western Dakota Technical College
With an eye on recognizing February’s Career and Technical Education Month (CTE), the Wall Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is celebrating the next “Toolbelt Generation” being groomed for careers in a variety of trades in partnership with the Western Dakota Technical College (WDT) and Wall School District (WSD).
“We are so proud of the way our students have taken an interest in learning a trade and the ways in which our school system is supporting their dreams,” said WEDC director Dr. Rochan Burrell. “These skilled, future young professionals are also contributing to their industry of choice by bringing a fresh perspective and keen understanding of the latest technologies, ensuring our workforce remains competitive.”
Best of Both Worlds
When the WSD’s new, $4.3 million dollar, 10,287 sq. ft. CTE facility swung open its doors in January, it represented a vision almost 20 years in the making. The WSD board, administrators, and support staff had worked tirelessly to design and build an accredited facility with the goal of preparing students for a successful career in the trades.
Juniors and seniors can also participate in the WDT’s Dual Enrollment program, allowing them to earn credits for high school graduation and post-secondary education credits simultaneously.
This not only helps jump-start their technical education, but it gives them the opportunity to dip their toe into a variety of potential career paths in Transportation Technology, Computer Science, Construction and Manufacturing, Energy and Environmental Technologies, and Health Sciences.
“Learning a trade is something you can always take with you wherever you go. And bringing those learned skills back to the community is what helps keep the community running,” said CTE
instructor Garrett Strohschein. “Job projections for the trades are expected to grow. The average age of trades workers is around forty-five, showing the need for the younger generation to fill those positions. We always need skilled trade workers in this world and it is only going to grow.”
WDT offers a free Video Chat with a Dual Enrollment Rep who can answer questions and offer additional guidance based on the wants and needs of each student. Students can also sit back, relax, and enjoy a Virtual Tour of the facility’s state-of-the-art learning labs or schedule an on-site visit to check out the campus (and receive a free WDT t-shirt!)
A Brighter Future
According to a recent article by the Wall Street Journal, the shifting interest from white to blue-collar jobs is largely due to disenchantment with the soaring cost of a traditional college education coupled with lackluster starting salaries within the traditional business fields.
Education Data reports the national student loan debt has ballooned to over $1.7 trillion, with the average graduate finding themselves on the hook for $106,850. Meanwhile, Sallie Mae predicts that students can expect to pay an average of $36,436/ year for college, almost double the $17,600/year they’d pay to attend a trade school.
“When Gen Z’ers are looking at careers they see the competitiveness of the trades. They also see an increasing growth outlook, great job security, and competitive salaries,” said Strohschein. “This, combined with the ability to not have to go through further schooling and/or not as much schooling compared to the traditional four year route is hard to resist.”
For more information about how we’re celebrating CTE Month in Wall, click here!
