It is so exciting to see businesses grow and move to locations to better themselves for whatever reason. Need more space? Better foot traffic? Whatever the reason we want to shout it from our roof tops that our members have moved or made the news!  

We've had so many of our members re-locate and wanted to start this new way to let everyone know. We are also very glad to have great sponsors to many of our programs and events and this is no different.   

Chamber Members On the Move and In the News is sponsored in part by The Realty Team, Bill Speier State Farm Insurance and Dial-A-Move in Watertown.  

 

Submit your On the Move & In the News article or press release to coc@watertownsd.com.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic Finalize Agreement

The acquisition of Brown Clinic by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will strengthen and provide a full continuum of healthcare services to the Watertown region.

September 12, 2023 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic are pleased to announce they have entered into a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Brown Clinic by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System effective January 1, 2024. Brown Clinic will then become Prairie Lakes Brown Clinic.

“This agreement is monumental for both organizations and a step forward for the community of Watertown,” said Vincent A. “Vince” Foley, Chairman of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors. “Creating more cohesive care will make it easier for patients to access health care services from primary care to specialty and hospital care all under one unified health system.” 

“Brown Clinic and Prairie Lakes have a long history of collaboration, so it feels natural to formalize our relationship to ensure that exceptional health care stays local and accessible for Watertown and the surrounding communities,” added Stacie Lenssen, MD, Brown Clinic, General Partner. 

In May 2023, the organizations signed a letter of intent and entered into a period of due diligence to reach a definitive agreement. “The due diligence period allowed both organizations to explore the opportunities and benefits of integrating our clinical operations and developing plans to move forward. The next step in the transition is getting into the specifics of processes, systems, people, and protocols that need to be in place before January,” commented John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. 

Lenssen noted that “We are excited to advance to the next chapter of providing a comprehensive continuum of healthcare services to the community, supporting medical provider and service line growth, and continuing to strengthen the outstanding patient-centered care our teams provide every day.”

There are many details of the agreement that will be addressed during the transition period that will take place between now and January 1st, 2024. A “frequently asked questions” document is available on the Brown Clinic and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System websites.

About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System 
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds including Labor and Delivery, Telemetry, Critical Care, and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, Interventional Cardiology, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System also operates Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of Prairie Lakes to bring needed care to the Watertown region. These specialties include Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery, Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care.

About Brown Clinic
Brown Clinic, PLLP is a physician-owned and operated outpatient clinic. Based in Watertown, SD, Brown Clinic offers primary care and subspecialty physicians and advanced practice practitioners including family and internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, podiatry and pharmaceutical care. It provides more than 70,000 medical patient visits annually and a full array of advanced diagnostic, laboratory and state-of-the-art imaging services, Brown Clinic is certified as a level three Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and participates as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).

 

 

Prairie Lakes Celebrates 5-Star Rating from CMS

August 21, 2023 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) recently received and celebrated an overall five out of five-star hospital rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on their Care Compare website.

“We are very proud of and grateful for all the staff that contributed to this top rating from CMS,” said Shelly Turbak, Chief Nursing Officer.  “The five stars is a product of our collective and collaborative efforts, dedication, and continued focus on the Prairie Lakes mission and vision of serving our community with exceptional care every single day.” 

The overall star rating for hospitals nationwide is based on how well a hospital performs across quality-of-care measures, including readmission rates and safety of care. The overall rating, between 1 and 5 stars, summarizes a variety of measures across 5 areas of quality into a single star rating for each hospital. The 5 publicly reported measure groups include: mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience, and timely and effective care. Including Prairie Lakes, CMS awarded 481 hospitals nationwide with its top rating.

The more stars, the better a hospital performed on the available quality measures. CMS’s Care Compare website helps individuals and families decide and compare where to receive health care. Prairie Lakes achieved a four-star rating in 2022 and another five-star rating in 2021 from CMS.

About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System serves a ten-county region in eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes provides care at its hospital in Watertown as well as Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of PLHS to bring needed care to the region. These specialties include Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery, Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care. For more information, visit www.prairielakes.com. 

 

 

Goodwill of the Great Plains to hold 100 Year & Customer Appreciation Celebration

EVENT DATE: Thursday, August 24, 2023
EVENT TIME: 11:00am – 1:00pm (RIBBON CUTTING @ 11:00am)
EVENT LOCATION: 2318 9th Ave. SE, Watertown, SD 57201
PHOTO & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES

To celebrate 100 years of creating dignity and compassion through the power of work, Goodwill of the Great Plains is hosting a customer appreciation celebration, featuring a ribbon cutting by the Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, at the Watertown retail store at 23198 9th Ave. SE at 11:00am on August 24. Mayor Ried Holien will also present a proclamation to recognize the historic anniversary at that time.

From 11:00am-1:00pm, customers at the Watertown store will have the opportunity to enter a drawing to win a $25 gift card to the store, while the first 100 customers of the day will get a coupon redeemable for 25% off their total purchase. Complimentary lunch provided, while supplies last, from 11:00am-1:00pm!

Starting as Wall Street Mission in Sioux City in 1890, Goodwill of the Great Plains joined the international Goodwill movement in 1923. The organization’s territory has since expanded, with 21 retail stores in a four-state territory. The retail store in Watertown opened in 2012; a 22nd store will open in Vermillion, SD in 2024.

“Goodwill’s ability to tackle community needs would not be possible without the generous support of donors and shoppers,” said Goodwill of the Great Plains President & CEO Briget Solomon. “Our retail program provides jobs to community members, a place for job training opportunities for those enrolled in our programs and helps fund the work of Goodwill.”

Goodwill founder Edgar J. Helms (a Spirit Lake, Iowa native) explained it best - Goodwill is a business PLUS. It exists for service, not for profit. As such, Goodwill of the Great Plains operates mission programming throughout its territory, advocating for economic self-sufficiency through employment and education. 

The organization’s commitment to engage community members in workforce development, quality-of-life and support services carries on strong to this day. In 2022, more than 400 people were placed into community jobs after utilizing our services. We accomplish this through various job training programs and placement services, which include four regional Job Centers, a new Career Cruiser (a Job Center on Wheels!) and more.

About Goodwill of the Great Plains
Goodwill of the Great Plains is a community-based non-profit 501c3 organization headquartered in Sioux City, IA serving South Dakota and portions of Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota. In 2022 Goodwill served over 30,000 people through mission programming funded in part by 21 retail stores. Goodwill programs received accreditation from CARF, and a voluntary board of directors governs the organization. Please visit the Goodwill of the Great Plains website at www.goodwillgreatplains.org to learn more about our organization.

 

 

Odyssey Grand 8 Theatres in Watertown, SD is JOINING THE NATIONAL CINEMA DAY CELEBRATION, bringing Watertown and surrounding areas TO THE MOVIES FOR $4.00!
All movies, all formats, all showtimes, all day August 27th, 2023 for only $4.00! 

Watertown, SD – 21 August, 2023 – Odyssey Entertainment is excited to partner with the Cinema Foundation to help moviegoers celebrate a day at the movies with discounted admissions to kick-off National Cinema Day, August 27th, 2023.
The Odyssey Grand 8 Theatre in Watertown, SD will be participating in the one-day event, which will bring together audiences of all ages to enjoy a day at the movies with exclusive previews and studio messages at a discounted admission of $4.00 plus tax and online service fees.

For more details go to http://www.nationalcinemaday.org or www.odysseycinemas.com. Join millions of other moviegoers and head to a theater near you on August 27th, 2023!

ABOUT ODYSSEY ENTERTAINMENT
Odyssey Entertainment DBA Odyssey Cinemas operates 7 first run movie theatres in 6 states.
 

ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION
The Cinema Foundation is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit - is dedicated to promoting the essential cinema exhibition industry by developing future diverse workforces and growing moviegoing communities through research, education and philanthropy.

Since March 2022, the Cinema Foundation’s mission is dedicated to shaping the future of the great collective experience of moviegoing and the cinema industry. It works to support and impact the health of the cinema sector both in the short term and for years to come and is continuously expanding its contributions to the magic of moviegoing. The Cinema Foundation builds on NATO’s mission and relationships and expands NATO’s impact in ways that help individual employees and companies as well as the industry as a whole. We are the Foundation of a great industry. thecinemafoundation.org

 

 

Prairie Lakes Adds Physician Assistant to Urology Staff

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes licensed and board-certified Physician Assistant, Joseph Bretschneider, PA-C, to the Urology Clinic staff. He joins Dr. Henri Lanctin, Dr. Keegan Maxwell and Abby Wookey, PA-C in the expert care of patients with conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system. 
Bretschneider received his Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. He completed several of his clinical rotations at Brown Clinic and at Prairie Lakes. Bretschneider received his undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in chemistry from South Dakota State University in Brookings. He relocated to Watertown with his wife and two-year-old son from Tracy, MN where he served the role of a primary care provider in addition to covering their emergency department for the past seven years. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and riding motorcycle. He is an avid NASCAR fan and a classic car/hot rod enthusiast. 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to specialize within my profession after spending the past several years in general practice. I look forward to getting to know patients while helping them understand and improve their urological conditions,” Bretschneider said. “Watertown is a wonderful community and my family and I are excited to be part of it.” 
Prairie Lakes Urology is located at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic in Watertown, SD. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7777.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Elects Two New Board Members: Don Roby & Doug Sharp

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors has elected Don Roby and Doug Sharp to serve as members of the board. They will each serve a three-year term and will bring diverse leadership experiences to the Board of Directors.

Don Roby is a 1980 graduate of Watertown High School and attended South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.  Don has worked in technology sales and marketing, technology finance, and is currently a partner in R&R Investments, LLC. Don is active in the community and serves or has served on the board of various foundations and organizations throughout his professional career in Watertown. He currently serves on the SD Transportation Commission, SD Community Foundation Board, Mount Marty University Board, and the Lake Area Technical College Strategic Advisory Committee. Don and his wife, Kelly, have three children.

Doug Sharp grew up in Watertown and graduated from South Dakota State University with his commercial Economy degree in 1981. He is the business owner of Sharp Automotive in Watertown, Schuchard Trailer and Sales, and ABRA of Brookings, SD and has been in the car business for 40 years. Doug has previously served on the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors as Board Chair and member. He has a vast background of involvement in various organizations in the community including past chair of the SD Lottery Commission, past vice chair for the SD Game, Fish and Parks, past member of the SD Building Authority, and more. Doug currently serves as Chair of the SD Community Foundation and current member of the Governors Economic Advisory Counsel. Doug and his wife, Lynn, reside in Watertown and have four children.

“On behalf of the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors, we are looking forward to having Don and Doug contribute their individual expertise and knowledge to the initiatives of the board. They are both highly respected leaders in the community, and we’re excited to get them orientated,” said Vince Foley, Chair of the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors. 

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors comprises of volunteer community members who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, an independent, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system. Current board members are Vince Foley (Chairman), Chris Carter (Vice Chair), Scott Munger (Secretary), Mike Luken (Treasurer), Robb Peterson (Past Chairman), Alan Christensen, MD, Tammy Davis, Kristen Henderson, Jon Oviatt, Jesse Peterson, Don Roby, and Doug Sharp. 

 

 

Local Watertown Guardsman Wins Free Internet

Jeff White is a Watertown resident and, more importantly, a veteran of the South Dakota Army National Guard. He served as a truck driver with the 740th Transportation Company from 1982 through 1986. 

This month, White was awarded a month of free internet service from Bluepeak, his internet service provider, as a gesture of recognition for his service to our nation. The internet provider promoted a “Service-for-Your-Service Sweepstakes” for veterans in recognition of Military Appreciation Month during May. The sweepstakes offered a chance to win a month of free internet service to eligible veterans and White was one of four Bluepeak customers selected.
 
“At Bluepeak, we pride ourselves on great service and there’s no greater service than service to our nation,” said Lana Frank, Bluepeak’s Chief Commercial Officer. "We remain committed to supporting our communities in South Dakota and we’re proud to recognize and honor the service of our military members like Jeff.” 
 
In addition, Bluepeak is running their “Streamin’ Summer Sweepstakes” again this summer, offering a chance to win a year of free internet. South Dakotans – and anyone that currently resides in Bluepeak’s serviceable area – can enter to win at mybluepeak.com/streaminsummer through Sept. 17. 
 
For more information and to sign up for the latest Bluepeak updates in South Dakota, visit mybluepeak.com. 
 
About Bluepeak
Bluepeak is building a faster, more reliable internet without the things that get in the way of great service—like red tape, hidden fees, and slow response times. Offering up to 5 gigabits of speed for residential customers and 10 gigabits and beyond for businesses, Bluepeak is a whole new ballgame — from internet to TV, to connecting every device in a home, to powering a business, Bluepeak not only provides the best fiber connections in the communities it serves, but also meets the growing needs for how its customers live. Visit mybluepeak.com to learn more.

 

Clinical Nutrition Manager Awarded Sodexo’s Hero of Everyday Life Award

Becky Schaible, Clinical Nutrition Manager with Sodexo, the provider of nutritional and environmental services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, was one of the five recipients chosen for Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation’s 2023 Heroes of Everyday Life Award. She is also the Board President of the PACH (People Against Child Hunger) program in Watertown and was awarded a $5,000 grant to continue her work to fight food insecurity within the Watertown community. 

The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation awards Sodexo employees nationwide who invest time, talent, and resources to fight hunger in their communities. These employees, recognized as Heroes of Everyday Life®, are honored for their efforts raising funds and awareness, coordinating food drives, volunteering in food pantries, and supporting food recovery programs among other outreach. 

Schaible has been the Clinical Nutrition Manager with Sodexo at the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for the last 16 years. In 2011 she became involved with the PACH (People Against Child Hunger) program. Because of her career as a registered dietitian, she was asked to plan the menus for PACH and has been in several different roles since. 

“From a volunteer board member to now president of the PACH board for the last 3 years, it has really allowed me to see how this program helps families in our community,” said Schaible. “During our pilot program in 2011, we were packing about 100 bags of food weekly and this year we averaged 521 bags a week.” She added, “PACH is 100% volunteer based and I have been honored to work with amazing board members and volunteers who share the same passion as me, stopping child hunger.”  

At the end of June, Sodexo held their annual Charity Classic presented by PepsiCo in Colorado Springs where they celebrated this year’s Heroes of Everyday Life. Becky was one of five heroes to receive this recognition. She and her husband earned a vacation and were able to network, attend various festivities, and meet with national Sodexo leaders. 

 

 

Dagel, Jakober, & Associates Recognized as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes

Dagel, Jakober & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice with Ameriprise Financial in Watertown, SD, Aberdeen, SD and Sioux Falls, SD was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors and their teams who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.

The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors and their teams. Dagel, Jakober and Associates was chosen based on assets under management, industry experience, compliance record and best practices in their practice and approach to working with clients.

Dagel, Jakober & Associates is led by Scott Dagel, CFP®, Private Wealth Advisor, and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™. The team also includes financial advisors Adam Fox, Matthew Sowden, David Falconer, Shelby Marcotte, Brady Fuhrman, and Charles Jakober and support staff Dena Reiff, Alyssa Mushitz, Leah Janssen, and Dawn Friedrichsen. They have collectively served the Watertown community since 1990.

Dagel, Jakober & Associates provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with their clients. For more information, please contact Dena Reiff at 605-880-4059 or visit the Ameriprise office at 1334 19th St Ne Watertown, SD 57201, 5120 S. Western Ave Suite 101 Sioux Falls, SD 57108, or 1120 8th Ave NE Aberdeen, SD 57401 or their website at https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/dagel-jakober-associates/

About Ameriprise Financial
At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. For more information, visit ameriprise.com.
 
Visit forbes.com for additional information about Forbes.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Radiology Director

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) announces Megan Gilbertson as the new Director of Radiology. Her responsibilities include managing radiology services, including X-Ray, CT Scanning, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Ultrasound.

Gilbertson comes to Prairie Lakes with 27 years of experience in the Radiology field with over 20 of those years in leadership roles. She was most recently the Regional Director of Radiology at Avera in Marshall, MN. 

Gilbertson grew up on a cattle ranch in Todd County in South Dakota. She earned her formal education from Sioux Valley Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and has advanced credentials in mammography and computed tomography (CT). In the Fall of 2024, Gilbertson is set to graduate from Ottawa University with a bachelor’s in healthcare management. 

In her spare time, Gilbertson enjoys spending time with family and friends. In the summer months, she is active on golf leagues, plays softball, sand volleyball and coaches her daughter’s softball team. When she’s not at her children’s activities, she enjoys the outdoors, camping, and boating. 

"I look forward to working with a great team of healthcare professionals at Prairie Lakes”, said Gilbertson. “Leading the radiology department in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the community is one of my top priorities.”  

 

 

Scott Dagel Becomes an Ameriprise Financial Hall of Fame Member

Scott Dagel CFP®, Private Wealth Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, and a Private Wealth Advisor with Dagel, Jakober & Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls South Dakota has earned membership in the company’s exclusive Hall of Fame. 

Introduced in 1986, the Hall of Fame is designed to recognize exceptional professionals who have achieved years of consistently high performance. The Ameriprise Financial Hall of Fame is considered a lifetime achievement award.

Less than 3% percent of Ameriprise financial advisors have earned the prestigious Hall of Fame distinction. Dagel was one of only 23 advisors to achieve this milestone in 2022. He has 33 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial.

As a private wealth advisory practice, Dagel, Jakober & Associates provides financial advice that is anchored in a solid understanding of client needs and expectations and provided in one-on-one relationships with ther clients. For more information, please contact DJA at 605-886-4059 or visit the Ameriprise office at 1334 19th Street Ne Watertown, SD or visit their website Dagel, Jakober & Associates - Watertown, SD: Ameriprise (ameripriseadvisors.com). 

About Ameriprise Financial
At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel confident about their financial future for more than 125 years1. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of 10,000 financial advisors, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. 

 

 

Terex Announces New Vice President & General Manager Eric Kluver

Terex is pleased to announce Eric Kluver, a talented leader with 26 years of manufacturing experience, has accepted the Vice President and General Manager position. Eric comes to Terex with a wealth of operational and financial experience leading manufacturing and distribution companies. He spent more than 21 years with the Palfinger Group, a multinational business that provides lifting solutions for use on commercial and maritime vehicles. Most recently, he was a key member of the North America Management Team, responsible for six US and Canada-based entities, while also serving as VP of Finance. Prior roles with Palfinger included VP Finance in Brazil and Argentina, Singapore, and in Hunan and Jiangsu, China.

Joining Terex Utilities is a “homecoming” to Watertown, where Eric attended and graduated high school. He began his career by serving as Senior Manufacturing and Quality Engineer for Angus Industries, now Crenlo, in Watertown. Eric holds a BA from Mount Marty University as well as a MAM and MBA from Bellevue University. His certifications also include Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence, Six Sigma Black Belt, and ISO 9001:2000 Lead Auditor.

 

 

Dempsey’s Announces Fourth Location in Brookings

We are pleased to announce Danger von Dempsey’s is opening a new location in Brookings, South Dakota! Located in the Eastside Commons building at 770 22^nd Ave S, Dempsey’s plans on offering award winning brick oven pizzas, calzones, salads, and a fine collection of handcrafted brews.

Founded in 1999, Dempsey’s Brewery, Pub, & Restaurant has been a Watertown staple, with DVD expansions in recent years to Aberdeen (2019) and the Watertown Airport (2022).

Owner, Sean Dempsey, is a Premiere Member on the United States Pizza Team, traveling the world competing in pizza culinary events. His most recent award was in 2021, where he took second overall in Traditional category in Las Vegas. Sean also has had both sisters graduate from SDSU, and himself attended back in 2011 – so Jackrabbit roots run deep! Bother sisters are most likely out causing trouble somewhere.

Our General Manager, Richard DeGraw, has been part of the Dempsey family for over six years, with his last posting being the Regional Distribution Manager for Dempsey’s Brewing Co.

We plan on making DVDs a unique and welcoming environment with dine-in, catering, online order, and delivery options.

The goal is to open DVDs Brookings in late July, as Sean will be leaving this week for the Frofero Caputo Cup in Naples, Italy. We could not be more excited!

For more information, please email dangervonbrookings@gmail.com, check out our website: dangervondempsey.com, and follow us on Facebook @Danger von Dempseys Brookings

Cheers!

 

 

First Bank & Trust Announces New Retail Branch Manager, Kenzie Jackson

First Bank & Trust in Watertown is pleased to announce the promotion of Kenzie Jackson to Retail Branch Manager after Sandy Sheehan’s retirement in May. In this role, Jackson will lead and manage frontline specialists and retail banking officers as well as develop and service account relationships for the Watertown location. She brings a strong background in retail banking, working various roles from teller to banking supervisor for First Bank & Trust. 

Jackson is a South Dakota State University graduate with a degree in consumer affairs, specializing in family financial management, and a minor in banking and financial services. She is actively involved in Junior Achievement and has volunteered her time to the local oral interpretation program, South Dakota FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), Brookings Harvest Table, and Brookings Backpack Project. 

When Kenzie is not dedicating her time to the community, the Rosholt, South Dakota native can be found spoiling her nieces and nephew, hiking, hunting, fishing, and sharpening her already keen card-playing skills! 

She is excited to learn more about Watertown and the surrounding communities and looks forward to helping the city thrive. 

For more information about First Bank & Trust, visit bankeasy.com Member FDIC

 

 

Prairie Lakes Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶  MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. Prairie Lakes is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor. 

The award recognizes Prairie Lakes' commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Prairie Lakes has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.
To receive the Chest Pain ̶  MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Prairie Lakes has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain  ̶   MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients. 

“We are honored to receive this national award,” said John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes. “The receipt of this award exemplifies the quality of care our team of experts provide to heart patients at Prairie Lakes through care in the Cardiology Clinic, Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Department, and rehabilitation process.” 

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others. 

Chest Pain  ̶  MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients. 

The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 56,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.

 

 

StoneyBrook Suites Announces New Marketing Director, Tara Hendricks

Tara Hendricks was recently hired as Marketing Director at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living.  In this role, Hendricks will oversee the marketing for all five StoneyBrook locations in South Dakota, including Brookings, Dakota Dunes, Huron, Sioux Falls and Watertown.   

Hendricks background is in marketing event management with over 15 years experience working at both Daktronics in Brookings, South Dakota, and Bobcat Company in West Fargo, North Dakota. 

Hendricks is originally from Pipestone, Minnesota, and a 2007 graduate of South Dakota State University.  She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences, with a major in Consumer Affairs and minors in Business and Spanish.   She currently resides in Brookings.  

Hendricks says she is excited to meet the teams at each of the five locations and looks forward to building relationships within the communities.  

 

 

Big Stone Therapies Partnering with The Village at Harmony Hill in Watertown, SD

The owners of Big Stone Therapies Watertown, LLC are excited to announce a new partnership with The Village of Harmony Hill. This partnership allows the addition of a second Big Stone Therapies outpatient clinic in Watertown. The expansion into The Commons of Harmony Hill, means onsite professional therapy access to residents of The Village and more access for the citizens of the Watertown community and beyond. 

The Mother of God Monastery building will be undergoing renovation as it becomes “The Commons of Harmony Hill” and will create a temporary space for Big Stone’s new clinic on the 3rd floor. This will coincide with the commencement of therapy services in residents’ living spaces at the brand-new Assisted Living and Memory Care, as well as Benet Place Senior Living. With a goal date of early June 2023, the second Big Stone Therapies Outpatient Clinic will be opened to serve the public for outpatient therapy needs. Managing Partner, Wade Fligge, PT, DPT, OCS says, “We are excited to grow our long-standing relationship with the Benedictine Sisters and join in their vision with this legacy project. Both entities have a long-standing presence in Watertown, and we look forward to this partnership to serve the Sisters and those coming into The Village to strengthen the health care in Watertown and the surrounding region.” 

Big Stone Therapies started in 1990 and has been in the Watertown community since 2006. Our mission is to provide expert level care to all ages through caring, hands-on healing in a compassionate and friendly atmosphere. Services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology and massage therapy. Our licensed therapists are continually working on professional development and certifications to keep up with the high standards of “Rock Solid Rehab”. Through core values of Faith, Family, Fairness, and Fun, the team at Big Stone Therapies is ready to serve the residents and friends of The Village of Harmony Hill community and surrounding areas. 

S. Barbara Younger, Vice President, The Village of Harmony Hill states, “Success and advancement in rural healthcare requires partnerships with many entities. At The Village of Harmony Hill, we are determined to provide the best senior living and care experience in South Dakota. We have been blessed by those who want to make a difference in people’s lives by delivering the best healthcare possible…Big Stone Therapies is one such partner. We are excited to have Big Stone on our campus for the residents of The Village and the greater Watertown area who will benefit from a new location, and expansion of the service area. We can’t wait to see what we will do together!” 

For more information on Big Stone Therapies services or how to join their team, visit www.BigStoneTherapies.com. 

 

 

Visit Watertown Moves Travel Forward This National Travel and Tourism Week
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual industry celebration.

National Travel and Tourism Week, (NTTW) the annual celebration of the contributions of the U.S. travel industry, will spotlight the essential role that travel will play in driving economic growth and innovation through the theme #TravelForward. 

“The travel industry fuels every industry—our industry’s success is the nation’s success,” said U.S. Travel Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman. “This week is a prime opportunity to elevate the message that travel is essential to moving America’s economy forward.” 

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country. 

Travel spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state and local taxes in 2022—revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes. 

In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 7-13), many locations around South Dakota will be lit up red every night.  Visit Watertown is joining the celebration by lighting up their office red and playing a short window video projection showcasing the economic impact of tourism on our country and drone footage of local Watertown attractions.  

In addition, Watertown is one of seven South Dakota communities to be chosen to host the 2023 Spring Hospitality Training sponsored by Travel South Dakota and the South Dakota Retailers Association.  The speaker, Betsy Allen-Manning, was featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC, and TEDX.  Her specialty is improving workplace culture, creating better employee experiences, and developing ‘ready-now leaders’ who are equipped to attract, engage, motivate, and retain talent in a hyper-competitive marketplace.  There is no charge to attend, and registration is not required. The training will take place on Wednesday, May 10, from 2:30-3:30 PM at the Goss Opera House.  

Please visit ustravel.org/NTTW to learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic Announce Letter of Intent

Proposed Acquisition of Brown Clinic by Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to strengthen and provide a full continuum of healthcare services to the Watertown region

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic are pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent for Prairie Lakes Healthcare System to acquire Brown Clinic within approximately 90 days, pending successful completion of due diligence and a definitive agreement.

“Unifying both organizations’ patient-centered healthcare services would formalize a long-standing and successful working relationship between Brown Clinic’s primary care physician group and Prairie Lakes’ specialty care and hospital services,” said John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.

“Brown Clinic and Prairie Lakes share strong common values and an enduring history of working collaboratively,” added Stacie Lenssen, MD, Brown Clinic, General Partner. 

Both organizations acknowledge there are many details to be addressed during the due diligence period as they work through specifics to develop and finalize an agreement. “Going forward, we are excited about the possibilities created with merging two outstanding medical and support teams not only for our patients and community, but within our organizations as well,” Lenssen commented.

Allen noted that “integrating the clinical operations of Brown Clinic into Prairie Lakes’ healthcare system would enhance the comprehensive range of healthcare services available, support medical provider growth, and continue to strengthen the exceptional care our teams provide every day to the Watertown region.”

Both organizations emphasized that patients can be confident their care at Brown Clinic and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will continue uninterrupted and unchanged as they move through this period of due diligence.

About Prairie Lakes Healthcare System 
Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is an independent organization that provides care for 90,000 people in a ten-county region of northeast South Dakota and western Minnesota. Prairie Lakes is licensed to operate 81 acute care hospital beds including Labor and Delivery, Telemetry, Critical Care, and general hospital. Hospital services also include a 24-hour emergency department, surgical services, Interventional Cardiology, and services providing diagnostics and imaging services.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System also operates Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center, dialysis units in Sisseton, SD, Watertown, SD and Ortonville, MN, rehabilitation services, and specialty services. Specialty services are a focus of Prairie Lakes to bring needed care to the Watertown region. These specialties include Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear, Nose & Throat, General Surgery, Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology, Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care.

About Brown Clinic
Brown Clinic, PLLP is a physician-owned and operated outpatient clinic. Based in Watertown, SD, Brown Clinic offers primary care and subspecialty physicians and advanced practice practitioners including family and internal medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, podiatry and pharmaceutical care. It provides more than 70,000 medical patient visits annually and a full array of advanced diagnostic, laboratory and state-of-the-art imaging services, Brown Clinic is certified as a level three Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) and participates as an Accountable Care Organization (ACO).

 

 

Watertown Volunteer Center Suspending Operations

The Watertown Volunteer Center announces the suspension of the organization effective April 28th, 2023.  The decision to suspend the Center was made after careful consideration of the organization’s long-term goals and financial sustainability. 

The center came to fruition as a response to the flood of 1997 and was intended to house and place volunteers for the needs of the community during this time. From there, it evolved into a non-profit organization that helped other organizations find and place volunteers. The Center has fulfilled thousands of volunteer opportunities and hours over the years. However, in recent years, the Watertown Volunteer Center has reported a drastic decrease in requests and registration of volunteers. 

We want to express our sincere gratitude to all of the volunteers, partner organizations, and community members who have supported us over the years.  We are committed to working with our partners and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition.  

Although the Center may be halting operations, we are confident that the spirit of volunteerism and community service will continue to thrive in Watertown. We encourage everyone to continue supporting local organizations in their pursuit of making a positive impact in our community.

If you or your organization are interested in continuing the Watertown Volunteer Center's work, please call (605)753-0282.

For more information, please call (605)753-0282.

 

 

Kakacek Resigns as Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company

After almost nine years of being employed at the Watertown Development Company (WDC) Michelle Kakacek will be leaving her current position of Executive Director in May.

Kakacek was hired as the Director of Business Development in 2014, served as Interim Executive Director in 2017 and 2022, and was promoted to Executive Director in May of 2022. In addition to her exceptional leadership as Executive Director, she has been an integral part of the business recruitment, retention and expansion, and workforce development sectors of WDC, and earned her status as a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) in 2020.

“I want to thank WDC and its leadership for the opportunity to serve the organization as Director of Business Development and then as Executive Director,” said Kakacek. “I am immensely proud to have been a part of this team and its work over the last several years. I look forward to working alongside WDC as a partner and supporting its mission in my upcoming role.”

Kakacek has accepted a position as director of an organization related to economic development and will continue to be based out of Watertown.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Michelle for her years of hard work and dedication our organization,” said Board Chair Jim Redlinger. “Though we are sad to see her go, we are happy for her to be pursuing new opportunities and looking forward to future partnerships.” 

The Board of Directors Executive Committee is in the process of selecting an Interim Director as a search committee will work toward selecting a replacement in the upcoming months. 

About Watertown Development Company
The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a private, non-profit economic development company funded by private and public sector stakeholders. The WDC owns and operates buildings, land, and development areas for the economic benefit of the community. Since its establishment in 1947, its efforts have generated substantial impacts and benefits for many decades. The WDC has led strategies and been responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity through programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial, and economic vitality of the Watertown and its citizens.

 

 

 

The Goss Opera House Announces New Addition Coming Soon

The Goss Opera House is excited to announce a new addition to the Goss experience: Maud’s Mercantile.

Maud’s Mercantile will be located in the current Dustin Sinner Fine Art Space.
There you will find unique items, including Goss-specific gifts and local artist’s work. The space will also serve as a box office for Goss events. 

“Maud’s Mercantile will be a bridge between the Goss’ mission of creating exceptional experiences that strengthen and inspire our community and the people in our area” Jamie Mack, Goss Executive Director said. “Our staff will now be even more accessible to help tell the story of the Goss while offering some fun and new gift items.”

According to Mack, Maud’s will continue to carry many of the same products currently available at Dustin Sinner Fine Art but will also display other local artists’ and musicians’ work.

“Be watching for our featured artist of the month, along with some special events to showcase the many talented people in our area,” Mack said.

Dustin and Missy Sinner are looking forward to walking with the Goss as the addition of Maud’s Mercantile develops.

“As our store transitions to Maud’s Mercantile, Missy and I are excited to continue to be involved in the items offered and overall look of the space,” Dustin Sinner, Goss Board Member said. “This is such a great opportunity for the Goss to continue to grow.”

To follow the progress of Maud’s Mercantile, please follow the Goss Opera House on Facebook or Instagram.

 

 

ICBA Chairman Appoints Joshua Hogue to Rural America and Agricultural Committee

The Independent Community Bankers of America® (ICBA) today announced that Joshua Hogue, President of Reliabank Dakota headquartered in Estelline, South Dakota was elected to serve on ICBA’s Rural America and Agriculture committee. ICBA is the nation’s voice for community banks and is committed to its founding mission to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. 

“As a financial steward of my community and advocate for the community banking industry, I’m proud to support ICBA’s efforts to highlight the important role community banks serve both locally and in our nation’s economy,” Hogue said. “As relationship lenders, community banks remain focused on the needs of their customers, and work hard to earn and retain their trust every day. I’m proud to be a community banker and to be called to serve to preserve our industry’s legacy for future generations.” 

In addition to helping shape and promote ICBA’s national policy positions and programs, Hogue’s duties include engaging in grassroots activities in South Dakota to advocate pro-community bank policies and serving as a liaison between community banks and ICBA staff and leadership in Washington, D.C. 

“Joshua is a respected civic leader and community banker who has graciously volunteered his time and resources to advocate and promote the important role of community banks in our financial system,” said ICBA Chairman Derek Williams, president & CEO of Century Bank & Trust in Milledgeville, Ga. “We are honored that Joshua has accepted this appointment and extend our heartfelt appreciation for his ongoing efforts to ensure the future of community banking remains bright.” 

About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services. 

With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding more than $5.8 trillion in assets, over $4.8 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

 

 

First PREMIER Bank Welcomes Private Banking Officer

First PREMIER Bank welcomes back Sean Melmer as a Private Banking Officer. Melmer will help Wealth Management customers by providing lending, hands-on investing and financial planning. He has more than five years of banking experience and rejoined First PREMIER Bank in February. Melmer is located at First PREMIER’s Watertown I-29 location, 824 34^th St. SE. 

He is a Rotary Club member, board member for Watertown Area United Way, Regional Champion with Junior Achievement and on the Trustee Committee for Cornerstone Church. Outside of work, he enjoys playing golf and basketball, taking his dogs for a run and spending time with his wife, Kristi, and their three young children. 

First PREMIER Bank is locally owned and offers branches in 16 convenient locations. Together with PREMIER Bankcard, First PREMIER Bank supports nearly 700 organizations and events. First PREMIER Bank provides various financial services, including personal, business and ag banking, mortgage lending, trust and investment services, treasury services and ATM funding. 

For more information, visit www.firstpremier.com. Member FDIC.

 

 

 

Introducing the Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce the Specialty Clinic is enhancing services for the care of patients with pain conditions. Patients can now make appointments with the Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic located within Rehabilitation Services. 

The Pain Science Center is an option for those suffering from pain they are struggling to live with and manage day to day. Pain Specialist and Physical Therapist, Eric Fjeldheim, PT, DPT, specializes in pain and is dedicated to expanding pain services to help treat and provide better outcomes for people with complex or chronic pain conditions. There are many different types of pain, so custom treatment plans are tailored to each patient’s unique pain experience. 

Fjeldheim has completed 3 years of additional training in pain science leading to achievements as a Therapeutic Pain Specialist and Fellow of Pain Science. He has a passion for understanding the science behind pain and focusing on the whole person. 

“Pain is a very complex, individualized experience. My goal is to listen to patients and listen to their story,” said Fjeldheim. “The Pain Science Center creates a path for patients to move forward with a team-based approach between providers and patients.”

Once an initial evaluation is completed and a better understanding of a patient’s pain is established, the Pain Science Center works together with the patient to find the right course of treatment. This may include other departments of Prairie Lakes and resources within the community. Treatment is personalized to each patient’s needs because pain is personal.

To schedule an appointment with the Pain Science Center at Prairie Lakes, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-7700. No referral is necessary. For more information and to learn more about the Pain Science Center, visit prairielakes.com/pain.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Named Top Rural and Community Hospital

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) was recently named one of the top 20 rural and community hospitals in the country. This is the sixth time PLHS has received this recognition since it was introduced by The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) seven years ago.

The NRHA has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by the Chartis Center for Rural Health. The hospitals are identified using the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX, the most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural PPS hospital performance. Prairie Lakes Healthcare System will be recognized May 18 during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit in San Diego, CA.

The determining factors for the top 20 rural and community hospitals are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge, and finance.

“Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud of the dedication and exceptional care provided every day by staff, physicians, and volunteers who contribute to our healthcare system achieving this recognition,” says Paul Macek, Interim CEO. “Three of the twenty hospitals in the nation that received this designation are from South Dakota and that speaks volumes to the care and services that our rural population has access to. Our recognition as a top health care provider means our community can count on us to deliver the services they need now and in the future.” 

 

 

Sinclair Square Signs Second Tenant to Watertown Development 

Sinclair Land & Cattle Company and CCRE (Crestone Commercial Real Estate) are excited to announce the second tenant to the new development along Hwy 212 and Jensen Ave. in Watertown, SD. Tropical Smoothie Café will lease out of the east side of the Lewis Drug building, that recently opened. 

The Watertown franchise is owned by Clean Eats, LLC. Angie Yahne and Russell Warner, both Watertown, SD residents, are the principal owners of the company. According to Yahne, the opening can’t come soon enough. “The first time we ate at Tropical Smoothie, we fell in love with it. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Sandwiches, wraps, salads, flatbreads, quesadillas, and of course smoothies! There’s no fried food. It’s a great fast-food alternative to burgers and fries.” 

The café will offer dine-in eating, a drive-thru and curb-side pick-up and delivery. Yahne expects a mid-summer 2023 opening. 

Tropical Smoothie Café has over 1,150 franchises around the country. This will be the fifth Tropical Smoothie restaurant in South Dakota. 

CCRE is the listing and marketing agent of Sinclair Square. If there are parties interested in other opportunities within the Sinclair Square development, contact CCRE leasing agent, Julie Knutson at 605-753-9391.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Announces New President and CEO

Following a nation-wide Chief Executive Officer (CEO) search, the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors announces the appointment of John Allen as President and CEO.  Allen will begin at Prairie Lakes on February 27, 2023, and will replace Paul Macek, who was hired in August 2021 as Interim CEO to assist with the recruitment of a permanent CEO. 

“We're pleased to welcome John Allen to the Prairie Lakes family,” said Robb Peterson, Board Chairman. “John has a lot to offer Prairie Lakes and we are excited to challenge him to continue focused efforts on the strategic initiatives we have recently developed. With Mr. Allen joining us, we will continue to emphasize our position as a leader in the region for quality healthcare.” Peterson added, “On behalf of the Board and Prairie Lakes, I’d also like to thank Paul Macek for his dedication and the successes he has brought to our organization throughout the last couple of years.” 

Allen comes to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System with 30 years of demonstrated performance in healthcare management, executive leadership, and business. He has an extensive history in strategic service line planning, operations leadership, and partnering with physicians and across organizations.  

After earning his Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Theater from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, Allen went on to complete his Master of Business Administrator degree with a focus in finance from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.  He is relocating to Watertown, SD from Boise, ID.  Allen previously served as the System Vice President, Enterprise Planning and Decision Support role for St. Luke’s Health System, the largest not for profit health system in Idaho, incorporating eight adult and pediatric hospitals. His vast healthcare knowledge will be an asset to Prairie Lakes to continue momentum toward recent initiatives to enhance organizational culture, be the keystone of the community, optimize operational excellence, and provide exceptional patient care every day.  

“I am honored to lead the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System organization and am excited to become part of the Watertown community,” said Allen. “I look forward to cultivating relationships in Watertown, with regional partners, and with the exceptional employees and medical staff of Prairie Lakes. I am dedicated to the continued success of Prairie Lakes while leading efforts to deliver high quality, accessible, patient-centered care to the community and region of Watertown.” 

 

 

Prairie Lakes Names New Director of Cardiology Service Line  

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce Erika Bluel as the new Director of Cardiology Service Line. Bluel oversees the Cardiology Clinic in the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic, the Cardiac Cath Lab, and the Cardiac Rehab department. 

Bluel grew up in Loveland, CO and earned her Bachelor of Nursing degree from Adams State University in Alamosa, CO and her master’s degree in Nursing in Healthcare Administration and Leadership from Capella University. She has eight years of nursing experience and first learned of Watertown, SD in 2020 when she was a travel nurse assigned to the Cardiac Cath Lab at Prairie Lakes. She quickly fell in love with the area. After her six-month long assignment, she continued to travel to nearby locations, but ended up moving to Watertown permanently one year ago. In her spare time, if she’s not coaching competitive cheerleading, you can find Erika working on DIY projects or enjoying the outdoors.  

“I have always been drawn to Cardiology and I am excited to lead the heart care teams here at Prairie Lakes,” said Bluel. “The heart services and facilities that are available at Prairie Lakes are very impressive. I look forward to contributing my skills and experience to continue the momentum of the Cardiology program to provide the best care possible for the patients in our region.” 

Bluel replaces Leah Le, who was the Director of Cardiology for the past 10 years. Leah is transitioning to the Director of Specialty Clinics, which includes ENT, Dermatology, Nephrology, Pulmonology, Urology, General Surgery, Outreach Clinics, and Central Scheduling. Katie Mages, who previously oversaw the Specialty Clinics and has been a Director within the organization for the past 8 years, is transitioning to Director of Clinic Revenue Cycle.

 

 

First PREMIER Bank Welcomes Senior Trust and Investment Assistant

First PREMIER Bank announced the addition of Becky Conger as Senior Trust and Investment Assistant. Conger is responsible for administering accounts, completing reviews and writing reports for First PREMIER’s Wealth Management team.  

Conger has more than 25 years of professional experience, with the past eight years in wealth management. She joined First PREMIER Bank in December of 2022. Conger will maintain an office at First PREMIER’s I-29 location at 824 34th St. SE in Watertown.  

Conger has been a Junior Achievement classroom volunteer for the past 10 years. She is also the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer Endowment Committee Secretary and a confirmation teacher. Outside of work, Conger enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with her family. 

First PREMIER Bank is locally owned and offers branches in 16 convenient locations. Together with PREMIER Bankcard, First PREMIER Bank supports nearly 700 local and regional organizations. First PREMIER Bank provides various financial services, including personal, business and ag banking, mortgage lending, trust and investment services, treasury services and ATM funding. 

For more information, visit www.firstpremier.com. Member FDIC.

 

 

First PREMIER Bank Welcomes Director of Fiduciary Services

First PREMIER Bank announced the addition of Nici Kannas as Director of Fiduciary Services. Kannas is responsible for the audit, compliance, quality assurance, risk and vendor management for First PREMIER’s Wealth Management team.  

Kannas has more than 25 years of wealth management experience and joined First PREMIER Bank in December of 2022. She has a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University. Kannas will maintain an office at First PREMIER’s I-29 location at 824 34th St. SE in Watertown.  

Kannas serves as a board member and treasurer for the Watertown Youth Soccer Association. She and her husband of nearly 25 years have four daughters. Outside of work, she enjoys watching her children in their activities, camping, traveling, reading and scrapbooking. 

First PREMIER Bank is locally owned and offers branches in 16 convenient locations. Together with PREMIER Bankcard, First PREMIER Bank supports nearly 700 local and regional organizations. First PREMIER Bank provides various financial services, including personal, business and ag banking, mortgage lending, trust and investment services, treasury services and ATM funding. 

For more information, visit www.firstpremier.com. Member FDIC.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Names New Director of Human Resources 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the new Director of Human Resources (HR), Sarah Bruning.  She replaces Alison Gilbertson who was recently appointed to the Vice President of Human Resources at Prairie Lakes. 

Bruning holds a master’s degree in Business Administration that she earned from the University of South Dakota. She has been with Prairie Lakes for the past six years serving as an accountant for three years and most recently as the Payroll and Benefits Specialist within the HR Department. Bruning worked as the Clinic Administrator at Prairie Eye Clinic in Vermillion, SD for 17 years prior to coming to Prairie Lakes. 

Bruning grew up in Watertown and after 23 years of residing in Vermillion, returned to Watertown with her husband, Scott, and their family.  She enjoys spending time with her daughters, Lexie, and Miley, and filling her camper with things Scott doesn’t think they need. 

“I look forward to leading the HR team to provide exceptional support, resources, and benefits to the employees and future employees of Prairie Lakes,” said Bruning. “It is my goal to improve internal processes, recruit and retain a valuable workforce, cultivate a positive working environment, and make Prairie Lakes the healthcare employer of choice in the area.”

 

 

Prairie Lakes Names New Director of Dialysis 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System named Jan Hansen as the new Director of Dialysis for the Watertown, Sisseton, and Ortonville Kidney Dialysis Units. Hansen oversees the staff and dialysis services provided by Prairie Lakes. Dialysis is a treatment, often required multiple times per week, that removes waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys stop working properly. 

Hansen has more than 20 years of nursing experience with eight of them being in dialysis and five of them being in leadership roles. Hansen grew up in Mitchell, SD, and graduated with her associate degree in nursing from Dakota Wesleyan University and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from South Dakota State University. Hansen enjoys spending time with her husband, Chad and two children, Tanner and Corbin.  In her spare time, she enjoys flower gardening, crafting, baking, and reading. 

“I look forward to leading the kidney dialysis units at Prairie Lakes to continue meeting the crucial needs of the dialysis patients in our region,” said Hansen. “These patients rely on our dialysis units to keep their bodies functioning and we are dedicated to providing exceptional dialysis care every day.”

 

 

Wade Fligge named Hall of Fame Physical Therapist

Wade Fligge PT, DPT, OCS has received the Hall of Fame Physical Therapist award from the South Dakota chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA-SD) at the annual meeting on November 5, 2022. The Hall of Fame award is presented to an active member who demonstrates dedication to the advancement of the PT profession through lifelong learning, practicing in accordance with the APTA guidelines, community service and a long history of contributing to the profession. 

He has been active in the APTA serving on the nominating committee and two terms as the treasurer. As a student, he served as the Legislative Liaison for South Dakota Physical Therapy Association Student Special Interest Group. He has attended numerous America Physical Therapy Association (APTA) conferences and leadership forums. 

Service is a passion of his.  Among other things he has been a Youth Soccer Coach through the Watertown Youth Soccer Association, participated in the Guatemala Mission Trip through Big Stone Therapies and the PACH program (People Against Child Hunger). He has assisted with fitness screens for Special Olympics and the Senior Games. 

Coworker Trisha Rieffenberger describes him as a servant leader. She and fellow coworker, Kim Pearson, both cited his extraordinary commitment to both clinical excellence and community service.  Rieffenberger says of Fligge, “ Wade is a great role model in his physical and spiritual health, with extreme discipline for his early morning work outs and devotionals.”  Pearson states, “He is an active member of our Watertown community, in church, and (is an) overall advocate for the Physical Therapy profession.” 

Fligge is a partner at Big Stone Therapies, Watertown, SD where he has worked since 2012 and treats patients and helps direct operations. He started his career as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).  He graduated with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of South Dakota (USD) in 2012.

 

Visit Watertown announces new Director of Marketing & Business Development 

Visit Watertown has appointed Lindsay Stangl as its Director of Marketing & Business Development. 

Stangl joins Visit Watertown with graphic design experience and a strong background in hotel sales and operations. She graduated from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, with a Bachelor of Science in contemporary media & journalism, and a minor in business administration.  

After obtaining her degree, she was employed by the Sheraton Sioux Falls and Convention Center and climbed the ranks to ultimately negotiate and manage their business transient accounts, and corporate and association group bookings.  She went on to work for the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South where she served as Front Office Manager.  Stangl relocated to Watertown and, as of recently, served as the Executive Assistant to the City Manager.    

"Visit Watertown is experiencing strong growth and we're pleased to welcome Lindsay to our team. Her background and experiences are a perfect complement to our team. We look forward to hitting the ground running in 2023 and are excited for the future of Visit Watertown" said Anjelica Uthe, Visit Watertown Executive Director. 

As the Director of Marketing & Business Development, her primary duties will be to oversee and assist with creating new marketing campaigns, as well as, developing new strategies and opportunities for Visit Watertown to promote growth in the community through meetings and various events. 

 “I look forward to diversifying and expanding the marketing and business development efforts of Visit Watertown,” Lindsay says.  “Watertown is filled with a talented team of tourism professionals and business leaders, and I’m honored to be able to work alongside them to tell Watertown’s story.”

About Visit Watertown 

Visit Watertown is the official destination marketing organization for Watertown, South Dakota. Visit Watertown's mission is to market, promote, and attract visitors to Watertown.
The Visit Watertown office is located at 1 East Kemp Avenue and can be reached at (605) 753-0282.
VisitWatertownSD.com

 

 

Local Real Estate Agents Recognized Internationally for Outstanding Achievement
Watertown area professionals honored by EXIT Realty Corp. International

The 2021/2022 real estate market was brisk as home prices and interest rates continued to rise. The need then and now for knowledgeable, professional real estate agents to skillfully guide their clients through the changing market has never been greater. 

EXIT Realty Corp. International recognized its champions for outstanding achievement through that period during the company's international Convention held recently at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort near Jacksonville, Florida.

* Noel Solum, Associate Broker and Sam Hanson, Associate Broker with EXIT Realty Connection in Watertown were honored with the Bronze Award by EXIT Realty Corp. International. The award was given in recognition of closing between 25 and 49 real estate transaction sides during the production year July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

* Jayson Maguire, Franchisee and Jason Goette, Associate Broker with EXIT Realty Connection in Watertown were honored with the Silver Award by EXIT Realty Corp. International. The award was given in recognition of closing between 50 and 74 real estate transaction sides during the production year July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022.

"The real estate professionals who put the needs of their clients first and who can pivot to meet those needs in a changing economy will always succeed," said Tami Bonnell, Co-Chair, EXIT Realty Corp. International. "It's because of the hard work and dedication of our agents and brokerage owners that EXIT has continued to thrive and expand across the US and Canada. We are proud of their accomplishments, and we extend our best wishes for their continued success. Congratulations to our champions!"

About EXIT Realty: EXIT Realty is a company founded and built on human potential. A full service, forward-thinking, real estate franchisor with offices across North America, EXIT has to-date paid out more than a half a billion dollars in single-level residual income to its associates. A portion of every transaction fee received by EXIT Realty Corp. International is applied to its charitable fund, and to-date, $7 million has been allocated to charity. For more information, please visit www.exitrealty.com and www.joinexitrealty.com.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Cancer Center Welcomes New Radiation Oncologist 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Radiation Oncologist, Joni Buechler, MD to our cancer care team. Dr. Buechler cares for patients at the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center and creates personalized treatment and therapy plans for patients diagnosed with cancer. With advanced radiation therapies, chemotherapy, mobile PET scanning, clinical trials, and an experienced oncology and hematology team, Prairie Lakes Cancer Center is equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage a large variety of cancers and blood disorders. 

Dr. Buechler has a combined 34 years of experience as a radiologic technician, radiation therapist, nurse, and Radiation Oncologist. She earned her medical degree from the University of North Dakota and completed her residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  She is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology. 

Since 2014, Dr. Buechler has spent time at Prairie Lakes Cancer Center as a locum physician.  Upon the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Brindle, she assumed a full-time role.  She and husband Jeremy come to us from Fargo, where she worked for almost 10 years.  She enjoys being active with water fitness, going to the gym, hiking, and biking.  She is addicted to Wordle and British TV.  She loves animals, especially cats!  She continues her quest in search of the perfect caramel roll.  “So far, no one’s is better than my Mom’s,” she says. 

“I grew up on a farm in North Dakota and am happiest in a rural community,” said Dr. Buechler. “We look forward to becoming a part of this one.” 

You may schedule an appointment with Dr. Buechler by calling the Prairie Lakes Cancer Center at 605-882-6800. A referral is not required to schedule an appointment.

 

Prairie Lakes Appoints Dusty Wilkens to Director of IT

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has named Dusty Wilkens as the new Director of Information Technologies and Bio-Med. This is a new position at Prairie Lakes in which he manages information security, communication infrastructure, computer and software systems, and biomedical technology.

Wilkens joined Prairie Lakes in 2017 as System Security Analyst. He was most recently appointed as Interim IT Leadership in March 2022. Dusty has been in the IT Industry for the past 25 years and holds numerous industry certifications. He has been part of the Watertown community for the majority of his life. In his free time, he enjoys fishing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and four children. 

“I look forward to facilitating safe and effective healthcare information systems for Prairie Lakes staff and our patients.” said Wilkens.

 

 

Watertown Development Announces New Director of Business Development

Watertown Development Company (WDC) has hired Molly Heaton as its Director of Business Development.

Heaton brings with her over 12 years of Human Resource experience, specifically in the manufacturing industry. Her main duties will be to support and execute programs and activities related to recruitment of new businesses and expansion of current business in the WDC service area. She will also be responsible for the administration of current workforce development programs and development of new programs and initiatives to meet the area’s workforce needs.

“Being in HR and supporting management teams, I’ve learned there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to day-to-day business strains,” says Heaton. “With this, I’m looking forward to all of the out-of-the-box ideas to build and enhance our workforce while promoting city development.”

An advocate for Watertown’s workforce, Heaton has been an active member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) since 2014 and the Watertown Workforce Advisory Council (WWAC) since its inception in 2015, serving as its Vice Chair since January 2022. She will now serve as the administrator of the WWAC in her new role at WDC.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to showcase my experiences from working in manufacturing while converting my role with the Workforce Advisory Council to support local businesses in their own growth and development,” Heaton continued. “I’m looking forward to being a part of Watertown’s progress.”

In her free time, Heaton volunteers with Junior Achievement of South Dakota, teaching at Watertown High School and McKinley Elementary School. She and her husband also stay busy supporting their two daughters during competitive cheer season and riding their Harleys in the summer.

 

About Watertown Development Company

The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a private, non-profit economic development company funded by private and public sector stakeholders. The WDC owns and operates buildings, land, and development areas for the economic benefit of the community. Since its establishment in 1947, its efforts have generated substantial impacts and benefits for many decades. The WDC has led strategies and been responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity through programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial, and economic vitality of the Watertown and its citizens.

 

 

Olson to Lead First PREMIER Wealth Management Team

First PREMIER Bank announced the addition of Scott Olson as Vice President, Head of Wealth Management. Olson is responsible for the overall growth, development and support of First PREMIER’s Wealth Management team.  

Olson brings more than 20 years of professional banking and wealth management experience to First PREMIER Bank. He has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Dakota State University and is a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA). Olson will maintain offices at First PREMIER’s I-29 location at 824 34th St. SE in Watertown and its Main Bank location at 500 S. Minnesota Ave. in Sioux Falls. 

Olson serves as board president for Watertown’s Human Service Agency. He is also a member of the Watertown Service Agency Foundation Board of Directors, the Business Industry School Coalition Board of Directors and serves on the South Dakota Bankers Association Trust Committee. Olson will continue to reside in Watertown with his wife and three children. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing and supporting his children in their activities. 

First PREMIER Bank is locally owned and offers branches in 16 convenient locations. Together with PREMIER Bankcard, First PREMIER Bank supports nearly 700 local and regional organizations. First PREMIER Bank provides various financial services, including personal, business and ag banking, mortgage lending, trust and investment services, treasury services and ATM funding. 

For more information, visit www.firstpremier.com. Member FDIC.

 

 

Shoe Sensation to host 7th Annual Socks for Troops Fundraiser

Shoe Sensation is collecting socks for members of the Military and local Veterans

Shoe Sensation, a regional chain of name brand family shoe stores, is hosting its 7th annual “Socks for Troops” fundraiser in all of their 220+ retail locations. Last year Shoe Sensation collected over 80,000 pairs of socks and hopes to continue the success of the program in 2022. This year, each store will be collecting socks for active-duty military personnel and/or local veterans in their communities. Shoe Sensation will have military approved socks for customers to purchase and donate in-store. Customers will receive 20% off socks purchased for a donation. Shoe Sensation locations will also serve as a drop off point for customers to bring in new socks they have collected on their own.

“It has been a tough year for everyone in our communities. This is no exception for the country's military personnel. A small gesture can go a long way in providing them with comfort during the holidays. We appreciate the sacrifices of our armed forces and their families make in their personal lives to protect our safety and our countries interests. This is one way we can show our appreciation to the men and women who serve in our armed forces and to our Veterans that have served our country,” says David Bateman, Market Sales Director and creator of the Socks for Troops program for Shoe Sensation.

“Socks for Troops” will begin on November 1st and Shoe Sensation will continue collecting socks until December 31, 2022. Please see details below or visit your local Shoe Sensation for details on the specific supported charity or organization. For additional information about Socks for Troops or to find a Shoe Sensation near you, visit www.shoesensation.com.

*Sock donations must be brand new and donated in its original packaging. Shoe Sensation CANNOT accept used pairs of socks or socks without their original packaging.

Socks will be donated to this local organization: Watertown VFW Post 750

Socks can be dropped off at the Shoe Sensation located here: 1920 8th Ave SE, Watertown SD 57201

About Shoe Sensation: The parent company of Shoe Sensation, Shoe Sensation, Inc. is a privately held corporation based in Jeffersonville, Indiana and operates over 220 retail stores in over 21 states. Shoe Sensation offers a large selection of men's, women's, children's and athletic footwear in a variety of national brands such as Adidas, Hey Dude, Clarks, Skechers, Crocs and more. Shoe Sensation is an easy-to-shop environment where store associates deliver exceptional customer service.

Our Mission: Our goal is to help non-profit companies thrive in their locations by partnering with them. We have various avenues through which we offer assistance, and we can customize a program specifically for any organization. We love giving back to the communities that support us; because we want to show our appreciation for helping Shoe Sensation, Inc. get to where it is today. As a growing company, we cherish opportunities to bring our communities together and make a difference.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Speech Language Pathologist

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to announce the recent addition of Speech Language Pathologist, Kirsten Blackwell to Rehabilitation Services. With the addition of Blackwell, Prairie Lakes Speech Therapy now has three Speech Language Pathologists that care for patients with conditions that affect speech, cognition, and swallowing.  

Blackwell grew up in Watertown and decided to move back after graduate school to serve the town that served her for so many years. She received her undergraduate degree in Communication Disorders and Special Education from Augustana University in Sioux Falls. She then graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with her Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology. In her free time, Blackwell loves to play golf and tennis, enjoy Lake Kampeska, and spend time with her husband, Bradey and their dog, Popcorn.

Blackwell has a special interest in pediatric speech therapy and cognition. She cares for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings of the hospital and Specialty Clinic as well as Prairie Lakes Home Health Services.

“I am excited to care for the needs of patients here in the Watertown community,” Blackwell said. “I have been impressed by my colleagues and Prairie Lakes as a whole. I look forward to continuing to learn more about my areas of interest to help patients live their best life.”

Learn more about Speech Therapy by visiting prairielakes.com or by calling Prairie Lakes Rehabilitation Services at 605-882-7700.

 

 

WATERTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY UNVEILS NEW BRAND IDENTITY
 
Watertown Development Company (WDC) is proud to share the new brand identity that will represent the 75-year-old organization moving into the future. WDC’s new image, which features a unique icon and updated color palette, focuses on the organization’s traditional values and efforts with its emphasis on business innovation, trust, and progress.
 
“With the organization’s 75th anniversary approaching, we felt it was the perfect time to reimagine WDC’s brand,” said Michelle Kakacek, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company. “This new branding gives the organization a fresh visual approach, while maintaining the image of integrity and respect WDC has built since its founding in 1947.”
 
WDC staff worked closely with the marketing firm Simpleview, the same company that also worked with Visit Watertown, Watertown Chamber of Commerce, and the City of Watertown, to develop and finalize the new design. The new logo will be rolled out on all marketing materials after being presented at the 2022 WDC Annual Investor Meeting on October 20, 2022.  
 
A new website for the organization is also underway and is expected to be completed in early 2023. 
 
ABOUT WATERTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 
The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a private, non-profit economic development company funded by private and public sector stakeholders. The WDC owns and operates buildings, land, and development areas for the economic benefit of the community. Since its establishment in 1947, its efforts have generated substantial impacts and benefits for many decades. The WDC has led strategies and been responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity through programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial, and economic vitality of the Watertown and its citizens.

 

 

Peterson Motors Co./Quickveyor Adds Management Staff

The team at Peterson Motors Co. in Watertown, SD, is excited to announce the addition of Kevin Stutzman as General Manager.

Kevin brings a wealth of manufacturing and design engineering along with management experience, most recently with Terex Utilities. 

He has successfully guided cross functional teams in developing new products and assemblies.   His goals are to grow the efficiency of the Quickveyor manufacturing process and provide leadership, guidance on advancements and team building. Kevin’s people-first-approach is very hands on and end user driven. 

A native of Casselton, ND, and a graduate of NDSU’s engineering department, Kevin and his wife, Karla, reside in Watertown along with their 4 children.  

 

 

A Newer Approach in Swallowing Rehabilitation

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to offer a new treatment option for those who have difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia. Prairie Lakes Speech Therapy recently added another swallowing treatment modality called Vital Stim which uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to retrain the muscles that produce a swallow.

Prairie Lakes currently has two speech-language pathologists who are specifically trained and certified to treat qualified patients with this new therapy. Vital Stim is one of several FDA-cleared NMES devices used to treat swallowing disorders. This type of therapy uses small electrical impulses to restore muscle function by helping the swallowing muscles contract more. Because of the sensitive nature of the areas where the electrodes are placed, the unit delivers a carefully calibrated current safely to the motor nerves in the face and throat while the patient eats, drinks, or does swallowing exercises. Over the course of multiple sessions, the muscles are re-educated. 

The Vital Stim unit also provides biofeedback to assist the patient in learning new swallow maneuvers and to see the progress being made, which is a key piece in providing effective treatment.

While it can be a helpful tool, Vital Stim is not for everyone. For this reason, a doctor’s order is needed to use Vital Stim in your swallowing treatment plan. To find out if you or a loved one is a candidate for Vital Stim therapy, please contact one of our Vital Stim certified speech-language pathologists at 605-882-7700.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Rehab Services Welcomes New Therapists

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is excited to welcome Physical Therapist, Todd Hodenfield and Occupational Therapist, Chelsea Hodenfield to the Prairie Lakes family. The Hodenfields join the Rehab and Therapy Services team to provide individualized care plans for patients with rehabilitation, therapy, and recovery needs. 

Chelsea Hodenfield grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from the University of South Dakota (USD) in Vermillion with a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology. She went on to earn her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from USD. Chelsea built her leadership skills as an Occupational Health Coordinator and Clinical Mentor in her last role. As an Occupational Therapist, she develops personalized treatment plans to help individuals of all ages increase strength, endurance, flexibility, and independence to return to an active lifestyle. Chelsea has also earned her Certification in Hand Therapy indicating advanced clinical knowledge in treatment of the upper extremity (shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand).  Her and her husband, Todd, have two young children and are excited to become part of the Watertown community. 

“I am so excited be back in South Dakota after nearly a decade away. I look forward to getting to know the Watertown community and serving the needs of individuals and employers in the area.” 

Todd Hodenfield grew up in North Dakota and earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. He later completed an Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency with Evidence in Motion. He is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy and focuses on restoring people’s confidence in the amazing healing power and capability of the human body. He has a special interest in optimizing movement and working across the healthcare spectrum to improve the quality of life for all individuals he encounters. In his spare time, he enjoys the outdoors, family time, playing guitar, and reading. 

“Watertown is an awesome community; our family is loving our time here and we look forward to more!” 

Please join us in welcoming the Hodenfields to the Prairie Lakes family and to the Watertown community. 

 

 

Laura Bayles hired as Senior Living Coordinator at Benet Place

Laura Bayles was recently hired as the Senior Living Coordinator at Benet Place, an independent living community at The Village of Harmony Hill in Watertown, SD. As Coordinator, Laura oversees the day-to-day operations, gives tours to perspective new residents, and shares information about all Benet Place has to offer. 

Opened in the late 1980’s as a mission of the Benedictine Sisters of the Mother of God Monastery, Benet Place provides a warm, home-like atmosphere for individuals and couples. Benet Place is an independent living community for persons age 55+ and welcomes all faiths. 

Sister Barb Younger, OSB, Director of Communications & Technology for Mother of God Monastery, shared that Laura is a great fit for Benet Place. "Laura brings professional experience, creativity and knowledge of the Watertown community to this new endeavor. Created in 1988, Benet Place is the foundational element of the Village and embodies the "continuum of care, continuum of life" perspective. Laura's compassion and care for seniors who choose to make their home in this community is evident and we are excited to see her contribution take shape as we all strive to bring this vision to life!” 

Additionally, Laura will work closely with all staff, advocate on behalf of the residents, and assist within the community.  

“I have discovered that resident and family interaction is my passion,” said Bayles. “I’ve spent a majority of my career in business and accounting, often working behind a desk. This new venture gives me the opportunity to spread my wings, tap into my personal and professional experiences while also being more active in the community.  I am looking forward to getting to know the residents, their families, and the staff.  The residents and their positive attitudes will contribute to a high-quality of living environment.“ 

Laura grew up around the area. She and her husband Mark have one son named Tucker, a senior in college.  Laura feels that senior care and a safe living environment is extremely important as a member of Laura’s family struggled with Alzheimer’s. 

To learn more about living at Benet Place, please visit www.benetplace.com or email administrator@benetplace.com or call Laura at 605.886.9177. 

 

 

Prairie Lakes Adds Two Advanced Practice Providers to Cardiology Staff

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes Physician Assistant, Kahley Meyer and Nurse Practitioner, Travis Erickson. They join the Prairie Lakes Cardiology team in the expert care of patients with heart conditions.

Meyer graduated with her Bachelor of Biological Sciences degree from South Dakota State University and then received her master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies in 2017 from MCPHS University in Worcester, MA. Meyer and her husband, Dillan, recently moved to Watertown and are expecting their first child in December. In her spare time, Meyer enjoys traveling, outdoor activities, and spending time with her family and friends.

“I am honored to join the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Cardiology team and provide patient-centered care to Watertown and the surrounding communities,” said Meyer. “I look forward to getting to know my patients and being a part of this great community.” 

Erickson is a Brookings native and graduated from South Dakota State University with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing. He then received his Doctor of Nursing Practice – Family Nurse Practitioner in 2018 from South Dakota State University. Erickson and his family live in Brookings, SD. He enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys hunting. 

“I am excited to be part of the Cardiology team as we continue to grow our service line and provide excellent, high-quality care to the region,” said Erickson. “Prairie Lakes has exceptional technology and treatment options that I’m excited to offer to patients.”

 

 

Department of Commerce Invests $1.1 million for Infrastructure Improvements to Establish Calvin Park

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced in a press release Tuesday that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.1 million grant to the City of Watertown, South Dakota, for construction, water, and roadway infrastructure improvements in Calvin Industrial Park.

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts of the Watertown Development Company (WDC) and First District Association of Local Governments (FDALG). The infrastructure improvements to the park will support the WDC’s mission by creating new opportunities for businesses to establish and grow, increase the property tax base for the city, and build the community’s workforce.

“The WDC is excited to continue its development plans within Calvin Park,” said Michelle Kakacek, Executive Director of the WDC. “This investment in Watertown by the EDA will help us welcome new and expanding business into the park and increase economic opportunity throughout our region.”

The EDA investment will be matched with $1.1 million in funds from the WDC and is expected to create more than 70 jobs and generate over $4.5 million in private investment, according to estimates. 

“President Biden is committed to ensuring that our communities are provided with the resources they need to diversify and grow their economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in infrastructure will support business development in Watertown, creating jobs and providing economic resilience.”

ABOUT WATERTOWN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY 
The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is a private, non-profit economic development company funded by private and public sector stakeholders. The WDC owns and operates buildings, land, and development areas for the economic benefit of the community. Since its establishment in 1947, its efforts have generated substantial impacts and benefits for many decades. The WDC has led strategies and been responsible for the creation of jobs and overall economic opportunity through programs designed to promote and increase the commercial, financial, and economic vitality of the Watertown and its citizens. 

ABOUT THE U.S. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATION (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.

The original article can be found here: https://eda.gov/news/press-releases/2022/09/27/watertown-sd.htm 

 

 

 

 

Prairie Lakes Welcomes New Hospitalist

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Dr. Aaron Pickrel to our team of hospitalists who manage the medical care for patients who are hospitalized at Prairie Lakes. Our Hospitalists are medical doctors with expertise in internal medicine and family practice. 

Dr. Pickrel grew up in Watertown and is returning to Prairie Lakes Healthcare System where he was a Telemetry Technician from 2013 – 2015. He received his medical degree from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, South Carolina and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. During his time in school, he was involved with the Abbott Northwestern IM Residency Council, Student American Academy of Osteopathy, and was on the SDSU Wrestling team during Undergrad. In his free time, Dr. Pickrel enjoys spending time at Lake Kampeska with family and friends, hunting, and fishing in the area. 

“I am happy to be back in Watertown where I grew up,” said Dr. Pickrel. “I look forward to giving back and giving care to the community that has always supported me.” 

For more information about the Prairie Lakes Hospitalist team, visit prarirelakes.com. 

 

 

Watertown Development Company Launches Co.Starters Program for Entrepreneurs

Watertown Development Company will soon offer CO.STARTERS Core, a national cohort-based accelerator program, aimed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners of all kinds with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn ideas into action.

This 10-session program is designed to help ideas gain momentum. The one requirement is that applicants have a concept or idea they are ready to test and are willing to study, shape, and fine-tune in a supportive, collaborative, and welcoming environment.

Registration fees will be waived for the first two cohorts thanks to a grant from the Small Business Administration and a partnership between Startup Sioux Falls and Dakota Resources.  Sessions will be facilitated by the Watertown Development Company staff members Michelle Kakacek, Executive Director, and Amanda Culhane, Marketing Specialist. Participants will hear from guest speakers including specialists and professionals from the Watertown area.

“We are thrilled at the opportunity to offer this resource to the area’s aspiring entrepreneurs and others who might be in business already but want to grow or innovate,” said Kakacek. “The curriculum looks at entrepreneurship in a fresh, accessible way and encourages mentorship and peer-to-peer learning.”

Individuals interested in the program can apply now. The application period will close on September 30, 2022. Participants will be notified the week of October 10 with the ten-session program beginning November 1. Sessions will take place every other Tuesday thereafter from 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. For more information and to apply, visit https://www.watertownworks.com/costarters/.

If you are part of the business or educational community and would be interested in getting involved as a mentor, guest speaker, facilitator, or volunteer, please reach out to Amanda Culhane at amanda@watertownworks.com or 605-884-0340.

 

New Logos for Harmony Hill and The Village of Harmony Hill

Sister Barb Younger, Director of Communications for Mother of God Monastery, along with her associates, has unveiled the new logos for Harmony Hill and The Village of Harmony Hill.  
“As we move forward with our mission of offering a variety of living opportunities: independent, assisted living, and memory care, we felt it was important to renew our logos and their significance.”

The new logos for Harmony Hill and The Village were designed by a team at Fresh Produce, a Sioux Falls-based marketing firm that is also helping to craft welcome materials and videos for the project. Fresh Produce collaborated with the team members at Harmony Hill and The Village of Harmony Hill to define and capture the spirit of each project in their respective logos.

For the new Harmony Hill logo, the firm wanted to signal the feeling of openness and light found inside the building and across the natural areas that surround the campus.

"The architect's wonderful use of curved windows on opposite ends of the building to let in so much light served as an inspiration," said Cami Lovely, a graphic designer at Fresh Produce. "I wanted to create a feeling of enlivening upward movement that speaks to the true feel of a visit to Harmony Hill. I chose friendly, warm colors to refresh the logo and make it approachable."

The logo for The Village was crafted to compliment the themes of Harmony Hill, Lovely said. 
"Since Harmony Hill and The Village are so tightly connected, I knew they had to live in the same world. I wanted the logo for The Village to express the same warm feelings of illumination and motion captured by the logo for Harmony Hill. The circular shape has multiple points where light can shine through. It was also important to me to connect to Benedictine values in some way. The circle, like The Village, signifies a unified community directing its attention to God, who is the center of life."

S. Barbara Younger also acknowledge that within The Village logo, a subtle orange cross is evident.  The circle also represents the continuum of care and the circle of life. 

The Village of Harmony Hill is under construction and will offer forty-eight units of Assisted Living and sixteen units of Memory Care Assisted Living.  The Village also includes the current independent living community of Benet Place.  

To learn more about The Village, or about reserving your apartment, visit www.villagewatertown.org, call Lisa Ronke at 605.237.8407, or email live@villagewatertown.org 

 

 

Prairie Lakes Names New Facilities Director

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) named Josh Dahl as the new Director of Facilities. He replaces Rick Masloski upon his retirement after he dedicated 10 years to Prairie Lakes. Dahl plans, directs, supervises, and evaluates the infrastructure and physical plant management at PLHS.

Dahl joined Prairie Lakes in 2015 as a Certified Maintenance Technician, was promoted to Maintenance Supervisor, and spent the last 3 years mentoring under Masloski’s supervision.  

Dahl grew up in Watertown, SD, graduated with a degree in Robotics from Lake Area Technical College and is a licensed Journeyman Electrician.  Josh enjoys spending time with his wife Amber, son Conner, and family.  In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth baseball, golfing, and cheering on his favorite sports teams.  

“I look forward to supporting a safe environment for both patients and staff at PLHS by assuring the facilities will perform the functions as designed and constructed,” said Dahl.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Elects Two New Board Members

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors has elected Diane Stiles and Jesse Peterson to serve on the board. They bring diverse leadership experiences to the Board of Directors and will each serve a 3-year term.  

Diane Stiles has 15 years of experience in technical education and economic development and has been serving Lake Area Technical College as Vice President since 2014. Stiles is active in National Community College initiatives which include the Aspen Rural Colleges Advisory Committee, Aspen Rising Presidents Fellowship, and the Pathways Institute. She stays busy following her passion for volunteering to assist with education, youth, and economic development activities and organizations including H20-20, Mount Marty Watertown Advisory Committee, Junior Achievement, and the Boys and Girls Club Youth of the Year.  Stiles and her husband, Asa, live in Watertown with their three children, Henry, Charlie, and Clara. 

Jesse Peterson has been in the banking industry for 20 years and has served as the Chairman & CEO of, what is now, Prairie Sun Bank for the last 14 years. Prairie Sun Bank has four banking locations serving west/central Minnesota. Jesse and his wife Kimberly live in Watertown with their five children, Abigail, Wyatt, Weston, Nola, and Beau. He stays busy helping coach his kids in their various athletic activities. In addition to his role on the PLHS Board of Directors, Jesse serves on the finance council of Holy Name Catholic Church and the Catholic Diocese of Sioux Falls along with being a board member of the Immaculate Conception School Foundation.

“The Prairie Lakes Board of Directors welcomes Diane and Jesse, and we are excited to have them join us. They are both respected leaders in the community and region, and we look forward to having their individual talents and expertise to contribute to the Prairie Lakes vision of being the keystone of the community,” said Robb Peterson, Chair of the Prairie Lakes Board of Directors. 

The Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Board of Directors is comprised of 13 volunteer community members who are dedicated to fulfilling the mission, vision and values of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, an independent, not-for-profit, regional healthcare system. Board members are Robb Peterson (Chairman), Vince Foley (Vice Chairman), Mike Luken (Secretary), Chris Carter (Treasurer), Jem Redlinger (Past Chairman), Alan Christiansen, MD, Tammy Davis, Kristen Henderson, Scott Munger, Jon Oviatt, Mark Roby, Jesse Peterson and Diane Styles.  

 

 

Boys & Girls Club of Watertown Receives Recognition at Regional Conference

At the end of July representatives of the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown attended the Greater Midwest Area Council (GMAC) conference which encompasses Boys & Girls Clubs from IA, MN, ND, NE, and SD. This conference gives Clubs from across the region the opportunity to learn new things and collaborate with others and also celebrate achievements. 

Current Board of Director’s President, Jason Hutt received the Outstanding Board Volunteer Award for the region. This award recognizes outstanding contributions by a Board Member who selflessly gives back as an advocate for our organizational mission. Hutt has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2017. “Jason has truly rolled up his sleeves and gone to work for the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown. He has an incredible attention to detail and a big heart in giving back to children. He is always the first to sign-up, first to say let's get this done, and first to give positive advice and guidance on the hard issues that arise in operating a non-profit,” said Liz Christianson, Executive Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Watertown. His dedication to youth, families, and education is a priority in his professional career and he also serves numerous other agencies including the United Way, Junior Achievement and People Against Childhood Hunger. Jason Hutt is an Assistant Manager at HyVee. 

The Boys & Girls Club of Watertown was also recognized with the Outstanding Marketing & Communications Award for their work with the 3 local radio affiliates, which include 9 separate FM and AM stations representing many radio genres. The results of utilizing radio for a primary marketing source include higher fundraising volumes, high levels of youth registered for summer, and a greater overall community awareness about the organization. 

“Radio has become our best utilized practice in spreading awareness and engaging the community. Whether is sharing information about Club membership or promoting our State Youth of the Year winner, our messaging is always impactful and supports the quality of life that the Club provides to community members,” says Christianson. “Radio messaging is a key factor in many of our program successes, outreach and community engagement. We need to thank our very generous radio partners for our successes.”

 

Prairie Lakes Welcomes Heart Specialist to Cardiology Team

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is pleased to welcome Board-Certified Interventional Cardiologist, Ravi Kalaga, MD to our team of dedicated heart specialists. Dr. Kalaga sees patients at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic and Cath Lab where he joins Dr. Richard Howard and Jacklyn Karli, DNP in the expert care of hearts. With an on-site Cath Lab and an experienced team of clinical staff and physicians, Prairie Lakes is equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage heart conditions, peripheral vascular disease, and cardiac emergencies. 

Dr. Kalaga has over 10 years of Interventional Cardiology experience. He received his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences, Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Kalaga is fellowship trained in cardiovascular medicine from Bridgeport Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and his fellowship in Interventional Cardiology was completed at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. 

Dr. Kalaga is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, and internal medicine. 

“I look forward to meeting the people of the Watertown region and providing personalized Cardiology and Vascular care to the patients and community,” said Dr. Kalaga. “After working as a locum provider at Prairie Lakes the past 18 months, I got to know the team and decided that this is where I belong.” 

Prairie Lakes Cardiology is located at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. For more information, please visit prarirelakes.com/cardiology. To schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7777.

 

 

Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics Joins Prairie Lakes Healthcare System  

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) is proud to announce the transition of Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics (GLO) to Prairie Lakes Orthopedics. The acquisition became official when paperwork was signed on Monday (August 1, 2022) afternoon along with a welcome event for the staff joining PLHS. 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics have had a long-standing relationship to offer orthopedic and surgical services to the community and region. GLO has operated as an independent practice since 1985 and has three orthopedic surgeons, two advance practice providers, and 11 employees that have now transitioned to Prairie Lakes employees. The surgeons, Michael Vener, MD, Gerald Rieber, MD and Casey Johnston, MD and their team occupy space in the lower level of the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic and will remain at this location. 

“We are both grateful and excited to welcome the Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics staff into the Prairie Lakes family,” said Interim CEO, Paul Macek. “This change is monumental for both organizations. By combining the talent and expertise of the two organizations, we can continue to expand the scope of orthopedic care and services to Watertown and the surrounding communities that we serve.”

The collaborations developed between PLHS and GLO have created a great foundation for new opportunities in the future. Joining teams and resources will allow Prairie Lakes Orthopedics to offer a complete orthopedic journey with procedures, rehabilitation, and sports medicine all in one convenient location to optimize patient care. 

To schedule an appointment with Prairie Lakes Orthopedics, please call the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic at 605-882-2630. For more information and to learn more about the Orthopedics team, visit prairielakes.com/orthopedics.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Adds Provider to Dermatology Staff

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System welcomes licensed and board-certified Physician Assistant, David Feist, MS, PA-C, to the Dermatology Clinic staff. He joins Dr. Jeffrey Smith and Abby Gietzen, PA-C in the expert care of patients with conditions related to the skin. Prairie Lakes Dermatology specializes in general and surgical dermatology as well as cosmetic procedures and treatments. 

Feist received his Physician Assistant degree, with a surgical specialization and focus in dermatology, from Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University in New York. Feist trained at several prestigious Manhattan hospitals including the New York Presbyterian University Hospital of Cornell and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising/Marketing Communications. Feist is relocating to Watertown from Arizona with his wife and three children where he has been practicing dermatology for the past 10 years. He enjoys swimming, running, performing arts, stand-up comedy, golf, music, and spending time with his family.  

“I enjoy getting to know my patients and helping them understand and improve their skin conditions, both medically and cosmetically,” Feist said. “My family and I are excited to become a part of the Watertown community.” 

Prairie Lakes Dermatology is located at the Prairie Lakes Specialty Clinic. For more information, please visit prarirelakes.com/dermatology. To schedule an appointment, call 605-882-7690.

 

 

Hospital Hill Run Donation to the Prairie Lakes Caring Club House

On June 11th, 2022, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System held the 25th Annual Hospital Hill Run. Walkers and runners participated to raise money for the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation’s Caring Club House.

A generous donation of $3,250 was donated to the Caring Club House. Shown are members of the Hospital Hill Run Committee: Shannon Bleeker, Lydia Newman, and Lisa Dahl, Executive Director of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation. Also pictured is Suellen Roby, Caretaker, Prairie Lakes Caring Club House

Committee Members not photographed are Dr. Dan Reiffenberger, Tom Beaudry, Chief Tim Toomey, and Bryan Beckedahl. 

Sponsors of the 2022 Hospital Hill Run include: Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, Brown Clinic, Glacial Lakes Orthopaedics, Consulting Radiologists Ltd., Drs. Dan and Sarah Reiffenberger and Megan, Nick and Molly, Sanford Health - Watertown, Watertown Public Opinion, Community Blood Bank, Dakota Portable Toilets, Graf Billboard Signs, Watertown Chamber of Commerce, KXLG and First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard. 

The Caring Club House is a home away from home for out-of-town patients, families, and caregivers receiving services through Prairie Lakes. Funded and furnished completely through community support and donations, the Caring Club House is a not-for-profit, community-based project of the Prairie Lakes Healthcare Foundation, with support from Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Annual operating expenses more than $17,000. All donations are appreciated and are tax deductible as allowed by law. If you would like to support the Caring Club House financially or work as a volunteer there, please call the Foundation office at 605-882-7631.

 

Audiologist Joins Professional Hearing Services
Professional Hearing Services, Inc. expanded their professional staff recently when Dr. Brett King joined their team of hearing healthcare professionals. 

“We are blessed that our business continues to grow and proud to have Dr. King join us,” 

Dr. Todd Decker, Audiologist and owner of Professional Hearing Services, Inc. said. “Our patients will appreciate Dr. King’s knowledge and her commitment to quality patient care.”  

Dr. King received her Doctorate of Audiology in 2022 from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD, where she also received her Bachelor’s degree in 2018. 

"I am blessed to join such a caring team at Professional Hearing Services, Inc.” Dr. King said. “I look forward to serving northeast South Dakota and improving the lives of others through better hearing." 

Dr. King is originally from Arlington, SD, where she currently resides with her husband. In her spare time, Dr. King enjoys spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her two dogs, reading, and traveling. 
To schedule an appointment with Dr. King, call Professional Hearing Services at (605)882-1591 or visit www.2ears.com.  

Professional Hearing Services, Inc. is located on north highway 81 at 405 18th Avenue Northeast.  They are open Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.  To find out more, visit www.2ears.com.

 

 

Lisa Ronke named Director of Community Relations

Supporting Residents and Families with Senior Living at The Village

Lisa Ronke has been named Director of Community Relations for The Village of Harmony Hill in Watertown, SD. In this position, Lisa will be the key resource for residents and their families as they consider the senior living options offered at The Village. Opening in early 2023, the facility will offer a continuum of care comprised of independent living apartments, assisted living apartments and memory care units along with a variety of amenities. 

Sister Barb Younger, OSB, Director of Communications for Mother of God Monastery, said Ronke is an amazing choice for the position. “In addition to her prior work experience and talents, what really sets Lisa apart is her unmatched compassion for individuals and families going through this process. We couldn’t have asked for a better advocate for The Village and its residents!”
Making the decision to move yourself or a loved is significant. There are questions and concerns unique to each person and situation. Lisa is available to make sure you have what you need to make an informed and confident choice regarding your new residence. 

“I am very excited to join the team at The Village and the opportunity to work with residents and families,” Ronke said. “I am especially passionate about memory care and look forward to being a key resource for individuals and families who find themselves in need of that type of service.” 

The Village is phase one of an intergenerational community planned for Harmony Hill Watertown. With room for 76 residents, the three buildings will be connected to each other as well as The Commons. Designed for intentional interactions among the residents as well as with the community at large, the programs, activities and services offered at The Commons will facilitate engagement across generations. Both residents and guest will find The Village a vibrant place to live, create and flourish. 

Lisa grew up and currently resides in Watertown. She remembers her husband Ed, whom she lost to early on-set Alzheimer’s in November of 2021. In addition, Lisa has two grown sons who also live in Watertown with their families. 

The Village of Harmony Hill is Phase 1 of a senior living community. This continuum of care, intergenerational community will offer state-of-the-art services for assisted living, memory care, and rehabilitation. In addition, The Village also offers a Commons, which includes many fully accessible amenities to residents, as well as non-residents, including a coffee shop, restaurant, exercise facility, pool, creative space, pub, outdoor gardens, and non-denominational chapel. With room for 76 residents, the three buildings will be connected to each other and are designed for intentional interactions among the residents as well as with the community at large. The programs, activities and services offered at The Commons will facilitate engagement across generations. Both residents and guest will find The Village a vibrant place to live, create and flourish. 

To learn more about The Village, visit www.villagewatertown.org, call Lisa at (605) 237-8407, or email live@villagewatertown.org.

 

 

Nyberg's Ace Hardware: 'We look forward to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor'

A brand-new Ace Hardware store is hosting its grand opening in Watertown, South Dakota.

Located at 700 9th Avenue SE, Nyberg's Ace Hardware will celebrate its grand opening event on Friday, May 20, Saturday, May 21, and Sunday, May 22.

“Our mission is to provide customers with the neighborly advice and assistance they have come to expect from Ace,” Ace Hardware said, according to a press release. “We look forward to becoming a helpful and valuable neighbor to the community, both inside and outside the walls of our store.”

Nyberg's Ace Hardware is designed to fulfill the community's needs. 

“The store has been designed to fit the needs of Watertown, including solutions to everyday home maintenance needs, as well as an extensive array of high-quality products in categories such as paint, lawn and garden,” according to the press release.

The new store is packed with well-known brand-name products and supplies for the home.

“Key product offerings include... hardware, electrical, plumbing, automotive and home decor, as well as niche products like Yeti, Scotts, STIHL, Big Green Egg, Milwaukee, Ben Moore, Traeger, Weber.”

Ace Hardware has 5,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores across the globe and has been in existence for 90 years. The company headquarters are located in Oak Brook, Illinois.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Donation Supports Construction of New Appropriate Regional Facility

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has recently made a $2 million donation toward the construction of a new Appropriate Regional Facility (ARF) in Watertown. The Human Service Agency (HSA) broke ground on the facility during the fall of 2021. With mental health needs continuing to rise locally, regionally, and across the nation, this new facility will serve as a significant asset for the support of those in need of behavioral health care in our region. 

The new $7 million dollar ARF facility, to be located just behind the main HSA building on 19th street in Watertown, will provide the region with four additional mental health beds where individuals experiencing a mental health crisis can be treated for up to five days. In addition, the ARF will also provide four beds for substance abuse detoxification and continue as the current Serenity Hills, a 16 bed halfway house for men with a dual diagnosis of mental health and addiction. The ARF facility will serve as a safe location, outside of an emergency room, that has the staff and resources readily available to care for individuals who present with mental health or substance abuse needs. The ARF facility is the result of a state wide assessment evaluating the need for more regional care for those with psychiatric needs.  

“There is a need in our region for additional mental health facilities and we are dedicated to helping meet this need. We have a very collaborative relationship with the Human Service Agency for patients at Prairie Lakes that require clinical expertise and resources that the HSA provides to our community,” Prairie Lakes Interim CEO, Paul Macek, said.  “It’s our partnership with the HSA that links these patients to the services and treatment they need. This new AFR facility will reduce the number of psychiatric and detox walk-ins to the emergency room as these individuals can soon receive the appropriate evaluations and treatment at the right time and receive them directly at the ARF.” 

“I am thankful to have such a supportive hospital in our community. We have longstanding and very positive working relationship with Prairie Lakes and their financial contribution to our new mission is proof of their dedication and support to improve mental health services in our community. I look forward to a continued partnership with them as we begin our operations this fall,” said Kari Johnston, Executive Director of the Human Service Agency. 

Johnston reports they are continuing to seek donations in support of the Behavioral Health facility to offset the rising and unpredictable construction costs. If you are interested in making a donation, you can go to their website at www.humanserviceagency.org or call Kari Johnston at 605-884-4540. 

 

 

 

Prairie Lakes Cath Lab Celebrates 15 Years of Life-Saving Services

May 8, 2022 marks 15 years since the Prairie Lakes Healthcare System Cardiac Catheterization Lab (Cath Lab) saw its first patient in 2007. Dr. Ivaldo Lunardi, Interventional Cardiologist, who established the Cardiology Program at Prairie Lakes, performed the first procedure.  At the time, it was the first Cardiac Cath procedure performed without on-site surgical backup in South Dakota. It marked the beginning of advanced heart care and procedures available to our rural region. 

The Prairie Lakes Cath Lab is a special area in the hospital where minimally invasive tests and advanced cardiac procedures are performed by Interventional Cardiologists to diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease and conditions. The Cath Lab is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology used to view the arteries and check how well blood is flowing to and from the heart to diagnose and treat conditions in the arteries often without patients needing to undergo surgery.

On the Cath Lab’s ten-year anniversary in 2017, it saw around 800 patients and performed 1,300 procedures that year alone. Today, the Cath Lab has grown to a staff of seven people to include four nurses and three cardiovascular technicians. They oversee stress tests and perform PICC line insertions in addition to cardiology and vascular procedures. Cardiologists and staff are on call 24/7 to provide lifesaving care as well as scheduled procedures.
The Cath Lab was the start of offering specialty services and advanced procedures at Prairie Lakes. Since its inception, there have been many milestones and developments to further enhance the program.

2007 – Cath Lab Program started
2010 – Vascular program was added 
2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 – Platinum Performance Achievement Award for Excellent Care provided to heart attack patients
2015 – Heart Failure Program started with the addition of the CardioMEM Device
2016 – Complex PCI for calcified lesions with the addition of Orbital Atherectomy Device
2018 – Upgraded Cath Lab table, C-ARM and technology
2022 – IVL Shockwave Therapy adapted as a new technology for calcified lesions

The Prairie Lakes Cardiology team continues to invest in providing high-quality, critical heart care available in Northeastern South Dakota. As Dr. Lunardi once said, "You can leave your heart in Watertown." For more information on cardiology services, please visit prairielakes.com or call 882-7777.

 

 

New Innovative Technology for Heart Disease Procedures Now Available at Prairie Lakes

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) now offers a new shockwave technology called intravascular lithotripsy or IVL that safely treats problematic calcium buildup in the arteries of the heart that restricts blood flow.

On Wednesday, April 14th, Interventional Cardiologist, Richard Howard MD, FACC, FSCAI, treated the first Prairie Lakes patient with Shockwave IVL technology. It was used in the Cath Lab during a non-surgical, stent placement procedure to remove severely calcified coronary plaque in the patient’s arteries to help improve blood flow.

The new device uses sonic pressure waves, also known as shockwaves, which pass through soft arterial tissue and preferentially disrupt calcified plaque by creating a series of micro-fractures. After the calcium has been cracked, the artery can be expanded at low pressure and a stent safely implanted to restore adequate blood flow, with minimal trauma to normal arterial tissue.

“The arrival and implementation of this new technology at Prairie Lakes demonstrates our progressive vision to provide high-quality, state-of-the-art care in our region,” said Dr. Howard.  “Our cardiology team is committed to providing innovative advancements that are proven to improve patient outcomes.”

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. As people with heart disease grow older and their disease progresses, plaque in the arteries evolves into calcium deposits, which can narrow the artery. Stents are often used to open an artery, and of the approximately one million patients that undergo a stent procedure in the US each year, 30% have problematic calcium that increases their risk for adverse events. [1]

“It is exciting to be able to offer and use this treatment option for complex calcified lesions at Prairie Lakes Healthcare,” said Leah Le, Cardiology and Cath Lab Director. “The Shockwave Therapy is easy to use and improves the safety of the procedure for the benefit of our patients and allows us to continue to treat these patients right here in Watertown.”

 

 

Reliabank Welcomes Paula Hulscher to Commercial Lending Team  

Josh Hogue, president of Reliabank announced that Paula Hulscher will join the bank’s staff in May as a commercial loan officer. Since 1994, Hulscher has been with First District Association of Local Governments, serving the past 17 years as Executive Vice President of the First District Development Company (FDDC). Hulscher has extensive experience with Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs and managed the overall operations of FDDC. She holds an MBA degree from Mt Marty University and a BS degree from Northern State University.  

 

 

 

Fieber Van’s Implement Wins Multiple Awards 

Fieber Van’s Implement was recently award two top awards from PFG America, the exclusive distributor of the Deutz-Fahr tractor brand in America. 

During the recent PFG annual dealer conference, Fieber Van’s Implement was chosen from dealers across the country to receive both the New Dealer Award and the Outstanding Dealer Service Award. 

“We are humbled and excited to be chosen for these awards,” Chris Fieber, owner of Fieber Van’s Implement said. “Deutz-Fahr offers incredible machines and we are proud to be able to bring them to the ag producers in our area.” 

The New Dealer Award is given to the top performing new dealer during their first full year as a Deutz-Fahr dealer. The Outstanding Dealer Service Award recognizes dealers who invest in the training and resources to support their customers while delivering exceptional service. 

The national dealer conference was focused on the strength of Deutz-Fahr and PFG Global while recognizing the incredible growth in the American market through PFG America’s dealer network for the Deutz-Fahr brand. 

Craig Maber, President and Owner of PFG America, thanked Fieber Van’s and other award winners saying; “We couldn’t be more proud of our award winning dealers who are focused on the success of their local markets and understand the importance of Deutz-Fahr to their dealerships while improving our ability to grow in their local markets”. 

Fieber Van’s Implement carries equipment manufactured by Deutz-Fahr, Kioti, Wacker Neuson, Samasz, McHale, Patz, Edney Distributing, Arctic Cat, Spartan, and more. They service all makes and models of farm and construction equipment. For more information, visit www.fiebervans.com or call 605-753-9834.

 

 

 

New Management of Nutritional and Environmental Services at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System (PLHS) and Sodexo, the provider of nutritional and environmental services at PLHS, are pleased to announce a new General Manager, Mark Keller. 

Keller grew up in a small community in central Montana. He attended Dickinson State University in North Dakota and started his management career working in Montana and Washington for 19 years. Keller was most recently with Sodexo at Altru Health System in Grand Forks, ND the past eight years as the Operations Manager and Safety Team Leader.

“I’m excited to join the nutritional and environmental services team and get to know the people here at Prairie Lakes and in the Watertown community,” said Keller. “I look forward to leading my team in providing high-quality services to patients and guests of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.” 

Sodexo Services focus on improving the quality of life of the patients, guests, and staff at PLHS. Our Nutritional Services team, which includes our Registered Dietitians, encompasses all areas of nutrition to provide cutting-edge care to patients in the hospital as well as promote healthy living to our patients and employees at PLHS. The highly trained service staff at Sodexo also provides environmental services to ensure medically clean and disinfected patient rooms, medical equipment, employee spaces, and other common areas within the Prairie Lakes Campus.

 

 

Prairie Lakes Nurse Practitioner Completes Doctorate

Jacklyn Karli, Nurse Practitioner with Prairie Lakes Cardiology recently completed her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP). It is the highest degree of educational training in the nursing profession.
As a DNP in Cardiology, Karli uses her expertise to treat and care for patients with heart conditions. Under the leadership of an Interventional Cardiologist, Karli uses advanced techniques and methods to help patients manage their heart health with follow-up care after an emergency procedure, preventative measures, and managing existing heart problems. 

Karli joined the Prairie Lakes Cardiology team in 2015 where she has played a role since the specialty’s inception. She has been with Prairie Lakes Healthcare System for a total of 16 years. Karli received her Associates Degree in Nursing from the University of South Dakota, Bachelors of Science in Nursing from South Dakota State University, Masters of Science in Nursing from South University, and her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Capella University. She is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, American Association of Heart Failure Nurses, and Sigma Theta Thau International Honor Society of Nursing. 

“In the early 1800’s, Florence Nightingale stated that ‘nurses need to constantly learn and adapt to be key contributors in health care,’” said Karli. “Nursing is truly a passion of mine, and specifically providing cardiology care to patients in our region. With the completion of my DNP, I have been able to further integrate evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and leadership abilities into my practice.  I look forward to continuing to provide high quality cardiology care, right here at home.” 

Karli sees patients at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic in Watertown. Patients may schedule an appointment at the Prairie Lakes Cardiology Clinic by calling 605-882-7953.

 

 

Reliabank Announces Promotions

Reliabank CEO David W. Johnson has announced the promotions of four employees. Erik Barnes, Tea, and Alex Stamp, Watertown, have both been promoted to Assistant Vice Presidents/Ag and Commercial Bankers. Janelle Miller, Watertown, and Jennifer Lubenow, Hartford, have both been named Retail Branch Managers for their locations. 

Erik Barnes started his career with Reliabank in 2018 as an Ag and Commercial Lender in Watertown and in 2019 accepted the role of Branch Manager/Commercial Lender for the Tea location. He attended SDSU and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business/Managerial Economics. He is active in the Tea community and is currently the Treasurer for the Tea Economic Development Corporation. 

Alex Stamp joined the bank in 2019 as a loan officer. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Agribusiness from NSDU, Fargo. Stamp then started his career with Cargill in Fargo for a short time before moving onto AgriBank in St. Paul, MN. He quickly progressed in his role from an Associate Underwriter to eventually a Senior Underwriter in less than four years. Stamp handles many types of loans at Reliabank with a focus on Commercial and Agricultural lending. He currently is a member of the Watertown Kiwanis Club and serves as a board member for the Watertown Chamber of Commerce. 

Janelle Miller, a graduate of Lake Area Tech with an Associate Degree in Office Systems, has been a Customer Service Representative for Reliabank since 2008. Her primary focus is account openings and IRAs. Prior to Reliabank, Miller spent 12 years on the sales floor at Menard’s. She is currently a board member of Hope in God which is one of the ministries of Divine Providence of South Dakota. 

Jennifer Lubenow joined the Reliabank family in 2017 as a Personal Banking/CSR in Hartford before moving to a Loan Assistant role in 2020. She graduated from Dordt College in Iowa with an Associate Degree in Business. Her banking career started at U.S. Bank as a Vault Teller where she quickly moved into a Sales and Service Coordinator role. She currently serves as a board member on her Church’s daycare.   

 

 

Boys & Girls Club of Watertown Expands Leadership Team

Louis Canfield has been named the Director of Youth Diversion following his service as the Director of Operations. Canfield will be responsible for the management of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI) in Codington County including case management services, the Teen Court program, and will provide resources and referrals to youth offenders.  In this collaborative role with numerous community partners, the goal is to objectively identify the least restrictive next step available for youth members and ensure an effective and efficient juvenile justice system.  He will also oversee prevention and behavioral health programs to educate youth and assist with mental health concerns, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.  Liz Christianson, Executive Director says, "Canfield will lead a new service line for us here at the Club. This proactive approach will ensure that we are providing services encompassing the whole child, which means prioritizing the full scope of a child's developmental needs. His 18-year tenure with the organization and solid relationships within the community has prepared him to serve in this enhanced capacity." 

Brittany Foyt has been promoted to the Director of Operations for the organization which will oversee the operations at 9 service locations in Watertown, including programming and personnel leadership, facility operations, and food service management. Foyt has been a staff member for the organization for 14 years and was the Director of the Kidscope and Arrow Prep programs. "Foyt's experience in program and staff development will be key to her success in this new role," says Christianson. "She brings with her a wealth of knowledge on youth development strategies and staff engagement and how to intertwine the two so that our youth have an optimal experience while participating in our programs. "Foyt will also be responsible for innovative technology solutions and safety initiatives including training, member safety, and emergency procedures.  

Submit your In the News & On the Move article or press release to coc@watertownsd.com.