Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Your first stop for southeast South Dakota sports!

  • Dells Materials Top Banner Advertisement
    Web Logos
    White Insurance
    Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce Banner Advertisement
    Dells Electric Top Banner Advertisement
    Norbys Advertisement
    Schwebach Realty Top Banner Advertisement
    Roemens Top Banner Advertisement
    Dells Nursing & Rehab Top Banner Advertisement

City of Dell Rapids Enters Partnership with Sioux Metro Growth Alliance for Economic Development Management Service

by

DELL RAPIDS, SOUTH DAKOTA – The Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA) is excited to partner with the city of Dell Rapids for the SMGA Economic Development management Service (EDMS). Under the service, participating communities receive direct support from an economic development professional and the whole SMGA team. The EDMS is intended to help provide additional expertise to growing communities that have historically relied on volunteers or small municipal staffs to encourage growth. Each community receives between 16 and 20 hours per week of direct work from an SMGA economic development specialist as well as continued support and expertise from the whole SMGA staff.

City staff in Dell Rapids, including city administrator Justin Weiland, looks forward to future opportunities for economic development as the Sioux Metro continues to grow. “The community of Dell Rapids will continue to grow because of our proximity to the explosive growth of the Sioux Falls metro. SMGA’s EDMS program is an opportunity for our community to provide the direct focus towards economic development that we have been seeking.  It allows our community to further professionalize our on going efforts towards improving our local economy. We also anticipate that having an individual dedicated to economic development will help to enhance and clarify a community conversation focused on what type of growth we want for our community.”

Jesse Fonkert

The Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation currently helps to attract and support local businesses as well as creating and promoting the Fiegen Development Park. With an economic development group already in place and helping the community, the SMGA Economic Development Management Service will help further the agenda of the current economic development leaders in town in addition to bringing new ideas and insights to the table.

“Dell Rapids is ripe for further development” said SMGA President and CEO Jesse Fonkert. “The Dell Rapids Economic Development Corporation and the City of Dell Rapids have been proactive in their economic development efforts. We’re excited to start working there with the EDMS in January to complement their hard work and help as requested.”

Dell Rapids is the fourth community to utilize the EDMS; Lennox and Baltic began working with the SMGA in May and August 2021 respectively. Salem will also begin with the service in January. Ryan Solberg, Economic Development Specialist at SMGA, is the staff person currently working with Lennox and Baltic and Sheldon Jensen, the newest addition to the SMGA staff, will begin working in Salem and Dell Rapids in January 2022.

Sheldon Jensen

The SMGA welcomes the continued growth and trust in our organization and Jensen and is very excited to take a direct role in working with Dell Rapids to help the city achieve their economic development goals. “Dell Rapids is an exciting community to be a part of in the Sioux Metro. I am excited to work alongside passionate community and civic leaders to further grow the city in quality-of-life aspects to further attract residents and businesses.”

About Sioux Metro Growth Alliance

The SMGA is a non-profit economic development organization that improves the economy and advocates for business development and greater quality of life across the Sioux Falls area. Formed recently as a merger between the Lincoln and Minnehaha County Economic Development Associations, the SMGA serves fifteen member communities, three counties, and a variety of investors from across the Sioux Falls MSA to help create vibrant communities which provide rewarding places to live and work.

Avera Dells Area Hospital to Host Community Blood Drive

by

Dell Rapids, SD – Avera Dells Area Hospital and Community Blood Bank are coming together to secure the blood supply for the community by hosting a blood drive on Thursday, October 7 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Avera Dells Area Hospital (909 North Iowa Ave., Dell Rapids). Donors can log onto www.cbblifeblood.org and select “events”, October 7 and Avera Dells Area Hospital or call 605-331-3222, Walk-ins are welcome.

“Blood donations continue to be severely affected by COVID-19 throughout the last 1 ½ years. Our blood supply is once again at critical levels and we are seeing more organizations unable to host blood drives due to the rise in COVID cases, said Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We need blood donations now and hope to build up a supply level that can be relied upon to treat local patients with cancer, blood disorders, undergoing emergency surgeries and many other serious medical condition. Donating blood on the bloodmobile is a safe process and only takes 30 minutes to save up to three local lives. If you have never donating blood or new to the community, we invite you to join Community Blood Bank to impact our community patients by scheduling your donation at this event. All blood donations will be used locally to save the lives of local patients in need.”

Community Blood Bank was founded by Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital in 1976 to be the sole blood provider to local area hospitals. Community Blood Bank is the sole blood provider to Avera Dells Area Hospital. When you give blood on the bloodmobile you will directly save local lives in your community.

Donor must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health. Donors exhibiting cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate. A valid identification is required at the time of registration. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that all donors schedule appointments / walk-ins will be accepted. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.

Baltic High School to Host Community Blood Drive

by

Baltic, SD – Baltic High School will host a community blood drive on Friday, September 24 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to help improve the overall blood supply for the local area. Donors can call 605-529-5461 to schedule a donation, information at www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.

“As we are seeing a surge in COVID cases around the nation, locally blood donations have decreased. This downward sloop in blood collection has placed a heavy strain on the local blood supply,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “The need for blood is at an all – time high with more people seeking to completed their elective surgeries that have been stalled due to the pandemic. We need blood to treat all types of medical issues, including cancer patients, traumas, and premature infants. At this point we are using anywhere from 15 – 30% more blood per week than before the pandemic began. Donors are the only way to keep our supplies strong. It is our hope that we will see community volunteers come forward to provide support at this blood drive event. We are grateful for the Baltic community and the support provided.”

Community Blood Bank was founded by Sanford Medical Center and Avera McKennan Hospital in 1976 to be the sole blood provider to local area hospitals. Community Blood Bank is the sole blood provider to all Sioux Falls / Dell Rapids Hospitals. When you give blood on the bloodmobile you will directly save local lives in your community.

Donor must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with a signed parent consent form found at www.cbblifeblood.org) weigh 110 pounds or more and be in good general health.  Donors exhibiting cold or flu symptoms are unable to donate. A valid identification is required at the time of registration. It is recommended that a person eat and drink plenty of fluid prior to donating blood. With policies associated in addressing COVID-19, donor appointments are preferred, walk-ins will be accepted in open schedule times. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.

Lighthouse Ministry Back and Needing Help

by

The Lighthouse Ministry serves a FREE meal on Wednesdays from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm to those in need of food for the belly and or soul. We are excited to announce that The Lighthouse will begin serving meals again starting on Wednesday, September 8th.

We are looking for 2 more teams to be on a 4-6 week rotation to cook/prepare the meals. We are also needing 10 volunteers each week to help as servers, dishwashers, and bussers/cleaners.

If you would like to be part of the Lighthouse meal team talk to Pastor Jan.

We are also seeking donations of hamburger, number 10 cans of fruit and vegetables and monetary gifts.

September Menu

  • September 8th – Chicken & Rice
  • September 15th – Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
  • September 22nd – Pulled Pork Sandwiches
  • September 29th – Goulash

If you or anyone in your organization would like to help, please call Pastor Jan at 605-360-0821 or email him at revjan1956@aol.com.

Dell Rapids Native Selected for Perfect Game’s 19th Annual All-American Classic

by

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (Thursday, July 29, 2021)—Continuing to expand the efforts of leading the amateur baseball industry, Perfect Game (PG) is excited to announce Dell Rapids native Austin Henry has been selected for the 19th Annual Perfect Game All-American Classic to be held the afternoon of Sunday, August 22 at Petco Park in San Diego.

Far more than just a game, the event provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players selected. While in San Diego, the players will participate in a series of baseball related activities. In the weeks leading up to the event, players will have the opportunity to participate in a fundraising effort to help support pediatric cancer patients at the Peckham Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Rady Children’s Hospital.

“The Perfect Game Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is proud to partner with our 2021 All-American players to raise important funds for children undergoing pediatric cancer treatment at Rady Children’s Hospital,” said Jennifer Ford, Executive Director of the Perfect Game Cares Foundation. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these beautiful children.”

The Classic is returning to San Diego for the 12th time in 13 years, after Oklahoma City played host in 2020.  Four players from the 2020 All-American Classic were among the top-10 players chosen in this year’s MLB amateur draft: Jackson Jobe – No. 3 overall by the Detroit Tigers; Marcelo Mayer at No. 4 by the Boston Red Sox; Jordan Lawlar at No. 6 by the Arizona Diamondbacks: and Benny Montgomery at No. 8 by the Colorado Rockies. Additionally, Jack Leiter, chosen second overall by the Texas Rangers, played in the 2018 Classic, while Kumar Rocker, selected 10th overall by the New York Mets, appeared in the 2017 event.

The rosters for the 2021 All-American Classic were chosen by a panel of talent evaluators assembled by Perfect Game, after being scouted and identified through a series of tournaments and events, including Perfect Game’s National Showcase, which took place in St. Petersburg, Fla., July 14-18.

When Major League Baseball began its 2021 Championship Season, there were 87 Perfect Game All-American players on the Opening Day rosters of 28 of the 30 Major League teams. The Atlanta Braves boasted the most Perfect Game All-Americans, with six, including reigning NL MVP Freddie Freeman.

Over the past 18 years, All-American Classic fundraising activities have generated more than $1.3 million for a variety of local causes, including $850,000 to Rady Children’s hospital and a record-breaking $119,819 during last year’s event in Oklahoma City to benefit the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral.

The Perfect Game All-American Classic will be streamed live on PerfectGame.TV. For more information, visit www.perfectgame.org. You can help by donating at www.perfectgamecares.org/event/PGAAC21. With help…Children can Rise! Rise out of illness! Rise out of poverty! Rise to a brighter future!

Perfect Game and its All-American Classic enjoys the support of its corporate partners TOP Chops Beef Jerky, Rawlings, Oakley, Yeti, New Balance, Diamond Kinetics, Augusta Sportswear, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Marc Pro, Next College Student Athlete and G-Form.

###

Media Contacts:

About Perfect Game Cares

The Perfect Game Cares Foundation, Inc. began in 2003 as The PG Foundation, Inc., when PG Founder and President Jerry Ford decided that the success of Perfect Game created a platform to give back. Perfect Game has helped raise over $3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Rady Children’s Hospital, Golisano Children’s Hospital, the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, and the Boys and Girls Club. In 2018, the Foundation expanded its footprint to become the Perfect Game Cares Foundation with its largest initiative to date—empowering and supporting America’s underserved youth. Visit www.perfectgamecares.org for more information.

About Perfect Game

Perfect Game is the world’s largest elite youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, producing over 8,600+ events, 300,000+ games and showcases each year across the country. Perfect Game is dedicated to giving amateur players exposure to take their game to the next level, whether that be in college or in the professional ranks. Perfect Game also has launched its own broadcast channel, PerfectGame.TV, where it has already produced more than 10,000 hours of amateur baseball content. At Perfect Game events, players are performing with top-level competition in front of college recruiters and professional scouts from all over the country. Because of this, these events prove to be invaluable to the college coaches as well as Major League Baseball, as they can scout a large population of talented ballplayers in one location. To date, more than 1,500 players that have played in a Perfect Game event have also played in Major League Baseball. Since 2003, 12,776 Perfect Game alumni have been selected in the MLB First-Year Amateur Player Draft. In the 2020 Draft, for example, 93 percent of all players selected had played in Perfect Game events, and all but one player selected on the Draft’s first day had previously attended Perfect Game events. And in the 2019 College World Series, every player on the roster of national champion Vanderbilt and all but one on the runner-up Michigan roster had played in a Perfect Game event.

SiouxperCon 2021 Set for October 1st-3rd

by

SiouxperCon 2021: Heroes Homecoming brought to you by Black Hills Federal Credit Union will be held October 1st through 3rd at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Now in its fifth year, SiouxperCon has quickly grown into the most anticipated annual Siouxland event for lovers of all things in the “nerd” community.  SiouxperCon is your friendly, neighborhood fan convention where all are welcome in a family-friendly, inclusive environment!

SiouxperCon is more than just a celebration of comic books, cosplay, anime, board games, video games, science fiction and fantasy. SiouxperCon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission is to not only provide an inclusive event for members of the nerd community, both young and old, but to support local charities that help others in Sioux Falls. During this year’s convention we will be honoring local heroes that served our communities

Featured guests this year include:

  • Comic Book Legends Ron Marz, Rick Leonardi, Doug Mahnke and Phil Hester.
  • The original voice of Charlie Brown, Peter Robbins
  • Actor from Shameless, 18 Again and Diagnosis Murder, Charlie Schlatter.
  • Celebrity Chef Justin Warner.
  • The Host of Mythbusters Junior Rachel Pizzolato.
  • Jacob and Caleb Schilling from the FOX TV Hit Series Lego Masters

Events kick off Friday October 1st at 3:00 p.m. with over 75 vendors, 32 guests and attractions, local charities, video games, tabletop gaming and more.

Friday Night will feature SiouxperMania III featuring the wrestlers of Midwest All Pro.  At 7:30 p.m. SiouxperCon After Dark, sponsored by Look’s Brewing and Common Sense, kicks off with Adult themed gaming, panels and entertainment.

Saturday October 2nd, events kick off at 10:00 a.m. with Opening Ceremonies followed by a full day of shopping the exhibition hall, attending educational panels, viewing locally made films during the Backlot 605 Film Festival and playing video games, board games, RPGs and tabletop games. The day culminates with SiouxperCosplay, the area’s largest Cosplay Competition featuring amazing craftsmanship and costuming for prizes.

That night SiouxperCon After Dark will feature national touring Burlesque performer  Hazel Honeysuckle performing on the main stage with local performers VeauxDevil Cabaret.

Sunday October 3rd is Schulte Subaru Siouxper Family Fun Day featuring live performances all day on the Black Hills Federal Credit Union Main Stage from Mythbusters Junior, First Lego League, The Magic of Travis Nye, Lego Masters Jacob and Caleb. There will be a kids cosplay parade and family friendly games featured in our Tabletop Room and Video Game Room!

Tickets are $10.00 per day and only $25.00 for a three day pass. Children 10 and under are free. All net proceeds go to local charities to further their work in the community.  They have donated over $25,000.00 to REACH Literacy and The JY6 Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research.  Local Dell Rapids resident Shane Gerlach is one of the founders of SiouxperCon and current Staff Directory and Guest Service Coordinator.

Local Sponsors include: Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Schulte Subaru, Common Sense, Look’s Brewing, Allegra Printing, Firelink Digital Marketing, Game Chest, Last Stop CD Shop, Sioux Empire Travel, TNTax Business Services, Voices Against Cancer, VeauxDevil Cabaret, Brookings Books and Comics, JJ’s Comics and Art, JuLiana’s Boutique, Vishnu Bunny Tattoo, Cresten Properties, Wednesday Comics Podcast, Woods, Fuller, Schultz & Smith P.C., and US Bank.

A Dell Rapids Olympian?

by

Written by Jody Schumaker

Photo used with permission

The question could simply be answered as hopeful.  Dell Rapids has one of its own attempting to make history in Eugene, Oregon next week. Perhaps the first resident of Dell Rapids to lay claim to such a feat. Through a limited investigation, it was discovered that only one other resident participated for a United States affiliated team. Virgil Riley played on the 1959 United States World Championship basketball team, although not during an Olympic year.

Perhaps you recall the 6’7 shot blocker from the 2015 runner-up basketball team, or perhaps the defensive end on three championship football teams, or the state discus champion, or the kid who accepted a spot on the Dakota Wesleyan University basketball squad, or just maybe the kid who decided basketball wasn’t for him so he would try track at DWU just for fun. The “just for fun” decision turned out okay.  He left his mark at DWU breaking the school discus record, which still stands today. Following his freshman year, he decided to move on to bigger challenges in his sport. He chose the University of South Dakota over other area Division I schools.

Yes, we are speaking of Ben Hammer ,son of Dean and Elaine Hammer, a 2015 graduate of Dell Rapids High School.  Since leaving he has made a name for himself in the track and field world. Hammer currently holds the University of South Dakota school record in the discus throw and second in the shot-put, as well as being the South Dakota Collegiate leader all-time in the discus. He has won several events across the country including the Dakota Relays at Howard Wood, Wildcat Classic, and SDSU Holiday invite. He has received and earned many more honors, too long to mention here.

The 6’7, 285 lb, gentle giant will give his best shot next week at the United States Olympic Trials being held at Hayward Field in Eugene, OR, June 18-June 27. Hammer qualified in the discus throw and currently holds the 16th best throw in the nation at 198.6 feet. Mason Finley leads the country with a throw of 217.10. Twenty-four other men will be participating for a shot at the Olympics with Hammer next week. The discus preliminaries will begin on June 24, with the top 12 men making the finals the following day. From the finals, the top three will be representing the United States in the Olympic games in Tokyo, Japan on July 23 through August 8, 2021.

Hammer is being coached by A.G. Kruger, a three time Olympian thrower and current track coach at USD. Hammer is considered an unattached participant, thus he belongs to no track club, nor receives assistance from any sponsors. However, Hammer will not travel alone. Other members of the USD track team made the Olympic trials, including teammate throwers.

Hammer has shown with his hard work and determination a person can accomplish a dream, but it’s not yet over. We are wishing him the best of luck next week, that all those hours of perfecting his throwing technique and pushing weights can achieve yet a bigger dream.  Go for the Gold Ben.

Three Local Athletes Named to “All Decade” Team

by

2011-2020 All-Decade Teams Recognized as March Madness Hits its Stride in South Dakota

(Sioux Falls, SD) – The 2011-20 Boys Basketball All-Decade Teams for Class AA, A and B, which features some of the most outstanding performers ever in South Dakota, was released today by Mariah Press/Productions and SDSportsHistory.com.

The concept for creating Boys Basketball All Decades teams was developed by South Dakota Basketball historian, Jim Quinn. The Quality Program Service created historical programs that became the cornerstone for the documentation and presentation of South Dakota basketball history for the past forty years.

The selection format developed by Jim Quinn for his publications in the early 1980s, was continued by Mariah Press/Productions for the Celebration history of South Dakota high school athletics. This tradition is continued with the 2011-2020 All Decades Teams and this Simpson’s Printing publication.

A panel of coaches, media people, and sports historians carried out the selection process. The process created a very thoughtful and thorough perspective on high school basketball in South Dakota. All Decades Teams were selected for each of the three classes, Class B, Class A, and Class AA. The top ten vote getters become the All Decades Teams. Players nominated, but not among the top ten vote getters, were placed on the honorable mention lists.

The complete list of All Decades Teams, 1930’s to the present can be found at the sdsportshistory.com website. The sdsportshistory.com website provides a thorough and extensive presentation of South Dakota high school sports narratives and records. The Jim Quinn collection, featuring the historical content of over forty years of quality basketball programs is an integral portion of the sdsportshistory.com site, created and maintained by Mariah Press/Productions.

A total of 77 players were nominated with at least 10 selected to each team in the three classes. If more than 10 are listed on the first team in one of the classes listed, then there was a tie in the voting. The honorable mention represents those not on the first team but whom received votes. In Class AA, 11 standouts were named to the first team with 13 honorable mention. In Class A, 10 standouts are listed with 16 honorable mention while Class B has 12 on the first team and 15 honorable mention honorees.

This all-decades listing includes two of the top 10 scorers all-time in South Dakota in Matt Mors of Yankton High School (Class AA) and Connor Libis of Dell Rapids St. Mary’s (Class B). Mors has 2,657 points (as of March 10), which ranks fourth all-time. Libis has scored 2,660 points for third all-time. Another honoree surpassed 2,000 in Paul Bruns of Dakota Valley (Class A) has surpassed 2,000 points (2,085). I.

Here is the list of each of the classes –

2011-2020 CLASS AA ALL DECADES TEAM (11)

  • Mason Archambault, Rapid City Stevens
  • Cole Bergan, Aberdeen Central
  • Kobe Busch, Huron
  • Matt Cartwright, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Justin Decker, Watertown
  • Deng Gau, Sioux Falls Washington
  • Zach Hanson, Pierre
  • Cedric Lang, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Matthew Mors, Yankton
  • Steven Schaefer, Rapid City Stevens
  • Lane Severyn, Pierre

Honorable Mention (13)

  • Akoi Akoi, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Teegan Evers, Huron
  • Tanner Heiser, Watertown
  • Brevin Kaiser, Pierre
  • Colton Kooima, Sioux Falls Roosevelt
  • Chase Marso, Brandon Valley
  • Keaton Moffitt, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Tyler Nagy, Brookings
  • Sterling Nielsen, Sioux Falls O’Gorman
  • Addison Park, Sioux Falls Lincon
  • Tucker Volesky, Mitchell
  • Peyton Zabel, Pierre

2011- 2020 CLASS A ALL DECADES TEAM (10)

  • Paul Bruns, Dakota Valley
  • Skyler Flatten, Clear Lake
  • Noah Freidel, Tea
  • Ty Hoglund, Dell Rapids
  • Dylan LeBrun, Flandreau
  • Darin Peterka, Miller
  • A.J. Plitzuweit, Vermillion
  • Alejandro Rama, Red Cloud
  • Tayt Vincent, Sioux Valley
  • Skye Warwick, St. Thomas More

Honorable Mention (16)

  • Corey Brown, Pine Ridge
  • Jordan Cornelius, Sisseton
  • Liam Duffy, St. Thomas More
  • Aaron Fiegen, Madison
  • Ethan Freidel, Tea
  • Seth Friesz, Chamberlain
  • Brady Fritz, Winner
  • Justin Hohn, Tea
  • Zach Horstman, Winner
  • Corey Jacobson, Viborg
  • Tyson Jenkins, Clark Willow Lake
  • Ryder Kirsch, St. Thomas More
  • Cole Langer, Dell Rapids
  • Max Neilsen, Sioux Valley
  • Lincoln Swenson, Deuel
  • Trae VandeBerg, Madison
  • Noah Vettrus, West Central

2011-2020 CLASS B ALL DECADES TEAM (12)

  • Zech Clemens, Northwestern
  • Bo Fries, Langford Area
  • Adam Hofer, James Valley Christian
  • Lincoln Jordre, Sully Buttes
  • Gabe King, Irene-Wakonda
  • Trey King, Irene-Wakonda
  • Wyatt Krogman, White River
  • Mason Larson, Langford
  • Connor Libis, Dell Rapids St. Mary
  • Jacob Prouty, Clark-Willow Lake
  • Sawyer Schultz, Bridgewater-Emery
  • Lorenzo Williams, Wolsey-Wessington

Honorable Mention (15)

  • Devin Eppard, Chester Area
  • Kalen Garry, DeSmet
  • Corey Jacobson, Viborg
  • Coby Johnson, Platte-Geddes
  • Clayton Koch, Harding County
  • Jordan Marquardt, Hanson
  • Kris Menning, Corsica-Stickney
  • Joey Mitchell, Hitchcock-Tulare
  • Justice Morrison, White River
  • Seamus O’Malley, Centerville
  • Justin Prue, White River
  • Michael Rogers, Warner
  • Nick Wittler, Sully Buttes
  • Nathan Wedel, James Valley Christian

###
About SDSportsHistory.com
SDSporsHistory.com is a one-stop shop resource for the most complete collection of sports history videos, records and narratives. For additional information and to subscribe, please visit sdsportshistory.com.

Copyright: Mariah Press/Productions; sdsportshistory.com

Dells Theater Sold to Employee

by

The Dells Theatre in Dell Rapids has been sold to an employee of the theatre. In a joint announcement, Logan Luxury Theatres Corporation said it has sold the theatre to Brian Anderson, of Dell Rapids, who has been a long time employee of the company. Final papers will be signed, and Anderson will take over operation of the area landmark on February 1.

Anderson said, “My wife and I are thrilled to purchase the theatre and continue bringing Dell Rapids and the Sioux Falls area new movies in a classic theatre with state of the art projection and sound. We want to continue the friendly, hometown feel of the theatre.”

Their plans for the future include expanding the concession menu. Anderson will bring back Bargain Tuesdays immediately beginning February 5. Currently the theatre is operating on weekends only, but Anderson hopes to return to 7-day-a-week operation as soon as the pandemic is over. He will continue to offer first run movies at lower prices than the Sioux Falls theatres. Anderson will continue bargain matinees on weekends when all ages are only $5 for shows starting before 6:00. Anderson will continue the theatre’s Rewards program and honor the annual popcorn buckets. Other new promotions will be announced in the future.

Anderson has an extensive show business background having been a child actor in TV shows such as “Saved by the Bell: the College Years” and “Full House” before his family moved to South Dakota. He and his wife met while working at the Century Stadium Theatre in Sioux Falls. He later went to work for Logan Luxury Theatres at their Luxury 5 Cinemas in Mitchell while attending Mitchell Technical College.   He has worked for the past 10 years as a Relief Manager at the Dells Theatre while working fulltime in the IT Department of Sanford Health. He will continue at Sanford while operating the theatre. Anderson will retain theatre’s staff.

Jeff Logan, president of Logan Luxury Theatres headquartered in Mitchell, said, “We are confident Brian will maintain this beautiful building and operation to the highest standards. We love the Dell Rapids community and want to thank everyone for their tremendous support over the past 22 years. The theatre is an art deco treasure that has been a labor of love for us. Brian lives in Dells Rapids and will be able to work even closer with the community to serve it better.”

The Dells Theatre attracts a large audience from Sioux Falls and a wide radius to its unique architecture, prices and service. It was built in 1938 having been designed by noted theatre architect Perry Crosier of Minneapolis.

Logan said, “It was a beautiful building that was like walking into a time machine to the glory days of Hollywood. In our restoration we tried to enhance the original décor with the thought, how would Crosier have designed this building if he had a larger budget and the theatre was to be located in a suburb of a larger city such as Minneapolis or Chicago.”

Logan updated all the projection and technical aspects of the theatre, enlarged the lobby and installed new seats and a concession stand. He brought in decorative moldings from Chicago theatres of the same vintage and period signage removed from his theatres in Mitchell and Huron.

The theatre has gained national attention being featured on Small Business Saturday on NBC–TV’s “The Today Show” and hosting the Midwestern premieres and stars of “Walt Before Mickey”, the live action version of “The Little Mermaid”, and “He Leadeth Me.” The theatre also hosted the Library of Congress film festival for South Dakota in 2000 that included an appearance by James Earl Jones.

Logan Luxury Theatres will continue to operate its Luxury 5 Cinemas and Starlite Drive-in Theatres in Mitchell and the Huron Luxury Theatres in Huron. The company was founded in 1933.

Dell Rapids School District Accepted into Free Meal Program

by

The Dell Rapids School District has been accepted into a program by the United States Department of Agriculture that allows all enrolled K-12 students to receive meals at no cost to them.  The USDA Summer Seamless Program was extended as a result of the CARES Act, which supports families during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Both breakfast and lunch meals will be provided free, with no income guidelines, to all K-12 Dell Rapids Public School students.  This program is retroactively in effect from October 1st, 2020, and will be in effect through the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

Charges for meals purchased since the beginning of October will be credited back to student accounts for future use.  Note that only breakfast and lunch meals are free.  Any second milk, a second meal, extra entrées, a la carte items, and elementary milk for breaks will not be free.

Parents or guardians are encouraged to review their elections in MySchoolBucks and adjust or stop automatic deposits into student accounts as needed

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy