Submitted, Author at Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Dell Rapids Chamber to Help Celebrate Small Business Week

September 16, 2020 by Submitted

The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce celebrates #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek to highlight area businesses and organizations that truly make it possible for Dell Rapids to be known as the Little City with Big Attractions.

The City of Dell Rapids also shows their support for this celebratory week as Mayor Tom Earley signed a proclamation, officially announcing September 21-27, 2020 as Dell Rapids Small Business Week.

“We appreciate the support and contributions our small businesses give to our Dell Rapids community. These last six months have dramatically shown us their strength and their importance in the life of Dell Rapids. Hopefully Dell Rapids Small Business Week will remind all of us about the value of spending our money locally,” noted Mayor Earley.

Dell Rapids Small Business Week will be held in conjunction with the Small Business Administration’s national Small Business Week celebration, which is typically held in May. However, due to the impacts of the coronavirus, the SBA has rescheduled their online event later this month at sba.gov. The Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce would like to congratulate the small business owner of Rapid Fitness, Matt Beukelman, as he will be honored as SBA South Dakota’s 2020 Young Entrepreneur of the Year next week during the South Dakota Small Business Week Awards Ceremony held online, September 22nd.

In regards to his efforts over the last year, Matt Beukelman noted, “I’ve worked really hard to adapt to the changing demand for our services. Pre-COVID, I expanded the gym into a larger space to accommodate for more bodies and growing services. During COVID we have brought a lot of services online. Virtual classes, nutrition and exercise manuals, coaching materials and more are available through our new mobile app and website (RapidFitnessOnline.com). I look forward to more opportunities in the future to serve my community and expand into other areas utilizing the online platform and other emerging services that we are offering.”

“Adaptation, innovation and recovery has been the theme of 2020. The Dell Rapids Chamber is there and will continue to be for our members to support and promote their business or organization. We want to thank the Dell Rapids Community for supporting our local businesses. Their support will help our community continue to grow,” expressed Dan Ahlers, Dell Rapids Chamber President.

As so many small and locally owned chamber members sponsor youth sports teams, make community events possible through chamber memberships and sponsorships, and provide services unique to the Dell Rapids area, the chamber wanted to find a fun way to challenge the community to show their support and spotlight the businesses, organizations, and amenities offered within Dell Rapids.

During Dell Rapids Small Business Week, the Dell Rapids Chamber of Commerce is hosting a #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek $20.20 Gift Card Giveaway. To enter the giveaway contest, entrants are given six different options to show their support for area businesses and organizations from shopping local, attending events, sharing posts and following social media pages, as well as, leaving online reviews and visiting a chamber business or organization. After completing a challenge, entrants are asked to snap a photo of their completed challenge, message them to the chamber on Facebook or email them to office@dellrapidschamber.com, and share them on social media using the tag #DellRapidsSmallBuinessWeek or @DellRapidsChamber. All entrants who complete the three steps required for the giveaway will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win one of several gift cards. For more information about the #DellRapidsSmallBusinessWeek $20.20 Gift Card Giveaway, please visit www.DellRapidsChamber.com/SmallBusinessWeek.

More than 8,000 Free Meals Served at Dell Rapids School District During Pandemic

September 6, 2020 by Submitted

Photo submitted by Rachelle Loutsch/Lunchtime Solutions

DELL RAPIDS, SD — More than 8,000 free meals were served to the children and families of Dell Rapids School District while schools were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The innovations that made that possible will help Lunchtime Solutions and Dell Rapids schools continue to provide healthy meals to students into the new school year.

“We want to make sure that keeping children well-fed is one less worry for families in such a chaotic, stressful time,” said Tammy Coyle, Vice President of Operations for Lunchtime Solutions.

Under the direction of Food Service Director Deb Emmert and kitchen staff, Dell Rapids schools held their emergency breakfast and lunch program from March 16 through May 15^th. Meals were distributed in two locations from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM each weekday. The district also provided deliveries to students who were not able to get to the schools during the designated times.

These “grab and go meals” were available because the USDA granted schools waivers to run the Summer Food Service Program, which is universally free for children ages 0-18.

“It truly was a team effort to turn our regular program served in the lunchroom into a 100 percent take-out-based option, almost overnight.”

Based in North Sioux City, Lunchtime Solutions partners with 51 districts to manage their food service programs, ranging in size from over 4,000 students to under 200. Those districts together have served 2.3 million meals to their students since mid-March. Since schools were closed across the Midwest, having access to free meals that are well-balanced and taste good has never been more important for children and their families, many of whom are still dealing with a loss of income, Coyle said.

“Almost all our schools needed and requested this service, not just the large ones,” Coyle said. “The fact that our staff have served more than 2 million meals since mid-March speaks to how much this has truly been needed.”

Coming into the fall semester, Lunchtime Solutions has worked with Dell Rapids schools to provide serving solutions that fit each location’s needs, Coyle said. Menus have been modified to reduce self-service, and social distancing has been put into effect in the lunchroom area.

“Our teams will continue to successfully adapt our programs as situations change, “she said. “We could never do this without the dedicated staff who work these programs with the help of school district staff and volunteers. Providing nutritious meals to children who may otherwise not have them is very important to us, and we know it is to the schools and communities we serve, as well.”

PHOTO CUTLINE — Photo provided by Rachelle Loutsch/Lunchtime Solutions

An assortment of food, including sandwiches, salads, fruits, vegetables, cereal and milk have been available in grab and go meals being served at Lunchtime Solutions schools.

Dell Rapids 14U team wins 1st place at the South Dakota State Youth Fastpitch Tournament

August 25, 2020 by Submitted

Submitted photo

The South Dakota State Youth Fastpitch tournament was held in Sioux Falls Friday, August 7^th through Sunday August 9^th. It was a great weekend for the Dell Rapids 14U team.

In the first round, Dell Rapids defeated the Blue Devils from Watertown by a score of 12-0. Maya Lee had three RBI’s with two hits. Her first hit was with bases loaded bringing in three runs. Makayla O’Meara also had a great bat with a hit for two RBI’s and one triple. The Dells girls scored seven runs in the 2^nd inning to make it 12-0. Dell Rapids had six hits during the 3-inning game. Mya Heinitz, Elly Olson, Kya Alderson and O’Meara all had one hit each. Alderson was on the mound. She went three innings with five strikeouts, no walks and no hits.

In the second round of the tournament, Dell Rapids defeated the Luverne Blaze 12-6. O’Meara would not be denied at the plate when runners were on base, driving in four on three hits to lead Dell Rapids. O’Meara drove in runs on a single in the first, a single in the second, and a double in the third.

Dell Rapids got things started in the first inning when Liz Price scored one run by hitting a triple. Dell Rapids scored six runs in the second inning. Their big bats were led by Price, Alderson, O’Meara, Elly Olson, and Haley Rydell, all driving in runs in the frame.

Dell Rapids saw the ball well racking up 15 hits in the game. Heinitz, O’Meara, Price, Alderson, and Olson each collected multiple hits for the team. O’Meara and Heinitz each collected three hits to lead Dell Rapids. Price was in the pitcher’s circle. She went four innings, allowing six runs on ten hits and striking out one.

The semifinal game took place right after the Luverne Blaze game Saturday night at 9:30 pm. The Dells girls defeated the Yankton Fury 20–0 to get into the championship game. This was a second match up with Yankton that same week. Dells traveled to Yankton on August 4^th for a double header. On Tuesday night when the first game ending in a tie at 4-4 and winning the second game by two runs, the Dells players came out swinging for the rematch.

Lee led Dell Rapids to victory by driving in six runs. She went 3-for-4 at the plate. Lee drove in runs on a double in the first, a single in the first, and a groundout in the second. Alderson was on the rubber. She surrendered zero runs on one hit over three innings, striking out five and walking zero.

Dell Rapids racked up 17 hits in the game. Lee, Heinitz, O’Meara, Josie Baumberger, Alderson, and Olson each collected multiple hits. O’Meara, Heinitz, and Lee all had three hits to lead the team. Heinitz led Dell Rapids with two stolen bases. Dell Rapids had eight stolen bases in total.

In the championship game, the Dells bats were on fire again with a 19–1 win over Sparks06. Price had three RBI’s with two hits. O’Meara also had a great bat with two hits and two RBI’s with one triple. Olson and Alderson had two hits and two RBI’s. Newcomer Abby Timm had a nice bunt that drove in two RBI’s to help with the score in the 2^nd inning.

With the big bats, the Dells girls scored 11 runs in the 2nd inning to make it 19-1. Dell Rapids had 15 hits during the 3-inning game. Heinitz, Olson, Alderson, O’Meara, Price, and Timm all had two hits each. Josie Baumberger, Lee, and Rydell each had one hit each. Alderson was on the mound. She went three innings with three strikeouts, one walk while allowing two hits and one run.

Intermission Is Over, Curtains are Preparing to Reopen at Dells Theatre

July 10, 2020 by Submitted

The long intermission from movies at the indoor movie theater is finally coming to an end. The Dells Theatre is preparing to reopen on July 17.

Jeff Logan, President of Logan Luxury Theatres Corporation, and Nancy Jorgenson, Dells Theatre Manager, announced the re-opening date today. They said the company has taken extensive measures to ensure the health and safety of their guests and staff.

The staff will be spraying disinfectant rated for human coronavirus on all contact surfaces, seats, restrooms, etc. between every showing as well as scheduling more time between the shows to allow for a deeper, more thorough cleaning.

They have also installed an iWave filtering system in the air conditioning unit that uses a patented needlepoint bi-polar ionization to capture any pollutants, viruses or bacteria in the air in both the auditorium and the lobby. Additional UV filters are on order and will be installed as soon as they arrive. These provide an extra method of killing bacteria in the air.

The Dells Theatre has adjusted the selling stations to sell both tickets and concessions during the same transaction at the concessions stand to eliminate extra points of contact. Refill programs on the large popcorn and drinks have been discontinued to eliminate cross-contamination. The annual popcorn bucket program has been modified so bucket owners will receive a new bag of popcorn for each paid refill.

All employees will be wearing masks and any food handlers will also be wearing gloves. Logan said “We are excited to open our doors again and bring the magic of the movies back to our community.” The Dells Theatre will be showing all time favorite movies as noted in Facebook polls until the studios start releasing new movies again. The theatre is also offering opening weekend concession specials. They will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only for the first few weeks. The first few weeks of community favorites will be only $5 for all ages.

The following is the current schedule of movies that will be playing, but the schedule is subject to change.

July 17th – 19th: “I Still Believe”
July 24th – 26th: “Footloose” (Original)
July 31st – Aug 2nd: “Back to the Future”
Aug 7th – 9th: “Trolls: World Tour”
Aug 14th – 16th: “Before the Fire”
Aug 21st: “Mulan” (Live action)

Critical Shortage of Blood during COVID-19 Pandemic

July 1, 2020 by Submitted

Dell Rapids, SD – Avera Dells Area Hospital and Community Blood Bank will host the annual All American blood drive on Thursday, July 9 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Max Merry Law Office (301 E. 4^th St. Suite #1), please note change in location. Currently, local blood supplies are at a critically low status, as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an overall decrease in supplies by 50%.

“The only way to increase the blood supply for local patients is through volunteer blood donors to schedule their donation for the upcoming blood drive at the Dell Rapids All American blood drive,” states Ken Versteeg, Executive Director, Community Blood Bank. “We are experiencing our lowest blood supply levels in over 20 years. The need for blood is increasing as we see many elective procedures being schedule throughout the area. Support your local blood supply and local heroes by joining us in saving lives in the Dell Rapids area.”

It is safe to donate blood during these times, as Community Blood Bank follows strict guidelines provided by the FDA, CDC and the Association of Blood Banks. With so many businesses either closing temporarily or sending staff to work from home, it has been nearly impossible to find enough organizations able to host a blood drive event. We request the community’s support at this blood drive, as we move into the summer months, and encourage residents to give blood that will directly save lives in the community. All who donate will receive a special event t-shirt.

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, only donors with appointments will be accepted at this blood drive event. To schedule an appointment donors can call 605-428-2421. For information log onto www.cbblifeblood.org or call 1-877-877-3070.

South Dakotans Called to Let It Shine During Coronavirus Pandemic on May 1st

April 28, 2020 by Submitted

Success of Sioux Falls “Lighting Up the Night” Inspires Statewide Event

Sioux Falls, SD – Momentum is building around a statewide community formed with the mission of spreading hope and light to those impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic.

On March 30, 2020, Sioux Falls came together to light up the night. The purpose was to show support and appreciation for healthcare workers here and around the world; to spread hope to those who are sick during this pandemic; and to honor businesses that have closed their doors, people who have lost their jobs, and those who are struggling with mental health. The event was an overwhelming success.

As a result, organizer Tony Erickson decided to take the event statewide. “These are trying times for everyone whether you’re a frontline worker, someone who is sick, a business owner that is hurting, or a person trying to work from home and help your children learn,” said Erickson. “But, as South Dakotans, we are strong, we are resilient, and we’re good at being there for one another.”

On or about the night of May 1st, residents, communities, schools, and businesses across the state are invited to go outside to “let it shine.”

Helicopters, planes, and drones will take to the skies, and photographers will be a safe distance on the ground, to capture photos of businesses, schools, and households. Everyone is urged to turn on their lights that night. At the Sioux Falls event, families took to their driveways and yards, using flashlights, fire pits, Christmas lights and everything in between. A Facebook livestream of that event had reached almost 90-thousand people and 36-thousand people engaged in the post.

“As I hung out the side of the helicopter with my camera that night, I was blown away by all the twinkling lights over Sioux Falls. I could see everything and it’s almost hard to put into words,” said Collin McKenzie, partner with Storybuilt Media which helped with the project. “I’m looking forward to seeing what South Dakota looks like all lit up as well.”

In addition to shining hope, the mission is to also raise funds for the South Dakota Community Foundation’s Coronavirus Response Fund. The purpose of the fund is to ensure that South Dakotan’s impacted financially by the pandemic get the financial help and support they need.

“Momentum is building,” said Erickson, “and details continue to come together. We cannot wait to see what our communities come up with to show their support.”

Currently plans are being made to light up school stadiums across the state. Black Hills Aerial Adventures has committed helicopters to the event. And efforts continue to secure drones, videographers, and photographers. Tee shirts are being designed and proceeds from the sale will also go to the Coronavirus Response Fund.

Weather will play the biggest role in the timing of the event. But, for now it is planned for 9:30 pm CST on May 1, 2020.

While organizations and families plan how they will light up the night, safety is encouraged first and foremost. “This is not an invitation for people to gather in large groups,” stresses Erickson. “We need to practice safety and social distancing. Have fun, get creative, but do so in a way that is respectful of everyone’s health and wellness.”

Special thanks to all who are donating their time and talents to the effort: Storybuilt Media, Robb Long Photography, Ascending Innovation, writer Shannon Steffke, musician Kory Van Sickle, and MRG Sports and Promo. More sponsors and individuals will surely be added to the list.

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Dell Rapids Chamber Easter Egg Hunt Moving to a Drive-thru Event

April 8, 2020 by Submitted

The Chamber has adjusted it’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt to a Drive Thru!

The Chamber Easter Egg Drive Thru will be held on Saturday, Aprill 11th at 10:30 AM and will be located along City Park Avenue. Community Members are welcome to attend within their own vehicles to drive along the designated map route and wave to their favorite Guardians and Superheroes. No pedestrian traffic will be allowed during the event to ensure the safety of our community members and volunteers. The Easter Bunny will have one helper who will distribute prepackaged goodie bags to vehicles in lieu of the egg hunt.

The theme of the event was inspired by the movie Rise of the Guardians, as the Chamber will need the help of our local “Guardians” and “Superheroes” to make this event possible.

VOLUNTEER!

If you know of an ADULT who has their own suit/costume and would like to volunteer, please have them call/text 605-595-8731 to sign up.

These Guardians and Superhero’s will line the City Park using Social Distancing Guidelines and their spot locations are marked by the red dots on the map. Guardians & Superheroes should not have any contact with attendees as attendees are to remain in their vehicles at all times while in the drive thru.

Volunteers may park on 3rd St or 4th St and walk to their designated red spot on map.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

The Bargain Basement
Cricket’s Catering
Crocheted Goodness
Dells Materials
Neora Changing Lives
Minnehaha Funeral Home
PINZ LLC

Thank you to our current Volunteer list:

Big Sioux Media
Cricket’s Catering
Fit Lawn
PINZ LLC
Quest Church
River Community Church

Postponed Events and Spring Sports Seasons Officially Cancelled in South Dakota

April 6, 2020 by Submitted

With the Governor’s announcement of in-person school closure for the remainder of the school year, all remaining SDHSAA events for 2019-20, to include all spring activities and all postponed winter events, are cancelled. This is an unprecedented time across our state and country, and we do not make this decision lightly. We thank all of the participants, their coaches/directors/advisors/administration, their parents, and everyone else who has dedicated tremendous amounts of time, passion, and effort to these events. To our senior participants- we thank you for everything you have done for your schools and communities and wish you the very best in your bright futures. This is difficult, but the lessons you’ve learned and friendships you’ve made through high school activities will last your lifetime. The cancellation will be formalized at the April 21^st Regular Meeting of the SDHSAA Board of Directors. We look forward to the resumption of high school activities during the 2020-21 school year, and will continue work on those events at this time. The SDHSAA thanks everyone involved for their patience and understanding throughout this process.

– Dr. Dan Swartos, SDHSAA Executive Director

– Dan Swartos, SDHSAA Executive Director

Letter from Dr. Schultz – 4/4/20

April 4, 2020 by Submitted

I hope this update finds you healthy and safe at home! I worry that by press time, some of what I type will be irrelevant or substantially different. Unpredictable is an understatement, and although a tremendous amount of thought and concern goes into every decision, I am simply up against an opponent that is volatile, unprecedented and deadly.

As I type this article, I am reminded that today is supposed to be DRHS prom. It’s easy to assume this is a small thing, and our students will adjust accordingly. I know them, and they will, but I feel awful every time I take something away from them. Tonight is supposed to be about dressing up, dancing, and making memories with friends. For now, I’ve also taken away the state basketball tournament and possibly an entire spring activity and performance season. Had I known the final day of the state wrestling tournament was possibly my last chance this year to look down and support Quarrier student-athletes, I would have stayed a little longer and taken it all in.

As our community adjusts to a new normal, DRPS teachers and the majority of staff will continue working from home. A limited number of individuals will report to work, although this may continuously decrease in the coming weeks. We have prioritized specific duties to implement community service through our Grab & Go lunch sites, meal delivery, and Emergency Haven. As you may have seen, we have filed for waivers, allowing us to feed any child 0-18 at our two distribution sites. Weekly signups are posted every Sunday and I appreciate a headcount for planning purposes.

South Dakota’s “Veto Day” provided SB188 and 189. These bills waive requirements surrounding assessment and instructional minutes. What these bills don’t do, is provide guidance surrounding credits, graduation requirements, or grades. The Department of Education reinforced that schools are still expected to keep students engaged in the educational process. A state workgroup is being formed to provide guidance surrounding the specific items in flux, therefore we will continue to do the best job we can at educating students in what I now call “emergency remote instruction”. I use this term because although my staff is tirelessly implementing virtual education opportunities, they haven’t been intentionally trained or provided appropriate planning time for this. Parents too have been thrown into the roles of instructor and tutor which is adding another layer to an already stressful time. I have never been prouder of this team of teachers and staff. They continue to surprise me every day with their courageous attempts to think outside the box.

At present time, school will resume May 4, however, I will continue to seek and take guidance from education, health, and governmental agencies. As mentioned earlier, this situation is rapidly changing and may escalate quickly within our community. I will do my best to keep stakeholders up to date with the most recent decisions and recommendations related to the Dell Rapids School District. I encourage you to visit our Website and Facebook page often. These provide frequent updates and I also visit weekly with Matt Larson at Big Sioux Media.

Please continue to support our local businesses. These individuals are always supportive of my students, and our sponsorship requests. They need us now more than ever and I for one am taking advantage of the unique ways they have continued to serve our community. Stay safe and I look forward to better days ahead!

~Dr. Schultz

Golden West Network Handles Increased Online Demand

April 2, 2020 by Submitted

**Story from GoldenWest**

Think of internet traffic like air traffic.

Except instead of planes coming and going from an airport, packets of data continuously enter and leave the network. Engineers monitor and direct traffic by ensuring all data moves through the network quickly and accurately without backlogs or collisions.

“It’s a lot like air traffic control,” said Golden West Director of Engineering and Operations Nick Rogness. “The thing is, there’s usually a traditional pattern of planes (data) coming and leaving. That pattern is changing, and the traffic is increasing.”

In fact, internet usage on Golden West’s network has increased between 25 and 30% since COVID-19 arrived in the area. Golden West takes its responsibility of connecting its customers seriously, and its network is up for the challenge.

“The network has been fundamentally solid,” Rogness said. “We have enough capacity to support our customers through this.”

Quality Broadband Network & People

The investment Golden West has made in its quality broadband network over the last decade allowed the company to meet the sudden and significant increased demand, said Golden West CEO/General Manager Denny Law.

“Our customers are seeing the benefit of that investment today,” Law said. “I know that the quality of the service our customers are receiving stacks up to anywhere. Period.”

Beyond capacity, Golden West also has the right people in place to keep the network running.

That team recently quickly and successfully upgraded the network to handle the increase bandwidth (data) usage. The updates were the equivalent of opening additional runways to better accommodate needs by location.

Usage Continues to Increase

Golden West continues to track usage, which keeps rising as the number of people working and learning from home continues to grow.

“We are working today to ensure the network doesn’t become congested in the future,” explains Rogness. “We have seen traffic levels like this before, during Cyber Monday for example, but never sustained for a prolonged time like it has been over the last few weeks.”

If customers are experiencing slower internet speeds, other factors could be to blame.

Inside your home, for example, multiple users on multiple devices connecting at the same time may push the threshold of your subscribed speed. Consider a speed upgrade or spread out usage.

Internet Is Being Taxed Globally

And just like planes that enter or leave an airport and airspace, Golden West has no control over the data before it arrives or after it leaves our network.

“The global state of the internet is being taxed,” Rogness emphasized. “You’re seeing this across the news.”

Streaming services like Netflix and YouTube have seen an increase in video consumption and have even turned down the resolution they deliver in the European Union and other countries to standard definition. Zoom usage was skyrocketing even before the pandemic.

“Without a doubt, the number one thing people are going to have an issue with is content availability on the global internet,” Rogness said. “If things seem slow, it’s likely because everybody is watching Netflix (or YouTube or using Zoom).”

The Golden West Internet Help Desk is ready to assist customers 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1-855-888-7777.

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