P ierre Area Chamber of Commerce
February 2020 Newsletter


Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pierre Convention & Visitors Bureau & Pierre Economic Development Corporation E-News


This is the electronic version of the Pierre Area Chamber's February 2020 newsletter. We continue to provide a hard copy of this document in the Capital Journal as well.

Life is good on the river,
The Staff at the
Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce

In This Issue
2020 Chamber Board of Directors
  
Executive Board
Meredith Lee - President,
Lee Real Estate
Thomas Allerdings - Vice President,  ClubHouse Hotel & Suites
Angie Bollweg - Secretary,
Sanford Health
Melissa Puepke - Treasurer
First Dakota National Bank
Jennifer Anderson - Past President,  Anderson, Nill & Associates
 
Board Members
Steve Bass
Edgewood Senior Living
Russ Hofeldt
A-G-E Construction
Chris McConnell
Black Hills FCU
Aaron Fabel
Oahe YMCA
Kristie Maher
SD Discovery Center
Jodie Hickman Anderson
Strategic Association Services
Dennis Rounds
Consultant
Tori Reeves
BankWest
Pam Metzinger
Branding Iron Bistro
Jamie Maher
Maher Dental Clinic
Tanner Kost
Dakota Prairie Bank

Ex-Officio Members
Ron Wagner, PEDCO President
Pierre Mayor Steve Harding
Ft. Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson
 
2020 PEDCO Board of Directors
  
Ron Wagner - Chair  
First National Bank
Andy Hubbart - Chair-Elect
BankWest
Mark Anderson - Secretary
SD Department of Labor
Kim Easland - Treasurer
American Bank & Trust
Doug Abraham
May, Adam Law Firm
Rick Dockter
Ameriprise Financial
Zach Clark
Clark Insurance
Dawn Morris
Morris Inc.
Kim Olson
Sen. Mike Rounds Office
Prakash Saripalli
My3Tech
Karl Richards
Avera Medical Associates
Damon Wheelhouse
Allied Plumbing & Heating
Gordon Woods
SD Intrastate Pipeline

Liaisons - Annual Appointment
Jamie Huizenga
Pierre City Commission
Meredith Lee
Chamber of Commerce
Kristi Honeywell
Pierre City Administrator
Norm Weaver
Hughes County Commission

Administration
Jim Protexter
Chief Operating Officer
Alicia Fabel
Administrative Asst.
 
Pierre Economic Development Corporation 
2020 Investor List
(As of 1/17)
   
Thank you to the following businesses, organizations and individuals who are supporting economic development in Central South Dakota through their PEDCO membership investment.

Platinum Investor - $1000
BankWest
First National Bank

Gold Investors - $600
A-G-E Corporation
Beck Motor COmpany
First Dakota National Bank

Silver Investors - $300
Allied Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Dakota Prairie Bank
Delta Dental
Dougherty & Company LLC
Fischer Rounds & Associates Inc.
Robins Water Conditioning Inc.

Bronze Investors - $150
Acorn Trust Company, 
Anderson Contractors Inc., Angel's Salon, Black Hills Federal Credit Union, Capital City Wine & Spirits, Central Dakota Eyecare LLP, Chandlers Inc., Chase Auto & RV, Clausen & Rice LLP, Cone Ag Inc., Country Carpet & Flooring, DJ's Convenience Store, Dakota Radio Group KGFX - KPLO - River 92.7 - 1001.1 The Eagle, Rick Dockter/Ameriprise Financial, Drifters Bar & Grille, Ferding Electric Inc., Fort Pierre Development Corporation, Fort Pierre Livestock Auction, Foster Rentals, Friman Oil & Gas Inc., Hughes County Abstract, Isburg Funeral Chapels, Jake's Goodtimes Place, Jerome Beverage Inc., Korner Grocery, Mad Mary's Steakhouse & Saloon, May Adam Gerdes & Thompson LLP, MicroFix Inc., Midwest Cooperative, Moreno Bachand Hruska & Scheibe PC, Nagel Agency Inc., Northridge Plaza, Northwest Pipe Fittings Inc., Oahe Electric Cooperative, Oahe Federal Credit Union, Oahe Home Builders Association, Oahe Veterinary Clinic, Olson Plumbing Inc., Palmer Currier & Hoffert LLP, Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, Pizza Ranch, Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center, Riter Rogers Wattier & Northrup LLP, Servall Uniform & Linen Supply, State Farm Insurance - Becki Potrzeba, Sunnyside Daycare LLC, Super 8, Thielen Surveying & Mapping, Willow Creek Wildlife, Zach Clark Insurance Inc.

Individual & Non-Profit Investors - $60
Charles P. Schroyer, S.D. Bankers Association, S.D. Community Foundation, Rev. John B. Urbach
 
 

 

President's Report
Meredith Lee-Roebuck, Board President
Hello! It is a great honor to be able to serve the Chamber board as president this upcoming year. I've enjoyed learning the procedures and processes of the board and staff over the past three years and getting to know the fellow chamber members. It has been a great experience to watch the strategic plan come to life and to be a part of the evolution of a great organization.
The only thing I've found to be constant in life is change and it has been fun to watch the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce change over such a short period of time. We have experienced some huge changes in staff since I've been around. We had the dues and membership structure change significantly in order to serve the members better. Even Business After Hours took a vast change from the way it had been since I was a kid going monthly with my parents, to a large quarterly event featuring several businesses at one time.
2019 itself had plenty of change too. The second Imagine This tour was held, showcasing the contractors, vendors, lenders, and real estate offices that make remodels and new construction happen in the area. Taste of Pierre continues to grow and bring record numbers out to kick off Oahe Days weekend. I experienced my first ever golf tournament and enjoyed the Harley raffle picnic; even though I didn't get to ride home on a new motorcycle.
The year ended on a high note with a great annual celebration at Drifters, featuring dueling guitars and some great award winners. 2020 is nothing but opportunity lying ahead! We look forward to the events coming up this year and appreciate all the hard work by the committees, board, and of course the chamber and CVB staff.

Pierre Mayor Steve Harding's Report
By 2023, Things are going to look different here in Pierre.  In the meantime, we're going to look orange -bright orange. Construction zones will soon start popping up all over the city. And I'm happy to say, those bright orange cones are signs of a very bright future!

This summer, construction will start at the Steamboat Park end of our waterfront. That'll be the home of the City's new water treatment facility. Facility construction is scheduled to be complete in 2022 to align with the opening of the City's new outdoor pool.
That brings us to Griffin Park. This summer will be the last summer for the current outdoor pool. It will close after the 2020 swimming season in preparation for construction of the new outdoor pool scheduled to open in 2022.
If you cruise all the way to the east end of the waterfront near the Oahe Softball Complex, you'll see more improvements in the works. The City is upgrading its wastewater treatment facility. As more efficient processes are built out, the facility footprint will actually shrink. And there's more good news on that front, new systems will be added to improve odor control. That work should be complete in 2021.
In the middle of town, the Boys and Girls Club remains under construction, but should be complete this summer. We expect the South Dakota Dept. of Transportation (SDDOT) to start reconstructing Euclid Ave. sometime in the next two years. That will require definite coordination with the City. When the state opens up that road, we'll use the opportunity to lay new water main under Euclid.
At the airport, you'll see parking lot enhancements and taxiway repairs. Plus we have $2.2 million budgeted for street maintenance and improvements in 2020.
The close of 2020 will bring more construction activity to the Lake Oahe side of Pierre. The SDDOT is scheduled to begin work on the new Missouri River bridge, which means work will also begin on the City's new Missouri River bridge plaza.
For the last two years, City staff have been priming Pierre for big change that will enhance the community for decades to come. I think we're going to look good in orange!


Fort Pierre Mayor Gloria Hanson's Report
If you hear the sound of horns blowing in the next few weeks, it may be Fort Pierre and Stanley County "tooting our own horn." Why? Because we've earned it.
The national figures for GDP (Gross Domestic Product) have just been released for 2018. (I had to do a little research on how GDP is calculated - it is the value of money of all goods and services for a certain period in time.) Stanley County (of which Fort Pierre is the only city) had GDP growth of 18 percent over the previous year, placing us 7th of all counties in the state for growth. In Stanley County, production agriculture plays a significant role, so I hope this means our farmers and ranchers experienced a better year despite the wet and cold conditions.
It also stands to reason that the growth the City of Fort Pierre is experiencing has had an impact. We are one of the few small cities in South Dakota that is growing -- in population, in residential building, in new businesses, and in tax base.
In 2019, we welcomed four new businesses to Fort Pierre: Chalk Pre-School; BPro, a software services company; Buckin' Swank Leather, a leather repair and custom design business; and Casey's Truck Plaza. Looking ahead to 2020, there are negotiations underway for the sale of Bad River Pack, and final designs are being developed for a new Holiday Inn Express, scheduled to begin construction in the spring.
Our community's efforts to improve housing opportunities have led us to aggressive action on vacant and dangerous properties. One of the homes on that list, a house that has been unlivable since it was flooded in 2011, was demolished a few weeks ago. Obviously, the hope is to eliminate "eyesore" properties which reduce the value of neighboring properties, and to encourage development of new homes and businesses. (In the 5 ½ years since I was elected mayor, no other concern is communicated to me as frequently as "junk" properties.) All of us want to take pride in our great little city on the river.
Growth is essential to sustain the upgrades necessary in our infrastructure. The City is developing plans to improve our sanitary sewer and lagoon system, as well as determine how to best address increased needs for good drinking water.
Many thanks to all the individuals and businesses who have invested in Fort Pierre, and to those who continue to work every day to improve our way of life here. Happy New Year!

Capital City Economy
October 2019
Current Month
Same Month 2018
Percent Change
2019 YTD
2018 YTD
Percent Change
CITY TAX RECEIPTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre 2%
$674,298
$641,631
5.1%
$6,622,408
$6,502,563
1.8%
Pierre 1% BBB
$46,463
$44,899
3.5%
$451,992
$453,859
-0.4%
Fort Pierre 2%
$118,602
$103,418
14.7%
$1,003,760
$963,136
4.2%
Fort Pierre 1% BBB
$10,848
$11,114
-2.4%
$101,441
$102,730
-1.3%
OCCUPANCY TAX
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre BID #1
$27,486
$27,002
1.8%
$208,092
$204,786
1.6%
 
 
AIRPORT BOARDINGS
 
 
 
 
 
 
SkyWest
2,081
1117
86.3%
11,349
8775
29.3%
 
 
DAILY TRAFFIC
 
 
 
 
 
 
Missouri River Bridge
14,592
14845
-1.7%
146,367
147,785
-1.0%
US 14 East of Pierre
3,205
3237
-1.0%
30,107
29,760
1.2%
 
 
CITY OF PIERRE BUILDING PERMITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
New Homes
Stick Built - Number
0
3
5
10
   Dollar Amount
$0
$904,858
0.0%
$1,080,000
$2,549,428
-57.6%
Other* - Number
1
1
4
6
   Dollar Amount
$22,000
$15,000
46.7%
$149,900
$176,000
-14.8%
Remodeling
Number
0
2
38
41
   Dollar Amount
$0
$128,000
0.0%
$323,112
$450,331
-28.3%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number
2
1
9
6
   Dollar Amount
$917,897
$3,183,970
-71.2%
$6,814,237
$5,677,082
20.0%
Improvements
Number
3
4
33
20
   Dollar Amount
$453,000
$163,180
177.6%
$2,930,764
$2,734,795
7.2%
Total Permits**
Number
64
84
581
783
   Dollar Amount
$1,626,386
$4,635,572
-64.9%
$14,751,497
$15,358,648
-4.0%
 
 
HUGHES COUNTY BUILDING PERMITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential:
New Homes
Number
1
1
7
10
   Dollar Amount
$234,650
$240,000
-2.2%
$2,379,593
$2,650,800
-10.2%
Other* - Number
0
0
4
3
   Dollar Amount
$0
$0
0.0%
$202,000
$205,000
-1.5%
Remodeling
Number
3
6
83
44
   Dollar Amount
$34,782
$65,251
-46.7%
$1,632,866
$703,430
132.1%
Commercial:
New Buildings
Number
3
0
5
5
   Dollar Amount
$191,000
$0
0.0%
$771,316
$568,000
35.8%
Improvements
Number
0
0
3
0
   Dollar Amount
$0
$0
0.0%
$181,900
$0
0.0%
Total Permits**
Number
9
11
128
94
   Dollar Amount
$531,057
$426,822
24.4%
$6,615,734
$5,556,348
19.1%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WORK FORCE              
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pierre MiSA***
Total Work Force
12,806
12,606
Total Employed
12,504
12,327
Total Unemployed
302
279
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
2.2%
* Includes multi-family, mobile and manufactured homes
** Includes residential, commercial, and all other permits.
*** Pierre Micropolitan Statistical Area includes Hughes & Stanley counties
Source: Pierre Economic Development Corporation Research

Dakota Wesleyan University Offers New Pathway to Professional Career and Degree in Pierre
A new workforce initiative is being developed to prepare students with the skills needed to strengthen the workplace while simultaneously earning a degree and credit for an internship experience.

Learn & Earn: Reimagining Higher Education

Dakota Wesleyan University, based in Mitchell, S.D., recognizes the critical role played by meaningful work in building and sustaining strong communities. The principal objective of the learn and earn program is to provide a clear and relevant pathway to a professional career and a college degree at a reasonable price. The goals of the learn and earn program can only be achieved in partnership with local communities and DWU is pleased to work with local businesses and industry leaders to create a relevant curriculum and to provide meaningful work experiences for students.

The Learn & Earn program offers the following:
  • An affordable and efficient 16-month path to career and an associate degree with the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree.
  • A more affordable option than most two-year and four-year degrees. 
  • An integrated learning experience combining weekly work in a professional internship with weekly university-level learning.
  • A curriculum co-developed with community partners in the Pierre region designed to meet broad industry standards.
  • Industry-recognized certifications may be earned in areas such as insurance and banking, coding and data analytics, human services, and business management.
  • Learning outcomes include professional communication, technical/financial literacy, teamwork/l eadership, problem-solving, diversity, and ethics in the workplace.
Students enrolled in the learn and earn program will work in paid professional internships following successful completion of a four-month professional readiness intensive. In the second semester of the program, students attend classes three days per week, while working in a paid internship two days per week. In the third and fourth semesters, students attend classes two days per week, while working in a paid internship three days per week. Upon completing the program, students are eligible to apply for full-time employment at a wage premium. Learning experiences take place in a face-to-face environment and are facilitated by appropriate, credentialed professionals. Dakota Wesleyan University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

DWU is seeking business partners for the learn and earn program!
 
The Pierre Economic Development Corporation and Dakota Wesleyan University will be holding an information session for business partners on Thursday, Feb. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Capital University Center. During this session, business partners will be invited to review the benefits of this program, as well as understand the commitment of participating as a workforce development partner in this program.
Leaders from the business and public sectors are invited to partner with Dakota Wesleyan University to do the following:
 
  • Identify paid internships within their organizations that pre-qualified students will be eligible to complete over a 12-month period.
  • Collaborate with Dakota Wesleyan University on structuring internships and evaluating the performance of interns.
  • Provide input to and/or serve on the Learn & Earn Advisory Board for the Pierre community.
  • Offer advice on business, industry, and agency needs with respect to the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of future employees.
  • Identify community members who might be willing to serve as coaches in the Learn & Earn program.
  • Provide the opportunity for long-term employment for appropriately qualified students upon students' completion of degrees.
To learn more about partnership opportunities and program specifics, please RSVP by Feb. 10 to jan.larson@dwu.edu. Lunch will be served. Please indicate any dietary restrictions with RSVP.

Dakota Wesleyan University will be also hosting an information session for students and parents on Feb. 25, 2020. For more information, please visit www.dwu.edu/learnandearn.
2020 Business Day at the Legislature Feb. 20
The SD Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Business Day Committee has determined that the condensed format of the day is beneficial for all. The schedule allows participation in this informative and interesting event while minimizing your time away from the office.

The planned events were designed to help you stay informed of trending issues, vote your opinions during Business Caucus and network with business and community peers and legislative leaders from across the state. Here is this year's schedule.  

Thursday, February 20
1:30 p.m.          Registration opens at the Ramkota
2-3:30 p.m.       Legislative Update and the annual Business Caucus (audience response
session)
-       Featuring David Owen, SD Chamber and Bill Peterson, Fredrikson & Byron and former House Majority Leader
3:30-5 p.m.       Open Schedule - Time to view the legislative process at the Capitol
4:15 p.m.          Update at Capitol (Addressing current issues being debated by the Legislature)
5-7 p.m.            Reception (co-sponsored by Economic Development offices) and
Manufacturer's Showcase.
In lieu of the traditional banquet, PEDCO and other sponsors will provide heavy hors d'oeuvres and extended time for networking.
6-6:30 p.m.       Business Day Program and Awards Presentations
Featuring Bob Sutton, President and CEO, Avera Health
7 p.m.               Adjourn
  
If you are able to attend Business Day, the online registration at www.sdchamber.biz is up and running. Register by Feb. 12 for reduced fees: Full registration for the day is $65. On Feb. 13 the rate increases to $75. For registration assistance, call Shavonne Mitchell at 1-800-742-8112.   
Retail Briefs
Report: US retail sales grew in Dec.
US retail sales rose 0.3% in December from the previous month, and sales excluding gas and autos were up 0.5%, according to the Commerce Department. Twelve out of 13 major categories showed gains, the department found. The Associated Press (1/16)
 
How Bath & Body Works thrives as malls' fortunes change
Bath & Body Works has remained popular with mall shoppers in changing times, with 1,600 stores, 40 consecutive quarters of sales growth and plans to open new locations. Its successful strategy includes a careful balance between prestigious and affordable products that appeal to shoppers of all ages, displayed in brightly lit stores. The Washington Post (1/13)
 
Walmart testing robots for filling online grocery orders
Robots are transforming how online grocery orders are picked and packed at a Walmart in Salem, N.H., a system that will be expanded to other Walmart stores. Thirty Alphabot units pull food and non-food staples from the shelves of the 20,000-square-foot warehouse, while humans handle the produce to fill orders. Business Insider (1/10)
 
Convenience stores grow thanks to food-and-beverage offerings
Convenience stores have become popular food-and-beverage destinations, allowing them to survive and thrive at a time when other types of retailers are dealing with store closures. Convenience store sales are up by about 30% from a decade ago, and the number of US convenience stores has increased by 28% since 2000, according to the National Association of Convenience Stores. CNN (1/12)
Reinke Recognized By Pierre BID No. 1
Brad Reinke, right, was presented with a framed picture Jan. 12 by Pierre Mayor Steve Harding to commemorate Reinke's service to the city's Business Improvement District No. 1. Reinke was a founding board member and has served as its chairman since it was created in 2014. The BID No. 1 board makes recommendations to the city for expenditures from the occupancy tax that will support the Pierre lodging industry. To date over $1.3 million in new tax revenue has supported multiple marketing and public facility projects. The framed picture is of Reinke and his family checking in to a Pierre motel and was the cover of the first brochure designed to encourage community support for the new visitor tax.
 
CVB Report
Tia Kafka , Convention & Visitors Bureau Director
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) has a busy January planned. Our office helps to coordinate the sport shows supported by the Pierre Business Improvement District. Annually, the CVB attends four sport shows. The first two shows in Kansas City, Missouri and Lincoln, Nebraska both take place this month. Attendance at these events helps bring fisherman and hunters to our area to take advantage of the many resources Pierre has to offer.
This month the CVB will also be attending the American Bus Association (ABA) Marketplace held in Omaha, Nebraska. The ABA conference is the premier business event for the group travel industry. The Marketplace event provides the opportunity to meet face-to-face with bus tour operators from all over the country to talk to them about Pierre and what we have to offer visitors. In addition to the marketplace, the conference offers professional education seminars and numerous networking opportunities.
Last but not least is the South Dakota Tourism Conference held at the end of January. This conference is a great opportunity to visit with other tourism industry associates about activities in the coming year that will potentially draw visitors to and/or through our community. Pierre will once again be vying for the Cacklin' Community Award. We were awarded the title in 2018 for our Rooster Rush promotional efforts, and we hope to reclaim the title again this year.
2020 is off to a great start. Happy New Year!

Sport Show Season
Pierre's exceptional hunting and fishing industries were represented at the Kansas City Sport Show in January. Sport shows are sponsored by the Pierre BID #1 and are imperative in pulling sportsmen to our area over our competitors with similar offerings.
Membership Report
Katie Johnson, Membership Director
We love our members, and February 14
th is the day to let you know! The Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce will once again be distributing our new 2020 Membership Plaques throughout the day to thank you for investing in your chamber!

The Chamber's visions is to further the interests of businesses - to promote prosperity, growth, and our way of life in the lower Oahe region. We want to be your voice; we are eager to help you succeed, and we believe that when you're successful, our entire community benefits from that success. Displaying your membership plaque in your window or on your door for your customer to see helps solidify that vision.

We can't wait to see you on Valentine's day; if you are out of town, be watching for your plaque in the mail!
New Members
Morris Inc.
PO Box 1162
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 223-2585
John Morris
 
Summit Contracting
36581 SD Hwy 44
Platte, SD
(605) 494-1001
(866) 596-2250
Corey Rabenberg
 
Maher Dental
127 E 1st Street
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 224-8858
Dr. Jamie Maher

Facebook Photo Contest Winner
Congratulations to Marva Erickson Jones, who had the 'most liked' winter photo on the Chamber's Facebook post on January 3rd. Beautiful shot!
Member Highlights





Please contact Mallory if your business or organization is celebrating something 
at  mgordon@pierre.org or 605-224-7361.
Leadership Pierre


The objective of Leadership Pierre's session 5 on January 9th was to develop an enhanced understanding of tourism, media, how they intertwine and their impacts on the Pierre area. Thank you to our Leadership Pierre Champion Avera, BankWest and Sanford Health for making these sessions possible.

Chamber Events

Legislative Welcome
Pierre rolled out the red carpet for legislators at the 2020 Legislative "Back to Business" Welcome on Tuesday, January 14. The event was hosted by the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by area locals and businesses - thank you!

Ribbon Cutting
Fineline Auto celebrated a change in ownership on Friday, January 24 with a Ribbon Cutting. Congratulations to both Don Gordon & Paul Karst! Watch for Open House details coming soon.

Save the Dates!



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February Calendar of Events

February 1: Winter Fishing Weekend. Mandatory rules meeting & check-in: Friday, January 31 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Ramkota Hotel. Fishing tournament: Saturday, February 1 from 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM. For more information, visit https://pierrewfw.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/2020-WFW-Rules.pdf.
February 1: Eagles and Bagels, Saturday, February 1 from 9:00 AM - noon. Oahe Downstream Recreation Area, 20439 Marina Loop, Fort Pierre. For more information, call (605) 223-7722. Free.
February 1, 22: Legislative Coffee. Saturday, February 1 and 22 from 10:00 - 11:00 AM. Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce, 800 W Dakota Avenue, Pierre. From more information, call (605)224-7361 or email contactchamber@pierre.org. Free
February 1: Saint Joseph School Carnival. Saturday, February 1 from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Saints Peter and Paul Gym, 304 N Euclid Avenue, Pierre.
February 1, 8, 15: Spanish for Kids. Saturday mornings through February 15 from 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM. For more information, contact CUC at (605)773-2160 or visit https://cucpierre.org
February 1: YMCA Pizza Pool Party for 1st - 5th Graders. Saturday, February 1 from 6:30 - 9:00 PM at Oahe Family YMCA. For more information, contact Lisa Maunu at (605)224-1683 or email lisa@oaheymca.org. $10 for members, $15 for non-members.
February 2, 9, 16, 23: Open Skate at PAYSA Rink (behind Walmart). Sundays from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. Contact Sara at (407)590-7484 for more information. $3 to skate, $2 to rent skates.
February 2: Museum Activity Day: Be My Valentine. Sunday, February 2 from 1:00 - 4:00 PM. Cultural Heritage Center, 900 Governor's Drive, Pierre. Free event. Free admission to museum during event. For more information, contact Ronette Rumpca at (605) 773-6011 or email ronette.rumpca@state.sd.us.
February 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: Zumba Gold. Mondays and Wednesdays through March 25 from 9:00 - 9:45 AM. Oahe Family YMCA Multipurpose Room. For more information, contact Mindy Cheap at (605)773-7445 or email mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us. $12, Free for Senior Center and Y members.
February 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27: Reading Buddies . Mondays from 12:45 - 1:15 PM at Buchanan Elementary; Tuesdays, from 1:45 - 2:15 PM at Kennedy Elementary; Thursdays, 10:00 - 10:30 AM at Pierre Indian Learning Center; the first Monday of each month from 2:30 - 3:00 PM at Blunt Elementary; Thursdays from 12:45 - 1:15 PM at Stanley County Elementary. Contact Teri Royer at (605)224-3337 for more information. Volunteers needed.
February 3: 70th Annual Lutefisk and Swedish Meatball Supper. Monday, February 3 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Lutheran Memorial Church, 320 E. Prospect, Pierre. Advance Tickets $15. $17 at the door, kids 11 & under $7.
February 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26: English as a Second Language. Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:45 - 7:15 PM. The Right Turn, 115 E Sioux Avenue, Pierre. To register, call (605) 773-4755. Free.
February 3: Canvasback Art Club. First Monday of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Rawlins Library, 1000 E Church St. Pierre. For more information, contact Bev Letellier at (605)224-7993 or email ranchvet66@yahoo.com .
February 3, 10, 17, 24: Knights of Columbus BINGO starting at 6:30 PM at the KC Hall, 1221 E. Broadway Ave. Free entry, costs vary to play.
February 4, 11, 18, 25: Seasoned Citizen Chair Workouts. Tuesdays through March 24 from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. Pierre Senior Center, 401 W Pleasant Drive, Pierre. For more information, contact Mindy Cheap at (605) 773-7445 or email mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us. $12, Free for Senior Center and Y members.
February 4: Volunteers Needed at Food Bank. Tuesday, February 7 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. Feeding South Dakota, 20562 Grace Avenue. Contact Feeding SD at (605)494-3663 for more information.
February 4, 11, 18, 25: Beginning Spanish. Tuesdays through March 3 from 6:15 - 8:15 PM. Capital University Center Room. For more information call (605) 773-2160 or visit https://cucpierre.org. Registration $130.
February 5, 12, 19, 26: Seasoned Citizen Tai Chi. Wednesdays through March 25 from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. Pierre Aquatic Center Multipurpose Room. For more information, contact Mindy Cheap at (605)773-7445 or email mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us. $12, Free for Senior Center and Y members.
February 5: Mabel's Family Support Group - Alzheimer's and Dementia. First Wednesday of each month from noon - 1:00 PM. Edgewood, 1950 East Fourth Street, Pierre. For more information contact Katie Nagle at (605)494-3400 or email katie.nagle@edgewoodvista.com. Free to attend. Optional lunch provided for $7 (24-hour RSVP, please) or bring your own lunch.
February 5, 12, 19, 26: River City Toastmasters. Wednesdays from 12:10 - 12:50 PM. Lutheran Memorial Church, basement conference room. Contact Brian Underdahl at (605)220-1003 for more information. Free.
February 5: Stanley American Legion Post 20 Monthly Meeting. First Wednesday of each month from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Moose Lodge. Email Royce Loesch for more information: royceloesch@gmail.com.
February 6, 20: Breast Cancer Survivors. First and third Thursdays of every month from 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Countryside Hospice Support & Memory Center, 415 S. Crow Street, Pierre. Call (605)945-0827 for more information.
February 6: Winter Business After Hours. Thursday, February 6 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM. The Fieldhouse, 2013 Eastgate Avenue, Pierre. Free.
February 6, 13, 20, 27: Conversational Spanish. Thursdays through March 5 from 6:15 - 8:15 PM. Capital University Center Room. For more information call (605) 773-2160 or visit https://cucpierre.org. Registration $130.
February 8: Childcare Provider Training at the Right Turn, 115 E. Sioux Avenue, Pierre. Strategies for Introducing Cultural Diversity from 9:00 - 10:30 AM, Resources and Strategies for Working with Children, Who Have Disabilities from 10:30 AM - noon, Routines and Transitions from 1:00 - 2:00 PM and Collective Leadership from 2:30 - 4:00 PM. To register, call (605) 773-4755 or email kbly@midconetwork.com. $5 for each session attended.
February 8: Sibling Readiness Class. Saturday, February 8 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM. Avera St. Mary's, Pierre. For more information contact Dawn Tassler at (605) 224-3189 or email gut1@dakota2k.net. $5, Scholarships Available
February 8: Make and Take Bulb Planter Class. Saturday, February 8 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, 5400 SD Hwy 34, Pierre. For more information, call (605)224-8832 or email info@eastpierregarden.com. Pre-registration required. $20, includes pot, soil and 10 bulbs.
February 10: Stately Stitchers Guild Meeting. Second Tuesday of each month from 6:45 - 8:45 PM. Lutheran Memorial Church (basement), 320 E Prospect Avenue, Pierre. For more information contact Myrna Buckles at (605)222-6847.
February 11: Chamber's Hospitality Committee Meeting. Second Monday of every month from 4:00 - 5:00 PM. Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce boardroom, 800 West Dakota Ave, Pierre. Contact the Chamber at (605)224-7361 for more information.
February 11: Kiwanis Pancake Feed. Tuesday, February 11 from 4:20 - 7:00 PM. United Methodist Church, Pierre. $6 for adults, $3 for children 5-12 and children 4& under are free.
February 14: Women's Cancer Support. Second Friday of each month from noon - 1:00 PM at Avera St. Mary's Helmsley Center Cafeteria Conference Room. For more information contact Gloria at (605)224-3100 or email gloria.rowen@avera.org.
February 14: Central SD Survivors of Suicide Support Group. Fourteenth of every month from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Email Julie Moore for more information: julie.moore@avera.org. Free.
February 15: Music to Light Up Your Life. Saturday, February 15 from noon- 1:30 PM. First United Methodist Church, 117 N Central Avenue, Pierre. From more information, contact Elaine Scott at (605)224-5939 or email pierre1umc@mncomm.com. $10.
February 15: Build a Succulent Planter Class. Saturday, February 15 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM. East Pierre Landscape & Garden Center, 5400 SD Hwy 34, Pierre. For more information, call (605)224-8832 or email info@eastpierregarden.com. $25, includes soil, 3 plants and decorative rock.
February 17: Bariatric and Weight Loss Support Group. Third Monday of every month from 7:00 - 8:00 PM. Sanford Clinic, 521 E Sioux Ave, Pierre. Contact Angie Bollweg at (605)945-5560 for more information. Free.
February 18: Stroke Support Group. Third Thursday of each month from noon - 1:00 PM. Conference Room at 415 South Crow Street, Pierre. For more information, call (605) 945-0827 or email countryside@midconetwork.com. Free.
February 20: Pierre Area Ducks Unlimited Annual Banquet. Thursday, February 20 from 5:30 - 9:30 PM. Izaak Walton Clubhouse, Pierre. For more information contact Kyle at (605) 280-3280, email potter_kk@hotmail.com or visit www.ducks.org/events. $40 single, $60 couple.
February 20: Dementia Caregivers Support Group. Third Thursday of every month from 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Countryside Hospice Support & Memory Center, 415 S. Crow Street, Pierre. Call (605)945-0827 for more information.
February 21: Men's Cancer Support. Third Friday of every month from noon - 1:00 PM at Avera St. Mary's Helmsley Center Cafeteria Conference Room. For more information contact Gloria at (605)224-3100 or email gloria.rowen@avera.org.
February 22-23: 48th Annual Farm, Home & Sport Show. Saturday, February 22 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday, February 23 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM. For more information, email tarasteiner@todayskccr.com.
February 22: High Plains Wildlife Assoc. Game Feed at the Izaak Walton League from 5:30 - 9:00 PM. Fee: $15 per person; children 12 & under are free. Contact: Ron McMahon, ron.mcmahon@icloud.com
February 24, 28: Arthritis Foundation Walk with Ease Program. Mondays and Fridays through March 30 from 1:00 - 2:00 PM. Pierre Senior Center (No Membership Necessary). To register, contact Mindy Cheap at (605)773-7445 or email mindy.cheap@ci.pierre.sd.us. $10, Free for Senior Center and Y members. Must Pre-Register prior to February 24.
February 27: Early Childhood Training - Challenging Behaviors and Positive Support. Thursday, February 27 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM. the Right Turn, 115 E. Sioux Avenue, Pierre. To register, call (605) 773-4755 or email kbly@midconetwork.com. $5.
February 28-29: Pierre Players Presents "Vanities." Friday, February 28 and Saturday, February 29 at 7:30 PM. Grand Opera House, 109 S Pierre Street, Pierre. Box office opens February 17 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM and 2-hours before doors open. From more information, visit https://pierreplayers.com. General admission: $15, Seniors & students: $13. Preview: February 26 at 7:30, $5.

For future months, go to www.pierre.org