
Five generations of family build future on bank’s 120-year history
Established in 1905, the family-owned First Fidelity Bank in Burke has a 120-year history to its credit. Today the bank has offices in six additional South Dakota communities.

Smart technology can help seniors stay home longer
Smart technology can help seniors remain independent in their homes longer as they age. Many tools exist with more coming on the market all the time to minimize potential safety hazards associated with physical and cognitive challenges.

BAD Grandma turns crafting passion into good business
Beverly Duffel found her true calling by turning her passion for crafting into her own business, Crafts by BAD Grandma. With family support and great internet services, she successfully runs her business from the comfort of her home.

Kuchen remains king after 25 years as official SD dessert
What started in a basement has grown into a booming family-run business. Pietz’s Kuchen Kitchen & Specialties in Scotland are known for their signature kuchen and their handmade, locally sourced pizzas. Celebrate 25 years of kuchen as the official state dessert and see how the dough rises.

Couple turns woodshop hobby into growing business
Dustin and Hezel Garness launched Garness Games, their yard game sales and rental business, out of their garage woodshop. When they brought some of their games to the Downtown Hartford Market, they quickly saw how their creations turned downtime into fun. With a fast, reliable internet connection from Golden West, they operate Garness Games without an issue. Find out why Dustin says starting the business “almost by accident” turned into unexpected growth.

Lakota grandmother turns 100, helped share culture globally
Rita Afraid of Bear, a founding member of the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers, recently celebrated a century of life experience. She has traveled around the world to share Lakota teachings and build understanding between cultures. Rita stays connected to her heritage wherever she is, and connects with other grandmothers, friends, and family through her Golden West service.

Six students. Two teachers. One small school ‘family.’
At Midland Elementary, six students, two teachers, and a close bond shape each school day. The elementary school offers one-on-one learning, unique opportunities, and reliable Golden West internet to keep students connected. Find out how this small school creates big opportunities.

Denny Law retires after 27 years of service
After nearly 28 years with Golden West, General Manager/CEO Denny Law has officially retired. Law helped guide the cooperative through fiber-optic technology advancements, testified on behalf of members for rural broadband before Congress, and advocated for rural communities. Learn how his leadership shaped the cooperative.

A little sunshine helps brighten the day
Merlin and Sherri Goebel believe adaptability is the key to small-town success. That, and committing to the local community — whether by carrying fresh produce or supporting charitable causes. The Goebels have owned Sunshine Foods in Hartford for two decades and still believe the best is yet to come.

Field tech finds career fit closer to home
Golden West Field Technician Austin Parry likes working for Golden West and still being able to help with the family farm in his spare time. He enjoys learning more about his customers and making sure they are getting the service they need.