
Life on the Ranch for this Hometown Hero Means Lots of Dough
When Hartford resident Adam DeJong got a job delivering pizzas in high school, he had no idea he would one day own the restaurant. After serving in the Army National Guard, Adam thought about teaching or coaching … but realized his true passion involved pepperoni.

Sunshine Cures COVID Blues
SD Outdoor Shop offers apparel and gear for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as bike rentals, trail passes, and kayak/paddleboard rentals.

Honey’s All the Buzz in South Dakota
Honeybees are South Dakota’s state insect, and they play a big role in our economy. South Dakota ranks second in the nation in honey production thanks to an ideal combination of soil, topography, and climate — translating to a $30 million crop. But honeybees are on the decline and need our help to thrive.

Would You Pay a Cowboy Poet to Help Fix a Fence?
Robert Dennis says there are two things you never ask a rancher: how big their ranch is and how many cattle they own.
“That’s like asking how much money they have in the bank,” he explains. “We don’t like to be a braggy people!”

The Browns Are Happy Campers
Bob and Karen Brown didn’t wait for retirement to pursue their RV dream. Nowadays, the couple owns the Badlands / White River KOA Holiday — a seasonal retreat that is popular with people of all ages, from families with young children to retirees.

Combining Culture & Curriculum
Taylor, a sophomore at Lakota Tech High School, wants to be a sports physical therapist. She credits the school’s curriculum — a combination of traditional academics and real-world experience — with helping guide her down that career path.

Sometimes, Facebook Really Gets Your Goat
When Teri Arneson of Elm Springs drove into town one day, everybody was gathered at the fire station. Her curiosity sparked her to start a community Facebook group to help with communication.
That was 2014. Today, the Elm Springs Community News, Etc. Facebook group has 442 members regularly sharing posts.

Kuchen Remains King, But Pizza Reigns Supreme
We first profiled Roger and Lori Pietz in our January 2010 issue of Horizons. Their business has grown quite a bit since then! Today, Pietz’s Kuchen Kitchen & Specialties has expanded beyond their namesake kuchen and sells pizza, kolaches, and meat rolls … and they’re about to add another new product that is sure to be a hit!

Bowling, Burgers, and Business of the Year
A Dell Rapids family gave up their “normal” life to pursue a dream they never knew they had. Their bowling alley has become a popular community gathering place all year long.

State Honors Hartford
Residents of Hartford are celebrating Governor Kristi Noem’s announcement that their town was chosen as South Dakota’s “Small Com munity of the Year” for 2020.