Preparing for the Future

Dr. Kay Schallenkamp is the ninth president of Black Hills State University (BHSU.) Nestled in the Black Hills of western South Dakota, they offer a myriad of opportunities for their students with a choice of more than 80 majors and minors for bachelor’s degrees as well as three master’s degrees and a number of associate degrees and pre-professional programs.

BHSU celebrates their Quasquicentennial Anniversary (yes, spell check didn’t like it either) which is their 125th year of service. In 1881, such an institution was a required element in their vision for the future of Spearfish and this region. It took nearly 2 years for the committed residents to bring about their vision but now 125 years later, BHSU is training the next crop of business leaders, educators, and biologists.

 

 Dr. Kay Schallenkamp of Black Hills State University [16:51m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

A Lumbering Giant

People who harvest timber out of the Black Hills are no longer just big burly men who lug giant chainsaws up the side of the mountain.

Computers now play such an integral part of the lumber industry that Jim D. Neiman, vice-president of Neiman Enterprises said to me. “If you know anyone willing to work from your area and has a background in Electrical Engineering, send ‘em my way. We’ll put them to work.”

The Neiman Family are the new owners of the saw mill in Spearfish, South Dakota, rescued out of bankruptcy and saving hundreds of jobs in the area. Jim is a 3rd generation lumberman out of Hulett, Wyoming

 

 Jim D. Neiman, Neiman Enterprises [24:45m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Coffee Bean Good for Sturgis

Drive through downtown Sturgis anytime other than 2 weeks in August, and it’s easy to come away thinking that nothing much happens here except during the motorcycle rally.

But that’s just 10 days each year.

The rest of the time, it’s a community with the same struggles and challenges of any small town. As we pulled in early Sunday afternoon in late August, we were hard pressed to find anything open and the sidewalks were empty.

 

 Mike Kahler of the Sturgis Coffee Co. [12:53m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Day 6: The Spirit of the Black Hills

There’s just something about this area that inspires.
It inspires people to do their best, to make good use of what they’ve been given and to meet the challenges and opportunities with a quiet grace.
I wonder where that comes from. Someone mentioned to me that people “up North” have a more stoic nature and take the […]

Day 5: More Than Motorcycles

STURGIS, S.D.
Sturgis seems to be going through an identity crisis. Everybody knows that this sleepy little town of 6,500 in the Black Hills plays host to nearly 500,000 bikers (many riding Harley-Davidsons) each August for the Sturgis Rally (the 2008 version was the 68th).
But that’s just for 10 days each year.
The rest of the time, […]

Day Four: Tourism is Our Business

What we’ve seen of Sioux Falls seems very clean, orderly and well spaced. The park area around the “Falls” on the Big Sioux is a wonderful gathering space. I found myself wishing I had a picnic basket and my ball glove. The grounds are beautifully kept and there were a lot of people around enjoying a spectacular 75 degrees with a light wind and no humidity. I asked someone if this was typical of an August day and he said, “Quite the contrary. Generally 95 and lots of humidity.” Today was what is referred to as “Chamber of Commerce” weather.