The awards dinner will be this Saturday in Huron, October 3. Last year‘s winner, Theresa Stehly will be making opening remarks.
Nomination of Theresa Stehly For Spirit of Dakota Award
“I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.” – Etienne de Grellet, (1773-1855) Quaker Missionary
The above quote could be the philosophy of Theresa Stehly as it describes her life so appropriately. Perhaps Theresa was born with a “caring†gene as she truly cares for her fellow mankind and when she sees a need she acts upon it. In doing so, she cultivates relationships and lives her faith 24/7. And she shares her talents unconditionally.
Theresa has demonstrated leadership qualities in so many ways. When she has a cause, she researches it, organizes a committee, develops a strategic plan of action, and contacts the proper people.
Due to the leadership of Theresa, the 166,000 residents of Sioux Falls will appreciate the city street employees using snow gates this winter when removing snow from the streets. Theresa began this project in 2007. She had heard that the residents of Bismarck, North Dakota were very happy when their town got snowgates. And Theresa had seen the frustration of elderly neighbors who had spent time and energy clearing the snow from their driveways, only to have a wide ridge of snow blocking the driveway when the snowplows came by and filled it up. The snow gates prevent snow from being bladed into the driveways; once past the driveway, the gate opens and the accumulated snow is released. Theresa had numerous conversations with the former Bismarck mayor, who had been in office when the snowgates were implemented, and the Bismarck public works director and then presented the idea to the Sioux Falls city council. While the city council did not initially “buy into†the concept, Theresa continued to promote the issue. Eventually, the city purchased several snowgates and began trying them out in several parts of town. Even though positive feedback was received from the public, the city council did not take action to implement the snowgates. Theresa organized a work force and she and her volunteers collected 8300 signatures on petitions, which resulted in the snow gates being put on the Sioux Falls ballot. In April, 2014 the voters demonstrated that they wanted snow gates with 76% (23,545) of the votes being “yes.â€Â Thirty three snow gates have been ordered, at a cost of $250,000, and the city street employees are being trained on their usage. This winter the Sioux Falls residents will benefit from the project which Theresa Stehly initiated and diligently carried out over a seven year period.
In 2006 the Drake Springs Pool in central Sioux Falls was scheduled for demolition. The neighborhood pool was going to be eliminated as a new indoor aquatic center was being planned. Theresa was concerned that children in the surrounding low income neighborhoods would have to ride their bikes over two and a half miles for an outdoor pool experience. She had fond childhood memories of her own summer days spent at a similar pool in her hometown of Mobridge and was sad to learn of the planned closure. When she encountered several moms of young children who shared her viewpoint, Theresa again put her leadership abilities into action and developed a plan. They formed a committee and set about collecting signatures. After 5500 signatures were collected, the issue was placed on the ballot. The voters turned out and overwhelmingly voted to save the Drake Springs pool. After the Drake Springs Pool was rebuilt, Theresa organized and carried out a fundraiser for a beautification project for the Drake Springs Pool. As a result, there are three flower beds there.
Although her present schedule rarely allows her to accept substitute teaching assignments anymore, several years ago Theresa realized that Sioux Falls substitute teachers had not received a pay increase in five years and that the current rate was not competitive with area schools, Theresa once more used her leadership abilities. She collected information from a school of a similar size and shared the information with the superintendent of Sioux Falls Public Schools and met with the school board. A pay increase for substitute teachers was implemented in 2013.
Theresa is involved in the social, cultural, and educational advancement of others.
As a music major at Northern State University, Theresa began her teaching career in the small, rural town of Eureka, South Dakota as the vocal music instructor. She did not limit her involvement to the classroom however. Theresa’s students performed at community events including the Veteran’s Day program, a community Thanksgiving service, and a Memorial Day program. She shared her music with the church by being a cantor and also by being a soloist in the annual community Christmas concert. Theresa also performed in a local theatrical production. After moving to Sioux Falls and teaching music for three years in a private school, Theresa became a private piano teacher in Sioux Falls, which she has done for the last 28 years. She shares her love of music with her students and they put on an annual recital. She encourages their participation in state competitions and in the Piano Guild auditions. Theresa has served as an adjudicator for the Piano Guild, in 16 different cities in four states. In addition, over the past 22 years she has also judged at a variety of music festivals, American College of Musicians, and the Federation of Music Clubs. She was asked to form choirs in two Sioux Falls churches and has been the director for 27 consecutive years. As an adjunct professor of voice at the University of Sioux Falls for the past 11 years, Theresa helps her students prepare for their recitals. She was selected as a vocal soloist with the South Dakota symphony twice and sang with the South Dakota symphony chorus 17 years. Theresa readily shares her talent and has been a soloist in over 15 churches and has sung at more weddings and funerals than she can count. Currently Theresa is serving her second year on the board of directors for Live on Stage, which is the Sioux Falls Community Concerts Association.
In 1990 Theresa joined a mission trip to Jamaica. For two weeks she taught music classes to the Jamaican children and also helped paint a house. Witnessing stark poverty impacted her view of materialism and helped her to live a simpler life, realizing that one does not need that much to be happy. The experience also helped broaden her appreciation of diversity of cultures.
When Theresa learned of the shortage of driver’s education teachers, she completed the training at Northern State University and taught driver’s education for two summers in Tea, South Dakota.
Theresa has a love for plants and feels like she is in heaven when working in her garden which has over a hundred varieties of plants. She is delighted to help others learn how to develop their own skill in gardening. She has held 14 plant sales in her yard so that others can also appreciate them. The Sioux Falls Argus Leader has featured her in several articles on gardening and KELO TV produced a summer series by filming Theresa in her yard, sharing gardening and planting information. For 10 years she taught a gardening class through the Sioux Falls community education program. Her yard was twice featured in the Master Gardens tour. Theresa organized and led a gardening bus tour to Milbank area garden centers.
When other Sioux Falls residents had a concern they wanted to address, they contacted Theresa for advice about how to proceed and how to organize petition drives to collect signatures. Theresa was happy to share her knowledge and experience with them.
After an African family with five children, from Liberia, moved next door to Theresa, she took them under her wing and helped acclimate them to life in America. She worked with the children on their reading, invited them into her home for meals, took them to church, took them swimming, and took them shopping to buy clothes. She arranged for the family to meet with a mentor; a man from their country who had a successful career in Sioux Falls. After Theresa learned that the children were sleeping on the bare floor without any bedding, Theresa made phone calls to locate resources. A church donated handmade quilts and Theresa and her friends donated pillows and pillowcases.
Theresa has a willingness to serve others with vision and purpose without personal gain.
She pursued the snowgate issue so that the residents of the city would benefit. She put energy into the Drake Springs pool for the benefit of the area children who now still have an outdoor pool in their neighborhood. She addressed the substitute teacher pay issue and now all the substitute teachers are paid a rate that is competitive with area schools.
Throughout the years, Theresa has “adopted†a number of elderly or ill friends who did not have family nearby. She has comforted them, brought them flowers from her garden, taken them to doctors’ appointments, and spent time with them while they were dying. She has crocheted over 30 prayer shawls for friends who may be elderly, ill, or hurting. Theresa has a “card ministry†and sends out a constant stream of cards throughout the year to friends and acquaintances who might be ill, suffering, need encouragement, or just to remind people that she appreciated their efforts or friendships.
As crime rates have increased in Sioux Falls, Theresa organized a Neighborhood Watch program in her neighborhood in 1997. The philosophy is that when one knows who their neighbors are and has a relationship with them, one is more apt to be alert, to protect each other, and to possibly detect and report suspicious activity. Theresa continues to be involved in this and continues to organize and host the annual neighborhood picnic.
Theresa is responsible for Care Notes, which are placed in a rack and are available for the taking, in her church. Care Notes are small four page publications which address a variety of concerns including being a caregiver, dealing with cancer, coping with addictions, surviving a divorce, dealing with death in the family, and a wide variety of other life changing situations. Theresa personally purchases the publications for the display rack.
Theresa’s compassionate nature also led her to reach out to several inmates on South Dakota’s death row. Wanting them to find hope within their situation, she subscribed to The Daily Word (a religious publication) for them and penned them letters of encouragement.
Recently an elderly friend became ill. Having no relatives, he called upon Theresa to take him to the hospital. She has spent many hours with him at the hospital providing friendship, being his health advocate, and helping him do “end of life†planning.
Theresa indeed has a daring and bold attitude that emulates the true spirit of prairie women.
Just as the pioneer prairie women had to learn how to live and adapt to a new way of life on the prairie, Theresa had to learn how a city works and had to learn the necessary steps to approach her causes. The prairie women had to deal with the elements of nature and Theresa had to deal with the elements of the establishment. The prairie women had to be strong willed and determined to overcome the many adversaries they faced, and had to have the determination to carry on. Theresa also had to be strong willed and determined. When the city council voted to get rid of the Drake Springs pool, Theresa found others who shared her feelings and learned how to get necessary signatures in order to have the issue put to a vote of the people. When the city council was not initially interested in snow gates, Theresa did not give up. Once when she attempted to meet with a city official and was told that person was not available, she pulled up a chair, pulled out her knitting, and calmly told the receptionist that she would wait until said individual became available. Interestingly enough, an “opening†in the schedule soon appeared so that Theresa could indeed meet with that person.
 The pioneer prairie women had to be very resourceful as they may have been miles from neighbors and trips to town for supplies were not common occurrences. So has Theresa had to be very resourceful. She carried out her causes with a very limited budget, without any “corporate†sponsors.  Just as the neighbors of prairie women were a wonderful resource, and even often assisted in delivering the babies, Theresa has found that her best resource has been the help of friends and individuals who shared her beliefs.
Perseverance was an important trait of the prairie women who had to deal with trials year after year. Dust storms, grasshoppers, wind, hail, tornadoes, drought, floods, and low prices all were discouraging; yet the pioneer prairie women persevered and looked to the future, just as present prairie women do. Fortunately Theresa also had the quality of perseverance. She met with initial resistance from the city council in both the issues of snow gates and the Drake Springs pool, as well as resistance from the school board and administration when approached about pay increases for substitute teachers. The snow gates took seven years from start to finish, when voters voted “yes†in April 2014.Fortunatly, both the prairie women and Theresa had the quality of perseverance.
Just as their faith may have been the most important asset for the prairie women, who were quick to establish churches and schools, faith is most likely the most important asset for Theresa as well. Faith guides Theresa’s actions and her life. She lives her faith. Even though Theresa has tackled issues which may have been controversial to some, she has always approached her adversaries in a most respectful manner.
Theresa has been actively involved in organizations within her community and has contributed beyond ordinary membership.
Theresa has been a lifelong active member of her church. Not only is she a member, but she is a devoted, committed, contributing member. For 30 years she has served as an accompanist in church. She has been a cantor for 27 years, adult choir director for 27 years, children’s choir director for five years, a Eucharistic minister at Sanford Hospital for five years, and a religious education teacher for two years.  She has been very active in her political party and has been a delegate to the state convention twice. In 2014 she was an election day superintendent and has served as a precinct chairwoman for several years. Theresa has attended many Sioux Falls city council meetings, has spoken up, and has been on the agenda. Theresa is a 26 year member of the Sioux Falls Area Music Teachers Association and is currently serving as president of the group. She is also a member of the Sioux Falls Piano Guild and is currently the chairman.
Theresa Stehly exhibits strength of character, courage, and serves as a role model for present and future generations in her community and beloved state of South Dakota.
Her strength of character is evident as she lives her faith 24/7 and as she tackles her projects. As the choir director she is very visible in her church. As she has carried out her Drake Springs pool, snow gates, and substitute teacher pay increase projects, she became very visible in the community as there were TV, radio, and newspaper interviews and coverage. Theresa has the courage to stand up for her causes, to write letters to the editor, to research the issues , to develop a plan and to implement the plan, all while dealing with people who do not support these issues. Addressing the city council, the school board, and the media takes courage. Standing in front of the congregation when directing a choir takes courage. Dealing with the press takes courage and she is able to speak under pressure and articulate the issues at hand.  She is a wonderful role model as she carries her endeavors out in a most ethical manner, following prayerful consideration and much research. She is respectful of all of God’s people, even those who oppose her. All of her projects have been carried out with integrity. She has served as a role model for others as they have taken on issues of their own concern. As Theresa has organized and led projects, she has modeled working harder, putting in more time, and being an example to her supporters and she is always in the trenches with the workers. She is a wonderful role model for the students that she teaches through piano and voice lessons. She is a wonderful role model for all, showing that a “common†woman from the grass root level, can indeed make a difference while doing so in an ethical manner. The projects that Theresa has taken on will benefit future generations in her community and in her beloved state of South Dakota.
In summary, Theresa is true example of Spirit of Dakota and daily demonstrates those qualities; she uses her leadership skills to make this world a better place, she is dedicated to the advancement of others, she unselfishly serves others and genuinely cares for God’s earth and its people, her bold and daring prairie women qualities along with their trait of perseverance, have allowed her to take on challenging projects. Her active involvement in organizations has produced results and also has allowed her to develop a network, and her strength of character has served as a role model and has given her the courage to be an advocate for the common people. Theresa daily lives and demonstrates the Spirit of Dakota.
The 2018 South Dakota Hall of Fame class of champions were presented at the Inductee Press Conference in Sioux Falls on July 18, 2018. These South Dakotans Champion a Culture of Excellence. This year’s honorees are:
Cleveland Abbott (Watertown 1894 – 1955) SD African American Firsts.South Dakota born and raised off-spring of Alabama slavery. Hard economic times brought his parents here to raise a family. Little did they know their oldest child would return to Alabama, to help breakdown segregation at Tuskegee Institute through education and skills honed in Watertown and at South Dakota State. He and his wife Jessie, created the first organized women’s college athletic programs which then ruled national track and field events for decades. His students went on to be world leaders using the example he lived. The revered the Duke of Dakota was asked to be the first black member of the USA Track and Field Board and then on to the U S Olympic Committee by 1946. Bruce Danielson spoke on behalf of Cleveland Abbott.
Rod Bowar (Kennebec) South Dakota Telecommunications Entrepreneur. Rod Bowar has perhaps the most unique career path in South Dakota telecommunications. Rod has taken his entrepreneurial spirit and created numerous business divisions for Kennebec Telephone Company Inc. Rod serves the telecom industry on the boards of SDN Communications and the SD Telecommunications Association, also the Dakota Prairie Bank Board, Kennebec’s Town Board, Clinic Committee, Fire Department, Badlands Fire District, The Mitchell Technical Institute Foundation Board, SD Board of Technical Education and numerous community clubs.
Marilyn Hohm Hoyt (Huron) Public Service Innovator. She has served her community and South Dakota in many capacities advancing economic and quality of life issues for the generations. Her involvement included Huron College, South Dakota Board of Education, Christen-Hohm-Lusk Foundation Board, the Spirit of Dakota Award Society and currently is a Board member for the South Dakota Community Foundation.
Tom Loveland (Sioux Falls) Geographic Landscape Global Expert at EROS. One of the nation’s foremost experts on the use of remote sensing to monitor and measure changes on the Earth’s land surface. His work on the use of moderate-resolution satellite imagery to characterize land cover and changes to it is foundational, all based on science that came out of the work of Loveland. Not done just for South Dakota, but across the nation and the globe.
Anne Rieck McFarland (Sioux Falls) Empowering those with disabilities to impact South Dakota. Anne has been in a leadership position with LifeScape for 30 years, and more than 40 years in the human services profession. She is truly a positive ambassador for people of all abilities.
Roger Musick (Mitchell) – Communications Hardware and Software Creator. A founding partner of Martin & Associates, a solutions provider to the telecommunications industry for nearly 30 years, at which point he leveraged his telecommunications experience to found Innovative Systems. Roger devotes his time to numerous boards and advisory councils across the state where he strives to make South Dakota a better place to live and work. A generous benefactor, local leader, and industry pioneer.
Rod Parry (Sioux Falls) – Medical Education Trailblazer. Rod Parry, MD has dedicated his life to improving health and medical education in South Dakota and beyond. For 36 years, culminating in his role as that USD Medical School Dean, he taught and influenced generations of physicians and medical professionals
Raymond Peterson (Brookings) Mr. South Dakota Performing & Visual Arts. An invitation to serve as a vocalist for the 1966 Miss South Dakota Pageant led to a 50-year commitment to the Miss South Dakota and Miss America Organizations as a scriptwriter, designer, producer, director, and nationally renowned pageant judge.
John Porter (Sioux Falls) – Leading Integrated Health Care Systems. John has had a 44 year history with Avera Health. His journey from lawyer to CEO of South Dakota’s largest employer is inspiring and exciting. John was pivotal in the formation and growth of Avera along with the Benedictine and Presentation Sisters, shepherded the building of one of the most integrated health systems in the country
A press conference will be held in Rapid City August 2, 2018 to present Nicholas Black Elk (1863 – 1950) Native American Evolutionist. Black Elk was an Oglala Sioux medicine man who helped guide his people from the nomadic to reservation life and then, helped document the customs and traditions of Native American tribal and Plains Indian spirituality for all future generations. A witness to the Battle of Little Bighorn, then Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, returning to the massacre at Wounded Knee Creek before taking his role as a traditional holy man who blended it with his conversion to Catholicism. He related his life story to John Neihardt, for the classic Black Elk Speaks.
The Sioux Falls Urban Food Forum, a two-day event aimed at fostering collaboration among local producers, restaurant owners, gardeners, policy makers, and individuals passionate about food security, is set to take place on July 26th and 27th during four open forum sessions. Hosted at the Union Gospel Mission located in its emerging Food Hub, this innovative event will provide a platform for attendees to share their ongoing initiatives, develop meaningful collaborations, and identify practical actions to address food security in our community.
The Sioux Falls Urban Food Forum recognizes the vital importance of ensuring access to nutritious food for all residents. With the objective of addressing food insecurity through collective efforts, the event will feature four open forum sessions. These sessions will create a space for diverse voices to be heard, ideas to be exchanged, and collaborative solutions to be developed. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts in the field, exchange best practices, and explore strategies to enhance the local food ecosystem.
Event Details: Date: July 26-27, 2023
Times: 4 sessions for both days, Morning – 9:00 to 11:00, Afternoon – 2:00 to 4:00
Venue: Union Gospel Mission Thrift Store
Address: 705 E 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD
The Sioux Falls Urban Food Forum welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who share an interest in food security and sustainable food systems. This includes local producers, restaurant owners, gardeners, policy makers, educators, community organizers, and concerned citizens. The forum seeks to foster an environment of collaboration and knowledge-sharing, where attendees can build relationships and contribute to the development of deployable pragmatic actions.
Food security is a critical issue that affects the health and well-being of our community. By bringing together key stakeholders, we aim to create a space for dialogue and collaboration, where innovative ideas can flourish, and concrete actions can be taken to address this challenge. We believe that by working together, we can build a more resilient and equitable food system in Sioux Falls.
Participants are encouraged to come prepared to share their ongoing projects, initiatives, and ideas related to food security. Whether you have a community garden, a farm-to-table restaurant, or a policy proposal, the forum provides an inclusive platform for you to engage with like-minded individuals and develop collaborative solutions.
The Community Revitalization Collective is thrilled to announce its upcoming event, the CRC BBQ Party, aimed at fostering community spirit and creating a memorable experience for all residents of Whittier and beyond. This free outdoor event promises an afternoon of mouthwatering food, engaging activities, and opportunities for neighbors to connect and celebrate together.
The CRC BBQ Party will take place on Sunday July 30th from 5:00 – 8:00 at the CRC Space, in the back of 921 E. 8th Street. This event is open to all residents of Whittier, regardless of age or background. Attendees can expect an exciting lineup of activities, entertainment, and, of course, delicious barbecue options.
The Community Revitalization Collective is thrilled to announce the upcoming Night Markets, a series of vibrant community events that will take place on Saturday August 26 and Saturday September 16. These unique markets will be open to all residents of the Whittier Neighborhood who wish to showcase and sell their creative talents, whether it be food, crafts, or any other unique offerings. What makes these events truly special is that there will be no fees charged for participating vendors, providing an opportunity for all to come together and celebrate the neighborhood’s diverse talents. All ages welcome!
Event Details:
Date: August 26, 2023, and September 16, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: First Faith Lutheran Church, 601 N. Cliff Ave Whittier Neighborhood, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
The Whittier Neighborhood Night Markets aim to create an inclusive space for Whittier Neighborhood residents to share their entrepreneurial spirit, foster connections, and promote a strong sense of community. Residents will have the chance to showcase their homemade crafts, delectable food creations, artwork, and any other unique creations they wish to share. It’s an excellent platform for individuals to gain exposure, build networks, and connect with like-minded neighbors.
The market events will be held on August 26 and September 16, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the heart of the Whittier Neighborhood in the parking lot of Faith Lutheran Church.
“We are excited to provide a platform for the talented residents of Whittier Neighborhood to share their passions with the community,” said Jordan Deffenbaugh, spokesperson for the Community Revitalization Collective. “The Night Markets will not only showcase the creativity and skills of our residents but also provide an opportunity for neighbors to come together, support local businesses, and celebrate our vibrant community.”
Whittier residents interested in participating as vendors at the Night Markets are encouraged to sign up by visiting forms.gle/k6n7LkwYh7jTvDRY8.
Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.–
Jordan J Deffenbaugh
UPDATE: I was having a serious discussion today about this topic and one city official recommended to me that the council should pass an ordinance that requires ‘interim’ directors to be replaced within 6 months. I suggested we go a step further and require an ethics clause in their employment contracts that they have an outgoing interview with city council in executive session telling them exactly why they either were terminated by the mayor or decided to resign on their own. Taxpayers have invested millions in salaries and programming for these directors and at the very least they can tell us why decided the city of Sioux Falls was NOT the right fit for them. The public deserves the right to know why after a couple of years and this kind of investment they decided to leave. Of course we KNOW the short answer, but for once it would be nice to get the long answer . . . you know . . . that whole open government thingy the Sioux Falls City Hall seems to be immune to.
Some have been wondering if it is just pure coincidence or if city hall has been purposely hiring directors that are not qualified for the position, like the new health director coming from finance.
The administration has admitted they were slow to tell the public about the new initiative but they wanted to wait until they had more positions to announce;
The city is proud to announce that Todd T. Bradd, a former diesel mechanic, will be running the marketing and communications department for the city. Bradd said about the appointment, “I mean it’s one thing to keep a big rig running it can’t be too tough to keep a copier going.” When we inquired about his experience with press releases, etc., Bradd replied, “Not much, but I’m not sure there is anyone left in this town to send them to anyway. Do you have Tid-Bits email?”
Big changes are coming to the city dump. Retired part-time florist, Gladys Anderson-Johnson will be running the facility moving forward. Gladys remarked, “I just think the place could use some freshening up.” Anderson-Johnson says she has big plans to start a community garden, walking trails and eventually an indoor pool at the dump, “Since our current indoor pool is such a dump I figured why not just build an indoor pool at the dump and no one will notice. Who can beat an indoor pool heated by methane and wood chips!”
And just when you thought the changes were minimal comes Ms. Pessky. Ms. Patricia Pessky taught 5th grade social studies for 77 years in the school district now she will run the street department. Pessky gleefully exclaimed about her appointment, “I remember when it used to take 36 days to clean up after a snow event in Sioux Falls, of course, that was when the churches would gather up volunteers to scoop out the town and make it into a real Christian learning experience. I think that is what is missing in our street department, some good old fashioned Jesus. We were the original Jesus Snowplows!” Pessky proudly displays a bumpersticker on her Ford Focus that says; WE DON’T NEED NO STINKIN’ 1ST AMENDMENT!
The Parks Department’s newest director may lack experience but her brilliant smile and go get em’ attitude will move the department in the right direction. Jordan Taylor-Hannah Spirit Smith will take the helm of one of the largest parks department in the country. Overwhelmed by the appointment all Smith had to say was, “I love flowers, especially when butterflies land on them.” Then she texted her manager at Starbucks her two week notice.
In their final announcement, big changes at the Public Works department, Cuddy McCalister, former volunteer honey-do-handyman for the widowers at his church will be offering his talents to run the city’s largest department. “You know, I retired in 87′ after a long career in pork bellies and lead paint awareness and I just thought it was time to give back, and they are paying me in kolaches and kuchen so not much different then my current employment.”
The South Dakota Border Iowa casino will be offering sports bets on how long these new directors last.
*Correction, Ms. Pessky taught for 87 years NOT 77. We apologize for the error.
THIS ARTICLE WAS SATIRE, OR WAS IT?