Season Two Of “My Town” Series To Feature Watertown, SD
WATERTOWN, SD – “My Town” a rural-focused documentary series written and directed by 3-time Emmy Award-Winning Documentarian Cory Hepola, is expanding for Season 2 with 8 new small-town stories across 5 states.
“Young people are choosing to live in rural communities at higher rates than we’ve seen since the 1970’s and ‘My Town’ is showing the world the many reasons why,” said Hepola, who grew up in a small town. “There’s opportunity, innovation, and a connectedness in rural America and the overwhelmingly positive response to our Season 1 communities has shown there’s a large audience excited to experience it.” Stream all episodes of “My Town” for free on YouTube at “My Town Series” at https://www.youtube.com/@MyTownSeries/videos.
In Season 2 of “My Town,” Hepola will travel to 8 different rural communities across 5 states learning why people choose to live where they do while breaking down the popular misconceptions with therural lifestyle. The communities selected for Season 2 – Fairmont MN, St. Joseph MN, Linton ND, Watford City ND, Chamberlain SD, Watertown SD, Rock Valley IA, and Grand Island NE – all range in size, location, and identity, showcasing the diverse nature of what rural towns offer. “For the longest time all we’ve heard is our small towns are dying and there’s nothing here for you, but that’s simply not true,” said Hepola. “These rural communities are thriving, and people are choosing to raise their families here for a variety of reasons. These stories need to be told.”
In Season 1, Hepola explored 7 different communities across 4 states (MN, IA, WI, ND) with the series selected to premiere at the prestigious Twin Cities Film Fest. Within the first two months of its online launch (October 2024), “My Town” has amassed nearly 1-million impressions and 275-thousand views across all platforms with 5,500 hours of watch time from 36 states and 6 countries on YouTube alone. “Our rural communities have what everyone is searching for – opportunity,” said Hepola. “My Town is helping the outside world see that.”
Founded by rural native Gerry Norton in 2001, The Brookshire Company serves as a rural advocate through its major networking event, “Community Venture Network (CVN),” matching growing companies to rural economic development leaders from across the upper Midwest. “Our mission is to reshape the rural narrative by helping people see all our small towns have to offer,” said Norton, Executive Director of “My Town.” “We’re thrilled that people from all over – small towns, large cities, different states and countries – are discovering the positive realities of the rural life through this series. We believe in Rural America!”
ABOUT “MY TOWN” “My Town” is a rural-focused documentary series written and directed by 3-time Emmy Award-Winning Documentarian and TV Anchor Cory Hepola. In Season 1, Hepola explored 7 different rural communities across 4 states (MN, IA, WI, ND) with the series selected to premiere at the prestigious Twin Cities Film Fest. Within the first two months of its online launch, “My Town” has amassed nearly 1-million impressions and 275-thousand views across all platforms with 5,500 hours of watch time from 36 states and 6 countries on YouTube alone.
ABOUT THE BROOKSHIRE COMPANY The Brookshire Company’s mission is to help “companies succeed, and communities thrive” through site selection, labor analysis, financial incentives, commercial real estate, and storytelling. Founded in 2001 by Gerry Norton, who brings over 35 years of experience directing projects in 45 states and five countries, The Brookshire Company partners with businesses and communities worldwide, helping them reach their fullest potential. Learn more at brookshireco.com
CONTACT:
Crisavy Seeman The Brookshire Company info@mytownseries.com
Julie Stevenson, Watertown “series at julieannstevenson66@gmail.com
WDC Welcomes Sarah Giang as Investor Relations Manager
Watertown, South Dakota – The Watertown Development Company (WDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Giang as the new Investor Relations Manager. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in customer service, retail management, and human resources across the financial, manufacturing, and retail sectors. Her diverse skill set emphasizes rapport creation, client engagement, and HR generalist expertise.
Sarah’s extensive background in employee relations and operational support equips her to effectively communicate organizational goals and strategies to investors. She leverages her experience to drive collaboration and cultivate a thriving work environment, ultimately enhancing investor relations and contributing to the organization’s success.
Chris Clifton, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company, expressed his enthusiasm for Sarah’s appointment: “The WDC team is excited about Sarah joining our organization. She brings much-needed HR, operational, and customer service skills to the group. Sarah will have day-to-day responsibilities for Watertown 2.0 client services, communications, and the investor relations process for WDC.”
Sarah’s appointment marks a significant step forward for the Watertown Development Company as it continues to strengthen its investor relations and support the growth and development of the Watertown community.
For more information, please contact:
Watertown Development Company
Angela Yahne
ayahne@wdcsd.com
Manufacturing Week, Oct 4-11th, 2024
The Watertown Workforce Advisory is sponsoring the Excellence in Manufacturing Awards for the third year in a row to recognize manufacturing employees for outstanding work in their field. We are celebrating Manufacturing Week which takes place October 4-11th this year. Nominations for the Manufacturing Awards will be accepted from September 9– 22. Categories included are Machine Operator, Material Handler, All Other Production, Working Supervisor, Painters & Prep, Production Support, and Welders. Please submit the below form Winners in each category will receive $100 in Chamber Bucks and put in the grand prize drawing for a Macksteel Kettle.
If you have questions, need any additional info, or have an idea to share for future Manufacturing Week promotions, contact Angie Yahne at ayahne@wdcsd.com.
Angie Yahne Appointed Economic Development Project Manager at Watertown Development Company
Angie Yahne joined the Watertown Development Company in January 2024, initially serving as Executive Assistant. Her dedication and exceptional leadership quickly became evident, prompting her promotion to the role of Economic Development Project Manager. In her new capacity, Angie will spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, attracting new businesses, and enhancing the overall business climate in Watertown.
Prior to joining WDC, Angie Yahne managed the Watertown branch of SkyWest Airlines as General Manager, where she demonstrated her strong management acumen and strategic vision. Her extensive background in leadership roles and her entrepreneurial spirit as the owner of the Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Watertown underscore her deep-rooted understanding of local business dynamics.
“We are delighted to appoint Angie Yahne as our Economic Development Project Manager,” said Chris Clifton, Executive Director of the Watertown Development Company. “Her proven track record in both corporate management and local entrepreneurship uniquely positions her to drive forward our economic development goals. Angie’s passion for our community and her innovative approach will be instrumental in shaping Watertown’s economic future.”
In her role, Angie Yahne will collaborate closely with local businesses, government entities, and community stakeholders to implement strategic economic development initiatives. Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the Watertown Development Company as it continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering a vibrant and thriving community.
About Watertown Development Company: The Watertown Development Company is dedicated to promoting economic growth, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life in Watertown, South Dakota. Through strategic planning and collaborative partnerships, WDC works to attract new businesses, retain existing enterprises, and create a dynamic environment for sustainable economic development.
For more information about the Watertown Development Company and its initiatives, please visit www.wdcsd.com.
Prairie Lakes Named to the 100 Great Community Hospitals List by Becker’s Hospital Review
WATERTOWN, S.D. – July 16, 2024 – Prairie Lakes Healthcare System is proud to announce they have been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s 100 Great Community Hospitals list for 2024.
The community hospitals honored on the list portray clinical and academic excellence, personalized and holistic care, and overall improved health to their communities. The Becker’s editorial team selected hospitals based on nominations and considered several outside rankings and ratings organizations, including U.S. News & World Report, Healthgrades, CMS, the National Rural Health Association and The Chartis Center for Rural Health.
“This honor reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team,” said John Allen, CEO of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of care for patients in Watertown and the rural communities we serve.”
In the last year, Prairie Lakes Healthcare System has received several significant recognitions including: The College of Cardiology’s Platinum Performance Achievement Award for care of heart attack patients, Top 20 Rural and Community Hospital recognition by the National Rural Health Association, a Patient Centered Medical Home Achievement in primary care, and a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. These awards and recognitions all contributed to Prairie Lakes being chosen for Becker’s Hospital 2024 Great Community Hospital list.
Prairie Lakes was one of two South Dakota hospitals to make the list. View the 100 hospitals on the list by visiting www.beckershospitalreview.com/100-great-community-hospitals-2024.
Congratulations!
Kalaga web cathlab
Dr. Ravi Kalaga, Interventional Cardiologist
The award recognizes Prairie Lakes Healthcare System’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Prairie Lakes has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.
“This achievement is possible only because of the shared camaraderie and spirit within our organization,” said Dr. Ravi Kalaga, Interventional Cardiologist at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “It also reflects the compassionate and high-quality care our teams are dedicated to delivering consistently to our patients.”
To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Prairie Lakes has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.
“Earning this national award again is a remarkable achievement for Prairie Lakes,” said John Allen, Chief Executive Officer of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. “It highlights the exceptional care and successful teamwork by our Cardiac Cath Lab, Emergency Department, Cardiology Clinic, and Rehabilitation teams that withhold these high standards of care.”
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.
Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry empowers health care provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. For more, visit acc.org.
South Dakota Housing Infrastructure Applications Update
Applications Approved to Date
On February 1, 2023, the Housing Infrastructure Fund was created and to be administered by South Dakota Housing for the purpose of making loans and grants for housing infrastructure projects.
Applications began being accepted for the Housing Infrastructure Financing Program on Monday, July 24.
As of December 13, 2023, HIFP general fund grant application requests received to date have exceeded the $50 million in available general fund grant funds for both communities of 50,000 or less and 50,000 or greater. In addition, HIFP ARPA application requests received to date have exceeded the $15 million in available ARPA grant funds for communities of 50,000 or greater. A spreadsheet of the applications received to date is available in the link below.
It is important to note that application review is still underway by SD Housing staff, that the majority of applications still need to be vetted for approval, and if approved, the projects may not receive the full amount requested. In the event there are projects that receive less than their request, or do not receive approval, and available funds do open up, SD Housing is creating a waiting list and will continue to accept applications for HIFP projects as availability of the funds permits. Applications added to the waiting list will be evaluated in the order received.