Hearts of the Hills honored in chamber awards ceremony

By Esther Noe 

 

Always inspiring—that is how Hill City Area Chamber of Commerce executive director Janet Wetovick-Bily described Hill City at the chamber’s annual reception, meeting and awards presentation April 27. 

During the event, 11 such inspiring people, businesses and organizations were honored for their contributions to the community. 

“We get to recognize and celebrate some extraordinary people, extraordinary members for their excellence and exemplary efforts in 2023,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

The Victor Jepsen Award is the highest award designed to “recognize a person whose spirit and attitude exemplify the best in business, community and family, has demonstrated concern for and significantly contributed to the community and the Hill City chamber.” 

This year the award was presented to Bob Lowery for his selfless service to Hill City. 

Chamber president Jason Peters said, “This individual is a successful businessman who has brought his service, leadership skills to Hill City in a variety of ways, serving as president of the Hill City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). He was an active component of the Bull Run Housing Development and champion for Ranger Square.” 

As a master gardener, Lowery volunteered to clean the flower beds at the Visitor Information Center. He also served as the president and a dedicated member of the Hill City Lions Club. 

“I’ve had the pleasure of being part of this community now for several years, and one thing I’ve learned—this is a community full of very passionate people who are passionate for Hill City,” Lowery said. “We don’t always agree, in fact, most of the time we don’t. But we’re all passionate about Hill City, and that’s something we can share and celebrate tonight.” 

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Karen Moore. 

“The purpose of this ward is to reward an individual for his or her long-term commitment to Hill City, whose creative and innovative business ethics set a standard for the community,” said Peters. 

According to Peters, Moore has been an enthusiastic supporter of Hill City for nearly 30 years, “whose love for our community is evidenced by her leadership, volunteerism, contributions and care for her community and values instilled in her family.” 

Family testimony read that Moore “is a team player, always willing to lend a hand to others and take on any responsibilities whenever necessary. She has instilled an amazing work ethic in her family, and her leadership skills have led the way for all to follow in her footsteps.” 

Moore was said to put 110 percent into every business venture to make it successful. With a family history in business, Moore came to Hill City in 1994 and bought the Spring Creek Inn. She later bought Dairy Twist, and her business ventures continued to increase through Central Hills Towing, Mountain View Lodge, mini golf at Creek Side Country Resort and more. 

Moore and her family “have worked tirelessly at various community events, supporting the Hill City Booster Club, sports and activities with treats, giving meals and monetary donations to big projects like the track and football field, used sports equipment, school turf project and music department,” Peters read. 

Moore recently retired and her family said, “We want to celebrate with her the accomplishments of our family and continue building the family legacy. We hope to have as big of an impact on the community as she did.” 

After receiving the award, Moore was presented with a rose and a hug from each member of her family in attendance. The line was long, and Moore said, “I will admit I worked really hard, but isn’t this worth it all?”

The Business of the Year Award was presented to the Black Hills Institute of Geological Research and its founder, Peter Larson. 

“The purpose of this award is to recognize a business that has made an impact on the Hill City community through business expertise and community service,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

Larson was described as Hill City’s “own Indiana Jones.” His dream began as a childhood interest and grew as the result of mentorships, friendships, education and discovery. 

“That was 50 years ago,” said Wetovick-Bily. “Eleven T-rex specimens, hundreds of thousands of hours spent in fossil preparation, consulting in placement of fossils and replicas in more than 65 museums, universities and private collections later, this Hill City business founder and his team continue to foster a love for rocks, minerals, fossils and paleontology among children, visitors, international tour operators and guests.” 

“This kind of business does not happen without all the people who are involved,” Larson said. “None of this would be possible without them. You cannot build a dinosaur without a village.” 

The Employer of the Year Award was presented to Krull’s Market and owners Eric and Danielle Lind. 

Peters said, “The purpose of this award is to recognize a business which has made a significant impact in Hill City through community involvement, provides a positive working environment for employees including concern for safety, health, living and family.” 

Krull’s Market is a family-owned business open year-round, no matter the weather, and employs about 35 people during peak season. Eric serves on the chamber board, EDC, Business Improvement District Board and Hill City School Board.

“Together with his wife, these two dedicated owners generously contribute supplies, food and provisions to Hill City organizations and fundraisers often before they are asked,” said Peters. 

The Linds were unable to attend, but some of their long-time employees accepted the award on their behalf. Between the five employees, there were about 90 years of grocery experience, according to Peters.  

This year two people tied for the Employee of the Year Award, which was created in 2020. 

“The purpose for this award is to recognize an employee, associate or front-line staff member who goes the extra mile; who has demonstrated initiative, creativity and who delivers consistent, extraordinary customer service,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

The first winner was Kristi Van Bogart, president of the Hill City Arts Council and sales leadership team associate at Jewel of the West. 

The nomination included a testimony saying, “This individual is absolutely phenomenal with customers, engaging, lights up the store with her beautiful smile. Her customer service and follow-up make everybody feel so important. 

“She also helps out at the drop of a dime whenever we don’t have enough staff. She goes above and beyond and is my right hand in implementing a very rigorous schedule, working late nights. She never complains about the long hours. She is always happy to help.” 

Wetovick-Bily said she calls Van Bogart, “The lady with the million-watt smile.”

Tamela Ross, human resource director for the Hill City School District and lifetime resident of Hill City, was the second award winner. 

Her boss said, “She makes everyone feel welcome and creates a positive vibe in the Hill City district office. You can feel the energy when she’s around. She’s caring, competent, she puts the human in human resources and she loves to give hugs. 

“She has snacks for the kids that come into the office, and she’s created a hospitality station in our office to make people feel welcome. There’s a warmth in our office created by her.” 

Several special awards were presented this year as well. 

The Legacy Retailer Award “was specifically created to recognize a long-time business member of the community,” said Peters. 

It was presented with thanks for her 18 years of service in Hill City to Judy Walker, owner of Stage Stop Leather & Gifts. Walker and her late husband took a leap of faith in purchasing their business but knew Hill City was the right place for them. They strived to offer high-quality products made in the USA, promoted local artists and enjoyed the public. 

“She credits her friend and associate at the store, Kathy (Hales), and the entire experience of ownership as a blessing, saying, ‘It’s been a wonderful part of my life. I just feel so blessed to have had the opportunity,’” said Peters.

The Chamber Service Excellence Award was “to recognize contributions made by a chamber board member for his service and contributions to our community,” said Peters. 

It was presented to Dan McNamara for all his efforts in Hill City. 

“Through several terms on the chamber board, he has given 10 years of service, time and ideas to Hill City. His service includes being a successful regional realtor, a board director with EDC and assisted with Bull Run Housing, serving as chamber board treasurer and even as a board director, owning and operating the Harney Peak Inn for 10 years and then facilitating the sale and making the expansion of the Black Hills Institute possible,” said Peters. 

Eric Lind, Bryan Rupert and Pat Wiederhold were honored with the brand-new Black Hills Trailblazer Award. 

Wetovick-Bily said, “These three individuals have worked tirelessly to obtain a significant addition to Hill City and the Black Hills that will benefit our community and area for future generations. 

“They have partnered with state and national entities including legislators, Black Hills National Forest, Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota Department of Transportation, area residents and other stakeholders, sought grants and have held numerous meetings to accomplish their goal of establishing a trail corridor from Hill City to Sheridan Lake.” 

The Hill City Ruby Legacy Award was presented to the Alpine Inn and Waldtraut “Wally” Matush for achieving a 40-year ruby milestone. 

“We are honoring the founder and her family for her courage, vision and strength of character to pursue a dream, raise a family and establish a world-renowned restaurant that has brought thousands of people to Hill City,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

“Through her generosity, she has given a hand up to many, has paved the way for women and has contributed to many organizations throughout the years. All the while, this treasured great lady is very modest and prefers to give credit to others,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

In October 2023 Matush was honored as a nominee for the Spirit of Dakota Award. Dale Lamphere created a statue for this award, and Wetovick-Bily found a signed print of it by accident. She presented this to Matush along with the award. 

“Put it somewhere where it reminds you of how much you are loved,” said Wetovick-Bily. 

“Hill City is a very special place, and I hope you all love it and take care of it,” said Matush. 

Finally, the Spirit of Hill City Distinguished Service Award went to Peters in grateful appreciation for his dedication and service as president of the chamber board. Peters will be stepping aside and serving as past president for the next year. 

“I had the great joy and privilege of working alongside him in his tenure as president,” said Wetovick-Bily.

During this time, Wetovick-Bily said, “We have seen enormous growth in our chamber, in its community standing, in its relationship building, in its achievement and in our board thanks to your dedication and leadership. You have been integral to the important decisions and the advances that we have made, particularly in the areas of partnering with Travel South Dakota, championing for the chamber and our members and advocating for wise investment in marketing.” 

Wetovick-Bily thanked Peters for his weekly gifts of time and talent while also prioritizing his family and serving as captain of the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, coach of the grade school girls basketball team and many other community causes.

“As a fantastic listener, he is always the first to have a common sense response and an empathic one,” said Wetovick-Bily. “The highest accolade and sign of respect that I can give to him is to characterize him as a stand-up guy.” 

“He is all that and more. He is honest. He stands for what is right. He stands up for what he feels needs to be done, which makes him a valuable leader in our community, a fantastic role model for his children and to Hill City’s youth and the future of Hill City,” said Wetovick-Bily.

“I think we’ve done a lot of good things in the last 10 years. We grew off what we were doing before that and just kept going. I think we have a great board,” said Peters. “It makes it a lot easier when you have someone like Janet to work with and a good board so thank you.” 

Currently the chamber officers are Peters as past president, Wiederhold as president, Chuck Voorhees as vice president, Jennifer Schmoll as secretary and Eric Lind as treasurer. During the meeting, the chamber voted Dylan Cutler and Matt Stelmach to the Board of Directors for the 2024-25 term. Kendra Heeb is serving on the board for the 2023-25 term.