31 under 31 – 2023 Edition
Yankton Thrive featured the area's young professionals & leaders here and on our social media channels throughout the month of March, 2023!
Lane is the Director of Human Resources at Mount Marty University.
Anna is a Nurse in the pre/post operative department at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
What do you love most about living in Yankton?
What are your favorite recreational options in Yankton?
As a family, we love taking our daughter Piper for long walks along the river.
Lane spends lots of time exploring the hunting and fishing opportunities, which gives him lots to write about on his outdoor blog, thehunt605.com.
Anna loves grabbing coffee at Muddy Mo’s before walking the bridge and shopping with friends.
Rob is the Program Director at the Mead Museum.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
The thing I love most is the small town feel of Yankton
What are your favorite recreational options in Yankton?
The beautiful City parks and our close access to Lewis & Clark Lake.
Savannah is a second grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School.
Cameron is a New Accounts Representative at Elkhorn Valley Bank And Trust.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What is your favorite recreational opportunity in the Yankton area?
Our favorite recreational opportunity is definitely being on the Missouri River. We enjoy sitting on the sandbar, floating down the river, hunting, fishing, and everything in between.
Why did you choose to live in Yankton?
We chose to make Yankton home because of the strong ties and relationships within the community. The memories made with our families here in Yankton create such a unique connection. We also feel fortunate to work in the community doing what we love and having opportunities to advance and grow. We cannot wait to continue our journey here in Yankton!
Josh is the News Director for Riverfront Broadcasting.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
The thing that I love about the Yankton community is its passion. It doesn't matter what it is, the Yankton community always shows up to support each other.
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Alexis is Program Manager at Pathways Shelter for the Homeless.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
I am involved with Yankton High School Band Boosters. I coach the Color Guard team for Yankton High School and Yankton Middle School. I love supporting young musicians and helping them spread joy through their music and performance.
What is your favorite recreational opportunity in the Yankton area?
My husband and I are heavily involved in the many recreational sports leagues offered in Yankton. We have played softball, indoor volleyball, sand volleyball, dodgeball, and bowling.
Alex is a Robot Welder Operator & Heavy Welder at Astec Industries
He is also an Advanced Welding Instructor at RTEC
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I choose to live in the yankton area because most of my family lives in the area and it is a centralized place for many recreational activities.
What are your favorite recreational options in Yankton?
My favorite recreational activities in the area are frisbee golf at the campgrounds, kayaking on Lake Yankton, fishing in the area, and there are many areas to pheasant hunt.
Reid is a Chiropractor and co-owner of SWAT Chiropractic & Rehab.
Becky is a Physician Assistant at the Yankton Medical Clinic in the Internal Medicine Department.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
We chose to move back to Yankton because it has always been home to us! We have received so much support from the community throughout our lives, and we are excited to give back. Yankton is a thriving community with many opportunities for growth which is important to us as we start our careers. Yankton is also home to both of our families, so we are blessed to have them nearby as we settle down and start a family.
What are your favorite recreational options in Yankton?
We love spending time outdoors and Yankton offers many of those opportunities! Some of our favorite memories include those on the Missouri River and Lewis and Clark Lake boating and fishing. We also enjoy attending athletic events supporting the Bucks and Gazelles!
Kalie is Staffing Supervisor with Avera Education & Staffing Solutions.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
Yankton offers a small community feeling with large town amenities. Yankton continues to grow to provide opportunities for everyone while maintaining a strong community bond.
What is favorite recreational option in Yankton?
Like many others in the Yankton and surrounding areas, I enjoy spending time at lake. The summer months are a great time to spend quality time with friends and family on the water.
Cooper is very involved at Mount Marty University (MMU), where he is a
- Graduate Student
- Creative Marketing Coordinator in the MMU Marketing Office
- Pitcher on the MMU Baseball Team
- Graduate Assistant for the MMU Athletic Department
Why did you choose to live in Yankton?
I chose to come to the Yankton community upon graduation from high school due to the opportunities at MMU to further my academic and athletic careers, the incredible, scenic location along the Missouri River, and the small community that still offers everything I need.
What is favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
My favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton has been volunteering at the River City Domestic Violence Center fundraiser events, such as Black Tie Bingo and Dancing with the Stars.
What are your favorite recreational activities in Yankton?
Jen is a Patrol Officer at the Yankton Police Department
Congratulations to Officer Jen Keitel for being selected as the 2022 City of Yankton Employee Of The Year!
Why do you choose to live in Yankton?
I choose to live in Yankton because it is a great community with many options for food, shopping, and entertainment both indoors and outdoors. I love being able to have that small-town feel still even with a larger city population; I grew up in a town of around only 5,000. There is also the convenience of having access to what larger cities have to offer, being only an hour or two away from Sioux Falls, Sioux City, Norfolk, and Omaha.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
I love that everyone seems so active; whether it be they want to be a part of the many community events and activities that are put on by the city or businesses throughout the year, or just being outside enjoying the parks, trails, river and lake life that Yankton has to offer. It is a family-oriented community for sure and a place I can say people would be able to start a family and raise a family.
What are your favorite volunteer opportunities in Yankton?
One of the many volunteer opportunities that Yankton has to offer that I enjoy is the United Way’s Big Friend, Little Friend program. I was a part of the program last year and enjoyed making memories with my “little.”
I also know friends and co-workers who spend a lot of time volunteering out at Heartland Humane Society by playing and taking care of the animals they have.
I also have to give a huge shoutout to Mount Marty University for their efforts in prioritizing volunteering with their employees, coaches, and students through their Mission Day and the athletic teams constantly volunteering their time. I feel there is great pride in our community members in giving back or donating time/effort for causes.
What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?
My favorite thing to do recreationally here in Yankton is spending time outside by the river or out at the lake area during the summer time. You can find me spending time with friends, my partner, and our dog out on days off out at the lake and dam area. I also enjoy the hiking and running trails that go by the river and the Meridian Bridge where I can get my exercise in while taking in the views.
Miles is a Strength and Conditioning Coach at Avera Sacred Heart Wellness Center / Coach Rozy Performance.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
I love how friendly the community is. Everyone I have had the chance to meet has truly made me feel welcomed and at home. I grew up in a small town where everyone knows everyone and the level of support this town gives whether it’s for sporting events, shopping locally or helping a family in need reminds me of that small community I grew up in while providing me all the opportunities larger towns have to offer.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
I love the outdoors, so the trails, parks, and lakes are a great option for me and my dog Tucker. I also enjoy playing softball and fishing the river on the weekends in the summer.
Taylor is the 4th & 5th Director at the Boys & Girls Club of Yankton.
Jarod is a Combine Technician at Titan Machinery.
Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?
One of the biggest pulls for our family after coming back to South Dakota from Alaska to move to the town of Yankton was the amount of outdoor recreational activities were available to us. We enjoy the hiking trails, fishing spots, hunting areas and, of course, the river together as a family. Most weekends in the spring/summer/fall, you can find us outside soaking up the sunshine!
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
Following our move, one of the things that we loved most about the Yankton community is how opening and welcoming they were to us as new members within the community. We were welcomed to make our mark on the community and have loved watching our growth in Yankton since moving here.
Brett is a Commercial/Ag Banking Officer at CorTrust Bank.
Lindsey is School Counselor at Lincoln Elementary.
Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?
Yankton is a community where we feel at home. I am originally from Yankton and Lindsey went to Mount Marty University. We lived in Sioux Falls for a few years, but always wanted to get closer to our families.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
We love Yankton because the community is always growing and improving.
What are your favorite volunteer opportunities in Yankton?
Junior Achievement, Harvest Halloween, and the Sertoma Club
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Golf Courses, the parks, and the lake
Rachelle is Avera Medical Group Clinic Manager at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
I have been involved with Junior Achievement at the Yankton School District for four years now, and it’s so fun getting to introduce business, investing, and ethics to the students!
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Hands down, my favorite recreational option in Yankton is the lake and nearby camping areas. We’re so lucky to have them in our community-nothing beats a day on the lake with good friends!
Ryan is a Pest Management Professional and Manager at Olson's Pest Technicians.
Taylor is a Special Education Teacher at Yankton High School.
Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?
Along with being close to family, we chose to plant roots in Yankton because of the opportunity to help run and grow Olson’s Pest Technicians in and throughout the community and region, while also allowing Taylor to continue her teaching career in a great school district.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Radio Spot #2
Juan Francisco works at Vision Media Group and The Jacobson Agency: Allstate Insurance.
He was also called up to play by the Colombia National Team during qualifiers for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?
My favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton is to help other people from different cultures adapt.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Tessa is a Band Instructor at Yankton Middle School and a Marching Band Assistant at Yankton High School.
I grew up in a small town and Yankton was always our vacation spot to visit family. I love that it provides so many beautiful recreational needs and wants like the lake, running/ biking trails, many parks, and the new aquatic center for my kids, as well as an active Yankton Area Arts for me to play with other musicians around the area in the Yankton Summer Band.
I also love all the activities and classes that the Yankton School District provides for its students that my kids will have the opportunity to be a part of someday. I’m fortunate to call it home now.
Allison is a Registered Nurse at Avera Medical Group Ear, Nose And Throat Yankton.
We love to live and raise our family in the Yankton area because of all the wonderful people here, and the small-town way of life! We take in many outdoor recreational activities in our area, including hunting, fishing and horseback riding! I value being part of Avera’s healthcare team, providing services for the people of our communities!
Tahlia is a Library Assistant at the Yankton Community Library.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
Yankton is such a great community in that it's small enough for most people to know and connect with each other, but still large enough to have a variety of opportunities for everyone to take part in.
What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?
Austin is the Finance Manager at Northtown Automotive.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I was born and raised in Yankton before I moved to Irene as a young adult. I do not regret living in a smaller town but it truly opened my eyes to the opportunities and activities Yankton has to offer. I moved back to Yankton 2 years ago when I started my career in the Automotive Industry at Northtown. Since then, I have come to appreciate living in Yankton and being so close to my friends and family.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Adam is a Farmer
Samantha is a Farm Loan Officer at Farm Service Agency.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
The thing that we love most about Yankton is all of the opportunities there are. Whether that be going downtown, enjoying the lake/river/trails, or job possibilities.
What are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?
Megan is a Real Estate Agent at The Move Group.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I grew up in Yankton so a big part of choosing to live in Yankton was wanting to be close to family. Yankton is also full of opportunity, and I love that there are many ways to get involved in the community.
What are your favorite volunteer opportunities in Yankton?
Andrew is a Customer Service Representative at Hydro in Yankton.
Why do you choose to live in Yankton?
I was born and raised in Yankton, our families are here, so it only made sense to start our own family here as well. Yankton has a ton of great job opportunities, and the job market is very healthy for anyone looking to start a new career. We really enjoy the diversity that these companies bring to the community and hope that Yankton continues to grow in that aspect.
What are your favorite recreational activities in the Yankton area?
Our favorite recreational activity is spending time at The Huether Family Aquatics Center. We get family passes every year and typically visit the pool 4-5 times per week. The aquatics center is a great investment for Yankton and has plenty of activities for people of all ages! We live close to Westside Park and have enjoyed visiting the ducks, taking our daughter fishing, and getting to see all the wildlife there. We’re very excited to see how the park will look once construction is completed and the ducks and geese have a home again!
Amanda is a Supervisor at Williams & Company, P.C.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I choose to live in the Yankton area because it is close to family and friends. I also enjoy the small town feel and supportive community that Yankton offers.
What are your favorite recreational activity in the area?
My favorite recreational activity in the Yankton area is taking my dogs for walks out by the Lewis and Clark Lake.
Brianna is a Registered Nurse at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital.
Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I chose to live in Yankton because I was born and raised here and after college I knew I wanted to make my way back home. I absolutely love the community and everything it has to offer. I also love that all my family lives here so I can spend time with them often.
What are your favorite recreational activity in the area?
My favorite recreational activity in Yankton would definitely be going out to the lake in the summer time and spending as much time as possible there boating and fishing with family and friends.
Brodey is Owner/Operator of Yankton Rexius Nutrition.
What do you love most about Yankton?
What I love most about Yankton are the people. There are places out there that may have more opportunity, more entertainment, and better weather, but at the end of the day, Yankton has a community. It’s as simple as driving around town and waving at someone you know or talking to someone you haven’t seen in a while, and them wishing you well. The support and love Yankton has is next to none.
What is your favorite recreational activity in the area?
My favorite activity in the Yankton area is the hiking trails. We have a few, and it makes for a perfect day.
Whitney is Onboarding Coordinator at Avera Sister James Care Center.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
I used to come here camping when I was younger, and I always loved the sensory experiences and all the stuff you got to do during the summer. I am happy to call Yankton my home!
What are your favorite recreational activities in the area?
l love playing sand volleyball during the summer and winter volleyball for women’s league, and I sub for coed volleyball as well. I enjoy getting out and seeing everyone come together. I also watch my significant other, Alex Mueller, play men’s softball during the summer and being part of that is fun as well! I am glad Yankton has these recreational activities to give us more to do around town!
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Matt is a Locksmith at Hansen Locksmithing.
Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?
Yankton is more to us than just a place to live. We grew up here and have always called it home. Yankton provides a variety of family friendly attractions such as the bike paths, parks, and everything the lake has to offer. We spend most of our time with friends and family at the marina and the campgrounds any chance we get. Both my wife and I are blessed to have our families around us, not only for the free baby sitters, but their love and support as well.
What is your favorite recreational activity in the area?
By far my favorite recreational activity has to be softball. I enjoy playing men’s league and my wife and I enjoy playing coed softball with our friends throughout the summer.
Toni is HSE Administrative Assistant at Hydro in Yankton.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What I love most about the Yankton community is that it has a small town charm, but also has the opportunities of a larger city, whether it be for your career or for fun!
What are your favorite recreational activities in the area?
Some of my favorite recreational activities in the Yankton area are all the hiking and bike trails, and also the golf courses around!
Tyler is a Mental Health Associate at the Human Services Center.
What do you love most about the Yankton community?
What is your favorite recreational activity in the area?
Alix is a Medical Lab Technician at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital. She is going back to school to get her four-year degree to become a Medical Lab Scientist.
Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?
What is your favorite recreational activity?
Joey is a Nursing Student and President of the Student Government Association at Mount Marty University.
He is also a CNA at Avera Sister James Care Center.
What are your favorite volunteer opportunities in Yankton?
Growing up, I enjoyed pitching in to community efforts through Calvary Baptist Church, such as helping pack meals to send across seas with Mercy Meals. For the last four years, I’ve enjoyed the volunteer opportunities I’ve had as a student at our good ol’ local university, whether collecting items for Operation Christmas Child or going with students to the Humane Society.
There’s almost nothing that connects you with a community as much as volunteering does, so I was grateful to get to share that experience in my hometown with fellow college students who hail from all over the world.