31 under 31: 2026 Edition

Jess is the HR generalist at Vishay, and a Master Sergeant of Iowa Air National Guard in the Medical Group.

She is also a volunteer on the Southeast South Dakota Society of Human Resource Management (SESD SHRM) board as the Secretary.

Frae Binder

Frae is the Director of Student Life at Mount Marty University.

Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?

I was raised in Yankton, and chose to move back because it has always felt like home. Between the amazing public pool, numerous opportunities to get involved, and the beauty of the Missouri River, it is a natural fit for my family and me.

Why do you love most about Yankton?

What I love most about Yankton is the close knit community. Whether it is the work environment at Mount Marty, spending time with family, or dining at some of our local establishments, such as my favorite El Tapitio, I am running into a friendly face, or building community.

What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?

My favorite volunteer opportunity has been getting involved with the United Way through their Toys for Kids and Adopt a Family Program. The care the entire United Way team puts into supporting the Yankton community was so inspiring, and I greatly admire the work they do. Being able to partner with them, and help connect Mount Marty students, staff, and faculty to the program, has been such an important experience that I hope to grow in future years.

What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?

My favorite recreational activity is paddle boarding on the Missouri River, or water walking at the pool!

Mariah Dather

Mariah is Staff Auditor II at Wohlenberg Ritzman & Co., LLC.

Why do you love most about the Yankton community?

One of the things I love most about the Yankton community is all the local small businesses, festivals and events, and the farmer’s market that bring everyone together. Yankton has the perfect blend of small-town feel with plenty of things to do. I’m especially grateful for the friendships I built while attending Mount Marty University and the meaningful connections it helped me build within the broader Yankton community.

Why are your favorite recreational options in the Yankton area?

My favorite recreational options are the parks and the outdoor activities around the river. Whether it’s the walking trails, playgrounds, disc golf, or kayaking with my family, there’s always something to do. Growing up, I especially enjoyed participating in figure skating and archery, which made the area feel even more special to me. I love that Yankton offers so many ways to enjoy nature, stay active, and explore different activities at any age.

Cole Sawatzke

Cole is a Chiropractor at Swat Chiropractic and Rehab.

Why did you choose to live in the Yankton area?

I chose to return to the Yankton area because it’s home, the place where I grew up, surrounded by family and lifelong friends. Joining my brothers, Lane and Reid, in our family chiropractic practice was also a major reason for coming back. I’m excited to serve the community that has given me so much over the years, and I truly can’t imagine myself anywhere else.

Why is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?

Most people are choosing the Lake or River when asked this question, which I completely agree with, but my favorite recreational activity in Yankton is the golf course. I’ve developed a passion for the game of golf and in the warm South Dakota months you will usually find me out on the course playing whenever I can.

Marissa Shimer

Marissa is the Kids Campus Leader and works in Human Resources at Restore Church.

What do you love most about the Yankton community?

I love everything Yankton offers for families. We love going to the library for story time, the parks, the pool, and so much more!

What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?

My favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton is at Restore Church! I’m the Kids Campus Leader, help out in the nursery and toddler rooms, and lead a WRAP team. I love getting to serve kids and families and be part of our community.

Samantha Heintz

Samantha is an English Teacher at Yankton High School.

Why do you choose to live in the Yankton area?

I grew up in Yankton and graduated from YHS, so when my husband and I had the chance to move back, we didn’t think twice. As a family, we love the river, the trails, the parks, and all the opportunities Yankton provides—especially for my stepson, Liam. There’s something really special about watching him play at the parks, cheering on the Bucks and Gazelles, hiking near the river, and spending time at the lake the same way I did when I was younger. Yankton was my home as a child, and now I’m lucky enough to call it home again as an adult.

McKenzie & Wyatt Jorgensen

Alyza Rucktaeschel

Alyza is an in-home daycare owner at The Funhouse Daycare & recreational/competition coach at River City Gymnastics.

She is also the owner of Faithful Fizz dirty soda/energy shop.

What do you love most about the Yankton community?

What I love most about Yankton is its strong sense of community and the beautiful natural surroundings. The friendly people make it feel like home, and there are so many opportunities to get involved and help others, like through local volunteer programs. Plus, the scenic river and parks provide a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. It’s a special place where you can feel connected both to people and the environment.

What is your favorite volunteer opportunity in Yankton?

My favorite volunteer opportunity is being able to be a part of and help with the Restore foster closet and the WRAP team, where I get to serve families in need. It feels meaningful to support these families by providing them with essential items and showing them care during challenging times. Being involved in these ways allows me to make a positive difference in my community, and I truly enjoy the connections and impact that come from these experiences.

Dalton Bornholdt

Dalton is Southern Regional Manager at Olson's Pest Technicians.

What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?

My family and I love spending summer nights and weekends on our boat at Lewis & Clark Lake. Whether we’re out with friends that we've met in the community or enjoying quiet sunset rides with our two boys, being on the water is our favorite way to spend time with the people closest to us.

Jess Stratman

Jess is the HR generalist at Vishay, and a Master Sergeant of Iowa Air National Guard in the Medical Group.

She is also a volunteer on the Southeast South Dakota Society of Human Resource Management (SESD SHRM) board as the Secretary.

What do you love most about the Yankton community?

What I love about the Yankton Community is how welcoming and friendly everyone is. It has the small-town feel with a lot of opportunities. I really love all the family friendly events our community puts on. It’s perfect for my husband and I with 3 little ones. It’s a great place to raise a family.

What is your favorite recreational option in the Yankton area?

One of my favorite recreational activities is to go fishing or boating on the lake with my family. We also love all the playgrounds that are available in Yankton. Yankton has something for everyone, whether you're an outdoor person or simply love shopping and a great coffee shop!

RETURN TO THE 31 UNDER 31 LANDING PAGE

31 under 31: 2026 Edition

Get In Touch with Thrive!

Stay Connected!