Pretty Much the Center of the Universe

Good Morning!

This week I went to the Lead-Deadwood Economic Development annual meeting. The speaker was Jared McEntaffer an economist from the Black Hills Knowledge Network. He talked about the economic climate of the Lead-Deadwood area and some trends that will probably be coming down the pike for us (hello, retiring Baby Boomers).

One of the things I thought was most interesting was the fact that Lead and Deadwood aren’t just bedroom communities for other towns. Dr. McEntaffer said there are about 4,000 jobs in Lead and Deadwood and of those jobs roughly 800 people live in town and work in town (speaking of both towns together). 1,000 of those people commute out and another 2,200 commute in (this also includes people who live just outside the city limits but still…). It was an interesting shift in how I’d always viewed our demographics, and shows that Lead and Deadwood are a job center more than almost any place in the region.

It’s always interesting to understand our community better, to see what makes it tick and why things work and don’t work. Does this statistic surprise you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s what’s going on in Lead this week:

Today, Thursday 12/12/19
5-8pm – The Deadwood Chamber is having their Holiday Open House. All welcome to attend at the Welcome Center in Deadwood.

Friday, 12/13
12-6pm – Miner’s Tin Cup presents an exhibition of works by Eric Jones. His work has been on display in exhibitions and galleries, and is in private collections throughout the US and Europe. His recent paintings are an exploration of abstracted, midwestern based symbols and ideas. If you can’t make it on Friday he’ll also be there on Saturday afternoon from 12-6pm

5pm – Deep Talks at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center. In celebration of Nobel Day, Sanford Lab will host Dr. Michael Witherell, laboratory director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab), as out speaker at “Nobel Day: The invention of Big Science.” Witherell will present on South Dakota’s own Nobel Laureate, Earnest O. Lawrence, who won the 1939 Nobel Prize in physics for his invention of the cyclotron. Refreshments from 5-6pm and talk from 6-7pm.

5:30-7:30pm – Family Skate Night at the Handley Recreation Center

7pm – Trivia at Lewie’s Eatery & Saloon (meet in back room).

Saturday, 12/13
8am-2pm – Northern Hills Rec is grooming Tomahawk Country Club’s course for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and fat tire biking. You can get all the details at their website www.NorthernHillsRec.org You can buy a day pass, or a season pass to use the course. There will also be several races this winter (more info on their website). The clubhouse will be open Saturdays 8-2pm with refreshments and light snacks.

10am-12pm – Kids are invited to come make homemade gifts with Deadwood History Inc. At the Days of ’76 Museum. Please call Amanda Brown, Education Director at 605-578-1657 for reservations.

2pm – Cowboy Christmas at the Historic Homestake Opera House. This is probably the Christmas event of the season, so if there’s any way you can make it, you won’t want to miss! There are still tickets available so run over to EventBrite and nab them! Three shows all together including this matinee show, a 7:30 (with dance to follow show) on Saturday night, and a Sunday matinee at 2pm. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/historic-homestake-opera-house-2764370078

5-6pm – Come see Santa and register for a free new bike giveaway at the Twin City Area Clothing Center (The Free Store) on Main St.

8-10pm – The Handley center is hosting an adult only holiday themed skate night! There will be beer and concessions available. Dress to Impress as there will be prizes or holiday themed costumes!

Sunday, 12/15
11am – Join First Presbyterian Church on Baltimore Street for Children’s Program worship and visit from Santa! Everyone is welcome! Lunch will be served and Santa will be handing out presents and stockings etc.

Monday, 12/16
5pm – City Commission Meeting at City Hall

Other News:
Our shop local event continues! Be sure to get your cards stamped and bring full cards down to our offices for a chance to win prizes at our wrap up party on 12/19 at Blackstone Lodge! Get all the details, participating businesses and instructions here: www.LeadMeThere.org/ShopLocal

Akela Spa is having 12 days of Christmas 2019 Celebration with sales and giveaways! Don’t miss!!

Friday 12/13 – Nourishing Vegan 13-free Polishes $10
Saturday 12/14 –All Retail Paul Mitchell products 25% off
Sunday and Monday 15 and 16 th Receive free garden pass with each $100 gift card
Tuesday 12/17 – $20 off any body scrub/wrap combo Purchase $150 gift card receive additional $50
Wednesday 12/18 – Free gel upgrade on any nail service and illuminating hand treatment on any mani or facial. Additional 15 minutes added to every massage free.
Thursday 12/19– SCROOGE DAY! 30% off all regular priced retail in boutique-open ‘til 7 pm
Friday 12/20 – All FHF hand creams $10 reg price $15, other FHF 20% off boutique open ‘til 6 pm.
Saturday 12/21 – All OM4 men products and All Robes 21% off
Sunday 12/22-Free garden pass with each $100 gift card sold online
Monday 12/23 OPEN Gift Cards Buy $150 and get $25 free
Tuesday 12/24 24% off all regular priced retail in boutique-open until 3 pm

The Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center is also having some special Christmas deals! Spend $50 and receive 5% off your order, spend $100 and get 10% off. Spend $500 and get any Silver Elegance jewelry item free!!

Enjoy our sunshiney day!!

Sierra Ward

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