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Human Interest

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Argus Leader • 8th July 2001

'I do as I damn well please'

Outspoken, driven and fiercely loyal, Sylvia Henkin jump-started projects on dozens of community boards, took on the health system to fight for her daughter with special needs, and managed two family businesses.

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Blueprint South Dakota

Dignity Through Design: Better Serving a Diverse Population

During my time at an integrated design firm, I coordinated and edited this guest column written by my sister. It highlights how functionality in public spaces matters for families like hers.

Engineer Tony Dwire reflects on 30 years as part of Team TSP

“Find great people, give them the tools they need, and then run like hell to get out of their way.”

30 Years as 'The Guy'

“They wanted to know if I was that guy, and I said yes,” Sean Ervin says. His answer took him from tending bar, waiting tables, and running a kitchen to his first architecture job.

From a tiki lounge to teaching others: 40 years at TSP

Bert Haglund’s first big project sounds like a studio pitch for an offbeat sitcom. It involves a theme restaurant and a guy known as “Bamboo Bob.”

AIA South Dakota

Founder: 'Design it like you own it'

Architect Harold T. Spitznagel took his first payment in baked goods and went on to shape communities statewide through his distinctive designs. (Pages 12-17.)

Culture of fun inspires office pranks

Employees convert their office into a gas station while the boss is out of country.

Acclaimed painter helps drive local economy

Wildlife artist Terry Redlin built a career on wildlife scenes. His mass-produced prints built a $10 million museum and a booming business in Watertown, SD.

College student recovers, reclaims life after wreck

Jeff Hayne's performance in SD State University Theatre's production of "12 Angry Jurors" was different than his other shows. The wheelchair was his, not his character's.

The South Dakota Standard

VP candidate Walz is right — we mind our own business, but we also care for and help each other

Sometimes you tweet a rant, and someone asks if they can string it together as a guest essay. Neighboring is an activity to make sure others are all right while leaving them their choices.

Autumn Kayl designs for sustainable, long-term solutions

“You can go green without breaking the bank—if you do it correctly,”

Jamie Ohrt brings animal-facility background to firm

Too often, highly engaging experiences for zoo guests come at the expense of functionality for animals and staff alike.

SiouxFalls.Business

Personal passions help drive project outcomes

Staff members' meaningful connections to school districts, healthcare systems, and civic groups create better end-user experiences.

Everyone has at least one great story

Reporters and photographers hit the road to uncover stories in the land and its people. The 48-page section also was delivered to schools through Newspapers in Education.

'I didn't know right away that I would do this'

One woman finds unexpected comfort in artistic expression as her teenage daughter's murder investigation continues with little hope of new leads.

Family gathers for WWII veteran's final Memorial Day march

This is one of two personal columns I wrote for the Argus Leader. It details my grandfather's experiences as a first-generation American fighting in Europe.

Kurdish refugee again appeals for family's asylum

Active in protests against Saddam Hussein's regime, Serwan Hassan was warned not to return to Turkey after attending an Iraqi National Congress conference in New York.

Speaking through her artwork

A severe fever caused cerebral palsy when Karla Harnois was three months old. As talking became more difficult, she discovered another way to communicate.

'I preached last summer to never look down'

The 60th Sioux Empire Fair opens with a blessing of carnival rides. This not-what-the-editor-expected article on the Fair's first day also was my first Argus Leader byline.