Expand Magazine - Volume 7 Issue 2

Volume 7, Issue 2
Women’s History Month
Telling Our Stories
pg. 8-9
Want to
Play More?
The Warp Zone
pg. 24-25
Before & After
School Support
pg. 36-37
Taking
Nominations
Lily Frank
Resilient & Driven
pg. 18-21

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Expand /4
We are here to live a BIG life. To explore our inner
and outer world, moving us towards the leading edge
to discover what we are capable of that can be of
contribution. To create a life designed with intention and
executed with passion.
This publication aspires to be a source of inspiration. We
are committed to connecting you with community experts
and information to help you live your best life. It is our
intention to encourage balance in your life, reminding
you to prioritize your health and wellness while pursuing
your dreams. We wish for you to be healthy, strong and
radiant. We wish for you to find meaning in your work
and be of service to those around you.
In these pages, you’ll find advice and resources, but you
will also find community and love. It is our desire to be
by your side on your journey, providing articles, video
content, podcasts, trainings, and live events. We are here
for your expansion.
This is your life.
For those who want more…
To be more, do more and give more.

Expand / 5
Stacie Anderson
Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC & Expand
Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach
Passionate about Leadership & Communication
Expand is owned and published by Empowering Conversations, LLC. All materials contained in this magazine (including text, content, and photographs)
are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any
way without the prior written consent of Empowering Conversations, LLC or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not
alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content.

be more
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
18-21
do more
22-23
24-25
26-27
28
29
30
31
give more
35
36-37
38
Table of Contents
Health is a Journey – Women’s History Month
Expand Yoga – Awaken Your Potential
Dare 2B Great – Impetus
Living Lumin – Resolutions
Cover Story – Lily Frank
Small Business Spotlight – Morningside Insurance Group
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative – The Warp Zone Bar & Arcade
Finance 101 – How To Pay Yourself First!
Council Connection – Dangerous Trends Continue With Iowa Taxes
Experience Downtown – Shaping The Year Ahead In Downtown Sioux City
Siouxland Chamber – Explore Tuscany
Leadership Siouxland – 40 Years Of Making A Difference
Inclusive Peek – Chandler Todd
Nonprofit Spotlight – Beyond The Bell
Hot Air – Places of Joy
ON THE COVER: Lily Frank Styled by Rooted Boutique and Photo Credit Laura Johnson Photography.

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Health is a
Journey
By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler
Women’s History Month
A
cademically and socially speaking, the
significant erasure of women from history is a
crucial issue. As historian Dr. Bettany Hughes
pointed out, ‘Women have always been 50% of
the population, but only occupy around 0.5% of recorded
history.’ As we celebrate Women’s History Month this March,
it’s important to remember that our feeds, newsletters, and
blogs will be filled with the stories and faces of the few
women who have made history. But the real question is,
how do we move beyond March and integrate historical
and present-day women into everyday life?
Throughout history, storytelling has been a primary method
for replaying cultural and historical events. These oral
traditions of passing stories from generation to generation
have played a marked role in how history has been written.
In the past, women were less likely to become storytellers
for communities due to the requirement that they tend
to the home rather than travel to other homesteads to
share their stories. Thus, the stories that women shared
were most likely shared by women to women and within
kitchens.
Women have been left out of history for many
reasons, most of which are due to the limitations and
restrictions they have faced throughout history. For
instance, they have been unable to access higher
education, societal expectations that women’s
duties are solely that of a homemaker, and overall
discrimination against females; because of these
reasons and more, we only see traces of courageous
women celebrated throughout history.
We are the other 49.5% of the population not being
recorded; we need to make a shift, and this shift starts with
you, me, and our ability to tell our stories. To do so means
sharing your stories of the women in your life. Become
the storyteller your great ancestor couldn’t be so we may
all be seen. These stories are the backbone of our hidden
histories, no matter how big or small.
To Grandma Bonnie Pelzer,
may you live on through this story.
When I was a small child, my grandma Bonnie cared
for me while my mom worked. Grandma Bonnie lived
with Grandpa Max on a farm in rural Iowa, and I was first
introduced to herbalism during those faded memories
on the farm.
This is my Raspberry story, a personal narrative that
intertwines the themes of women’s history and herbalism
and serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in
preserving our cultural heritage.
Grandma had many points of harvest on her homestead,
and the raspberry patch was immense, wild, and untamed.
It stretched the length of the back end of their three-stall
garage. Entering this area guaranteed itchiness, but if you
timed it just right, you were gifted the juicy sweetness of
homegrown raspberries.
I was around four or five when Grandma Bonnie instructed
me on my first raspberry harvest. Grandma turned to me
in the kitchen and handed me a yellow plastic bowl with
a spout and a handle, most likely from the 1970s. This
yellow plastic bowl lives in my mind as the designated

harvesting bowl for any fun activity at grandma’s house,
like garden harvesting, meat from fish flaying, and frog
legs after catching frogs with Grandpa.
That Raspberry summer day, the yellow bowl and I
followed Grandma out to the patch where Grandma
pointed to the vines and showed me how to touch the
plant without getting too itchy. Then, Grandma picked
three different raspberries. She showed me one that was
over-ripe with bugs, one that was under-ripe, and one
that was perfect. I tasted the perfect one, and I swallowed
with delight. The under-ripe raspberry was spat out as I
puckered my face, and the over-ripe one was thrown to
the ground. I had been given a mission. I started through
the vines, and for every couple of raspberries that went
into the bowl, the same number entered my mouth. My
mouth and fingers were stained, my arms were itching,
my belly and the yellow bucket were full, and we headed
inside to make jam.
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When I think of this memory, I still hear the summer bugs.
I feel the sun warm on my shoulders. And I feel safe with
the comfort of my grandma working silently beside me.
These memories and sensations are so entwined into
my relationship and story with Raspberry. I didn’t know it
then, but my grandmother was introducing me to one of
nature’s most nurturing herbs for women.
Herbs go hand in hand with storytelling. Many of herbs’
medicinal and metaphysical properties have been passed
down through the ages through storytelling. Raspberry,
botanically known as Rubus idaeus, is no different. It is
said to have been discovered and named by Olympian
gods on Mount Ida. The Latin name Rubus Idaeus means
“bramble bush”. According to herb lore, the nursemaid
to the infant Zeus was named Ida. One day, while picking
berries, she pricked her finger on white berries, staining
the berries red for all eternity. (2)
The use of raspberries is found in archaeological digs
from prehistorical times in Europe. When steeped as a tea,
the leaves resemble the taste of a black tea. Medicinally
speaking, raspberry has long been thought of and used as
a woman’s herb. Extremely tonifying to the reproductive
system and nutrient-dense. Raspberry is considered
a premier uterine tonic for pregnancy; it is known to
shorten labor, strengthen the uterus muscles, and help
to reduce potential hemorrhaging post-birth. This cool
and drying herb is also excellent for decreasing PMS
symptoms. Due to raspberry’s drying nature, it’s essential
to monitor any long-term use or mix raspberry with
other, more moistening herbs to balance its properties
and meet your body’s needs. (3)
Without centuries-long storytelling, many of the
medicinal herbs we use today may not exist. It is through
storytelling that we have kept these traditions alive.
When I think of raspberry, I think of its strong, nurturing,
and protective properties, just like my grandma.
I encourage you to look at the women in your life. What
stories do they tell? What story do you tell? How can you
share those stories to ensure they live on? How can you
rekindle the flames of women in history, bring the past
into the present, and send it forward into the future?
By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler
Her goal is to spread herbal knowledge to rural America in a
safe, constructive, and accessible manner.
Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary + Teahouse
www.meganandco.com
Trained at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism
Certified Clinical Herbalist
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Certified Flower Essence Practitioner
Resources:
English Heritage. Why Were Women Written Out Of History? An Interview
With Bettany Hughes. 29 February 2016. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk
The Herb Society of America Blog. Jan. 13.2020. Raspberry, Herb of the
Year, and Herb of the Month: History and Lore. Pat Greathead
Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism.Malcolm Stuart. Raspberry. p255.

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Dare 2BGreat
Rininger
By Cody
Rininger
Family 2024.
Impetus
Shall I tell you a story? Maybe two? The first is
about an elephant and a rope. Let me preface
this first story by letting you know I did not
write about the elephant and the rope. The short
story is credited to A.M. Marcus, although there is no
evidence that he wrote it. Now that your brain has been
educated, let us summarize the first story…
A gentleman was walking through an elephant camp
and spotted that the elephants weren’t being kept in
cages or held using chains. A small rope tied to one of
their legs was holding them back from escaping the
camp.
As the man gazed upon the elephants, he wondered
why they didn’t use their strength to break the rope and
escape the camp. They could easily have done so, but
they didn’t try.
Curious and wanting to know the answer, he asked a
trainer nearby why the elephants were just standing
there and never tried to escape.
The trainer replied.
“When they are very young and much smaller, we use
the same size rope to tie them; at that age, it’s enough
to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to
believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope
can still hold them, so they never try to break free.”
Now, we come to part two. If you want a true change in
your life, you should internalize the inspiration behind
this. Think deep and past yourself because this character
has changed lives.
Inspiration is the process of being mentally stimulated
to do or feel something, especially to do something
creative. Maybe not the word I want. Honestly, it is crap,
but let us continue and decide a word WORTHY.
We enter with our main character, a wife, mother, and
grandmother who has owned a business for 29 years. It’s
a successful coffee, energy tea, and gift shop in a small
town with a population of 729. That alone should inspire
you.
As years pass, we adapt and make assumptions, like
the elephant in our first story. Our main character had
to confront an enormous life challenge. She lost the
lower half of her leg this past summer. All hope seemed
lost. Already struggling with confidence, walking, and
shoulder strength, she faced an unknown and lifechanging
scenario. Accept or break free. For weeks,

the mental battle ensued. How could one overcome
additional obstacles when they had already accepted
and adapted to the rope? I am not speaking to anyone
but the main character’s best friend. Only him. Not
her son, not her daughter, and not her grandchildren.
Broken and tied down by a rope life made for her. The
best friend stayed by her side and showed her the
rope could be broken. The main character, the mother,
was confronted and forced to speak. The son tells the
mother there is no acceptance and that what you have
conditioned can be changed. He needs her; his kids
need her; his dad needs her; her customers need her.
EXPAND | BE MORE /13
Against all odds, she broke away from the darkness
and the demons that haunted her and tried to hold her
down. Motivated by her grandchildren, she broke the
rope, accepting nothing. It was a complete change in
thinking and living. This wonderful and strong character
even changed her business. Her inspired customers
rallied around her, believing in something incredible.
This story is one you will not come across again. It has
a woman who had a mental block that she could not
accomplish feats physically. Yet, she did. How do you
do such things when you cannot see yourself as you
truly are? Only my best friend knows such things. The
son can only assume that there were many nights of
internal battles. My friends, we all go through these
battles, yet nobody wants to admit or talk about them.
So, let us revisit our first story…
The only reason the elephants weren’t breaking free
and escaping from the camp was that, over time, they
adopted the belief that it just wasn’t possible. The
beliefs we hold in our lives are extremely important
because they have the power to create our reality due
to the operation of the law of attraction. If we don’t
change our limiting beliefs, they become a self-fulfilling
prophecy, and we become unable to break free from
the chains of our self-imposed limitations.
Cody and his mother.
While the word inspiration will always come to
my mind when I think of my mom, I have found
something better, more powerful, and more
suitable for a woman of such stature: IMPETUS.
Impetus is a noun that means a driving force, incentive,
or momentum. It comes from the Latin verb impetere,
meaning “to attack.” You took control and are a driving
force in my life. I love you, Mom, and I am so proud to be
your son.
”Nothing binds you except your thoughts; nothing limits
you except your fear; and nothing controls you except
your beliefs.”
DARE 2OVERCOME.
DARE 2B GREAT.
Photo Credit Truly Juli Photography.
Cody Rininger
website 2bimperium.com | phone 712-870-0758
email rininger@2bimperium.com
For more information on specific training and nutrition, contact Cody directly. He is certified by
the National Academy of Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor and is NASM Certified in
Nutrition, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Heart Variance, Weight Loss, Hypotrophy, Neuromuscular
Flexibility, Supplements, and Mental/Behavior Performance. He incorporates techniques
for concentration, focus, motivation, and ways to cope with anxiety. He has been featured in
National Fitness Magazines as a model and writer and has spoken on several national Podcasts.
Besides numerous certifications, Cody has received his Master’s in Instruction. He has firsthand
experience with differentiating personalized instruction, planning, and goal setting. He
was named 2022, 2023, AND 2024 Siouxland Trainer of the Year Award, nominated for 2025
Personal Trainer, Runner-Up for 2024 Siouxland’s Choice Best Weight Loss Center, and currently
nominated for Best Weight Loss Center in 2025. Cody trains out of the Four Seasons Gym in
Sioux City and performs scans and consultations from the Stifel Building in Sioux City.

eXPAND | BE MORE /14
living
LUMIN
By Dr. Ryan Allen
Resolutions
For MRN
I. “Found and Lost”
J
esus on a flying bird
old time pictures
speaking their words
sound impossible to deny
Get up in cold morning sun
see my breath
as I get up and run
trees swaying
white stone power
wilderness names
memories
a past that can’t be refound
creation master poetry
American bird
writing true stories
lost on a highway home
uncommon Gandhi
stenciled sketches
self-portrait Walden sinking below
G.I. Joe Gibson
crooked prairie
horseshoe Willie Nelson
rolled up remote control reality
Tibetan prayer flag mind
scratch paper feelings
Karate Kid startups
resonator trees
tribal apple
“It’s okay not to be okay”
Everyone is welcome
all can be served
screen porch solace
dog day dancing
local Francis
singing saint
always Gubbio
present in our lives
Cymbal silence
harmony joy
we all mean well
golden eternity
Kerouac bandana boxcar
in the key of consciousness
swamp folk pick up the slack
I still miss you
all this time you’re gone away
all these pictures are the memories
of the feelings we want on display
but tucked inside
a book on a shelf
there’s a mirror
to my forgotten self
nestled in words
and tangled in thoughts
an image
a lesson
being taught
The horses will gather
games always play
we found what was lost
to make it one more day
because nothing is promised
endurance has a cost
resilience is a rosary
glitter jar capo delight
turkey feathers
guide us
to all that is right

II. “I Want To Give You What I Hope You Want”
I
want to give you words
but I don’t know what to say
so I sweep the floor
clear the desk
and file away
our debt
and burdens
in file cabinets
and under rugs
and behind couches
and in the corners of closets
and anywhere else we can tuck
a little sorrow away
because a wedding is hard
but being married’s a miracle
and being happy
(whatever that means)
is elusive
and exists only in moments
and the rest is life
so we’ll put that aside
for now
knowing of course it’s there
not pretending it’s not
but just setting it down
for a minute
to make space
for a moment
between us
to remember
that it began
on a lake (called Ossipee)
in Cabin 18
in a place called Freedom
where nature was a classroom
and now
here we are
over twenty ourselves
learning on our mats
to live life off them
so it’s nice to look back
and it can be fun to dream forward
but for now I’ll settle
a breath is enough
just a moment
for four eyes
to see two eyes
to become one eye
and to keep remaking our world
remembering we can do it
because we’ve been thousands of
miles
and created three kids
we’re capable of change
because we can breathe
in and out
and make the world anew
do the dishes
mow the lawn
pay bills
and maybe even rub each other’s
feet
(once in awhile)
and be in love
with the little moments
that made us
friend lover husband wife mother
father student teacher
and this next one
we’re about to have
right now
because this is all I can ever give
you
which I hope
is all you ever want
III. “My Vision of Your
Vision of You”
Align
self and future
find the right
glorious body
learn
enhance muscle growth
teach
in the morning
respect yourself
protect the world
be home now
with moth and eagle
banana smoothies
waterfall plateaus
and prayers
for authenticity
the seeds of self-compassion
balance
shine
going up
going far
clean
consciousness
lumin
lion
starfish
inspiration
I am
Sawyer
the next generation
crossword puzzle potential
sea kayak
giraffes and
joy—
tree hugging
mudra eating
karamalicious
Joy.
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Lumin Therapy provides integrative health and education for the mind, body, and spirit to those who are suffering
or struggling to step into and live their heartfelt mission and purpose. Through the practice of physical therapy,
medical therapeutic yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and resiliency mentoring, Dr. Meghan Nelson, DPT, and Dr.
Ryan Allen, PhD, bring their more than 40 combined years of knowledge and experience serving individuals,
families, and organizations to learn and heal and live without boundaries.
Photo credit Ryan Allen.

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Expand is proud to host the
Top 10 Under 40!
The highly anticipated issue comes
out in September, featuring young
professionals in Siouxland who
are making a real difference in our
community. Nominations will be open
starting March 1. The form can
be found on our website at
Expand2More.com.
EXPAND | BE MORE /17
2024 Winners
Here is what we look for in Siouxland’s 10 Under 40.
Look around to your co-workers, employees, bosses, friends, colleagues, and think about
who meets the following criteria:
• Under the age of 40 as of December 31st, 2025 (Yes, you may have to ask, but he/she
will be honored that you are thinking of them for an award!)
• Is a business owner or high executive/manager/director (or has experience in this
area) within their organization. This can be a large corporation, small business, or nonprofit
organization.
• Must be in their current position or have had experience in a managerial role for at
least one year.
• Lives and works in the Siouxland area (approximately a 60-mile radius around Sioux City.)
Has a history of displaying:
• Vision and Leadership
• Innovation and Achievement
• Growth/Development Strategy
• Community Involvement/Contribution
• Consistent display of excellent character and ethics

Expand | Cover Story /18
Lily
Frank
PERSONAL LIFE
What would people be surprised to find out
about you?
After I graduated high school, I attended nursing school
at St. Luke’s in Sioux City. My journey through nursing
school at St. Luke’s in Sioux City was a testament to
resilience. It was a challenging path, marked by failures
and setbacks. Besides losing my dad, nursing school
was the hardest thing I have ever done. I failed the
first semester, retook it, and then I failed a class in the
second semester, retook it, and then I was involved in
a grease fire that resulted in 3rd-degree burns in which
I could not attend clinical due to having open wounds,
so I failed a third time. This put me behind 1.5 years,
and it’s a two-year program. Despite these obstacles,
I persevered. I felt like a failure, and I didn’t know how
I would ever fulfill my dream of being in the medical
field. Most people don’t know that, but it shows my
resilience. I have always been the worst test taker, but
I was very good clinically. I went on to graduation,
passed my RN boards, and started in the ICU. I excelled
and quickly became very skilled in many realms, which
led me to be a traveling ICU nurse.
I spent time in Florida and California in some of the
sickest ICUs. When I returned to Iowa, I started in Labor
and Delivery, which I fell in love with. I wanted to deliver
babies, so I went on to get my ARNP-CNM degree,
which is a master’s degree in nursing. Because of all
of my experience as an RN, my master’s degree was a
breeze, and I graduated with honors. During my time
in graduate school, I worked part-time as part of the
Critical Care Resource team, which only allows certain
RNs who have the most experience to work in both the
ER and ICU. Before I opened The Sonography Studio, I

was skilled in 3 very different specialties. Looking back, my failure in RN school was such
a small part of who I have become, but during those years, it seemed like I would never
succeed. Going from failing to graduating with honors is a surreal experience.
What is your life purpose? Do you have a personal mission statement
for this phase of your life?
If you are familiar with the Enneagram test, I am an Enneagram 8. My life motto is
definitely a mixture of being a go-getter, sticking up for myself and others, being
passionate about life, and the opportunity that we all have to become successful ... as
long as you never give up!
Expand | Cover Story /19
What is something that you struggle with?
I am successful in many aspects, but it has been hard to recognize it. It always feels
like I am onto the next thing instead of slowing down to enjoy the daily little things.
For a long time, I lived in the future. When you have a big goal for your life, you have
to live in the future until you get there. But I remember dreaming of the life I live now,
and I still find myself trying to live in the future. A big lesson I had to learn was that it’s
important to enjoy the now. My dad suddenly passed away three years ago, and my
whole perspective on life since then has shifted. It sounds cliche, but life truly is short.
Lily Frank with her children.
Do you have morning rituals or daily habits that enhance your life?
I am NOT a morning person. I worked the night shift for most of my career. Now that
I have two kids, they are my alarm clock, and I don’t like that about myself. I want to
get in the habit of waking up before them, meditating, journaling, and enjoying a slow
morning. It’s one thing I am focused on for this year. So far, I have not succeeded. It’s a
hard thing to do when you’re a night owl. Daily meditation at night, before I fall asleep,
has truly brought so much inner calm- and that is one thing that I have been consistent
with within the last six months or so.
What are your non-negotiables?
Therapy once a week. Everyone needs a therapist.
What are 4 random facts?
1. I am successful, but I can’t remember anything. I am going to
see a specialist in Atlanta very soon. My memory is awful, and
sometimes it makes my job hard.
2. I am not a Midwesterner at heart; I was raised in Florida and
California prior to moving to Iowa, and I will be moving to
Florida very soon!
3. I am opening a reformer Pilates studio and have never taken a
reformer Pilates class. LOL!
4. The Sonography Studio will soon be a nationwide franchise!
Who do you look up to?
My dad. He was my hero. I had lived with him since I was 12 years
old. I strive to be more like him in many aspects, especially with his
kind and non-judgmental attitude. He was also an entrepreneur
and successful business owner. Even though his specialty was
Asphalt, and I didn’t want anything to do with it, I learned a lot
from him over the years that I have instilled in myself as a business
owner. He has been gone since I opened the studio, but he has
and will always continue to be the driving force behind it all.
How do you want to be remembered?
On top of being a great mother, I will be remembered as The girl
who founded The Sonography Studio.

Expand | Cover Story /20
The Sonography Studio downtown Sioux City.
work LIFE
Tell us about your business.
The Sonography Studio was founded in 2022, shortly
after my dad passed away. While pursuing my master’s
degree, I became pregnant with my first son, Lux. I was
in clinical rotations and had access to an ultrasound
machine and peeked in on him all the time. It was so fun
to watch him grow, and that’s where the idea sparked.
But, because I am a practitioner, I thought to myself, “I
could offer so much more than just ultrasounds.” After
graduation, I tried to establish a midwife program at the
hospital. It was moving in the right direction until the CEO
was let go, and then my focus switched, and I thought,
“Maybe I should do that thing I’ve been thinking about. I
know I’m not the only one who would enjoy seeing their
baby.” When I opened, I originally had planned to have
elective ultrasound and IV hydration for sick mamas. The
studio quickly grew, and I was having people come to

Expand | Cover Story /21
me from all over. I attended a conference and learned
more about technology for vaginal rejuvenation and
pelvic floor rehabilitation, which I knew fit the theme.
We have grown and are in our second space, with
a second location in Sioux Falls and many more to
come. I consider the studio a full-blown Women’s
Wellness Studio now. We offer massage therapy, IV
hydration, hormone/vitamin optimization, vaginal
rejuvenation, urinary incontinence treatments, pelvic
floor rehabilitation, lactation consultations, and
elective ultrasound. It has been so much fun to watch
it flourish and grow!
What’s the meaning behind the business
name?
I wanted something classy but to the point. I still
love the name. However, I’ve had to add a tagline,
Pregnancy, Postpartum & Beyond, because a lot of
women still think that it is just for pregnant women.
What sets the business apart from the rest?
From what I have gathered - this is the only business
of its kind in the United States, which is crazy to think
since we are in little Sioux City, IA, with such a niche
business. I always told myself that if it could flourish
here, it would flourish anywhere.
What are you most proud of?
How fast it has grown, and how many comments we get all
the time thanking us for offering these services. So many
women struggle with anxiety throughout pregnancy, and
we help alleviate that for many. We have also successfully
treated more than 250 women across both locations with a
99.9% success rate in treating stress, urge, and mixed urinary
incontinence, which 70% of us struggle with. That is probably
my favorite accomplishment - we have allowed people to
experience life-changing results. Our oldest patient thus far
is 95.
What have been the most valuable lessons you
have learned in running your own business?
It can be tricky to devote enough time to your business and
also enough to your home life/being a mom. I still struggle
with this, but I have learned that life goes by quickly; work
needs to stay at work, and when I am at home, I need to be
fully present so I don’t miss any moments!
Advice for others starting out in business?
DO IT. That’s all I have to say. If you believe you have
a good idea, go for it!
Photos Contributed by Lily Frank.

EXPAND | DO MORE /22
Small Business spotlight
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Spotlight?
P
rotecting and ensuring your life’s great
investments is not a matter to be taken lightly,
especially here in the ever-changing Midwest
climate conditions. You invest in insurance to protect
your assets and those you love, praying you won’t ever
have to use it. Then, the unthinkable happens, and you’re
left staring at an insurance card, praying who’s on the other
end can help you pick up the pieces of your life and start
over. The Allstate Morningside Insurance Group has been a
community facet for 25 years and just recently came under
the new direction of Jacob Stevenson. If Jacob insures you,
relax; you’re in good hands.
“I’ve got an incredible team to work with, and they need to
be introduced to the Siouxland area!” proudly exclaimed
new agency owner agent Jacob Stevenson. His office is
located at 4617 Morningside Ave in Sioux City.
The agency provides insurance for your auto, home,
condo, motorcycle, life, renters, business, ATV, and
boating needs. They have garnered a reputation for
setting high customer satisfaction standards, especially
in customer service and helping customers through the
claims process.
“Empathy is the biggest part of it. You listen and
let them know that you truly understand and
truly know where they’re coming from in dealing
with these situations. Then you try to get them to
that relaxed state of mind, and then we can talk
about what to do next,” explained Dawn Hansen,
an Allstate Agent in the service department with
18 years of experience at the agency.
“If a customer is calling and they are upset or frustrated,
the biggest thing on our end is just listening, allowing
them to get all those frustrations out, and then we can
start on what needs to happen next. They need to know
that a caring person on the other end of the phone
understands. We see them as a person and not just
another number,” stated Terian Hollopeter, another
service agent at the agency.
Needing and wanting a career in which to help people
seems to be the common thread with the team at the
Allstate Morningside Insurance agency.
“I enjoy helping people. That’s more obvious on the
service side of the business but also in claims. Whether
it’s getting the claims written and addressed on our side
or with another company, and a customer is struggling
when they get the result we were aiming for, that’s the
greatest satisfaction,” shared Terian.

the team and then places them where they’ll do the most
good. It’s a well-oiled machine,” shared Dawn.
“We have an onboarding team. Brooklyn is part of that team.
When a new person has signed up on the web with our
agency, Brooklyn will make sure that all of the information we
have on them and their policies is correct, and then she’ll also
ask if they have any questions or concerns with their policies.
It’s that personal connection. We want to get to know them,”
stated Terian.
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It’s through that connection with their customers, really
seeing that person, and making sure that they know they are
being heard and understood to serve them best, which is
the true caveat at Allstate. Both young ladies commented
that they personally did not like dealing with or working with
what felt like corporate call centers when dealing with other
insurance companies.
“We still work for a corporation, so we have to abide
by their guidelines, but we want our customers to know
that we’re going to back them 100 percent,” stated
Dawn.
Carefully building those relationships is an integral
part of Allstate’s commitment to its constituents. That
groundwork hasn’t gone unnoticed by its customers and
colleagues, earning the agency this list of accolades:
• Their positive attitudes create a welcoming and
supportive environment, uplifting the team and
customers.
• They strengthen our culture of integrity, care,
and professionalism with their daily customer
interactions.
• They maintain high standards for customer
service through their example and mentoring.
• They are deeply motivated by a desire to help
others, which aligns perfectly with our agency’s
mission of providing peace of mind through
service.
• Their industry knowledge ensures personalized
solutions for every customer.
• They excel at building strong relationships with
clients, making everyone feel valued and heard.
• They guide clients through the claims process,
ensuring it is as smooth and stress-free as
possible.
“I’ve been here for two years, and it’s really nice when
customers walk in. I recognize them and can call them
by name. I think they enjoy it, too. It gives it that personal
touch. Jacob has a way of finding everybody’s assets on
“Our salespeople usually deal with customers first, then send
them to Terian and me. Our customers know they can call
or text us anytime; we’re always here. It’s knowing that you
have a physical person if you want to walk in and see us or
if you want to call on the phone; it is a huge difference from
some of the other companies that when you call, you get a
dry response saying to call service,” stated Dawn.
With the Morningside Allstate team, customers will always
be their number one priority. They’re looking out for your
best interest. Always fighting for you, they will find the
best options available for you and do not mind taking the
necessary time to accomplish that goal. Call 712-274-1250
to speak with Dawn or Terian and see what a difference
Allstate can make for you.
If you’d like to learn more about the Morningside
Allstate team, please visit their website at
www.morningsideinsurance.com.
Expand is Committed to
Supporting Siouxland’s Local
Small Businesses and Nonprofits.
We have a platform,
and we want to share it with you.
Get in front of the community by joining
Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight.
Get the details by scanning
the QR code or visit
www.expand2more.com.

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The Warp Zone
Bar & Arcade
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature
Business Owners: Lindie Stauder
Business Name: The Warp Zone Bar & Arcade
Main Products/Services: Retro-Themed Bar & Arcade
Location: 611 5th St, Sioux City, IA
Connect: www.thewarpzone.biz
Short description of your business:
The Warp Zone Bar & Arcade is a family-owned, retro-themed
bar & arcade. Enjoy our game-themed signature cocktails,
your favorite domestic and locally brewed craft beer, and a
wide range of low and no-ABV beverages. We have arcade
games that range from a 1987 Asteroids cabinet to Jaws,
our newest Stern pinball machine. And we have many video
games and consoles you can play for free!
What motivated you to start your business?
What drives you each day?
It’s a mix of loving games and wanting to contribute to the
community by building a fun spot for people to hang out.
Watching people get excited when they see something that
reminds them of their childhood never gets old. I will never
get tired of watching the younger crowd playing Duck Hunt
for the first time.
What’s unique about your business?
We’re all about the experience. It’s not just about throwing
games into a room—we want people to connect, compete, and
have a blast! Whether it’s the nostalgia in playing N64 Mario Kart
on a couch that your grandma probably had on or the novelty
of playing Duck Hunt on an old tube TV, our goal is to create an
unforgettable night out.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome
as you grow your business?
We took the top spot for the SCGO Innovation Market in
March 2020. The event was on a Wednesday, and by that
Sunday, everything had shut down. Given how uncertain
everything was for a while, it would have been pretty easy to
call it off; however, being forced to slow down was probably
the best thing that could have happened for us.
I had a decent understanding of what goes into opening
a new business, but navigating everything leading up
to occupancy was completely new. Financing, the SBA
program, planning the build-out, and understanding city
codes were all very unfamiliar.
What has been your greatest reward?
It is easy to feel like you are screaming into the void while trying
to promote your new business, so whenever someone has
feedback, I will happily take it. It feels great when someone tells
you they had a great time, but I love it when someone comes
to you with a suggestion or critique. I see this the most with the
pinball community. They
are all great about letting
me know what is working
and what isn’t, literally
and figuratively. I see that
they are invested in what
we are doing and want
to see us be successful.
How have you
benefited from the
startup community
in Sioux City and the region?
Aside from the innovation market, participating in Venture
School through the University of Iowa helped us drill down
what we were trying to accomplish. A big part of the program
is interviewing 70-100 people about the problems you are
trying to solve and how to solve it. It also connected us to a
TON of successful small business owners. It was a lot of work,
but I highly recommend the program.
Are there any experiences that were particularly
influential in that regard?
Collaborating with other local businesses has been eyeopening.
Anytime we team up for an event or promotion, it
really highlights how much small businesses can help each
other grow. It’s a solid reminder that community matters.
Why is it important for the community to support
startups and small businesses? What more can be
done to help them?
Small businesses give a city its character. You won’t get the same
experience from big chains. Supporting local shops, bars, and
restaurants keeps things interesting and keeps the community
thriving. Not only that but when the community is invested in us,
we put that money right back into the community. You can see
that in every festival, annual event, rec league team sponsor,
and more. When you spend here, your money stays here.
There are many resources for small businesses if you know
where to look. More outreach or mentorship programs would
encourage startups to grow and succeed.

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew
when starting your business?
You will never know everything, so surround yourself with people who can fill
in your gaps. Accepting this has helped me say yes to more ideas and offers
than I would have before. For example, a Morningside student suggested
having a Dungeons and Dragons menu item that would vary based on the
roll of a d20. It sounded like a neat idea, but my DnD knowledge is pretty
limited. Instead of scrapping it, I presented it to the bartenders. I think by
having this conversation with my employees, a lot of things happened:
EXPAND | DO MORE /25
It reinforces to the staff what our mission is - To create an
unforgettable experience.
They know I value their opinions and ideas.
They take pride in their work and feel a sense of ownership.
With their collaboration, we created a fun experience for anyone who comes
to The Warp Zone and orders a Saving Throw.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a
business?
There is no one-size-fits-all map to starting your business. You will never feel
100% ready. Go for it, but stay flexible. Things won’t always go the way you
planned, and that’s okay. Keep your passion at the center of what you do,
and make use of every tool, resource, and connection you can find.
How can the community continue to help your business?
Keep showing up, spreading the word, and telling your friends! The more
people who come out and get involved in our events, the more we can keep
things fresh and fun.
What are some future
goals for your company?
We are looking to make
more room for our always
growing game inventory.
Our moonshot is to open
more locations and franchise
our brand. We will continue
to pack our events calendar
with events, tournaments,
themed nights, and more.
You can stay up-to-date
by following our socials or
sign up for our newsletter at
www.thewarpzone.biz.
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) is a collaboration between the economic
Iowa’s development West Coast organizations Initiative (IWCI) in Plymouth, is a collaboration Monona, between and Woodbury the
economic counties, and development includes the organizations following organizations: in Plymouth, City Monona, of Sioux and City,
Woodbury Siouxland counties, Interstate and Metropolitan includes the Planning following Council, organizations: Siouxland City Economic of
Sioux Development City, Siouxland Corporation, Interstate Metropolitan The Siouxland Planning Initiative, Council, Le Mars Siouxland Business
Economic Initiative Corporation, Development Woodbury Corporation, County, The and Siouxland Monona Initiative, County. Le Learn Mars more
Business about IWCI Initiative www.IAWestCoast.com.
Corporation, Woodbury County, and Monona County.
Learn more about IWCI at www.IAWestCoast.com.
Photos Contributed by The Warp Zone Bar & Arcade.

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Finance 101
How to Pay Yourself First!
Feel Inspired with Your Money!
Imagine you’re pouring a glass of water. You need a
container, or else the water spills everywhere, wasted.
Money works the same way—if you don’t have a structure
for it, it disappears before you even realize where it went.
To take control of your money, you need a financial
container. This means knowing exactly where your
income is going and ensuring it’s distributed in a way
that supports your financial well-being.
Why Most People Struggle with Money
Many business owners and entrepreneurs operate
without a financial plan, treating money like an endless
stream that they can dip into whenever they need it.
That creates a problem. Without direction, money slips
through their fingers, leading to stress, uncertainty, and
missed opportunities.
The key to financial empowerment isn’t just making
more money—it’s managing the money you have made
effectively. And that starts with paying yourself first.
The 4-Cup Method: Your Money Blueprint
To create a system that works, think of your income as
water filling a pitcher, and you dump that pitcher of
water into four essential cups:
• Pay Yourself First (10%) – This is your reward for
your hard work. Before you pay any bills or expenses,
set aside at least 10% for yourself. If 10% feels too
high, start with 1% and build up from there. The habit
is more important than the amount.
• Taxes (20%) – Uncle Sam always gets his share. Set
aside money for taxes consistently so you’re never
caught off guard when tax season arrives.
• Personal Expenses (40%) – This covers your
necessities—rent, utilities, food, transportation, and
all the things you need to support your personal life.
• Business Expenses (30%) – Your business has
costs, and investing back into it is crucial for longterm
growth.
Not sure about these percentages? The percentages may be adjusted to fit your situation. The goal isn’t to
follow a rigid formula but to create a structure that ensures financial stability and growth.
Money, like water, needs a container. Without a plan, it slips through your fingers.
Structure it, direct it, and watch it flow toward your dreams.
– Becca Heissel

The Importance of Paying Yourself First
Most entrepreneurs pay themselves last. They pay
bills, reinvest in the business, cover unexpected
expenses—and only then, if there’s anything left, they
take something for themselves. The problem that
creates is there is rarely anything left in the end to
pay themselves.
One of my clients, a business owner, used to reinvest
everything back into her business and never paid
herself. She constantly felt broke, even when her
revenue was increasing. Once she started using the
4-cup method and prioritized paying herself first,
her entire perspective shifted. She felt in control and
confident, and her business grew more because she
wasn’t operating from a place of scarcity. It became a
game of how high she could get her balance. Instead
of stressing over daily fluctuations, she checked her
savings account every 365 days, celebrating the
growth rather than worrying about the moment-tomoment
changes.
Paying yourself first builds financial confidence.
It shifts your mindset from scarcity to abundance.
When you prioritize your financial well-being, you
send a message to yourself (and your business) that
you are valuable and worthy of financial security.
Start Small, Build the Muscle
If 10% feels impossible, start with 1%. The key is
consistency. If you commit to saving $5 or $10 a
week, you’re creating a habit that strengthens over
time. Think of it like going to the gym—if you can’t lift
heavy weights today, you start with lighter ones and
build up your strength.
Ready to Take Action?
• Start small. If you can’t do 10%, do 1%. The key is to start.
• Set up automatic transfers so your money is allocated
before you have a chance to spend it elsewhere. Try
using an app like Acorns or Robinhood. These apps
create compound interest, which is your money working
for you.
• Track your spending for one month and adjust your
percentages to fit your reality.
• Find an accountability partner who will encourage
you to stick to your financial goals.
The Bottom Line
Your financial future is in your hands. By structuring your
money with intention, you take control and create a foundation
for lasting wealth.
It’s time to stop letting money slip through your fingers and
start directing it toward your dreams. What steps will you take
today to pay yourself first? I challenge you to set aside 1% of
your income this week as your first step in paying yourself
first. If 1% feels easy, go for 5%. The key is to start today!
By Becca Heissel, a certified Jack Canfield Success Principles
trainer and the founder of Business Owners Advocate. She
empowers entrepreneurs to achieve financial clarity and
confidence through personalized coaching and actionable
strategies. Connect with Becca at businessownersadvocate.
com or on LinkedIn.
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The Cost of the Life You Want
Financial clarity starts with knowing what
you truly need. Ask yourself:
• How much money do I need each month
to cover my personal and business
expenses?
• What’s the real number that would allow
me to live the life I want?
• What will it take to reach that goal?
Once you have a clear target, it becomes
easier to structure your finances in a way
that supports your vision.
Building Wealth with Intention
Money should work for you, not just pass through
your fingers. Following this structure ensures that
every dollar has a purpose, leading to less stress
and more financial confidence.

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Bike trail in Sioux City
Council
Connection
By Alex Watters
Dangerous Trends Continue with Iowa Taxes
N
ot long ago, I wrote an article for this
publication on Senate File 619, which
discussed the backfill of property taxes
that would no longer be given back to
cities as they had been for decades. Governor Branstad
and Governor Reynolds had previously reassured
cities that this backfill of taxes was guaranteed, but
after its reversal, cities are now expected to provide
the same services with less funds. This dangerous
trend of the state redirecting local taxes to its balance
sheet continued in 2023 with the passage of Senate
File 718, significantly changing the cities’ ability to
tax properties. The final version of 718 presented
many changes to taxes in Iowa. While tax deductions
may benefit some property owners, they also make it
difficult to provide services for your community, with
reductions in money coming in.
Property taxes are used to cover the cost of many
public services, such as police, fire and emergency
medical services, library services, and park
maintenance, to name a few. The city’s portion of the
total property tax paid by property owners is 43%. The
rest of your tax portfolio goes to the school district
and county. Sioux City officials have been mindful of
the impact on property owners in the last 10+ years
and have done our part to keep our tax asking low.
However, during the upcoming FY 2026 budget, the
City of Sioux City will be faced with one of the most
challenging years in several decades. Considering
the two bills referenced above, the ongoing subsidy
for our local airport; House File 2552, that drastically
reduced taxes collected on the first $150,000 of value
for commercial and industrial property owners, and
the rise in insurance expenses for employees, the
Sioux City Council would need to reduce the City’s
budget by $3.2 million this year in order to avoid any
additional impact to property owners.
To help you understand what it looks like for our city to cut
$3.2 million out of our budget, here are a few examples:
Ending the City’s Library Services = $3,288,709
Cutting 25 Police Officers = $3,200,000 ($129,000/ FTE)
Cutting 29 Fire Fighters = $3,200,000 ($110,000/ FTE)
Obviously, your City Council isn’t going to take any of
these steps to reduce the safety or services we provide
our residents. However, what is currently happening at the
state level is not sustainable. In our legislative discussion
with state officials, we asked for answers or any rationale
as to why these dollars continue to be stripped out of
Siouxland and cities across Iowa but heard few answers.
All I ask is that when you receive your property assessment
or tax notice, you remember that, unfortunately, it may
not translate to more police presence, improved services,
or additional street paving in our community. I hope the
state changes course to make cities whole and allow
them to have the local control to lead their community,
but this trend is concerning, to say the least.
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org

Experience
Downtown
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Shaping the Year Ahead in Downtown Sioux City
t’s that special time of year when our hardworking board members come together to dive headfirst into planning the
projects that will shape downtown for the next 12 months. Our annual retreat is a day where our 15 board members
step into the conference room to hammer out what’s next for Downtown Sioux City. The retreat sets our goals but, more
importantly, ensures we’re all aligned as we tackle the year ahead.
Here’s a peek at our 2025 initiatives:
Collaboration is the cornerstone of
everything we do at Downtown Partners. It
keeps the wheels turning and the momentum
building. In 2025, we’re doubling down
on connecting the right people at the
right time to make great things happen.
Whether coordinating with local businesses,
working with city leaders, or partnering with
community organizations, teamwork will
continue to be the name of the game.
In 2024, an eclectic mix of businesses,
organizations, and artists came together to
launch the Sioux City Arts & Entertainment
Coalition - an initiative already making
waves in our creative community. For 2025,
we’re taking it a step further, intending to
secure a designation with the Iowa Arts
Council as a Cultural and Entertainment
District (CED). This will amplify Sioux City
as a go-to creative center, offer additional
promotional resources, professional growth
opportunities, and many more resources to
support our thriving arts community.
We are continuing to invest in outdoor
spaces and building facades - first
impressions matter! By enhancing the
aesthetics of downtown, we’re increasing
value for stakeholders, creating welcoming
spaces for residents, and encouraging
visitors to return again and again. From
modern design updates to an extensive plan
to revitalize trees, we’re helping build an
environment that reflects forward-thinking.
Downtown Partner Board of Directors at the Strategic Planning Session.
Speaking of outdoor initiatives, let’s talk about bike lanes! We want
them to connect downtown to Sioux City’s great trail system. Our team
has been working tirelessly (see what we did there?) to bring this
vision to life. Several plans and proposals have already been created
to encourage a healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyle, make downtown
more accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and encompass our
growing biking community.
Want to help shape downtown’s future? Consider becoming more
involved through our work groups and becoming a board member
(applications open in April!). You can join the conversation, contribute
ideas, and actively participate in the exciting projects that make our
community thrive. Go to downtownsiouxcity.com to stay up to date,
sign up for our weekly events newsletter, and follow us on social media.
Downtown Partners, a non-profit organization that works with downtown
stakeholders to create a vibrant, expanding downtown. To learn more
about Downtown Partners and stay up to date with downtown projects
and events, visit downtownsiouxcity.com
Photos Contributed by Downtown Partners.

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Explore Tuscany with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce
October 14 - 22, 2025 | $3,799
Florence | Pisa & Lucca | Siena | Cinque Terre | San Gimignano
Chian Region | Montecani | Oponal 2 Night Rome Post Tour Extension
For more informaon
visit siouxlandchamber.com
re you ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure? The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce invites you to
join us on an unforgettable trip to Italy, where history, culture, and cuisine converge to create an experience
unlike any other. This expertly curated travel opportunity is open to Chamber members and the public. It is an
Aexcellent chance to explore one of the world’s most beloved destinations with like-minded adventurers.
Tuscany is the most popular region in Italy. Tuscany
offers its numerous visitors the best of all things
Italian, starting with fine art. Tuscany is where you
must go if you want to stand in a room full of Botticelli
paintings or gaze upon Michelangelo’s “David.” You’ll
journey through Tuscany’s world-renowned cities and
countryside, including Florence, the birthplace of the
Renaissance; Pisa, home to the famous Leaning Tower;
charming medieval buildings of Lucca; the rolling hills,
lush vines, and gray-green olive trees of Siena; the
medieval skyscrapers of San Gimignano; and the Italian
wine country of the Chianti region. You’ll also have the
option to visit the stunning Cinque Terre coastline and
extend your trip with a two-night post-tour in Rome.
Forget the stress of planning every detail—we’ve taken
care of that for you. This all-inclusive trip features:
• Round-trip international airfare
• First-class accommodations
• Expert-guided tours
• Delicious meals highlighting local cuisine
• Comfortable ground transportation
Travelers will enjoy a seamless experience, allowing you
to focus on soaking up the sights, sounds, and tastes of
Italy.
The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce is excited to
continue its growing tradition of organizing memorable
travel experiences. Our trips are designed to foster
connections, whether you’re traveling with colleagues,
family, or new friends made along the way. Plus, our
partnership with a premier travel agency ensures topnotch
service and expertise at every step of the journey.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore Italy with the
Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. Visit our website for
full details on the itinerary and pricing and to download
the trip brochure and registration form. For more
information, call our office at 712-255-7903 or view the
detailed itinerary online.
Pack your bags—Italy awaits!
By Laura Hartman, Director of Events

Leading the Way
Leadership Siouxland
By Peggy Smith
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40 Years of Making a Difference
L
eadership Siouxland celebrated 40 years of creating
community leaders in November 2024. The Board of
Directors hosted an event at the Warrior Hotel, and the
crowd had the opportunity to hear from three speakers.
Lynn Swanstrom, one of the organization’s founders,
explained the factors that were involved in the
program’s creation and her pride that after 40 years, the program
is still fulfilling its original mission. Jim Wharton, a graduate of the
very first class, inspired attendees to be present in the moment,
recognize and value the good in the community and each other,
and always learn and give back. Amanda Beller, graduate, former
board member, and former executive director, entertained and
motivated the crowd with her visual aids that portrayed the skills
and traits class participants acquire from participation.
Leadership Siouxland is blessed with the support of the Siouxland Chamber, numerous businesses and non-profit
organizations within the Siouxland community, local media, and current and past participants.
The current class of 2024-2025 will graduate in May. I have been honored to serve as executive director since 2017 and
announced my retirement in June. This class will be the eighth and final class I will have had the opportunity to work with,
and I have appreciated every class member. Serving as the executive director of this great organization has been a great
joy – I have learned so much and gained great friends in the process.
It is exciting to turn over the reins to someone new who will have the chance to enhance this program and make it even
better. New ideas and new perspectives are welcome, and I can’t wait to see how the program will continue to evolve.
The core mission will remain to develop passionate, diverse leaders and inspire them to contribute to our community.
All the classes I have led know that I love quotes! As I look forward to more time with my family and reflect on the last
eight years, I want to leave you with some of my favorite quotes:
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to
become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”
– Paulo Coelho
“Leadership is not about being
in charge. Leadership is about taking
care of those in your charge.”
– Simon Sinek
“Joy props us up through
all life’s moments and provides the
hope we need to keep going.”
– Lisa Even
The mission of Leadership Siouxland is to develop diverse, passionate leaders who positively impact our community for today
and tomorrow. Leadership Siouxland began in 1984 and is proud of the over 1200 graduates who make positive differences each
and every day. To learn more, contact Peggy Smith, Executive Director, at 712-898-8594 or email info@leadershipsiouxland.org.
Peggy Smith, the Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland since 2017, and enjoying every minute. This program has
added value to the community for more than 40 years and continues to do so!

EXPAND | DO MORE /36 /32
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PEEK
A
CHANDLER
TODD
What challenges have you experienced in Siouxland?
Fortunately, I have not encountered many different challenges in Siouxland.
H N
How has Siouxland been welcoming?
I am from the great, small town of Laurens, Iowa. I moved here in the fall of 2020 as a freshman at
Morningside College, now the University. I was acquainted with many people of various
backgrounds, which is not very common in NW Iowa. I was not sure how the town would react to
little ole me from Laurens. Well, it did not take long for me to find things to do in this city and start
meeting people! I am very active in the music community and have been able to make connection
upon connection in Sioux City! I started playing the piano for the East High Headliners in 2021,
and now I am the choir accompanist at West High School, East High School, East Middle School,
and Bishop Heelan Catholic School. I am involved in a lot of different things thanks to my alma mater, Morningside University,
but also because of the great people in this town who were able to help me along the way. This is a metropolis of a city
compared to the 1,000 people in the town of Laurens, where I grew up. I am thankful to be a part of such a great community.
What do you want the people of Siouxland to know?
I’m passionate about music, relationships, and community engagement. As the accompanist for four schools in the area, I
cherish the opportunity to support young musicians and foster a love for music. But I also love sports. I am an active official/
referee in Siouxland and most of NW Iowa. I officiate varsity football and basketball because of my love for the sport. I hate
exercising and don’t officiate for the money because you aren’t making a ton doing it. I do it because I love to watch athletic
success in schools and communities. I was in the stands for most, if not all, sporting events in high school, and it was invigorating
to support my school and watch them succeed. It is nice to see that in Siouxland through the arts and athletics.
I love to play golf and hang out with all of my friends. I’m a proud alum of Morningside University. It’s a joy to be part of such a
vibrant community, and I’m always eager to connect with fellow residents who are also involved! I am deeply passionate about
Siouxland and the opportunities it offers for music, sports, and community engagement. Let’s make Sioux City an even better
place together!
EXPAND | Give MORE /35
¿Qué desafíos has experimentado en Siouxland?
E R
Afortunadamente, no me he encontrado con muchos desafíos diferentes en Siouxland.
L
¿Cómo ha sido la acogida de Siouxland?
Soy del gran y pequeño pueblo de Laurens, Iowa. Me mudé aquí en el otoño de 2020 como estudiante de primer año en Morningside
College, ahora la Universidad. Conocía a muchas personas de diversos orígenes, lo cual no es muy común en el noroeste de Iowa.
No estaba seguro de cómo reaccionaría la ciudad ante el pequeño yo de Laurens. Bueno, ¡no me tomó mucho tiempo encontrar
cosas que hacer en esta ciudad y comenzar a conocer gente! ¡Soy muy activo en la comunidad musical y he podido establecer
conexiones tras conexiones en Sioux City! Comencé a tocar el piano para East High Headliners en 2021 y ahora soy el acompañante
del coro en West High School, East High School, East Middle School y Bishop Heelan Catholic School. Estoy involucrado en muchas
cosas diferentes gracias a mi alma mater, la Universidad de Morningside, pero también a las excelentes personas de esta ciudad que
pudieron ayudarme en el camino. Esta es una ciudad metrópoli en comparación con las 1.000 personas de la ciudad de Laurens,
donde crecí. Estoy agradecido de ser parte de una comunidad tan grande.
¿Qué quieres que sepa la gente de Siouxland?
Me apasiona la música, las relaciones y la participación comunitaria. Como acompañante de cuatro escuelas de la zona, valoro
la oportunidad de apoyar a jóvenes músicos y fomentar el amor por la música. Pero también me encantan los deportes. Soy un
funcionario/árbitro activo en Siouxland y la mayor parte del noroeste de Iowa. Arbitro fútbol y baloncesto universitario debido
a mi amor por este deporte. Odio hacer ejercicio y no lo hago por dinero porque no ganas mucho haciéndolo. Lo hago porque
me encanta ver el éxito deportivo en las escuelas y comunidades. Estuve en las gradas de la mayoría, sino de todos, los eventos
deportivos en la escuela secundaria, y fue estimulante apoyar a mi escuela y verlos triunfar. Es agradable ver eso en Siouxland
a través de las artes y el atletismo.
Me encanta jugar golf y salir con todos mis amigos. Soy un orgulloso alumno de la Universidad de Morningside. ¡Es un placer ser
parte de una comunidad tan vibrante y siempre estoy ansioso por conectarme con otros residentes que también participan! Me
apasiona profundamente Siouxland y las oportunidades que ofrece para la música, los deportes y la participación comunitaria.
¡Hagamos juntos de Sioux City un lugar aún mejor!

EXPAND | Give more /36
Nonprofit spotlight
Want to join
Stacie on a
Facebook
Spotlight?
O
ur children are our most valuable resource;
they are our future. The Siouxland Community
is blessed with a before-and-after-school
program called Beyond the Bell that creates a
safe place for our children to play, learn, and grow.
“Our mission at Beyond the Bell is to support
Siouxland children and their families in reaching
their full potential. Our main goal is to serve as many
children and families as possible with structure and
quality. We want to go that extra mile to look at
each child individually and say what else can we
do for this child or this household? Every family is
different, with different needs. Quality experiences
are our top priority for the families that we serve,”
stated Jenna Andrews, Director of Development at
Beyond the Bell.
It is up to the families to decide if their children require
early morning care, after-school care, or both.
“We work with the school buildings’ families and teachers
to determine if any of the children might need additional
academic support. We provide that in a couple of
different ways. Some things are all-encompassing within
our program, where we sprinkle in some of the academic
stuff and make it fun for the kids using games. We make it
fun for the kids, and they may not realize they are learning
something new at that moment,” stated Jenna.
The program also offers direct 1:1 tutoring for the
children.
The Beyond the Bell program is available in
Siouxland. It runs from 6:30 in the morning
until classes start for the children and then
is available after school again until 6 p.m.
“We’re very fortunate to have a long-standing
partnership with the school districts we serve.
We’re able to provide that program on-site at the
schools. We can get into those buildings at 6:15
a.m. to prepare for the children and again in the
buildings after school. An amazing number of
children need care early in the day and then late in
the day. We’re there for the population of families
working those shifts,” said Jenna.

“They may just need a little more support, and teachers
just don’t have the time to get to it during the day,” said
Jenna. Math tends to fall into that category, and it helps
students learn how to show their work and reach their
conclusions for their math problems. It isn’t just a twostep
process to show and prove your work anymore.
EXPAND | Give more /37
However, Beyond the Bell also assists families in other
ways.
“Some of the other things we are able to provide for the
families we work with are the Food Bank of Siouxland,
and we can provide monthly Food Banks at multiple
locations for our families. We try to do it very discreetly
where if you need a bag of goods, you can discreetly
take a bag of and go. Especially in the past three years,
we have discussed pre- and post-COVID. COVID has
changed a lot of things, and we’re finding a lot more
families need that extra assistance,” commented Jenna.
In fact, 70 percent of households in the Siouxland area
need support.
The Beyond the Bell program also allows for more family
time at home after a long day of work and school. The
tutoring enables the children to complete their more
challenging homework with the assistance of a tutor.
Then, when they are at home, they can complete the rest
of their homework that they do not require extra help
with to complete. This allows for some downtime and a
family to have a meal together.
“Childcare is something people hear about all over the
world. It is something that needs to be looked at very
seriously about how we will continue to invest in caring for
our children, which means caring for our families, which
means caring for our employees, and our economy, and
all of the things that spiral out of that. I would encourage
anyone listening or reading this to pay attention to those
conversations and try to understand and support where
they can.”
“I’m a mom myself,” shared Jenna, “and my kids
are school-aged. The time we get with them is so
short that you find yourself clinging to ‘What can
I do that is the most impactful time with my kids?’
But they have that geography test tomorrow, so
you help them study for it. But that’s part of what
we’re trying to do with Beyond the Bell, to ease
some of those task things for the parents so that
instead of helping their kids with their homework,
they can break out the board games and maybe
play some Monopoly or Sorry, and build their
relationships with their kids.”
Beyond the Bell is available for children in preschool and
up to the 8th grade.
“We’re always enrolling and accepting applications to
serve as many families as possible. The only thing we run
into at times is if we have reached our capacity for our
licensing capacity or staffing,” shared Jenna.
The Siouxland area has many colleges in the surrounding
area, with students majoring in education and looking
for job experience. They can get that by volunteering or
working at Beyond the Bell if they meet the qualifications.
To inquire about enrolling in the Beyond the
Bell program, go to www.beyondthebell.us.com
or call (712) 277-3600.
Amy Buster has been a writer/editor for the past 25 years,
specializing in newspaper and magazine publications.
Expand is Committed to
Supporting Siouxland’s Local
Small Businesses and Nonprofits.
We have a platform,
and we want to share it with you.
Get in front of the community by joining
Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight.
Get the details by scanning
the QR code or visit
www.expand2more.com.

expand | GIVE MORE /38
Hot
Air
By Tony Michaels
Places of Joy
As I grew wiser with every passing decade on Midwestern
soil, I realized how important it is to be in atmospheres
that boost my happiness. As a reader of this column, you
may take Umbridge with the word wisdom. Feel free to replace
that word with age.
Here are bonafide locations that add joy to my life.
Every time I visit a pet store, I witness
dogs thrilled to be out doing business
with their best friends. The last time I
went, a 4-year-old girl introduced me
to her rabbit they just adopted from the
Humane Society. Her smile was radiant,
and her enthusiasm was contagious. I
nearly adopted a rabbit that day.
I encourage you to sit at a high school
basketball game next to the parents
of a senior who is the 7th one off the
KC the doggy.
bench. That scholar athlete will not be
playing at the next level, but you can guarantee that maximum
effort and floor burns will be secured if she or he enters the game.
That same hustle will benefit that individual later in life. The stars
get all the adulation anyway. These players often embody the
concept of teamwork.
You’ve read many times in Expand magazine about the health
benefits of being out in nature. I am 120 credits shy of becoming
a doctor, but I can add to that by saying that if you go on a hike
at Stone State Park and don’t have a cell phone signal, your
happiness factor increases by 200 percent. Ditch the phone. Enjoy
the scenery.
Listening to podcasts on Barstool Sports is enjoyable. Conversations
that take it to the next level happen at Hy-Vee or McDonald’s on
a Tuesday morning when a group of eight men in the 80s discuss
the problems of the world, the recent heartbreaking loss of their
favorite team, and why the price of fill-in-the-blank is so darn high.
Healthy relationships are important at any stage in life. Plus, when
you have more than 80 years on Earth, you can learn by listening. I
hope to be invited into a group like that someday.
I learned this trick from my podcast buddy Josh. When you think
of someone, give them a call. If you are lucky enough to be able
to reach out to them, do it. Time is fleeting. There is no guarantee
they will answer your call someday. Take advantage of the present.
Allocate time to connecting with loved ones using the call function
of your phone and not doomscrolling.
Find a hobby you really enjoy, wait for it, and allocate time to do it.
The biggest wake-up call you can have is seeing how much time
you spend on your device at the end of the week. Imagine if you
invested that time in meeting with a friend for coffee, exercising
on the Pickleball court, reading a favorite author, or digging
out that Led Zeppelin 2 album you received as a high school
graduation gift.
Finally, belief in a higher power can make challenging times
in your life less burdensome. I don’t think Zeppelin qualifies
unless you are talking about track number four on Led Zeppelin
IV. That totally counts. Over the past six months, I have met
many individuals benefiting from attending church services. I
include myself in that mix. It’s funny how an hour in a church
pew can balance you the rest of the week. Invest an hour, and
it may become a habit. Remember to enable airplane mode or
leave your phone on the hiking trail at Stone State Park.
Your mood-boosting locations may vary. Hop on over to @
baldandwitty on X and share your favorite locations. If I can
convince my lovely wife, I will show you pictures of my new
pet rabbit.
By Tony Michaels, the founder of BaldandWitty.com, and is on the
What the Father podcast.
Photo Contributed by Tony Michalski.

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