• //
    • //
    • //
  • Estelline in Bloom

    • Estelline in Bloom

    November 5, 2025

    South Dakota’s first AIB community earns national recognition

    The EAEDC and Estelline Journal contributed to this article

     

    Estelline, South Dakota is showing what small-town pride can accomplish on a national stage.

    The community recently earned three honors from America in Bloom (AIB) at its 2025 National Symposium and Awards Celebration.

    Small but vibrant, Estelline is home to about 770 residents. It stands out for neighborly charm–including its historic Gazebo off Main Street–and a community-wide commitment to making life beautiful.

    That hometown spirit now has national attention, thanks to the hard work of local leaders and volunteers who invest in the community’s appearance, vitality and quality of life.

    The Estelline Bandstand and Gazebo Park, which sits on Main Street, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

    Long-term transformation

    AIB is a nationwide effort to beautify public spaces and foster community pride through volunteerism, education and engagement.

    Estelline made history earlier this year when it became the first community in South Dakota to join the program.

    “America in Bloom is an amazing organization that has goals to help bring people together and create excitement to improve communities and quality of life,” said Cole Hoyer, president of the Estelline Area Economic Development Corporation (EAEDC).

    The EAEDC hosted two AIB Advisors in June for a tour of local amenities. They assessed the community across seven areas of impact: community vitality, floral, landscaped areas, urban forestry, environmental efforts and initiatives, celebrating heritage, and overall impression.

    The advisors consider these factors to create a detailed action plan for the city. They also provide coaching and mentoring.

    “They do not just focus on flowers as one would think, but look at the overall picture of the communities they visit and advise,” Hoyer said.

    Estelline Area Economic Development Corporation board members: Cole Hoyer, David Ebbers, Mayor Ross Brandsrud, Jennifer Risty, Linda Salmonson, and Lynda Pierce. Not Pictured: Nathan Hulscher. Source: EAEDC

    National recognition

    Estelline’s special recognition of community vitality. Source: EAEDC

    Hoyer traveled to Rochester, Michigan in September to attend the national symposium. He said the event was filled with education, collaboration, networking and inspiration.

    “The relationships that were gained are valuable for our community as we move forward in the future,” he said.

    The event also included an awards program that recognized communities from across the country in a variety of categories.

    Estelline triumphed over 45 communities to earn the Bridging Generations Award. It recognized the partnership between the Estelline Nursing and Care Center, the school, and the broader community to make the facility a meaningful and engaging place for residents.

    The town also received special recognition for its community vitality. This honored Estelline’s efforts to support strong schools and maintain and enhance public parks and landmarks.

    It also highlights the spirit of community seen through care of properties and local events, such as the city’s annual rodeo.

    Hoyer, right, accepts the Bridging Generations Award at the 2025 Symposium.

    Community champion

    Hoyer himself also earned special recognition as a top-ten finalist for the Dwight Lund Community Champion Award.

    Named for a longtime AIB volunteer, the award recognizes an individual who exemplifies community leadership through actions that reflect the AIB mission.

    Hoyer was nominated by Estelline Mayor Renee Axtell.

    “Cole doesn’t just talk about improving Estelline–he puts in the work to make it happen,” Axtell said. “He’s brought people together, built excitement, and helped create a real sense of pride in our community.”

    Axtell credits Hoyer’s leadership and vision in moving the city forward.

    “I’m proud to have someone like Cole leading alongside us. He truly embodies what it means to be a community champion,” she said.

    Hoyer accepted a plaque for being a top-ten finalist for the Dwight Lund Community Champion Award. It was presented by Dwight Lund’s widow, Vivian Lund. Source: AIB

    Plan for growth

    Upon returning home, Hoyer said now the real work begins.

    The city has received its evaluation report with recommendations from its AIB advisors.

    “We have an amazing community that already has so much to offer, and Estelline has so much potential,” he said. “Now we get to unlock and put it into play. We get to use this amazing opportunity to showcase Estelline even more.”

    The full report is available to the public on the city’s website. A community meeting is planned for December 1 to discuss it in detail.

    “Estelline is already such a special place, but our goal is to make it shine even brighter. I’m really excited about the ideas that came out of the America in Bloom report,” said Mayor Axtell. “I’m looking forward to working with the Estelline Area Economic Development Corporation to bring those ideas to life and keep making Estelline a place we’re proud to call home.”