Monday, May 14, 2012
Mitchell Technical Institute observed a milestone during its 2012 commencement in May. Graduate number 15,000 since the school opened in 1968 was awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree. Kyle Uttecht, Heating and Cooling Technology, was honored as the 15,000th graduate with a brief observance during the 90-minute graduation ceremony. He was presented a specially embroidered jacket by MTI president Greg Von Wald. Uttecht, from Huron, graduated wtih high honors. He has already taken a job as a service technician in Huron with Curt's Heating and Cooling. Uttecht, a non-traditional students, was also one of the first MTI graduates who began his education at an outreach site in Huron, before coming to Mitchell to complete his degree.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
453 students will graduate Friday, May 11, from Mitchell Technical Institute. Included in the class will be the first-ever graduates from the Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology, Precision Technology, Industrial Maintenance Technology, and Speech Language Pathology Assisting programs and first-ever diplomas granted to full-time online students in Office Technology Specialist.
Students in several programs will be graduating as part of the first class to complete their AAS degrees after starting at outreach sites in Huron and Yankton.
The school will award 338 Associate of Applied Science degrees; 12 two-year diplomas; and 103 one-year diplomas.
Graduates come from 126 communities in South Dakota. 48 Class of 2012 graduates come from 11 states other than South Dakota: California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
This year's graduation speaker is Dusty Johnson, Chief of Staff to Gov. Dennis Daugaard. The invocation and benediction will be give by Reece Yeadon, a student in the Wind Turbine Technology program.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Highlighting the critical importance of improving student success in America’s community colleges, the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has ranked Mitchell Technical Institute as one of the nation’s 120 best community colleges. The Aspen Institute identified the 120 community colleges -- 10 percent of all institutions in the United States. These colleges will now compete for the prestigious honor following a year-long research process into how well their students learn, complete degrees, and get jobs with competitive wages after graduating. Prize winners will be announced in March 2013.
The 120 community colleges announced today were selected from a national pool of over 1,000 public two-year colleges using publicly available data on student outcomes. The data were analyzed by an expert advisory committee co-chaired by William Trueheart, CEO of Achieving the Dream, and Keith Bird, former chancellor of the Kentucky Community College System.
“American employers have jobs open right now but lack enough skilled, educated workers to fill them,” Engler said. “The job training programs at community colleges must play a central role in filling those gaps and preparing the American workforce. Community colleges’ success will help determine whether and in what sectors America will continue to lead in the global economy.”
Technical education has recently been at the center of discussion in South Dakota as a way to help develop the workforce to fill jobs in highly skilled areas. Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s South Dakota Wins program is one initiative on which MTI is collaborating.
Ten finalists will be named in September. The Aspen Institute will conduct site visits to each of the finalists in the fall. A distinguished Prize Jury co-chaired by John Engler, president of Business Roundtable, former Michigan Governor, and former president of the National Association of Manufacturers and Richard Riley, former South Carolina Governor and U.S. Secretary of Education, will select a grand prize winner and four runners-up.
Friday, April 20, 2012
By Ben Dunsmoor, KELO TV
Published: April 19, 2012, 9:55 PM
MITCHELL, SD - The bright flash of a welding torch may be one of the bright spots in the economy as South Dakota manufacturers look for skilled employees.
Workers in many parts of the country may be struggling to find jobs, but a Mitchell manufacturer is struggling to find workers.
"The lack of being able to get skilled welders is throttling our production and we could do a lot more. We have the business," Trail King President and CEO Bruce Yakley said.
Trail King in Mitchell builds large equipment and supply trailers and is losing business because they don't have enough workers, specifically welders, to build their products fast enough. It's due to a strong agricultural economy, the recovering construction industry and the booming oil industry.
"Oil and gas in North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Canada; it's really all over. Where they are drilling wells that's where you'll find Trail King products," Yakley said.
And that's why Trail King is trying to find more welders. Statewide more than 200 welding jobs are available and the need is so great that the legislature passed the South Dakota WINS program during the last session. Part of the program gives Mitchell Technical Institute a half million dollars to start up a welding program just down the road from the Trail King plant.
"Technical schools on a whole are very, very good at partnering with industry and making sure that the needs of industry are filled," Mitchell Tech President Greg Von Wald said.
But Trail King isn't just recruiting locally; they're also reaching out to other parts of the country where workers are looking for jobs.
"Several of the welders we've hired out-of-state have been working either on a contract or lost their jobs. So when they find out about us, they're very excited about coming here," Yakley said.
The state of South Dakota is also working to recruit 1,000 out-of-state workers to fill high-need jobs like welders.
"We need to get the message out that South Dakota has jobs," Yakley said.
Jobs that can be the bright spot for workers who have been through the dark days of the economy.
Trail King is also offering a scholarship for students at Mitchell Tech who are interested in the new welding program that will start this fall.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Jobs In On-Demand Services In High Demand
By Ben Dunsmoor, KELO TV
Published: April 17, 2012, 9:53 PM
MITCHELL, SD - Jobs in the on-demand industry of cable, phone and internet are in high-demand; so much so that Mitchell Technical Institute has a new million dollar lab to help fill those positions.
The room full of cables, equipment and lights is where future South Dakota technicians are learning to keep businesses, schools and homes connected.
"Absolutely, it's cutting edge. What you see in this lab is what's being used today," Mitchell Technical Institute Telecommunications Instructor Michael Benjamin said.
Travis Williamson is in his final year at Mitchell Tech and has already landed a job nearly a month before he graduates.
"I actually just got a job in Sioux Falls and I had a few job offers," Williamson said.
"We're going to graduate 17; we have 33 job offers on the table right now with companies like SDN, Golden West and Long Lines down in Sioux City. Telecommunications companies across the state are looking for skilled workers," Benjamin said.
Because of that need, Mitchell Technical Institute paid about $200,000 for the equipment in the new lab to train students with real-world scenarios in the telecommunications industry. SDN Communications paid for the rest through a federal stimulus grant.
"We were having trouble finding qualified workers, as were our owner companies, the telephone companies of South Dakota. So part of this stimulus money is meant to retrain people to get people into jobs, into good jobs," SDN Communications Marketing and Communications Director Vernon Brown said.
The lab was built this spring almost all by students.
"What it has allowed us to do is to completely renovate the way we teach and what we teach as far as telecommunications is concerned," Mitchell Tech President Greg Von Wald said.
"I came here and didn't have any knowledge of it and in two years, I've learned almost everything there is to know," Williamson said.
And that's why students like Williamson are getting connected with jobs.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
YANKTON, S.D. - Lonnie Pinkelman didn't really understand what all the fuss was about.
"It was nice to get a certificate from him," said Pinkelman.
Pinkelman is referring to South Dakota governor Dennis Daugaard, who visited Yankton, S.D., to celebrate the success of the state's work force initiative, and its graduates like Pinkelman.
"Especially with my kids to see it, you know it gives them an incentive: that you work hard, you know, things are going to happen."
The initiative helps workers see what kind of jobs are open, and what types of skills are needed in the marketplace.
"Whatever path they choose, they know at the end of the road if there might be a high likelihood of a job or a little lower likelihood that they might have to work a little harder," said Daugaard.
Daugaard says when he left school; he wasn't quite ready for the demands of his first job. That's why he's excited about the possibilities for those who now have national career readiness certificates. The on-the-job training allows employers to plug in the new graduates right away.
"We need to turn that work ethic into a skilled work force that matches up with the job vacancies in the skilled areas where we've got them," said Daugaard.
At first, all of the equipment looks daunting, but Pinkelman's teacher says that angst quickly fades. Students get to work hands-on with models for things like air conditioning, hydraulics and welding.
"Once you get them working hands on, they go through it, you see them get comfortable with it, you even hear them talking, you know just a few months ago we walked in hear and were going wow, now we're walking out of hear and have an understanding of it," said John Darcy, his teacher.
Pinkelman finished school in 1987. But, he went back to Mitchell Tech in August, taking classes during the day and working night shifts to support his family.
"It's just something that I knew I had to do," said Pinkelman. "I used to work for a manufacturing plant for sixteen and a half years, so I kind of knew machines, but now to learn the brains of it. That's kind of what I was excited about."
Now, he's getting ready to apply his lessons learned in school in industrial maintenance.
(This story is by KITV reporter Jacob Peklo.)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Friday, April 6, in observance of the Good Friday holiday. Regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will resume Monday, April 9.
Friday, March 23, 2012
TelVue Corporation, a provider of IP broadcast solutions, is helping students at Mitchell Technical Institute keep up with technological advances in next-generation television, with the donation of an IPTV broadcast server to MTI’s telecommunications lab.
“IPTV is a global phenomenon. This state-of-the-art equipment gives us the skill sets that will prepare students for the Telecommunications Industry,” says Michael Benjamin, Telecommunications Instructor at MTI. “We have been teaching ‘triple play’ services here for years, but we never had the ability to deliver IPTV in the lab environment. This TelVue server allows the students to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to hands-on lab activities.”
The TelVue partnership comes as Mitchell Technical Institute kicks off a campaign to upgrade its labs with high-end digital equipment. MTI is a two-year college with a strong telecommunications program. But one of the challenges of staying current with the changes in the industry is the ability to keep up with rapid technological progress. “We have some students working with equipment the telcos don’t even have yet,” says Julie Brookbank, Director of Marketing and Public Information at MTI. “When they are applying for jobs, they can say 'I’ve worked with a TelVue IP server, I’ve done video streaming,' and it makes them a very appealing job candidate. Every time we integrate this type of technology, it raises the skill level of our graduates.”
MTI provides not only a pipeline of workers trained in the telecommunications industry, but also a place for companies to re-train their employees in emerging technologies, like IP broadcasting.
The TelVue B100-IPTV Hypercaster is being integrated into a digital lab that went online in early 2012. The Hypercaster is an all-in-one video system that stores, manages, schedules, and generates a professional-quality digital channel out of a single box.
Benjamin says MTI is grateful for the contribution. “We are fortunate that a company like TelVue shares our vision of getting real-world equipment into the hands of the future IPTV providers. This donation has given us the edge to maintain our dynamic Lab. Students will learn how to add this server to a network, identify content and load that content onto the server to be distributed out to subscribers. They will focus on encoding, scheduling, multi-casting, video-on-demand, content edits, playlists, programming guides, maintenance and trouble-shooting skills, just to mention a few of the opportunities they will have.” Preliminary training began in March, and over the summer Benjamin plans to develop more exercises to further train the students in IPTV technology.
Brookbank says this program fits into MTI’s mission: “The integration of IPTV technology into our lab is consistent with MTI’s goals of improving the technical program, making it more industry-ready, and bringing us in line with the 21st century.”
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sencore, a leading provider of signal quality and video delivery solutions, today announced that the company has provided an SMD 989 DVB-S/S2 modulator and integrated L-band upconverter to the satellite communications program of the Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) in Mitchell, S.D.
“Sencore’s industry-leading satellite modulating equipment will be put to good use in our labs, operational facilities, and mobile satellite units,” said Jim Grace, satellite communications instructor at MTI. “Thanks to Sencore’s ongoing commitment and support, our students are receiving invaluable hands-on experience using equipment they can expect to encounter in a professional satellite operation.”
The SMD 989 is in widespread use by mobile satellite companies serving the industry’s most well-known broadcast customers. The L-band upconverter — provided in the same chassis —offers a 950- to 2150-MHz L-band output. The equipment is fully licensed and supports the latest DVB-S2 modes including multistream, VCM, 8PSK, 16APSK, and 32APSK. In addition, Sencore has provided MTI with an 8716 quad input DVB-S/S2 receiver card for use in the company’s MRD 3187 receiver/decoders already in use at the college. The 8716 card will enable students to uplink and downlink 16APSK and 32APSK DVB-S signals from the college facility.
“Sencore is committed to assisting widely respected training facilities such as MTI as they deliver the next generation of knowledgeable and well-trained satellite engineers. It’s a pleasure to work with MTI, and we look forward to assisting the students as they gain hands-on training that will make them highly valued — and employable — in real-world satellite operations,” said Sencore President Thomas Stingley.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed on Monday, February 20, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will resume on Tuesday, February 21.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The capital city welcomed about 40 student leaders from across the state Tuesday, February 7, for Legislative Shadow Day.
The students are officers of South Dakota’s Career and Technical Student Organizations, and the day’s activities, including an early-morning recognition breakfast, were a part of the state’s efforts to celebrate February as National Career and Technical Education Month.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard proclaimed Feb. 7 as Career and Technical Student Organization Day in South Dakota, in honor of the positive contributions the groups make to their communities and the state as a whole.
Mitchell Technical Institute SkillsUSA was represented by Amanda Brown an Agriculture Technology student from Madison. During the event, Brown received an up-close, inside look at the operations of state government, policy making and elected offices.
Brown had the opportunity to shadow Sen. Russell Olson, Wentworth, and Rep. Patricia Stricherz, Madison.
On Monday evening the Lieutenant Governor Michels took time and presented the bill making process in each house of the legislator and the reasons we should be involved in the process.
On Tuesday Secretary of Education Schopp spoke on how important the CTSO’s are to the development of students and Governor Daugaard took time to address the students, and provided them with a question an answer session of his thoughts and desired outcomes for South Dakota and its future.
“Many of these student leaders will become leaders within their communities,” said Tiffany Sanderson with the South Dakota Department of Education. “This is a great opportunity for them to gain experience and spark that interest.”
More than 96 percent of the students participating in career and technical education programs go on to graduate from high school. Of those graduates who took part in career and technical education programs, 76 percent continue on to post-secondary education in either a two- or four-year program.
There are nearly 700 career and technical education programs in more than 130 South Dakota school districts. CTE equips students with core academic skills and the ability to apply those skills to concrete situations; employability skills, such as critical thinking and responsibility; and technical skills related to specific career pathways.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Mitchell Technical Institute has implemented a new scholarship program for students enrolling in Fall 2012. The MTI Legacy Scholarship is designed specifically to benefit the children, grandchildren and siblings of MTI’s alumni. A potential student whose parent, grandparent, step-parent, brother or sister graduated from MTI will automatically qualify for a $500 scholarship (after acceptance to MTI and verification). If the new student completes the first year of a two-year MTI program with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, the reward will automatically renew for a second $500.
To qualify, a Legacy student only has to complete an MTI Application for Admission and the admissions process, plus a simple Legacy Scholarship application form.
For more information email Scott Fossum, Dean of Admissions, or call (605) 995-3025.
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Avera Queen of Peace Foundation recently presented a check for $13,948 to the Radiologic Technology department at Mitchell Technical Institute. The donation was a grant from the United Methodist Healthcare Association of Greater Mitchell, Inc. and the Avera Queen of Peace Foundation, which has managed the grant since 1997.
Two items were purchased with the funds. A multimedia training program for clinical instructors produced by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists will equip staff members at various clinical sites to better assist students with their educational requirements. The second item is a vehicle that will allow faculty to make clinical site visits easier. Students spend nearly 12 months at clinical sites and MTI faculty members typically visit sites three or four times a week.
Director of the MTI Radiologic Technology program, Eric Schaffer, expressed gratitude for the donation. "The training program will
provide our clinical instructors with the opportunity to enhance their teaching abilities and will help them to be better teachers at the
clinical site. A vehicle dedicated to the program will allow a great deal more freedom and flexibility with our clinical visits. Allowing us
to regularly be on site will definitely be advantageous to our clinical instructors and students."
MTI took over the Radiologic Technology program from Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in 2000. The United Methodist Healthcare Association of Greater Mitchell, Inc. is the philanthropic division of the former Methodist Hospital in Mitchell.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
A total of 290 students at Mitchell Technical Institute have been placed on the Fall Semester 2011 President's List, according to MTI President Greg Von Wald. Full-time students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher receive this honor.
Included on the Fall 2011 President’s List are:
Accounting/Business Management
Emily Amoss Mitchell
Chelsea Hettinger Wessington Springs
Karlee Jackson Adrian, MN
Emily Kneen Mitchell
Victoria Koupal Wagner
Paula Kummer Parkston
Katherine McDole Alcester
Evan Muller Wessington Springs
Laurel Patton Mitchell
Shawn Raymond Reliance
Karli Rye Irene
Mysti Wenzel Rapid City
Agricultural Technology
Thomas Ashley Kimball
Devin Backes Platte
Robert Beck Artas
Amanda Brown Ramona
Tanner Best Winner
Alan Bruinsma Stickney
John Bush Pierre
Derek Cihak Avon
Kayla Cullison Kimball
Elliott Cwach Geddes
David Deurmier Eureka
Ryan Harris Highmore
Ryan Hauck Avon
Blaine Heydon Wessington Springs
Phylicia Hoffmann Wessington
Dylan Lindeman Parkston
Timothy Mesman Springfield
Winston Nowotny White Lake
Andrew Price Dell Rapids
Samantha Ravnaas Harrold
Layton Schimke Wessington Springs
Evan Schoenfelder Dimock
Scott Stukel Burke
Jordan Swanson Pukwana
Cody Tjeerdsma Tyndall
Tiffany Villmow Delmont
Thaddeus Walter Howard
Architectural Design & Building Construction
Jacob Andersen Centerville
Seth Bietz Tripp
Justin Cornell Mt. Vernon
Blaire Dinger Aberdeen
Paige Gunhammer Wagner
Cody Heumiller Salem
Ryan Heusinkveld Springfield
Brenna Sibson Mitchell
Tell Stoner Kilgore, NE
Jonathan Waba Madison
Michael Zomer Corsica
Automation Controls/SCADA
Wayne Berglund Sturgis
Jesse Boden Tabor
Edward Boehmer Mitchell
Bruce DeJong Mitchell
Marco Medina Huron
Tyler Pepper Bonesteel
Monty Poncelet Mitchell
Joshua Rasmussen Mitchell
David Shutt Yankton
Culinary Academy
Chelsea Alexander Sioux Falls
Clarence Breuer Madison
Danielle Gwin Mitchell
Phuvadol Leeraksakiat Aberdeen
Alexandria Neave Sioux Falls
Kyle Olson Volin
Trevor Piersol Pierre
Carl Plastow Mitchell
Charles Stephenson Artesian
Amanda Suhr Dimock
Alisha Vanden Hoek Corsica
Anthony Weatherford Armour
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Mickey Aldrich Sioux Falls
Michael Bentz Artas
Eric Boehmer Mitchell
Jordon Connor Ethan
Dana Deslauriers Doland
Dustin Dewaard Stickney
Ronald Disbrow Sioux Falls
Ryan Elcock Sioux Falls
Joshua Feltman Mitchell
Blake Geary Conde
Kaylor Good Moorcroft, WY
Zachary Haugen Mitchell
Larry Knight Alpena
Jay Kriz Tyndall
Jason Kuiken Hartford
Luis Meza Hill City
Jeremy Pavel Tabor
Jeffrey Preheim Freeman
Gary Soupir Mitchell
Johann Stokes Menno
Colter Stout Kadoka
Shawn Trode Mitchell
Michael Wuebben Hartington, NE
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Joby Black LaMoure, ND
John Feske Flandreau
Brandon Loll Mitchell
Derreck Martin Burke
Joshua Millard Madison
John Roest Salem
General Education
Michelle Erlandson Mitchell
Heating & Cooling Technology
Jacob Arhart Squaw Lake, MN
Jordan Arhart Squaw Lake, MN
Joseph Cuka Wagner
Daniel Davis Burke
Jeffrey Digerness Alexandria
Robert Gahl Plankinton
Eric Gebhart West Richland, WA
Logan Gregg Pierre
Gladys Jackson Mitchell
Jophery Jenner Miller
Jacob Jones Mitchell
Benjamin McFarland Mitchell
Cory Mitchell Charlo, MT
Marcus Schmitz Parkston
Taylor Stanage Hurley
James Thomas Gettysburg
Kyle Uttecht Huron
Orin VanderMay Long Valley
Industrial Maintenance Technology
Matthew Ellison Yankton
Pat Mines Yankton
Lonnie Pinkelman Tyndall
Paul St. Pierre Pickstown
Information Systems Technology
Chad Fox Mitchell
Donna Kiewel Mitchell
Dustin Kubik Mitchell
Kyle Moe Howard
Michael Papasso Ortonville, MN
Knowles Sowell Jr. Mitchell
Ryan Sowl Mitchell
Tyler Wagner Mitchell
Jerrica Withorn Corsica
Medical Assistant
Arien Bahm Mitchell
Allison Grout Webster
Elizabeth Hainy Mitchell
Jennifer Harvey Mitchell
Megan Sedlacek Wessington Springs
Diann Wagner Colome
Tanna Wenger Mills, NE
Medical Laboratory Technology
Molly Andersh Wagner
Lindsey Hamer Kennebec
Holly Hansen Mitchell
Tia Hulce Mitchell
Allison Schmit Artesian
Medical Office Professional
Beth Bollack Mitchell
Jenna Christenson Mitchell
Shauna Degeest Dimock
Cassi Dey Alexandria
Sina Glover Mitchell
Morgan Hofer Hitchcock
Sarah Larson Wessington Springs
Amanda Newton Mitchell
Rachel Roby Mitchell
Karen Rose Redfield
Cindy West Huron
Danielle Wieczorek Mt Vernon
Jessica Withorn Mitchell
Office Technology Specialist
Jill Gislason Plankinton
Lynette Jungemann Wolsey
Kayce Kalahar Huron
Jonathan Kaufmann Spencer
Joanna Lafortune Mitchell
Kelly Namminga Avon
Jessica Tucker Salem
Breanna VandenBos Mitchell
Jennifer Von Eye Kimball
Rachelle Woodraska Sioux Falls
Administrative Office Specialist
Jamie Couch Mitchell
Computer Software Specialist
Kayla Beck Mitchell
Rebecca Herron Mitchell
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Jeremy Albrecht Freeman
Logan Anderson Groton
Tanner Donelan Garretson
Tyler Goltz Alcester
Dylan Haas Yankton
Brian Hansen Vermillion
Cody Hansen Salem
Trevor Hanson Moorcroft, WY
Allen Hauk Quinn
Caleb Kirsch White Lake
Nathan Kloucek Scotland
Brandon Klumb Mt. Vernon
Jaime Koopman Hudson
Kyler Krogman White River
Terrence Kuenzel Sturgis
Tanner Lolley Mitchell
Mathew Lynde Revillo
Jace Martens Garretson
Eric Mergen Dell Rapids
Ryan Stahl Mt. Vernon
Chase Westberg Mitchell
Dustin Wilken Huron
Wade Wright Armour
Power Sports Technology
Brian Baarts Huron
Jeremy Cadotte Mitchell
Andrew Dale Webster
Zach Donahue Fedora
Cody Golder Bridgewater
Christopher Holt Mitchell
Mitchell Houska Springfield
Darin Koch Salem
Rob Logterman Kilgore, NE
Bryan Petree Salem
Luke Tiesler Rushmore, MN
Kyle Venard Murdo
Anthony Walz Tripp
Precision Technology Specialist
Chelsea Beckler Harrold
Joseph Galpin Mitchell
Steven Koupal Wagner
Propane & Natural Gas Technologies
Anthony Tomac Watauga
Radioiogic Technology
Sunni Busch Mission
Jennifer Dubal Mitchell
Keshia Halma Sioux Falls
José Muñoz Mitchell
Ashten Rombough Spearfish
Emily Thomas Chamberlain
Jenna Vavra Winner
Radiation Therapy
Brett Boller Dorchester, NE
Julie Covalt Gering, NE
Jill Deutscher Rapid City
Betty Dutton Harrison, MT
Cathy Wieseler Yankton
April Wulff Albertville, MN
Satellite Communications
Jesse Andersen Mitchell
Kaleb Barker Mitchell
Joseph Barnes Mitchell
Travis Blase Dimock
Nicholas Butts Huron
Jon Campbell Mitchell
Christopher Edwards Mitchell
Jeffrey Hanebuth Artesian
Aaron Leber Viborg
Joshua Luckett Huron
Adam Martin Mitchell
Steve Mauch California City, CA
Jake Schmidt Mitchell
Kristopher Schmidt Mitchell
Tanner Sterk Mitchell
Brandon Stoltz Bridgewater
Shawn Sudbeck Mitchell
Kyle Tanke Victor, IA
John Wubben Tabor
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Kimberly Hargens Stickney
Jennifer Kaemingk Platte
NaShara Klein Winner
Suzannah Kloucek Scotland
Jenni Ortmeier Mitchell
Amanda Sabers Salem
Rea Stroh Selby
Telecommunications
Eric Anderson Parkston
Daniel Baier Armour
Tyler Dean Highmore
Kevin Dubal Mitchell
Jeremy Frerk Mission Hill
Matthew Grimme Mitchell
Dalton Hump Faith
Jordan Krcil Wagner
Andrew London Colton
Trey Osburn Columbus, MT
Jesse Perez Huron
Brian Peterson Mitchell
Blake Schemmel Harrisburg
John Thompson Mitchell
Shane Weed Huron
Brady Weischedel Onida
Utilities Technology
Tyler Anderson Alexandria, MN
Laramie Baker Hot Springs, MT
Matthew Behlings Big Stone City
Trevor Hanson Gillette, WY
Joey Knutson Jefferson
William Smith Winner
Joseph Springman Wilmont, MN
Cody Strong Alcester
Wind Turbine Technology
Bryan Blumenberg Mitchell
Curtis Dather Verdigre, NE
Evan Fuller Mitchell
Rylan Heesacker Porcupine
Matthew Keyser Pierre
Austin Kirschbaum Humboldt
Frederick Leader Charge Mitchell
Jason Luckinbill Yankton
Jon Magnuson Mitchell
Spencer Mewes Highmore
Jacob Miller Parker, CO
Curt Nelson Mitchell
Tyler Nelson Sioux Falls
Phillip Oligmueller Lennox
Jonathan Reichel Mitchell
Marcus Sattler Webster
Garret Spiering Webster
Craig Swanson Pukwana
Categories: MTI,
Monday, January 16, 2012
Two new programs are being developed for Fall 2012 at Mitchell Technical Institute.
Farm Power Technology, a two-year program offered for an AAS degree, will provide students with the skills to service high-end agricultural equipment. Jobs for graduates will include shop technicians, field service technicians, parts managers, and more.
Welding and Manufacturing Technology is a two-year program with an AAS degree, or an optional exit with a diploma after one year. This program will teach students different types of welding and fabrication skills, as well as expose them to sophisticated manufacturing techniques like robotic welding.
Both programs are currently accepting applications. For more information, contact the MTI Admissions office at (800) 684-1969 or email questions@mitchelltech.edu.
Monday, January 2, 2012
The MTI spring semester for the 2011-2012 school year begins Monday, January 9. All enrolled students should plan to attend their first class on their schedules beginning that morning.
An orientation for new students will be held Friday, January 6. For students wishing to enroll or change programs, please contact the Admissions office at 995-3026 or 800-684-1969 prior to Monday, January 9.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed Friday, December 30, in observance of the New Year's holiday. Offices will be open regular hours Wednesday and Thursday, December 28 and 29.
Spring semester classes begin Monday, January 9.
Monday, November 28, 2011
The 2011 Festival of Lights Celebration, an annual partnership effort by the Abbott House and Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) staff and students, will light up the holiday season December 1. More than 50 MTI students and a half dozen MTI staff members have donated more than 600 hours of work to the project. The MTI Automation Controls/SCADA students were responsible for the music and lights programming and setup and MTI Electrical Construction & Maintenance staff and students as well as instructors from Architectural Design & Building Construction worked on the electrical connections.
Harsh budget cuts earlier this year have made raffle ticket sales for Abbott House rebuilt Harley Davidson Heritage Softtail more important than ever before. The winner of the motorcycle will be drawn during the Abbott House Festival of Lights Celebration on Thursday, December 1 at 5:15 pm.
“The Festival of Lights is a great partnership that creates a win-win experience for the Abbott House and MTI,” Eric Klooz, Abbott House Executive Director, said. “Combining the Festival with the drawing for the motorcycle Salt -- which has changed the lives of Abbott House girls -- makes the entire event extra special.”
“The Festival is really the culmination of two great fundraisers for the Abbott House. Together, these two projects have raised more than $75,000,” Klooz said. “Considering the cuts in funding we have received this year, this event comes at the perfect time.”
In addition to funding, the Festival of Lights provides hands-on learning opportunities for MTI students and gives MTI and Abbott House staff and students an opportunity to create one of the area’s largest Christmas light displays for people enjoy.
MTI SCADA instructor Tony Russell was pleased to be part of the project. “To give our students a chance at such a hands-on project is a valuable learning opportunity. This year we have expanded the program both in amount of lights and geographic area, so it gave our students an entire new challenge. Our students recognize, this is an opportunity for them to showcase their skills so it is always exciting to see what they create.”
The 2011 Festival of Lights features many new lighted objects including Christmas trees and a special Abbott House snowman, provided by more than 70 sponsors. The lights were put up by more than 125 volunteers and will be on display from 5:30 to 10 pm every evening through January 2, 2012.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular office hours will resume Monday, November 28.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Nearly 200 area employers and policymakers attended a regional Workforce Summit on Tuesday, November 15 at Mitchell Technical Institute. The Summit was sponsored by various groups from Mitchell, Yankton and the District III Planning Region. South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard was the keynote speaker.
Other presenters focused on ways that challenges to the workforce can be addressed. MTI president Greg Von Wald also addressed the group discussing how education and industry should partner together to help meet workforce needs.
Monday, November 14, 2011
The South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management at Mitchell Technical Institute is pleased to announce a new partnership with North Central Farmers Elevator. As part of SDCFRM’s Beginner Farmer program, NCFE will pay 50% of the first year tuition cost for two of their clients from each of their 17 service locations in north central South Dakota and south central North Dakota.
The program begins in January 2012 and is available to any producer, although beginner farmers, those who have been in business less than ten years, are the focus of the program.
Dawn Melikant, instructor for the program, will provide monthly individualized instruction to the new students. The program, which has been offered through MTI for more than 30 years, has a newly designed curriculum and is being expanded to the northeast quarter of the state. Instructors are also located in the Brookings/ Madison region and in Mitchell. Expansion to a West River location is planned for July 2012.
According to NCFE Director of Communications, Subrena Green, “NCFE wants to help our young producers be successful through education. Our young producers are agriculture's future as well as NCFE's.”
For information about the South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management, email Dawn Melikant at sdcfrm@mitchelltech.edu or call 605-995-7164. If you are interested in applying for the NCFE scholarship, please contact Subrena Green, Director of Communications at sgreen@ncfe.coop or call 605-426-6883.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
A special lunch gathering will be held for all MTI military veterans and active service members on Thursday, November 10, in the Campus Center Commons from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Free pizza, pop and cake will be served to any student or staff veteran or service member with military ID. All other students and staff are welcome to come and eat and support the Student Veteran's Organization by purchasing two slices of pizza, pop and a piece of cake for $5.00.
A short veteran's recognition program will be held at 12:00.
There will be no classes at MTI on Friday, November 11. Offices will be open regular office hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Monday, November 7, 2011
A one-day Workforce Summit will be held at Mitchell Technical Institute on Tuesday, November 15. Gov. Dennis Duaggard will open the summit.
The main topic of the summit is the need for employees with the particular education and skills required by the manufacturing industry. Workforce issues such as these have an impact on companies' abilities to expand and grow.
Planners of the Summit hope to achieve four goals during the day-long event:
1. Review workforce and population trends in the state
2. Identify workforce issues impacting manufacturing in South Dakota
3. Explore an innovative education model that may be a part of a longer-term solution
4. End with a Solutions Panel for the exchange of ideas.
Sponsors of the Summit include District III Planning and Development; Mitchell Technical Institute; Mitchell Area Development Corporation; Yankton Office of Economic Development; Northwestern Energy; Muth Electric and Trail King Industries.
Those wishing to attend should register at the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce (605-996-5564) or by emailing Sonya Moller.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will host the first of four Exploration Day events on Tuesday, November 1, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. High school juniors and seniors and their parents are invited to come to this free event and learn about the programs offered at MTI, some unique in South Dakota.
Events begin at 10:00 AM at the MTI Technology Center. Sessions include a presentation on financial aid. Free lunch prepared by the Culinary Academy will be served. Registration is required. Interested students may register online at www.mitchelltech.edu or call 1-800-684-1969.
Other scheduled Exploration Day events will be held January 25, February 28 and March 29, 2012.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute Power Line student, Cody J. Hansen, was selected as a National FFA Proficiency Finalist. Four students are selected nationally to compete in each of the FFA Award areas. Cody was selected to represent South Dakota and the McCook Central FFA chapter in the Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication – Entrepreneurship/Placement award. As a national finalist, Cody will be recognized while attending the National FFA Convention from October 19 to October 22 in Indianapolis.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
More than 300 people attended a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony for the new Mitchell Technical Institute Campus Center on Tuesday, September 13.
A ceremonial ribbon cutting was held before guests were ushered into the 70,000 sq. foot facility. Self-guided tours were available as well as five stations featuring a variety of foods prepared by students and staff in the Culinary Academy.
It was also the first public unveiling of the all new Oak Room, a Mitchell dining tradition.
Remarks were delivered by MTI president Greg Von Wald, South Dakota Director of the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, Mark Wilson, Mayor Lou Sebert, Mitchell schools superintendent Joe Graves, and president of the Mitchell Area Development Corporation, John Iverson. The event was hosted and coordinated by the Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce.
The building opened August 29 for the start of the school year. It houses all of MTI's Health Sciences programs as well as the Culinary Academy, Accounting/Business Management, Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology, and General Education classes. Students will also find most campus services there including the Instructional Services Center, the Bookstore, food service, and all administrative offices including Admissions.
Monday, September 12, 2011
G.I. Jobs, the premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has once again awarded Mitchell Technical Institute the designation of Military Friendly School. The 2012 Military Friendly Schools list honors the top 20 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to embrace America’s military service members and veterans as students.
In its effort to help student veterans find the right school, G.I. Jobs incorporated a survey of student veterans for the first time. This feedback provides prospective military students with insight into the student veteran experience at a particular institution based on peer reviews from current students.
Service members and veterans can also meet individual student veterans from the various schools virtually on the site to learn more about personal school decisions and the transition from the military to an academic environment.
The 1,518 colleges, universities and trade schools on this year’s list prioritize the recruitment of students with military experience. These schools are making the grade by offering scholarships and discounts, veterans’ clubs, full-time staff, military credit and other services to those who served. The 2012 list of Military Friendly Schools was compiled through extensive research and a data driven survey of more than 8,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board consisting of educators from schools across the country.
A full story and detailed list of Military Friendly Schools will be highlighted in the annual Guide to Military Friendly Schools and on a poster, both of which will be distributed to hundreds of thousands of active and former military personnel in early October. The newly redesigned website, found at www.militaryfriendlyschools.com, features the list, interactive tools and search functionality to assist military veterans with their school decisions.
One of MTI’s most recent endeavors to support military students was the establishment of a Student Veteran’s Organization during the 2010-11 school year.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The grand opening of the new Mitchell Technical Institute Campus Center will be held Tuesday, September 13. The public is invited to an open house from 4:00-6:00 PM.
This $10.5 million facility houses all of MTI's medical programs, culinary academy, accounting and business management and general education programs. In addition, the administrative offices and admissions office are housed there.
The building is the third in a planned set of four building to relocate the entire campus from its previous location at the north end of Mitchell. The new campus features adjacent student housing, a technology center with a 180-seat amphitheater and an energy training facility featuring an indoor training lab.
A planned fourth building will be started this fall and is slated to open in Fall 2013, finally uniting the campus at one location.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Summer office hours at Mitchell Technical Institute will end on Friday, August 19. Regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will resume on Monday, August 22. All administrative offices including Admissions and Financial Aid are located in the new Campus Center at 1800 E. Spruce Street. Fall semester classes begin Monday, August 29.
Monday, August 1, 2011
All Mitchell Technical Institute administrative offices including Admissions, Financial Aid, Student Services and Academic Affairs have moved to the MTI South Campus location. The new address is 1800 E. Spruce Street. Anyone visiting the campus should enter the new three-story Campus Center through the main entrance. The facility include the MTI Bookstore and will house the Culinary Academy including the Oak Room after the start of the school year. For information about where any office or program is located, call 995-3025.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute has added another layer of technology to its dynamic and user-friendly web presence. A mobile website for smartphone users was recently launched. According to MTI Interactive Services Director Bob Kobernusz, the mobile site puts all the functionality of a large website into the palm of a user’s hand.
“With the number of smartphone users increasing every day, MTI knew that the next logical step in our online presence was implementing a mobile site to make accessing our information even easier for our students, customers and partners,” said Kobernusz.
The site can be accessed from any smartphone by going to the MTI website at mitchelltech.edu. The technology allows the website to determine if a user should be directed to the mobile site or the full site. The mobile site includes a form to request information, links to MTI’s award-winning videos, program information and much more. In addition, the full website can be reached from the mobile site.
The site will work for all types of smartphones including iPhones, Blackberries, and Androids. MTI is one of the first postsecondary educational institutions in South Dakota to implement a mobile website.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The Farm and Ranch Business Management program at Mitchell Technical Institute is in the process of expanding the program to reach northeastern South Dakota. With the addition of a fourth instructor and the movement to online-based instruction, the expansion is underway and plans to start enrolling farm families are in process.
Current instructors Roger DeRouchey and Calvin Pietz have been localized to a 90 mile radius of Mitchell until now. Last year Lori Christensen, former agriculture teacher at Madison High School, was added to the Farm and Ranch Business Management team bringing the program to eastern South Dakota including the Madison and Brookings area. With the addition of Dawn Melikant, the program will now be available to farmers and ranchers in the northeastern part of the state. Based in Aberdeen, Melikant will also serve areas surrounding Watertown, Sisseton, and Pierre. If the transition goes as planned, the program will be adding an additional instructor in western South Dakota in July of next year.
“This program is the hidden gem of agriculture management in the State. The average net cash income of participants in the program is 35% higher and net cash income per acre is 3% higher than that of those South Dakota producers not participating in the program according to the 2007 USDA/NASS Census. The resources that our instructors provide to individual farm families in helping them achieve success are invaluable. I firmly believe this expansion will be a great asset for the entire state when completed;” said MTI President Greg Von Wald.
The Farm and Ranch Business Management program has partnered with Farm Credit Services of America to help with farm family recruitment and the use of office space to work regionally with participants. South Dakota Pork Producers Council, South Dakota Wheat Commission, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council have also partnered with Mitchell Technical Institute to ensure that the expansion is successful.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
(Click here to view pictures from dedication.)
Dedication ceremonies for the $363-million Crow Lake Project – the largest wind project in the United States owned solely by a cooperative -- were held June 23 at the school gymnasium in White Lake, S.D. The wind project was placed into full operation in February of this year.
The Crow Lake Wind Project is owned by PrairieWinds SD 1 Inc., a subsidiary of Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck, N.D. The project is located about 14 miles north of White Lake.
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard spoke to a crowd of about 400 people from the area about what this project means for South Dakota. "In the past, wind power meant downed trees, snapped power lines and the lights going out. Now, wind power means having electricity to keep our lights on,” he said. "And thanks to the partnerships that helped make this project happen, South Dakota now has 162 more megawatts of wind generation power, more jobs, and an infrastructure to train new wind technicians."
The ceremony was hosted by Ron Harper, Basin Electric CEO and general manager. He called the wind project an “industry trifecta” because it’s the largest wind project owned solely by a cooperative, it’s got a first-of-its-kind community wind investment partnership, and it’s being used to educate future wind technicians.
“Basin Electric’s first involvement in South Dakota began more than 30 years ago when we built the Spirit Mound Station just north of Vermillion,” Harper said. “Now, in 2011, that investment has grown tremendously. By the end of next year, energy investments in this state that have a Basin Electric “footprint” (including the NextEra projects) will be about $932 million dollars…just shy of a billion dollars.”
A South Dakota native and Basin Electric director is Kermit Pearson. As a rural electric consumer, he’s very proud of the investment Basin Electric and the rural electric family has made in the state. “The genesis of the project began more than 50 years ago when Basin Electric was formed as a power supplier. Since then, Basin Electric has grown. We now supply supplemental electricity to 135 member cooperatives in nine states,” he said. “By the end of 2012, Basin Electric will have invested more than $900 million in South Dakota for energy development.”
Even though the rural electrics in South Dakota are separate and distinct operations, Pearson said they’re part of a huge cooperative family. “Basin Electric is owned by its consumers. I am a rural electric consumer in Lake Region’s service territory. I’m a director on Lake Region’s board representing consumers in my district for the operations of Lake Region. I’m a director on East River’s board representing Lake Region and its consumers, and I’m a director on Basin Electric’s board, representing all of the rural electrics and rural electric consumers in the eastern half of South Dakota.”
Jeff Nelson, general manager of East River Electric, said the cooperative is pleased to be a part of this coordinated project. “This affirms with our members, the cooperative's commitment to include wind generation as an integral part of our power supply,” he said. “We are especially pleased to have played a pivotal role in helping to launch the SD Wind Partners and MTI ownership as first-of-a-kind local ownership models. As president of the South Dakota Wind Energy Association, we believe this project is a great step forward for the SDWEA's mission of building a wind industry in South Dakota for the benefit of South Dakotans.”
Construction on the Crow Lake project began Oct. 5, 2010.
The entire project consists of 108 GE 1.5-megawatt turbines – 100 are owned and operated by PrairieWinds SD 1, Inc., one turbine is owned by MTI, and the remaining seven are owned by a group of local community investors called the South Dakota Wind Partners. PrairieWinds constructed the turbines for the Wind Partners and MTI, and will operate and maintain them. PrairieWinds will also purchase the electricity generated by the eight turbines.
The Wind Partners investment is a first-of-its-kind partnership for wind development. The opportunity became viable following passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act in February 2009. The act created a new tax grant option allowing small investors to access government incentives and tax benefits making public wind ownership possible.
Basin Electric Class A member East River Electric Power Cooperative, the South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, South Dakota Farmers Union and the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council created the Wind Partners for that purpose.
The turbine sold to MTI will be used as part of the school’s Wind Turbine Technology program, which launched in 2009. Through a grant, stimulus bonds, GE support and the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, MTI purchased the turbine. The revenue collected from electricity sold will help cover maintenance costs and loan payments.
Greg Von Wald, president of MTI, said "You simply cannot simulate in a lab the experience and confidence climbing this turbine provides for MTI students. There is no way to take a lab full of trainers and book knowledge and finish off these young students without the real life experience of translating what they have learned in the lab to the real life components of this wind turbine." He said the availability of this turbine to MTI came about because a lot of good organizations and good people got together to make it happen because they saw the possibilities—and it was not easy to get that done.
South Dakota U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson offered congratulations in completing the Crow Lake Wind Project. In a letter read by his staff assistant, Carmyn Egge, Johnson said investing in renewable electricity makes good economic sense for South Dakota. “Wind energy projects support good jobs in our local communities by creating a demand for technicians to construct and service turbines.”
Jim Burg, president of the South Dakota Wind Partners, talked about the importance of a project like this. “This first-of-its-kind public wind power investment provides South Dakotans a great opportunity to become personally involved with helping to advance this green source of energy. The South Dakota Wind Partners is proud to be involved in this project and hopes others can utilize a similar business model that can incorporate local investment into similar future projects,” he said.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Due to heavy rains in the area, the dedication of the Crow Lake Wind Farm will be moved to the White Lake School gymnasium on Thursday, June 23, at 10:30 AM. The school is located at 502 E. Division Street in White Lake. Anyone attending the event should go directly to the school site as access to the wind farm may be limited due to high water.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A formal dedication ceremony will be held for the Crow Lake Wind Farm and the MTI wind turbine on Thursday, June 23, at 10:30 AM. Featured speaker will be Gov. Dennis Daugaard.
Members of Central Electric Cooperative and investors in the project are invited to ride a free bus to the dedication. For details or to reserve a spot, call Central Electric at 996-7516.
The Crow Lake site is located about nine miles north of White Lake, South Dakota.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
The South Dakota Board of Education recently approved a bonding package enabling MTI to proceed with construction of the fourth and final building at the Spruce Street campus.
The new building is the final piece needed to completely relocate the 43-year-old school to a new campus. The 140,000 square-foot building will cost an estimated $19.25 million. It will allow construction of a facility to house agriculture, power sports and construction programs including building, electrical and heating and cooling.
The target completion date for the new facility is October 2013.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will begin observing summer hours. Effective Monday, May 16, offices at both campus sites will be open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute's Class of 2011 graduated on Friday, May 6. 474 students received Associate of Applied Science degrees and diplomas.
Twenty-two Spirit of MTI Awards were given out. The twelfth annual awards are given to recognize one student graduating from each program. These students have been chosen by their instructors as this year’s graduates who best embody the “spirit” of MTI and exemplify their chosen occupation through study, hard work, reliability, contribution to their program, and future potential in their employment field.
Recipients included:
Laramie Baker, Hot Springs, MT, Propane & Natural Gas Technologies
Barb Becker, White Lake, Accounting/Business Management
Kayla Berry, Interior, Radiation Therapy
Adam Brands, Edgerton, MN, Architectural Design & Building Construction
Eric Brown, Mitchell, Satellite Communications
Jamie Couch, Orchard, NE, Office Technology Specialist
Andrew Erickson, Emery, Computer Support Specialist
Melanie Fridley, Gann Valley, Radiologic Technology
Ethan Glasford, Aberdeen, Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Brian Hotchkiss, Mitchell, Utilities Technology
Dalton Kelly-Richter, Quinn, Telecommunications
Tori McMurtry, Wessington, Medical Laboratory Technology
Cody Mitchell, Mitchell, Heating & Cooling Technology
Kari Nedved, Twin Brooks, Medical Assistant
Alex Nudd, Belle Fourche, Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Jake Puetz, Mitchell, Power Sports Technology
Boyd Reimnitz, Mitchell, Information Systems Technology
Andrew Ring, Eau Claire, WI, Automation Controls/SCADA
Elizabeth Scheuren, Spencer, Administrative Office Specialist
Samuel Sletten, Lennox, Wind Turbine Technology
Tanya Veldkamp, Canton, Culinary Academy
Kyle Wojciechowski, Geddes, Agricultural Technology
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Mitchell Technical Institute student body president for 2011-12 has been selected. Jennifer Anshutz, Mitchell, was elected by the entire student body in late April. Anshutz, a student in the Speech Language Pathology Assistant program, will lead the Student Representative Board, MTI's student governing body, during the next school year. She was officially installed as president at the all-school picnic held April 28. Anshutz's first duty will be to serve as marshall at MTI's graduation.
Anshutz is a 2006 graduate of Gregory High School.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin will serve as commencement speaker at Mitchell Technical Institute's graduation on Friday, May 6. Herseth Sandlin was invited to speak because of her relationship with MTI and her assistance in securing funding for the school's wind turbine.
Said MTI president Greg Von Wald, "We're really pleased that she can join us for graduation."
Herseth Sandlin will speak to MTI's largest graduating class ever, more than 450 graduates.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM. It is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Livestock sales in 2010 amounted to 49.1% and crop sales accounted for 40.5% of cash operating income. Government payments were 2.8% of cash operating income in 2010 compared to 1.7% in 2009. Other farm income amounted to 7.6% in 2010. This data is based on a statistical analysis of each farm/ranch enrolled in the Farm/Ranch Business Management Program through the Mitchell Technical Institute.
“Excellent crop yields and higher crop prices, good beef prices, and increased hog and milk prices in 2010 helped balance the livestock income and crop income,” said Lori Christensen, Farm Management Instructor at Mitchell Technical Institute.
The most profitable crops in 2010 were Alfalfa Hay at $118.13/acre, Spring Wheat at $33.71/acre, Soybeans at of $186.40/acre, Oats at $80.99/acre, and Corn at $262.35/acre. Winter wheat showed a return/acre of $53.99 in 2010. No government payments were included in these crop enterprises.
The average yield in 2010 for Alfalfa Hay was 4.3 tons/acre, Spring Wheat at 43.3 bu./ac, Soybeans at 43.4 bu/ac, Oats at 86.4 bu/ac, Corn at 139.9 bu/ac, and Winter Wheat at 51.7 bu/ac.
The total cost per acre excluding land cost for Alfalfa was $164.47/acre, Spring Wheat was $143.25/acre, Soybeans at $183.98/acre, Oats at $118.01/acre, Corn at $286.04/acre, and Winter Wheat at $170.32/acre. To these figures one needs to add their land cost. This will vary depending upon if owned, cash rented or if crop shared. If we add a land cost of $100/acre to $286.04 cost/acre for corn and divide by $4.50/bu. harvest price we would need 85.8 bu/acre to break even. This does not include any government payments. The expenses per acre included fertilizer, chemicals, seed, crop insurance, machinery ownership and operation, interest, and other miscellaneous expenses.
“Profitability depends on consistent high yields, price received, and low total production costs.” said Christensen.
The South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management is expanding its reach later in 2011 to include north central/eastern South Dakota. This follows the expansion of 2010 that included central/eastern South Dakota. This expansion was made possible in part due to the support of Farm Credit Services of America, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, South Dakota Wheat Commission, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. For more information about the data in this article or about the programs offered please call 1-888-647-1527.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed on Friday, April 22, in observance of Good Friday. Regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will resume Monday, April 25.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute's Automation Controls/SCADA program will host the District 6 International Society of Automation Student Competition on Friday, April 15, beginning at 8:00 AM at the MTI Technology Center.
The competition consists three events: an analog exercise, a design problem exercise, and a quiz bowl. Fifteen teams are registered with about 90 people planning to attend. Teams are coming from Joliet Junior College, Jolliet, IL; North Dakota State School of Science, Wahpeton, ND; Northwest Iowa Community College, Sheldon, IA; Mesabi Range Community and Technical College, Eveleth, MN; and MTI.
The competition is sponsored and judged by vendors in the process and automation industry. The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
For the second consecutive year, Mitchell Technical Institute will host a college and professional power line rodeo on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16. The college rodeo begins Friday morning at 9:00 and the Saturday events begin at 10:00 AM at the MTI Energy Training Center at 1800 E. Spruce Street.
This year more than 90 student linemen will compete coming from several power line schools around the nation. Schools represented will include Chandler Gilbert Community College, Mesa, AZ; Blackhawk Technical College, Beaver Dam, WI; Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE; Western Nebraska Community College, Alliance, NE; Linn State College, Linn, MO; Morraine Park Technical College, West Bend, WI; and MTI.
New to this year's event will be guest judges from Morgan County REA in Colorado. The group will also compete in the professional rodeo on Saturday.
Contestants in the college rodeo will have to complete four events: C1 Framing; Cross Arm Changeout; Obstacle Climb; and Knowledge Exam. Professional contestants will compete in C1 Framing; Fuse Changeout; Obstacle Climb; and a Mystery Event. The professional contestants will also demonstrate a hurt-man rescue.
There will also be displays and demonstrations including a hot line trailer demonstration, the MTI Energy Trailer, excavator bowling and bucket truck rides.
All events are free and are open to the public.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Listed costs showed an upward trend from 2010 compared to 2009 and higher selling prices for the average livestock producer. This information is based on the statistical analysis from the farmers and ranchers enrolled in the Farm/Ranch Business Management Program through the Mitchell Technical Institute according to Calvin Pietz.
The hog finishing enterprises showed a profit of $4.34/cwt. of pork produced in 2010 compared to a loss of $2.57/cwt. in 2009.
The cow calf enterprises showed a profit of $64.63/cow in 2010 compared to a loss of $23.60 in 2009. The beef backgrounding was profitable in 2010 with a profit of $23.29/cwt. of beef produced compared to a profit of $9.72/cwt. in 2009. Beef finishing profited $22.93/cwt in 2010 compared to a loss of $1.79/cwt. in 2009.
The dairy enterprises showed a profit in 2010 as the average price of milk was $16.39/cwt. of milk compared to $12.34 in 2009. The expense per cow in 2010 was $2789/ cow compared to $2896/ cow in 2009. The cost to produce 100 pounds of milk in 2010 was $13.20 compared to $13.26 in 2009. The profit per cow was $333.86 in 2010 compared to a loss of $224.43 per cow in 2009. The profit per 100 pounds of milk produced was $1.19 in 2010 compared to $1.11 loss in 2009.
A major factor that will affect the profitability will be the death loss in the livestock enterprises and feed costs and selling price. Good management of your livestock enterprises will increase your chances of profitability.
The South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management is expanding its reach later in 2011 to include north central/eastern South Dakota. This follows the expansion of 2010 that included central/eastern South Dakota. This expansion was made possible in part due to the support of Farm Credit Services of America, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, South Dakota Wheat Commission, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. For more information about the data in this article or about the programs offered please call 1-888-647-1527.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
The South Dakota SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference will be hosted by Mitchell Technical Institute, Thursday and Friday, April 7-8. More than 140 high school and 160 post-secondary students will participate in a variety of leadership-building activities and skills competitions.
Registration for the conference begins as 3:00 PM on Thursday with a general session scheduled for 6:00 PM.
Contests begin Friday at 7:30 AM at MTI and at a variety of locations across Mitchell.
The contest is sponsored in part by Sanford Health, the US Army, Lowe's and MTI. Other local sponsors include Doug's Custom Paint & Body, Iverson Chrysler Center, the Mitchell Elks Lodge, Mitchell Exchange Club, Patzer Woodworking, Pepsi-Cola of Mitchell, and the South Dakota National Guard.
Winners of the state contests will be eligible to compete at the National SkillsUSA competition this June in Kansas City.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The average farm saw a significant increase in net farm profit from 2009 to 2010 according to a statistical analysis of each farm/ranch enrolled in South Dakota’s Farm/Ranch Business Management Program. The Farm/Ranch Business Management Program is offered to farmers and ranchers through the South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management at Mitchell Technical Institute at Mitchell. The purpose of the program is to assist farm and ranch operators in upgrading their management skills.
Average net farm profit of enrolled farmers increased to $260,891 in 2010. In comparing the averages from the SD Center for Farm Ranch Management Annual Report and the data from the National Ag Statistic Service, enrolled F/RBM producers averaged 26% higher net farm profit in 2008 and 2009. The 2010 NASS data is not yet available. “Net farm profit represents dollars earned from the farm before business expansion, loan principal payments and family living expenses are paid,” says Roger DeRouchey, Farm Management Instructor at Mitchell Technical Institute. The average enrolled family farm spent $52,252 for living.
A number of factors contributed to the significant increase this year. A good plan for risk management is the number one factor in maintaining and increasing profits along with rising yields, higher prices at harvest, and a profitable return on livestock enterprises all contributed to the increase in 2010.
Average progress was made towards increasing net worth or owner’s equity. An increase in equity of 15% was realized by the average farm in 2010. In 2009 the change in equity was an increase of 7.7%. Gains can occur as a result of investing farm income into capital assets or repaying debt. Further evidence of the range in profitability can be seen in equity change between high and low profit farms.
The South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management is expanding its reach later in 2011 to include north central/eastern South Dakota. This follows the expansion of 2010 that included central/eastern South Dakota. This expansion was made possible in part due to the support of Farm Credit Services of America, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, South Dakota Wheat Commission, South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and the South Dakota Pork Producers Council. For more information about the data in this article or about the programs offered please call 1-888-647-1527.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The fourth annual Mitchell Technical Institute Rodeo Rendezvous will be held Saturday, March 26, at the Brig Steakhouse and Lounge. The event begins at 6:00 PM with a no-host social, followed by dinner at 7:00 and a silent auction of donated items. All proceeds benefit the MTI Rodeo Team.
Speaker for this year's event is former collegiate and professional rodeo competitor Billie Sutton of Burke. Sutton, recently elected as a South Dakota state senator from District 26, was paralyzed from the waist down in a bucking chute accident in 2007.
Tickets for the event are $35 and are available from MTI Rodeo coach Jimmie Nicolaus. Call 999-6381 to reserve tickets.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will offer a new program in Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology beginning in August. The program was approved Monday, March 21, by the South Dakota Board of Education.
This program will complement MTI's already strong energy programs. Students entering the program must be a licensed Journeyworker in the power line industry or be a graduate of a Power Line Construction & Maintenance program.
Electrical Utilities and Substation Technology will focus on substation construction and maintenance and the electronics necessary to deliver electricity to customers.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will add another program to be delivered in Yankton beginning next fall.
Office Technology Specialist will be offered in Yankton beginning in August 2011. The program will provide skills training for students to enter careers with skills in office administration and support, software applications and basic accounting. This program is being offered in partnership with the Southeast Job Link in Yankton to meet a growing need for workers with this background. The knowledge and support of a skilled administrative assistant are always in demand, and students who develop the office technology skills along with strong interpersonal and organizational competencies will have a greater chance of success in today’s workforce.
The program will be offered for a one-year diploma. Students who wish to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree may do so by completing a second year of education on the MTI campus in Mitchell.
This will be a new educational/training opportunity for students in southeast South Dakota and compliments MTI’s on-going efforts in the Yankton community. MTI currently offers a variety of energy and communications related programs in Yankton and is introducing a new Industrial Maintenance Technician program beginning in August 2011.
All classes will be taught in Yankton at the Technical Education Center. Financial aid is available.
For information about enrolling in the program, contact the MTI Admissions office at (605) 995-3025 or Sheri Duke at Southeast Job Link at (605) 668-3480.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute has received a recommendation for continued accreditation for ten years by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Ten years is the maximum time period for which a school can receive accreditation. The recommendation for continued accreditation was made by a team of evaluators who visited the campus March 7-9. Their report and recommendation will be forwarded to the full Commission for approval later in 2011. MTI has been accredited since 1980.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Monday, February 21, in observance of Presidents Day. Regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM will resume Tuesday, February 22.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
GE today announced that its 15,000th megawatt-class wind turbine has been installed at Basin Electric Power Cooperative’s Crow Lake wind farm in South Dakota; one of 108 GE 1.5 megawatt (MW) turbines recently commissioned at the site. The turbine, which will be owned and operated by Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) through an agreement with Basin Electric, will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students enrolled in MTI’s Wind Turbine Technology Program.
“The shipment of our 15,000th megawatt-class wind turbine demonstrates the key role that this technology has played in supporting the rapid development of the wind industry in North America and worldwide,” said Victor Abate, vice president-renewable energy for GE Power & Water. “We are pleased to know that this milestone turbine will help to support future green technology jobs and will be instrumental to the training of the next generation of wind turbine technicians.”
The project was made possible by a grant awarded to MTI by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Additional funding was provided by the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, General Electric and MTI. MTI’s Wind Turbine Technology program, launched in 2009, provides highly trained technicians to the expanding wind industry.
Construction at Crow Lake, which has generated 200 construction jobs, according to Basin Electric, began in October of 2010. The Crow Lake project spans three counties in South Dakota and is the largest wind project in the United States owned solely by a cooperative, with a capacity of 151.5 megawatts.
“We are excited to be a part of this milestone, working with our member systems, MTI and GE to shape the future of this industry,” said Ron Harper, general manager and CEO of Basin Electric. “This achievement reflects our shared commitment to wind power as a source of clean energy for our members.”
“This project represents a nearly perfect example of public and private, education and industry, business and government working together,” added MTI President Greg Von Wald.
Basin Electric, which serves 135 rural electrical systems in nine states, including East River Electric Power Cooperative, Madison, S.D., is a recognized leader of wind energy development in the Upper Midwest and has added approximately 451 megawatts of wind energy to its energy portfolio in the past decade.
Offering proven performance and reliability, GE's 1.5-megawatt wind turbine is the most widely used megawatt-class wind turbine in the world. This machine has been successfully installed in nearly every wind regime, terrain and climate worldwide. The 1.5-MW fleet has accumulated nearly 300 million operating hours and has generated 1.4 billion megawatt-hours of electricity, enough to power 6.5 million U.S. homes. In 2010, GE’s global fleet of 1.5-MW wind turbines maintained over 98 percent availability.
Friday, January 21, 2011
A total of 302 students at Mitchell Technical Institute have been placed on the Fall Semester 2010 President's List, according to MTI President Greg Von Wald. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is required to receive this honor.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute has released spring enrollment numbers. Total enrollment this semester is 1106, compared with 1016 during Spring 2010. That represents a 9% increase over last spring semester's enrollment.
The school was recently cited as the 13th fastest growing two-year public college in the US with enrollments of 2500 or less by Community College Weekly.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Mitchell Technical Institute has been included on a new nationwide list of two-year public colleges with the fastest-growing enrollment. Community College Week magazine ranked colleges based on enrollment size and growth.
MTI is ranked 13th on the list of the Top 50 Fastest-Growing Public Two-Year Colleges from Fall 2008 to Fall 2009 at schools with enrollments under 2500 students. Enrollment in Fall 2008 was 756 in 2008 and it grew to 1,004 in 2009, a 33 percent increase.
Overall, South Dakota ranked fourth on the list for percentage of change in total enrollment at two-year public community and technical colleges. An 18% increase occurred from 2008 to 2009.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Mitchell School Board is the first-ever recipient of the ASBSD School Board Award of Excellence, Associated School Boards of South Dakota announced recently.
The ASBSD School Board Award of Excellence recognizes a South Dakota school board that consistently provides the leadership necessary to improve achievement for all students. An independent, four-person panel scores each nomination and selects the school board that best exemplifies the traits of an effective school board. The honoree receives a recognition plaque and a $1,000 cash award, which was generously provided by BankWest.
“The Mitchell School Board clearly understands its role as a leader both in the school system and in the community,” said ASBSD Executive Director Wayne Lueders. “They are a shining example of the hard work and commitment that South Dakota school boards display every day.”
Mitchell was one of four finalists for the competitive award. The application required school boards to provide data and evidence that board actions led to improved student achievement. Applicants were also asked to detail how the school board embodied five widely-recognized and research-based traits of an effective school board: setting clear expectations, creating the conditions for success, holding the system accountable, building public support and learning as a board team.
“The Mitchell School Board is a vision-driven group of leaders who are intently focused on providing the very best education to every student in district,” Lueders said. “Their success is further proof that deliberate actions of a focused school board leads to successful public schools.”
The ASBSD School Board Award of Excellence is the association’s first recognition program that honors collective success rather than individual accomplishment. ASBSD also recognizes the year’s outstanding school board member and honors non-educators who champion public education.
According to Lueders, the entire school system and Mitchell community should share in the celebration.
“School board leadership is an essential element of successful public schools, but it’s not the only factor,” Lueders said. “The Mitchell School Board has worked closely with dedicated educators and a supportive community while keeping a sharp focus on improving student learning.”
The four-person selection committee did a blind review of the applications, meaning any information that identified a school district was blacked-out prior to the committee’s review. ASBSD President Susan Humiston, a board member from Edgemont, was one of four education and business leaders who served on the selection panel. The committee also included: Dean Christensen, Superintendent of the Deuel School District and the current Superintendent of the Year; David Owen, president of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Patricia Simmons, a former ASBSD director and current member of the State Board of Education.
The school board will be presented with the plaque and cash award in the Mitchell community at a date to be determined by ASBSD and school district officials.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The 2010-11 Spring Semester will begin on Wednesday, January 5. New students are asked to attend an orientation on Tuesday, January 4. Details are available from the Admissions office.
Returning students should check with the Registrar's office January 3 or 4 for a new schedule as several course changes have been made.
Classes begin the morning of January 5.
Financial aid refunds will be available beginning Tuesday, January 11, at 1:00 PM, in the cafeteria at the North Campus.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Friday, December 24, and Monday, December 27, in observance of the Christmas holiday. Offices will also be closed Friday, December 31, in observance of the New Year holiday. Regular office hours will resume Monday, January 3. Spring semester classes begin Wednesday, January 5.
Monday, December 13, 2010
The newly organized MTI Student Veterans Organization (SVO) will be donating their time and effort to Post 2750 the local VFW post located at 105 North Main Street in Mitchell. The group will be cleaning, painting and installing new ceiling tile on Thursday, December 16.
The evening will begin with a potluck supper at 6:30. Barbeque sandwiches will be provided. Those attending should bring a dish to pass.
The main purpose of our group is to help those who need help and have defended our country and our way of life. The SVO club is not only for veterans; it is for anyone who wants to give back to their community.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
The MTI Student Representative Board will host a Christmas Party for children of MTI students and staff on Thursday, December 16, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the MTI Technology Center on the Spruce Street campus.
Any child up to age 12 will receive an age-appropriate gift. Sign-up sheets are being circulated through departments. If you did not have a chance to sign up your child, see Julie Hart Schutte ASAP.
Cookies and beverages will be served at the party. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to distribute gifts. Parents may also take their children's photos with Santa. Other activities will include Christmas movies will be showing in the amphitheatre, a coloring contest and cookie decorating.
This annual event is sponsored by SRB.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
The MTI Telecommunications program will host a Telecom Technician Challenge at the South Dakota Association of Telecommunication Cooperatives being held in Mitchell December 6-9. Two challenge sessions will be held with a winner to be announced on Thursday.
The Telecom Technician Challenge will test techs' skill levels in several areas. There will also be a game show, "Are You Smarter Than an MTI Telecom Student?"
Plaques will be awarded to contest winners.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Adam Brands, ADBC II, was recently presented with the Lance Carter Memorial Just Peachy award. This semi-annual award recognizes one student each semester for having a positive, upbeat attitude throughout the course of a semester, good attendance, a self-starter, a willing participant in projects and activities, a class influencer/leader/motivator, and in good academic standing. Each recipient is selected by consensus of the general education department at MTI.
The award is presented in memory of long-time MTI Admissions director Lance Carter. Due to Parkinson's disease, Carter had to take early retirement in 1999 and it was complications from Parkinson's that took his life in March 2009 at age 65.
Brands of Edgerton, Minnesota, receives $100 and his name will be engraved on a plaque displayed at MTI.
Monday, November 29, 2010
The South Dakota Board of Education will meet Monday, November 29, at the MTI Technology Center at 1800 E. Spruce Street.
On the agenda is a proposal for a new program at MTI, Precision Technology Specialist. The program would train students in the use of GPS, GIS, geospatial mapping and other technology for use in diverse career areas like agriculture, utilities, construction, and automation. The program would start in Fall 2011 with 15 students.
A new program proposed by Lake Area Technical Institute is an entrepreneurship program. Three different versions of the program would last from 11 to 20 months in length. The program would start in Fall 2011 with 18 to 20 students to start.
Mark Wilson, director of the SD Office of Curriculum, Career and Technical Education, will propose an increase in student fees at all four technical institutes. The request is for a $1 per credit annual increase to the facility fees until 2015 and a $1 per credit fee for maintenance and repairs in 2011-12 and 2013-14.
The additional revenue is intended to pay for construction and upkeep of new buildings being constructed or planned at the institutes.
The meeting begins at 10:00 AM.
Monday, November 29, 2010
More than a quarter million lights will dance to music during the Abbott House Festival of Lights Celebration on Thursday, December 2 at 5:30 pm.
The 2010 Festival of Lights Celebration is a partnership effort by the Abbott House and Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI) staff and students. More than 66 MTI students and three MTI staff members have donated more than 530 hours of work to the project. The MTI Automation Controls/SCADA students were responsible for the music and lights programming and setup; the MTI Electrical Construction & Maintenance students worked on the electrical connections; and the MTI Architectural Design & Building Construction students provided a workday to help with installation of lights.
“This is a great partnership that creates a win-win experience for the Abbott House and MTI,” Eric Klooz, Abbott House Executive Director, said. “With the expertise of the MTI staff and students we can create a unique Christmas lighting display that is enjoyed by many in the Mitchell community and throughout the area. This project helps the Abbott House raise much needed funding for its education programs while providing hands-on learning opportunities for MTI students. Best of all, it gives MTI and Abbott House staff and students an opportunity to create one of the area’s largest Christmas light displays for people enjoy.”
MTI SCADA instructor Tony Russell was pleased to be part of the project. “To give our students a chance at such a hands-on project is a valuable learning opportunity. They are really challenged by the project and excited to see it completed.”
The 2010 Festival of Lights features many new lighted objects including Christmas trees, a special Abbott House archway and large stars, provided by more than 70 sponsors. The lights were put up by more than 125 volunteers and will be on display from 5:30 to 9 pm every evening through January 3.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Two MTI student groups will have entries in the annual Parade of Lights. The parade will be held on Mitchell's Main Street on Monday, November 22, at 7:00 PM.
The Student Rep Board has decorated the MTI training trailer which will be driven by Outreach instructor Jimmie Nicolaus.
Power Sports Technology students are putting together a double entry of a flat-bed trailer with motorcycles on display and riding some 4-wheeler in the parade.
The annual Parade of Lights is a kickoff to the holiday season. MTI has had an entry for eight consecutive years.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 26, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Regular office hours will resume Monday, November 29.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The MTI Culinary Academy will make a "splash" in Mitchell Friday, November 12, with the first ever Eve of Splash event at the MTI Technology Center. MTI is partnering with Avera Queen of Peace on this add-on event to the annual "Splash" event. Only 100 tickets, all of which have been sold, were available for this wine-tasting and wine education event. The evening will kick off with a Champagne welcome, followed by a wine seminar. The spotlight event will be the food booths with all presentation, preparation and service done by the Culinary students.
Event-goers will be able make four stops during the evening.
"Asian Table" will feature four Asian themed dishes by Danielle Gwin, Alisha Schramm, Jessica Shepherd, Kourtney Schamens, and Tanya Veldkamp.
"Western Grub Pub" will serve smoked pork, buffalo sausage and other tasty treats by Patrick Parker, Kindra Fuerstenau, Ashley Bahm and Sam Brovold.
The "Hawaiian Luau" will showcase several dishes including a flaming pineapple dessert. Chefs are Danielle Dunn, Stephanie Schick, Megan Platz and Alisha VanDenHoek.
Finally, the "Sports Arena" will serve all-American favorites including Philly cheesesteaks and Texas chili by Jason Easton, Nate Mills, Matt Pesall and Jeff Wait. The students are being assisted by instructors Jim Wagner, Patty Hendrix and Shawn Frey.
"Eve of Splash" and "A Splash on the Ivories" will raise money for the Avera Cancer Center in Mitchell.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Special activities are planned for MTI students and staff members on Wednesday, November 10, in honor of Veteran's Day. A short ceremony honoring MTI's military veterans and National Guard and Reserve members will be held. Also, all veterans names are on display throughout the campus this week.
There will be no classes on Thursday, November 11, in honor of the holiday. Offices will be open regular office hours.
MTI, a Military Friendly school, appreciates the services of all veterans and service members.
Friday, October 22, 2010
It was announced October 21 that Mitchell Technical Institute has been awarded $1.67 million from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA). The grant will allow MTI to own its own operational wind turbine at the Crow Lake site being developed by Basin Electric near White Lake, SD. The grant money will be combined with funds from the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, General Electric, and MTI to cover the entire cost of the turbine.
MTI received assistance with the grant application from Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin earlier this year. Rep. Herseth Sandlin was able to bring the various entities together to discuss the critical need for the project and to help secure the EDA grant funding.
MTI’s Wind Turbine Technology program, launched in 2009, provides highly-trained technicians to the expanding wind industry. According to MTI president Greg Von Wald, “This project represents a nearly perfect example of public and private, education and industry, business and government working together for the betterment of our state.”
Basin Electric’s Crow Lake wind project will be sited approximately 30 miles from Mitchell, SD. The MTI turbine will be a part of that field and will be used for training purposes. When the turbine is not being used for training, it will be operational, generating electricity like any of the other 107 turbines at the site. The Crow Lake wind project will be the largest cooperative-owned wind farm in the U.S.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
U.S. Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen Merrigan earlier this week awarded grants to 40 organizations throughout the country to provide training and assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers that will help them run successful and sustainable farms.
Fiscal Year 2010 awards include $147,542 to Mitchell Technical Institute, Mitchell, S.D. MTI is home to the newly named South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management which provides two levels of training for South Dakota farmers and ranchers: a Level 1 Beginner Farmer and Rancher / FSA Borrower training course and a full Level 2 Farm Business Management program. As part of Level 1, participants are given a brief overview of farm financial business planning during 20 hours of traditional classroom contact. In the Level 2 program, the participants work one-on-one with an instructor to keep records of their own business, to use in developing a comprehensive farm business plan and receive cost comparison figures to determine factors that can improve profitability. The program helps farmers understand the business aspects of managing a farm so they can increase profitability and productivity.
"Beginning farmers and ranchers face unique challenges, and these efforts will help provide the training needed to ensure these producers become profitable and sustainable," said Merrigan. "As the average age of farmers today is 57 and continues to rise, we must do everything we can to recruit a new generation of people to produce our food. They will continue to play an important part of American agriculture as they feed people in their local communities and, in some cases, throughout the world."
USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded the grants through its Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP). BFRDP is an education, training, technical assistance and outreach program designed to help U.S. farmers and ranchers, specifically those who have been farming or ranching for 10 years or fewer. Under the program, which was established through the 2008 Farm Bill, NIFA will make grants to organizations that will implement programs to help beginning farmers and ranchers. BFRDP provided $18 million in funding this year.
The Farm/Ranch Business Management program has been offered at MTI since 1982. Each year the program assists more than 90 area farmers and ranchers with financial planning and analysis. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, the nationwide annual net income of an average farming operation in the U.S. is $71,000. Students in the FRBM program have an average annual net income of more than $96,000. This grant will help expand the program statewide bringing these critical educational tools to a new generation of young farmers and ranchers.
For more information on this project, contact the South Dakota Center for Farm/Ranch Management at sdcfrm@mitchelltech.edu or 1-888-647-1527.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Four students in Mitchell Tech's Architectural Design and Building Construction program were recently awarded scholarships by the Home Builders of the Sioux Empire. Jordan Hefner, Sioux Falls; Derek DeVries, Corsica; Reed Rau, Eureka; and Adam Brands, Edgerton, MN, were each awarded $500.
The students may use the scholarships to defray educational expenses.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute's newest student organization, the MTI Student Veterans Organization (MTI SVO), has been accepted as an affiliated chapter of the nationally recognized Student Veterans of America (SVA). Some of the benefits of this affiliation include availability of chapter grants, the SVA Scholars Program which assists veterans with educational expenses, and legislative advocacy in Washington D.C. on behalf of the SVA. This marks an important step for the MTI SVO during its 2010-11 inaugural year.
The MTI Student Veterans Organization assists veterans with transition into an academic lifestyle, provides information on Veterans Affairs and South Dakota Department of Military and Veterans Affairs benefits, and provides a social organization where veterans feel comfortable.
Advisors for the group are Dave Utz, MTI admissions representative, and Jill Murphy, Retention Coordinator.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute has announced its largest enrollment ever. The official enrollment for the 2010 fall semester is 1109, surpassing last year's record enrollment of 1004.
According to MTI president Greg Von Wald, the 1109 number represents an increase of nearly 11% over last year. “New programs, program expansion and increased outreach efforts have all helped us to continue to grow,” said Von Wald.
In addition to the regular on-campus instruction, MTI has outreach programs at Sinte Gleska University in Mission and in Huron and Yankton.
Classes and labs are being held at both the north and south campus locations while construction continues on the new student services and administration building set to open in Fall 2011. The new structure will house medical programs, culinary arts, general education and all student services including the bookstore and library.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Students in MTI’s Power Sports Technology program are a part of a first-ever program at the seventh annual BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials going on at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. MTI students are assisting race officials, timers, and coordinators at the event where world records are set.
The team of ten students and instructor Darin Maltsberger arrived at the Salt Flats on Friday, August 27. They will return to MTI on September 7.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Several activities are planned during the first two weeks of school for MTI students.
On Tuesday, students can check out the Mitchell Rec Center with tours and pizza. It's free to all new students and their families from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Mitchell Rec Center, 1300 N. Main Street.
Wednesday night new students can see a movie at the Luxury 5 Cinema. Free tickets to any 7:00 show were issued during orientation.
Also, there will be several Meet the President activities throughout the week, scheduled by program.
Remember, no classes Monday, September 6, in observance of Labor Day.
Tuesday, September, 7, the Mission Improvable Comedy Team will perform at the Technology Center at 7:00 PM.
Then it's back to NFL football on Thursday, September 9, on the big screen at the Tech Center: Vikings vs. Saints.
For information about any of these activities, stop into the Student Services office at either campus.
Friday, August 27, 2010
President Greg Von Wald recently announced the winners of the first-ever service awards to MTI staff members.
The Above and Beyond award was presented to Marla Smith. This award is for a staff member, nominated by peers, who, through personal efforts and actions, has made a significant and extraordinary contribution to the advancement of MTI and the achievement of its strategic goals.
The Excellence in Instruction award was presented to Darin Maltsberger. This award is for a faculty member to recognize outstanding instructional technique, program growth through recruiting efforts, extraordinary student relationships, strong ties to industry, volunteerism and a consistent role model.
Each received an engraved trophy and a cash award.
Nominations for the 2011 awards will be accepted during the spring semester. Voting will take place before school dismisses in May.
Friday, August 27, 2010
MTI welcomed more than 1000 students as the new school year began Monday, August 30. New student orientation was held beginning at 8:30 AM. All new students were required to attend. Several activities were held throughout the morning culminating with a picnic lunch at both campuses at 11:15 AM.
Classes for all students began at 12 noon.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute has been named to the G.I. Jobs 2011 list of Military Friendly Schools. The list honors the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students.
Schools on the list range from state universities and private colleges to community colleges and trade schools. This is MTI's second consecutive year on the list.
“This list is especially important now because the Post-9/11 GI Bill has given veterans virtually unlimited financial means to go to school,” said Rich McCormack, G.I. Jobs publisher. “Veterans can now enroll in any school, provided they’re academically qualified. So schools are clamoring for them like never before. Veterans need a trusted friend to help them decide where to get educated. The Military Friendly Schools list is that trusted friend.”
The list was compiled through exhaustive research starting last April during which G.I. Jobs polled more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Methodology, criteria and weighting for the list were developed with the assistance of an Academic Advisory Board (AAB) consisting of educators from Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Colorado State University, Dallas County Community College, Old Dominion University, Cleveland State University, Lincoln Technical Institute and Embry Riddle; as well as Keith Wilson, VA’s director of education services; Michele Spires, American Council on Education’s assistant director of military programs; Janet Swandol, associate director for CLEP and Derek Blumke, president of Student Veterans of America.
Criteria for making the Military Friendly Schools list included efforts to recruit and retain military and veteran students, results in recruiting military and veteran students and academic accreditations.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
MTI Agricultural Technology students and faculty will be seen all over the DakotaFest grounds as the 15th annual farm show runs August 17-19, 2010, in Mitchell. The popular farm and trade show as been a fixture on property adjacent to the MTI South Campus and MTI students have been a part of it since its inception. Students volunteer their time to work at the gates, help with parking cars, and volunteer at many of the service booths staffed by organizations such as pork producers, beef producers, and many more. Instructor Roger Carlson is overseeing the event this year along with three second-year students who are scheduling the more than 40 volunteers. Look for the camoflage t-shirts with the bold orange lettering and you will soon meet one of MTI's dedicated "aggies." DakotaFest runs 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday and 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Thursday.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Lori Christensen, new farm business management instructor for Mitchell Technical Institute, was recently elected President of the South Dakota Association of Agricultural Educators. Approximately one hundred secondary and post-secondary instructors are members of the state association.
The election was held at this year’s state conference in Pierre, August 1st – 4th. Over 80 Agriculture Educators from across the state attended the conference held in conjunction with the South Dakota Association Career and Technical Educators (SDACTE) conference. While at the conference members were able to attend SDAAE and SDACTE and business meetings, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Other agriculture instructors attending from Mitchell Technical Institute were Myron Sonne, Roger Carlson, Dave Koupal and Don Sutera, all instructors in the Agriculture Technology area. The agriculture instructors were able to attend a tour of Morris Enterprises focusing on Ag Mechanics, structures and landscaping or the Ross Nielsen Ranch focusing on sustainable ag and the grass fed beef initiative. Some of the other workshops available for the ag teachers to attend were dealing with: CAERT, a curriculum resources and learning management system, building ag programs in large school systems, math and reading integration, capstone experiences, advanced science activities, marketing, and sustainable ag and the grass fed beef initiative.
Agriculture instructors and their families attended a SDACTE picnic and social hosted by SDAAE at Steamboat Park, the SDAAE Awards Banquet at the Isaak Walton League Lodge, and the SDACTE Awards Banquet at the Ramkota Convention Center. Roger DeRouchey and Calvin Pietz of the Farm Business Management Program and Loren Kasten, former agriculture instructor, also represented Mitchell Tech. at the awards banquet.
Myron Sonne and Dave Koupal served as retiring chair and incoming chair of the SDACTE resolutions committee, Lori Christensen served as a member of the SDACTE Audit Committee, and Don Sutera is a member of the South Dakota FFA Foundation and Career Development Committee.
Receiving recognition at the awards banquet were DeRouchey, Pietz and Christensen for the 30-Minute Club award, recognition for developing media coverage and Koupal was recognized for 10 years of SDAAE membership. Myron Sonne was recognized and his retirement was celebrated at the banquet as well.
Also attending the SDAAE Conference from Mitchell was Jeff Hoffman, agriculture instructor at Mitchell High School.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The faculty at Mitchell Technical Institute this year announced the eleventh annual Spirit of MTI awards to recognize one student graduating from each program. These students were chosen by their instructors as this year’s graduates who best embody the “spirit” of MTI and exemplify their chosen occupation through study, hard work, reliability, contribution to their program, and future potential in their employment field.
Each graduate was recognized with a plaque at the MTI graduation ceremony held May 7, 2010.
Accounting/Business Management Hannah Sutherland
Agricultural Chemical Technology Lane Kroupa
Agricultural Technology Thomas Smith
Architectural Design & Building Construction Amber Opbroek
Automation Controls/SCADA Andrew Hershman
Computer Software Specialist Daria Utz
Computer Systems Technology Kyle Anderson
Culinary Academy of South Dakota Amy Petoske
Electrical Construction & Maintenance James Herman
Heating & Cooling Technology Josh Phillips
Medical Assistant Toni Weber
Medical Laboratory Technology April Briscoe
Medical Secretary/Transcriptionist Angie Rasmussen
Office Technology Specialist Doralea Kunkel
Power Line Construction & Maintenance Eric Borer
Power Sports Technology Jake Puetz
Propane & Natural Gas Technologies Jerod Beachem
Radiation Therapy Lesa Griffith
Radiologic Technology Tyler Valsvig
Satellite Communications Travis Hodson
Utilities Technology Vincent Wellenstein
Telecommunications Bradley St. Clair
Wind Turbine Technology Jorden Arthurs
Friday, July 16, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute will hold a Registration Day for incoming students on August 6. Students who have been accepted since June 12 or who have not completed the registration process will be notified. Registration sessions will be held at the MTI Technology Center, 1800 E. Spruce Street. Contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Janet Greenway, former Career Services Coordinator at Mitchell Technical Institute (MTI), was awarded Honorary Lifetime Membership to the South Dakota Association of College Career Centers (SDACCC) during the organization’s recent annual meeting. Greenway began the position of Registrar at Mitchell Technical Institute on July 1.
SDACCC's mission is to advance the career development and employment of students attending South Dakota's post-secondary educational institutions. SDACCC members represent a combined total of more than 200 years of involvement with workforce development in South Dakota.
Members of SDACCC include officials from nearly all of the universities and technical institutes in South Dakota, some South Dakota Department of Labor offices, and the South Dakota Teacher Placement Center.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute student Dalton Kelly-Richter, Quinn, SD, posted a 20th place finish in Steer Wrestling at the recent College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, WY. Kelly-Richter faced some tough competition throughout the week, but was able to finish in the top 20. He placed 27th in the Team Roping event.
Final results can be viewed at the official CNFR website.
Kelly-Richter will be a second-year student in Telecommunications this fall. He was accompanied at the CNFR by MTI rodeo coach Jimmie Nicolaus.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute student Dalton Kelly-Richter, Quinn, SD, has qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR) to be held June 13-19 in Casper, WY. Kelly-Richter, a Telecommunications student at MTI, qualified for the CNFR in two events: Steer Wrestling and Team Roping with his partner and header P.J. Painter, Black Hills State University. Kelly-Richter is the first double-qualifier MTI has ever sent to the CNFR and the fifth student from the school to compete at nationals.
To qualify, Kelly-Richter placed third in each of his events in the overall standings of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association/Great Plains Region. He won or placed in eight of ten college rodeos during the 2009-2010 season. Season highlights included wins in Steer Wrestling at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Team Roping event at South Dakota State University. His cumulative points placed him fourth all-around in the regional standings.
The MTI team placed fifth in the regional standings.
Kelly-Richter, a 2009 graduate of Wall High School, will travel to Casper with MTI rodeo coach Jimmie Nicolaus.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Fall Registration will begin June 7 and last until Friday June 11. All sessions will be held at the NORTH CAMPUS at 821 N. Capital Street. Read below for event details:
Monday, June 7
8:15-11:15 AM
Culinary Academy
Accounting/Business Management
Power Sports
Monday, June 7
12:30-3:30 PM
Ag Technology
Accounting/Business Management
Power Sports
Tuesday, June 8
8:15-11:15 AM
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Tuesday, June 8
12:30-3:30 PM
Medical Office Professional
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Architectural Design & Building Construction
Wednesday, June 9
8:15-11:15 AM
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Wednesday, June 9
12:30-3:30 PM
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Wind Turbine Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Thursday, June 10
8:15-11:15 AM
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Propane & Natural Gas Technologies
Thursday, June 10
12:30-3:30 PM
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Propane & Natural Gas Technologies
Friday, June 11
8:15-11:15 AM
Radiologic Technology
Radiation Therapy
Office Technology Specialist
Computer Systems Technology
Friday, June 11
12:30-3:30 PM
Telecommunications
Satellite Communications
General Education
Categories: MTI,
Monday, May 10, 2010
408 members of the Class of 2010 received Associate of Applied Science degrees and diplomas in commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 7 at the Corn Palace. This was one of the largest classes to graduate from MTI in 20 years.
Member of the graduating class Lesa Grifiith, Radiation Thearapy, delivered the commencement address, "Make Yourself Proud." First-year Accounting/Business Management student Mosheh Mitchem delivered the invocation and benediction.
22 Spirit of MTI awards were given to one student graduating from each program. The Spirit of MTI award recipient is selected annually by faculty as a graduating student who best represents the Spirit of MTI.
Monday, May 10, 2010
The MTI team competing for the last 10 weeks in the South Dakota Stock Market Game won first place in the college division. Coached by instructor Annika Russell in her Investments class, the group played the market to their advantage with their best-performing stock MEMC Electronic Materials gaining 19%.
The SD Stock Market game is sponsored by the Black Hills State University Center for Economic Education and the SD Council on Economic Education.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hello Everybody; Many of you already know that the U.S. Department of Education is changing the process for administering Federal Student Loans. The Federal Stafford Loan Program will transition into the Federal Direct Student Loan Program on July 1, 2010. For students attending summer school, you can still receive disbursements for Summer and Fall terms through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. After that, all disbursements will be made through the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. The U.S Department of Education has created a great, new website for students and parents to go to for loans and other Financial Aid Processes. I encourage you to take a look at this website; www.studentLoans.gov. It is not only for students doing loans while in school, but you can also get a Pin number and go to the FAFSA website from here. You will need your pin # to access many of the areas of the website. It will also help you manage your student loan payments after you graduate and go into repayment. Congratulations graduates and we look forward to a great 2010-2011 with you returning students.
Grant Uecker, Financial Aid Coordinator
Mitchell Tech
1800 East Spruce Street
Mitchell, SD 57301
1-800-952-0042
Fax 605-995-8234
Categories: MTI,
Monday, May 3, 2010
Ever say something and later you wonder what you were thinking (See photo below)?
The rodeo team reminded last night that at the first Rodeo Team meeting last fall I supposedly mentioned that if the Mavericks had qualifiers to the College National Finals Rodeo this season, I would shave off my moustache. Dalton Kelly-Richter has qualified so now I have to hold up my end.
At 2:00 pm on Monday, May 3rd, I will shave (or have shaved for me) my moustache in the cafeteria at the north campus. Now this may not seem like much until you consider that I think my oldest of three sons is the only one to see me without one.
When the proverbial dust settled at the Blue Hawk Round-up at Dickinson State University, the MTI Mavericks Rodeo Team has another qualifier to the College National Finals Rodeo!!!!! I refer to proverbial dust because dust was the last thing we had to contend with over the weekend. The wind blew out of the WNW no less than 20 mph and there was at least a mist to light rain all weekend topped by snow this morning before we started home. Dalton Kelly-Richter (Tel Com I, Quinn, SD) used this last opportunity of the season to make the cut for the Casper, WY rodeo to be held the second weekend of June. After being blanked at the Yellow Jacket Stampede last weekend, the pressure was on to finish strong, and that he did.
Dalton qualified for the championship round at Dickinson in ninth place in the Team Roping and fourth in the Steer Wrestling. He needed to good runs in both events to lock his qualification. With partner PJ Painter (BLKHIL) in the team roping, he finished fourth in the round and fifth in the aggregate to finish third for the season. In the Steer Wrestling, he qualified for the championship round in fourth, ended up sixth in that round, and fifth in the aggregate to hold third place for the year by 5.5 points. The top three in each event move on the CNFR.
Also making the championship round at Dickinson were Mikey Loiseau (ECM II, Egan, SD) with partner Kelly Roshau (NDSU) who ended the rodeo tied for third overall, and Brady Gaer with partner Cassie Sigman (SDSU).
Rounding out the year-end standings for the MTI Mavericks are Loiseau finishing 14th in both the Tie-Down and Team Roping, Gaer was 17th in the Team Roping, and Tanner Lolley (ECM I, White River, SD) 20th in both the Tie-Down and Team Roping. Travis Spiel (Power Sport I, Parade, SD) ended-up eighth in the Saddle Bronc Riding, and the Bull Riding includes Derek Long (ECM II, Timber Lake, SD and Troy Lindskov (ECM II, Isabel, SD) finishing ninth and 13th respectively. In the team standing for the Great Plains Region, the Mavericks finished in fifth place.
Thanks,
Jimmie
Categories: MTI,
Friday, April 30, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute instructor Dave VerSteeg was recently selected as the 2009-10 Teacher of the Year by the MTI Student Representative Board.
VerSteeg teaches the first-year electronics curriculum to students enrolled in the Satellite Communications and Telecommunications program. A 25-year veteran teacher at MTI, VerSteeg also serves as Division Head for the Engineering Technologies division.
The MTI Teacher of the Year award is given each year to an instructor who is nominated by any member of the student body and is voted upon by the Student Representative Board. Each student nominator must write a brief essay about why he or she has chosen to nominate that instructor.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Two long-time ag instructors at Mitchell Technical Institute, Myron Sonne and Larry Hostler, are retiring at the end of the school year. To celebrate their careers and bring together past graduates, a reunion and benefit auction will be held at the MTI North Campus, 821 N. Capital, on Thursday, May 6, at 6:00 PM. Many items of program memorabilia and other donated items will be auctioned off to benefit the Bryan Larson Memorial Scholarship fund. This scholarship is given annually to the student who places first in the livestock evaluation class. Brats and banana splits will be served. All graduates and past students of the MTI Agricultural Technology and Ag Chemical Technology programs are encouraged to attend.
To RSVP or to donate an item to the auction, please email Sheryl Plagmann or call (605) 995-7119.
DOWNLOAD THE LIST OF AUCTION ITEMS HERE.
Download the event flier here.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Two teams of five students each enrolled in the MTI Computer Systems Technology department took part in the second annual TigerNet Challenge on Wednesday, April 14, competing against 18 other schools. Team MTEye took third place in the collegiate division.
TigerNet is an interactive networking competition sponsored by the Informatics department at Fort Hays State University of Hays, Kansas. Technical schools, colleges, and universities from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin participated in this online competition. While being conducted entirely via distance, MTEye competed in real time against other schools to show who has the best Cisco networking skills.
Team MTEye members included Kyle Anderson, Justin Feterl, Chris Syme, Robert Krotzinger, and Nick Rasmussen.
Team events included a Quiz Bowl, Network Troubleshooting, and Router Wars. Teamwork in all three events was emphasized as the students had to complete timed events for over four hours. MTI congratulates the department and all of the student competitors. Taking a third place finish ahead of schools like the University of Wisconsin shows what a strong program MTI offers.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Listed costs of production were similar in 2009 compared to 2008 but selling prices for the average livestock producer were lower. This information is based on the statistical analysis from the farmers and ranchers enrolled in the Farm/Ranch Business Management Program through the Mitchell Technical Institute.
The hog finishing enterprises showed a loss of $2.57/cwt. of pork produced in 2009 compared to $.68/cwt. profit in 2008.
The cow calf enterprises showed a loss of $23.60/cow in 2009 compared to a loss of $12.59 in 2008. The beef backgrounding was profitable in 2009 with a profit of $9.72/cwt. of beef produced compared to a profit of $10.58/cwt. in 2008. Beef finishing loss was $1.79/cwt in 2009 compared to a profit of $2.71/cwt. in 2008.
The dairy enterprises showed a loss in 2009 as the average price of milk was $12.54/cwt. of milk compared to $18.26 in 2008. The expense per cow in 2009 was $2696/ cow compared to $2816/ cow in 2008. The cost to produce 100 pounds of milk in 2009 was $13.26 compared to $14.79 in 2008. The loss per cow was $224.43 in 2009 compared to $359.70 profit per cow in 2008. The loss per 100 pounds of milk produced was $1.11 in 2009 compared to $1.88 profit in 2008.
A major factor that will affect the profitability will be the death loss in the livestock enterprises and feed costs and selling price. Good management of your livestock enterprises will increase your chances of profitability.
The Farm/Ranch Business Management Program is offered to farmers and ranchers in eastern South Dakota through Mitchell Technical Institute. The purpose of the program is to assist farm and ranch operators in upgrading their management skills.
Monday, April 12, 2010
The average farm saw a 6.3% increase in net farm profit from 2008 to 2009 according to financial information provided by farmers enrolled in South Dakota’s Farm/Ranch Business Management Program. The Farm/Ranch Business Management Program is offered to farmers and ranchers in South Dakota through Mitchell Technical Institute. The purpose of the program is to assist farm and ranch operators in upgrading their management skills.
Average net farm profit of enrolled farmers was $112,390 in 2008 and increased to $119,570 in 2009. “Net farm profit represents dollars earned from the farm before business expansion, loan principal payments and family living expenses are paid,” says Roger DeRouchey, Farm Management Instructor at Mitchell Technical Institute. The average enrolled family farm spent $46,306 for living but also earned $32,968 from non-farm sources. “Non-farm income is essential for covering family expenses in today’s farming with tight profit margins,” says DeRouchey.
The 20% most profitable farms did considerably better, with net farm profit of $285,159 whereas the 20% least profitable farms net farm loss was $18,297. The spread in income is often greatly affected by difference in management practices and climatic conditions.
Average progress was made towards increasing net worth or owner’s equity. A change in equity of $90,525 was realized by the average farm, a 7.7% increase in 2009. In 2008 the change in equity was an increase of $58,502 or 5.2%. Gains can occur as a result of investing farm income into capital assets or repaying debt. Further evidence of the range in profitability can be seen in equity change between high and low profit farms. High profit farms experienced a $42,567 increase in equity while low profit farms showed a decrease of $17,390.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute's Power Line Construction & Maintenance program made a giant stride toward incorporating the instruction of power transmission into the curriculum Thursday, April 1. East River Electric Power Cooperative donated a digger derrick truck with a 55-foot boom to the program. The increased height is needed when servicing transmission lines. MTI president Greg Von Wald accepted the keys to the truck from representatives of East River who were on campus for their board meeting. The truck, valued at $20,000, is one of the single largest equipment donations to the Power Line program ever.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
MTI's Power Sports students and faculty competed in the Chopper Class Challenge at the Donnie Smith Bike Show in St. Paul, MN, recently. The students participated in the question and answer sessions related to judging and were scrutinized for professionalism by Industry leaders from across the Midwest.
When the ballots were tallied, team MTI had received the recycling award, the award for Technical Merit (design and engineering) and received first place in the open class competition where they compete against professional as well as amateur bike builders from across the Midwest.
In addition, the class entered the 2009 custom chopper in open class competition and placed second with that bike! MTI's Power Sports program is developing a solid reputation nationwide and continues to grow in popularity.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute Agricultural Technology student Michelle Kats placed first nationally at the National Post-Secondary Ag Student Organization conference held March 16-20 in St. Louis, MO. Kats took first place in the Employment Interview contest. Levi Zins placed 4th in the same contest.
Other results included a fifth place finish for the Beef Specialist team. Zins individually placed 15th, Christina Stainbrook 21st, and Bryce Klostergaard 22nd.
The MTI Quiz Bowl team was ousted after two rounds, losing to the eventual champion, Parkland College of Illinois.
The students also had a chance to participate in leadership seminars and industry tours. One highlight was a private tour of the St. Louis Arch fronting the Mississippi River.
The students were accompanied by adviser Myron Sonne.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
MTI Power Sports Technology students and instructor will travel to St. Paul, Minnesota, March 26-28 for the Donnie Smith Bike Show. Earlier this school year, the program was invited to compete in the custom chopper challenge against schools from the US and Canada.
The class modified a 1981 Yamaha XS 650 using mostly reclaimed and recycled parts. The project is supported by TC Brothers Choppers of Ohio and by MTI.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Students in Mitchell Technical Institute's Power Sports Technology program recently competed in the South Dakota SkillsUSA state contests for Small Engine Service Technology and Motorcycle Service Technology. Devin Paulsen, Sioux Falls, placed first in Small Engine Service and Josh Schwingler, Eurkea, placed first in Motorcycle Service and third in Small Engine Service. Second place finishers included Morgan Bartell, Bristol, and Duke McCloud, Highmore.
Other students competing were Landon Brondsema, Platte; Nolan Sucha, Verdigre, NE; Kyle Kampshoff, Fulton; Cole Anderson and Scott Roth, Parkston; Matt Edmundson, Brandon Mehlbrech, and Ryan Weisser, Mitchell; Tanner Kusel, Wynot, NE; and Taylor Gambill, Johnstown, NE.
First-place winners are eligible to compete at the national SkillsUSA contest to be held in June in Kansas City. In the event a first-place winner is unable to attend, the second-place finisher will compete in that slot.
Over $1,000 worth of prizes were awarded from sponsors. Contributing sponsors included: NAPA Tools, Farnam's NAPA of Mitchell, Snap-On Tools, Mettler Implement of Menno, and Ellefson Implement of Mitchell.
Judges for these events included Joe Mielke and Chris Deagan from Klock Werks, John Murtha of Murtha Repair, Brad Henke of Henke Tractor, Scott Studer of Palace Motosports, Ryan Lau, and Leo Berg.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Kayla Berry, Radiologic Technology II, from Interior, SD, took first place honors at a national quiz bowl event. The Association for Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology (ACERT) conference held recently in Las Vegas featured a student challenge quiz bowl event with 365 competitors. Berry survived multiple challenge rounds to take the top spot.
At the conference, students and faculty attended seminars geared toward patient care, radiation physics, new technology, radiographic pathology, and various other topics.
The conference was attended by several hundred technologists, educators and students in radiologic sciences.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A first-year Radiologic Technology student, Amanda Munderloh, West Point, NE, was recently selected as the student mentor for the South Dakota Society of Radiologic Technologists (SDSRT). As the sole student representative, Munderloh will attend state conferences for the next two years and will shadow board members to gain insight on their duties. She will also have the opportunity to attend the national conference in Albuquerque, NM.
The student mentor program is designed to give students a sneak peek into the functions of state and national professional organizations. The goal is to attract students to become active in these organizations after they graduate and enter their profession.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
MTI's Satellite Communications program had a bit part in bringing the Super Bowl to the world on Sunday, February 7. The program was able to provide two Tandberg high-definition encoders to one of the satellite service providers providing coverage of the most watched television event on the planet. The encoders allow the broadcast signal to be digitally sent to a satellite for use all over the world.
The equipment was requested by MTI Satellite Communications alumnus Neal Mastel who worked at the Super Bowl for STS Satellite Broadcast Systems, a contractor for broadcasters worldwide. Essentially, the MTI equipment was used to help send the game feed to Europe, Russia, Canada and Asia.
MTI has often provided uplink services when major news events have occurred or networks or other broadcast entities have needed satellite services in this region. Partnerships with alumni like Mastel and global companies like STS help make MTI's educational experience an even better one for students.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Members of SkillsUSA from across the state met with South Dakota legislators Tuesday, February 2, as part of Career and Technical Student Organizations’ Legislative Shadow Day activities.
Mitchell Technical Institute student Samuel Sletten, of Lennox, was one of the delegates selected to meet with Gov. Mike Rounds. Sletten is vice-president of the MTI chapter of SkillsUSA and in that office serves as state vice-president representing MTI.
The event kicked off with an early-morning breakfast for legislators and students who shadowed them during the day. The breakfast included an informational presentation highlighting some of the efforts and accomplishments of the seven active career and technical student organizations in South Dakota.
More than 6,700 South Dakota students contributed the equivalent of $325,822 to their local communities last year through involvement in career and technical student organizations. Students participated in service projects, volunteerism and charitable fundraising efforts.
Student officers involved in career and technical student organizations are often seen as leaders in their schools and are invited to accompany members of the Legislature each year for a firsthand glimpse into the political process and opportunities for public service.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
A total of 258 students at Mitchell Technical Institute have been placed on the Fall Semester 2009 President’s List, according to MTI President Greg Von Wald. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is required to receive this honor. The list in its entirety will be published in the Mitchell Daily Republic and in area hometown newspapers.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Mitchell Technical Institute's Spring 2010 enrollment shows an increase from Fall 2009. Enrollment for the spring semester is 1016, up from 1002 in September. Spring 2010 is up 35% higher than Spring 2009 (755). The final enrollment number is calculated on the 10th day of the semester at the end of the drop/add period.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Spring semester classes begin Wednesday, January 6, 2010. All enrolled students should plan to attend their scheduled classes that day. An orientation for new students only will be held Wednesday at 3:00 PM at the MTI Technology Center.
Financial aid checks will be available in the Business Office at the North Campus beginning at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 8.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Mitchell Technical Institute Power Sports Technology program received an early Christmas gift with the donation of three new crate engines from Harley-Davidson and J & L Harley-Davidson of Sioux Falls, SD. The donation is valued at approximately $27,000.
According to Darin Maltsberger, Power Sports program department head, the donation was facilitated by J & L Harley-Davidson and the Harley-Davidson area representative. Jimmy Entenman, J & L Harley-Davidson, is a member of the Power Sports advisory committee.
The engines will be used as training devices for students. Harley-Davidson manufactures some of the best motorcycle engines in the world.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The MTI Radiation Therapy department recently held a fundraising raffle. Baskets with several donated gift items were raffled off. Winners included:
First Prize: Dr. Robert Snortum, Avera Queen of Peace
Second Prize: Jody Brower, MTI
Third Prize: Eric Schaffer, MTI
Funds raised will be used to offset travel expenses for students to attend a national conference next summer. A portion of the proceeds will go the Avera Queen of Peace Cancer Care Fund.
Friday, December 18, 2009
The Mitchell Technical Institute Agricultural Technology program received a major boost recently with the donation of more than $20,000 worth of sophisticated precision agriculture equipment by several area John Deere dealers.
Led by MTI advisory committee member Dan Noteboom of Noteboom Implement of Parkston, Platte, Corsica and Chamberlain, several area John Deere dealers including Ellefson Implement of Mitchell; Fred Harr Implement of Freeman; Grossenburg Implement of Winner; and C&B Operations/Potter County Implement of Gettysburg joined together to donate a full Autotrac system including technical support, training and RTK signal. Total value of the package is more than $34,000 with the John Deere dealers donating more than $21,000 of that cost. The balance was covered with donations from Monsanto, the CHS Foundation, and MTI program funds.
The Agricultural Technology program, in its 40th year at MTI, has always been known for teaching a broad-based agricultural curriculum. The addition of a land lab to the curriculum in 2001 allowed the students to get real-life experience managing a production farm from planning to planting to harvest to market. A goal of the program was to incorporate precision agriculture to expose the students to the newest technology and to be able to use technology to enhance crop production at the land lab.
In preparing for the project, MTI instructor Larry Hostler, student farm managers, and advisory committee members, assessed the needs of the program and designed the specifications for the system. The South Dakota Wheat Growers Association provided land mapping in early 2009 with a Veris cart system to establish benchmarks for the fields at the land lab.
According to MTI Agricultural Technology instructor Myron Sonne, the direct cost to the program was $91 for the entire system. The new equipment will address the needs of students and industry to prepare graduates to use precision agriculture techniques to maximize yields. This is a benefit to both the graduates that return to the farm and to the graduates who are involved with agricultural sales and services to farmers.
Precision agriculture involves using satellite signals to instruct variable rate equipment on field preparation, planting, chemical and fertilizer application, auto-steering, combining and more.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The annual SkillsUSA Care Package fundraiser was held recently and 85 bags of groceries were purchased by friends and family members and delivered to students this week.
The annual projects consists of a mailing to the family members of enrolled students. They are given the opportunity to purchase a care package for $20. Working with County Fair Foods in Mitchell, SkillsUSA purchases nonperishable food items like cereal, snack, popcorn, hot chocolate, mac-n-cheese, and lots of other items. The bags are filled to capacity and a personalized card from the sender is attached. Then the SkillsUSA members personally deliver the bags to students.
This major fundraiser supports the travel expenses of SkillsUSA contestants to state and national competition.
SkillsUSA is open to any MTI student. Advisers are Greg Neppl and Amanda Neppl.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mitchell Technical Institute students will be able to receive free vaccinations for H1N1 flu on Wednesday, December 9, beginning at 11:00 AM at the North Campus. Vaccinations will be given until 2:00 PM or the serum is gone. Any MTI student in the Tier 1 or Tier 2 group may receive the shot with a student ID. Students who are 24 or younger; pregnant; 25-64 with a chronic medical condition; or who have household contact with a child under 6 months. All students who fit these categories are encouraged to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Mitchell Technical Institute Business/Industry Training will offer a one-day Construction Seminar for anyone employed in the construction industry. The seminar will be held Thursday, December 3, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM at the MTI Technology Center, 1800 E. Spruce Street, Mitchell. Keynote speaker Mark Puetz, Puetz Corporation, will talk about LEED design, a set of "green" standards used in the design and refurbishment of commercial buildings. Other sessions will include information on building construction, electrical construction, heating and cooling, and more. Cost is $95 per person and includes lunch. Continuing education credits are available. Pre-registration is requested. To register call the MTI Business/Industry Training office at 995-3056 or email training@mitchelltech.edu.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
By Ross Dolan, Mitchell Daily Republic
A quarter-million lights went on at Abbott House Monday, pumping up an opening-night crowd and punctuating the beginning of the holiday season.
Abbott House Development Director Allen Lepke enlisted the help of instructors and students in the SCADA program at Mitchell Technical Institute to make this year’s Abbott House lighting display sophisticated and fun.
“We just wanted to get more people involved and they jumped right on board,” said Lepke.
The light show can be enjoyed nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 through Jan 3, 2010. Music can be heard by dialing your car radio to 89.3 FM.
In MTI’s SCADA program — which stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition —students learn how to use computers to remotely control everything from industrial production lines to water plants and electrical generators.
“The project was a perfect fit for MTI,” said Lepke, and students rose to the programming challenge.
“They built their musical programs from scratch. They took the song, imported it into the software, found out where the beats were and they programmed all the lights that way — the extremely hard way,” Lepke said.
The display also includes songs from last year’s light show, but those patterns are more random than, and not as synchronized as, the musical numbers programmed by the MTI students, he said.
Student Jason Gibson, 29, of Mitchell, said programming challenges consumed the 10 students in the SCADA program.
“I’ve fallen behind in a lot of my classes, but the instructors have been understanding. They know the amount of work that goes into one of these programs,” he said.
Some of the more extravagant light shows have only 36 lighting channels to program, said Gibson, but the Abbott House show required students to program 12 central control boxes with a total of 192 outputs, or channels.
“There’s a ridiculous number of light strands out there,” he laughed.
“They plugged them all in and mapped them all out, labeled each one and diagrammed each output,” said Lepke. The show’s power required NorthWestern Energy to take an upgraded electrical service line across Havens Avenue. Muth Electric hooked up the main power panel and five subpanels on the Abbott House grounds.
“There’s a lot of classroom and personal time in this show,” said program chairman Tony Russell, “and it’s pretty cool.”
The original goal of the light show was, and still is, to raise money to support Abbott House, a residential treatment center for girls.
In its debut season last year, the Abbott House light show broke even, said Lepke, but start-up costs were considerable. Lepke is hopeful the hard work will pay off this year. Donation boxes are set up along Court Merrill Street to accept contributions.
Money raised will be used to equip a new wing to serve the girls at Abbott House.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The MTI Foundation hosted its annual Donor Recognition event on November 17. Several donors and supporters were honored for their contributions to the Foundation. Awards presented included:
Donor Legacy Award to Avera Queen of Peace Health Services
Individual Donor Award to Glen Lowrie and F & L Crop Services
Corporate Donor Award to Otter Tail Power
Volunteerism and Service Award to Keith Bartels
Industry Support Award to the Telecommunications Industry in South Dakota.
Each of the recipients has contributed money, equipment, services, training or other important support to MTI, its programs and students.