Heating & Cooling Technology

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Overview

Job Placement Rate ⓘ
0 %
Average Salary ⓘ
$ 0
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Eligible Program

Career Ready in 2 Years Badge
careers
  • HVAC Technician

  • Service Technician

  • Environmental Technician

  • Commercial Refrigeration Technician

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 6% increase in heating and cooling technician jobs through 2032. The industry is growing, and the demand for qualified people both in the field and in the office is creating an interesting set of diverse HVACR positions. New career paths for the HVACR industry include energy auditor, green-technology specialist, and equipment performance-testing specialist, to name a few.

The Mitchell Technical College Heating and Cooling Technology program is accredited by HVAC Excellence. The program provides students with skills and knowledge in mechanics, electricity and sheet metal. Students also receive extensive training in energy management and environmental controls technology, including renewable energy resources such as geothermal and solar technology. Laboratory time is spent installing and servicing heating and cooling systems, as well as designing and forming sheet metal patterns for ductwork.

Graduates are prepared for an expanding field that includes jobs in sales, service, installation, and industrial maintenance for a company or as a self-employed contractor. Some typical jobs include service or installation technician, sales, service trainer, industrial maintenance, supervisor, manufacturer’s representative, or business owner.

Students may complete the first year of the curriculum and earn a one-year diploma.

Curriculum

Award: Diploma or AAS Degree

Semesters
0
Curriculum

Award: One-Year Diploma or AAS Degree

First Semester (Fall)

HV101Electrical Fundamentals3 credits
HV111Heating Fundamentals3 credits
HV121Air Condition & Refrigeration Fund2 credits
HV151Air Condition Heat & Refrig Lab I4 credits
CPR100First Aid, CPR AED0.5 credits
OSHA101OSHA 10 Construction1 credit
SSS100Student Success1 credit
Communications Elective3 credits

Second Semester (Spring)

HV122Sheet Metal Tech Lab3 credits
HV132Heating Refrigeration Theory4 credits
HV142HV Controls Heat Pumps3 credits
HV152Air Conditioning Heating Ref Lab II4 credits
Math Elective3 credits

AAS Degree ONLY

Third Semester (Summer)

HV290Internship6 credits

Fourth Semester (Fall)

HV160Planning Estimating3 credits
HV231Heat Pumps/Solar Heating Theory3 credits
HV244Schematics2 credits
HV251Air Condition Heat & Refrig Lab III4 credits
CIS105Introduction to Computers3 credits
General Education Elective3 credits

Fifth Semester (Spring)

HV202Commercial Refrigeration4 credits
HV232Commercial Air Conditioning3 credits
HV252Air Condition Heat Refrig Lab IV4 credits
HV259DDC Temperature Control3 credits
General Education Elective3 credits

Requirements

Computer Requirements

This program requires a laptop computer so that you can effectively integrate computing skills with your technical education. Many resources that instructors assign are online or require specialty software. To address these needs, Mitchell Tech requires that students entering this program purchase their laptops from Mitchell Tech. The cost for a Mitchell Tech laptop averages about $1,150 for this program. Please be aware that our machines come fully loaded with the software required for this program.

Whether it’s Microsoft Office, or a specialty software for a technical program, your needs will be met by your Mitchell Tech laptop. And our laptops are serviced for free by our Technology office. You will not be able to bring a laptop from home into a Mitchell Tech laptop program as we cannot provide support services for every make and model of laptop. Please consider this carefully before making any laptop purchase and check with the Admissions office for more details.

Outcomes

At the completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
  • Use standard HVAC tools correctly and safely.
  • Identify and perform various types of duct layouts.
  • Accurately perform load calculations for heating and cooling equipment.
  • Compare refrigeration pressures to a P/T chart.
  • Install new heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
  • Maintain heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
  • Use troubleshooting procedures to diagnose heating and cooling equipment faults.
  • Install and repair common residential and commercial comfort system controls.
  • Perform service technician duties safely.
  • Use oral and written communication skills effectively.
  • Demonstrate personal and professional ethics and interpersonal skills that are expected in the workplace.
Annual Program Review

Check out the 2025-26 Annual Program Review for information on how faculty ensure the quality and effectiveness of the program.

Accreditation

HVAC Excellence Accredited logo

The Mitchell Tech Heating & Cooling Technology program, offered for the AAS degree and diploma, is accredited by

HVAC Excellence
PO Box 491
Mt Prospect, IL 60056-0491
(800) 394-5268; Fax: (800) 546-3726

North American Technician Excellence badge

NATE Certified

Mitchell Tech’s program director is NATE certified. We proudly display the NATE logo—a symbol recognized throughout the industry as the mark of technician excellence.

Faculty

Program Coordinator / Instructor

Cost

AAS

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Laptop/Software $1,300
Books / Tools (estimated) $2,946

Diploma

Program Tuition & Fees ⓘ
$ 4000

Other Required Costs

Laptop/Software $1,300
Books / Tools (estimated) $2,728

Scholarships

$1000

Carroll Hunstad Family Memorial Scholarship for Current Students

The Carroll Hunstad Family Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Carroll Marvin Hunstad, a devoted U.S. Navy veteran, educator, and pioneer in technical education whose commitment to service, craftsmanship, and community left a lasting impact. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1945, Carroll served nine years in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War before returning to South Dakota to build a career in the heating and refrigeration industry, becoming a charter member of the Aberdeen Regional Refrigeration Engineers Society. In 1975, he moved to Mitchell to establish and develop the Heating and Air Conditioning Program at Mitchell Tech, where he served as the founding instructor and department head until his retirement in 1992, mentoring generations of students and setting high standards for technical excellence and professional integrity. Carroll lived a life grounded in faith, leadership, and dedication to family. This scholarship supports students pursuing a career in Heating & Cooling Technology and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. 
Must be enrolled fulltime in the Heating & Cooling Technology program
Must maintain a GPA of 2.5
Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application
Must be enrolled fulltime in the Heating & Cooling Technology program Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application
$500

Carroll Hunstad Family Memorial Scholarship for Incoming Students

The Carroll Hunstad Family Memorial Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Carroll Marvin Hunstad, a devoted U.S. Navy veteran, educator, and pioneer in technical education whose commitment to service, craftsmanship, and community left a lasting impact. After graduating from Aberdeen High School in 1945, Carroll served nine years in the Navy during World War II and the Korean War before returning to South Dakota to build a career in the heating and refrigeration industry, becoming a charter member of the Aberdeen Regional Refrigeration Engineers Society. In 1975, he moved to Mitchell to establish and develop the Heating and Air Conditioning Program at Mitchell Tech, where he served as the founding instructor and department head until his retirement in 1992, mentoring generations of students and setting high standards for technical excellence and professional integrity. Carroll lived a life grounded in faith, leadership, and dedication to family. This scholarship supports students pursuing a career in Heating & Cooling Technology and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher. 
Must be enrolled fulltime in the Heating & Cooling Technology program
Must maintain a GPA of 2.5
Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application
Must be enrolled fulltime in the Heating & Cooling Technology program Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 Must complete the online MTC Foundation scholarship application
$500

Tessier Family Foundation – Current Students

The Tessier Family Foundation began providing funds for scholarships in 2014 for students enrolled in the Accounting/Business Management, Heating and Cooling Technology, LPN and Medical Assistant programs. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s accounts the following Fall semester.
First Year Student
Accounting
Heating and Cooling Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing
Medical Assistant
Applicant must be currently enrolled as a first year full-time student in Accounting/Business Management, Heating and Cooling Technology, LPN or Medical Assistant programs to be eligible for these scholarships. Applicant must complete the MTC current student online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for these scholarships.
$500

Central Electric Cooperative Scholarship

Electrical Utilities & Substation
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Applicant must be a full-time student in the Electrical Utilities & Substation, Power Line Construction & Maintenance, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, Heating & Cooling, Agricultural Business or Agronomy program at Mitchell Technical College Applicant must maintain a 2.5 GPA Student must be a member or dependent of a member of Central Electric Cooperative based in Mitchell, SD Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship. Student must provide member name on account and Central Electric will verify membership status before recipient is announced
$1000

Paulson Family Endowed Scholarship

The Paulson Family Endowment was established in 2012. Long-time former Paulson Sheet Metal owners Chuck and Lois Paulson and their son Scott, present owner of Paulson Air, established the endowment to support recruitment scholarships for students enrolled in the Heating and Cooling Technology program. The scholarships will be awarded to students who meet the listed criteria applied to the recipient’s account for the Fall semester. The Incoming student awards will be announced by August 1 and applied to the recipient’s account for the Fall semester and in January for Current students and applied to their accounts the following Fall semester.
Heating & Cooling Technology
Applicant must be an accepted full-time student enrolled at MTC in the Heating and Cooling Technology program Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming online application and provide an online reference between January 1 and June 30 to be eligible for this scholarship. Current students must complete the online application during the Fall application period to be eligible for this scholarship.
$1000

Osterhaus Endowed Scholarships

Martin and Maude Osterhaus established this endowed scholarship in 1995 to provide financial support for at least four deserving Mitchell Tech students each year. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship Applicant must have good leadership skills
$1000

Mitchell Tech Retiree Endowed Scholarship

The scholarship was established by the former faculty and staff of Mitchell Tech.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
Office Technology Specialist
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be enrolled full time at MTC. Applicant must have a GPA of 2.5 or greater. Applicant must complete the MTC Online application during the open application period to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Mike Blasius Memorial Scholarship

Raymond “Mike” Blasius owned and operated Blasius Construction in Kimball, SD for nearly 50 years before his death in March 2022. Mike held his crew to the highest expectation of work ethic and attendance and was known for his quick and witty sense of humor. This scholarship will be awarded to a current Mitchell Tech student in a Construction and Manufacturing Technologies program who exhibits excellent attendance and work ethic. Preference is given to students from Mike’s hometown of Kimball, SD and the surrounding area.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Construction & Manufacturing Technologies
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Construction Maintenance SCADA Option
Heating & Cooling Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Progressive Welding Technology
Must be a current full time student enrolled in an Construction & Manufacturing program Applicant must have excellent attendance Preference is given to students from Mike’s hometown of Kimball, SD and the surrounding area Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$1000

Laverne & Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship

The LaVerne and Nell Tollefson Memorial Scholarship is eligible for any program at Mitchell Technical College. Also the recipient must have a current GPA of 2.5 or higher and be a current student.
Accounting
Administrative Office Specialist
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Engineering Technology
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Diesel Power – Light Truck Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Natural Gas Technology
On Campus
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Progressive Welding Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Registered Nursing (LPN to RN)
Small Business Management
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be accepted or currently enrolled as a full-time student in any program at Mitchell Technical College. Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$1000

John And Diane Weber “Career Change” Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 2015 by the daughters of Diane Weber. Diane’s early adult years were spent in the Peace Corp, working at Bell Telephone and teaching German and English after college. The scholarship honors Diane’s desire in 1974 to change her career and her enrollment at Mitchell Tech to become a Clinical Lab Technician. The scholarships will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Social Services
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
• Full-time enrollment in a program at Mitchell Technical College to prepare for a career change. • Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher • Program instructor recommendation. • Veterans pursuing new training as they enter the civilian sector are encouraged to apply. • Complete the MTC online application during open application periods.
$500

Enertech Global Scholarship

Enertech Global provides comprehensive assistance in sizing, design, application, and installation support to their HVAC dealer network. They have been providing scholarships for Mitchell Tech Heating and Cooling Technology students since 2009. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Heating & Cooling Technology
Applicant must currently be enrolled as a first year full-time student at MTC in the Heating and Cooling Technology program Applicant must have a 2.5 or higher GPA Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain an excellent classroom attendance record Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship
$500

Daniel Roy Todd Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Roy Todd, son of native Letcher, SD parents, returned to his family roots in 1998 to care for his father and in August, 2001 he accepted the position of Executive Director of the recently-established Mitchell Technical College Foundation. Dan’s varied experiences in research, planning, consulting, and community development allowed him to focus on strategic planning for the Mitchell Technical College Foundation. In a very short time he had established the Mitchell Technical College Alumni Association and provided an excellent base upon which the Foundation was built. Dan passed away in 2005 after a brief illness but the Mitchell Technical College Foundation still credits him with the early success of the organization. The Daniel Roy Todd Fund began providing scholarships in 2016.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a currently enrolled first year full-time student in any two year program Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form) Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher Applicant must complete the MTC online application during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for this scholarship First priority of scholarship recipient is a graduate of Sanborn Central or Artesian/Letcher High School. In the event there is not an application from Sanborn County the award will be given to a Davison County resident The award will be announced in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester
$1000

BPO Elks #1059 Endowed Scholarship

The Endowment was established in 2010 with the first scholarship provided in the 2011/12 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Business Management
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be a U.S. citizen and have attended school in the Mitchell area Applicant must be involved with student leadership Applicant must be currently enrolled full-time at Mitchell Technical College and be within two years of MTC graduation Applicant must complete the MTC online application form during the open application period as instructed to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must maintain a GPA of 2.6 Applicant must demonstrate financial need according to FAFSA Scholarship award may be retained for 4 semesters or put on hold for military service Applicant must permit selection committee to solicit oral or written recommendation from instructor or administrator Applicant must live within 50 miles of Mitchell
$1000

Associated General Contractors (AGC) Endowed Scholarship

Associated General Contractors (ACG) is a South Dakota trade association that represents the interests of the construction industry. The Building Chapter is headquartered in Sioux Falls, SD and the members primarily build commercial buildings. Their scholarship objective is to help a young person enter a construction-related trade. They began offering a scholarship in the 2012-13 school year. The scholarship will be awarded in January each year and applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester.
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Heating & Cooling Technology
Applicant must be a current full time student Applicant must be enrolled in Architectural Design & Building Construction, Electrical Construction & Maintenance, or Heating & Cooling Technology Applicant must have a GPA greater than 2.5 Applicant must complete the MTC Online application to be eligible to receive this scholarship.
$500

Ashrae – American Society Of Heat., Refrig. & Air-Cond. Engrs. Scholarship

The scholarship award will be awarded in January each year. For second year students funds will be applied to recipient’s Spring semester account. For first year students funds will be applied to the recipient’s account the following Fall semester. The recipient will be selected by the scholarship committee with HCT instructor input.
Heating & Cooling Technology
Must have a GPA greater than 3.0 Must be enrolled full time in Heating and Cooling Technology and pursuing an AAS Applicant must complete the MTC Online Application to be eligible to receive this scholarship
$1000

Thomsen Family Endowed Scholarships

The first endowed fund for scholarships at Mitchell Technical College, the GF Thomsen Family Scholarship has been awarded annually since 1995. This scholarship for Incoming Mitchell Tech students in any program will be awarded by April 1 each year and applied to the recipient’s accounts the following Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must be an accepted Incoming full-time student in any program at MTC. Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming Student online application between January 1 and March 31 to be eligible for this scholarship Recipient selection will be based on essay responses
$500

Tessier’s Endowed Scholarships – Incoming Students

The Tessier’s Endowment was established in 2007 by the Tessier Family Foundation, Tessier’s, Inc., Mark Buche and Gopal Vyas. The purpose of the endowment is to provide scholarship funds to Heating and Cooling Technology students. These scholarships will be awarded in January each year and the funds will be applied to the recipient’s accounts the following Fall semester.
Heating & Cooling Technology
Applicant must be an accepted full-time student enrolled in the Heating and Cooling Technology program. Applicants must complete the MTI Incoming student online application and provide an online reference if requested between January 1 and June 30 to be eligible for these scholarships.
$500

MTC Freshmen Scholarship

These scholarships are provided to full-time Incoming students enrolled at Mitchell Tech. The funding for this scholarship is provided by the contributions to the Mitchell Technical College Foundation by the staff and faculty of Mitchell Technical College. Recipients will be notified of awards mid-summer. All awards will be credited to student accounts for the Fall semester.
Accounting
Agricultural Business
Agronomy
Animal Science
Architectural Design and Building Construction
Automation Controls/SCADA
Culinary Academy of South Dakota
Diesel Power – Ag Power Technology
Electrical Construction & Maintenance
Electrical Utilities & Substation Technology
Geospatial Technologies
Heating & Cooling Technology
Human Services Technician
Information Systems Technology
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN)
Machining and Manufacturing
Medical Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Office Professional
Medical Office Professional
Power Line Construction & Maintenance
Power Sports & Marine Technology
Precision Ag Technology
Radiation Therapy
Radiologic Technology
Small Business Management
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Utilities Technology
Wi-Fi & Broadband Technologies
Wind Turbine Technology
Applicant must complete the MTC Incoming student online application to be eligible for the scholarship Applicant must demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (universal financial aid application form)

Contact Admissions

For information about any of our programs, application, or any of our other student services please contact us:

Admissions Office
Mitchell Technical College
1800 E. Spruce St.
Mitchell, SD 57301

800.684.1969
605.995.3025
fax: 605.995.3067
[email protected]

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