Photos of the year: See South Dakota’s most memorable moments of 2023

Samantha Laurey and Erin Woodiel, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Erin Woodiel says farewell as she passes the baton

The community of Sioux Falls and the entire state of South Dakota have a special place in my heart. This is the fifth Year in Photos collection from the Argus Leader to which my work has contributed, and I’m forever grateful South Dakotans let me into their lives for so long.

Since 2019, readers watched me grow exponentially as a photographer and as a storyteller. It’s overwhelming to look back on the sheer number of moments I witnessed in my time on staff, and it’s pretty cool to see my own visual language emerge and develop with each Year in Photos roundup. I gained confidence and experience by the end of my tenure, but most importantly I cultivated a deeper connection to the community. That made my work all the better.

Thank you, South Dakota, for making it hard to leave.

This year, as you take in the 2023 end-of-year gallery, you will see a new evolution in the visuals department. After leaving in April, I have passed the baton to my successor, Samantha Laurey. Her dedication to making beautiful, meaningful images will carry on the legacy of high-quality, impactful photojournalism that started with those decades before my time. I am excited to watch as she adds her own unique vision to the South Dakota news landscape.

− Erin Woodiel, former Argus Leader photojournalist 2019 -2023

Bringing in a new Argus Leader photographer

Before formally introducing myself, I want to express my gratitude to Erin. The first time I met Erin was virtually, on Twitter, asking if the visual journalist position was still open at the Argus Leader. I was lucky she decided to respond back to me. She vouched for my portfolio and I was brought into the team after going through a thorough interview process.

From my point of view, it was hard to fill the shoes of such a beloved photographer who made her strides while working at the Argus Leader. But it has also been exciting to bring in my skillset to a news outlet that has so much to offer the communities of Sioux Falls and the entire state of South Dakota.

Thank you, Erin, for passing on the camera to me.

Now, I have been the Argus Leader's sole visual journalist behind all the images you may have seen in the past five months.

Formally, I was a freelance photographer from the San Francisco Bay Area. I attended community college at Diablo Valley College for journalism and San Francisco State for photojournalism. Though I was born and raised in the Bay Area, I wanted to have experiences that even those larger cities could not give me.

And of course, I found out quickly that there's actual snow that falls from the sky here in Sioux Falls.

With all of that, I present to you the 2023 photos of the year, a year of transition for a team I am proud I work with day in and day out. It's their effort that keeps this platform moving and I am happy to share it with those who continue to show their support for the Argus Leader.

January

Some of the biggest news Erin said she was proud of documenting between January and March included the downtown burger battle, weiner dog races, Wings of Valor retreat and being a part of one of the heaviest snow seasons.

Langston Newton eats his final burger to try all 32 from the Downtown Burger Battle on Saturday, January 21, 2023, Swamp Daddy’s in Sioux Falls.
Langston Newton eats his final burger to try all 32 from the Downtown Burger Battle on Saturday, January 21, 2023, Swamp Daddy’s in Sioux Falls.

February

Reigning champion Kuzco, right, narrowly beats Luther to once again win the 16th Annual Wiener Dog Race on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at a Sioux Falls Stampede hockey game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
Reigning champion Kuzco, right, narrowly beats Luther to once again win the 16th Annual Wiener Dog Race on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at a Sioux Falls Stampede hockey game at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.
A veteran carries pheasants back to the lodge after hunting on a Wings of Valor retreat on Friday, February 17, 2023, in Parker, SD.
A veteran carries pheasants back to the lodge after hunting on a Wings of Valor retreat on Friday, February 17, 2023, in Parker, SD.
David Dailey uses a snowblower as falling snow blusters around him on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls.
David Dailey uses a snowblower as falling snow blusters around him on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, in Sioux Falls.

March

Mila Murphy Branch, 6, and Maggie Okerlund, 6, help paint the shamrock on Phillips Avenue for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in downtown Sioux Falls.
Mila Murphy Branch, 6, and Maggie Okerlund, 6, help paint the shamrock on Phillips Avenue for St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 18, 2023, in downtown Sioux Falls.

April - July

And as I compiled this year's images, I wanted to note there was no staff photographer from April to July. Still, reporters went out not only to write their own stories but photograph them, too, because visually telling the story is as important as writing it.

Brandon Valley junior Mia Wentz and O'Gorman sophomore Libby Castelli make the final turn in the 800-meter race.
Brandon Valley junior Mia Wentz and O'Gorman sophomore Libby Castelli make the final turn in the 800-meter race.
Seniors from the Washington High School Class of 2023 (left) stroll through the halls of Anne Sullivan Elementary School on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 as their former teachers and youngest peers (right) applaud them.
Seniors from the Washington High School Class of 2023 (left) stroll through the halls of Anne Sullivan Elementary School on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 as their former teachers and youngest peers (right) applaud them.
Ronald Blackman, 29, dances in Native American regalia during the Sioux Falls Two Spirit Wacipi on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Ronald Blackman, 29, dances in Native American regalia during the Sioux Falls Two Spirit Wacipi on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
Michael Heisler speaks to members of the Sioux Falls City Council on June 27, 2023.
Michael Heisler speaks to members of the Sioux Falls City Council on June 27, 2023.
Gov. Kristi Noem addresses the medication shortage South Dakota is currently facing at Lewis Drug in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, July 12. 2023.
Gov. Kristi Noem addresses the medication shortage South Dakota is currently facing at Lewis Drug in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, July 12. 2023.

August

By this time, I was into my first full month at the Argus Leader and the team did not disappoint to keep me busy. I went to my first solo assignment at the Empire Fair. I started my first season of high school football with no experience of photographing the sport. Then, I spent hours traveling to help a partner project with South Dakota Searchlight, looking into the overrepresentation of Native American children in the state's foster care system.

Attendees ride the Ring of Fire during the Sioux Empire Fair at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 in Sioux Falls. (Credit: Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader)
Attendees ride the Ring of Fire during the Sioux Empire Fair at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 in Sioux Falls. (Credit: Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader)
Harrisburg Tigers run back out to the football field after halftime in Harrisburg on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
Harrisburg Tigers run back out to the football field after halftime in Harrisburg on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023.
Christine Banley sits in front of her Aberdeen home on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Banley's parental rights for two daughters were terminated earlier in the summer.
Christine Banley sits in front of her Aberdeen home on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Banley's parental rights for two daughters were terminated earlier in the summer.

More: South Dakota inspired ICWA but still has high rate of Native children in foster care

September

It is crazy to think that I would meet Gov. Kristi Noem within two months of being in my role. To add to that, it was during a one-hour interview with the Argus Leader and South Dakota Searchlight for the project I mentioned earlier, one of only a few exclusive interviews she gave with local media this year.

Lincoln High School's marching band also made it to the BOA Regionals and was invited to march for the Macy's Thanksgiving parade. Then, I pitched my first story and photo gallery about the state's ballet company performing in their fourth year.

Governor Kristi Noem interviews with Argus Leader and South Dakota Searchlight reporters about the indigenous child welfare laws on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at South Dakota State Capital in Pierre, South Dakota.
Governor Kristi Noem interviews with Argus Leader and South Dakota Searchlight reporters about the indigenous child welfare laws on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 at South Dakota State Capital in Pierre, South Dakota.
Lincoln band members perform with trumpets during halftime on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Lincoln band members perform with trumpets during halftime on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023 at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Ballet performs, "11 Rules of Being Human" at Washington Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The South Dakota Ballet performs, "11 Rules of Being Human" at Washington Pavilion on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 at Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

More: South Dakota Ballet performs last leg of their 4th annual gala in Aberdeen

October

But it was difficult to narrow down what to display for October, and I couldn't be happier to say that. The communities I photographed kept me on my toes, which I wasn't sure would happen after moving from a much larger city.

Sioux Falls has been the most decorative town I've ever seen. I witnessed high school students practice their freedom of speech to speak up about missing and murdered Indigenous women. I saw neighbors come together to help a family harvest their cornfield after a terrible house explosion. Lastly, I captured some of the most intense moments in sports, speaking mostly to the impressive state cross country championship and the battle against USD and SDSU.

Maliyah Cartier, an indigenous student from Washington High poses for a photo after a student protest for missing indigenous women and violence towards the community on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at Linwood Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Maliyah Cartier, an indigenous student from Washington High poses for a photo after a student protest for missing indigenous women and violence towards the community on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 at Linwood Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Community members and friends of the Goehring family help harvest their 40 acre cornfield on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 northwest of 261 Street and 455 Ave in Humboldt, South Dakota.
Community members and friends of the Goehring family help harvest their 40 acre cornfield on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 northwest of 261 Street and 455 Ave in Humboldt, South Dakota.
The AA Boys race runs around the corner of the course during the Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The AA Boys race runs around the corner of the course during the Cross Country State Championship on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Halloween decorations in the front yard of a home on 1700 West 9th St. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Halloween decorations in the front yard of a home on 1700 West 9th St. on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
SDSU's running back Isaiah Davis (22) evades a USD player on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota.
SDSU's running back Isaiah Davis (22) evades a USD player on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023 at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota.

More: South Dakota State claims most significant in-state rivalry matchup to date over South Dakota

November

November was definitely another month to remember. Lincoln High won the 11AAA Championship at the DakotaDome. The holidays were in full swing, no matter how cold it was outside. And residents come together to protest the war between Israel and Palestine. Then, the month let out with everyone's favorite hairy contest, Novemburn.

Lincoln's running back Tate Schafer (11) celebrates with victory with the team on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota.
Lincoln's running back Tate Schafer (11) celebrates with victory with the team on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023 at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion, South Dakota.
(Left to right) Yuna, Brett and Beth K. watch the fireworks together on the first night of Falls Park holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Sioux Falls.
(Left to right) Yuna, Brett and Beth K. watch the fireworks together on the first night of Falls Park holiday light display on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls City Light and Power worker Andy Gerovac dressed up as Santa to help decorate downtown with garland and wreaths while Ryan Faber drove him around on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls City Light and Power worker Andy Gerovac dressed up as Santa to help decorate downtown with garland and wreaths while Ryan Faber drove him around on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Sioux Falls.
Demonstrators chant, “Free, free Palestine,” during a march through downtown on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Demonstrators chant, “Free, free Palestine,” during a march through downtown on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Ryan Lauseng gets inspected by police dog Leo for the third annual Novem-Burn for the Operation Hope Fund on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at Carnegie Town Hall in Sioux Falls.
Ryan Lauseng gets inspected by police dog Leo for the third annual Novem-Burn for the Operation Hope Fund on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023 at Carnegie Town Hall in Sioux Falls.

December

As we come into the last few days of December, I spent time traveling to Pierre for the Governor's budget address and getting the chance to see all the Christmas decorations at the Capitol beforehand. Additionally, I went to Brookings to see South Dakota State make its way to Frisco for a chance at a second championship. Though I am still working through the holidays, these were definitely the images that stood out most to me.

South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden breaks the gavel at the start of the budget address on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. This is the second year that the Lieutenant governor has broken the gavel during the budget address.
South Dakota Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden breaks the gavel at the start of the budget address on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. This is the second year that the Lieutenant governor has broken the gavel during the budget address.
Gov. Kristi Noem is announced into the House of Representatives during the annual budget address on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.
Gov. Kristi Noem is announced into the House of Representatives during the annual budget address on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.
The South Dakota Capitol Christmas Tree in the rotunda on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House and Aquarium decorated the tree this year.
The South Dakota Capitol Christmas Tree in the rotunda on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre. The Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House and Aquarium decorated the tree this year.
A state capitol officer stands near the decorated balcony to listen to the carolers on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.
A state capitol officer stands near the decorated balcony to listen to the carolers on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023 at the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre.
SDSU's tight end Zach Heins (87) throws the ball after a touchdown on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse in Brookings.
SDSU's tight end Zach Heins (87) throws the ball after a touchdown on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at Dana J. Dykhouse in Brookings.

Thank you South Dakota, and Sioux Falls, for welcoming me into your lives.

I am grateful to pick up the camera everyday and go out to do what I love by being apart of something bigger than myself.

I look forward to capturing new stories for 2024 and making a full year's worth of images for you to look again this time next year.

Until then, happy holidays and new year to you all.

−Samantha Laurey, visual journalist, 2023-present

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Photos of the year: South Dakota news through the lens in 2023

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