106 Year Old South Dakota Woman Shares The Secret to Long Life

All birthdays are special occasions. However, one South Dakota resident just celebrated her 106th birthday over the weekend.

Long-time South Dakota resident Dorcas Youel will turn 106 years old on Tuesday, September 12th. This is a huge moment for Dorcas Youel's family and for the residents at Orchard Hills Assisted Living in Dell Rapids. The retirement community even held an early birthday celebration for Dorcas on Saturday.

Get our free mobile app

Our news partners at Dakota News Now were at the Orchard Hills Assisted Living in Dell Rapids on Saturday to toast Dorcas. Dorcas even shared some fun facts about her life with Dakota News Now:

Dorcas grew up in Trent, South Dakota.
Dorcas' favorite game to play is checkers.
Anyone who knows Dorcas knows that her best trait is her positivity

Dorcas had a wonderful birthday party in Dell Rapids. She was surrounded by her three daughters, other family members, friends, and her fellow residents at Orchard Hills Assisted Living.

It's very special to live past 100 years old like Dorcas has. Usually, when someone reaches 100 years old or older, people wonder how they can reach such a milestone. Dorcas has advice for anyone who wants to live a long-lasting life:

The secret to a long happy life is having a good sense of humor.

I would say that Dorcas is offering us some great guidance! I always say laughter is the best medicine.

In my lifetime, I have been very fortunate to know two great-grandmas and my great-great aunt who each almost lived to be 100 years old. I remember my GG and Auntie teaching me how to tie my shoes or quizzing me for my next spelling test. They also had a few jokes up their sleeves and were a huge part of my life. I have a feeling Dorcas' family feels the same way!

Happy, happy birthday Dorcas!

8 Things You Should Never Buy At A South Dakota Garage Sale

South Dakotans love garage sales. I like saving money as much as the next guy. But there are just some things you should buy new and never purchase at a garage sale.

Iconic Sioux Falls: Phillips Avenue Diner, a Downtown Gem

I'll never forget the best malt I ever had. It was many years ago at a new restaurant in Sioux Falls. The restaurant was housed in a silver Airstream trailer on Louise Avenue and was called The Market Diner. The malt was so creamy and I think it was probably the first time I'd ever had whipped cream on top of a malt.

The Market Diner was a unique '50s-style dining experience with neon signs, classic vinyl booths, stainless steel counter stools, and even a jukebox.

That was over 20 years ago. The Market Diner became Dixie Brothers Grill and eventually closed.

A few years later, the trailer was moved to a downtown location on Phillips Avenue, extensively remodeled and renamed Phillips Avenue Diner. The malts have not changed, nor has the diner ambiance.

POSE: Phillips Avenue Diner is South Dakota's Most Instagrammed Restaurant

My niece Ashlea and I ventured downtown and had lunch at Phillips Avenue Diner. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. It's diner classics turned up a notch.

The breakfast menu includes omelets, biscuits and gravy, corned beef hash, and of course waffles. Recently, Phillips Avenue Diner's waffles were named the best in South Dakota according to Food Network.

Ashlea had the Ranch Burger and it came topped with bacon, onion rings, American cheese, and BBQ sauce. She substituted sweet potato fries.

My selection was the Burger of Champions. You can substitute a chicken breast for any burger, so I had mine with chicken, Applewood bacon, ham, and American cheese. It also comes with a hard-fried egg on top, but I chose to hold that.

Eat local. Some of the best food and atmosphere can be found at local, non-national chain restaurants. Try Phillips Avenue Diner at 121 S. Phillips Avenue and explore downtown Sioux Falls while you're at it.

Check out the menu here and enjoy one of Sioux Falls' iconic restaurants.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown

Source: 106 Year Old South Dakota Woman Shares The Secret to Long Life