Iowa Park Ranger Shares Alarming Note About Losing 'Dream Job'

Many people across the Sioux Empire work for our precious national parks to preserve their beauty and educate others on their impacts. Unfortunately like many federal employees, around 1,000 National Park Services workers lost their jobs due to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) operation to cut federal spending.

One former Iowa Park Ranger Brian Gibbs lost his "dream job" of being an Education Park Ranger at Effigy Mounds National Monument, and he's speaking out.

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Brian Gibbs (via Facebook)

In a now-viral Facebook post, Brian Gibbs shares extensive details on how his position was "ripped out" from under his feet. The Iowa native lost his job on Valentine's Day.

In a new interview with KCCI in Iowa, Brian says he worked for Effigy Mounds National Monument since 2017. He's a father with a growing family. Brian tells KCCI that in recent weeks he hasn't been able to sleep and his fears took control. After getting locked out of his emails and files, his worries became a reality when his supervisor shared the tough news.

"Very challenging to lose a stable income and to lose my insurance and to try and, you know, feel that I can comfortably and confidently take care of my family."

Brian's Facebook post tugged at people's heartstrings beyond Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota. It has been shared online over 200,000 times. His message: Brian is "a father, a loving husband, and a dedicated civil servant."

I am the "fat on the bone."

I am being trimmed as a consequence of the popular vote
I am a United States flag raiser and folder
I am my son's "Junior Ranger" idol
I am of the place where I first told my spouse I loved her
I am a college kid’s dream job
I am the smiling face that greets you at the front door
I am your family vacation planner
I am a voice for 19 American Indian cultures
I am the protector of 2500 year old American Indian burial and ceremonial mounds

I am the defender of your public lands and waters

Brian Gibbs (via Facebook)

Brian says his biggest worry is that national parks will be understaffed and believes we must do what we can to protect them. You can read more about Brian's story here.

National parks and their workers are part of this nation's backbone. It's so important to support them year-round. Let's hope that support continues.

Does Sioux Falls Need More Buffets? Here Are Some Great Options

We scoured the Sioux Empire to find restaurants that still serve a buffet, of sorts, although most are not "buffet" restaurants. Here's what we found.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown / Townsquare Media

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown