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Distributed Antennae Systems (DAS)

Our previous issue of Plains Talk introduced our COVID-19 Design Impact Series by talking about how HVAC design considerations can slow the spread. The use of UV in air handling units and isolation room ventilation both support the fight against COVID-19, but in this...

Case Study: SDSU Wagner Hall

The Proof is in the PerformanceGiving Fresh Life to SDSU's Wagner Hall Originally built in 1969, Wagner Hall has been known by many names and housed multiple programs at SDSU. The building was opened as Home Economics and Nursing (HEN) before becoming the Nursing,...

HVAC Measures to Address Virus Spread

We recently shared some initial insights into how MEP systems can impact the spread of COVID-19. Our COVID-19 MEP Design Response remains available on our website. For the next several months, we'll build on these concepts in our Plains Talk newsletter by continuing...

Mt. Rushmore Renovation Earns LEED Platinum

A major renovation to the concession building and restaurant at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial recently received LEED Platinum certification for sustainable design. West Plains Engineering provided electrical engineering design for elements of the project, which is...

MEP For Water Infrastructure

As Americans, it can be all too easy to take the availability of good, clean water for granted. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, and our world's focus on hand washing and disinfecting, this resource has never been more critical. Local municipalities take care of...

Thanks for a Great Year!

Like many firms, sometimes we get so focused on meeting the next deadline or chasing the next big project – that we sometimes forget to slow down and take time to reflect. But as we close the books on 2019, we couldn’t help but notice how much has happened in the past...

$58 Million SDSU ADRDL Holds Ribbon Cutting

On Sept. 6, members of our Sioux Falls team had the great honor of attending a ribbon-cutting for the SDSU Animal Disease Research & Diagnostic Laboratory in Brookings. At $58 million, it’s the single largest construction project ever to take place at a state...

Ascent Innovation Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ktNmVEUeC0&fbclid=IwAR2eUqJ7ya80Gc8vFX4D3Agmzjwy04mLzqfGu2ka3M6genjhbye5VsrUe-Y West Plains Engineering is working with the Rapid City Economic Development Corporation and Strang, Inc. architects on an expansion to the Ascent...

Kennedy Named Electrical Department Head

Jonathan Kennedy, P.E. Electrical Engineer Jonathan Kennedy, P.E. has been named head of the Electrical Department in our Sioux Falls office. In this role, he will be critical in the development and delivery of West Plains Engineering’s electrical engineering...

NEW Issue of Plains Talk

  Seems like this time of year is buzzing with exciting competition. A new (sort of) Super Bowl champion has been crowned, March Madness is upon us and MLB players have reported to their summer digs down south. Closer to home, most of us are seeing the light at...

West Plains Announces Leadership Changes

The New Year is all about change, and we are pleased to announce two exciting leadership changes in our firm. Effective January 1, Marty Christensen, P.E. has assumed the role of Building Services  Division Manager for the company; while Mike Fisher, P.E. has been...

Dollars for Doers Earns $1,200 in First Year

In 2018, members of our staff contributed more than $1,200 to local charities through volunteer hours and financial contributions. For their time, effort and dedication to improving our communities, West Plains Engineering is proud to match that contribution. Through...

Mark Grebner Announces Retirement

Mark Grebner, P.E., has announced his retirement from West Plains Engineering effective Jan. 1, 2019. Mark celebrated 25 years with our firm this past Spring, and has served in countless important ways as a Mechanical Engineer, Office Manager, Board Member and most...

Rapid City Invests in Diabetes, Inc.

On Nov. 9, Electrical Engineer Matt VonHaden (right) delivered our final "Ways to Give" Community Investment donation for 2018 - a $1000 check to Diabetes, Inc., in Rapid City, S.D. Matt presented the check to President Jason Byars, and the money was used to sponsor a...

Plains Talk Newsletter

The Plains Talk Newsletter is a publication of West Plains Engineering highlighting our projects, challenges and, most importantly, solutions.

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2025

  • March/April – Building Condition Assessments
    • From Assessment to Action: Morningside University Master Plan
    • Building Smarter: The Benefits of Regular Assessments
    • Balancing Building Needs With Budget: Thermopolis Middle School MEP Assessment
    • Assessing Systems (for) Health: Virginia Gay Hospital Assessment, Master Plan & Upgrades
  • January/February – Well-Being By Design
    • Built to Thrive: Maguire Headquarters & Manufacturing Facility
    • Designing for Wellness: The MEP Engineers Role in Creating Healthy Buildings
    • Caring For People & The Planet: Wounded Knee Community School

2024

  • November/December – Farewell to 40!
    • 2024 in Review Video
    • WPE Ways to Give Charitable Donations
  • September/October – MEP Impact on the IIJA
    • Transportation Take Off: Sioux Falls Regional Airport Expansion
    • The MEP Factor: Bringing IIJA Infrastructure to Life
    • Exploring New Waters: Lewis & Clark Regional Water System
    • Infrastructure Integration: Alliance Solar Farm Transmission Line
  • July/August – Designing for the Next Generation
    • Review Before Renovations: White River School District
    • Student-Centered MEP Design Approach
    • Combatting Crowded Classrooms: Tri-Valley Elementary & High School
    • Making Good Bones Great: Lisbon High School
  • May/June – Factories of the Future
    • Backyard Building – Maven Outdoor Equipment Company
    • Post-Pandemic Manufacturing Growth
    • Manufacturing Modern Tech: BAE Systems
    • Small Business Boom: Scherer, Inc.
  • March/April – Hats Off to Higher Education
    • Beyond Books: SD Mines Devereaux Library Modernization
    • Putting Design on the Docket: USD Knudson School of Law Upgrades
    • Upping Their Game: SDSU Stanley J. Marshall Center Improvements
  • January/February –  40th Anniversary
    • WPE 40th Anniversary Announcement
    • A Message from WPE President, Marty Christensen
    • Daren Beckloff, P.E. Promoted to Engineering & Operations Director

2023

2022

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