Huron, S.D.) — Claudia K. Lockner of Ree Heights was named the 2026 Spirit of Dakota Award winner at a gala banquet celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Spirit of Dakota on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Huron, S.D.
The Spirit of Dakota Award is presented annually to an outstanding South Dakota woman who reflects the Spirit of Dakota through leadership, vision, courage and strength of character, and who, by her example, inspires others to make a difference in their communities and throughout the state.
Inspiration for the award is the nine-foot Spirit of Dakota sculpture created by South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere. The bronze sculpture stands at the entrance to the Crossroads Hotel in Huron.
A special guest at the 40th Anniversary Celebration was Lamphere, sculptor of Spirit of Dakota, and his wife, Jane Murphy.
Lockner was among 13 outstanding South Dakota women nominated by their communities to be honored during the Spirit of Dakota 40th Anniversary Celebration. The nominees were:
- Jean Anderson, Mitchell
- Rita Anderson, Iroquois
- Coleen Globke Brasch, Marion
- Jil Budahl, Emery
- Mary Gallup Livingston, Whitewood
- Tara Nichols, Hill City
- Mary Pearson, Huron
- Kirti Pickard, Dell Rapids
- Danielle Leigh Birdstall Rausch, Onida
- Laney Titze, Mitchell
- Lois VanDerVliet, Colton
- Nancy Wenande, Yankton
Lockner was selected by a statewide commission consisting of Tona Rozum, Chair, Mitchell; Julie Garreau, Eagle Butte; Jean Hunhoff, Yankton; Carol Johnson, Watertown; Julie M. Johnson, Aberdeen; Suzette Kirby, Sioux Falls; First Lady Sandy Rhoden, Pierre; Jacque Sly, Rapid City; Marsha Sumpter, Kadoka; and Ginger Thomson, Brookings.
About Claudia K. Lockner
Claudia K. Lockner, Ree Heights
Nominated by Daniel Palmer
After attending South Dakota Grazing School and Ranching for Profit, Claudia and her husband, Dean, made significant changes to their ranch, Thousand Hills Ranch, near Ree Heights.
Lockner has committed to implementing rotational grazing practices, increasing the diversity of native plants and enhancing water conservation. She routinely shares her knowledge with young ranching families who aspire to improve the quality of their land. She has hosted agricultural tours of her ranch, contributed to various publications and been featured in numerous newspaper articles.
Recognizing that Hand County lacked protection against industrial projects, Lockner voiced her concerns to the Hand County Commission and helped implement the county’s first zoning ordinances.
Her passion for the land also led her to Washington, D.C., where she advocated for her ranch and discussed policies aimed at improving the well-being of grasslands, while also supporting South Dakota farmers and ranchers.
A true daughter of the prairie, Lockner is dedicated to preserving South Dakota’s grasslands, mentoring others and ensuring that natural resources remain available for future generations.
The 40th Anniversary celebration included a Tea in the Afternoon at the country home of Rodney and Beckie Freeman, an art show, social and gala banquet.
For more information, visit www.spiritofdakota.org.
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