By Jolene Farley
Hills Locker Service has been located on the main street in Hills for more than 50 years.
When Albert and Gerald Haak retired about eight years ago, Tedd and Diane Larson purchased the business from them.
The locker specializes in dried beef, but it also offers jerky and sticks, according to Tedd Larson, who uses special recipes for some products.
Tedd emphasizes processing is not the only service the business provides. "We offer a full line of retail meats and sausages," said Tedd.
Hills Locker Service draws in people from a broad area. The business capitalizes on being able to offer food tax-free to South Dakota customers.
Fall is the Larsons' busiest time of year. Tedd Larson said people "stock up for winter" and some give meat as a holiday gift.
The oddest thing the Locker Service has ever processed was a bear. He said the sticks weren't bad, but the roast was not very tasty, adding that bear meat is very greasy.
Hills Locker Service employs one to three people, depending on the season.
During the summer the Larsons have one full-time person. During the winter that number increases to three full-time people.
Diane helps out on the floor when needed and helps with the bookkeeping.
The Larsons have four children Hana, 20, Trisha, 17, Lance, 15, and Lucy, 11. All the Larson children help out in the locker.