Hilt retires after 40 years at BLM

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent
 
Times have changed greatly in the world of careers and hard work, according to Karie (Bringman) Hilt, who retired from the local Bureau of Land Management at the end of March. 
Both of Hilt’s parents worked hard and stressed the importance of that aspect to their daughter, Hilt said. Her dad ranched, and he also worked other odd jobs to make ends meet. 
Hilt began working full time at just 13 years old, something not commonplace today. Hilt’s father approached the owner of a drugstore in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to try to find a job for his daughter. Hilt said that her father knew she just wouldn’t be a ranch hand. 
“Thus, my work career started at the local drugstore at the soda fountain, serving ice cream, malts and doing general store cleaning,” Hilt said. 
Eventually, Hilt earned her teaching degree, and she remained in that career for 13 years. After that time, Hilt said, she decided she wanted to do something else and began her career of 40 years at the Newcastle BLM in 1979. 
Hilt’s first responsibilities at the office were in the file room, and she said most workers started their work there. Hilt moved to the front desk after a while, where she stayed for the remainder of her career.
“I was the first person most people would see. That was probably a shock for the public,” Hilt said.
Her duties once she moved to the front desk were numerous, Hilt said, because she just did whatever was needed. Those tasks included answering the phone, listening for the office radio for field workers checking in and helping customers. She also dealt with mail, payroll, buying supplies, documenting information in the computer system and more. 
“Before computers, everything was done by paperwork,” Hilt said, noting the changes that have occurred with the advent of new technology. Hilt had to learn to type on a manual typewriter, before advancing to an electric one. That made her feel “really important,” Hilt said. Finally, one of the earliest computers came along, which was called the Wang. Eventually, of course, modern technology replaced even that early computer. 
“Our young people grow up with computers. My grandkids know more than I do,” Hilt said. 
Hilt said she was able to contribute to the local BLM office because of her work ethic and willingness to pitch in and do whatever was needed. Such traits should be encouraged among today’s youth. Of course, Hilt said, she still learned a lot in her career, such as the need to think before speaking. 
Hilt laughed.
“That wasn’t easy for me,” she said. 
Hilt said that she also learned to appreciate the different people around her – those she worked with and members of the community with whom she had a chance to interact. Many of these things culminated to give her an overall rewarding career, Hilt said. 
Hilt’s work experience wasn’t all work with no room for personal interaction, though. According to Hilt, some of her favorite memories consist of the times when her coworkers joined her at the front desk to “just chat about the day’s events.” Another fond memory was when coworker Jim Hutchinson’s children and wife visited the office. One of his children, Abigail, thought that Hilt was her dad’s boss, and she got Hilt a small gift every Boss’ Day.
The young men whom Hilt worked with also hold a special place in her heart, and she said she called them “my boys.” Many of them were young enough to be her sons or even grandsons, according to Hilt. 
“In 40 years, I’ve seen many people come and go,” Hilt said. Although some of her coworkers have climbed higher on the employment ladder and some have already retired or passed away, Hilt said, she still maintains relationships with those she can. 
“Today, I stay in touch with many of my coworkers, both male and female, and smile quietly to myself at how fortunate I’ve been to have worked with so many wonderful people,” Hilt said. 
Hilt said that she is very fortunate for the family she has, and to her, that includes her blood family and her work family. 
“I loved them all – both my immediate family and my work family,” Hilt said, noting that her coworkers often lend a hand and come to the aid of Hilt and her husband, John. 
Hilt and her husband have two children, Melissa and Len, and six grandchildren, Hannah, Chloe, Emma, Quinn, Ali and Abbi. Now that Hilt’s career chapter in her life has come to an end, she said that she wants to spend time with her children and grandchildren and watch them grow into adulthood. 
“All six grandchildren bring a smile and tears to John and I because we are so proud of them,” Hilt said.
Hilt also spends her time making crafts – sewing, goodie bags and more, which she sells at craft fairs sometimes. 
Another BLM worker can attest to Hilt’s character and work ethic. Jim Hutchinson, a coworker of Hilt’s for 21 years and the assistant field manager at the BLM, said that Hilt brought a “positive atmosphere” and was always caring towards the other workers. Hutchinson said that Hilt was always the first to reach out when others were going through struggles, and he said that her leaving will leave “big shoes to fill.”
“She’ll be greatly missed around here,” Hutchinson said. 
Hilt said she is thankful for the experience she had working for the BLM and will never forget those times. 
“And so I say to my many coworkers and supervisors, thanks for the memories. You all have a special place in my heart. Thanks to my amazing blood and work family for tolerating this old lady, who on rare occasion has been known to be somewhat opinionated and outspoken. I love you all,” Hilt said.