SPEARFISH, S.D. – Monument Health announced that it has purchased the Northern Hills Cinema building and will lease the space to local businessmen Doug Markworth and Norm Fasse, ensuring the theater remains open and operational for the Spearfish community.
The announcement comes as welcome news to the community following the recent announcement that the theater would be closing.
Monument Health acquired the property, which is adjacent to the Spearfish Hospital campus, as part of its long-term strategic planning. When Markworth and Fasse approached the health system about continuing theater operations, Monument Health recognized an opportunity to support both community vitality and its own growth needs.
“As Monument Health continues to expand to meet the health care needs of our region, we also understand that healthy communities need places where families can gather and enjoy time together,” said Thomas Worsley, President of Monument Health Spearfish Hospital and Hills Markets. “We’re honored to partner with Doug and Norm to keep this treasured community asset operating. This is about more than real estate—it’s about preserving what makes Spearfish a wonderful place to call home.”
Markworth and Fasse officially took over theater operations Monday.
“We’re grateful to Monument Health for believing in this partnership and giving us the opportunity to keep the lights on and the popcorn popping,” said Doug Markworth. “This theater has been making memories for generations, and we’re committed to making sure it continues to do so.”
“When Norm and I found out Monument Health was purchasing the land and buildings we knew there was an opportunity to keep the theater open,” said Doug Markworth. “Monument was immediately receptive to enter into lease discussions with us to save the theater. We were able to successfully purchase the theater business and everything came together in a very short time. It was very important to us to do everything we could to keep the movies showing without interruption. We want to thank all of the people who have expressed their support for our theater as we move forward.”
Monument Health will not be involved in the daily operations of the cinema. For information about theater operations, showtimes, and updates, please follow Northern Hills Cinema’s social media pages and website.