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Happy Friday, Sioux Falls. In today’s edition: Veterans tiny-home village expansion, Augustana Christmas vespers, meet Santa, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Back on mission locally: South Dakota Guard veteran Jim Linn has been named executive director at Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls, bringing leadership and plans to expand tiny-home village and services for veterans — see what’s planned in Sioux Falls.
Sale prompts communications shift: Sioux Falls council approved $936,000 for upgraded police radios in a 6-1 vote, citing coverage gaps and technology needs, while one councilor objected to spending outside the budget — read the full story.
City Hall process rethink: Sioux Falls councilors have opened a push to make city boards easier to follow, eyeing standardized agendas, consistent meeting locations, clearer public input, and more recordings to boost civic engagement — see what councilors discussed.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.
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🫶 We got your back
What’s new around town: The Argus Leader’s “Let’s Talk Business” roundup tracks Sioux Falls openings and closings. This week: the ice skating ribbon is open for the holidays (admission $5, skate rentals $3), and Alien and Co. Tattooing has closed after two decades as Steve “Alien” Butterfield retires after a 50-year career. The shop space is for rent. Read the full roundup.
Fueling smart, strategic growth: SMGA’s Growth Summit returns Tuesday, Dec. 9 at the Sanford Event Barn, digging into what will power the Sioux Metro’s future. Expect panels on energy basics, renewables, LNG, and data centers, plus a keynote on modern nuclear from Eric Meyer and a 2026 legislative preview. Tickets are still available via SMGA. Get all the details.
Community pints, anyone: Bring the crew, furry friends included, to Severance Brewing Company for easygoing vibes, rotating taps, and Sunny’s Pizzeria pies ordered at the bar. Pints for People and regular give-back nights make lingering worthwhile, turning pints into community support.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.
Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.
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📆 Around town this weekend
All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
Today
🕊️ Prince of Peace @ Orpheum Theater | Friday (12/5) at 7:00pm – Trade the mall chaos for a seat at the Orpheum, where Prince of Peace returns with a rich, heartfelt take on the Christmas story. Classic carols, thoughtful originals, and zero Santas. It opens Thanksgiving weekend, perfect for family time, even with your skeptical uncle.
⛪ Augustana Christmas Vespers @ Gloria Dei Lutheran Church | Friday (12/5) at 7:30pm – Grab your wool coat and head to Gloria Dei for Augustana’s Christmas Vespers, the annual dose of goosebumps from choirs, brass, trombones, and a little jazz. It’s reverent without being stuffy, charmingly local, and absolutely packed, so snag tickets at augie.edu/vespers.
This weekend
🎅 Meet Santa @ Washington Pavilion | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Bring the crew to the Washington Pavilion to bend Santa’s ear and snap the annual photo you’ll laugh about next July. He’s the real Sioux Falls Santa, patient, jolly, and yes, he takes a lunch. Free nostalgia, priceless bribery material.
🎅 Santa at the Zoo @ Great Plains Zoo | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Santa is clocking in at the zoo, swapping mall chaos for giraffes, penguins, and that judgmental meerkat. Bring the kids, or your inner kid, and wander between animal cameos, cocoa, and a cheerful photo op. Wholesome, low stress, and delightfully local.
💚 The Art of the Grinch Gallery Reception @ Washington Pavilion | Saturday (12/6) at 1:00pm – Whether you can quote every Whoville lyric or just miss hand-drawn magic, this reception peeks behind the 1966 TV Grinch with original cels, concept sketches, and drawings. Chuck Jones, Seuss, and nostalgia, all in one room. Mingle, reminisce, then eye the musical tickets.
🌲 Porch Pots Workshop @ AR Workshop | Sunday (12/7) at 1:00pm – Trade the tangled lights for a win at AR Workshop Sioux Falls, where 605 Petals & Pine coaches you through a DIY holiday porch pot while you sip something festive. Your front step will look smug, and it’s $69 well spent.
🏀 Sioux Falls Skyforce vs. Iowa Wolves @ Sanford Pentagon | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Get ready for an afternoon of high-flying dunks and full-throttle hustle as the Skyforce battle the Wolves. Bring your loudest cheer, your most questionable referee opinions, and maybe a stress snack or two.
🎵 SFCC Winter Concert @ Augustana University | Sunday (12/7) at 4:00pm – Trade the holiday noise for the good kind, with a winter concert of rich choral harmonies over at Augie. Expect polished local voices, winter-evening hush, and a program that leans classic without getting syrupy. Bring a friend, settle in, exhale.
Next week
📦 Volunteer to Pack Food for Families, Seniors, and Kids @ Feeding South Dakota | Monday (12/8) at 1:00pm – Feeding South Dakota is gunning for an extra 500,000 meals, and they need capable hands more than hot takes. Swing by the Sioux Falls distribution center for low-drama, two-hour shifts packing boxes, sorting donations, and filling backpacks for kids, families, and seniors.
🖌️ Paint Your Holiday Decor @ Mosaic Arts & Events | Monday (12/8) at 4:00pm – Holiday crafting without glitter in the carpet or paint on the dining table. Swing by open-house style, $15 covers your spot with brushes, paints, and stencils, wood pieces run $1 to $5, cash bar on site, and kids get an Open Art Classroom.
🍷 Truffles & Barolo @ Harvester Kitchen by Bryan | Tuesday (12/9) at 6:00pm – Think you deserve a midweek treat? On Tuesday, trade the sad desk salad for truffles paired with Barolo, the adult version of a cheat day. Bring your favorite person, linger over rich bites and bold pours, and call it self-care.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🎶 Live music & entertainment
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🏠️ Price is right – Sioux Falls edition
How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).
Listed by: Jeff D Koch (AMERI/STAR Real Estate, Inc.)
A Jared Smart ranch walkout on 1.5+ wooded acres across two cul-de-sac lots, with Sioux River access and privacy. Zero-entry flow, hardwoods, and a wall of windows frame the trees. Chef cred via a gas range, double ovens, Miele coffee, and a walk-through prep pantry.
Primary suite spoils with heated floors, soaking tub, and a programmable spa shower, plus a closet that behaves like a wing. Three-season screened deck, pool, patio, and firepit keep summers busy. Downstairs, six bedrooms, theater and wet bar, poolside family room, and 5+ stall heated garages with water, drains, and bonus storage near town.
Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →
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