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Good morning, Sioux Falls! In today’s edition: Clean power careers surge, a burger battle heats up, a meteorologist dances in Snoop Dogg’s halftime show, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Clean power careers gaining momentum: Student interest in South Dakota energy programs is rising, with Lake Area Tech reporting 100% job placement as students like Lakshan Sethuhewa already land roles in Sioux Falls — see outcomes and salaries here.
Winter boost for local eateries: The Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle is underway, drawing crowds as organizers aim to surpass last year’s $3.2 million impact, with the Burger Battle Belt up for grabs — see how it supports businesses.
Dual passions in the spotlight: KELOLAND meteorologist Jaelyn Borresen took the stage in Snoop Dogg’s Netflix halftime show, blending her forecasting skills with dance. She joined a Minnesota group for a fast, well reviewed performance — read the full story.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Policy shifts stir controversy: New state laws took effect Jan. 1, including raising the minimum wage to $11.85 per hour and moving municipal and school elections to coincide with primary and general contests. Supporters say it will boost turnout, while critics warn of constitutional issues over a 30-day residency proof requirement. Read the full story.
Refresh your nest: When the sofa corner needs a glow-up, Simply Perfect stocks cozy throws, mood-setting candles, pretty lighting, and furniture you’ll actually live with. Their in-house design team can pull a room together fast, so you don’t overthink it. Just enjoy the vibe.
Crisp local sips: Swap beer for orchard-fresh pours at Blackshire Farms, a family cidery just west of town pressing heirloom apples into traditional hard cider. Cozy tasting room, big farm views, and a quick, refreshing escape when you want something different.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
✂ Ribbon Cutting @ Western Mall | Tuesday (1/6) at 11:30 AM – It only took two decades, but AAU finally has a home, and they’re christening it with an honest-to-goodness ribbon cutting, oversized scissors included. Swing by to toast new digs, trade neighborly handshakes, and enjoy that uniquely local thrill of watching bureaucracy become community.
🎉 HyChi Pop Up Event @ Hartford Clinic | Wednesday (1/7) at 11:00 AM – HyChi pops up at the Hartford Clinic, because nothing says wellness like sesame chicken to-go. Grab a $10 two-entrée box, and Hy-Vee kicks $2 to West Central After Prom, plus rangoons, rolls, and California rolls if you’re feeling fancy. Eat good, do good, no co-pay.
🏒 Muskegon Lumberjacks at Sioux Falls Stampede @ Sioux Falls Convention Center | Friday (1/9) at 7:05 PM – Nothing beats live hockey in Sioux Falls when the Stampede host the Muskegon Lumberjacks. Fast skates, flying pucks, and cowbells louder than your neighbor’s snowblower, plus the kind of arena snacks that pair nicely with yelling. Bring the kids, or borrow some street cred.
This weekend
👑 The Big Sioux Royal Weekend @ Sioux Falls Convention Center | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to trade sweatpants for something with buttons, the Big Sioux Royal Weekend is your nudge. Royal Events brings a full weekend of local fun, mingling, and a little sparkle to Sioux Falls, crown optional, boots encouraged.
🐦 Coffee & Birding @ Arrowhead Park | Saturday (1/10) at 9:30 AM – Winter in Sioux Falls means the birds are tougher than your snowblower, and you can meet them over coffee. Learn to identify the hardy regulars, lure them to your feeders, borrow binoculars, then take a short, easy walk. Registration required, sign up: https://recreation.siouxfalls.gov/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?module=AR&fmid=87812419&InterfaceParameter=WebTrac
💍 2026 Wedding Showcase @ Laurel Ridge Barn – Wedding & Events Venue | Sunday (1/11) at 11:59 AM – Getting hitched or just love free cake? Pop over to Laurel Ridge, the Sioux Falls wedding barn, to tour the space, meet vendors, and compare linens, florals, and playlists. It’s low pressure, high info, and someone will talk you out of 200 mason jars.
🧶 Fiber Fun @ Old Courthouse Museum | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – If your idea of a wild afternoon is counting stitches and comparing skeins, this is your crowd. Join the Crossthreads crew at the Old Courthouse Museum, no jury duty, just purls, chatter, and a friendly place to knit, crochet, or tinker with needlework.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Sioux Falls report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 44°F – Low: 28°F – Precip: 6%
Mostly sunny. High near 44, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. West northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 30°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 30.
This house is wild
Set directly on Minnehaha Country Club, this ranch-style walkout pairs timeless design with effortless livability. Sweeping fairway views frame light-filled living spaces, and a smooth indoor to outdoor flow keeps gatherings easy. Nearly every room faces the course, and the lower level opens to the yard for entertaining or quiet evenings. The architecture stays classic and clean, with an emphasis on landscape connection.
A three-stall garage adds convenience for golfers, hobbyists, and extra storage. In one of Sioux Falls’ most coveted pockets, the property blends privacy with front-row fairway views, delivering character, calm, and a rare setting.
Take a peek inside →
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