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Hi Sioux Falls, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Snowplow survival tricks in brutal cold, BitGo’s IPO momentum, a casino-chic rescue benefit, and more.

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

A day in extremes: Sioux Falls snowplow drivers describe staying safe in brutal cold, from heated city plows and better communication to fuel‑saving habits. Contractor Brock Allen shows the gear that keeps neighborhoods clear — see how they stay safe.

Digital asset custodian’s next chapter: Cryptocurrency firm BitGo has moved its headquarters to Sioux Falls, leasing 5,250 square feet through 2028, as it readies IPO amid California wealth tax debate and $1.96 billion valuation — read the full story.

Lawmakers pressed for expansion: Minnehaha County has used a pretrial monitoring approach since 2018. Now the chief justice is leading a Pennington County pilot using a $385,000 grant to reduce missed court dates — see how the pilot works.

State-backed highway safety effort: The South Dakota Highway Patrol says February will bring sobriety checkpoints in 15 counties, with help from local police. Expect increased enforcement in and around Sioux Falls — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.

One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

*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:

• Shop small at Love Local
• Sample soups to support Haitian students
• Texas Roadhouse fundraiser benefits The Premiere Playhouse
• Celebrate Galentine’s with Lisa Lane & Friends
• Family-friendly car show featuring Farmtruck and AZN
• Learn how to invest in precious metals for free
• Lowe’s makes window replacement easy. Fill out this form to get started
• Hair thins as you age. This stuff helps (and it’s $75 off)

🫶 We got your back

A night of gratitude: Sioux Falls Skyforce will host Hometown Heroes Night tomorrow at the Sanford Pentagon, honoring local service members and their families. Complimentary tickets are available for military, Guard, law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS and their families. Game-worn uniforms will be auctioned to benefit Operation Cares for military families. Get details on tickets and auction.

Future-focused school planning: Applications are open for a Sioux Falls School District task force studying facility needs, with an early focus on a new middle school in the Whittier neighborhood. The group will meet several times a month, welcomes public participation, and invites students. Residents can review district and city growth projections. See how to get involved.

Roll night upgrade: Weeknights go better with Sakura Sushi, where reliable rolls meet cozy ramen, and hibachi caters to that friend who “doesn’t do raw.” Party trays save the day when you’ve accidentally volunteered to host… consider your midweek craving handled.

Treasure-hunt vibes only: On a declutter/restyle kick? NU2U Thrift Store makes browsing curated clothes, home goods, and seasonal finds actually fun, all while supporting Sioux Falls Christian School. Who knows what will turn up… you might finally replace that ‘temporary’ lamp from college.

A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.

Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.

Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.

📆 Around town this weekend

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🧁 The Sweetest Weekend @ Shop Dog Boutique | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Clear a spot on the calendar for Oh My Cupcakes’ Sweetest Weekend, a triple-header for your honey, your besties, and your littles: sweetheart soirée at Billie Arthur, Galentine’s brunch with decorating, and a little-and-me high tea with Chef Jeni. Tickets are limited, so move fast.

📚 Bingo & Book Fair @ Harrisburg Horizon Elementary | Friday (2/6) at 6:00 PM – Bring the kids, your lucky dabber, and your library tote for a cozy night of bingo and a stroll through the book fair. It’s wholesome, a little competitive, and totally worth the bedtime delay. Feeling helpful? Volunteer and keep the wheels greased: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A9A72DA6F5CF8-61720702-family

🎵 Matt Maher @ St. Michael’s Catholic Church | Friday (2/6) at 7:00 PM – Swap Netflix for a candlelit acoustic set with Matt Maher at the 26th Annual Gift of Hope Concert, benefiting The Lourdes Center’s healing work. It’s the kind of feel-good night your soul, playlist, and small talk will thank you for. Bring tissues, or a friend.

💌 Make & Take a Valentine @ Shop Dog Boutique | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Your pup called, they want a Valentine, biscuits included. Swing by for make-and-take bags free with any purchase, 20% off bandanas, collars, treats, and toys, buy 3 get 1 cookies, plus a free bandana with $30, while supplies last. First 50 snag Oh My Cupcakes.

🥔 Hands-On Gnocchi @ Plum’s Cooking Company | Saturday (2/7) at 12:00 PM – Trade your weekend errands for floury hands and bragging rights. Chef April Johnson walks you through pillowy russet gnocchi and a bold romesco sauce, then rewards you with gooey butter cake. It’s date-night energy, minus the small talk, plus real skills.

🧶 Chunky Knit Gnome Workshop @ AR Workshop | Saturday (2/7) at 3:00 PM – Think your mantel needs a guardian with a beard? AR Workshop has a chunky knit gnome class where you choose the yarn hat, beard, clothes, and nose, then stitch it all together. Low-stress crafting, high-quality company, and a squishy roommate to judge your snacks.

🐾 Corks & Collars 2026 @ El Riad Shrine | Saturday (2/7) at 6:00 PM – Casino Royale vibes at El Riad Shrine, with Chef Dominique’s hors d’oeuvres, starter chips for gaming, two drinks, entertainment, and auctions funding SEPR’s pups and our community. Dress semi-formal, practice that poker face, and grab VIP if you enjoy being a big deal.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Sioux Falls report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 49°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 2%

Mostly sunny. High near 49, with temperatures falling to around 45 in the afternoon. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 33. Northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 41°F – Low: 20°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 34 in the afternoon. North northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 20. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

This house is wild

In a coveted Sioux Falls neighborhood, this striking walk-out ranch blends luxury with automated shades and smart switches throughout. The open living area rises to 14-foot ceilings and flows to a chef’s kitchen with massive island, granite, smart lighting, and pantry. A spa-like primary suite, heated floors, finished 5-stall garage, theater-ready lower level, and a composite deck enhance entertaining.

Take a peek inside →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:

• Older Americans are being targeted. Learn how to stop identity theft
• Lemonade now offers premium pet insurance and it pays out fast
• GoldCo special offer: Open an account & get up to 10% in bonus gold/silver
• This home warranty is $150 off right now
• Pet parents: Don’t forget to check out Chewy’s latest deals (they change every day 👀)