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Good morning, Sioux Falls! In today’s edition: State’s AAA rating, an award-winning Rose Parade float, the 2026 Wedding Showcase, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Inside the state’s fiscal health: The Bureau of Finance and Management released FY 2025 ACFR, citing growth, no new debt, and a AAA rating for nine years, with net position above $10 billion, up 5% — get all the financial details.
Artful tribute to heritage: Travel South Dakota won the Americana Award at the 137th Rose Parade for a float celebrating national treasures, including Mount Rushmore and the Dignity sculpture — see what it featured.
Priorities redefine who gets aid: Sioux Falls now uses competitive proposals for city nonprofit funding in 2026, and the Multicultural Center lost $140,000. City leaders cite budget recalibration amid possible $25 million revenue losses — see the new funding priorities.
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
How one shop adapts: Williquors manager Tracy Lambert shares how Dry January affects sales, why nonalcoholic options are a big focus, and hints at several new lineups amid shifting habits among younger adults Get all the details.
Make science a playdate: When cabin fever hits, the Kirby Science Discovery Center cures it with 100+ hands-on exhibits: dinosaurs, space, water tinkering, and a constantly refreshed Discovery Den. Kids burn energy while learning, and your brain gets a welcome spark too.
Wet burrito upgrade: Whether you pledge red or green, Jacky’s Restaurant turns out hefty, smothered burritos and a California burrito ready to rescue any long day. Add it to your weeknight rotation, then act surprised when the leftovers mysteriously vanish from the fridge.
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 weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
✂ Sewing Retreat Weekend @ Heirloom Creations | Friday (1/9) at 9:00 AM – Bring that half-finished quilt, the finicky zipper, or your bold new idea, and settle in at Heirloom Creations for a relaxed retreat with expert help, kindred sewists, and the hum of machines. Friday potluck, snacks, drinks, and ice cream included, and it’s $25 per day.
🎨 heART of the City @ Whittier Middle School | Friday (1/9) at 5:00 PM – Ready to see Love made from found stuff? This free, local art show features 2D, 3D, and wearable pieces from all ages, your votes, and a cheeky fashion strut, still accepting submissions. Bring snack donations for Whittier Middle School, enjoy creativity, and call it community.
🐱 Feline Feud @ The Cattitude Cafe | Friday (1/9) at 6:30 PM – Because we needed more reasons to talk about cats, here’s a Family Feud-style showdown hosted by Skyler Bolks. Bring 4 or 5 friends, or come solo and get drafted, then chase bragging rights, prizes, and clean, interactive laughs with a lively crowd, 16 and up.
👑 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.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Sioux Falls locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
We also regularly spotlight verified businesses just because we think they’re great.
Click here to get started (it’s free) →
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📻 Sioux Falls report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 41°F – Low: 25°F – Precip: 29%
A chance of rain between 1pm and 3pm, then a chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. High near 41, with temperatures falling to around 37 in the afternoon. North wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A slight chance of snow before midnight. Cloudy, with a low around 25. North wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
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Tomorrow – High: 38°F – Low: 21°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly cloudy. High near 38, with temperatures falling to around 35 in the afternoon. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. West northwest wind around 10 mph.
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This 5-bed, 3.5-bath two-story spans 3,594 square feet in a prime spot near top-rated schools, shopping, and entertainment. The main level runs on an open concept great room, a mudroom, a walk-in pantry, a half bath, and an office for work. High-end touches include quartz counters and custom painted and stained millwork.
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Take a peek inside →
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