Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls' First National Bank at Western Mall, a staple since 1968, is temporarily closed for renovations (new restrooms, updated interior, and exterior tweaks) and will reopen in early February.

Downtown Sioux Falls' Cattitude Cafe will close Jan.

31 after 2.5 years in business, during which it helped nearly 600 cats find new homes from the Sioux Falls Humane Society. Customers should use gift cards before closing and book reservations early as spots fill up quickly.

Iron Range Golf Performance, led by PGA professionals Danny Sinksen and Drew Trautman, will open early February at 5501 N.

Interchange Ave in a Sioux Falls industrial park. The 10,000 sqft center features a 3,000 sqft short-game complex and Trackman simulators — a one-stop shop for lessons and club fitting.

The ongoing Burger Battle in Downtown Sioux Falls showcases 50 unique burger choices including Fernson Downtown & Totally Rad Eats’ Pickle Roll Burger, which is made with a double smash patty, American cheese, dried beef pickle roll dip, pickles and Ruffles for added crunch, available through January’s end.

The unemployment rate in the Sioux Falls metro was 2 percent in November, up from 1.8 percent in September, with 3,547 unemployed residents across local counties (Minnehaha, Lincoln, McCook, Turner and Rock County in Minnesota) and remains the lowest among all metro areas.

Data from the Department of Tourism shows that the Southeast region generated $2 billion in revenue in 2024 compared to $1.9 billion from Black Hills and Badlands, marking the third consecutive year of higher earnings (driven by weekend trips, retail, and local events).

The Haarberg 3D Center at SDSU blends pharmacy research with business skills and has supported 21 projects since its 2021 launch.

Funded by gifts and awards, the center is seeking more partnerships (to help translate lab work into treatments) across the region.

Three Sioux Falls school board incumbents — board vice president Marc Murren, Dawn Marie Johnson, and Gail Swenson — will run in the June 2 election to keep their seats, while nominating petitions open Feb.

2 and are due March 24.

South Dakota ranked 3rd for best states to retire while Minnesota placed 5th, per Wallethub’s study of affordability + tax benefits.

The report highlights strong elderly-friendly work opportunities and quality medical care for retirees.

Downtown is seeing business as new owners take over storefronts.

Kim Montgomery closed on MK Threads Boutique at 222 S. Phillips Ave last New Year's Eve and will soon offer her products, while other entrepreneurs, including Mark Dorame of Sneaker Flavorz, prepare to open in new spaces by spring.

Dinner Detective Sioux Falls Public Show

6-9 p.m. — Sheraton Sioux Falls Hotel & Convention Center — Ticket pricing not listed — Enjoy a thrilling interactive true crime mystery show while dining on a fantastic dinner.

AI Assisted Development

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Startup Sioux Falls — Free entry — Engage with industry experts in AI and software development at this interactive panel discussion.

Dueling Duos - Keys To Love Valentine's Party

8-11 p.m. — The District — Fundraiser Event — Celebrate love with an unforgettable night of dueling pianos.

Sioux Falls Heat Up The Hardwood Basketball Tournament

8 a.m. - 8 p.m. — Sanford Sports Complex — Registration required — A competitive basketball tournament for 4th to 8th graders showcasing local talent and sportsmanship.

FERS Benefits Seminar

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South — Registration required — Navigate the complexities of federal retirement planning with valuable insights and resources.

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference - Women's Basketball Tournament

Feb 25 – Mar 4 — Sanford Pentagon — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling college basketball as 12 teams compete for the championship in Sioux Falls.