Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Reagan Kolberg, the 25-year-old director of philanthropy at the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, was named this week’s Up-and-Comer for her work connecting local nonprofits with community needs; she grew up in Yankton and chose Sioux Falls for its strong community spirit and growth.

Sioux Falls’ annual Downtown Burger Battle, sponsored by POET, ended when Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen won with its Bayou Stack Burger.

The month-long contest — featuring 50 local restaurants — sold 95,750 burgers and generated about $3.7 million in local impact.

Local founders can gain support through the CO.STARTERS Business Accelerator in downtown Sioux Falls, a 10-week program that starts March 4 with applications closing Feb.

16 (course fee is $350, reduced from $3,800).

Pacsun will return to The Empire Mall this summer after closing four years ago+ it is set to offer California-inspired apparel for young shoppers while joining other new national brands at the mall.

Japanese Gardens in Terrace Park have been named South Dakota’s best date spot by AOL, offering a century-old, scenic setting for quiet picnics and leisurely walks.

The garden was built in the 1920s by Joseph Maddox to share a taste of Japanese culture with the community.

South Dakota cattle ranchers worry as an agreement to import up to $800 million in Argentinian beef moves forward, adding pressure to small and mid-sized operations already struggling with rising feed costs (and drought conditions).

The deal may improve trade relations while intensifying market competition for local producers.

Sioux Falls' unemployment rate rose from 2% in November to 2.3% in December, causing it to lose its ranking as the area with the lowest jobless rate.

Job seekers will join walk-in interviews at Career Connect Thursdays (held at Sioux Falls One Stop) on Feb. 12 and Feb. 26.

The Sales Center at USD’s Beacom School of Business will launch new professional sales certificates in fall 2026 so that students at Vermillion and Sioux Falls campuses can gain hands-on sales training through coursework and competitions with industry partners.

A WalletHub study finds South Dakota ranks among the worst states for singles as limited dining options and a small dating pool drive rising costs ahead of Valentine's Day (mobile apps offer some help) in a challenging local scene.

A 4,100 sqft house in the Copper Creek neighborhood (built in 2021) sold for just under $1M for the week of Jan.

19 on Sioux Falls’ east side. The two-story property features four bedrooms and five bathrooms.

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.

JAMfest South Dakota Classic 2026

8:00 AM to 7:59 AM — 500 N Ebenezer Ave, Sioux Falls, SD — Check event website for costs — Cheerleading teams compete for prestigious Summit bids in the vibrant cheerleading community.

2026 South Dakota Special Education Conference

7 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Sioux Falls Convention Center — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Network with educators and parents to explore innovative practices for special education.

2026 Summit League Basketball Championships

1-7 p.m. — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — Admission varies — Witness the excitement as teams compete for entry into the NCAA Division I Championship.

Matt Mason Concert

7-9 p.m. — ICON Sioux Falls — $20 adv — Experience a lively musical evening with Matt Mason and John Riggins.

NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

3:30 AM - 8:00 PM — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — Ticketed event — Experience thrilling collegiate wrestling action at its finest.