Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Friends, family and first responders gathered in Wessington Springs Saturday to honor Michial Brodkorb, the assistant Fire Chief and Sons of the American Legion Commander who died in a house fire last Thursday.

The service reflected his dedication to the community and the strong bonds among local emergency teams.

Some of the best bull riders in the world visited Sanford Children’s Hospital on Saturday to spend time with children facing medical challenges.

PBR rider Ezekiel Mitchell said spending a few minutes with the kids meant a lot—he has a personal connection to families battling cancer.

At Sunday’s 'Jackrabbit Ready' event, over 50 students and families attended sessions to ease the college transition for high school freshmen and sophomores.

SDSU faculty encouraged exploring different campuses—helping students directly experience college life.

A Sioux Falls School District survey with over 12,000 responses showed that while high school teachers mostly said cellphones distracted from learning, nearly half of parents and students supported phone use during school hours — a contrast that drives discussion on classroom policy. The piece also highlighted a widely circulated email allegedly from Elon Musk recommending shorter, fewer meetings to boost productivity.

Mega Millions players in South Dakota will get their first chance to win larger jackpots — the initial drawing taking place Tuesday night with new changes boosting the starting jackpot from $20-million to $50-million — as the enhancements improve odds.

South Dakota Lottery said the jackpots are expected to grow faster than before.

State government boards, commissions and the Legislature have scheduled a full week of public meetings starting today with sessions in Fort Pierre, Pierre, Brookings and Sioux Falls—more meetings are planned through April 14 with some available by teleconference.

Federal changes to energy rules have sparked debate in the Upper Midwest over clean energy and keeping lights on.

Lee Zeldin announced he will cut EPA staff and change rules from the Biden years as state officials in South Dakota and Minnesota warn that closing coal plants too fast could cause power outages—showing a clash between state needs and federal plans.

On April 6th, Sunday’s activities offered a wide range for locals including the final day of PBR: Unleash the Beast at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center starting at 1:45 p.m., the Sioux Falls Reptile Expo with vendor displays and presentations at the Convention Center, and a pancake breakfast by American Legion Post 15 at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Additional events featured the Big Boy Toy Show in Aberdeen, local concerts and theater performances, family-friendly visits at the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium, movie screenings at the historic State Theater and CineDome, and the season-ending skiing at Terry Peak.

Diabetes Care and Education Conference

10 a.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South — Refunds up to 7 days before the event — A conference focused on diabetes care for health professionals and management of disease complications.

Sioux Falls Regional Livestock Event

8:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Sioux Falls Regional Livestock — Free entry — Experience the excitement of real-time internet broadcasting of livestock sales and special events.

Sioux Falls Home Expo

12-6 p.m. — Sioux Falls Convention Center — Free admission — Discover home improvement solutions and meet local vendors to enhance your living space.

Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

12:30-4:00 PM — Combined Pool & Spa — Fundraising event — Dive into chilly waters while supporting Special Olympics South Dakota athletes.

FERS/CSRS Benefits Workshop

2-3:30 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South — Registration required — Gain crucial insights for your federal retirement planning journey.

Kid's Activity Day at the Old Courthouse Museum

9-11:30 a.m. — Old Courthouse Museum — Free entry — Kids can explore history while creating their own bunny hats during this engaging craft program.

Blake Rave Music: The Shirks Sessions Vol. 1

7-11 p.m. — Full Circle Book Co-op — Cover charge details TBA — Experience high-energy live music with local favorites The Shirks and special guests.

Giants in the Earth: The Norwegians in the Dakota Territory

7:30 p.m. — Washington Pavilion — Ticket prices vary — A classic musical celebration featuring iconic tunes and a talented cast wrapping up the season.

International Jazz Day Celebration with Fellowship Jazz Center Orchestra

Evening — South Dakota Symphony — Tickets available — Celebrate the debut of Sioux Falls' premier big band with an unforgettable performance of jazz.

Sioux Falls Home Expo

2-6 p.m. — Sioux Falls Arena — Free admission — Discover great savings on home improvement projects and connect with local and national vendors.