Good morning, Sioux Falls.

A portion of Phillips Avenue was reserved for pedestrians from Ninth to 10th street between 5—8 p.m. yesterday for the Art & Wine Walk, which featured live music, local artists and visits to 38 downtown locations—organizers partnered with AARP South Dakota for the event.

The Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium has launched a fundraising campaign after receiving a $25 million donation from T.

Denny Sanford and will seek an equal amount from the community to trigger a further $10 million contribution. The plan will upgrade the zoo campus with a new aquarium (with a shark tunnel and penguin exhibit), a butterfly rainforest and an expanded education center to be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

Great Plains Zoo welcomed a new Humboldt penguin chick on March 30 as its parents (Pippa and Quince) have raised three other chicks and will soon determine its sex.

The zoo is open summer hours (9 AM to 5 PM with last admission at 4 PM) and will begin its splash pad and summer program on May 24.

Sanctuary Goods opened downtown at the Jones421 Building and offers jewelry, art, crystals and wellness products alongside holistic adaptogens and custom pieces.

Owner Stefan Bernardino—who returned from Colorado in 2023—curates a changing collection and will update store hours from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday—Sunday to Monday—Saturday on May 22.

Sioux Falls School District partnered with Great Plains Zoo & Aquarium to launch a new curriculum that teaches kindergarten, first grade and second grade students science and literacy through animal field trips and hands-on experiences—pilot programs are already underway and will expand this fall with support covering busing, books and entry fees. Promising Futures Fund is a major contributor to the project, which aims to connect reading with real-world learning.

Teachers in South Dakota now earn an average salary of $56,328—a 6% increase that moved the state from 49th to 46th in the nation and marks the highest ranking since 1943—and state lawmakers boosted school funding to support these gains.

Rep. Chris Reder resigned his House seat representing District 1 — covering Brown, Day, Marshall and Roberts counties—as confirmed by the governor’s office after earlier health concerns were reported in November.

Gov. Larry Rhoden will accept nominations for his replacement until May 23.

Since May 1st, downtown parking in Sioux Falls now accepts cash, credit, or mobile payments via Payment Kiosks, the Park Smarter App, and Text-To-Pay—a system that adds an extra 45-cent fee.

City officials urge drivers to be alert for parking meter scams and to report any suspicious QR codes.

On February 25th, the PAX Institute operated a ketamine therapy clinic in the Independent Medical Arts building in Sioux Falls to treat depression.

Team members including director of pharmacotherapy Molly Mortenson and co-founder Travis Behrens guided patient care during the session.

Conservation in Action Tour

4-6:30 p.m. — Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Centre by IHG — Registration required — Experience innovative farming and conservation practices through hands-on activities in the Great Plains.

Avera Race Against Cancer

8-9 a.m. — Avera McKennan Fitness Center — Registration fee applies — Race to support local cancer care with activities for all ages and fitness levels.

Good Shot Judy Presents A Century of Swing

N/A — May 12 — Washington Pavilion — $59.43 plus taxes and fees — Experience the smooth sounds of the Big Band Era with classics like 'Beyond the Sea' and 'Fly Me to the Moon'.

Pop Up Fabric Boutique

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Hyatt Place Sioux Falls – South — Free entry — Explore the latest fabric collections from top brands while mingling with local designers.

Funkin Friday with Funk-UH-Fried

7-11 p.m. — The Social — Tickets required — Celebrate the debut of the revamped Funk-UH-Fried band and enjoy a night of funky tunes and dance.

Men's Bible Study

7:30-9 a.m. — Scooter's Coffee — Free entry — Engage in a video series exploring the biblical transition from Isaac to Jacob.

Night Ranger Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — The Alliance — $63.43 to $252.15 — Experience a night of classic rock with Night Ranger, including a VIP meet & greet.

Men's Bible Study at Invitation Church

7:30-9:00 a.m. — Scooter's Coffee — Free entry — Explore the video series from Isaac to Jacob while enjoying coffee with fellow men.

Sioux Falls Canaries vs. Cleburne Railroaders

6:35 p.m. — Sioux Falls Stadium — Affordable tickets available — Experience the excitement of live baseball with the Canaries taking on the Railroaders.

Live Performance by CAKE

3:00-5:30 p.m. — W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds — Tickets from $35 — Experience a high-energy alternative rock show featuring iconic hits from CAKE.