Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Pioneer R.F.

Pettigrew arrived at 21 with $45 and helped start the first local newspaper, electric light company, waterworks, and bank while also lobbying for the railroad and statehood. He later became South Dakota’s first U.S. Senator—his legacy is preserved at the Pettigrew Home & Museum.

Families in Sioux Falls are getting ready for a busy school year as summer ends, and many are setting up chore charts to handle early mornings, school pickups, and activities.

Some schools started on August 18th and Sioux Falls Public Schools will open on August 21st — these changes aim to ease the transition for families.

Local businesses and nonprofits are giving free haircuts and school supplies to kids at the Back to School Bash on Terry Redlin Elementary's playground today from noon until 4:00 p.m.—5 Star Cutz owner Tyrone Wilson and Hungry Hearts will offer free haircuts and 300 backpacks to support a strong start to the school year.

Sioux Falls School District needs 250 substitute teachers to keep classes running when regular teachers are absent+ and to avoid cancelled lessons before the cold flu season begins.

Interested applicants should complete the online application + call Substitute Staff Coordinator Rhonda Iddings at 605-367-7660 for more details.

On August 21 when Lincoln High School begins, construction at the I-229 interchange continues with one lane open on Cliff Avenue—city officials advise drivers not visiting the school to use alternate routes and allow extra time for delays.

Federal data showed that nearly 7.5 million pounds of toxic chemicals were released in South Dakota in 2024, with most chemicals treated before they were released and kept within regulatory limits.

Major companies like Smithfield Foods in Sioux Falls cut emissions dramatically after installing a $45 million wastewater treatment facility in 2023—while Wharf Resources emerged as the top emitter.

Gov. Larry Rhoden is leading a business-driven trade mission to the United Kingdom and Ireland—accompanied by state trade officials, legislators and academic leaders—to showcase South Dakota's beef and ethanol industries and to strengthen ties under new trade agreements.

SDSU President Barry Dunn will sign an academic deal with University College Dublin while five USD students join the delegation as part of their leadership program.

The Sioux Falls Little League team is in Williamsport for the Little League World Series — they met MLB stars on August 17 and played Connecticut on Monday night as part of the Midwest Division, and they expect the series to continue through August 24 with more games ahead.

Vern Eide Mitsubishi Show & Shine Car Show

5-8 p.m. — Vern Eide Mitsubishi — Free entry — Show off your ride and admire a variety of cars at this local showcase.

The Claudettes in Concert

7-9:30 PM — Levitt at the Falls — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying blend of blues, R&B, and punk vibes with acclaimed live performances.

Sioux Falls Card Show

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Sioux Falls Convention Center — Entry fee varies — Experience the Dakotas' largest sports and Pokémon trading card show.

Employee Comms & Culture Flyover Festival

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Startup Sioux Falls — Registration required — Celebrate internal communication with engaging discussions, unique networking, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Open Plein Air Painting Event

10 AM – 12 PM — McKennan Park — Free — Capture the natural beauty of Sioux Falls through plein air painting.

Kids' Cross Country Races

4-5 p.m. — Morningside Park — Free entry — A fun introduction to running for kids ages 4-12 with a series of exciting races.

Brady Wrede Live Performance

3-9 p.m. — WoodGrain Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience the melodic fusion of acoustic roots and modern storytelling from a local folk artist.

Sanford International

7:30 AM – 3:00 PM — Minnehaha Country Club — More Information To Come — Watch golf's legends compete at a premier PGA TOUR Champions event.

Sioux Falls Leadership Summit

11 AM – 5 PM — Sioux Falls Convention Center — $118.19 – $1238.50 — Inspire and transform your business culture with insights from keynote Liz Bohannon.

2025 Bike Night featuring Kris Lager

11 PM-3 AM — Red Rock Bar & Grill — Check for pricing — Enjoy a power trio performance under the stars as we celebrate the final bike night of the season.