Good morning, Sioux Falls.

The newest Taco Bell opened Tuesday, August 26th at 11:30 a.m. at 8340 W 41st Street in Sioux Falls—offering free #1 combo meals to the first 50 customers and creating new job opportunities.

A teenager died when a side-by-side UTV lost control and rolled into a ditch in Humboldt just before 4 p.m. on Monday—officials said the incident is under investigation.

Starting this October, Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls will build a new butterfly garden moved from Sertoma Park as part of a three-year expansion.

By 2028, the zoo will add a shark tunnel and a large education center—plans meant to boost tourism and the local economy—completing a major upgrade.

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance president Tyler Tordsen said on Aug.

26 that a full bus tour of Lincoln County communities showed strong growth and nearly required a second bus. The group will add support by hosting events—like a Sporting Clay Classic on Sept. 5 and a Growth Summit on Dec. 9—to help local businesses and officials tap new opportunities.

The Sioux Falls School District board met for over four hours on August 25 to discuss community learning centers that raised student scores, a grant that improved attendance at six schools, and plans for local legislators to visit in October and November.

Board members also heard a request for soft football helmet caps to lower concussion risks and honored an assistant principal from George McGovern Middle School as South Dakota’s Assistant Principal of the Year.

Urban planner Karla Resendiz of Sioux Falls was named this week’s Up-and-Comer after she explained that her work helps shape the city’s built environment—she credits an internship in Mankato for sparking her passion.

She moved from Mitchell to work at City Center and now mentors students at Whittier Middle School—her career continues to grow as she contributes to local government projects.

South Dakota is joining 43 states to demand that AI companies stop chatbots from talking in ways that are unsafe for children — documents showed some bots talked with kids as young as eight.

Attorney General Marty Jackley said his office will work with other states to ask AI makers to change the bots' behavior — the aim is to protect children.

Joe Batcheller — former leader of Downtown Sioux Falls — announced his entry into the mayoral race at Cherapa Place Plaza Tuesday to replace term-limited Mayor Paul TenHaken.

He joins candidates Christine Erickson, Jamie Smith and David Zokaites as the city election and statewide primary are scheduled for June 2, 2026.

South Dakota Highway Patrol has installed a new system called StarChase—this technology launches small GPS trackers onto fleeing vehicles so troopers can safely track suspects from a distance.

The system offers a safer alternative to high-speed pursuits while helping protect motorists during chases.

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.

Anti-Bullying Community Event with John Michael Hinton

Delivering a heart-to-heart message about how he was severely bullied all through Elementary and Jr. High school, John Michael Hinton uses magic, comedy, and audience participation to captivate the room and inspire others to stand up, speak out, and be a true friend.

Rushadicus The Cello Goblin Performance

7:30 PM – 1:30 AM — Full Circle Book Co-op — Tickets start at $10 — Experience an immersive cello metal performance by the infamous Cello Goblin.

Light The Night Fundraiser

6-9 p.m. — Falls Park — Free registration encouraged for fundraising — Celebrate and honor those affected by blood cancers together as a community.

Sioux Falls Marathon & 5K

6:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Howard Wood Field — Registration fee required — A premier marathon weekend featuring races for all levels of runners in beautiful Sioux Falls.