Good morning, Sioux Falls.

CJ Schwan’s opened its new downtown Sioux Falls office on Sept.

8 and pledged $250K to Forward Sioux Falls to support workforce development—50 employees now with potential growth to over 100 as the company prepares its Asian food production facility at Foundation Park. The 12,000-square-foot space in the River Centre building features an illuminated sign—visible to evening drivers and underscoring the company’s local commitment.

Sioux Falls police report that a 66-year-old woman lost over $60,000 in a gift card scam when she accepted a friend request from a stranger who claimed he was in a hospital in Mexico City—detectives say the scam unfolded over nine months and they urge caution when dealing with unknown online contacts.

Augustana University announced on Sept.

9 that it broke its enrollment record with 2,548 students—615 of whom are in its largest-ever incoming class—and 2,143 undergraduates have enrolled; the university will continue to grow with new academic programs and strong community links.

Sioux Falls School District Superintendent Jamie Nold announced a new Student Advisory Council that will meet quarterly with high school councils before school to discuss issues like cell phone use, homework, and artificial intelligence—future meetings may expand the program to include middle school councils. The initiative aims to increase student input in district decisions while also guiding related teacher feedback sessions.

After severe flooding in June 2024, state crews used land-based and barge-mounted excavators to remove a car, table saw, boats and other debris—more than 20,000 cubic yards—from McCook Lake as part of a $1 million cleanup finished on August 1.

The McCook Lake Association will pump water from the Missouri River next spring to restore water levels and reopen the public boat ramp.

A U.S. News survey revealed that South Dakota highways are in excellent shape with a 95.1% overall rating—truck drivers reported well-maintained roads while noting bumpy patches near reservations that may prompt DOT reviews.

Gov. Larry Rhoden introduced a draft prison bill for a new 1,500-bed men's prison in Sioux Falls that calls for competitive bidding on subcontracts — though the plan does not seek bids for a construction manager or fully account for millions already spent.

Lawmakers including Rep. Karla Lems and Sen. Mike Rohl worry about future costs like road improvements and staff, and these issues will be debated at a Sept. 23 special session.

On Tuesday, Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen visited the NICU in Sioux Falls and read The Pout-Pout Fish to preemie babies, including 10-week-old Liam, to support early brain development—adding a special moment for families in a vulnerable setting.

At SDSU, researcher Ananda Nanjundaswamy is scaling up lab tests to make natural food dyes from microbes as food companies will need a safe alternative to synthetic dyes by January 2027.

His team uses inexpensive molasses as a feedstock—an innovation that may also be applied to animal feed and personal care products.

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.

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.

South Dakota Sterile Processing Association Annual Conference

8:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Sanford Research — Registration required — Dive into the fundamentals of sterile processes and connect with industry professionals.

Cinch Playoffs - The Governor's Cup

7:30-9 p.m. — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — Ticket details not provided — Experience the excitement of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association playoffs in Sioux Falls.

Winona State Warriors vs. Augustana Vikings Football

1-2:30 p.m. — Kirkeby-Over Stadium — VIP tickets available — Experience thrilling college football action with premium amenities.

Cinch Playoffs - The Governor's Cup

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Sioux Falls Convention Center — Ticket prices not specified — Experience the excitement of playoff rodeo action at the Governor's Cup.

Herb Alpert Concert Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $51.64 – $85.89 — Celebrate Herb Alpert's 90th birthday with an evening of timeless hits and iconic milestones.

Discover Clear Vision Through Laser Correction or Implant Surgery

Frustrated with your vision? Our FREE vision correction seminar will clear up any confusion. Whether you’re dependent on glasses or contacts, need reading glasses or bifocals, or it’s time to consider options for cataract surgery, this educational seminar with FREE mini-screenings is for you or your loved one.