Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation awarded over $170,000 in Community Fund grants in September to nonprofits including Meals on Wheels, while First International Bank & Trust donated $10,000 to CASA and First Interstate Bank volunteers supported groups like Midwest Honor Flight on Sept. 16.

Nathan Stallinga received the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce Spirit of DeWald Award on Sept.

30. The 16th honoree was recognized for more than 30 years of service in human services and his steady leadership at DakotAbilities.

Aberdeen and Rapid City were named among America’s best small cities in a nationwide study that evaluated affordability, job growth, education, quality of life, and safety.

The research compared 1,318 cities (including many similar to our towns) and underscores the strengths of these communities.

Heritage Bank NA changed its downtown branch to Physician Bank to serve as the headquarters for its physician-focused banking services.

The bank now rebrands the building at 140 N. Phillips Ave with new signage and a renamed title.

AI workforce solution leader Maddy Dahl will share practical strategies to boost productivity at the WIN in Workforce Summit on Oct.

22 at the Canopy by Hilton hotel in downtown Sioux Falls. Attendees can learn to simplify routine tasks using tools like Copilot (designed to streamline work).

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will hold National Fire Prevention Week from Oct.

4 — 10 with a focus on lithium-ion battery charging safety and preventing home fires. The service urges residents to use proper chargers and drop off retired batteries at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility at 1015 E. Chambers St.

Gov. Rhoden issued an order easing truck weight limits and waiving permit fees to help farmers manage high diesel costs during harvest season; ag leaders argue the relief is insufficient compared to neighboring measures that pause diesel taxes and allow heavier loads — prompting calls for further action.

South Dakota is awarding over $13 million in grants to 12 rural clinics so they can modernize behavioral health services and improve crisis care.

The state expects a second round of funding later this fall.

The Olympic Torch Relay will visit South Dakota for the first time this spring 2028 (a possible stop is at Mount Rushmore) as the relay crosses all 50 states ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics starting July 14.

The full route will be announced in 2027.

2026 Leadership & Culture Summit

The 2026 Leadership & Culture Summit is a full-day experience designed to give leaders practical strategies to strengthen their teams, workplace culture, and ability to navigate today’s workforce challenges. Through an energizing keynote, interactive sessions, and peer discussion, attendees will walk away with actionable tools for attracting and retaining talent, leading through change, and building workplaces where people want to stay and grow.

2026 Leadership & Culture Summit

The 2026 Leadership & Culture Summit is a full-day experience designed to give leaders practical strategies to strengthen their teams, workplace culture, and ability to navigate today’s workforce challenges. Through an energizing keynote, interactive sessions, and peer discussion, attendees will walk away with actionable tools for attracting and retaining talent, leading through change, and building workplaces where people want to stay and grow.