Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Todd Ernst, president and founder of Ernst Capital Group, was honored with the Spirit of Sioux Falls Award from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation on November 21 for his leadership in creating the financial model that guided the development of Foundation Park—Sioux Falls’ first megasite. He served on the foundation board from 2016 to 2022 and his work helped secure local bank support that turned farmland into a thriving business site.

A Sioux Falls couple repurposed their 12-foot skeleton yard decoration into a food pantry to help neighbors facing hunger—donations keep coming as the pantry sees rising demand and challenges from winter weather.

The pantry operates on S Western Ave and relies on community contributions to stay stocked.

Downtown Sioux Falls got a new Jacobson Plaza Skate Ribbon open to the public today as the Zamboni made its morning practice run on the amenity's opening day—currently featuring an ice layer an inch thick—before more ice is added and painted.

Admission is $5 with $3 skate rentals as the rink stays open through mid-March weather pending.

In 1984, firefighters at the Central Fire Station in Sioux Falls prepared a Thanksgiving meal with turkey, dressing, mashed potato gravy, and pumpkin pies by Leroy Austin while serving on holiday duty away from their families.

KELO’s Terry Sater recalled that Battalion Chief Al Gruchy noted other holidays were disrupted by emergencies — yet the tradition brought comfort as the crew cleaned up after dinner.

Sculptor Darwin Wolf is cleaning and waxing the 16-foot bronze statue of Joe Foss at the Sioux Falls airport to protect it from skin oils, dust, and bird droppings.

Sculpture Walk and the Washington Pavilion are also helping to care for other public statues to keep the art lasting for years.

A viewer sent a video of holiday decorations in southwestern Sioux Falls showing a jet ski-riding Santa, a reindeer pulling him on skis, and an alligator carrying gifts—adding a tropical twist to the season.

South Dakota Game Fish and Parks closed the 2025 river otter season Friday after reaching the 30-otter limit (9:15 a.m.) and said trappers must report any trapped otters by (9:15 a.m. Saturday) or surrender them for incidental take.

This rule applies to otters caught after the season closed, while legal entries from existing traps remain allowed for 24 hours.

Bird watchers spotted a rare snowy owl near Sioux Falls on Friday morning just off the Canton Exit, and KELOLAND photographer Kevin Kjergaard captured video of it.

Experts said snowy owls usually fly from the Arctic in winter—appearing irregularly this year after a late October irruption.

Inside the Circle: What to Pour for Thanksgiving

2-3 p.m. — Harvester Kitchen by Bryan — Cost not specified — An expert sommelier guides you through selecting the perfect wines for your Thanksgiving feast.

Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

7:30 p.m. — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $45.70 – $177.60 — Experience an enchanting blend of circus artistry and beloved holiday melodies this season.

18th Annual Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run

4-8 p.m. — Fawick Park — Registration fee applies — Festive holiday run supporting those living with arthritis, featuring a 5K and parade.

Christmas with C.S. Lewis

November 29-30 — Washington Pavilion — $81.17 — Experience C.S. Lewis's heartfelt Christmas memories and discover how Tolkien transformed his view of Christ's birth.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $40.22 – $195.92 — Experience a magical holiday tradition with breathtaking ballet and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Holiday for Fiddlers Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $57.73 — Enjoy a festive concert featuring top South Dakota fiddlers and their unique instrumental harmonies.

Tonic Sol-Fa Holiday Farewell Concert

Evening show — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $52.87 – $124.49 — Experience Tonic Sol-fa's final holiday performance alongside Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience in a night of memorable music and nostalgia.

Christmas with Lorie Line 2025

Time TBA — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — Cost info not provided — Celebrate the Christmas season with Lorie Line's elegant piano arrangements and heartwarming stories.

South Dakota Symphony - Tis the Season

7:30-9 p.m. — 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD — Tickets may apply — Celebrate the holiday season with the renowned South Dakota Symphony Orchestra and Chorus featuring tenor Ben Gulley's festive performance.

Temptations & Tempranillo

6-9 p.m. — Harvester Kitchen by Bryan — $ — Embark on a bold flavor journey as Chef Bryan pairs innovative dishes with rich Tempranillo wines.