Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Parker Hanson-Harden, a financial adviser with Merrill Lynch who became the second pro baseball player born without a hand, was named this week’s Up-and-Comer.

He came to Sioux Falls for college and now shares his Rise Above, No Excuses message while mentoring kids (and serving his community).

Sioux Falls arts-and-crafts retailer The Maker's Circle has rebranded as Wild Peach & Co and will move to a larger space in the Harvester Building in 2026; its current location at The Cascade building will close on Dec.

21.

Casa Del Rey closed its doors on Monday, Dec.

8 on Russell Avenue, leaving long-time fans without their favorite Mexican meals. The Eining Family said gift cards will still work at Josiah's downtown (a nearby dining spot).

Three food and beverage options will open next month at Cherapa Place, including Harvester Kitchen by Bryan relocating to 310 N.

Reid Place and Nunzio’s Food Hall reopening for January lunch and dinner service. A hiring event will take place Dec. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

Nick's Gyros plans to open its second east-side restaurant at the former Caribou Coffee location, 3501 E.

10th St., with remodeling beginning in January & an anticipated opening in May.

Hector, the 30-year-old penguin at the Great Plains Zoo, enjoyed a birthday bubble celebration Monday while his daughter Maya became known as the first successful penguin hatch.

The zoo continues its conservation efforts with 14 Humboldt penguins + a new chick named Puddles.

Visitors can enjoy a cozy evening at the Pettigrew Home as it hosts live music, holiday treats, and guided tours tomorrow, Dec.

11, showcasing its Victorian charm (built in 1889) for free.

The Butterfly House & Aquarium will host Holiday at BHA on Saturday, Dec.

13 from 10 AM to 2 PM, offering families festive fun with Santa, crafts and warm drinks at a gingerbread backdrop with regular admission.

Google’s Year in Search data showed that South Dakota residents’ trending queries in 2025 included Taylor Swift’s 'Wood,' Pittsburgh Steelers jerseys and slang like '67' from searches run between Jan.

1 and Nov. 25 plus national trends with Charlie Kirk, KPop Demon Hunters and Labubu.

An 80 acre campus in Sioux Falls opened its first building to offer lab and office space for biotech companies, as the USD Discovery District projects 2,800 jobs over 25 years.

The facility aims to boost innovation by attracting partnerships with local health giants — Sanford Health and Avera Health.

Local biotech growth driven by the University of South Dakota Discovery District — along with Sanford Health and Avera Health — is boosting innovation in a $3.2 trillion national industry; however, the state still lacks tax incentives to support startups investing in costly research.

Three Sioux Falls School District board seats held by Marc Murren, Dawn Marie Johnson and Gail Swenson will be contested on June 2.

Candidates can file petitions from Feb. 2 with voter registration closing May 18, and polls will be open (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).

Starting 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec.

11, the northbound and eastbound lanes and a southeast corner sidewalk at the South Sertoma and West 26th intersection will be closed for Xcel Energy utility work—pedestrians must use detours to the west and north; work is expected to complete Monday, Dec. 15.

Sanford Heath will open its state’s first dedicated pediatric emergency department on Jan.

6 at its main campus ER. The 9,000 sqft space features a pediatric triage area, trauma room, nine exam rooms, and child-friendly design elements (including nature-based wall graphics) for special pediatric care.

A new lakefront home in Tea sold for $1.9 million as the top residential sale for the week of Nov.

17. The 5,400 sqft property on a cul-de-sac by Nine Mile Lake features six bedrooms and five bathrooms (including a screened-in deck and private beach).

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.

Matthew Mayer Concert

7-10 p.m. — Orpheum Theater Center — $77.59 — Enjoy an intimate evening of solo piano music and storytelling from South Dakota's own Billboard charting artist Matthew Mayer.

Candlelight Concert: Queen vs. ABBA

6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Social — Tickets required — Experience the iconic music of Queen and ABBA illuminated by candlelight in an enchanting atmosphere.

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

Dec 23-27 — 301 S Main Ave, Sioux Falls, SD — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical musical that brings the Grinch's heartwarming story to life with beloved songs and vibrant sets.

Feast of the Seven Fishes

5-9 p.m. — Harvester Kitchen by Bryan — Cost varies — Celebrate the Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition with a memorable feast of seafood delicacies.

Winter Blitz Flag Football Tournament

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Sanford Sports Complex — $225 per team — Enjoy a fun and competitive environment for young athletes in grades 1-8.