• It's summer reading season! Siouxland Libraries' summer reading program officially kicks off today with the theme "Unearth a Story." For kids, the summer reading program is a way to combat the "summer slide" and ensure kids keep up their progress as readers. For grown ups, it's just really fun (and there's even an adult spelling be in July). Learn more about upcoming events and track your reading progress on the library website.
  • City to start work on downtown rail crossing. The city will start construction next week at Eighth Street and Weber Avenue as part of the city's Downtown Whistle Reduction Project. The $1.6 million improvements at several downtown intersections will allow the city to request a future quiet zone – meaning train engineers wouldn't need to sound their horns all the time. The ultimate goal is to reduce noise pollution, according to a press release from the city. Learn more about the project on the city's website.
  • Everybody say, 'Thank you, Jeff!' City Planning Director Jeff Eckhoff is retiring next Friday after seven years leading the department. He oversaw several long-range planning efforts, including Shape Sioux Falls 2050 and the new arts and culture plan.
    • Eckhoff also played a key role in several transformative public and private development projects and housing initiatives, including the Steel District, Cherapa Place, transit system improvements, the city’s first affordable housing tax increment financing district and the first two 4% tax credit housing projects. He also helped rebuild the Accessible Housing Advisory Board and supported development of the Housing Hub initiative.
    • “Serving the city the last seven years has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Eckhoff said. “I have had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team of leaders and staff whose dedication, talent and passion for public service are unmatched. The culture of improvement throughout the city organization continues to inspire me every day.”