• About $400M in reserves, but no money for SNAP. Gov. Larry Rhoden this week said he doesn't support using the state's "rainy day" fund to fill a gap in funding for food assistance after a pause in federal funds. South Dakota Searchlight has the details.
  • Say hello to winter.* Great Bear Ski Valley is hosting Welcome Winter Fest on Saturday, giving folks a chance to celebrate the upcoming snowy season with a ski swap, community vendors, free chairlift rides, food from 605 Island Guy and a special deal on season passes. Festivities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn more here.
  • Play some basketball.* The Sioux Falls Family YMCA is hosting a 3v3 high school basketball tournament next week, with a 3v3 middle school basketball tournament coming up in January. Sign up as a team of three with an optional four spot for a substitute – learn more and register here.
  • 🏗️ Avera breaks ground. Avera this week broke ground on a three-story addition to the heart hospital. This $21.5 million project will house high-end diagnostic imaging services and administrative space. Here's a peek at what the addition will look like when it's completed:

More Super Simplified Stories

  • Share your thoughts on a new Kuehn Park pool. Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation is hosting an open house Thursday evening to see renderings for the brand-new, state-of-the-art aquatic center at Kuehn Park and learn about the next steps in the project.
    • Features in the design as it stands now include a 5,000-square-foot, zero-depth-entry activity pool; a 235-foot-long, 10-foot-wide lazy river; and a 35-foot-high tube slide.
  • ⛸️ Save the date. The ice ribbon at Jacobson Plaza officially has an opening date (if all goes to plan). It's expected to open alongside the city's celebration of the Falls Park Winter Wonderland lights at around 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. Once open, the 14,000-square-foot ice ribbon will have programs throughout the winter including “Mascot Monday,” “Family Fun Skate,” and the “Prince and Princess Skate Party." Admission will be $5 with rentals for an additional $3. Learn more here.
  • Clip those coupons. The 2025 Downtown Gives coupon book is officially here, and all proceeds will benefit Emily's Hope. The book features coupons from close to two dozen businesses And, if life has taught me anything thus far, it's that if a tatted up David statue tells you to do something – you do it.

*Denotes a paid partnership.