Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
First things first, this issue is brought to you by SafeSplash Swim School.
- Gift peace of mind this holiday season. A SafeSplash Swim School gift certificate is a gift that'll last a lifetime. SafeSplash helps kids build confidence, meets them where they're at and teaches essential water rescue skills. Purchase gift certificates in-person, or use these links for our South or East location.
Weather check: #%!@$* cold
This week, you'll get a look at how councilors are looking to improve civic engagement by simplifying some of the processes for city boards and committees. Plus, find a bunch of other city-related updates and so, so, soooo many events happening this week. I don't know about you, but I'm loving the holiday vibes!
And now, news:
CITY
Why councilors want city boards to be more accessible
Simplified: The Sioux Falls City Council is looking for ways to encourage civic engagement among residents, particularly at the stages of decision-making when their opinions can have the most impact. That conversation is starting with an in-depth look at the 32 city boards and committees who advise the city on various topics.
Why it matters
- Councilors on Tuesday afternoon heard a presentation from staffers about the various city boards and committees – including details on where each board posts meeting dates and agendas, as well as how they handle public input. One of the key takeaways was how varied the processes were for each board.
- Councilors discussed possible ways to make the meetings more consistent. That might look like ensuring all agendas are posted in the same spot on the city website, or perhaps ensuring meetings take place largely in the same one or few locations.
- The ultimate goal is to make it easier for the general public to know what's going on in each of these various boards, especially because many of the items City Council votes on flow through those groups, as Councilor Rich Merkouris put it.
"How do we raise civic engagement and how do we get more public dialogue in making decisions?" Merkouris said. "The first place we're looking at is committees and boards."
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SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
This event explores what will power the region's growth
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.
Simplified: It's nearly time for the biggest event of the year for the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA), a regional economic development group supporting several communities in southeastern South Dakota: The Growth Summit, which this year will explore all things power and energy. Here's what you need to know.
Why it matters
- SMGA's annual Growth Summit is an opportunity to bring people together to learn about different facets of our fast-growing region. That includes business leaders, public officials, lawmakers and anyone who's interested in learning more about growth.
- This year's theme "Energizing Tomorrow" will bring conversations on all types of power and energy infrastructure, from artificial intelligence and data centers, to renewable energy and "not your granddad's nuclear," SMGA President and CEO Tyler Tordsen said.
- Attendees will also get a chance to hear from a panel of regional state lawmakers on what they expect will happen in the 2026 legislative session kicking off in January.
"SMGA continues to grow in our impact and in our reach," Tordsen said. "And so this Growth Summit for us is a way for us to bring people together to not only network and make new connections, but also to educate more people on how smart, strategic growth happens."
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TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Council approves $950K for police radios. Councilors voted 6-1 to approve giving the police department funds to buy police radios yet this year as part of a sale from supplier Motorola. Police Chief Jon Thum estimates the sale will save the city $300,000 in the long-run, but the ask for close to $1 million after a belt-tightening budget season rubbed some councilors the wrong way.
- Councilor Curt Soehl, the lone "no" vote Tuesday evening, said he'd like to see that $950,000 put on a table and the city give everyone whose budgets got cut a chance to say why they ought to get a piece of the pie.
- Council OKs closing a block of 19th Street. Another decision Tuesday night that caused some consternation was a unanimous council vote to vacate a block of 19th Street between Minnesota and Dakota Avenues to make way for a new Tre Ministries development promising three dozen housing units. A few neighbors spoke out against the closure, warning of higher traffic in already-busy streets like 18th and 22nd, but given the amount of communication between developers and the neighborhood, councilors voted 7-0 to approve closing the portion of the street.
- Something for your TBR. Siouxland Libraries this week unveiled the 2026 One Book Siouxland pick: "True Biz" by Sara Nović. Each year, the library system brings folks together for discussion and community events surrounding a single title, and the late-2025 reveal will give readers more time to check it out ahead of spring events. Learn more here.
- A look at Gov. Rhoden's budget. Gov. Larry Rhoden unveiled his first budget proposal as governor. It's a "limited budget" with zero proposed increases to schools, state employees and health care providers. South Dakota Searchlight has the full story.
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
Meet the fast-growing agency with a proven process for filling jobs
This is a paid piece from The Agency.
Simplified: The best businesses know their biggest asset is people. That's the philosophy Logan Koopman brings to work every day with his team at The Agency, his Sioux Falls-based recruiting company that's grown from launch to a team of 25 in just over two years. Here's how The Agency is finding the right people for their clients' needs.
Why it matters
- Koopman launched The Agency in July 2023 as a way to align more with his entrepreneurial vibes after several years working as a top recruiter in another company.
- What makes The Agency different, Koopman said, is its proven process to bringing candidates consistently – and on average within 24 hours. The Agency also abides by a set of four core values: professionalism, accountability, communication and excellence.
- Recruiting is especially valuable in the current job market because the hiring market has slowed, which means quality candidates are often less likely to leave their current jobs.
"Good people are hard to find," Koopman said. "Candidates in general are out there, but the type of candidates that truly make an impact or a difference for companies? They’re harder to find."
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EVENTS
Stuff to do: Dec. 3-9
- Spread some paw-liday cheer.* Roxi & Co. is hosting an afternoon of holiday fun, furry friends, and festivities during its Paw-liday Cheer Open House. Stop by the shop from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday for pet photos, a paw print ornament-making station, "dog nog," and holiday sales for all the gifts on your pets' wish list. Details here.
- Vibe with some vino.* Step back in time for a holiday soirée that’s equal parts nostalgic and delightfully unexpected. Gist Wine Shop is teaming up with the folks over at Rose and Eugene Presents and Hi-Fi Hair for "A Very Vino Christmas." Sip through five curated stations with wine paired with vintage-inspired food, enjoy cozy, twinkle-lit vibes and listen to the vinyl tunes throughout the evening. Details and tickets here.
- See Santa. There's a few chances to catch the jolly old elf this weekend, including Santa at the Zoo and Santa at the Washington Pavilion. And, of course, you can also always catch him at the Empire Mall.
- See Krampus. Prefer a weird little guy to a jolly old elf? Krampus is probably your speed. You can catch him Friday evening at the plaza by the federal courthouse off Phillips Avenue. Details here.
- Support local artists. The Washington Pavilion's Art Collective event is also taking place this weekend with more than 70 vendors across a wide variety of media including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry and more. Details here.
- Support local makers. The annual 605 Made holiday market is also happening this weekend at Cherapa Place. The free event transforms a parking garage into a pop-up shop of local makers. Details here.
- Support local theatre. The Mighty Corson Art Players are bringing a modern twist on the classic A Christmas Carol with their production of "Humbug." Details and tickets here.
*Denotes a paid partnership
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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