Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is brought to you by White Space Studio.
- White Space Studio is offering a special 20% discount from now through Labor Day on studio rentals. Beat the heat and do your photography sessions in a climate-controlled, flexible space. Not a photographer? Inquire about hosting your events at White Space Studio. Learn more here.
Weather check: Soooooo %#$*&! hot
🍹A quick programming note: I'm going to take a well-timed vacation this week now that all of the election stuff is over. So, I've packed all the news into one newsletter this week, but you're in good hands with other local outlets covering the mayor/council swearing in on Friday afternoon.
This week, you'll hear from the three new faces on the Sioux Falls City Council, as well as mayoral candidate Jamie Smith's message to his supporters upon conceding the race to Mayor-elect Christine Erickson. Then, catch up on some exciting things happening at the St. Francis House and a whole bunch of events to take you through the weekend.
And now, news:
CITY
What new City Council members are prioritizing as they take office
Simplified: The Sioux Falls City Council is gaining three new members at the end of this week (and hanging on to one incumbent). Sioux Falls Simplified chatted with all three of the newly elected councilors to see what they're prioritizing now that they're off the campaign trail and set to officially take office.
Why it matters
- On an eight-member council, three new faces is a big deal. James Oppenheimer will fill the at-large seat vacated first by Sarah Cole and then by interim Councilor Vernon Brown. Sara Pankonin will fill the southeast district seat vacated by the late David Barranco, and Zak Okuwe will represent the central district succeeding Curt Soehl.
- Councilor Rich Merkouris also held onto his at-large seat for another term.
- The immediate priority for new councilors is to address the next city budget and five-year capital plan. Mayor Paul TenHaken left a capital plan before his term ends, which means the budget is also likely well underway, but Mayor-elect Christine Erickson will also be able to set some of her own priorities, too.
- For James Oppenheimer, who received about 400 more votes in his at-large race than Erickson did in the mayoral race, an early goal is also to try and bring the community together after a divisive election cycle.
"We need to find out what we have in common and what we can all pull towards," Oppenheimer said, adding that Erickson will be a "very strong mayor" for Sioux Falls.
Tell me more about the new councilors
2026 CITY ELECTION
Jamie Smith concedes, tells supporters 'make yourself heard'
Simplified: After two elections, a recount and more than a year of campaigning, Jamie Smith formally conceded the Sioux Falls mayoral race on Tuesday morning, surrounded by his family and supporters at the Old Courthouse Museum courtyard.
Why it matters
- The concession wasn't an easy choice, Smith said, especially because the election was decided by a margin of four votes out of more than 36,000 ballots cast. But, ultimately, he said his decision is to "put the best interests of the city over my own" by not pursuing legal challenges to the recount process.
- Christine Erickson released a statement Tuesday saying that she and Smith were friends before the election and will stay friends in the years ahead. She also said, "now is the time for our community to move past the election," and focus on making Sioux Falls stronger.
- There are valid criticisms of the election process, though, Smith said, adding that he knows there are paths he could've taken to challenge the election results. But, he also noted in a divided nation, "we cannot divide our community even more."
"I don't make this decision lightly," Smith said. "In an election this close, it's clear that our election laws and standards need to be improved to ensure that every voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot and have their ballot counted."
Tell me more
COMMUNITY
How a St. Francis House expansion will bring nonprofits together to get folks housed
Simplified: The St. Francis House is in the midst of a capital campaign to raise $10 million for a planned "Healing Home Campus." Here's how that facility aims to help people move from homelessness to stability with structured, supportive housing.
Why it matters
- The St. Francis House has added 48 beds in the last six years, but there are still – as of earlier this year – more than 240 people on a waitlist to get into the facility. And, as the city grows, that's not slowing down, CEO Julie Becker said.
- Healing Home Campus, which will be located adjacent to the current facility east of downtown, is expected to add 38 one-bedroom efficiency units, as well as several spaces for partner nonprofits to provide a wide range of services.
- The campus will also feature a "Donation Depot" to help streamline the work St. Francis House is already doing in collecting donations and re-distributing them to nonprofits across town. It's all illustrative of a broader, community-wide effort to see more collaboration among nonprofits to set the city up for success in the future, Becker said.
"Many of us are looking at (retirement) in the next 10 years," Becker said of herself and other nonprofit leaders in the city. "Our focus is, as a united front, how do we want to leave a legacy for the next generation of leaders in our work?"
Tell me more about the Healing Home Campus
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- School board approves budget, officers. The Sioux Falls School Board on Monday re-instated three members who won re-election on June 2: Gail Swenson, Marc Murren and Dawn Marie Johnson. The board then voted to re-elect Nan Kelly as board president and Gail Swenson as board vice president.
- Later in the meeting, board members voted unanimously to approve a $234 million budget for the next fiscal year – with about $1.2 million fewer expenses than the year before.
- Share your thoughts, win a gift card. Experience Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls are teaming up to conduct a series of focus groups. They're playing their cards close to the chest on the exact topics that'll be discussed, but folks selected to participate will be entered to win a $100 DTSF gift card. Fill out this survey to express interest and see if you're eligible to participate.
- Active Generations announces new women's summit. Active Generations this week announced a wellness summit specifically designed for women in their 40s, 50s and 60s. The event includes breakout sessions, fitness information and puppy yoga. Snag your tickets for the Sept. 12 event here.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: July 15-21
- Eat lots of tacos. Fernson is throwing a house party supporting Help the House Foundation, a nonprofit providing community care and advocacy within the hospitality industry. Your ticket includes all you can eat tacos from an all-star line-up of local chefs from the region. Check out all the details here.
- Check out some art. Bazaart is back for the fifth year at Sunny's Pizzeria this Saturday. The outdoor show will feature 20+ vendors with art, ceramics, jewelry, clothing and more. Snag a pizza, browse some art and enjoy. Details here.
- Chill with the gamers. Izzi's Gym is hosting the inaugural IzzisCon on Saturday with a full lineup of free activities, events and family fun. There'll be inflatables, crafts, face painting and a chance to learn to play games like Pokemon, Magic the Gathering, Gundam, and more. Details here.
- Play some bingo. ADA Sioux Falls and Severance Brewing are teaming up for a beer and bingo event celebrating 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act during Disability Empowerment Month. It's all going down Thursday starting at 5:30 p.m. Details here.
- Stay late at the zoo. The Great Plains Zoo is hosting its second "evenings at the zoo" event of the summer on Friday. It's a chance to stay after-hours at the zoo – as late as 7:30 p.m. – to see the animals in the evening. Learn more here.
- Shop some sales. It's Summer Crazy Days at The Bridges at 57th this weekend with sales up to 75% off – plus extra sidewalk promotions. Details here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
- Fairs
- Puff
- Still not knowing why people call these plasticky lanyard things "lester lace" (or "luster lace"??). Help me solve this mystery (and join the conversation on Instagram).
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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