Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Still frosty at night – don't plant quite yet
Election check: You will also see a candidate email from me today – just hitting your inbox a little later this morning. Still figuring out the format of how best to do regular news coverage AND supplemental election coverage.
- Would you rather see the candidate bio included in the daily issues on Wednesdays/Fridays? Or is it better to keep it separate? Lemme know your thoughts, and we'll muddle through together.
Important thing: Call your mom this weekend. Mother's Day is Sunday.
This week, I've got an update on how the city is addressing homelessness in Sioux Falls. Plus, you'll find some promising news from local schools, a couple Super Simplifieds worth taking the time for AND a ton of events, including a round-up of Mother's Day stuff to do.
And now, news:
CITY
What we know – and don't – about a new homelessness strategic plan
Simplified: North Star Solutions, a South Dakota-based consulting firm, is developing a comprehensive, three-year strategic plan to address homelessness. But so far they've not publicly disclosed who's paying for it, who's in charge of it or what timeline they're operating under.
Why it matters
- The city is a key partner in putting this plan together, Homelessness Coordinator Michelle Treasure told the City Council on Tuesday afternoon. Other partners include County Human Services Director Kari Benz, and Annie Olson with Augustana Research.
- However, because the plan is in its "very, very infant" stages, as Treasure put it, there's still a lot unknown in terms of who will ultimately lead the effort to implement any recommendations.
- It's also unclear if the anonymous donor is affiliated with North Star Solutions. Councilor Miranda Basye asked if the donor was funding the strategic plan or executing it. Treasure responded, "I guess you could see it that way."
- She had previously said the plan is funded through a private donation that will be paid directly to North Star. She also noted both the donor and North Star "have been a part of the process from the beginning."
"We’re looking at a really well-rounded comprehensive plan with objectives with all of the partnerships at the table, and then a comprehensive budget that aligns with those objectives," Treasure said of the overall strategic plan.
Tell me more
EDUCATION
Schools are integrating therapy – and it's paying off
Simplified: The Sioux Falls School District this week shared early results from a pilot project to embed mental health therapists in schools to support students. And so far, it appears to be helping. Here's what we've learned so far.
Why it matters
- Rooted in Schools, is a three-year pilot program providing on-site mental health therapists at five Sioux Falls schools in partnership with Avera Behavioral Health. Students can receive one-on-one counseling with less disruption to their school day.
- In its first year, the program has served 125 kids – 25 at each participating pilot school – and there are already waitlists in some schools, according to a news release from the district. Early data shows these students have improved attendance rates and a decrease in disruptive behaviors.
- The program is funded by a $1.2 million commitment from the Seed for Success Foundation, a supporting organization of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation.
"To bring in some dollars to try something new is a really great role for philanthropy," said Andy Patterson, president and CEO of the community foundation. "I just can't say enough good things about our school district for how willing they are to explore this kind of partnership."
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Pressing pause on Falls Park donation. Councilors voted to withdraw an item on the council agenda Tuesday afternoon that would've finalized a donation of just over an acre of land adjacent to Falls Park for the "Carmon Family Glen at Falls Park." The withdrawal was at the request of the donor, who, after talking more with the city, realized there's a few more logistics to work through before moving forward.
- Mayoral candidates weigh in on Flock cameras. The Dakota Scout and Sioux Falls Live teamed up on a mayoral debate to specifically discuss public safety – including the use of surveillance technology like automatic license plate readers/Flock cameras. Most candidates support more tech for the police department, with varying degrees of caution. You can watch the replay of that debate here and catch the Scout's recap here.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: May 6-12
- Catch a show.* The Premiere Playhouse is staging the final performance of its inaugural Underground Series next weekend with "Death of a Salesman." Start the evening with chef-curated meal and themed cocktails at Dada Gastropub, and then move down the hall to a transformed Icon Lounge for an unexpectedly profound play. Get your tickets here.
- 💐Celebrate mom. There are a ton of Mother's Day events happening in town (so, really, no excuse not to go do something special). Check out brunch at the Good Earth Farm or Ironwood, arts and crafts at Mosaic, a celebration at Nordic Hall, a Mother's Day market at Severance, a "sip & shop" at Seasoned Style, a pop-up shopping event at Dlux Suites. Or, if you're my husband, you can just take the kids out of the house for a couple hours and let me read Dungeon Crawler Carl in peace. 🫶
- Get a beer (and maybe a puppy). The Rescue Network is hosting a "Puppy Hour" at Remedy Wednesday evening. You can come adopt pups looking for their forever home, or just stop by and snuggle them for a little bit. Details here.
- 🌱Get some plants. There are a couple of plant-y events happening this weekend, including an organic plant sale at Cherry Rock Farms on Sunday. And, if you're centrally located, the All Saints Neighborhood Association is hosting a plant and seed swap event at Lyon Park Wednesday evening.
- Meet a local author. Author Colee Ernst is celebrating the launch of her debut novel, "Until We Met" this week with a party at the Convolo's new location across from Monks. Stop by the open house event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Details here.
- 🐐Yoga with the GOAT. Goat yoga is back Thursday nights. Sign up in advance, bring your own yoga mat and get ready for some stretching. Check out upcoming dates, and register 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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