Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Get outside and soak up fall
This weekend, I'm hoping to add a little more context to some of the online discourse abuzz about the downtown library (and if you've missed that, don't sweat it, it's still an interesting explanation of why police calls are increasing). Plus, you'll learn what's next for a soon-to-be vacant council seat.
And now, news:
COMMUNITY
How the library is clarifying rules and proactively enforcing them
Simplified: Siouxland Libraries Director Alysia Boysen said the library isn't about putting labels on people or judging their reasons for using the various resources available. But, in order to access those resources, people do have to follow the rules of conduct and library policies – something she said the city is taking a more proactive approach to addressing this year.
Why it matters
- The number of police calls to the downtown library has nearly doubled year-over-year, with 724 calls for service so far this year compared to 390 in the same time last year, according to data from the Sioux Falls Police Department.
- However, what that number doesn't capture is a shift to a new approach after the library started contracting with a new security provider in January. Boysen described the new company as being "more proactive" in making early connections with police – i.e. more calls, but the calls made are often less severe.
- Additionally, a group of librarians, public safety officials and the city's homelessness coordinator are in the process of reviewing library policies and rules of conduct with the hope of eliminating any "gray areas" and making sure the expectations of library visitors are clearly communicated, Boysen added.
"The reality is, we all want the same thing – we want a library that is safe, where people feel comfortable to fully access the services that are provided," Police Chief Jon Thum said. "There's expectations (i.e. policies, rules of conduct) we can have that ensure that takes place."
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CITY
How you can weigh in on who fills the empty City Council seat
Simplified: City Councilor Sarah Cole announced her resignation earlier this month effective Dec. 3. As she leaves to take a job out-of-state, she leaves an absence on the eight-member council that her fellow councilors will decide how to fill. Here's a look at how that process will work.
Why it matters
- The City Charter, the governing document for Sioux Falls, dictates that the City Council has authority to appoint someone to fill a vacant seat, but it doesn't necessarily specify how that process shakes out.
- Councilors Rich Merkouris and Jennifer Sigette on Thursday told reporters their plans for how the appointment will go. Essentially, any person can be nominated, but they have to be nominated by at least two sitting City Council members.
- Councilors also clarified that there’s nothing in the charter that would prevent someone being appointed who might run in the City Council election in 2026. However, it’s unlikely someone actively campaigning would be selected for the seat.
"For anybody in the public thinking we're going to handpick the next person and give a particular candidate exposure, I don't think that will be the case," Sigette said.
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SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
This limited-edition stocking stuffer supports animal conservation
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
Simplified: A new set of trading cards from Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium lets you have a little reminder of your favorite animals wherever you go. It's also a great stocking-stuffer that promotes not only education, but also conservation. Here's what you need to know.
Why it matters
- The zoo first released the new trading cards earlier this year, and with the recent addition of Asha, the new baby snow leopard, the inaugural 20-pack of cards is complete.
- The cards feature animals from both the Great Plains Zoo campus and the Butterfly House and Aquarium. Each card shows a picture and name of a specific animal on the front and various species-specific fun facts on the back.
- Work has already begun on the 2026 trading cards, and the goal is to have 20 new cards released each year, said Denise DePaolo, director of PR and marketing for Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium.
"These cards can help keep kids engaged with animals during winter months when they're maybe not visiting the zoo quite as often," DePaolo said. "You can also bring them to the zoo and make it a game to go try and find each animal. We want them to use them as a tool, and also these are a great way to benefit our conservation program."
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TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- 🦃 Lots of turkeys. The Banquet this week received a donation to help provide a Thanksgiving meal to all who need one. The National Wild Turkey Federation announced it will donate 70 turkeys – a donation which coincides with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
- “It’s heartening to see organizations like the NWTF step up at a time when so many are feeling the strain,” Executive Director Tamera Jerke-Liesinger said. “Moments like this remind us what community really means.”
- Bookmark these websites for snowy days. The City of Sioux Falls this week shared a reminder of winter weather resources available, including a snow plow tracker and the place to report unplowed roads, unshoveled sidewalks and any other hazards. And if you want it all in a one-stop shop, click here.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
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