Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first, this issue is brought to you by EmBe.
- EmBe is seeking nominations for The EMBES: A Tribute to Women event. Since 1974, this annual event has shone a light on individuals who exemplify EmBe’s mission and have made outstanding contributions to our community, and you've got until this coming Tuesday, Aug. 26 to nominate someone in one of nine award categories, including the EmBeliever Award, Sylvia Henkin Mentoring Award, and Performing & Visual Arts. Learn more about the event, explore sponsorship opportunities and nominate an inspiring woman in your life here.
Weather check: Possible storms tonight and then cooler temps ahead
This week, the state Attorney General is going full "show me the money," and, frankly, so is South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Plus, catch some Super Simplified Stories to carry you into the weekend.
And now, news:
SODAK SIMPLIFIED
How opioid settlement funds could strengthen addiction treatment
Simplified: The State of South Dakota is expected to get about $79 million in opioid settlements over the next 18 years, and Attorney General Marty Jackley this week said he'd like to see that money supporting addiction treatment in the state's two largest cities.
Why it matters
- Jackley, alongside Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken and Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, said the state has already received $31 million and he'd like to see those funds start to get spent as soon as possible rather than sitting in an account unused.
- While Jackley said he and the two mayors have big plans to increase addiction treatment resources, the challenge is he's not in control of the money. Instead, it's under the purview of a state committee, which, as The Dakota Scout reports, hasn't been asked by either city for this money.
- Funding complexities aside, the ultimate goal, Jackley said, is to take a more proactive approach to addiction treatment. TenHaken said in Sioux Falls that could look like more funding to expand The Link and other existing services.
"I don't want to have to convict an addict of a felony before they can get connected with assistance," Jackley said.
Tell me more
COMMUNITY
As SDPB faces steep cuts, here’s how you can help
Simplified: South Dakota Public Broadcasting is facing a more than $2 million shortfall in its budget as a direct result of the federal defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. That’s going to mean no more “In the Moment with Lori Walsh” no more “South Dakota Focus with Jackie Hendry” and a total of 21 jobs lost unless South Dakotans act fast in supporting locally produced local journalism.
Why it matters
- SDPB is the only public media outlet in the state of South Dakota. Its free, local news coverage and comprehensive coverage of the state legislature is available statewide, making it one of the most widely accessible open government resources in the state.
- The announcement of the cuts this week comes about a month after Congress – including South Dakota’s delegation – voted to rescind federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
- SDPB has worked to increase focus on providing local news over national news for more than a decade, Executive Director Julie Overgaard said Thursday. But these cuts will result in significantly less local journalism for the state of South Dakota unless the organization can fundraise to fill the $2.3 million gap over the next two months.
“If we want to be in the local news business,” Overgaard said, ‘if we want to be in the local journalism business, than it is going to be on us as citizens of South Dakota to pay for it.”
How can I help?
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- 4 Under 40. More than two dozen people were nominated for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce 4 Under 40 Award, and the four winners were named this week. The award recognizes folks who are leaders in their business, industry and community, and this year's winners are drumroll Olivia Essig at Sanford Health, James Gaspar at Interstate Office Products, Kate Kotzea at Click Rain, Inc. and Kelly Nyberg at Nyberg's Ace.
- Live & Local lineup. Season three of Live & Local is officially here. The Washington Pavilion's series promoting local artistry will offer four one-night-only events at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets are $15, and you can see the full lineup and snag your tix here.
- Party on the Prairie. State lawmakers and other key leaders will meet up at Good Earth State Park on Wednesday, Aug. 27 for an event to help folks understand the challenges facing livestock producers and grassland ecosystems and discuss how grasslands contribute to healthy economies and communities in South Dakota. Learn more and register to attend 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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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc., Live on Stage, SafeSplash Swim School, Dakota State University, Redmond Prime Cuts, Great Bear Ski Valley, Encompass Mental Health, the Sioux Falls YMCA, EmBe, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo and Aquarium, the Washington Pavilion, and the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. When you support them, you're also supporting Sioux Falls Simplified.
Oh, by the way
Your feedback is extremely helpful – hit the reply button and send any news tips, typos, complaints, compliments or cups of coffee my way. ❤️
Special thanks to EmBe!
Don't miss your chance to recognize someone who inspires change for The EMBES: A Tribute to Women. This event not only honors these change-makers, but it also supports the ongoing work EmBe does day-to-day to support women in the greater Sioux Falls community. Learn more about tickets, sponsorship opportunities and nominations here.
