Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: Return of the Humidity
This week, I'm looking for your help in shaping coverage ahead of the November general election. You all had such lovely feedback on the city election coverage, and now it's time to pivot to focusing on statewide races. Plus, you'll meet a local vet whose community food pantry is a shining example of mutual aid and find a few Super Simplified stories to carry you through the weekend.
And now, news:
ELECTION 2026
What should we ask state legislative candidates before Election Day?
Simplified: More than 50 people want to represent Sioux Falls in the state legislature across 11 legislative districts in the metro area. Only 33 will win on Election Day. Sioux Falls Simplified is looking for your input as we compile a Simplified Election Guide ahead of Nov. 3.
Why it matters
- The people elected to the South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives make the laws that govern the entire state. They also are tasked with approving the state's annual budget – i.e. how your tax dollars are spent.
- More than half a dozen races in the Sioux Falls area have already been decided in the primary election because only the Republican party fielded a candidate. That's not uncommon. In 2022 – the last midterm election year – about one-third of statehouse races were decided before Election Day.
- That said, there are still more than two dozen legislative seats up for grabs representing South Dakota's largest city, and, in the spirit of civic engagement and promoting local democracy, Sioux Falls Simplified is looking to interview each of the candidates looking to fill those seats. But first, we're looking for your help to shape the questions asked and policy topics discussed in these interviews.
Can you fill out this survey and share your input?
COMMUNITY
This community food pantry is fostering mutual aid in central Sioux Falls
Simplified: Lisa Coder was scrolling social media last fall when she saw someone who'd turned a "Little Free Library" into a food pantry and thought it was a good idea. Nearly a year later, she's running a new nonprofit, Feed Sioux Falls, and helping connect those who have a little extra with those who need a little extra.
Why it matters
- Coder, who also runs a veterinary clinic near 37th Street and Spring Avenue, initially started setting out some cans of food outside her business last fall when people saw cuts to federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds.
- Feed Sioux Falls is one of several nonprofits addressing food insecurity in the city, which impacts an estimated 1 in 10 people in Minnehaha County, according to data from Feeding America.
- Coder has connected with mutual aid groups in the community and began receiving donations of not only food but also household items, clothes, diapers and more – including a fridge to keep items cold. Everything gets put out with the message of "Take what you need. Leave what you can."
"Mutual aid is kind of that philosophy of, 'Hey, everybody's got something they can give, and everybody's got something they need," Coder said. "Why don't we meet where other people are, and we can help each other and our community is stronger for it."
Tell me more about Feed Sioux Falls
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Search begins for new planning director. The city this week convened a six-member search committee to look for the next planning director. The previous director, Jeff Eckhoff, retired in May. This is the first of three new directors Mayor Christine Erickson's administration will have to oversee in the coming months, as the city also needs a new parks director and a new human resources director.
- The committee looking for the planning director includes Public Works Director Mark Cotter; mayor's Chief of Staff Jim David; Councilor Ryan Spellerberg; Teddi Mueller, director of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire; and Bob Mundt, CEO of the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
- It's National Health Center Week. The City of Sioux Falls is celebrating by sharing the important work of Falls Community Health, which offers primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health services and care coordination for patients of all ages. The clinic serves insured, uninsured and underinsured patients and accepts most private insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid. Patients who qualify may receive care through a sliding-fee discount program based on household income. You can learn more 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 SafeSplash Swim School, Wayne & Mary's Nutrition Center, Startup Sioux Falls, 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, The Premiere Playhouse, The Good Night Theatre Collective 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. ❤️
