Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: You can't convince me there's nicer weather than this It's my favorite.
Join the coolest club in town: I am 26 paying members away from hitting the goal I set for myself with this local election coverage. Can you help me get there? If Sioux Falls Simplified helped you prepare for the election, please consider buying in for $5/month.
This week, I've got your comprehensive guide to the run-off election – so no excuses not to vote, OK? 😉 You'll also find, in honor of Father's Day this weekend, a story about a new group bringing dads together.
And now, news:
2026 CITY ELECTION
Your complete guide to the run-off election
Simplified: Ready for round two?? The city run-off election is happening Tuesday, June 23. Here's your Run-Off Election Day Survival Guide™ (just kidding, it's not trademarked).
Why it matters
- This is the election that'll determine who leads Sioux Falls for the next four (or, if they seek a second term, possibly eight) years. That includes the mayor and three of eight seats on the City Council – all of whom will be new faces to their respective roles in city government.
- Historically, municipal elections have a pretty low turnout in Sioux Falls. The June 2 election lined up with the statewide primary election, but this run-off is a standalone election, meaning it'll likely be fewer people ultimately deciding who leads this community. (That is, unless all of you guys go vote, which you obviously will, right?)
- This guide will introduce you to the remaining candidates in the mayoral and City Council races, and it'll also provide some answers to frequently asked election questions.
Tell me everything
COMMUNITY
Meet the local group bringing dads together
Simplified: Sioux Falls Stroll Club started last spring with a goal to build community and give dads a place to connect. Over the last year, it's grown to impact dozens of fathers in the area.
Why it matters
- Club founder Elliot Nathan said the club represents, in some ways, a generational shift in the role dads play in parenting. Dads today tend to take a more active parenting role, and the Sioux Falls Stroll Club is a place where they can find community and camaraderie amid the often lonely years of parenting young children.
- Nathan, a Sioux Falls father of two, said he took inspiration from a similar group in Brooklyn, New York called the Brooklyn Stroll Club – an organziation that now impacts more than a thousand dads.
- The Sioux Falls Stroll Club meets monthly in various parks throughout town for walks with dads and their kids. Strollers are optional, despite the name, and Nathan said some older kids will tag along on bikes or scooters. In addition, the club has started doing more dad-only events focused on mental health or learning practical skills like hair braiding.
"What stands out about this group is how each dad genuinely cares about becoming the best father he can be," said Wes Vis, stroll club member. "Sharing the journey of fatherhood with other dads is something every father needs in their life, and I can’t wait to see the impact this club will have on our community."
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TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Check out the Festival of Cultures this weekend. Lutheran Social Services is hosting the 29th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday at the Sioux Falls Coliseum. It's a pared-back event from years past, largely because the city opted to defund the Multi-Cultural Center in the last year. But, there's still a celebration to be had with live music, food trucks, the global village and the annual parade of flags. Find the details here.
- Take care of you.* Grander Peace Counseling is now accepting new clients in downtown Sioux Falls, providing mental health therapy for adults dealing with anxiety, depression, life cycle changes, relationship issues, retirement, caretaking, and more. Most insurance plans are accepted, and sliding fee options are available. You can learn more here.
- Take a break from your business.* No really, you can do it. It's OK. Startup Sioux Falls is hosting a Founders Reset event on Monday, June 22 for business owners to take a day to reconnect with their "why," gain clarity on where they're going, and return to work with renewed focus and energy. Check out the full lineup of speakers, and get your tickets on the Startup Sioux Falls website. Use code RESET25 for 25% off. Ticket sales close at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.
*Denotes a paid partnership.
PRICE PREDICTOR
Can you guess the price of this Sioux Falls home?
This is a sponsored segment from Destinie Marshall with Discovery Real Estate Co.
Investors and first-time homebuyers—don’t miss this one! This charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on a spacious lot and includes a 2-car garage. Inside, you’ll find new kitchen cabinets, new carpet, and fresh paint throughout, giving the home a clean, move-in-ready feel. The property also features an unfinished basement offering excellent storage space and the added convenience of main-floor laundry. Can you guess the price?
Want to see your listing shared here? Email megan@sfsimplified.com.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
ICYMI
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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
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