Happy Friday! Megan here.
First things first: This issue is brought to you by Midtown Coffee Radio Hour.
- Midtown is giving the Thanksgiving holiday it's fair due with a live recording of its 33rd episode: "Midtown Gets Stuffed, Thanksgiving Style" happening Friday, Nov. 20 at the Orpheum Theater. With a cornucopia of music, original skits, and storytelling, you're sure to leave this show feeling full to the brim with hygge. Get your tickets here.
Weather check: Sweata weatha
This week, most of the news happening is football-related BUT I've got something for my fellow English/Journalism majors, too. There's a new indie bookstore in town, and I'll tell ya all about it. Plus catch some Super Simplified Stories to take you into the weekend.
And now, news:
COMMUNITY
Meet Sioux Falls' new indie bookshop
Simplified: Awaken Wild Books opened last weekend to a very warm welcome from the Sioux Falls community. Here's what you need to know about the city's new independent book store, and how owner Danielle Stelpflug is looking to build a community of her own.
Why it matters
- Stelpflug said she wants Awaken Wild Books to be more than just a place to buy books. She's hoping people see the new 8th and Railroad shop as a place to cozy up with a friend, grab a cup of tea, host a gathering, support local authors and simply be a source of community.
- Stelpflug, who moved to Sioux Falls only a few years ago after spending most of her career farming her family's land in Wisconsin, said she chose this city because she was looking for a place where she could build community – especially after spending much of her life in rural areas.
- And that community has shown up quickly. Stelpflug said she she anticipated maybe 300 people would come to her opening weekend. More than 1,500 showed up, and bought up so much of her inventory that she had to restock in the first week.
"I have never felt anything quite like this," she said. "I'm really happy I took a risk on this dream."
Tell me more
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Hit up the barre.* Barre3 Sioux Falls' semi-annual sale will kick off Monday with 25% off class packs. It's a great time to stock up on class packs or to try out a workout that will leave you feeling balanced in body and mind. (Or if you just need 45 minutes for yourself during a busy holiday season). Follow on Facebook and Instagram for updates when the sale is live. And your first class is always free!
- Recount ahead. The district 11 state senate race will see a recount, according to South Dakota Searchlight. Democratic candidate Aaron Matson filed the request after losing to Republican incumbent Chris Karr.
- Southeast tech donates bikes. Southeast Technical College partnered with Spoke-N-Sport and Center of Hope donated 40 bicycles to local youth. The bicycle project was one of several service initiatives completed during STC's Fall 2026 Service to Community Days, which brought together 311 participants and generated more than 350 volunteer service hours.
- In addition to building bicycles, volunteers decorated 288 encouragement rocks, created 134 cards for veterans, made 135 pet toys for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, decorated 103 placemats for local nursing homes and assembled 15 tie blankets for children in need.
- Former DSS Secretary to lead Glory House. Matt Althoff will be the new president and CEO of Glory House. The nonprofit provides residential treatment, outpatient counseling and recovery housing in Sioux Falls. Althoff previously served as secretary of the South Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, but stepped down in October. His new role starts Dec. 1.
- 🏈 Catch up on state football coverage. Sioux Falls Simplified is all-in on the high school state football championships this week – including the big match-up between Sioux Falls Jefferson and Sioux Falls Lincoln on Saturday evening. Follow along at sfsimplified.com or catch live updates after each quarter on Facebook and Instagram.
- Our football coverage is made possible with support from Lloyd Companies. Show them some love, and find your next home by calling 605-334-RENT.
*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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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. ❤️
Special thanks to Midtown Coffee Radio Hour!
Don't sleep on these cozy Thanksgiving vibes (even if you've had too much turkey). Snag your tickets for the Nov. 20 Midtown show here.
