• The kids need you. More than 250 kids are currently on waitlists for mentorship, Police Chief Jon Thum said this week. Thum stressed the importance of helping kids through programs like Sioux 52, Teammates and Lutheran Social Services. He also noted a decrease in available mentors at some of the city's Title 1 schools, and he said it's time for younger generations of mentors to step up and help.
  • Call for artists. The city last week put out a call for art as part of the 2025 ArtAbility showcase. The showcase will feature art from artists with disabilities, and all entries can be submitted here.
  • The burger kings. Chef Lance's on Phillips has won yet another burger battle with this year's cuban burger. Monks was also recognized for selling the most burgers – they sold nearly 6,200 deviled egg burgers. Honorable "munch-ens" include Bibi Sol with second place, Perch with third, Minerva's with fourth and La Luna Cafe in fifth.
    • All told, the DTSF Digital Passport (which keeps track of burger ratings) received nearly 42,000 votes in an all-time record year. A total of 84,500 burgers were sold in January, with an estimated economic impact of more than $3.2 million.

SODAK SIMPLIFIED

Three things from Pierre:

  • SDPB funds on the chopping block. The Joint Committee on Appropriations will hear from South Dakota Public Broadcasting this morning. former Gov. Kristi N0em's proposed budget suggests cutting their funding by 65%. SDPB advocate Dakota Rural Action has some context on what these cuts could mean.
  • Lawmaker drama. A Rapid City Republican lawmaker lost his vice chairmanship of the House Education Committee after he filed a bill to defund Huron Public Schools – a bill he filed after receiving a tip to the school's bathroom policy. South Dakota Searchlight has all the context here.
  • Tax talk. Gov. Larry Rhoden said lawmakers are working on a way to "tamp down" property taxes that have risen consistently over the last five years. South Dakota Searchlight has more.