Happy Wednesday! Megan here.
Weather check: Cooling off
👀 Help me help you: I already know you're cool because you're reading local news right now. But I'm looking for a little extra help in shaping coverage which is why I have a (drumroll please) quick civic engagement survey for you from some journalism research friends of mine! By taking the 10-15 minute survey, you'll be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card OR a super cool Sioux Falls Simplified tote bag.
This week, I'm doing a little bit deeper dive than usual to take you behind-the-scenes a bit in how the Riverline District moved from conversations about a sports stadium to plans for a new convention center. Much of the reporting comes from a copy of an early consultant report that wasn't shared publicly. It's a longer-than-usual "simplified" story, but I hope you'll stick with me because it's an important topic in our community.
- You'll also learn about an upcoming conference focused on workforce wins, find out when pools will close and find a round up of upcoming local events.
- Check back Friday for my look at where to find cheap school supplies (and still reach out to me if you'd like to talk about how you're managing the rising costs this year!)
And now, news:
CITY
Why a convention center? A closer look at the work behind the Riverline District plans
Simplified: In the course of a year, Mayor Paul TenHaken went from talking about the Riverline District as a potential site for sports stadium to laying out plans for a large-scale, state-of-the-art convention center. A consultant report obtained by Sioux Falls Simplified helps shine some light on what happened in-between.
Why it matters
- The report shows that a convention center was one of several options researched by an out-of-state consultant for the Friends of the Riverline District committee. Other options included a baseball stadium, a soccer stadium or a multipurpose indoor recreation center.
- Of those options, a convention center promised the most additional tax revenue for the city – but it was also listed as the least accessible to all and the most expensive by a significant margin.
- Before anything moves forward with the Riverline District, the city is likely facing months, if not years of work, further research and funding questions. Ultimately, it'll probably come down to a public vote, TenHaken told Sioux Falls Simplified.
- The mayor also noted that he hasn't heard from anyone that the existing convention center is in a good location.
"People realize if we could un-ring that bell, we would put it downtown," TenHaken said. "We have a chance to do that."
Set the scene – how did we get here?
Why a convention center? And what happens next? See more details from the consultant report that wasn't made public.
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
This summit will explore the 'great reset' in the workforce
This is a paid piece from the Sioux Falls Development Foundation.
Simplified: The seventh annual WIN in Workforce Summit will give attendees space to discuss what people are looking for in a post-pandemic workplace, the future of hybrid work, and how creating company culture is intentional.
Why it matters
- The Sioux Falls Development Foundation hosts the WIN in Workforce Summit each year as a way to bring the business community together to talk about the different roles everyone plays in not only workforce but also in economic development.
- This year's theme is "The Great Reset," with the goal of looking at how coronavirus changed the workforce, as well as what the future of work looks like now that the pandemic is in the rear view mirror, said Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce for the Foundation.
- The summit will also focus on the importance of empathy-driven leadership, up-skilling the workforce and the importance of creating a work culture that fosters emotional connections.
"We know that we can't take things for granted," Guzzetta said. "People are bringing their entire selves into work, and we also know people want to work for organizations that provide meaningful work where they can make an impact."
Tell me more about the summit
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Pools set to close soon. Summer is nearing its end, and with it comes the closing dates for city pools. Frank Olson, Terrace Park and McKennan Park pools will close Aug. 11. Drake Springs will close Aug. 25. And the remaining pools – Kuehn Park, Laurel Oak, Pioneer Spray Park and the Hayward splash pad – will close Sept. 1.
- Icky water. Last week, the Minnehaha County emergency management team was notified of high levels of harmful algal blooms (HABSs) in Wall Lake. People and pets should stay out of the water and be cautious around it.
- Liquor licenses coming right up. The city has two on-sale liquor licenses available to the highest bidder. The deadline has passed for entering a bid, but the sealed bids will be opened Thursday morning, and the highest spenders will be notified in writing. The minimum bid is $240,646.
EVENTS
Stuff to do: Aug. 7-13
- See some art. Sunny's Pizzeria is hosting the third annual "Bazaart Show" from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday. More than 15 artists will be showing and selling their works, and you can grab some pizza and a brew from Covert Artisan Ales. More details here.
- See some bugs. The Butterfly House and Aquarium is hosting "Bugapalooza" this weekend. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, you can find games, crafts, kids' activities and learning opportunities. Tickets here.
- Get low. Flo Rida will take the mainstage at the Sioux Empire Fair on Thursday. Break out your apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur and head on over. Tickets here.
- Learn some history. It's the 50th anniversary of Siouxland Heritage Museums, and they're celebrating with an exhibit sharing the history of how the Old Courthouse has changed from a county courthouse to a mostly-empty building to a museum. Catch the opening reception Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Details here.
- Stock up on essentials. It's like happy hour, but for your laundry detergent. Terra Shepherd Boutique is hosting a "Refill Happy Hour" from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Restock everything from toilet cleaner to dishwashing powder to deodorant and more, and get a 15% discount on refills. Full list of refillable items here.
- This little piggy went to story time. Stockyards Ag Experience is hosting Piglet Story Time on Friday morning. Hear a fun agricultural story with an actual piglet at 10:45 a.m. Details here.
- Catch some music. You may remember nonprofit Breathe Bravely, a group helping people with cystic fibrosis find their voice. They're hosting their annual Backyard Bash at the Levitt on Sunday with music, performances from Midtown Coffee Radio Hour. The event kicks off at 4 p.m. Details 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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