Your week, simplified: Jan. 22, 2025

Happy Wednesday! Megan here.

Weather check: Above zero, so, that's kinda nice

This week, with so much happening at the state and national level, I'm honestly pleased to report the news cycle hasn't been too crazy in Sioux Falls. That said, I did catch up with a group of nonprofits who are working to provide multilingual news and helpful information to historically underserved groups. You'll also find quite a few Super Simplified Stories and a ton of events happening this week.

And now, news:

COMMUNITY

Meet the nonprofits helping multilingual communities in S.D.

Simplified: The South Dakota Dream Coalition, a group of nonprofits across the state, has been working over the last several weeks to coordinate multilingual resources to remind people of their rights – regardless of immigration status.

Why it matters

Local groups are anticipating an increase in law enforcement activity, particularly among the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), now that President Donald Trump is in office. On the campaign trail, Trump promised to crackdown on illegal immigration, a focus he's maintained in his first couple of days on the job.
But it's not just immigrants who should be paying attention to the work the SD Dream Coalition is doing. Taneeza Islam, local immigration attorney and CEO of nonprofit South Dakota Voices for Peace, emphasized that these rights apply to everyone living in the United States.
Islam noted that it's particularly important for employers to know their rights when it comes to interactions with law enforcement in order to protect their employees.

"Let's treat this time like a fire drill," Islam said. "Something is going to happen. We don't know the extent of what, but if we want to protect our communities, shouldn't we want to be prepared as a community? You never want the fire, but we've got to be ready."

Tell me more about the SD Dream Coalition

Plus find resources for both immigrants and allies.

TL;DR

Super Simplified Stories

County-level feedback 'dismally low.' Minnehaha County Commissioners got an update on the county's comprehensive plan Tuesday morning, including data showing that only about three dozen people responded to an online survey asking for feedback about how the county uses land (i.e. what's allowed and what isn't) – including the potential to add a zoning option for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- Commissioner Dean Karsky said these numbers were "dismally low," but County Planning Director Scott Anderson said the data doesn't show the more than 100 people who showed up to in-person feedback sessions.
- Want to weigh in? The final hearing for the 2045 comprehensive plan will be Feb. 18. You can find the full plan here.
Council sees convention center options. City Council on Tuesday received an update from consultants working on potential options for repurposing the existing convention center if or when a new one is built downtown. You can see all four of the options presented here – including one that would involve tearing down the 60-year-old Sioux Falls Arena.
Support ag with a farm-to-table dinner event. The Stockyards Ag Experience announced its upcoming "Stockyards Soiree," a fundraising event to support the Falls Park facility that celebrates the past, present and future of agriculture. Get more details here on the Feb. 20 event, where you'll also get a chance to see new renderings for Woster Plaza.
The early aughts are calling. The team at the Birdcage this week announced another headliner for this summer's PhaseFest: Bowling for Soup. They'll join Taking Back Sunday, Hoobastank, Plain White T's and basically every band we thought was cool circa 2005. (Typing that made me realize 2005 was TWENTY years ago, and I'm afraid I have to go lie down.) Anyway, all of my fellow elder millennials, get your tickets here.

EVENTS

Stuff to do: Jan. 22-28

Join the 'I-kid-a-rod.' The Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation department is hosting an "I-kid-a-rod" (like Iditarod) race on Sunday morning at Morningside Park. Bring your (already put together) sled made only of cardboard and duct tape, and then you can pull your kid around a variety of obstacles and then have some hot chocolate. Registration is required – you can sign up here.
Eat pancakes. Oh My Cupcakes! is hosting a Pancakes and PJ's party to debut their new pancake mix. Stop by either location between 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Saturday to try free pancakes with whipped honey butter, syrup, sprinkles and glitter. No hard pants required. Details here.
Shop like crazy. The shops at the Bridges at 57th and Western are having a Winter Crazy Days event this weekend with deep discounts, gifts with purchase and some BOGO offers.
Celebrate Pride (winter version). Sioux Falls Pride and Sioux Empire Pride Sports Association are joining together for an evening of pool, karaoke, and more fun. It'll kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lucky's Downtown. More details here.
Paint your pal. Head over to SuFu Creative Friday evening to channel your inner artist. Bring a friend and you can "paint your pal" in the style of Picasso – don't stress, though, there's no wrong way to do abstract art. More details here.
Stay healthy. Central Church is hosting a free mental health summit starting at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. You can find resources, support and solutions from speakers and a number of vendors who work in the mental health space. More details here.

THIS AND THAT

What I'm falling for this week:

ICYMI

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Oh, by the way

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