Happy Friday! Megan here.
Weather check: A gorgeous fall weekend, but careful because fire danger is high
Oh hey, this is important: The voter registration deadline for the November election is Monday, Oct. 21. So you still have time to register to vote or to update your voter registration (but you do not have very much time – so hop to it!) Need help? Read this! Still need help? Reply to this email, and I'll find the answer for you.
Megan Raposa
This week, I've got the most comprehensive voter guide in town for you. I personally talked to (or, at least, reached out to) every single person seeking a statehouse seat in the Sioux Falls area. You'll also find an important update from The Compass Center on some critical fundraising needs, as well as a look at some young Realtors making a big difference in the community.
And now, news:
ELECTIONS
Meet the people who want to represent you in Pierre
Simplified: Dozens of people are vying to represent the Sioux Falls area in the state legislature. Sioux Falls Simplified reached out to all of the Sioux Falls-area candidates to create the most comprehensive voter guide in town. It's all in an effort to help you feel smart and empowered heading into the Nov. 5 election.
Why it matters
- These individuals who'll represent folks in the House and Senate are the closest the average citizen can get to having an impact on statewide policies.
- State lawmakers determine what's talked about and what issues are prioritized during the three-month annual legislative session. They're also the ones voting on all changes to state law that impacts all South Dakotans.
- For the purposes of this guide, Sioux Falls Simplified asked candidates how they'll be voting on all of the ballot measures on the November ballot. It's a simple way to get a sense of where candidates stand on a variety of issues from legal marijuana to abortion access to the state's tax on groceries.
Show me the guide
Yeah, babyyyyy! And don't forget to register/update your voter registration by MONDAY.
SIMPLIFIED PRESENTS
These award-winning realtors are going above and beyond
This is a paid piece from the REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire.
Simplified: Four Sioux Falls real estate professionals were recognized recently with the annual RASE YPN "4 Under 40" award from the REALTOR® Association of the Sioux Empire (RASE).
Why it matters
- RASE started the 4 Under 40 award in 2021, and the program is modeled after the National Association of REALTORS® 30 Under 30 award, which recognizes emerging young talents in the industry – especially those who have built strong relationships, and demonstrated creativity and leadership.
- Winners are selected by a RASE committee, which looks for people who are not only successful in terms of selling but also who volunteer and who support the association's work.
- The hope is that by recognizing people who are relatively new to the industry, the association can help mold its future leaders.
"These four winners are rising stars in Sioux Falls," CEO Jack Zika said. "These people are not only strong leaders in the local community, but also on a national scale in the industry."
Meet the 4 Under 40
TL;DR
Super Simplified Stories
- Help needed.* The Compass Center is sounding the alarm as vital services for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in South Dakota are in jeopardy. Due to funding cuts, the state’s only rape crisis center is at risk of reducing staff and services. With two urgent fundraising events next week, Cultivating Courage and the SOS: Swiftly Overcoming Silence raffle, they’re calling on the community to step up and help ensure that no survivor is left without support. Learn more at www.thecompasscenter.org.
- Rec center deets. The city this week released more details on the Westside Recreation Center – formerly Sanford Wellness Center at Tea/Ellis Road. When the city takes over on Jan. 1, the center will no longer operate "KidZone" drop-in childcare. Users will also need to bring their own towels. Hours of operation won't change, with the exception of adding hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Passes will be available for purchase starting in December. Get more details here.
*Indicates a paid partnership.
THIS AND THAT
What I'm falling for this week:
- Swifties for a cause
- Potato
- Knowing REO Speedwagon played in Sioux Falls right after their performance on "The Golden Bachelorette" aired.
ICYMI
More Simplified Stories
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
Megan Raposa
WANT TO HELP MORE PEOPLE FEEL THIS SMART?
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Thank you
Thank you to Sioux Falls Simplified sponsors, including Dakota Adventure Supply, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation, the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, Panther Premier Print Solutions, Barre3 Sioux Falls, the Great Plains Zoo, 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. ❤️
