Regional economy showing signs of stress
OMAHA, NE (KELO.com) -- For the first time in nearly four and a half years, regional farm land prices dropped last month. Creighton University's Rural Mainstreet Index also shows a decline in the overall regional economy. The Index is a survey of small community bankers across a ten-state region. Economist, Dr. Erni...
May 16, 2024
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Thune says there's no relief in sight for inflation
WASHINGTON, DC (KELO.com) -- The inflation report is out for the month of April, and it's more bad news for American consumers. It came in at 3.4-percent, a slight reduction from March, but it marks 37 straight months of higher prices. Temperatures are also about to go higher with the arrival of summer, which Senator...
May 16, 2024
Rounds: Allow Israel to defend itself, finish war with Hamas
WASHINGTON, DC (KELO.com) -- President Biden is sending the wrong message to Israel - and to Hamas. That's the view of Senator Mike Rounds in an appearance on Fox News with Stuart Varney. Rounds is among about 100 lawmakers calling on the President to reverse course on his decision to withhold weapons from Israel. Ro...
May 16, 2024
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Mountain bikers hoping to add 10 miles of new trails in Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- It's being called "The Great Trail Build. Destination: Bear". Those are some of the things Reva Graves is looking forward to as mountain bike and Single Track enthusiasts set out to raise a million dollars. The money will be used to develop at least ten miles of biking, hiking a...
May 16, 2024
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City Council oks purchase of Sanford Wellness Center
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls City Councilors have endorsed a plan to buy the Wellness Center on the city's west side from Sanford Health. City Finance Director Shawn Pritchett assured council members of the facility's value. Councilor Curt Soehl voted in favor of the purchase despite some concerns. The c...
May 15, 2024
City council approves scholarships for potential childcare workers
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- The Sioux Falls City Council approved 450-thousand dollars for a scholarship fund for those interested in joining the childcare industry. Councilor Rich Merkouris is hopeful that will lead to more in-home childcare centers. The councilors approved the funding, but it will probably take s...
May 15, 2024
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Mayor appoints County Commissioner as new Public Health Director
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Mayor Paul TenHaken has appointed a new Public Health Director for the city and many area residents quickly recognized the name. Joe Kippley is currently the Director for the Sanford Cardiology Clinic, and also serves as a Minnehaha County Commissioner. He fills a vacancy that was create...
May 15, 2024
Secretary of State warns against scam election calls
PIERRE, SD (KELO.com) -- Secretary of State Monae Johnson is warning citizens of fake groups claiming to make calls on behalf of her office. The calls are related to an abortion measure expected to be on South Dakota's ballot. The callers are allegedly pressuring those who signed the petition to have their signatures...
May 14, 2024
City council to consider assistance for childcare workers
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls City Councilors will consider a proposal to increase childcare opportunities tonight. They'll vote on a package of about a half-million dollars...most of which would be designated for education assistance for people interested in early-childhood education. Councilor Rich Merk...
May 14, 2024
Scottish Government / CC
USPS downsizing in South Dakota on hold
WASHINGTON, DC (KELO.com) -- Pressure from Congress is causing a delay in changes at mail processing centers in South Dakota. Republican Senator Mike Rounds calls it a step in the right direction to protect rural mail service across the state. The Postal Service wants to move mail processing out of the centers in Sio...
May 14, 2024
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Sioux Falls to host U.S. Olympic Curling trials
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- It will be South Dakota's first time hosting Olympic trials. Sioux Falls Sports Authority President Thomas Lee made the big announcement Monday afternoon. The 2025 Olympic Team Trials for Curling will be held at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. Sioux Falls doesn't appear to be a likely ...
May 14, 2024
Sioux Area Metro about to unveil new transit routes
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- SAM - Sioux Area Metro - is about to grow in Sioux Falls. The city's Public Transit Advisory Board will be asked to adopt changes proposed by SAM's new transit provider, VIA. Emily Shapiro, VIA's general manager for Sioux Falls, says the changes are the result of public input gathered ov...
May 14, 2024
BBB offers scam recovery help
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- If you've become a victim of a scam, chances are you need help recovering. The Better Business Bureau has launched a new online resource designed to provide that help. South Dakota Vice President for the Burea, Jesse Schmidt says reaching out is an important step in recovering. Schmidt s...
May 13, 2024
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South Dakotan arrested for his role at U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KELO.com) -- A South Dakota man has been arrested for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. Darrell Goins, 42, of Newell, South Dakota, is charged with six felony offenses including assaulting law enforcement officers. Video footage shows Goins hurling a bottle at a Capitol ...
May 11, 2024
Senator Ernst calls for IRS to investigate "non-profits" engaged in protests
WASHINGTON, D.C. (KELO.com) -- Some pro-Palestinian organizations may get a review from the Internal Revenue Service. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is leading 15 of her colleagues in demanding the IRS investigate if 501(c)(3) organizations that have backed the violent pro-Hamas protests on college campuses violated the terms...
May 11, 2024
Sioux Falls drug dealer gets 20 year sentence
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- A Sioux Falls drug dealer will be off the streets for a long time. Jason Winckler, 44, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl overdose. Winckler sold a man a fentanyl laced pill, which was then given to the customer's girlfriend. The woman overdosed, but w...
May 11, 2024
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Alleged vehicle scam operator nabbed by police
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- A Sioux Falls woman faces a long list of charges after trying to flee from police. 40-year old Leslie Epling was allegedly buying used cars by giving the sellers bad checks, and then trying to sell them quickly on Facebook Marketplace. Police set up a sting operation to catch Eplin at Le...
May 10, 2024
Sen. Thune: trillion dollar cost of Biden Administration regulations
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Senator John Thune is pushing back against a rush of new costly regulations issued by the Biden Administration. He says the costs go beyond the monetary expense. Thune says the new regulations are driving up costs for electricity, new vehicles, and new homes.
May 10, 2024
State and local law enforcement teaming up for traffic saturation patrols
SIOUX FALLS,SD (KELO.com) -- Sioux Falls is growing - in more ways than one. Along with population growth, there's also a growing number of traffic offenses, and a higher risk of serious accidents. Police Chief Jon Thum says his department is teaming up with the Sheriff's Department and Highway Patrol to conduct satu...
May 10, 2024
Rounds working to head off mandatory RFID tags for livestock
WASHINGTON, DC (KELO.com) -- It's another example of unnecessary, heavy-handed bureaucratic interference. That's how Senator Mike Rounds views new rules released by the Biden Administration today. Senator Rounds told KELO's Greg Belfrage the government is trying to force livestock producers to place electronic chips ...
May 09, 2024
Officers and witnesses dealing with emotions of deadly crash
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Police are still working on the investigation into a deadly car crash in Sioux Falls two weeks ago. As they do, officers and those who saw the aftermath are dealing with emotions and memories. Police Chief Jon Thum said that takes time and conversation. The accident claimed the lives of...
May 09, 2024
Perfect attendance leads to brand new SUV for O'Gorman student
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- Perfect attendance has created some extra jingle in the pocket of an O'gorman High School Senior. For Tate Bathke, that jingle is a set of keys to a brand new Ford Bronco Sport. His perfect attendance placed his name into a drawing - and he won! The raffle was also a win for the school....
May 09, 2024
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High speed chase starts in Minnesota, ends near Colman
COLMAN, SD (KELO.com) -- A high speed chase that started in Minnesota Wednesday ended at a farm near Colman. 39-year old Coty Tellinghuisen of Pipestone, Minnesota is being held in the Brookings County Detention Center on a number of charges. Speeds exceeded 100 miles per hour on a state highway north of Brookings an...
May 09, 2024
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Police Chief Jon Thum - Heart of the City award winner
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- As a life-long resident of Sioux Falls, Police Chief Jon Thum has a heart for the city. Now, he also has the "Heart of the City" - an award he received at the Experience Sioux Falls event Tuesday night. Chief Thum is one of a half-dozen people recognized for their inspiration, ...
May 08, 2024
77-million dollar aquatic bond on hold
SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO.com) -- It's a 77-million dollar package that will affect recreational opportunities in Sioux Falls for decades, but it will have to wait. City finance director Shawn Pritchett says it's apparent city councilors aren't comfortable with the user fees that would have to be charged to cover expenses...
May 08, 2024