Memorial Day and the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls

Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk on Saturday June 6

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lisa Ottmar, Development Director at the Helpline, and Mike Keller, Suicide Prevention and Outreach Program Director, about the Suicide Walk fundraiser on June 6. From website: This year's Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:00am at Fawick Park in Sioux Falls. After we hear a story of hope and healing from guest speakers Dodi and Brian Young, names of those lost to suicide will be read aloud during the Remembrance Ceremony. Then the event will conclude with a 1.5 mile walk from Fawick Park to Cliff Ave and back.  We encourage people to put together a team or register as an individual as we continue to step forward to prevent suicide and support those bereaved by loss. If you're not able to attend the event but wish to donate, that's great as well! Funds raised through the walk will benefit the Helpline Center's suicide awareness and prevention programs and services [https://loss.helplinecenter.org/].  For those interested in joining the planning committee, volunteering at the event, or asking general questions, please email donate@helplinecenter.org or call 605-274-1420. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Memorial Day and the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) with Erin Brown, Cemetery Director, and Aaron Pollerd, Deputy Secretary, about the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls. From AI South Dakota Veterans Cemetery 4.9•Military cemetery•ClosedWebsite•Directions•(605) 277-8094 * Address: 25965 477th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 * Phone: (605) 277-8094 * Operated by the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs [https://vetaffairs.sd.gov?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Opened in 2021 as South Dakota’s first federally funded, state-operated veterans cemetery. The cemetery offers: * Casket burials * Cremation gravesites * Columbarium niches * Scattering garden * Military honors and perpetual care Eligible veterans are buried at no cost. Eligible spouses and dependents may also qualify for burial services with a fee. Official cemetery information: South Dakota Veterans Cemetery Information [https://vetaffairs.sd.gov/veteranscemetery/default.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com] You can also pre-apply for eligibility through the state VA website before burial arrangements are needed. Memorial Day events in Sioux Falls Memorial Day Ceremony at USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial (605) 367-7141 * Monday, May 25, 2026 * Ceremony begins around 9:00 AM * Features a large American flag display outlining the historic battleship along the riverfront. * Free admission and museum access. Memorial Day Program at South Dakota Veterans Cemetery (605) 277-8094 * Monday, May 25, 2026 * Official veterans remembrance program honoring fallen service members. * One of the largest formal Memorial Day observances in the region. Downtown & Community Events You’ll also find: * Patriotic craft activities and family events around town * Farmers markets and live music downtown * Museums and memorial sites hosting special holiday programming A few places people often visit during Memorial Day weekend: * Washington Pavilion * Hills of Rest Cemetery Wildwood Chapel & Mausoleum * USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial Traffic note: road work on South Minnesota Avenue may cause delays over the holiday weekend. You can also browse updated local calendars here: * Experience Sioux Falls Events Calendar [https://www.experiencesiouxfalls.com/events?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Sioux Falls Festivals & Events [https://siouxfalls.com/entertainment/festivals-events/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sioux Falls Canaries Home Opener Monday, May 18 at the Birdcage....Tanner Hoops

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Tanner Hoops, the voice of the Sioux Falls Canaries about the home opener this Monday, May 18, at the Birdcage. From AI: Sioux Falls Canaries broadcaster Tanner Hoops is the longtime “Voice of the Canaries” and Director of Broadcast/Media Relations for the team. He returned for the 2026 season, marking his fifth year calling games for the club. Some highlights about Tanner Hoops and the Canaries: * Won American Association Broadcaster of the Year in 2025. * Calls Canaries games on radio/webcast and also works with the University of Minnesota Gopher Radio Network and BTN+. * Frequently appears in Dakota News Now game recaps and local baseball coverage. The Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball are Sioux Falls’ professional independent baseball team, playing in the American Association of Professional Baseball. They play home games at Sioux Falls Stadium — often called “The Birdcage.” A few quick facts: * Founded in 1993 * League: American Association * Home field: Sioux Falls Stadium * Team website: Sioux Falls Canaries Official Site [https://sfcanaries.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Tickets: Canaries Tickets [https://sfcanaries.com/tickets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] The 2026 season is underway, with home games beginning May 18 against the Lake Country DockHounds. Popular local draws include: * Friday fireworks nights * Family promotions * Affordable summer baseball atmosphere * Group outings and themed events Upcoming 2026 games include series against: * Lincoln Saltdogs * Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks * Chicago Dogs * Kane County Cougars See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Sioux Falls, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan and Freedom Fighter Qadir Aware

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (from 1977) talks with Qadir Aware about his views on Iran. from Chatgpt: Qadir Aware is a longtime community leader and former executive director of the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center. He is a Kurdish immigrant who settled in Sioux Falls in the 1970s after fleeing political persecution in Iraq/Kurdistan. He became known locally for: * Supporting immigrant and refugee families * Running multicultural education and language programs * Advocating for Kurdish causes * Community outreach and translation services Some notable references: * South Dakota Historical Society described his work helping new immigrants adjust to life in South Dakota. * HUD archives highlighted his multilingual community work and translation services in Sioux Falls. * KELO reported on his public advocacy for Kurdish people in 2019. He was also associated for many years with the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center before resigning in 2010 amid organizational controversy and audits involving the center’s management. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Presumed Automatic Parole (with no Parole Board)...Sheriff Mike Milstead...Officer Shootings

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead about officer shootings and early parole. from AI 1. Parole Eligibility vs. Release South Dakota law states that an inmate is never entitled to parole as a matter of right, even after becoming eligible . The Board of Pardons and Paroles has full discretion to grant or deny release based on the inmate's rehabilitation, conduct, and risk to society . * Eligibility Dates: An inmate's "initial parole date" is calculated by the Department of Corrections based on the crime's classification (violent vs. nonviolent) and the number of prior felony convictions . * For nonviolent first-time offenders, eligibility may begin after serving 25% of the sentence. * For violent offenses or repeat convictions, the required time served increases significantly (e.g., up to 75% or more for repeat violent offenders) . 2. The "Presumed" or Mandatory Release Mechanism Recent changes, specifically under SDCL § 24-15A-38, created a process that functions similarly to "presumed" release for inmates who meet all criteria: * Initial Parole Date: If an inmate reaches their calculated initial parole date and has substantively met all program requirements (work, school, treatment), agreed to supervision conditions, and has an approved release plan, they must be released to parole supervision without a further Board hearing . * The Plan: At least 30 days before this date, the inmate must submit a release plan detailing residence, employment, and treatment needs . * Discretion Remains: If an inmate fails to meet these program directives or lacks an approved plan, the Board retains the discretion to deny parole and hold a hearing to determine if release is in the best interest of society . 3. Recent Strengthening of Supervision As of late April 2026, Governor Larry Rhoden announced new measures to tighten parole supervision, including faster revocations for violations and a new compliance unit within the Department of Corrections . This indicates that while the "path" to release may be clearer for compliant inmates, the state is actively enforcing stricter consequences for those who violate parole conditions. Summary While South Dakota does not use the phrase "presumed parole," the law effectively creates a mandatory release track for inmates who: 1. Serve the statutory minimum time (based on their crime and history). 2. Successfully complete all required prison programs. 3. Submit an approved release plan. If these conditions are met, the Board cannot deny release, making the release "presumed" by statute rather than discretionary . However, for those who do not meet these specific criteria, parole remains entirely at the Board's discretion. Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead announced his retirement in late January 2026, marking the end of a 60-year law enforcement career and nearly 30 years as the county's top cop.  Milstead, who began his career with the Sioux Falls Police Department in 1973, was appointed sheriff in 1997 and was re-elected six times without opposition.  His term officially ends on December 31, 2026, making this the first time in decades that Minnehaha County will have a new sheriff.  Milstead has endorsed Captain Josh Phillips, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff's office who oversees investigations and the fugitive task force, as his successor.  Phillips launched his campaign alongside another candidate, Bobby Smith, who has 16 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections.  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.