Sunday Focus With Christine Manika

Do you ever wonder how events like the Summit League tournament, the Sioux Falls Marathon, and collegiate volleyball tournaments happen in Sioux Falls? None of these primetime sporting events would be possible without the support of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority. These enhance the quality of life for the City of Sioux Falls and provide opportunities for your future athlete. With the Sioux Falls...

For over three years, Lori Huml's son Spencer Thorsland was battling cancer. During the annual Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon, we have been fortunate to meet Spencer and hear his cancer journey. Despite his cancer diagnosis, his spirit was never broken. Spencer did earn his angel wings on January 8th of 2024 when he was 13-years-old. Even though his time on earth was short, Spencer made a huge impact...

Hunting pheasants is a huge tradition in South Dakota. It's a way of life in the state and it encourages people to get outside, especially the kids. The Turner County Youth Pheasant Hunt is all about involving kids with this sport and practicing safety. On top of this excitement, some celebrities even join the fun and perform a show at Parker High School. This year, the Christian group The Browns...

When Empire Mental Health Support began in 2020, they had a mission of supporting “mental health wellness in the Sioux Empire by working with the justice system, lawmakers, and community leaders to promote empathy and equal rights for those facing mental health challenges.” Part of the mission at Empire Mental Health Support is educating others and advocating for people whose lives have been chang...

It’s not easy to make you a priority, especially if you’re a small-town business owner. But it’s worth the sacrifice. One couple in Sioux Falls who know a thing or two about balancing your life is Chris and Annie Mello of SISU Fit. Coming from California, they had a dream for Sioux Falls to get healthy both physically and financially. Not only do they run a local business, but they also have a pod...

Grace Place Farm and Gardens is all about “Farm to Family.” They are “cultivating care and nourishment for the spirit, soul, and body. They love what they do, and they’re so grateful to watch this vision unfold—blessing others, one harvest at a time.” This farm is a leap of faith. The young farmers are trusting God, and yes, still learning as they continue to grow. Mason Prescott joins the program...

The annual Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon presented by Jerry's Auto is fast approaching. On September 25th and 26th, all the Results/Townsquare Media stations will transform for a great cause: Helping local kiddos fight cancer. The money raised during the annual Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon will benefit local kids and their families at the Sanford Children's Hospital. Bethany Olson with Sanford joins th...

Not every child from South Dakota comes from loving households. They have faced unimaginable traumas. It’s hard to comprehend kids feeling alone in this world. But at Abbott House, kids between the ages of 7 to 21 years old aren’t alone. Their mission at Abbott House is to deliver premier services for youth and families that make a lasting impact on their lives. This includes residential treatment...

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and for the fourth year, Avera Health launched its ‘Ask The Question’ campaign. This campaign is built around the research-based premise that being direct can save lives. Asking someone who’s struggling a direct question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” in a caring way can open a meaningful conversation that leads to the person at risk to get help....

After a short break, we continue the conversation about Call To Freedom with CEO and Founder of Call Becky Rasmussen. We have discussed a variety of topics, including sex and labor trafficking, survivor stories, how the law connects with Call to Freedom and those they serve, and the volunteers of the organization. Call to Freedom is part of every step of a survivor’s next chapter, especially when...

Summer is a big deal for chislic lovers in the Sioux Empire. The annual South Dakota Chislic Fest is on Saturday, July 26th, in Freeman. This is a huge celebration for the state's nosh and for the Freeman community. This is also the last year of Chislic Fest before they take a year off. Andrea Baer and Joann Hofer-Smith from the South Dakota Chislic Festival join the show to tell us more about the...

The Children's Home Shelter for Family Safety has been busy lately. It's great that they're expanding their resources, but it's also bittersweet. Growth only means that more people in the Sioux Empire need to escape domestic violence. It's crucial to educate others and initiate a conversation. Thanks to the Drive Out Domestic Violence Campaign, this helps make the conversation easier. Staci Kropue...

The Banquet is meant to be a welcoming space for people to gather and receive nourishing food. The mission? To serve and make the community a better place. 40 years later, The Banquet continues to be a vital part of Sioux Falls. Executive Director Tamera Jerke-Liesinger is joining us this morning to celebrate The Banquet’s journey, the services they offer, and how the community can get involved. M...

Dakotabilities give the people they support a chance to thrive in our community. Now they are embarking on a new home project to give the people they support independence. Shelly Johnson, Heidi Loof, and Marty Jolley from Dakotabilities join the show to tell us more. Any questions about Dakotabilities or volunteering opportunities can be found by visiting dakotabilities.org.

Paul DeJong has spent over 40 years at the Landscape Garden Center. After he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Paul’s life grew in a different direction. Paul made it his mission to share his knowledge on nature and life. With the help of Mike Cooper, photography by Paul Schiller, and the support of Fortitude Ministry Founders Heather and Amos Kittleson, Paul DeJong’s new book ‘If Our Trees...

The month of May is a great reminder to take our health seriously, especially for the American Heart Association. May is Stroke Month! Just like Heart Month in February, the American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of health and how you can stay on top of it. Joining us to tell us more about our health, Stroke Month, Mission: Lifeline Stroke, and updates in the Sioux Empire for the Ame...

This year's 100th Legislative Session just finished in Pierre. Many bills and resolutions were passed, and a new Governor was sworn into office in the middle of session. We are being joined in the studio by experts who can tell us more about this year's session and the bills passed. We have South Dakota Rep. Erik Muckey (D) from District 15 and Rep. Jack Kolbeck (R) from District 13. Additional in...

What better way to take in the warm summer air than checking out the brand-new Lallycooler Music Festival?! This is set to be the “coolest” thing you’ll do in the Sioux Empire this summer. Lallycooler will happen at the Great Bear Valley Ski Lodge Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th. It’s a party you don’t want to miss! Darrin Smith is joining us now to tell us more about the Lallycooler Sum...

It can be tough on an entire family when a child is sick. That’s why the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota makes it their mission to “keep families close.” Yes the Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nationwide organization, but it makes a huge impact on Sioux Empire families. Development Office of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota Michael Broderick joins the progr...

The Furniture Mission of South Dakota believes that having a comfortable home provides dignity, security, and a better environment to raise a family. This mission is only getting bigger thanks to the growing populations, especially in Sioux Falls. There are ways to get involved & support the work of The Furniture Mission of South Dakota, like attending the upcoming Gala on Tuesday, April 15th in S...

We have been talking with the CEO and Founder of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen in a variety of segments, including topics of sex and labor trafficking, survivor stories, how the law connects with Call to Freedom, and the volunteers of the organization. Call to Freedom is part of every step of a survivor’s next chapter, even with housing. That's why partners like Alpine Companies are essential to...

The Gift of Hope Concert is a benefit show that directly supports programs for The Lourdes Center in Sioux Falls. The show will be on Tuesday, March 18th, at the performance center at O’Gorman High School. Executive Director of The Lourdes Center Emily Leedom joins the show to tell us more about the history of The Lourdes Center and the upcoming Gift of Hope Concert. More details on the show and T...

After former Governor Kristi Noem stepped down to accept her new role as Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security, Governor Rhoden took the reins and answered South Dakota’s call. Governor Rhoden isn’t new to South Dakota politics. He intends to finish the job he started with now Secretary Noem. So how will Governor Rhoden finish the term? What are his goals for South Dakota? Governor R...

We have been talking with the CEO and Founder of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen about Call to Freedom in a variety of segments, including survivor stories, how the law connects with Call to Freedom and those they serve, and the volunteers of the organization. As part of Call to Freedom's mission, Marissa's House and Freedom Studios help survivors start fresh in life. Marissa's House provides safe...