Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What a new report reveals before Sioux Falls’ massive new prison opens
And on the Sioux Falls Patch calendar - Ben Chapman
Good morning to you Sioux Falls! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What a new report reveals before Sioux Falls' massive new prison opens
- Why Sioux Falls schools still urgently need more substitutes and support staff
- How new data center rules could reshape growth around Sioux Falls
Also on today's calendar: Viking Cruise Summer Event Through 8/31 at AAA and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What did one strawberry say to the other strawberry? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Sioux Falls Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Sioux Falls Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Sioux Falls. 
- Tuesday: Partly sunny with a t-storm, with a high of 87 and low of 61 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: Breezy in the morning; sunny, temps: high: 83, low: 55.
- Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 84 and low of 58 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Poor coordination, missing documents, mismatched training: Report analyzes prison releases in S.D. (watertowncurrent.com) — A new report on South Dakota's prison system highlights major gaps in reentry support just as a $650 million men's prison rises in Sioux Falls. Local lawmakers from Sioux Falls and state officials say poor coordination, limited treatment access, job barriers, and scarce housing are driving high recidivism, and they're weighing changes to training, mental health care, and employment programs before the prison opens. 
2. Sioux Falls School District filling school staffing gaps (dakotanewsnow.com) — Sioux Falls School District has most teaching jobs filled but still needs more substitute teachers and support staff as students return to classrooms. With up to 400 subs working on busy days, officials are urging community members to consider subbing, volunteering, or gaining credentials to help cover hard-to-fill roles like special education.
3. Proposed zoning rules on data centers in Minnehaha Co. (keloland.com) — Minnehaha County officials are reworking proposed zoning rules for data centers, while Sioux Falls and Lincoln County leaders prepare to meet again on a possible one-year moratorium. The debate centers on how and where large data facilities can be built, with residents pushing for stricter standards and a citizen advisory board in areas overlapping Sioux Falls.
4. How social media can affect adults' mental health (keloland.com) — Sioux Falls mental health experts say social media can both connect and quietly harm adults, especially when constant scrolling fuels comparison and anxiety. A local counselor, an Avera Behavioral Health leader, and a Sioux Falls school board member share practical tips on curating feeds, setting boundaries, and seeking professional help, including using the 988 crisis line when needed.
📸 Around Sioux Falls
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Sioux Falls
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Ben Chapman →
The District, 4521 W Empire Pl, Sioux Falls
8:00 pm
Thursday August 27
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Summer Weight Room
Washington High School Sioux Falls Weight Room
6:00 am - Supervised Tests for SDHSAA
Washington High School Sioux Falls Commons
6:30 pm - First Day of School
Sioux Falls , SD 57105 - Flag Rising Ceremony
John Harris Elementary Outdoor Space Playground
8:00 am - Picture Day
All City Elementary
7:00 am - Viking Cruise Summer Event Through 8/31 at AAA →
AAA South Dakota Sioux Falls - 49th Street, 3701 W 49th St, Sioux Falls
9:00 am - Region II Music Association Meeting
Sioux Falls Jefferson High School D Wing D108 - Choir Room
5:00 pm - ACE Schoolwide Volunteer Training
All City Elementary Gym 166
6:00 pm
Wednesday August 26
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Monday August 31
📣 Sioux Falls Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Open House (PTA Spirit Wear & Sign Up)
Harvey Dunn Elementary
4:00 pm - Girls Soccer: Tea Area vs Yankton (Junior Varsity)
Tea Area School District First Dakota Soccer Park
5:00 pm - Boys Soccer: Tea Area vs Yankton (Varsity)
Tea Area School District Crane-Youngworth Field
5:00 pm - Frontier/Legacy/Venture Elementary Band Instrument Open House
Tea Area School District Tea Area High School Performing Arts Center
6:00 pm
Tuesday August 25
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- MISSING DOG!
He goes by CHICO. Small, tan/light brown chihuahua. Friendly, might still be wearing a neon green harness. If seen contact owner at 605-413-2790 (Nextdoor Galway Park) - Has anyone seen my cat??
Hes been missing for a few days now and I've done everything I can to try and find him, but still have yet to even see a glimpse of him. The small… (Nextdoor Platinum Ridge)
- Applebee's - Legacy Apple, LLC posted a job opening for Restaurant Hospitality Manager in Sioux Falls. Apply here.
- US Government Jobs posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant in Sioux Falls. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Sioux Falls here.
Ok Sioux Falls! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: If you weren't so sweet, we wouldn't be in this jam! (Thank you Patti F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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