Vanessa Carlson Bender - Journalist

12/03/2025

"But even with statewide fundraising and donations pouring in, Buche said private efforts can’t offset what’s been lost, contradicting Gov. Larry Rhoden’s call to action on Oct. 31, which encouraged community members to 'donate to local food banks' and churches to 'conduct food drives and take the opportunity to share the Christian love in their communities.'

12/03/2025

“As the moments went by, it became clear that it wasn’t going to tip over,” said former Argus Leader reporter Steve Young, who covered the implosion. “And I think there was a certain amount of disappointment that we all came for this huge spectacle, and all these people were out braving the cold with their children and family and friends to see this great spectacle and it never happened.”

Within hours, the scene was replayed on CNN and other news outlets worldwide.

For the week of Dec. 1-5, Cherapa Place in downtown Sioux Falls is celebrating and looking back 20 years to the "Big Boom" of Cherapa Place's predecessor, the 202-foot historic Zip Feed mill tower.

Sioux Falls is celebrating and looking back on 20 years since "Big Boom" of Zip Feed mill.

10/27/2025

For many in the community and more than 1 million visitors since opening, the Butterfly House holds deep sentimental value — a legacy that SFZA officials say will continue when the Great Plains Zoo and Butterfly House & Aquarium come together on one campus, starting with the expanded Butterfly Garden, which broke ground on Oct. 21.

Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium leaders officially broke ground for the new Butterfly Garden at the Great Plains Zoo.

09/07/2025

During the 1930s, the John Morrell plant in Sioux Falls was referred to as "the poorest-paying place in town," with working conditions “so bad that you were as well off on the soup line."

When the company fired 29 union workers in July 1935, union members initiated another strike, setting up pickets at both the front and rear entrances.

In response, about 200 non-union employees representing management gathered at the Cataract Hotel before marching toward the plant, grabbing oak clubs at 6th Street and Weber Avenue. The clubs, according to union members (which the company denied), were provided by John Morrell.

The fight that ensued has come to be known as Bloody Friday, when 54 men, 13 union members and 41 non-union members were hospitalized, many with blood running down their faces and soaking their shirts, in the fight for labor laws.

“We’re always told justice will be served if we go through the right channels,” Deffenbaugh said. “But history shows us that blood, sweat and tears were spilled in order to get even the most basic rights we now take for granted.”

09/04/2025

At 284,000 square feet — roughly the equivalent of two Super Walmart stores — the building consolidates 12 South Dakota state agencies once scattered across the city.

“This building is basically the blueprint of what they want to do as the state progresses and grows,” said Building Operations Officer Chris Kielman.

“The location is strategically positioned to capitalize on the rapid growth of Sioux Falls’ east side and allows for convenient access to an array of amenities,” Dream Design International states.

09/02/2025

The Argus Leader is hiring a Sports Reporter! Check out the job listing and come work with a bunch of really cool folks!

Find your next adventure

07/30/2025

Go out and get your blizzards and/or coupons today!

Selah Barrett was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at the Sanford Castle and diagnosed with necrotizing pneumonia - a severe form of pneumonia where bacteria begins eating away at lung tissue, causing significant damage.

“One time her heart stopped where they had administered CPR in the room…for several minutes…the Crash Team had to come in, and we didn't know if she was going to make it multiple times,” her dad, Adam Barrett, said.

After 26 days in the PICU with “hour by hour” monitoring, Selah was finally discharged.

Jerzey Meeks, now nearly 17, has undergone four open-heart surgeries. One was when she was just 5 days old.

She is hopeful there won’t be another surgery until after high school or maybe even college.

“It depends on how her valve does and how her heart does,” her mom, Liz Meeks, said.

Liz hopes that with future technological advances in healthcare, her daughter may not have to have open heart surgery, but instead undergo a cath lab procedure to replace the valve.

Two Sioux Falls families share how DQ Miracle Treat Day, Sanford Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network made true miracles happen.

07/16/2025

"To better understand immigrants and refugees, Sioux Falls panelists emphasized the importance of taking the time to get to know one another and each other’s perspectives, to 'create a community among strangers.'"

Sioux Falls Thrive and the South Dakota NewsMedia Association hosted a panel, “Under the Same Sky: Immigration in the Heartland,” at the Sioux Falls State Theatre.