Aug. 23, 2010

The Highest and Best Use of the Sioux Falls
Stockyards Property
(Aka, the Ultimate Knobe Plan)


To embrace this concept, you must give up your pre conceived ideas and get rid of your prejudices and all bias about what is impossible to do in Sioux Falls.  Remember forty years ago, the people who wanted to build trails along the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls, were considered out of their minds.

We need hockey rinks, soccer fields, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Nothing has been built to meet the continuing and growing demand for year round facilities. There are a few separate proposals being discussed, but none of them come close to meeting the emerging needs, and none of them call for common sites, parking, and buildings. Also, none of them are in the "heart" of the city.

Here is the plan:

Use the stockyards site, and any additional property adjacent to it to build a community recreation center. Probably more than one building.  Ice Hockey, swimming, tennis and soccer will be in the complex. Some of the sports will have both indoor and outdoor fields/courts, i.e. tennis and soccer. (If space is available)

Each sport will have to bring money to the table. Naming rights to the complex, and facilities in the buildings will be an integral part, of both the building and operational costs. Example:

The Smithfield/Morrell Community Center
The Citibank Swimming Pools;
The Maguire Iron Tennis Complex
The Land o' Lakes Hockey Rinks
The Poet Soccer Fields
Use your imagination for other names.

A shared parking agreement with John Morrell will be important.  The facility will include a sports clinic of some type to deal with training, rehab, and other medical needs of people using the facility and the neighborhood.  Rooms for other activities, such as gymnastics and yoga will work, as will a climbing wall.  Management will be provided either by the city parks department, or the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.

This project fits into community plans to further develop the East Bank area. It is within walking distance of the city's pride and joy, Falls Park. It will further enhance the desirability to live and work on the east side of the river.  There should be adequate infrastructure in the area to handle site needs. Water, sewer, drainage, electricity, streets.  Access is easy. City Buses already serve the area. This project will pull us out of our doldrums, ignite community pride, and create a space people will use with enthusiasm and improve our collective health at the same time.

Let's get started!!!!


Rick Knobe
Viewpoint University
KSOO Radio
Sioux Falls, S.D.

605-330-7243(personal line)
605-338-5766(on air number)
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Find the lasted details on road construction in Sioux Falls, here.

Our Big Announcement!  Viewpoint University has adopted a wetland!  This is a first in the City of Sioux Falls.  You can see our adoptee for yourself at 57th between Tennis Lane and Oxbow.  Rick Knobe and Ruth of VPU.

Plan now for the 15th Annual Hot Harley Nights July 9-11.

Join 1140 KSOO, Saturday, September 11th for the Buddy Walk at Sertoma Park.  The Buddy Walk promotes the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome.  Registration starts at 10am at Sertoma Park.  The short walk takes place at 11am.  After the walk the Dance Gallery's Adaptive Dance students will put on a show.  For more info, call 310.7570 or check out the Buddy Walk website here.

Find out the latest events in the Sioux Falls area.

September 7 (Tuesday) JOHN HIATT 8pm at the Orpheum Theater.  Tickets are $45.  Tickets available through Ticketmaster.

September 10 (Friday) TRUTH 4 YOUTH PURITY BALL 7pm at CJ Callaway's.  Fathers are encouraged to attend with their daughter.  Daughters gain a deeper understanding how important a decision to remain pure until marriage is and fathers gain understanding about how much influence they have in their daughter's decision to remain pure until marriage.  Cost is $15.  (RSVP by calling 605-275-6291)

September 10 (Friday) Songs of Peace:  A Concert of Voices Seeking Peace 7:30pm at First Congregational Church, 11th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.  A massed choir of area singers along with an orchestra of South Dakota Symphony instrumentalists will present a program including Haydn's Mass in Time of War for chorus, soloists and orchestra.  (336.3072)

September 10-11 (Friday-Saturday) RIBS, RODS AND ROCK ‘N ROLL in downtown Vermillion.  BBQ ribs, classic cars, street dance, beer garden, music fest, BBQ championship cook-off, children's games and more.  (www.sdbbqchampionship.com)   

September 11 (Saturday) Sidewalk Arts Festival 9:00am downtown Sioux Falls on the surrounding the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science.  A fundraiser for the Visual Arts Center of the Washington Pavilion, and it features over 200 vendors from 10 states.  (367.7397)

September 11 (Saturday) BUDDY WALK A walk to raise funds for the new Directions Down Syndrome Association.  Registration is at 10am and the walk at 11am at Sertoma Park.  After the walk there will be a presentation from the Dance Gallery's Adaptive Dance students, food, Mr. Twister and Chris Burke and his band will perform a concert.  Chris played Corky on the ABC TV show "Life Goes On."  Pre-register for $20 per family or $25 the day of. (Carin 310-7570)

Saturday, September 11 Remember Rally Motorcycle Benefit 11:00am at the Howling Dog Saloon in Luverne, MN.  To honor 9-11 and military members.  Motorcycle tour includes 150 mile ride, door prizes and food.  $10.00 per rider.  Proceeds will help build a specialized health facility for those affected by chemical or toxin exposures. (507.283.4194)

September 11 (Saturday) German Fest 2:00pm at Falls Park.  German Fest is a free family friendly event. Come enjoy authentic German food, music and celebrate German Heritage.  (274.2423)

September 11 (Saturday) PRESIDENT'S BOWL at Howard Wood Field.  4pm Lincoln High School vs. O'Gorman and at 7pm Washington vs. Roosevelt.  (www.presidentsbowl.com)

September 11-13 (Saturday-Monday) Fall Parade of Homes Numerous newly constructed homes open to tour for free (excluding any Feature Homes) on Sat. & Sun. from 1-5pm and Mon. from 5:30-8:30pm. (330.2387)

September 12 (Sunday) Sioux Falls Marathon, Half-Marathon & Miracle 5K  Marathon 6:45am at Howard Wood Field, Half-Marathon:  7:30am at Howard Wood Field, Miracle 5K:  8:30am at Sertoma Park.  To register-http://www.siouxfallshalfmarathon.com.  You must pre-register.  NO registrations on race day.

September 12 (Sunday) FORMER NLF QUARTERBACK ERIC HIPPLE WILL SPEAK AT THE VA 12pm.  He'll discuss depression, recovery and suicide prevention and will talk from personal experience.  Eric lost his son to suicide in 2000.

September 14-19 (Tuesday-Sunday) "LATE NIGHT CATECHISM" at the Washington Pavilion.  A funny interactive play that takes the audience back to their youth.  A "Sister" teaches class to a roomful of "students"... the audience.  Eight performances to choose from.  (www.washingtonpavilion.org 7pm Tues, Wed, Thurs / 8pm Fri, Sat / 2pm matinee Thurs, Sat, Sun.)

September 16 (Thursday) Cello Recital featuring Andrew Travers with pianist Debra Reid 7:30pm at First Congregational Church, 11th and Minnesota in Sioux Falls.  (496.5339)

September 17-19 (Friday-Sunday) Spirit of the West Festival a 3 day festival promoting our western heritage from the 1800's to the present. Singers, bands and poets lined up for your entertainment.  From the intersection of 60th St North and Kiwanis Ave in Sioux Falls go 1.5 miles north on Kiwanis and 1/2 mile east.  (334.9202)

September 18 (Saturday) RESCUES AND RUNWAYS A fashion show in the Empire Mall Center Court presented by Maurices.  The models will be accompanied by adoptable pets from the Sioux Falls Humane Society.  The event will increase awareness of animal shelters, in turn, increasing pet adoptions.  A silent auction will also be held with proceeds benefiting the Sioux Falls Humane Society.  You can also donate pet supplies or a monetary gift.  Drop off your donations at Maurices and receive a 20% off coupon.  You can also purchase a Friends for Life Charm.  Half of the charm is worn by you and the other by your furry friend.  Funds benefit the ASPCA.  (www.maurices.com or 361-3242)

September 18 (Saturday) Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk 9:00am at Sertoma Park.  To raise awareness and funds for those affected by Alzheimer's disease in South Dakota. Registration begins at 9 am and the one mile walk starts at 10 am.  (339.4543)

September 22 (Wednesday) First Lutheran Church Fall Organ Recital Series 12:15pm at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Ave. in Sioux Falls.  Featuring Jack Mohlenhoff, Minster of Music and Arts at First Congregational Church.  (339.1983)

September 24 (Friday) BOYD FAMILY BENEFIT 5-9pm at Terrace Park.  Music from Blues Exchange, food, raffles, silent auction, inflatables and more.  Mary and Randy Boyd and their 7 year old son were in a head on collision with a drunk driver in Las Vegas on July 24th.  The Boyd's were life-long residents of Sioux Falls.

September 24 (Friday) HOMELESS VETERANS STAND-DOWN, VETERANS HELPING VETERANS 9am-3pm at the Salvation Army, 2nd and Cliff.  On-the-spot help including meals, clothing, community housing referral, medical and dental treatment, re-adjustment counseling, women veteran services and more. (330-4552)

September 24 (Friday) BOYD FAMILY BENEFIT 5-9pm at Terrace Park.  Music from Blues Exchange, food, raffles, silent auction, inflatables and more.  Mary and Randy Boyd and their 7 year old son were in a head on collision with a drunk driver in Las Vegas on July 24th.  The Boyd's were life-long residents of Sioux Falls.

September 25 (Saturday) GREEN-IVAL AND BIO-BLITZ 10am-2pm at Sertoma Park.  Learn to live a "green" lifestyle in Sioux Falls.  When you live green...you save green.  Admission is FREE.  Entertainment, children's activities, food, vendors and educational displays and more.  (www.siouxfalls.org/green or 367-8695)

September 24-26 (Friday-Sunday) South Dakota Festival of Books Events will take place at the Holiday Inn City Centre, the Orpheum Theatre and the Multi-Cultural Center. (688.6113)

September 25 (Saturday) 2nd Annual Green-ival & Bio-Blitz 10am-2pm at Sertoma Park & the Outdoor Campus.  Learn about using green practices for every day operations.  This event will assist residents in learning about living a sustainable lifestyle. (367.8695)

September 25 (Saturday) Northern Bull Riding Tour 7:00pm at Sioux Falls Arena. (367.7288)

September 25 (Saturday) SD Convoy 7:00am at W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds Armory Building.  To help raise money for Special Olympics South Dakota. A Convoy - Truck Show - Entertainment - Poker Tournament - Live Auction - Raffles - Food & Drinks. Each Truck makes a $100 donation to participate in the Convoy and Truck Show.  (212.1527)

September 25 (Saturday) WALK FOR LIFE 8am at Tuthill Park.  Funds raised will benefit the Alpha Center.  Registration fee is $25 for runners and free for walkers.  (www.alphacenterevents.org)

September 25 (Saturday) Volunteer Sioux Falls 2010 a community-wide day of volunteerism. Join 1,000 volunteers as hundreds of hands help build a better community during this day of service. Be a Team Leader by planning a Volunteer Sioux Falls project for your family, friends or co-workers.  Dial 2-1-1, visit www.helplinecenter.org or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

September 26 (Sunday) SUSAN G. KOMEN RACE FOR THE CURE at the Dakota Dome in Vermillion.  All funds raised go to breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs.  Registration starts at 7am.  The 1-mile Run Run/Walk starts at 9:10am and the 5K run/walk starts at 9:30am.  (www.komensouthdakota.org)

September 29 (Wednesday) First Lutheran Church Fall Organ Recital Series 12:15pm at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Ave. in Sioux Falls.  Marilyn Schempp, Associate Director of Music and Fine Arts at Our Savior's Lutheran Church; Augustana College Faculty.  (339.1983)

October 3 (Sunday) Grace Lutheran Church Soup & Pie Supper 4:00pm-7:00pm with a country store offering baked goods, silent auction and crafts.  Adults-$6, Children-$3.

October 6 (Wednesday) First Lutheran Church Fall Organ Recital Series 12:15pm at First Lutheran Church, 327 S. Dakota Ave. in Sioux Falls.  Featuring James Moore, Member of First Lutheran Church.  (339.1983)

October 8-10 (Friday-Sunday) Autumn Festival, an Arts & Crafts Affair at Sioux Falls Arena/Convention Center.  Hundreds of the nation's finest artists and crafters display and sell their handcrafted works. Voted one of the top 100 shows in the country. Hourly gift certificate drawings, stage entertainment, food & drink, lots of family fun. (402.331.2889)

October 9 (Saturday) Mrs. South Dakota International Pageant 7:00pm at Orpheum Theatre.  (360.1117)

October 9-10 (Saturday-Sunday) Showcase of Remodeled Homes 8th Annual Showcase of Remodeled Homes is your chance to see the latest trends in the remodeling industry.  From kitchens to bathrooms to entire home remodels, if you're a homeowner who wants to get some ideas, you'll need to attend this event.  Admission to tour is $5 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Sioux Empire Home Builders Care Foundation.  (330.2387)

October 11 (Monday) GOO GOO DOLLS At the Elmen Center on the Augustana College Campus.  Opening act-The Spill Canvas at 7:30pm, Goo Goo Dolls at 9pm.  All seats are general admission.  (www.augietickets.com Tickets are $16 for Augie students and $32.50 for non-students.

October 22-24 (Friday-Sunday) ZooBoo at Great Plains Zoo.  Friday-5:30pm, Saturday & Sunday-3:30pm.  Come trick-or-treat at ZooBoo, a spook-tacular event.  ZooBoo is a safe, non-scary Halloween event for the entire family. (367.7003)

October 23 (Saturday) Sioux Falls Walk to Defeat ALS 9:00am at Empire Mall.  A 2 mile fundraising event, benefitting The ALS Association. Participants will walk a 2 mile route within the Empire Mall.  (888.672.0484)