Advertise on podcast: Sunday Focus With Christine Manika

In Sioux Falls, we’re pretty lucky to have amazing performance venues to watch a variety of shows, like the Orpheum Theater. But the best shows in town are those produced by local talent. The Premiere Playhouse highlights Sioux Empire stars and puts their own twists on iconic shows. Season 24 is here, and there's lots of exciting shows in store for you. Plus, the community can get involved with The Premiere Playhouse off the stage. Oliver Mayes joins us to give the latest details. Learn more by visiting thepremiereplayhouse.com. For tickets, call the Box Office Line at 605-731-2420.

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 will return as the special guests on Sunday, November 8th at 2 PM. Tickets for the Turner County Youth Pheasant Hunt concert can be found at itickets.com.

Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day. Many South Dakotans will go to the polls to vote for the next Governor of South Dakota, state representatives, and various amendments like Amendment L. Voters might be a little confused about amendments like Amendment L. So whether you’re early voting now or going to the polls on November 3rd, we’re hoping this segment of Sunday Focus can clear any confusion you might have on amendments on the ballot. Joining us now to provide more details and insight is Representative John Hughes from District 13. A sample ballot can be found at vip.sdsos.gov. You can also email John with your questions at [email protected].

Tuesday, November 3rd is Election Day. Many South Dakotans will go to the polls to vote for the next Governor of South Dakota, state representatives, and various amendments like Amendment L. Voters might be a little confused about amendments like Amendment L. So whether you’re early voting now or going to the polls on November 3rd, we’re hoping this segment of Sunday Focus can clear any confusion you might have on amendments on the ballot. Joining us now to provide more details and insight is Representative Erik Muckey from District 15. A sample ballot can be found at vip.sdsos.gov.

The mission of GreatLife is “to enrich the lives of families and individuals through golf, fitness and healthy lifestyles.” This goes hand-in-hand with the GreatLife Cares Foundation. The Foundation aims to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and charitable organizations in our community. To tell us more about GreatLife and the GreatLife Cares Foundation we have the President of the Foundation and Chairman Tom Walsh Sr. with us along with Nick Ovenden the President of GreatLife. More information can be found at joingreatlife.com/greatlife-cares-foundation/

Many people across the Sioux Empire might recognize Pepper Entertainment from seeing some the biggest concerts in town. Over the last 20 years, Pepper Entertainment has brought big names like Riley Green, Willie Nelson, Daughtry, the Goo Goo Dolls, Ella Langley, The Beach Boys, Foreigner, Lainey Wilson, and countless others to stages across the Sioux Empire. But aside from the show-stopping nights, part of their foundation gives back to the community through music. The Art of Music highlights local art and Pepper shows from over the years. Proceeds from the event go directly back to the Champion Foundation. The Art of Music will be on Thursday, September 17th-Casey Kelderman from Pepper Entertainment joins us now to tell us more about it. More details can be found at pepperentertainment.com/foundation

The Sanford International is coming back to the Minnehaha Country Club this year September 7th through the 13th. Legendary golfers will compete in a high-level PGA Champions tournament in Sioux Falls. Golf history could be made and you can see it in Sioux Falls. Davis Trosin with the Sanford International is with us in studio to talk about the tournament, the week's events, the future of golf, and more. Ticket information can be found by visiting sanfordinternational.com

Call to Freedom is at the forefront of helping victims of sex and labor trafficking navigate a new path. It’s not an easy journey. But the hope is that through education, others can help those being trafficked in our area and state. We have done several segments with Call to Freedom and we’re happy to have CEO and Founder of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen in the studio and Jessie McPherson is over the phone to give us updates about the organization, a new location and how others can get involved. Visit calltofreedom.org for more details. If you ever need to reach out for help in Rapid City, call 605-777-3469

Sioux Falls is a growing community and some of the biggest needs for the city include having affordable housing options for residents. The mission of Affordable Housing Solutions & Sioux Falls Housing is to provide long-term rental assistance in Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County. Offering eight specialized housing programs, they aim to meet the community’s housing needs. Right now, the “Frame The Future” Capital Campaign will help continue the mission of providing affordable housing for everyone, ensuring community members feel safe and empowered. Joining us in the studio are Larissa Deedrich and Ashley Linneweber with the Sioux Falls Housing & Redevelopment Commission to tell us more about the organization and projects coming. To donate today, visit homesolutionssd.com

The Bishop Dudley Hospitality House is known to be a day and overnight shelter for those in need. They are at capacity every single night. But with the community’s support, the Bishop Dudley House can assist those who are homeless in the Sioux Falls area. They even have a facility for families at 409 N. Western Avenue in Sioux Falls. A lot has changed since the doors opened in January 2015. Madeline Shields of the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House joins the show to tell us the latest news with BDHH, discuss the homeless population in Sioux Falls, and how to continue supporting the organization. You can always call 605-809-8424 if you have any questions about their work

There are all sorts of opportunities for people to explore their personal and professional lives in South Dakota. There’s something for everyone…and I mean everyone. DakotAbilities give the people they support a chance to thrive in our community. Through advocacy and education, DakotAbilites has played a big role in ‘championing inclusive communities that actively include people of all abilities’ for 60 years. DakotAbilities is continuing its mission and starting new housing projects to support people with high medical needs. Any questions about DakotAbilities or volunteering opportunities can be found by visiting dakotabilities.org.

Presented by MarketBeat, Lallycooler is back and set to be the “coolest” thing you’ll do in the Sioux Empire this summer. Lallycooler will take place at the Sioux Falls Birdcage on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th, featuring Darius Rucker and Jason Derulo. Not only will this be a big party, but it’s also a great way to support Owen's Outfitters. Get all the details and passes now at lallycooler.com

We're always encouraged to make the world a better place and do good deeds for others. But sometimes we don’t know where to start. One local man named Bruce Blumer decided to take action in a huge way. Bruce is part of 'Haiti Alive,' a local non-profit organization that helps the people of Haiti. Not only is Bruce an activist for 'Haiti Alive,' but he is also an author of a book called It’s Not My Problem…Or Is It? From Nudge to Nonprofit. More information about Haiti Alive and Bruce's books can be found at haitialive.org.

The 605 Unity JAM in Wagner is a day for learning about and understanding other heritages in South Dakota. Dana Sanderson along with Wagner High School students Annalise and Avery join the show to discuss the organization and the 605 Unity JAM on Sunday, June 14th.

Live music in Sioux Falls is thriving, especially at Levitt at the Falls during the summer and beyond. Levitt at the Falls announced its 2026 season, which is set to be one of the biggest years yet. They'll even have a big celebration for America's 250th Birthday. You can always find more information about the Levitt at levittsiouxfallssiouxfalls.org