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Jon Michaels' Forum

Jon Michaels' Forum

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A community issues and answering program that focuses on the city and people of the Sioux Empire.2026 Midwest Communications Inc. Politique et gouvernement Sciences politiques
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  • Sioux Falls Chronicles by Michael Zitterich....Who Really Built Sioux Falls?

    Sioux Falls Chronicles by Michael Zitterich....Who Really Built Sioux Falls?
    Jun 6 2026
    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Mike Zitterich about his Sioux Falls Community Chronicles Website about Sioux Falls History. From his website Sioux Falls Community Chronicles (and on Facebook) Who Really Founded, Organized, and Built the City of Sioux Falls, S.D?I have taken tons of heat for referring to the "El Riad Shrine" as a group of men to whom the El Riad Shrine was initiated in 1888, it has been a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls community, dedicated to fostering fellowship and philanthropy.A group of men from Sioux Falls, 13 in all, on December 26, 1887, left Sioux Falls and traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they were initiated into the Shrine by El Kahir Temple.It was on April 3, 1888, that dispensation was granted to El Riad Temple. On May 25, 1888, the first Ceremonial of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine held in Dakota Territory was called to order in Sioux Falls, and the first Potentate of El Riad Temple. 33 men were taken into El Riad Temple at this ceremony.The Potentate of the El Riad Shrine is like the C.E.O of a Corporate Organization, and W.O Stites was chosen to be this person in 1888. Mr. Stites was local businessman within the drug industry, and had held many influential roles within the community, among them, he was a Municipal Officer of the City of Sioux Falls - an early sign, that the 'Shriners', 33 Degree Masons, held esteemed power within the 'governmental system'.The Imperial Council in the context of the Shrine of the Holy Martyrs, is the legislative body that makes rules and elects national officers, operating under a charter. It becomes the national body of officers, to whom grant permission, initiate new members, and to whom grants charters to new organizations throughout the United States, one being the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine in Sioux Falls (1888).By means of their Divan Executive Council, they skillfully guide the seamless integration of their cherished fraternal customs with vital operational responsibilities, one of many, to whom must follow the 'laws' of the organization as passed down from their Imperial Council.The name Divan is of multicultural origin, with roots in Latin and Sanskrit, meaning 'divine,' 'light,' or 'heavenly'. It is considered a unisex name and is gaining popularity in various cultures. Additionally, some interpretations suggest that Divan means 'Monarchy' or 'Royalty', depending on cultural context. Overall, Divan carries a positive and uplifting connotation, appealing to those seeking a name with spiritual significance.Each Temple operates under a charter granted by the Imperial Council and must conform to the bylaws and rules established by that body. Reasonable autonomy has been given the individual Temples to carry on Temple business and social activities of their own choosing. Each Temple has its own Potentate and Divan. They are responsible for the government and operation of the Temple.Your very own Local Government, a "Chartered-Municipality" of public officials, are also being financed and controlled by members of your Chamber, your Development Foundations, those Secret Society clubs as they become elected into your Mayor's Office, City Council, to whom reward their friends and family to be appointed to all your city boards, committees, and commissions.The current Potentate of the Sioux Falls El Riad Shrine is Scott Denney and was born on September 24, 1961, and currently resides in Sioux Falls. Scott has a background in business administration and has previously worked as a director of operations at Prairie Coach Trailways. He is known for his work ethic and dedication to his community.Other members include Bill Thompson, who is a financial advisor based in Sioux Falls, SD. He works at State Farm Investment Management Corp and has been in practice for over 13 years. Bill is also associated with Bill Thompson Insurance Agency and has a background in investment management and serves as the Assistant Rabban of the El Riad Shrine.The Treasurer of the El Riad Shrine, is Les Kruse to whom is associated with Les Kruse Agency, Inc., a domestic business in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that has been operating since 2002.Other, past Potentates of the local Sioux Falls El Riad Shrine include the following people:George Burnside, George Pettigrew, George Hahn, Paul Batcheller, Lyle Sturdevant, David Nieman, Maury Richard..The two most notable "members" of the El Riad Shrine were:George Burnside - served 26 years as Mayor of Sioux Falls, supervising over the period of years 1898 to 1926 during a time the city transitioned from village to a city. He helped to guide the following projects, creating the Carnegie Library, the Municipal Water Plant, laying the Foundation to the Great Plains Zoo.Paul Batcheller - was best known as the originator, and founder of the Zip Feed Mills Incorporated, jobbing feed ingredients, seed, fencing, and a number of farm supplies to farmers in the Sioux Falls area. He was the owner and ...
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    30 min
  • Memorial Day and the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls

    Memorial Day and the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls
    May 24 2026

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) with Erin Brown, Cemetery Director, and Aaron Pollerd, Deputy Secretary, about the SD State Veteran's Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

    From AI

    South Dakota Veterans Cemetery 4.9•Military cemetery•ClosedWebsite•Directions•(605) 277-8094

    • Address: 25965 477th Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104
    • Phone: (605) 277-8094
    • Operated by the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
    • Opened in 2021 as South Dakota’s first federally funded, state-operated veterans cemetery.

    The cemetery offers:

    • Casket burials
    • Cremation gravesites
    • Columbarium niches
    • Scattering garden
    • Military honors and perpetual care

    Eligible veterans are buried at no cost. Eligible spouses and dependents may also qualify for burial services with a fee.

    Official cemetery information:
    South Dakota Veterans Cemetery Information

    You can also pre-apply for eligibility through the state VA website before burial arrangements are needed.

    Memorial Day events in Sioux Falls

    Memorial Day Ceremony at USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial (605) 367-7141

    • Monday, May 25, 2026
    • Ceremony begins around 9:00 AM
    • Features a large American flag display outlining the historic battleship along the riverfront.
    • Free admission and museum access.

    Memorial Day Program at South Dakota Veterans Cemetery (605) 277-8094

    • Monday, May 25, 2026
    • Official veterans remembrance program honoring fallen service members.
    • One of the largest formal Memorial Day observances in the region.

    Downtown & Community Events

    You’ll also find:

    • Patriotic craft activities and family events around town
    • Farmers markets and live music downtown
    • Museums and memorial sites hosting special holiday programming

    A few places people often visit during Memorial Day weekend:

    • Washington Pavilion
    • Hills of Rest Cemetery Wildwood Chapel & Mausoleum
    • USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial

    Traffic note: road work on South Minnesota Avenue may cause delays over the holiday weekend.

    You can also browse updated local calendars here:

    • Experience Sioux Falls Events Calendar
    • Sioux Falls Festivals & Events

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 min
  • Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk on Saturday June 6

    Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk on Saturday June 6
    May 31 2026

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lisa Ottmar, Development Director at the Helpline, and Mike Keller, Suicide Prevention and Outreach Program Director, about the Suicide Walk fundraiser on June 6.

    From website:

    This year's Step Forward to Prevent Suicide Walk will take place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 9:00am at Fawick Park in Sioux Falls. After we hear a story of hope and healing from guest speakers Dodi and Brian Young, names of those lost to suicide will be read aloud during the Remembrance Ceremony. Then the event will conclude with a 1.5 mile walk from Fawick Park to Cliff Ave and back.

    We encourage people to put together a team or register as an individual as we continue to step forward to prevent suicide and support those bereaved by loss. If you're not able to attend the event but wish to donate, that's great as well! Funds raised through the walk will benefit the Helpline Center's suicide awareness and prevention programs and services.

    For those interested in joining the planning committee, volunteering at the event, or asking general questions, please email donate@helplinecenter.org or call 605-274-1420.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    29 min
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