Episodes

  • Horizon Health - 27 Clinics - 19 South Dakota Rural Towns - 200 Employees

    Horizon Health - 27 Clinics - 19 South Dakota Rural Towns - 200 Employees
    Feb 1 2026
    Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Brady Kerkman, Director of Development of Horizon Health Care in South Dakota. (HOWARD, SD) – The Horizon Health Foundation will be hosting a raffle during its Drive It Home ’26 campaign that kicked off on January 19th.Car Raffle Flyer The campaign is set to raise $100,000 to support the purchase of chronic care kits as part of Pillar II of the Healthier Horizons program. Only 800 tickets are available for the Drive It Home ’26 Campaign raffle drawing. The first prize is a 2026 Chevy Trax LT, the second prize is a half a hog and a deep freeze, and the third prize is a $500 local gas card. Tickets can be purchased at www.horizonhealthcare.org/foundation The campaign will fund chronic care kits for Horizon Health patients managing diabetes, cardiovascular and dental disease. In 2025, 242 patients were enrolled in Horizon’s Chronic Care Management Program. This resource provides additional support from primary care providers and their teams to Medicare patients with two or more chronic conditions. The care kits would give additional assistance to these patients and any Horizon Health patient managing diabetes, cardiac or dental disease. “Care kits for our dental patients are an essential resource to improve and maintain their dental health,” Horizon’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Michelle Scholtz, DDS, said. “Some of our patients have dental concerns that have gone untreated for years due to lack of accessibility to care. These kits help them to maintain their dental health and keep them on track for a healthy smile.” “We are excited to provide added value to our patients with care kits they can use at home to help manage their chronic illnesses,” said Misty Rudebusch, MPAS, PA-C, Horizon’s Chief Medical Officer. “The care kits will help them reach positive milestones on their wellness journey and give them tools to take further ownership of their health.” A Chili Cook-Off to support the raffle campaign is scheduled for Feb. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Riverfront Event Center in Yankton. The cook-off will feature local chilis, cinnamon rolls and entertainment by a regionally known comedian. Attendees will choose the top chef in the cook-off contest. RSVP by Feb. 6 by texting or calling 605-610-8048 to be entered into the raffle to win one of two $500 cash prizes to be given away that evening. You must be present to win. Entry to the event is free but donations are appreciated to help support the Drive It Home ’26 Campaign. “The Drive It Home ’26 Campaign is truly about putting patients in the driver’s seat for their health care needs, through a combination of providing them with necessary chronic health kits, prevention, and education,” said Brady L. Kerkman, Director of Development for Horizon Health Foundation. Raffle prize winners will be drawn at the Dueling Pianos event scheduled from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., April 18 at The Pointe in Elk Point, SD. You need not be present to win. Sponsors of the Drive it Home ’26 Campaign include Rupiper Tours, Sanford Laboratories, First Dakota, SDN Communications, Prostrollo Auto Mall, Lindy Land & Livestock, Elk Point Ace Hardware, and See The Trainer. A sincere thank you to each of these sponsors who made this campaign possible. Contact Brady L. Kerkman at 605-610-8048 for more information about the raffle, cook-off and Dueling Pianos events. At Horizon Health, we’re focused on what’s real and what’s rural. With advanced technology and a personal touch, we deliver medical, dental and behavioral healthcare that’s open to everyone. Because the strength of a community isn’t measured by size. It’s measured by how much we care. Horizon Health provides dental, medical, and behavioral health services at 27 medical and dental clinics in 19 rural South Dakota communities. Horizon Health provides patient-centered, quality care that’s personalized for rural South Dakota. Our patients are our neighbors. Our communities are our homes. And the wellness of those areas is vital to our way of life. For us, healthcare isn’t just a service we provide. It’s our mission. As a Community Health Center, Horizon offers high-quality, affordable coverage in medical, dental and behavioral health with an invested presence in the communities we serve. We are primary care providers who care. And we’ve been nationally recognized for it by the Health Resources and Service Administration, among others. With a dedication to rural health, we offer leading edge technology and telemedicine capabilities, working with providers and specialists virtually anywhere in the country. In addition to urgent care services, we emphasize primary care, providing whole health medicine and wellness throughout your life. The health of our neighbors reflects the health of rural South Dakota. That’s why Horizon Health chooses to be here, and nowhere else. Every day we’re dedicated to caring for our ...
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    30 mins
  • Todd Epp: Balancing Home Caretaker of His Father and Radio Analyst of the SD Legislature

    Todd Epp: Balancing Home Caretaker of His Father and Radio Analyst of the SD Legislature
    Jan 24 2026

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels, (since 1973) talks with Todd Epp about being a home caretaker of his father and news analyst of the South Dakota State Legislature.

    from chat gpt:

    Todd Epp in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area is a local journalist, attorney, radio news contributor, and media writer known for covering community news, local government, and public affairs topics.

    📌 Who He Is

    • Journalist & Writer: Todd Epp has written news and feature articles for outlets like KELO.com and local sports/media sites, reporting on a range of topics including local government, community events, and Civil Air Patrol activities.

    • Radio Contributor: He has appeared as a radio news reporter and commentator in South Dakota media.

    • Attorney & Consultant: In addition to journalism, Epp is identified as an attorney involved in legal and consulting work.

    • Community Involvement: He’s been active in community reporting and has held roles such as incident commander for Civil Air Patrol exercises in the Sioux Falls region.

    Overall, Todd Epp is a multifaceted local media figure and professional who engages with Sioux Falls news, law, and community issues through writing, reporting, and public outreach.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 mins
  • Human Trafficking in Sioux Falls and South Dakota - 10 Years of Call to Freedom

    Human Trafficking in Sioux Falls and South Dakota - 10 Years of Call to Freedom
    Jan 18 2026
    Public Director Jon Michaels, since 1977, talks with Becky Rasmussen, President and CEO, and Rachel Foltz, Director of Impact and Program Relations of Call to Freedom. from the internet: THE PROBLEM Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of forced labor or sex trafficking. As the world’s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every corner of the globe—including the state of South Dakota. It is a $150 billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to millions of people around the world. Every day, men, women, and children are being exploited for commercial sex or manual labor against their will. It is estimated that less than 1% of victims are ever identified. Many return to “the life” (streets), end up in jail or prison, or simply disappear due to a lack of specialized long-term care for survivors. Who We Are Sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation occur at growing rates across the United States, including in the state of South Dakota. Several intersecting factors, including extreme poverty, geographic isolation, and homelessness, result in high levels of victimization across the state. Call to Freedom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in South Dakota dedicated to bringing wholeness to all individuals impacted by sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Founded in 2016, Call to Freedom hired its first full-time staff member in 2018 and has grown to 26 full-time staff united by their passion for ensuring survivors of trafficking and exploitation are believed and supported by their community. Staff members bring decades of experience combatting violence and providing community-based services and include previous South Dakota Department of Corrections staff, social workers, law enforcement, and addiction recovery specialists. The majority of our direct service staff had worked with Call to Freedom in their prior roles as community-based service providers and joined call to Freedom because of their passion for its holistic, person-centered approach. Our staff are uniquely positioned to serve trafficking survivors, given their experience working with people who have experienced trauma, responding to crisis situations, and identifying community resources available within the Sioux Falls community and across South Dakota. Call To Freedom Statement of Faith: We model Christ in our approach to restore wholeness to those impacted by sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Mission: Call to Freedom brings wholeness to all individuals impacted by sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation by navigating a healing path through our continuum of care model. Vision: Our vision is to create a comprehensive CommUnity model of care for individuals, and support communities while educating and advocating to combat sex and labor trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Barriers that prevent identification Individuals who are at risk of trafficking or who have experienced trafficking are often not recognized for various reasons. These barriers to identification fall into two categories: individual-related and provider-related. Provider Related Barriers Lacks knowledge about human trafficking“Checks off boxes” without seeing the full situationInadequate understanding of lawsFears violating HIPAA rulesLacks trauma-informed care trainingDoes not believe it is their role to get involvedLacks access to neutral, professional interpretersThinks that asking will be time-consuming or too complexFeels the individual is unresponsive or hostile to questioningLacks information about referral optionsAttributes behavior(s) to harmful cultural stereotypesHas preconceived notions of how an individual who has experienced trafficking will behave or lookIndividual Related Barriers Lacks awareness that what they are experiencing is traffickingLacks understanding of victim and legal rightsLacks identification and other recordsHas a language barrierFears deportation or law enforcementFears that reporting could lead to being returned to an abusive home, jail, or foster care placementFeels complicit in an illegal actFears that traffickers will cause harm to self, family, or loved onesHas limited literacy and education that hinders ability to communicateHas experienced trauma bonding with the trafficker or other victimsDistrusts the provider or those in authorityFeels hopeless and helplessFeels shame or guiltFor more information on the barriers that prevent identification, visit National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center Is it an indicator of trafficking? A variety of flags can be indicators of trafficking. The examples listed are not definitive, and not every individual will present the same flags. Additionally, seeing one or two indicators doesn’t necessarily mean that something is happening to you, it simply lets you know that you should probably step back and take another look at ...
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    30 mins
  • YES YOU CAN TAILGATE IN JANUARY IN SIOUX FALLS

    YES YOU CAN TAILGATE IN JANUARY IN SIOUX FALLS
    Jan 11 2026

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Tailgate Country. From the open mic right here in Sioux Falls at the Levitt to the NFL Tailgating Troubadours...now performing in Sioux Falls for a worthy cause. Dennis Cockerham and Jason Babbass talk about Tailgates to Turning Points.

    “From Tailgates to Turning Points” is a Sioux Falls fundraiser, live concert, and music video premiere boasting local tailgate fans. Hosted at Den Cocktails & Casino, 909 N West Ave, Saturday January 24, 3pm-5pm. Headlined by Sioux Falls very own NFL reclaimed Trailer Park Country to support the local Alternatives to Violence Project. This event turns competition into a message that “rivalry does not equal violence,” using live local country music, tailgate energy, and Dennis Cockerham’s redemption story to raise awareness and funds for AVP’s conflict‑transformation workshops in our prisons and community.
    We invite your station to help promote this positive local story at no cost—spotlighting Sioux Falls fans, and artists coming together to show that we can cheer hard, stand together, and choose nonviolence.
    We’re also offering free interview slots with TrailerPark Country performers and local Alternatives to Violence Project organizers, who can share powerful personal stories and concrete details about how this event will impact Sioux Falls.

    TrailerPark Country was born out of a love for music, community, and the fans of sporting events everywhere. Our journey began in Sioux Falls SD, where a group of friends with a shared passion for all things music and fan related decided to create something special. With our roots deeply embedded in the trailer park culture, we strive to bring people together through live music events, tailgating parties, and a thriving fan community. Our dedication to providing a unique and unforgettable experience sets us apart, making TrailerPark Country the ultimate destination for all sports fans and music lovers.

    The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) is a volunteer-run conflict transformation program. Teams of trained AVP facilitators conduct experiential workshops to develop participants' abilities to resolve conflicts without resorting to manipulation, coercion, or violence. Typically, each workshop lasts 18–20 hours over a two or three-day period. The workshop events place a strong emphasis on the experiences of the participants, building confidence that everyone contributes something of value to violence prevention. AVP groups and facilitators are active in communities and prisons across the United States and in many other countries.[1]

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 mins
  • Jack Kolbeck Throws His Hat Back in the Ring for District 13

    Jack Kolbeck Throws His Hat Back in the Ring for District 13
    Dec 29 2025

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Jack Kolbeck about his decision to go for District 13 in Sioux Falls and the main subjects of the upcoming South Dakota legislature.

    From the internet:

    Jack Kolbeck is a Republican politician from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, who has served in both the South Dakota Senate and House of Representatives for District 13, which includes parts of Lincoln and Minnehaha counties. He initially served in the State Senate from 2017 to 2024, including as majority whip from 2023 to 2024, before being appointed to the State House in February 2025 to fill the vacancy left by Tony Venhuizen’s appointment as lieutenant governor. Governor Larry Rhoden appointed Kolbeck, citing his experience and steady leadership, noting their prior work together during Rhoden’s time as presiding officer of the Senate.

    Prior to his legislative career, Kolbeck worked in the malt beverage industry for over 50 years and has been the key accounts manager for Beal Distributing since 2002. He is also involved in various community and industry organizations, including serving as a board member for the National Beer Distributors and the South Dakota Beer Distributors Association, and as president of the 50-and-over Sioux Falls Men’s Slowpitch softball league. Kolbeck holds a bachelor’s degree in business from South Dakota State University and is a strong advocate for congressional term limits, having signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge in 2022. Although he initially announced in 2023 that he would not seek re-election due to term limits and a desire to focus on family, he accepted the appointment to return to public office in 2025

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    29 mins
  • 30th Annual Heroes Behind the Badges SF Community Blood Drive

    30th Annual Heroes Behind the Badges SF Community Blood Drive
    Dec 21 2025

    Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks with Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of the Community Blood Bank and Luke Smidt, division chief for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, about the 30th annual competition with the Sioux Falls Police.

    from the web:

    The 30th annual Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive has officially begun in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, marking the start of a friendly competition between the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and the Sioux Falls Police Department to raise the most blood donations for the community blood bank. The event, which runs from Monday, December 22, through January 3, 2026, aims to collect 1,300 donations, with the goal of potentially breaking the previous record of 1,272 donations set in 2021. Over the past 30 years, the initiative has collected over 21,000 blood donations, impacting more than 60,000 lives in the community.

    The competition is significant due to increased blood demand during the holiday season, driven by higher travel rates and weather-related incidents that often result in emergencies requiring blood transfusions. The Community Blood Bank, a joint effort between Avera and Sanford, serves over 40 area hospitals and requires approximately 550 units of blood per week to meet community needs. This annual event is the largest blood drive of the year and plays a crucial role in maintaining adequate blood supplies during peak demand periods.

    Donors are incentivized with a range of rewards, including a specially designed event t-shirt (featuring either the Fire Rescue or Police Department), a $15 Hy-Vee certificate, a free appetizer from Texas Roadhouse, two game tickets to a Sioux Falls Skyforce game, and additional perks such as a free meal from Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, a Tinner’s burger meal, a pint of beer from Remedy Brewing Co., or a $10 gift card from JJ’s Wine, Spirits, and Cigars, depending on the donation site. Donors also have the opportunity to vote for their preferred agency, with the winning team receiving a $2,000 donation to their designated charity, while the runner-up receives $1,500.

    Sioux Falls Fire Rescue won the previous year’s competition, securing 641 votes compared to the Police Department’s 577, and will present a $2,000 check to the Children’s Home Society, while the Police Department will donate $1,500 to the Special Olympics of South Dakota. The event is supported by numerous community locations, including the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Headquarters, the Law Enforcement Center, Hy-Vee, Texas Roadhouse, Scheels, Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe, Tinner’s Public House, Remedy Brewing Co., JJ’s Wine, Spirits, and Cigars, and Avera Heart Hospital.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 mins
  • Sioux Falls Salvation Army, Red Kettles and Christmas

    Sioux Falls Salvation Army, Red Kettles and Christmas
    Dec 16 2025

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talked with Major Leti Crowell, an officer for 26 years and in Sioux Falls for over just a year.

    From their website:

    Sharing is Caring is a long-standing motto that succinctly describes the partnership between The Salvation Army and the community.

    The iconic Salvation Army red kettle campaign began in 1891 by Captain Joseph McFee, a Salvation Army officer who was looking for a way to cover the cost of the community Christmas meal. Recalling his days as a sailor in Liverpool, England, he recreated the “Simpson’s Pot”, an iron pot where charitable donations were placed by passersby. Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing, at the foot of Market Street where it could be seen by all those going to and from the ferry boats. By 1895 the ‘kettle’ was used by 30 locations along the west coast and by 1897 the campaign was making its mark in east. That year, the kettle effort in Boston and other locations nationwide resulted in 150,000 Christmas dinners for the needy. The tradition continues still today. Sharing your donation at Christmastime helps The Salvation Army care for homeless and needy families, but also helps serve over 27 million people through a myriad of other services all year long. These include:

    • Disaster Response Services which include assisting survivors of natural and man-made disasters to recover and rebuild their lives
    • Social Service programs provide food, shelter, clothing, and financial assistance
    • Casework and Counseling with programs for health care and residential assistance and abuse counseling
    • Youth Services with programs for music, athletics, arts, and crafts, camping and family counseling
    • Senior Centers focused on assisting the needs of older adults --including eight Silvercrest centers where seniors’ assistance is partially subsidized by federal government dollars
    • Christmas Programs in which the famous Red Kettles are a centerpiece, to help families and individuals financially at year-end with toys, meals and other assistance
    • Human and Sexual Trafficking Advocacy where Army officers and staff are focused on public policy in Washington, D.C., and providing services and advocacy for victims of this international crime
    • Veterans Services provide a range of support, gifts, counseling, housing assistance, and comfort to those in need
    • Prison Services include Bible correspondence courses, gifts/material aid, prerelease job training programs, employment opportunities in cooperation with parole personnel, and spiritual guidance for both prisoners and their families
    • Religious Services provide a place of worship and community without discrimination in every zip code across the United States

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    30 mins
  • 125 Years of Union Gospel Mission: "I Was Homeless"

    125 Years of Union Gospel Mission: "I Was Homeless"
    Nov 16 2025

    Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Eric "Pineapple" Weber (originally from Hawaii), Union Gospel Mission manager for 6 years, and John Fokken, a former college graduated accountant, then homeless and now kitchen director for 2 years at Union Gospel Mission.

    from the internet:

    The Union Gospel Mission of Sioux Falls is a service organization dedicated to supporting individuals in need. It offers essential services such as meals, shelter, and recovery programs aimed at helping people experiencing homelessness or facing personal crises. The organization focuses on community outreach and spiritual support, providing a foundation for personal transformation and long-term stability.

    How It All Began

    The City Mission Movement goes back to the year 1826, when David Nasmith, a former manufacturer’s apprentice, founded the Glasgow City Mission (Scotland) for the purpose of practical ministry for the underprivileged, proclaiming the Gospel in everyday language. He also founded the Dublin Christian Mission, London City Mission, as well as 31 other Missions in the United States and Canada.

    In 1872, Gospel Rescue Mission (New York City) was the first to open in the US when former alcoholic and ex-con Jeremiah McAuley founded “Helping Hand for Man” on the site of a licentious dance hall, backed by stock trader Alfrederich Hatch, who believed in uplifting those he called the “undeserving/unworthy poor.”

    Thomas F. Morse was convicted in Roberts County, SD for the shooting death of a Sisseton man in September of 1893. While in prison, Morse gave his heart and life to Jesus Christ through the ministry of Mother Wheaton, a woman who visited the prison and proclaimed the Gospel. He was granted a full pardon by Governor Andrew Lee in 1898. On March 17, 1900 he became the founder of the Sioux Falls City Rescue Mission, making it the second oldest Mission in the country today.

    It is humbling to reflect on what one woman’s prison ministry and one man’s redemption in Christ has established – a legacy bearing abundant fruit, one that has changed countless lives for well over a century and is still going strong today. It’s amazing what the Lord can do!

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