Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Minnehaha Sheriff Mike Milstead about ICE, immigration, drugs, Penitentiary and local history..

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Minnehaha Sheriff Mike Milstead about ICE, immigration, drugs, Penitentiary and local history..

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ICE, Immigration, and More - Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead

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.

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks with Ken Versteeg, Executive Director of the Community Blood Bank and Luke Smidt,&nbsp;division chief for Sioux Falls Fire Rescue,&nbsp; 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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s Sidewalk Cafe, a Tinner&rsquo;s burger meal, a pint of beer from Remedy Brewing Co., or a $10 gift card from JJ&rsquo;s Wine, Spirits, and Cigars, depending on the donation site.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s competition, securing 641 votes compared to the Police Department&rsquo;s 577, and will present a $2,000 check to the Children&rsquo;s Home Society, while the Police Department will donate $1,500 to the Special Olympics of South Dakota.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s Sidewalk Cafe, Tinner&rsquo;s Public House, Remedy Brewing Co., JJ&rsquo;s Wine, Spirits, and Cigars, and Avera Heart Hospital.

30th Annual Heroes Behind the Badges SF Community Blood Drive

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

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 &ldquo;Simpson&rsquo;s Pot&rdquo;, 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 &lsquo;kettle&rsquo; 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:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/help-disaster-survivors/">Disaster Response Services</a>&nbsp;which include assisting survivors of natural and man-made disasters to recover and rebuild their lives</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/provide-shelter/">Social Service programs</a>&nbsp;provide food, shelter, clothing, and financial assistance</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/stop-domestic-abuse/">Casework and Counseling</a>&nbsp;with programs for health care and residential assistance and abuse counseling</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/teach-kids/">Youth Services</a>&nbsp;with programs for music, athletics, arts, and crafts, camping and family counseling</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/love-the-elderly/">Senior Centers</a>&nbsp;focused on assisting the needs of older adults --including eight Silvercrest centers where seniors&rsquo; assistance is partially subsidized by federal government dollars</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/brighten-the-holidays/">Christmas Programs</a>&nbsp;in which the famous Red Kettles are a centerpiece, to help families and individuals financially at year-end with toys, meals and other assistance</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/fight-human-trafficking/">Human and Sexual Trafficking Advocacy</a>&nbsp;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</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/adult-program-services/">Veterans Services</a>&nbsp;provide a range of support, gifts, counseling, housing assistance, and comfort to those in need</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/what-we-believe/#prison">Prison Services</a>&nbsp;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</li>
<li><a href="https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/what-we-believe/">Religious Services</a>&nbsp;provide a place of worship and community without discrimination in every zip code across the United States</li>
</ul>

Sioux Falls Salvation Army, Red Kettles and Christmas

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!

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.&nbsp; 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&rsquo;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 &ldquo;Helping Hand for Man&rdquo; on the site of a licentious dance hall, backed by stock trader Alfrederich Hatch, who believed in uplifting those he called the &ldquo;undeserving/unworthy poor.&rdquo;
Thomas F. Morse&nbsp;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&nbsp;March 17, 1900&nbsp;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&rsquo;s prison ministry and one man&rsquo;s redemption in Christ has established &ndash; a legacy bearing abundant fruit, one that has changed countless lives for well over a century and is still going strong today. It&rsquo;s amazing what the Lord can do!

ICE, Immigration, and More - Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead

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