Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

A community issues and answering program that focuses on the city and people of the Sioux Empire.

Jon Michaels' Forum

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lion Todd Smith about the Pancake Days.

From AI:

The 69th Annual Sioux Falls Lions Club Pancake Days is scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026, taking place at the Denny Sanford Premier Center (formerly the Sioux Falls Convention Center). 

Event Details and Schedule The event operates on a two-day schedule with extended hours to serve the community:


Tuesday, April 14: 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM


Wednesday, April 15: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM 

Scale and Operations This massive fundraiser serves over 10,000 people across 16 hours, featuring approximately 60,000 pancakes and 38,000 sausages cooked on 11 grills by trained volunteers.  Despite the high volume, the line moves quickly with a typical rush-hour wait time of only 20 to 25 minutes. 

History and Purpose Originally known as Aunt Jemima Pancake Days, the tradition began in April 1957 and has grown from a 4-griddle operation to a 69-year community staple.  The proceeds support local charities, including vision and hearing impaired initiatives, the McCrossan Boys Ranch, and eyeglass recycling programs. 

Ticket Information Tickets are available for purchase in advance at Lewis Drug, Hy-Vee, and Ace Hardware locations, or at the door. 

AI-generated answer

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Lion Todd Smith about the Pancake Days.
From AI:
The&nbsp;69th Annual Sioux Falls Lions Club Pancake Days&nbsp;is scheduled for&nbsp;Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, 2026, taking place at the&nbsp;Denny Sanford Premier Center&nbsp;(formerly the Sioux Falls Convention Center).&nbsp;
Event Details and Schedule&nbsp;The event operates on a two-day schedule with extended hours to serve the community:
<ul>
<li>
Tuesday, April 14:&nbsp;4:00&nbsp;PM to 8:00&nbsp;PM
</li>
<li>
Wednesday, April 15:&nbsp;6:00&nbsp;AM to 8:00&nbsp;PM&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Scale and Operations&nbsp;This massive fundraiser serves over&nbsp;10,000 people&nbsp;across 16 hours, featuring approximately&nbsp;60,000 pancakes&nbsp;and&nbsp;38,000 sausages&nbsp;cooked on 11 grills by trained volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite the high volume, the line moves quickly with a typical rush-hour wait time of only&nbsp;20 to 25 minutes.&nbsp;
History and Purpose&nbsp;Originally known as&nbsp;Aunt Jemima Pancake Days, the tradition began in&nbsp;April 1957&nbsp;and has grown from a 4-griddle operation to a 69-year community staple.&nbsp;&nbsp;The proceeds support local charities, including&nbsp;vision and hearing impaired initiatives, the&nbsp;McCrossan Boys Ranch, and&nbsp;eyeglass recycling&nbsp;programs.&nbsp;
Ticket Information&nbsp;Tickets are available for purchase in advance at&nbsp;Lewis Drug,&nbsp;Hy-Vee, and&nbsp;Ace Hardware&nbsp;locations, or at the door.&nbsp;
AI-generated answer

 69th Annual Sioux Falls Lions Club Pancake Days Tues. April 15 - Wed. April 15

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Savannah Waldner, Z8 Director and Josh Brewer, CEO of Lifelight about the 2026 programs.

from their website: Lifelight.org

Why Gen Z?

Generation Z is on track to become the largest living generation in American history. While often labeled as a “post-Christian” generation, we see them differently. They are world changers, making an eternal impact in their world. Z8 is on a mission to awaken these young people as world changers – to win, send, empower, and multiply them for Christ.
A study once said Generation Z has an eight-second attention span. At LifeLight we believe they have an eight-second filter. In a world full of noise, young people are constantly deciding what’s real and what’s worth their time. Z8 is our commitment to meet them in that moment – cutting through the noise with the clear truth of the Gospel. Because when they encounter what’s real, they respond. 

and on Sept. 6

Set against the beauty of downtown Sioux Falls the LifeLight Festival is a dynamic, free event that brings together people of all ages for a powerful celebration of faith, music, and community. Featuring an impressive lineup of Christian music artists, inspiring speakers, and exciting family-friendly entertainment, the festival offers a unique experience filled with uplifting messages and memorable performances. Beyond music, the festival grounds are filled with family-friendly activities, food trucks, and vendors, all designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. LifeLight Festival’s mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel, making it a highlight in the region for fellowship and renewal.

Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty is coming to LifeLight Sioux Falls on September 6th at Nelson Park!!!The beard, the wisdom, the faith, the duck calls — the man who built an empire while putting God first is bringing that real, no-filter energy to our city! If you’ve ever loved the Robertson family, laughed at their stories, or been encouraged by their bold stand for Jesus… this is the day you’ve been waiting for! Get ready for epic music, powerful worship, and a message that’s gonna light a fire in your soul. This free festival is about to be UNFORGETTABLE! Who’s coming with me?! Tag your people, and let’s pack Nelson Park for Willie!

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Savannah Waldner, Z8 Director and Josh Brewer, CEO of Lifelight about the 2026 programs.
from their website: Lifelight.org
Why Gen Z?
Generation Z is on track to become the largest living generation in American history. While often labeled as a &ldquo;post-Christian&rdquo; generation, we see them differently. They are world changers, making an eternal impact in their world. Z8 is on a mission to awaken these young people as world changers &ndash; to win, send, empower, and multiply them for Christ. A study once said Generation Z has an eight-second attention span. At LifeLight we believe they have an eight-second filter. In a world full of noise, young people are constantly deciding what&rsquo;s real and what&rsquo;s worth their time. Z8 is our commitment to meet them in that moment &ndash; cutting through the noise with the clear truth of the Gospel. Because when they encounter what&rsquo;s real, they respond.&nbsp;
and on Sept. 6
Set against the beauty of downtown Sioux Falls the LifeLight Festival is a dynamic, free event that brings together people of all ages for a powerful celebration of faith, music, and community. Featuring an impressive lineup of Christian music artists, inspiring speakers, and exciting family-friendly entertainment, the festival offers a unique experience filled with uplifting messages and memorable performances. Beyond music, the festival grounds are filled with family-friendly activities, food trucks, and vendors, all designed to create a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. LifeLight Festival&rsquo;s mission is to share the hope and joy of the Gospel, making it a highlight in the region for fellowship and renewal.
Willie Robertson from Duck Dynasty is coming to LifeLight Sioux Falls on September 6th at Nelson Park!!!The beard, the wisdom, the faith, the duck calls &mdash; the man who built an empire while putting God first is bringing that real, no-filter energy to our city! If you&rsquo;ve ever loved the Robertson family, laughed at their stories, or been encouraged by their bold stand for Jesus&hellip; this is the day you&rsquo;ve been waiting for! Get ready for epic music, powerful worship, and a message that&rsquo;s gonna light a fire in your soul. This free festival is about to be UNFORGETTABLE! Who&rsquo;s coming with me?! Tag your people, and let&rsquo;s pack Nelson Park for Willie!

Lifelight, Z8, Willie Robertson of Duck Dynasty, Downtown Sioux Falls, Sept. 6

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Erin Nosal, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Community Action For Veterans.

from AI:

Community Action for Veterans (CAV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dedicated to building communities of care for veterans and military families.  CAV focuses on addressing unique challenges faced by veterans through programs like Operation Chow Line, women veterans' retreats, and a major annual summit.  The organization also runs AmeriCorps-supported initiatives to help veterans transition to civilian life, particularly in education and mental health support. 

from their website:

Women Vets Connect Retreat

Sat, Apr 11

Our Savior's Lutheran Church ELCAA

Wellness Retreat for Women Veterans and Military Partners

Rooted in South Dakota, Built for Veterans

South Dakota is a state defined by its land and its people. From the ranchlands of the west to the farmlands of the east, we know what it means to face distance, weather, and hardship together. Our communities are small, but our commitment to one another is strong. That spirit is the foundation of CAV. 

Contact

Community Action for Veterans

P.O Box 91543

Sioux Falls, SD 57109

605-910-4045

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Erin Nosal, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Community Action For Veterans.
from AI:
Community Action for Veterans (CAV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in&nbsp;Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dedicated to building communities of care for veterans and military families.&nbsp;&nbsp;CAV focuses on addressing unique challenges faced by veterans through programs like&nbsp;Operation Chow Line,&nbsp;women veterans' retreats, and a major annual summit.&nbsp;&nbsp;The organization also runs AmeriCorps-supported initiatives to help veterans transition to civilian life, particularly in education and mental health support.&nbsp;
from their website:
<a href="https://www.sdvets.org/event-details/women-vetsconnect-retreat">Women Vets Connect Retreat</a>
Sat, Apr 11
Our Savior's Lutheran Church ELCAA
Wellness Retreat for Women Veterans and Military Partners
Rooted in South Dakota, Built for Veterans
South Dakota is a state defined by its land and its people. From the ranchlands of the west to the farmlands of the east, we know what it means to face distance, weather, and hardship together. Our communities are small, but our commitment to one another is strong. That spirit is the foundation of CAV.&nbsp;
Contact
Community Action for Veterans
P.O Box 91543
Sioux Falls, SD 57109
605-910-4045

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

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