Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, talks with Myron Lee of the Caddies about Sioux Falls and the birth of Rock n' Roll music. Recorded in Octorber 2015

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, talks with Myron Lee of the Caddies about Sioux Falls and the birth of Rock n' Roll music. Recorded in Octorber 2015

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

Jon Michaels' Forum

Sioux Falls R&R Music History with Myron Lee in his own words

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]

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.&nbsp; Dennis Cockerham and Jason Babbass talk about Tailgates to Turning Points.
&ldquo;From Tailgates to Turning Points&rdquo; is a Sioux Falls fundraiser, live concert, and music video premiere boasting local tailgate fans. Hosted at Den Cocktails &amp; 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 &ldquo;rivalry does not equal violence,&rdquo; using live local country music, tailgate energy, and Dennis Cockerham&rsquo;s redemption story to raise awareness and funds for AVP&rsquo;s conflict‑transformation workshops in our prisons and community.&nbsp; We invite your station to help promote this positive local story at no cost&mdash;spotlighting Sioux Falls fans, and artists coming together to show that we can cheer hard, stand together, and choose nonviolence. We&rsquo;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&nbsp;Alternatives to Violence Project&nbsp;(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&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_manipulation">manipulation</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coercion">coercion</a>, or&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violence">violence</a>. Typically, each workshop lasts 18&ndash;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&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community">communities</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison">prisons</a>&nbsp;across the United States and in many other countries.<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternatives_to_Violence_Project#cite_note-1">[1]</a>

YES YOU CAN TAILGATE IN JANUARY IN SIOUX FALLS

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 

 

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&nbsp;is a&nbsp;Republican politician&nbsp;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.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s appointment as lieutenant governor.&nbsp;Governor Larry Rhoden appointed Kolbeck, citing his experience and steady leadership, noting their prior work together during Rhoden&rsquo;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.&nbsp;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&rsquo;s Slowpitch softball league.&nbsp;Kolbeck holds a bachelor&rsquo;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.&nbsp;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&nbsp;
&nbsp;

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

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.

Sioux Falls R&R Music History with Myron Lee in his own words

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