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.  His views of the news of 2024 into 2025.

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.&nbsp; His views of the news of 2024 into 2025.

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

Jon Michaels' Forum

The News of 2024 into 2025 with News Director Tom Rooney

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 situation
Inadequate understanding of laws
Fears violating HIPAA rules
Lacks trauma-informed care training
Does not believe it is their role to get involved
Lacks access to neutral, professional interpreters
Thinks that asking will be time-consuming or too complex
Feels the individual is unresponsive or hostile to questioning
Lacks information about referral options
Attributes behavior(s) to harmful cultural stereotypes
Has preconceived notions of how an individual who has experienced trafficking will behave or look
Individual Related Barriers

Lacks awareness that what they are experiencing is trafficking
Lacks understanding of victim and legal rights
Lacks identification and other records
Has a language barrier
Fears deportation or law enforcement
Fears that reporting could lead to being returned to an abusive home, jail, or foster care placement
Feels complicit in an illegal act
Fears that traffickers will cause harm to self, family, or loved ones
Has limited literacy and education that hinders ability to communicate
Has experienced trauma bonding with the trafficker or other victims
Distrusts the provider or those in authority
Feels hopeless and helpless
Feels shame or guilt
For 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 the situation.

How to Protect Yourself

 

Online Exploitation

Requests for pics or videos that are private.

One sided conversations, like someone not sharing about themselves while you have been very open.

Someone threatening you or blackmailing you to do things – when someone does that with images or video of you, it’s called sextortion.

Labor Trafficking

Threats or abuse from employer

Unable to quit your job or go home

Withholding payment, not allowed to see or be in control of your paychecks or taking money out of your paycheck

Sex Trafficking

Asking you to keep secrets or telling you not to tell anyone what they did to you or what they had you do for them

Keeping you isolated away from your friends and family

Manipulating you with strings attached, like making you do sexual acts in return for something

Adapted from Love146

How to Advocate for OthersPhysical – notable changes in health or appearance

Untreated or undertreated workplace injuries

Physical impacts of long-term trauma including chronic illnesses

Shows signs of physical trauma such as bruises, black eyes, cigarette burns, or broken bones

Has repeated or concerning testing or treatment for pregnancies or STIs

Has health problems or complaints related to poor nutrition or irregular access to meals

Substance use impacts their health or interferes with their ability to function

Reports multiple sexual assaults perpetrated by non-family members

Relies on emergency or temporary resources to meet basic needs

Not allowed to sleep regularly or in a safe place

Behavioral – exhibits signs of trauma exposure

Youth runs away frequently or leaves their residence for extended periods of time (days, weeks)

Has unhealthy or inappropriate relationships including youth in a romantic relationship with an adult

Explicit photos are posted on the internet or stored on their phone

Meets with contacts they developed over the internet, including sex partners or significant others

Appears on edge, preoccupied with safety, or hypervigilant

Engages in self-destructive, aggressive, or risk-taking behaviors

Forced to give earned money to another person

Avoids interaction or gives misleading or vague information about their age, whereabouts, residence or relationships

Unaware of location, age or time

Environmental – situation or activities that attribute to risk of exploitation

Engages in sexual activities that cause harm or place them at risk of victimization

Youth experiences housing or caregiving instability

Youth with current or past involvement with law enforcement, juvenile justice, social services, or foster system

Relationship and belongings are not consistent with their age or circumstances

In possession of material items inconsistent with the their access to money including gifts, transportation and money

Someone else controls contact with family or friends, creating social isolation

Living with non-relative who is significantly older

Living at work or in extremely overcrowded locations

Accompanied by overly controlling adult who prevents them from speaking freely

A secret phone or apps providing additional number

Adapted from National Human Trafficking Training and Assistance Center and WestCoast’s Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool

Vulnerable Populations

While anyone can be affected by trafficking, including both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, there are some populations at a higher risk that you may encounter in your work. Factors that lead to a disproportionate risk of trafficking include: 1) history of abuse and neglect, 2) social disconnection, and 3) social stigma and exclusion.

By understanding how social determinants of health are connected to populations at the highest risk, you can better identify and respond to those affected by and at risk of trafficking. Examples of populations that may be more likely to experience these circumstances and be at greater risk of trafficking include:

 

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&rsquo;s fastest growing criminal industry, it affects every corner of the globe&mdash;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 &ldquo;the life&rdquo; (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 &ldquo;Checks off boxes&rdquo; without seeing the full situation Inadequate understanding of laws Fears violating HIPAA rules Lacks trauma-informed care training Does not believe it is their role to get involved Lacks access to neutral, professional interpreters Thinks that asking will be time-consuming or too complex Feels the individual is unresponsive or hostile to questioning Lacks information about referral options Attributes behavior(s) to harmful cultural stereotypes Has preconceived notions of how an individual who has experienced trafficking will behave or look Individual Related Barriers
Lacks awareness that what they are experiencing is trafficking Lacks understanding of victim and legal rights Lacks identification and other records Has a language barrier Fears deportation or law enforcement Fears that reporting could lead to being returned to an abusive home, jail, or foster care placement Feels complicit in an illegal act Fears that traffickers will cause harm to self, family, or loved ones Has limited literacy and education that hinders ability to communicate Has experienced trauma bonding with the trafficker or other victims Distrusts the provider or those in authority Feels hopeless and helpless Feels shame or guilt For 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&rsquo;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 the situation.
How to Protect Yourself
&nbsp;
Online Exploitation
Requests for pics or videos that are private.
One sided conversations, like someone not sharing about themselves while you have been very open.
Someone threatening you or blackmailing you to do things &ndash; when someone does that with images or video of you, it&rsquo;s called sextortion.
Labor Trafficking
Threats or abuse from employer
Unable to quit your job or go home
Withholding payment, not allowed to see or be in control of your paychecks or taking money out of your paycheck
Sex Trafficking
Asking you to keep secrets or telling you not to tell anyone what they did to you or what they had you do for them
Keeping you isolated away from your friends and family
Manipulating you with strings attached, like making you do sexual acts in return for something
Adapted from Love146
How to Advocate for OthersPhysical &ndash; notable changes in health or appearance
Untreated or undertreated workplace injuries
Physical impacts of long-term trauma including chronic illnesses
Shows signs of physical trauma such as bruises, black eyes, cigarette burns, or broken bones
Has repeated or concerning testing or treatment for pregnancies or STIs
Has health problems or complaints related to poor nutrition or irregular access to meals
Substance use impacts their health or interferes with their ability to function
Reports multiple sexual assaults perpetrated by non-family members
Relies on emergency or temporary resources to meet basic needs
Not allowed to sleep regularly or in a safe place
Behavioral &ndash; exhibits signs of trauma exposure
Youth runs away frequently or leaves their residence for extended periods of time (days, weeks)
Has unhealthy or inappropriate relationships including youth in a romantic relationship with an adult
Explicit photos are posted on the internet or stored on their phone
Meets with contacts they developed over the internet, including sex partners or significant others
Appears on edge, preoccupied with safety, or hypervigilant
Engages in self-destructive, aggressive, or risk-taking behaviors
Forced to give earned money to another person
Avoids interaction or gives misleading or vague information about their age, whereabouts, residence or relationships
Unaware of location, age or time
Environmental &ndash; situation or activities that attribute to risk of exploitation
Engages in sexual activities that cause harm or place them at risk of victimization
Youth experiences housing or caregiving instability
Youth with current or past involvement with law enforcement, juvenile justice, social services, or foster system
Relationship and belongings are not consistent with their age or circumstances
In possession of material items inconsistent with the their access to money including gifts, transportation and money
Someone else controls contact with family or friends, creating social isolation
Living with non-relative who is significantly older
Living at work or in extremely overcrowded locations
Accompanied by overly controlling adult who prevents them from speaking freely
A secret phone or apps providing additional number
Adapted from National Human Trafficking Training and Assistance Center and WestCoast&rsquo;s Commercial Sexual Exploitation-Identification Tool
Vulnerable Populations
While anyone can be affected by trafficking, including both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals, there are some populations at a higher risk that you may encounter in your work. Factors that lead to a disproportionate risk of trafficking include: 1) history of abuse and neglect, 2) social disconnection, and 3) social stigma and exclusion.
By understanding how social determinants of health are connected to populations at the highest risk, you can better identify and respond to those affected by and at risk of trafficking. Examples of populations that may be more likely to experience these circumstances and be at greater risk of trafficking include:
&nbsp;

Human Trafficking in Sioux Falls and South Dakota - 10 Years of Call to Freedom

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;

The News of 2024 into 2025 with News Director Tom Rooney

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