 Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, talks with Fran Stenberg who has been managing the Union
 

 Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls for 38 years of the 113year oldinstitution.

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels, talks with Fran Stenberg who has been managing the Union
 
 Gospel Mission in Sioux Falls for 38 years of the 113year oldinstitution.

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

Jon Michaels' Forum

Union Gospel Mission  113 years in Sioux Falls

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Canaries General Manager Duell Higbe and Ali Linder, Director of Marketing and Games Experience.

From Brave AI:

Sioux Falls Canaries

The Sioux Falls Canaries are a professional baseball team based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, competing in the American Association.  They play their home games at The Birdcage, a historic stadium located at 1001 N. West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, which has been renovated and now serves as a cashless facility.  The team is known for family-friendly events, including mascot appearances, on-field entertainment, and affordable tickets.

Recent highlights include the team's announcement of returning key players for the 2026 season, such as Jabari Henry, Charlie Hasty, and Trevor Achenbach, signaling a strong push for success.  Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the team’s newsletter and app. 

Reviews praise The Birdcage as a top-tier minor league experience—great sightlines, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere—with families enjoying activities like singing the YMCA between innings and enjoying popcorn and cotton candy.  The stadium, originally opened in 1941 and renovated in 2000, holds 4,500 fans and is considered one of the premier sporting events in the region.

From their website:

Duell Higbe enters his 14th season with the Sioux Falls
Canaries and tenth as General Manager, rising through
the organization since joining in 2013 as a stadium
operations intern. A native of Austin, Minnesota, he
earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management
(with a minor in Exercise Science) from Mayville State
University.
Since taking the helm in the front office, Higbe has
helped guide the organization through a dramatic
turnaround: under his leadership, the Canaries
achieved three consecutive playoff appearances
(2023–2025) — a first in franchise history. In the 2025
season, he oversaw a club that clinched a playoff berth
for the third straight year and advanced to the
franchise’s first appearance in the Miles Wolff Cup
Final since 2010.
Beyond the wins and milestones, Higbe focuses on
building a culture of consistency, professional
operations, and deep community engagement. Off the
field, he and his team have emphasized enhancing the
fan experience at “The Birdcage",
strengthening local partnerships, and reinforcing the Canaries as a
cornerstone of the Sioux Falls sports landscape.

Ali Linder:
Entering her sixth season with the Sioux Falls Canaries
and fifth as a full-time staff member, Ali Lindner has
continued to take on expanded responsibilities since
joining the organization in 2021 as a game day intern.
A Sioux Falls native, Lindner returned home after
earning her bachelor’s degree in Sports Management
from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where
she was also a member of the Golden Gophers softball
team and made an appearance in the Women’s College
World Series during her freshman year.
Since joining the Canaries full-time, Lindner has taken
on a key leadership role within the front office,
overseeing marketing, social media, game day
entertainment, and the team’s internship program. Her
focus on fan engagement and in-game experience has
helped elevate the atmosphere at The Birdcage,
creating memorable moments for fans of all ages.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with family
and friends, traveling, listening to music, and golfing.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Canaries General Manager Duell Higbe and Ali Linder, Director of Marketing and Games Experience.
From Brave AI:
<a href="https://sfcanaries.com/">Sioux Falls Canaries</a>
The&nbsp;Sioux Falls Canaries&nbsp;are&nbsp;a professional baseball team based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, competing in the&nbsp;American Association.&nbsp;&nbsp;They play their home games at&nbsp;The Birdcage, a historic stadium located at&nbsp;1001 N. West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, which has been renovated and now serves as a cashless facility.&nbsp;&nbsp;The team is known for family-friendly events, including mascot appearances, on-field entertainment, and affordable tickets.
Recent highlights&nbsp;include the team's announcement of returning key players for the&nbsp;2026 season, such as&nbsp;Jabari Henry,&nbsp;Charlie Hasty, and&nbsp;Trevor Achenbach, signaling a strong push for success.&nbsp;&nbsp;Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the team&rsquo;s newsletter and app.&nbsp;
Reviews praise&nbsp;The Birdcage&nbsp;as a top-tier minor league experience&mdash;great sightlines, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere&mdash;with families enjoying activities like singing the YMCA between innings and enjoying popcorn and cotton candy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The stadium, originally opened in 1941 and renovated in 2000, holds 4,500 fans and is considered one of the premier sporting events in the region.
From their website:
Duell Higbe enters his 14th season with the Sioux Falls Canaries and tenth as General Manager, rising through the organization since joining in 2013 as a stadium operations intern. A native of Austin, Minnesota, he earned his bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Sport Management (with a minor in Exercise Science) from Mayville State University. Since taking the helm in the front office, Higbe has helped guide the organization through a dramatic turnaround: under his leadership, the Canaries achieved three consecutive playoff appearances (2023&ndash;2025) &mdash; a first in franchise history. In the 2025 season, he oversaw a club that clinched a playoff berth for the third straight year and advanced to the franchise&rsquo;s first appearance in the Miles Wolff Cup Final since 2010. Beyond the wins and milestones, Higbe focuses on building a culture of consistency, professional operations, and deep community engagement. Off the field, he and his team have emphasized enhancing the fan experience at &ldquo;The Birdcage", strengthening local&nbsp;partnerships, and reinforcing the Canaries as a cornerstone of the Sioux Falls sports landscape.
Ali Linder: Entering her sixth season with the Sioux Falls Canaries and fifth as a full-time staff member, Ali Lindner has continued to take on expanded responsibilities since joining the organization in 2021 as a game day intern. A Sioux Falls native, Lindner returned home after earning her bachelor&rsquo;s degree in Sports Management from the University of Minnesota &ndash; Twin Cities, where she was also a member of the Golden Gophers softball team and made an appearance in the Women&rsquo;s College World Series during her freshman year. Since joining the Canaries full-time, Lindner has taken on a key leadership role within the front office, overseeing marketing, social media, game day entertainment, and the team&rsquo;s internship program. Her focus on fan engagement and in-game experience has helped elevate the atmosphere at The Birdcage, creating memorable moments for fans of all ages. Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, and golfing.

Duell Higbe and Ali Linder of the SF Canaries, Summer of Baseball, 50 Home games, Bobbleheads and More

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Doug Johnson of Huset's Speedway.

from Brave AI:

Doug Johnson, the General Manager of Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota, has played a central role in transforming the historic track into a premier racing destination since its reopening in 2020 under new ownership by Tod Quiring.  Johnson, previously with Jackson Motorplex in Minnesota, led efforts to revitalize the facility, including significant track improvements such as increased banking (14–16 degrees), enhanced seating for 8,200 fans, and the addition of VIP suites, a backstretch viewing platform, and a full-service campground. 

He has been instrumental in securing major events like the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the USAC Nationals, and has emphasized fan and driver experience, with a focus on efficient race timing (goal: complete events by 10:15 PM) and logistical planning. Johnson was named Dirt Track Promoter of the Year in the Northern Region in 2022 and has been key in expanding Huset’s Speedway’s profile, including a partnership with iRacing to create a millimeter-accurate digital replica of the track. 

The track continues to grow, with plans for new construction, expanded events, and special attractions like concerts, aiming to make Huset’s Speedway a year-round entertainment destination. 

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Doug Johnson of Huset's Speedway.
from Brave AI:
Doug Johnson, the General Manager of&nbsp;Huset&rsquo;s Speedway&nbsp;in Brandon, South Dakota, has played a central role in transforming the historic track into a premier racing destination since its reopening in 2020 under new ownership by&nbsp;Tod Quiring.&nbsp;&nbsp;Johnson, previously with Jackson Motorplex in Minnesota, led efforts to revitalize the facility, including significant track improvements such as increased banking (14&ndash;16 degrees), enhanced seating for 8,200 fans, and the addition of VIP suites, a backstretch viewing platform, and a full-service campground.&nbsp;
He has been instrumental in securing major events like the&nbsp;World of Outlaws Sprint Cars&nbsp;and the&nbsp;USAC Nationals, and has emphasized fan and driver experience, with a focus on efficient race timing (goal: complete events by 10:15&nbsp;PM) and logistical planning. Johnson was&nbsp;named&nbsp;Dirt Track Promoter of the Year&nbsp;in the Northern Region in 2022&nbsp;and has been key in expanding Huset&rsquo;s Speedway&rsquo;s profile, including a partnership with iRacing to create a millimeter-accurate digital replica of the track.&nbsp;
The track continues to grow, with plans for new construction, expanded events, and special attractions like concerts, aiming to make Huset&rsquo;s Speedway a year-round entertainment destination.&nbsp;

Doug Johnson...Huset's...Jackson Speedway...Golf...BBQ...Sprints...Camping...$300,000

Bernard L. Tyrrell, known as Bernie Tyrrell, is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a long-standing connection to the local community through car shows and business ventures. 


From Yale (SD)


Community Involvement: Bernie Tyrrell is a key organizer of the Automania car show in Valley Springs, South Dakota, which has been held annually since 2007.  He has been involved in multiple events, including the 2024 show, where he helped highlight a custom-built 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe project for a local cancer patient.


Additional Events: He has also participated in the Canton car show, emphasizing community bonding and the cultural significance of classic cars. 

Bernard L. Tyrrell, known as&nbsp;Bernie Tyrrell, is a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a long-standing connection to the local community through car shows and business ventures.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>
From Yale (SD)
</li>
<li>
Community Involvement: Bernie Tyrrell is a&nbsp;key organizer of the&nbsp;Automania car show&nbsp;in Valley Springs, South Dakota, which has been held annually since 2007.&nbsp;&nbsp;He has been involved in multiple events, including the 2024 show, where he helped highlight a custom-built 1964 Shelby Daytona Coupe project for a local cancer patient.
</li>
<li>
Additional Events: He has also participated in the&nbsp;Canton car show, emphasizing community bonding and the cultural significance of classic cars.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>

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