SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – On this week’s Inside KELOLAND we are looking at a variety of topics, from problems inside South Dakota prisons, to a new police recruiting campaign, and an annual event bringing artists out on the prairie.
Problems Inside the Prisons
South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary, Kellie Wasko, says the system’s prisons are both unsafe and outdated.
KELOLAND’s Dan Santella has been following the concerns and takes a look at what was said at the meeting in Pierre.
SD DOC safety, staffing in focus in Pierre
Prison planned for Lincoln County in focus in Pierre
Police Recruiting Campaign
The Sioux Falls police department is already seeing a response to a new marketing campaign to recruit new officers.
“The early response has been positive. You’ll notice in the ads we’re highlighting the officers who work for our department. We’re not using stock models or photos, these are people who work for us because we wanted to be real, we wanted it to be people who are here with us,” Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum said.
The department launched the campaign last month with the hope of finding new recruits to fill openings within the ranks.
The city of Sioux Falls has a special webpage online where you can apply, find out what it takes to become an officer, along with other career resources.
Temporary Rally Officers
For most of the year, the Sturgis Police Department has a 21-member staff.
But during the annual motorcycle rally it becomes the third largest police force in the state, bringing in temporary police officers from all over the country.
KELOLAND’s Tom Hanson looks at what it takes to staff officers for the rally.
Painting on the Prairie
This month artists will gather in De Smet for the Plein Air Paint Out.
The 16th Painting on the Prairie will take place Aug. 8-11, 2024. The four day outdoor painting event is put on by the Harvey Dunn Society.
Board member and artist, Steve Randall joins Inside KELOLAND to talk about the event, how it got started and the mission to honor the legacy of artist Harvey Dunn.
Painting on the Prairie is free and open to artist of all skill levels. You can register and find additional information online.
Wandermore in South Dakota
A midwest man has turned his passion for travel and learning about the history of small towns into his full time job.
We first told you about Seth Varner in 2022 when he set out to visit every town in South Dakota.
KELOLAND’s Julia Lin catches up with Varner after completing that quest as he shares stories about the places he has visited.
