A Black Hills Republican with aspirations of becoming South Dakota government’s chief banker and custodian of state funds has a checkered past that includes bankruptcies, bad-check charges and a criminal record.

Heath Shields, 48, is among two declared candidates jockeying for the South Dakota GOP nomination for state treasurer ahead of the party convention next month. He is seeking a spot on the November ballot and, ultimately, the constitutional office that oversees billions of dollars in state coffers.

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Robert R Giese passed away on April 25, 2026 at age 91 in Sioux Falls, SD. Bob was born in Chicago, IL and eventually moved to his lake home in Wisconsin with his family. He moved to Sioux Falls in 2022.

Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.

Stay up to date with our listing of events happening across the state. From festivals and concerts to theater performances, local sports and community gatherings, we bring you the latest updates on entertainment and activities for all interests. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, cultural experiences or vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty of exciting events to explore.

Read to the end to see upcoming events and future events to keep on your radar.

Events this Week

Cody Johnson Live

Friday, May 8 • 7:30 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Touring his new album Banks Of The Trinity, Cody Johnson takes a contemporary approach on traditional country as he tells stories about foundational moments in his life. Banks of the Trinity follows 2023’s Leather, which won the CMA Award for Album of the Year.

Johnny Hastings Trio

May 8–9 • 8–10 p.m.
Tinder Box, Rapid City

Grab your friends and head over to our cigar bar and lounge for a night of live music that’ll get your toes tapping. The Johnny Hastings Trio will be hot and ready to play all your favorite tunes while you enjoy a great smoke and a cold drink.

America 250 Flag Raising Ceremony

Friday, May 8 • 10 a.m.
Pump N Pak, Vermillion

In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Vermillion will host a South Dakota America 250 Flag Raising Ceremony. The traveling 20-by-30-foot flag will be in Vermillion Friday through Monday.

Avera Race Against Cancer

Saturday, May 9 • Variable start times
Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Yankton and Marshall, MN

The 38^th annual Avera Race Against Cancer takes off Saturday at cities across South Dakota and Minnesota. Avera’s annual run benefit supports patients with all cancer types. Funds support numerous projects, including the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center. Be sure to check your local race start time so that you won’t be running late to the big event.

North American Hockey League Central Division Finals

Saturday, May 9 • 7:15 p.m.
Odde Ice Center, Aberdeen

After splitting game two of the finals, the Aberdeen Wings are hungry to break the tie and dominate the central division as they host the final game against the Austin Bruins. This will be a night of NAHL action you won’t want to miss.

Sioux Empire Brass Society 30th Annual Spring Concert

Sunday, May 10 • 3 p.m.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Sioux Falls

The Sioux Empire’s premiere brass ensemble is debuting a new program created by Scott Shelsta, a native South Dakotan and retired trombonist from the U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.” Listen and learn about the music from the turn of the (previous) century, performed by Shelsta and the Sioux Empire Brass. Free admission.

Mother’s Day Brunch

Sunday, May 10 • 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City

The Alex will be renewing the Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet in their ballroom on Sunday. Don’t miss bountiful buffet spreads and a chance to make this Mother’s Day historic in the heart of downtown Rapid City.

Jeopardy Bar League

Thursday, May 14 • 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cohort Craft Brewery, Rapid City

Have you always wondered how you would fare at the big blue board with Alex Trebek (may he rest in peace)? You’ll have the chance to try your brain at Jeopardy! Bar League, a live trivia competition. Teams of one to six play via smartphones or tablets featuring Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy!, and Final Jeopardy! rounds with daily doubles and prizes. This experience offers a social, competitive experience with national leaderboards. Admission is free, and all ages and abilities are welcome to attend.

Deadwood’s Craft Beer Fest: Hops and Hogs

May 15–16
Main Street, Deadwood

Craft beer lovers will enjoy Deadwood’s finest at the Hops and Hogs festival. Enjoy craft beer paired with samples of unique bacon dishes. Once the event begins, attendees taste at scheduled locations. Tasting hours are 5–10 p.m. on Friday and 12–6 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket holders receive an event pass, tasting card, schedule, and an open container cup. Admission is limited, and participants must be 21 or older.

Adam Goodge Comedy & Art Show

Friday, May 15 • 7 p.m.
Lucky’s, Sioux Falls

Adam Goodge treads the boundary between visual art and stand-up comedy, combining spoken material with accompanying illustrations. Special guests include local comics Sara Manson and Jacob Womack. Admission is required for entry.

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Coming Next Week

May 15–21

Open House and Free Fishing Weekend

May 15–May 17 • 12:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
South Dakota State Parks & Recreation Areas

Premiere Playhouse presents: Death of a Salesman

May 15–May 17 • Variable showtimes
ICON Event Hall, Sioux Falls

Rock the Rez Music Concert & Silent Auction

Saturday, May 16 • 5–8:30 p.m.
Dahl Arts Center, Rapid City

Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance Act II

Monday, May 18 • 7 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Future Events

Events to keep on your radar:

Davina & The Vagabonds

Thursday, June 4 • 7 p.m.
Levitt Shell, Sioux Falls

Touchmark at All Saints 30th Anniversary Open House

Wednesday, June 10 • 4:30–6 p.m.
Touchmark at All Saints, Sioux Falls

Soulful Sounds by Acute Inflections

Thursday, June 25 • 7 p.m.
The Social, Sioux Falls

The Red Clay Strays: Grateful Tour

Sunday, Aug. 16 • 6:30 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

TO: The Next Mayor of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

FROM: Mayor Paul TenHaken

RE: Advice, Hard Knocks, and Well Wishes

In just a few months, you’ll step into one of the hardest — and most rewarding — roles of your life. There will be days you’ll wonder why you ever wanted this job, and other days when you’ll hope it never ends. Before I have the chance to walk down those marble steps of City Hall one final time, I wanted to leave you a few words of advice to use however you see fit.

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The population inside Bramble Park Zoo grew by four this week.

Four gray wolf pups took up residence in Watertown’s zoo on Sunday, May 3, after Zoo Director Stacey Plocher drove to Wisconsin to pick them up. The pups were among seven born to a wolf at Shalom Wildlife Sanctuary in West Bend, Wisconsin, which is that state’s top-rated zoo. The mother wolf experienced problems after giving birth and couldn’t care for them. The Shalom staffers stepped in to ensure the pups’ survival.

“Our wolf habitat is almost done,” Plocher said, “so we started making plans to bring in some younger wolves.”

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A May 5 deadline to file ballot measure petitions for the November election passed without any being submitted to the Secretary of State’s Office.

But Rick Weiland of Dakotans for Health, which was behind two proposed initiated amendments, says his organization will continue collecting signatures. That’s because a legal challenge is currently playing out in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals over an election deadline law that a federal judge struck down as unconstitutional.

“We’re still collecting,” he told The Dakota Scout.

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Tony Melillo, 60, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on April 20, 2026. He was born on the same day, April 20th, 1966, in Orange County, California.

Tony graduated in the Class of 1984 from Lincoln High School. After graduation, he relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he took college courses and worked at the State Hospital. In 1989, a chance encounter would change his life forever: while living in an apartment complex, his soon-to-be wife, Kimberly, “accidentally” locked herself out and knocked on Tony’s door for help. The rest was history. The couple married in November of 1990 and enjoyed camping at Lake Mead, bowling in league, and playing in co-ed softball. They later moved back to Sioux Falls in 1993, where they began raising their family.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Philip, Sheila, and Alan; also his father- in-law Raymond. He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Tuttle-Melillo; his sons, Shelby (Anna) Melillo and Devon (Lauren) Melillo; his daughter, Jayden (Garrett) Melillo; his sister Robin (Jim) Hartle; his brothers, Rick and Marty; his mother-in-law Dianna Tuttle; his brothers in law Marty and Joey; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great nieces. He also leaves behind two cherished grandchildren, Griffin and Archer.

He built a dedicated career as a master screen printer in Sioux Falls, where he worked for over 30 years. Between contracts of silk screening, Tony worked for 3 different grocers in the meat department. Outside of work, Tony was widely known and respected in the local pool community. A fantastic pool player, he spent many years competing and connecting with teammates and friends from the time he was a teenager to his last years. When he wasn’t shooting pool, he enjoyed bowling with friends and spending summer Friday nights at the softball diamonds, playing in a competitive beer league alongside his close friends. It also wasn’t uncommon for Tony & Kim to go to a rock concert, dance together, or sit poolside with a Piña Colada.

Tony courageously battled cancer beginning in 2022. What started as colon cancer later spread through his bloodstream and developed into a brain tumor, for which he underwent surgery and came out on top. Unfortunately, the cancer spread to his lungs as his body got weaker. Through it all, Tony showed incredible strength and determination. He will be remembered as his family’s number 1 fan, and a fighter who never gave up, especially for the people he loved. He truly marched with his heart to the beat of his own drum.

Tony leaves a lasting legacy of his strong presence, his friendships, his sense of humor, and the love he had for his family. He lived by faith over fear, with a hint of sarcasm. Tony will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.

A Celebration will be Saturday, May 9, from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Gibbs Sports Bar.

Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.

Darrel Lester Bonrud, age 44, of Baltic, SD, passed away Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Sioux Falls, SD VA Hospice Cottage.

A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00 PM Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Minnehaha Funeral Home in Dell Rapids, SD. Burial will follow at Oslo Cemetery rural Trent, SD.

Visitation will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral chapel in Dells.

Darrel Lester Bonrud, age 44, was born on October 8, 1981, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Jean and Darrel Bonrud. From his very first moments, Darrel made an unforgettable entrance into the world — requiring a police escort to the hospital and being wrapped in a pink blanket as the nurses playfully teased his father into thinking he had a baby girl.

Darrel passed away on May 1, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, surrounded by love.

Darrel grew up in rural Flandreau, SD, and graduated from Flandreau High School in 2000. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving five years of active duty with multiple deployments. He was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and loved to joke that he jumped out of airplanes mostly because it paid more.

On September 4, 2004, Darrel married his high school sweetheart, Stefanie Houtman. Together they began their life in Fayetteville, NC, later returning to Flandreau, and eventually settling in Baltic, SD. They were blessed with two daughters, Hope Charlotte and Addison Marie, who were the absolute center of his world.

Darrel cherished watching his daughters grow into the incredible young women they are today. He loved coaching their sports teams and cheering them on through the years. A loyal Notre Dame football fan, he could be found every Saturday in the fall supporting his team with enthusiasm.

Known for his big heart, steady presence, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need, Darrel was truly a friend to all. He loved deeply, lived boldly, and absolutely should not have been left unsupervised. With his mischievous spirit, colorful language, and remarkable ability to find laughter in almost any situation, he could turn the most unpredictable moments into stories that will be shared for years to come. Darrel was unforgettable—one of a kind in all the best ways.

Darrel is survived by his wife, Stefanie Bonrud; daughters, Hope and Addison Bonrud; mother, Jean Bonrud; sister, Julie Enstad (Ted); mother‑in‑law, Cindy Duffert (John); father‑in‑law, George Houtman (Ronda); brother‑in‑law, Jeremie Houtman (Marcia); sisters‑in‑law, Stephanie Carroll (Tim) and Tiffany Weiszhaar (Chad); nieces, Jadyn Houtman, Miley Houtman, Myra Enstad, Audrey Enstad, Whitney Carroll, and Teagan Weiszhaar; nephews, Ethan Houtman, Hudson Enstad, Henry Enstad, Waylon Carroll, Bob Carroll, and Tucker Weiszhaar; and countless additional family members and friends who were also considered family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Darrel Bonrud, and his grandparents, Lester and Melba Bonrud, as well as Jack and Wanda Meakins.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

— John 15:13

Celebrate a life with the whole community in The Dakota Scout. Contact obits@thedakotascout.com to have your loved one remembered today.

Juvenile felonies in Minnehaha County are surging, fueled in part by “skyrocketing” crimes committed with firearms, State’s Attorney Daniel Haggar said Tuesday.

In 2024, there were 44 prosecutions of juveniles who committed a firearms crime. That number climbed to 147 in 2025.

Some of those crimes involved the theft of a firearm. Four juveniles were charged with grand theft of a firearm in 2024 and 26 in 2025. Four were also charged with grand theft of receiving a firearm in 2024 to 58 in 2025.

“We are seeing the severity grow, and that is concerning,” Haggar said.

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Expect more police surveillance in Sioux Falls over the next four years.

As South Dakota’s largest city readies to transfer power from Mayor Paul TenHaken to a new administration at City Hall, all but one candidate seeking the corner office at 224 W. Ninth St. say they support expanding the Sioux Falls Police Department’s use of surveillance technology to catch bad guys.

But Christine Erickson, Greg Jamison, Joe Batcheller and Jamie Smith joined David Zokaites in cautioning that government data collection on citizens and their movements can encroach on privacy expectations — and demands — of Sioux Falls residents.

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The next mayor of Sioux Falls showcased their vision for city public safety Tuesday night.

And if you missed it, The Dakota Scout and Sioux Falls Live debate between the five candidates in the 2026 mayoral race — David Zokaites, Christine Erickson, Greg Jamison, Joe Batcheller and Jamie Smith — can be replayed here.

The hour-long debate was held at the Military Heritage Alliance Museum in north Sioux Falls and focused on criminal justice, courts, policing and corrections from a vantage point inside City Hall.

Sponsors were Americans for Prosperity, Ascend Financial, Craze Minds Marketing, Sioux Falls Insurance (Eric Meyers Group) and South Dakota Trade.

Live from the Military Heritage Alliance Museum in north Sioux Falls, The Dakota Scout and Sioux Falls Live present the 2026 Sioux Falls mayoral debate on public safety.

In front of a crowd of more than 100 law enforcement officials and engaged voters, David Zokaites, Christine Erickson, Greg Jamison, Joe Batcheller and Jamie Smith will share their visions and perspectives on criminal justice, courts, policing and corrections from a vantage point inside City Hall.

This exercise of civics is made possible by Ascend Financial, Craze Minds Marketing, Sioux Falls Insurance (Eric Meyers Group) and South Dakota Trade. Americans for Prosperity is also sponsoring a post-debate reception immediately following.

The hourlong debate, moderated by Patrick Lalley of Sioux Falls Live and Joe Sneve of The Dakota Scout, can be watched via the stream above. The stream can also be viewed on YouTube via this link.

For those attending the debate, here’s what you need to know:

The debate is at the Military Heritage Alliance Museum tonight at 6 p.m. It’s located at 1300 N. Industrial Avenue — two buildings west of the Alliance’s main facility. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

Extra parking is available at 1700 W. Russell Street.

When arriving, check in at a reception table with an ID ready.

Event sponsors are Sioux Falls Insurance, Ascend Financial, South Dakota Trade and Craze Minds Marketing. Americans for Prosperity will sponsor a hospitality bar for candidates and attendees.

Lincoln County commissioners voted Tuesday to move ahead with equipment purchases for the new Justice Center, but they left a new security metal detector out of the package.

The decision means the county plans, for now, to rely on an aging courthouse detector that Sheriff Steve Swenson lobbied Tuesday to replace.

The 4-0 vote came with Commissioner Betty Otten absent and with two reluctant yes votes from commissioners Jim Schmidt and Tiffani Landeen. They said the county should buy the security device now while the project remains under budget.

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Box Elder is not just another small town — and Rapid Valley is more than a “bedroom community.” Together, they sit at the center of one of the most strategically important military installations in the country: Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Their growth is directly tied to the base’s expansion, with Box Elder growing more than 50 percent from 2010 to 2020 and continuing to surge as the B-21 Bomber program ramps up.

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Union County and its sheriff are denying allegations made by the former 911 dispatch coordinator that she was fired because of her sexual orientation and because she reported the department to the FBI.

Sara Beatty filed suit against the county and Sheriff James Prouty last week, saying she was terminated after she married a woman. The county fired back hours later with an answer denying her claims, saying Beatty was terminated for “non-discriminatory and non-retaliatory reasons” that included a “negative attitude, impaired working relationship” and an inability to trust her.

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A federal appeals court Monday rejected a bid by South Dakota’s only remaining death row inmate to have his capital murder conviction and death sentence overturned.

The decision by a three-judge panel of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals represents one of the final appeals that Briley Piper can make. Piper could still ask for a rehearing with the Eight Circuit, and he could appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, but both would be legal longshots. Unless one of those steps is successful, an execution date could be set in the near future.

“Today, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Piper’s death sentence for ‘the extended and brutal nature of the murder’ of Chester Poage,” said Attorney General Marty Jackley. “Briley Piper has never accepted responsibility for his actions and has consistently tried to shift blame onto others for his sentence. The Eighth Circuit’s rejection of his appeal marks an important step toward final justice for Chester Poage and his family.”

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A pilot program that embedded mental health therapists in five Sioux Falls schools is showing signs of success just a few months since its launch, school officials announced Monday.

Attendance has increased 14 percent among students participating in the program and “life threats” have decreased in participating schools by 51 percent since the program’s start in late 2025, said Heidi Thomas, the manager of Avera Behavioral Health’s outpatient services.

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Gov. Larry Rhoden is reviving a grant fund meant to assist tourism-related businesses and marketing organizations.

Rhoden announced May 4 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial that Travel South Dakota, the tourism arm of the state Department of Tourism, is reinstating the Tourism Advertising Promotion Grant Fund, established under former Gov. Kristi Noem in 2023.

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Reserve your spot for the Sioux Falls mayoral public safety debate.

Free admission to next week’s Sioux Falls mayoral debate is reserved exclusively for law enforcement members and their families — but The Dakota Scout subscribers still have access to a limited number of public seats.

The Scout and SiouxFallsLive.com are hosting a 2026 public safety-focused mayoral debate featuring all five candidates in the race ahead of the June 2 election: Joe Batcheller, Christine Erickson, Greg Jamison, Jamie Smith and David Zokaites.

If you want to be in the room, now is the time to secure your seat.

🎟️ Tickets are $8 per person and available to subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis.
👉 Follow the link to reserve your spot: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dakota-scout-sioux-falls-live-public-safety-debate-mayoral-candidates-tickets-1988744523405?aff=oddtdtcreator

The hour-long debate begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at the Military Heritage Alliance Museum, 1300 N. Industrial Ave. in Sioux Falls. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.

The event will also be livestreamed on TheDakotaScout.com and SiouxFallsLive.com.

The forum will be moderated by Joe Sneve of The Scout and Patrick Lalley of SiouxFallsLive.com, veteran South Dakota journalists who also partnered on last month’s GOP gubernatorial primary debate.

“This is an important race for the future of Sioux Falls, and voters deserve the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates — especially public safety,” Sneve said, noting the mayor’s role in shaping policy, staffing and funding for police, fire and emergency response services, along with broader criminal justice and corrections priorities. “We’re glad our subscribers have a chance to see it live and hang out with us and the candidates after.”

Sponsors for the event include Ascend Financial, Craze Minds Marketing, Sioux Falls Insurance (Eric Meyers Group) and South Dakota Trade. Americans for Prosperity will sponsor a post-debate reception featuring an open bar.

To secure your spot, hit the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-dakota-scout-sioux-falls-live-public-safety-debate-mayoral-candidates-tickets-1988744523405?aff=oddtdtcreator