Welcome to August!

While it's true the summer months are winding down, it doesn't mean there are any fewer activities to enjoy. The Sioux Empire Fair gets underway this weekend in Sioux Falls, and there are still plenty of outdoor events galore.

One of the biggies is coming up on Tuesday, (August 6), as Sioux Falls and the rest of the nation celebrate "National Night Out 2024."

National Night Out is an annual event held throughout the country designed to connect communities with law enforcement. The idea behind the event is to get the people living in the various communities involved focused on preventing crime within their community.

Again this year, the city of Sioux Falls is planning a variety of different activities ranging from block parties to cookouts, as residents get an opportunity to come together and become better acquainted with themselves and the members of their law enforcement and fire department communities.

Lt. Andrew Seibenborn with the Sioux Falls Police Department told Dakota News Now, “National Night Out is one of those events that are really about promoting quality of life, and the premise of the event is to have neighbors gather together, meet their neighbors, have camaraderie within their neighborhood while also having law enforcement come out to their neighborhood and get to meet them.”

According to Dakota News Now, over 20 neighborhoods throughout the Sioux Falls area are expected to participate in this year's event.

City leaders are once again hopeful that this year's event will help to build further trust and community spirit between residents and those tasked with protecting them.

Source: Dakota News Now

11 Things You’ll Only Understand After Living in South Dakota

From soda to pop to sloppy Joes, different parts of the country have their local quirks and language. Simple phrases can have totally different means, local events may seem weird, and food may go by a unique name.

If you're new to South Dakota here is a sort of translation guide for some odd things you may see or hear.

Gallery Credit: Ben Kuhns

5 Words That'll Help You Sound Like a South Dakotan

Each and every state has its own way of saying certain words, and South Dakota is no different.

We South Dakotans have our own unique way of saying certain words which sometimes leaves outsiders scratching their heads.

Here's a list of five words, and how to use them, to help you blend in.

Gallery Credit: Andy Gott