Vanessa Carlson Bender - Journalist

Vanessa Carlson Bender - Journalist Sioux Falls journalist with Argus Leader. Amplifying voices, shedding light on business-related news.

Though initially confirmed on multiple occasions that the long-obscured Black Watch space in downtown Sioux Falls would,...
06/24/2026

Though initially confirmed on multiple occasions that the long-obscured Black Watch space in downtown Sioux Falls would, at least at first, only focus on its upscale watch retail store with a potential for a bar/restaurant down the road, the owners were instead building a VIP speakeasy-style bar and restaurant behind the scenes, which was "always part of the whole thought process," co-owner Paul Ode confirmed when the space opened on June 18.

The new 'Black Watch' in downtown Sioux Falls appears to be a watch shop but is actually a high-end speakeasy.

Today is the Sioux Falls runoff election for mayor and three city council members. Here's a look back at the first Sioux...
06/23/2026

Today is the Sioux Falls runoff election for mayor and three city council members. Here's a look back at the first Sioux Falls mayoral candidate debate since the municipal election on June 2, where candidates Jamie Smith and Christine Erickson shared more in-depth about their visions for the city and confronted less-discussed issues.

Sioux Falls mayoral candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith debated their visions before the June 23 runoff.

For the first time in four years, the Sioux Falls Pride Parade made its way down Phillips Ave. again this year. "Though ...
06/23/2026

For the first time in four years, the Sioux Falls Pride Parade made its way down Phillips Ave. again this year.

"Though the annual parade and festival have brought thousands of attendees, growing in number each year, Sioux Falls Pride continues to face another year of financial strain as inflation continues and national corporate sponsorships decline — a trend seen across the country due to a federal executive order enacted last year. Sioux Falls Pride Board President Anna Brenden confirmed that 'larger national businesses have pulled back from their sponsorship,' though local businesses have stepped up 'in a big way.'"

Sioux Falls Pride returns June 13, featuring returning Phillips Ave. parade route, new logo and all-local lineup.

03/18/2026

The Argus Leader is hiring a full-time public safety and criminal justice reporter to join our team in Sioux Falls! Come be a part of a fun and talented team!

Find your next adventure

03/03/2026

The Argus Leader in Sioux Falls is hiring a paid summer intern for a 10-week period this year! Application deadline is April 1. Bonus points for skills in social media, videography and photography! PM me if you have any questions!

Find your next adventure

“It’s a tension you will constantly manage,” TenHaken said. “You never say, ‘We nailed it.’”The future of The Link Commu...
02/26/2026

“It’s a tension you will constantly manage,” TenHaken said. “You never say, ‘We nailed it.’”

The future of The Link Community Triage Center will hinge on new leadership, stronger funding and continued community support as the demand for services keeps climbing.

“One of my goals is to try and get The Link on some solid financial ground before I leave office in 148 days,” TenHaken said.

Operating costs total about $2.5 million annually, with a recurring $700,000 funding gap.

The mayor also introduced a project director role that began in December 2025, which is being led by Jason Lemke on a 12-month contract.

“My role at The Link … is to come in and look for some strategies for some long-term funding additions … so that these important services are here for years to come,” Lemke said.

City of Sioux Falls leaders say the future of The Link will hinge on new leadership, stronger funding and continued community support.

After 115 years commanding the Falls Park neighborhood, Smithfield Foods will continue its generational impact in a newl...
02/16/2026

After 115 years commanding the Falls Park neighborhood, Smithfield Foods will continue its generational impact in a newly built plant.

Gov. Larry Rhoden, alongside Mayor Paul TenHaken and Smithfield CEO Shane Smith, announced Feb. 16, in what will be a “defining moment for Sioux Falls,” that the sprawling slaughterhouse stalwart will be moving northwest of town, next to the Amazon packaging facility at Foundation Park.

Gov. Rhoden said this announcement will mark the largest business investment in the state's history.

The state's most prominent philanthropist and billionaire, T. Denny Sanford, will donate $50 million to the Sioux Falls Development Foundation to help fund the new development, which will include the purchase of 120 acres at the head of Falls Park.

It will be named the Sanford District.

Although there is no timeline yet, TenHaken said that the existing building will be torn down to make room for what could be “parks, schools, maybe a new Whittier or a medical school.

Smithfield's 'once-in-a-generation' move will have 'nationwide impact.' Here's what's next for the 115-year-old meat processing plant.

“Seeing is believing,” Weber said. “To give, people have to want to give, they have to understand and believe in it and ...
02/10/2026

“Seeing is believing,” Weber said. “To give, people have to want to give, they have to understand and believe in it and they have to have the capacity to give.”

Some Sioux Falls philanthropists say they are beginning to feel what is called “philanthropy fatigue,” while others insist now is the city's “golden age” of giving.

Union Gospel Mission CEO Eric Weber has spent the last few days driving around town, checking for people huddled under b...
01/25/2026

Union Gospel Mission CEO Eric Weber has spent the last few days driving around town, checking for people huddled under bridges and walking about in the dangerously cold wind chills.

Meanwhile, Shannon Ward, owner of Good NAtured, spent an afternoon pleading with a 76-year-old woman who frequently sits on the front stoop of her business, to please come inside.

“They’re fighting for their lives out there,” said Dr. Shannon Emry, of Midwest Street Medicine. “We need to support them and help them any way we can.”

For those who seek refuge from the dangerously cold weather, there are options in Sioux Falls to warm up.

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