Jon Michaels' Forum

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Bill Nelson of Minneapolis, MN, about his work about prostitution.

A History of Prostitution in South Dakota and the Upper Plains

The history of prostitution in South Dakota and the Upper Plains is closely tied to westward expansion, frontier towns, military posts, railroad construction, mining, economic hardship, and changing social attitudes. It is a history that goes beyond the familiar image of the Wild West saloon and includes the lives of women and men, law enforcement, local government, exploitation, and debates over public morality.

1. The frontier era: 1860s–1880s7

During the settlement of Dakota Territory, prostitution developed in some frontier communities alongside saloons, gambling halls, hotels, and other businesses serving predominantly male populations.

• Mining camps and boomtowns: The Black Hills gold rush, beginning in 1874–1876, brought large numbers of prospectors and workers to places such as Deadwood.

• Railroad towns: Railroad construction and expanding transportation networks created new commercial centers where transient workers and travelers spent money.

• Military posts and trading centers: Some communities near military installations and trade routes developed commercial sex markets.

• Women seeking income: Some women entered prostitution because of limited employment opportunities, poverty, family responsibilities, or lack of other economic choices. Experiences varied considerably, and not everyone entered or remained in the trade under the same circumstances.

Prostitution was not unique to South Dakota. Similar patterns appeared throughout the Great Plains, including parts of Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, and Kansas.

2. Boomtowns, saloons, and commercial districts: 1880s–1910s9

As towns grew, prostitution sometimes became concentrated in particular streets, boardinghouses, hotels, and entertainment districts. Some establishments operated openly for periods of time, while others attracted police attention or operated discreetly.

Local authorities could take contradictory approaches. Officials might publicly condemn prostitution while tolerating certain establishments, collecting fines, or intervening mainly when businesses created complaints about disorder, violence, or theft.

It is important not to assume every saloon or hotel was connected to prostitution, or that every frontier town had a formally recognized red-light district. Conditions differed from one community to another.

3. Deadwood's unusual history: 1910s–19806

Deadwood is one of the most significant examples of prostitution in South Dakota history. Unlike many frontier towns where brothels disappeared relatively early, Deadwood maintained a visible prostitution industry for more than a century.

Important milestones include:

• 1876: Deadwood developed rapidly during the Black Hills gold rush, and prostitution became part of its commercial life.

• Early 1900s: Brothels remained part of the local economy despite reform campaigns against gambling, alcohol, and prostitution.

• 1950: A legal crackdown briefly closed brothels, but some reopened after a legal technicality.

• 1980: State and federal authorities shut down the remaining brothels in a major enforcement action.

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Deadwood's history illustrates a central theme: local economic interests and community traditions sometimes conflicted with state law and campaigns for moral reform.

4. Sioux Falls and the wider Upper Midwest: 1900s–1960s8

Prostitution in the Upper Plains was not limited to remote mining camps. Cities such as Sioux Falls, along with Minneapolis and other Upper Midwest communities, were connected by transportation routes and commercial networks.

One documented example is the John's Bar and Funhouse prostitution scandal of 1952–1956. Federal authorities investigated an interstate prostitution network that extended through Minneapolis, Sioux Falls, Chicago, and other locations. The investigation resulted in numerous convictions under the federal Mann Act, which addressed the transportation of people across state lines for prohibited sexual purposes.

MNopedia

This case shows that mid-twentieth-century prostitution could involve organized businesses, intermediaries, travel between cities, and allegations of police corruption. It also demonstrates why the history of prostitution in South Dakota should be studied in the context of the wider region.

5. Reform, criminalization, and changing attitudes

During the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, prostitution became the subject of recurring public debates.

Common issues included:

• Public health and concerns about sexually transmitted infections.

• Religious and moral reform movements.

• Police corruption and uneven enforcement.

• Poverty, unequal employment opportunities, and women's legal and economic status.

• Exploitation, coercion, and human trafficking.

The historical distinction between consensual adult sex work and forced sexual exploitation is important. They are not the same, although both have appeared in discussions and investigations of prostitution.

The law also varied over time and place. A town's tolerance of brothels did not necessarily mean that prostitution was formally legalized. Deadwood's long history is a particularly clear example of the complicated relationship between local practice and legal authority.

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6. The modern era: 1980s to today

Today, prostitution and commercial sexual exploitation are discussed in the context of criminal law, trafficking prevention, public health, and the protection of vulnerable people.

Historical research has also broadened. Rather than focusing exclusively on famous madams, saloons, or notorious characters, historians increasingly examine ordinary workers, court records, business records, newspaper accounts, and the economic conditions that shaped people's lives.

Deadwood has also incorporated this difficult history into its historical interpretation. Its brothel museum offers visitors a way to examine an aspect of the town's past that was once largely overlooked in conventional accounts of the Wild West.

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Recommended historical sources

The Brothel – Deadwood

Historic site and museum

Explore Deadwood's long-running brothel history, historic buildings, and the lives of people involved.

Visit the official Deadwood history website

South Dakota

Gold, Gals, Guns, Guts

South Dakota State Historical Society Press

An illustrated history of the Black Hills that provides background on mining, gambling, prostitution, and frontier life.

See the publisher's book page

South Dakota Historical Society Press

Minneapolis Madams

Regional comparison

Examines nineteenth-century prostitution, civic politics, and the economic and social forces behind the industry in Minneapolis.

See the University of Minnesota Press book page

University of Minnesota Press

The central lesson

The history of prostitution in South Dakota and the Upper Plains is not simply a story of the Wild West. It reflects the region's economic development, gender inequalities, community politics, changing laws, and the lives of people who often left few written records.

For a more detailed study, Deadwood and Sioux Falls are two useful starting points: Deadwood illustrates the longevity of a frontier brothel district, while the mid-twentieth-century interstate investigations show how prostitution networks extended into modern urban life.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Kory Van Sickle — Presided of SDRRMA. The South Dakota Rock & Rollers Music Association is a nonprofit organization based in Sioux Falls that celebrates the history of rock and roll music in South Dakota. It honors the musicians, bands, radio personalities, recording studios, music venues, and other people who helped shape the state's music scene.

The South Dakota Rock & Rollers

The 2026 inductees include the following:

Bands:

● Soulcrate

● Randy McAllister

● Quazy

● Judd Hoos

● Easy Street

● 12½ Charlies

Production:

● Adam Ellsworth

Studio:

● Pulse River

Venue:

● Phil’s Pub

Event/Festival:

● JazzFest

DJs:

● Angie Kessler

● Karla Brown

Lifetime Achievement:

● Don Lerdal

● Chuck Case

Special Recognition:

● Scott Hudson

● White Wall Sessions

The induction concert is set for October 24 at the District in Sioux Falls, beginning at 6:00 p.m.

History of the organization

• 2008: The organization was established to recognize and promote the people who built South Dakota's live music scene.

  The South Dakota Rock & Rollers

   

• Hall of Fame: It created an annual induction celebration recognizing influential South Dakota musicians, bands, venues, and music-industry professionals.

• Preserving history: It collects and shares photographs, memorabilia, and stories about the state's musical past.

• Supporting young musicians: It sponsors youth Battle of the Bands events and provides grants to South Dakota school music programs. The organization reports awarding more than $45,000 in music grants.

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Who runs the association?

Its published board of directors includes:

• Kory Van Sickle — President

• Michael Cornette — Vice President

• Amy Ellsworth — Secretary

• Scott Hudson — Treasurer

Other board members include John Fiksdal, Mick Jensen, Jered Johnson, Evan Jones, Alex Massa, Tom Odea, Laura Tjaden, and Vesta Wells Johnson.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Paul Horsted about his new book South Dakota Yesterday & Today.

From Chat GPT:

. Paul Horsted has a significant Sioux Falls connection, especially early in his photography career:

• He grew up in Brandon, South Dakota, near Sioux Falls. While still in high school, he began photographing assignments for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
• After high school, he continued doing freelance and sports photography for the Argus Leader and eventually worked there full-time.
• His current statewide historical photography project also includes Sioux Falls locations and historic photographs.
• He is scheduled to present “South Dakota Yesterday & Today” at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on October 4, 2026, at 2 p.m. The presentation includes historic views of Sioux Falls and photographs he made from the Old Courthouse Museum clock tower.
• Horsted was also a featured author at a 2025 “Beyond the Books” literary event in Sioux Falls.

So, although Horsted now lives in Custer, his professional photography career has strong roots in the Sioux Falls area.

I found a specific Sioux Falls photograph by Paul Horsted from his new South Dakota Yesterday & Today project, plus some useful clues about the other Sioux Falls locations he documented.

Confirmed Sioux Falls photograph

Queen Bee Mill — view from the upper floor, 1910

This is the clearest example I could verify. Horsted found a historic photograph taken from an upper floor of the Queen Bee Mill in 1910. Because the mill burned in 1956 and no longer exists, he used other historic photographs to determine the original camera position and then used a drone to recreate the same view today.

The resulting pair shows:

• Then: Sioux Falls as seen from the Queen Bee Mill in 1910.
• Now: The same perspective recreated by Horsted with drone photography.
• The photograph is included in his 2026 book, South Dakota Yesterday & Today.

Other Sioux Falls locations

Horsted's new book contains 350 historic/modern photo pairs covering more than 100 South Dakota communities and numerous landmarks, and the project specifically includes Sioux Falls.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum and Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead about everything you need to know about Flock cameras,  Sharp Shooters at Levitt Falls concerts, curfews at the Sioux Empire Fair and more.

from AI::

Sioux Falls Flock cameras

• The Sioux Falls Police Department partnered with Flock Safety to deploy ALPR cameras around the city.
• The city says the system is intended to help investigate crimes, locate stolen vehicles and missing people, and identify vehicles of interest.
• Sioux Falls' policy says the cameras do not use facial recognition and are not used for speeding, red-light, or parking enforcement.
• The city's policy states that ALPR data should generally be retained for no longer than 30 days, subject to South Dakota records-retention requirements.
• An independent, volunteer-maintained mapping project currently documents about 50–54 ALPR locations in Sioux Falls, most identified as Flock cameras. This is not an official city inventory, so the exact number and locations can change.

Jon Thum is the current Chief of the Sioux Falls Police Department. Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Thum began his career with the department as a patrol officer in 2005 and served in various roles including sergeant, lieutenant, and SWAT commander before being appointed chief in July 2021.

He succeeded Matt Burns, who retired after six years as chief. Thum’s tenure has focused on community engagement, diversity within the force, and modernizing operations, including the recent launch of the department’s Real Time Information Center in January 2025 to assist with crime tracking and investigations

Mike Milstead is the current Minnehaha County Sheriff, having served since May 1997 — nearly 30 years. He began his law enforcement career with the Sioux Falls Police Department in 1973, rising to lieutenant before being appointed sheriff. He was re-elected six times without opposition.

On January 28, 2026, Milstead announced he will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of his term (January 4, 2027). At 71, he described the decision as a "huge step" after over 50 years in law enforcement.

He endorsed Captain Josh Phillips, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff's office, as his successor. Bobby Smith has also launched a campaign for the seat.

Milstead served on the FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force, the U.S. Attorney's Anti-Terrorism Task Force, and the National Sheriff's Association board. He is the state's most experienced sheriff.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Frank Kloucek about his candidacy for Public Utilities Commissioner.

from Chat GPT

Frank J. Kloucek is a South Dakota farmer and former Democratic state legislator from the Scotland area. He served 22 years in the South Dakota Legislature — 16 years in the Senate and 6 years in the House. A 2025 South Dakota legislative commemoration described him as the longest-tenured Democrat to have served in the state Legislature.

Background

• Born: September 27, 1956, in Yankton, South Dakota.
• Education: South Dakota State University; he graduated in 1978.
• Occupation: Farmer; he and his wife, Joanie, farm near Scotland.
• Legislative service: District 19, serving in both the House and Senate over multiple terms.
• Legislative work: He served on water-development oversight committees and worked on issues including agriculture, veterans, transportation, public safety, environmental matters and rural economic development.

2026 Public Utilities Commission campaign

Kloucek is currently campaigning for a seat on the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC). His campaign says he is emphasizing fair utility rates, renewable energy, consumer protection, transparency and accountability.

A June 10, 2026 filing with the South Dakota Secretary of State identifies Frank John Kloucek as the candidate and treasurer of the campaign committee.

One recent campaign-related issue is his proposal for a one-year pause on new AI data-center projects, which he says would allow time to study effects on electric rates, grid reliability, water supplies, infrastructure and property rights.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Alexis Crowley, Marketing Specialist at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.

from gpt

2026 Sioux Falls Area Humane Society Bark in the Park event: October 10, 2026, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. It includes a 3K walk and 5K run for people and their four-legged companions.

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is an open-admission animal shelter and adoption center serving Sioux Falls and surrounding communities. 

Address: 3720 E. Benson Rd., Sioux Falls, SD 57104
Phone: 605-338-4441 

Visiting hours:

• Monday–Wednesday: 11 AM–6 PM
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday–Saturday: 11 AM–6 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM–4 PM 

They offer dog, cat, and small-animal adoptions, fostering, volunteering, microchipping, a community pet food bank, and other animal-support services. 

Sioux Falls Area Humane Society official website

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Mick Nesseim, Bill McGinnis and "Hawk" Mayer of the Vietnam Veterans of America Post about the POW/MIA ceremony in Sioux Falls.

National POW/MIA Recognition Day 2026 is Friday, September 18. It is observed nationally on the third Friday of September. The Sioux Falls Ceremony will be held at Veterans Memorial Park, 1021 W. Bailey Street, Bring your lawn chair. In case of bad weather, the ceremony will be held at the Veterans Alliance, 1600 W. Russell Street. Reception to follow at the VFW/American Legion Armory, 1700 W. Russell, use north door.

Warrior Ethos: I will always place the mission first...I will never leave a fallen comrade.

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with new sports announcer Sy Ewoniuk from Aberdeen, SD.

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Josh Brewer, CEO of Lifelight about their festivals in Cuba, Africa, Rapid City and Sept. 6 in Downtown Sioux Falls

ChatGPT: 

LifeLight is a Christian nonprofit ministry and music-festival organization based in South Dakota. Its main purpose is to use Christian music, worship, and community events to share the message of Jesus Christ.

The LifeLight Festival is its best-known event. It brings together Christian musicians, speakers, churches, food vendors, and family activities. The Sioux Falls event on September 6 is part of those LifeLight events.

LifeLight official website

LifeLight Festival is returning to Sioux Falls on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at Nelson Park. It is a free, one-day Christian music festival.

Details:

• 📅 Sunday, September 6, 2026
• 📍 Nelson Park, Sioux Falls
• 🎟️ Free admission
• 🕛 Festival activities are listed as noon–9:30 p.m.
• 🎵 Artists listed include Danny Gokey, Cochren & Co., and Rhett Walker
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family activities, food trucks, vendors, speakers and Christian music are planned.

The official festival page is here: LifeLight Sioux Falls Festival

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Kelly Schelling, Office Manager, and Tim Wendt, Chaplain at Kingdom Boundaries prison aftercare.

from chat gpt:

Kingdom Boundaries Prison Aftercare Ministry is located at 417 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, SD 57104 and can be reached at 605-201-8493.

What they provide

• Transitional housing after release from prison
• Help with employment and job applications
• Assistance obtaining clothing, furniture and other practical needs
• Mentoring, accountability and Christian/spiritual guidance
• Help with reentering the community and rebuilding family relationships

They have housing for men through their downtown facilities and a House of Grace for women at 600 W. 12th St.

Main rules for residents

• No alcohol, illegal drugs, or marijuana — they have a zero-tolerance policy. Residents agree to drug testing and room searches, and cannot go to places where alcohol or illegal drugs are present. Refusing or tampering with a drug test can result in termination.
• No weapons or knives on the property.
• No smoking/vaping inside. Smoking is restricted to the designated rear area and has additional time restrictions after curfew.
• No pets, including fish or snakes.
• Curfew is graduated. It starts more restrictive and can expand as the resident gets a job, completes requirements, establishes a financial plan, etc. The listed maximum is generally 6 a.m.–10 p.m., subject to parole-officer approval and individual adjustments.
• Passes require approval. Requests generally have to be submitted 24 hours ahead and approved by both KBPA staff and the parole officer.
• Visitors require advance permission. No overnight guests, and unauthorized people cannot stay in the apartment.
• Employment is a major expectation. Residents are expected to prioritize getting a job and turn their income over to KBPA for management through a resident account/budget.
• Chores and maintenance are mandatory, including cleaning, snow removal, lawn care and general facility maintenance.
• Christian participation is required, including the discipleship program, weekly individual/group meetings, church involvement and a KBPA-approved weekly Bible study.
• Cell phones and vehicles require permission from both KBPA and, where applicable, the parole officer.
• Cameras and door monitoring are used, and interfering with surveillance/security can result in immediate notification of the parole officer and dismissal.
• Residents generally agree to at least 10 weeks at the transitional housing before moving on.

One particularly important point: the written covenant says it can be revised, so the agreement a particular resident actually signs may contain updated rules.

Kingdom Boundaries’ official site

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.