Sunday Focus With Christine Manika

Junior Achievement of South Dakota highlights the importance of futures for our youth. Whether it’s in the classroom or volunteering in the community, each child will reach their full potential through Junior Achievement with hands-on learning inspiring students to invest in their future and pursue their dreams. Kayla Eitreim (President & CEO) & Chelsea Cronin (Sr. Director of Development) joins us in the studio to tell us more about the possibilities of Junior Achievement in South Dakota. Additional information can be found at jasd.org

There is a lot of excitement for the upcoming 2025 tourism season in Sioux Falls. From fun concerts, entertaining events, and new tasty restaurants, Sioux Falls has a lot to offer visitors. The Executive Director from Experience Sioux Falls, Teri Schmidt is with us in the studio to talk about last year's season, the events happening in 2025, new businesses and developments in the city, places we would love to have in Sioux Falls, and what people can expect this tourism season. More information can be found at experiencesiouxfalls.com or by calling 605-275-6060.

Alcohol and other drug addictions are at the root of a wide range of challenging social problems and are linked to our quality of life, the strength of the economy, and the safety of communities. But for 15 years, Face It Together has been at the forefront of those battling with addictions throughout the Sioux Empire. Wendy White and Katie Lail from Face It Together join the program to tell us about the organization, its mission, the programs they offer, and success stories. More information can be found at wefaceittogether.org or by calling 605-274-2262.

We have been talking with the CEO and Founder of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen about this amazing organization and survivors. But now once a victim comes forward and visits Call to Freedom, how do the volunteers help? How can the community be part of Call to Freedom’s ever-growing mission? We have special guests in the studio to talk to us about volunteering and other ways the community can get involved with Call to Freedom. Becky Rasmussen (CEO and Founder) along with volunteers Matt Koziara, Shawn DeGroot, and Community Engagement Manager Eden Shanzenbach. More information can be found at calltofreedom.org or call 605-261-1881.

Hunting pheasants is a huge tradition in South Dakota. It's a way of life in the state and it encourages people to get outside, especially the kids. The Turner County Youth Pheasant Hunt is all about involving kids in this sport and practicing safety. On top of this excitement, some celebrities even join the fun and perform a show at Parker High School. This year, Josh Gracin is the special guest on Saturday, October 19th. Tickets for the Turner County Charity Youth Pheasant concert can be found at itickets.com.

Lots of exciting changes have been happening at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and for its Executive Director James Oppenheimer. A record number of animals and adoptions have been met at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society with James leading his team through each case. But now his work is calling him into a new direction. James Oppenheimer was just named the new CEO of the Sioux Falls Family YMCA. James joins the program to reflect on his time at the SFAHS, why he made the switch, and his hopes as CEO at the YMCA. More information on either organization can be found at sfadopt.com or siouxfallsymca.org.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month and for the third year, Avera Health launched its ‘Ask The Question’ campaign. This campaign is built around the research-based premise that being direct can save lives. Asking someone who’s struggling a direct question, “Are you thinking about suicide?” in a caring way can open a meaningful conversation that leads to the person at risk to get help. It’s not always an easy conversation to have. But on the bright side: Suicide rates have fallen in South Dakota for two years in a row. To tell us more about what programs Avera offers for the community and events involving starting a conversation, Thomas Otten the Vice President of Avera Behavioral Health joins the program. More information can be found at avera.org/askthequestion.

We have been talking with the CEO and Founder of Call to Freedom Becky Rasmussen about this amazing organization and survivors. But what happens once a survivor comes forward? How do trafficking and the law come together? Becky Rasmussen from Call to Freedom joins us the program again as we welcome South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Clapper to talk about how the law intertwines with trafficking. More information can be found at calltofreedom.org or call 605-261-1881

September is an important month at Results-Townsquare Media. We are proud to partner with Sanford and the Children’s Miracle Network for the 17th Annual Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon presented by Jerry’s Auto. For two days, Results-Townsquare Media will come together to raise money for kiddos and families who are battling cancer…the fight of a lifetime. Thursday, September 26th and Friday, September 27th will be focused on raising money and awareness for local, brave kids. Normally, we give a little preview of the two-day event. But this year, we’d like to introduce you to a family and the title sponsor early. Emma is 3-year-old her parents Country and Trent are with us in the studio to share Emma’s story. And Jerry Barr with Jerry’s Auto has been a big part of the annual Cure Kids Cancer Radiothon since the beginning. And we’re happy to have him in the studio to talk to him more about radiothon. The phone number to keep handy is 605-328-5750

I AM FORTIFIED by Fortitude creates a positive environment to reflect and to discover ourselves, especially for women spiritually. Amos and Heather Kittleson from Fortitude join the show to tell us more about Fortitude, their journey, and the upcoming I AM FORTIFIED by Fortitude event on Saturday, September 7th at the Sioux Falls Christian School Chapel ('The Gathering'). Additional information can be found at eventcreate.com/iamfortified.