SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Sioux Falls Area Drug Task force arrested two city men on felony drug charges involving a large amount of Molly, a drug police say is similar to Ecstasy.

     Officer Jim Larson says Blayne Solberg and Joel Robshaw, both 22, were arrested yesterday at Robshaw’s home on Highway eleven in Lincoln County.

     Larson says authorities seized drugs, property and cash.  He says that includes 9 firearms, 54 grams of hashish, a jet ski with a trailer, a Chevy Suburban, a diesel pickup, an enclosed trailer, almost three grams of mushrooms, just over 9 pounds of marijuana and $21,000 cash. 

     Larson says Solberg and Robshaw are charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

     Robshaw is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

     Larson says the 119 grams of Molly is a large seizure of the drug in Sioux Falls.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police say two men involved in a three car collision at I-229 and Benson Road around six this morning were in a stolen pickup taken from north Sioux Falls.

     Officer Jim Larson says police were investigating a report of two men trying to open parked vehicles along North Lewis Avenue prior to the accident.

     Larson says the suspects fled on foot after the accident.  Larson says they were quickly located and it was determined that they were the suspects in the earlier call.  In attmepting to flee the scene the driver of the stolen pickup went through a red light causing the multi-car crash.

      Larson says 19-year-old Kendall Decoteau of Enemy Swim and 20 year-old David Black Moon of Fort Thompson are charged with grand theft.

     Decoteau is also charged with D-W-I and hit and run.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Police are crediting a young, female babysitter in the arrest of a suspected home burglar.

     Captain Greg Vandekamp says the girl saw a strange car driving by the home on South Glenwood Avenue Thursday afternoon and called the children’s mother

     Vandekamp says the parents called police  The father, who was on his way home, managed to flag down a Highway Patrol Trooper.

    Meanwhile, Vandekamp says the car pulled into the home's driveway.  The suspect knocked on the front door and when no one answered he kicked it in.  The babysitter had taken her charges into a back bedroom.  When she approached the suspect he told her to go to the bedroom.

     Vandekamp says that's when the trooper got to the house and arrested 24-year-old Robert George Schiradelly of Sioux Falls.  Schiradelly is charged with burglary. 

     Investigators believe Schiradelly may have been involved in a home burglary Thursday morning on West Second Street.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - To expand Medicaid in South Dakota would make life easier for the elderly and low income families.  The questions of where the money will come from and the lack of rural doctors are questions to be answered.

“A key task force was brought together by Governor Daugaard to study the advantages and disadvantages of expanding Medicaid in South Dakota,” said Deb Bowman, Senior Advisor to Governor Dennis Daugaard.  “It was mandated by the Supreme Court that the Federal Government couldn’t mandate state Medicaid expansion.  During this past legislative session Gov. Daugaard recommended that we not expand Medicaid.”

Bowman said that Gov. Daugaard wants the committee to lay out the pros and cons of Medicaid expansion.  The task at hand is to study all of them and to file a report in the middle of September.  So far the biggest fear by the people is the cost or Medicaid expansion. 

“The Federal Government will pay 100 percent the first three years and then it will decrease after that,” said Bowman.  Primarily, we cover children elderly and disabled with very few adults on the program.  The 48 thousand who will be added to the program will be adults between ages 18 – 64 and many will be lower income.”

Bowman said it comes down to the moral dilemma of do we leave the poorest of the poor uninsured in S.D. concerning the fiscal implications in the state.  There are also those who are concerned with government run health care.  There is a concern that Medicaid is taking a gradual larger portion of the state budget every year and do we continue to contribute to the federal deficit.

“Another concern is a lack of qualified medical people to cover the rural areas of S.D.,” said Bowman.  “The Governor had a task force last summer that I participated in and we have a number of incentives in place to address those issues, but those take time.  The health systems in place at this time feel they can meet the need and that is a debate we are still having.”

Bowman said that if people want to know what is going on, they can go to Gov. Daugaard’s web page.  We have posted all of the testimony that we recorded at the meetings and people can write us with their concerns.

Deb Bowman was interviewed on the Greg Belfrage Show June 27, 2013.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police say a Sioux Falls man lost over $9,000 in a phone scam last week.

     Officer Sam Clemens says the caller told the 58 year old victim that he was the winner of over $800,000 in a Publisher’s Clearing House drawing.

     Clemens says the victim was instructed to buy gift cards that would be used to pay the taxes on the prize money.  He says the victim went to several stores and paid $9,400 for money packs, or gift cards.  The scam artist stayed on the phone with the victim who relayed the numbers and locations of the cards he purchased. 

     Clemens says the scammer arranged for a meeting with the victim at a local bank to give him his winnings.  That did not happen.     

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police say a twenty year old Sioux Falls man was arrested on multiple drug charges after driving the wrong way on Russell Street forcing drivers into the ditch.

     Officer Sam Clemens says a policeman saw Jared Matthew Allen Rote driving eastbound in the westbound lane and motorists were taking to the ditches to avoid him.  The officer stopped Rote and discovered an assortment of drugs in his car. 

     Clemens says Rote is accused of having pills, L-S-D and 400 grams of marijuana..

     Rote is charged with possession of a controlled substance and marijuana with intent to distribute both.

Sioux Falls.org (KELO AM) - Get your duct tape and cardboard together! Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation will be holding the Great Cardboard Boat Race on Saturday, July 13, 2013, at Kuehn Park Pool. Put your creative skills to the test and see if your boat is seaworthy or not.

Each boat will need two participants. Cardboard is the main component of your boat and may be waxed. No wood, Styrofoam, fiberglass, or plastic, except for your oars and paddles. Wear your costumes and bring a lively rooting section with you!

All boats must be powered by individuals seven years of age or older. Life jackets must be worn and will be provided by Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation. Boats will be judged on creativity, seaworthiness, and quickest to sink. Prizes will be awarded.

The Great Cardboard Boat Race will start with registration at 9 a.m. Competition will begin at 10 a.m. This event is free to enter, and the public is invited to come and watch. Kuehn Park Pool is located at 2309 Kuehn Park Road.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - It’s illegal to discharge fireworks inside Sioux Falls city limits but many ignore the law.

      Police Chief Doug Barthel says police responded to 325 firework calls last Fourth of July.

     Barthel says a firework citation carries a $95 dollar fine.  Barthel says he doesn't want firework calls to get to that point so officers generally give offenders a warning.  He advises using common sense and respect your neighbor's peace and property.

      Barthel asks that you clean up discharged fireworks that you use outside of Sioux Falls.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Police have not released the names of two men involved in a fatal motorcycle accident early this morning at 26^th Street and Kiwanis Avenue.

      Lieutenant Jerry Miller says the operator of the motorcycle died in the crash while the passenger is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

     Miller says both men are in their early twenties, the survivor is from Sioux Falls and the man who died is from out of state. 

     Miller says the men had been at a house party and were taking the bike for a short spin.  He says they were westbound on 26th Street at a high rate of speed, according to witnesses.  The operator lost control of the bike, it slid on it's side and he hit his head on the curb

     Neither wore a helmet.

     It has not been determined if alcohol was involved.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Police say no one has lost money but they’re receiving reports of a new phone fraud claiming to be associated with First Alert or Life Alert.

     Officer Sam Clemens says the callers are persistent and claim that an account has been established for the victim.

     Clemens says the scammer needs personal financial information to activate the account.  Once they get a victim's information they can take money from it.  He says it's a new twist to an old gimmick but it's definately in Sioux Falls and appears to be targeting older citizens

      Clemens says the scam includes a local number to help gain the victim’s confidence.

Sioux Falls S.D. (KELO AM) - Mayor Mike Huether presented his recommended $429.1 million Capital Program for 2014–2018 today. Projects across City of Sioux Falls departments are prioritized in the five-year program and will deliver solid investments throughout the city.

“It’s critical that our great city is diligent to improve both infrastructure and quality of life for our residents, and this plan does just that and more,” says Mayor Mike Huether. “The capital plan keeps us ahead of the booming growth we see now and know that is coming as well.”

Infrastructure remains a priority, as the plan allocates $174.6 million to highways and streets. Included is $64.9 million for arterial street expansion to strengthen the transportation network at 41st Street, Sertoma Avenue, Maple Street, Cliff Avenue and 85th Street. Also, $1.0 million in traffic improvements will enhance traffic flow across the city. The plan also maintains the city’s existing infrastructure, as $25.3 million is allocated for major street reconstruction at Eighth Street, Madison Street, Marion Road, Louise Avenue and Minnesota Avenue. In addition, $44.5 million is planned in overlay and concrete pavement restoration across the city.

Over $49.7 million will be invested in the next five years in Parks and Recreation projects including the bike trail system, an indoor aquatic facility, neighborhood parks and additional dog parks.

Director of Finance Tracy Turbak stated, “The citizen survey helps guide our planning as we focus the proposed capital program on streets, traffic flow, parks, public safety and libraries.”

The capital program is available at www.siouxfalls.org. The Mayor will present his entire 2014 budget on July 25.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) -  Sioux Falls police identify the victim in Tuesday’s fatal motorcycle accident at 26th and Kiwanis as 23-year-old Jacob Huggett of Long Prairie, Minnesota.

     Lieutenant Jerry Miller says 20-year-old Tobben Aeschliman of Sioux Falls, a passenger on the motorcycle, remains hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

     Miller says the investigation continues.  He says police are corroborating witness statements with physical evidence.  There will be re-interviews, talking with witnesses a second time to determine if new questions come up.      

      Miller says investigators performed a motorcycle inspection Wednesday and lab results are not expected until a week or two.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Celebrate the Fourth of July with Mayor Mike Heuther Thursday with the Family Parade and Picnic at Falls Park.

     Cathy Buchheim with Parks and Rec says the day starts at eight with a 5-K run/walk.

     Buchheim says the parade begins at 10 am on 13^th Street and travels down Phillips Avenue to Falls Park.  She says a free lunch will be served for the first 5,000 people in attendance.  There will be performances by Mogan's Heroes and the Sioux Falls Municipal Band.  Mayor Huether will preside over a short program beginning at noon

     The celebration ends with a presentation of “Romeo and Juliet” at the Queen Bee Mill.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Fire/Rescue Chief Jim Sideras stresses safety when discharging fireworks during Fourth of July celebrations.

     Sideras says the lowly sparkler burns at 1,800 degrees and demands parental supervision.

     Sideras says it’s illegal to shoot fireworks in Sioux Falls for obvious reasons.  Fire/Rescue has responded to fires on roofs and decks caused by bottle rockets.  He says it's safer to expolode fireworks outside of town because there's less potential for damage to property.  And, Sideras says,  homes in Sioux Falls are occupied.

     Sideras says a firework's citation comes with a $95 dollar fine.

     He also reminds revelers to pick up their firework trash.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) – Residents of Sioux Falls, you can sleep well knowing that in the early morning hours, the freshest doughnuts in Sioux Falls are being created. At the intersection of 49th and Louise is a HyVee store that contains the technology and expertise to make people’s mornings a little better with a fresh hot doughnut.

“It gives me great satisfaction knowing that I make a product that customers really enjoy,” said Nicholas Roberts, HyVee Bakery. “I have a lot of repeat customers who like to watch their doughnuts being made and get them hot. A brother and sister come in after their morning jog and they want to pick their doughnuts up from the end of the machine; if I don’t have anything at the time they will either wait or come back the next day.”

Roberts said he arrives at the store at about 5:00 A.M. and starts the process of making doughnut holes, mini cake and regular cake doughnuts. He enjoys it most when people will be carrying a big product name box of doughnuts, sample his, put the big name product down and pick up a package he made that morning.

“We got our machine at the beginning of May, and more people are becoming aware of it every day,” said Roberts. “I think a lot of people like to come in and see their doughnut being made and packaged in front of their eyes. Some people ask me if I can make them a Funnel Cake but I have to remind them this machine is only for doughnuts. “

Roberts said that there are those who prefer to get a package that has been on the shelf for a while and those who like them fresh and hot. They also like to see their doughnuts being sugared or powdered. The bakery puts the glaze on for those who like them that way.

“When people get their doughnuts fresh off the machine, I tell them to open the box again after they check out,” said Roberts. “Condensation will form in the box and people will have soggy doughnuts by the time they get home. “

Roberts said, the batter comes prepackaged from HyVee, but it isn’t an exact science to make everything good. Too little water in the mixture will give you a very heavy doughnut. Too much water will give you a thin, light doughnut. Paying attention to the mixture in the beginning assures a good end product that customers enjoy.

Roberts and his wife came to Sioux Falls a year ago from Red Oak, IA when his wife got a job at Augustana College. He was working at the Red Oak HyVee and was able to transfer to the store at 49th and Louise.

“My wife and I like Sioux Falls, it’s a nice town and the people are friendly; we plan to stay here for a long time,” said Roberts. “I fill the shelves every day and when I come in the next morning, they are empty. I like the positive compliments I get from the regular people who show up about every morning for their hot doughnuts.”

Roberts said to come in around 7:30 AM to get a fresh hot doughnut.

*Editor’s note: After forcing myself to sample the three types of doughnuts, I prefer the Doughnut Holes most!

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls police responded to 178 fireworks calls between Wednesday morning and Firday morning, almost fifty fewer than last year.

     But Captain Greg Vandekamp says the numbers are down because some residents registered grievances on the city’s new online complaint system that won’t get an immediate police response.

     Vandekamp says police don’t get to online complaints until the next morning.  He apologizes to residents who registered a complaint online and didn't get an immediate response.  He says there were "a lot" of complaints online but he couldn't be more specific. 

         Vandekamp says for an immediate response call metro’s non-emergency number at 367-7000

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Fall man saw his recently stolen Trailblazer being driven on West 26^th Street yesterday afternoon and called police.

     Officer Sam Clemens says when police tried stopping the vehicle the driver sped away and there was a short pursuit.

     Clemens says the suspects abandoned the vehicle near Tabor Place and Thad Place and they ran into a field.  Clemens says residents gave police good descriptions of the suspects and they were apprehended nearby.  They were arrested for possessing a stolen vehicle and aggravated eluding. 

     Clemens says officers found remnants of a meth lab in the vehicle so 21-year-old Alex Lankford and 33-year-old Tyler Hausten, both of Sioux Falls, are also charged with possession of methamphetamine and making meth.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Commission Tuesday approved a permit to drain land southeast of Brandon Valley near Beaver Creek.

     The plan calls for drain tiling property that hasn’t been farmed for fifty years and slowly filled in with water

     Commissioner Dick Kelly says he doesn’t often find himself siding with the Sierra Club.  But, he says the land is definately a nature area much like Beaver Creek State Park.  Kelly says he has concerns when you start messing with the environment by artificial means.  He knew drainage applications would be increasing though with the cost of land and the prices for crops.

     Kelly cast the lone dissenting vote.

     The water will cross the property of Mark and Jennifer Schmidtbauer in a ditch.  The Schmidtbauers did not sign a downstream waiver so the application came before the commission.

Sioux Falls S.D. (KELO AM) Coordinating law enforcement between local, state and federal agencies is sometimes more difficult than it may appear to an outsider.  To assure that South Dakota law enforcement is always on the same page, U.S. Attorney Brendon Johnson appointed Sioux Falls resident Gene Abdallah to train these agencies how to work together.

“For many years, there was a Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (LECC) to train local, state and federal agencies to work together,” said Abdallah.  “Due to budget cuts, the program fell off, and Attorney General Marty Jackley wanted to revive it again.  I couldn’t totally retire, so they asked me to do it on a part-time basis.”

Abdallah said he is going to bring back the LECC in coordination with the annual Law Enforcement Dinner.  There was always two days of training before the dinner and we are going to have some law enforcement experts on hand this year.  There will be a representative from the division of criminal investigation, an expert on human trafficking, the state’s attorneys will discuss how to prepare a case and the South Dakota Highway Patrol will put on a seminar on accident reconstruction.

“Throughout the year, we will schedule training with local law enforcement agencies and sheriff’s departments,” said Abdallah. “For example, the Sturgis Rally is an occasion where all agencies need to coordinate and work together.  At an event like Sturgis, agencies need to be trained so the one hand will know what the other is doing.”

Abdallah said it is very frustrating when one agency doesn’t know what the other is doing and it has happened a lot over the years.  We will be conducting training for each of these agencies to keep each other informed. 

“U.S. Attorney Brendon Johnson has lost a lot of budget dollars for this kind of training and he wants local, state and federal agencies to pool their resources,” said Abdallah.  “Like when I worked with the U.S. Marshal’s office, we had to rely on the local law enforcement or the highway patrol to assist us with a significant arrest.”

Abdallah said, to show my appreciation to local and state agencies, I used to clean out my freezer of wild game and have the Ramkota cook it up and we had an annual wild game feed.  Now it has turned into a pretty big event that everyone looks forward to.  What started out as a dinner for 50 has grown to around 2-thousand and is in coordination with a children’s charity.  For the past five years, this event has been sold out.  There have been some great speakers in the past to include Louis Freeh, former Director of the FBI, former First Lady Laura Bush and Oliver North. 

Abdallah determined why Attorney Johnson asked a 76-year-old retiree to take this project on, and he said, “I work cheap, that’s all I can think of.”

Gene Abdallah was interviewed on the Greg Belfrage Show, July 9, 2013.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Republican primary for the U-S Senate in South Dakota became a certainty today when State Senator Larry Rhoden officially announced his candidacy in Sioux Falls.

     Rhoden, of Union Center in western South Dakota, says he will be a conservative candidate.

     He also knows that he doesn’t have the name recognition that his Republican opponent, former Governor Mike Rounds, has.

     Rhoden believes the primary focus in the race will be what people believe the candidates will do as a U.S. Senator.  He says he'll stand strong against excessive spending and increased taxes.

     The Democrats lone candidate for the U-S Senate is Rick Weiland.