Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Great Bear Recreation Park is excited to announce that limited runs for skiing and snowboarding will open for the season at 9 a.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2014. 

Purchase gift cards and season passes online at www.greatbearpark.com or at Great Bear. Great Bear Recreation Park gift certificates can be used for anything at Great Bear, including rentals, passes, food, and more!

Great Bear Recreation Park is located at 5901 East Rice Street, two miles east of I-229. For more information and current conditions, please visit www.greatbearpark.com or call 605‑367‑4309.

Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO-AM) - On Sunday evening Sioux Falls Police, Fire and Rural Metro Ambulance were dispatched to 225 N. Grange Ave. for a stabbing. The victim, a 34 year old male, was found bleeding uncontrollably from the forehead. The investigation revealed the victim and a male suspect were arguing outside. The argument became physical and the suspect cut open the victim’s forehead with a bladed object. The suspect left the scene and the victim was transported to the hospital for non-life threatening injuries. The suspect and victim were acquaintances. The investigation continues.

Brookings, SD, (KELO AM) - A robot capable of scanning a tray of insect specimens in a few minutes will help make the virtual images and tagging information available to the public online, according to South Dakota State University entomologist Paul Johnson, director of the Severin-McDaniel Insect Research Collection. Information is being posted on the project website, invertnet.org, as well as national and international websites.

"When climate changes, insects have the ability to adapt more quickly than vertebrates," Johnson explained. "Insects can be used as measuring devices for landscape changes on a local and regional scale."

The work is part of a 10-year, $100 million National Science Foundation grant to capture images and specimen data from millions of natural history specimens at institutions throughout the country and to provide greater information access to researchers and other stakeholders. The InvertNet Project, led by the University of Illinois in Champaign, involves 21 other universities and two natural history museums, one in Milwaukee and the other in Pittsburgh, together containing more than 60 million specimens.

The project seeks to create a database of the specimens in natural history collections, automatically transcribe the data on the specimen labels and take digital images of each specimen, Johnson explained. "By using advanced imaging technologies, we will have 3-D explorable files for analysis."

That combined information is then uploaded into national and international databases so people can use it to analyze geographic and ecological patterns. Until now, data have been collected and entered manually, Johnson explained. Eight SDSU graduate and undergraduate students have worked on this project during the last three years.

This fall, each collaborating institution is testing a prototype robot that can scan more than 100,000 specimens in a week, gathering information that would take three to four years to compile manually, Johnson explained. "This robot can increase the efficiency and decrease the cost of gathering this data."Johnson and Rita Velez, collection manager, will do beta testing of the scanning robot figuring out how to best use the robot to image their specimens and identifying any glitches in the equipment or software as they add collection information to the database.

"This will be a major contribution to gathering biodiversity data and being able to analyze what's happening," Johnson said. "Scientists will be able to identify and recognize species more effectively, know where they are and discover new species in the ever important exploration of biodiversity."

"The larger project is as cutting edge as anything in the natural sciences and is a great boon to South Dakota science capacity," Johnson added. This technology will improve collaborations within the global taxonomy and museum communities and help scientists demonstrate the value of these collections.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley released the victim’s names in Saturday’s shooting in Sisseton.

 31-year-old Vernon Renville Junior, 29-year-old Candace Labelle and 25-year-old Angela Adams, all from Sisseton, died from injuries received from gunfire.

22-year-old Karrisa Dog Eagle of Sisseton remains hospitalized in Fargo, her condition was not released.

The investigation revealed that 22-year-old Colter Arbach shot the victims before taking his own life.

Jackley say investigators continue sorting out the remaining questions in the incident.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) -  When it comes to Black Friday shopping, the game plan is gather as much intel as possible and move quickly to get the best deals.

Brett Carruthers with Verizon advises using technology like the free app T-G-I Black Friday. Carruthers says this #1 app is a one-stop resource allowing shoppers to view ads early, create a shopping list and compare prices.             

Shop Savvy scans prices and searches for the best in-store and online deals, Key Ring organizes loyalty cards and coupons on smartphones and Find My Car speaks for itself. 

Carruthers says the free apps are available on both Apple and Android devices to help with holiday shopping.

According to Deloitte's 2014 Annual Holiday Shopping Survey, spending will be up as much as 4.5% this season

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The City received fifty applications for the Aquatics Focus Committee overseeing the Center at Spellerburg Park.

Tory Miedema with Parks and Rec says the ten chosen members will consider aquatic elements in the new indoor pool.

Miedeama says the committee will provide feedback on the potential aquatic elements to be included in the new indoor aquatic center at Spellerberg Park.  The applicants will be pared down to ten with work scheduled to begin early in January

Miedema says the committee will work on the design through the winter and bids will be let in the spring.  Grand opening is scheduled for fall of 2016.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls police wrote 124 speeding tickets in a daytime saturation patrol Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Officer Sam Clemens says there was one D-W-I arrest.Clemens says officers issued 44 no insurance tickets, 15 seat-belt tickets and 12 tickets for no driver's license.  He says all warnings and citations issued totaled 292.    

Clemens says 18 extra officers were added to the patrol.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – The 23rd annual Parade of Lights is taking place this Friday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m. Led by Grand Marshal Frank Boerema, the route goes from 14th to 5th Street on Phillips Ave. Street closure details can be found here. Most streets close at 6:15 p.m.

Presenting sponsor CenturyLink will be providing free WiFi hotspots for the public to upload photos using #POL2014. The hotspots will be at 13th and Phillips, 11th and Phillips and 8th and Phillips.

“We’re excited to bring WiFi technology to the Parade of Lights this year,” said Julie Darrington, CenturyLink vice president of operations for North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. “Technology is not only changing the way the world is working and learning, it is also changing the way we interact with the world at social events. CenturyLink is a technology and customer-driven company, and we are pleased to be able to use our technology to help support the parade and our community.”

Parade-goers are encouraged to snap photos and upload them for public view to their Twitter and Instagram accounts using #POL2014. Photos will be shown in an interactive presentation at the awards ceremony immediately following the parade at the downtown Holiday Inn City Centre.

Those who share their parade photos will also be entered into the Parade of Lights photo contest. Photos will be posted to the DTSF Facebook page following the event and the public will vote for a winner who will receive downtown giftcard.

Vendors will be selling hot chocolate before and during the parade and will even fill up your reusable, insulated mugs, making it a “green” event as well as a " high tech" event!

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on S. 2^nd Ave last night at 1:15 A.M.  First responders reported the fire was in the basement.

Firefighters reported the fire was under control and extinguished within the first 10 minutes on scene.  

There were no civilian or firefighter injuries.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. 

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded with four fire trucks, four support vehicles, and 22 personnel.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to remind you to test your smoke detectors monthly and develop an emergency evacuation plan.

For more information from Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, visit www.siouxfalls.org/fire or follow us on Twitter @SiouxFallsFire

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Help wanted:  a position on the Minnehaha County Commission to replace John Pekas who will become a circuit judge in January.

The Commission is accepting resumes for an appointment and out-going Commissioner Pekas advised interested parties of long hours.

Pekas says the busiest time is during budget hearing which lasts from May to July and demands close forty hours a week.  He says it's important that commissioners have a flexible work schedule.

Auditor Bob Litz would act as a fifth commissioner if an appointment is not made by January 5^th, the day Pekas is sworn-in as a judge.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - It’s rare when the coroner calls for an autopsy in an unattended death in Sioux Falls but that’s what happened yesterday morning.

Officer Sam Clemens says police were called to an apartment in the 500 block of South Western Avenue where they found the body of 39-year-old woman.

Clemens says the Minnehaha County coroner will determine if the case is a homicide or if there were other issues that detectives don't know about.

He says investigators are waiting for the autopsy result to determine if the case is anything other that an unattended death.               

Clemens says detectives felt that some things at the scene seemed out of the ordinary.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to remind citizens of the dangers associated with holiday cooking. Unattended cooking is a leading cause of home fires, directly contributing to loss of lives and property in our community. Just a few moments of inattention can allow a fire to start and grow. During the holiday season, residents should be mindful of becoming distracted or even falling asleep while preparing a meal on the stove. Sioux Falls Fire Rescue encourages you to “watch what you heat” while cooking. Use a cooking timer and remain in the kitchen.

Outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that cook the turkey in hot oil are a popular cooking alternative during the holidays. The National Fire Protection Association discourages the use of these oil fryers. The use of these hot-oil fryers can lead to devastating burns, other injuries, and the destruction of property. Some of the dangers associated with turkey fryers include:

• Hot oil may splash or spill during the cooking. Contact between hot oil and skin could result in serious injury.
• Fryers designed for outdoor use with a stand could tip over or collapse, causing the hot oil to spill. Spilled oil can be ignited by the propane burner, and the flaming oil can find its way to nearby items, causing a house, garage, or deck fire. Newer countertop units using a solid base appear to reduce this risk, but the large amount of hot oil involved increases the speed and severity of burns.
• Propane-fired turkey fryers must be used outdoors. However, if rain or snow hits the hot cooking oil, the oil may splatter or turn to steam, leading to burns.
• Turkeys must be completely thawed before placing in the fryer, because a partially thawed turkey will cause the oil to splatter or boil over, causing serious burns.
• These fryers use a lot of oil, about five gallons. Considering the size and the weight of the turkey, extreme caution must be taken when placing and removing the turkey from the fryer to be sure it is not dropped back into the fryer, splattering the oil on the chef.

If you do decide to fry that turkey, do not throw used grease in the garbage and do not pour it down the drain; let the Household Hazardous Waste Facility clean up after your holiday feast. Residents of Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Minnehaha, and Turner counties can bring their used cooking oil to 1015 East Chambers Street, just off North Cliff Avenue. Disposal is free, and the oil will be recycled as a renewable fuel. The Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sioux Falls Fire Rescue would like to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO AM) -  New York has the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade and downtown Sioux Falls has the 23^rd Annual Parade of Lights Friday night.

Brienne Maner with downtown Sioux Falls says Phillips Avenue will be brighlty lit from 14th to 5th Streets.  She says many families plan to start their holidays around the Parade of Lights.

Maner says an awards ceremony follows the parade at the Holiday Inn City Centre with cookies and cider.

Floats in Friday’s Parade of Lights are vying for five awards including CenturyLink’s Best Use of Lights  presented during ceremonies at the Holiday Inn City Center.

Maner says parade-goers will benefit at the award ceremonies too.  She says attendees will get a ticket for drawings for cash and prizes to be held during the ceremoney

The Parade of Lights starts at 7:30 at 14^th Street and  Phillips Avenue. 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) -  Governor Daugaard urges Thanksgiving motorists to make safe, smart choices on highways.

Darcy Jensen with Prairie View Prevention says December is 4-D month:  Drunk, Drugged and Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

Jensen says middle and high school students will attend a 4-D kick-off next week to prepare activities and strategies they can take back to their own schools.

Students will watch an improv skit by Harrisburg High School sdtudents showing the dangers and consequences of driving drunk, drugged or distracted at the kick-off.  Highway Patrol Captain Alan Welsh will join the students at the end of the day.

The event is hosted by the Coalition for a Drug-Free South Dakota and Prairie View Prevention Services.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - The Thanksgiving turkey and pie had barely settled for many shoppers out to get a jump start on Black Friday deals today in Sioux Falls. Doors for many businesses opened in the early afternoon, advertising deals on everything from electronics to clothing and furniture.

We spoke with one shopper who said the Wal-Mart on the east side saw wall-to-wall shoppers as early as 6pm, even saying the cops were called to break up fights over an X Box. She said not everyone was rude, but there was a lot of pushing and shoving.

The city is even taking notice of Black Friday shopping trends, saying they will monitor and tweak stoplight patterns around major shopping areas like the Empire Mall and 41^st and Louise. The biggest change will be keeping regular patters though Thursday night into Friday, instead of changing to a flashing yellow-red light pattern. Traffic will be monitored all weekend so changes can be made on-the-fly.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) The unattended death of a 39-year-old Sioux Falls woman has now been classified as a homicide.

Captain Greg Vandekamp says a homeless man,  Arthur L. Brundige, age 57, has been arrested in connection with the death of Sabrina White.  Her body was found at her home on South Western Avenue..

 Brundige is charged with 1^st Degree Murder, 2^nd Degree Murder, and First Degree Manslaughter.  He is to appear in court Monday, December 1. 

Capt. Vandekamp says it appears that White was strangled to death and that drugs may have been involved. All four homicide victims in Sioux Falls this year have been women.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Hundreds upon hundreds lined Phillips Avenue Friday night for the 2014 Parade of Lights. For many the event has become a family tradition, with 3 and 4 generations taking in the lights as a yearly tradition. Others called it the perfect event to kick off the Christmas season. Some said the warmer weather made the event a good excuse to get outside for some fresh air.

This year’s event featured free wifi along the route courtesy of sponsor CenturyLink, and thanks to social media a one of a kind photo slideshow with snapshots taken by parade-goers was presented during the awards ceremony.

The award-winning floats at the 23rd annual Parade of Lights presented by CenturyLink:

CenturyLink Best Use of Lights: First Bank & Trust

Best Workmanship: Frontier Bank

Spirit of Sioux Falls: Carroll Family

Mayor’s Choice: Peck Family

Downtown Sioux Falls Board Choice: Family Traditions

The 24th Annual Parade of Lights will be held Friday, November 27th, 2015. Happy holidays from DTSF!

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Two men have been arrested and a third is being sought in connection with a burglary Thursday night in Sioux Falls.

A witness called police about 11:30 p.m. Thursday night about three men entering Art’s Auto Care on East 10th. 

Captain Greg Vandekamp says responding officers quickly captured 41-year-old Michael Remer and  21-year-old Jacob Thin Elk. They are charged with third degree burglary, possession of stolen property and fleeing police.  Thin Elk is also charged with threatening an officer.

A third suspect is being sought.

SIOUX FALLS, (KELO-AM) According to the Xcel Energy outage map, power has been restored in Sioux Falls. Earlier Xcel showed 1,797 lost power at around 11:42  this Saturday morning North and West of  41st and Minnesota Ave. No explanation for the outage has been given.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – Sioux Falls Police are investigating a shooting that happened Saturday night.

Officers were called to a residence on South Louise Ave about 8:45 Saturday night for a victim with gunshot wounds.  The 31-year-old victim was receiving treatment from paramedics on their arrival.

The investigation revealed the victim was at a location near East 6^th  Street and Bahnson Avenue to purchase marijuana, where an unknown black male arrived and took the victim's money and shot him multiple times in the legs.

The victim drove home, where his girlfriend called 911.  He was transported to a local hospital, treated and released.

The investigation is continuing.