SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO-AM) Please follow these Do's and Don'ts.

DO

Expect snow plows to make unanticipated maneuvers such as backing up and making wide turns. The amber warning lights on snow removal equipment are there to alert motorists and remind them to yield the right of way.

Remove snow and ice from sidewalks and crosswalks adjoining your property within 48 hours of the end of a snowfall or ice accumulation. If you fail to clear them, you are subject to a fine and a bill from the City to complete the work. Contact Property Maintenance at (605) 978-6900 to report a sidewalk snow removal violation.

Stay at least 70 feet (four car lengths) back when you are following behind snow plows and other snow removal equipment so the maintenance vehicle driver can see you. Remember that plow drivers have limited visibility from inside their vehicles.

Be patient. City crews are working to make the streets safer for everyone.

Watch local television stations, listen to local radio stations, and read the local newspaper for the most current snow removal information.

Keep the full approach and exits to your mailbox clear of ice and snow. The postal service depends on you to meet postal requirements regarding delivery and collection of mail to curbside mailboxes.

  DON’T

Shovel or blow snow from sidewalks, crosswalks, driveways, or parking lots onto public streets. It is a violation of City Ordinance and may result in a fine.

Travel beside snow plows or other snow removal equipment. They can be driven sideways very easily by the force of the snow on the plow blade.

Drive through “whiteouts” caused by plowing or high crosswinds. It is easy to become disoriented and lose control of your vehicle.

MARION, S.D. (KELO-AM) - A Marion man and woman died in a rollover crash on Friday December 26, four miles west of Marion.

Harold Glenn Hofer, 76, of Marion, was driving a 1994 Chevrolet Sierra east on 273^rd St. His vehicle crossed the opposite lane of traffic and entered the ditch causing it to roll. Hofer and his passenger, Phyllis June Hofer, 73, of Marion, died from injuries in the crash. Neither was wearing a seatbelt.

No further information is immediately available.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating. Turner County Sheriff’s Office, Freeman Fire Department and Marion Fire Department assisted.

Sioux Falls, SD – (KELO AM) – Another round of  light snow will be possible late Sunday afternoon into Monday morning.  The best chance for snow will be southwest of a Huron,  South Dakota to Jackson, Minnesota line.  Accumulations are expected to be less than 2 inches.

Colder air is on the way with this system as well.  Low temperatures are expected to be near 10 below zero Tuesday and Wednesday morning.  Wind chills in the 20 below zero to 35 below zero range .

Highs will be in the single digits above zero Monday and Tuesday, and teens above zero Wednesday. Going into 2015 on Thursday and Friday, temperatures in the 20’s are possible before another chance for light snow and colder temperatures return next weekend.

Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO-AM) - Sunday morning at 9:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to 1012 W. 22nd Street to check the wellbeing of a male subject. Upon arrival officers located an adult male with arm lacerations in the residence and an adult female who was deceased in the bathroom. The male and the female both reside at the residence and were in a relationship.

The male, 39 year-old Timothy Darnell Moses, was arrested for 1st Degree Murder, 2nd Degree Murder and 1st Degree Manslaughter. At this time the investigation is still underway. It is anticipated that the victim’s name will be released at the Monday 10:30 briefing after all family notifications have been completed.

Sioux Falls, S.D. (KELO-AM) Sunday evening at approximately 5:56 pm officers were dispatched to an armed robbery that occurred at Rockin Robin’s Casino, 1420 E. 10th Street. The suspect was described as a white male with dark eyebrows, approximately 5’10”, with a medium build, wearing a dark colored hooded jacket, and a white bandana around his face. The suspect was armed with a black handgun and fled the scene with an undetermined amount of cash. The investigation continues.

Anyone with any information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at

(605)367-7007

Brookings, SD (KELO AM) - In an era when consumers have a wealth of information at their fingertips, where do South Dakotans turn for recommendations on meat-purchasing?

That's the question assistant professor Kuo-Liang "Matt" Chang and a team of South Dakota State University researchers sought to answer when trying to determine the best way to use social media to encourage beef consumption.

The study was funded through a $9,100 grant from the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.In addition to Chang, the research team included assistant professor of economics Lisa Elliott, assistant professor of journalism and mass communications Rocky Dailey and SDSU Extension field specialist Shannon Sand in Rapid City.

Social media platforms provide a wealth of quantitative analytics, including the number of people who visited the site, what they viewed and their demographics, according to Briana Burgers, nutrition assistant and director of online communications for the South Dakota Beef Industry Council."We want to know what information our consumers want to see from us," said Burgers. "This study gives us that qualitative data we need."

The data collected will help the South Dakota beef industry leadership better understand beef demand and tailor their marketing efforts to fit consumer needs.Recipes, nutritional informationBased an online survey filled out by 126 South Dakotans, websites are their No. 1 source of nutrition information and recipes, followed by family and friends, according to Chang. Most respondents were in the 24 to 45 age range.

The third-most popular place the respondents find recipes is magazines, followed by social media, the consumer economist explained. However, for nutrition information, social media takes a back seat to health professionals, magazines and television—in that order.In looking at consumers' nutritional knowledge, Chang found that more than half the respondents identified beef as containing more iron than other meats, but only 25 percent knew that a chicken thigh has more fat than a steak.Shopping decisionsNearly 45 percent of respondents had shopped groceries based on information posted on social media, according to Chang.

Though only 27 percent of the respondents had done meat shopping on-line, about 77 percent said they are willing to try new products based on their friends' suggestions on social media.More than 80 percent of the respondents used Facebook, while just over 50 percent visited Pinterest, with Twitter coming in third, Chang explained, noting that the beef council maintains a presence on all three. "This suggests that the beef council can take increasing advantage of the great marketing opportunities on these platforms.

"In addition, Burgers said she also writes a blog on which she tries to connect with millennials and provide easy, convenient and nutritious recipes with how-to photos.Consumers viewed nutrition and health as top priorities when purchasing both beef and poultry, but when considering price, 55 percent felt it was important when purchasing beef and 58 percent when buying chicken. This difference, though, is not statistically significant, Chang pointed out.Eating habits, choicesApproximately 37 percent of the respondents buy their beef at a chain store, such as Hy-Vee or Walmart, while 33 percent purchase a half or quarter of beef from a friend or family member, according to Chang.When faced with higher beef prices, South Dakota consumers purchase less meat in general, rather than selecting less expensive alternatives, such as chicken, explained Chang.

However, Midwesterners consume 10 percent more beef than the rest of nation."One type of meat does not necessarily compete with the other," said Chang. Consumers purchase a variety of meats which complement, rather than substitute for one another.To complete the study, Chang will interview 25 respondents to find out how the beef council can draw visitors to its website and adapt its social media messages to their needs. 

By Dorene Internicola

NEW YORK (Reuters) - People seeking to get or stay fit in 2015 might do better to start today rather than rely on a New Year’s resolution to shape up tomorrow, fitness experts say.

Losing weight and getting fit and healthy are among the top five resolutions every year, even though most of winter’s great expectations wither by spring.

“The New Year’s resolution is a kind of grand, glorified, long-term goal that people, for societal reasons, tend to begin on the first day of the calendar year,” said Gregory Chertok, a sports psychology consultant with the American College of Sports Medicine.

Goals set because people feel they should make them tend to be pressure-filled, unrealistic and less likely to be accomplished, he says.

“‘I’d like to cut down on junk food a little bit,’ is a goal more likely to be accomplished than ‘I’ll completely revamp my lifestyle,’ which is the kind of goal we set as a New Year’s resolutions,” Chertok said.

While about 45 percent of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, only about 8 percent succeed, according to a University of Scranton study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology.

Dr. Michele Olson, professor of exercise science at Auburn University Montgomery said a resolution can be a way of putting off what can be done today.

“If there is a fitness need, such as to increase strength or decrease body fat, I say, ‘Let’s make a plan now,’” Olson said, adding that what is essential is to set a long-term plan with short-term goals.

“This is why athletes stay in shape year-round. They have a program scheduled and planned over an entire year with variation, rest days, more-intense and less-intense workout periods,” she said. “It’s like one’s job: there’s very little vacation time.”

Dr. Cedric X. Bryant, chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, said the New Year may be the worst time to make a lifestyle change.

“For many it’s the busiest, most hectic time,” he said, “and most people have an all-or-nothing mentality.”

Bryant said people who succeed focus on progress, not perfection, and plan for the inevitable slip-up.

“People don’t take time to celebrate the little successes,” he said. “Because they’re so focused on, say, an arbitrary weight goal, they don’t notice that they are sleeping better or feeling less anxious.”

Chertok suggests setting goals that don’t depend on the calendar to achieve the best results.

(Editing by Paticia Reaney and Dan Grebler)

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police identify the murder victim found yesterday in a central Sioux Falls home as 36-year-old Angel Claire Schroeder.

Lieutenant Matt Burns says her live-in boyfriend, 39-year-old Timothy Darnell Moses, is charged with murder and manslaughter.  He says they believe they have the person responsible for the homicide and there is no danger to the public

Burns says an autopsy is being done today adding that Schroeder’s death was caused by physical assault.

He says Schroeder’s death occurred at least eight hours prior to police arriving.  Her body was found on the floor in an upstairs bathroom.

It was out-of state relatives concerned about Moses’ state of mind that alerted police.

There were two children present including the 8-year-old son of Schroeder and a 13-year-old friend.  Burns says they were unaware of the incident.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - A Sioux Falls man is charged with aggravated kidnapping, second degree rape and aggravated assault in two incidents involving his girlfriend.

Officer Sam Clemens says 33-year-old Rocky Jerome Clark is accused of twice strangling the 30-year-old woman.  

Clemens says the first time it occured, Clark allegedly strangled her until she passed out, sexually assaulted the woman and wouldn't let her leave the apartment for almost a day.

She did not immediatey report the incident to police but called after he allegedly strangled her to unconsciouness again last week.            

Clemens says Clark was arrested at a nearby apartment building on South Lyons Avenue.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM0 - South Dakota’s hourly minimum wage for non-tipped employees increases a $1.25 to $8.50 an hour beginning Thursday.

Dawn Dovre with the Department of Labor says the hourly minimum wage for tipped employees is different.  The hourly minimum wage for tipped employees will be half the minimum wage for non-tipped employees.  Wages and tips combined must be at least the minimum wage.

The increase will be anually adjusted by any increase in the cost of living as measured by Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The minimum wage can never be lowered.

The new rate will be posted to the South Dakota Department of Labor's website by no later than October 15 of each year.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM0 - South Dakota’s hourly minimum wage for non-tipped employees increases a $1.25 to $8.50 an hour beginning Thursday.

Dawn Dovre with the Department of Labor says the hourly minimum wage for tipped employees is different.  The hourly minimum wage for tipped employees will be half the minimum wage for non-tipped employees.  Wages and tips combined must be at least the minimum wage.

The increase will be anually adjusted by any increase in the cost of living as measured by Consumer Price Index from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The minimum wage can never be lowered.

The new rate will be posted to the South Dakota Department of Labor's website by no later than Octobers 15 of each year.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM): Sioux Falls police received word of yet another casino robbery shortly after 6PM Monday, this time at the Rice Street casino. Police say a male walked up to the casino from the east and demanded money. The employee gave the man an undermined amount of cash, the robber then fled the casino and was not located when police arrived. The robber did not show a weapon, however the on duty clerk said the butt of a black handgun was visible in one of the offender’s left side pockets. 

The clerk described the robber as a 22-26 year old Caucasian male weighing between 160-180 lbs, having blue eyes and brown hair. He was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt; dark pants and had a dark bandanna covering his face.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information about this crime is asked to contact the Sioux Falls Police.

This marks the second casino robbery in less than 24 hours, Rockin Robbins on East 10^th street was held up Sunday evening just before 6. 

HURON, SD (KELO AM) - “Our members spent considerable time on this topic at our annual meeting in November, discussing our support for the current beef checkoff and the efforts of the Beef Checkoff Enhancement Working Group. We are pleased with Secretary Vilsack’s decision not to go forward with a separate checkoff. Now the Working Group, including Farm Bureau, can continue to work on solutions that will be in the best interests of beef producers and the beef industry as a whole,” said Wanda Blair, SDFB Vice President and rancher from Vale, S.D. ?

In its annual meeting delegate session, held Nov. 21-22 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Farm Bureau members passed a resolution that reiterates support for the current national beef checkoff and the Federation of State Beef Councils. Farm Bureau members also penned official comments that were submitted to Secretary Vilsack in response to his series of questions about how producers want to see a checkoff structured and operated. SDFB members emphasized their desire for the state-level Qualified Beef Councils to maintain their authority.

The appropriations bill passed recently by Congress directed USDA not to implement a second beef checkoff, leading Secretary Vilsacks to announce that he was stopping pursuit of that option.

South Dakota Farm Bureau is the state’s largest general agriculture organization, representing more than 14,300 farm, ranch, and rural families across the state.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Police are warning New Year’s Eve revelers that seven additional officers will be in cruisers tomorrow night across Sioux Falls.

Officer Sam Clemens says the extra cops will work from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m.

Clemens advises a designated driver, take a taxi or stay where you are but don't drink and drive.

He says most New Year's Eve partiers are good about not getting behind the wheel - it's not the most notorious holiday for drinking and driving.  Still, the extra force will be out.            

The Highway Patrol will hold sobriety checkpoints across South Dakota next month including MInnehaha, Lincoln and Moody counties

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Commission today approved supplementing 8 department budgets and the building fund budget with over a million dollars.

Commission Chairwoman Cindy Heiberger says almost $500,000 will go to the jail.  Heiberger says crime is always the budget eater in county government

$200,000 goes to the building fund.

A former Minnehaha County Commissioner today advised the current Commission to be more forceful in its endeavors.  

Bob Kolbe says the Commission should work more diligently with the legislature for budget relief. Kolbe suggested resurrecting the idea of a 1% sales tax dedicated to counties.             

While Commissioners favor redistributing sale taxes they realize the state’s reluctance to do so.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Four families, including 19 children, get to sleep in their new Habitat for Humanity homes tonight in Sioux Falls.

Habitat Executive Director Patty Brooks says the families know that they can afford the mortgage and the groceries.

Brooks says the children can prove the sleepover test true where kids are more likely to be house proud and invite their friends over.             

Dedication and blessings were held this morning at the four homes on West Amber Street.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sioux Falls has built or rehabilitated 130 homes with and for 197 adults and over 500 children since 1989.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - There have been seven commercial armed robberies in Sioux Falls in the last two weeks.

Officer Sam Clemens says investigators are asking for the public’s help in reporting anything they believe to be suspicious.

Call Crimestoppers at 367-7007 or go online to offer information anonymously.

Last night’s armed robbery at the Rice Street Casino was the seventh of its kind in the last two weeks in Sioux Falls.  Clemens says investigators are working to determine if they’re related.

Detectives ask that anyone with information on the robberies to call Crimestoppers at 367-7007.

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO AM) -- HF Financial Corp. (Nasdaq: HFFC), the parent company of Home Federal Bank, announced that the Bank plans to close three Hy-Vee grocery store branches and relocate one Hy-Vee grocery store branch in Sioux Falls. This announcement follows a recent investment made in a new dynamic online platform which brings added flexibility, conveniences and services to customers on the go.

“Our strategy is to engage with our customers in ways that provide them the most convenient access to their accounts. The face-to-face time we get with our customers is priceless, and balancing the physical branch locations with a robust electronic channel is key to assuring we are exceeding expectations of our customers while providing strong value to our shareholders,” said Stephen Bianchi, President and CEO.

Home Federal has recently purchased a former bank branch on East 10th Street (3717 East 10th Street). Plans are to relocate the current branch inside the East 10th Hy-Vee grocery store to this space. The last day of business inside the HyVee will be March 29, 2015. This new location is in the process of being remodeled and plans to be open to serve customers prior to the closure of the Hy-Vee branch. The new full-service facility will provide drive-up services.

Three other Hy-Vee grocery store branch locations scheduled to close at 2 pm on March 29, 2015 include: 26th & Sycamore, South Minnesota Avenue and 49th & Louise. The Hy-Vee branch at 26th & Marion Road will remain open. “We are thankful for the good relationship we have had with Hy-Vee over the years, and look forward to continuing to work with this strong local company,” said Bianchi. Upon the completion of this transition, Home Federal will maintain a strong presence in Sioux Falls with seven branches. These locations are in close proximity to the closed Hy-Vee grocery store branches and will conveniently serve customers.

“We appreciate the opportunity to sit down with our customers to help them achieve their financial goals. Additionally, we know customers want to do their banking when it’s most convenient for them and use the technology that is common in their everyday lives. With that in mind, and because we respect our customers' busy lifestyles, we recently invested in an enhanced online banking platform so customers have a more robust and intuitive banking experience from a mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer. One added feature includes a customer’s ability to make a mobile deposit by taking a photo of a check with their mobile device,” added Bianchi.

As further evidence of this strategy, in August 2014, the Bank announced it was building a new full-service branch in Marshall, MN. This new branch will replace the current Hy-Vee grocery store location in that community.

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) - Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation announces that the six outdoor ice rinks and two hockey rinks will open for the season at 1 p.m. today, weather permitting.

Rinks will be open daily 1 to 9 p.m. until January 4, 2015. Hours of operation, beginning January 5, 2015, will be Monday through Thursday 4 to 8 p.m.; Fridays 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturdays 1 to 9 p.m.; and Sundays 1 to 8 p.m. Ice skates are available for rent at all rinks.

Skate rental prices are as follows: youth ages 15 and under—$1; adults ages 16 to 54—$3; and seniors ages 55 and better—$2. Children 6 years old and younger must be accompanied by someone 16 years old or older.

Each ice rink has a warming house, concessions, and skate rentals available. Ice rinks will be open for operation at the following locations:

                                                                   Campus Park

26th Street and Summit Avenue

Frank Olson Park

16th Street and Grandview Avenue

McKennan Park

21st Street and Third Avenue

Memorial Park

26th Street and Sertoma Avenue

Sherman Park

15th Street and Kiwanis Avenue

Tuthill Park

South Cliff Avenue, southeast of I-229

For more information, contact the Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation Office at 605-367-8222 or go to www.siouxfalls.org/parks.

                                                                          Great Bear

Great Bear Recreation Park announces that the Kirby Family Tubing Park will open for the season at 11 a.m. tomorrow,Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

Purchase gift cards and season passes online at www.greatbearpark.com or at Great Bear. Great Bear Recreation Park gift cards 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, three miles east of I-229. For more information and current conditions, please visitwww.greatbearpark.com or call 605‑367‑4309.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - Secretary of State-elect Shantel Krebs will be sworn in Friday, about a week before other constitutional officers.

Krebs says the early oath allows her staff to prepare for the start of the legislative session January 13.

She says the Secretary of State's office is especially during the session and primarily at the beginning in handing out lobbyist badges and other documents.

Krebs also has six pieces of legislation that she will drop into the hopper.

Krebs says the staff of outgoing Secretary of State Jason Gant will work Friday with the new staff on the transition.

(Thanks Tony Mangan KCCR Pierre)