Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Erin Nosal, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Community Action For Veterans.

from AI:

Community Action for Veterans (CAV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, dedicated to building communities of care for veterans and military families. CAV focuses on addressing unique challenges faced by veterans through programs like Operation Chow Line, women veterans' retreats, and a major annual summit. The organization also runs AmeriCorps-supported initiatives to help veterans transition to civilian life, particularly in education and mental health support.

from their website:

Women Vets Connect Retreat

Sat, Apr 11

Our Savior's Lutheran Church ELCAA

Wellness Retreat for Women Veterans and Military Partners

Rooted in South Dakota, Built for Veterans

South Dakota is a state defined by its land and its people. From the ranchlands of the west to the farmlands of the east, we know what it means to face distance, weather, and hardship together. Our communities are small, but our commitment to one another is strong. That spirit is the foundation of CAV.

Contact

Community Action for Veterans

P.O Box 91543

Sioux Falls, SD 57109

605-910-4045

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Canaries General Manager Duell Higbe and Ali Linder, Director of Marketing and Games Experience.

From Brave AI:

Sioux Falls Canaries

The Sioux Falls Canaries are a professional baseball team based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, competing in the American Association. They play their home games at The Birdcage, a historic stadium located at 1001 N. West Ave, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, which has been renovated and now serves as a cashless facility. The team is known for family-friendly events, including mascot appearances, on-field entertainment, and affordable tickets.

Recent highlights include the team's announcement of returning key players for the 2026 season, such as Jabari Henry, Charlie Hasty, and Trevor Achenbach, signaling a strong push for success. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the team’s newsletter and app.

Reviews praise The Birdcage as a top-tier minor league experience—great sightlines, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere—with families enjoying activities like singing the YMCA between innings and enjoying popcorn and cotton candy. The stadium, originally opened in 1941 and renovated in 2000, holds 4,500 fans and is considered one of the premier sporting events in the region.

From their website:

Duell Higbe enters his 14th season with the Sioux Falls
Canaries and tenth as General Manager, rising through
the organization since joining in 2013 as a stadium
operations intern. A native of Austin, Minnesota, he
earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management
(with a minor in Exercise Science) from Mayville State
University.
Since taking the helm in the front office, Higbe has
helped guide the organization through a dramatic
turnaround: under his leadership, the Canaries
achieved three consecutive playoff appearances
(2023–2025) — a first in franchise history. In the 2025
season, he oversaw a club that clinched a playoff berth
for the third straight year and advanced to the
franchise’s first appearance in the Miles Wolff Cup
Final since 2010.
Beyond the wins and milestones, Higbe focuses on
building a culture of consistency, professional
operations, and deep community engagement. Off the
field, he and his team have emphasized enhancing the
fan experience at “The Birdcage",
strengthening local partnerships, and reinforcing the Canaries as a
cornerstone of the Sioux Falls sports landscape.

Ali Linder:
Entering her sixth season with the Sioux Falls Canaries
and fifth as a full-time staff member, Ali Lindner has
continued to take on expanded responsibilities since
joining the organization in 2021 as a game day intern.
A Sioux Falls native, Lindner returned home after
earning her bachelor’s degree in Sports Management
from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where
she was also a member of the Golden Gophers softball
team and made an appearance in the Women’s College
World Series during her freshman year.
Since joining the Canaries full-time, Lindner has taken
on a key leadership role within the front office,
overseeing marketing, social media, game day
entertainment, and the team’s internship program. Her
focus on fan engagement and in-game experience has
helped elevate the atmosphere at The Birdcage,
creating memorable moments for fans of all ages.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with family
and friends, traveling, listening to music, and golfing.

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Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Doug Johnson of Huset's Speedway.

from Brave AI:

Doug Johnson, the General Manager of Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, South Dakota, has played a central role in transforming the historic track into a premier racing destination since its reopening in 2020 under new ownership by Tod Quiring. Johnson, previously with Jackson Motorplex in Minnesota, led efforts to revitalize the facility, including significant track improvements such as increased banking (14–16 degrees), enhanced seating for 8,200 fans, and the addition of VIP suites, a backstretch viewing platform, and a full-service campground.

He has been instrumental in securing major events like the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the USAC Nationals, and has emphasized fan and driver experience, with a focus on efficient race timing (goal: complete events by 10:15 PM) and logistical planning. Johnson was named Dirt Track Promoter of the Year in the Northern Region in 2022 and has been key in expanding Huset’s Speedway’s profile, including a partnership with iRacing to create a millimeter-accurate digital replica of the track.

The track continues to grow, with plans for new construction, expanded events, and special attractions like concerts, aiming to make Huset’s Speedway a year-round entertainment destination.

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