Riding the Bus (1.22.14)

I caught some really nice light this afternoon on an assignment.

There are some changes coming to some of the Sioux Area Metro buses, so I was out getting people using the buses. I hung around the Bus Stop in downtown Sioux Falls, S.D., as well as riding one of the routes that will be changing.

Here are some of my favorites (including one of the reporter I was working with).

Thanks for looking.

Tika Biswa walks to the Sioux Area Metro Route 4 bus at the Bus Stop in downtown Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Route 4 is one of six regular fixed routes that will remain unchanged. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Debra Mosley rides the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Troy McGee cracks a smile while using his mobile phone while riding the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Dewayne French rides the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Tom Corcoran rides the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Troy McGee uses his mobile phone while riding the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. Routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 19 could be changing in an attempt to provide more efficient transportation. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Argus Leader reporter Nick Lowrey rides the Sioux Area Metro Route 1 bus while reporting on possible changes to routes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 19 in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)

State of the State (1.20.14)

Last week I made the trip out to the South Dakota capital, Pierre, for Gov. Dennis Daugaard's State of the State speech.

I had never been inside the capital building, so that was kind of an experience. Very ornate, and beautiful.

It was kind of a day of firsts for me. Not only was it my first time in the capital building, but it was actually my first time covering any sort of political speech of this nature. Also, after covering the State of the State speech I made the drive out to Rapid City, which was another two-and-a-half hours, for another assignment.

Anyway, it was pretty interesting cover the State of the State speech. It was a bit overwhelming, but nothing to crazy. I'm happy with my take, and am ready if I have the opportunity to cover it next year.

Enough talk, though. Here are some of my favorite frames from Gov. Dennis Daugaard's State of the State speech.

Thanks for looking.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard interacts with legislators before delivering his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard interacts with legislators before delivering his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. Dean Wink claps before Gov. Dennis Daugaard is escorted into the chamber of the House of Representatives before delivering his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. David Lust, left, and State Sen. Tim Rave chat while waiting to escort Gov. Dennis Daugaard into the chamber of the House of Representatives before his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard enters the chamber of the House of Representatives before delivering his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard delivers his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. Manny Steele looks on during Gov. Dennis Daugaard's State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. Hal Wick looks on during Gov. Dennis Daugaard's State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard delivers his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. Dennis Feickert looks on during Gov. Dennis Daugaard's State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard delivers his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard walks down the steps inside the capital building after delivering his State of the State speech in Pierre, S.D., on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)

Swing Dancing at the Old Courthouse Museum (1.13.14)

Yesterday I found myself at the Old Courthouse Museum here in Sioux Falls, S.D., where I was covering a swing dancing lesson.

It was a fun assignment.

Different than I had imagined it would be, but very visual. I was really hoping to get something a little different with the large windows, but I'm still quite happy with what I came away with.

The old courtroom that the lesson was in was beautiful. It had nice hardwood floors and gorgeous window light. It was so nice that I stayed a little longer than I initially planned and was just a couple minutes late to my next assignment.

Here are few of my favorites from the assignment.

Thanks for looking.


From left, Branch Fjellanger, Toni Outland, Emily Outland, 7, Duaine Hillstad, Hannah Asfeldt, Garrett Wilson, Lassandra Wilson and Christina Hillstad all dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Duaine Hillstad, left, and Christina Hillstad dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Toni Outland and Duaine Hillstad (back couple) look on as swing dance instructors Garrett Wilson (second from right) and Lassandra Wilson (left) use their partners Emily Outland, 7, and Hannah Asfeldt to demonstrate a technique during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Swing dance instructors Lassandra and Garrett Wilson, center, demonstrate a dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
(Left) Emily Outland, 7, and Branch Fjellanger look on during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Right) Branch Fjellanger, left, and Emily Outland, 7, dance during the lesson. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Branch Fjellanger, left, and Christina Hillstad dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Swing dance instructor Lassandra Wilson gives instruction to a class during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Swing dance instructor Lassandra Wilson demonstrates a move during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Toni Outland, left, and Branch Fjellanger dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Duaine Hillstad, left, and Hannah Aslfeldt dance during a swing dancing lesson at the Old Courthouse Museum in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)

Breakfast and Lunch (1.9.14)

Today I covered two things centered around meals.

The annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, and the Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School, where volunteers get a glimpse of being a school-based mentor.

I thought it was kind of interesting that both events that I covered were centered around meals. Most of you probably wont really think anything of it.

It was an alright day, if you ask me.

Thanks for looking.

(Top left) State Sen. Deb Peters speaks during the annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Top Right) State Rep. Issac Latterell speaks during the breakfast. (Bottom Left) State Rep. Manny Steele speaks during the breakfast. (Bottom Right) State Rep. Marc Feinstein speaks during the breakfast. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. David Anderson waves as Mark Lee, Public Affairs & Communications Director and Lobbyist for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, introduces him during the annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Mark Lee, Public Affairs & Communications Director and Lobbyist for the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, asks State Rep. David Anderson his question during the annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
State Rep. Jim Bolin speaks during the annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Audience members, including Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether, look on as State Rep. Kris Langer speaks during the annual Good Morning Sioux Falls Legislative Breakfast, where Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce members can learn more about the upcoming legislative session, at the Best Western PLUS Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Darius Redbullflo, 8, contemplates what to draw while Jack Scheffer, a volunteer with Lutheran Social Services, talks with another student during a Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Jasmine Gillick, 7, talks with Halli Pratt, a volunteer with Lutheran Social Services, during a Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Oscar Rivas, 9, and Arthur Parsont, a volunteer with Lutheran Social Services, draw pictures on a blank puzzle during a Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Austin Essem, 8, draws a picture on a blank puzzle during a Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Austin Essem, 8, draws a picture on a blank puzzle during a Mentor Try-It lunch hosted by Lutheran Social Services at Oscar Howe Elementary School in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)

Recent Work (1.5.14)

I haven't posted a "Recent Work" post in quite some time.

So, here it is.

Here's a collection of some of my favorites from the last little while.

Brace yourself. It's big one.

Thanks for looking.

Ron Sipma, with Wiley Painting, paints an area of wall at the construction site of the future Ashley Furniture Dawley Farm location in Sioux Falls on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Derek Dilts, 18, works out at Fitness 19 in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
David Almont, 20, of Sioux Falls, adds more weight to a piece of equipment while working out at Fitness 19 in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Sioux Falls Police officers execute a search warrant on the 400 block of North Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Sioux Falls Police officers execute a search warrant on the 400 block of North Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Sioux Falls Police officers execute a search warrant on the 400 block of North Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Julie Anderson Friesen, founder of Cinema Falls, sits for a portrait at the Icon Lounge in downtown Sioux Falls on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Tim Hoekman gives Toby Hoekman, 5, and Annaliese Hoekman, 7, a push while Isaiah Hoekman, 9, all of Hartford, S.D., takes off on his snowboard while racing down the hill at Spellerberg Park in Sioux Falls on Friday, Jan. 3, 2014, during a break in the subzero temperatures. "We had certain days that we could go," Tim said, about sledding, "and today was the only one above zero." (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
From left, Mary Enright, Mike Streyle, Kadence Streyle, Jessica Simmons and Emmett Simmons all participate in a guided snowshoe tour for beginners through the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum as a part of the Frosty Frolics Weekend in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Mary Enright, of Sioux Falls, participates in a guided snowshoe tour for beginners through the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum as a part of the Frosty Frolics Weekend in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Snowshoe tour guide Kristina Hein adjusts a participants snowshoe during a guided snowshoe tour for beginners through the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum as a part of the Frosty Frolics Weekend in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
From left, Elaine Rye, guide Kristina Hein and Julie Callahan, participate in a guided snowshoe tour for beginners through the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum as a part of the Frosty Frolics Weekend in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Cate Gohl, 3, helps her mom Pam Gohl, USF assistant athletic director, sweep the court during a game against Northern State at the University of Sioux Falls Stewart Center in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
USF fan Dave Nebelsick looks on during a game against Northern State at the University of Sioux Falls Stewart Center in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014. Northern State defeated USF 96-79 on Saturday. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Despite subzero wind chill temperatures, from left, Josh Anderson, 12, Jake Anderson, 14, and Marshal McGovern, 13, all of Sioux Falls, set up a portable fish house before doing some ice fishing at Family Park in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. Monday’s temperatures in Sioux Falls are expected to see a low of minus 20 degrees, an expected high of minus 13 degrees and wind chills possibly dipping below minus 40, according to National Weather Service Meteorologist Philip Schumacher. According to National Weather Service records, the last time Sioux Falls saw wind chills approaching minus 50 was in 1997. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Teresa Nygaard claps along as the Master's Voice Quartet performs during the Master's Voice Quartet's 24th annual New Year's Celebration at the Best Western Ramkota in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Master's Voice Quartet member Darrell Schmith performs during the Master's Voice Quartet's 24th annual New Year's Celebration at the Best Western Ramkota in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Master's Voice Quartet member Phil Jensen performs during the Master's Voice Quartet's 24th annual New Year's Celebration at the Best Western Ramkota in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Kirsten Biondi, left, and Gloria Engel, right, make lefse at Biondi's home with other family members in Sioux Falls on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Gwendolyn Fletcher sings along to "Feliz Navidad" during the All Nations City Church's Christmas Celebration worship service at Trinity Baptist Church in Sioux Falls on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Eighth grader Karlie Winckler, 13, reads her third place essay during the awards ceremony for the third annual Human Rights Day Essay contest for seventh and eighth graders at the Multi-cultural Center in downtown Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Librarian Jim Oliver lets children meet one of the elves from the show, "The Elves and the Shoemaker" after the show at the main branch of the Siouxland Libraries in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Four-year-old Brienna Binger laughs as her mom, Brittney Binger holds her sister Salera, 2, during the puppet show "The Elves and the Shoemaker" at the main branch of the Siouxland Libraries in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Children look on during the puppet show "The Elves and the Shoemaker" at the main branch of the Siouxland Libraries in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Librarian Jim Oliver poses for a portrait with puppets from the show, "The Elves and the Shoemaker" after the show at the main branch of the Siouxland Libraries in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Jodi Schnider stands outside of the Tea Area Elementary School urging parents and passersby to vote after a kindergarten concert in Tea, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Tea Area School District voters voted on a $10.5 million bond vote to build a new elementary school in the northern part of the district, put an addition on the elementary school in Tea, and build a performing arts center on Tuesday. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Jodi Schnider stands outside of the Tea Area Elementary School urging parents and passersby to vote after a kindergarten concert in Tea, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Tea Area School District voters voted on a $10.5 million bond vote to build a new elementary school in the northern part of the district, put an addition on the elementary school in Tea, and build a performing arts center on Tuesday. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Lacey Williams (right), a Washington High School junior, helps Ashley Pater, a sophomore, during an Hour of Code class at Washington High School in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. The Washington High School students who participated in the Hour of Code class were part of the more than 8.5 million people worldwide who had participated in the program at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to csedweek.org. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Logan Welch, a Washington High School freshman, participates in an Hour of Code class at Washington High School in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. The Washington High School students who participated in the Hour of Code class were part of the more than 8.5 million people worldwide who had participated in the program at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to csedweek.org. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Kristen Daggett stands outside of the Tea Area Elementary School urging parents and passersby to vote after a kindergarten concert in Tea, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013. Tea Area School District voters voted on a $10.5 million bond vote to build a new elementary school in the northern part of the district, put an addition on the elementary school in Tea, and build a performing arts center on Tuesday. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Nadine Nkurunziza, a Washington High School junior, participates in an Hour of Code class at Washington High School in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. The Washington High School students who participated in the Hour of Code class were part of the more than 8.5 million people worldwide who had participated in the program at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to csedweek.org. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Guled Yasuf, a Washington High School freshman, participates in an Hour of Code class at Washington High School in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013. The Washington High School students who participated in the Hour of Code class were part of the more than 8.5 million people worldwide who had participated in the program at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, according to csedweek.org. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Jordan Pike, left, and Sherrie Mattson, right, both resident assitants, play Uno with Kim Augustad, a Cayman Court resident, at Cayman Court, an assisted living facility for people with severe and persistent mental illness, in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Kaleb Volden, 12, who is home-schooled, works on school work at his home in Canistota, S.D., on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2013. Kaleb was a foster child of Bruce and Rose Volden from the time he was 18-months-old until he was 3, when the Voldens adopted him. Rose said she knew within two weeks of caring for Kaleb that she wanted to adopt him, but made sure not to interupt the reunification process. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Jessica Leveille, a former foster child of Diann and Larry Hoogestraat, talks about her experience as a foster child at Diann and Larry Hoogestraat'shome in Chancellor, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
From left, Blake Johnson, 10, Josh Boyd, 9, Noah Rabb, 9, and Grant Yoder hurry back to the tow rope at the tubing hill at Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Mitchell's #23 Macy Miller shoots a free throw during a game against Harrisburg at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Mitchell's #23 Macy Miller drives through Harrisburg defenders, from left, #3 Danni Honner, #14 Alex Johnson and #24 Morgan Beaner during a game at Harrisburg High School in Harrisburg, S.D., on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Hope Schlenker, 4, and her grandpa Marlin Schlenker watch skiers and snowboarders out of a window in the chalet at Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2013. Marlin was brought out to Great Bear as a child, he brought his kids, and now he's bringing his granddaughter, he said. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Bob Kolbe, a former Minnehaha County commissioner and antique collector, at his shop on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
SDSU's #34 Cody Larson goes up for a shot over Wayne State's #42 David Andersen during a game at Frost Arena in Brookings, S.D., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
SDSU head coach Scott Nagy looks on during a game against Wayne State at Frost Arena in Brookings, S.D., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Wayne State head coach Brian Dolan waves his hands in the air during a game against SDSU at Frost Arena in Brookings, S.D., on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Bill Hinks, chairman of the board at Furniture Mart USA, poses for a portrait at the corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Argus Leader photographer Jay Pickthorn captions photos without his glasses on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Above left: Anders Rasmussen (left), 17, of Sioux Falls, plays hockey with friend, Kieran Denney, also 17 and from Sioux Falls, on the rink at Tuthill Park in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2013. Above right: Kieran Denney skates away from a make-shift goal. Bottom left: Ty Goodwill, of Sioux Falls, throws his disc while his wife Sarah Goodwill, also of Sioux Falls, looks on while playing disc golf at Tuthill Park. Bottom right: Sarah Goodwill and her husband Ty Goodwill watch Sarah's disc after she threw. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Chris Clifford looks on while helping Jeremy Sisk (not pictured) jump start Sisk's white Pontiac Grand Am during Monday's cold snap in Sioux Falls on Monday, Dec. 23, 2013. Sisk's car wouldn't start earlier Monday morning, he said, and his boss had to give him a ride to work. Sisk said him and Clifford had been trying to get his car started for about 10 to 15 minutes on Monday evening, but were unsuccessful. Monday's wind chill reached as low as 35 degrees below zero, according to the National Weather Service. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Ian Keisacker, 11, who recently had a bone marrow transplant, takes a break from figuring out a new toy, given to him by Santa Claus and Sioux Falls Firefighters, to get his vital signs checked by Sydney Vetter, a registered nurse, while his mom, Nicole Keisacker continues to put the toy together at the Avera McKennan Children's Hospital in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Skyforce's #33 Justin Hamilton goes up for a shot over Energy defenders during a Christmas game at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Rhonda Huber, of Sioux Falls, looks out the window of the Sioux Falls Community Blood Bank bus at the Sioux Falls Fire and Rescue location while giving blood during the Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive outside of the Original Pancake House in Sioux Falls on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
The sun sets over a cold northern Minnesota day.
While cleaning fish, my dad tosses a piece of fish remains into a bucket as him and my mom's two dogs look on in my parents' garage on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, north of Bemidji, Minn.
Paige Harkema, 16, of Sioux Falls, browses through a selection of clearance shoes at The Great Outdoor Store while doing some day-after-Christmas shopping in downtown Sioux Falls on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)
Eric Haugen coaxes his parents' dog, Buddy, into his snow fort on Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at his parents' home near Bemidji, Minn.
Two fans give eachother a smooch as Skyforce mascot, Thunder holds mistletoe over their heads during a Christmas game against the Energy at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013. (Joe Ahlquist / Argus Leader)