I grew up on the North End of Sioux Falls, one in a long line of Lalleys who still hold ground around Terrace Park. I graduated from O'Gorman High School and the University of South Dakota. Following college, I was fortunate to spend more than two decades in journalism in South Dakota and Iowa. I love the give and take of good civic discourse, history and politics. To gain some sort of perspective on the world, I try to read books, primarily fiction for true perspective. My musical tastes were formed primarily obscure -- to most people -- pop and punk music from the '80s and '90s, though in truth any sort of jangly, smart pop music can get my attention.
Patrick Lalley
The Infamy of Gitchie Manitou Kept Me Away For More Than 40 Years
I’d never been to Gitchie Manitou. That changed on Saturday (Dec. 16). I was born and raised in Sioux Falls and lived here nearly my entire life, yet had never visited the small Iowa State Preserve, just across the Big Sioux River. It’s so close that, if the powers that be ever decide to drop a bridge over the river at 57th Street, it would run right into the site.
Riddlebox Winter Ultra Was a Great Ride Through the (Hilly) Countryside
What a wonderful day it was on Saturday (Dec. 9). I was lucky enough to ride in the Riddlebox Winter Ultra bike race. It was a great day for a ride in the wilds of the Big Sioux River Valley near Canton.
Father Joins with Sanford Researcher Hoping to Save His Daughter’s Life
Dan Brendtro is on a mission to save his daughter's life. Reana Brendtro, now 16 and a student at Lincoln High School, was diagnosed with Friedreick's Ataxia when she was 11. There's no cure but that hasn't stopped Dan from trying to find one.
Listening to the Public is Part of the Job of Serving the Public [OPINION]
There’s been a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about the Sioux Falls City Council’s debate and vote on Tuesday regarding the big $50 million parking ramp and hotel project planned for downtown.
City Council Vote on Tuesday Will Decide Fate of Parking Ramp, Hotel Project [OPINION]
The debate over whether the City of Sioux Falls should build a parking ramp downtown as part of a hotel and retail complex comes to a conclusion tonight (Tuesday). It likely will pass -- and it should.
Global Fat Bike Day Latest Sign of Joyful Cycling Community
Global Fat Bike Day is big for folks who like to ride bikes with wide tires on dirt and gravel or off the beaten path entirely. The observation of this year's event on Saturday (Dec. 2) in Sioux Falls drew more than 50 riders, demonstrating the popularity of fat tire bikes in general and the growing cycling community in Sioux Falls more specifically.
Christine Erickson Running for Re-election to City Council
City Councilor Christine Erickson said this week that she's running for re-election. This wasn't a surprise to anybody.
Run for Food Continues to Grow Since Humble Start; Tops $40k This Year
Jeff Smith and Rob Sevold started the Run For Food at The Banquet on a Thanksgiving morning run. The next year they raised $1,000. This year it's $40,000.
One Bad Fashion Decision and You’re Marked for Life
We’ve been talking on the Patrick Lalley Show about the downtown hotel and parking ramp proposal. I've been reflecting on the transformation of downtown.
Hotel and Parking Ramp Plan is Good for Downtown [OPINION]
The announcement on Wednesday of a public/private partnership to develop a downtown block is an exciting and positive step for Sioux Falls. There will be plenty of discussion surrounding the finances of the deal -- valued at $50 million -- including the parking ramp, hotel and retail space. Notably, the question is whether the city is taking on too much of the bill, about $20 million for the ramp. That money will come from a bond that will be retired using parking fees.