Patrick Lalley

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.

Misreading Sioux Falls Crime Rate Feeds Hysteria [OPINION]

You've probably already heard about the report of the skyrocketing crime rate in Sioux Falls. Take a breath. It's not what it appears.

Area Cyclocross Racer Dillon McNeil Takes 3rd at Nationals

I interviewed Dillon McNeil last week on The Patrick Lalley Show as he was preparing to travel to Reno, Nev., for the USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals.

City Council Should Never Alter Election Rules [OPINION]

A decision by the Sioux Falls City Council to change the percentage of votes needed to win a seat on the council is a fundamental and disturbing conflict with the principals of democracy.

Golf Course Management Contract Messed up by City Hall [OPINION]

The City Council on Tuesday decided not to approve the selection of Landscapes Unlimited of Lincoln, Neb., to manage the city’s three public golf courses. It was the culmination of several weeks of speculation and suggestion since the announcement was released in October, that the city would end its 23-year relationship with Dakota Golf Management.

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.

Frosty CX in LeMars Last Race in the Local Cyclocross Season

This coming weekend is the last weekend of cyclocross racing in the Sioux Falls area. Fortunately, it's a big one.

Tending the Fire at Trail Race is Arduous Duty — Seriously, it is

Last weekend (Oct. 28) I was the Newton Hills Ultra Trail Race, a 50k, 30k and 20k trek through the state park near Canton. Running trails at Newton Hills is tough because there are some long climbs that require walking, or a kind of exaggerated power hike. Much of it is also just beautiful, winding hiking trails. It's a true test of endurance. So I didn't race. I tended the fire.