Missing South Dakota Girl Found? Listen To Her Shocking Message

Then 17-year-old Addison Van Ballegooyen of Union County has not been seen for almost a month. Her family and loved ones continued to plead with South Dakota communities on Facebook to help search for this young woman. But now for the first time, Addison herself is speaking out in a now-viral video.

In a shocking development late last week, Addison Van Ballegooyen of South Dakota published a Facebook video from her new account.

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Addison Van Ballegooyen was reported as missing on Monday, January 13th, 2025, and was considered an "Endangered Missing Person." Now Addison claims in her Facebook video that she is "safe" and she's "always been safe." She's using social media to explain her side of the story.

This message could be tough to hear for those who know Addison. She is "speaking her truth." One thing Addison wants to make clear: It was her choice to run away.

"I did this on my own. No one had any part in it. No one encouraged me...I've been waiting to come on here when I turned 18 to finally speak my truth and I can't wait anymore. With people asking for signs of life, I've always been safe. I just didn't want to reach out until I was 18 and be found. I wanted to say that it was my choice to run away. I did not go missing and I was never endangered. I went home, packed my bags, and withdrew cash because I knew I couldn't mentally be in this situation I was in anymore. The whole 'I'm not safe' or 'I'm not in control of my situation' is completely false. I choose to do this. I did that for myself and my future. Seeing the posts, comments, and things being said on social media absolutely broke my heart. The way my family handled this situation is not okay. They are speaking the things on my behalf that just aren't true.

In another surprising twist, Addison is currently accepting donations from anyone who wants to assist her on her new journey.

Obviously, there is more to this story that goes beyond posts on social media. Whatever this situation is, I just hope everyone involved is safe.

10 Wild South Dakota Snowstorms

Even though snow is blanketing the Sioux Empire, some snowstorms still do not compare to these ten dreadful snowstorms that hit South Dakota.

Only In Your State highlighted ten snowstorms in South Dakota as a reminder for people to always be aware of the road during the winter. South Dakotans are well aware of the fact that the state’s winters can be harsh which is why it is always a good idea to plan ahead and prepare for the worst.

Do you remember any major snowstorms that hit South Dakota?

Gallery Credit: KXRB

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About The 'Potato Man' of Sioux Falls

I drive around Sioux Falls daily and there are many cool things I drive by and really don't think about much. Recently, I decided to slow down and take notice of some of the city's more interesting aspects.

For example, what do you know about the 'Potato Man' of Sioux Falls? If you are like me, not much I bet.

Here are 5-things about the 'Potato Man' sculpture that you might find interesting:

Gallery Credit: Ben Davis