Downtown Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk Piece Vandalized Sunday Night

One of the biggest draws to the downtown Sioux Falls area is of course the city's Sculpture Walk.

And 2023 marks the 20th year the Sculpture Walk has been in existence in downtown Sioux Falls.

Over the past twenty years, the city of Sioux Falls has been blessed to have over 60 different pieces of art created by professional and amateur artists alike line the streets of downtown each year.

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Each piece of artwork is unique in its own right and truly adds to the overall beauty of the downtown Sioux Falls area.

Unfortunately, the downtown Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk has fallen victim to several acts of vandalism and theft throughout the years.

Dakota News Now is reporting the latest incident occurred on Sunday, (September 3) around 10:30 PM. That's when a Belle Fourche man, 32-year-old Jed Smeenk, damaged the sculpture known as "Translation Number 3" created by artist Joe Schaeffer.

The sculpture damaged on Sunday is located on the southeast corner of 12th Street and Phillips Avenue near the Federal Building.

According to Dakota News Now, several people witnessed Smeenk walk by the sculpture that evening, as he did, he was seen pulling on the sculpture which caused the artwork to break into several pieces.

The report states that Smeenk then proceeded to keep walking and was eventually apprehended by authorities several blocks away.

Dakota News Now reports the estimated damage to the sculpture is in excess of $10,000, which will constitute a felony charge.

Smeenk was arrested and booked with Intentional Damage to Property.

What's even more tragic about this latest incident, is the voting process is now underway for the sculpture walk's "People's Choice Awards."

Sunday's senseless act of vandalism now puts the "Translation Number 3" sculpture at a disadvantage in winning the contest which runs through Saturday, (September 30).

The sculpture that does end up receiving the most votes cast will be purchased by the city of Sioux Falls and become a permanent part of the city's art collection.

Source: Dakota News Now/City of Sioux Falls

Twelve South Dakota Places to Put on Your "Must Visit" List!

Make the most of summer in South Dakota and visit these spots that speak to why SD is great!

A lot of them you might have visited, some you haven't for sure, and some are old favorites that maybe you haven't been to in a while. So, while there is still a little time or even one more weekend, and gas prices are down a bit - - try and make it to one of these great places.

What can be found in these 12 locations?

What can't? Camping, fishing swimming, kayaking, birdwatching, and tons of other great outdoors-type activities. Historical, educational exploration, hobby interests, kids activities, just plain old beautiful scenery, and- - to use an overused phrase- -lots more!

With all of that in mind, let's dive in!

10 Most Dangerous Cities in South Dakota

Cities on the east and west side of the Missouri River have made the latest list of South Dakota's Most Dangerous Cities for 2021.

Roadsnacks recently released its most 'Dangerous Cities' list and here in The Mount Rushmore state there are a few surprises, especially at the top. To determine the most dangerous cities in the state, Roadsnacks looked at the FBI's report on the latest violent crime, along with property crime statistics.

And surprisingly, the town with the most murders per capita in the state has less than 3,000 residents. Take a look at the list below.

For a look at the detailed list, visit roadsnacks.com Story Source: Roadsncaks

Source: Downtown Sioux Falls Sculpture Walk Piece Vandalized Sunday Night