Happy National Hug Day! What a great day. You can hug whoever you see, wherever you are and no one can say you’re creepy. You can blame it all on this fantastic day.

There were hugs exchanged in the newsroom after spending several hours uncovering a document which details how Sanford Health plans to use its most recent donation. According to the document, T. Denny Sanford’s $100 million gift will establish a Sanford Health National Breast Cancer Institute initiative which will create a world-class center for the research, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Our very own Kelli Grant and others in the newsroom, worked very hard all afternoon to find the details and break it on KELOLAND News at 5 and KELOLAND News at 6. On KELOLAND News at 10 we will be talking with a breast cancer survivor to hear her thoughts on this new facility.

In other news, it’s Friday. Enjoy your weekend!

On Thursday morning, KELOLAND News confirmed a student was arrested because of threats posted on a Facebook profile and Shawn Neisteadt headed to town to gather information. Even at that point, officials weren’t ready to release much information. It wasn’t until just before 5 PM that the state’s attorney released the name, age and charges against 18-year-old Melissa Kruger. And minutes later, court papers were filed and we were able to get copies faxed to us.

That’s where officials confirmed the threats were posted on the Facebook profile for Mark Ray Grey, though they say it belonged to Melissa Rae Kruger. That profile is not open to the public and was not the profile reported to KELOLAND News. The one the tip caller told us about also has disturbing comments about killing people and has messages from Mark Ray Grey, which Shawn brought to the superintendent’s attention. Today, Shawn is looking into just how those two pages are connected.

We’ve also received several comments from people on Thursday’s story, some of whom are from De Smet and are glad officials took the threats seriously. Honestly, as we did our own work back here at the station, it really raised questions about just how often teenagers deal with threatening messages. Katie Janssen is going to talk with students today to find out what kind of comments they’re dealing with these days.

More information is known about the De Smet high school student accused of posting several threatening messages on her Facebook page. The student will make her first appearance at the Kingsbury County Courthouse on Monday.   Making a terroristic threat carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Read the story “De Smet Teen Charged With Making Terror Threat” Shawn Neisteadt wrote Thursday and view the court documents online.

Be sure to educate your children, friends and family of the seriousness of Facebook bullying and comment on the story posted on our Facebook page. And, check out “Keeping Kids Safe On Facebook” by Peggy Moyer.

Don’t miss KELOLAND News at 10 tonight. We will have the second half of last night’s Money Matters about what will be more expensive in 2011, a reaction on the budget cuts from the Department of Labor, Congresswoman Kristi Noem’s first speech in the House.  And on Thursday’s Eye On KELOLAND we hear from Nick Simon, a Washington High graduate, who directed a film that is debuting in Sioux Falls this weekend.

Some comments made on a social network website have led to an investigation in De Smet.  KELOLAND News has confirmed officials took an 18-year-old student out of school and into custody yesterday because of some threatening comments made on Facebook.

KELOLAND’s Shawn Neisteadt is in the community gathering details. Watch Midday in KELOLAND for a live report on what he’s found out and then join us at Five and Six o’clock for in-depth reports on the case.

The Governor’s budget address  sparked a lot of discussion in the KELOLAND Newsroom this morning as I’m sure it’s doing across the state. Over the next week Governor Dennis Daugaard is taking his budget proposal across the state to nine communities. He started in Aberdeen this morning and our Erich Schaffhauser was there as people asked some strong questions of the governor. Erich will show you what people had to say, later today.

This is a list of the other times and who’s hosting the events if you’re interested in attending:

Thursday, Jan. 20:

• Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m. CST
• Watertown Rotary Club, 12:15 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 24

• Yankton Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m. CST
• Sioux Falls Rotary Club, noon
• Mitchell Chamber of Commerce, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 25:

• Rapid City Rotary Club, 7 a.m. MST
• Rapid City Chamber of Commerce, noon
• Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 26:

• Huron Chamber of Commerce, 7 a.m. CST
• Brookings Chamber of Commerce, noon

What does your sidewalk look like today? Well, the City of Sioux Falls is cracking down on homeowners who aren’t taking care of the ice and snow.

• It began Monday with Don Jorgensen’s story showing a man in a wheelchair dodging traffic on Minnesota Avenue because he couldn’t get around on the sidewalk.
• On Tuesday, Mayor Mike Huether reacted to the story and told city officails they needed to get a better handle on the city’s share of the problem.
• On Wednesday we found plows out working to clear them and the city alerted homeowners once again to do their part and that if they don’t, they’ll be charged if the City has to do it for them. Hailey Higgins will show you what officials are finding as they follow up on complaints.

Good evening KELOLAND! I apologize for not having a blog last night. I was home ill with the little bug that has been going around the newsroom. Working down here is like sitting in a  germ pool some days. With everyone in my corner of the cubicle sick the last week, I knew I was destined to follow the trend.

But without driving my car for 24 hours, the engine did not start this morning. Lucky for me, I have friends who could help me out. And KELOLAND is apparently the coldest in the nation, so I understand why it did not start. Check out Tony Barlow’s story, “KELOLAND Coldest in Nation” and Erich Schaffhauser’s story “Northeast KELOLAND Icebox Of The Nation” for more details.

On this cold winter day, reporter Ben Dunsmoor became a new daddy! I would like to congratulate Ben and Trista on their new baby girl, Kenley Suzane. I am sure their other daughter, Bella, is very excited to be a big sister.

Coming up tonight on KELOLAND News at 10, is information about the budget cuts proposed by our governor, including a story about Rapid City’s cuts and a story about the Game, Fish and Parks, which is looking to see a large 22 percent cut. Also, don’t forget to see an intriguing eye about two twin sisters from Estelline, SD whose lives were impacted by World War 2 soldiers during a train ride.

KELOLAND News is working today to bring you in-depth team reports on the Governor’s budget address. Our Shawn Neisteadt is in Pierre, ready to bring you live reports on the sweeping cuts Governor Dennis Daugaard is expected to propose to lawmakers at 1 PM today.

It’s going to be a pivitol point for institutions who have feared what Daugaard might propose as they find out what he does suggest. That’s especially the case for school districts. The Associated School Boards of South Dakota sent out a memo last week preparing members of a possible 10 percent cut. Once we find out whether that’s the case, KELOLAND’s Katie Janssen and Austin Hoffman will get reaction from school administrators.

Cuts to Medicaid programs would also impact your health. On this evening’s HealthBeat, KELOLAND’S Kelli Grant is looking into what they mean for physicians and you, the patient.

At -24 degrees in Aberdeen and -15 in Sioux Falls, KELOLAND has some of the coldest places in the country today. And our cold weather is causing potholes to sprout again. I hit a massive one yesterday as I got onto I-229 North from East 10th Street in Sioux Falls. People are already sounding off on our KELOLAND Facebook page about where they’re running into them.

I survived my second workout class Tuesday night. Surprisingly, the tough exercises felt a little easier to do than the first day; let’s hope that trend continues! However, I am feeling much sorer today than I did after the first day, but I guess that just comes with getting back in shape.

My nutrition plan, which I realize I’ve only been doing for two days, is going well so far. I’ve switched from 2 to 3 big meals a day, to several small meals. I also for the first time in my life am reading food labels to see what nutritional value each food item has. One thing I didn’t realize, on some foods, like a single bottle of orange juice, it will say it contains a certain number of calories but when you look closer that’s just for one serving.  In reality, there’s 2 to 2.5 servings in that single personal bottle. The more you pay attention to things like that the more foods you will see actually contain higher calories and fat that you may have originally thought.

I’m also writing down everything I eat and drink. Every little thing gets written down so at the end of the day I can see just what I put in my body. I’ve found it to be a helpful tool because it reminds me what I’ve eaten, and if I’m missing anything I need more of, i.e. protein. My trainer, Travis, also looks over my food journal to make sure I’m staying on track and to give me advice on how to balance my nutritional needs. Just another way to hold me accountable!

In blogs to come, I’m going to try and include some tips on nutrition and exercise that I learn from Travis. That way anyone interested can give it a try at home.  I’m also working on getting some pictures of my fitness class to share (I first have to get the women in my class to forgive me for bringing in a video camera)!

By the way if you’re interested in seeing the first story on my 8 week challenge you can watch is online. Our Healthbeat reporter Kelli Grant, and photographer Kevin Kjergaard, did a great job!

How’s your New Year’s resolution working out for you? I set a goal to finish projects before starting a new one. It’s an indirect way to stop my procrastination problem. KELOLAND’s Nicole Winters just started a body balance challenge and is going to blog to keep you updated on her progress. You can find out how she plans to do that on this evening’s HealthBeat at 6 PM.

The wind is still proving to be a problem in the northeast. Later today, Erich Schaffhauser is going to show you how drifting is causing problems. Don’t forget to check road conditions before you head out.

All the snow we’ve received is also creating some big snow piles on the corners of intersections. Let us know where you’re finding problem spots on our KELOLAND Facebook page and Shawn Neisteadt will go check it out.

In the newsroom today, we’re excited that it’s one of our producer’s birthday. Just like in grade school, we have what you could call a tradition, but some consider a requirement, that if it’s your birthday, you bring treats. And since this producer is a fabulous hobby baker, we’re looking forward to celebrating with her… as well as what she might bring in this afternoon. Happy Birthday!

(Today’s blog is done! Now on to my next project.)

The New Year usually motivates people to start over, or try something new in their life. For me, I’ve always thought of doing things differently, but never actually followed through with it. But, I’m determined to not let that be the case this year.

2011 is going to be a life changing year for me. I have two very important weddings to attend, one of which is mine at the end of the year, and the other is my best friends in May. On top of that, I also have my ten year high school reunion coming up.

While I’m excited for the adventures ahead, my mind has not stopped thinking about the fact that I’ll be wearing a wedding gown, bridesmaid dress and seeing lots of faces I haven’t seen in years. That of course has made me start re-evaluating my not so great nutrition, and my lack of exercise. Sure, I could give plenty excuses of why I’ve chosen to sit on my couch and eat pizza for the last several months, but I will spare you from hearing about my laziness. Instead, keeping with my New Years resolution (I plan to actually stick with) I’m going to stay positive, stop making excuses and get off the couch and get in shape.

The way I’m going to do it- through a body balance challenge with Tryon Gym. I followed a woman through the grueling 8 week challenge back in November for a story. Her determination and will to lose weight and get in shape really motivated me. Given the fact that I’m not one to stick with what I start when it comes to exercise, I thought this is just what I need. Over 8 weeks I will be working out with a group of women 3 times a week, working out on my own, and keeping a nutrition log of EVERYTHING I eat (which my trainer, Travis, will be checking).

The goal of the program is to hold you accountable for your own results. If I cheat, I’m only cheating myself. Working out with a group of women, most of which have similar goals to me, helps keep us all moving. And judging by the first night of class Monday night I’m in for a long hard 8 weeks. We did a variety of fast paced exercises that have me groaning when I sit, stand, or move in just about any direction. It felt good though to get back in the gym and get going on my goals.

 I hope to draw motivation from my readers as well. So, if you have any tips or advice to keep me going strong, please share them with me. I will continue to blog through the 8 weeks to help hold myself accountable and hopefully motivate others. You’ll also be able to watch my progress on KELOLAND News.

Slippery roads continue to plague drivers in KELOLAND. You can find the story Andrea mentioned in this morning’s blog covered by reporter Nicole Winters and photographer Kevin Kjerkgaard online: “Rain, Freezing Rain Slows Morning Commute.”

People are getting tired of shoveling, as Hailey Higgins found today: “Snow Shoveling Fatigue Setting In.” However, that does not mean people should refuse to clear their sidewalks.  On KELOLAND News at 6, we aired a story (Blocked Sidewalks Unsafe For Wheelchair Users) about a man in a wheelchair having a difficult time navigating Sioux Falls sidewalks with the lack of snow removal. Do your part to keep the sidewalks clean!

Switching gears, are you someone who moved to Sioux Falls looking for a job, because the job outlook was worse where you previously lived? If that applies to you or someone you know please email Angela Kennecke at akennecke@keloland.com

Monday night on KELOLAND News at 10, there are tips about what to look for when you’re hiring a snow removal company and how the Sioux Falls School Districts is preparing for potential cuts in state education funding.  Then on Eye On KELOLAND, Martin Luther King Jr. visited KELO-TV in 1961.  See clips of that interview and the significance of his trip to South Dakota.

Don’t forget to check out the list of school’s running late or closed for tomorrow on Closeline.