🚗 New driver's licenses arrive this month with upgrades!

You may have noticed things look a little different around here. We recently switched to a new newsletter tool to make things easier on our end, and it gave us a good excuse to freshen up the design too.

The content is still the same kind of stuff you’re used to, but the new format lets us make the newsletter a little cleaner, more visual, and more fun to read.

Be sure to check out the featured home section, we're pretty proud of it!

New driver's license design rollout this month

The Gist: South Dakota Driver Licensing Program is introducing redesigned driver's licenses and identification cards with advanced security features to prevent fraud and identity theft. The new cards will include updated printing methods and embedded design elements.

Why It Matters: The enhanced security features may reduce identity theft and fraud targeting South Dakota residents.

Halloween Express opens for season

The Gist: Halloween Express is back at 2723 W. 41st St. in Plaza 41, stocked with costumes for all ages and pets plus masks and accessories. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, with Spirit Halloween also returning next week at 1401 W. 41st St.

Why It Matters: Two seasonal costume shops are now open if you need Halloween gear before October 31st.

🌿 Sip slow, live wild inside this apothecary

Moss & Mug is a curated herbal coffee and tea bar inside Juniper Apothecary, built on the ethos of slowing down and sipping with intention. They brew specialty coffee and hand-blended herbal teas, featuring seasonal, plant-based syrups like the crowd-favorite ‘Meadow’ or a genuine pumpkin spice.

If you’re dodging drive-throughs for a quiet corner to actually sit with your drink, this is the refined, neighborly spot you’ve been looking for.

🐕 Tail-wagging finds for every season

Fall arrivals are settling onto the shelves at Shop Dog Boutique!

They specialize in natural treats like peanut butter biscuits alongside new arrivals like Smack dehydrated raw food, Snoggydoggy treat dispensers, and limited edition Buddy Budder bottles. With college collars ready for game days and Halloween preparation getting underway early, the well-trained team offers tailored advice while hosting friendly community gatherings.