Sioux Falls officials trade light hearted jabs as part of annual Novem-burn awareness campaign
Sideburn growing contest to benefit the Link triage center and The Helpline Center
Did the reigning champion of an annual sideburn-growing contest use performance-enhancing hair growth substances? The answer may never be known.
Allegations that a Sioux Falls city councilor used disqualifying substances to secure victories in back-to-back sideburn-growing contests were swiftly denied Thursday.
During the third annual “Novem-burn For Hope” judging in downtown Sioux Falls, where city leaders and public figures showcased their sideburn growth during the last 30 days, Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum brought in a police dog to detect if contestants used “performance enhancements.” The decision to bring Leo, a Golden Retriever, came amid rumors that returning champion Councilor Greg Neitzert gained an unfair advantage in the first two years of the annual mental health awareness campaign.
Neitzert, who was not in attendance to defend his title as having the best sideburns, denied the allegations in a phone call with The Dakota Scout following the event.
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“Absolutely not,” he said. “No Rogaine. Nothing.”
Asked why he didn’t attend Thursday’s judging, Neitzert said his natural ability to grow sideburns has been demonstrated and it’s time to step aside, though he was aware there would be a police dog present.
Chief Thum, known for his year-round sideburns, awarded this year’s title to Sioux Falls Internal Audit Manager Ryan Lauseng, whose chops would have been formidable even against Neitzert’s.
Put on by the Sioux Falls City Council, “Novem-burn For Hope” is intended to raise awareness and funds for mental health by building on funding established through the Sioux Falls City Council and Mayor Paul TenHaken’s office called Operation Hope, which covers costs related to counseling and rehabilitation services as well as basic amenities like shoes and clothing for people in need of the Link Triage Center and The Helpline Center.
Councilor Marshall Selberg said the hope is to use a light-hearted event to get the message out that resources are available in the community to those who need them.
