Government
7 hours ago
South Dakota Senate committee advances hemp-derived THC, kratom ban bills without recommendation
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee sent SB 61 (hemp-derived THC) and SB 77 (kratom) to the full Senate “without recommendation” after unanimous votes, signaling lawmakers are split on how — or whether — to regulate the substances.
7 hours ago
Terry Sabers announces run for South Dakota House District 20 seat
Mitchell businessman and longtime community volunteer Terry Sabers says he’s running for the South Dakota House in District 20, focusing on workforce development, technical education and fiscal responsibility.
7 hours ago
DWU Sioux Falls Nursing program has new location
Dakota Wesleyan University has relocated its in-person Associate of Science in Nursing program in Sioux Falls to 817 W. Russell St., citing expanded space and improved parking access.
7 hours ago
The governor says the bill protects religious freedom; critics question whether the out-of-state incident cited justifies a felony escalation.
Gov. Larry Rhoden on Friday announced legislation that would make disrupting a religious service a felony in South Dakota, arguing the change is needed to deter protests interfering with worship. Senate Bill 113 would elevate an existing misdemeanor offense to a felony when a person intentionally targets a house of worship. Disrupting a religious service is already illegal under state law.
1 day ago
City of Brookings launches OnBoardGOV system to manage boards, commissions and applications
The City of Brookings has rolled out OnBoardGOV, an online board management portal designed to improve transparency on vacancies and term expirations and make it easier for residents to apply to serve.
1 day ago
South Dakota tourism hits record highs in 2025 with 14.97 million visitors and $5.16B spending
South Dakota tourism set new records in 2025, with nearly 15 million visitors spending $5.16 billion statewide, according to an annual economic impact study released by Travel South Dakota.
1 day ago
South Dakota Legislature schedule: Property tax, school levies, medical cannabis bills up Thursday
South Dakota lawmakers return to committee rooms and the House floor Thursday, Jan. 22, with hearings on property tax limits, school levy elections, medical cannabis in terminal care, firearms suppressors and unemployment benefits.
2 days ago
Attorney General Jackley’s Legislative Bills on Election Integrity, Open Meeting Transparency Receive Senate Committee Approval
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s proposals to tighten campaign finance rules and expand open-meeting requirements cleared the Senate State Affairs Committee and now head to the full Senate.
2 days ago
Optional black-and-white license plate bill advances in South Dakota Legislature
A proposal to offer optional solid-color South Dakota license plates — including black with white lettering — is moving through the Legislature, with fees aimed at generating new money for highway maintenance.
2 days ago
Mitchell forecast: Blowing snow Wednesday, then dangerous wind chills into the weekend
Mitchell is looking at snow and blowing snow Wednesday with wind gusts up to 55 mph, followed by a sharp drop into subzero temperatures and dangerous wind chills late week.
3 days ago
South Dakota Senate panel advances SB 4 to extend security deposit return deadline to 21 days
A South Dakota Senate committee advanced a bill that would give landlords 21 days — instead of 14 — to return tenant security deposits or provide an itemized explanation for deductions. Supporters say the change reflects repair and billing delays while keeping penalties for improper withholding.
4 days ago
Early Future Fund deadlock exposes divide over economic development authority
A 4-4 tie vote in the Senate State Affairs Committee stalled Senate Bill 1, renewing debate over whether lawmakers or Gov. Larry Rhoden should set rules for South Dakota’s Future Fund. The vote came a day after Rhoden issued an executive order adding internal requirements for how Future Fund dollars are awarded and reported.
1 week ago
Ambulance sustainability questions raised during Senate health briefing
South Dakota lawmakers raised concerns Friday about whether rural ambulance services can remain viable, citing aging equipment, volunteer staffing and limited reimbursement. The discussion came during a Senate Health and Human Services Committee informational briefing on the state’s Rural Health Transformation funding.
1 week ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden Issues Executive Order Setting “Guardrails” for South Dakota Future Fund Spending
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order outlining how his office will prioritize and oversee Future Fund economic development dollars. The move comes as lawmakers and communities debate incentives such as tax increment financing and tax breaks for large projects, including hyperscale data centers.
1 week ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden Defends DHS Secretary Kristi Noem as Impeachment Articles Filed After Minneapolis ICE Shooting
Gov. Larry Rhoden is criticizing impeachment efforts targeting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling them “radical left” attacks. The move follows the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent earlier this month.
1 week ago
OPINION – Sen. Mike Rounds recaps first “Weekly Round[s] Up” of 2026 with border trip, Guard homecoming
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says he began 2026 with meetings, intelligence briefings and Senate votes in Washington, then traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas and a South Dakota Army National Guard welcome-home ceremony in Rapid City.
1 week ago
Douglas County taskforce forges ahead with senior care conversation amid Corsica nursing home closure
Douglas County leaders say they’re “cautiously optimistic” skilled nursing care can remain local after Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society move to close the Corsica nursing home, citing staffing shortages.
1 week ago
Representative Jeff Bathke Announces Reelection Campaign for District 20 House
Mitchell, SD– State Representative Jeff Bathke announces his re-election campaign, representing District 20 and the great State of South Dakota.…
1 week ago
DWU’s Kelley Center names two new Entrepreneurs in Residence
Dakota Wesleyan University’s Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship has selected two Mitchell leaders — Jessica Callies and Elizabeth Luczak — to serve as its 2026 Entrepreneurs in Residence, connecting students and the community with local change-makers.
1 week ago
Coffee with Legislators set Jan. 30 at Mitchell Chamber during 2026 session
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will host “Coffee with Legislators” on Friday, Jan. 30, from 8-9 a.m. Community members can hear updates from District 20 lawmakers and submit written questions for a moderated discussion.
