Local
6 hours ago
Watertown School District cuts student lunch debt by $20,500 after Sharp Automotive, anonymous donations
Watertown School District officials say more than $20,500 in donations — including $10,500 from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous gift — will be applied to outstanding student meal balances.
7 hours ago
South Dakota reports first two flu deaths of 2025-26 season; cases, hospitalizations rising statewide
The South Dakota Department of Health says the first two influenza-related deaths of the 2025-26 season have been reported in Minnehaha County as lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations increase statewide.
1 day ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden awards new $500,000 Future Fund grant for Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a new $500,000 grant for infrastructure work at Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park, adding to a previously approved $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant, according to state officials.
1 day ago
Dusty Johnson Calls 2025 a “Remarkable” Year, Highlights Tax, Border and Welfare Policy Changes
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson says 2025 was one of the most impactful policy years in decades, pointing to tax changes, border enforcement and welfare reforms as he prepares for a 2026 run for governor.
1 day ago
Operation Relentless Justice: DOJ says 205 child victims located, 293 arrests made; Pine Ridge man faces federal charges
The U.S. Department of Justice says a nationwide crackdown called “Operation Relentless Justice” located more than 205 child victims and led to 293 arrests, including a South Dakota case involving a Pine Ridge Reservation resident.
1 day ago
Sioux Falls man accused of assaulting officer with knife during traffic stop, charged with DWI
Sioux Falls police say a traffic stop on Dec. 29 escalated when a driver allegedly pulled a knife and jabbed it toward an officer. Rudolph Gabe Jr. faces aggravated assault on law enforcement, DWI and concealed weapon charges.
1 day ago
Howard man indicted on murder, manslaughter charges in Dec. 6 stabbing death
A Howard man has been indicted on two murder charges and a manslaughter charge in connection with the Dec. 6 stabbing death of a 56-year-old woman, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said.
2 days ago
South Dakota Secures $189.4M Federal Award for Rural Health Transformation in FY 2026, Rhoden Says
Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health say the state has secured $189.4 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new five-year rural health initiative.
2 days ago
Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Structuring Financial Transactions, Ordered to Pay $363,800 Restitution
A Harrisburg man convicted of structuring financial transactions to evade federal reporting requirements was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $363,800 in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota.
2 days ago
U.S. Housing Market Slowed in 2025; Mitchell-Area Prices Still Rose as 2026 Outlook Takes Shape
MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — As 2025 closes, national housing data shows a market that continued to appreciate but at…
2 days ago
Jackley to Propose Foreign Donation Ban, Stronger Open Meetings Rules in 2026 Legislature
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he will introduce 2026 legislation aimed at election integrity and government transparency, including a ban on foreign national donations and tighter open meeting agenda requirements
3 days ago
New Years Holiday Garbage Collection & Christmas Tree Collection
Due to the observance of New Year’s Day on Thursday January 1st, 2026 there will be no garbage collection. Garbage will be collected one day later than normal for end of week. Collection will be Friday January 2nd to Saturday January 3rd, 2026.
3 days ago
South Dakota DUI Arrest Rate Ranks Among Nation’s Highest; Sobriety Checkpoints Planned in January
South Dakota continues to rank near the top nationally for DUI arrests per capita, with one analysis putting the rate at 938.8 arrests per 100,000 people. New enforcement plans include sobriety checkpoints in 16 counties across January.
3 days ago
South Dakota Sen. Glen Vilhauer seeks reelection in District 5 seat
South Dakota state Sen. Glen Vilhauer of Watertown says he’s running for reelection in Senate District 5. Absentee voting for the 2026 primary begins April 17, with the primary set for June 2.
6 days ago
Study Finds Soil Practices Can Significantly Impact Hemp THC Levels
New federally funded research suggests soil management choices could help South Dakota hemp farmers keep crops within legal THC limits while improving crop value.
6 days ago
Survey Finds Many South Dakotans Struggle With Healthcare Costs and Access
Nearly half of South Dakotans worry they won’t be able to afford needed healthcare in the coming year, according to a new national survey that ranks the state in the middle nationally for cost, quality, and access.
1 week ago
U.S. Senator Wraps Up Busy Year-End Week as NDAA Signed Into Law
A South Dakota U.S. senator capped off a historic week in Washington with confirmation votes, briefings, and a White House visit as President Trump signed the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act into law.
1 week ago
Davison County Commissioners Set Dec. 30 Meeting Agenda
The Davison County Commission will meet Tuesday, Dec. 30, to address veterans services, a liquor license hearing, budget matters, and multiple agreements and personnel items.
1 week ago
Santa Tracker
The NORAD Santa Tracker is back, bringing high-flying holiday excitement as it follows Santa Claus’ journey around the world in real time. For more than 65 years, NORAD has combined cutting-edge radar, satellites, and fighter jets with festive fun, letting families track Santa’s sleigh as he delivers gifts across the globe on Christmas Eve.
1 week ago
South Dakota Enters Flu Season as Health Officials Monitor H3N2 Variant
South Dakota health officials are preparing for the 2025–2026 influenza season amid concerns about an H3N2 flu strain linked to more severe illness, particularly among older adults and rural residents.
