Local
2 days ago
South Dakota Senate advances mobile sports betting amendment tied to Deadwood casinos
South Dakota senators approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow statewide mobile sports betting routed through Deadwood-licensed casinos. Senate Joint Resolution 504 now heads to the South Dakota House.
2 days ago
South Dakota flu deaths rise to 14 this season; 45 new hospitalizations reported in latest week
South Dakota’s influenza death toll has climbed to 14 this season, including four new deaths reported in the past week. The state Health Department also reported 45 new flu-related hospitalizations and said flu activity remains moderate but geographically widespread.
3 days ago
Mitchell Garbage Collection Starts at 7 a.m. on Presidents Day; Regional Landfill Closes at Noon
In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, Mitchell garbage collection will begin at 7 a.m. and finish by noon, and the Mitchell Regional Landfill will close at noon. Recycling will follow the regular city schedule.
3 days ago
Homeschooling and Alternative Instruction Rise in South Dakota as Public, Private Enrollment Dips
New South Dakota Department of Education enrollment data show “alternative instruction” — which includes homeschooling and some hybrid or microschool options — increased by nearly 950 students this school year, while public and private school enrollment declined slightly.
3 days ago
Miner County Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks Conducted Feb. 11
The South-Central Alcohol Task Force conducted six alcohol compliance checks in Miner County on Feb. 11, and all six Howard businesses checked were found in compliance.
4 days ago
South Dakota Lawmakers Get Updated Revenue Outlook as Budget Targets Due for Appropriations Committee
South Dakota legislators are reviewing updated revenue expectations for the next budget year as Gov. Larry Rhoden considers tweaks to his proposed budget after stronger-than-expected January numbers. Legislative Research Council Fiscal Chief Jeff Mehlhaff told lawmakers tax refunds could put hundreds of millions into residents’ pockets and add about $10.3 million to the state’s general fund.
5 days ago
South Dakota House Education Committee Advances HB 1205 to Boost Annual K-12 Funding Growth
A South Dakota House committee advanced HB 1205 on a split vote, sending it to House Appropriations after lawmakers debated changing the school funding formula so annual increases would be the greater of inflation or 3%.
5 days ago
Mitchell City Council Approves $1 Transfer of Former Mobile Home Park Site for Owner-Occupied Housing Project
Mitchell city leaders approved transferring the former First Avenue mobile home park property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation for $1 to advance a 24-home, owner-occupied development with price caps and a 10-year owner-occupancy requirement.
6 days ago
South Dakota House Rejects HB 1068 Liability Shield for Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine Dispensing
The South Dakota House voted 40-28 to defeat House Bill 1068, which would have limited liability for doctors and pharmacists who dispense ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to adults under written protocols for off-label COVID-19 treatment.
1 week ago
South Dakota Senate Passes SB 89 to Study Making EMS an Essential Service as Volunteer Shortages Grow
The South Dakota Senate voted 27-7 to advance SB 89, creating an EMS funding task force to study whether emergency medical services should be treated as an essential service and how to pay for it as many rural services rely on volunteers.
1 week ago
Mitchell City Council Rejects Retail Recruitment Contract, Leaves $50,000 Unspent in 2026 Budget
The Mitchell City Council voted 7–1 against a $50,000-per-year agreement with Retail Strategies aimed at recruiting new retail businesses. Several council members said they want to explore local partnerships before committing city funds.
1 week ago
Mitchell Drug Case Moves Forward as Defendant Chooses to Represent Himself
A Mitchell criminal case involving Courtney Stork is moving ahead after multiple delays, with the defendant opting to represent himself. A judge has denied motions to suppress evidence tied to two 2025 searches, and a new motions hearing is set for Feb. 17.
1 week ago
Mitchell Police Say City Remains Safe as South Dakota’s 2025 Crime Report Nears Release
Mitchell law enforcement leaders say violent crime remains low and most calls involve property crime or drug activity, even as overall incident counts can look high due to the city’s size and thorough reporting
2 weeks ago
Mitchell City Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto on Lakeview Par-3 Short Course Design Agreement
The Mitchell City Council voted 6-2 to override Mayor Jordan Hanson’s veto and move ahead with a $9,400 preliminary design agreement for a proposed five-hole par-3 short course at Lakeview Golf Course.
2 weeks ago
Central Electric Cooperative, Touchstone Energy Co-ops Open “Who Powers You” Contest Nominations Through April 19
Central Electric Cooperative and other regional Touchstone Energy Cooperatives are accepting nominations for the fifth annual Who Powers You Contest through April 19, 2026, recognizing local people making a difference.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell High School to Hold National Letter of Intent Signing Day Feb. 4
Mitchell High School will host a National Letter of Intent Signing Day event Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, in the MHS Commons, recognizing student-athletes committing to compete in college sports.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Reports Three More Flu Deaths; Seasonal Total Reaches Nine as Cases Rise
The South Dakota Department of Health reported three additional influenza-related deaths in the past week, bringing the 2025-26 season total to nine as statewide flu activity remains widespread.
2 weeks ago
DWU Theatre to host cabaret fundraiser
Dakota Wesleyan University’s theatre department will stage a one-hour cabaret fundraiser Feb. 6 at 401 Create by LifeQuest, featuring Broadway musical numbers and scenes from recent campus productions.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell Public Library Sees Highest Circulation in 10 Years, Adds New Digital Magazine and Comics Collections
Mitchell Public Library reported its highest total circulation in the past decade in 2025, with physical and digital checkouts rising from 2024. Library officials also noted increased visitor traffic and new OverDrive digital collections.
3 weeks ago
HB 1095 delayed amid concerns over mid-process election changes
Lawmakers delayed a bill Tuesday that aimed to standardize election petition deadlines. They raised concerns about changing election rules while candidates were already gathering signatures.




