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6 days ago
Proposed DSS Rule Raises Alarms Over Child Therapy Funding
LifeScape is warning that a proposed South Dakota Department of Social Services rule could cut its Medicaid funding by $10 million annually. The nonprofit says the 80% reduction threatens therapy services for more than 3,300 children and families who rely on its specialized care.
6 days ago
Hundreds Turn Out for Suicide Awareness Walk in Sioux Falls
More than 1,200 people joined the Out of the Darkness Walk in downtown Sioux Falls to support suicide prevention. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event has raised over $44,000 toward its $90,000 goal, offering hope and awareness for those affected.
6 days ago
Grill Fire Injures One in Sioux Falls
A weekend grill fire in southwest Sioux Falls sent one person to the hospital after a deck explosion. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze and checked the home for further damage, though the victim’s condition has not yet been released.
6 days ago
Gov. Rhoden Pushes for Stronger Drone Protections
Governor Larry Rhoden is joining 30 governors urging Congress to address rising drone threats. In a letter to lawmakers, they warn drones are increasingly misused for spying, stalking, and potential attacks.
1 week ago
South Dakota Public University Enrollment Holds Steady
Enrollment at South Dakota’s public universities is holding steady this fall, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth and the second straight year with more than 36,000 students enrolled.
1 week ago
Lake Andes Teen Charged After Alleged Gun Threat in Rent Dispute
An 18-year-old Lake Andes woman is facing two felony charges after allegedly threatening a woman and her infant during a rent dispute in Wagner. Police say Margaret Fischer struck the victim with a BB gun, pointed it at both her and the baby, and tried to push her down the stairs during the September 5 incident.
1 week ago
Mitchell Recreation Center, Aquatic Center Membership Rates to Rise in 2026
Membership rates at the Mitchell Recreation Center and Indoor Aquatic Center will rise by 3% in 2026 following approval from the Parks and Recreation Board. Annual family memberships will increase to $811.75, youth to $351, and adult memberships to $540.75, with monthly auto-renew options going up by $1–$2.
1 week ago
Mitchell Council to Weigh City’s First Roundabout, 2026 Budget
The Mitchell City Council is set to discuss a packed agenda today, highlighted by the city’s first proposed roundabout at West 23rd Avenue and North Ohlman Street.
1 week ago
Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund Nominated for Spirit of Dakota Award
Deanell Backlund of Mitchell, a longtime educator and community volunteer, is among 14 nominees for the 2025 Spirit of Dakota Award. The annual honor celebrates South Dakota women for leadership, service, and strength of character.
1 week ago
Rounds Seeks Applicants for U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Senator Mike Rounds is inviting South Dakota high school seniors to apply for a nomination to the nation’s prestigious U.S. service academies. Applications for the Class of 2030 are due by October 10, with opportunities to attend the Air Force Academy, West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.
1 week ago
88 Charged in South Dakota Federal Drug Cases
Federal prosecutors have charged 88 people in South Dakota this summer in a sweeping drug trafficking crackdown tied to cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell says the indictments, spanning April through August, were the result of joint investigations by federal, state, tribal, and local task forces. Major cases involved large-scale conspiracies moving hundreds of pounds of meth and fentanyl through Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, and Aberdeen.
1 week ago
Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks
South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.
1 week ago
Mitchell Moves Ahead With Cemetery Expansion Plans
Mitchell is moving ahead with a 20-acre west cemetery expansion to meet future burial needs, with design work scheduled for 2025 and construction planned for 2027. The Golf and Cemetery Board approved a $12,200 design contract, with an optional $8,500 east-side expansion. While the design cost runs $700 over budget, officials say the project remains on track. The west site could eventually accommodate up to 10,000 burials, with phased development ensuring long-term capacity and financial planning.
1 week ago
Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times
Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.
1 week ago
Sioux Falls Launches $3M Tree Replanting Program
Sioux Falls property owners dealing with the costly removal of Emerald Ash Borer–damaged trees will soon see relief through the city’s new CommuniTree Program. Backed by a five-year, $3 million USDA grant, the initiative will plant more than 2,500 trees along public rights-of-way. Urban Forestry Specialist Brian Peterson says the program aims to replant smarter than during the Dutch Elm Disease era, with the city covering planting and the first year of care. Qualified property owners will be contacted directly.
1 week ago
Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan
South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.
1 week ago
Sioux Falls Man Arrested After Pickaxe Threats
Sioux Falls police arrested Baruti Ndadyo after he allegedly threatened to kill his mother and brother and assaulted a worker on East 12th Street. Authorities say Ndadyo was caught going through a vehicle when confronted by an employee, then attacked the worker and threatened others with a pickaxe before fleeing. Officers located and arrested him a short time later. Ndadyo is now facing aggravated assault charges.
1 week ago
Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.
1 week ago
AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.
2 weeks ago
Thune Reflects on 24th Anniversary of 9/11
“[M]y thoughts and prayers on this anniversary remain with those who still bear the invisible scars of that day. With…
