Government

2 weeks ago

South Dakota Retirement System Expected to Trail Inflation for Sixth Straight Year

South Dakota’s public employee retirement system is projected to fall behind inflation again, with a modest cost-of-living adjustment expected in 2027.

2 weeks ago

First Bison Calf of Season Born at Custer State Park

Custer State Park officials announced the first bison calf of the season, marking a spring milestone alongside recent wildlife births in the park.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota Reports Two New Flu Deaths as Seasonal Totals Continue to Rise

The South Dakota Department of Health reports two additional flu-related deaths, along with rising hospitalizations and case numbers statewide.

2 weeks ago

Alex’s Lemonade Stand: From One Stand to a Nationwide Movement

Alexandra “Alex” Scott turned a simple lemonade stand into a nationwide movement to fight childhood cancer. Her idea lives on through Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, which funds research and supports families. Today, efforts like the Lemon Head Challenge—where participants bite into a lemon, share the moment, and donate—carry forward her mission, proving even small acts can make a big impact.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Debate CO2 Pipeline Issues, Property Rights

Republican candidates for South Dakota governor debated eminent domain and CO2 pipelines, while Democratic candidate Dan Ahlers criticized proposed property tax changes.

2 weeks ago

Jackley Joins Nationwide Effort to Classify Xylazine as Controlled Substance

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging Congress to pass legislation targeting xylazine, a dangerous drug increasingly linked to deadly overdoses.

2 weeks ago

51 Mitchell High School Students Inducted into National Honor Society

More than 50 Mitchell High School students were honored this week with induction into the National Honor Society, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service.

2 weeks ago

Demolition Begins on Former Mitchell High School Building

Demolition of the old Mitchell High School is now underway, with crews beginning work on the 64-year-old building as officials urge the public to avoid the area.

2 weeks ago

New 5-Year Plan Aims to Improve Infant Health and Postpartum Care in South Dakota

Health leaders have introduced a five-year strategy to reduce infant mortality and improve postpartum care, focusing on safe sleep education and better access to services for families.

2 weeks ago

Lake Mitchell Dam & Downstream Analysis Update

A variance request for Lake Mitchell Dam has gained support from state regulators, potentially allowing long-delayed lake and watershed improvement efforts to move forward.

2 weeks ago

DWU’s Stark lecture brings renowned Holocaust scholar to campus

Dakota Wesleyan University will welcome educator Brendan Murphy for the annual Stark Lecture on April 9, featuring discussions on faith, antisemitism and Holocaust education.

2 weeks ago

Lake Mitchell Dam Study Prompts Variance Request as Dredging Project Hangs in Balance

The City of Mitchell is seeking a state variance after a new dam study found Lake Mitchell cannot meet required flood standards, potentially impacting the long-anticipated dredging project.

3 weeks ago

USDA Offers Aid to South Dakota Farmers After Winter Storm Damage

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is urging South Dakota farmers impacted by recent winter storms to report losses and seek available recovery assistance.

3 weeks ago

Mitchell City Council Advances Drainage, Street and Safety Studies

Mitchell city leaders have approved multiple studies aimed at improving drainage, road conditions and pedestrian safety while positioning the city for future funding opportunities.

3 weeks ago

Mitchell Weekend Snack Pack Program Expands to Serve Over 500 Students

Mitchell’s Weekend Snack Pack Program now provides more than 90,000 food items annually to over 500 local students, helping combat weekend hunger across the community.

3 weeks ago

Governor Larry Rhoden to Speak at Lake Area Tech Governor’s Luncheon May 5

South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden will headline Lake Area Technical College’s annual Governor’s Luncheon in Watertown, raising funds for scholarships and campus improvements.

3 weeks ago

Mitchell to Launch Curbside Compost Collection Service Week of March 30

The City of Mitchell will begin curbside compost collection the week of March 30, offering residents an affordable option for disposing of yard waste.

3 weeks ago

Mitchell Middle School’s Mass Customized Learning Program Under Review

Mitchell School District officials will hold a public meeting to discuss the future of the Mass Customized Learning program amid declining interest and possible changes.

3 weeks ago

Burn Ban Reinstated in Davison County With Limited Exceptions Allowed

Davison County officials have reinstated a burn ban until further notice, citing ongoing fire risk. Limited exceptions include residential campfires and properly contained barrel burning in rural areas.

4 weeks ago

DWU announces winners from Spring 2026 Scholarship Day

Dakota Wesleyan University has announced spring scholarship winners for the class of 2026. 27 high school seniors competed last month for the university’s most prestigious scholarships as part of DWU’s Spring Scholarship Day on Feb. 20. Students with outstanding academic status, leadership potential and commitment to serving others were invited to campus to meet with faculty, staff and students, or virtually, while exploring opportunities at DWU.

Recent Headlines

13 hours ago in National, Trending

Severe storms continue to produce heavy rain, lightning and flooding across parts of US

Storms barreling across the heart of the United States continued to threaten rain and pose flooding risks Thursday after causing at least one death when a man apparently was struck by lightning in Wisconsin.

13 hours ago in National, Trending

Tiger Woods’ lawyer vows to fight subpoena for prescription records in DUI case

Tiger Woods ' attorney intends to fight an attempt by prosecutors to subpoena the golfer's prescription drug records following his arrest last month in Florida on suspicion of driving under the influence.

14 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Anitta, like you’ve never heard her before. The Brazilian superstar talks new album, ‘SNL’ and God

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The lights are low in Studio 8H. All eyes —…