Government
11 hours ago
Mitchell Chamber Hosting District 20 Legislator “Cracker Barrel” Feb. 27 at DWU
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce will host a “Cracker Barrel” forum with District 20 legislators from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Dakota Wesleyan University. Community members can submit written questions to be read by a moderator during the discussion.
12 hours ago
South Dakota lawmakers advance property tax relief ideas, expand refund program for seniors and disabled
South Dakota legislators advanced multiple property tax relief proposals this week, including a plan tied to Gov. Larry Rhoden that would let counties adopt up to a half-cent sales tax to reduce some property taxes. House lawmakers also moved bills to increase property tax refunds for low-income elderly and disabled residents and to create a homeowner relief fund.
12 hours ago
Davison County Commission approves liquor license, jail contract and fairgrounds project; rural water discusses future tower
The Davison County Commission approved a retail on-sale liquor license for Legacy Pointe LLC, appointed Emergency Manager Jeff Bathke as the county’s designee for wildland fire suppression requests, and approved an out-of-county jail contract with Clay County. Commissioners also heard Davison Rural Water is considering a new water tower in three to five years to support growth outside Mitchell.
1 day ago
Burn bans issued in Davison, Douglas counties as fire danger rises
Davison and Douglas counties have enacted burn bans effective immediately due to dry, windy conditions and increased wildfire risk. Officials say all open burning is prohibited until further notice, and violations in Douglas County carry a $500 fine.
1 day ago
South Dakota Senate passes voter registration bill requiring proof of U.S. citizenship
The South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 175 on Thursday, approving a requirement that people provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The measure cleared the Senate 28-6 and now heads to the House.
1 day ago
South Dakota Senate rejects disabled veteran property tax exemption increase
South Dakota lawmakers won’t advance a proposal to raise the property tax exemption for permanently and totally disabled veterans and some surviving spouses. The state Senate voted 20-14 against Senate Bill 126 on Feb. 20.
2 days ago
Mitchell High School marching band performs at Disney World during Florida trip
The Mitchell High School marching band performed at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom on Valentine’s Day, marching down Main Street U.S.A. in front of thousands. The trip included nearly 100 students and is part of a band tradition held about every four years.
2 days ago
Platte-Geddes voters to decide March 3 on $19M school bond for new middle-high building
Platte-Geddes voters will head to the polls March 3 to decide on a $19 million bond issue aimed at replacing the district’s nearly 100-year-old middle and high school facility. District leaders say the current building has outdated systems and space limitations, including for special education.
2 days ago
Travel South Dakota wins 7 HSMAI Adrian Awards for global tourism marketing excellence
Travel South Dakota earned seven HSMAI Adrian Awards — including two “Best of Category” honors — in one of the world’s top travel marketing competitions. The agency was recognized from more than 800 entries for campaigns promoting everything from winter adventure to Sturgis and statewide arts and culture.
2 days ago
South Dakota crime down 6% in 2025, state report shows
South Dakota’s overall criminal offenses fell 6.03% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the state’s annual “Crime in South Dakota” report. Serious “Group A” crimes dropped nearly 8%, including fewer homicides.
3 days ago
Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon is ready to go on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT
The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.
5 days ago
Rhoden signs South Dakota “trigger law” aimed at expanding direct-to-consumer meat sales
Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a bill designed to make it easier for South Dakotans to buy certain meat cuts directly from producers — but the change would only take effect if Congress first amends federal law. The measure was sponsored by Rep. John Shubeck of Beresford.
5 days ago
South Dakota House passes HB 1286 for Future Fund grant oversight; bill heads to Senate
The South Dakota House passed House Bill 1286, a measure requiring the governor to report to legislative committees on large Future Fund grants, adding new oversight for projects exceeding $1 million. The bill now moves to the Senate.
5 days ago
South Dakota Senate committee kills data center moratorium bill targeting 50-megawatt projects
A proposed one-year moratorium on new or expanded “hyperscale” data centers in South Dakota failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee after a series of votes. Supporters said the pause would give counties, cities and utilities time to plan for large projects, while opponents argued local governments should decide.
5 days ago
Dakota Wesleyan to host free Midwinter Concerts Feb. 22 and March 1 in Mitchell
Dakota Wesleyan University’s Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music will present two free midwinter concerts at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 in the Sherman Center, with livestreams available online.
6 days ago
Mitchell Planning Commission agenda: childcare conditional use, setback variance and Main Street plan review
Mitchell’s Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a childcare center on North Kimball Street, a setback variance for a West 8th Avenue addition, and a plan review for 505 N. Main St. The board will also review a new plat in Horseman’s Addition.
6 days ago
Mitchell leaders weigh holding water, sewer rates steady as future hikes for 2026-27 remain undecided
Mitchell city leaders are discussing whether to keep water and sewer utility rates unchanged beyond the already-approved 2025 increase, according to the Mitchell Republic. The city continues major water-supply planning while carrying more than $55 million in State Revolving Fund loan debt.
7 days ago
Attorney General Jackley Releases 2025 Crime in South Dakota Report
The Crime in South Dakota 2025 Report includes 64,261 criminal offenses in 2025 compared to 68,388 in 2024. Drug offenses decreased 6.25 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. There were 6,358 drug offenses in 2025 compared to 6,782 in 2024.
7 days ago
Mitchell’s Your Shop wins $10,000 Backing Small Businesses grant from American Express, Main Street America
Your Shop in downtown Mitchell has been awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses grant from American Express and Main Street America. Co-owners Tanya and Mark Kitto say the funding will help expand makerspace programs, classes and tools for the community.
1 week ago
DWU to host “Parade of Planets + Blood Moon” planetarium shows Feb. 28 in Mitchell
Dakota Wesleyan University will offer four free planetarium showings Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring a guided “Parade of Planets” tour and tips for spotting a Blood Moon on March 3. Space is limited and registration is required.
