Government » Page 2
1 week ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden signs 12 bills; new South Dakota open government laws tighten meeting rules
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills into law Feb. 13, including three Attorney General Marty Jackley measures aimed at strengthening South Dakota open government rules. The new laws update agenda requirements, tighten executive session rules and require agendas to be posted online at least 72 hours ahead of meetings.
1 week ago
Sen. Paul Miskimins: South Dakota lawmakers weigh one-time spending, reserve levels as budget talks accelerate
District 20 Sen. Paul Miskimins says lawmakers are shifting focus to one-time spending priorities as South Dakota’s budget work intensifies ahead of the Feb. 24 crossover deadline. The Joint Appropriations Committee recently updated revenue targets and lawmakers continue debating how much the state should keep in reserves.
1 week ago
Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon set for Feb. 23 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.
1 week ago
South Dakota lawmakers advance mobile sports betting plan tied to property tax relief
A proposed constitutional amendment could put statewide mobile sports betting on South Dakota’s November 2026 ballot, with 90% of online wagering tax revenue directed to property tax relief. Gov. Larry Rhoden says he opposes expanding gaming but would not have veto power over a ballot measure.
1 week ago
South Dakota PUC approves $750M Philip Wind Project; largest wind farm in state planned near Philip
South Dakota regulators approved a permit for the 333-megawatt Philip Wind Project in Haakon County, a $750 million development expected to be the largest wind farm in the state. The Public Utilities Commission accepted a settlement outlining construction and operating requirements for the developer.
1 week ago
South Dakota FFA to mark National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026
South Dakota’s FFA chapters will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026, highlighting agricultural education and student leadership. The South Dakota FFA Association includes more than 6,500 members statewide.
1 week ago
Former First Avenue mobile home park in Mitchell to be redeveloped into 24 owner-occupied homes
Construction is expected to start in early April on a 24-unit owner-occupied housing development at Mitchell’s former First Avenue mobile home park site. The project will be built by Van Buskirk Construction after the city transferred the property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation.
1 week ago
Davison County Commission to hold Feb. 17 meeting in Mitchell; liquor license hearing, rural water land discussion on agenda
The Davison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the North Offices Building in Mitchell. The agenda includes a Legacy Pointe liquor license hearing, a Davison Rural Water land discussion and a fairgrounds storage addition proposal.
1 week ago
South Dakota initial unemployment claims rise to 273 in latest weekly report
New unemployment insurance claims in South Dakota ticked up to 273 for the week ending Feb. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationally, seasonally adjusted initial claims dipped to 227,000.
1 week ago
Davison County Commission approves employee raises, tax abatements at Feb. 10 meeting
Davison County Commissioners approved employee raises, several property tax abatements and routine county business during their Feb. 10 meeting. The board accepted one employee resignation and granted 50-cent hourly raises to multiple staff members who completed introductory periods. Several tax abatements were approved for valuation errors, tax-exempt classifications and property losses involving both businesses and private parcels, including Mitchell School District properties. Commissioners also approved a land plat, county bills and timesheets before adjourning. The next regular meeting is set for Feb. 17.
2 weeks 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 weeks ago
South Dakota revenue forecast up $31M; lawmakers weigh 1.25% increase for schools, state employees and providers
South Dakota’s latest revenue forecast projects about $30.9 million more than expected, giving lawmakers new room to consider funding increases. Legislative leaders say a 1.25% boost for education, state employees and community service providers is among options now being discussed.
2 weeks ago
Rhoden signs bills for Blue Dog Fish Hatchery funding, Spearfish Canyon Hydro II transfer, State Fairgrounds upgrades
Gov. Larry Rhoden signs legislation in Pierre. Rhoden has signed three bills supporting South Dakota outdoor recreation and public spaces, including funding for the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, a transfer of the Hydro Electric Plant No. 2 site in Spearfish Canyon, and continued improvements at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota House Rejects HB 1116 Bill Targeting Certain Ads During Children’s Streaming Programming
The South Dakota House voted down House Bill 1116, which sought to prohibit ads for abortion, alcohol, drugs, gambling, gender transition treatments and nicotine products during children’s programming on video streaming services. Lawmakers cited concerns about vague language and potential First Amendment issues.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks ago
Davison County Commissioners Review Budget, Contracts and Infrastructure; Medical Transport Costs Flagged
The Davison County Commission approved routine agenda items and minutes while reviewing budget, contracts and infrastructure updates. Commissioners also heard concerns that medical transport and mental-health clearance costs could require additional funding later this year.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota House Education Committee Advances HB 1205 to Boost Annual K-12 Funding Growth
A House committee advanced HB 1205, a bill that would change South Dakota’s school funding formula so annual increases are set at inflation or 3% — whichever is greater — and sent it to House Appropriations without recommendation.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell Students, Community Members to Visit Pierre for “Mitchell Day at the Legislature” Feb. 19
Mitchell students and community members will travel to the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre on Thursday, Feb. 19, for “Mitchell Day at the Legislature,” including a Capitol tour and meetings with state offices.
