Government » Page 2

1 week ago

Sioux Falls Parks earns perfect national accreditation score as Falls Park master plan heads toward February vote

Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation recently earned a perfect score in its CAPRA reaccreditation review, and the department is now taking public feedback on a long-range Falls Park master plan that some council members say needs clearer cost estimates.

1 week ago

Creighton index: Mid-America manufacturing ends 2025 at weakest point; rural economy shows slight improvement

Creighton University’s Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell to its lowest level of 2025 in the December survey, signaling contraction in regional manufacturing, while a separate Creighton rural index edged back near growth-neutral heading into 2026.

1 week ago

Federal student loan wage garnishment to resume in 2026, affecting thousands of South Dakotans

The U.S. Department of Education says wage garnishment for defaulted student loans will resume in early 2026, potentially affecting thousands of South Dakota borrowers carrying $3.7 billion in federal education debt.

1 week ago

Breaking Records and Delivering Results

U.S. Sen. John Thune says Republicans “delivered on promises” in 2025 through major tax, border security, and energy legislation — and will continue focusing on economic and public safety priorities in 2026.

1 week ago

Milbank man seriously injured in New Year’s Day rollover on I-29 near White, sheriff says

A 28-year-old Milbank man was seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday night on Interstate 29 near White, according to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

1 week ago

Lake Area Tech cites record enrollment, Build Dakota scholarships and $100M campus expansion plan heading into 2026

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown says enrollment is at record levels as it promotes the Build Dakota Scholarship, expands nursing training to Pierre, and advances a long-term campus plan estimated at $100 million.

1 week ago

Watertown School District cuts student lunch debt by $20,500 after Sharp Automotive, anonymous donations

Watertown School District officials say more than $20,500 in donations — including $10,500 from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous gift — will be applied to outstanding student meal balances.

1 week ago

South Dakota reports first two flu deaths of 2025-26 season; cases, hospitalizations rising statewide

The South Dakota Department of Health says the first two influenza-related deaths of the 2025-26 season have been reported in Minnehaha County as lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations increase statewide.

2 weeks ago

Gov. Larry Rhoden awards new $500,000 Future Fund grant for Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a new $500,000 grant for infrastructure work at Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park, adding to a previously approved $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant, according to state officials.

2 weeks ago

Dusty Johnson Calls 2025 a “Remarkable” Year, Highlights Tax, Border and Welfare Policy Changes

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson says 2025 was one of the most impactful policy years in decades, pointing to tax changes, border enforcement and welfare reforms as he prepares for a 2026 run for governor.

2 weeks ago

Operation Relentless Justice: DOJ says 205 child victims located, 293 arrests made; Pine Ridge man faces federal charges

The U.S. Department of Justice says a nationwide crackdown called “Operation Relentless Justice” located more than 205 child victims and led to 293 arrests, including a South Dakota case involving a Pine Ridge Reservation resident.

2 weeks ago

Sioux Falls man accused of assaulting officer with knife during traffic stop, charged with DWI

Sioux Falls police say a traffic stop on Dec. 29 escalated when a driver allegedly pulled a knife and jabbed it toward an officer. Rudolph Gabe Jr. faces aggravated assault on law enforcement, DWI and concealed weapon charges.

2 weeks ago

Howard man indicted on murder, manslaughter charges in Dec. 6 stabbing death

A Howard man has been indicted on two murder charges and a manslaughter charge in connection with the Dec. 6 stabbing death of a 56-year-old woman, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota Secures $189.4M Federal Award for Rural Health Transformation in FY 2026, Rhoden Says

Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health say the state has secured $189.4 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new five-year rural health initiative.

2 weeks ago

Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Structuring Financial Transactions, Ordered to Pay $363,800 Restitution

A Harrisburg man convicted of structuring financial transactions to evade federal reporting requirements was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $363,800 in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota.

2 weeks ago

U.S. Housing Market Slowed in 2025; Mitchell-Area Prices Still Rose as 2026 Outlook Takes Shape

MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — As 2025 closes, national housing data shows a market that continued to appreciate but at…

2 weeks ago

Jackley to Propose Foreign Donation Ban, Stronger Open Meetings Rules in 2026 Legislature

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he will introduce 2026 legislation aimed at election integrity and government transparency, including a ban on foreign national donations and tighter open meeting agenda requirements

2 weeks ago

New Years Holiday Garbage Collection & Christmas Tree Collection

Due to the observance of New Year’s Day on Thursday January 1st, 2026 there will be no garbage collection. Garbage will be collected one day later than normal for end of week. Collection will be Friday January 2nd to Saturday January 3rd, 2026.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota DUI Arrest Rate Ranks Among Nation’s Highest; Sobriety Checkpoints Planned in January

South Dakota continues to rank near the top nationally for DUI arrests per capita, with one analysis putting the rate at 938.8 arrests per 100,000 people. New enforcement plans include sobriety checkpoints in 16 counties across January.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota Sen. Glen Vilhauer seeks reelection in District 5 seat

South Dakota state Sen. Glen Vilhauer of Watertown says he’s running for reelection in Senate District 5. Absentee voting for the 2026 primary begins April 17, with the primary set for June 2.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Lifestyle

A taste of nature can provide balance and calm during the workday

The crisp crinkle of fallen leaves beneath your feet. The swish and trickle of water moving through a stream. A breath of crisp, fresh air. Spending time in nature can be invigorating or produce feelings of peace and calm.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Judge dismisses Salt-N-Pepa’s lawsuit to reclaim master recordings from Universal Music Group

U.S. District Judge Denise Cote on Thursday sided with the recording giant, arguing that the Grammy-winning group never owned the copyrights to their sound recordings and didn't transfer them to anyone else.

2 days ago in Entertainment

Rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman sells for $15 million

A rare copy of the comic book that introduced the world to Superman and also was once stolen from the home of actor Nicolas Cage has been sold for a record $15 million.