Tourism

Cultural Heritage Center to participate in Blue Star Museums program
The South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre has announced its participation this summer in the Blue Star Museums program.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Daugaard To Appoint Vern Larson As Commissioner Of School And Public Lands
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Vern Larson of Vivian as Commissioner of School and Public Lands.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General’s Office Releases Testing Results for Ignition Interlock Device
Attorney General Marty Jackley today released the testing results of the ignition interlock devices.

Health

South Dakota Joins Million Hearts Movement
The South Dakota Department of Health is joining the Million Hearts initiative by encouraging people to take the online pledge to live longer, healthier lives.

Transportation

Construction To Resume On Highway 12 in Ipswich
On Wednesday, May 22, crews will begin emplacement of traffic control to resume the construction project on Highway 12 in Ipswich, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Construction To Begin On Highway 12 Between I-29 and Summit
Beginning Monday, May 20, crews will start installing traffic control for the second phase of a concrete paving project on Highway 12 between Interstate 29 and Summit.

Project To Begin On Highway 12 In Aberdeen
On Tuesday, May 21, crews began placement of Highway 12 traffic controls on the east side of Aberdeen, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Highway 12 Construction Between Bath and Groton
On Tuesday, May 21, crews will begin emplacement of traffic control for the completion of the westbound lanes of Highway 12 from two-miles west of Groton to Bath, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Highway 18 Bridge Work Near Maverick Junction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin work on the eastbound bridge on Highway 18 near Maverick Junction beginning on Tuesday, May 28.

Transportation

Construction To Begin on Highway 12 & Highway 1804 in Mobridge
Beginning Monday May 20, work will begin on Highways 12 and 1804 in Mobridge, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

News Tips
News Tips For May 18-24, 2013

Agriculture

Speedway Motors WISSOTA 100 Tickets On Sale May 22
HURON, S.D. – Tickets for the Speedway Motors WISSOTA 100 at the state fairgrounds in Huron will go on sale to the general public Wednesday, May 22, at 9 a.m. CDT.

Public Safety

Emergency Medical Services Week: May 19 – 25, 2013
South Dakota is recognizing men and women involved in emergency medical services as a vital part of public safety during Emergency Medical Services Week, May 19 through May 25.

Tourism

State Historical Society recognizes volunteers for service in 2012
The South Dakota State Historical Society recently honored some of its most important people.

Transportation

Revised: Work to Begin on South Dakota Highway 1806
Paving work will begin on Highway 1806 in Gregory County on Tuesday, May 21, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Gant Issues Economic Report for 1st Quarter
Secretary of State Gant has issued the Secretary of State's Economic Report for the 1st Quarter of 2013 based on corporate registration data.

Agriculture

2013 Governor’s Ag Development Summit: "Agriculture-A Call to Action"
PIERRE, S.D. – Registrations are now being accepted for the Governor’s Ag Development Summit on Wednesday, June 26 in Pierre. This year’s theme is “Agriculture – A Call to Action.”

Mountain Pine Beetle Preventative Spraying Demonstration
PIERRE, S.D.-The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) Division of Resource Conservation and Forestry will hold a demonstration for the public next week in Rapid City on preventative spraying for mountain pine beetles and pine engraver beetles.

Skoglund Named 2012-13 Ag in the Classroom Teacher of the Year
PIERRE, S.D.- Mary Rae Skoglund, a kindergarten teacher at McCook Central Elementary in Salem, South Dakota, has been named the 2012-2013 Teacher of the Year by South Dakota Ag in the Classroom.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Dies
Dennis Burton, age 64, passed away in a comfort care setting at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls May 15.

Game, Fish and Parks

South Dakota Parks Host Family Programs Memorial Day Weekend
On Memorial Day weekend, visitors to South Dakota state parks can take part in special family activities.

GFP Commission Finalizes Several Hunting and Trapping Seasons
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has finalized several hunting and trapping seasons.

Commission Proposes Fall Turkey, August Goose and Archery Restriction Changes
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed rule changes to the Fall Turkey hunting season, the August Management Canada Goose Take, and to an archery hunting restriction.

GFP Commission Proposes Refuge, Archery, Muzzleloader and Youth Deer Seasons
The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission has proposed changes for the upcoming Refuge, Archery, Muzzleloader and Youth Deer seasons.

East River, West River and Black Hills Deer Seasons Proposed at GFP Commission Meeting
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission has proposed East River, West River and Black Hills deer seasons for a public hearing on June 6.

Transportation

Construction To Begin On Summit Street in Yankton
Work to reconstruct Summit Street in Yankton will begin Monday, May 20, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Highway 385 Construction To Begin Near Oelrichs
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that crews will begin paving operations on the final phase of the Heartland Expressway Project on Highway 385 in Fall River County on Wednesday, May 22.

Work on Highways 85 and 385 Near Lead to Begin
Construction work is set to begin on Highway 85 from Lead to the Pluma junction on Wednesday, May 22, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

U.S. Highway 12 Closing in Milbank
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway 12 will be closed in Milbank at the intersection with Highway 15 on Monday, May 20, for about one-month.

Board of Regents

SDSU and DSU Students Recognized by Regents
Student organizations from South Dakota State University and Dakota State University were recognized this week for their outstanding academic, community, and organizational work by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

An Increase in High School Graduates Predicted for South Dakota
While nationally the number of high school graduates is predicted to decline, South Dakota is expected to show a significant increase in graduates over the next decade and beyond, based on projections made by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).

South Dakota Lottery

Sioux Falls Group Claims $1 Million Powerball Prize
A group of 28 co-workers from a Sioux Falls beer distributing company have claimed their $1 million prize from the May 15, 2013 Powerball drawing.

Sioux Falls Man Claims $118,898 Dakota Cash Jackpot
Robert Hales of Sioux Falls on May 16, 2013 claimed his $118,898 Dakota Cash jackpot from the May 15, 2013 drawing.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard:
Infinite Variety in South Dakota

Bureau of Information and Telecommunications

State of South Dakota Increases Bandwidth to Over 150 Schools
In partnership with the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE), the South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT) will work throughout the summer to increase bandwidth to 159 school sites across the state, impacting 122 school districts.

Labor and Regulation

Sequestration Reduces Extended Unemployment Benefits
South Dakota will be reducing extended unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits by 16.8 percent as part of the federal sequestration cuts required by the Budget Control Act of 2011.

Transportation

Building Move to Close Portion of Highway 81 North of Yankton
The South Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists that a portion of Highway 81 north of Yankton will be closed for several hours today, Wednesday, May 15, while a large building is moved.

Pavement Repairs To Begin In Hughes County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin a concrete pavement repair and asphalt resurfacing project Monday, May 20, on Highway 14 in Hughes County.

Board of Regents

SDSU to Add American Indian Studies Major Online Mass Comm Degree Created for Working Professionals
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved plans by South Dakota State University to begin offering an undergraduate degree in American Indian studies starting this fall, while its popular master’s degree in journalism will soon be offered with an online-only option geared to professionals already working in news and media-related fields.

More Options Available for Online Study at State Universities
Students seeking degrees in fields ranging from human sciences to business now have new options at two South Dakota public universities to complete their studies entirely by distance delivery.

SDSU Athletic Training Program Selected for Western Regional Graduate Student Exchange
The master’s-level athletic training program at South Dakota State University will become part of a regional exchange that qualifies students from participating states for the resident tuition rate.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Former State Auditor Dies
Former state Auditor Betty Larson Casey of Gettysburg died Sunday at Hospice of the Hills in Rapid City.

Gov. Daugaard Declares May 17 As Al Neuharth Day In South Dakota
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a proclamation declaring Friday, May 17, as “Al Neuharth Day” in South Dakota.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Federal Court Upholds Current Black Hills Forest Plan Addressing Pine Beetle Infestation
Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the Wyoming Federal District Court has again upheld the current Black Hills Forest Plan.

John Fitzgerald and Mick Strain Honored by State’s Attorneys
The South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association honors Lawrence County State’s Attorney, John Fitzgerald as South Dakota Prosecutor of the Year and Mellette County State’s Attorney Mick Strain with the Life Time Achievement award.

Ranbaxy Pays South Dakota over a Million to Resolve Adulterated Drugs Claims
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that South Dakota has joined with other states and the federal government in a $500 million dollar settlement to resolve civil and criminal allegations that Ranbaxy, a generic pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Gurgaon, India, introduced adulterated drugs into interstate commerce.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

President Proclaims Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week
President Barack Obama has proclaimed Wednesday, May 15, 2013, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the period of May 12 through May 18, as Police Week.

Governor Daugaard Names Anderson To Vacant District 16 House Seat
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint David L. Anderson to the vacant seat in the State House of Representatives, representing District 16.

Transportation

Spring Load Limit Release #12
This notice removes Spring Load Limits on SD Highways 19 in the Sioux Falls Area.

Revenue

Transient Vendors: Get the Facts Before You Buy
Transient vendor season is underway in South Dakota, a time when out-of-state vendors roll into the state to sell their products and services. While many of the vendors are legitimate, the South Dakota Department of Revenue advises people to take common-sense steps to ensure vendors are reputable before doing business with them.

Municipal Tax Changes Effective July 1
Beginning July 1, 2013, two South Dakota communities will update their current city taxes.

Corrections

Search underway for state prison inmate
Inmate Robert Cadotte left Unit C, the minimum-security unit of the Jameson Annex to the South Dakota State Penitentiary, this morning to go to his work release job but never showed up at the work site.

State prison inmate back in custody
Inmate Robert Cadotte has been returned to the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Medicaid Opportunities and Challenges Task Force to Meet in Rapid City
Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s Medicaid Opportunities and Challenges Task Force will hold its next meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota, next week.

Governor Daugaard Names Robert Gusinsky As Seventh Circuit Judge
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Robert Gusinsky of Rapid City as a circuit judge in South Dakota’s Seventh Judicial Circuit.

News Tips
News Tips for May 11-17, 2013

Disaster Declaration Approved For April Ice, Snow Storm
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced Friday, May 10, that seven South Dakota counties, including the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, will receive federal financial help to recover from a powerful ice and snow storm that struck the state in early April.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Burbank Man Arrested on Multiple Counts Including Aggravated Incest and Rape
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Clay County States Attorney Teddi Gertsma announced today that Joseph T. Night, 62, Burbank, was arrested.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Accepting Applications for Water Quality Projects
DENR is accepting applications through Oct. 1 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.

Game, Fish and Parks

Grants Awarded to Youth Conservation Programs
South Dakota youth will have numerous opportunities for hands-on experience with outdoors and conservation projects thanks in part to grants from the Tony and Dar Dean Outdoor Education Fund.

2013 CRP Open for Enrollment
Beginning on Monday, May 13, agricultural producers and/or landowners will have the opportunity to enroll eligible land into many different continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practices.

GFP Explains Lake Oahe Fishing Limits
Fishing on Lake Oahe is heating up, particularly in the upper reaches of the big lake. Questions regarding walleye limits have accompanied the increased fishing activity, especially because they differ from walleye regulations in other waters.

Military

Family and Friends Run to Honor Deployed Soldiers
Corey Wieczorek decided to honor her deployed boyfriend and his South Dakota Army National Guard unit by symbolizing their absence, and more importantly their return home, one step at a time.

New SD State Partnership Program Ribbon Being Award
A new South Dakota National Guard State Partnership Program Ribbon is now being awarded to Guardsmen who have deployed to the Republic of Suriname in support of a State Partnership Program (SPP) mission.

Tourism

Film about Oz author Baum to be shown, discussed at Cultural Heritage Center
"The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" author L. Frank Baum will be remembered on the day of his birth with a special program on Wednesday, May 15, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Transportation

Xcel Energy Postpones Interstate 29 Closure
Due to unforeseen technical issues, Xcel Energy is postponing the planned power line work on Interstate 29 one-half mile north of the Tea Exit 73 until Monday morning (May 13) at 2 a.m. The work was originally planned to be done this week.

Highway 44 Bridge Work West of Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin work on a Highway 44 bridge west of Rapid City near Magic Canyon on Monday, May 13.

Board of Regents

Partnerships Link Universities and K-12 Schools to Improve Math and Science
Six projects partnering public universities with K-12 schools will receive nearly $300,000 in federal grant funding to improve science and mathematics instruction in middle and high schools.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Public Invited To Attend Comment Sessions For GFP Review
All interested citizens are invited to attend a series of comment sessions next week on the management of deer, elk, antelope, and mountain lions in South Dakota.

Agriculture

Growing in Agriculture: South Dakota Families
Mother’s Day is this month. This, my first letter as your Secretary of Agriculture, I’d like to dedicate in memory of my Mom, Karen.

Over-Width Fertilizer Application Vehicles Allowed Extended Travel Time
PIERRE, S.D. – Due to cold weather that has caused a delayed planting season, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed an Executive Order to allow over-width fertilizer application vehicles to travel during nighttime hours in South Dakota.

Game, Fish and Parks

Free Entrance, Free Fishing Mark S.D. State Parks’ Open House Weekend
To kick off summer, the Department of Game, Fish and Parks is encouraging families to spend the weekend outside during the Parks' Open House Weekend and Free Fishing Weekend May 17-19.

Public Safety

Dewey County Fatal Crash
An Eagle Butte, S.D., couple died in a two vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 212 about three miles west of La Plant on Wednesday, May 8.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Seeks Disaster Declaration For Snow And Ice Damage
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested a Presidential Disaster Declaration to help South Dakota recover from an April 8-10, 2013, ice and snow storm.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Inmates Indicted for Assault at the State Penitentiary
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that inmate Carlos Rapheal Green, 28, Sioux Falls, was indicted on one count of aggravated assault against a department of corrections employee, and inmate Garrett Austin Dumarce, 24, Sioux Falls, was indicted on one count of aiding, abetting or advising aggravated assault against a department of corrections employee.

Agriculture

“Next Generation of Livestock Production” Forums Create Conversation
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Service held forums across the state from January through March to explain South Dakota’s vision for livestock production.

Military

South Dakota Elks Association Donate Monies to Fund Flags at Congressional Medal of Honor Monuments
The South Dakota Elks Association has a long history of supporting veterans, military personnel and their families. Jeff Hallem, past exalted ruler of Pierre Elks Lodge #1953, on behalf of the South Dakota Elks Association, presented Steve Harding, Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs with a check for $600 for the Medal of Honor Monument flag fund.

SD National Guard Receives Chamber Beautification Award
The South Dakota National Guard received the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Beautification Award for the month of May during a ceremony Tuesday, May 7, at Camp Rapid for their new Joint Force Headquarters Readiness Center.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
A Sturgis, S.D., man died in a two vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near Exit 55 in Rapid City on Tuesday, May 7.

Transportation

Highway 85 Bridge Work North of Buffalo
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin bridge work on Highway 85 north of Buffalo at mile marker 135 on Monday, May 13.

Spring Load Limit Release #11
This notice removes Spring Load Limits on SD Highways 36, 40, 87, 89 and US 16A in the Custer Area. If you have any questions please contact this office.

Highway 20 Construction in Codington County
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, construction crews started work on a culvert repair and asphalt paving project today (May 8) on Highway 20 between Florence and the junction with Highway 25 in Codington County.

South Dakota Lottery

Hot Lotto to Offer Cash Only Jackpots
Beginning May 15, 2013, Hot Lotto players in South Dakota who win the game’s jackpot will receive their prizes in single cash payments with the initial holding taxes already paid.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Vermillion Police Department to Receive Money for Camera and Drug Surveillance Equipment
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Vermillion Police Department has been awarded $1,839.96 for a camera and five pairs of binoculars to be used in drug investigations.

Berget Sentenced to Death for Murder of Senior Correctional Officer Ronald Johnson
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Second Circuit Judge Bradley Zell has denied Rodney Berget’s request for a new sentencing hearing and imposed the sentence of death.

Corrections

State Prison Inmates Assist DOT With Roadside Cleanup Projects
State prison inmates are assisting the South Dakota Department of Transportation with roadside cleanup projects across the state this spring.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Cheaters Convicted
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation continues to investigate potential fraudulent conduct of unemployment insurance (UI) claimants.

Transportation

Work To Begin On Highway 18 Bridge Near Davis
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials are advising motorists that the bridge reconstruction project on Highway 18 west of Davis over the Vermillion River will begin sometime this week (May 6).

I-29 Construction between Summit and Peever to Begin
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, crews will begin reconstruction of the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 between the Summit and Peever exits in Roberts County on Monday, May 13.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

May Is National Military Appreciation Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a proclamation declaring May as National Military Appreciation Month.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General Jackley Warns of IRS Email Scam
Attorney General Marty Jackley today warned consumers to watch for emails that claim to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), but are actually scams designed to obtain personal identifying information.

Labor and Regulation

South Dakota Governor Leads Recruiting Trip to Minnesota
South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has worked a wide range of jobs during his life, including farmer, waiter, welder, painter, bus driver, lawyer and banker. As Governor, he can add job recruiter to the list.

Tourism

Mount Rushmore Presidents to Take Journey across Midwest
The presidents of Mount Rushmore National Memorial will embark on a 14-city tour across the Midwest, beginning May 23.

Transportation

Highway 50 Reconstruction to Resume
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, work has resumed from Vermillion to Gayville on the Highway 50 westbound lane reconstruction project that was started last year.

Public Safety

Brookings County Fatal Crash
Jessyca Rogers died in a one vehicle roll-over crash five miles north of Brookings on Friday, May 3.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

News Tips
News Tips For May 4-10, 2013

Corrections

State Penitentiary receives wastewater treatment award
The award is for outstanding operation of the wastewater system and environmental compliance with its state surface water discharge permit during the past year.

Correctional Employees Week is May 5-11
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May 5-11 as "Correctional Employees Week" in South Dakota.

Military

South Dakota Soldiers Train Suriname Special Forces
Three South Dakota National Guard Soldiers traveled to the Republic of Suriname April 16 –18 to provide refresher and instructor training on the Harris radio system to Surinamese Special Forces soldiers.

Public Safety

Brookings Country Fatal Crash
One person died in a one vehicle roll-over crash five miles north of Brookings on Friday, May 3.

Tourism

State Historical Society Archaeology Camp being held in June
The South Dakota State Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is sponsoring a three-day Archaeology Camp for students going into grades 4 & 5 for the 2013-2014 school year.

National Travel & Tourism Week Spotlights Benefits Of Travel
South Dakota joins states, cities and travel-related businesses nationwide in recognition of National Travel & Tourism Week (NTTW) to be held May 4-12.

Transportation

Work on I-90 and Cliff Avenue Interchange in Sioux Falls
After 6 p.m. on Monday, May 6, traffic on Cliff Ave. in Sioux Falls will be switched to head-to-head in the northbound lanes to facilitate reconstruction of the southbound lanes, according to the Department of Transportation.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Sen. Mark Johnston To Resign - Gov. Daugaard Invites Public Input On Replacement
Sen. Mark Johnston has announced his intention to resign from the South Dakota State Senate.

De Smet Capital for a Day Schedule Announced
On Friday, May 10, De Smet will become South Dakota’s Capital for a Day.

Agriculture

May is Beef Month
PIERRE, S.D – Time to grill some beef! The summer grilling season is upon us and Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May as “Beef Month” in South Dakota.

Public Safety

May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, Office of Highway Safety reminds drivers about the importance of recognizing and sharing the road with motorcycles.

Social Services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month
“Pathways to Wellness” is this year’s theme for Mental Health Awareness month during the month of May.

Transportation

I-90 Eastbound Exit 10 Closure at Spearfish
On Thursday May 9, the Interstate 90 eastbound Exit 10 off-ramp at Spearfish will be closed to traffic, according to the Department of Transportation.

Highway 16 Construction from Neck Yoke Road to the Keystone Wye
On Monday, May 13, construction crews near Rapid City will begin milling the road on an 11-mile resurfacing project on Highway 16 between Neck Yoke Road near Spring Creek and the Keystone Wye.

Work to Begin on Highway 44 east of Platte
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, construction crews will begin work on Highway 44 east of Platte on Monday, May 6.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Gant Announces Concealed Pistol Permits for April
Secretary of State Jason Gant stated that “even though we have issued a smaller number of permits in April, South Dakota has seen record numbers of new and renewed permits during the first quarter of 2013.”

Health

WIC Program Announces New Income Guidelines
The South Dakota Department of Health has released new income guidelines for the WIC Program effective May 1, 2013.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

State Seeks Preliminary Damage Assessment of April Ice Storm
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for a joint preliminary damage assessment (PDA) to begin determining the cost of damages to public and private non-profit property caused by the April ice storm in South Dakota.

Rural Health Facilities Eligible for 2013 Recruitment Assistance Program
Applications are being sought for a state government program that helps rural medical facilities in South Dakota recruit nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists and other health professionals.

Agriculture

Mountain Pine Beetle Spraying Workshops Held In the Black Hills
PIERRE, S.D. - Three mountain pine beetle spraying workshops will be held in the Black Hills during May.

Labor and Regulation

Winners Announced in State Securities Division Essay Contest
Seniors from seven South Dakota high schools have been named cash prize winners in an essay contest coordinated by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Securities.

Military

935th Support Battalion Soldiers Welcomed Home
A welcome home ceremony for 19 Soldiers of Detachment 1, Company B, 935th Support Battalion, South Dakota Army National Guard, was held Tuesday, April 30, at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Rapid City, following a nine-month deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Tourism

State Historical Society presenting Governor’s Awards for History
The South Dakota State Historical Society will be presenting the Governor’s Awards for History this Saturday, May 4, during its annual history conference in Rapid City.

Charlotte’s Web being discussed at next history book club meeting
Writer and writing teacher Candy Hamilton of Rapid City will share insights into E.B. White’s style of writing and how he felt about Charlotte’s Web as he wrote it during a program that begins at 5:15 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, May 7, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Transportation

Spring Load Limit Release #9
Spring Load Limits are being removed from SD10, SD130 and SD271 effective May 1.

Spring Load Limit Release #10
Spring Load Limits are being removed from SD25, SD251, SD1804, SD1806 in 2 places effective May 1, 2013.

Spring Load Limit Release #8
Spring Load Limits are being removedon sections of Highways 1804 and 1806.

Bridge Work on Highways in Gregory County
On Monday, May 6, rehabilitation of bridges on Highway 44, Highway 47, and Highway 1806 in Gregory County will begin, according to the Department of Transportation.

Construction To Begin on Highway 10 in Eureka
Beginning Monday May 6, work will begin on two projects on Highway 10 in Eureka, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Bridge Work to Begin in Clay and Union Counties
Industrial Builders, Inc. of Fargo, N.D., will begin applying epoxy chip seal on the Highway 19 bridge one-mile north of Vermillion on Monday, May 6.

Board of Regents

Warner Looks Ahead to South Dakota Challenges
With much still to accomplish in challenging times ahead for South Dakota’s public university system, Jack Warner said he plans to continue to lead that system forward.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

State, Community Representatives to attend Williston Basin Petroleum Conference
PIERRE, S.D. – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) will be joined by representatives from Belle Fourche, Spearfish and Sturgis in promoting South Dakota’s energy industry at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada this week.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Two Men Arrested in Online Predator Sting in Rapid City
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that local, state and federal law enforcement arrested two individuals over the weekend as a result of an online predator sting in Rapid City.

Agriculture

Speech Contest Winners Announced
PIERRE, S.D.-The 52nd annual State Finals of the Resource Conservation Speech Contest was held at the State Capitol in Pierre on Saturday, April 20.

Military

Welcome Home Ceremony Scheduled for 935th Soldiers
A welcome home ceremony will be held for 19 Soldiers of Detachment 1, Company B, 935th Support Battalion, South Dakota Army National Guard, Tuesday, April 30 at 10 a.m. at the Army Aviation Support Facility, east of the Rapid City Regional Airport, after completing a nine- month deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Public Safety

Meade County Fatal Crash
A Rapid City woman died in a one vehicle crash at mile 46 on Interstate 90 in Piedmont, S.D. on Saturday, April 27.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
A Spearfish, S.D. man died in a one vehicle alcohol related crash five miles west of Spearfish on Friday, April 26.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Names Mike Day As Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Mike Day of Belle Fourche as a circuit judge in South Dakota’s Fourth Judicial Circuit.

News Tips
News Tips For April 27 – May 3, 2013

Health

Spring Brings Risk Of Tick-Borne Illness
Using tick repellent and regularly checking for ticks are the keys to preventing tularemia, Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, says a state health official.

Military

Guard Announces Warrant Officer of the Year
The South Dakota Army National Guard is pleased to announce Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ben Smetana, of Sioux Falls, is this year’s recipient of the CW4 Michael F. O’Connor award, naming him the SDARNG’s Warrant Officer of the Year.

Guard Announces Officer of the Year
The South Dakota National Guard is pleased to announce 2nd Lt. Richard Bauman, of Pierre, is this year’s recipient of the Lieutenant Colonel John J. Steele award, naming him the SDNG’s Lieutenant of the Year.

Public Safety

Hand County Fatal Crash
A Ree Heights man died in a two vehicle crash 15 miles south of Miller on Thursday, April 25.

Transportation

Spring Load Limit Release #7
Effective at 8:00 AM MDT Monday, April 29, 2013, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segment at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below.

Revenue

Rapid City Man Sentenced for Fraudulent Sales Tax Returns
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Department of Revenue Secretary Andy Gerlach announced today that Richard W. Guthmiller was sentenced for making false or fraudulent sales tax returns through his business located in Rapid City.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Charges Filed in Assault at the State Penitentiary
Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Complaint has been filed charging inmate Carlos Rapheal Green, 28, Sioux Falls.

Agriculture

State Fair & Sherwin Linton Want South Dakota Talent
HURON, S.D. - The Centennial Stage at the South Dakota State Fair is always a popular attraction with the Sherwin Linton Show performing three times daily.

Quasquicentennial Farm and Ranch Award at SD State Fair
HURON, S.D. – Farm families who have endured 100 or 125 years of life on the farm or ranch have the opportunity to be recognized during the South Dakota State Fair on Thursday, Aug. 29.

Military

Two South Dakota Employers Named Semifinalists for 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, announced that two South Dakota employers have been selected as semifinalists for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

Public Safety

Emergency Management Closes Books on Three Disasters
South Dakota’s Office of Emergency Management this month completed the paperwork and closed the books on three presidentially declared natural disasters from 2008.

Sobriety Checkpoints Planned
The South Dakota Highway Patrol has sobriety checkpoints scheduled in May in the following counties: Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Day, Gregory, Hughes, Jackson, Lake, Pennington, Roberts, Spink, Walworth and Yankton.

Transportation

Construction on 6th Street in Brookings to Begin
On Monday, April 29, reconstruction of 6th Street from 8th Street North to Main Avenue in Brookings will begin, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Construction To Begin On Highway 12 between Waubay and Summit
On Monday, April 29, crews will begin emplacement of traffic control for the first phase of a concrete paving project on the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 12 between Waubay and Summit.

Board of Regents

Wilson to Lead School of Mines and Technology as President
Heather Wilson, a former member of Congress, Rhodes Scholar, and small business owner who has worked with large defense and scientific companies, will become the 19th president of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced Thursday.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

State Rep. Hansen To Step Aside - Governor Asks For Public Input
State Rep. Jon Hansen has announced plans to resign from his seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives. Hansen, a Republican from Dell Rapids, is resigning to attend law school at the University of South Dakota.

Game, Fish and Parks

Youth Hunter Education Challenge Returns to South Dakota
Young hunters will get a chance to demonstrate both their shooting abilities and their knowledge of conservation at the 2013 Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC) June 15 in Mitchell.

GFP Invites Educators to Score a Bullseye with Free Archery Training
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks will host teacher training next month at Watertown for the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP).

May is Water Safety Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed an executive proclamation designating May as Water Safety Month in South Dakota.

Keeton named Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year
Joe Keeton, a Game, Fish and Parks Department conservation officer serving the Pennington County area, has been named the 2013 Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year

Transportation

Bridge Construction To Close Portion of Highway 28 - updated
The South Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists that a three-mile stretch of Highway 28 in Beadle County will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, April 29, and an additional 12 miles will be closed on May 13.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column
Earth Day Is Reason To Celebrate Stewardship In Agriculture

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Child Identification Program Event in Buffalo
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Masons want to remind parents and guardians of the upcoming South Dakota Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) event:

Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office Awarded New Vehicle with Help from Drug Control Fund
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office has been awarded $22,449 for a new vehicle to be used in drug investigations.

South Dakota Attorney General Awards Mortgage Fraud Settlement Monies to South Dakota Housing Opportunity Fund
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the South Dakota Housing Development Authority will be the recipient of the $344,000 settlement money that the State of South Dakota obtained from the nationwide agreement with Lender Processing Services, Inc. (LPS).

Tourism

State Historical Society book about Black Hills now available in paperback
The South Dakota State Historical Society Press is making the dispatches of Captain Jack Crawford available in paperback. Ho! For the Black Hills: Captain Jack Crawford Reports the Black Hills Gold Rush and Great Sioux War opens a window into a vibrant and chaotic time in western South Dakota.

Transportation

Russell Street Lane Closure
The City of Sioux Falls will be closing the westbound lanes of Russell Street between Kiwanis Avenue and West Avenue in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, April 24.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Child Identification Program Event in Rapid City
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Masons want to remind parents and guardians of the upcoming South Dakota Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) event:

Agriculture

Workshop on Repairing Ice-Damaged Trees and Shrubs
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) will host a damaged tree and shrub workshop at 6:30 p.m. CT on Monday, April 29, at the Sioux Falls Extension Regional Center.

Health

Sioux Falls Doctor Honored With National Child Immunization Award
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is honoring Dr. Wendell Hoffman, Sioux Falls, with a 2013 Childhood Immunization Champion award.

Military

927th Soldiers Honored at Welcome Home Ceremony
A welcome home ceremony was held for 14 Soldiers of the 927th Engineer Detachment (Survey and Design Team), South Dakota Army National Guard, Sunday, April 21, at the Holiday Inn City Center in Sioux Falls, after completing a nine-month deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Rapid City Guard Unit Back on U.S. Soil
Nineteen Soldiers from Detachment 1, Company B, 935th Support Battalion, South Dakota Army National Guard, arrived in the United States Sunday evening, April 21, after serving a nine-month deployment to Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Public Safety

Faith Receives Grant for Community Storm Shelter
The City of Faith will use an $800,000 grant to build a multi-use community safe room that can serve as a public shelter against severe storms.

Board of Regents

Giant Vision Winners Share Strong Connections to University Research
Three winners in last week’s Governor’s Giant Vision Business Competition are new start-up companies incubated by South Dakota’s growing focus on university-based research.

Corrections

Penitentiary staff member injured in assault by inmate
Corporal Zane Mathis was transported to a Sioux Falls hospital for treatment after being assaulted by state prison inmate April 20.

Public Safety

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
A Sioux Falls man died in a two vehicle crash three miles north of Alcester on Friday, April 19.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

News Tips
News Tips For April 20-26, 2013

Medicaid Opportunities and Challenges Task Force to Hold First Meeting
The first meeting of the South Dakota Medicaid Opportunities and Challenges Task Force will be held next week in Pierre.

Agriculture

Wildland Fire Academy - A Successful Event
The South Dakota Wildland Fire Division has hosted a Wildland Fire Academy that resulted in 399 National Wildfire Coordinating Group training certificates being issued to participants from 49 local, state and federal agencies.

Health

South Dakota Reports Salmonella Outbreak Associated With Baby Chicks
South Dakota is reporting an outbreak of salmonella associated with baby chicks. Three cases have been reported in the southeastern part of the state and one in the southwest.

Military

Welcome Home Ceremony Scheduled for 927th Soldiers
A welcome home ceremony will be held for 14 Soldiers of the 927th Engineer Detachment (Survey and Design Team), South Dakota Army National Guard, Sunday, April 21 at 11 a.m. (CT) at the Holiday Inn City Center in Sioux Falls, after completing a nine-month deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Public Safety

Sioux Falls Driver Licensing Services Move to New Site
The South Dakota Driver Licensing Program is combining its Sioux Falls services into a larger, easily accessible location near the intersection of Russell Street and Kiwanis Avenue.

Public’s Help Sought in Sisseton-Area Hit-Run Fatal
Law enforcement authorities are asking the public’s help with an investigation into a fatal hit-and-run north of Sisseton earlier this month.

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
One person died in a two vehicle crash three miles North of Alcester on Friday, April 19.

Tourism

Rivers to be discussed at 2013 History Conference
Rivers, which have played an important role in South Dakota history, will be the theme of the 2013 South Dakota State Historical Society History Conference, to be held May 3-4 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rapid City.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Proclaims April 19 As “A Day of Remembrance”
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed this Friday, April 19, as a “A Day of Remembrance,” in observance of the 20th anniversary of the state plane crash that took the lives of eight South Dakotans, including Gov. George S. Mickelson.

Agriculture

Governor Proclaims May Weed Awareness Month in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a proclamation naming May as Weed Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Transportation

I-29 Construction Through Brookings To Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists that reconstruction of the southbound lanes of Interstate 29 through Brookings will begin on Monday, April 22.

Work on I-90 and Cliff Avenue Interchange in Sioux Falls
On Monday morning, April 22, traffic through Sioux Falls on Interstate 90 will be switched head-to-head in the eastbound lanes for reconstruction of the westbound lanes of I-90 and Cliff Avenue interchange project, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Snow, Wind Creating Difficult Travel Conditions on I-29
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials are advising motorists that travel conditions on Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to North Dakota could be difficult through the evening hours Thursday and into Friday morning.

Snow, Wind Creating Travel Difficulties across Eastern South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials are advising motorists that travel conditions on interstate highways and other state roads across much of eastern South Dakota will be difficult through the evening hours Thursday and into Friday morning.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Groups Collaborate to Expand South Dakota’s Bioscience Industry
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s employment numbers in specialized bioscience occupations have increased by more than 65 percent in the last 10 years.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column
State Trade Mission To China

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Child Identification Program Event in Pierre
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Masons want to remind parents and guardians of the upcoming South Dakota Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) event:

South Dakota Child Identification Program Event in Hot Springs
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Masons want to remind parents and guardians of the upcoming South Dakota Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) event:

United States Supreme Court Issues Decision on DUI Blood Testing
Attorney General Marty Jackley advises that a divided United States Supreme Court has issued an opinion in Missouri v. McNeely concluding that in drunk-driving investigations the natural dissipation of alcohol in the bloodstream does not constitute an exigency in every case sufficient to justify conducting a blood test without a warrant.

Agriculture

Workshops on Repairing Ice-Damaged Trees and Shrubs
PIERRE, S.D. – The Cooperative Extension Service and South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) hosted a damaged tree and shrub workshop on Tuesday, April 16, at the Sioux Falls Extension Regional Center, and additional workshops are planned for the near future.

Game, Fish and Parks

Elk Seasons Finalized
The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission has finalized several elk-hunting seasons for 2013.

Nonresident Waterfowl License Numbers, Tundra Swan Season Finalized
The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Commission has finalized the number of licenses available for nonresident waterfowl hunters for the 2013 season, with no changes from 2012.

State Park Becoming an Outdoor Family Weekend Taking Registrations
Roy Lake State Park near Lake City will host the Becoming an Outdoor Family weekend June 28-30.

Public Safety

Names Released in Minnehaha County Injury Crash
Five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 11 near the intersection with Madison Street south of Brandon on Tuesday, April 16.

Social Services

SHIINE Seeks Local Volunteers
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is currently seeking volunteers for all aspects of the SHIINE program.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota Accepting Proposal For use of Historic HSC Buildings
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that the State of South Dakota is accepting proposals through May 31, 2013, for development and restoration of certain buildings on the old campus of the Human Services Center in Yankton.

President Orders Flags at Half-Staff For Bombing Victims
President Obama has called for flags at half-staff, effective immediately, out of respect for victims of yesterday’s bombings at the Boston Marathon.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Man Enters Guilty Plea in Roberts County Sexual Contact Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Richard Troy Hanson, 37, Sisseton, entered a plea of guilty yesterday to one count of sexual contact with a child under 16.

1st Choice Sales and Marketing, Inc. Representatives Enter Guilty Plea for Travel Scam
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Angie Lee-Barnes, 38, of Daniel Island, S.C., and Teresa Poston Duffee, 50, of Georgetown, S.C., pled guilty to one count of failure to inform buyer of right to cancel, class 2 misdemeanor. Sentencing will be scheduled in June.

Owners of Baron Buildings Make Court Appearance
Attorney General Marty Jackley said today that George Donald Nelson III, 45, and Karla Ann Nelson, 44, both of Fargo, N.D., appeared today in court for a bond hearing.

Military

Sioux Falls Guard Unit Returns to U.S. from Middle East
Fourteen Soldiers from the 927th Engineer Detachment (Survey and Design Team), South Dakota Army National Guard, arrived to the United States Monday evening, April 15, after serving a nine-month deployment to Kuwait and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Two-Vehicle Crash
Five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 11 near the intersection with Madison Street south of Brandon on Tuesday, April 16.

Board of Regents

Four Finalists Named for School of Mines Presidency
The South Dakota Board of Regents announced four candidates who are finalists to become the next president at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Corrections

DOC crews begin storm cleanup work
State prison inmates and Department of Corrections staff members from the South Dakota State Penitentiary are assisting local emergency officials with storm cleanup efforts in the Sioux Falls area.

Transportation

Bridge Work Delayed on Highway 65 South of McIntosh
Rehabilitation of two bridges on Highway 65 south of McIntosh, previously scheduled to begin on Monday, April 15, has now been delayed one week according to the Department of Transportation.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Board On Geographic Names Seeks Input On Proposed Names For Features In Custer, Lawrence and Pennington Counties
The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names (SDBGN) seeks public input on new names for Negro Wool Ridge and Negro Canyon near Wind Cave in Custer County, Negro Hill and Negro Gulch near Tinton in Lawrence County, and Negro Creek near Medicine Mountain in Pennington County.

News Tips
News Tips For April 13-19, 2013

Governor Daugaard Orders Inmates, Equipment to Assist Storm Cleanup, Guard on Alert
Governor Dennis Daugaard issued an emergency declaration Friday to provide state assistance with tree debris removal in Minnehaha and Lincoln counties in the wake of a major spring storm.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Endangered Missing Man, Harold Wayne Cavier
The Charles Mix Co. Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation are seeking information regarding a missing man who was last seen in the Ravinia area on March 26th, 2013.

Attorney General Warns of Questionable Business Practices in Snow Storm Cleanup
Attorney General Marty Jackley warns consumers of repair scams that may surface in the aftermath of the recent snow storm.

Transportation

Highway 16 Construction South of Rapid City
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, crews will begin work on an 11-mile resurfacing project on Highway 16 between Neck Yoke Road near Spring Creek and the Keystone Wye south of Rapid City on Monday, April 15.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Seeking Interns For This Fall
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is currently seeking applications for fall 2013 Governor’s Office Internships in Pierre. The positions are paid and run from early September through December 2013.

Public Safety

Interstate 90 Open Chamberlain to Mitchell
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials announce the section of Interstate 90 between Chamberlain and Mitchell is now open. This opens I-90 completely, from the Wyoming border to the Minnesota border.

State Emergency Operations Center Scales Back
State officials have scaled back the State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to the appropriate staffing level to respond to current requests for support as a major spring storm moves out of South Dakota.

Transportation

Highway 42 Open East of Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists that traffic has been restored on Highway 42 from the north junction of Highway 11 through Rowena.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's column
Spring Cleaning For State Government

South Dakota State Government Offices Closed At Noon Wednesday CDT
State government offices in South Dakota closed today (Wednesday, April 10) at 12 p.m. CDT (11 a.m. MDT) due to worsening weather conditions statewide.

State Offices in Some Eastern Counties to Remain Closed
State offices will remain closed today (Thursday, April 11) in the following counties in eastern South Dakota: Bon Homme, Brookings, Clay, Codington, Deuel, Hamlin, Hanson, Hutchinson, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, Miner, Minnehaha, Moody, Turner, Union, and Yankton counties.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Municipal and School Elections Postponed to April 16
South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant wants to notify voters that due to the inclement weather on April 9th, several Municipal and School elections have been postponed to Tuesday, April 16.

Public Safety

I-90 Now Open between Mitchell and Sioux Falls
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials announce Interstate 90 between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is now open.

Call Line Activated for Citizens with State Government Issues
With state government offices closed because of the spring storm, a call center has been activated for citizens with urgent questions of state agencies.

I-90 Open From Rapid City to Wall
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials announce Interstate 90 between Rapid City and Wall is now open.

I-90 Open Wall to Chamberlain : Eastbound I-90 Travelers Asked To Stay Put
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials announce the section of Interstate 90 between Wall and Chamberlain is now open.

Downed Power Line Removed. I-29 Traffic Restored
A downed power line has been cleared from Interstate 29 south of Sioux Falls, and the interstate is open again in that area, the South Dakota Highway Patrol says.

I-90 Chamberlain to Mitchell To Remain Closed & Portion of Highway 42 Closed
State officials with the Departments of Transportation and Public Safety announce Interstate 90 between Chamberlain and Mitchell will remain closed overnight (Wednesday).

Governor Dennis Daugaard

State Offices Open. Officials Suggest Calling Ahead
State government offices are open to provide services for South Dakotans today (Tuesday) as statewide blizzard conditions continue, but officials suggest that citizens call ahead to make sure the specific office they plan to visit is staffed.

State Offices To Remain Open Wednesday, But Officials Suggest Calling Ahead
At this time, state government offices in South Dakota are scheduled to be open tomorrow (Wednesday), as statewide blizzard conditions continue.

Agriculture

Hacksaw Jim Duggan Featured Wrestler at Men's Expo and 3X Live Pro Wrestling
HURON, S.D. - The South Dakota State Fair announces that Hacksaw Jim Duggan will be the featured professional wrestler at the 3X Live Pro Wrestling event at the State Fairgrounds Expo Building.

Public Safety

April 14 – 20, 2013: National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week
South Dakota is recognizing emergency police, fire and medical dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14 through April 20.

State Activates Emergency Operations Center for Spring Storm Response
State officials have opened the state Emergency Operations Center due to the major spring storm carrying strong winds, heavy snow and freezing rain across much of South Dakota.

Interstate 90 Closing Between Rapid City and Sioux Falls
South Dakota officials are closing Interstate 90 between Rapid City and Sioux Falls effective immediately.

Transportation

DOT seeks nominations for Transportation Hall of Honor
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is now accepting nominations for consideration to be inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15-19
National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 15-19, and motorists are reminded to drive safely not only for the sake of South Dakota highway workers but also for drivers themselves and their passengers.

Traffic Signal Change in Mobridge
On Monday, April 15 the South Dakota Department of Transportation will change the traffic signal lights at the intersection of 3rd Ave. West and Highway 12 in Mobridge to flash mode to conduct a traffic study at the intersection.

Bridge Work on Highway 65 South of McIntosh
On Monday, April 15, rehabilitation of two bridges and a resurfacing project on Highway 65 south of McIntosh will begin, according to the Department of Transportation.

Board of Regents

State Employees Eligible for Reduced Tuition at University Centers
State employees who take college courses at one of three off-campus public university centers in South Dakota will soon receive the same tuition break as their counterparts pursuing coursework on campus.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Mitchell Man Indicted and Arrested in Brule County Homicide
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Brule County States Attorney David Natvig announced today that Kent Gene Davidson, 36, Mitchell, was indicted last week by a Brule County Grand Jury.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

April 9th Municipal and School Elections
South Dakota Secretary of State is reminding voters that Tuesday, April 9th elections will be taking place across South Dakota.

Health

Impending Weather Leads To Cancellation Of Mosquito Control Conference
Due to the spring snowstorm in the forecast, the Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus Conference scheduled for April 9 in Ft. Pierre has been cancelled.

Transportation

Spring Storm Will Create Difficult Driving Conditions
Officials are cautioning travelers that a spring storm making its way into the state will bring periods of freezing rain, heavy snowfall, and extremely high winds across much of South Dakota from Monday evening through Wednesday morning.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

School & Public Lands Commissioner Johnson To Resign In August
Jarrod Johnson, the South Dakota Commissioner of School and Public Lands, has announced his resignation.

News Tips
News Tips For April 6-12, 2013

Board of Geographic Names Approves New Recommended Names in Shannon County
The South Dakota Board of Geographic Names (SDBGN) has unanimously approved name changes recommended by Oglala Sioux Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Wilmer Mesteth for several features in Shannon County.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Preliminary Hearing held in Brule County for Gann Valley Woman
Donika Gonzales, 22, Gann Valley was bound over on 5 counts at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing which was held today in Brule County before Magistrate Judge Swanson.

Tourism

New Exhibit, Furniture: The Fancy & The Functional to open April 20 in museum at Cultural Heritage Center
The Museum of the South Dakota State Historical will debut its new exhibit Furniture: The Fancy & The Functional on Saturday, April 20, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

State Historical Society encourages others to celebrate Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in May
The South Dakota State Historical Society will be celebrating Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in May. This year’s theme is “See! Save! Celebrate!”

Transportation

Work to Begin on Highway 37 in Huron
On Monday, April 8, reconstruction of South Dakota Highway 37 (Dakota Ave.) in Huron will begin, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Work to Begin on Highway 14 in Huron
Work to place an asphalt overlay on U.S. Highway 14 in Huron will begin on Monday, April 8, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Revenue

Contractors’ Excise Tax Webinar offered in May
A contractors’ excise tax webinar that will offer helpful state tax information will be held in May by the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

Board of Regents

Northern State Students Earn Recognition from Regents
Student organizations from Northern State University were recognized this week for their outstanding academic, community, and organizational work by the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota Delegation Travels to China
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has departed with a group of South Dakota business and agriculture leaders on a trade mission to China.

Tourism

Bestselling State Historical Society book "Cowboy Life" now available in paperback
The South Dakota State Historical Society Press is making one of its bestselling books available in paperback. "Cowboy Life: The Letters of George Philip" features firsthand accounts of rattlesnakes and ornery horses, the dreaded Texas Itch, midnight rambles on graveyards, trips to Mexico and hard riding on the last open range.

Transportation

Work on 49th Street Structure Over I-29 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin repair work on the 49th Street structure over Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls on Monday, April 8.

Work on I-90 and Cliff Ave. Interchange in Sioux Falls
On Monday, April 8, work will begin on the Interstate 90 and Cliff Avenue interchange in Sioux Falls, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Board of Regents

Hansen Awarded Honorary Doctorate for Lifetime of Service to South Dakota Public Education
The South Dakota Board of Regents awarded its highest honor to James O. Hansen of Pierre for extraordinary service and leadership to the state of South Dakota spanning more than 60 years.

Eagle Creek Software and Public Higher Education Partner to Bring High-Tech Jobs to South Dakota
An innovative higher education partnership with the state and the country’s largest onshore software services company is moving forward. A committee of the South Dakota Board of Regents endorsed plans for a specialized training academy that produces information technology consultants, and could result in 1,000 new high-tech jobs for South Dakota over the next three to five years. Plans also call for customized graduate courses leading to further employment opportunities in the IT field.

Regents Approve Tuition & Fee Rates for 2013-14
The South Dakota Board of Regents Thursday approved tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year. The impact to students in the public university system is an average cost increase of $334.88 per year, or 4.4 percent.

Regents Approve Tuition & Fee Rates for 2013-14
The South Dakota Board of Regents Thursday approved tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year. The impact to students in the public university system is an average cost increase of $334.88 per year, or 4.4 percent.

Krogman Elected to Head Board of Regents
Dean M. Krogman, a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents since 2003, is the board’s new president, succeeding Kathryn Johnson, who served in that position for the past two years.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

De Smet To Be Capital For A Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that De Smet has been chosen to be South Dakota’s Capital for a Day on May 10.

Health

South Dakota Animal Rabies Cases Rise For Second Year
South Dakota animal rabies cases were up in 2012, climbing for the second straight year, according to the yearly surveillance report recently released by the Department of Health.

Transportation

Projects on Highways 73 & 20 in Perkins County To Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin a 44-mile asphalt concrete resurfacing and shoulder-widening project on Highway 73 and Highway 20 in Perkins County on Monday, April 8.

Construction on Interstate 229 Interchange Ramps
On Monday, April 8, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin concrete pavement repair work in Sioux Falls on the Interstate 229 and Louise Avenue, Western Avenue and Rice Street interchange ramps.

Board of Regents

Regents Hear Report on Governor’s Research Centers
According to a report presented to the South Dakota Board of Regents, the Governor’s Research Centers continue to meet their goals for accelerating growth of competitive research and strengthening South Dakota’s economy through emphasis on converting ideas to commercial endeavors.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Walt Bones To Retire As Secretary Of Agriculture
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones has announced plans to retire from his position, effective April 29. Bones, a Parker native, has headed the Ag Department since January 2011.

Governor Names Lentsch To Head Agriculture Department
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will appoint Lucas Lentsch of Pierre to replace Walt Bones as Secretary of Agriculture.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Child Identification Program Event in Rapid City
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Masons want to remind parents and guardians of the upcoming South Dakota Child Identification Program (SDCHIP) events.

Fort Pierre Man Sentenced for Aggravated Assault and Discharging Firearm at Occupied Vehicle
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Derek Boe, 33, Ft. Pierre, was sentenced to twenty years for aggravated assault, twenty years for discharging a firearm at an occupied vehicle and five years for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

Agriculture

State Fair Implements New Restrictions on Golf Carts For Safety
HURON, S.D. - The South Dakota State Fair has implemented new restrictions on golf carts for the safety of fair-goers.

Corrections

Darin Young Named Next Warden of South Dakota State Penitentiary
Secretary of Corrections Denny Kaemingk has announced that Darin Young has been named the next Warden of the South Dakota State Penitentiary.

State prison inmate in custody
Inmate Jeffrey Green is in custody after escaping from the South Dakota State Penitentiary earlier today.

Game, Fish and Parks

Campsites Still Available for Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
Plenty of campsites are available for the annual Fort Sisseton Historic Festival. General camping is open for stays June 5-9.

Labor and Regulation

New GED Test to be Released in 2014
A new General Educational Development (GED) test will be released January 2, 2014, by the national GED Testing Service.

Public Safety

Cause Undetermined in Vollmer Fatal Crash
The South Dakota Highway Patrol said today it has been unable to determine the cause of a February 23 crash on Interstate 90 that killed four members of a Sioux Falls family.

Tourism

Black Hills Visitor Industry Early Opening Dates
Spring is in the air and with that several visitor industry businesses in the Black Hills are prepping for early opening dates for the 2013 season.

Transportation

Highway 50 Public Meeting Scheduled
The South Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Yankton will hold an open house style public meeting on Thursday, April 4, 2013 from 5:30 to 6:30 pm at Fire Station #2 at 201 West 23rd Street in Yankton.

Black Hills Traffic Signals Displaying Flashing Yellow Arrows
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that newly installed traffic signals in Rapid City, Black Hawk, and Belle Fourche use the new flashing yellow arrow as part of the signal systems.

Corrections

Search underway for missing state prison inmate
Inmate Aaron Olson left the Rapid City Minimum Unit to go to his work release job this morning, but failed to show up at the work site.

Missing state prison inmate located
A state prison inmate reported as missing earlier today has been located. Inmate Aaron Olson was accounted for in Rapid City this morning after escape procedures were enacted.

Update on missing inmate report
The initial report of a missing state prison inmate this morning was due to a record keeping error on behalf of Department of Corrections staff. The inmate will not face any disciplinary.

Public Safety

Jones County Fatal Crash
A Mitchell, S.D., woman died in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 83 south of Murdo on Sunday, March 31.

Transportation

Spring Load Limit Release #5
Effective at 8:00am Tuesday, April 2, 2013, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the following segments on SD 71 and SD 471.

Spring Load Limit Release #6
Effective at 12:00 PM (Noon) Wednesday, April 3, 2013, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segments and at the indicated weight limit on portions of SD10, SD130, and SD271.

Lane Closures at I-29 and I-90 Interchange In Sioux Falls
Beginning Wednesday morning, April 3, the Department of Transportation will reduce traffic to one-lane in each direction on both Interstate 90 and Interstate 29 at the interchange.

Russell Street Construction To Begin
The City of Sioux Falls will begin reconstruction of the westbound lanes of Russell Street from Westport Avenue to Minnesota Avenue on Monday, April 8, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Revenue

Watertown Revenue Office Moving
Businesses and individuals having questions regarding South Dakota’s tax system will be finding the answers in a new location this month when the Watertown office of the South Dakota Department of Revenue relocates.

SD/ND Border Tax Seminars Offered in Watertown
Two seminars being held in Watertown this month will offer helpful state tax information to area business owners who conduct business in both South Dakota and North Dakota.

May 1st Deadline for Property Tax Homestead Exemptions
Applications for the Property Tax Homestead Exemption Program are now available to eligible property owners who wish to delay payment of their property taxes in South Dakota.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota Releases Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR)
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that the state Bureau of Finance and Management has released for public review the State of South Dakota Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

An Introduction to “Period of Purple Crying” to Launch Child Abuse Prevention Month
Attorney General Marty Jackley in recognition and support of Child Abuse Prevention Month would like to explain the importance of a new program that is being implemented across the State of South Dakota.

Game, Fish and Parks

The Outdoor Campus Will Host A Treasure Hunt Event
Saturday April 6 at The Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls.

2012 Elk Hunting Season Harvest Summarized
Hunters surveyed to determine hunting season success.

Tourism

State Historical Society makes more historic digital photos available
A grant received for the scanning of glass plates has made almost 600 images from a photo collection of the South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre available to the public.

Transportation

I-229 Evening Closure Scheduled in Sioux Falls
Grangaard Construction, a contractor for the South Dakota Department of Transportation, will be performing overhead work in the northbound lanes of Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls continuing on Monday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor’s Mansion Tours
The third season of weekly public tours at the South Dakota Governor’s Mansion will begin in June.

News Tips
News Tips For March 30- April 5, 2013

Corrections

Search underway for missing state prison inmate
Mark Fromelt left Unit C, the minimum-security unit of the Jameson Annex to the South Dakota State Penitentiary, to go to his work release job this evening but failed to show up at the job site.

State prison inmate back in custody
Inmate Mark Fromelt returned to Unit C in Sioux Falls this evening.

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Daugaard Announces Nearly $39 Million for Environmental Projects
The state Board of Water and Natural Resources awarded nearly $39 million in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, and recycling projects.

Game, Fish and Parks

First Buffalo Calf of the Season Spotted at Custer State Park
Seen on March 27.

Board of Regents

South Dakota to Offer Need-Based Financial Aid to College Students
Legislative action this year has brought South Dakota in line with other states who offer need-based financial aid to students pursuing postsecondary education.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

A column by Gov. Dennis Daugaard
April 1— A Time for Cost Savings

Rep. Miller Resigns - Governor Invites Public Input
State Rep. Patty Miller has resigned from her seat in the South Dakota House of Representatives.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Welcomes Student Archers to NASP Tournament
Saturday, April 6, in Rapid City.

Elk Moved into Custer State Park
Helicopters help herd elk out of Wind Cave National Park.

GFP Surveys Black Hills Elk
Aerial survey of Black Hills elk herd conducted.

Transportation

Work to Begin on I-90 From Mt. Vernon to the James River
On Thursday, March 28, reconstruction of the eastbound lanes of Interstate 90 between Mount Vernon and the James River will begin, according to the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Highway 87 Closed For Tree Removal
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Highway 87 in Custer and Pennington Counties is closed from three miles south of the junction with U.S. Highway 16/385 to the junction of Highway 89 at Sylvan Lake until Saturday, March 29, for contract removal of mountain pine beetle infested trees within Custer State Park.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota To Host Tribal Consultation On Good Earth State Park
A consultation meeting with Native American tribes from several states on development and interpretation of Good Earth State Park at Blood Run in Lincoln County, South Dakota, will be held on Monday, April 8.

Gov. Daugaard's Statement On U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson's Retirement in 2014
A statement from Gov. Dennis Daugaard on U.S. Sen. Tim Johnson’s announcement today that he will not seek re-election:

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General Jackley Urges Everyone to Help Stop Sweepstake Scams
Attorney General Marty Jackley is asking consumers statewide to reach out to their elderly family, friends or neighbors, to warm them of the dangers of sweepstake scams.

Game, Fish and Parks

July Fourth Camping Reservations in State Parks Open Soon
Early reservations in early April

Trout Will be Stocked Near Pierre
In Oahe Marina and Downs Marina areas.

Labor and Regulation

Profitable Sunrise Ordered to Cease and Desist Selling Securities Products in South Dakota
This international company and its operators, Roman Novak and Radoslav Novak, are accused of committing fraud.

Tourism

Lewis and Clark's Ordway 'visiting' April history book club meeting
A major contributor to the Lewis and Clark Expedition's success will come to life at the April meeting of the History and Heritage Book Club.

Transportation

Construction on Highway 11 and 57th Street in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has begun a reconstruction project in Sioux Falls on Highway 11 from 26th Street to 57th Street, and on 57th Street from Sycamore Ave. to Highway 11.

Whitewood Sidewalk Upgrades
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin sidewalk improvement work along Laurel Street in Whitewood beginning Tuesday, March 26.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Gant Issues 4th Quarter Economic Report
Secretary of State Jason Gant has issued the Economic Report for the 4th quarter of 2012 based on corporate registration data.

Education

Technical institutes boast high job placement rates
South Dakota’s four technical institutes boasted high job-placement rates again this year, with a combined graduate placement rate of 97 percent.

Transportation

SDDOT Launches 511 Traveler Information App
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has released a traveler information app for smart phones using the Android operating system and plans to do the same later for iPhones.

Bridge Deck Work to Begin in Midland
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin replacing the Highway 63 bridge deck over the Bad River in Midland on Monday, April 1.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Designates New State Park Near Sioux Falls
Gov. Dennis Daugaard signed legislation today that creates the first new state park in South Dakota since 1972.

News Tips
News Tips For March 23-29, 2013

Governor Picks Bob Sutton For Board of Regents
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Bob Sutton of Pierre to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Agriculture

Pine Engraver Beetle Flying Soon
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Along with the mountain pine beetle, the pine engraver beetle or ips is another threat to the pine forests in the Black Hills and surrounding forests.

Public Safety

Names Released in McCook County Fatal Crash
A Bridgewater, S.D., man died in a two-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 42 about 10 miles east of the junction with U.S. Highway 81 on Thursday, March 21.

Tourism

ASDM annual meeting April 12-13 in Pierre
The Association of South Dakota Museums (ASDM) will hold its 2013 annual meeting “On the Road to Museum Success” Friday and Saturday, April 12-13, at the National Guard Museum in Pierre.

Transportation

Structure Work on County Highway 1416
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin replacing two box culvert structures six miles east of New Underwood on County Highway 1416 starting on Monday, March 25, 2013.

Highway 18 Road Work between Edgemont and Hot Springs
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has begun work on U.S. Highway 18 between Edgemont and Hot Springs.

Work Begins on Highways 16, 16A, and 16B in Hill City, Custer
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has begun work on a project that impacts Highways 16, 16A, and 16B in Hill City and Custer.

REVISED: I-229 Evening Closures Schedule in Sioux Falls
Grangaard Construction, a contractor for the South Dakota Department of Transportation, has revised their construction schedule for setting of the bridge girders on Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls.

Revenue

SD/MN Border Tax Seminars Offered in Sioux Falls
Two seminars being held in Sioux Falls in April will offer helpful state tax information to area business owners who conduct business in both South Dakota and Minnesota.

Business Seminars Offered in Watertown
Two basic tax seminars being held in Watertown in April will offer helpful state tax information to businesses in eastern South Dakota

Business Seminars Offered in Rapid City
Two basic tax seminars being held in Rapid City in April will offer helpful state tax information to businesses operating in South Dakota.