Governor's Office of Economic Development

Chamberlain Awarded Block Grant
The city of Chamberlain has been awarded a $495,949 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help construct a 13,000-square-foot youth development center in conjunction with Chamberlain Healthy Community Healthy Youth, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Jim Abdnor Death
A statement from Gov. Dennis Daugaard on the death today of former U.S. Sen. Jim Abdnor:

South Dakota Continues To Wait For Court Ruling After Exchange Grant Award
The United States Department of Health and Human Services notified the State of South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation today that it has been awarded a $5.9 million grant to continue research into the possibility of a state-run health insurance exchange. The state applied for the grant in March, 2012.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General Jackley Joins Multistate Settlement Wwith Skechers USA, Inc.
In a coordinated filing, the Federal Trade Commission and 44 State Attorneys General's, the State of Hawaii’s Office of Consumer Protection, and the State of Georgia’s Governor’s Office of Consumer Protection filed settlements today with Skechers USA, Inc., the makers of Shape-Ups, Tone-Ups, and the Skechers Resistance Runner athletic shoes.

Jim Iosty Honored by State’s Attorneys
The South Dakota State’s Attorneys Association honored Minnehaha County Deputy State’s Attorney, Jim Iosty as South Dakota Prosecutor of the Year.

Military

Welcome-Home Ceremony Scheduled for Guard Unit
A welcome-home ceremony will be held for 67 Soldiers of the 139th Brigade Support Battalion, South Dakota Army National Guard, on May 18 at 10 a.m. (CT) at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, after completing a yearlong deployment to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn.

SDNG to Host Public Event to Celebrate 150-Year Heritage
The South Dakota National Guard officially marked 150 years of service to the state and nation on Jan. 27, 2012, as the birth date of the organization’s 1862 formation. To celebrate this historic event, the SDNG is inviting the general public, as well as members of the media, to attend a free, open house event at Camp Rapid in Rapid City on Friday, June 8 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 12 Construction Through Ipswich
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin the second phase of the U.S. Highway 12 reconstruction project through Ipswich on Thursday, May 17.

Work To Begin on Highway 50 between Chamberlain and Buffalo County Line
Construction on South Dakota Highway 50 between Chamberlain and the Buffalo County line is scheduled to begin on Monday, May 21.

Board of Regents

Athletes’ Academic Performance Examined
The latest report on athlete academic performance at the six public universities showed athletes continue to do as well academically as non-athletes.

South Dakota State Student Groups Recognized
Student organizations at South Dakota State University were recognized this week by the South Dakota Board of Regents for their academic excellence, community service, and organizational leadership.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Open Meeting Commission to Convene by Teleconference on May 23, 2012
The Open Meeting Commission will meet by teleconference on May 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Attorney General’s Office.

Two Deuel County Men Arrested in Synthetic Drug Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Deuel County States Attorney Greg Stoltenburg announced today that Phillip L. Plunkett, 50, Goodwin, and Jason D. Toben, 39, Goodwin, have been arrested in their roles in the possession and distribution of synthetic drugs including K2 and bath salts.

Ft. Pierre Man Enters Guilty Plea in Stanley County Shooting Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Stanley County States Attorney Thomas Maher announced today that Ronald Lee Berens Jr. 39, Ft. Pierre, entered a plea of guilty today to one count of aggravated assault.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Gant Announces Voter Registration Deadline
South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant reminded voters today that Monday, May 21st marks the voter registration deadline for South Dakotans who intend to vote in the June 5th Primary Election.

Game, Fish and Parks

Three Flood-damaged Parks to Re-open
Farm Island, Oahe Downstream, North Point

South Dakota Parks Asking For Input On Recreation In South Dakota
Residents being asked opinions on issues facing outdoor recreation

GFP Commission Proposes Furbearer Changes
Hunting season for muskrats considered

South Dakota Hunting Seasons Proposed
Includes West River Deer and Black Hills Deer seasons

Military

South Dakota National Guard Museum to Host Anniversary Party
To commemorate the Guard’s lineage of service, the South Dakota National Guard Museum is hosting a 150th anniversary party on Saturday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum is located at 301 East Dakota in Pierre.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 12 Grade Raise East of Roscoe
The South Dakota Department of Transportation began paving operations today (Tuesday, May 15) on U.S. Highway 12 east of Roscoe.

Board of Regents

Search Process Begins for Next DSU President
The South Dakota Board of Regents is taking initial steps to begin the search for Dakota State University’s next president. It invites the public, especially those interested from the Madison community and DSU campus, to a meeting Thursday to learn more about the process.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Brown County Awarded Funds for Youth Development Center
Brown County has been awarded $515,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding on behalf of the Aberdeen Family YMCA to assist in constructing its youth development center, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today.

Peever Awarded Block Grant
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that the town of Peever will soon be making improvements to its water system, thanks in part to a $515,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Requests Flags at Half-Staff on May 15
President Barack Obama has proclaimed Tuesday, May 15, 2012, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the period of May 13 through May 19, 2012, as Police Week.

Game, Fish and Parks

Free Park Entrance, Free Fishing Weekend Approaches
Event set for May 18-20.

GFP, Sanford Health Introduce Passport Challenge
Fitness program encourages individuals to visit State Parks, fish hatcheries, Outdoor Campuses.

Transportation

Inlaid Tape Application on Interstate 90 near Sturgis
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials say traffic on Interstate 90 near Sturgis is being reduced to one lane for a short-term construction project beginning today (Monday, May 14).

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Historic Custer State Park Cabin Opened For Second Season
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that Valhalla, a historic cabin in Custer State park, will again be opened to the public for the summer season.

News Tips
News Tips for May 12-18, 2012

Corrections

Open House Event Set For New Black Hills Correctional Transition Center
The public is invited to tour the BHCTC at 2725 Creek Drive from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. CDT on May 22. A dedication ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. that day.

Labor and Regulation

New Benefits for Unemployed Veterans
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation announces unemployed veterans may qualify for additional education, vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits through the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011.

Transportation

Highway 50 Reconstruction to Begin In Clay County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation advises motorists that the westbound lane reconstruction project on Highway 50 from Vermillion to Gayville will begin on Tuesday, May 15.

Asphalt Overlay on Interstate 90 near Piedmont
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials say westbound traffic on Interstate 90 near Piedmont will be reduced to one lane from about one mile west of Exit 52 to Exit 44 on Monday, May 14, for construction.

North Sheridan Lake Road Opens To One Lane
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials say Sheridan Lake Road north of Jackson Boulevard in Rapid City will be opened to one lane of traffic in each direction at mid-morning on Monday, May 14.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Custom Touch Homes Celebrates Expansion
Custom Touch Homes celebrated its latest expansion today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its facility in Madison. The expansion added 48,000 square feet of production space, 2,000 square feet of office space, and doubled the company’s production capacity.

Education

Science scores still near top, though relatively unchanged
South Dakota eighth-grade students are ahead of their peers when it comes to the latest science scores – which are good, but virtually unchanged – as measured by the 2011 National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Daugaard Proclaims Bernita Loucks Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed an executive proclamation designating May 2 as Bernita Loucks Day in South Dakota.

Transportation

North Cliff Avenue Construction Begins In Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation informs motorists that work will begin on the north Cliff Avenue project in Sioux Falls on Friday, May 11.

Repair Work on I-29 Bridge in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will close the southbound driving lane of the Interstate 29 bridge over I-229 in Sioux Falls on Monday, May 14, for bridge-deck repairs.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Second Season of Governor’s Mansion Tours Begin June
First Lady Linda Daugaard announced today that weekly public tours of the Governor’s Mansion will begin on Wednesday, June 6.

First Lady Visits 150 Elementary Schools in Past Year
First Lady Linda Daugaard, as part of her initiative to encourage students to read, will visit her 150th elementary school Thursday when she reads to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Howard Elementary School in Howard, S.D.

Public Safety

State Rules to Govern Marketing, Labeling of 85 Octane Gasoline
The Department of Public Safety is drafting rules to clarify the legal status of 85 octane gasoline in South Dakota markets and to specify how that product must be labeled.

Transportation

Stanford Street Reconstruction in Vermillion
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials say the first phase of the Stanford Street and west Main Street reconstruction project in Vermillion will begin on Monday, May 14.

Highway Ditch Closure Proposed near Lennox
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is proposing to close a portion of the ditch to off-road vehicles along South Dakota Highway 44 near Lennox.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

2012 Attorney General Ballot Explanations for Constitutional Amendments and Initiated Measures
Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that he delivered to the Secretary of State the following Attorney General ballot explanations for placement on the November 2012 general election ballot:

Wisconsin Man Found Guilty in Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that a Pennington County court has returned a verdict finding Mario Ernesto Mendoza-Cuellar, 37, Wisconsin, guilty of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, a class 3 felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a $30,000 fine and obstructing a law enforcement officer a class 1 misdemeanor.

Agriculture

Mountain Pine Beetle Workshops to be Held in Lead and Hill City
Two workshops will be held in the Lead and Hill City this month to discuss the benefits and methods of treating trees to protect them from mountain pine beetles, since now is the time to spray.

Health

Healthier moms and babies for Mother’s Day
Nearly 20 percent of South Dakota mothers smoked during pregnancy in 2010, one of the highest percentages in the nation, says a state health official.

Public Safety

Moody County Fatal Crash
A Ward, S.D., man died in a single vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 13 a mile north of Flandreau on Tuesday, May 8.

Tourism

Free collections workshops for museums, libraries, archives in Dakotas
Staff and volunteers at museums, libraries and archives in South Dakota and North Dakota are invited to attend free hands-on workshops on how to properly care for a variety of collections, such as textiles, books, art, furniture and photographs.

Game, Fish and Parks

Wind Cave National Park to Share Elk with Custer State Park
Drop gates in fence will allow elk movement.

Lake Francis Paddlefish Season Now Open
First season in nearly 30 years in this area.

Asian Carp Range Increasing in Eastern South Dakota Rivers
GFP asks for reports to track expanding range.

Tourism

Gov. Daugaard proclaims South Dakota Historic Preservation Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May as South Dakota Historic Preservation Month.

Transportation

Repair Work on I-29 Bridge over Skunk Creek
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing some repair work on an Interstate 29 bridge in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, May 8.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Grand Opening at TCF Bank
TCF Bank officially opened the doors today at its operations center on West 38th Street in Sioux Falls.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Volga To Be Capital For A Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that Volga has been chosen to be South Dakota’s Capital for a Day on June 13.

News Tips
News Tips for May 5-11, 2012

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Law Enforcement Continues to Seek Public’s Help in Belle Fourche Rape
The Belle Fourche Police Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation continue to investigate the burglary and forcible rape that occurred in Belle Fourche on April 10, 2012 at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Corrections

Correctional Employees Week is May 6-12
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May 6-12 as "Correctional Employees Week" in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Redfield Students to Receive ‘Saved by the Belt’ Awards
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will recognize five Redfield High School students today for wearing their seatbelts.

Tourism

May Hstory Book Club Focusing On Stars
Those attending the May meeting of the History and Heritage Book Club will learn how to make the stars their old friends.

Public Safety

Charges Filed in Fatal Haakon County Crash
A Faith, S.D. man was charged Thursday with vehicular homicide, vehicular battery and DUI in connection with a two-vehicle crash that killed a Pierre woman.

Tourism

Travel Rally Day Spotlights Impact in South Dakota
Department of Tourism Secretary Jim Hagen will lead South Dakota’s visitor industry in a travel rally on Tuesday, May 8, at the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell, and again on Wednesday, May 9, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, as part of the 29th annual National Travel and Tourism Week.

Transportation

Public Input into Brown County Transportation Plan Study Sought
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Brown County, will hold public open houses to gather public input for help in developing the Brown County Master Transportation Plan.

South Dakota Lottery

$217,583 Dakota Cash Jackpot Won in Rapid City
A single lottery ticket sold in Rapid City matched all five numbers in the May 2, 2012, drawing to win the $217,583 Dakota Cash jackpot.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Utility Crossing Work Planned on Jackson Blvd. in Rapid City
Storm sewer and water line utility crossing work planned for Jackson Boulevard at the intersection of Argyle and 32nd Street in Rapid City has been postponed for several days.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

U.S. Supreme Court Denies Environmentalist Petition in Norbeck Wildlife Preserve Challenge
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Friends of Norbeck and Native Ecosystem’s petition to review in the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve challenge.

Game, Fish and Parks

Palisades Park to Perform Road Maintenance
May 7-11, weather permitting

Mickelson Trail Cleaning Up After Removal of "Beetle" Trees
4-Month project to remove mountain pine beetle trees.

Governor Enacts No-Boating Zone on Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls
Closed for public safety during city repair work.

Tourism

25th anniversary of Cultural Heritage Center groundbreaking noted
May 1 marks the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking for the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, headquarters of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Transportation

North Cliff Avenue Public Meeting Scheduled
The South Dakota Department of Transportation and the City of Sioux Falls will hold a public meeting next week for the upcoming North Cliff Avenue project from 60th Street to Benson Road in Sioux Falls.

*UPDATE* Utility Crossing Work Planned on Jackson Blvd. in Rapid City
Storm sewer and water line utility crossing work planned for Jackson Boulevard at the intersection of Argyle and 32nd Street in Rapid City has been postponed for several days.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column
A column from Gov. Dennis Daugaard: Lessons From Kuwait and Afghanistan

Agriculture

Resource Conservation Speech Contest Winners Announced
The 51st annual State Finals of the Resource Conservation Speech Contest took place Saturday, April 14, at the State Capitol in Pierre. Winning first place and a $1,100 scholarship was Amanda Wagemann. Amanda was sponsored by the South Brown Conservation District and is a junior at Aberdeen Central High School.

Military

National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time for all to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.

Public Safety

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
A Viborg, SD teen died in a one-vehicle rollover crash on U.S. 18 approximately six miles east of Davis, SD on April 28, 2012.

Transportation

Portion of Highway 65 between McIntosh and Isabel is CLOSED due to wet weather
Effective immediately, the South Dakota Department of Transportation has CLOSED a portion of state Highway 65 in Corson County from one-half mile south of the Grand River to 1.7 miles north of the Grand River.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Unemployment Claimants To Undergo Intensive Re-Employment Services
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today announced new efforts by the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) to help get unemployment insurance claimants back to work more quickly.

News Tips
News Tips for April 28-May 4, 2012

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Portland Man Sentenced in Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Distribute Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Darrell Wayne Hughes, 49, Portland, Oregon, was sentenced to serve six years, with no jail time suspended, on one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a class 3 felony.

Tourism

MayDay a reminder for heritage institutions to be prepared for disasters
Every year on MayDay, May 1, historical societies, archives, museums, and libraries are encouraged to spend some time preparing their organization for a disaster.

Revenue

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

Corrections

State Prison Inmate To Be Released
Corrections Secretary Denny Kaemingk is providing notification to law enforcement and the public about the pending release of state prison inmate Dale Dubry.

Game, Fish and Parks

Keep the Wild in Wildlife Hands Off Young Animals
Young animals are usually not abandoned. It is best to leave them where you find them.

Rosehill Dam Construction Delayed
Stream survey required before construction can continue.

Gov. Daugaard Proclaims Water Safety Month
Swimmers and boaters need to keep safety foremost in mind.

The Outdoor Campus-West To Host Family Fun Festival About Birds
Event to take place Saturday, Apr. 28.

Labor and Regulation

Job Fair Matches STI Students with Healthcare Employers
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will be co-hosting the Southeast Technical Institute (STI) medical job fair on Thursday, May 3 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT on the campus of Southeast Technical Institute.

Transportation

Sidewalk, Curb Reconstruction In Three Turner County Towns
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says sidewalk ramp and sidewalk reconstruction, along with curb and gutter repairs, are under way in Viborg, Centerville and Chancellor.

Vermillion Area Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Vermillion, will hold a public open house as part of the Vermillion Area Master Transportation Plan.

Interstate 90 Eastbound and Westbound Lane Improvements Planned near Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will place Interstate 90 traffic head-to-head tomorrow (Friday, April 27) at the northeastern edge of Sioux Falls from Exit 399 to Exit 402.

Game, Fish and Parks

New offerings planned at Big Sioux Recreation Area
Additional acres added to popular area near Brandon.

GFP, DOH offer grant program to get kids outside
Program offers totes containing outdoor activity materials.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council to Meet
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation’s (DLR) Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council will meet Monday, April 30 to discuss potential future changes to the unemployment insurance system.

Public Safety

Vehicle-Pedestrian Fatal Crash on Interstate 29 near Brookings
A Crawfordsville, IN man died Wednesday when he was struck by a vehicle underneath an Interstate 29 overpass near milepost 132 near Brookings.

Tourism

State Historical Society Authors to Speak at Center for Western Studies Conference
Five South Dakota State Historical Society Press authors will speak at the Dakota Conference at the Center for Western Studies at Augustana College in Sioux Falls this Friday and Saturday.

Transportation

Paving Work to Begin on the U.S. Highway 14B Truck Bypass in Pierre
Crews will begin setting up traffic control devices Monday, April 30, in preparation for asphalt paving on U.S. Highway 14B (Garfield Avenue/Truck Bypass) in Pierre.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Attorney General’s Office Joins National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Observance
Attorney General Marty Jackley would like to remind South Dakotans that this week has been set aside to remember victims of crime.

Labor and Regulation

Videos Help Improve Claimant Compliance
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has created two videos to help unemployment insurance (UI) benefit claimants understand the filing process and comply with established rules.

Public Safety

Sobriety Checkpoints Planned
South Dakota Highway Patrol plans sobriety checkpoints in 18 counties in May.

Social Services

Ric Compton Named Administrator of Human Services Center
The South Dakota Department of Social Services has named Ric Compton as the new administrator at the Human Services Center (HSC) in Yankton.

Health

CDC honors Aberdeen doctor with Childhood Immunization Champion Award
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is honoring Dr. Erick Temoka, Aberdeen, with a Childhood Immunization Champion award.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

REDI Fund Interest Rate Slashed
The 3 percent interest rate on new loans from South Dakota’s Revolving Economic Development & Initiative (REDI) Fund will drop to 2 percent, effective immediately, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today.

Work Resumes at ESCO’s Webster Manufacturing Facility
ESCO, a Watertown-based wholesale sign manufacturer, recently restarted production at its Webster facility after a two-year shutdown. Work resumed with 10-15 employees, and the company plans on hiring another 4-5 people immediately.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard, Rep. Noem Oppose Hydroelectric Changes
In advance of a congressional oversight hearing next week on the potential impacts of a Department of Energy (DOE) memorandum suggesting major changes in the federal hydropower system, Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Rep. Kristi Noem are voicing concerns about what those changes will mean for South Dakotans.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Supreme Court Upholds Lower Court Decision in Sobriety Checkpoint Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the South Dakota Supreme Court has unanimously upheld a DUI conviction and lower court decision that a defendant’s 4th Amendment rights were not violated when law enforcement stopped his vehicle after his avoidance of a sobriety checkpoint.

Secretary of State Jason M. Gant

Gant: Absentee Balloting begins Friday, April 20th
South Dakota Secretary of State Jason Gant is reminding voters that Friday, April 20th, marks the start of absentee balloting for the 2012 primary election on June 5th.

Gant approves two new political parties
Secretary of State Jason Gant announced today that the Americans Elect Party and the Constitution Party have both been officially recognized by South Dakota after a review of their petitions.

Public Safety

Roberts County Fatal Crash
A Wilmot, S.D., man died in a one-vehicle crash early Friday, April 20, near the junction of Roberts County Roads 4 and 5, about 2.3 miles south of Browns Valley.

Transportation

Highway 83 Reconstruction to Begin
Crews will begin work on U.S. Highway 83 near the Akaska junction in Walworth County on Monday, April 23.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

South Dakota-Based Geothermal Company Offers Game-Changing Energy Solutions that Reduce CO2 Emissions
Heat Mining Company LLC (HMC), a Rapid City-based green energy company, has been granted exclusive, worldwide rights to a patent pending technology from the university called CO2 Plume GeothermalTM (CPGTM).

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General’s Office and South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Warn Businesses of Labor Law Poster Scams
Attorney General Marty Jackley and the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) are warning businesses to beware of poster scams from companies selling various federal agency postings.

Massachusetts Man Sentenced in Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that Donald McCormick, 40, Ipswich, MA, was sentenced to serve 8 years, with no jail suspended, on one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, a class 3 felony.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Honors Employees For Flood Relief Efforts
Division of Wildlife present Teamwork Award to staff involved in flood relief efforts.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Rate Remains Stable
South Dakota’s March 2012 preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, almost half the national unemployment rate of 8.2 percent.

Transportation

Work Begins on Highway 14A near Cheyenne Crossing In Lawrence County
On Monday, April 23, crews will begin work southwest of Lead on a landslide repair area located along U.S. Highway 14A and the truck turnout on Highway 85 at Cheyenne Crossing.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Daugaard Visits Troops in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Meets With Secretary of Defense
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is in Afghanistan today and tomorrow with two other Governors on a Department of Defense trip to meet with National Guard troops from the three states and get a first-hand look at military operations.

Transportation

Public Information Meeting on Flood Control Permit for Twin Lakes
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public informational meeting in Volga to discuss a flood-control permit submitted to the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

National Work Zone Awareness Week is April 23-27
A press conference to stress work-zone safety will be held at the Pierre Region Office of the state Department of Transportation, 104 S. Garfield in Pierre, on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 10 a.m. CDT.

Governor Appoints Aeronautics Commissioner
State Transportation Secretary Darin Bergquist announced today that Eric Odenbach of Eureka has been appointed by Gov. Dennis Daugaard to the South Dakota Aeronautics Commission.

Revenue

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

Lieutenant Governor Michels To Take on Half-Time Role
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that Lt. Gov. Matt Michels has moved from a full-time role to a half-time role. The change, being made for personal and family reasons, was effective April 15.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General Jackley Addresses Federal Agency Concerns Over Lethal Injection
Attorney General Jackley informed the FDA that the lethal injection substances were properly cleared by federal authorities through customs

Attorney General Jackley Warns Organizations of Telecommunications Services Invoice Scam
Attorney General Marty Jackley warns business owners and government offices to be cautious of solicitations masked as invoices for telecommunications services they did not authorize.

Health

Take steps to prevent tick-borne illness
South Dakotans heading outdoors need to protect themselves from ticks and the diseases they can carry, says a state health official.

Labor and Regulation

Riggs Seniors Earn National Career Readiness Certificates
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation tested its first pilot group of students last Thursday for the National Career Readiness Certificate™(NCRC), and the results were impressive.

Agriculture

Lee Brice Added to South Dakota State Fair Grandstand Lineup
South Dakota State Fair officials announce the addition of singer Lee Brice to the 2012 South Dakota State Fair Grandstand lineup as an opener for headliner Chris Young on Sunday, Sept. 2.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate To Be Released
Corrections Secretary Denny Kaemingk is providing notification to law enforcement and the public about the pending release of state prison inmate Charles Long.

Transportation

Road Resurfacing to Begin on U.S. Highway 83 North of Vivian
A South Dakota Department of Transportation contractor will begin work on Tuesday, April 17, installing an edge drain in the outside shoulder of the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 83, north of Vivian.

Road Work to Begin on S.D. Highway 25
A South Dakota Department of Transportation contractor will begin work on Monday, April 23, in Bon Homme and Hutchinson counties on an asphalt overlay and structure-replacement project on South Dakota Highway 25 from Highway 50 north to Highway 18.

Exit 10 Construction to Resume at Spearfish
Construction work on Interstate 90, Exit 10 at Spearfish, will resume on Monday, April 23.

Work Begins on Interstate 90 near Wasta and Wall
On Tuesday, April 17, crews will begin work on the Interstate 90 bridges over the Cheyenne River near Wasta.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Central States Manufacturing to Locate in Hartford
Arkansas-based Central States Manufacturing, a manufacturer and distributor of metal building products, plans to expand its operations to Hartford, S.D.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column
Every Day is Earth Day in South Dakota

Governor Dennis Daugaard

USS South Dakota
A statement from Gov. Dennis Daugaard in response to today’s U.S. Navy announcement that a new attack submarine will be named the USS South Dakota:

Governor's Office of Economic Development

South Dakota Businesses Benefit From China Trade Mission
Two South Dakota companies have already seen results from a recent trade mission to China, according to Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who led the March trade mission.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Supreme Court Denies Eric Robert’s Challenge to Judicial Review of his Death Sentence
Attorney General Marty J. Jackley announces that the South Dakota Supreme Court has denied Defendant Eric Robert’s motion challenging judicial review of his death sentence.

Agriculture

State Fair Looks for South Dakota Talent
A long-time tradition at the South Dakota State Fair is the Sherwin Linton Show on the Centennial Stage, and the popular musician is looking for South Dakota talent to join him this summer at the Fair.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Division of Wildlife Honors Employees
Public Service and Distinguished Service awards presented.

State Park Becoming an Outdoor Family Weekend Taking Registrations
Event open to families wishing to gain experience in camping and other outdoor activities.

Warm Weather Allows Activities to Open in State Parks
State campgrounds busier than normal due to warm spring weather.

GFP Commission Finalizes Waterfowl Seasons
2012 nonresident waterfowl licenses will be similar to 2011 license structure.

GFP Commission Finalizes Elk Seasons
Commission reduces antlerless elk license numbers from original proposal.

Transportation

Completion of Interstate 90 Exit 52 Begins
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has begun completion of the Exit 52 project on Interstate 90 outside of Rapid City.

Department of Transportation & Pennington County Seek Public Input
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Pennington County, will hold public open houses as part of the Connecting Hills and Plains Study (CHAPS) to gather public input for help in developing the Pennington County Master Transportation Plan.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Attorney General Jackley Charges U.S. Publishers with Antitrust Law Violations, Price-Fixing for E-Books
Attorney General Marty Jackley and 15 state attorneys general today charged three of the nation’s largest book publishers and Apple Inc. with colluding to fix the sales prices of electronic books purchased in their respective states.

Court Upholds South Dakota Retirement System Legislative Modification
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that a trial judge upheld the Legislature’s 2010 modification of the cost of living adjustments (COLA) to South Dakota Retirement System (SDRS) benefits.

Law Enforcement Seeks Public’s Help in Belle Fourche Rape
The Belle Fourche Police Department, Butte County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation are investigating a burglary and forcible rape in Belle Fourche.

Corrections

State prison inmates assisting with roadside cleanup projects
State prison inmates are assisting the South Dakota Department of Transportation with several roadside cleanup projects across the state this spring.

State prison inmate dies
Alvin McKeown, age 55, passed away at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls today.

Education

2011 Youth Risk Behavior Survey results released
The 2011 South Dakota Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report was released today. Administered every other year, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey is a questionnaire that assesses the six priority health-risk behaviors that result in the greatest amount of morbidity, mortality and social problems among youth.

Labor and Regulation

Gov. Daugaard Honors NCRC Recipients
Commemorating more than 2,000 South Dakotans who have earned National Career Readiness Certificates™ (NCRC), Gov. Dennis Daugaard today honored John Backhaus of Vermillion and Lonnie Pinkelman of Tyndall for recently obtaining this valuable workplace credential.

Revenue

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.

Basic Tax Seminars Offered in Sioux Falls
Two basic tax seminars being held in Sioux Falls this month will offer helpful state tax information to businesses in eastern South Dakota.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Communities, Counties Awarded Grant
Three South Dakota communities and two South Dakota counties have been awarded workforce development dollars through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The grants are expected to train 220 individuals in high-demand career fields. Officials say there are approximately 800 such job openings in South Dakota.

Labor and Regulation

Winners Announced in State Securities Division Essay Contest
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation announces eight South Dakota students have been named cash prize winners in the seventh annual essay contest promoting the investor education and protection initiative.

Tourism

State Historical Society honoring Mitchell’s McLaird
The South Dakota State Historical Society will be presenting the Robinson Award, one of the Governor’s Awards for History, this Saturday to James D. McLaird of Mitchell.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Gov. Daugaard Announces Economic Development Awards
The communities of Brookings and Lemmon, Norma Allen of Sturgis and Elmer Karl of Gregory were recognized by Gov. Dennis Daugaard this evening (Tuesday) in Sioux Falls for achievements and contributions to economic development.

Health

Health, medical professionals invited to join volunteer registry
The Health Department encourages doctors, nurses, EMTs and other health providers to mark National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, by registering with the Statewide Emergency Registry of Volunteers in South Dakota (SERV SD).

Transportation

Spring Load Restriction Report #12
Effective at 1:00 PM Monday, April 9, 2012, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segments and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below. This notification removes the segments on SD 20 and SD 75.

Interstate 90 Eastbound and Westbound Auxiliary Lane Improvements Work Planned
Work will begin today (Monday, April 9) on median crossovers for Interstate 90 traffic over the I-229 bridge.

Work To Resume on Fort Randall Spillway Bridge
The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is scheduled to resume work repainting the U.S. Highway 18/ Highway 281 Fort Randall Spillway bridge on Wednesday, April 11.

Spring Load Restriction Report #13
This notice will remove Spring Load Limit Restrictions from all State Highways.

Public Safety

Governor Daugaard Unveils Motorcycle Safety, Education Website
As part of a comprehensive campaign to promote motorcycle safety and education, Gov. Dennis Daugaard joined state secretaries of Tourism and Public Safety on Friday in the launch of a new website, SouthDakotaRides.com.

Tourism

South Dakota’s Great Places: Nicollet Tower and Interpretive Center
There is a place in South Dakota that stands tall above the trees offering a beautiful view of three states. This Great Place is the Joseph N. Nicollet Tower near Sisseton.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Appoints Dr. Wharton to SDSTA Board of Directors
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has appointed South Dakota School of Mines President Robert Wharton to the Board of Directors of the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority.

Social Services

Governor Daugaard Declares April as Child Abuse Prevention Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in South Dakota to help shed light on an ongoing problem while encouraging public awareness and outreach to help break the cycle of abuse.

Corrections

State Juvenile Program at West Farm to Close
A state transitional program for juvenile offenders near Sioux Falls will close this summer because of dwindling numbers of youth who are placed there, but it may be reopened for a new juvenile program.

Labor and Regulation

Insurance Division Warns Consumers about Non-Traditional Health Insurance Policies
The Department of Labor and Regulation’s Division of Insurance warns consumers about non-traditional health insurance policies such as limited medical benefit insurance or mini-med plans.

Tourism

Easter hours announced for Cultural Heritage Center
Looking for some family fun this Easter? Consider a visit to the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Revenue

Information Available on Upcoming Changes to 911 Emergency Surcharge
The South Dakota Department of Revenue will be mailing information to all sellers of prepaid wireless services and telecommunication providers about the upcoming changes to the collection and remittance of the 911 Emergency Surcharge and the new Prepaid Wireless 911 Emergency Surcharge.

Board of Regents

Public Universities Survey Veteran Students
A new survey of military veterans enrolled as students at South Dakota public universities finds veterans generally rate on-campus services favorably, but also identify a number of resources they would recommend for future implementation.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

South Dakota Joins Black Hills Forest Management Plan Lawsuit to Address Pine Beetles
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the State of South Dakota has successfully intervened into the latest litigation over the Black Hills Forest Land and Resource Management Plan recently filed by environmentalist in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming.

Health

Animal rabies up in 2011
The number of animal rabies cases rose to 40 in 2011, up from 32 cases the year before, according to the annual rabies surveillance report recently released by the Department of Health.

Public Safety

Names Released in Lake County Fatal Crash
A Minnesota man died on Monday, April 2, in a two-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 34 two miles east of Madison.

Transportation

Work to Begin on I-90 between Oacoma and Chamberlain
Reconstruction work will begin Tuesday (April 3) in the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 from mile marker 258 west of Oacoma to Exit 265 at Chamberlain.

Agriculture

Mountain Pine Beetle Flight Expected in July
A recent report from Colorado that said mountain pine beetles have two generations per year, rather than one, is raising unnecessary alarm in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

Corrections

Penitentiary Training Academy to be Named for Ron ‘RJ’ Johnson
The staff training academy at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls will be dedicated in memory of the late Senior Correctional Officer Ron ‘RJ’ Johnson during a ceremony on April 12.

State prison inmates on front line of Mountain Pine Beetle Fight
State prison inmates cut down nearly three-thousand trees this winter that were infested by the mountain pine beetle

Health

Annual mosquito control and West Nile Virus conference scheduled
South Dakota’s annual Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus Conference will be held April 18-19 in Aberdeen.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
A Rapid City man died and three other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on Sheridan Lake Road about 10 miles west of Rapid City on Sunday, April 1.

Tourism

Twelve Heritage Institutions in Dakotas Selected to Receive Free Collections Assessments, Host Workshops
The Dakota Collections Care Initiative (DCCI) has selected 12 heritage institutions in North Dakota and South Dakota to receive free collections assessments and host collections care workshops this summer.

Public Safety

Name Released in Minnehaha County Fatal Motorcycle Crash
A Colton man died on Saturday, March 31, when the motorcycle he was driving crashed on 464th Avenue north of 253rd Street near Colton.

Agriculture

KCBS Judging School Coming to Huron
Organizers of the Original South Dakota BBQ Championships will host a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) Certified BBQ Judging School on Saturday, April 14, at the Huron Country Club. Deadline for registration is Monday, April 2.

Secretary Bones Makes Statement of Lean Finely Textured Beef
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture Walt Bones stated his support today for the U.S. beef industry and lean finely textured beef.

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Daugaard Announces $43.4 Million for Environmental Projects
The state Board of Water and Natural Resources approved $43.4 million in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, storm water, watershed improvement, landfill, and recycling projects when it met Thursday and Friday in Pierre.

Public Safety

Parents Matter Campaign: “Have the Talk”
A record number of South Dakota schools are taking a united stand against underage drinking and driving. Over 160 schools all across the state, including colleges and universities, are participating in the Parents Matter campaign this year.

Tourism

First Lady gowns subject of next history book club meeting
The First Lady Inaugural Gown display is a popular stop for people visiting the South Dakota State Capitol. People can learn more about the display and gowns during the History and Heritage Book Club meeting on Tuesday, April 3.

Transportation

Spring Load Restriction Report #9
Effective at 12:00 PM (Noon) Friday, March 30, 2012, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segments and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below. This notification removes the segments on SD 10, SD 130 and SD 271.

Work to Begin on Burr St, Havens Ave. and S.D. Highway 37 Truck Route in Mitchell
On Tuesday, April 3, road work will begin in Mitchell on a project that includes Burr Street, Havens Avenue and the state Highway 37 truck route.

Work to Begin on I-90 from Mount Vernon to the James River
Pavement reconstruction work will begin on Interstate 90 from Mount Vernon to the James River on Monday, April 2.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

South Dakota Outpacing Most of the Nation in Personal Income Growth
South Dakotans made more money last year than they did in 2010 and were among the nation’s leaders in income growth.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Massachusetts Man Pleads to Possession of Marijuana with Intent To Distribute Charge
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Donald McCormick, 40, Ipswich, MA, entered a plea of guilty today to one count of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute.

Environment and Natural Resources

Free Training for Owners, Operators of Regulated Underground Storage Tanks
DENR has partnered with the South Dakota Petroleum and Propane Marketers Association to offer a second round of free training to help owners and operators of regulated underground storage tank systems comply with state and federal requirements.

DENR Submits Water Body Report to EPA by April 1 Deadline
DENR has submitted its 2012 Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment to EPA. The biennial report, required under the federal Clean Water Act, was due to EPA by April 1.

Health

Easter chicks and ducklings carry risk of Salmonella
Parents should think twice about giving their kids baby chicks or ducklings for Easter, says a state health official. Nationally, outbreaks of salmonellosis have been linked to exposure with baby chicks and ducks.

Public Safety

Custer County Fatal Crash
A Hot Springs man died in a one-vehicle crash on Mountain Lion Lane about six miles south of Pringle in Custer County on Wednesday, March 28.

Board of Regents

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

New Certificate Programs Offer Students Focused Expertise
The South Dakota Board of Regents today approved requests to deliver new certificate programs in the areas of leadership, biotechnology, and information assurance.

Regents Adopt Performance Funding Model
The South Dakota Board of Regents has adopted a framework for a performance funding model that rewards public universities for their success in producing college graduates.

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

Lower-Cost Courses to be Offered at University Center-Sioux Falls
A lower-cost option for delivering the first two years of a baccalaureate education will be offered soon at University Center-Sioux Falls. The UC-SF Foundations program aims to bring new students into South Dakota’s public university system and graduate more of them to meet workforce demands.

Regents Approve Tuition & Fee Rates for 2012-13
The South Dakota Board of Regents approved tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year. The impact to students within the public university system is an average cost increase of $463.97 per year, or 6.5 percent.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

South Dakota Outpacing Most of the Nation in Personal Income Growth
South Dakotans made more money last year than they did in 2010 and were among the nation’s leaders in income growth.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governors Support Lean Finely-Textured Beef
A coalition of governors is joining forces to support the U.S. beef industry and set the record straight about lean finely-textured beef.

Game, Fish and Parks

Second Annual South Dakota Birding Festival Planned
Birders to gather May 18-20 in Fort Randall Dam area.

Trout to be stocked near Pierre
Several releases of rainbow trout planned.

Tony Dean Grant Funding will Aid Youth Conservation Education
Funding to encourage youth interest and participation in the outdoors.

Health

Health Department honors Oakland
Brett Oakland, Sioux Falls recently received the Excellence in the Workplace Award from the South Dakota Department of Health in the agency’s annual Secretary's Awards Program.

Transportation

Louise and Western Avenue Overpasses & I-229 Bridge Work Planned
Repair work will begin next week on a couple of Interstate 229 overpasses in Sioux Falls and some I-229 bridges.

North Sheridan Lake Road Closure
Construction for Phase 1 of the Jackson Boulevard reconstruction project in Rapid City will begin Sunday, April 1.

S.D. Highway 34 Bridge Work to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin bridge repair work on U.S. Highway 34 beginning Wednesday, April 4, 2012.

Public Meeting to be held in Long Valley On S.D. Highway 73 Project
The public is invited to attend an informational meeting in Long Valley on Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. MDT on reconstruction of South Dakota Highway 73.

Board of Regents

Graduate Banking Degree Approved at NSU Regents Authorize More Programs for Online Delivery
Beginning this fall, Northern State University will offer a master’s degree in banking and financial services, building on its successful undergraduate programs in that field.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Sets Archery in the School Tournament
South Dakota students to test archery skills in Brookings.

Public Safety

Sobriety Checkpoints Planned
South Dakota Highway Patrol has sobriety checkpoints planned in 16 counties during the month of April.

Tourism

State Tourism Takes Dramatically Different Approach in 2012
South Dakota Launches “Your American Journey” Campaign

Agriculture

Pheromones Not Recommended Treatment for Mountain Pine Beetles
Field tests show that pheromones are not an effective treatment on Black Hills ponderosa pine trees.

Public Safety

Teens Interested in Law Enforcement Careers Sought for Youth Training Academy
The South Dakota Highway Patrol and the American Legion of South Dakota are sponsoring a Youth Trooper Academy in Pierre at the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center on June 25 – 29, 2012.

Transportation

Work To Begin on Interstate 90 near Piedmont
On Wednesday, March 28, a contractor for the South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin concrete repairs on Interstate 90 near Piedmont.

Public Safety

Two-vehicle fatal crash in Mitchell-updated
CONTACT: Capt. Kevin Joffer, Lt. Alan Welsh or Lt. Paul Gerken, SD Highway Patrol, (605) 367-5700

Game, Fish and Parks

Hunters Warned of Spring Fire Danger
Hunters advised to exercise caution while in the field and report fires

Elk Meeting to be Held in Rapid City
GFP Commission to listen to comments on elk hunting proposals

Boaters Encouraged to be Safe on Rivers
Rapidly running waters create hazards for boaters

Transportation

East Center Street Closure in Madison
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will close Center Street in Madison to through-traffic from Washington Avenue to Division Avenue on Monday, March 26.

Highway 16 and Catron Blvd. Intersection Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will install a new signal pole at the intersection of U.S. Highway 16 and Catron Boulevard in Rapid City at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 25.

Revenue

April 1st Deadline for Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program
Elderly and disabled South Dakotans have until April 1st to apply for property tax relief under South Dakota’s Assessment Freeze for the Elderly and Disabled Program.

Board of Regents

Opportunity Scholarship Encourages Better College Preparation
A new report on South Dakota’s merit-based scholarship program confirms that more high school students are graduating prepared with the right curriculum to be successful in college, while at the same time a greater share of high-achieving students remains in the state for postsecondary education and to work.

Attorney General Marty Jackley

Lake Andes Man Indicted in Sexual Contact Case
Attorney General Marty Jackley and Charles Mix County States Attorney Pam Hein report that Kelly Joe Wells, 28, Lake Andes, was indicted today in Charles Mix County on one count of sexual contact with person incapable of consenting.

Tourism

South Dakota’s Great Places: Oahe Dam
There is a Great Place in South Dakota that is located north of the Pierre and Fort Pierre communities. It creates the fourth largest artificial reservoir in the United States and one of the largest earth-rolled dams in the world. It’s the Oahe Dam.

Agriculture

Take Precautions with Firewood from Mountain Pine Beetle Infested Trees
As people in the Black Hills cut down and chunk their mountain pine beetle infested trees, they need to remember not to move or stack the chunks.

Transportation

Road Work on Highway 38 in Minnehaha County
Crews have begun work on South Dakota Highway 38 in Minnehaha County to widen the road for the addition of turn lanes.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

First Lady To Visit 100th Elementary School
First Lady Linda Daugaard, as part of her initiative to encourage students to read, will visit her 100th elementary school Wednesday when she reads to 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at Christian Center Elementary in Sioux Falls.

Tourism

Early registration deadline for history conference near
The early registration deadline for this year’s annual history conference of the South Dakota State Historical Society is Friday, March 23.

Transportation

Spring Load Restriction Report #8
Effective at 12 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segments and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below. This notification removes the segments on South Dakota highways 1804 and SD 1806.

Board of Regents

Gov. Daugaard Signs Public University Capital Improvement Plan
Legislative leaders joined representatives of the South Dakota Board of Regents and Gov. Dennis Daugaard March 19 to commemorate the signing of House Bill 1051. The bill authorizes a priority list of building construction projects and infrastructure upgrades to be completed over the next decade as part of the regents’ Capital Improvement Plan.

Universities and K-12 Schools Partner Up to Improve Math and Science
Six projects that partner 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.

Education

Tech Institutes: Placement remains high, slight bump in state fees
Monday’s meeting of the South Dakota Board of Education dealt almost exclusively with the work of the state’s four technical institutes.

Transportation

Russell Street Lane Closures
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be continuing sub-soil testing in Sioux Falls on a 1.8-mile stretch of Russell Street, from Kiwanis Avenue to Bailey Street, this week.

Work Begins on Interstate 90 near Piedmont
Beginning today, (Monday, March 19), work will begin on western Interstate 90 between Piedmont and Black Hawk on safety improvements and installation of an asphalt surface over the existing concrete pavement.

SDDOT Plans Public Information Meeting in Mitchell
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting in Mitchell on Monday, March 26.

Public Safety

2 Vehicle Injury Accident Involving 2 Aberdeen Police Officers
A crash between two Aberdeen PD patrol cars caused injuries to three people on Sunday morning, March 18 at the intersection 7th Avenue Southeast and South Washington Street in the City of Aberdeen.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

First Round of Ethanol Blender Pump Grants Proves Popular
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that applications have been received for this year’s entire first round of grants to help pay for installation of ethanol blender pumps and associated infrastructure.