Environment and Natural Resources

Statement on the Fire at the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex
At approximately midnight this morning, October 31, the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex caught fire and sustained substantial damage.

Governor Kristi Noem

Respecting (and Recruiting) Law Enforcement
It has been a tough year for the rule of law and law enforcement in certain parts of our country.

Corrections

Inmate Curtis Schnellbach dies
Inmate Curtis Schnellbach, age 60, passed away at a Yankton hospital Oct. 30

Education

Take-to-make holiday ornaments Nov. 7 at Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum is switching the annual make-and-take a holiday ornament event to a “take-to-make” program this year on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Environment and Natural Resources

Governor Noem Announces Lead Testing and Mitigation Reimbursement Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced a new lead testing and mitigation reimbursement program for licensed child care programs and registered family day care providers.

Public Safety

Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured late Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash near Kimball.

November Sobriety Checkpoint List
PIERRE, S.D. – Eighteen sobriety checkpoints in 15 different counties are scheduled during November by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Corrections

Inmate Taksim Neziroski placed on escape status
Inmate Taksim Neziroski, age 68, was reported missing from his community service jobsite on the Human Services Center campus in Yankton at approximately 7:15 this morning. A blue grey 2002 Buick LeSabre with the license number 7A5664 has been reported missing from a parking lot on the HSC campus.

Labor and Regulation

ACA Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1
The South Dakota Division of Insurance reminds consumers the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period for 2021 coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020, for consumers with individual policies.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 24
During the week of Oct. 18-24, a total of 391 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Names Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – A Breckenridge, CO man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Murdo.

Transportation

Bridge Work on Western Avenue over I-229
The Mitchell Region bridge crew will be doing concrete repairs on the Western Avenue bridge over Interstate 229 on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3-4, 2020.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem To Appoint Judge Myren To South Dakota Supreme Court
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Scott P. Myren to the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Human Services

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces K-12 Connect
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the launch of K-12 Connect, a program to provide internet service at no cost to eligible K-12 students in their homes for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

Public Safety

Name Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A 24-year-old Sturgis woman has been identified as the person who died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Whitewood.

Public Safety

Name Released In Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – An Oshkosh, WI man has been identified as the person who died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Kimball.

Transportation

I-90 Exit 10 Eastbound Off Ramp Closure
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing repair work on the bridge over Spearfish Creek on Thursday, Oct. 29.

Public Safety

Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Murdo.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A 24-year-old woman died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Whitewood.

Governor Kristi Noem

Election Day and the Consent of the Governed
When Thomas Jefferson laid out America’s founding ideal in the Declaration of Independence, he made clear that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.

Education

Woman suffrage focus of “South Dakota History”
A special issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society, highlights the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted most women equal voting rights.

Public Safety

Deadline to Renew Expired Driver Licenses Is Dec. 30, 2020
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakotans are reminded that they have only until Dec. 30, 2020 to renew expired driver licenses or ID cards and are encouraged to renew online at Renew2020SD.com.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Expands Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced updates to expand the Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program, which utilizes Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to assist small businesses, community-based healthcare providers, and non-profits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Noem Announces $10 Million in CARES Act Housing Assistance
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that $10 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) has been awarded to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) to assist South Dakotans who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and need help paying their housing expenses.

Bureau of Administration

Obligation Recovery Center signs with a new vendor
The Bureau of Administration has announced that the Obligation Recovery Center, established by HB1228 during the 2015 Legislative Session, will be changing vendors.

Corrections

Update on mass testing in DOC facilities
he South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Health are continuing to conduct mass testing at all DOC facilities, with sentinel testing to follow.

Education

Women’s suffrage exhibit to close at Cultural Heritage Center on Nov. 4
The museum exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre that celebrated South Dakota’s participation in the women’s suffrage movement will close on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 17
During the week of Oct. 11-17, a total of 414 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – An 84-year-old man died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Kimball.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
ROWENA, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Rowena.

Social Services

Prescription Take-Back Day Oct. 24
South Dakotans are encouraged to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs as part of Prescription Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

Veterans Affairs

ERIN BROWN NAMED DIRECTOR OF STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
Aaron Pollard, Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, announced Monday, October 19, that Erin Brown will serve as the director of the new state veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls. Brown will begin her duties November 9.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Postpones Friday’s Recruit Graduation
PIERRE, S.D. – The possibility of winter-like conditions has led the South Dakota Highway Patrol to postpone Friday’s trooper recruit graduation ceremony which was scheduled for the state Capitol Rotunda.

Name Released In Davison County Fatal Crash
ETHAN, S.D. – A Mitchell, S.D., man has died from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday, Oct. 7, near Ethan.

Agriculture

A Successful South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair celebrated its 135th fair September 3-7, themed ‘Perfect Vision of Fun,’ an event that showcased youth, tradition, agriculture, and South Dakota heritage.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Grants
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is accepting applications for the 2020 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grants.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center offering women’s suffrage Zoom program on Oct. 25
Dr. Claire Jerry, lead curator of political history in the Division of Political and Military History at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, will be making a presentation via Zoom about women’s suffrage on Sunday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Social Services

DSS helping to keep families, communities safe
Keeping South Dakota families safe is the goal of new services being provided by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Board of Regents

Test-Optional Alternatives Open to Students Applying to Public Universities
South Dakota’s six public universities are emphasizing test-optional academic pathways for prospective students as they apply in the current admissions cycle.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – The first nine recruits of the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s new Fast Track Academy graduate Friday at the state Capitol in Pierre.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
ROWENA, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured Sunday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Rowena.

Veterans Affairs

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s October Column – Agent Orange
October is designated as a month to increase awareness of Agent Orange and the long-term effect it has had, and continues to have, on our veterans.

Governor Kristi Noem

More Hunting
Every year when the third weekend in October rolls around, South Dakota comes alive with hunters looking to enjoy the very best pheasant hunting in the world.

South Dakota Launches a Nationwide Effort to Fill Law Enforcement Positions
Today, South Dakota kicked off a nationwide law enforcement recruitment campaign with the primary goal to fill open positions within the Departments of Public Safety, Corrections, and Game, Fish and Parks.

Agriculture

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Plan Approved by United States Department of Agriculture
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has received final approval by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the South Dakota Industrial Hemp Plan.

Corrections

Update on mass testing in DOC facilities
Mass testing was also conducted at the Mike Durfee State Prison (MDSP) in Springfield this week. A total of 127 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 with 22 inmates testing negative.

Corrections

Inmate Kevan Whiteman back in custody
Kevan Whiteman, age 21, was arrested in Minnehaha County on Oct. 14.

Labor and Regulation

State Minimum Wage to Increase Jan. 1
The state minimum wage will increase from $9.30/hour to $9.45/hour effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 10
During the week of Oct. 4-10, a total of 382 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

FEMA Approves Funding for Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA has approved more than $1.2 million to reimburse Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative for emergency cleanup and restoration of electric service after a severe winter storm last year. High winds and heavy icing caused widespread damage in the cooperative’s territory leaving nearly 10,000 customers in Lake, Minnehaha and Moody counties without power and damaging hundreds of poles, power lines, and other equipment.

Transportation

FRA Grants Awarded for Rail Projects
Secretary of Transportation Darin Bergquist has been notified the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s grant requests for three rail projects have been approved to receive Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant awards.

Game, Fish and Parks

South Dakota’s Traditional Pheasant Hunting Season Opens: A Day Like No Other
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota pheasant hunting season is underway with blaze orange as the state’s prime color. This weekend, hunters, families and friends from across the country will be welcomed to South Dakota to take part in a tradition more than 100 years old.

Transportation

Highway 248 near Presho to Close Temporarily
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 248 near Brakke Dam will be closed to through traffic for three weeks starting Monday, Oct. 26.

Transportation

Westbound I-90 Lane Closure at Exit 402
As part of the new Veteran’s Parkway construction, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will be placing a lane closure in the westbound driving lane at Exit 402 on I-90 in Sioux Falls, Wednesday, Oct. 14.

Governor Kristi Noem

Celebrating Native American Day
Today in South Dakota, we honor the Dakota and Lakota people that contributed to South Dakota’s history, both past and present, by celebrating Native American Day.

Public Safety

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
WALL LAKE, S.D. – Two Sioux Falls men have been identified as those who died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Wall Lake.

Corrections

Fire damages Penitentiary Carpentry Shop
The carpentry shop suffered fire and smoke damage. The amount of damage is undetermined.

Governor Kristi Noem

An Update on South Dakota’s COVID-19 Response
I always knew that South Dakota could be an example to the nation. I never expected that such an example would be set in the midst of a global pandemic.

Governor Noem Announces Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the launch of the Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program, which will utilize up to $580 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to assist small businesses, community-based healthcare providers, and non-profits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Safety

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – Names have been released of the three men who died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sturgis.

Transportation

Ramp Work on I-29 Exit 64 and Exit 71
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on the Exit 71 and Exit 64 interchange ramps along Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls on Monday, Oct. 12.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Director Lauseng to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Mark Lauseng, Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), will retire.

Education

Hargreaves selected as 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Amanda Hargreaves, a sixth-grade teacher at Mitchell Middle School, has been named the 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Ben Jones made the announcement this evening at a special virtual event.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 3
During the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, a total of 404 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
WALL LAKE, S.D. – Two people died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Wall Lake.

Revenue

Deadline approaching for disabled veteran property tax program
The Nov. 1, 2020 deadline for eligible disabled veterans to apply for property tax relief is approaching.

Education

2019-20 Report Card: College and career readiness rates rise
South Dakota’s college and career readiness rates have improved, according to the 2019-20 Report Card.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – Three men died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sturgis.

Board of Regents

Spring 2021 Semester Proceeds as Planned at State Universities
The South Dakota Board of Regents today agreed to maintain a spring semester calendar of 77 class days for the six public universities, with the academic term beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, and concluding Friday, May 7, 2021.

Public Safety

Name Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – An Aberdeen man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a truck-train crash west of Aberdeen.

Veterans Affairs

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFERS NEW LOCATION FOR VETERANS TO MEET WITH STAFF
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has setup a temporary office to meet with veterans to file their claims and conduct in-person interviews.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Address to 2020 Special Session (as prepared)
The last time I saw many of you, we didn’t know what to expect with COVID-19. Here we are nearly 7 months later.

Education

New State Historical Society book offers firsthand accounts of Wounded Knee
The South Dakota State Historical Society’s latest book, “‘All Guns Fired at One Time’: Native Voices of Wounded Knee, 1890,” compiled and edited by Jerome A. Greene, sets aside official narratives of what was once called a “battle” and centers instead on the voices of survivors and witnesses.

Human Services

White Cane Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October 15, White Cane Day in South Dakota.

Transportation

Jennings Avenue Bridge Construction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge work will take place on the Jennings Avenue Bridge in Hot Springs today, Oct. 5, and on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020.

Board of Regents

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday
Twenty members of a higher education task force meet for the first time Thursday in Rapid City.

Veterans Affairs

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SGT Daniel Busse
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veteran SGT Daniel Busse.

Public Safety

Kitchen Safety Theme of Fire Prevention Week
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal says while the kitchen can be one of the favorite rooms in the house, it can also be a deadly one.

Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One person died Friday afternoon in a truck-train crash west of Aberdeen.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Issues Proclamation for Special Session
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued a proclamation for a special session of the state legislature. The legislature will meet on Monday, October 5, 2020, with the purpose of considering legislation related to the use of federal stimulus relief funds, including the $1.25 billion allocated to South Dakota in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF).

A South Dakota Staple: The Buffalo Roundup
I recently got to enjoy one of my favorite days of the year in South Dakota, the annual Buffalo Roundup.

Governor Noem Announces Secretary Bergquist to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Darin Bergquist, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, will retire, effective November 13, 2020.

Education

South Dakota Celebrates Archives Month in October
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October as Archives Month in South Dakota.

Human Services

Malnutrition Awareness Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the month of October 5-9 Malnutrition Awareness Week (MAW) in South Dakota.

Transportation

Highway 79 Turn Lane Paving
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, on Highway 79 to pave a turning lane into the landfill.

Bridge Work on Western Ave South of I-229
The Mitchell Region bridge crew will be doing concrete repairs on the Western Avenue bridge over the Big Sioux River south of I-229 in Sioux Falls on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 6-7).

Box Culvert Work to Begin on 418th Ave in Hutchinson County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work to replace the bridge over Dry Creek on 418th Avenue in Hutchinson County is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 5.

Corrections

Third mass testing conducted of Women’s Prison inmates
A total of 29 inmates in Unit E of the Women’s Prison tested positive for COVID-19. The other 58 inmates in that housing unit tested negative.

Education

South Dakota residents to receive free admission at Cultural Heritage Center beginning Oct. 1
For the first time in more than 10 years, admission fees at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre are changing – and South Dakota residents are clearly benefitting from the changes.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Sept. 26
During the week of Sept. 20-26, a total of 233 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Names Released In Fall River County Fatal Crash
MAVERICK JUNCTION, S.D. – A Hot Springs, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a pedestrian-vehicle crash near Maverick Junction.

Transportation

Hall of Honor Banquet for Ben Orsbon of Pierre Nov. 2
Ben Orsbon of Pierre is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Bridge Deck Sealing in the Sioux Falls Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge deck sealing will take place at the following locations starting Monday, Oct. 5.

Education

He Dog School on Rosebud Indian Reservation listed in National Register of Historic Places
The He Dog School near Parmelee was recently placed in the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Human Services

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins Oct. 15
Open enrollment for the 2021 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan year begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.

Transportation

Highway 50 Reconstruction Traffic Change
Starting Monday, Oct. 5, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin work on the remaining portion of Highway 50 in Vermillion.

Public Safety

Fall River County Fatal Crash
MAVERICK JUNCTION, S.D. – An 82-year-old male died in a pedestrian-vehicle crash Monday afternoon near Maverick Junction.

Social Services

DSS issuing additional support to child care programs
Child care providers in South Dakota are set to receive a second financial boost from the Department of Social Services (DSS) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Revenue

Deadline for buffer strip property tax incentive approaching
The South Dakota Department of Revenue reminds landowners that applications for the riparian buffer strip property tax incentive must be submitted by October 15, 2020.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Issues Statement on Appointment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement on President Trump’s appointment of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the United States Supreme Court:

Governor Kristi Noem

Reaching Out to Our Neighbors
I recently had a chance to visit with a single mom, the mother of two young girls, from another state.

Helmsley Charitable Trust Grants $4 Million For Custer State Park Bison Center
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust has awarded a $4 million grant to the South Dakota Parks and Wildlife Foundation to construct the Custer State Park Bison Center.

Corrections

Second mass testing conducted of Women’s Prison inmates
A total of 51 inmates in the C and D housing units of the Women’s Prison tested positive for COVID-19. The other 61 inmates in those housing units tested negative.

Tribal Relations

Board On Geographic Names Holding Public Meeting to Solicit Public Comment on Unnamed Creek in Hughes County
Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names (SDBGN) is holding its board meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2020, at 11:45 a.m. (CDT) at the Becker-Hansen Building Commission Room, 700 E. Broadway Ave. in Pierre.

Education

New State Historical Society picture book focuses on suffrage protest
In “The Voice of Liberty,” the latest book from the South Dakota State Historical Society, suffragists organize to give the Statue of Liberty—and themselves—a voice.

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Noem Announces nearly $23.4 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, Gov. Kristi Noem announced the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved nearly $23.4 million for drinking water, wastewater, recycling, and solid waste projects.

Human Services

Disability Employment Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the month of October as Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Sept. 19
During the week of Sept. 13-19, a total of 504 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDS APPROVED FOR WAUBAY FLOOD MITIGATION PROJECT
SIOUX FALLS – FEMA has awarded a $1.66 million grant to the City of Waubay, South Dakota for home acquisitions. The grant will fund the purchase of ten properties that have been impacted by repetitive flooding caused by closed-basin lakes in Day County. This project will allow property owners to relocate away from the flood hazard and prevent future damage.

Veterans Affairs

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SGT Allen D. Kokesh, Jr.
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veteran SGT Allen D. Kokesh, Jr.

Health

Potential COVID-19 Exposure in Sioux Falls
State Health officials announced Wednesday, September 23rd, that an individual who attended a Women’s Conference held at Faith Family Church at 127 N. Spring Ave in Sioux Falls has tested positive for COVID-19.

Public Safety

Names Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A Hermosa, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died in a three-vehicle crash Friday morning in Hermosa.

Name Released In Clay County Fatal Crash
VERMILLION, S.D. – An Akron, Iowa man has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Vermillion.

Social Services

Human Services Center aims for zero suicides
The goal is zero. South Dakota’s only state run inpatient psychiatric facility, the South Dakota Human Services Center, is using “Zero Suicide” practices to help save lives.

Board of Regents

Board of Regents Releases Fall Enrollment for 2020
Fall enrollment at South Dakota’s six public universities is down about 2.8 percent in headcount and full-time equivalent students, the South Dakota Board of Regents reported today.

Veterans Affairs

This Month, and Every Month, Take a Moment to Show Veterans You Care!
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness and connect individuals to treatment services.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem and Mayor TenHaken Announce Planned Completion of Veterans Parkway
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken announced plans to complete construction on the Veterans Parkway on the south side of Sioux Falls. The Transportation Commission approved plans for the final completion of the project earlier today.

Public Safety

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A 67-year-old male has died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Monday, Aug. 31, north of Watertown.

Transportation

Missouri River Bridge Replacement Project Awarded
Today, Secretary of Transportation Darin Bergquist announced that the Transportation Commission approved the award of the Pierre-Fort Pierre Missouri River Bridge replacement project to Jensen Construction Company for $49.99 million.

Work Begins on I-90 near Exit 23
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge berm repair work will begin at the east and westbound bridges on Interstate 90 at mile marker 22.98 west of Whitewood on Monday Sept. 28.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Special Legislative Session
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will be calling a special session of the state legislature.

Agriculture

South Dakota Timed Event Championship Results
The tenth annual South Dakota Timed Event Championship (SDTEC) sponsored in part by Panhandle Slim, LG Seeds, and Double D Western, was held Sept. 5 and 6 in Huron at the South Dakota State Fair.

Education

Board adopts rules changes and begins public hearings on proposed content standards
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted several changes to educator certification rules to allow additional flexibilities earlier today. The board also held the first of four public hearings on academic content standards in several content areas.

Public Safety

Webster DL Exam Station Expands Days to Accommodate Public
WEBSTER, S.D. – An additional day of service has been added at the Webster exam station to accommodate the needs of northeast South Dakota area residents who need to renew a driver’s license or identification card.

Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a three-vehicle crash Friday morning in Hermosa.

Transportation

Retaining Wall Relocation near I-190 in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project to relocate a section of retaining wall at the intersection of North Street and 11th Street, near I-190 in Rapid City, will begin on Sept. 28, 2020.

Public Safety

Clay County Fatal Crash
VERMILLION, S.D. – One man died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Vermillion.

Public Safety

Name Released In Walworth County Fatal Crash
MOBRIDGE, S.D. – A Mobridge juvenile has been identified as the person who died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Mobridge.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Outlines Framework for $100 Million in CARES Act Funding for Community-Based Healthcare Providers
Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $100 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota’s community-based healthcare providers in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Good News for Ethanol
For years, I’ve been working to advance ethanol to benefit South Dakota farmers.

Education

State Historical Society creates listing of statues in South Dakota
The South Dakota State Historical Society recently prepared a list of statues in the state.

Human Services

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Expanding Services
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is expanding services to assist individuals with disabilities return to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Public Safety

Name Released In Edmunds County Fatal Crash
IPSWICH, S.D. – A Roscoe, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a tractor/sprayer crash near Ipswich.

Governor Kristi Noem

Custer State Park to Host Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host the 55th annual Buffalo Roundup and 27th annual Arts Festival in Custer State Park later this month.

Education

State Historical Society seeks public input on preservation needs
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre is preparing for its federal fiscal year 2021 grant application and invites public comment through Oct. 31 on the state’s preservation needs and projects.

Labor and Regulation

Governor Noem Proclaims Sept. 20-26 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept. 20-26 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in South Dakota.

Unemployment Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of Sept. 6-12, a total of 346 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash Sunday in Spearfish.

Transportation

Bridge Spall Repairs in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing concrete spall repairs on two overpasses in Sioux Falls on Sept. 22 and 23.

Agriculture

Scholarship Prizes Available for Resource Conservation Speech Contest Winners
Contestants in the 60th Annual Resource Conservation Speech Contest are eligible to win a share of $2,300 in college scholarships.

Public Safety

Name Released In Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. – A Martin man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Martin.

Walworth County Fatal Crash
MOBRIDGE, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Mobridge.

Tourism

Explore South Dakota Virtually with New Online Learning Resources
As families across the nation continue to make decisions about virtual learning and travel experiences, the South Dakota Department of Tourism has developed flexible and unique virtual learning opportunities to experience South Dakota from home.

GOVERNOR NOEM OPENS CALL TO STUDENT ARTISTS
In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 13-19, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Arts Council are excited to announce the launch of the Governor’s Student Art Competition.

Transportation

Solberg Avenue Bridge Approach Slab Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be working on the Solberg Avenue overpass structure over I-229 in Sioux Falls starting Thursday, Sept. 17.

State Railroad Board Accepts Proposal to Purchase the Mitchell to Rapid City Railroad Line
The South Dakota State Railroad Board (Board) accepted a proposal today for possible acquisition of the state-owned Mitchell to Rapid City Railroad (MRC) Line. The proposal was presented by Watco Companies who have ownership in 43 other shortline railroads in North America and Australia.

South Dakota Awarded $22 Million Grant
Secretary Darin Bergquist announced that the South Dakota Department of Transportation has been awarded a $22 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to reconstruct and widen shoulders on the S.D. Highway 46 segment from U.S. Highway 81 to west of Interstate 29.

Asphalt Paving on Highway 85 in Butte County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin asphalt resurfacing operations the week of Sept. 21, on 22 miles of Highway 85, from Belle Fourche, north to the junction of Kinghorn Road.

Human Services

2020 Governor’s Awards Presented
Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2020 Governor’s Awards today to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving independent living and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Public Safety

Edmunds County Fatal Crash
IPSWICH, S.D. – One person died Monday afternoon in a tractor/sprayer crash near Ipswich.

Names Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
COLUMBIA, S.D. – A Mina, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash last Friday morning west of Columbia.

Transportation

Election Signs Not Allowed in State Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds the public that political campaign and ballot-issue signs cannot be placed on state highway rights of way.

Tunnel Inspections to Take Place in October
The Department of Transportation will be doing bi-annual tunnel inspections the week of Oct. 5, 2020. This will result in traffic delays and or closure of Highway 87 Needles Highway and Highway 16A Iron Mountain Road.

Agriculture

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Reminds Public of Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to remind the public about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a one-vehicle crash Sunday in Spearfish.

Hyde County Fatal Crash
HIGHMORE, S.D. – One man died Saturday night in a pedestrian-vehicle crash west of Highmore.

Transportation

Hall of Honor Banquet Date Set for Myron Rau of Sioux Falls
Myron Rau of Sioux Falls is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Hall of Honor Banquet Date Set for Barb Cline of Spearfish
Barb Cline of Spearfish is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Eastbound I-90 Lane Closure at Exit 402
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be placing a lane closure in the eastbound driving lane of Interstate 90 at Exit 402 on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Highway 115 (Minnesota Avenue) Opening to Traffic
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 115/Minnesota Avenue will be opening to traffic today, Monday, Sept. 14.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Governor Noem Announces Watertown as ‘Large Community of the Year’
WATERTOWN, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem was in Watertown, South Dakota, today to present the community with the “Large Community of the Year” award.

Public Safety

Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. – One man died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Martin.

Corrections

Inmate Clarence Ferris placed on escape status
Inmate Clarence Ferris left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization Sept. 12.

Governor Kristi Noem

Celebrating and Commemorating
This past week started with a holiday celebrating America’s workers and ended with the commemoration of 9/11, one of the most tragic days in American history.

Public Safety

Brown County Fatal Crash
COLUMBIA, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning west of Columbia.

Hughes County Fatal Crash
PIERRE, S.D. – A Pierre man has been identified as the person who died Saturday night in a one-vehicle crash in Pierre.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of Aug. 30 through Sept. 5, a total of 536 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 94 claims from the prior week’s total of 630.

Public Safety

Name Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
OKATON, S.D. – A Joliet, Ill., man has died as a result of injuries sustained in an Aug. 23, 2020 motorcycle crash west of Okaton.

Name Released In Harding County Fatal Crash
BUFFALO, S.D. – A man from Pinehurst, Idaho has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a motorcycle crash north of Buffalo.

Veterans Affairs

POW/MIA Recognition
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Outlines Framework for $400 Million in CARES Act Funding for South Dakota Small Businesses
Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $400 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota’s small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism

RELIEF FUNDING AWARDED ACROSS ARTS FIELD
The South Dakota Arts Council has awarded $422,800 in grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to 60 arts and cultural organzations throughout South Dakota.

Transportation

Project on Highway 12 from McLaughlin to the Grand River
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work on Highway 12 from about one mile west of the Grand River to 1.5 miles west of McLaughlin will begin Monday, Sept. 14.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem: Modeling Isn’t Reality
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement on the grossly misleading San Diego State CHEPS study regarding COVID-19 cases following the Sturgis rally:

Public Safety

Vermilion DL Exam Station Expands Days to Accommodate Public
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Driver Licensing program is adding days of service, by appointment only, to accommodate the needs of Vermillion area residents who want to renew a driver’s license or identification card.

Social Services

DSS awarded $1.2 million to help prevent adult suicide
More than 68,000 South Dakotans are expected to be helped over the next three years in the fight against adult suicide, thanks to a $1.2 million federal grant recently awarded to South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS). The money is intended to help prevent suicide in the 25 and older age group.

Transportation

Reminder to Remove Hay Bales from the Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds land owners hay remaining in highway ditches after Oct. 1 is deemed illegal.