Education

WWII Doolittle raider subject of new State Historical Society biography
A secret bombing mission, a crash-landing in China, and a bold escape open the newest biography from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem, DOT to Install Four-Way Stop at Intersection Near Woonsocket
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Transportation today announced that they are working to install additional traffic control measures at the intersection of Highways 34 and 37 in Sanborn County, changing it from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.

Public Safety

Names Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – Nicholas Fettig of Aberdeen has been identified as the person who died late Sunday night in a single-vehicle rollover crash seven miles west of Aberdeen.

Tourism

Department of Tourism Marketing Campaign Targets Leisure Travelers & Hunters
Although the summer travel season is quickly ending, the Department of Tourism’s efforts to promote South Dakota will continue to target leisure travelers and hunters in key markets around the country. Fall and winter marketing efforts kicked off in late August, highlighting the state's seasonal leisure, adventure and hunting opportunities.

Transportation

I-90 Exit 357 Flooding Update
South Dakota Department of Transportation crews have been working this week to create a water barrier along the westbound lanes of Interstate 90, just east of Exit 357 (Bridgewater), to divert the water from continuing to overtop the interstate.

Revenue

Tax collections at 2019 South Dakota State Fair exceed $217,000
Tax collections at the 2019 South Dakota State Fair have increased by 5.79 percent compared to last year.

Veterans Affairs

Taking Care of Heroes – An Unending Legacy
This month we have had two great events to honor and pay tribute to the men and women that served this great country.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Requests Investigation into Minnehaha County State’s Attorney
Governor Kristi Noem sent the following letter today:

Health

Input Sought for Statewide Suicide Prevention Plan
Over the past decade, South Dakota’s suicide rates rose by nearly 40 percent. State agencies along with the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health board are working to develop a comprehensive plan to prevent suicide in South Dakota and are seeking public input during the month of September. A draft of the plan is available for review at sdsuicideprevention.org.

Public Safety

Fall River County Fatal Crash
EDGEMONT, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Tuesday in a one-vehicle crash west of Edgemont.

Names Released in Sanborn County Fatal Crash
WOONSOCKET, S.D. – Three Woonsocket juveniles now officially have been identified as the people who died Saturday night in a three-vehicle crash east of Woonsocket.

Names Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – A Warner male has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash four miles west of Aberdeen.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Delivers Flooding Address
Governor Kristi Noem delivered the following Flooding Address today at 5pm CT:

Corrections

Inmate Chaske Evans In Custody
Evans turned himself in to the Pennington County Jail today.

Inmate Randy High Horse In Custody
High Horse was arrested today in Minnehaha County.

Education

2018-19 Report Card released: English-learners, postsecondary readiness are bright spots
Students whose native language is not English are experiencing increased success in mastering the language, according to the 2018-19 South Dakota Report Card. The number of students considered on track to English language mastery grew from 33 percent in 2017-18 to 45 percent in 2018-19.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP News: Custer State Park to Host Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host the 54th annual Buffalo Roundup and 26th annual Arts Festival in Custer State Park later this month. The Buffalo Roundup begins at 9:30 a.m. MDT on Friday, Sept. 27. The Arts Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 26, through Saturday, Sept. 28.

Board of Regents

Campus and Community Representatives to Participate in BHSU Presidential Search
A group of 13 people will assist the South Dakota Board of Regents in its search for the next president of Black Hills State University, serving as campus and community representatives on the presidential search and screen committee.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces Partnership Between DSS, Avera Behavioral Health to Provide Additional Services Following Sioux Falls Tornado
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is working with Avera Behavioral Health to provide support for patients affected by the tornado damage in Sioux Falls Tuesday evening.

Noem Announces South Dakota Week of Work to be Held April 20-24, 2020
The South Dakota Week of Work is scheduled for April 20-24, 2020, with the goal of introducing 10th grade students to career opportunities in their communities through job shadows, industry tours, and other business-classroom connections.

Education

Award-winning holiday story now in paperback from State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society has released a paperback edition of “The Christmas Coat: Memories of My Sioux Childhood,” past winner of an American Indian Youth Literature Award.

Public Safety

Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured late Sunday night in a single-vehicle rollover crash seven miles west of Aberdeen.

Transportation

Highway 44 Rock Scaling
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says rock scaling on Highway 44 between Chapel Lane and Cleghorn Canyon Road will begin Tuesday Sept. 17, at 8 a.m. depending on weather.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the I-90 Exit 406 (SD11 / Splitrock Boulevard) Interchange EA
The (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the city of Brandon, will hold a public open house from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Wed. Sept. 18, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Express Convention Center, (1103 N Splitrock Boulevard) to present and collect comments for improvements to the I-90 Exit 406 interchange and associated SD11 / Splitrock Boulevard corridor.

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.

Corrections

Inmate Chaske Evans Placed on Escape Status
Minimum-security Inmate Chaske Evans has been placed on escape status. He left his community service job site in Rapid City today without authorization.

Public Safety

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

Sanborn County Fatal Crash
WOONSOCKET, S.D. – Three people died and two others were injured in a three-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday night east of Woonsocket.

Corrections

Inmate Randy High Horse Placed on Escape Status
Minimum-security Inmate Randy High Horse has been placed on escape status. He left the Sioux Falls Community Work Center this morning without authorization.

Transportation

I90 Open- Drivers Cautioned To Lane Closures and Reduced Speeds
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Interstate 90 is open with reduced speeds, lane closures and flaggers monitoring and guiding traffic.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: A Tribute to Heroes
Earlier this month, I was honored and humbled to join veterans and South Dakotans as we broke ground on South Dakota’s first State Veterans Cemetery. Despite pouring rain, more than 100 veterans and South Dakotans gathered at the site just outside Sioux Falls for the momentous occasion.

Transportation

I-90 To Remain Closed
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that portions of I-90 will remain closed overnight and remain closed until further notice.

Portions of I-90 opening
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Interstate 90 westbound is open from the Bridgewater Exit 357 west and remains closed from Humboldt Exit 379 to Bridgewater Exit 357 with through traffic detoured at Sioux Falls Exit 396 to northbound I-29.

Agriculture

Deadline for Urban and Community Forestry Grant is October 14
South Dakota communities, non-profit organizations, and Native American tribes are encouraged to apply for a 2019 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grant.

Game, Fish and Parks

High Water Causes GFP to Declare No Wake Zones on Lakes Brandt, Madison, Herman and Mitchell
PIERRE, S.D. – High lake levels have caused South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Secretary Kelly Hepler, to declare temporary "no wake zones" on Lake Brandt, Lake Madison and Lake Herman in Lake County and Lake Mitchell in Davison County.

Transportation

I-90 Closed From Exit 310 to I-29
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that Interstate 90 is now closed between Highway 281 (Exit 310) and Interstate 29 (Exit 396) at Sioux Falls.

Veterans Affairs

POW/MIA Recognition
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, Sept. 20, 2019, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.

Education

Community identity exhibit at Cultural Heritage Center to close on Sept. 15
Visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center Museum in Pierre have just a few more days to visit the exhibition “From Jackrabbits to Schmeckfest: The Many Faces of Community Identity in South Dakota.” The exhibit, featuring images, events, and places that help define community identity in South Dakota, closes on Sunday, Sept. 15.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP News: Recreational Trails Receive Funding
Governor Kristi Noem has awarded Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funding to several cities, trail groups and state parks totaling $1,358,113. The federal assistance program provides up to 80 percent reimbursement for trail-related development and maintenance projects.

Tribal Relations

Dissertation Panel to be highlighted at the 2019 South Dakota Indian Education Summit
The Office of Indian Education will showcase the inaugural Dissertation Panel at the 2019 South Dakota Indian Education Summit, which will be held Sept. 22-24 at the Ramkota in Pierre.

Governor Kristi Noem

President Orders Flags at Half-Staff on September 11
President Donald Trump has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, to recognize Patriot Day, a day to honor the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

ICYMI: Wall Street Journal Publishes Noem Op-Ed on Industrial Hemp
In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal today published an opinion piece written by Governor Kristi Noem entitled “Why I Won’t Support Legalizing Hemp.”

Agriculture

SD Timed Event Champions Crowned at SD State Fair
The ninth annual South Dakota Timed Event Championship (SDTEC) sponsored in part by Panhandle Slim and Double D Western was held August 31 and September 1 in Huron at the South Dakota State Fair.

Social Services

Department of Social Services announces new hospital administrator at the Human Services Center
The Department of Social Services (DSS) has named Jeremy Johnson as the Human Services Center (HSC) hospital administrator.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Sixth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Margo Northrup to serve as judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Agriculture

Palmer Amaranth a Prohibited Noxious Weed Seed
As of September 2, 2019, palmer amaranth seed has been added to South Dakota’s list of prohibited noxious weed seeds.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Dylan White Face In Custody
White Face was taken into custody today in Pennington County.

Health

Vaping-related illnesses reported in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health is reporting two confirmed cases of vaping related illness among residents aged 20-24 years. South Dakota joins 33 states who have reported cases of severe respiratory illness from e-cigarettes.

Public Safety

Names Released In Hanson County Fatal Crash
ALEXANDRIA, S.D. – A Sioux Falls man has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a tractor-van crash east of Alexandria.

Transportation

Traffic Detour on Highway 15 in Milbank
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing Highway 15 in Milbank on Tuesday, Sept. 10, to replace signals on a railroad crossing.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Preventing Suicide
Suicide isn’t something we like to talk about, but in too many South Dakota families, schools, and communities, suicide has become an all too familiar topic.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Arvis Lewis In Custody
Lewis was arrested by Watertown Law Enforcement.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center to participate in 15th annual Museum Day Live! event
On Saturday, Sept. 21, all visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will be welcomed free of charge, courtesy of Smithsonian Magazine.

Public Safety

Hanson County Fatal Crash
ALEXANDRIA, S.D. – One person died Friday morning in a tractor-van crash east of Alexandria.

Name Released In Davison County Fatal Crash
MT. VERNON, S.D. – A Mt. Vernon, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash northeast of Mt. Vernon.

Transportation

I-229 Closures for New 26th Street Bridge Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Interstate 229 between the Cliff Avenue and 10th Street exits will be closed beginning Monday, Sept. 9, from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. for up to eight nights

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Congratulates Build Dakota Scholarship Winners
Governor Kristi Noem today congratulated 391 students who have been awarded the Build Dakota Scholarship for the 2019-2020 school year.

Perry Appointed to Serve as Interim BIT Commissioner
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Heather Perry will serve as Interim Commissioner of the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications (BIT). The appointment will be effective September 9.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP News, Pheasant Brood Count Report, Rapid City Archery Deer Opportunity
PIERRE, S.D. -The second century of pheasant hunting in South Dakota will begin in October, kicking off another year of our state’s robust hunting heritage. The annual pheasant brood count conducted by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) indicated that, despite a tough winter and wet spring, bird numbers are still plentiful.

Transportation

Highway 48 Surfacing Begins at the Iowa line
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work is progressing to repair the flood damaged portion of Highway 48 near the Iowa state line with paving operations starting this week.

Governor Kristi Noem

South Dakota Earns Two Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota has received top awards for financial reporting and management.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Laney Bacon Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Bacon left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization overnight.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Seeley as Commissioner of Human Resources
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Darin Seeley will join her administration as Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR). Seeley will begin serving in this capacity on October 14.

Education

Gov. Noem proclaims September Attendance Awareness Month
The 2019-20 school year is underway, and Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September Attendance Awareness Month.

Public Safety

Davison County Fatal Crash
MT. VERNON, S.D. – One person died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Mt. Vernon.

Transportation

Work on Main Street in Hill City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project on Main Street in Hill City is beginning today, Sept. 3.

Updated timeline: Interstate 29 Bridge Work Planned
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is advising motorists that southbound Interstate 29 will be reduced to one lane of traffic between 26th Street (Exit 78) and 12th Street (Exit 79) in Sioux Falls on Tuesday, Sept. 5. This was rescheduled from Sept. 3, due to weather.

Education

Legendary lawmen to be featured at Sept. 10 Cultural Heritage Center program
Two of the best-known lawmen of the Old West will be the focus of a program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. CDT.

Cultural Heritage Center hosting Traditional Arts Demonstration Day on Sept. 14
The Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society will host five American Indian traditional artists for Traditional Arts Demonstration Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. CDT on Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Sobriety Checkpoints Announced For September
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints are planned for 16 counties during the month of September. That is according to the South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety.

Transportation

Three Counties Receive Federal Grant Funding to Replace Bridges
U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao has announced the recipients of $225 million in Competitive Highway Bridge Program (CHBP) grant funding. South Dakota was one of 18 states to receive a portion of this funding to make critical upgrades to select bridges in rural areas.

Curb and Gutter Installation on Highway 14A
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction will start for concrete curb & gutter installation on Highway 14A east of Deadwood on Tuesday Sept. 3, 2019.

Highway 16/Mt. Rushmore Road Erosion Repair in Rapid City
On Thursday, Sept. 5, crews will begin work on an erosion repair project adjacent to the southbound lanes of Highway 16/Mt. Rushmore Road, between Cathedral Drive and Tower Road in Rapid City.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Industrial Hemp is Not the Answer.
As a farmer and rancher, I would be thrilled to get a new crop into the hands of our producers, especially as our ag markets struggle. A new source of revenue for farmers would be great. But industrial hemp is not the answer.

Noem, DOT Announce Reopening of Highway 18 Near Lake Andes
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Transportation today announced that the grade raise on Highway 18 east of Lake Andes is complete and the roadway is open to traffic. Highway 18 has been closed since March 22 because of severe flooding.

Noem, Oglala Lakota County School District to Build First Public High School on Pine Ridge Reservation
Governor Kristi Noem and Oglala Lakota County school officials today announced their partnership to build the first physical, local public high school on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and the first CTE high school on a reservation in South Dakota.

Education

Oahe Chapel to host pie social on Sept. 8
A free, old-fashioned pie and ice cream social is being held on the grounds of the Oahe Chapel north of Pierre from 1:30-3:30 p.m. CDT on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Awarding Apprenticeship Incentive Funds
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) was recently awarded a $1.2 million State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Transportation

Preliminary Engineering Local Bridge Improvement Grant Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 35 Preliminary Engineering Local Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling $1.42 million at their meeting today in Pierre.

Veterans Affairs

South Dakota Receives NCA Grant for the Establishment of South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has been awarded a grant in the amount of $6,904,794 from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Cemetery Administration for the establishment of South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Governor Kristi Noem

State Senator Cronin Resigns, Noem Appoints Rep. Lake to Fill Senate Vacancy
State Senator Justin Cronin today resigned his seat in the South Dakota State Senate.

Noem Requests Additional Presidential Disaster Declarations For Weather Damage
Governor Kristi Noem has requested two additional, separate Presidential Disaster Declarations to help local government entities and certain private non-profits recover from property damage sustained during severe weather this spring and summer.

Noem, Veterans Affairs Announce State Veterans Cemetery Groundbreaking
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) today announced that the state will break ground on the first-ever South Dakota State Veterans Cemetery on September 9, 2019.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Fines Agropur, Inc. for Surface Water Violations
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined Agropur, Inc. (Agropur) $66,360 for Surface Water Discharge Permit violations at their facility in Lake Norden.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Second Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Rachel Rasmussen to serve as judge for the Second Judicial Circuit.

Education

New Spotted Tail biography released by State Historical Society
For the first time since 1961, American Indian leader Spotted Tail is the subject of a new biography, published by the South Dakota State Historical Society.

“South Dakota History” features railroads, childhood memories, Elk Point
State-run railroads, a childhood memoir, and William DuPont’s connection to the town of Elk Point are highlighted in the latest issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Human Services

Genetic Testing Fraud
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is advising the public to be suspicious of anyone who is offering “free genetic” tests and then requesting the individual’s Medicare number.

Public Safety

Office of Highway Safety Receives National Award for “Jim Reaper” Campaign
ANAHEIM, CA – A South Dakota Office of Highway Safety safe driving campaign, one that uses humor to promote an important message, has been honored by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA).

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Three people from Sioux Falls have been identified as those who died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday afternoon west of Sioux Falls.

Tourism

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM RECEIVES TOP MARKETING HONOR AT NATIONAL TOURISM CONFERENCE
The South Dakota Department of Tourism was recognized by the U.S. Travel Association at the 36th annual ESTO (Educational Seminar for Tourism Organizations) Conference, held August 17-20 in Austin, Texas. The Department’s “Great Faces, Great Places” marketing campaign received the Mercury Award for Printed Collateral at the conference’s yearly award ceremony.

Transportation

Highways 44 & 79 Asphalt Crack Sealing
During the week of Sept. 1, crews will begin routing and sealing cracks on the shoulders of Highway 44 east of Rapid City and on the roadway surface of Highway 79, north of the Highway 79/168 junction (Castle Rock).

Resurfacing on Highways 1804 and 204 Set to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin Sept. 4, on an asphalt resurfacing project on highways 1804 and 204 near Pierre.

Revenue

Tax collections eclipse $1.26 million at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
PIERRE, S.D., -- The Department of Revenue’s tax collections at the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,269,549.

Veterans Affairs

Joe Leasure Receives 2019 SDDVA Employee of the Year Award
Joe Leasure of Sioux Falls has been named the 2019 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Employee of the Year. Leasure was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 26, in Pierre.

Susan Irons Receives 2019 SDDVA Outreach Award
Susan Irons of Canton has been named the 2019 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outreach Partner of the Year. Irons was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 26, in Pierre.

Leaders Recognized for their Service to South Dakota's Veterans
County and tribal veterans’ service officers (CTVSO) and staff from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) were recognized for their dedication to serving veterans and veterans’ families at an awards program Monday, Aug. 26, in Pierre.

Sheila Carpenter Receives 2019 SDDVA Partner of the Year Award
Sheila Carpenter of Pierre has been named the 2019 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partner of the Year. Carpenter was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 26, in Pierre.

Craig Bennett Named CTVSO of the Year
Craig Bennett of Mitchell has been named the 2019 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs “County/Tribal Veterans Service Officer of the Year.” Bennett was recognized by his peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 26, in Pierre.

Education

Quillworking at Cultural Heritage Center Family Fun Saturday on Sept. 7
Visitors will have the opportunity to create their own “quillwork” piece using colored toothpicks at Family Fun Saturday on Sept. 7 at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP News: Hunt For Habitat Winners Announced, No Wake Zone Lifted for McCook Lake
Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) announced the winners of their first Hunt for Habitat raffle.

Public Safety

DPS Day at State Fair Sunday, Sept. 1
PIERRE, S.D. – Attendees at this year’s South Dakota State Fair will be able to learn more about the Department of Public Safety again this year.

Corrections

State Prison Inmates Back In Custody
Inmates Tahnasha Stricker and Christy First In Trouble are in custody. They were apprehended by the Rosebud Police Department on August 24.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Three people died and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday afternoon west of Sioux Falls.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: USMCA: A Modernized Trade Agreement for South Dakota Producers
Now is the time for Washington to put people over politics, support American agriculture, and ratify the USMCA.

Corrections

State Prison Inmates Placed on Escape Status
Inmates Tahnasha Stricker and Christy First In Trouble took a vehicle from the job site. It is a silver or gray Dodge Ram pickup with the license plate number CD205.

Transportation

Phase 2B Work To Begin on Highway 212 in Watertown
Reede Construction will move into phase 2B of the Highway 212 project in Watertown on or before Wednesday, Aug. 28.

High Friction Surface Treatment on Interstate 90
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction will start for a High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) on the westbound Interstate 90 Exit 57 off ramp to southbound Interstate 190, on Sunday Aug. 25, 2019.

Veterans Affairs

Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota Veterans Home to Celebrate 130th Anniversary
The Michael J. Fitzmaurice South Dakota State Veterans Home in Hot Springs will host its 130th Anniversary celebration on Friday, September 20, 2019.

Governor Kristi Noem

State, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Enter Contract to Expand Meth Treatment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the Department of Social Services entered into a contract with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to operate the only Intensive Methamphetamine Treatment Program operated by a tribal treatment program in South Dakota.

Education

Historical maps displayed in Cultural Heritage Center
A map display in the Education Room of the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre highlights various examples of maps held in the collections of the South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives.

Game, Fish and Parks

Adopt-A-Lake Event Planned for Lake Poinsett
PIERRE, S.D. - The Glacial Lakes Chapter of the Walleyes Unlimited and Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) are hosting an Adopt-A-Lake event for Lake Poinsett on Saturday, Aug. 24.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Law Compliance Posters Available
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has labor law compliance posters available at no charge from any job service office.

Bureau of Information and Telecommunications

South Dakota Public Safety Broadband Network is Looking for Feedback from First Responders
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Safety Broadband Network (PSBN) is requesting your participation in this FirstNet data and mobile application requirements survey.

Agriculture

Day Sponsors Offer Special Activities at the SD State Fair
With the help of day sponsors, the State Fair can offer special days at the 2019 South Dakota State Fair.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Troy Quick Bear In Custody
State prison inmate Troy Quick Bear is in custody. Quick Bear is currently jailed in Rosebud.

Transportation

Grade Raise on Highway 81 Started
ARLINGTON, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Transportation today announced that work to raise the grade on Highway 81 south of Arlington has begun. The highway is closed to traffic due to high lakes levels overtopping the roadway and has been impacted by flooding since March

Highways 20 and 79 Pavement Repair Project Starting
Crews will begin culvert repairs along Highway 79 from the North Dakota border south for 13 miles and along Highway 20 from 10 miles west of Reva to Prairie City, beginning Thursday, Aug. 22.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Thursday, Aug. 29, 2019, as Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair, calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.

Agriculture

Ways to Save Money at the State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair offers several simple ways to save money during the fair.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem, Administration Officials Urge Lawmakers to Consider Extensive Questions Surrounding Industrial Hemp
Earlier this summer, Governor Kristi Noem submitted a list of 315 questions to House and Senate leadership involved in a summer hemp study. During a session in Pierre today, Noem’s administration will urge legislators to carefully consider the unknowns surrounding industrial hemp.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Charles Dammann Dies
Dammann passed away Aug. 18 in a comfort care setting at the Jameson Annex to the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls following an extended illness.

Game, Fish and Parks

State Parks Celebrate National TRACK Trails Day on Aug. 24
PIERRE, S.D – The South Dakota state parks are inviting families to enjoy the outdoors in celebration of the first National TRACK Trails Day on Aug. 24.

Public Safety

Name Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – A 15-year-old Parkston female has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon near Parkston.

Transportation

Chip Seal, Fog Seal & Microsurface Projects in the Yankton Area
YANKTON, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says chip seal, fog seal, and microsurface applications will be applied to several highways in the Yankton Area of the state beginning Wednesday, Aug. 21, and will move from one project to the next in the following order:

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Mitchell Area Development Corporation Approved for Certified Site
The Mitchell West Development Park has been certified as a Light Industrial park through the Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s Certified Site Program.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Enhancing Bee Habitat
There are more than 400 species of native bees in South Dakota. Though we don’t have exact numbers on bee distribution or abundance, we know bees are critical to our state’s economy.

Public Safety

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – One person died and three others were seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon near Parkston.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Fourth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Kevin J. Krull to serve as judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Nathan Chase Back in Custody
Inmate Nathan Chase was arrested today in Pennington County.

Public Safety

DPS Receives Federal 9-1-1 Grant
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has received a federal grant of more than $1.5 million that will be used for equipment at the statewide 9-1-1 emergency centers, also known as public safety answering points (PSAPs).

Agriculture

Car and Tractor Show planned for SD State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair invites classic car and antique tractor enthusiasts to take part in the Classic Car Show and Antique Tractor Show sponsored by Stan’s Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 31, and Sunday, Sept. 1, during the State Fair.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Accepting Applications for the Volkswagen Truck Program
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications for round one of the Volkswagen Truck program.

Health

Agency Village Puppy Tests Positive For Rabies
A Beagle Dachshund mix puppy approximately 3 months of age in Agency Village has tested positive for rabies and health officials are urging individuals who may have been bitten, scratched or in contact with the puppy’s saliva to call the state Department of Health or their physician to determine whether rabies shots are needed.

Public Safety

Crow Creek Tribe, Highway Patrol To Cooperate On Joint Enforcement Operation For Pow Wow
FORT THOMPSON, S.D. – South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers and the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe will work together to keep people safe at this weekend’s Crow Creek Dakota Nation Pow Wow.

Transportation

High Friction Surface Treatment on Interstate 90
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction will start for High Friction Surface Treatment (HFST) on eastbound Interstate 90, near Exit 55 (Deadwood Ave), on Thursday, Aug.15.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Nathan Chase Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Nathan Chase walked away from the Sioux Falls Community Work Center August 12 without authorization.

Education

Education department announces guidelines for 2019-20 free or reduced-price meal programs
Child and Adult Nutrition Services in the South Dakota Department of Education announces the policy for free milk or free and reduced-price meals. The policy applies to children unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, and/or Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP).

Public Safety

Third Fatality Recorded At Sturgis Rally
JOHNSON SIDING, S.D. – A Yuma, CO man has died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash on Friday, Aug. 9, 2019 near Johnson Siding.

Transportation

Final Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts
Final vehicle traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for vehicles entering Sturgis for the 79th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 2-11, 2019, show a slight decrease over 2018.

Agriculture

SD State Fair Advanced Daily Gate Admission Available Online
The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce that fairgoers can now buy advanced daily gate admission for the 2019 SD State Fair online at www.sdstatefair.com.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Nicholas Skorka in Custody
Inmate Nicholas Skorka was arrested today and is in custody in Carver County, MN.

Transportation

Intersection of Highway 10 and 8th Avenue East in Sisseton to be Closed
SISSETON, S.D., – The Department of Transportation says motorists using Highway 10 in Sisseton through 8th Avenue East will need to use an alternate route beginning Tuesday, Aug. 13, through Friday, Aug. 23.

Public Safety

Sunday August 11 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Sunday August 11, 2019. FINAL NUMBERS

Public Safety

Saturday August 10 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Saturday August 10, 2019.

Cleanup Assistance Hotline Extended in South Dako
PIERRE, S.D. – The Cleanup Assistance Hotline established by South Dakota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters has been extended until Aug. 16.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Bringing in a New School Year
Earlier this year, I visited Todd County Middle School in Mission, South Dakota – a school that is doing a lot of things right. Their work has been bolstered in recent years by a state-funded Native American Achievement Grant, a 3-year project to jumpstart improvements in academic outcomes for Native American students and increase student success.

Public Safety

Friday Aug. 9 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Friday August 9, 2019

Flood Insurance an Important Resource for South Dakotans
PIERRE, S.D. – It won’t happen to me. Many South Dakotans may believe they don’t need to buy flood insurance. Their house has never flooded before. They don’t live in a high-risk flood zone.

Transportation

Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts - 7 day total
Traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for vehicles entering Sturgis for the 79th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 2-11, 2019.

Veterans Affairs

There is no Time Like Fair Time!
Whether you’re 5,15, 30, or 50 years of age, or older, the State Fair always promises a great time for all that attend.

Agriculture

Heirloom Recipe Contest to be Held at SD State Fair
Fairgoers will have the chance to enter a favorite family recipe in the Greater Midwest Foodways Alliance Family Heirloom Recipe Competition at the South Dakota State Fair in the Women’s Building on Sunday, Sept. 1.

Public Safety

Thursday Aug. 8 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Thursday August 8, 2019

Transportation

Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts - 6 day total
Traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation still show a slight increase over 2018 in vehicles entering Sturgis for the 79th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 2-11, 2019.

Agriculture

Pay the ‘Fair Time’ Experience Forward
Help others embrace the feeling of ‘Fair Time’ with the 4th Annual Pay it Forward Day at the 2019 South Dakota State Fair.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Ronald Corder Dies
Inmate Ronald Corder passed away August 6 at a Sioux Falls hospital from a health condition.

Public Safety

Wednesday Aug. 7 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information.

State, FEMA Continue Work on South Dakota Recovery
PIERRE, S.D. – While the deadline to register for federal disaster assistance has passed, the State of South Dakota, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal partners continue to work on recovery for South Dakota communities impacted by the severe storms and flooding in April and May.

Board of Regents

Campus Academic Requests Approved
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved academic program requests from public universities to meet workforce and community development needs across the state.

South Dakota 811

South Dakota 811 Celebrates 811 Day
Rapid City, South Dakota (Aug. 6, 2019) – With Aug. 11 almost here, South Dakota 811, along with South Dakota Common Ground Alliance, hopes this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a natural reminder for residents to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked.

Public Safety

Tuesday Aug. 6 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Tuesday August 6, 2019

Transportation

Hall of Honor Banquet Date Set for Ron Baumgart of Pierre
Ron Baumgart of Pierre is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor. A banquet, hosted by the Transportation Hall of Honor Committee, will be held in Ron’s honor on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2019, at Drifters Bar and Grill in Fort Pierre. Festivities will begin at 5:30 p.m. CDT with dinner at 6 p.m. followed by a program at 7 p.m.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

GOED Launches Newest Version of Wage Calculator
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has released its newest version of the Real Wage Calculator. The newly released version uses 2018 state and federal income tax laws and rates, as well as the most recent 2019 Regional Price Parities (RPP).

Agriculture

Ty Tuff Goat Tying Challenge Coming to the SD State Fair
For the first time, the Ty Tuff Goat Tying Challenge is coming to the South Dakota State Fair on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in the North Arena with $3,000 added money.

Public Safety

Monday Aug. 5 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Monday August 5, 2019

Transportation

Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts
Traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation show a slight increase over 2018 in vehicles entering Sturgis for the 79th annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 2-11, 2019.

Governor Kristi Noem

President Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of Tragedies in Texas, Ohio
President Donald Trump has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on August 8, 2019, to honor the victims of the tragedies in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.

Public Safety

Sunday August 4 Sturgis Rally Tally
Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information. Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 3, 2019 to 6 a.m. Sunday August 4, 2019

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Urges Traffic Safety During Sturgis Rally
PIERRE, S.D. –- South Dakota’s Highway Patrol reminds those attending this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally not to forget about traffic safety.

Name Released In July 18 Miner County Fatal Crash
HOWARD, S.D. – A 25-year-old man has died of injuries sustained in a July 18, 2019 two-vehicle crash west of Howard.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Slowing the Spread of Zebra Mussels
It doesn’t get much better than spending a summer day on a lake or river in South Dakota. Recreating on the water always seems to be the perfect backdrop for family memories and laughter. It’s one of the great things about our state.

Education

Learn about America’s first Public Enemy No. 1 at Cultural Heritage Center program
On Tuesday, Aug. 13, Tim Bjorkman will tell the story of a good man gone bad when the History and Heritage Book Club meets at 7 p.m. CDT, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Cultural Heritage Center Museum to host outdoor concert, ice cream social Aug. 16
The Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will host an outdoor concert called “Music of the American West” featuring traditional music artists Bob and Sheila Everhart on Friday, Aug. 16, at 7 p.m. CDT at the Capitol Lake Visitor Center in Pierre.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem, SDHDA to Extend Grant Funding to Households Impacted by Spring Storms
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) today announced that the remaining balance of the 2019 Housing Opportunity Funds (HOF) will be used to help families whose homes were impacted by storms this spring. In total, $165,000 will be available.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Dylan White Face Placed on Escape Status
White Face left his community service job site without authorization on August 1.

Public Safety

Crisis Counseling Available for South Dakotans
PIERRE, S.D. – Crisis counseling is available to help South Dakotans in areas impacted by the flooding this year.

August Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has released the list of sobriety checkpoints to be done during August.

Transportation

Highway 42 Closing between Highways 37 and 81 for Bridge Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin work on the James River Bridge on Highway 42 on Monday, Aug. 5.

Board of Regents

Forney Named System Vice President of Finance and Administration
Heather Forney will become the next system vice president of finance and administration for the South Dakota Board of Regents. The appointment, effective Sept. 9, was announced today.

Education

Harvest Time Family Fun Saturday to be held Aug. 10 at Cultural Heritage Center
Come to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT and make a harvest ornament incorporating wheat stems, chenille strips and ribbons.

Public Safety

Cleanup Assistance Hotline Established to Help South Dakotans
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters has created a Cleanup Assistance Hotline to assist South Dakotans with cleanup or debris removal as a result of the winter storm and flooding this year.

Transportation

I-229 Cliff Avenue Ramp Closure on Aug. 1
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Cliff Avenue Interstate 229 northbound on ramp in Sioux Falls will be closed Thursday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces DENR Secretary Following Pirner Retirement
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Hunter Roberts will join her administration as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This follows the retirement of Steve Pirner, who has led DENR since 2000. Roberts will begin serving in this capacity on August 5.

Agriculture

Pork Butt Battle Returns to the SD State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair will host the Pork Butt Battle presented by the SD Pork Producers and Jack’s Campers on Friday, Aug. 30, 2019, in Horticulture Park.

Health

South Dakota Observes World Breastfeeding Week
In acknowledgment of the importance of breastfeeding to the health of South Dakota babies, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Aug. 1-7 World Breastfeeding Awareness Week in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
JOHNSON SIDING, S.D – A Rapid City, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a motorcycle-vehicle crash near Johnson Siding

One Week Remains to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance in South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakotans in communities impacted by the severe winter storm and flooding have one week left to apply for federal disaster assistance.

Transportation

Grade Raise on Highways 81 and 18
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is planning to construct two emergency grade-raise projects due to flooding on Highway 81 south of Arlington and on Highway 18 east of Lake Andes.

Two-Way Traffic On I-90 Near Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will place traffic into a two-way condition on eastbound Interstate 90 near exit 402 on Wednesday, July 31.

Temporary Road Closure on Highway 20 west of Hoven
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says it will be closing Highway 20 from Highway 47 to Highway 83 from Monday, Aug 5, to Sat. Aug. 10.

Agriculture

New Study Shows $6.9 Billion Increase in SD Ag Economic Contribution
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has released the 2019 South Dakota Agricultural Economic Contribution Study.

Human Services

10th Annual South Dakota Gathering
Registration is now open for the South Dakota Gathering, an event intended to facilitate learning, networking and application of person-centered practices in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities, education and beyond.

Transportation

Microsurfacing to Begin on Highway 63 From Highway 34 to Highway 212
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work will begin this week (July 29) on a microsurfacing project on Highway 63 from Highway 34 north to Highway 212.

Veterans Affairs

Purple Heart Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Wednesday, Aug. 7, 2019, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Dealing with Disaster
This year has been tough for South Dakotans. The storms this spring brought destruction to homes, businesses, roads, and communities throughout the state. Unprecedented flooding made it difficult for farmers and ranchers to get into fields. When you add it all up, it’s become the largest federally declared disaster our state has ever seen.

Education

State Historical Society announces fall Deadwood Fund grant applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society announces that the applications for the next round of the Deadwood Fund grant program should be postmarked no later than Oct. 1 for work beginning no sooner than Jan. 1, 2020.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
JOHNSON SIDING, S.D – One man died Friday afternoon in a motorcycle-vehicle crash near Johnson Siding.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BRANDON, S.D. – A Luverne, MN woman has been identified as the person who died Tuesday morning in a four-vehicle crash that occurred on Interstate 90 northwest of Brandon.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Arvis Lewis Placed on Escape Status
State prison inmate Arvis Lewis has been placed on escape status. Lewis failed to return to the Yankton Community Work Center following his work release shift on July 24.

Public Safety

It’s Important for South Dakotans to Return SBA Application
PIERRE, S.D. – Some South Dakotans who apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration and asked to fill out a low-interest disaster loan application. It is important to complete the SBA disaster loan application prior to the deadline.

Transportation

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects to Begin Near Mobridge
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says chip seal and fog seal applications will be applied to several highways in the north central area of the state beginning Monday, July 29.

Highway 34 Closure in Madison
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says they will be closing Highway 34 4th Street SE on Monday, July 29, thru Sept. 27.

Agriculture

Training Exercise Taking Place in Custer State Park
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division is planning an interagency live fire training exercise within the boundaries of Custer State Park.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Accepting Applications for Water Quality Projects
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications through Oct. 1 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.

Public Safety

South Dakota Disaster Recovery Update: $6.7 Million in Federal Funding Provided
PIERRE, S.D. – Federal agencies have provided $6,765,847 million in grants, loans and flood insurance payments to assist South Dakotans as they recover from the major disaster declared June 7 by President Donald J. Trump following a request from Governor Kristi Noem.

Transportation

Highway 15 in Wilmot Closing for RR Crossing Upgrade
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing Highway 15 in Wilmot on Monday, July 29, for four days, to replace a railroad crossing.

I-29 Exit 246 Closing / Exit 242 Re-Opening
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Interstate 29 Exit 246 southbound on and off ramps will be closing on Thursday, July 25, and remain closed through Aug. 8.