Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Approves Enhanced Concealed Carry in State Capitol
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday signed SB115, a bill to allow individuals with an enhanced concealed carry permits to bring firearms into the South Dakota State Capitol building.

Labor and Regulation

Limited Availability at Yankton Job Service
The Yankton Job Service office is undergoing renovations starting Wednesday, March 27 and concluding Friday, April 5.

Public Safety

Hughes County Fatal Crash
BLUNT, S.D. – One person died in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon east of Blunt.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Encourages Residents of Big Sioux River Valley to Prepare for Flooding
Governor Kristi Noem today encouraged people living in the Big Sioux River Valley in eastern South Dakota to start preparing for record flooding.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Cynthia Thompson Dies
Thompson reported feeling ill at the Women’s Prison in Pierre overnight. She was air lifted to a Sioux Falls hospital, where she died March 18.

Education

Board adopts new school library and world languages content standards
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted new academic content standards at its meeting today.

Human Services

Statewide Independent Living Council Meeting
The South Dakota Statewide Independent Living Council will hold their quarterly meeting in Rapid City on Wednesday, April 3.

Transportation

Spring Load Restriction Release #3
Effective at 10 a.m. MDT, March 20, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segment and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below.

Spring Load Restriction Release #2
Effective at 9 a.m. CDT, March 19, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segment and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Signs Emergency Declaration
Governor Kristi Noem today signed an emergency declaration that allows the use of additional state funds for South Dakota counties impacted by this week’s blizzard and flood.

Governor's Weekly Column: Addressing the Nursing Home Crisis
Mobridge. Madison. Tripp. Rapid City. Bryant. Rosholt. Huron. Watertown. The common thread between these communities? Nursing home closures. In all, 10 nursing home facilities around our state have closed their doors in recent years.

Public Safety

Noem Signs Emergency Declaration
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem today signed an emergency declaration that allows the use of additional state funds for South Dakota counties impacted by this week’s blizzard and flood.

Interstate 90 Now Completely Open Significant Flooding Continues
PIERRE, S.D. – Officials say Interstate 90 is now completely open, with the last stretch from Wall to Chamberlain opened at 10 a.m. CDT, both east and westbound lanes.

Transportation

Spring Load Restriction Release #1
Effective at 10 a.m. CDT, March 18, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segment and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Orders Opening of Emergency Operations Center, Preparing Emergency Declaration
Governor Kristi Noem today ordered the opening of the state Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Pierre to help coordinate the state’s response to ongoing blizzard and flood conditions and announced that the state is preparing an emergency declaration.

Noem Signs Bill to Increase Hospital Billing Accountability
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday signed SB70, a bill to increase accountability and fairness in medical billing practices.

Public Safety

Some state government offices to open Friday morning, rest at noon
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered that state government offices open Friday morning at the regular time in 17 South Dakota counties while offices in the other counties will open at noon

Governor Orders Closure of ALL State Government Offices In South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered the closure of state government offices in all South Dakota counties Thursday (today) due to the snowstorm and flooding that continue to impact the state.

Transportation

I-90 Opening From Wyoming Border to Rapid City
Officials are opening the closed portion of Interstate 90 between Rapid City and the Wyoming border at 9 a.m. MDT (10 a.m. CDT).

Public Safety

Governor Orders Closure of State Government Offices In 49 Counties For Thursday Due to Storm
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered the closure of state government offices in 49 South Dakota counties for Thursday due to the snowstorm and flooding that continue to impact the state.

Interstate 90 Closed From Wall to Chamberlain
PIERRE, S.D. – Interstate 90 is closed effective immediately from Wall to Chamberlain, both east and westbound lanes.

Governor Closes State Government Offices In 39 Counties Due to Weather Conditions
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered the closure of state government offices in 39 central and western counties for today (Wednesday) due to expected severe winter weather conditions.

Transportation

Significant Flooding Causing Hazardous Travel
Officials are advising motorists that heavy rains throughout the day have caused significant flooding in southeast and south central parts of the state, mostly south of I-90. There is also flooding east of Sioux Falls/I-29. Many roads are closed or have a No Travel Advised status.

Interstate 90 Closing at 4 p.m. MDT between Wall and the Wyoming Border
Interstate 90 Closing between Wall and the Wyoming Border, both east and westbound lanes, at 4 p.m. MDT (5 p.m. CDT).

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Accepting Applications for Summer Interns
Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office summer internship program.

Agriculture

Funds Available for Specialty Crop Advancement
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) announces that funds are available for Specialty Crop Block Grants.

Education

Learn about experiences of women on westward journey at Cultural Heritage Center program
Celebrate Women’s History Month at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre by attending a program featuring women’s experiences on the journey westward. Molly Rozum, an associate professor of history at the University of South Dakota, will share insights into the women who took part in the trek west at 7 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, March 26.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Approves Bill Allowing Schools to Carry Opioid Antidotes
Governor Kristi Noem today signed SB84, a bill that allows trained staff at schools to administer opioid antidotes in case of an overdose.

Noem Vetoes Industrial Hemp Legislation
Governor Kristi Noem today vetoed HB1191 and sent the following message to the South Dakota House of Representatives:

Agriculture

Volunteer Fire Assistance Grants Now Open
Grant applications for the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) program will be accepted from March 11 to April 26, 2019.

Public Safety

State Officials Urge Public to Prepare Now for Major Storm
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota state government officials urge citizens to make preparations now, which includes adjusting travel plans, for a late-winter storm this week that will cover most of the state with several inches of snow, high winds and freezing rain.

Name Released in Feb. 21 Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Tea, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash Feb. 21 north of Sioux Falls.

Name Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BRANDON, S.D. – A Garretson, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash last Tuesday night west of Brandon.

Transportation

Highway 34 Project Public Information Meeting in Madison
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in cooperation with the city of Madison and D & G Concrete Construction, will hold an open house style public meeting for the Highway 34 project on Monday, March 18.

Transportation

I-29 Open - Travel Caution for roadways in the NE
Officials are opening the closed portion of Interstate 29 from Watertown to the North Dakota border at 9:30 a.m. today (Sunday).

I-90 Has Reopened – Travel Caution I-29 Remains Closed
Officials are opening Interstate 90 effective at 7 a.m. this morning (Sunday) between Wall and Mitchell. Interstate 29 remains closed from Watertown to the North Dakota border as winds are still high and causing heavy drifting in the northeast part of the state. Please do not anticipate the reopening of I-29 and park on the Interstate. This creates a traffic hazard for DOT crews working to clear the roadway as well as other motorists.

Transportation

I-29 closed Watertown to ND Border I-90 Closed Mitchell to Wall
Interstate 29 is closed effective immediately from the North Dakota border to Watertown, both north and southbound lanes. Interstate 90 is closed from Wall to Mitchell effective immediately, both east and westbound lanes. While visibility is improving west river, there are limited accommodations east of Wall.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Signs Reporter Shield Law
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday signed the Reporter Shield Law, a bill that protects journalists from revealing privileged sources and information.

Governor's Column: Protecting Our Free Press
One of South Dakota’s greatest resources is the hometown newspaper. Local newspapers, television stations, and other media sources like these play an instrumental role in keeping communities strong and informed. And honest reporting can be a valuable tool in upholding the integrity of government entities.

Education

State Historical Society puts list of early automobile licenses, auto dealers online
The State Archives of the South Dakota State Historical Society recently added to its website searchable indexes to motor vehicle licenses issued from 1905-1911 and automobile dealer licenses issued from 1913-1919.

Human Services

Board of VR Holding Quarterly Meeting
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) will hold their quarterly meeting in Brookings on Wednesday, March 27.

Transportation

East Boulevard Construction to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says road construction will begin on East Boulevard in Rapid City on Monday, March 11, 2019.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Statement on the Passage of Pipeline Legislative Package
Governor Kristi Noem released the following statement after the House and Senate passed her pipeline legislative package, SB189 and SB190:

Public Safety

Change Clocks – and Smoke Alarm Batteries – This Weekend
PIERRE, S.D. – When changing clocks this weekend, the Department of Public Safety urges South Dakotans to also change the batteries in their smoke alarms.

Tourism

South Dakota Businesses Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service
The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 112 businesses and organizations across 37 communities in South Dakota for their outstanding customer service.

Governor Kristi Noem

10 Facts About Governor Noem’s Pipeline Package
Today, the Joint Committee on Appropriations held a hearing on Governor Noem’s pipeline package. Here are ten facts about the set of bills, SB189 and SB190.

Agriculture

Movement of Firewood Outside of Quarantine Area Prohibited
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) and the City of Sioux Falls want to remind people that hardwood firewood cannot be moved outside of the established quarantine area.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center to host book talk/signing about Jewish family
The history of five generations of a Jewish family who settled in the Midwest will be told March 11 during a program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Human Services

Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed March Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BRANDON, S.D. – One person died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday night west of Brandon.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Seeks Nominations for Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award
Governor Kristi Noem is seeking nominations for the 2019 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.

Noem Approves Legislation To Fight Sex Trafficking, Streamline Adult Adoption
Governor Kristi Noem today finalized two pro-family bills.

Education

“Click and go” access to high-quality e-resources now available
South Dakota students, educators, researchers and others now have easy “click and go” access anywhere within state boundaries to high-quality electronic resources provided by the State Library to school and public libraries and all citizens statewide.

History Day projects to be displayed at Cultural Heritage Center
History Day projects created by seventh and eighth grade history students at Georgia Morse Middle School in Pierre will be on display Tuesday, March 12, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR to Host 31st Annual Environmental and Ground Water Quality Conference
The 31st Annual Environmental and Ground Water Quality Conference will be held March 12-13 at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre.

Human Services

Adult Nutrition Month
PIERRE, S.D. - Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed March Adult Nutrition Month (ANM) in South Dakota.

Transportation

Highway 18 Reconstruction to Resume
South Dakota Department of Transportation officials advise the reconstruction of Highway 18 between highways 81 and 19 will resume on March 11, 2019.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Introduces Pipeline Legislative Package
Governor Kristi Noem today proposed two bills for pipeline construction. “The legislative package introduced today will help ensure the Keystone XL pipeline and other future pipeline projects are built in a safe and efficient manner while protecting our state and counties from extraordinary law enforcement costs in the event of riots,” said Noem.

Human Services

Board of SBVI Holding Quarterly Meeting
The South Dakota Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired will hold their quarterly meeting in Fort Pierre on Friday, March 22.

Revenue

Owner-occupied property tax relief deadline approaching
Homeowners have until March 15 to apply for property tax relief through South Dakota’s owner-occupied program.

Board of Regents

Regents Applaud USD President on Free Speech Action
Board of Regents’ President Kevin V. Schieffer today commended Sheila Gestring, president of the University of South Dakota, for her prompt and decisive action over the weekend to investigate whether the Board of Regents’ new Freedom of Expression policy was violated in connection with a “Hawaiian Day” event at the USD School of Law.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Making South Dakota an Example to the Nation
South Dakota is a small state in terms of population and GDP, but we’re nimble. We have a responsive state government that does more with less. This set of characteristics allows us to take innovative approaches when it comes to issues like economic growth, meth, or dealing with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Public Safety

Name Released In Hanson County Fatal Crash
ALEXANDRIA, S.D. – A 20-year-old woman from Alexandria, S.D. has been identified as the person who died early Tuesday in a one-vehicle rollover crash north of that town.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Selects Seventh Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Joshua Hendrickson will serve as judge for South Dakota’s Seventh Judicial Circuit.

Public Safety

DPS Announces March Sobriety Checkpoints
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has scheduled 25 sobriety checkpoints in 19 counties statewide during the month of March.

Social Services

Funding Available to Support Training and Education Events for Professionals Around Opioid Abuse/Misuse in South Dakota
The Department of Social Services (DSS) will be providing funding to support education or training to professionals in combatting the opioid epidemic.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem to Permanently Display Tribal Flags in the Capitol Rotunda
Governor Kristi Noem today announced her plan to permanently display the flags of South Dakota’s nine tribal nations in the State Capitol rotunda.

Public Safety

Hanson County Fatal Crash
ALEXANDRIA, S.D. – A 20-year-old female died early Tuesday in a one-vehicle rollover crash north of Alexandria.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – A Madison, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon north of Humboldt.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Urges HHS Secretary Azar to Address Meth Epidemic
In a meeting with United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar on Sunday, Governor Kristi Noem urged the administration to help address South Dakota’s rising meth epidemic.

Board of Regents

State Capitol Hosts Student Researchers Thursday
South Dakota colleges and universities will send 14 outstanding undergraduate student researchers to the State Capitol this week to share their research work with lawmakers and the public.

Transportation

Wind Continues to Make Travel Difficult in the Northeast
Officials are cautioning travelers the strong winds in the northeastern part of the state are not expected to decrease until later this evening and motorists are asked to stay off highways in that area.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – One person died and another was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon north of Humboldt.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Every Child Deserves a Home
Foster care is an issue I’ve cared about for a long time. Growing up, I had a foster brother who made a big impact on my family and taught my siblings and me a different kind of love, compassion, and strength I don’t know if I would have otherwise understood.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One woman died early Thursday in a one-vehicle crash north of Sioux Falls.

Veterans Affairs

New Training Opportunity for Veterans!
Launching in April of 2019, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses program (VET TEC), piloted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, will help veterans in advancing their IT careers.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Approves Grant for New SDSBVI Project
Governor Kristi Noem today awarded a $2.5 million state grant for the construction of the School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (SDSBVI), part of the school’s joint Educational Impact Campaign with Northern State University (NSU).

Transportation

Illegally Dumped Snow Causing Problems
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding the public and commercial snow removal operators that it is illegal to place or dump excess snow on highway right of way, which includes driving surfaces, shoulders and ditches.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

GOED Launches New Interactive Website
PIERRE, S.D. – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development’s website – www.sdreadytowork.com - has a new look. The new site boasts plenty of fresh photography and videography, testimonials and success stories and a new, easy-to-use interactive finance tool.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Signs Six Bills Into Law
Governor Kristi Noem signed the following pieces of legislation today

Education

State Historical Society makes more issues of historical newspapers available online
Several more South Dakota newspaper titles have been added to the growing online database of historical United States newspapers available to the public, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Women’s Recruiting Seminars This Week in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Highway Patrol this week holds recruiting seminars for women in three different South Dakota cities.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Streamlines Education Processes for Military Families, Signs Additional Legislation into Law
Governor Kristi Noem yesterday signed legislation to streamline school enrollment processes for military families relocating to a new school district.

Governor's Column: Putting Knowledge to Work
Growing up, I loved working on the farm with my dad. It’s a good thing, too, because there was plenty of work to get done. We’d stay in the fields from dawn to dusk, but we didn’t know any other way.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Levels Scholarship Playing Field for Homeschool Students, Signs Eleven Bills into Law
Governor Kristi Noem today signed a bill to make homeschool students eligible, on an equal basis, for the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship.

Agriculture

SDDA Announces the 2019 Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division is calling all kids, ages 3-12, to showcase their artistic abilities in this year’s Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest.

Education

State Historical Society seeks nominations for Governor’s Awards, board positions
The South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre is seeking nominations for the annual Governor’s Awards for History and two positions on its board of trustees.

Human Services

SDRC Assistive Technology Trainings
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) would like to invite anyone who is a South Dakota resident and has a visual impairment to participate in two training events.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Bies, Whitmyre to Game, Fish and Parks Commission
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed Travis Bies of Fairburn and Robert Whitmyre of Webster to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission.

Education

USS Pierre has State Historical Society remembering other Pierre vessels
South Dakota U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds recently announced the naming of an Independence-variant, Littoral Combat Ship, the “USS Pierre,” after South Dakota's capital city. The ship is the third United States naval vessel named for Pierre. To celebrate this recent naming, the South Dakota State Historical Society offers the following background on the previous vessels named for Pierre.

Tourism

Governor appoints BraveHeart to South Dakota Arts Council
Gov. Kristi Noem announced her selection of artist Keith BraveHeart to serve on the South Dakota Arts Council.

Governor Kristi Noem

President Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
President Donald Trump today ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff until sunset on Saturday, February 9, 2019, to honor the life of former Representative John David Dingell, Jr. of Michigan.

Noem Approves Nine Bills
Governor Kristi Noem signed the following pieces of legislation this afternoon:

Governor's Column: Advancing Agriculture
Agriculture is the foundation of South Dakota's economy and our number one industry – by a significant margin. All in all, it contributes about $25.6 billion to the economy, so when ag prospers, South Dakota prospers. Of course, when droughts hit or markets slide, everyone feels that too.

Noem Encourages Legislators to Table Industrial Hemp Discussions
Governor Kristi Noem today asked the South Dakota legislature to table discussions on legalizing industrial hemp this legislative session.

Education

Docent training at Cultural Heritage Center set for Saturday, Feb. 23
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum, located at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, is looking for individuals interested in sharing their time, expertise and love of history to become volunteer docents.

Transportation

I-29 Open from Sioux Falls to North Dakota Border
Officials are opening the entire previously closed portion of Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to the North Dakota border effective immediately (7 a.m.)

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
Governor Kristi Noem today ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8am until sunset on Friday, February 8, 2019, to honor the life of former state legislator Carol Fitzgerald of Rapid City.

Corrections

Inmate Gregory Harrison Placed on Escape Status
State prison inmate Gregory Harrison has been placed on escape status.

Transportation

I-29 Closing Sioux Falls to North Dakota Border
No Travel Advised On Many Northeast/Eastern State Highways. Officials with the South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are closing Interstate 29 from Brookings to the North Dakota border at 5 p.m. CST today (Feb.7) and from Sioux Falls to Brookings at 6 p.m. CST.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Selects Sixth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today announced the selection of Christina Klinger to serve as judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Noem Vetoes Bill Regulating Solar Energy
Gov. Noem today vetoed Senate Bill 14 and sent the following message to the South Dakota Senate:

Education

Students visit Pierre for CTSO Legislative Shadow Day
February is National Career and Technical Education Month. As part of the celebration, 43 student leaders came to Pierre Feb. 5-6, for the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organizations’ Legislative Shadow Day.

State Historical Society board approves 13 property tax moratorium applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society board of trustees recently approved 13 applications in five counties for the eight-year state historic preservation property tax moratorium for restoration and rehabilitation made to historic buildings.

2019 Family Fun Saturday schedule set at Cultural Heritage Center
The popular Family Fun Saturday programs are back at the Cultural Heritage for 2019 with many new activities and topics.

Labor and Regulation

Consumers Should Beware of Unlicensed Money Lenders
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation cautions consumers about unlicensed money lenders, both online and in-person.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address
Governor Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after President Trump’s State of the Union address.

Noem Approves Legislation to Expand South Dakota Energy Potential
Governor Kristi Noem today approved legislation to expand South Dakota renewable energy production.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Protecting Our Way of Life
More than 230 years ago, the Founding Fathers of our country penned the Constitution that has since laid the framework of centuries of policies. Many things have changed since then, but our core American values have not.

Education

State Historical Society awards four historic preservation grants
Historic preservation projects in Deadwood, Lead, Sioux Falls and Watertown have received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Public Safety

February Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – A total of 17 sobriety checkpoints are planned for 14 South Dakota counties during the month of February.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Approves Constitutional Carry Legislation, Nine Other Bills
Governor Kristi Noem today signed her first bill into law. SB47, which Noem signed today, will further protect the Second Amendment rights of South Dakotans by allowing constitutional carry.

Education

Author V.J. Smith to tell about “Richest Man in Town” at Cultural Heritage Center
Aaron “Marty” Martinson was not a billionaire, but that’s what author V.J. Smith called Marty in his best-selling book, “The Richest Man in Town.” Smith will tell about the life lessons Marty taught him and the journey of writing a best-selling book at 7 p.m. CST on Monday, Feb. 11, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

New members join South Dakota Historical Society Foundation board
The South Dakota Historical Society Foundation board of directors has named new officers and welcomed new board members for 2019.

Summer Food Service Program seeking sponsors to serve communities
In an effort to fend off hunger, the South Dakota Department of Education’s office of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for a federally-funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.

Human Services

State Community of Practice Team Holding Trainings
The South Dakota Community of Practice for Supporting Families (CoP) is hosting a pair of free training sessions in February for professionals and family members who want to assure that individuals with disabilities, special healthcare needs and/or who are aging sustain a good quality of life.

Agriculture

SD State Fair Adds Brothers Osborne to Grandstand
The South Dakota State Fair and C&B Operations are proud to welcome Brothers Osborne to the SD State Fair grandstand on Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019.

Veterans Affairs

The VA’s Appeals Modernization Act will go live February 19, 2019. What does that mean for our veterans and their appeals?
The VA’s Appeals Modernization Act will go live February 19, 2019. What does that mean for our veterans and their appeals?

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash Update
RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol continues its investigation into a two-vehicle crash that killed one person Friday in Rapid City.

Governor Kristi Noem

Committee Approves Noem’s Bill to “Crack Down” on South Dakota Abortion Providers
Governor Kristi Noem today applauded the Senate Health and Human Services Committee after their approval of her bill to further “crack down” on South Dakota abortion providers.

Governor's Column: Revitalizing Rural South Dakota
Hometowns are the heartbeat of South Dakota. I’m proud to be from a rural hometown. It’s where I learned the values of hard work and self-reliance, where Bryon and I chose to raise our kids, where we started an insurance business and hunting lodge, and where my family has farmed and ranched for a century. But many small towns like ours are struggling today.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. - One person died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash that occurred in Rapid City.

Education

State Historical Society makes historic maps available on South Dakota Digital Archives
Dakota Territory maps have been added to the growing online database of historical content available from the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre.

Education

Eat ice cream, make snowmen Feb. 3 at Cultural Heritage Center
Whether there is snow on the ground or not, visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center can build three different snowmen and enjoy South Dakota State University ice cream on Museum Activity Day on Sunday, Feb. 3.

Human Services

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

Public Safety

Names Released in McCook County Fatal Crash
SALEM, S.D. – A Salem woman has died as a result of injuries suffered in a vehicle-tractor crash that occurred Wednesday, Jan. 16, west of Salem.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Expanding Broadband
Earlier this month, I announced my plan to close the broadband gap. Partnering with others, I want to connect as many more South Dakotans as possible to high speed internet over the next four years.

Public Safety

McCook County Fatal Crash
SALEM, S.D. – One person has died as a result of injuries suffered in a vehicle-tractor crash that occurred Wednesday afternoon west of Salem.

Name Released in Minnehaha County Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Sioux Falls woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Sioux Falls.

Highway Patrol Accepting Trooper Applications Now
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is looking for as many new troopers as it can hire.

Tourism

Tourism Experiences Record Growth in 2018
The South Dakota tourism industry has grown again for the ninth straight year, reaching record levels of visitors, visitor spending and impact on the state’s economy.

Tourism Industry Professionals Honored by Governor Noem
On Thursday evening, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members at the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Pierre.

Transportation

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into the I-229 Exit 3 and Exit 4 Interchanges Study
The SDDOT, in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Sioux Falls, will hold a public open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Lincoln High School, for the I-229 Exit 3 and Exit 4 interchanges.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem to Deliver Budget Address Wednesday
Governor Kristi Noem will deliver her 2019 Budget Address to a joint legislature on Wednesday, January 23 at 1pm CT in the state House Chamber.

Noem Taps Pierre Attorney for Deputy General Counsel
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Katie Hruska will join her staff as deputy general counsel.

Corrections

Inmate Michael LeClaire Back in Custody
Michael LeClaire was arrested in Yankton Jan. 16.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon in Sioux Falls.

Agriculture

The Beach Boys to Appear at SD State Fair
As The Beach Boys mark more than a half century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history.

Tourism

Officers Reelected for Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board
The Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2019.

Agriculture

2019 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy Registration Open
Registration is now open for the 2019 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy which will be held in Fort Pierre, SD, on March 21-24.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Battling the Meth Epidemic
Earlier this month, I placed my hand on my dad’s worn Bible and made a promise to South Dakota to govern in a way that respects and benefits every person in our state. I promised to serve in a way that improved things for the next generation. My dream? To grow our state into a place where our kids can thrive. We’re going to produce a stronger tomorrow for the next generation.

Governor's Column: Battling the Meth Epidemic
Earlier this month, I placed my hand on my dad’s worn Bible and made a promise to South Dakota to govern in a way that respects and benefits every person in our state. I promised to serve in a way that improved things for the next generation. My dream? To grow our state into a place where our kids can thrive. We’re going to produce a stronger tomorrow for the next generation.

Education

Museum of SD State Historical Society seeks individuals interested in becoming museum docents
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum, located at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre, is looking for individuals interested in sharing their time, expertise and love of history to become volunteer docents, or tour guides

Social Services

February Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits to be Issued Early in Response to Federal Government Shutdown
Due to the current federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) has required states to issue February Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits early in order to minimize the potential impact of the lapse in appropriations on SNAP recipients.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem to Appoint Secretary of Social Services
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that M. Gregory DeSautel, MD will join her cabinet as Secretary of Social Services. He will officially be appointed February 1.

Labor and Regulation

Employee Benefits Survey Results Released
Results of a South Dakota Employee Benefits Survey are now available online from the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Tourism

Job Openings at Interstate Information Centers
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is now accepting applications to fill seasonal positions for Travel Counselors and Supervisors at five Welcome Center locations along interstates 29 and 90.

Corrections

Inmate Lydell Black Spotted Horse Back in Custody
Inmate Lydell Black Spotted Horse was arrested in Sioux Falls Jan. 8.

Tourism

South Dakota Celebrates “State of Great” with 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is encouraging anyone interested in tourism, marketing and hospitality to join the 2019 Governor’s Conference on Tourism Jan. 15-17 in Pierre.

South Dakota Lottery

Aberdeen resident claims Lucky for Life top prize
Brandi Jo Hanson’s lucky numbers will pay dividends to the tune of $1,000 a day for the rest of her life.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Lawmaker
Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. CST until sunset on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to honor the life of former state legislator Kenneth “K.O.” Kauth of Huron.

Corrections

Inmate Michael LeClaire Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Michael LeClaire failed to return to the Yankton Community Work Center from his work release job at the designated time Jan. 7.

Public Safety

Public Comment Period Opens On Draft Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
PIERRE, S.D. – A 30-day public comment period is now open to take input regarding South Dakota’s state Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan.