Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 21
During the week of Nov. 15-21, a total of 681 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Spink County Fatal Crash
CONDE, S.D. – One man died early Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash southeast of Conde.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces New Secretary of Education
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tiffany Sanderson to be the next Secretary of Education.

Governor Noem Announces New Executive Director of South Dakota Housing Development Authority
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Lorraine Polak will be appointed Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), effective January 8, 2021. Polak will replace Mark Lauseng, who is retiring.

Public Safety

Names Released In Brookings County Fatal Crash
AURORA, S.D. – An Elkton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday night south of Aurora.

Transportation

Concrete Surface Repairs on Highways 16B and 79
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work at the intersection of highways 16B and 79 will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.

Public Utilities Commission

PUC approves construction permit for Wild Springs Solar Project
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission today approved a construction permit for the Wild Springs Solar Project to be built in Pennington County.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Encourages Safe Driving During Thanksgiving Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol reminds people who are traveling this Thanksgiving holiday to do so in a safe manner.

State Fire Marshal Urges Fire Safety For Thanksgiving
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal encourages people to remember the importance of fire safety this Thanksgiving holiday.

Transportation

Transportation Commission Awards Economic Development Grants
The South Dakota Transportation Commission has awarded just over $4 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to counties and smaller communities across South Dakota.

Interstate 90 Wildlife Fencing through Spearfish
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will be installing an eight-foot wildlife fence adjacent to Interstate 90 from Exit 8 to Exit 14 near Spearfish.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Straight Up Bison, Straight Up South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – “Grow your company. Live your life. Achieve your dreams. We can make it happen for you right now. Because South Dakota means business.” South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s invitation was enough for Fabiola Corvera-Stimeling and her husband Douglas Stimeling, to move their e-commerce business, Straight Up Bison, from Arizona to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in October.

Governor Kristi Noem

Christmas at the Capitol Grand Lighting Ceremony
The 2020 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. CST.

Human Services

DHS Warns of Scammers During Holiday Season
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and their families to be aware of scammers during the holiday season.

Tourism

South Dakota Float Appears in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
For the eleventh year, South Dakota’s “Mount Rushmore’s American Pride” float will appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.

Public Safety

Brookings County Fatal Crash
AURORA, S.D. – One man has died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash Friday night south of Aurora.

Names Released In Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A Stockholm, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Watertown.

Governor Kristi Noem

Thanksgiving and Personal Responsibility
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and across the country families are planning how to celebrate with their loved-ones in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health

South Dakota Reports First Flu Death of Season
Today, South Dakota reported the first influenza death of the 2020-2021 season. The death was reported in Potter County, and the individual was in the 80 to 89-year age group. To protect patient confidentiality, additional information about the deceased is not being released.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces New State Historian and Director of Historical Society
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Ben Jones, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education, will be taking a new position as State Historian and Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society, effective December 9, 2020.

Corrections

PUBLIC NOTICE OF HIGH RISK INMATE RELEASE
Corrections Secretary Mike Leidholt is providing notification to law enforcement and the public about the pending release of a state prison inmate.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Seeking Comments on Turkey Plan
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft revision of the turkey management plan, which was last updated in 2016.

Palisades State Park Reduces Bridge Weight Limits
PIERRE, S.D. – After a routine structural inspection of the iconic 1908 bridge located at Palisades State Park near Garretson, the gross vehicle weight capacity of the bridge has been reduced to 3-tons. This new rating will exclude traditional passenger vehicle traffic over the bridge.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 14
During the week of Nov. 8-14, a total of 442 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – One man died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Watertown.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Governor Noem Announces Hartford as ‘Small Community of the Year’
HARTFORD, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that Hartford was chosen as the “Small Community of the Year.” Historically, the award is presented during the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) annual conference in the spring, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was cancelled.

Public Utilities Commission

South Dakota PUC reminds consumers to be wary of scam call red flags during Utility Scam Awareness Week
In recognition of Utility Scam Awareness Week, Nov. 16-20, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission highlighted the importance of being able to identify red flags from unknown callers.

Corrections

Inmate Earl Brown dies
Inmate Earl Brown, age 78, passed away Nov. 16 at the Jameson Annex to the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls from natural causes.

Labor and Regulation

SD UpSkill Offering Certificate Programs to Dislocated Workers
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is accepting applications from dislocated workers to enroll in occupational skills training available through the UpSkill program at little to no cost.

Housing Development

$12 million Awarded for Affordable Housing in South Dakota
– South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s (SDHDA) Board of Commissioners today awarded more than $12 million to assist South Dakotans with newly constructed multifamily housing, single family housing, homebuyer assistance, homeowner rehabilitation, and homelessness prevention.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Robling as Interim Secretary of Game, Fish and Parks
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Kevin Robling will serve as Interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Health

Free COVID-19 Testing Available in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Health, in partnership with the South Dakota National Guard and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Rapid City, November 20th thru 23rd. The event will be held at the Pennington County Fairgrounds at 800 San Francisco Street. Testing will be available November 20th thru 22nd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and November 23rd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Public Safety

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Sioux Falls man has died of injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Oct. 14, 2020 south of Sioux Falls.

Public Safety

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Names have been released of the two South Dakota men who died in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning in Sioux Falls.

Governor Kristi Noem

Providing for Our Communities
From Belle Fourche, Buffalo, and Bison to Aberdeen, Groton, Webster, and Parkston I recently had the chance to sit down with so many South Dakotans.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Secretary Hepler to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Kelly Hepler, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), will retire, effective December 15, 2020.

Education

K-12 Connect enrollment deadline approaching
The deadline to enroll in South Dakota’s K-12 Connect program is Nov. 20. This program provides free internet service to eligible K-12 students in their homes for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 7
During the week of Nov. 1-7, a total of 497 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

FEMA Approves Funding for Sioux Falls Debris Removal
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA has approved more than $1.16 million to reimburse the City of Sioux Falls for the removal of storm debris caused by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in September of 2019.

Transportation

U.S. 16A/Iron Mountain Road Pipe Repair
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing a pipe repair project on Highway 16A/Iron Mountain Road starting Monday, Nov. 16.

DOT Seeks Public Input into the I-229 Exits 3 & 4 Interchanges Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Sioux Falls, is holding an online public meeting to present transportation improvement recommendations for the both the I-229 Exit 3 (Minnesota Avenue - Sioux Falls) and Exit 3 (Cliff Avenue – Sioux Falls) interchanges until Dec. 5, 2020, on the website: https://www.i229exits3and4.com/.

Education

Akaska “Pot Plane” items donated to State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre recently received items pertaining to the Jan. 20, 1980, “Pot Plane” seizure near Akaska in western Walworth County.

Public Safety

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

Names Released In Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A Waubay, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Waubay.

Social Services

DSS finds loving adoptive homes for children in foster care
Today, there are 81 children in South Dakota’s foster care system who are legally available for adoption. The greatest need is for older children, sibling groups, and children with emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.

Tourism

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL TO MEET NOV. 18
PIERRE, S.D. – Members of the South Dakota Arts Council, the advisory board of the Office of Arts, will meet remotely via online/call-in format Nov. 18 for the Council’s annual fall meeting.

Transportation

Highway 248 near Presho is Reopened
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is pleased to announce S.D. Highway 248, four-point-six miles east of the Highway 183/248 junction at Presho near Brakke Dam, is reopened to through traffic effective immediately.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Interim Secretary of Transportation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Joel Jundt will serve as Interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Noem Accepting Applications for Spring Interns During the 2021 Legislative Session
PIERRE – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office spring internship program.

Corrections

Inmate John Rose dies
Inmate John Rose, age 73, passed away at a Yankton hospital Nov. 8 from natural causes.

Board of Regents

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday at USD
A task force meets in Vermillion this week to look at the return on investment from higher education. The Senate Bill 55 Task Force will meet Thursday on the campus of the University of South Dakota.

Corrections

Inmate Ivan Good Plume in custody
Inmate Ivan Good Plume was arrested today. He is currently housed in the Pennington County jail.

Public Safety

Names Released In Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – Names have been released of the two men who died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Tyndall.

Governor Kristi Noem

A Special Thanks to All Our Veterans
One of the things I appreciate most about those who served is that they didn’t rely on someone else to protect freedom.

Corrections

Inmate placed on escape status
Inmate Keith Apple left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization this evening.

Public Safety

Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – One person died early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Waubay.

Corrections

Inmate placed on escape status
Inmate Ivan Good Plume left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization this evening.

Education

State Historical Society Director Vogt announces retirement
Jay D. Vogt of Pierre has announced his retirement as director of the South Dakota State Historical Society, effective Dec. 8.

Health

COVID-19 Mass Testing Events Scheduled for 10 South Dakota Communities
The South Dakota Department of Health, in partnership with the South Dakota National Guard and Office of Emergency Management, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing in ten South Dakota communities over the next two weeks.

Human Services

Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Still Available
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all Medicare beneficiaries there is still time to receive free assistance during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Labor and Regulation

Registered Apprenticeship Week Recognized
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Nov. 8-14, 2020, as Registered Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 31
During the week of Oct. 25-31, a total of 808 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Public Safety

Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – Two people died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Tyndall.

Corrections

Inmate Mark Johnson dies
Inmate Mark Johnson, age 62, passed away at a Yankton hospital Nov. 4 from natural causes.

Public Safety

Postponed Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Thursday, Nov. 5
PIERRE, S.D. – They are already on duty, but the first nine troopers in the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s new Fast Track Academy will have their graduation ceremony this Thursday, Nov. 5, at the state Capitol in Pierre.

Revenue

South Dakota Department of Revenue reminds South Dakotans of July 1 effective date for ballot measures
Unofficial election results from the South Dakota Secretary of State indicate the likely passage of Amendment A, Amendment B, and Initiated Measure 26. Amendment A and IM 26 deal with marijuana, and Amendment B addresses betting on sporting events. The results of the election will be officially canvassed on November 10.

Agriculture

Prescribed Fire to be Ignited at Stockade Lake
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, Custer State Park, and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Stockade Lake prescribed fire on Wednesday, November 4.

Public Safety

Names Released In Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – A Waldwick N.J., man has been identified as the person who died late Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash near Kimball.

Veterans Affairs

Honoring our Heroes
This Veterans Day, let us take time to honor the brave and selfless Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and recognize their time, commitment, and sacrifices in order to protect the ideals and freedoms that we cherish. Defending our democracy is paramount. Our service members face a growing list of global challenges, making it that much more important that our nation supports those who have answered the call to serve.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SSG Jason W. Montefering and SGT Jeremiah Boehmer
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veterans SSG Jason W. Montefering and SGT Jeremiah J. Boehmer.

Social Services

November is ‘Adoption Awareness Month’ in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November “Adoption Awareness Month” in South Dakota because all children in our state deserve to grow up in a strong family where they are loved and protected.

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's Office of Economic Development

Silencer Central approved for REDI Fund loan, relocating headquarters to Tea, S.D.
TEA, S.D. – Silencer Central, America’s largest silencer dealer, was approved today for a $3.3 million Revolving Economic Development and Initiative (REDI) Fund loan to start building its new corporate headquarters in Tea, S.D.

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.