Governor Kristi Noem

Strengthening South Dakota’s Workforce
South Dakota’s jobs market is booming. Our unemployment rate is the lowest in America. Businesses are moving to our state in large numbers.

Social Services

Child care providers honored for service.
Child care providers in South Dakota are being honored by the Department of Social Services (DSS) for the work they do to help support families.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending May 1
During the week of April 25-May 1, a total of 230 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 158 claims from the prior week’s total of 388.

Board of Regents

Campus and Community Representatives to Assist in NSU Presidential Search
Campus and community representatives have been appointed to assist the South Dakota Board of Regents in its search for the next president at Northern State University.

Education

Celebrate School Lunch Hero Day May 7
May 7 is School Lunch Hero Day, a special day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals. The South Dakota Department of Education invites students, school staff, parents, and communities to thank their local school lunch and breakfast staff.

Transportation

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project to Reconstruct S.D. Highway 25 from U.S. Highway 212 to the Clark/Day County Line
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) is holding a virtual public meeting until Wednesday, May 26, 2021, to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the proposed project to reconstruct S.D. Highway 25 from U.S. Highway 212 to the Clark and Day county line.

Revenue

Sales and property tax refund program open to senior citizens and citizens with disabilities
South Dakota senior citizens and citizens with disabilities have until July 1 to apply for sales or property tax refunds under South Dakota’s Tax Refund Program.

Transportation

Lane Closures Planned for Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls
On behalf of Action Electric and the city of Sioux Falls, SDDOT is providing the following updates for Sioux Falls residents. Motorists should be aware that lane closures will occur along I-229 from exit 5 at East 26th Street to exit 7 at East Rice Street as crews work on the lanes nearest the barrier wall.

Board of Regents

Public Universities Mask Optional as of May 10
As South Dakota’s public universities close out spring semester this week and transition to summer operations, operational adjustments are underway. These activities coincide with the Board of Regents’ plans for a return to normal campus operations this fall.

Education

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and announcing Regional Teachers of the Year
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 3-7 Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota.

Health

WIC Program Announces New Income Guidelines
The South Dakota Department of Health has released new income guidelines for the WIC Program effective May 3, 2021.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Providing Apprenticeship Investment Funds
The Department of Labor and Regulation is providing $270,000 in investment funding to help businesses and organizations train new apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAP) in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Name Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
PRINGLE, S.D. – A Custer, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash south of Pringle.

Social Services

Governor Noem honors South Dakota Foster Parents
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month in South Dakota to thank foster families for all they do for children in need.

Transportation

Department of Transportation and City of Watertown Seek Public Input into Watertown Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in conjunction with the City of Watertown, will hold an online public meeting to present information on the Watertown Area Master Transportation Plan.

Governor Kristi Noem

The Power of Travel
In South Dakota, we have so much to be proud of. Our beautiful landscapes, thriving business climate, and welcoming residents all combine to make this state truly the land of “Great Faces, Great Places.”

Governor Noem Sues Biden Administration over Mount Rushmore Fireworks
Today, Governor Kristi Noem filed a lawsuit against officials in the Biden administration over their cancellation of the Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration.

Education

Gov. Noem proclaims May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota.

Plant Gnome Take-to-Make at Cultural Heritage Center on May 8
On Saturday, May 8, from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre can pick up a take-to-make activity bag with the materials to create a plant gnome of their own.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Yankton Fifth Grader Wins South Dakota Arbor Day Poster Contest
Abby Johanneson, a fifth-grade student at Sacred Heart Elementary School in Yankton, is the winner of the 2021 South Dakota Arbor Day Poster Contest.

Health

SD-DOH Announces Available Grants for Mosquito Control Programs
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) today announced that cities, counties, and tribes can apply, or reapply, to obtain state grant funding to help control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of the West Nile virus (WNV). $500,000 is available for this grant program.

Public Safety

DPS Announces Sobriety Checkpoints For May
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has released the list of sobriety checkpoints to be held during May.

Tourism

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL TO MEET MAY 7
PIERRE, S.D. – Members of the South Dakota Arts Council, the advisory board of the State Arts Agency, will meet remotely via online/call-in format May 7 for the Council’s annual spring grants meeting.

Transportation

Local Bridge Replacement and Removal Project Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 31 local bridge replacement projects totaling approximately $20 million at their meeting in Pierre on Thursday, April 29.

Asphalt Overlay and Guardrail Replacement to Begin on U.S. Highway 14A/85 Between Deadwood and Cheyenne Crossing
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says an asphalt overlay and guardrail replacement project between Deadwood and Cheyenne Crossing on U.S. Highway 14A/85 will begin on Monday, May 10, 2021.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS - PRESS RELEASE #8 (Week of May 3 - 7, 2021)
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from road segments beginning on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.

Bridge Work Begins on S.D. Highway 38 in McCook County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction of a new bridge on S.D. Highway 38 approximately 1.5 miles east of Salem.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 24
During the week of April 18-24, a total of 215 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 120 claims from the prior week’s total of 335.

Public Safety

Custer County Fatal Crash
PRINGLE, S.D. – A 67-year-old man died Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash south of Pringle.

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Summerset, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Monday morning in a motorcycle-vehicle crash that occurred in Rapid City.

Public Safety

Name Released In Moody County Fatal Crash
COLMAN, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D., woman has been identified as the person died Saturday night in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Colman.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 12 Construction to Begin in Aberdeen
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is beginning the concrete repair work on U.S. Highway 12 in Aberdeen from 16th Street South to Melgaard Road.

Resurfacing Project Resumes on U.S. Highway 14 East of Pierre
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that work will begin on Monday, May 3, 2021, on a crack, seat, and resurfacing project on U.S. 14 east of Pierre in Hughes County.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Governor Kristi Noem Announces Two Communities of the Year, Economic Development Award Winner
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that the winners of the Large and Small Community of the Year awards were Rapid City and North Sioux City, respectively.

Social Services

MEDIA ADVISORY: Stronger Families Together campaign to kick off May 11
The Department of Social Services in partnership with South Dakota Kids Belong will host a kick-off event for the Stronger Families Together campaign to support children and families in South Dakota.

Tourism

Tourism Industry Celebrates the Power of Travel During National Travel and Tourism Week
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is partnering with the U.S. Travel Association and industry partners across the state to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 2-8.

Transportation

Asphalt Paving Resumes on U.S. Highway 85 in Butte County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will resume asphalt resurfacing next week on U.S. Highway 85, north of Belle Fourche.

Health

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Administration to Resume This Week in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) announced health systems and federal retail pharmacies across the state will resume the use and administration of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine starting today.

SD-DOH Issues Request for Proposal for Medical Marijuana Patient Registry, Verification, & Licensing System in SD
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) issued a request for proposal (RFP) (ID #2357) for a statewide patient registry, verification, and licensing system to be used in the implementation of the medical marijuana program.

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

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – One person died early Monday morning in a motorcycle-vehicle crash that occurred in Rapid City.

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

Transportation

SDDOT to Post Emergency Vehicle Weight Limit Signage on Interstate System
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be posting signs at 21 structures located on and directly adjacent to Interstates 90, 29, 229, and 190 due to a federal requirement. SDDOT says that new signage will be placed by April 30, 2021 to indicate the structures are now posted for Emergency Vehicle (EV) weight limits.

Public Safety

Moody County Fatal Crash
COLMAN, S.D. -- One person died Saturday night in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Colman.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
WALL S.D. – A Wasta, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle crash west of Wall.

Governor Kristi Noem

Joe Biden’s First 100 Days – Disunity and Partisanship
When Joe Biden was sworn in as President of the United States on January 20, 2021, he declared that “my whole soul is in this: bringing America together

Governor Noem Joins Lawsuit against President Biden over ‘Social Cost of Carbon’
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem joined Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry and 8 other state attorneys general in suing to prevent the Biden Administration from establishing a damages value to the “social cost of greenhouse gases,” which would kill thousands of American jobs and impose more burdens and harms to the American people.

Education

Life of Gov. William J. Bulow featured in “South Dakota History”
The latest issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society, includes excerpts from the autobiography of William J. Bulow, Sr., a two-term governor and United States senator.

Two retired State Historical Society staffers receive Robinson Award
Two longtime South Dakota State Historical Society staffers who retired in 2020 will be announced as winners of the prestigious Robinson Memorial Award on Saturday during the society’s annual history conference.

State Historical Society archaeology camp registration opens May 3
The South Dakota State Historical Society’s Historic Preservation Office is sponsoring a three-day archaeology camp for students going into grades 4-6 for the 2021-2022 school year.

Transportation

Interstate 29 Two-way Traffic to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews have begun construction on the northbound lanes of Interstate 29 from mile marker 224 at the Peever Exit to mile marker 239, north of Sisseton.

Education

2021 SD Workforce Education Grant recipients announced
Four South Dakota Workforce Education Grants, totaling $690,245, have been awarded to four South Dakota public school districts. In 2013, the South Dakota Legislature established the Workforce Education Fund. Part of that fund was designated to provide grants for career and technical education programs in secondary schools.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Best Management Practices Reduce Bacteria Levels in Pierre Creek
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR), working together with local and federal partners successfully implemented best management practices (BMPs) along Pierre Creek to reduce E. coli bacteria levels.

Prairie Paradise Farms to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award
Today, in conjunction with Earth Day, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources announced that Prairie Paradise Farms has been selected for the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Asks Public to Leave Animals Alone
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is reminding people that it is important to leave wild animals alone.

Dekker Named Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year
PIERRE, S.D. – The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators has named Chris Dekker the 2021 Brook Brown Boating Officer of the Year. Dekker is a conservation officer for the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and is stationed in Rapid City.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 17
During the week of April 11-17, a total of 268 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 22 claims from the prior week’s total of 290.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A 49-year-old woman died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Whitewood.

Veterans Affairs

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of LCPL Flying Horse
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veteran LCPL Conrad Lee Flying Horse.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Bans Vaccine Passports in South Dakota
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-08, which bans government-instituted vaccine passports in South Dakota.

Health

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of the Brazil Coronavirus Variant in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) can confirm that the P.1 variant (the ‘Brazil variant”) of COVID-19 has been detected in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
WALL, S.D. -- A 31-year-old man died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle fatal crash west of Wall.

Social Services

Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday April 24
South Dakotans are encouraged to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs as part of the next DEA National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24.

Transportation

Median and Ramp Crossover Construction on I-90 to Begin Next Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project to remove an existing median crossover and construct new median and ramp crossovers will begin Monday, April 26, 2021.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project to Reconstruct S.D. Highway 28 East of Lake Poinsett to Estelline
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting until May 19, 2021, to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the proposed project to reconstruct S.D. Highway 28 from 192nd Street east of Lake Poinsett to 1.2 miles west of Estelline.

S.D. Highway 50 Reconstruction East of Vermillion to Resume
During the week of April 26, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will resume work on S.D. Highway 50 from Interstate 29 to Vermillion.

Landslide Repair on S.D. Highway 36, East of Custer State Park to Begin This Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin the first phase of a two-phase project with landslide repair on S.D. Highway 36 at mile marker 41.27, east of Custer State Park, on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

Veterans Affairs

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s April Column – South Dakota to Dedicate First State Veterans Cemetery
It’s hard to believe that 20 months ago we broke ground for South Dakota’s first state veteran’s cemetery. The day was cold and wet, but the hearts of those in attendance were warm and full of pride knowing that we were soon going to provide and maintain a dignified final-resting place to honor all eligible veterans and dependents.

Education

State Library digitizes 41 volumes of South Dakota Historical Collections
As the South Dakota State Historical Society celebrates its 120th year, the South Dakota State Library has digitized all 41 volumes of the South Dakota Historical Collections.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Admission Passes Available for Read & Win during the South Dakota State Fair
Admission passes are now available for the Read & Win program during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair, Thursday, September 2 – Monday, September 6.

Health

Health Systems and Department of Health Urge COVID Vaccination
Today in a united front, Avera Health, Monument Health and Sanford Health systems joined with the South Dakota Department of Health to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Outlines Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Eligibility Extensions
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has reviewed guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Labor to expand Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) eligibility.

Public Safety

State, Local Officials Complete Schroeder Fire Investigation
PIERRE, S.D. – A debris/slash pile is thought to be the origin of the Schroeder Fire that burned 2,224 acres west of Rapid City in late March.

Transportation

Traffic Signal Project to Begin in Mitchell
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work for the installation of traffic lights and signals will begin on Monday, April 26, 2021.

SDDOT Promotes 2021 Work Zone Awareness Week: Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is a national public awareness campaign designed to spread the vital message that we are all responsible for work zone safety

Housing Development

SDHDA Seeking Applicants for the 2021 Emergency Solutions Grants Program
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is seeking applicants for the Emergency Solutions Grants Program.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Names Rave, Partridge to Board of Regents
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tim Rave of Baltic and Jeff Partridge of Rapid City to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Education

South Dakota recognized for leadership in school connectivity
South Dakota recently was ranked No. 2 in the nation for school internet connectivity by Connected Nation, according to data published through the nonprofit’s Connect K-12 website. Rankings are based on the percentage of school districts that are at or over 1 Mbps of bandwidth per student, which is the Federal Communications Commission’s recommended bandwidth to allow for digital learning in every classroom, every day.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources officially begin serving South Dakota as the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

Public Safety

New Teen Driving Law Takes Effect July 1
PIERRE, S.D. – A new state law that changes some requirements for South Dakota teen-age driving licenses and operator permits takes effect July 1.

Transportation

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project to Reconstruct U.S. Highway 18 from S.D. Highway 391 to West of Martin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting until May 14, 2021, to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the proposed project to reconstruct U.S. Highway 18 from S.D. Highway 391 to west of Martin.

Public Safety

Name Released In McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – A Mound City, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Monday in a one-vehicle crash in McPherson County.

Governor Kristi Noem

A Safer South Dakota
One of my main responsibilities as Governor is to keep South Dakota safe. It’s something that I take very seriously. After all, I love this state.

Corrections

Inmate Clarence Ferris in custody
Ferris was arrested in Rapid City April 15.

Education

Western artist Charles Russell subject of new State Historical Society children’s book
Using history and art, author Emily Crawford Wilson crafts an afternoon of magical mischief, through a modern fairy tale based on the life of Western artist Charles M. Russell (1864–1926).

Public Safety

DPS Encourages Public Participation in South Dakota’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week
PIERRE, S.D. – Severe weather will happen this summer in South Dakota and officials of the state Department of Public Safety encourage people to be ready.

Board of Regents

NSU President to Depart Aberdeen Campus
Northern State University President Timothy M. Downs has announced his resignation to pursue a new opportunity in higher education.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 10
During the week of April 4-10, a total of 235 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 79 claims from the prior week’s total of 314.

Social Services

USD, DSS partner to train school personnel in crisis prevention and response
To help ensure children are psychologically and physically safe before, during and after unexpected negative events, the University of South Dakota (USD) and Department of Social Services (DSS) are working together to train South Dakota school personnel.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Now Accepts Tag Returns for All Limited Draw/Big Game Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is now accepting tag returns for all big game and limited draw seasons.

Commission Continues Discussion on Grouse and Pheasant Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission continued discussions on their proposal to extend the Prairie Grouse Hunting Season to the end of January at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Muzzleloader, Refuge Deer Seasons, Decrease in East River Deer Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission continued discussions on the Muzzleloader Deer and East River Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Increases to West River Deer Licenses, Decrease to Black Hills and Custer State Park Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made changes to their proposed West River and Black Hills Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Increases to West River Deer Licenses, Decrease to Black Hills and Custer State Park Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made changes to their proposed West River and Black Hills Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Discusses Changes to 2021-2022 Apprentice, Youth and Mentored Deer Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed a simplification of the Youth and Apprentice deer licenses.

GFP Commission Discusses Creation of Disabled Veterans Deer and Pheasant Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission continued discussions on creating an avenue for nonprofit organizations to apply for deer licenses for disabled veterans and purple heart recipients.

GFP Commission Discusses Statewide Deer and Elk Carcass Disposal Rules
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission continued discussions on a proposal to change the way deer and elk hunters must dispose of carcass remains for the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

GFP-NASP 2021 Virtual Tournament Champions Crowned
PIERRE S.D. – In March, young archers from across South Dakota participated virtually to claim top honors in the 2021 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Bullseye and 3D Tournament. The tournaments were sponsored by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

Snapshot South Dakota Winter Contest Winners Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced today the winners for the Snapshot South Dakota winter photo contest. The contest started in January and ended on March 22.

Public Safety

DPS Releases South Dakota’s 2020 Fatal Crash Numbers
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota recorded 141 motor vehicle fatalities in 132 fatal crashes in 2020, according to yearly numbers released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Safety.

Social Services

Community key to supporting families, ending child abuse and neglect
South Dakota communities play a key role in supporting families and ultimately in ending child abuse and neglect.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Asks President Biden to Uphold Mount Rushmore Fireworks Agreement
Today, on President Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, Governor Kristi Noem sent this letter to President Joseph R. Biden advocating for South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration.

Public Utilities Commission

PUC encourages South Dakotans to thank a lineman on National Lineman Appreciation Day
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18 by encouraging South Dakotans to thank the men and women who work to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity throughout our state and across the country.

Education

Country schools to be the focus of Cultural Heritage Center program
Preserving the rural school experience through written word and art will be the focus of the April 15 meeting of the History and Heritage Book Club.

Civics and History Initiative pilot grant applications open
South Dakota public schools can now apply for a pilot grant program, which is part of the South Dakota Civics and History Initiative. A total of $200,000 in grant funding is available for schools to pilot programs that focus on strengthening civics/government and history education.

Health

Statement from Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon Regarding Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Today, Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, released the following statement following the joint statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommending a temporary pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Outlines Federal Unemployment Extensions
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has outlined the unemployment compensation benefit extensions provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 signed by President Joe Biden on March 11.

Public Safety

McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – One man died early Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Leola.

Public Utilities Commission

Mandatory 10-digit dialing set to begin in South Dakota
Beginning on April 24, South Dakotans are encouraged to start using 10-digit dialing (605 area code plus phone number) to make all local phone calls.

Corrections

Inmate David Deal death
State prison inmate David Deal has died as the result of natural causes.

Health

South Dakota Reaches Vaccination Milestone and Calls on Young Adults to Get Vaccinated
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) announced the percentage of state residents who have received at least 1-dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has reached the 50% threshold.

Public Safety

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – A Rapid City man has been identified as the person who died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Box Elder.

Transportation

Spring Load Limit Restrictions - Press Release #7
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Board of Regents

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday at BHSU
A task force studying the operations of public universities in South Dakota meets in Spearfish this week as it works to make final recommendations. The Senate Bill 55 Task Force will meet Thursday on the campus of Black Hills State University.

Governor Kristi Noem

Infringed.
The Constitution doesn’t always use plain language, but when it comes to our right to defend ourselves, the Second Amendment is quite straightforward: “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – One person died and three others were injured Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Box Elder.

Names Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – A Modesto, CA woman has been identified as the person who died Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night east of Murdo. Eight other people were injured.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City man has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

Transportation

SDDOT Reminds Citizens that Interstate Hay Permits are Available Now
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds people that Interstate Highway Right-of-Way Mowing Permits are available for land that abuts Interstate 90 or Interstate 29.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Names Aaron Scheibe as Chief of Staff
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will name Aaron Scheibe as her chief of staff.

Education

“Silent Silos” exhibit to close at Cultural Heritage Center on April 11
The national award-winning "Silent Silos" exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will come to a close after Sunday, April 11.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Now Accepts Tag Returns for All Limited Draw/Big Game Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is now accepting tag returns for all big game and limited draw seasons.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 3
During the week of March 28-April 3, a total of 243 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 56 claims from the prior week’s total of 299.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – Class 64, the newest group of South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits, graduates Friday morning in Pierre.

Education

Registration available for 2021 South Dakota History Conference
Registration is now available for the 2021 History Conference of the South Dakota State Historical Society, being held Friday and Saturday, April 23-24.

Pick up Spring Flower Take-to-Make April 10 at Cultural Heritage Center
On Saturday April 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT, visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre can pick up a take-to-make activity bag with the materials to create their own colorful flower.

Transportation

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 48 and S.D. Highway 11
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that work will begin Monday, April 12, 2021, on an asphalt resurfacing project near Alcester.

Milling and Asphalt Paving Begins on S.D. Highway 46 West of Beresford
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction begins this week on S. D. Highway 46 running west of the Interstate 29 exit to the S.D. Highway 19 intersection.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem to Name Venhuizen to Board of Regents
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tony Venhuizen to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Corrections

Inmate Michael Hand death
State prison inmate Michael Hand has died as the result of an apparent suicide.

Education

Students to explore careers during South Dakota Week of Work April 19-23
The first South Dakota Week of Work is scheduled for April 19-23. This exciting week will help middle and high school students explore career opportunities across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash Makes a Return to the State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash is returning to the State Fair grandstand on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, and Thursday, September 2, 2021.

Public Safety

Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – One person died and eight others were injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night east of Murdo.

Name Released In Grant County Fatal Crash
GOODWIN, S.D. – A Melrose, MN man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash north of Goodwin.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. -- One man died Sunday afternoon in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

Name Released In Brookings County Fatal Crash
VOLGA, S.D. – A Brookings, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Volga.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 16 Reopened from Wyoming Border to Custer with No Travel Advised
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway 16 has reopened from the Wyoming border to Custer. No travel is still advised on this section of U.S. Highway 16 due to heavy snow and near zero visibility.

U.S. Highway 16 Closed from Wyoming Border to Custer
The South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that U.S. Highway 16 will be closed immediately to thru traffic from the Wyoming border to Custer, due to a truck that has become jackknifed in the road.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS - PRESS RELEASE #6
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Public Safety

Grant County Fatal Crash
GOODWIN, S.D. – One man died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash north of Goodwin

Governor Kristi Noem

Taxation Without Infrastructure
When I was in Congress, I had the tremendous honor of being on the conference committee that ironed out the final details of President Trump’s tax cuts.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) Reopening Plans
South Dakota Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway16A (Iron Mountain Road) is reopening for public travel at 7 p.m. MT on Friday, April 2, 2021.

Game, Fish and Parks

“Go Forth” Program Encourages South Dakota Youth to Get Outdoors
PIERRE, S.D. – Fourteen thousand fourth graders in South Dakota will get a special taste of summer freedom through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ (GFP) “Go Forth” program.

2021 Nest Predator Bounty Program Begins Today
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) will kick off the third year of the Nest Predator Bounty program as part of Gov. Noem’s Second Century Initiative. Tails from raccoon, striped skunk, badger, red fox, and opossum will be eligible for $10 per-tail payments with a maximum total payout of $500,000. The per-tail payment is an increase from $5 per-tail last year.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending March 27
During the week of March 21-27, a total of 238 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 57 claims from the prior week’s total of 295.

Public Safety

Brookings County Fatal Crash
VOLGA, S.D. – One person died early Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Volga.

Social Services

Governor Noem calls for end to child abuse, neglect
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to help bring an end to abuse and neglect in South Dakota. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is asking everyone to be vigilant in watching for signs of a problem.

Transportation

Interstate 29 (Tea) Exit 73 and Lincoln County Road 106 Interchange Construction Begins
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction begins on Tuesday April 6, 2021 on Lincoln County Road 106 at the Interstate 29 interchange, exit #73, for the addition of acceleration/deceleration lanes and widening on the north ramps.

Milling and Asphalt Paving to Begin Between Blunt and Harrold on U.S. Highway 14
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that work will begin Monday, April 5, 2021, on an asphalt resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 14 from three miles east of Blunt to three miles east of Harrold.

Urban Reconstruction to Begin in Gettysburg
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin reconstructing U.S. Highway 212 in Gettysburg on Monday, April 5, 2021.

S.D. Highway 44 Reopened West of Rapid City
South Dakota Department of Transportation says S.D. Highway 44 has reopened west of Rapid City between Norris Peak Road at Johnson Siding and Chapel Lane.

SDDOT Seeks Nominations for Transportation Hall of Honor
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is accepting nominations for review and consideration for induction into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 50 Bypass in City of Vermillion
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction on the S.D. Highway 50 bypass in the city of Vermillion is scheduled to start on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.

Health

South Dakota Department of Health Announces the Start of Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced the statewide move to Phase 2 of South Dakotas’ COVID-19 vaccination plan beginning Monday, April 5, 2021.

Transportation

S.D. Highway 244 Reopening Plans
South Dakota Department of Transportation says that S.D. Highway 244 will reopen to public traffic at midnight (12 a.m.) on April 1, 2021.

Load testing of I-90 bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis to continue through Thursday, April 1, 2021
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will continue to load test the Interstate 90 westbound bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis through Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Eastbound Interstate 90 Reconstruction Begins East of Belvidere
Complete Concrete Inc. began construction on Eastbound Interstate 90 from the town of Belvidere, S.D. for 11 miles to the east.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 46 East of the City of Irene
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin shoulder and grade construction on S.D. Highway 46 from the east side of Irene to the intersection of S.D. Highways 19 South and 19A on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Board of Regents

NSU Student Organizations Recognized for Excellence
The South Dakota Board of Regents recognized student organizations from Northern State University for excellence in academic, community, and organizational work.

Regents Approve Tuition & Fee Rates for 2021-22
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year. The impact to students in the public university system is an average cost increase of $104.98 per year, or 1.1 percent.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Declares State of Emergency for Drought and Fire Conditions
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-07, which declares a state of emergency through June 1, 2021, due to severe drought and dangerous fire conditions.

Corrections

Inmate Kenneth Muetze death
State prison inmate Kenneth Muetze has died as the result of natural causes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

South Dakota State Fair Announces Dustin Lynch to Play at 2021 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and C&B Operations are proud to announce country music star Dustin Lynch to perform at the State Fair grandstand on Saturday, September 4. Ross Ellis will open.

Public Safety

Name Released In Clark County Fatal Crash
CLARK, S.D. – A Raymond, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Clark.

Names Released In Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A Dayton, MN woman has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Waubay.

Name Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A Pine Ridge, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash that occurred east of Hermosa.

Transportation

Transportation Alternative (TA) Projects Awarded by South Dakota Transportation Commission
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded ten Transportation Alternatives (TA) projects totaling $3.7 million for communities across the state

Concrete Pavement Repair Projects Begin in the Mitchell Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says concrete pavement repair will be done on four routes in the Mitchell Area. The contractor will move from one project to the next in the following order below:

Tribal Relations

Board On Geographic Names Seeks Input On Proposed Name For Hill in Rapid City on School of Mines Campus
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names (SDBGN) seeks public input on a name for an unnamed summit in Rapid City.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Governor Kristi Noem Announces 24 Broadband Grant Awards
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that 24 grants have been awarded to fund broadband projects to better connect unserved and underserved areas across South Dakota. In February, it was announced that $25 million in CARES Act funding was made available for broadband projects that could be completed by the end of 2021.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Statement on Fairness in Women’s Sports
Today, Governor Noem gave the following update on her efforts to protect fairness in women’s sports.

South Dakota Leading the Nation in GDP Growth
South Dakota’s economy is growing faster than any state in the nation, according to last Friday’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) release from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Corrections

Inmate Michael Noland death
State prison inmate Michael Noland has died as the result of an apparent suicide.

Public Safety

DPS Releases April Sobriety Checkpoint List
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints are planned for 19 South Dakota counties during the month of April.

Transportation

S.D. Highway 44 Closed West of Rapid City Due to Wildfire
South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that due to a wildfire, S.D. Highway 44 is closed west of Rapid City between Norris Peak Road at Johnson Siding and Chappell Lane.

U.S. Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) Closed Due to Wildfire
South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that due to a wildfire, U.S. Highway16A (Iron Mountain Road) from S.D. Highway 244 to S.D. Highway 36 is closed immediately.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS - PRESS RELEASE #5
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table. Effective dates are included in the table.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 15 in Deuel and Grant County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on S.D. Highway 15 from U.S. 212 north toward S.D. Highway 20.

S.D. Highway 52 Road Closure Begins in April between S.D. Highways 37 and 50
South Dakota Department of Transportation says the reconstruction and road closure of S.D. Highway 52 between S.D. Highway 37 to the S.D. Highway 50 junction begins on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Public Safety

Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – One man died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash that occurred east of Hermosa.

Clark County Fatal Crash
CLARK, S.D. – One person died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Clark.

Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A 61-year-old female died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Waubay.

Governor Kristi Noem

Fairness in Women's Sports
Everyone knows that I am willing to fight for what I believe in. Some have even accused me of fighting too much!

Governor Noem Signs Remaining Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed sixteen bills into law.

Governor Noem Signs Pro-Life Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed four pro-life bills into law, including HB 1110, which bans abortions based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Governor Noem Proposes Medicinal Marijuana Fixes to Legislature
Today, Governor Kristi Noem proposed three changes to Initiated Measure 26 (IM 26) to fix problems with the measure as drafted.

Education

Board adopts new content standards in several subject areas
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted new academic content standards in several subject areas at its meeting today.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Grant Opportunity for Urban and Community Forestry
Funding for new community forestry projects is available through South Dakota’s 2021 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grant program.

Transportation

Interstate 90 Construction Begins in McCook County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin reconstruction of Interstate 90 eastbound lanes from Salem to Humboldt in April.

Load testing of I-90 bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis to begin next week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin load testing the Interstate 90 westbound bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Signs Broadband Funding into Law
Governor Noem has signed SB 34, which provides $75 million in funding for rural access to high-speed broadband, into law.

Governor Noem Signs Criminal Justice Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed SB 135, which enhances training requirements for law enforcement officers, into law.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

DENR Announces More Than $69 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved a $69,445,450 for water, wastewater, and solid waste projects.

Health

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of Additional Coronavirus Variants in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) can confirm that additional variants of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in South Dakota.

Public Safety

Name Released In Turner County Fatal Crash
MONROE, S.D. – A 42-year-old Sioux Falls man has been identified as the person who died Monday night in a one-vehicle fatal crash east of Monroe.

Transportation

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 28
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on S.D. Highway 28 from 7 miles west of Lake Norden to U.S. Highway 81 on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Interstate 29 Northbound Construction Begins in Roberts County in April
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on Interstate 29 northbound lanes from MRM 224 (Peever Exit) to MRM 239 (north of Sisseton) on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Concrete Surface Repairs to Begin on U.S. Highway 16B at Rapid Creek Bridge
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work on westbound U.S. Highway 16B at the Rapid Creek Bridge will begin on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Signs Freedom Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed seven bills to protect South Dakotans’ freedoms into law.

Governor Noem Signs Taxation Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed three taxation bills into law.

Social Services

DSS helps ensure families have correct child safety seats
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) is helping ensure children ride in the best child safety seat for their height and weight when parents can’t afford to buy one.

Veterans Affairs

GOVERNOR NOEM PROCLAIMS VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Monday, March 29, 2021, as “Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Statement on Closure of Hill City Sawmill
Today, Governor Noem gave the following statement on the closure of the Hill City Sawmill:

Governor Noem Signs DEX Funding
Governor Noem has signed Senate Bill 99 into law, which funds the Dakota Events CompleX at the South Dakota State Fair.

Governor Noem Signs Military and Veterans Legislation
Governor Noem has signed five bills related to military and veterans issues into law.

Education

Gov. Noem appoints Nebelsick, Olsen, Willard to Board of Education Standards
Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Huron School Superintendent Terry Nebelsick, educator Linda Olsen of Dupree, and Belle Fourche School Superintendent Dr. Steve Willard, to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

South Dakota State Fair Announces Jon Pardi to Play at 2021 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and Legend Seeds welcome Jon Pardi to the South Dakota State Fair grandstand on Sunday, September 5, 2021.

Public Safety

Names Released In Yankton County Fatal Crash
YANKTON, S.D. – A 19-year-old female from Yankton has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Yankton.

Turner County Fatal Crash
MONROE, S.D. – A 42-year-old man died Monday night in a one-vehicle fatal crash east of Monroe.

Tourism

Department of Tourism Gearing Up For a Promising Summer Season
With pent-up travel demand and consumers beginning to express increased interest and optimism about traveling, the South Dakota Department of Tourism is gearing up for what looks to be a busy summer tourism season.

Transportation

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTION - PRESS RELEASE #4
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Construction to Begin on U.S. Highway 14 between Wall and Cottonwood
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work on a 15-mile section of U.S. Highway 14 approximately two miles east of Wall will begin on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Construction Begins on U.S. Highway 18 / U.S. Highway 385 North of Oelrichs
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says 10 miles of work on U.S. Highway 18 / U.S. Highway 385 will begin Monday, March 29, 2021.This project had a two week delay due to recent snowstorms. The construction begins one-half mile north of Oelrichs and continues toward the Smithwick Road turn-off.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Launches “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition
Today, Governor Noem announced the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition to defend fairness in women’s sports.

Governor Noem Signs Appropriations Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed twenty-one appropriations bills into law.

Corrections

Inmate Matthew Richard in custody
Richard was arrested in Pennington County on March 21.

Health

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Offered to All in Priority Group E
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced the statewide opening of Group E, of the states’ Phase I priority groups.

Transportation

Construction to begin on S.D. Highway 19 through Parker
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin work on S.D. Highway 19 from S.D. Highway 42 to the 277th Street intersection on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Public Safety

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Belle Fourche, S.D., woman died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash just outside the city limits of Spearfish.

Public Safety

Yankton County Fatal Crash
YANKTON, S.D. – A 19-year-old female died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Yankton.

Governor Kristi Noem

An Endowment for Our Future
I recently had the privilege of hearing from two impressive young South Dakota college students.

Governor Noem Returns HB 1217 to Legislature, Suggests Style and Form Changes
Today, Governor Noem returned HB 1217 to the South Dakota Legislature with Style and Form suggestions.

Governor Noem Signs South Dakota Freedom Scholarship into Law
Today, Governor Noem signed Senate Bill 171, which provides $50 million for the South Dakota Freedom Scholarship.

Governor Noem Signs Zoning Reform
Governor Noem has signed HB 1094, which simplifies city zoning regulations and eases the permitting process for homebuilders and homeowners in South Dakota.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Noem signed the following eleven bills into law

Transportation

Winner Reconstruction Begins in March
The Winner Area office of the South Dakota Department of Transportation says that the reconstruction of U.S. Highway 18 and the U.S. Highway18/S.D. Highway 44 junction is scheduled to start Monday, March 29, 2021.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Governor Noem Outlines Framework for $5 Million in Coronavirus Relief Funds For South Dakota Meat Processors
Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $5 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota meat processors expand capacity to respond to market and workforce disruption due to COVID-19.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending March 13 and Benefit Year Ending
During the week of March 7-13, a total of 293 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 5 claims from the prior week’s total of 298.

Tourism

South Dakota Department of Tourism to Host Spring Hospitality Training
The South Dakota Department of Tourism will host its annual Spring Hospitality Training, May 3-6, 2021. The trainings will be held in six communities across South Dakota.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 83 Reconstruction to begin
Foothills Contracting Inc. will begin construction on U.S. Highway 83 from the town of White River, S.D. for 11 miles to the White River.

Veterans Affairs

South Dakota Offers Veterans Great Opportunities
Recently Smart Asset™ named South Dakota as the top state for veterans in the nation. Much of this decision focused on veteran population, low unemployment rates, low housing costs, and access to healthcare facilities.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Names Robling Secretary of Game, Fish and Parks
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Kevin Robling will continue his service to South Dakota as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

Governor Noem Names Jundt Secretary of Transportation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Joel Jundt will continue his service to South Dakota as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation (DOT).

Corrections

Inmate Abby Hall dies
State prison inmate Abby Hall has died as the result of an apparent suicide.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – One person died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash just outside the city limits of Spearfish.

Education

Her Vote. Her Voice. raising funds to ensure historical collections are accessible to all
In conjunction with Women’s History Month, the Her Vote. Her Voice. (HVHV) campaign is requesting support to digitize important historical documents in the State Archives of the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre.

More historic images added to South Dakota Digital Archives
The South Dakota State Historical Society-Archives at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre recently added another batch of digitized photos to the South Dakota Digital Archives.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant Applications Now Open
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division (SDWF) announces the Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grant application period is now open.

Tourism

Job Openings at Interstate Welcome Centers
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is now accepting applications to fill seasonal positions for Welcome Center Travel Counselor and Supervisor positions at six Welcome Center locations along Interstates 29 and 90.

Transportation

Interstate 90, Exit 59 Westbound Temporary Ramp Closure in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Interstate 90 westbound exit ramp at Exit 59 will be closed from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, March 18, 2021, to all vehicle traffic. Westbound motorists are requested to use Exit 58 as an alternate route.

Human Services

2021 Governor’s Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2021 Governor’s Awards.

Board of Regents

Public Universities Look Ahead to Normalcy this Fall
South Dakota’s six public universities and two special schools are planning for a return to more normal operations this fall.

Public Safety

Names Released In Hamlin County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A Mobridge, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Watertown.

Governor Kristi Noem

Wrapping up a Great Legislative Session
This week, the 2021 legislative session came to a close.

Education

Sisseton’s Louis Nigg Barn listed in National Register of Historic Places
The Louis Nigg Barn near Sisseton in Roberts County was added to the National Register of Historic Places in March.

Housing Development

Funding Available for Housing Development
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is inviting developers to submit applications for funding from the Housing Trust Fund (HTF) program.

Health

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of the UK Coronavirus Variant in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) can confirm that the B.1.1.7 variant (the “U.K. variant”) of COVID-19 has been detected in South Dakota. The findings were verified by an out-of-state commercial laboratory.

Labor and Regulation

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending March 6
During the week of Feb. 28-March 6, a total of 248 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 193 claims from the prior week’s total of 441.

Public Safety

Spring Ahead Clocks and Smoke Alarm Batteries This Weekend
PIERRE, S.D. – When it comes to Daylight Saving Time this weekend, South Dakota Fire Marshal Paul Merriman says there is more to it than just changing the clocks.

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A 56-year-old Hermosa, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Hermosa.

Hamlin County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Watertown.

Tourism

South Dakota Tourism Wins Two National Marketing Awards
The South Dakota Department of Tourism recently gained national recognition receiving two 2020 Adrian Awards as part of a prestigious international marketing competition.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Signs Legislation to Empower Parental Choice in Education
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 177 into law, which empowers parents who make the choice to educate their children at home.

Governor Noem Signs Telehealth Flexibilities into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 96 into law, which increases access to healthcare by allowing South Dakotans to utilize telehealth flexibilities.

Health

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Offered to All in Priority Group D Group Includes Teachers, College Staff & Funeral Workers
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health today announced that the remainder of those in priority group D – teachers, childcare workers, college staff, college students, and funeral workers – are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccine through Phase I vaccinators.

South Dakota Reaches Milestone of 1 Million COVID-19 Tests - Testing Remains Critical in the Fight Against COVID-19
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DoH) today announced it has passed the 1 million marker of COVID-19 tests administered, reporting 1,002,366 total tests performed statewide.

Public Safety

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A 29-year-old male has died of injuries sustained in a motorcycle crash Tuesday afternoon north of Rapid City.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

South Dakota Wildland Fire Urges Landowners to Make Sure Recently Burned Brush Piles are Extinguished
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division urges landowners who recently burned brush piles to monitor them to be sure they are completely extinguished.

Human Services

Governor Noem Signs Senate Bill 31
Governor Kristi Noem has signed Senate Bill 31 that allows for the limited release of adult abuse case information necessary to assist adult protective services (APS) to achieve improved outcomes during an investigation.

Transportation

Construction to begin on U.S. Highway 18 through Canton
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin pavement repair work on S.D. Highway 18 from 479th Avenue to 483rd Avenue on Monday, March 15, 2021.

Housing Development

New Allocation of Housing Assistance Available for Households Affected by COVID-19
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is now accepting applications for a new allocation of funds to help with housing assistance – rent, mortgage and/or utilities – for households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.