Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Statement on the Passing of Former House Speaker Roger Hunt
Gov. Dennis Daugaard issued the following statement on the death of former House Speaker Roger Hunt, who passed away last night:

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor-elect Noem Announces Transition Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem and Lieutenant Governor-elect Larry Rhoden today announced the membership of their transition team.

Governor's Column: On Veterans Day, We Recognize Commitment and Courage
When I was a young boy, sometimes on trips to town I would see an old soldier or sailor on the street. The Korean War was still fresh in our minds, and World War II as well. The veterans I spotted didn’t go out of their way to be noticed. Folks around town just knew who they were and what they had done. They were some of my boyhood heroes, and on Veterans Day, the whole town turned out to recognize them.

News Tips For November 10 – 16, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 8 a.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the 2018 Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) Leadership Conference, Ramkota, Pierre.

Revenue

Department of Revenue’s remittance center changing locations
The South Dakota Department of Revenue’s remittance center will move its operations to Pierre in early December.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Flags Half-Staff For Thousand Oaks Victims
President Donald Trump has called for flags at half-staff out of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated in Thousand Oaks, California, on Wednesday, November 7.

Labor and Regulation

Registered Apprenticeship Week Recognized
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Nov. 12-18 as Registered Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota.

Tourism

PRESIDENT TO PARDON SOUTH DAKOTA TURKEYS
For the first time ever, the President of the United States will pardon two turkeys that were raised in South Dakota, and the public has a chance to name them.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Orders State Capitol Flags At Half-Staff For John Timmer
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is ordering flags fly half-staff at the State Capitol on Saturday, Nov. 10, to honor the life of former state legislator John Timmer.

Governor’s Statement on Gubernatorial Election Results
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to South Dakota’s gubernatorial election results:

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Statement on United States Congressional Election Results
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to the United States congressional election results:

Governor's Column: Stopping the Flu Starts With You
As my term comes to a close, Linda and I have been planning for our future outside the Governor’s office. One of the things we are most looking forward to is spending more time with friends, family and loved ones. In addition to planning for our financial future, we’ve also been taking steps to ensure we’re taking care of our health, including getting our annual flu vaccination.

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.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Accepting Applications for EPA Clean Diesel Grant Program
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications for the EPA Clean Diesel Grant Program.

Public Safety

Names Released in Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
RENNER, S.D. – Names have officially been released of the two people who died Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Renner

Transportation

Department of Transportation & City of Aberdeen Seek Public Input into Aberdeen Recreational Trails Plan Update Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Aberdeen, will hold a public open house as part of the Aberdeen Recreational Trails Plan Update study.

Valley Springs Rest Area Closed For Construction Port of Entry Remains Open
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing the Interstate 90 Valley Springs rest area near the Minnesota border on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018, for the reconstruction of the rest area, welcome center and port of entry. The port of entry will remain open and functioning throughout construction of the facilities.

Veterans Affairs

World War I Centennial Commemoration Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of the Military, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018, as “World War I Centennial Commemoration Day.” He asks that all South Dakotans participate as fully as possible in the spirit of this day, remembering all of our veterans who have served this great country, and especially those who served our country a century ago during World War I.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column: Big Sioux River Flood Information System is now Online
During my time as governor, I have always tried to learn from experience, and to improve systems and processes to lead to better performance. Recently, a new flood information system came online that will help with future flooding events on the Big Sioux River.

Scott Stern To Depart As GOED Commissioner
Scott Stern will leave his position as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) at the end of this month, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today.

News Tips For November 3 – 9, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2 p.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will be a guest on 1240 AM KCCR with Zach Nelson.

Education

Women’s Rights presentation by Smithsonian scholar Nov. 17-18 at Cultural Heritage Center
Dr. Claire Jerry, lead curator in the Division of Political and Military History at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, will be making presentations about the Women’s Rights Movement in the 1970s on Nov. 17-18 at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP News: 2019 Waterfowl Dates and Zones Spring Turkey Finalized Changes to Camping Fees
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized the 2019 duck hunting season at their November meeting.

Public Safety

DPS Releases Sobriety Checkpoint List for November
PIERRE, S.D. – A total of 23 sobriety checkpoints have been scheduled statewide for November by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
RENNER, S.D. – Two people died Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Renner

Names Released in McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – Names have been released of the six people involved in a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Sunday afternoon west of Leola.

Transportation

I-29 Exit 59 Overhead Bridge Reduced to One Lane
Officials with the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) say traffic has been reduced to one lane on the I-29 Exit 59 overhead bridge.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Requests Flags Remain At Half-Staff To Honor South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter
In honor of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested that all flags in the state remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, Nov. 5, the day of Justice Zinter’s funeral.

Secretary of Corrections Denny Kaemingk to Retire
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that Secretary of Corrections Denny Kaemingk will retire in early January.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

State of South Dakota Reaches Settlement In Remote Seller Law Litigation
Governor Dennis Daugaard and Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the State of South Dakota has entered into a settlement agreement and stipulation of dismissal in State of South Dakota v. Wayfair, Overstock and Newegg.

Education

Old West myths shot down at Cultural Heritage Center program
Pierre author Bill Markley will shoot down myths of the American West during a program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre on Tuesday, Nov. 13.

Transportation

New York Street Closing Temporarily
Officials say New York Street will be closed to through traffic between 5th Street and East Boulevard in Rapid City starting on Nov. 5.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor Daugaard Orders Flags Half-Staff In Honor Of Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter
Governor Dennis Daugaard issued the following statement on the death of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter:

Agriculture

Agritourism in South Dakota
Fall is a fun time of year, filled with hometown football games, changing leaves, and of course, harvest festivals.

Public Safety

Take Time to Reset Clocks And Check Smoke Alarms
PIERRE, S.D. – Before you enjoy that extra hour of sleep this Sunday, Nov. 4, make sure you also check your smoke alarms.

Parker Exam Station Closed for Election Day
PIERRE, S.D. – Parker’s driver license exam station is closed Nov. 6 for Election Day

Governor Dennis Daugaard

President Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Pittsburgh Victims
President Donald Trump has called for flags at half-staff out of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Governor and First Lady To Welcome Halloween Visitors
Gov. Dennis Daugaard and First Lady Linda Daugaard will give Halloween treats to children who come to trick-or-treat at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CDT.

Agriculture

Specialty Crop Sector in South Dakota Receives Grant Funding Support
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has awarded around $326,000 to eight specialty crop projects around the state.

Revenue

Unified Carrier Registration start date delayed
The South Dakota Department of Revenue is notifying the trucking industry of a delay to the start of 2019’s Unified Carrier Registration (UCR).

Public Safety

McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – Two children died and four other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday afternoon west of Leola.

Public Safety

Names Released in Brookings County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – A Brookings, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that occurred west of Brookings.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard’s Statement on The Execution of Rodney Berget
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to the scheduled execution of Rodney Berget on Monday:

Gov. Daugaard Orders Capitol Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Former State Legislator Michael J. O’Connor
Gov. Dennis Daugaard ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to honor the life of former state legislator Michael J. O’Connor, of Brandon, on the day of his funeral.

News Tips For October 27 – November 2, 2018
Monday, October 29, 1 – 4 p.m. CDT, Pierre – The Advisory Council on Aging will hold their quarterly meeting at the Hillsview Plaza located at 3800 E. Highway. 34 in Pierre. For more information, please contact Beth Dokken at 605-773-3656.

Governor's Column: Celebrating A Milestone For Democracy
The 2018 election is an important milestone for South Dakota elections. It was 100 years ago – on November 5, 1918 – that South Dakota voters, all men, gave women the right to vote in our state for the first time. It was a long-awaited victory for voting rights for women. Women’s suffragists – both men and women – had campaigned for women’s suffrage since the 1870s, during the era of Dakota Territory.

Corrections

Execution date, time set for Inmate Rodney Berget
In accordance with South Dakota Codified Law 23A-27A-17, Darin Young, Director of Prison Operations and Warden of the South Dakota State Penitentiary, has set the date and time for the execution of Inmate Rodney Berget as Monday, October 29, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. CDT.

Education

Museum of South Dakota State Historical Society to hold second docent training session Nov. 13-14
Museum staff at the Cultural Heritage Center will provide the second session of docent training on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov 13-14, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Both 90-minute sessions will begin at 2 p.m. CST.

Transportation

Sign Bridge Removal work to Begin on East 10th Street in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will be removing the overhead sign bridges on East 10th Street at the I-229 Interchange in Sioux Falls starting Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Requests Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Rep. Chuck Turbiville
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, Oct. 29, to honor the life of state Rep. Chuck Turbiville, of Deadwood, on the day of his funeral.

Public Safety

Name Released in Tripp County Fatal Crash
CARTER, S.D. – A 65-year-old Winner, S.D., man has died of injuries suffered in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Oct. 18 near Carter.

Public Safety

Brookings County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – One person died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that occurred west of Brookings.

Agriculture

Scholarship Prizes Available for Resource Conservation Speech Contest Winners
Contestants in the 2019 State Finals of the Resource Conservation Speech contest will be eligible to win a total of $2,300 in college scholarships.

Education

Make-and-Take a holiday ornament Nov. 3 at Cultural Heritage Center
Snow has already been in the air, and the holidays are just around the corner. Get into the spirit of the holidays and have some fun making handmade holiday ornaments at the Cultural Heritage Center’s seventh annual “Make-n-Take a Holiday Ornament” event in Pierre from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. CDT on Saturday Nov. 3.

Transportation

Eastbound I-90 Exit 402 Ramps Closing
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing the eastbound on and off ramps of Exit 402 on Interstate 90 on Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the I-229 Exit 9 (Benson Road) Interchange Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Sioux Falls, will hold a public open house from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25, at the Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility at 4500 North Sycamore Avenue to inform area residents of the beginning of the study and introduce and begin receiving public input on the environmental study for the I-229 Exit 9/Benson Road interchange in Sioux Falls.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard's Statement On The Passing Of State Rep. Chuck Turbiville
Gov. Dennis Daugaard offered the following statement on the death this weekend of State Rep. Charles M. "Chuck" Turbiville: "I’m very sorry to hear of Chuck Turbiville’s passing. Chuck was a true gentleman. He always worked hard for Deadwood, Lawrence County, and our state. Chuck was a good friend and he made every visit to Deadwood special. Linda and I will miss him and we extend our sympathies to his family."

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column: Leaving It Better Than You Found It
Over the past few months, Linda and I have been getting ready to turn the Governor’s Mansion over to its next occupants. We’ve been working with state maintenance crews to replace light bulbs, repaint rooms, clean out the drains, and make other small improvements. The Mansion is just like any other house – over time, small projects like these accumulate. We want to get these projects done now, so the home is in great shape for its next occupants.

News Tips For October 20 – 26, 2018
Friday, October 26, 1 p.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will attend and speak at the Governor’s Leadership Development Program (GLDP) Graduation at RedRossa, Pierre.

Education

Boomsma selected as 2019 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Erica Boomsma, a fourth grade teacher at the Washington 4-5 Center in the Huron School District, has been named the 2019 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made Thursday evening at a banquet at the Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Sioux Falls.

Two more state properties listed on National Register of Historic Places
Two more South Dakota properties were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Public Safety

State Official: Winter Weather Preparation Begins Now
PIERRE, S.D. – With parts of South Dakota having already seen its first snowfall of the year, officials of the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management (OEM) say it is time to prepare for the inevitable arrival of winter.

Names Released in Hamlin County Fatal Crash
LAKE NORDEN, S.D. – A 69-year-old Estelline, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Monday in a two-vehicle fatal crash east of Lake Norden.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department and Lake Area Tech Hosting Welding Apprenticeship Meeting
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will host two meetings about creating a welding Registered Apprenticeship on Tuesday, Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. CDT at Lake Area Technical Institute, Room 514.

Education

South Dakota ACT scores remain steady, above national average
South Dakota’s average ACT composite score is up slightly from 2017 and remains above the national average. South Dakota’s average ACT score for 2018 was 21.9, compared to the national average of 20.8 and last year’s statewide average of 21.8. The composite score reflects sub-scores for English, math, reading and science.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Hosting Apprenticeship Summit
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will host the Start Today SD Summit to promote Registered Apprenticeships on Tuesday, Nov. 13 from 1 – 4:30 p.m. CST at Mitchell Technical Institute.

Transportation

Centerline Painting in North Central South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says centerline painting on the following highways in north central South Dakota will begin on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Education

Author Thomas Patterson to discuss news media at Cultural Heritage Center
Meet 2018 One Book South Dakota author Thomas E. Patterson at an Oct. 27 program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre. Patterson is the author of “Informing the News: The Need for Knowledge-Based Journalism.”

Game, Fish and Parks

South Dakota Monarch Plan Available for Public Comment
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is asking for public comment on a draft strategic plan for the monarch butterfly. The plan is available for review until 5 p.m. CDT on Oct. 26.

Public Safety

Hamlin County Fatal Crash
LAKE NORDEN, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Monday afternoon east of Lake Norden.

Bureau of Information and Telecommunications

South Dakota Wins NASCIO State IT Recognition Award
The State of South Dakota was recognized in the Cybersecurity category for our Email Threat Assessment Evaluation. The submission is titled Walleyes, Whales and Cybersecurity.

Transportation

Box Culvert Replacement on Lincoln County Highway 117 (Louise Avenue)
Starting Thursday, Oct. 18, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin removing and reconstructing the box culvert on Lincoln County Highway 117, Louise Avenue, in Sioux Falls between 273rd Street and 274th Street.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

News Tips For October 13 – 19, 2018
Monday, October 15, 11 a.m. CDT, Brookings – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak and attend the ribbon cutting at the Passive House in Brookings.

Governor's Column: SD's 100th Pheasant Season
October in South Dakota is a glorious month. I love the crisp mornings, chilly evenings and weekend sounds of marching bands in homecoming parades.

Transportation

Centerline Painting in Central South Dakota Delayed
KENNEBEC, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says centerline painting on the following highways in central South Dakota planned to begin on Monday, Oct. 1 was delayed by weather and will begin on Monday, Oct. 15.

Centerline Painting in Northcentral South Dakota Delayed
MCINTOSH, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Transportation says centerline painting on the following highways in central South Dakota planned to start on Tuesday, Oct. 9 was delayed by weather and will begin on Friday, Oct. 19.

South Dakota Lottery

Redfield man claims $390,000 Lucky for Life prize
Christopher Whitley’s close proximity to the Appels Quick Shop in Redfield proved to be fruitful as he claimed the Lucky for Life lotto game’s second prize.

Public Safety

Names Released In Grant County Fatal
MILBANK, S.D. – A 16-year-old male from Milbank has been identified as the person who died Sunday morning after falling off the hood of a moving vehicle near Milbank.

Names Released in Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BALTIC, S.D. – A Sherman, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Monday in a two-vehicle crash near Baltic.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

DPS Secretary Jones To Depart
DPS Secretary Trevor Jones announced today that he has accepted a position with Dakota State University, working in the university’s digital forensics lab.

Public Safety

Name Released In Lincoln County Fatal Crash (Canton)
CANTON, S.D. – An Aberdeen, S.D., man has been identified as the person died Saturday night in a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred in Canton.

Name Released In Lincoln County Fatal Crash (Harrisburg)
HARRISBURG, S.D. – A Sioux Center, Iowa man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash west of Harrisburg.

Transportation

Tunnel Inspections To Take Place
The Department of Transportation will be doing bi-annual tunnel inspections the week of Oct. 15. This will result in traffic delays and or closure of Highway 87 Needles Highway and Highway 16A Iron Mountain Road.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard’s Statement On E15
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement on year-round E15.

Agriculture

State Fair Numbers Continue to Climb
South Dakota State Fair numbers continue to climb as attendance at the 2018 South Dakota State Fair was 217,231, up 2.5 percent over last year, while gate revenue increased by 3.6 percent.

Education

South Dakota educator receives JAG National Educational Leadership Award
Wagner Community Schools Superintendent Linda Foos has been awarded the National Educational Leadership Award from Jobs for America’s Graduates. Foos was nominated for her extraordinary leadership and support of JAG-South Dakota, which aims to help students succeed in school and in pursuit of a career and/or postsecondary education.

Corncob pheasants coming to Cultural Heritage Center for Family Fun Saturday Oct. 20
Pheasants are flying in South Dakota as the hunting season begins. And corncob pheasants will fly out of the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre when visitors create their own corncob pheasant dart at Family Fun Saturday on Oct. 20 from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT.

Social Services

South Dakota SNAP Program Earns Top Ranking
South Dakota is among four states leading the nation in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program administration, according to a recently released USDA report.

Transportation

Highway 50 Railroad Crossing Reconstruction to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work to reconstruct the railroad crossing on Highway 50 just west of 439th Avenue (West City Limits Road) west of Yankton will begin Monday, Oct. 15.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BALTIC, S.D. – One person was killed and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon east of Baltic.

Grant County Fatal
MILBANK, S.D. – A 16-year-old male died Sunday morning after falling off the hood of a moving vehicle near Milbank.

Public Safety

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
CANTON, S.D. – One man died Saturday night in a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred in Canton.

Public Safety

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
HARRISBURG, S.D. – One person died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash west of Harrisburg.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column: In SD, It's Native Americans' Day
If you look at your calendar, I’ll bet on Monday, Oct. 8, it says Columbus Day. Though the designation may serve as a good reminder for those who don’t have school that day or whose offices are closed, it’s not quite accurate . . .

Bureau of Administration

News Tips
On Wednesday at 2 p.m. CDT, Gov. Dennis Daugaard will be a guest on 1240 AM KCCR with Zach Nelson.

Education

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

State Historical Society selling Sully County land
The South Dakota State Historical Society is selling 97.5 acres of land located on Lake Oahe in Sully County.

Education

Technical institute enrollment up
At its meeting earlier today, the state Board of Technical Education heard a report on enrollment at the state’s four technical institutes. Enrollment is up since last year, from 6,652 to 6,825, a 2.6 percent increase. The largest number of students are enrolled in the health science career cluster, which has grown from 1,301 students to 1,380 students.

Human Services

State Developmental Center Hosting Health and Wellness Fair
Residents of Redfield and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to explore health topics and screenings during a local Health and Wellness Fair at the South Dakota Developmental Center (SDDC).

Public Safety

SD Fire Marshal: Know That Fires Can Start Anywhere
PIERRE, S.D. – This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme encourages people to be mindful that fires can start anywhere.

Name Released in Lawrence County Fatal Crash
Spearfish, S.D. – A 34-year-old Belle Fourche, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 in Spearfish.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Appoints Sandra Hoglund Hanson As Second Circuit Judge
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Sandra Hoglund Hanson, of Sioux Falls, as a circuit court judge in the Second Judicial Circuit.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center program focuses on women’s long fight to vote
Women’s fight for the right to vote will be the subject of an Oct. 9 program at the Cultural Heritage Center.

Board of Regents

Iowa Reduced Tuition Program Shows Results
In the second year of a program offering new and transfer students from Iowa the equivalent of resident tuition at four South Dakota universities, the program is showing a positive return.

Draft Free Speech Policies Advance at Regents’ Public Hearing
Revised policies impacting free speech and diversity on South Dakota public university campuses advanced Wednesday after the South Dakota Board of Regents conducted an initial hearing on the draft policies and voted unanimously to move those proposals to final action in December.

New Options Available for Students Pursuing DSU Degrees
The South Dakota Board of Regents today approved requests from Dakota State University to offer a teaching degree online, create a new minor, and develop new specializations within its mathematics major. University officials said all these changes are part of DSU’s work to meet economic development and workforce trends across South Dakota.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

FEATURE STORY: North Sioux City Experiencing Growth in Manufacturing
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. – At the very edge of the South Dakota border sits North Sioux City, a quiet town that is bearing witness to some impressive development.

Veterans Affairs

Ghosts, Goblins, and Ghouls!
As soon as that first glimmer of autumn sparks, it occurs. The Halloween decorating begins and pumpkins, cornstalks, hay bales, scarecrows, witches, ghosts, goblins, and ghouls are everywhere. It’s a tradition that most of us enjoy. But for some veterans, it’s a reminder of the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins they live with every day.

Transportation

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

Governor's Office of Economic Development

FEATURE STORY: Pod Manufacturing Taking Off in South Dakota
Black Hawk, S.D. – Ask a contractor what part of a project consumes the most time and often they’ll tell you it’s the bathroom. From residential to commercial, especially in the hospitality industry, carving out and properly plumbing bathrooms are often the culprits for setting projects behind schedule.

South Dakota Lottery

Box Elder man claims Dakota Cash jackpot
Luke and Anita Kochutin’s attention to detail helped them become the South Dakota Lottery’s latest big winners.

Bureau of Administration

Gov. Daugaard’s Statement On The President’s Trade Deal
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
Spearfish, S.D. – A 34-year-old man died Monday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 in Spearfish.

Nationwide Test of Emergency Alert Systems Oct. 3
PIERRE, S.D. – Cell phone users will be part of a nationwide test of emergency alert systems scheduled for this Wednesday, Oct. 3. The test had originally been scheduled for Sept. 20, but was postponed.

Transportation

Centerline Painting in Northcentral South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says centerline painting on the following highways in central South Dakota will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

SDDOT Receives Additional Federal Transit Funding
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says they have received five grant awards for an additional $2,774,400 in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funding through FTA’s Buses and Bus Facilities Infrastructure Investment Program competitive grant program.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

6th Annual South Dakota Manufacturing Week Underway
Editorial by: Scott Stern, Commissioner, South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development PIERRE, S.D. – Today we’re kicking off the 6th annual South Dakota Manufacturing Week. Communities and businesses across the state continue to show appreciation and recognition for a vital industry. Manufacturers in South Dakota achieve some pretty remarkable things.

Veterans Affairs

South Dakota Receives Grant Opportunity for State Cemetery
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA) has notified the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs they may be awarded grant funds for the construction of a state veterans cemetery.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

First Lady's Column: Commit To Know More About Foster Parenting
In any given month over the last year there were around 1,600 children across South Dakota in state custody. These are children who have been removed from their homes by a court order for safety reasons. They are victims of abuse and neglect who, by no fault of their own, have no other place to go.

News Tips for September 29 – October 5, 2018
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. CDT, Beresford – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the AEM “I Make America” Event at Sioux Corporation at One Sioux Plaza in Breseford.

Education

Gov. Daugaard proclaims October ‘Archives Month’
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed October as “Archives Month” in South Dakota.

Human Services

Medicare Open Enrollment Period Begins Oct. 15
Open enrollment for the 2019 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plan year begins on Oct. 15 and ends on Dec. 7.

Transportation

Mill & Overlay Bridge Ends and Pipe Crossing
Updated time frame: The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will be resurfacing and striping two bridge ends on Highway 212 east of Newell beginning Monday, Oct. 1. This work was originally scheduled to begin on Sept. 25.

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Daugaard Announces Nearly Nearly $34 Million for Environmental Projects
Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved nearly $34 million for water, wastewater and solid waste projects.

Public Safety

Sobriety Checkpoints Announced For October
PIERRE, S.D. – Department of Public Safety officials have announced that 23 sobriety checkpoints are scheduled for 18 South Dakota counties during October.

Bureau of Administration

Gov. Daugaard Appoints Lucas Lund To Board Of Regents
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Lucas Lund, of Sioux Falls, to the South Dakota Board of Regents. Lund will serve as the board’s student member.

Corrections

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

Education

Digital World War I display showing at Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota State Historical Society, in association with the National World War I Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, is showing a digital display called “The World Remembers” in the lobby of the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Environment and Natural Resources

Board to Consider Mineral Mountain Resources (SD) Inc. Application for Temporary Permit to Use Water from Rapid Creek
On Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, the Water Management Board will consider Mineral Mountain Resources (SD) Inc. application for a temporary permit.

Labor and Regulation

State Minimum Wage to Increase Jan. 1
The state minimum wage will increase from $8.85/hour to $9.10/hour effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Tourism

South Dakota Department of Tourism Kicks off Fall Marketing Efforts
The South Dakota Department of Tourism kicked off its fall and winter marketing efforts in September to build upon the 13.9 million visitors and $3.88 billion in visitor spending the state experienced by the state in 2017.

Transportation

Centerline Painting in Central South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says centerline painting on the following highways in central South Dakota will begin on Saturday, Oct. 1.

Board of Regents

Lukkes Appointed Regents’ General Counsel
The South Dakota Board of Regents announces that Nathan Lukkes has been named general counsel for the board and the public higher education system in South Dakota.

Human Services

2018 Governor’s Awards Presented
Gov. Dennis Daugaard presented the 2018 Governor’s Awards today to South Dakota businesses and workers who have made significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities.

Public Safety

Name Released in Harding County Fatal Crash
REVA, S.D. – An Odessa, Texas, man has been identified as the person who died Friday in a one-vehicle crash northeast of Reva, S.D.

Transportation

Laurel Street Railroad Crossing
On Tuesday, Oct. 2, crews will begin work to replace the railroad crossing on Laurel Street in Rapid City.

Bureau of Administration

BOA Releases FY2018 Obligation Recovery Center Annual Report
The debt recovered by the Obligation Recovery Center nearly doubled in its second year of collections, according to a report released by the Bureau of Administration today.

Education

State Historical Society seeks public input on preservation needs
The State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre is preparing for its federal fiscal year 2019 grant application and invites public comment through Oct. 31 on the state’s preservation needs and projects.

Human Services

Disability Employment Awareness Month
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed October Disability Employment Awareness Month (DEAM) in South Dakota.

Public Safety

“If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day Tuesday
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Office of Homeland Security encourages the public to take part in Tuesday’s national “If You See Something, Say Something” Awareness Day.

Transportation

Asphalt Crack Sealing In Spearfish Canyon
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, crews will begin work routing and sealing the cracks in the asphalt surface on Highway 14A in Spearfish Canyon.

Mill & Overlay Bridge Ends and Pipe Crossing
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin preparing for an asphalt concrete resurfacing and striping project on two bridge ends on Highway 212 east of Newell beginning Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Tribal Relations

Governors’ Interstate Indian Council 2018 General Assembly to be held in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations is hosting this year’s general assembly for the Governors’ Interstate Indian Council (GIIC) Sept. 26 and 27 at Crazy Horse Memorial.

Public Safety

Harding County Fatal Crash
REVA, S.D. – A 67-year-old man died Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash on S.D. Highway 79, 25 miles northeast of Reva, S.D.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

News Tips for September 22 through 28, 2018
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities at the 2018 Governor’s Awards ceremony. The event will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda. For more information, call 605-773-5990.

Governor's Column: 2018 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
On Friday morning, Sept. 28, a few dozen cowhands will put on their boots and saddle their horses. Custer State Park employees will arise before dawn. And thousands from across the state, country and world will gather, all to continue a 53-year tradition.

State Treasurer Rich Sattgast

State Treasurer returns to the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival
State Treasurer Rich Sattgast encourages attendees at this year’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival in Rapid City, September 29, 2018 to visit his staff for possible lost money that may be owed to them.

Social Services

South Dakota Receives Additional Grant Funding to Continue Opioid Prevention and Treatment Services
The Department of Social Services (DSS), Division of Behavioral Health will receive just over $4 million for two years totaling over $8 million in federal funding to help combat opioid use in South Dakota through the State Opioid Response grant.

Education

New Biography Looks at First Lakota Congressman Benjamin Reifel
"Without Reservation: Benjamin Reifel and American Indian Acculturation” by Sean J. Flynn, professor at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, will be featured at the South Dakota Festival of Books in Brookings, Sept. 20-23.

State Historical Society Releases First Biography of Sisseton-Wahpeton Leader
Two events this week celebrate the release of the latest book from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Radical Suffragist Matilda Joslyn Gage is Remembered in New Biography
At this month’s South Dakota Festival of Books in Brookings, Sept. 20-23, the South Dakota State Historical Society will release a young adult biography about one of the many forgotten heroines of the women’s suffrage movement.

Health

Health Department Investigates Legionnaires’ disease increase
The South Dakota Department of Health is investigating 14 confirmed cases of Legionnaires’ disease that have been reported in people who reside or traveled to Sioux Falls. All 14 cases were hospitalized and 1 died. The patients are ages 36-80 years, with a median age of 57 years.

Public Safety

South Dakota Assisting With Hurricane Response
PIERRE, S.D. – Two staff members from the South Dakota Office of Emergency Management have deployed to North Carolina to assist that state with its response to Hurricane Florence.

Board of Regents

Board of Regents Release Fall Enrollment for 2018
Fall enrollment at South Dakota’s six public universities is down about 2 percent in full-time equivalent students, the South Dakota Board of Regents reported today.

Game, Fish and Parks

Custer State Park to Host Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host the 53rd annual Buffalo Roundup and 25th annual Arts Festival in Custer State Park later this month. The Buffalo Roundup begins at 9:30 a.m. MDT on Friday, Sept. 28. The Arts Festival will run from Thursday, Sept. 27, through Saturday, Sept. 29.

Public Safety

White Lake High School Receives $10,000 In Highway Safety’s “Lesson Learned SD” Program
PIERRE, S.D. – Because one of its students wanted to learn how to be a safe driver, White Lake High School is now $10,000 richer.

Revenue

Tax collections increase at 2018 South Dakota State Fair
Tax collections at the 2018 South Dakota State Fair exceeded $206,000, according to figures released by the South Dakota Department of Revenue.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Orders State Capitol Flags At Half-Staff For Dorothy Kellogg
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is ordering flags to fly half-staff at the State Capitol on Friday, Sept. 21, to honor the life of former state legislator Dorothy Kellogg.

Education

South Dakota receives grant to support mental health services in schools
The South Dakota Department of Education has been awarded an $8.7 million Project AWARE grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The grant is a partnership with the Department of Social Services.

Transportation

Roadway Lighting Work to Begin in Hot Springs
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation a roadway lighting project is scheduled to start on the Highway 18 bypass in Hot Springs on Monday, Sept. 24.

Revenue

Department of Revenue offers additional guidance on remote seller law
The South Dakota Department of Revenue reminds remote sellers that they must obtain a South Dakota sales tax license and pay applicable sales tax beginning Nov. 1, 2018.

Education

Board holds public hearings on proposed content standards
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards held the first of four public hearings on academic content standards in world language and school library earlier today. These two sets of proposed standards will receive hearings at locations across the state this school year.

Traditional Arts Demonstration Day Sept. 22 at Cultural Heritage Center
Three American Indian traditional artists will demonstrate their work on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Statement on Trooper-Involved Shooting
PIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper was involved in an officer-involved shooting Sunday night on Interstate 29. The Patrol is cooperating with the Division of Criminal Investigation which is conducting the investigation.

Social Services

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Issues Decision in Favor of State
The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit rendered an opinion in favor of The Department of Social Services (DSS) and other state defendants Friday, Sept. 14, 2018.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Governor's Column: Finally Attaining Tax Uniformity
This past week, legislators returned to Pierre for a special legislative session. I don’t call a special session lightly. During my two terms as governor I have called only one other during the summer of 2017.

News Tips for September 15 – 21, 2018
Monday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m. MDT, Belle Fourche – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the dedication of the Belle Fourche School District Career and Technical Education Center in Belle Fourche.

Transportation

Shoulder Work To Begin on Highway 14A
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says shoulder work on Highway 14A, Boulder Canyon, will begin on Monday, Sept. 17.

Deck Patching on Swan Creek Bridge
The Department of Transportation says an asphalt concrete patch will be placed over the Swan Creek bridge located four miles north of Hoven on Highway 47 on Monday, Sept. 17.

Bridge Work Near Lead and Spearfish
Crews have begun work grinding the deck on the bridge near the Highway 14A/85 junction near Lead.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center to participate in 14th annual Smithsonian magazine Museum Day event
On Saturday, Sept. 22, all visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will be welcomed free of charge courtesy of Smithsonian magazine.

Social and Emotional Learning Innovation Grant recipients announced
The South Dakota Department of Education has awarded Social and Emotional Learning Innovation Grants to eight South Dakota public schools for a combined total of just over $1.1 million.

Health

Rising Suicide Rates Require a Multifaceted Approach to Prevention
Suicides rates have been rising in recent years in South Dakota. In 2017, 192 South Dakotans died by suicide, the most ever reported. Suicide was the ninth leading cause of death among all South Dakotans and the second leading cause of death among individuals 15 to 34 years old.

Transportation

St. Onge Street In Rapid City To Close
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says southbound access to St. Onge Street from West Chicago Street in Rapid City will close on Friday, Sept. 14, to allow grading and concrete paving to be placed at the intersection of West Chicago Street.

Potter County Sign Replacement Project Starting
The Department of Transportation says traffic signs and delineators on county roads in Potter County and streets in the towns of Hoven, Gettysburg, Lebanon and Tolstoy will be replaced and updated beginning Monday, Sept. 17.

Veterans Affairs

POW/MIA Recognition
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.

Governor Dennis Daugaard

Gov. Daugaard Signs Special Session Bills
After leading the U.S. Supreme Court victory in taxation of remote sales, South Dakota will soon be among the states benefiting from the Wayfair decision.

Agriculture

Oct. 15 Deadline for Urban and Community Forestry Grant
South Dakota communities are encouraged to apply for a 2018 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grant.

Education

Indian Education Summit to feature hip-hop artist Supaman
Native American hip-hop artist Supaman (Christian Takes Gun Parrish) will perform and deliver a keynote address at the 2018 South Dakota Indian Education Summit to be held Sept. 23-25, at the Ramkota Hotel & Conference Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – Warrants have been issued for a Watertown, S.D. man who was involved in a one-vehicle fatal crash that occurred last week near Sisseton.

Transportation

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