Education

Newly accredited public libraries honored in Capitol rotunda
Thirteen South Dakota public libraries have been accredited by the State Library in 2020. They were recently honored in front of lawmakers, library colleagues and community members at the Capitol rotunda during an event held in conjunction with the annual South Dakota Library Association Library Legislative Day.

Public Safety

Name Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – A Tripp, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday in a one-vehicle crash south of Parkston.

Transportation

Culvert Work in Harding, Butte, Meade & Perkins Counties
Starting next week, Feb. 24, crews will begin installing and repairing culverts in Harding, Butte, Meade, and Perkins counties.

Veterans Affairs

South Dakota’s Bonus for Active Duty Service Since 1990
South Dakota’s Bonus for Active Duty Service Since 1990.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Creating Fairness for Businesses and Families
In mid-February, I testified before the Senate State Affairs Committee in favor of legislation that would help make this dream a reality. Our world isn’t static, and if we’re going to keep our state’s business environment competitive, we must keep things fair, open, and honest.

Governor Kristi Noem

Following Noem Testimony, Senate State Affairs Committee Strongly Supports SB 157
Governor Kristi Noem today testified before the Senate State Affairs Committee in support of legislation that will ensure economic progress is possible for all of South Dakota’s communities (SB 157). This was the first time a governor has testified before a committee in more than a decade.

Game, Fish and Parks

Register for Pelican Lake’s Becoming an Outdoor Family Event
WATERTOWN, S.D. – Registration for Pelican Lake Recreation Area’s Becoming an Outdoor Family event opens Saturday, Feb. 29, at 7 a.m. CST.

Agriculture

Governor Announces South Dakota Conservation Commission Appointments
Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Doug Hansen of Webster, Charlie Moe of Rosebud, Bill Coburn of Spearfish, and Dusty Rodiek of Brookings to the State Conservation Commission.

Public Safety

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – One person died Tuesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Parkston.

Name Released In Lake County Fatal Crash
MADISON, S.D. – A Wentworth, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash south of Madison.

Public Safety

Lake County Fatal Crash
MADISON, S.D. – One man died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash south of Madison.

Name Released In Marshall County Fatal Crash
VEBLEN, S.D. – A Veblen, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Veblen.

Name Released In Meade County Fatal Crash
PIEDMONT, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday night in an one-vehicle crash east of Piedmont.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Signs Eight Bills
Governor Kristi Noem has signed the following bills during the 2020 legislative session:

Governor's Column: Driving Economic Growth, Protecting Local Control
South Dakota is the best state in the nation to do business. We have a lot of great things going for us – low taxes, low regulations, a strong work ethic – but we must constantly work to expand our horizons and advance our communities. We’re aggressively pursuing new industries and businesses that create good-paying jobs for our kids and grandkids. As we do that, we must also take a close look at existing issues that may hold back progress.

Noem, Flute, Ravnsborg Invite Tribes to Engage in MOUs for Expanded Law Enforcement Resources
Governor Kristi Noem, Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, and Secretary of Tribal Relations David Flute yesterday invited tribal leaders and members to engage in a partnership to combine state and tribal law enforcement resources to combat drug use on reservations.

Education

Jackrabbit Tales to be told in Cultural Heritage Center program
V.J. Smith will tell tales about South Dakota’s only land grant institution will be told during a Feb. 24 program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Celebration of women’s suffrage continues March 1 at Cultural Heritage Center
The nationwide celebration of women’s suffrage continues at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre at 2 p.m. CST on Sunday, March 1,with a presentation by Liz Almlie entitled, “A Movement of Many: Stories of Women’s Suffrage in South Dakota.”

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Hopes to Reopen Randall Creek Campground in Time for Memorial Day
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) officials say the campground at Randall Creek Recreation Area near Pickstown could be for ready for campers as early as mid-May.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem, Art Leaders Announce Inaugural Governor’s Student Art Competition
Governor Kristi Noem announced the South Dakota Governor’s Student Art Competition, a new program to promote visual art among students in South Dakota.

Agriculture

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

Transportation

Portion of Highway 10 Closing for Bridge Replacement
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin bridge replacement work on Highway 10 from Leola to Highway 281 on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020.

Public Safety

Marshall County Fatal Crash
VEBLEN, S.D. – One male died early Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Veblen.

Meade County Fatal Crash
PIEDMONT, S.D. – One person died and another person was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night east of Piedmont.

Name Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – A Yankton, S.D. female has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Parkston.

Tourism

ARTS COUNCIL ACCEPTING ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE APPLICATIONS
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is now accepting grant applications for its Artists in Schools and Communities (AISC) residency program.

Agriculture

2020 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy Registration Open
Registration is now open for the 2020 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy which will be held in Fort Pierre, South Dakota on March 19-22. The academy is hosted by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division with assistance from their federal partners.

Education

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

Game, Fish and Parks

Summer Camping Reservations Open Soon in State Parks
This weekend, campers can begin making reservations for summer stays in South Dakota State Parks.

Public Safety

It’s Time to Prepare for Spring Flooding And That Includes Flood Insurance
Anyone who has grown up in South Dakota can tell you how important it is to keep an eye on the weather. Weather extremes are a part of life here and in fact we take pride in our ability to handle weather that many others cannot. The last year was no exception and many South Dakotans are still feeling the impact of last year’s storms that resulted in federal disaster declarations for 63 of our 66 counties.

Transportation

PROPOSED SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS FOR 2020
Spring Load Restrictions in South Dakota can be placed on state highways between Feb. 15 – April 30, 2020.

Agriculture

South Dakota State Fair Looking for Artists and Authors to Feature
The South Dakota State Fair is seeking interested artists and authors to be showcased during the fair in the Arts and Education Building.

Education

State Historical Society holding preservation essay contest
The State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre is holding an essay contest for fourth-grade students. Prizes will be awarded to the top three essays during Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month, which is celebrated in May.

Game, Fish and Parks

Game, Fish and Parks Accepting Proposals for Spring Creek Restaurant and Convenience Store Concession Operators
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is offering interested entrepreneurs the opportunity to operate two unique businesses, a restaurant and convenience store, within the Spring Creek Recreation Area in central South Dakota.

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in New Areas
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was recently confirmed in the counties of Butte, Corson and Haakon in western South Dakota, from samples provided by hunters. One male white-tail deer from both Butte and Corson counties tested positive, while two male mule deer tested positive from Haakon County.

Public Safety

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – One person died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Parkston.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, February 8, 2020, to honor the life of Bernie Christenson, a former state leader and legislator.

Governor's Column: Growing South Dakota's Communities
Communities are the heartbeat of South Dakota. As I travel across the state, I hear this over and over: people love our state, and they want to preserve our special way of life for generations to come.

Governor Kristi Noem

WTAS: Ag, Business, Community Leaders Support Noem’s Legislation to Streamline Rural Development
Governor Kristi Noem last week announced that she will introduce legislation that provides certainty and predictability for businesses and operations looking to open or expand in rural South Dakota.

Education

Students visit Pierre for CTSO Legislative Shadow Day
February is National Career and Technical Education Month. As part of the celebration, 37 student leaders came to Pierre Feb. 4-5, for the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organizations’ Legislative Shadow Day.

Education

Learn about legendary outlaws at Cultural Heritage Center program
Pierre author Bill Markley will compare the lives of two of the most notorious outlaws in the American West in a Feb. 11 program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Name Released In Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – A 60-year-old man from Tyndall has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Tyndall.

Transportation

U.S. Highway 212 set to open in Watertown
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says contractor Reede Construction will open the remaining portion of Highway 212 in Watertown, including the recently constructed Big Sioux River Bridge, on Thursday, Feb. 6.

Public Utilities Commission

South Dakota PUC issues first permit for construction of a large-scale solar facility
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved a construction permit for the Lookout Solar Project, a solar generation facility in Oglala Lakota County capable of generating up to 110 megawatts of electricity, at their regular meeting in Pierre yesterday, Feb. 3.

Agriculture

Governor’s Ag Ambassador Nominations Sought
Governor Noem is seeking nominations for the 2020 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.

Education

Public comment window open for Perkins V State Plan
South Dakota’s proposed State Plan for the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) is now open for public comment. Perkins V is the federal law overseeing funding of career and technical education.

Game, Fish and Parks

GFP Commission to Hold Teleconference Meeting on Spring Creek
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission will be holding a special teleconference meeting beginning at 3 P.M. on Thursday, Feb. 6. The purpose of the meeting will be to approve a prospectus for two concessions at the Spring Creek Recreation Area on Lake Oahe.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem, Federal Representatives Continue Working Toward July 3 Fireworks Celebration at Mount Rushmore
Governor Kristi Noem last week welcomed representatives from the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to South Dakota to continue working toward the July 3 fireworks celebration at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Bureau of Administration

Capitol Hours Extended for King of Hearts Event
Pierre, SD- The state Capitol will be open for extended hours to accommodate photo opportunities for students before the Job’s Daughters King of Hearts event.

Labor and Regulation

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Deadline Approaching
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) reminds workers, self-employed individuals and farmworkers in Aurora County the deadline to file for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is Monday, Feb. 10.

Public Safety

Applications Available for SFY2021 Victims’ Services Funding
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Victims’ Services program has opened its annual application process for funding for State Fiscal Year 2021

Public Safety

Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – One person died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Tyndall.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Strengthening Rural South Dakota
In early January, along with two South Dakota producers, I was honored to be at the White House as President Trump locked in a new trade deal with China. The new U.S.-China trade agreement includes a promise to purchase approximately $80 billion of ag products over the next two years. This is a strong step forward for South Dakota’s ag community.

Noem Announces Legislation to Provide Certainty, Predictability for Rural Development
At the Black Hills Stock Show, Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she will introduce legislation that provides certainty and predictability for businesses and operations looking to open or expand in rural South Dakota.

Public Safety

DPS Releases List of February Sobriety Checkpoints
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Department of Public Safety officials have scheduled 22 sobriety checkpoints in 18 counties during February.

Transportation

Department of Transportation & Hughes County Seek Public Input into the Hughes County Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Hughes County, will hold two public open houses as part of the Hughes County Master Transportation Plan. These open house public meetings will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Education

State Historical Society board approves property tax moratorium applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society Board of Trustees recently approved 15 applications in six counties for the eight-year state historic preservation property tax moratorium for restoration and rehabilitation made to historic buildings.

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

Public Safety

Names Released in Hand County Fatal Crash
WESSINGTON, S.D. – A Saint Lawrence, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died late Sunday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Wessington.

Transportation

Highway 81 Open South of Arlington
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 81, four miles south of Arlington through Twin Lakes, has reopened to traffic after being closed for several months due to significant flooding in the eastern part of the state in 2019.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem: USMCA a “Major Win” for South Dakota Producers
Governor Kristi Noem today released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Introduces Anti-Rioting Legislation to Keep South Dakotans and Their Property Safe
Governor Kristi Noem today sent the final version of her anti-rioting legislation to legislators, tribal leaders, state’s attorneys, and other stakeholders.

Agriculture

South Dakota State Fair Announces Dustin Lynch to Play at 2020 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and Legend Seeds are proud to announce modern country music, top of the charts artist, Dustin Lynch to perform at the State Fair grandstand on Saturday, September 5.

Public Safety

2019 Expected to Set State Record for Lowest Number of Motor Vehicle Fatalities
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced that South Dakota is projected to have recorded the lowest number of motor vehicle fatalities in state history during 2019.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Seeks Comments on Waterbody Report, National 303(d) Program Vision
The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is seeking public comments on the draft 2020 Integrated Report.

Public Safety

Hand County Fatal Crash
WESSINGTON, S.D. – One person died and another was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred late Sunday night west of Wessington.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Connecting South Dakota
This legislative session, I will be working with your district senators and representatives to allocate another $5 million to address more of our connectivity needs.

Education

State maps added to South Dakota Digital Archives
The South Dakota State Historical Society-State Archives has added nearly 700 digitized maps and made them accessible online in the South Dakota Digital Archives thanks to an Outside of Deadwood grant from the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission.

Human Services

SHIINE Program Seeking Consultants
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is soliciting proposals from qualified consultants to provide a presence in the western and central regions.

Structured Family Caregiving Offered Statewide
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) is now offering Structured Family Caregiving statewide.

Public Safety

Repair, Rebuilding Advice Available in Sioux Falls and Yankton
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA mitigation and flood insurance specialists will be at Menards in Sioux Falls and Yankton next week to offer advice and tips to property owners on how to repair storm damage while rebuilding their properties and making them able to withstand future storms.

Tourism

Governor Noem Honors Tourism Industry Professionals at Annual Banquet
Two South Dakota communities, five individuals, and two businesses were honored at the 2020 Governor’s Conference on Tourism’s annual awards banquet on Thursday, January 23. Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Tourism presented the following awards to tourism industry members.

South Dakota Tourism Industry Touts 10 Years of Growth, Reaches Record Numbers in 2019
South Dakota’s tourism industry has grown again for the tenth straight year, reaching a record level of visitors, visitor spending and impact on the state’s economy.

Governor Kristi Noem

ICYMI: Noem Takes Steps to Increase Housing Availability in South Dakota
This month, Governor Kristi Noem asked the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) to begin utilizing the Revolving Economic Development & Initiative (REDI) Fund to support multi-family, workforce housing projects.

Public Safety

Deadline to Register for Federal Disaster Assistance Approaching
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The deadline for residents with damage from the September severe storms, tornadoes and flooding to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency is Friday, January 31, 2020.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Marks 47th Anniversary of Roe v Wade Ruling, Proclaims January Sanctity of Human Life Month
To mark the 47th anniversary since the United States Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v Wade, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed January as Sanctity of Human Life Month.

Education

Gov. Noem appoints Heineman and Westra to Board of Education Standards
Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Phyllis Heineman and Julie Westra, both of Sioux Falls, to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards.

Health

Department of Health Launches Comprehensive Plan for Suicide Prevention
The Department of Health today launched South Dakota’s first, comprehensive plan since 2013 to reduce suicide deaths. Over the past decade, South Dakota’s suicide rates rose by nearly 40 percent. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 15-34.

Public Safety

DPS Secretary Price Appointed To Presidential Commission
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Department of Public Safety Cabinet Secretary Craig Price today was appointed by Attorney General William P. Barr to the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Tourism

Officers Elected for Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board
The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2020

Public Safety

Name Released in Lawrence County Fatal Crash
NEMO, S.D. – A 66-year-old man has been identified as the person who died Sunday, Jan. 12, in a one-vehicle crash southwest of Nemo, S.D.

Transportation

I-90 and I-29 Open No Travel Advised Across Most of Eastern SD
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety have opened the closed portions of Interstate 90 and Interstate 29 in both directions.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Recognizes Tribal Groups During State-Tribal Relations Day
Governor Kristi Noem this week attended the State-Tribal Relations Awards Ceremony where she presented certificates of commendation to two tribal groups who have done “extraordinary work” to combat the flow of drugs in their communities.

Governor's Column: South Dakota is OPEN for Business
One of our main priorities last year was recruiting new industries to South Dakota and helping businesses who are looking to grow or expand. And people have responded. It’s not hard to understand why. There are so many reasons why South Dakota is the best place in the nation to do business.

Education

Make Valentine ornaments, enjoy SDSU ice cream Feb. 2 at Cultural Heritage Center
Visitors can create their own 3-D Valentine ornaments and enjoy some South Dakota State University ice cream on Museum Activity Day at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre on Sunday, Feb 2.

South Dakota Her Flag stripe being added Jan. 30 at Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota stripe of the national Her Flag project will be added Thursday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. CST at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

State Historical Society awards five historic preservation grants
Historic preservation projects in Brookings, Burke, Lake City (Fort Sisseton), Philip, and Pierre recently received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Human Services

State’s SBVI Division Holding Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services Division of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired (SBVI) will be holding a public forum on February 3.

Public Safety

Governor Orders 1 p.m. Local Time Closure For State Government Offices in 42 Counties
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered a 1 p.m., local time closing for state government executive branch offices in 42 counties included in the current blizzard warning.

Repair, Rebuilding Advice Available in Sioux Falls and Mitchell
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA mitigation and flood insurance specialists will be at Menards in Sioux Falls and Mitchell next week to offer advice and tips on how to repair storm damage and rebuild safer and stronger.

Tourism

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

Transportation

Portions of I-90 and I-29 Closing at 7 p.m. CST
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that portions of Interstates 29 and 90 will be closing at 7 p.m. CST (Friday, Jan. 17).

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Calls on Businesses to Register for South Dakota Week of Work
Governor Kristi Noem, in partnership with the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South Dakota Retailers Association, today called on businesses to register for the South Dakota Week of Work April 20-24, 2020.

Education

State Historical Society receives grant to put more historic newspapers online
Three new South Dakota towns are now represented in the digitized historical newspaper collections on Chronicling America.

Public Safety

South Dakota Disaster Recovery Centers to Close, But Help Still Available
SIOUX FALLS, SD—All of the remaining Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in South Dakota are scheduled to permanently close at the end of this week. The deadline for registration is January 31, 2020.

Veterans Affairs

Veterans Should Register in the Burn Pit Registry
The VA Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry is available to eligible veterans and service members to document their exposures and report health concerns through an online questionnaire.

Game, Fish and Parks

Noem Appoints Spring to Game, Fish and Parks Commission
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that she has appointed Chuck Spring of Union Center to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Accepting Applications for Eligible Training Providers
The Department of Labor and Regulation is accepting applications for training programs to be approved for the state’s Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Reaffirms Support of Israel, Condemns Anti-Semitism, Signs Executive Order Against BDS Campaign
Governor Kristi Noem today signed an executive order that joins 27 other states in condemning Anti-Semitism and standing against the Boycotts, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel. The Executive Order directs state entities not to contract with businesses supporting the BDS campaign.

Health

South Dakota Reports First Flu Deaths of Season
Today South Dakota reported three flu-related deaths, the first deaths of the 2019-2020 season.

Public Safety

Highway Patrol Now Accepting Trooper Applications
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is looking for a group of new troopers to carry the agency through the new decade and beyond.

Tourism

South Dakota Celebrates “Great Faces, Great Places” with 2020 Governor’s Conference on Tourism
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is hosting the 2020 Governor’s Conference on Tourism from January 21-23, in Pierre, S.D. The conference is open for registration to anyone interested in tourism, marketing and hospitality.

Transportation

Signal Repair at Elk Vale Road and Concourse Drive in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of transportation says a signal pole at the intersection of Elk Vale Road (U.S.16B) and Concourse Drive was struck by a motorist early Saturday morning.

Governor Kristi Noem

State of the State Preview – Governor Kristi Noem: “South Dakota is OPEN for Business”
On Tuesday, Governor Kristi Noem will deliver the annual State of the State Address. Among other topics, Noem will outline why South Dakota is the best state in the country to own and operate a business.

Agriculture

South Dakota State Fair Announces Charlie Daniels Band and Marshall Tucker Band to Play at 2020 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair is proud to announce that the Fire on the Mountain Tour with the Charlie Daniels Band and Marshall Tucker Band will make the South Dakota State Fair grandstand a stop on Friday, September 4, 2020.

Public Safety

Repair, Rebuilding Advice Available in Sioux Falls and Mitchell
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA mitigation and flood insurance specialists will be at The Home Depot in Sioux Falls and True Value Hardware in Mitchell this week to offer advice and tips on how to repair storm damage and rebuild safer and stronger.

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

Public Safety

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
NEMO, S.D. – One person died in a one-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday morning southwest of Nemo, S.D.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column - Four Guardrails: A Path Forward for Decriminalizing Industrial Hemp
Over the last year, we’ve had a long conversation about industrial hemp. I’ve been grateful to talk with folks about the topic and hear different perspectives at townhalls, coffee shops, basketball games, and everywhere in between. On January 9, I outlined for the legislature a path forward – four guardrails, if you will – on hemp.

Education

Suffrage sites, army forts highlighted in “South Dakota History”
Historic sites related to the woman suffrage movement and the history of Fort Sisseton in South Dakota and Fort Totten in North Dakota are featured in the annual historic preservation issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Labor and Regulation

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) in Aurora County as a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4469.

Public Safety

Applications Now Available for Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program
PIERRE, S.D. – Applications are now available for local governmental entities who want to apply for the new Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program.

FEMA Registration Deadline Extended
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The deadline to register with FEMA for disaster assistance after the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from Sept. 9-26 has been extended to January 31, 2020.

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – One person died and two others were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Thursday night west of Watertown.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Game Shop Expands in Parker, Approved for MicroLOAN
PARKER, S.D. – Turbulent Games LLC in Parker, S.D., is a main street shop that sells board games, card games and miniatures, or tabletop games.

Housing Development

SDHDA Hosting Listening Sessions Regarding Housing Programs
South Dakota Housing Development Authority, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, will be hosting five listening sessions around the state to solicit comments on the 2020 Annual Action Plan of the Consolidated Plan and the allocation plans for the HOME, Housing Tax Credits, Housing Trust Fund, Emergency Solutions Grant, and Housing Opportunity Fund Programs.

Governor Kristi Noem

Four Guardrails: Noem Proposes a Path Forward for Decriminalizing Industrial Hemp
Governor Kristi Noem today sent the legislature her “Four Guardrails” for a path forward on decriminalizing industrial hemp.

Agriculture

Williams and Ree to Perform at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in March
The South Dakota State Fair is excited to host Williams and Ree at the Nordby Exhibit Hall on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds on Friday, March 13. Comedian Mark Gramm will open for Williams and Ree.

Public Safety

Disaster Recovery Center Opens Friday in Aurora County
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The State of South Dakota and FEMA will open a disaster recovery center in Plankinton to offer face-to-face support to individuals and businesses impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from September 9-26.

Additional Counties Approved for FEMA Assistance
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Homeowners and renters in Aurora County may now register with FEMA for federal disaster assistance for uninsured and underinsured damage and loss resulting from the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred Sept. 9 – 26, 2019.

Game, Fish and Parks

Wildlife Diversity Small Grant Proposals Being Accepted
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Wildlife Diversity Program is accepting proposals for the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program.

CRP Enrollment Options
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently taking applications to enroll environmentally sensitive agricultural land into perennial cover for 10 to 15 years through the federally funded Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Public Safety

Let FEMA Determine Eligibility
Sioux Falls, S.D. – The State of South Dakota and the Federal Emergency Management Agency encourage everyone with damage from the September 9-26, 2019 severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding to register for federal disaster assistance.

Agriculture

Become a Kansas City Barbeque Society Certified BBQ Judge or Table Captain
The annual Original South Dakota BBQ Championships, held in conjunction with Wheel Jam on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds, is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event. To judge a KCBS sanctioned event, judges must be a certified KCBS judge.

Education

Museum at Cultural Heritage Center announces programming schedule for new exhibit “‘The Right is Ours’: Women Win the Vote”
The nationwide celebration of women’s suffrage continues at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre with special programming beginning in January to support the new exhibit “‘The Right is Ours’: Women Win the Vote” that opened in November.

South Dakota teachers, school counselors go above and beyond with professional certifications
Five South Dakota teachers and three school counselors earned national certifications in 2019, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.

Jan. 14 Cultural Heritage Center program features Doolittle Raider Don Smith
A South Dakota pilot who participated in one of the most daring air raids in World War II will be the subject of a program at 7 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Jan. 14, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Names Released in Moody County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – A Renner, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died in a fatal crash Saturday morning on Interstate 29 west of Flandreau.

Minnehaha Disaster Recovery Center to Close January 11
SIOUX FALLS, SD—The Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Sioux Falls will close at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020. Specialists in the DRC have been meeting directly with residents to review their registrations. Visits to the center have now slowed, leading to the closing.

Board of Regents

Search Underway for Special School Administrators
The search has begun for new administrators to oversee the two special schools in South Dakota serving students who are blind and visually impaired and deaf or hard of hearing.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Appoints Schoenfish, Overweg to Serve District 19
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed current Representative Kyle Schoenfish to fill the District 19 vacancy in the South Dakota State Senate.

Agriculture

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Seeking Summer Interns
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture is seeking to fill several paid internships for the summer of 2020.

Human Services

WIOA Unified State Plan Public Forum
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) will hold a public forum on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Unified State Plan.

Transportation

Temporary Closures on I-90 for Bridge Scour Repair
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the contractor will be closing the westbound lanes of I-90, four miles west of Humboldt, to traffic for four days beginning Tuesday, Jan. 7, through Friday, Jan. 10.

Housing Development

Statewide Homeless Count to be Conducted in January
On Jan. 28, 2020, South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium (SDHHC), an affiliate of South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), will conduct its annual statewide Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless count.

Public Safety

Moody County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – One person died in a fatal crash Saturday morning on Interstate 29 west of Flandreau.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces more than $21.9 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved more than $21.9 million for water, wastewater, watershed, recycling, and solid waste projects. The board met today over the Digital Dakota Network.

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, January 6, 2020, to honor the life of George Blair, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Keeping Resolutions for 2020
Studies show we’re more likely to achieve our resolutions if we set specific goals. And once those goals are set, we ought to tell someone so we don’t go it alone. With this approach in mind, I decided to put together a list of specific and public resolutions for 2020 that will move us toward a stronger South Dakota.

Corrections

Inmate Daniel Ducret Dies
Ducret, age 67, was found unresponsive in his cell at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls on Jan. 2. He was transported to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead Jan. 3.

Inmate Richard Barela Placed on Escape Status
Barela left his community service work site in Yankton this afternoon without authorization. He took a 2007 silver Chevy ½ ton pickup with a State of South Dakota license plate that reads CH 331 from the work site.

Education

Family Fun Saturday Jan. 11 at Cultural Heritage Center offers “Something Fishy”
Kick off the new year at the first 2020 Family Fun Saturday, “Something Fishy,” Jan. 11, from 10-11:30 a.m. CST at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Public Safety

Repair, Rebuilding Advice Available in Brookings and Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA mitigation and flood insurance specialists will be at Lowe’s in Brookings and Sioux Falls next week to offer advice and tips on how to repair storm damage and rebuild safer and stronger.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A 30-year-old Sioux Falls man has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash early Tuesday morning north of Sioux Falls.

DPS to Implement Capitol Security Measures Jan. 13, Capitol Access Pass Available for Frequent Visitors
PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Public Safety today announced that new safety measures that include a security screening process at the South Dakota State Capitol Building will begin Monday, Jan. 13.

Hanson County Disaster Recovery Center Extended
SIOUX FALLS, SD — The Hanson County Disaster Recovery Center will now remain open until further notice.

Transportation

Reminder To Not Dump Snow In Highway Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is reminding the public and commercial snow removal operators that it is illegal to place or dump excess snow on highway right of way, which includes driving surfaces, shoulders and ditches.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces District 35 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Jessica Castleberry to represent District 35 in the South Dakota Senate, effective January 1, 2020. The vacancy was created after Lyndi DiSanto announced her resignation. Castleberry will serve during the 2020 legislative session.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning north of Sioux Falls.

New Year of Sobriety Checkpoints Begins in January
PIERRE, S.D. – Another year of sobriety checkpoints starts throughout South Dakota in January.

Public Safety

Governor Orders 1 p.m. Opening For State Government Offices in 46 Counties
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered a 1 p.m. local time Monday opening for state government executive branch offices in counties impacted by this past weekend’s winter storm.

Transportation

I-90 and I-29 Open - Travel Caution
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety have opened the closed portions of Interstate 90 and Interstate 29 in both directions.

Transportation

I-29 Closing from Watertown to North Dakota Border
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that Interstate 29 will be closing from Watertown to the North Dakota border, both north and southbound, effective immediately.

I-90 to Remain Closed Until Monday
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that Interstate 90 will be remain closed overnight into Monday. The closure area is I-90 westbound from Mitchell to Wall and I-90 eastbound from Rapid City Exit 67 to Mitchell.

Transportation

Portions of I-90 Closing at 7 p.m.
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that eastbound Interstate 90 will be closing from Rapid City to Mitchell and westbound Mitchell to Wall at 7 p.m. CST (6 p.m. MST).

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: A Year of Progress
With another holiday season nearly behind us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many things we’ve accomplished this year.

Education

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

Public Safety

Hanson County Disaster Recovery Center Extended to Jan. 4
SIOUX FALLS, SD — The Hanson County Disaster Recovery Center will now remain open until 6 p.m. on Saturday Jan. 4, 2020. It will not close on Saturday Dec. 28as previously announced.

Transportation

WEEKEND STORM WILL CREATE DIFFICULT DRIVING CONDITIONS
Officials are cautioning travelers that a winter storm making its way into South Dakota starting tonight (Friday), will likely make travel nearly impossible in many areas through the weekend and in to Monday.

Highway 46 Bridge Replacement West of Beresford
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says reconstruction of the Highway 46 bridge west of Beresford will begin on Jan. 6, 2020.

Public Safety

Repair, Rebuilding Advice Available in Yankton
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA mitigation specialists will visit Kopetsky’s Ace Hardware in Yankton to offer advice on how to repair and rebuild structures safer and stronger.

Names Released in Marshall County Fatal Crash
VEBLEN, S.D. – Names have been released of the two people who died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash near Veblen.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor Noem Announces Staff Changes for the New Year
Governor Kristi Noem today announced the addition of Maggie Seidel as Senior Advisor and Policy Director, as well as the departures of Joshua Shields, Chief of Staff to the Governor's Office, and Emily Kiel, Communications Director.

Public Safety

Marshall County Fatal Crash
VEBLEN, S.D. – Two people died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash near Veblen.

DPS Officials Urge Safe Driving During Christmas Week
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety reminds people that a safe Christmas holiday begins when they get behind the wheel.

Public Safety

Holiday Closures Set for Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster Recovery Centers in South Dakota will be closed Christmas and New Year's Day.