Corrections

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

Public Safety

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

Agriculture

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

Tourism

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

Agriculture

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

Governor Kristi Noem

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

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

Education

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

Social Services

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

Governor Kristi Noem

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

Labor and Regulation

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

Tourism

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

Corrections

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

Tourism

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

South Dakota Lottery

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

Governor Kristi Noem

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

Corrections

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

Public Safety

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

Public Safety

Name Released in Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
SCOTLAND, S.D. – A 21-year-old female from Yankton, S.D., has been identified as the person who died Thursday night when her vehicle collided with a Burlington Northern railroad train near Scotland.

Corrections

Inmate Lydell Black Spotted Horse Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Lydell Black Spotted Horse left the Sioux Falls Community Work Center without authorization Jan. 6.

Public Safety

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
WALL, S.D. – A Pierre, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a three-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon west of Wall.

Education

“Dreaming of a Tropical South Dakota?” Topic for Jan. 12 Family Fun Saturday at Cultural Heritage Center
Visitors to Family Fun Saturday on Jan 12 at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre can create their own mini tropical South Dakota terrarium with sand, small dinosaurs and greenery.

Public Safety

Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
SCOTLAND, S.D. – A 21-year-old female died Thursday night when her vehicle collided with a Burlington Northern train near Scotland.

January Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety will continue its sobriety checkpoint program in 2019 with 15 checkpoints planned in January.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

trū® Shrimp Announces Plan to Build First of Its Kind Shrimp Facility in Madison, South Dakota
MADISON, S.D. – The trū Shrimp Company, a pioneer in healthy, innovative and sustainable shrimp aquaculture, today announced that it is planning to build its first shrimp production facility, a Harbor, in Madison, South Dakota.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Taps New Underwood Native for Policy Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Jason Simmons, a New Underwood native, will join her staff as a policy advisor.

Agriculture

SDDA Encourages Residents to Bag Evergreen Decorations Bought From Chain Stores
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is encouraging residents who purchased wreaths and other evergreen decorations from chain stores to bag items and dispose of them in a landfill to stop the spread of the invasive insect elongate hemlock scale (EHS).

Environment and Natural Resources

Gov. Daugaard Announces More Than $44.4 Million for Environmental Projects
Gov. Dennis Daugaard says the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved more than $44.4 million for water, wastewater, recycling and solid waste projects.

Public Safety

Name Released in Clay County Fatal Crash
IRENE, S.D. – A 22-year-old Yankton woman has died as the result of injuries suffered in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Dec. 24, 2018 near Irene.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
WALL, S.D. - One person died and three others were injured in a three-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday afternoon west of Wall.

Education

Time to submit Notice of Intent to Apply for 21st CCLC grant funding
Now is the time for schools and other organizations interested in 21st Century Community Learning Centers, or 21st CCLC, grants to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces Cabinet and Staff Hires
Governor-elect Noem today announced the following cabinet and staff hires:

Noem Announces District 9 Legislative Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that she will appoint Rhonda Milstead of Sioux Falls to represent District 9 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after Representative-elect Deb Peters announced she would not take the oath of office in January. Milstead will serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.

Transportation

Illegally Dumped Snow Causing Problems
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds 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 to Appoint Hughes County Sheriff to Cabinet Seat
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Sheriff Michael Leidholt will join her administration as Secretary of the Department of Corrections.

Education

“South Dakota History” highlights tribal leader, early fur trader
Two figures from South Dakota’s diverse history and an account of the New Deal’s impact on the state are featured in the latest issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Public Safety

Travelers urged to get to their destinations this afternoon
The state Department of Public Safety is urging people traveling today (Thursday) to get to their destinations as soon as possible.

Transportation

SDDOT Winter Operations Reminder
With a major winter storm impacting the state the next few days, the Department of Transportation wants to remind motorists that snowplow crews will be out working to keep roads clear for motorists, but that there are some things they can do to help keep themselves and snowplow drivers safe while traveling.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces Secretary of Tribal Relations
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that David Flute, a lifelong member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe, will join her administration as Secretary of Tribal Relations.

Agriculture

SDDA Launches New State Burn Permit System
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division has launched a new and improved burn permit website that is more user friendly.

Education

Cultural Heritage Center Program to Focus on Critical Role of Early Churches in South Dakota History
The importance of early churches in the history of South Dakota will be highlighted in a program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre at 7 p.m. CST on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019. Everyone is welcome to attend the free program.

Public Safety

New Storm Brings Heavy Snow, Will Impact Travel Plans
PIERRE, S.D. – A post-Christmas snowstorm, featuring heavy snow, high winds and rain, is now making its way across South Dakota and is expected to impact travel through week’s end.

Public Safety

Name Released in Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – An Aberdeen man has been officially identified as the person who died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash southeast of Aberdeen.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces Another Wave of Staff Hires
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced another wave of governor’s office staff hires. The following people will begin serving on January 5, 2019.

Noem Selects DSU Dean to Lead Department of Education
Governor-elect Kristi Noem, a long-time advocate for education, today announced that Dr. Ben Jones will join her administration as Interim Secretary of Education.

Final Day For Viewing Capitol Christmas Trees Dec. 25
The final days for viewing capitol Christmas trees are near. The decorated Christmas trees in the South Dakota Capitol will only be on display through Tuesday, Dec. 25. The display is open daily to the public from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CST.

Health

First Acute Flaccid Myelitis Case in South Dakota Confirmed
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) is reporting its first case of acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) this year.

Public Safety

DPS Says Safety Important Part of Holiday Season
PIERRE, S.D. – Officials of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety remind people to be careful this holiday season – both on the road and at home.

Transportation

East Boulevard North Closing Temporarily
RAPID CITY, S.D. – East Boulevard North will be closed to through traffic between North Street and East North Street in Rapid City starting on Jan. 7.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Taps Vanneman for Secretary of Agriculture
Following a nation-wide search to find the best and brightest to serve South Dakota’s largest industry, Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Kim Vanneman will join her cabinet as Secretary of Agriculture.

Noem Announces District 31 Legislative Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that she will appoint Dayle Hammock of Spearfish to represent District 31 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after the passing of Rep. Chuck Turbiville, who was reelected posthumously on November 6. Hammock will serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Names Appointment for Veterans Affairs Secretary
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Greg Whitlock will join her administration as Secretary for Veterans Affairs.

Agriculture

Little Big Town to Perform at the SD State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and Legend Seeds are proud to announce that Little Big Town will be coming to the SD State Fair grandstand on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.

Public Safety

Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One man died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash southeast of Aberdeen.

Public Safety

Name Released in Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A 78-year-old Hermosa woman has been identified as the person who died Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash west of Hermosa.

Public Safety

Names Released in Hanson County Fatal Crash
MITCHELL, S.D. – Two women from Mitchell have been identified as those who died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle crash east of Mitchell.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Applauds TAG Following Retirement Announcement
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today applauded the dedicated service of Major General Timothy A. Reisch following his retirement announcement. Reisch has served as The Adjutant General (TAG) for South Dakota since April 2011. He will continue serving until his retirement in June 2019.

Agriculture

There’s No Time Like Fair Time at the 2019 SD State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair has announced its 2019 State Fair theme – “There’s No Time Like Fair Time!”

Public Safety

Custer County Fatal Crash
Hermosa, S.D. – A 78-year-old woman died Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash west of Hermosa.

Public Safety

Hanson County Fatal Crash
MITCHELL, S.D. – Two people died and another was seriously injured Tuesday night in a one-vehicle crash east of Mitchell.

Agriculture

SDDA Seeks Dicamba Cutoff Date
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has applied for Special Local Needs registration labels, also known as 24(c) labels, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the following products: Engenia, Fexapan and Xtendimax with VaporGrip Technology.

Education

South Dakota teachers, school counselors go above and beyond with professional certifications
Five South Dakota teachers and four school counselors have earned national certifications in 2018, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.

Transportation

Department of Transportation & Lincoln County Seek Public Input into Lincoln County Master Transportation Plan Study
YANKTON, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Lincoln County and the Sioux Falls MPO, will hold two public open houses as part of the Lincoln County Master Transportation Plan.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor-elect Noem Announces Staff Hires
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a key round of governor’s office staff hires. The following people will begin serving on January 5, 2019.

News Tips For December 8 – 14, 2018
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. CST – Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is hosting a Frontier Christmas. Celebrate the season with Christmas crafts, roasted chestnuts, homemade bread, sleigh rides and caroling. Find more information online, or call 605-448-5474.

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. Inmate Cory Yellow Boy, age 28, is currently serving a 3-year sentence for second-degree escape from Pennington County.

Education

State Historical Society announces spring Deadwood Fund grant applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society announces that the applications for the first round of the 2019 Deadwood Fund grant program are due on Feb. 1, 2019, for work beginning no earlier than May 1, 2019.

Public Safety

Name Released in Lyman County Fatal Crash
IONA, S.D. – A Houston, Texas man has been identified as the person who died early Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Iona in Lyman County.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Announces GOED Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Steve Westra will serve in her administration as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

Labor and Regulation

Lake Andes Job Service Moving to New Location
The Lake Andes Job Service office is moving to 140 W. Highway 50.

Public Safety

Names Released in Fall River County Fatal Crash
OELRICHS, S.D. – A Hot Springs, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon east of Oelrichs.

Board of Regents

Adjacent State Students Offered South Dakota Tuition Advantage
New students from adjacent states will soon experience the South Dakota Advantage, a tuition program that state public universities will offer, starting next summer, to new freshmen and new transfer students from six surrounding states.

Veterans Affairs

Great Chapter in my Book of Life
With pen in hand I struggle to write this, my last column as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. Perhaps Winnie the Pooh said it best when he said “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

Education

Retention rate strong at state technical institutes and Governor named Friend of Technical Education
he retention rate at South Dakota’s four technical institute’s is 78 percent, which matches last year’s rate. The state Board of Technical Education heard a report on the retention rates at its meeting earlier today. The retention rate measures all students who enroll one fall and return to the institution the following fall, in this case, fall 2017 to fall 2018.

Environment and Natural Resources

DENR Fines Smithfield Foods for August 2018 Surface Water Violations
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined Smithfield Foods $53,382 for August 2018 Surface Water Discharge Permit violations.

Game, Fish and Parks

Registration for 22nd Annual Mickelson Trail Trek Opens Dec. 12
PIERRE, S.D. – Registration for the 22nd Annual Mickelson Trail Trek opens at 8 a.m. MT on Dec. 12.

Board of Regents

USD and SD Mines Build on Biomedical Engineering Partnership
The South Dakota Board of Regents has greenlighted a collaborative undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering to be offered jointly by the University of South Dakota and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. This degree and other academic program requests approved this week aim to meet emerging workforce needs and economic development trends across the state.

Public Universities Respond to State Workforce Education Needs
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved new academic program requests to meet emerging workforce trends across the state.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Statement on Governor Daugaard’s Final Budget Address
Governor-elect Noem released the following statement following Governor Dennis Daugaard's final Budget Address:

Public Safety

DPS Plans Checkpoints for December
PIERRE, S.D. – State Department of Public Safety officials want you to celebrate the holidays, but be careful in doing so.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor-elect Noem Seeks Public Input for District 9 House Nomination
Governor-elect Kristi Noem is seeking public input as she looks to appoint a service-first South Dakotan to fill the District 9 House vacancy. The opening was created after Representative-elect Deb Peters announced she would not be taking the oath of office in January. Peters will continue serving until January 4, 2019. Governor-elect Noem will appoint a legislator to serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.

Education

State Library chosen as a NASA@ My Library partner
The South Dakota State Library has been selected to receive resources, training and support through NASA@ My Library, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education initiative that aims to increase and enhance STEM learning opportunities for library patrons across the country. South Dakota was one of 14 state libraries to receive the NASA@ My Library grant.

Public Safety

Lyman County Fatal Crash
IONA, S.D. – One person died early Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Iona in Lyman County.

Fall River County Fatal Crash
OELRICHS, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon east of Oelrichs.

Revenue

Municipal tax changes effective January 1, 2019
Beginning Jan. 1, 2019, two South Dakota communities will implement new municipal taxes or update their current municipal tax rate.

Public Safety

Name Released in Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – A Kimball, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Wednesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash at the Humboldt exit on Interstate 90.

Governor Kristi Noem

President Orders Flags At Half-Staff To Honor The Life Of Former President George H.W. Bush
President Donald Trump has ordered flags at half-staff immediately for 30 days to honor the life of former President George H.W. Bush.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
BRANDON, S.D. – An 18-year-old man died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 east of Brandon.

Governor Kristi Noem

Gov. Daugaard To Give Farewell Address and Final Budget Proposal on Tuesday
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his farewell address and final budget proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. CST in the state House Chamber.

Capitol Portrait of Gov. Daugaard To Be Unveiled
Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s official portrait will be unveiled for the public on Tuesday, Dec. 4. The brief ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. CST, following the Governor’s budget address.

News Tips For December 1 – 7, 2018
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his final annual Budget Address in the State House Chamber.

Education

Dante bank listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Security State Bank in Dante was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, according to the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Public Safety

Winter Storm Likely To Disrupt Weekend Travel
PIERRE, S.D. – Travel is expected to be impacted as winter’s first major storm makes its way across South Dakota this weekend.

Transportation

SDDOT Awards Economic Development Grants
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Transportation Commission has awarded $4.7 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements in smaller communities in South Dakota.

Governor Kristi Noem

Noem Invites "Trailblazers" to Apply for Cabinet Openings, Announces Key Administration Appointments
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a targeted talent search for seven key cabinet posts: Secretary of Education, Secretary of Agriculture, Commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of Tribal Relations.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – One man died early Wednesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash at the Humboldt exit on Interstate 90.

Public Safety

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

Governor's Office of Economic Development

Gov. Daugaard Awards 10 Community Development Block Grants
PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has awarded more than $5.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to 10 projects throughout South Dakota.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor-elect Noem Names Leadership Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced three key leadership team positions for her Governor’s office.

Agriculture

Governor Reappoints Members to Value Added Finance Authority Board
Robert Hull of Sisseton, Mark Gross of Sioux Falls, Marcia Hendrickson of Chancellor and Charles Jepson of Fort Pierre were reappointed to the South Dakota Value-Added Finance Authority (VAFA) board by Gov. Dennis Daugaard this month.

Health

Pennington County Resident South Dakota’s First Flu Death Of Season
A Pennington County resident in the 60-69 age group is South Dakota’s first influenza death of the 2018–2019 season, the Department of Health reported today. To protect patient confidentiality, additional information about the deceased is not being released.

Public Safety

Name Released In Gregory County Fatal Crash
DALLAS, S.D. – A Winner, S.D. man has been identified as the person who was killed in a one-vehicle crash early Sunday night, Nov. 18, near Dallas, S.D.

Revenue

Department of Revenue reminds consumers to check for sales tax when making online purchases
With the holiday season in full swing, the South Dakota Department of Revenue reminds consumers to make sure their online purchases include state and municipal sales taxes.

Public Safety

Brookings County Fatal Crash
Brookings, S.D. – A 24-year-old man died Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash on 216th St., one mile south of Brookings, S.D.

Governor Kristi Noem

South Dakota Maintains Highest Ratings with Moody’s and S&P
Today, Standard & Poor Global announced it has reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Credit Rating with a stable outlook.

Governor's Column: Making Progress on Teacher Pay
As I enter my final weeks as governor, many people are asking me to reflect on my time in office. I’m not a person who worries much about a “legacy.” I just hope that I have left things a little better than I found them. It is hard, though, not to reminisce about the events of the last eight years. One memory of which I’m very proud is the progress we made on teacher pay.

News Tips For November 24 – 30, 2018
Monday, November 26, 11 a.m. CST – The School Finance Accountability Board will meet via teleconference with a public listening place available on fourth floor of the Capitol Building in Room 412, 500 E. Capitol Ave.

Public Safety

Names Released In Charles Mix County Fatal Crash
PICKSTOWN, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash east of Pickstown on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. Two other people were seriously injured.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – A 38-year-old Fort Pierre, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning near Humboldt. Four others were seriously injured.

Education

Historical Society Press takes gold Literary Classics book award
“Glorious Fourth of July and Other Stories from the Plains,” a book released in December 2017 by the South Dakota State Historical Society, recently received recognition at the 2018 Literary Classics International Book Awards. The book took gold in the Picture Book/Early Reader, General category.

Public Safety

Name Released In Harding County Fatal Crash
BUFFALO, S.D. – A 21-year-old man from Redig, S.D., has been identified as the person who died late Wednesday, Nov. 14, in a one-vehicle crash south of Buffalo.

Transportation

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input for the Minnehaha County/Sioux Falls/Brandon Maple/Park Street Corridor Study
BRANDON, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Minnehaha County, City of Sioux Falls and the City of Brandon, will hold a public open house from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27th at the Brandon Valley Intermediate School (201 W. Park Street)

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor-elect Noem Invites "Best and Brightest" to Serve in State Government
New website offers opportunity to submit resumes and stay updated on transition.

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Melvin Edelman Dies
Melvin Edelman, age 72, died in a comfort care setting at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls November 19 following an illness.

Education

2018 South Dakota Report Card to be released
At its meeting earlier today, the South Dakota Board of Education Standards received a briefing on the release of the 2018 Report Card, which is expected later this month. This is the state’s first Report Card under the Every Student Succeeds Act. The federal law requires new data items to be reported and that the information be concise, accessible and easy to read.

Health

South Dakota Patient Under Investigation for Acute Flaccid Myelitis
The South Dakota Department of Health is investigating the first person reported with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in the state this year. The individual under investigation is a young adult and experienced a mild respiratory illness with fever prior to developing muscle weakness, for which they were hospitalized.

Public Safety

Gregory County Fatal Crash
DALLAS, S.D. – One person died early Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash west of Dallas, S.D.

DPS Officials Urge Safe Travel During Thanksgiving Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – Everybody seems to be going somewhere for Thanksgiving and the South Dakota Department of Public Safety is urging citizens to get to their destinations safely.

Fire Safety A Must During Thanksgiving
PIERRE, S.D. – Home, especially in the kitchen, is the place to be for this week’s Thanksgiving holiday. But South Dakota’s Fire Marshal says it also can be a dangerous place to be if fire safety is not a priority.

Transportation

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the I-90 Exit 387 (Western Avenue - Hartford) Interchange Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Hartford, will hold a public open house from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, at the Hartford Area Fire & Rescue Station, 305 South Street

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Randy Brave Back In Custody
He was apprehended in Mellette County earlier today and taken to the Winner City Jail.

Public Safety

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – One person died and four others were seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Saturday morning near Humboldt.

Corrections

Inmate Randy Brave Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Randy Brave failed to return to Rapid City Community Work Center from a funeral furlough Nov. 17 and was placed on escape status.

Governor Kristi Noem

Governor's Column: Thanksgiving - A Special Day to Share with Family and Friends
Back on the farm, we had a big dining room table that sat against one wall most of the year. On Thanksgiving, Dad pulled that table out into the middle of the room. Mom covered it with the good tablecloth and set the good dishes. She crowded every square inch of the table’s surface with turkey and mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, a real feast for our family to share after we gave thanks for the blessings we had enjoyed during the past year.

Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
The 2018 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. CST.

News Tips For November 17 – 23, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 9:45 a.m. CST, Sioux Falls – Gov. Dennis Daugaard and will attend and speak at the Discovery District Groundbreaking ceremony in Sioux Falls.

Health

Pertussis Cases Rise In South Dakota
Recent reports of community increases in pertussis have the Department of Heath reminding parents to make sure their kids are appropriately immunized.

Public Safety

Harding County Fatal Crash
BUFFALO, S.D. – A 21-year-old male died late Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash south of Buffalo.

Tourism

South Dakota Tourism Wins Seven Top Travel Awards
The South Dakota Department of Tourism has been awarded seven awards in a prestigious international marketing competition.

Veterans Affairs

TGIF – ThanksGiving is Forever, to our Veterans!
November is a month rich in history and filled with numerous opportunities to thank our veterans, our military personnel and their families. It is a season of gratitude that should have etchings of how we secured and maintain our freedoms.

Agriculture

Canyon Rim Ranch is Recognized as a Firewise USA Community
Canyon Rim Ranch, located in southwestern Custer County, is recognized as a Firewise community by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

Education

Sioux Falls Author Tom Roberts Coming to Pierre
Sioux Falls author/storyteller Tom Roberts will usher in the holiday season at special events in Pierre on Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Entertainment for Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Open House announced
A full afternoon of entertainment is planned for the annual holiday open house of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 23, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Governor Kristi Noem

Gov. Daugaard Orders State Capitol Flags At Half-Staff For Roger Hunt
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is ordering flags fly half-staff at the State Capitol on Monday, Nov. 19, to honor the life of former state legislator Roger Hunt.

Labor and Regulation

Labor Department Provides Businesses $510,000 to Expand Apprenticeships
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has provided $510,000 in incentive funding to help businesses expand the number of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in South Dakota.

Veterans Affairs

State Veterans Home Achieves LEED Certification
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has achieved LEED Silver certification for the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs

Agriculture

Burn Permits Open within the Black Hills Fire Protection District
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division is now issuing burn permits within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District for the winter burning season.

Game, Fish and Parks

Custer State Park to Hold Annual Bison Auction
CUSTER, S.D. – The 2018 Custer State Park Fall Classic Bison Auction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the park’s visitor center where approximately 330 head will be available for sale.

Governor's Office of Economic Development

BAE Systems: Missile Canisters for the U.S. Navy, produced in Aberdeen
In Aberdeen, S.D., manufacturing maintains a steady pulse within the local economy. There's MFG, a producer of wind turbines, 3M, a manufacturer of allergen defense filters, and Hub City, Inc., who just celebrated 125 years of business, that produces...

Corrections

State Prison Inmate Jeremy LaPlante In Custody
Inmate Jeremy LaPlante was apprehended by the Highway Patrol Sunday afternoon.

State Prison Inmate Vance Orth In Custody
Inmate Vance Orth was apprehended in Sioux Falls Nov. 11.

Governor Kristi Noem

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: