Great Places
In the past when Americans were planning their vacations, their top destinations were always beaches and big cities. For the first time in decades, that’s changing.

First Human West Nile Virus Detection of 2021 Reported in Walworth County
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Health confirmed that a Walworth County resident, a male in his 60’s, is South Dakota’s first human West Nile virus (WNV) case of the 2021 season.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Three people died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash in Sioux Falls.


Road Work to Begin on S.D. Highway 115 Near Harrisburg
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says road work is scheduled to begin on S.D. Highway 115 between U.S. Highway 18 and the Harrisburg corner on Monday, July 26.

Ellsworth Air Force Base Tuition Rate Approved
A reduced tuition rate at South Dakota public universities has been approved for active-duty Airmen, their spouses and dependents, and U.S. Department of Defense civilians who work on Ellsworth Air Force Base. This rate supports Black Hills State University’s selection this month to operate a local campus on Ellsworth following a formal Education Needs Assessment to determine the needs for the installation.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Former Legislator Wendell Hanson
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sundown on Friday, July 30 in honor of former State Senator Wendell Hanson.

Rahn Lake Road Bridge in Tripp County Open to Traveling Public
The Winner Area office of the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says the replacement of the Rahn Lake Road bridge in Tripp County is complete.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects to Begin on S.D. Highway 75, S.D. Highway 20, and U.S. Highway 85 This Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin chip seal and fog seal projects on portions of S.D. Highway 75, S.D. Highway 20, and U.S. Highway 85 starting Wednesday, July 21, 2021.


Governor Noem Praises SkyWest’s Continued Partnership in Pierre and Watertown Markets
Yesterday, during a phone call between Governor Kristi Noem and SkyWest CEO Chip Childs, both parties discussed their strong partnership and SkyWest’s continued commitment to service in the Pierre and Watertown markets.

Governor Noem Announces Results of Nest Predator Bounty Program
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) have announced the results of the 2021 Nest Predator Bounty Program. 53,642 total nest predator tails were turned in by 2,773 participants.

DANR Accepting Applications for Water Quality Projects
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is accepting applications through Oct. 1 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.

UpSkill Programs Offer Certificates in High-Demand Fields
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) and Board of Technical Education are partnering to provide eligible individuals occupational skills training through the state’s four technical colleges. The deadline to apply is Aug. 2, 2021.

Name Released In Butte County Fatal Crash
FRUITDALE, S.D. — A Belle Fourche, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash near Fruitdale.


South Dakota Closes 2021 Budget Year with a $85.9 Million Surplus
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that South Dakota closed the 2021 budget year on June 30 with a surplus of $85.9 million. Total general fund revenue for fiscal year 2021 finished $62.0 million higher than adopted estimates, and the state general fund budget ended with expenditures approximately $23.9 million lower than budgeted.

South Dakota again receives highest ratings under IDEA
At today’s Board of Education Standards meeting, it was announced that South Dakota has received the highest rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, for both Parts B and C for the most recent reporting year of federal fiscal year 2019.


Noem Waives Hours of Service Regulations to Deal with Fuel Shortage
Governor Kristi Noem has signed Executive Order 2021-10 granting extended hours of service for the commercial delivery of petroleum products in South Dakota.

Butte County Fatal Crash
FRUITDALE, S.D. — A 55-year-old male died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash near Fruitdale.


Learning from Our Mistakes
One of the main reasons why we study history is to learn from both our triumphs and our mistakes. Sometimes those mistakes are painful to admit, but we study them nonetheless so that we can ensure that they are never repeated.


Gov. Noem Makes Further Announcement Regarding State Penitentiary
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced additional personnel decisions regarding the South Dakota Department of Corrections.

Governor Noem Appoints Stephanie Rissler and Julie Bartling to Game, Fish & Parks Commission
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Stephanie Rissler and Julie Bartling to serve on the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) Commission.

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of West Nile Virus Pools in Brookings and Codington Counties
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Department of Health confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV) mosquito pools of the season have been detected in Brookings and Codington Counties.

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
LEAD, S.D. — A Newcastle, WY., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday night in a motorcycle crash west of Lead.

Families set to receive food assistance for school children due to COVID-19
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) in collaboration with the Department of Education (DOE) will be providing assistance with food costs to families who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19 related school closures.


Inmate Garang Majok placed on escape status
Majok left the Sioux Falls Community Work Center July 13 to go to his work release jobsite in Sioux Falls. Escape procedures began when Majok failed to return to the prison at the scheduled time.

Names Released In Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. — A Batesland, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash west of Martin.


Gov. Noem Makes Announcement Regarding South Dakota State Penitentiary
At approximately 7:00 pm Central time tonight, Governor Noem was briefed on a summary of an internal review conducted by the South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources that was prepared as part of an investigation following an anonymous whistleblower complaint.

Highway Patrol, American Legion Hosting Youth Trooper Academy
PIERRE, S.D. – Selected South Dakota high school students are learning about life as a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper this week.

Pavement Rehabilitation to Begin on Highway 14 From Blunt Junction East
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work will tentatively begin on Monday, July 19, 2021, on a pavement rehabilitation project on U.S. Highway 14 from the Blunt junction east through the town of Blunt to mile marker 254.


GFP Commission Holds July Meeting
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission held their July meeting at the Watertown Event Center on July 8-9. At their meeting they finalized proposals from their May and June meetings as well as passed several other proposals, which will now be up for public comment.

Temporary Road Closures and Delays on Wildlife Loop Road in Custer State Park
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department today announced that beginning July 12 and ending in late September, road workers will be resurfacing all 18 miles of the Wildlife Loop Road.

RFP for Cannabis Seed to Sale Tracking System - RFP ID#2439
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) and South Dakota Department of Revenue (SD-DOR) are jointly issuing a request for proposal (RFP) (ID #2439) to acquire a cannabis tracking system to be used to support the final implementation of the South Dakota medical cannabis program.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Sidney, MT woman has been identified as the person who died last Thursday in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

Final Name Released In Aurora County Fatal Crash
PLANKINTON, S.D. — South Dakota’s Highway Patrol has now released the name of the second person who died in a July 4 fatal vehicle crash west of Plankinton.

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
LEAD, S.D. — One person died Saturday night in a motorcycle crash west of Lead.

SDDOT Awards WASHTO Scholarship to SDSU Student
The South Dakota Department of Transportation announced today that Beau Rothschadl, a South Dakota State University (SDSU) student, was awarded a $1,000 WASHTO Scholarship.


Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. — One person died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash west of Martin.


Where’s the Beef?
America’s meat supply is a matter of national security. If we don’t control our own food supply, then we don’t control our own destiny.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. — One person died Thursday morning in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL TO MEET JULY 14
PIERRE, S.D. – Members of the South Dakota Arts Council, the advisory board of the state arts agency, will meet remotely via virtual meeting platform July 14 for the Council’s annual summer meeting.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects to Begin on S.D. Highways 71, 87, 89, and U.S. Highway 18 Next Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin chip seal and fog seal projects on portions of S.D. Highways 71, 87, 89, and U.S. Highway 18 starting Tuesday, July 13, 2021. The contractor will move from one project to the next in the scheduled following order:

Bridge Repair Work to Begin on Southbound I-29 near 12th Street in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a bridge crew will be working on Interstate 29 southbound near 12th Street beginning Tuesday, July 13 through Thursday, July 22

Overnight Road Closure Planned for S.D. Highway 20 West of South Shore to Accommodate Crane Move
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says S.D. Highway 20 will be closed between Interstate 29 and the city of South Shore during the overnight hours on Tuesday, July 13.

I-29 Northbound On and Off Ramps at Sisseton Exit 232 Closing for Construction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Interstate 29 northbound on and off ramps at Exit 232 (Sisseton) will be closed for approximately 10 days for construction.


Names Released In Aurora County Fatal Crash
PLANKINTON, S.D. — Names have been released of two of the three people who were involved in Sunday's fatal vehicle crash west of Plankinton.

Funding available to help child care providers
To help ensure child care services remain strong, the Department of Social Services (DSS) is making funding available to support child care programs and the families they serve.

South Dakota Leads the Nation in Travel & Tourism Recovery
PIERRE, S.D. - According to the latest Economic Impact Report from the U.S. Travel Association, South Dakota leads the nation when it comes to travel & tourism recovery, tying with Florida.


Gov. Noem Approves Federal Request to Deploy Additional South Dakota National Guard to Southern Border
Today, Governor Kristi Noem approved the deployment of approximately 125 members of the South Dakota National Guard to the southern border between the United States and Mexico.

Pine Engraver Beetle Numbers Increasing
The pine engraver beetle is taking advantage of downed trees from the May tornado near Custer.

Highway Patrol Honors Trooper Biegert, Inspector Nerby
PIERRE, S.D. – A trooper and a motor carrier manager, both praised for their leadership and devotion to duty, were honored today (Wednesday) by the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

ADA Upgrades on U.S. Highway 212 and U.S. Highway 85 Continue in Belle Fourche
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says ADA sidewalk upgrades on U.S. Highway 212 and U.S. Highway 85 in Belle Fourche will continue, with additional changes to traffic control.


Various Take-to-Make project bags available July 10 at Cultural Heritage Center
Did you have a favorite Take-to-Make project from the Family Fun Saturdays held at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre since January? An assortment of the activity bags will be available at the next Family Fun Saturday, July 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT (9-10:30 a.m. MDT).

Conservation Reserve Program Rental Rates Improved and Sign Up Deadlines Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) recently updated rental rates and created new incentives for producers and landowners to enroll environmentally sensitive agricultural land into perennial cover for 10 to 15 years through the federally funded Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Battle Mountain Road Closed for Repairs
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – Battle Mountain Road, a popular access route for outdoor enthusiasts accessing the Battle Mountain Game Production Area near Hot Springs, will have road construction crews working from July 5 - August 15.

Names Released In Butte County Fatal Crash
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — A Buffalo, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash in Belle Fourche.

Names Released In Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. — Names have been released of the two men who died Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Martin.

SDDOT to Receive Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program Funds
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will receive $61.5 million of 2021 Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) Program funds to reconstruct 28 miles of Interstate 90 in McCook and Minnehaha Counties.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into the Development of Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) seeks public input into the development of the 2045 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Army SSG Jeremy Vrooman
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Army Combat Veteran Staff Sergeant Jeremy Vrooman.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of Marine LCPL Kenneth Jamerson
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Marine Combat Veteran Lance Corporal Kenneth Jamerson.


Name Released In Union County Fatal Crash
SPINK TOWNSHIP, S.D. — An Alcester, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Spink Township.

Aurora County Fatal Crash
PLANKINTON, S.D. — Two people died and another person was seriously injured early Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash west of Plankinton.


Butte County Fatal Crash
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — One person died and another person was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon in Belle Fourche.


Independence
On July 4, 1776, our Founding Fathers signed a transformational document full of beautiful principles that would come to define our great nation.

Inmate Donald Story dies
State prison inmate Donald Story has died as the result of natural causes.

State Historical Society launching podcast
The South Dakota State Historical Society is launching a new podcast, History 605, hosted by State Historian and Society Director Dr. Ben Jones.

Union County Fatal Crash
SPINK TOWNSHIP, S.D. — One person died early Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Spink Township.

Names Released In Clay County Fatal Crash
MECKLING, S.D. — A Yankton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash east of Meckling.


Pro-Life Laws Take Effect in South Dakota on July 1
Today, several pro-life laws promoted by Governor Kristi Noem will take effect in South Dakota. July 1 marks the start of the 2022 fiscal year and ushers in several changes to state law.

Healthcare Reforms Take Effect on July 1
Today, several healthcare reforms promoted by Governor Kristi Noem will take effect in South Dakota. July 1 marks the start of the 2022 fiscal year and ushers in several changes to state law.

Pro-Freedom Bills Take Effect on July 1
Today, pro-freedom reforms promoted by Governor Kristi Noem will take effect in South Dakota. July 1 marks the start of the 2022 fiscal year and ushers in several changes to state law.

Inmate Liberty Briley back in custody
Briley was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service July 1.

DANR Requests Water Quality Data for 2022 Integrated Report
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) requests water quality data to complete a biennial assessment of South Dakota’s lakes and streams.

GFP Stresses Safety During July 4 Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) reminds those recreating to be safe this holiday weekend.

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

Young people formerly in foster care may qualify for pandemic relief
Young people between the ages of 18-27 who were previously in foster care may be eligible for COVID-19 financial relief and some can choose to re-enter foster care.

"Mental Health Memo": Making Summer 2021 a summer to remember
This is the first in an ongoing monthly series of columns (Mental Health Memo) to be authored by a variety of mental health professionals at the Human Services Center in Yankton.

Arts Council Grants $1.45 Million
PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) will provide support for grants and special arts initiatives totaling $1.45 million in fiscal year 2022, the state arts agency announced today.

SDDOT Encouraging Public Participation in Statewide Transportation Planning
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will offer in-person public presentations this year for the Tentative 2022-2025 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).


Governor Noem Supports Highway Patrol Framework for Law Enforcement Implementation of Medical Cannabis
Today, Governor Kristi Noem welcomed the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s framework for law enforcement implementation of the new medical cannabis law passed by the voters in IM-26, which goes into effect on July 1.

Department of Health Announces Preliminary List of Conditions for Medical Cannabis Program
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced a preliminary list of conditions that will be covered by the state’s medical cannabis program, which goes into effect on July 1 following the voters’ passage of IM-26 last November.

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of the Delta Coronavirus Variant in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) can confirm that the B.1.617.2 variant (the ‘Delta variant”) of COVID-19 has been detected in South Dakota.

DPS Releases Sobriety Checkpoint List for July
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety says 21 sobriety checkpoints will held throughout South Dakota during July.

Highway 1806 “Singing Bridge” Construction Schedule Adjusted Due to Material and Equipment Delay
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that the original start date for the permanent repairs to the “Singing Bridge” on S.D. Highway 1806 over the Grand River has been adjusted due to a delay in receiving necessary supplies and equipment.

Striping Project on U.S. Highway 85 Continues Through Belle Fourche
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews have begun to work on a project taking place on U.S. Highway 85 through Belle Fourche from S.D. Highway 34 to U.S. Highway 212.


Governor Noem Deploys South Dakota National Guard to Texas for Border Security
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that up to fifty South Dakota National Guard troops are being deployed to Texas to help the secure the border between the United States and Mexico.

Governor Noem Signs Executive Order to Increase Producers’ Access to Hay
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order declaring a statewide state of emergency for drought conditions and allowing ditch mowing in Eastern South Dakota to begin effective immediately.

Clay County Fatal Crash
MECKLING, S.D. — One person died Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash east of Meckling.

Name Released In Haakon County Fatal Crash
PHILIP, S.D. – A 23-year-old Philip man has been identified as the person who died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Philip.

Name Released In Union County Fatal Crash
ELK POINT, S.D. – A Sioux Falls woman has been identified as the person who died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Elk Point.

Names Released In Walworth County Fatal Crash
HOVEN, S.D. – An Amery, WI man has been identified as the person who died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash north of Hoven.


Yankton County Fatal Crash
VOLIN, S.D. -- One man died Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash east of Volin.

Name Released In Turner County Fatal Crash
LENNOX, S.D. – A Chancellor, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Lennox.


Haakon County Fatal Crash
PHILIP, S.D. -- One person died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Philip.

Union County Fatal Crash
ELK POINT, S.D. -- One woman died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Elk Point.

Turner County Fatal Crash
LENNOX, S.D. – One person died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Lennox.


Biden’s Backdoor Death Tax
Over the past year, our farmers and ranchers went to work every day to feed this country during a time of great challenge and uncertainty for millions of Americans.

“Miracle on the Missouri” program July 8 at Cultural Heritage Center
The “Miracle on the Missouri” will be the topic of a Thursday, July 8, program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Jeff Lakner Named 2021 Governor’s Ag Ambassador
Jeff Lakner of Wessington, SD has been named the 2021 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award recipient.

Walworth County Fatal Crash
HOVEN, S.D. – One person died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Hoven.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Applications Scheduled for South-Central Section of South Dakota
The South Dakota Department for Transportation says chip seal and fog seal applications will be applied to several highways in the south-central section of South Dakota.

Road Resurfacing on S.D. Highway 36, East of Custer State Park, to Continue in Early July
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin the second phase of a two-phase resurfacing project on S.D. Highway 36 from mile marker 36 to mile marker 45, east of Custer State Park, starting Tuesday, July 6, 2021.


DANR Announces Nearly $11 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $10,982,600 for water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste projects.

Department of Health Releases Medical Cannabis Administrative Rules Draft for Public Review
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) released its proposed administrative rules to implement the medical cannabis program created by voters in Initiated Measure 26 (IM-26).

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending June 19
During the week of June 13-19, a total of 199 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Letter to the Editor: New Graduated Driver License Requirements Take Effect July 1
July 1, 2021 is an important date for drivers between the ages of 14 and 18 and their parents in South Dakota.

Bergquist Chosen as 2021 South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor Inductee
Former Transportation Secretary, Darin Bergquist has been chosen for induction into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor for 2021.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the Black Hills Context Sensitive Corridors Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (SDGF&P), the United States Forest Service (USFS), the United States National Park Service (USNPS), and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will hold a virtual public meeting through July 28, 2021.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s June Column – Celebrating our Independence
The Fourth of July is a celebration - a celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, one of our nation’s most cherished documents.