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.


Board of Regents Adjusts Policies for Medical Marijuana
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week adjusted its policies to account for the soon-to-be legal presence of medical marijuana in South Dakota. This comes after voters approved Initiated Measure 26 in the last general election.

West River Nursing Programs Begin Transition
Plans are underway to transition bachelor-level nursing education programs in western South Dakota from two universities to one. The recommendation comes from a state task force that spent the past year studying efficiencies within the public university system.

Neal Schnoor to Become Northern State University President
Neal H. Schnoor, the chief of staff to the president at California State University Long Beach, will become the 18th president of Northern State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents announced Tuesday.


13 NEW PIECES PURCHASED FOR STATE ART COLLECTION
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) announces the addition of 13 new artworks to the state art collection and Art for State Buildings program. The pieces were purchased from a dozen South Dakota artists who were selected from a pool of 54 applicants from across the state.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects Scheduled for the Sioux Falls Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says chip seal and fog seal applications will be applied to several highways in the Sioux Falls area of the state.

Highway 1806 “Singing Bridge” Construction Scheduled to Begin in July
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that permanent repairs to the “Singing Bridge” on S.D. Highway 1806 over the Grand River are scheduled to begin in July.

S.D. Highway 50 Construction to Begin in Chamberlain in July
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on the regrade of S.D. Highway 50 in Chamberlain from Paul Gust Road to Sorenson Drive, shoulder widening from Sorenson Drive to Interstate 90, and asphalt resurfacing on S.D. Highway 50 from North Main Street to King Street.


ATV Big Air Tour Returns to the South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair welcomes the ATV Big Air Tour to the Fair Grandstand on Monday, September 6 at 1 PM.

Department of Health Invites You to Participate in Medical Cannabis Telephone Town Hall(s)
The South Dakota Department of Health invites all interested parties to participate in two upcoming telephone town hall events

Construction to Begin on 26th Street over Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls
Starting Monday, June 21, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Transportation says eastbound traffic across 26th Street will be reduced to one lane while bridge repairs are being competed over Interstate 29.

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 Thursday, June 24.


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


Happy Father’s Day to Our Founding Fathers
Father's Day is a time to celebrate all the great fathers in our lives. My kids have an awesome one in Bryon.

Names Released In Grant County Fatal Crash
MILBANK, S.D. — A Gary, S.D., male has been identified as the person who died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash southeast of Milbank.


Governor Noem Announces Holiday for State Workers on Friday to Honor Juneteenth
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced a holiday for state workers on Friday, June 18, 2021, in honor of Juneteenth.

Governor Noem Launches Website for Medical Cannabis Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem, along with the South Dakota Department of Health and the South Dakota Department of Education, launched medcannabis.sd.gov, a website to answer questions and provide information about the upcoming medical cannabis program set to take effect on July 1, 2021.

Fire damages State Penitentiary carpentry shop
The carpentry shop at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls was damaged by fire today.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending June 12
During the week of June 6-12, a total of 266 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Butte County Fatal Crash
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — One person died Wednesday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash in Belle Fourche.

Reunification with birth family main goal of foster care
The main goal of foster care through the Department of Social Services (DSS) is to safely return children to their birth family.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Project on Highways 85 and 34 to Start
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a chip seal and fog seal application will be applied to U.S. Highway 85 and S.D. Highway 34 in the Rapid City area beginning Monday, June 21. The chip seal will begin on Highway 85 with Highway 34 following.

Bridge Repair Work to Begin on I-90 Westbound at Brandon Exit 406
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a bridge crew will be performing work on Interstate 90 westbound at Brandon Exit 406 beginning Wednesday, June 23 through Thursday, June 24.


General Pesticide Permit for Control of Aquatic Invasive or Nuisance Pest
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) reminds pesticide applicators they need coverage under a General Pesticide Permit to apply pesticides in water to control aquatic invasive or nuisance pests.

Names Released In Beadle County Fatal Crash
WOLSEY, S.D. — A Rockham, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash south of Wolsey.

DSS launches program to help with behavioral health costs
The Department of Social Services (DSS) recently launched the Behavioral Health Voucher Program, offering funding assistance and support for mental health and substance use services.

Culvert Work to Begin on U.S. Highway 12 West of Grand River
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on three culverts in the west ditch of U.S. Highway 12 approximately 2.5 miles west of the Grand River on Monday, June 21.


Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed June 15, Elder Abuse Awareness Day (EAAD) in South Dakota.

Labor Department Launches Workplace Mentoring Toolkit
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has launched a workplace mentoring toolkit available on StartTodaySD.com.

Grant County Fatal Crash
MILBANK, S.D. — One person died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash southeast of Milbank.

Beadle County Fatal Crash
WOLSEY, S.D. — One person died Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash south of Wolsey.

Pilot Car Operations on U.S. Highway 14A in Boulder Canyon to Begin This Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will resume a milling project on U.S. Highway 14A in Boulder Canyon, between Sturgis and Deadwood on Thursday, June 17, 2021.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SPC Mark Horner
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veteran SPC Mark Horner.


Furniture Mart USA Doubles Campus, Adds 300,000 Square Feet
SIOUX FALLS S.D. – Furniture Mart USA announced today that it will be nearly doubling its campus by adding 300,000 square feet to the distribution center and corporate headquarters in northern Sioux Falls.


South Dakota Strong
South Dakota has the strongest economy in America. In fact, a recent study by Moody’s Analytics says that South Dakota is one of only 2 states to be in a stronger economic position than we were before the pandemic.

Her Vote. Her Voice. announces winners of ‘Know Her Story’ Art, Essay Contest
As part of the Her Vote. Her Voice. women’s history project, 4th – 12th grade students participating in the “Know Her Story” contest have written an original essay or created an original piece of art about a South Dakota woman who made an impact.

Roadside Mowing: Hold off until July 10
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Departments of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) and Transportation (DOT) want to remind individuals there are laws and rules governing when mowing right-of-way ditches can begin on the state highway system.

Sutton Bay Lakeside Use Area Closed June 14-18
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department is announcing that the Sutton Bay Lakeside Use Area will be closed from June 14-18.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the S.D. Highway 34 Reconstruction Project Near Colman
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold an online public meeting to inform area residents of the upcoming S.D. Highway 34 Reconstruction Project near Colman.

Bridge Work to Begin on W. 57th Street over Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a bridge crew will be working on the W. 57th Street bridge over Interstate 29 beginning Wednesday, June 16 through Thursday, June 17.


Governor Noem Announces New Opportunities for South Dakota Meat
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that certain South Dakota state-inspected meat processors will have the opportunity to ship their meat across state lines.

South Dakota Department of Tourism Wins Gold Telly Award for “Great Places are Waiting”
The South Dakota Department of Tourism was again recognized for its 2020 marketing efforts, this time winning a Gold Telly Award for its one-minute “Great Places Are Waiting” online commercial.


Grant funds five out-of-school time programs
A total of five 21st Century Community Learning Center grants have been awarded to provide funding for academic enrichment opportunities for students. This year’s grant recipients join 27 existing grant recipients.

Game, Fish and Parks to Sell Six Properties
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department unveiled a plan to sell six tracts of land across the eastern part of the state as part of an evaluation effort of Game Production Areas (GPAs).

Names Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – A Groton, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died late Friday night in a motorcycle-pickup crash north of Aberdeen.


CDC COVID-19 Study Shows mRNA Vaccines Reduce Risk of Infection by 91 Percent for Fully Vaccinated People
A new CDC study finds the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) reduce the risk of infection by 91 percent for fully vaccinated people.

Engine Academy and Live Fire Exercise Taking Place in Custer State Park
CUSTER, S.D. –South Dakota’s Wildland Fire Division this week is hosting its annual Engine Academy which will include a live fire training exercise within the boundaries of Custer State Park. The live fire portion of the event is expected to take place on either June 8, 9, or 10 (Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday) if fuel and weather conditions allow.

Railroad Crossing Repair Work to Temporarily Close S.D. Highway 253
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company will begin railroad crossing repair work on S.D. Highway 253 directly north of U.S. 12 on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.

Construction Project Progresses on South Dakota Highway 46 East of the City of Irene
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will continue shoulder and grade construction on S.D. Highway 46 from the east side of Irene to the intersection of S.D. Highways 19 South and 19A.

Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects Beginning in the Yankton Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says chip seal and fog seal applications will be applied to several highways throughout the Yankton Area beginning Monday, June 14, 2021.

Construction On-Ramp Closure Planned This Week at Western Avenue
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that the southbound on-ramp at Exit 2 at Western Avenue will close in the evening of Tuesday, June 8.


Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One person died late Friday night in a motorcycle-pickup crash north of Aberdeen.


Arbitrary and Unlawful
There is no better place than Mount Rushmore to celebrate America’s birthday. Independence Day is the celebration of our nation and our founding principles of freedom, equality, and opportunity.

New State Historical Society book explores original “Savior of Deadwood”
The latest book from the South Dakota State Historical Society, “The Savior of Deadwood: James. K. P. Miller on the Gold Frontier” by David A. Wolff, adds more layers to the history of Deadwood and its place in the “Wild West.”

New clothing exhibit to open June 12 at Cultural Heritage Center
The Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will host its next new exhibit beginning Saturday, June 12.

GFP Holds June Commission Meeting at Good Earth State Park
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission held their monthly meeting on June 3-4 at Good Earth State Park.

SDDOT and Union County Seek Public Input into Union County Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Union County, will hold an online public meeting to present information on the Union County Master Transportation Plan.

Governor Kristi Noem Announces 18 New Broadband Grant Awards
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that 18 new grants have been awarded to fund broadband projects that will better connect unserved and underserved areas across South Dakota.


Governor Noem Announces $5 Million for South Dakota Meat Processors
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced $5 million for small South Dakota meat processors.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending May 29
During the week of May 23-29, a total of 232 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

June Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints will be held in 17 counties throughout South Dakota during June.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into the U.S. Highway 212 / Forest City Bridge Corridor and Environmental Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Federal Highway Administration, will hold an online public meeting to inform area residents of the beginning of the U.S. Highway 212 / Forest City Bridge Corridor and Environmental Study.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for S.D. Highway 11 Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Brandon, City of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Sioux Falls MPO, and the Federal Highway Administration, will hold an online public meeting to inform area residents of the beginning of the S.D. Highway 11 Corridor Study.


Governor Noem Responds to Decision on Mount Rushmore Fireworks
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the District Court decision on her lawsuit against the Biden Administration over their cancellation of the Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration

ADA Upgrades to Begin on U.S. Highway 212 and U.S. Highway 85 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 begin on Monday, June 7, 2021.


Inmate Keith Apple in custody
Inmate Keith Apple was arrested in Rapid City on June 1. Apple left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization Nov. 7, 2020.

Special education report now available online
Information regarding school districts’ performance on improving the educational outcomes of students with disabilities is now available online. The Special Education Report is released annually by June 1.

SD Century Farm & Ranch Recognition Deadline is Aug. 9
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) are proud to continue recognizing longstanding South Dakota family farms and ranches.

Additional Details on Saturday Night Amber Alert
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Highway Patrol was the lead agency on Saturday night’s amber alert through parts of South Dakota. Here are additional details on the event:

Name Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
GROTON, S.D. – A Conway, Arkansas man has been identified as the person who died last Wednesday in a one-vehicle crash north of Groton.

Celebrate 605 Day Across South Dakota
PIERRE, S.D. – June 5 is more than just a day in South Dakota. It’s 605 Day! On Saturday, June 5, 2021, join the South Dakota Department of Tourism in celebrating the sixth annual 605 Day.

Construction to Include Ramp Closure at Western Avenue
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that the northbound off-ramp at Exit 2 at Western Avenue will close at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2.

Public Meeting/Open House Scheduled for Herreid Master Transportation Plan
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the city of Herreid, will hold a public meeting/open house on Monday, June 7, 2021, as part of the Herreid Master Transportation Plan.

Pipe/Box Culvert and Asphalt Overlay Project on S.D. Highway 22 and S.D. Highway 28 to Begin in June
The South Dakota Department of Transportation states work will begin on Monday, June 14, 2021, on a combined project which incorporates work on S.D. Highway 22 from U.S. Highway 81, to a ½ mile east of Interstate 29 and on S.D. Highway 28 from S.D. Highway 15 east to the Minnesota state line.

New Municipal Tax Changes Effective July 1, 2021
Beginning July 1, 2021, four South Dakota communities will implement a new municipal tax rate.

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday
A task force that is preparing a report on the operations of South Dakota public universities meets for a fifth time this week in Brookings.


Remembering the Brave
As Americans, we are so blessed to live in the greatest country ever, but we are sometimes blind to the extent of those blessings.

A night with American West artist Charles Russell at Cultural Heritage Center
The life and artwork of Charles M. Russell will be the focus of a June 10 program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

SOUTH DAKOTA STUDENT WINS POETRY OUT LOUD NATIONAL FINALS
PIERRE, S.D. – Rahele Megosha, a senior at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, earned the title of Poetry Out Loud National Champion during the National Finals event webcast Thursday evening. Megosha will receive a prize of $20,000, and her school will receive $500 to purchase poetry education materials.

Asphalt Overlay on U.S. Highway 14A in Boulder Canyon to Begin Next Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin a milling and asphalt overlay project on U.S. Highway 14A in Boulder Canyon, between Sturgis and Deadwood on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.


Governors to DOJ: Continue Investigation into Anti-Competitive Practices in the Meatpacking Industry
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and five other governors wrote to the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), asking them to continue their investigation into anti-competitive practices in the meatpacking industry.

Inmate Cameron Guenther placed on escape status
Inmate Cameron Guenther left his community service jobsite in Sioux Falls without authorization today.

State Library recognizes 21st Century School Libraries
The South Dakota State Library has announced the 2021 recipients of the 21st Century School Library Award. The 21st Century School Library Award recognizes school libraries as Effective, Enhanced or Exemplary, based on performance in three areas: place (which refers to the learning environment, both physical and online), programming and the professional.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending May 22
During the week of May 16-22, a total of 197 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

DPS Stresses Safe Driving This Memorial Day Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety wants drivers to make sure this Memorial Day holiday weekend is remembered for all the right seasons.

Brown County Fatal Crash
GROTON, S.D. – One person died early Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Groton.

Construction to Continue on Interstate 229 from Exit 2 at Western Avenue to Exit 1 at Louise Avenue
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says pavement repair on southbound Interstate 229 continues at Exit 2 at Western Avenue through Exit 1 at Louise Avenue in the auxiliary lane and passing lane.

Railroad Crossing Repair Work to Temporarily Close S.D. Highway 45
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Company will begin railroad crossing repair work on S.D. Highway 45 in Ipswich on Wednesday, June 2, 2021.

Asphalt Concrete Overlay to Begin on U.S. Highway 85 Next Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin laying an asphalt overlay four miles south of Ludlow on U.S. Highway 85, beginning the week of May 31, 2021.


Names Released In Butte County Fatal Crash
NEWELL, S.D. – A Jamestown, N.D., man has been identified as the person died last Thursday in a two-vehicle crash east of Newell.

Sioux Falls, S.D. Ranks as No. 1 City in America for Young Professionals
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sioux Falls is ranked the number one city in America for young professionals, according to a new report by SmartAsset.

A Visit to the Cemetery
As Memorial Day approaches, it is a great time to pause and consider the true meaning of this holiday. Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness and reverence, honoring those Americans who died while defending our Nation and its values. While we should honor these heroes every day for the profound contributions they made to secure our Nation’s freedom, we should especially commemorate them and their families on Memorial Day.


Governor Noem Asks Board of Regents to Preserve Honest, Patriotic Education
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem asked the South Dakota Board of Regents to set policies that preserve honest, patriotic education throughout South Dakota’s institutions of higher learning.

Construction to Begin on 26th Street over Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls
Starting Tuesday, June 1, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin bridge repair on 26th Street over Interstate 29.

Intersection Improvements to Begin on U.S. 14 AND S.D. 20 by Brookings and Watertown
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, on an intersection improvement project with locations on U.S. 14 east and west of Brookings and S.D. 20 near Watertown.