American Legislative Exchange Council Ranks Governor Noem Best Governor in the Nation
Today, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) announced that Governor Kristi Noem is ranked the best governor in America for 2021. In accepting the award, Governor Kristi issued the following statement:

Caught in a Self-Inflicted Energy Crisis
The United States faces a federal-government-created energy crisis, and South Dakota is caught in the middle of it. Gas prices continue to rise, driving up the cost of shipping and making it more expensive to visit loved ones over the holidays. As we enter the winter season, Americans are outraged by the rising cost to heat their homes.


ACA Health Insurance Open Enrollment Deadlines Approach
The South Dakota Division of Insurance reminds consumers the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period for 2022 coverage runs from Nov. 1, 2021, to Jan. 15, 2022, for consumers with individual policies.


Governor Noem Signs Executive Order to Extend Flexibility in Hay Hauling
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-15, extending the timeframe during which hay haulers may move hay through February 2022.

South Dakota Ranked Top-5 in “Freedom in the 50 States”
Today, the CATO Institute announced that South Dakota is now ranked in the top-five states in their “Freedom in the 50 States” index.

December Mental Health Memo: Weathering the Holiday Season
The month of December is supposed to be a time for excitement and holiday cheer. There are family gatherings, decorating for Christmas, and reflecting on the things (people) for which we are grateful.

Changes in municipal taxes for the towns of Lane and Henry effective January 1, 2022
Beginning January 1, 2022, the town of Lane is implementing a new municipal tax rate from 0 percent general sales and use tax rate to 2 percent.


Up to $250,000 in grant funding available for qualified afterschool programs
Now is the time for schools and other organizations interested in 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) grants to submit a Notice of Intent to Apply.

South Dakota Community Foundation supports State Historical Society’s Pioneer Girl Project
With funding support from the South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF), the South Dakota Historical Society Press released its third Pioneer Girl Project publication.

State Historical Society digitizes important suffrage papers
More than 3,765 women’s suffrage items from the John A. and Alice Pickler Papers are now available on the South Dakota Digital Archives of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Custer State Park's Playhouse Road to Close for Construction
Beginning Wednesday, Dec. 8, Custer State Park's Playhouse Road will be closed to all through traffic for a bridge replacement.

Good Earth To Host Open House Meetings on Spring Creek Golf Course Acquisition
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host two open house meetings to collect input on recreational development of Spring Creek Country Club.

Name Released In Codington County Fatal Crash
FLORENCE, S.D. – A Florence, S.D., male has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Florence.


Nominations now open for 2022 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is seeking nominations for the 2022 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.

Sobriety Checkpoints Announced for December
PIERRE, S.D. – Sixteen sobriety checkpoints in 12 counties are planned statewide during December, according to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

More adoptive families needed for older children, siblings, and children with special needs
More adoptive families are needed for older children, sibling groups, and children who require specialized parenting for medical, developmental or emotional needs throughout South Dakota.

Concrete Pavement Repair Work Begins on S.D. Highway 115 Between Dell Rapids and Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work is scheduled to begin on S.D. Highway 115 south of Dell Rapids. The project consists of concrete pavement repair between Dell Rapids and Sioux Falls. Work will include sawing and removing broken concrete and replacing it.


Codington County Fatal Crash
FLORENCE, S.D. – A 16-year-old male died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Florence.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – A Box Elder, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died last Saturday, Nov. 20, in a one-vehicle crash east of Box Elder.


Help Wanted? Try These Resources
It’s the holiday season 2021 and—just about everywhere you look—businesses are hiring. “Help Wanted” signs dot store windows in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and all points in-between. For the past two months, the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation has posted between 20,000 and 31,000 active jobs on their (DLR) website. That’s good news for our state as unemployment numbers remain well below the national average.


Governor Noem Responds to Supreme Court Decision on Amendment A
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Amendment A:

Gov. Noem Announces Department of Corrections Staffing Changes
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced several staffing changes at the South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC). Doug Clark, Deputy Secretary of Corrections and Acting Warden of the State Penitentiary, will be the new Interim Secretary of Corrections. Interim Secretary Tim Reisch will be stepping down, effective December 8.

Department of Health on Constitutional Amendment A Ruling Marijuana Legalization Initiative
Following the South Dakota Supreme Court ruling on Amendment A, the South Dakota Department of Health released the following statement:

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into Interstate 29 (Exit 71) Interchange Modification Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with Lincoln County, the city of Harrisburg, city of Tea, the Sioux Falls MPO, and the Federal Highway Administration, will hold a public open house meeting from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021 in the Council Room of the Tea City Hall (600 E 1st Street) to inform area residents of the status of the Interstate 29 (exit 71) Interchange Modification Study.

Secretary Flute assures tribes MedCannabis program will continue
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Secretary David Flute issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s decision regarding Amendment A:


‘South Dakota History’ explores historic preservation in Vermillion, Mitchell, Rapid City
The annual historic preservation issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society, focuses on libraries, observatories, and how the landscapes surrounding Rapid City have shaped its development.

Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Booster Doses Now Approved for All U.S. Adults
Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded eligibility of Pfizer and Moderna booster shots to cover all U.S. adults (18 plus). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommended this new guidance. The South Dakota Department of Health released the following statement:

Highway Patrol Encourages Safe Holiday Driving
PIERRE, S.D. – With more people traveling this week for the Thanksgiving Holiday, the South Dakota Highway Patrol reminds drivers that it is even more important to stay safe.

State Fire Marshal: Fire Safety A Must For Thanksgiving
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal reminds citizens to enjoy the good food and activity that are part of the Thanksgiving holiday, but not to forget the importance of fire safety.

SDDOT Extends Public Input on Proposed Project to Reconstruct S.D. Highway 46 through city of Wagner
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) held a public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021 to discuss the proposed project to reconstruct S.D. Highway 46 through the city of Wagner.

S.D. Highway 52 Opened to Thru Traffic between S.D. Highways 37 and 50
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) officials advise the reconstruction project on S.D. Highway 52, from S.D. Highway 37 to the S.D. Highway 50 junction, is complete and the roadway is now open to thru traffic.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into Proposed Grading Project on S.D. Highway 21 South of Hayti
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public meeting open house on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to inform area residents of the proposed Grading Project on S.D. Highway 21 south of Hayti.

Survey Shows Students Need Help Completing FAFSA
Paying for college is challenging, but receiving some financial aid can ease the burden on students and families.


Gov. Kristi Noem Issues Statement Honoring Marcella LeBeau
As a proud member of the Lakota, Wigmunke Waste Win (Pretty Rainbow Woman) served both her community and her country as a member of the Greatest Generation. Her service as a nurse during World War II has been chronicled by historians. Her dedication as a nurse in the Indian Health Services for more than 30 years has left a legacy that will live in our hearts and minds forever.

Gov. Noem to Host Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Governor Kristi Noem will host the 2021 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol in the Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – One person died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Box Elder.

SDDOT Receives Federal RAISE Grant for Freight Capacity Expansion
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) was recently awarded a Rebuilding America Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation.


Under God, the People Gather and Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is a time of unity. It is a time of gathering friends, family, and sometimes newcomers into your home. Somewhere along the way, America began to forget what the true meaning of Thanksgiving is.


South Dakota Medical Cannabis Program Issues First Patients Cards
Today, in accordance with SDCL 34-20G and the unwavering commitment of Governor Noem and the South Dakota Department of Health to deliver a safe and responsible medical cannabis program, the first medical cannabis patient cards were printed and issued.

Name Released In Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. — A 28-year-old Winner, S.D., female died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash east of Winner.

South Dakota Offers State-Funded Training to Increase Safety in Schools
PIERRE, S.D. – Grant funds administered through the South Dakota Office of Homeland Security are now available to South Dakota K-12 schools to increase school safety through threat assessment training.

Call to Artists: Art for State Buildings Proposals
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota artists have until March 21, 2022 to submit purchase proposals for the Art for State Buildings Program.


DANR Announces December 17 Deadline for Urban and Community Forestry Grants
Funding for new community forestry projects is available through the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) 2021 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grant program.

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in New Area
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was recently confirmed in a new area in central South Dakota. Confirmation of the disease was obtained from sick surveillance efforts coming from an adult female mule deer in Stanley County.

SDDOT Office of Air, Rail and Transit Accepting Comments for State Management Plan (SMP)
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Office of Air, Rail and Transit, will be accepting comments on the State Management Plan (SMP) - Section 5310, 5311, and 5339 Program, with comments due by Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021.

S.D. Highway 15 Opening to Traffic Near LaBolt
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says S.D. Highway 15 will open to all traffic on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.


Application deadline for Social Studies Standards Revision Commission extended
The South Dakota Department of Education has extended the deadline for individuals to apply to be part of the Social Studies Standards Revision Commission. The commission will work with the department to draft new state content standards for K-12 social studies.

GFP Shares Important December Dates with Individuals
The South Dakota Game Fish and Parks (GFP) today announced several major dates individuals need to be aware of as GFP transitions to a new e-commerce system.

Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. — A 28-year-old female died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash east of Winner.

Resources available to help survivors of suicide loss
Finding support from others and exercising self-care is important for survivors of suicide loss to cope with the grief and emotions that suicide can bring. South Dakota Suicide Prevention has help and resources available.


Names Released In Clay County Fatal Crash
VERMILLION, S.D. – A Vermillion, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash north of Vermillion.


A little goes a long way during this Season of Giving
The season of giving is here and there are numerous organizations that South Dakotans support in their communities. Food pantries, shelters for women and children, clothing drives, and toy drives are all causes that fill our hearts while helping those less fortunate, especially during the holiday season.

State prison inmate dies
Inmate Whitney Leith, age 61, passed away at a Sioux Falls hospital Nov. 12 of natural causes.

‘South Dakota History’ article wins 2021 Malone Award
An article from “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society, has won the prestigious Michael P. Malone Award from the Western History Association.

Fauske House in Corson recently listed in National Register of Historic Places
The South Dakota State Historical Society is pleased to announce that the Ole E. Fauske House in Corson was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 29.

The DEX: Dakota Events CompleX Construction Plans Take Shape
Plans for the DEX: Dakota Events CompleX are taking shape following the groundbreaking held on Thursday, September 2 during the 2021 SD State Fair.


Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – Eleven South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits graduate this Friday morning in Fort Pierre.


Registered Apprenticeship Week Recognized
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Nov. 15-21, 2021, as Registered Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota. This week is designed to promote the importance of apprenticeship training and the essential role it plays in educational development and workforce diversification.

Name Released In Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
SPRINGFIELD, S.D. – A Springfield, S.D., female has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Springfield.

Clay County Fatal Crash
VERMILLION, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash north of Vermillion.

South Dakota To Appear Once Again in the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
The South Dakota Department of Tourism’s “Mount Rushmore’s American Pride” float will once again appear in the 95th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.


Inmate Christian White Face back in custody
White Face returned to the facility overnight.

Inmate Christian White Face placed on escape status
Inmate Christian White Face left the Rapid City Community Work Center Nov. 7 to go to his work release job. He failed to return to the Work Center at the assigned time following his shift.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into the Interstate 90 (Exits 32 – 40) Corridor Study in Meade County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the project consultant and Meade County, will hold a public meeting open house from 4:30 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, to inform area residents of the Interstate 90 (exits 32-40) Corridor Study in Meade County.


Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
SPRINGFIELD, S.D. – A 42-year-old female died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Springfield.


Highlighting our best and brightest this Veterans Day
On Veterans Day each year, we honor those brave Americans who volunteered their lives in service to our country.

South Dakota Joins Litigation against OSHA Vaccine Mandates
Today, following Governor Noem’s promise to “see President Biden in court,” the State of South Dakota joined a lawsuit against the OSHA COVID vaccine mandate issued by the Biden Administration.


Former Gov. Frank L. Farrar to be Honored at State Capitol on Tuesday
Former Governor Frank L. Farrar will be honored at the South Dakota State Capitol on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.

Inmate Nathaniel Buckley back in custody
Inmate Nathaniel Buckley was apprehended by law enforcement in Rapid City Nov. 4.

DANR Announces a $123 Million Loan for City of Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility Improvements
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved a $123,000,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan for the City of Sioux Falls to make water reclamation facility improvements.

DANR Announces a $123 Million Loan for City of Sioux Falls Water Reclamation Facility Improvements
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved a $123,000,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) loan for the City of Sioux Falls to make water reclamation facility improvements.

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A Watertown, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash in Watertown on Oct. 24, 2021.

Name Released In Charles Mix County Fatal Crash
LAKE ANDES, S.D. – An Armour, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash north of Lake Andes.