Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A Box Elder, S.D., man has died as a results of injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Whitewood.

CHRISTMAS WREATHS FOR VETERANS BURIED AT THE STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, in partnership with the Midwest Honor Flight and Wreaths Across America, will host a wreath laying ceremony on Saturday, December 17. The ceremony will be held at 11:00 am (CT) at the Committal Shelter at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery (25965 477th Avenue) in Sioux Falls.


School districts receive $3M in Innovative Equipment Grants
Seventeen South Dakota school districts will receive over $3 million in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Innovative Equipment Grants to implement emerging technology and modern equipment in CTE programs.

Dec. 8 “History Talks” presentation on Mathis murders
For December, the South Dakota State Historical Society’s virtual “History Talks” author speaker series features veteran journalist and former state legislator Noel Hamiel and his new book, “South Dakota’s Mathis Murders: Horror in the Heartland.”

Sturgis Driver Licensing Exam Station Changes Days of Operations
PIERRE, S.D. – Effective Friday, Dec. 2, the South Dakota Driver Licensing exam station in Sturgis will be open on Fridays instead of Thursdays.

Names Released In Union County Fatal Crash
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. – A Vermillion, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred north of North Sioux City.

Healthy Holiday Habits: December Mental Health Memo
‘Tis the season to be jolly! For many, the holiday season is a time to spread cheer, connect with family and friends, and celebrate togetherness, but for others, the holidays can be less cheerful and more stressful.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project on S.D. Highway 34 from 13 Miles East of Fort Thompson to S.D. Highway 45
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public meeting open house on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022, to inform area residents of the proposed project on S.D. Highway 34 from 13 miles east of Fort Thompson to S.D. Highway 45.

Changes in municipal taxes for the town of Cresbard effective January 1, 2023
Beginning January 1, 2023, the town of Cresbard is implementing a new municipal general sales and use tax rate of 2 percent.


Gov. Noem and Colleagues Urge Congress to Remove COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Military
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 20 other governors urged congressional leadership to remove and prohibit the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate on members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

AG Mark Vargo announces hiring of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Coordinator
Attorney General Mark Vargo announced he has filled two new positions at the Attorney General’s Office: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator and Human Trafficking Coordinator.

West River Homes Listed To National Register Of Historic Places
The Joseph Reynolds Ranch near Rochford and the Patterson Homestead in Nemo have both been listed to the National Register of Historic Places.

Lane Switch Planned on Interstate 90 as Reconstruction Project Concludes in McCook County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work is nearing completion on the Interstate 90 reconstruction project from Salem to Humboldt. On Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, a significant traffic switch will occur. Motorists are advised that all westbound traffic will be moved from the eastbound lanes and guided into the westbound lanes so repainting of lane lines can be completed for eastbound traffic.


Gov. Noem Signs Executive Order Banning TikTok
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2022-10, which bans the Chinese social media platform TikTok for state government agencies, employees, and contractors using state devices.

Labor Department Offering Workforce Knowledge Series
The Department of Labor and Regulation is offering a first-of-its-kind Workforce Knowledge Series for businesses and organizations.

Names Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
SCOTLAND, S.D. – Names have been released of the two people who died last Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2002, in a two-vehicle crash north of Scotland.

Tripp County Fatal Crash
WITTEN, S.D. – One man died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Witten.

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM WINS INTERNATIONAL MARKETING AWARDS
The South Dakota Department of Tourism will be honored at the annual Adrian Awards ceremony for travel marketing excellence by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). The awards ceremony will be held in February in Los Angeles, CA.


Thanking Emergency Responders
For most of us, we hope to never need help from emergency responders. But when our darkest moments come, we depend on them to be there for us.

Attorney General Mark Vargo to introduce Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator and Human Trafficking Coordinator
Attorney General Mark Vargo will announce he has filled two new positions at the Attorney General’s Office: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Coordinator and Human Trafficking Coordinator.

Offender Gregory Wyman dies
Offender Gregory Wyman, age 68, passed away at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield on Nov. 26.

DPS Announces December Sobriety Checkpoints
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety says 14 sobriety checkpoints in 12 counties are scheduled to be held during the month of December.

SDDOT and Yankton County Seek Public Input into West Yankton County Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with Yankton County, will hold an open house public meeting on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, to gather public input for help in developing the West Yankton County Master Transportation Plan.


Union County Fatal Crash
NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. – One person died early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred north of North Sioux City.


Offender Trevor Chipps placed on escape status
Offender Trevor Chipps left his community assignment in Rapid City without authorization Nov. 23 and failed to return to the Rapid City Minimum Center at the scheduled time.


Spearfish Driver Licensing Exam Station Moves to New Location
PIERRE, S.D. – Effective Wednesday, Nov. 30, the South Dakota Driver Licensing exam station in Spearfish will be at a new location.

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
SCOTLAND, S.D. – Two people died and another person was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday night north of Scotland.

South Dakota Transportation Commission Awards Economic Development Grants
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded a total of $3.5 million in economic development grants this week for infrastructure improvements for some of South Dakota’s smaller communities and agri-business development.

SDDOT and Walworth County Seek Public Input into Updates for Walworth County Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with Walworth County, will hold an open house public meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, to gather public input for help in developing the update to the Walworth County Master Transportation Plan.


Governor Noem Signs Thanksgiving Proclamation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued an executive proclamation proclaiming November 24, 2022 as “Thanksgiving Day” in South Dakota.

Attorney General Mark Vargo announces the 183rd graduation class of the South Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course
Attorney General Mark Vargo has announced that 39 students completed the Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre, S.D.

Attorney General Mark Vargo announces the 183rd graduation class of the South Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course
Attorney General Mark Vargo has announced that 39 students completed the Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre, S.D.

Attorney General Mark Vargo announces the 183rd graduation class of the South Dakota Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course
Attorney General Mark Vargo has announced that 39 students completed the Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre, S.D.

DPS Urges Public to Keep Safety A Priority During Thanksgiving Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – Whether hosting Thanksgiving at home or traveling somewhere else to celebrate the holiday, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety and its agencies remind the public that safety must be a priority.


Pedestrian Traffic Reopened on 41st Street DDI Construction Project in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that pedestrian traffic along 41st Street has reopened for the winter months.


Names Released In Brookings County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – A Lincoln, NE woman has been identified as the person who died Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Brookings.

Name Released In Hamlin County Fatal Crash
ESTELLINE, S.D. – A Castlewood, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash in Estelline


Thanksgiving – A Time for Family & Fellowship
The first American Thanksgiving was a celebration of unity across cultures and races. Two cultures who did not know each other gathered together to have a meal and engage in fellowship. I hope that our kids learn this as part of our nation’s true and honest history.

Governor Noem Accepting Applications for Spring Interns
Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office spring 2023 internship program.

Glacial Lakes Energy Contribution to the DEX: Dakota Events CompleX Announced
Glacial Lakes Energy Contribution to the DEX: Dakota Events CompleX Announced


Gov. Noem Announces Christmas at the Capitol Grand Lighting Ceremony
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has announced that the 2022 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 7 pm CT. This year’s theme for Christmas at the Capitol is “Merry Prairie Christmas.

DANR Fines Town of Hermosa for Wastewater Violations
DANR Fines Town of Hermosa for Wastewater Violations

Governor's Awards Recognize Contributions of Individuals and Businesses across South Dakota
During the annual Governor’s Awards Ceremony, Gov. Kristi Noem recognized and celebrated the accomplishments and contributions of businesses, individuals with disabilities, and other South Dakotans who have worked to break down barriers to help those with disabilities find fulfilling employment.

New DPS Artwork Encourages Drivers to Avoid Distractions
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety Thursday introduced a different way to encourage South Dakotans to put down their cell phones while they drive.

Invisible Wounds: Preventing suicide among veterans and active duty military in South Dakota
South Dakota is working to prevent suicide among veterans and active duty military. Persistent stress can affect anyone, and those who have served or are currently serving may be at greater risk for suicide than others.

South Dakota Department of Tourism Recognizes 2022 Great Place Designees
The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 48 businesses across the state with the 2022 South Dakota Great Place designation. These tourism-focused businesses earned the designation for their outstanding hospitality and customer service.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input on South Veterans Parkway Supplemental Environmental Assessment in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the City of Sioux Falls will hold a public meeting open house on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, to inform the public and gather public input on the South Veterans Parkway Supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA).


State Loan Repayment Program Application Period Closes Wednesday, November 23, 2022
PIERRE, S.D. – Applications for the Department of Health’s (DOH) State Loan Repayment Program will close on Wednesday, Nov. 23. Mailed applications must be postmarked by this date and electronic applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. CT.

Brookings County Fatal Crash
BROOKINGS, S.D. – One woman died Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Brookings.


Attorney General Mark Vargo announces historic settlement over Google location tracking practices
Attorney General Mark Vargo today announced that South Dakota, along with 39 other states, has reached a $391.5 million multistate settlement with Google over its location tracking practices relating to Google Account settings.

Students to represent JAG-SD at national leadership event in Washington, D.C.
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students from four South Dakota high schools have been selected as delegates to the JAG National Student Leadership Academy in Washington, D.C., Dec. 1-3.

Hamlin County Fatal Crash
ESTELLINE, S.D. – One person died Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash in Estelline.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Names have been released of the two people who died Friday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash west of Sioux Falls.

Multi-directional Stop Signs to be Placed on S.D. Highway 47 in Lyman County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) plans to install multi-directional stop signs on S.D. Highway 47 directly under Interstate 90 at Exit 251 in Lyman County.


Names Released In Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Centerville, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died last Tuesday night in a two-vehicle crash south of Sioux Falls.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project at Intersection of U.S. Highway 16 and Neck Yoke Road in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold an open house public meeting to discuss and receive input on the proposed project at the intersection of U.S. Highway 16 and Neck Yoke Road in Rapid City.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input on Environmental Assessment for Interstate 29 and 85th Street Interchange in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), City of Sioux Falls, City of Tea, and Lincoln County, will participate in an open house public meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, to present and receive comments on the environmental assessment (EA) conducted for a new interchange at Interstate 29 and 85th Street in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota to begin license plate reissue January 2023
Starting January 1, 2023, the State of South Dakota will be issuing a new plate design for non-commercial and emblem plates with the titling of motor vehicles and registration renewals.


Governor Kristi Noem: Veterans are Heroes
I am proud to be Governor of the best state in America to live, work, and retire as a veteran. That’s important – the state that sets the gold standard for Freedom should also lead the way in honoring those who defend our Freedoms. In the last four years, we found new ways to honor our veterans. In my second term, we will continue to build on those successes and honor the men and women who served us.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Two people died Friday afternoon in a three-vehicle crash west of Sioux Falls.


South Dakota Announces Next Generation of EMS Services
The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) is pleased to announce the launch of a new telehealth partnership between DOH, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Agencies, and Sioux Falls-based telemedicine provider, Avel eCare.

Registered Apprenticeship Week Recognized
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Nov. 14-20, 2022, as Registered Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota. This week celebrates the important role that registered apprenticeships play in helping South Dakotans gain critical skills and expanding the state’s workforce.

Names Released In Grant County Fatal Crash
MILBANK, S.D. – A Fargo, N.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Milbank.


Governor Noem Urges Citizens to Observe National Native American Heritage Month
PIERRE, S.D. – November is National Native American Heritage Month. South Dakota’s history is strongly intertwined with Native American history and culture. Governor Kristi Noem said the nine tribes of South Dakota each have unique and important stories that are essential to understanding South Dakota. Every year, we honor these stories and the important role Native Americans continue to play in the evolution of our nation and state.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASES EXPLANATION FOR PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE SOUTH DAKOTA CONSTITUTION ON FOOD AND DRINK
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo has released the following Attorney General’s ballot explanation for a proposed Constitutional Amendment entitled: An Initiated Amendment Prohibiting Taxes on Anything Sold for Eating or Drinking.

ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASES EXPLANATION FOR PROPOSED INITIATED MEASURE ON FOOD AND DRINK
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo has released the following Attorney General’s ballot explanation for a proposed Initiated Measure entitled: An Initiated Measure Prohibiting Taxes on Anything Sold for Eating or Drinking.

Department of Health Awarded $1,509,000 for State Loan Repayment Program: Applications Now Available
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) was recently awarded $1,509,000 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support a State Loan Repayment Program within South Dakota.

Stroll Sioux Falls November Recruiting Event
The Department of Labor and Regulation Sioux Falls Job Service will host its third “Stroll Sioux Falls” recruiting and hiring event on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 811 E. 10th St.

Tour De Yankton November Hiring Event
The next Tour De Yankton Jobs Hiring Event will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, from 2 to 4 p.m. (CST). The event is hosted by the Department of Labor and Regulation Yankton Job Service office in partnership with Yankton Thrive and Riverfront Broadcasting.

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A 20-year-old Rapid City, S.D. woman has died from injuries sustained in an Oct. 31, 2022 pedestrian-vehicle crash.

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One man died Tuesday night in a two-vehicle crash south of Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Department of Motor Vehicle Delaying Title Printing
Due to paper supply issues, the South Dakota Department of Revenue’s Motor Vehicle Division has stopped printing paper titles effective immediately.

Board of Economic Development takes action at monthly meeting
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Economic Development approved two funding applications at its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9.


Elias Richard sentenced to life in prison for a Christmas Eve murder in Rapid City
Elias Richard was sentenced Monday to life in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for killing Vernall Marshall on Christmas Eve in 2020.

Upcoming History Talk Presentation Features Local Historians
For November, the South Dakota State Historical Society’s virtual “History Talks” speaker series features historians Sean Flynn and Paul Higbee.

Grant County Fatal Crash
MILBANK, S.D. – One woman died Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Milbank.


South Dakota Supreme Court upholds murder conviction in Pierre infant battery case
The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the murder conviction of Tristan Larson for causing the death of his then-girlfriend’s two-year-old son.

SDPUC determines no jurisdiction for proposed Gregory County Pumped Storage Project
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has received numerous questions regarding its permitting jurisdiction related to the proposed Gregory County Pumped Storage Project.

Walk-In Watertown Hiring Event
The Department of Labor and Regulation Watertown Job Service will host its first “Walk-in Watertown” recruiting and hiring event on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (CST) at 2001 9th Avenue SW, Suite 200.

Call to Artists: SDAC Invites Art for State Buildings Proposals
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota artists have until March 20, 2023, to submit purchase proposals for the Art for State Buildings Program.

Third Annual SDDOT Snowplow Naming Contest Underway
Over the past two winters, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) engaged with thousands of South Dakotans in Name the Snowplow Contests. Heavy snow and high winds were no match for cleverly named snowplows that efficiently cleared the state’s highway system.

Two-Way Traffic Zones Ending on Interstate 29 Near Brookings
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the two-way traffic zone currently in place on Interstate 29 near Brookings will come to an end by Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. Traffic will return to utilizing both lanes northbound and southbound on I-29.


Governor Kristi Noem: Building the Strongest Economy in America
If you look across the nation, economic growth has ground to a halt. The price of everyday items – like milk, eggs, and pretty much everything else – has skyrocketed, making it harder for families to make ends meet. 38% of Americans point to “economic problems” as “the most important problem facing the country today.” In this tumultuous sea of negative economic news, South Dakota stands tall as a lighthouse – an example that Freedom and personal responsibility lead to sustained economic growth.

Attorney General, DCI Release Sioux Falls Police Department Officer involved shooting summary
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Friday released a summary of the non-fatal September 9, 2022, Sioux Falls Police Department officer involved shooting.

South Dakota Department of Tourism Wins Advertising Awards
The South Dakota Department of Tourism recently received two high honors from the w3 Awards.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into Northern Lincoln County Corridors Study for S.D. Highway 11 and S.D. Highway 115
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold an open house style public meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. This meeting will inform area residents of recommendations for improvement of S.D. Highway 11 and S.D. Highway 115 in Lincoln County.


Attorney General, DCI, DPS mark re-opening of Emergency Vehicle Operation Course
Attorney General Mark Vargo today joined the Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s Division of Highway Patrol in hailing the re-opening of the state’s Emergency Vehicle Operation Course (EVOC) in Pierre, S.D.

Center Turn Lane Paving Begins on U.S. Highway 212 Project in Watertown
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that J&J Earthworks Inc. will begin placing center turn lane on U.S. Highway 212 between 14th and 19th Street East on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Infrastructure planning to begin
Today, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced their selection of a firm to assist with infrastructure planning throughout South Dakota. GOED applied for and was awarded $1 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Administration (EDA).


Name Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A 57-year-old Sioux Falls, S.D., woman has died as a result of injuries sustained in an Oct. 25, 2022 crash that involved nine vehicles.