Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 21
During the week of Nov. 15-21, a total of 681 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Spink County Fatal Crash
CONDE, S.D. – One man died early Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash southeast of Conde.


Governor Noem Announces New Secretary of Education
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tiffany Sanderson to be the next Secretary of Education.

Governor Noem Announces New Executive Director of South Dakota Housing Development Authority
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Lorraine Polak will be appointed Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), effective January 8, 2021. Polak will replace Mark Lauseng, who is retiring.

Names Released In Brookings County Fatal Crash
AURORA, S.D. – An Elkton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died from injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Friday night south of Aurora.

Concrete Surface Repairs on Highways 16B and 79
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work at the intersection of highways 16B and 79 will begin on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020.


PUC approves construction permit for Wild Springs Solar Project
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission today approved a construction permit for the Wild Springs Solar Project to be built in Pennington County.

Highway Patrol Encourages Safe Driving During Thanksgiving Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol reminds people who are traveling this Thanksgiving holiday to do so in a safe manner.

State Fire Marshal Urges Fire Safety For Thanksgiving
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal encourages people to remember the importance of fire safety this Thanksgiving holiday.

Transportation Commission Awards Economic Development Grants
The South Dakota Transportation Commission has awarded just over $4 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to counties and smaller communities across South Dakota.

Interstate 90 Wildlife Fencing through Spearfish
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will be installing an eight-foot wildlife fence adjacent to Interstate 90 from Exit 8 to Exit 14 near Spearfish.

Straight Up Bison, Straight Up South Dakota
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – “Grow your company. Live your life. Achieve your dreams. We can make it happen for you right now. Because South Dakota means business.” South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s invitation was enough for Fabiola Corvera-Stimeling and her husband Douglas Stimeling, to move their e-commerce business, Straight Up Bison, from Arizona to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in October.


Christmas at the Capitol Grand Lighting Ceremony
The 2020 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m. CST.

DHS Warns of Scammers During Holiday Season
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) is warning the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and their families to be aware of scammers during the holiday season.

South Dakota Float Appears in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®
For the eleventh year, South Dakota’s “Mount Rushmore’s American Pride” float will appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®.


Brookings County Fatal Crash
AURORA, S.D. – One man has died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash Friday night south of Aurora.

Names Released In Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A Stockholm, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Watertown.


Thanksgiving and Personal Responsibility
Thanksgiving is around the corner, and across the country families are planning how to celebrate with their loved-ones in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

South Dakota Reports First Flu Death of Season
Today, South Dakota reported the first influenza death of the 2020-2021 season. The death was reported in Potter County, and the individual was in the 80 to 89-year age group. To protect patient confidentiality, additional information about the deceased is not being released.


Governor Noem Announces New State Historian and Director of Historical Society
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Ben Jones, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education, will be taking a new position as State Historian and Director of the South Dakota State Historical Society, effective December 9, 2020.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF HIGH RISK INMATE RELEASE
Corrections Secretary Mike Leidholt is providing notification to law enforcement and the public about the pending release of a state prison inmate.

GFP Seeking Comments on Turkey Plan
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is seeking comments on a draft revision of the turkey management plan, which was last updated in 2016.

Palisades State Park Reduces Bridge Weight Limits
PIERRE, S.D. – After a routine structural inspection of the iconic 1908 bridge located at Palisades State Park near Garretson, the gross vehicle weight capacity of the bridge has been reduced to 3-tons. This new rating will exclude traditional passenger vehicle traffic over the bridge.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 14
During the week of Nov. 8-14, a total of 442 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – One man died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Watertown.


Governor Noem Announces Hartford as ‘Small Community of the Year’
HARTFORD, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that Hartford was chosen as the “Small Community of the Year.” Historically, the award is presented during the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) annual conference in the spring, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference was cancelled.


South Dakota PUC reminds consumers to be wary of scam call red flags during Utility Scam Awareness Week
In recognition of Utility Scam Awareness Week, Nov. 16-20, the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission highlighted the importance of being able to identify red flags from unknown callers.

Inmate Earl Brown dies
Inmate Earl Brown, age 78, passed away Nov. 16 at the Jameson Annex to the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls from natural causes.

SD UpSkill Offering Certificate Programs to Dislocated Workers
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is accepting applications from dislocated workers to enroll in occupational skills training available through the UpSkill program at little to no cost.

$12 million Awarded for Affordable Housing in South Dakota
– South Dakota Housing Development Authority’s (SDHDA) Board of Commissioners today awarded more than $12 million to assist South Dakotans with newly constructed multifamily housing, single family housing, homebuyer assistance, homeowner rehabilitation, and homelessness prevention.


Governor Noem Announces Robling as Interim Secretary of Game, Fish and Parks
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Kevin Robling will serve as Interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks.

Free COVID-19 Testing Available in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Health, in partnership with the South Dakota National Guard and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing in Rapid City, November 20th thru 23rd. The event will be held at the Pennington County Fairgrounds at 800 San Francisco Street. Testing will be available November 20th thru 22nd from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m and November 23rd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.


Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Sioux Falls man has died of injuries suffered in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Oct. 14, 2020 south of Sioux Falls.


Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Names have been released of the two South Dakota men who died in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning in Sioux Falls.


Providing for Our Communities
From Belle Fourche, Buffalo, and Bison to Aberdeen, Groton, Webster, and Parkston I recently had the chance to sit down with so many South Dakotans.


Governor Noem Announces Secretary Hepler to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Kelly Hepler, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), will retire, effective December 15, 2020.

K-12 Connect enrollment deadline approaching
The deadline to enroll in South Dakota’s K-12 Connect program is Nov. 20. This program provides free internet service to eligible K-12 students in their homes for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Nov. 7
During the week of Nov. 1-7, a total of 497 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

FEMA Approves Funding for Sioux Falls Debris Removal
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA has approved more than $1.16 million to reimburse the City of Sioux Falls for the removal of storm debris caused by tornadoes, severe storms and flooding in September of 2019.

U.S. 16A/Iron Mountain Road Pipe Repair
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing a pipe repair project on Highway 16A/Iron Mountain Road starting Monday, Nov. 16.

DOT Seeks Public Input into the I-229 Exits 3 & 4 Interchanges Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) and the City of Sioux Falls, is holding an online public meeting to present transportation improvement recommendations for the both the I-229 Exit 3 (Minnesota Avenue - Sioux Falls) and Exit 3 (Cliff Avenue – Sioux Falls) interchanges until Dec. 5, 2020, on the website: https://www.i229exits3and4.com/.


Akaska “Pot Plane” items donated to State Historical Society
The South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre recently received items pertaining to the Jan. 20, 1980, “Pot Plane” seizure near Akaska in western Walworth County.

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

Names Released In Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A Waubay, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Waubay.

DSS finds loving adoptive homes for children in foster care
Today, there are 81 children in South Dakota’s foster care system who are legally available for adoption. The greatest need is for older children, sibling groups, and children with emotional, behavioral, or medical needs.

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL TO MEET NOV. 18
PIERRE, S.D. – Members of the South Dakota Arts Council, the advisory board of the Office of Arts, will meet remotely via online/call-in format Nov. 18 for the Council’s annual fall meeting.

Highway 248 near Presho is Reopened
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is pleased to announce S.D. Highway 248, four-point-six miles east of the Highway 183/248 junction at Presho near Brakke Dam, is reopened to through traffic effective immediately.


Governor Noem Announces Interim Secretary of Transportation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Joel Jundt will serve as Interim Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation.

Noem Accepting Applications for Spring Interns During the 2021 Legislative Session
PIERRE – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office spring internship program.

Inmate John Rose dies
Inmate John Rose, age 73, passed away at a Yankton hospital Nov. 8 from natural causes.

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday at USD
A task force meets in Vermillion this week to look at the return on investment from higher education. The Senate Bill 55 Task Force will meet Thursday on the campus of the University of South Dakota.


Inmate Ivan Good Plume in custody
Inmate Ivan Good Plume was arrested today. He is currently housed in the Pennington County jail.

Names Released In Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – Names have been released of the two men who died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Tyndall.


A Special Thanks to All Our Veterans
One of the things I appreciate most about those who served is that they didn’t rely on someone else to protect freedom.

Inmate placed on escape status
Inmate Keith Apple left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization this evening.

Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – One person died early Saturday morning in a vehicle-pedestrian crash near Waubay.


Inmate placed on escape status
Inmate Ivan Good Plume left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization this evening.

State Historical Society Director Vogt announces retirement
Jay D. Vogt of Pierre has announced his retirement as director of the South Dakota State Historical Society, effective Dec. 8.

COVID-19 Mass Testing Events Scheduled for 10 South Dakota Communities
The South Dakota Department of Health, in partnership with the South Dakota National Guard and Office of Emergency Management, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide drive-thru COVID-19 testing in ten South Dakota communities over the next two weeks.


Free Assistance During Medicare Open Enrollment Still Available
The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program would like to remind all Medicare beneficiaries there is still time to receive free assistance during the Medicare open enrollment period.

Registered Apprenticeship Week Recognized
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Nov. 8-14, 2020, as Registered Apprenticeship Week in South Dakota.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 31
During the week of Oct. 25-31, a total of 808 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Bon Homme County Fatal Crash
TYNDALL, S.D. – Two people died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Tyndall.


Inmate Mark Johnson dies
Inmate Mark Johnson, age 62, passed away at a Yankton hospital Nov. 4 from natural causes.

Postponed Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Thursday, Nov. 5
PIERRE, S.D. – They are already on duty, but the first nine troopers in the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s new Fast Track Academy will have their graduation ceremony this Thursday, Nov. 5, at the state Capitol in Pierre.

South Dakota Department of Revenue reminds South Dakotans of July 1 effective date for ballot measures
Unofficial election results from the South Dakota Secretary of State indicate the likely passage of Amendment A, Amendment B, and Initiated Measure 26. Amendment A and IM 26 deal with marijuana, and Amendment B addresses betting on sporting events. The results of the election will be officially canvassed on November 10.


Prescribed Fire to be Ignited at Stockade Lake
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, Custer State Park, and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Stockade Lake prescribed fire on Wednesday, November 4.

Names Released In Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – A Waldwick N.J., man has been identified as the person who died late Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash near Kimball.

Honoring our Heroes
This Veterans Day, let us take time to honor the brave and selfless Americans who have served in the United States Armed Forces, and recognize their time, commitment, and sacrifices in order to protect the ideals and freedoms that we cherish. Defending our democracy is paramount. Our service members face a growing list of global challenges, making it that much more important that our nation supports those who have answered the call to serve.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SSG Jason W. Montefering and SGT Jeremiah Boehmer
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veterans SSG Jason W. Montefering and SGT Jeremiah J. Boehmer.


November is ‘Adoption Awareness Month’ in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November “Adoption Awareness Month” in South Dakota because all children in our state deserve to grow up in a strong family where they are loved and protected.


Statement on the Fire at the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex
At approximately midnight this morning, October 31, the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex caught fire and sustained substantial damage.


Respecting (and Recruiting) Law Enforcement
It has been a tough year for the rule of law and law enforcement in certain parts of our country.

Inmate Curtis Schnellbach dies
Inmate Curtis Schnellbach, age 60, passed away at a Yankton hospital Oct. 30

Take-to-make holiday ornaments Nov. 7 at Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum is switching the annual make-and-take a holiday ornament event to a “take-to-make” program this year on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Governor Noem Announces Lead Testing and Mitigation Reimbursement Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced a new lead testing and mitigation reimbursement program for licensed child care programs and registered family day care providers.

Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured late Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash near Kimball.

November Sobriety Checkpoint List
PIERRE, S.D. – Eighteen sobriety checkpoints in 15 different counties are scheduled during November by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.


Inmate Taksim Neziroski placed on escape status
Inmate Taksim Neziroski, age 68, was reported missing from his community service jobsite on the Human Services Center campus in Yankton at approximately 7:15 this morning. A blue grey 2002 Buick LeSabre with the license number 7A5664 has been reported missing from a parking lot on the HSC campus.

ACA Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1
The South Dakota Division of Insurance reminds consumers the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period for 2021 coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020, for consumers with individual policies.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 24
During the week of Oct. 18-24, a total of 391 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Names Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – A Breckenridge, CO man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Murdo.

Bridge Work on Western Avenue over I-229
The Mitchell Region bridge crew will be doing concrete repairs on the Western Avenue bridge over Interstate 229 on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3-4, 2020.


Governor Noem To Appoint Judge Myren To South Dakota Supreme Court
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Scott P. Myren to the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dakota.