Regents Approve Academic Program Requests to Develop Workforce
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved academic program requests from Dakota State and Northern State universities to meet emerging workforce and economic development trends statewide.


South Dakota Snowmobile Trails Open Dec. 15
PIERRE, S.D. – Snowmobile trails across South Dakota open Sunday, Dec. 15.

State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Minnehaha County
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The State of South Dakota and FEMA have opened a disaster recovery center in Minnehaha County to offer face-to-face support to individuals and businesses impacted by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from September 9 - 26.


Inmate John Feather Placed on Escape Status
Inmate Feather failed to report to his community service job site in Rapid City on Dec. 10.


FEMA Can Assist With Furnaces, Wells and Septic Systems
SIOUX FALLS, SD – As the temperatures drop, the furnace becomes the most important appliance in the home. South Dakotans who had a furnace damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding between September 9 - 26, should contact FEMA, even if they have already made repairs or purchased a replacement. FEMA can also help with wells and septic systems impacted by the disaster.

South Dakota Lottery urges responsible gaming this holiday season
The South Dakota Lottery reminds citizens that scratch tickets are not suitable gifts for minors.


Governor's Weekly Column: Driving Opportunity
It’s been a difficult year, yes, but we have tremendous opportunity before us. The growth of our current industries and the attraction of new ones will drive opportunity. Expanding on some already successful initiatives will drive opportunity. And laying the foundation to enhance our competitiveness with respect to other states will help ensure our top talent stays in South Dakota – creating more opportunity for years to come.

Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff for National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Upon the directive of President Donald Trump, Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, December 7, 2019, in recognition of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.

Disaster Recovery Centers Coming to Six South Dakota Counties
SIOUX FALLS – The State of South Dakota and FEMA are opening Disaster Recovery Centers in six counties across the state. The centers offer in-person support to individuals and businesses that suffered losses from the severe winter storms and flooding from Sept. 9 – 26, 2019. Each center will be open for five days.

Middle Schools to Receive Meth-Focused Prevention Programming
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) today announced that 9 prevention providers statewide will receive funds to support over 40 South Dakota middle schools to provide evidence-based substance use prevention programming, with emphasis on methamphetamine prevention.

HIGHWAY 18 OPEN EAST OF LAKE ANDES
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has reopened Highway 18 east of Lake Andes.

U.S. 16 Corridor Study Public Open House
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Rapid City, Pennington County, and the Rapid City Area MPO, will hold a public open house at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the Event Center at Black Hills Energy, 7001 Mount Rushmore Road, Rapid City to inform area residents of the beginning of the U.S. 16 Corridor Study.


Dell Rapids Receives Exceptional Project Award for Wastewater Treatment Improvements
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announce that the Dell Rapids Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements project was selected as a 2019 Performance and Innovation in the State Revolving Fund Creating Environmental Success (PISCES) Exceptional Project by the Environmental Protection Agency for Region 8.

Rapid City Receives Exceptional Project Award for Water Expansion
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announce that the East Rapid City Water System Expansion project has been selected as a 2019 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund AQUARIUS Exceptional Project by the Environmental Protection Agency for Region 8.

Fort Sisseton Celebrates a Frontier Christmas
LAKE CITY, S.D. – Get in the holiday spirit at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park's annual Frontier Christmas on Saturday, Dec. 14. Relive Christmas traditions from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST.


Noem Proclaims Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day, Assembles Women’s Vote Centennial Delegation
Governor Kristi Noem proclaimed today as “Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day” in South Dakota. On December 4, 1919, South Dakota was one of the first states to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, approving it during a special legislative session.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, to honor the life of Kermit Staggers, a former legislator.

Governor Noem’s Budget Provides Disaster Relief
Governor Noem’s budget builds partnerships with local governments to provide disaster relief resources and implement programs to mitigate future disasters.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Education in South Dakota
Governor Noem’s budget better equips educators and schools by adjusting funding formulas for general and special education.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Long-Term Care Services
Governor Noem is building sustainable models of care to ensure individuals have improved access to quality, long-term care services.

Governor Noem’s Budget Strengthens Families
Governor Noem is strengthening families by designating funds for foster parent training, supporting family reunification, and improving services for child maltreatment victims.

Governor Noem’s Budget Improves Public Safety
Governor Noem is prioritizing the safety of families and communities by combating the meth epidemic and equipping law enforcement with modernized communication tools.

Governor Noem’s Budget Invests in Next Generation Industries
Governor Noem is investing in next generation industries by increasing high-speed internet access, bolstering cybersecurity development, and investing in healthcare training programs.

Noem Announces District 32 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she is appointing Helene Duhamel of Rapid City to represent District 32 in the South Dakota Senate.

Lane Closures on I-229 at 26th Street
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Interstate 229 southbound and northbound in Sioux Falls will be reduced to one lane by the 26th Street exit beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4


Inmate Wayne Trousdale Dies
Trousdale, age 82, passed away Dec. 1 at a Sioux Falls hospital.

State Historical Society announces spring Deadwood Fund grant applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society announces that the applications for the first round of the 2020 Deadwood Fund grant program are due on Feb. 1, 2020, for work beginning no earlier than May 1, 2020.

State and FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Yankton
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The State of South Dakota and FEMA have opened a disaster recovery center in Yankton to offer face-to-face support to individuals and businesses impacted by the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding from September 9-26.

Names Released in Beadle County Fatal Crash
CAVOUR, S.D. – A Cavour, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Friday morning in a one-vehicle rollover that occurred south of Cavour.


I-90 Open Travel Caution
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety have opened the closed portion of Interstate 90 (Wyoming border to Chamberlain) in both directions. Officials are advising motorists that even though the interstate is open, driving conditions are still hazardous throughout much of the state and there are still No Travel Advisories posted on numerous highways, especially in the southeast part of the state, including I-90.


I-90 To Remain Closed Travel Caution
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that Interstate 90 will remain closed from Chamberlain to the Wyoming border at least overnight and crews will reassess conditions Sunday morning.


Beadle County Fatal Crash
CAVOUR, S.D. – One person died early Friday morning in a one-vehicle rollover that occurred south of Cavour.

Names Released in Spink County Fatal Crash
TULARE, S.D. – Two females from Leola, S.D., have been identified as the people who died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night south of Tulare.

I-90 Closing from the Wyoming Border to Chamberlain
The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists that Interstate 90 will be closing tonight between the Wyoming border and Chamberlain, both east and west bound, at 12 a.m. CST (11 p.m. MST).


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, November 30, 2019, to honor the life of T. Loren Christianson, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Giving Thanks
From my family to yours, have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

South Dakota Launches Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation this week launched the new Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program. The program will dedicate state bridges after South Dakotans who died while in active service. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Noem Seeks Public Input for District 35 Senate Nomination
Governor Kristi Noem is seeking public input for a District 35 Senate vacancy. The opening was created after current State Senator Lyndi DiSanto announced her resignation effective December 31, 2019.

FEMA Denies South Dakota’s Disaster Request Appeal
PIERRE, S.D. – The Department of Public Safety has announced that FEMA denied the state’s appeal for a presidential disaster declaration covering severe weather damage done in six South Dakota counties from Aug. 2-11, 2019.

December Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints are scheduled for 14 counties statewide during December.


PUC gives Tatanka Ridge Wind Project permit to construct
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted today, Nov. 26, 2019, to approve the construction of the Tatanka Ridge Wind Project to be built in Deuel County.

Stock Car Races and World of Outlaws Return to South Dakota State Fairgrounds
The South Dakota State Fair and Dakota Promotions are pleased to announce that a trio of stock car races will be held at the Dakota State Fair Speedway on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in 2020.

FEMA Representatives to Visit South Dakota Neighborhoods
SIOUX FALLS, SD – Residents of South Dakota counties affected by September severe storms, tornadoes and flooding may soon see FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) teams and home inspectors in their neighborhoods.

DPS Officials Urge Safe Travel During Thanksgiving Holiday
PIERRE, S.D. – Thanksgiving is a time for traveling and the South Dakota Department of Public Safety wants citizens to get to their destinations safely.

SDDOT Awards Economic Development Grants
The South Dakota Transportation Commission has awarded $4 million in economic development grants for infrastructure improvements to foster economic development and enhance community access in South Dakota.

Public Input for Dell Rapids Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with the City of Dell Rapids, will hold a public open house as part of the Dell Rapids Master Transportation Plan.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s November Column – Honoring our Heroes
South Dakota plans to dedicate six bridges each year. The application form to nominate a fallen hero will also be posted on our website.


Be Safe With Fires This Thanksgiving
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal reminds people to enjoy all the great food this Thanksgiving holiday, but also to be mindful that fires occur more often this time of year.

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Madison
SIOUX FALLS, SD – The State of South Dakota and FEMA have opened a disaster recovery center in Madison to offer face-to-face support to individuals and businesses impacted by the tornadoes, severe storms and flooding from September 9-26.

Spink County Fatal Crash
TULARE, S.D. – Two people died and three other people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Sunday night south of Tulare.


Names Released in Lyman County Fatal Crash
KENNEBEC, S.D. – Names have been released of the two people who died in a one-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning north of Kennebec.


Governor's Column: Meth. We’re On It.
It seems we’ve captured attention not just in South Dakota, but around the country and even the world with our new anti-meth campaign. We needed that. In today’s age, traditional messages don’t cut through the noise. We knew we needed to make a bold statement to make people stop and think… and it is working.

Entertainment for Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Open House announced
A full afternoon of entertainment is planned for the annual Holiday Open House of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Remember Food Safety at Holiday Gatherings
Keep the unwelcome guest of food-borne illness from making an appearance at Thanksgiving Dinner with some simple food safety tips, says a state health official.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of the Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA DR-4469.

Highway 212 Reopened to Minnesota Border
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 212 from the Highway 15 south junction at mile marker 398 to the Minnesota border is open to traffic.


Inmate Jonah Burning Breast in Custody
Inmate Jonah Burning Breast was arrested in Pennington County Nov. 20.

REGISTER WITH FEMA FOR POTENTIAL FEDERAL RECOVERY AID
PIERRE, SD – Residents of 11 South Dakota counties and two reservations may now register with FEMA. Registration opens the door to a number of federal disaster assistance programs, as well as referrals to other forms of aid.

SD Arts Council Chair Mary V. Bordeaux Elected to National Leadership Seat
PIERRE, S.D. — Mary V. Bordeaux, the chair of the South Dakota Arts Council, was recently elected to serve on the board of directors for the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies


East River Deer Hunters Should be Aware of Wet Conditions
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Department is reminding hunters heading out for the East River Deer season to be mindful of the wet conditions that exist across much of eastern South Dakota.

Lyman County Fatal Crash
KENNEBEC, S.D. – Two people died and another was seriously injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning north of Kennebec.


South Dakota PUC reminds consumers to stay informed and exercise caution on National Utility Scam Awareness Day
November 20 is National Utility Scam Awareness Day.

A Perfect Vision of Fun at the 2020 South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair has announced its 2020 State Fair theme, “Perfect Vision of Fun.”

DENR Fines Smithfield Foods, Inc. for Surface Water Violations
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Smithfield) $46,260 for Surface Water Discharge Permit violations at their facility in Sioux Falls.

Department of Transportation / Highway Patrol Seeks Public Input into the U.S. 14/U.S. 14 Bypass Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in cooperation with the City of Brookings and City of Volga, will hold two public open houses to gather feedback of preliminary U.S. 14/U.S. 14 Bypass corridor and intersection improvement concepts developed to date.


President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Southeast South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Donald Trump has approved a presidential disaster declaration for September storm damage done in South Dakota, including the three tornadoes that struck Sioux Falls and the extreme flooding in communities such as Madison and Mitchell.

Meth Prevention and Awareness Campaign Launches in South Dakota
There is a meth problem in South Dakota, and we need everyone on it.


Name Released in Brookings County Fatal Crash
WHITE, S.D. – A White, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of White.


Noem Announces Details for Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the 2019 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. CST. The public is invited to join Governor Noem, First Gentleman Bryon Noem, and Pierre Mayor Steve Harding as they welcome guests and light the Capitol trees.

New women’s suffrage exhibit highlights Cultural Heritage Center Holiday Open House
Visitors to this year’s annual Holiday Open House of the South Dakota State Historical Society on Friday, Nov. 29, at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre can learn about the women’s suffrage movement.


Awards Presented to Conservation Officers during GFP Commission Meeting
WATERTOWN, S.D. – At the November meeting of the Game, Fish and Parks Commission, wildlife conservation officers Kraig Haase and Dan Sternhagen were presented with awards.

Game, Fish and Parks Accepting Proposals for Roy Lake Resort Concession Operator
WATERTOWN, S.D. – According to South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP), entrepreneurs interested in operating Roy Lake Resort can now begin submitting proposals. The resort is located within Roy Lake State Park in northeastern South Dakota, 10 miles southeast of Lake City or 25 miles north of Webster on Highway 10.

GFP Commission Proposes Length Restriction for Flathead Catfish
WATERTOWN, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed a change to harvest restrictions for flathead catfish. The change would limit anglers to only one flathead catfish 28 inches or longer per day as part of the daily limit, statewide.

GFP Commission Rejects Petition for Change in Custer State Park Elk Hunting Season Drawing
WATERTOWN, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission rejected a petition to add a separate drawing for Custer State Park elk hunting applicants over 70 years of age.

GFP Commission Proposes Use of Rifles on Private Land During West River Prairie Spring Turkey Season
WATERTOWN, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to allow the use of rifles on private land for the West River spring turkey prairie hunting units.

Brookings County Fatal Crash
WHITE, S.D. – One person died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of White.

Elk Point Industrial Site Receives Certification
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has received and approved the Certified Site Application submitted by the Elk Point Economic Development Corporation for the Elk Point Economic Development Park.


Noem Waives Hours of Service Regulations to Deal with Propane Shortage
Governor Kristi Noem has signed an executive order granting extended hours of service for commercial delivery of propane products in South Dakota.

Noem Celebrates Advancements in Internet Access for South Dakota K-12 Schools
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that 100 percent of K-12 school districts in South Dakota now have access to high-speed internet on par with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) short-term goal of 100 kbps per student.

Fiegen elected to leadership position in Southwest Power Pool
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen was elected to serve as vice president of the Southwest Power Pool’s Regional State Committee at the group’s meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas, earlier this month.

Labor Department Provides $370,000 to Expand Apprenticeships
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is providing $370,000 in incentive funding to help businesses and organizations expand the number of Registered Apprenticeships Programs in South Dakota.

Names Released in Dewey County Fatal Crash
RIDGEVIEW, S.D. – A 61-year-old Mission, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Saturday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Ridgeview.


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