Governor Noem Signs Bill to Defend Privacy Rights of Charitable Donors
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed HB 1079, which protects the privacy rights of donors to charitable organizations, into law.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed twelve bills into law.

Department of Health Announces Additional COVID-19 Vaccination Sites at Pharmacy Locations Throughout South Dakota
Today, South Dakota’s Secretary of Health, Kim Malsam-Rysdon, reminded state residents that additional COVID-19 vaccination sites across the state have been activated or are about to start administering vaccinations through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – One person died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Sisseton.

Construction Beginning on U.S. Highway 18 / U.S. Highway 385 North of Oelrichs
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says 10 miles of work on U.S. Highway 18 / U.S. Highway 385 will begin Monday, March 15, 2021. The construction begins one-half mile north of Oelrichs and continues toward the Smithwick Road turnoff.

Guardrail Work to Begin on I-90 Near Whitewood
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says on Monday, March 15, 2021, guardrail work will resume on I-90 in the eastbound and westbound lanes at mile markers 23, 25, and 27 near Whitewood.

Meade County Culvert Repair and Replacement Work Begins
South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) crews will begin installing and repairing culverts in Meade County this week.


South Dakota Attractions Honored as “Best of the Midwest”
Two South Dakota attractions have made Midwest Living magazine’s “Best of the Midwest” list.

SDDOT Snowplows Named
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) rolled out South Dakota’s first ever Name the Snowplow Contest in mid-January.


Braille and Talking Book Library celebrating 90 years of National Library Service
The South Dakota Braille and Talking Book Library (BTBL), a program of the State Library, is celebrating the National Library Service’s (NLS) 90th anniversary. The South Dakota BTBL is an affiliate of the NLS.

Museum Take-to-Make on March 6 features lion and lamb plate project
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum will hold its next “take-to-make” Saturday Family Fun program on March 6, from 10-11:30 a.m. CST at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

State Historical Society celebrating Women’s History Month in March
A photo display in the Jay D. Vogt Education Room of the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre highlights South Dakota women in honor of Women’s History Month.

March Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has released its list of sobriety checkpoints scheduled to be held statewide during March.


Names Released In Hughes County Fatal Crash
BLUNT, S.D. – A Blunt, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash east of Blunt.


Celebrating America
There is no better place to celebrate America’s birthday than Mount Rushmore, surrounded by the beautiful Black Hills and in the presence of four iconic American leaders.

Governor Noem Signs Legislation to Simplify Youth Hunting and Fishing
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1034, which simplifies youth hunting and fishing requirements in South Dakota.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem signed ten bills into law.

2021 Spring Load Restrictions - #1 Amended
Effective at 9 a.m. CST, March 1, 2021, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will apply to the road segment(s) and at the indicated weight limit shown in the table below.

Bridge Improvement Grant Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 26 Preservation, Rehabilitation, and Replacement Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling approximately $15 million at the recent commission meeting in Pierre.

State Capitol Hosts Student Researchers March 3, 2021
South Dakota colleges and universities will send 15 outstanding undergraduate student researchers to the State Capitol next week to share their research work with lawmakers and the public.


Governor Noem Announces ConnectSD Broadband Development Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that $25 million in CARES Act funding is now available for eligible broadband projects.

Her Vote. Her Voice. sponsoring Know Her Story: Art and Essay Contest
In honor of Women’s History Month in March, the Her Vote. Her Voice. (HVHV) campaign is encouraging South Dakota students to write an original essay or create an original piece of art about a South Dakota woman who has made an impact.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Feb. 20
During the week of Feb. 14-20, a total of 439 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 169 claims from the prior week’s total of 608.

Hughes County Fatal Crash
BLUNT, S.D. – One person died Wednesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash east of Blunt.

SINGING BRIDGE ON HIGHWAY 1806 WEST OF MOBRIDGE NOW OPEN TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC
The Highway 1806 bridge, known as the “singing bridge”, west of Mobridge and north of Highway 12 over the Grand River, is now open to vehicular traffic.

Department of Transportation Receives Federal Funds for Local Bridges
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has received an apportionment of Federal Highway Infrastructure Program funds to be used for bridges throughout the state.

Department of Revenue reminds homeowners of the upcoming owner-occupied property tax relief deadline
Homeowners have until March 15 to apply for property tax relief through the owner-occupied program.


Governor Noem Signs Born-Alive Legislation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1051, which requires medical professionals to offer any baby born alive the same medical care they would offer for any other child – regardless of the circumstances of the child’s birth.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed five bills into law:

Inmate Seth Boocock in custody
Inmate Seth Boocock was arrested Feb. 23 in Sioux Falls.

Inmate Joseph Davis in custody
Joseph Davis was arrested in Ash Flat, Arkansas February 22.

DSS secures planning grant for 988 Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Planning for the launch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s 988 dialing code will get a boost from a grant awarded to the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

State Finalizes Sale of MRC Rail Line
On Feb. 17, 2021, the South Dakota State Railroad Board authorized the South Dakota Department of Transportation to sell the rail line from Mitchell to Rapid City (MRC) to Ringneck and Western Railroad, L.L.C. for $13 million.

Connecting with our Veterans
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs mission is to “provide comprehensive care and quality service to veterans and their families, regarding health care, education, disability benefits, long-term care, and burial honors by providing professional customer service and care.


Governor Noem Issues Statement on Attorney General Ravnsborg
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the conclusion of the investigation into the fatal crash involving Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and Joseph Boever:

Governor Noem Signs Flexibility for Healthcare Professionals to Live and Work into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1077 into law, which makes it easier for healthcare professionals to live and work in South Dakota.

DPS Releases Videos of Attorney General’s Interviews In Hyde County Crash Investigation
PIERRE, S.D. – Videos of two interviews conducted with South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg following a fatal vehicle-pedestrian crash Sept. 12 in Hyde County have been released by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety at the direction of Gov. Kristi Noem.


Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed fourteen bills into law:

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Offered to Residents Age 65 and Over
PIERRE, S.D. – Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon released the following statement to remind state residents that starting today, the COVID-19 vaccination age statewide has been dropped to those 65 and over in age:

DSS helps South Dakota families stay warm
The bitter cold stretch that recently gripped South Dakota required families to use more energy to stay warm.


Names Released In Charles Mix County Fatal Crash
WAGNER, S.D. – Names have been released of the four people who died Tuesday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Wagner.


Empowering Parents
Good education starts in the home. It starts with strong parents and strong families.

Gregory County Courthouse listed on National Register of Historic Places
The Gregory County Courthouse in Burke was added in February to the National Register of Historic Places, the South Dakota State Historical Society has announced.

Governor’s Ag Ambassador Nominations Sought
Governor Noem is seeking nominations for the 2021 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award.

Division of Insurance Announces Online Insurance Producer Examinations
The South Dakota Division of Insurance and its testing vendor, Pearson Vue, have partnered to make online examinations available in South Dakota through their platform OnVUE.

South Dakota Businesses Recognized for Outstanding Customer Service
The South Dakota Department of Tourism has recognized 47 businesses across 22 communities for their outstanding hospitality and customer service. These businesses have earned the “South Dakota Great Place” designation.


Governor Noem Signs SB 87 into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Senate Bill 87 into law.

South Dakota’s Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics Awarded National Accreditation
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced its Office of Vital Records and Health Statistics, has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), the national accrediting organization for state, Tribal, local, and territorial health departments.

Governor Noem Signs Senate Bill 32
Governor Kristi Noem has signed Senate Bill 32 that allows for the expansion of the access critical nursing facility program which has been in effect since 2011.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Feb. 13
During the week of Feb. 7-13, a total of 542 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 104 claims from the prior week’s total of 646.


Governor Noem Issues Statement on Consequences of Biden Administration’s Energy Policies
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the dangerously cold temperatures threatening lives across more than a dozen states right now

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed eighteen bills into law.

Inmate Matthew Fritz-Chappell in custody
A minimum-security state prison inmate who walked away from the Yankton Community Work Center back in November 2020 is in custody.

South Dakota Dropping COVID-19 Vaccination Age to those Residents Age 65 and Over Starting Monday
The South Dakota Department of Health announced today that starting on Monday, February 22, 2021, the vaccination age of those who qualify to receive their COVID-19 vaccination will be dropping to those who are 65 and over in age.

Charles Mix County Fatal Crash
WAGNER, S.D. – Four people died and another person was injured Tuesday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Wagner.


Names Released In Butte County Fatal Crash
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – A Powers Lake, N.D., man has been identified as the person who died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash north of Belle Fouche.

I-90 Exit 59 (N LaCrosse Street) Construction Project
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the Interstate 90 eastbound on-ramp at Haines Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, Feb. 22, 2021.


COVID-19 Vaccine Now Offered to Residents Age 70 and Over
Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon released the following statement to remind state residents that starting today, the COVID-19 vaccination age statewide has been dropped to those 70 and over in age:


Safe and Effective Medicinal Marijuana
Whenever our state faces a major policy change, it’s the role of the state government to ensure that it is implemented and regulated in a way that best benefits the people of South Dakota.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed fourteen bills into law.

Butte County Fatal Crash
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. – One person died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash north of Belle Fouche.

DSS has tips and resources for lonely hearts on Valentine’s Day
While Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love, for many people who have lost a relationship, a loved one, or who are simply feeling down, it can be a difficult time. The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) has resources to help cope with the challenges.

2 GRANT OPPORTUNITIES FOR PANDEMIC RELIEF AND RECOVERY
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Arts Council is currently accepting grant applications in major grant categories and is also offering two special funding opportunities focused on pandemic relief and recovery.


Log cabins, “Picturing the Past” highlighted in “South Dakota History”
Log cabins and significant places in South Dakota are featured in the annual historic preservation issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Feb. 6
During the week of Jan. 31-Feb. 6, a total of 540 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 71 claims from the prior week’s total of 611.


Governor Noem and Legislative Leaders Announce Plan for Implementation of IM 26
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and leadership in both chambers of the South Dakota state legislature announced a plan to implement Initiated Measure 26 (IM 26).

State Historical Society holding essay contest
The State Historic Preservation Office of the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre is holding an essay contest.

Teachers Encouraged to Enter South Dakota State Fair Education Division
The South Dakota State Fair Education Exhibitor Book is available at www.sdstatefair.com for teachers to download and enter their students’ class, art, photography, or writing projects.

Federal Retail Pharmacy Program Begins in South Dakota and Vaccination Age Dropped to 70 and Over Starting Next Week
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Health announced today that starting tomorrow, Thursday, February 11th, the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program (FRPP) will be activated in South Dakota. The FRPP for COVID-19 vaccination is a collaboration between the federal government, states and territories, and 21 national pharmacy partners and independent pharmacy networks, to increase access to COVID-19 vaccination across the United States.

Rahn Lake Road Bridge Replacement Work to Start in Tripp County
The Winner Area office of the South Dakota Department of Transportation announces the bridge replacement on Rahn Lake Road is scheduled to start Feb. 22, 2021.


Special Address: Update on Revenue Numbers
I am here today because South Dakota is in a historic position. I stood before you two months ago and said, South Dakota is entering 2021 in one of the strongest financial positions in the country.

Governor Noem Signs Twenty-Six Bills into Law
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed twenty-six bills into law:

Make Plans For The 2021 South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair, the state’s premier fair event, invites everyone to the fairgrounds this summer for the 2021 State Fair.

Name Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
GROTON, S.D. – A 45-year-old Mitchell, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Groton.

Substance abuse recovery program for mothers launched in South Dakota
A new program to help expectant mothers struggling with substance use disorders has officially launched in South Dakota, and the agencies involved hope to see significant positive results.

APPLICATIONS FOR ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE DUE MARCH 1
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) is now accepting grant applications for its Artists in Schools and Communities (AISC) residency program, which provides matching grants to schools and other nonprofit organizations for artists in residence. Applications must be received through the AISC online grant form.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project to Reconstruct Highway 28 from Estelline to Highway 15
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting until March 5 to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the proposed project to reconstruct Highway 28 from Estelline to Highway 15.


Grant Funds Available for Specialty Crop Advancement
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is pleased to announce Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds are available for specialty crop advancement.

Names Released In Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. – Two women from Rosebud, S.D. have been identified as the people who died Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash east of Winner.


Brown County Fatal Crash
GROTON, S.D. – A 45-year-old man died Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Groton.


The Sad Story of Keystone XL
It may seem cliche, but energy independence is a matter of national security. The United States is a net exporter of energy, which means that we can guarantee our ability to provide for our own energy needs, no matter what situation that the world may throw at us.

State Historical Society seeks nominations for Governor’s Awards, board positions
The South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre is seeking nominations for the annual Governor’s Awards for History and two positions on its board of trustees.

Tripp County Fatal Crash (Updated)
WINNER, S.D. – A 56-year-old female has become the second person to die from fatal injuries sustained Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash east of Winner.


Students visit Pierre for CTSO Legislative Shadow Day
February is National Career and Technical Education Month. As part of the celebration, 34 student leaders came to Pierre Feb. 3, for the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organizations’ Legislative Shadow Day. Students shadowed legislators at committee meetings and observed House and Senate floor sessions.

State Historical Society celebrating 120-year anniversary
The South Dakota State Historical Society is celebrating 120 years of preserving the state’s history.

State Historical Society board approves 16 property tax moratorium applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society board of trustees recently approved 16 applications in nine counties for the eight-year state historic preservation property tax moratorium for restoration and rehabilitation made to historic buildings.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Jan. 30
During the week of Jan. 24-30, a total of 473 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 107 claims from the prior week’s total of 580.

Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. – One person died and three others were injured Wednesday night in a two-vehicle crash east of Winner.


SD Health Department Launches COVID-19 Vaccine Group Identification Tool and Announces Drop in Vaccination Age to 75 plus
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health is announcing the release of a web-based tool to help South Dakotans best identify which priority vaccination group they fall under in South Dakota’s vaccination plan.