Governor Noem Introduces Legislation to Simplify City Zoning Regulations
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will introduce a bill to simplify city zoning regulations and ease the permitting process for homebuilders and homeowners in South Dakota.


Hanson begins fourth term on South Dakota Public Utilities Commission with oath of office
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Gary Hanson took the oath of office on Jan. 4, 2021, marking the official start to his fourth term on the PUC.

South Dakota State Fair Commission Elects New Chairman
The South Dakota State Fair Commission held its annual meeting Tuesday, January 19, 2021, and elected Faron Wahl as chair and Jamie White as vice-chair.

2021 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for the 2021 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy to be held in Ft. Pierre, South Dakota, on March 18-21, 2021.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Jan. 16
During the week of Jan. 10-16, a total of 649 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Union County Fatal Crash
ALCESTER, S.D., -- A 68-year-old man from Alcester, S.D., has died from injuries sustained in an ATV crash that occurred on Monday, Jan. 18, near Alcester.

South Dakota’s Tourism Industry Shows Resilience Despite 2020 Challenges
South Dakota’s tourism industry held its own when compared to other states during the COVID-19 pandemic. During a Thursday address, Governor Kristi Noem and Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, revealed 2020 tourism economic impact numbers.

Tourism Industry Professionals Honored by Governor Noem
On Thursday, January 21, Governor Kristi Noem and the Department of Tourism presented awards to tourism industry members and businesses, honoring their ingenuity & diligence, extraordinary customer service practices, and lifetime commitment to tourism.


Governor Noem Introduces Legislation to Codify Healthcare Flexibilities
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will introduce two pieces of legislation to codify executive orders that originally provided flexibility to healthcare providers in response to COVID-19. The two pieces of legislation cover telehealth and recognition of out-of-state healthcare licenses.

Governor Noem Thanks President Trump for Pardons of South Dakotans
Today, Governor Kristi Noem thanked President Donald J. Trump for three pardons issued to South Dakotans.

Two more state properties listed on National Register of Historic Places
Two more South Dakota properties were recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the South Dakota State Historical Society has announced.

SDDA Seeking Public Comments on the Draft Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is seeking public comments on the draft Coordinated Plan for Natural Resources Conservation.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into I-90 Exit 63 Interchange Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Rapid City Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the City of Box Elder, will hold a virtual public meeting between Jan 20, and Feb. 20, 2021, to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the option being recommended as part of the interchange study.


Governor Noem Signs Executive Order on DANR Merger
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-03 to merge the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, forming a new Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

Names Released In Union County Fatal Crash
ELK POINT, S.D. – A Gayville, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a two-vehicle crash south of Elk Point.

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

Officers Reelected for Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board
The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2021.

The Department of Revenue reopens their temporary office at the Huron Area Senior Center
Beginning February 11, the Department of Revenue will reopen their Huron Temporary Office to individuals and businesses who have any tax related questions.


Union County Fatal Crash
ELK POINT, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured Friday night in a two-vehicle crash south of Elk Point.


Civic Education for the Next Generation
Across America these last several months, we have witnessed a very troubling situation where violent actors are trying to do an end-run around public discourse.

Department of Health on Federal COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation & Phase I
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, released the following statement highlighting expansion of statewide vaccine efforts starting next week and addressing federal COVID-19 vaccine allocation:

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – One person died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash northwest of Watertown.

I-29 to North Dakota Border to Reopen at 7:30 a.m. CST
PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety say Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to the North Dakota border will reopen at 7:30 a.m. CST this morning (Friday).

Portions of I-29 and I-90 to Reopen at 6:30 a.m. CST
PIERRE, S.D. -- The South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety say Interstate 29 from Sioux Falls to the Iowa border and Interstate 90 from Sioux Falls to the Minnesota border will reopen at 6:30 a.m. CST this morning (Friday).


Now is the time to plan: Summer Food Service Program seeking sponsors
The South Dakota Department of Education’s office of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking sponsors for a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Jan. 9
During the week of Jan. 3-9, a total of 905 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

FOOD NETWORK’S DINERS, DRIVE-INS AND DIVES SHOWCASES SIOUX FALLS’ ECLECTIC CULINARY DELIGHTS
Throughout the month of January, Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives will take viewers on a culinary adventure through some of Sioux Falls’ most delicious restaurants. The show’s boisterous host, Guy Fieri, visited South Dakota’s largest city in 2020, finding plenty of “flavor-bombs” along the way at restaurants such as Urban Chislic, Lalibela and ‘O’ So Good.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the US14A / US85 / Deadwood Box Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Deadwood, will hold the second online public meeting to inform area residents of the options developed for the U.S. 14A / U.S. 85 / Deadwood Box Corridor Study.

Temporary Lane Closures on Haines Avenue
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says there will be a single lane closure in the north and southbound lanes of Haines Avenue while temporary traffic signals are installed at the intersection of Haines Avenue and Mall Drive. This work will take place Jan.18-21, 2021.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s January Column – Caregiver Support Program Expands
Caregivers play an important role in the health and well-being of veterans, and their undertakings are often a 24/7 job. We want caregivers for our heroes to know there are improved services and programs to assist them.


SD Health Department Announces Beginning Stages of Priority Group 1D for Next Week
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health is announcing that starting on Monday, January 18, 2021, the Department of Health and its health partners across the state will start vaccinating a prioritized population group, within Group 1D, of the state’s vaccination plan.

Department of Transportation & Hughes County Seek Public Input into Hughes County Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, in collaboration with Hughes County, will hold an online public meeting to present information on the Hughes County Master Transportation Plan.


2021 State of the State (as prepared)
Lieutenant Governor Rhoden, Mr. Speaker, members of the Legislature, Chief Justice Jensen, Justices of the Supreme Court, constitutional officers, and fellow South Dakotans, it is my privilege to stand before you today to discuss the state of our state.

Names Released In Lake County Fatal Crash
MADISON, S.D. – A Colton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash southeast of Madison.

Governor Noem announces student art exhibition
PIERRE – Gov. Kristi Noem announced 12 students who are being recognized for their artistic talents through the new Governor’s Student Art Competition. An exhibition of the artwork will be displayed in the South Dakota Capitol Building beginning Jan 12.

South Dakota Department of Transportation Announces Name the Snowplow Contest
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has rolled out South Dakota’s first ever Name the Snowplow Contest.


South Dakota teachers, school counselors go above and beyond with professional certifications
Four South Dakota teachers and three school counselors earned national certifications in 2020, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.

ALDI to join list of online options for SNAP recipients
On Tuesday, January 12, ALDI grocery stores will join the list of online grocery shopping options for recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in South Dakota.

“Onward!” 2021 South Dakota Governor’s Conference on Tourism
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is hosting the 2021 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, January 20-21. The conference is now officially open for registration to anyone interested in tourism, marketing and hospitality. Conference attendees will be able to register to participate virtually or for limited in-person attendance.


Lake County Fatal Crash
MADISON, S.D. – One person died and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday afternoon southeast of Madison.


Governor Noem Signs Executive Order
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order pertaining to the Amendment A litigation.

State Historical Society awards four historic preservation grants
Historic preservation projects in St. Onge, Sioux Falls, Belle Fourche, and Mitchell recently received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society.


Governor Noem Signs Executive Order
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order to give flexibility as South Dakota fights the spread of COVID-19.

South Dakota PUC representatives elected to leadership positions within Southwest Power Pool
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Kristie Fiegen was elected to serve as president of Southwest Power Pool’s Regional State Committee (RSC) throughout 2021.

DENR Announces more than $8.7 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the state Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved more than $8.7 million for drinking water, recycling, and solid waste projects.

South Dakota State Fair Foundation Announces, ‘Discover the DEX’ Fundraising Campaign for a New Livestock Complex
The South Dakota State Fair Foundation is excited to announce the ‘Discover the DEX’ fundraising campaign to help fund the DEX: Dakota Events CompleX.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Jan. 2
During the week of Dec. 27 through Jan. 2, a total of 542 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Statewide Homeless Count to be Conducted in January
On Jan. 26, 2021, South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium (SDHHC), an affiliate of South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), will conduct its annual statewide Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless count.


Prescribed Fire at the Outdoor Campus - West
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks plan to ignite the Adventure Trail prescribed fire located at the Outdoor Campus - West on Thursday, January 7, 2021.

SD Health Department Launches New COVID-19 Vaccination Info-Tool(s)
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health is announcing the release of two helpful tools designed to better inform South Dakotans on the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration process. These tools are in addition to the already available dashboard, which is updated daily.


FEMA Approves Funding for Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA has approved $3.64 million to reimburse Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative for repairs in the wake of a severe winter storm in 2019. High winds and heavy icing caused widespread damage to the electric cooperative’s equipment leaving nearly 10,000 customers in Lake, Minnehaha and Moody counties without power and damaging hundreds of poles, power lines, and other equipment.


Governor Kristi Noem and BFM Release Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Bureau of Finance and Management (BFM) released the State’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for fiscal year 2020.

Protecting and Preserving South Dakota’s Agriculture and Natural Resources
South Dakota’s values and beliefs are rooted in our agricultural heritage and our boundless natural resources.

Nelson elected to lead South Dakota Public Utilities Commission
Commissioner Chris Nelson was elected chairman of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission today, Jan. 4, 2021, at the commission’s regular meeting in Pierre, South Dakota.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
KEYSTONE, S.D. – A Keystone, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning, Dec. 27, in a one-vehicle crash east of Keystone.

Department of Transportation & City of Watertown Seek Public Input into Watertown Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in cooperation with the City of Watertown, will hold an online public meeting to present information on the Watertown Area Master Transportation Plan.


DENR Fines Rapid City for Surface Water Violations
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has fined the city of Rapid City $8,045 for Surface Water Discharge Permit violations at its regional recycling and municipal landfill facility (RALF).

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Dec. 26
During the week of Dec. 20-26, a total of 602 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Federal ruling changes odometer disclosure to be required for vehicles that are less than 20 years old
Beginning January 1, 2021, individuals will be required by a new federal rule to fill out an odometer disclosure when transferring a vehicle that is less than 20 years old and weighs less than 16,000 pounds.


Take-to-Make a Clothespin Snowman Jan. 9 from Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum in Pierre is switching its popular “make-and-take” Saturday Family Fun programs to “take-to-makes.”

South Dakota Highway Patrol Participates In New Year’s Eve Traffic Safety Coalition
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is joining the Western States Traffic Safety Coalition (WSTSC) in a special effort this New Year’s Eve to reduce the number of impaired drivers on the road.

APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR ARTS FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
South Dakota artists, arts organizations, and other nonprofit groups are invited to seek grant support from the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) to assist in funding arts projects and programs throughout the state. The application deadline is March 1, 2021.

Disabled veterans and disabled persons will see new license plate design in 2021
Disabled veterans and disabled persons will receive newly designed license plates at renewal time, beginning January 1, 2021.


Name Released In Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – A Henderson, NV man has died from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash on Monday, Dec. 21, south of Sisseton.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A Sioux Falls man has been identified as the person who died Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Sioux Falls.

January Sobriety Checkpoint List Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety will begin 2021 by holding 20 sobriety checkpoints in 17 counties during the month of January.


Labor Department Outlines CARES Act Unemployment Extension and Implementation
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is currently reviewing the CARES Act unemployment extension provisions contained in H.R. 133 which Congress recently passed and President Donald Trump signed into law.


Pennington County Fatal Crash
KEYSTONE, S.D. – A 63-year-old man died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash east of Keystone.


Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – One person died Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Sioux Falls.


Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Dec. 19
During the week of Dec. 13-19, a total of 696 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.


Challenges and Opportunities: A Look Back on 2020
2020 has been a year to remember, seemingly for all the wrong reasons. COVID-19 devastated families across our country.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $500,000 to Charity on Behalf of Noem Family
This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $500,000 to charity on behalf of the Noem family. The donation includes $100,000 on behalf of each individual member of the Noem family.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $100,000 to Compassion Child Care on Behalf of Governor Noem
This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $100,000 to Compassion Child Care in Sioux Falls on behalf of Governor Kristi Noem. This is part of a $500,000 charitable donation on behalf of the entire Noem family.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $100,000 to Dakota Sonshine on Behalf of First Gentleman Bryon Noem
This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $100,000 to Dakota Sonshine in Sisseton on behalf of First Gentleman Bryon Noem. This is part of a $500,000 charitable donation on behalf of the entire Noem family.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $100,000 to McCrossan Boys Ranch on Behalf of Kyle and Kassidy Peters
PIERRE, S.D. – This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $100,000 to McCrossan Boys Ranch in Sioux Falls on behalf of Kyle and Kassidy Peters. This is part of a $500,000 charitable donation on behalf of the entire Noem family.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $100,000 to Teen Challenge on Behalf of Kennedy Noem
This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $100,000 to Teen Challenge of the Dakotas in Brookings on behalf of Kennedy Noem. This is part of a $500,000 charitable donation on behalf of the entire Noem family.

Foster and Lynn Friess Donate $100,000 to Love INC on Behalf of Booker Noem
This week, Foster and Lynn Friess donated $100,000 to Love INC in Rapid City on behalf of Booker Noem. This is part of a $500,000 charitable donation on behalf of the entire Noem family.

Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives in South Dakota - State Amongst Leaders in Vaccination Efforts in Nation
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the second to achieve FDA authorization, has been delivered statewide to all major healthcare networks and smaller regional partners.

No Travel Advised in Eastern & South-Central SD
Officials with the South Dakota Departments of Transportation and Public Safety are advising motorists there is No Travel Advised across the entire eastern and south-central portion of the state and are asking for the public’s help by staying home and avoiding travel until weather conditions improve.