South Dakota is a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary
Over the past two years, America has seen some of the most concerning attacks on freedom in our history. Governments seized previously unimagined power over our day-to-day lives. Churches were forced to close, forsaking freedom of religion. Big tech and government alike attempted to police speech, something that is supposed to be free for all. And though the Supreme Court seems poised to advance the right to life of all people, renewed attacks on that right are only just beginning.

Formula Shortage
The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) continues to work with SD WIC nutrition program participants to ensure access to safe formula alternatives as a result of the national formula shortage.

Name Released In Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. – A 20-year-old Winner, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Winner.

Pipe Replacement to Begin on U.S. Highway 212 Between Newell and Maurine
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says pipe replacement work on U.S. Highway 212, east of Newell, will begin on Monday, May 23, 2022.


South Dakota Department of Tourism Announces Partnerships with Advertising Agencies
The South Dakota Department of Tourism announced new marketing partnerships today as it looks to expand and grow the state’s brand and marketing footprint.


Construction to Begin on 60th Street Bridge over Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work will begin on Monday, May 23, 2022, for the 60th Street Bridge over Interstate 229 just south of the Interstate 90/229 interchange.

SDDOT Removing Sign Bridge Structures Damaged in Sioux Falls Storm
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will be removing sign bridge structures in Sioux Falls that have damage resulting from the storm on May 12, 2022.


Governor Noem announces three West River schools named winners of $300K in fitness equipment
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and fitness icon Jake “Body by Jake” Steinfeld announced the winners of the DON’T QUIT! Fitness Center campaign, awarding three West River schools $300,000 in fitness equipment.

DANR Announces More Than $98 Million for South Dakota Environmental Projects
DANR announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $98,703,620 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste projects in South Dakota.

Registration Open for South Dakota’s Largest Classroom at the SD State Fair
Registration Open for South Dakota’s Largest Classroom at the SD State Fair

Tripp County Fatal Crash
WINNER, S.D. – One man died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Winner.

Names Released In Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN S.D. – A Winnipeg Manitoba Canada man has been identified as the person who died Thursday in a vehicle-motorcycle crash north of Watertown.

Asphalt Resurfacing to Begin on S.D. Highway 46 Near Irene
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work has begun on an asphalt resurfacing project on S.D. Highway 46 between Irene and S.D. Highway 19.

Bridge Rail Painting Scheduled for U.S. Highway 85 in Deadwood
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says bridge rail painting and repairs will occur on three bridges over Whitewood Creek on U.S. Highway 85, between Burlington Street and the Highway 385 intersection.

S.D. Highway 53 Construction Project Awarded in Tripp County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the construction project to renovate S.D. Highway 53 in Tripp County was recently awarded by the Transportation Commission.


Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed Near Crooks
DANR Forest Health Team has confirmed the presence of EAB in Minnehaha County near Crooks

Wildland Fire, National Guard to hold helicopter recertification May 20
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota’s Wildland Fire Division will conduct its annual wildland fire helicopter recertification with the South Dakota National Guard Aviation Unit this Friday, May 20.

Maintenance Work to Begin on U.S. Highway 212 Missouri River Bridge West of Gettysburg
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority will be performing maintenance work on the telephone line and conduit that is attached to the U.S. Highway 212 Missouri River Bridge west of Gettysburg.


Honoring Those with the Courage to Serve
Last week, I had the humbling opportunity to speak at the annual Law Enforcement Memorial service in Pierre. We honored 68 brave South Dakotans in local, state, and federal law enforcement who showed courage by giving up their lives in service to our people.


State Agencies Provide Storm Assistance
Gov. Kristi Noem has ordered South Dakota’s National Guard and the Department of Public Safety’s Wildland Fire Division and Highway Patrol to provide assistance to those eastern South Dakota communities impacted by Thursday’s severe storms.

South Dakota Strong
Nature has a way of humbling us, of stepping into our lives with previously unthought power and reminding us what truly matters. That's how I felt these past two days while surveying storm damage across much of South Dakota.

Governor Noem Orders State of Emergency for Storm Response
Today, Gov. Kristi Noem issued a State of Emergency and ordered state personnel and resources to communities impacted by the damaging storms that occurred Thursday in eastern South Dakota. The Department of Public Safety’s Office of Emergency Management has opened an Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response with local government authorities.

State Historical Society awards five historic preservation grants
Historic preservation projects in Faith, De Smet, Lake Preston, Dell Rapids, and Lake Andes recently received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Mental health help available for storm victims
Help is available for individuals and families dealing with the stress and uncertainty that follows natural disasters like last night’s storms across eastern South Dakota.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor Fallen Law Enforcement Officers and South Dakotans Who Died from COVID-19
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide immediately until sunset on Monday, May 16, 2022, in honor of South Dakota law enforcement officers who have fallen in the line of duty and the 2,917 South Dakotans who have perished from COVID-19.

Alt Rockers Everclear to be Support Act for Stone Temple Pilots at 2022 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and C&B Operations welcome Everclear as the support act for Stone Temple Pilots at the Fair Grandstand on Friday, September 2.

Registration Open for Family Camping Weekend
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) announced that registration is open for its Becoming an Outdoor Family program to be held July 27-29, at Pelican Lake Recreation Area near Watertown.

Durable Pavement Marking Projects to Begin in Watertown Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that on Monday, May 16, 2022, work will begin to place durable pavement marking on Interstate 29 from mile marker 165 to mile marker 179.

South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs to Host Two Memorial Day Programs
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host two Memorial Day programs this year. Both events will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.


Chip Seal and Fog Seal Projects Scheduled to Begin on S.D. Highway 87 and U.S. Highway 18
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says crews will begin chip seal and fog seal projects on portions of S.D. Highway 87 and U.S. Highway 18 beginning Monday, May 16, 2022.


May is Foster Parent Appreciation Month
Governor Kristi Noem has named May as Foster Parent Appreciation Month to thank those families that have stepped forward to care for South Dakota children.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 42 (Arrowhead Parkway) at Six Mile Road Intersection in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) begins reconstruction work on S.D. Highway 42 (Arrowhead Parkway) and the Six Mile Road intersection on Tuesday, May 10, 2022.


DEX Construction Underway
Construction on the DEX: Dakota Events CompleX has begun on the South Dakota State Fairgrounds.

Walt Bones Named 2022 Governor’s Ag Ambassador
Walt Bones of Chancellor has been named the 2022 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award recipient.

Montrose Student Wins $10,000 In Highway Safety’s Lesson Learned SD Program
PIERRE, S.D. – A Montrose High School freshman has won $10,000 for himself – and another $10,000 for his school – by promising to be a safe driver.

Governor Noem makes May 8-14 Prevention Week in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 8-14, as Prevention Week in South Dakota to help promote substance use prevention and positive mental health in the state.

SDDOT Celebrates 26 Years of Providing 511 Service to South Dakota Travelers
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will celebrate “511 Day” on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, as SDDOT 511 marks more than a quarter of a century of service to South Dakota citizens and travelers.

Asphalt Surface Treatment Project to Begin on S.D. Highway 28 and S.D. Highway 324 in Hamlin and Brookings Counties
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work will begin on Monday, May 16, 2022, on an asphalt surface treatment project in Hamlin and Brookings Counties. Work on the project includes S.D. Highway 28 for approximately 13 miles from U.S. 81 to the east edge of Estelline in Hamlin County, and on S.D. Highway 324 for approximately nine miles in Brookings County.


South Dakota Loves the Outdoors
When you think about South Dakota, you can’t help but picture the great outdoors. The beautiful Black Hills, with their mix of mountain ranges and rolling prairies. The mighty Missouri River — winding across the state and feeding thousands of miles of riverbed and streams.

Board adopts new content standards in several subject areas
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted new academic content standards in fine arts and several career and technical education career clusters.

Gov. Noem proclaims May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota.

Arbor Day Creative Writing Contest Winners Selected
Arbor Day Creative Writing Contest Winners Selected

GFP Commission Holds May Meeting
PIERRE, S.D.–The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission held their May meeting at the Custer State Park Event Barn on May 5-6.

AGC, SDDOT, and Area Contractors Partner to Engage Youth and Families in Work Zone Awareness
Construction season is officially underway and to help raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving in work zones, the Associated General Contractors of South Dakota (AGC) and the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recently announced the winners for the annual work zone awareness billboard campaign.

Asphalt Paving Project to Begin on S.D. Highway 15 East of Watertown
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that paving work will begin on Monday, May 9, 2022, on an asphalt surfacing project on S.D. Highway 15 from U.S. Highway 212 to the north junction of S.D. Highway 20, weather permitting.

Pavement Marking Project to Begin on Interstate 29 Between Canton and Tea
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says pavement marking work is scheduled for Interstate 29 between the Canton Exit (exit 62) and the Tea Exit (exit 71) beginning the week of May 9, 2022.

Milling and Asphalt Paving to Begin on S.D. Highway 10 from Pollock to U.S. Highway 83
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that paving work will begin Tuesday, May 10, 2022, on an asphalt resurfacing project on S.D. Highway 10 from Pollock to U.S. Highway 83.


Gov. Noem Proclaims Today Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day
Today, Governor Noem proclaimed May 5th as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day in South Dakota.

Inmate Noah Schuler back in custody
Inmate Noah Schuler was apprehended by law enforcement in Sioux Falls May 5.

Future Workforce Finder connects students and businesses
Students and businesses across South Dakota have a new way to connect, thanks to an online matching system launched today by the departments of Education and Labor and Regulation. The goal of the Future Workforce Finder is two-fold: attract potential employees for business and industry and allow students to explore careers available in their home state.

Sioux Falls Fifth Grader Wins South Dakota Arbor Day Poster Contest
A fifth-grade student at Frontier Elementary School in Sioux Falls is the winner of the 2022 South Dakota Arbor Day Poster Contest

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTS COUNCIL TO MEET MAY 13
PIERRE, S.D. – Members of the South Dakota Arts Council, the advisory board of the state arts agency, will meet remotely via online/call-in format May 13 for the Council’s annual spring grants meeting.

Milling and Asphalt Paving to Begin on U.S. Highway 14 East of Blunt
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that paving work will begin Monday, May 9, 2022, on an asphalt resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 14 from mile marker 254 to 258 starting three miles east of Blunt.

Milling and Asphalt Paving to Begin on U.S. Highway 212 from La Plant to U.S. Highway 83
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work has begun on an asphalt resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 212 from the city of La Plant to U.S. Highway 83 and on pipe repair work on S.D. Highway 1804 from the Agar corner north to mile marker 311.

Marion Road Closure Scheduled for 41st Street DDI Construction Project in Sioux Falls
Marion Road will be closed beginning Monday, May 9, 2022, to traffic between 41st Street and 44th Street for approximately three weeks.


Inmate Noah Schuler placed on escape status
Noah Schuler left the Sioux Falls Community Work Center May 3 without authorization.

Celebrate School Lunch Hero Day May 6
May 6 is School Lunch Hero Day, a special day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals. The South Dakota Department of Education invites students, school staff, parents, and communities to thank their local school lunch and breakfast staff.

Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash and ATV Big Air Tour Return to the 2022 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair welcomes the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash and ATV Big Air Tour sponsored by American Bank & Trust back to the Fair Grandstand this year.

Temporary Boat Ramp Closure – Walker’s Point Recreation Area, Lake Madison
MADISON, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department (GFP) will be temporarily closing the boat ramp at Walker’s Point Recreation Area on Lake Madison.

Child Being Investigated for Hepatitis
PIERRE, S.D. The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a child with hepatitis of unknown origin. The child resides in Brown County and is under 10 years of age.

Tour De Yankton Jobs 2022 Offers Hiring Event and Business Tours For May
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) in partnership with Yankton Thrive and Riverfront Broadcasting will host its second Tour De Yankton Jobs Hiring Event on Tuesday, May 17, 2022, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. CDT.

Construction to Begin on U.S. Highway 12 in Waubay
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will begin concrete repair work on U.S. Highway 12 in Waubay on Thursday, May 5, 2022.


Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and announcing Regional Teachers of the Year
May 2-6 is Teacher Appreciation Week. “We’ve recently had several schools and individual teachers recognized for their excellence in education. You make South Dakota proud, and not just for these accomplishments,” Governor Kristi Noem said. “We are proud because our teachers are giving their all to help the next generation reach higher and dream bigger.”

SD-DOH Announces Available Grants for Mosquito Control Programs
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) today announced that cities, counties, and tribes can apply, or reapply, to obtain state grant funding to help control mosquito populations and prevent the spread of West Nile virus (WNV).

Governor Noem calls for raising mental health awareness
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in South Dakota. It is a time to raise awareness of those living with mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and promote the resources available to help.


Go Big, Go South Dakota Tourism
There has never been a better time to talk about tourism in South Dakota. May 1-7 is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW) across the country. In South Dakota, we celebrate the Great Faces, Great Places that make our state the greatest vacation destination in America.

Latest State Historical Society Laura Ingalls Wilder book wins design award
The South Dakota State Historical Society’s third Pioneer Girl Project installment, “Pioneer Girl: The Revised Texts” written by Laura Ingalls Wilder and edited by Nancy Tystad Koupal, has been selected for the Association of University Presses Scholarly Typographic award.

May’s Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety plans statewide sobriety checkpoints in 14 counties during May.

Five Tips for Success in College: Mental Health Memo for May
Have you ever reflected on where you are in life and thought “is this what I am supposed to be doing” or “do I feel fulfilled with my career choice”?

Pavement Repair to Begin on Benson Road and 60th Street at Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says beginning Monday, May 2, 2022, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on Benson Road under Interstate 29 to being pavement repair.

Culvert Lining Work Scheduled for U.S. Highway 12 and S.D. Highway 20 in Mobridge Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work is expected to begin on culvert repairs on Monday, May 2, 2022, on U.S. Highway 12 from Selby to Mobridge and on S.D. Highway 20 from Trail City to U.S. Highway 12.


Foster families provide safety and support for children in turmoil
Foster families provide safety, support, and hope for children in turmoil.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Visual Impacts Assessment for Deadwood Box Study and Environmental Study
SDDOT, along with the Federal Highway Administration and the City of Deadwood, is accepting public input as part of the Visual Impacts Assessment (VIA) for the U.S. Highway 14A/U.S. Highway 85 Deadwood Box Study and Environmental Study.

Additional Round of Broadband Funding Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced new broadband grants that will make quality, high-speed internet available to underserved locations in South Dakota as her commitment to her ConnectSD Initiative continues.


NORTHWEST ENTRANCE TO HILGER’S GULCH TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Beginning Monday, May 2, 2022, the northwest entrance to Hilger’s Gulch will be temporarily closed. The Bureau of Administration will begin a maintenance and repair project on the winding path leading up to North Evans Street from Hilger’s Gulch on Monday.

Prescription Take-Back Day is Saturday April 30
South Dakotans are encouraged to safely dispose of unwanted prescription drugs during the next Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 30.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into the Northern Lincoln County Corridors Study for S.D. Highway 11 and S.D. Highway 115
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public meeting open house on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Harrisburg High School (1300 W. Willow St.) in Harrisburg.


Josh Turner & Elle King to Co-Headline at the 2022 SD State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and Pioneer welcome Josh Turner and Elle King to the SD State Fair grandstand on Saturday, September 3.

Tourism Industry Celebrates the “Future of Travel” During National Travel and Tourism Week
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is partnering with the U.S. Travel Association and communities across the state to celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), May 1-7.


Inmate Philip Richards back in custody
Philip Richards was apprehended in Pennington County today.

Inmate Philip Richards placed on escape status
Philip Richards left his work release job in Rapid City April 23 without authorization and failed to return to his assigned housing unit.

Stress less this Spring
Spring is a wonderful time of year when we emerge from our sleepy winter homes and prepare for a summer of activity and adventure. This time of year can also bring stress as family and school activities reach a fever pitch and businesses prepare for busier days.

Construction Project Underway on S.D. Highway 49 in Tripp and Lyman County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work has begun on the reconstruction of S.D. Highway 49 in Tripp and Lyman Counties.

Work Begins on U.S. Highway 83 Between White River and Murdo
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says the asphalt concrete surfacing project has begun on U.S. Highway 83 between the cities of White River and Murdo.

Work Begins on Interstate 90 in Lyman County Between Presho and Reliance
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work has begun on Interstate 90 between Presho and Reliance in both the eastbound and westbound lanes.

2022 Spring Load Restriction - Press Release #9 (Week of April 25 – 29, 2022)
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Asphalt Overlay Scheduled for S.D. Highway 47 from Eureka to North Dakota Border
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work is expected to begin in mid-May on the asphalt overlay and related work on S.D. Highway 47 from Eureka to the North Dakota border.

Asphalt Overlay Scheduled for S.D. Highway 10 from Pollock to U.S. Highway 83
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work is expected to begin in early May on the asphalt overlay and related work on S.D. Highway 10 from Pollock to U.S. Highway 83.

Intersection Closures Planned through May on 41st Street Construction Project in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the planned intersection closures will continue through May 27, 2022 as part of the 41st Street construction project in Sioux Falls.

National Military Appreciation Month
Governor Kristi Noem, in coordination with the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize, and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.


Interstate 90 Scheduled to Reopen From Sturgis to Wyoming Border at 9 a.m. (MT) (Sunday, April 24, 2022)
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says Interstate 90 will reopen both eastbound and westbound from Sturgis to the Wyoming state line beginning at 9 a.m. (MT).


Interstate 90 Closing From Sturgis to Wyoming Border at 7 p.m. (MT) (Saturday, April 23, 2022)
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says due to continued heavy snow and high winds, Interstate 90 will be closed both eastbound and westbound from Sturgis to the Wyoming state line beginning at 7 p.m. (MT) on Saturday, April 23, 2022.


Opportunity, Not Difficulty
An optimistic mindset can change more than just how we see the world – it can change everything about our lives.

DOE sets targets for State Performance Plan
The South Dakota Department of Education Special Education Programs (SEP) has set targets for all students with disabilities receiving special education services in a public school district.

New Social Studies Standards commission announced and first meeting set for May 4
Today, the South Dakota Department of Education (DOE) announced the formation of a new Social Studies Content Standards Commission and set the first meeting date for Wednesday, May 4. The commission will meet throughout the summer.

Work Scheduled to Begin on S.D. Highway 44 in Winner
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that work is expected to begin on the reconstruction of S.D. Highway 44 in Winner in mid-May. The project includes reconstruction of both S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 18 in Winner.

Safety Improvements to Begin at the Intersection of S.D. Highway 79 and Spring Creek Road
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says a safety improvement project at the intersection of S.D. Highway 79 and Spring Creek Road, south of Rapid City, will begin on Monday, April 25, 2022.

SDDOT Reminder: Election Signs Not Allowed in State Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) reminds the public that political campaign and ballot-issue signs cannot be placed on state highway rights of way.

Johnson Named Superintendent for Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home
South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Greg Whitlock announced that Chuck Johnson will be serving as the new superintendent of the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs.


South Dakota's Tourism Industry Benefits All Counties in 2021
In 2021, visitor spending in South Dakota reached a record high of $4.4 billion. A recent analysis shows all areas of South Dakota rebounded significantly in 2021.