Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Saturday April 24
South Dakotans are encouraged to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs as part of the next DEA National Prescription Take Back Day on Saturday, April 24.

Landslide Repair on S.D. Highway 36, East of Custer State Park to Begin This Week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin the first phase of a two-phase project with landslide repair on S.D. Highway 36 at mile marker 41.27, east of Custer State Park, on Thursday, April 22, 2021.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s April Column – South Dakota to Dedicate First State Veterans Cemetery
It’s hard to believe that 20 months ago we broke ground for South Dakota’s first state veteran’s cemetery. The day was cold and wet, but the hearts of those in attendance were warm and full of pride knowing that we were soon going to provide and maintain a dignified final-resting place to honor all eligible veterans and dependents.


State Library digitizes 41 volumes of South Dakota Historical Collections
As the South Dakota State Historical Society celebrates its 120th year, the South Dakota State Library has digitized all 41 volumes of the South Dakota Historical Collections.

Admission Passes Available for Read & Win during the South Dakota State Fair
Admission passes are now available for the Read & Win program during the 2021 South Dakota State Fair, Thursday, September 2 – Monday, September 6.

Health Systems and Department of Health Urge COVID Vaccination
Today in a united front, Avera Health, Monument Health and Sanford Health systems joined with the South Dakota Department of Health to encourage residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Labor Department Outlines Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Eligibility Extensions
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has reviewed guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Labor to expand Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) eligibility.

State, Local Officials Complete Schroeder Fire Investigation
PIERRE, S.D. – A debris/slash pile is thought to be the origin of the Schroeder Fire that burned 2,224 acres west of Rapid City in late March.

Traffic Signal Project to Begin in Mitchell
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work for the installation of traffic lights and signals will begin on Monday, April 26, 2021.

SDDOT Promotes 2021 Work Zone Awareness Week: Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.
National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is a national public awareness campaign designed to spread the vital message that we are all responsible for work zone safety

SDHDA Seeking Applicants for the 2021 Emergency Solutions Grants Program
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is seeking applicants for the Emergency Solutions Grants Program.


Governor Noem Names Rave, Partridge to Board of Regents
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tim Rave of Baltic and Jeff Partridge of Rapid City to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

South Dakota recognized for leadership in school connectivity
South Dakota recently was ranked No. 2 in the nation for school internet connectivity by Connected Nation, according to data published through the nonprofit’s Connect K-12 website. Rankings are based on the percentage of school districts that are at or over 1 Mbps of bandwidth per student, which is the Federal Communications Commission’s recommended bandwidth to allow for digital learning in every classroom, every day.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources officially begin serving South Dakota as the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR).

New Teen Driving Law Takes Effect July 1
PIERRE, S.D. – A new state law that changes some requirements for South Dakota teen-age driving licenses and operator permits takes effect July 1.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed Project to Reconstruct U.S. Highway 18 from S.D. Highway 391 to West of Martin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a virtual public meeting until May 14, 2021, to inform and obtain comments from area residents on the proposed project to reconstruct U.S. Highway 18 from S.D. Highway 391 to west of Martin.


Name Released In McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – A Mound City, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Monday in a one-vehicle crash in McPherson County.


A Safer South Dakota
One of my main responsibilities as Governor is to keep South Dakota safe. It’s something that I take very seriously. After all, I love this state.

Inmate Clarence Ferris in custody
Ferris was arrested in Rapid City April 15.

Western artist Charles Russell subject of new State Historical Society children’s book
Using history and art, author Emily Crawford Wilson crafts an afternoon of magical mischief, through a modern fairy tale based on the life of Western artist Charles M. Russell (1864–1926).

DPS Encourages Public Participation in South Dakota’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week
PIERRE, S.D. – Severe weather will happen this summer in South Dakota and officials of the state Department of Public Safety encourage people to be ready.

NSU President to Depart Aberdeen Campus
Northern State University President Timothy M. Downs has announced his resignation to pursue a new opportunity in higher education.


Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 10
During the week of April 4-10, a total of 235 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 79 claims from the prior week’s total of 314.

USD, DSS partner to train school personnel in crisis prevention and response
To help ensure children are psychologically and physically safe before, during and after unexpected negative events, the University of South Dakota (USD) and Department of Social Services (DSS) are working together to train South Dakota school personnel.


GFP Now Accepts Tag Returns for All Limited Draw/Big Game Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is now accepting tag returns for all big game and limited draw seasons.

Commission Continues Discussion on Grouse and Pheasant Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission continued discussions on their proposal to extend the Prairie Grouse Hunting Season to the end of January at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Muzzleloader, Refuge Deer Seasons, Decrease in East River Deer Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission continued discussions on the Muzzleloader Deer and East River Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Increases to West River Deer Licenses, Decrease to Black Hills and Custer State Park Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made changes to their proposed West River and Black Hills Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Increases to West River Deer Licenses, Decrease to Black Hills and Custer State Park Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made changes to their proposed West River and Black Hills Deer Hunting Seasons at their April meeting.

GFP Commission Discusses Changes to 2021-2022 Apprentice, Youth and Mentored Deer Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed a simplification of the Youth and Apprentice deer licenses.

GFP Commission Discusses Creation of Disabled Veterans Deer and Pheasant Hunting Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission continued discussions on creating an avenue for nonprofit organizations to apply for deer licenses for disabled veterans and purple heart recipients.

GFP Commission Discusses Statewide Deer and Elk Carcass Disposal Rules
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission continued discussions on a proposal to change the way deer and elk hunters must dispose of carcass remains for the management of chronic wasting disease (CWD).

GFP-NASP 2021 Virtual Tournament Champions Crowned
PIERRE S.D. – In March, young archers from across South Dakota participated virtually to claim top honors in the 2021 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) State Bullseye and 3D Tournament. The tournaments were sponsored by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

Snapshot South Dakota Winter Contest Winners Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced today the winners for the Snapshot South Dakota winter photo contest. The contest started in January and ended on March 22.

DPS Releases South Dakota’s 2020 Fatal Crash Numbers
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota recorded 141 motor vehicle fatalities in 132 fatal crashes in 2020, according to yearly numbers released Wednesday by the state Department of Public Safety.

Community key to supporting families, ending child abuse and neglect
South Dakota communities play a key role in supporting families and ultimately in ending child abuse and neglect.


Governor Noem Asks President Biden to Uphold Mount Rushmore Fireworks Agreement
Today, on President Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, Governor Kristi Noem sent this letter to President Joseph R. Biden advocating for South Dakota’s Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration.

PUC encourages South Dakotans to thank a lineman on National Lineman Appreciation Day
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is celebrating National Lineman Appreciation Day on April 18 by encouraging South Dakotans to thank the men and women who work to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity throughout our state and across the country.

Country schools to be the focus of Cultural Heritage Center program
Preserving the rural school experience through written word and art will be the focus of the April 15 meeting of the History and Heritage Book Club.

Civics and History Initiative pilot grant applications open
South Dakota public schools can now apply for a pilot grant program, which is part of the South Dakota Civics and History Initiative. A total of $200,000 in grant funding is available for schools to pilot programs that focus on strengthening civics/government and history education.

Statement from Health Secretary Kim Malsam-Rysdon Regarding Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
Today, Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon, released the following statement following the joint statement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), recommending a temporary pause in the administration of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine.

Labor Department Outlines Federal Unemployment Extensions
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) has outlined the unemployment compensation benefit extensions provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 signed by President Joe Biden on March 11.

McPherson County Fatal Crash
LEOLA, S.D. – One man died early Monday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Leola.


Mandatory 10-digit dialing set to begin in South Dakota
Beginning on April 24, South Dakotans are encouraged to start using 10-digit dialing (605 area code plus phone number) to make all local phone calls.

Inmate David Deal death
State prison inmate David Deal has died as the result of natural causes.

South Dakota Reaches Vaccination Milestone and Calls on Young Adults to Get Vaccinated
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) announced the percentage of state residents who have received at least 1-dose of the COVID-19 vaccine has reached the 50% threshold.

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – A Rapid City man has been identified as the person who died Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Box Elder.

Spring Load Limit Restrictions - Press Release #7
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday at BHSU
A task force studying the operations of public universities in South Dakota meets in Spearfish this week as it works to make final recommendations. The Senate Bill 55 Task Force will meet Thursday on the campus of Black Hills State University.


Infringed.
The Constitution doesn’t always use plain language, but when it comes to our right to defend ourselves, the Second Amendment is quite straightforward: “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – One person died and three others were injured Thursday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash west of Box Elder.

Names Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – A Modesto, CA woman has been identified as the person who died Sunday night in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night east of Murdo. Eight other people were injured.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City man has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

SDDOT Reminds Citizens that Interstate Hay Permits are Available Now
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds people that Interstate Highway Right-of-Way Mowing Permits are available for land that abuts Interstate 90 or Interstate 29.


Governor Noem Names Aaron Scheibe as Chief of Staff
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will name Aaron Scheibe as her chief of staff.

“Silent Silos” exhibit to close at Cultural Heritage Center on April 11
The national award-winning "Silent Silos" exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will come to a close after Sunday, April 11.

GFP Now Accepts Tag Returns for All Limited Draw/Big Game Seasons
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is now accepting tag returns for all big game and limited draw seasons.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending April 3
During the week of March 28-April 3, a total of 243 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 56 claims from the prior week’s total of 299.

Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – Class 64, the newest group of South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits, graduates Friday morning in Pierre.


Registration available for 2021 South Dakota History Conference
Registration is now available for the 2021 History Conference of the South Dakota State Historical Society, being held Friday and Saturday, April 23-24.

Pick up Spring Flower Take-to-Make April 10 at Cultural Heritage Center
On Saturday April 10, from 10-11:30 a.m. CDT, visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre can pick up a take-to-make activity bag with the materials to create their own colorful flower.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 48 and S.D. Highway 11
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that work will begin Monday, April 12, 2021, on an asphalt resurfacing project near Alcester.

Milling and Asphalt Paving Begins on S.D. Highway 46 West of Beresford
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction begins this week on S. D. Highway 46 running west of the Interstate 29 exit to the S.D. Highway 19 intersection.


Governor Noem to Name Venhuizen to Board of Regents
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Tony Venhuizen to the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Inmate Michael Hand death
State prison inmate Michael Hand has died as the result of an apparent suicide.

Students to explore careers during South Dakota Week of Work April 19-23
The first South Dakota Week of Work is scheduled for April 19-23. This exciting week will help middle and high school students explore career opportunities across the state.

Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash Makes a Return to the State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair is excited to announce the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash is returning to the State Fair grandstand on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, and Thursday, September 2, 2021.

Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – One person died and eight others were injured in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday night east of Murdo.

Name Released In Grant County Fatal Crash
GOODWIN, S.D. – A Melrose, MN man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash north of Goodwin.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. -- One man died Sunday afternoon in a motorcycle crash west of Rapid City.

Name Released In Brookings County Fatal Crash
VOLGA, S.D. – A Brookings, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Volga.

U.S. Highway 16 Reopened from Wyoming Border to Custer with No Travel Advised
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway 16 has reopened from the Wyoming border to Custer. No travel is still advised on this section of U.S. Highway 16 due to heavy snow and near zero visibility.

U.S. Highway 16 Closed from Wyoming Border to Custer
The South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that U.S. Highway 16 will be closed immediately to thru traffic from the Wyoming border to Custer, due to a truck that has become jackknifed in the road.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS - PRESS RELEASE #6
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.


Grant County Fatal Crash
GOODWIN, S.D. – One man died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash north of Goodwin


Taxation Without Infrastructure
When I was in Congress, I had the tremendous honor of being on the conference committee that ironed out the final details of President Trump’s tax cuts.

U.S. Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) Reopening Plans
South Dakota Department of Transportation says U.S. Highway16A (Iron Mountain Road) is reopening for public travel at 7 p.m. MT on Friday, April 2, 2021.


“Go Forth” Program Encourages South Dakota Youth to Get Outdoors
PIERRE, S.D. – Fourteen thousand fourth graders in South Dakota will get a special taste of summer freedom through the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks’ (GFP) “Go Forth” program.

2021 Nest Predator Bounty Program Begins Today
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) will kick off the third year of the Nest Predator Bounty program as part of Gov. Noem’s Second Century Initiative. Tails from raccoon, striped skunk, badger, red fox, and opossum will be eligible for $10 per-tail payments with a maximum total payout of $500,000. The per-tail payment is an increase from $5 per-tail last year.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending March 27
During the week of March 21-27, a total of 238 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 57 claims from the prior week’s total of 295.

Brookings County Fatal Crash
VOLGA, S.D. – One person died early Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Volga.

Governor Noem calls for end to child abuse, neglect
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to help bring an end to abuse and neglect in South Dakota. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is asking everyone to be vigilant in watching for signs of a problem.

Interstate 29 (Tea) Exit 73 and Lincoln County Road 106 Interchange Construction Begins
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction begins on Tuesday April 6, 2021 on Lincoln County Road 106 at the Interstate 29 interchange, exit #73, for the addition of acceleration/deceleration lanes and widening on the north ramps.

Milling and Asphalt Paving to Begin Between Blunt and Harrold on U.S. Highway 14
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says that work will begin Monday, April 5, 2021, on an asphalt resurfacing project on U.S. Highway 14 from three miles east of Blunt to three miles east of Harrold.

Urban Reconstruction to Begin in Gettysburg
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin reconstructing U.S. Highway 212 in Gettysburg on Monday, April 5, 2021.

S.D. Highway 44 Reopened West of Rapid City
South Dakota Department of Transportation says S.D. Highway 44 has reopened west of Rapid City between Norris Peak Road at Johnson Siding and Chapel Lane.

SDDOT Seeks Nominations for Transportation Hall of Honor
The South Dakota Department of Transportation is accepting nominations for review and consideration for induction into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 50 Bypass in City of Vermillion
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction on the S.D. Highway 50 bypass in the city of Vermillion is scheduled to start on Wednesday, April 7, 2021.


South Dakota Department of Health Announces the Start of Phase 2 of COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced the statewide move to Phase 2 of South Dakotas’ COVID-19 vaccination plan beginning Monday, April 5, 2021.

S.D. Highway 244 Reopening Plans
South Dakota Department of Transportation says that S.D. Highway 244 will reopen to public traffic at midnight (12 a.m.) on April 1, 2021.

Load testing of I-90 bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis to continue through Thursday, April 1, 2021
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will continue to load test the Interstate 90 westbound bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis through Thursday, April 1, 2021.

Eastbound Interstate 90 Reconstruction Begins East of Belvidere
Complete Concrete Inc. began construction on Eastbound Interstate 90 from the town of Belvidere, S.D. for 11 miles to the east.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 46 East of the City of Irene
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin shoulder and grade construction on S.D. Highway 46 from the east side of Irene to the intersection of S.D. Highways 19 South and 19A on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

NSU Student Organizations Recognized for Excellence
The South Dakota Board of Regents recognized student organizations from Northern State University for excellence in academic, community, and organizational work.

Regents Approve Tuition & Fee Rates for 2021-22
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved tuition and mandatory fees for the upcoming academic year. The impact to students in the public university system is an average cost increase of $104.98 per year, or 1.1 percent.


Governor Noem Declares State of Emergency for Drought and Fire Conditions
Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-07, which declares a state of emergency through June 1, 2021, due to severe drought and dangerous fire conditions.

Inmate Kenneth Muetze death
State prison inmate Kenneth Muetze has died as the result of natural causes.

South Dakota State Fair Announces Dustin Lynch to Play at 2021 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and C&B Operations are proud to announce country music star Dustin Lynch to perform at the State Fair grandstand on Saturday, September 4. Ross Ellis will open.

Name Released In Clark County Fatal Crash
CLARK, S.D. – A Raymond, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Clark.

Names Released In Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A Dayton, MN woman has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Waubay.

Name Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A Pine Ridge, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash that occurred east of Hermosa.

Transportation Alternative (TA) Projects Awarded by South Dakota Transportation Commission
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded ten Transportation Alternatives (TA) projects totaling $3.7 million for communities across the state

Concrete Pavement Repair Projects Begin in the Mitchell Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says concrete pavement repair will be done on four routes in the Mitchell Area. The contractor will move from one project to the next in the following order below:

Board On Geographic Names Seeks Input On Proposed Name For Hill in Rapid City on School of Mines Campus
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names (SDBGN) seeks public input on a name for an unnamed summit in Rapid City.

Governor Kristi Noem Announces 24 Broadband Grant Awards
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced today that 24 grants have been awarded to fund broadband projects to better connect unserved and underserved areas across South Dakota. In February, it was announced that $25 million in CARES Act funding was made available for broadband projects that could be completed by the end of 2021.


Governor Noem Statement on Fairness in Women’s Sports
Today, Governor Noem gave the following update on her efforts to protect fairness in women’s sports.

South Dakota Leading the Nation in GDP Growth
South Dakota’s economy is growing faster than any state in the nation, according to last Friday’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) release from the United States Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).

Inmate Michael Noland death
State prison inmate Michael Noland has died as the result of an apparent suicide.

DPS Releases April Sobriety Checkpoint List
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints are planned for 19 South Dakota counties during the month of April.

S.D. Highway 44 Closed West of Rapid City Due to Wildfire
South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that due to a wildfire, S.D. Highway 44 is closed west of Rapid City between Norris Peak Road at Johnson Siding and Chappell Lane.

U.S. Highway 16A (Iron Mountain Road) Closed Due to Wildfire
South Dakota Department of Transportation alerts travelers that due to a wildfire, U.S. Highway16A (Iron Mountain Road) from S.D. Highway 244 to S.D. Highway 36 is closed immediately.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTIONS - PRESS RELEASE #5
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table. Effective dates are included in the table.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 15 in Deuel and Grant County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on S.D. Highway 15 from U.S. 212 north toward S.D. Highway 20.

S.D. Highway 52 Road Closure Begins in April between S.D. Highways 37 and 50
South Dakota Department of Transportation says the reconstruction and road closure of S.D. Highway 52 between S.D. Highway 37 to the S.D. Highway 50 junction begins on Monday, April 5, 2021.


Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – One man died Friday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash that occurred east of Hermosa.

Clark County Fatal Crash
CLARK, S.D. – One person died Friday night in a one-vehicle crash northwest of Clark.

Day County Fatal Crash
WAUBAY, S.D. – A 61-year-old female died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Waubay.


Fairness in Women's Sports
Everyone knows that I am willing to fight for what I believe in. Some have even accused me of fighting too much!

Governor Noem Signs Remaining Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed sixteen bills into law.

Governor Noem Signs Pro-Life Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed four pro-life bills into law, including HB 1110, which bans abortions based on a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Governor Noem Proposes Medicinal Marijuana Fixes to Legislature
Today, Governor Kristi Noem proposed three changes to Initiated Measure 26 (IM 26) to fix problems with the measure as drafted.

Board adopts new content standards in several subject areas
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted new academic content standards in several subject areas at its meeting today.

Grant Opportunity for Urban and Community Forestry
Funding for new community forestry projects is available through South Dakota’s 2021 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grant program.

Interstate 90 Construction Begins in McCook County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin reconstruction of Interstate 90 eastbound lanes from Salem to Humboldt in April.

Load testing of I-90 bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis to begin next week
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin load testing the Interstate 90 westbound bridge over Dolan Creek Road in Sturgis on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.


Governor Noem Signs Broadband Funding into Law
Governor Noem has signed SB 34, which provides $75 million in funding for rural access to high-speed broadband, into law.

Governor Noem Signs Criminal Justice Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed SB 135, which enhances training requirements for law enforcement officers, into law.

DENR Announces More Than $69 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved a $69,445,450 for water, wastewater, and solid waste projects.

SD-DOH Confirms Detection of Additional Coronavirus Variants in South Dakota
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) can confirm that additional variants of the COVID-19 virus have been detected in South Dakota.

Name Released In Turner County Fatal Crash
MONROE, S.D. – A 42-year-old Sioux Falls man has been identified as the person who died Monday night in a one-vehicle fatal crash east of Monroe.

Construction Begins on S.D. Highway 28
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on S.D. Highway 28 from 7 miles west of Lake Norden to U.S. Highway 81 on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Interstate 29 Northbound Construction Begins in Roberts County in April
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin construction on Interstate 29 northbound lanes from MRM 224 (Peever Exit) to MRM 239 (north of Sisseton) on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Concrete Surface Repairs to Begin on U.S. Highway 16B at Rapid Creek Bridge
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work on westbound U.S. Highway 16B at the Rapid Creek Bridge will begin on Monday, March 29, 2021.


Governor Noem Signs Freedom Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed seven bills to protect South Dakotans’ freedoms into law.

Governor Noem Signs Taxation Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed three taxation bills into law.

DSS helps ensure families have correct child safety seats
The South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) is helping ensure children ride in the best child safety seat for their height and weight when parents can’t afford to buy one.

GOVERNOR NOEM PROCLAIMS VIETNAM VETERANS DAY
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Monday, March 29, 2021, as “Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.


Governor Noem Statement on Closure of Hill City Sawmill
Today, Governor Noem gave the following statement on the closure of the Hill City Sawmill:

Governor Noem Signs DEX Funding
Governor Noem has signed Senate Bill 99 into law, which funds the Dakota Events CompleX at the South Dakota State Fair.

Governor Noem Signs Military and Veterans Legislation
Governor Noem has signed five bills related to military and veterans issues into law.

Gov. Noem appoints Nebelsick, Olsen, Willard to Board of Education Standards
Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Huron School Superintendent Terry Nebelsick, educator Linda Olsen of Dupree, and Belle Fourche School Superintendent Dr. Steve Willard, to the South Dakota Board of Education Standards.

South Dakota State Fair Announces Jon Pardi to Play at 2021 State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair and Legend Seeds welcome Jon Pardi to the South Dakota State Fair grandstand on Sunday, September 5, 2021.

Names Released In Yankton County Fatal Crash
YANKTON, S.D. – A 19-year-old female from Yankton has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash north of Yankton.

Turner County Fatal Crash
MONROE, S.D. – A 42-year-old man died Monday night in a one-vehicle fatal crash east of Monroe.

Department of Tourism Gearing Up For a Promising Summer Season
With pent-up travel demand and consumers beginning to express increased interest and optimism about traveling, the South Dakota Department of Tourism is gearing up for what looks to be a busy summer tourism season.

2021 SPRING LOAD RESTRICTION - PRESS RELEASE #4
Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be REMOVED from the road segments shown in the table below. Effective dates are included in the table.

Construction to Begin on U.S. Highway 14 between Wall and Cottonwood
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work on a 15-mile section of U.S. Highway 14 approximately two miles east of Wall will begin on Monday, March 29, 2021.

Construction Begins 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 29, 2021.This project had a two week delay due to recent snowstorms. The construction begins one-half mile north of Oelrichs and continues toward the Smithwick Road turn-off.


Governor Noem Launches “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition
Today, Governor Noem announced the “Defend Title IX Now” Coalition to defend fairness in women’s sports.

Governor Noem Signs Appropriations Bills into Law
Governor Noem has signed twenty-one appropriations bills into law.

Inmate Matthew Richard in custody
Richard was arrested in Pennington County on March 21.

COVID-19 Vaccine Now Offered to All in Priority Group E
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health announced the statewide opening of Group E, of the states’ Phase I priority groups.

Construction to begin on S.D. Highway 19 through Parker
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin work on S.D. Highway 19 from S.D. Highway 42 to the 277th Street intersection on Monday, April 5, 2021.