South Dakota Department of Transportation Receives STC Funding for Key Rail Service Projects
The FRA recently announced that $4 million was granted for three projects in two states under the Fiscal Year 2021 Special Transportation Circumstances (STC) program.


TODAY: Lt. Gov. Rhoden to Announce “Governor’s Cup” Rodeo Event in Sioux Falls
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will join officials of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, CINCH Marketing, and the city of Sioux Falls to announce details of the Governor’s Cup/CINCH Playoffs coming to Sioux Falls in September 2023.

Natural Gas Line Installation Scheduled on U.S. Highway 18 Near Canton
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says Northern Natural Gas will be installing a new natural gas line and removing an old line on U.S. Highway 18, four miles west of Canton.

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.


Charles Mix County Fatal Crash
MARTY, S.D. – One person died Saturday night in a vehicle-pedestrian crash that occurred north of Marty.


Governor Kristi Noem: Our Rural Way of Life
When I first ran for Governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind.

Governor Noem Announces State Support for Indian Relay Championships
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced state support for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council’s 2022 Championship of Champions, which is taking place this afternoon in Fort Pierre.

State Railroad Board Seeking STC Grant Applications
In preparation for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) from U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on the availability of Special Transportation Circumstance (STC) Grant funding, the State Railroad board is soliciting applications for the FY2022 funding allocation.

Construction Moves into Next Phase on U.S. Highway 212 Project in Watertown
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the contractor, J & J Earthworks, Inc., will switch traffic to begin phase two (part B) on the U.S. Highway 212 construction project, between 14th Street East and 19th Street East on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022.


Gov. Noem & Attorney General Vargo Praise Ruling on Head Start Vaccine Mandate
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and Attorney General Mark Vargo praised a Louisiana federal judge’s permanent injunction that blocked President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for the Head Start program. The injunction was issued earlier this week.

DANR Accepting Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Grants
DANR Accepting Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Grants

September is Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September 2022 as Kinship Appreciation and Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Westbound Passing Lane Closure at I-90/I-29 Interchange Planned
The Mitchell Region Bridge Crew will be completing repairs on Monday, Sept. 26, 2022, to the bridge deck on westbound Interstate 90 at the I-90/I-29 interchange, Exit 396.

Watertown receives certification of two parks
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced on Thursday, Sept. 22, that Pheasant Ridge Industrial Park and Mallard Pointe Business Park were both named Certified Sites in Watertown.


Lakota drum group helps usher in Attorney General’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons office
South Dakota’s top law enforcement officials welcomed Rapid City’s Wambli Ska Society to Pierre on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, for song and ceremonies to help launch the Attorney General’s new position for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
BOX ELDER, S.D. – One person died and three other people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon within the city of Box Elder.

Name Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash south of Spearfish.

Strong Tax Collection Figures at 2022 South Dakota State Fair
Tax collections from the 2022 South Dakota State Fair are at $243,026.83 according to figures released by the South Dakota Department of Revenue.


Three sentenced in cases tied to Mitchell fatal shooting
Attorney General Mark Vargo and Davison County State’s Attorney James Miskimins announce that all three defendants who faced charges in cases surrounding the shooting death of Adalberto Ferrer-Machado in Mitchell, S.D., have been sentenced to the state penitentiary.

PUC commissioners ask Senators Rounds, Thune to oppose proposed electric transmission permitting reform legislation
South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners have voiced their opposition to a portion of proposed federal legislation dealing with electric transmission permitting reform through formal letters sent to Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune.

Names Released In Aurora County Fatal Crash
STICKNEY, S.D. – A 15-year-old male from Stickney, S.D., has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash east of Stickney.

How to fight stigma about mental health?
Concern about being treated differently leads some people to avoid or delay seeking treatment for their mental health.

Lane Shift Planned for 20th Street Interchange Bridge Project on I-29 through Brookings
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the construction of the 20th Street Interchange Bridge Structure on Interstate 29 near Brookings is scheduled to move back to the east half of the structure for finish work on Friday, Sept. 23, 2022.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for Proposed S.D. Highway 37 Reconstruction Project Near Huron
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold a public meeting open house on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. to inform area residents of the proposed reconstruction project on S.D. Highway 37 from S.D. Highway 28 and south 12 miles.

The South Dakota Board of Regents Reports Optimistic Enrollment Numbers
Fall headcount enrollment at South Dakota's six public universities is nearly 1 percent higher system-wide than the previous academic year, totaling 33,690 students.


Names Released In Tripp County Fatal Crash
COLOME, S.D. – A Winner, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died last Thursday night south of Colome.

Bridge Demolition to Begin on 60th Street Bridge over Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that bridge demolition will begin on Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, for the 60th Street Bridge over Interstate 229 just south of the Interstate 90/229 interchange.

Veterans in Hughes, Stanley, and Sully Counties, See What’s Brewing!
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” program in Pierre, SD. Working in partnership with Hughes/Stanley/Sully County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Janet Beck, the Department wants the opportunity to visit one-on-one with veterans and see what’s brewing!

Veterans in Clark County, See What’s Brewing!
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a “Coffee and Conversation” program in Pierre, SD. Working in partnership with Clark County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) Darin Lewis, the Department wants the opportunity to visit one-on-one with veterans and see what’s brewing!


Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – One person died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash south of Spearfish.

Aurora County Fatal Crash
STICKNEY, S.D. – One person died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash east of Stickney.


Governor Kristi Noem: The Best State In the Country to Do Business
2022 is on track to be another fantastic year for economic investment in South Dakota. Since I took office, I have championed our state as the best place in the country to do business. We had all the ingredients to succeed, even before the COVID pandemic hit, but now we’re breaking records for economic growth and business investment.

Tripp County Fatal Crash
COLOME, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured in a two-vehicle crash early Thursday night south of Colome.

Lane Shift Planned for 41st Street DDI Construction Project in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that the traffic pattern on 41st Street between Marion Road and Meadow Avenue will change beginning Monday, Sept. 19, 2022.

Wall Industrial Park named as Certified Site
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced on Thursday, Sept. 15, that Wall Industrial Park in Wall has been named a Certified Site in the category of Light Industrial.


Gevo Breaks Ground on Largest Economic Investment in South Dakota History
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Gevo has broken ground on the largest economic investment in South Dakota history – a world-class sustainable fuel production facility in Lake Preston.

Attorney General, DCI Release Highway Patrol Trooper involved shooting summary
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Thursday released the summary of the July 14, 2022, Highway Patrol Trooper involved shooting that occurred in Madison, S.D.

Governor Noem Proclaims Sept. 19-23 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept.19-23, Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in South Dakota.

Names Released In Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – Three Sisseton, S.D., residents have been identified as those who died in a one-vehicle crash late Saturday night southwest of Sisseton.

Rapid City DSS office moving to new one-stop location
The Rapid City office of South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is moving into a new building at 221 Mall Drive.

Apartments to address housing needs in Watertown
Alliance Management Group announced the opening of the first of three new apartments to address the need for workforce housing in the Watertown community.

Action taken by Board of Economic Development at monthly meeting
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Economic Development approved multiple funding applications at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

Action taken by Board of Economic Development at monthly meeting
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Board of Economic Development approved multiple funding applications at its meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 14.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s September Column – Don’t Wait – Reach Out!
September is “Suicide Prevention Month.” It is a great opportunity for all of us to reach out and do our buddy checks!

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army PVT Frederic Schroeder
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony next month to honor U.S. Army Private Frederic Schroeder.


Names Released In Lincoln County Fatal Crash
HUDSON, S.D. – A Canton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died in a motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon west of Hudson.

GOVERNOR NOEM OPENS CALL TO STUDENT ARTISTS
PIERRE – In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 11-17, 2022, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Arts Council announce the opening of the Governor’s Student Art Competition.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for I-90/U.S. Highway 85 Spearfish Rest Area/Welcome Center Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the South Dakota Department of Tourism and Stantec Consulting, will hold an open house public meeting at Spearfish City Hall, located at 625 N. 5th St. in Spearfish, on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.


Stroll Sioux Falls Recruiting Event to Kick off in September
The Department of Labor and Regulation Sioux Falls Job Service will host its first “Stroll Sioux Falls” recruiting and hiring event on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 811 E. 10th St.

Tour De Yankton Hiring Event Seeing Success
The Tour De Yankton Hiring Event is seeing success in its first five months. In August, nine individuals were hired by employers participating in the event.

Name Released In Kingsbury County Fatal Crash
ERWIN, S.D. – An Arlington, S.D., man has died of injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash Monday, Aug. 29, 2022, west of Erwin.


Governor Noem Successfully Treated for Back Injury at Mayo Clinic
PIERRE, S.D. – Today Governor Kristi Noem announced that following several weeks of medical treatment in South Dakota for a back injury, the Governor underwent successful back surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Student Debt Forgiveness Plan
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 21 of her fellow Republican governors sent a letter to President Biden saying they oppose his plan to forgive students their federal loans, saying that debt would then have to be paid for by taxpayers. You can read the letter here.

DCI conducting investigation into Butte County Structure Fire and Death
On Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, at around 5:30 A.M., Belle Fourche Fire Services were dispatched to a residence at 19145 Canyon Lane in Butte County for a structure fire.

Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – Three people died and another person was injured in a one-vehicle crash late Saturday night southwest of Sisseton.

Names Released In Edmunds County Fatal Crash
BOWDLE, S.D. – A Vero Beach, FL man has been identified as the person who died last Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash east of Bowdle.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Patriot Day
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem has ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sundown on Sunday, September 11, 2022, in honor of Patriot Day.

AG Mark Vargo announces Hughes County State’s Attorney Jessica LaMie will investigate Government Accountability Board complaint
The S.D. Government Accountability Board has informed the Office of the Attorney General that it has voted to refer Complaint No. 2021-04 involving South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem to the Attorney General’s office for investigation by the Division of Criminal Investigation.

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
HUDSON, S.D. – One person died and another was seriously injured in a single motorcycle crash Saturday afternoon west of Hudson.


Flags at Half-Staff in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately until sunset on the day of internment in honor of former Queen Elizabeth II.

Governor Kristi Noem: Defending Our Constitution
Our nation loves to celebrate holidays. Today, I want to talk about one day that does not get enough attention: September 17, Constitution Day.

City of Sioux Falls Gifts Additional Land to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs
The City of Sioux Falls recently bestowed an additional 14 acres of land to the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. This land is adjacent to the original 60 acres the city gifted to the Department for the construction of a state veterans cemetery.


Attorney General, DCI Release Sioux Falls Police Department shooting summary
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Thursday released the summary of the July 11, 2022, officer involved shooting that occurred in Sioux Falls, S.D., 309 North Cleveland Avenue by two Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) Officers.

Name Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
HILL CITY, S.D. – A Zumbrota, MN man has been identified as the person who died late Saturday night in a motorcycle crash north of Hill City.

Edmunds County Fatal Crash
BOWDLE, S.D. – One man died Wednesday morning in a two-vehicle crash east of Bowdle.

Rail CRISI Funds Available for Fiscal Year 2022
The U.S. Department of Transportation recently issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to announce the availability of over $1.4 billion in Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant funding.

Ditch Grading Project Scheduled on S.D. Highway 89 in Custer
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says crews will begin a ditch grading project on S.D. Highway 89 starting Monday, Sept. 12, 2022.


Attorney General Mark Vargo Announces Settlement of JUUL Youth Vaping Suit
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo announced today a $438.5 million agreement in principle between JUUL Labs and 34 states and territories resolving a two-year bipartisan investigation into the e-cigarette manufacturer’s marketing and sales practices.

Highway Patrol Recruit Graduation Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – Eight South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper recruits officially graduate this Friday, Sept. 9, during a ceremony in the State Capitol Rotunda.

POW/MIA Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, September 16, 2022, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to pay special honor to the Americans who have been prisoners of war, to those who remain missing in action, and to the families and friends of these valiant servicemembers.


Bev Freng Honored with the Bob Duxbury Award at The South Dakota State Fair
Bev Freng was awarded the Bob Duxbury Award on Saturday, September 3, during the 2022 South Dakota State Fair.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
HILL CITY, S.D. – One man died late Saturday night in a motorcycle crash north of Hill City.

Recovery is for everyone: Behavioral Health Recovery Month
Recovery is possible for everyone and to help spread the news Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Behavioral Health Recovery Month in South Dakota.


Governor Kristi Noem: Celebrating Hard Work
The beginning of September brings us to Labor Day weekend and the start of Workforce Development Month across the country.

Attorney General, DCI Release Sioux Falls Police Department shooting summary
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo and the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Friday released the summary of the June 22, 2022, officer involved shooting that occurred in Sioux Falls, S.D. near 4208 West 41st Street by a Sioux Falls Police Department (SFPD) Detective.

Name Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
DEADWOOD, S.D. – A Garner, Iowa man has been identified as the person who died last Friday night in an ATV crash south of Deadwood.

Bank Stabilization Project Scheduled on U.S. Highway 16 in Hill City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says crews will begin a bank stabilization project on U.S. Highway 16 starting Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022.


South Dakota State Fair Foundation Announces ‘Raise The Shed” Fundraising Campaign for Open Class Sheep Arena
South Dakota State Fair Foundation Announces ‘Raise The Shed” Fundraising Campaign for Open Class Sheep Arena

South Dakota State Fair Unveils New Logo
South Dakota State Fair Unveils New Logo

September Sobriety Checkpoints Announced
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has announced its sobriety checkpoint schedule for September.

September is Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September as Suicide Prevention Month in South Dakota. This month is a time for raising awareness about suicide prevention and how we can all play a role.

U.S. Highway 81 Opening Ahead of Schedule South of Arlington
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) plans to reopen the section of U.S. Highway 81 between mile markers 112 and 114 (south of Arlington) on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022. Highway 81 is opening approximately two weeks ahead of the originally scheduled mid-September date.

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of U.S. Army CPL Martin Fluegel
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony this month to honor U.S. Army Corporal Martin Fluegel.


Attorney General Mark Vargo announces settlement of Medicaid kick-back suit
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo announced today that South Dakota has joined 34 other states in settling allegations of kickbacks paid to referring providers against Essilor International, Essilor of America Inc., Essilor Laboratories of America Inc., and Essilor Instruments USA (Essilor), headquartered in Dallas.

Intersection Closure Scheduled for Nesbitt Drive and U.S. Highway 12 in Edmunds County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will be closing Nesbitt Drive at the intersection of U.S. Highway 12 in Edmunds County at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022.


DCI Forensic Examiner honored for work fighting human trafficking
DCI Forensic Examiner Hollie Strand has earned the Freedom Fighter Award for her work combatting human trafficking by the advocacy group Freedom’s Journey.

Eligible families may apply for free or reduced-price meal programs for school year 2022-23
Child and Adult Nutrition Services in the South Dakota Department of Education announces income eligibility guidelines for free milk and free and reduced-price meals.

Names Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – A Chadron, NE man has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a two-vehicle crash within the city of Hermosa.

How can you “Be the One”? Mental Health Memo for September
Every one of us has the power to be the one that helps save the life of a person that may be in crisis or contemplating suicide. We can each be the one, but how?

Temporary Ramp Closures Planned on Interstate 29 at Exit 71 (Harrisburg)
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says that on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022, the Sioux Falls maintenance crews will be completing asphalt work on the bridge ends at exit 71 (Harrisburg) on Interstate 29.

2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Tax Revenue Finishes at $1.54 Million
The Department of Revenue’s tax collections at the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,544,471.


Gov. Noem Pledges to Keep Elections Free and Fair
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem sent a letter to the South Dakota State Legislature, thanking them for their continued emphasis on free and fair elections in South Dakota. In the letter, Governor Noem promised to continue working with legislators on election integrity in the upcoming legislative session. You can read the Governor’s letter here.

State prison inmate placed on escape status
Samuel Ross left the Rapid City Community Work Center to go to his work release job on Aug. 27. He left the jobsite without authorization and failed to return to his assigned unit.

Day Sponsors Offer Special Activities at the SD State Fair
Day Sponsors Offer Special Activities at the SD State Fair

Names Released In McCook County Fatal Crash
HUMBOLDT, S.D. – A Rushmore, MN man has been identified as the person who died Thursday morning in a motorcycle-vehicle crash west of Humboldt.

South Dakota’s Welcome Centers Upgraded to Provide Wireless Internet and More Offerings for Visitors
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is providing more amenities, including free access to wireless internet, at Interstate Welcome Centers.

Local Government Bridge Project Recipients Announced for Federal Bridge Program
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded funding for 12 local bridge projects through the federal bridge program totaling approximately $6.8 million at the Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, meeting in Pierre. This federal bridge program was established by Congress to provide funding for highway bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, protection, and construction projects on public roads.

Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 44 Preliminary Engineering Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling approximately $2.4 million at the Thursday, Aug. 25, 2022, meeting in Pierre.