The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Submits Hemp Plan to the United States Department of Agriculture
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) submitted its plan to regulate industrial hemp in South Dakota to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for final approval.

Wednesday Aug. 12 Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Tally
Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 to 6 a.m. Wednesday August 12, 2020

2020 Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts – Through Day 5
Vehicle traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for vehicles entering Sturgis for the 80h annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 7-16, 2020, are available and will be updated daily.


Tuesday Aug. 11 Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information
Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 to 6 a.m. Tuesday August 11, 2020

2020 Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts – Through Day 4
Vehicle traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for vehicles entering Sturgis for the 80h annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 7-16, 2020, are available and will be updated daily.

Special Schools Prepare for Fall Start
South Dakota’s School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Aberdeen and School for the Deaf in Sioux Falls continue to plan for the return of students for the 2020-2021 school year.

It's 811 Day! Call 811 Before Digging
South Dakota 811 is wishing South Dakota residents a great 811 Day!


GFP Employees Receive Recognition
PIERRE, S.D. – Two South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) employees have received recognition for their work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

Monday Aug. 10 Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information
Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 to 6 a.m. Monday August 10, 2020

AMENDED: 2020 Sturgis Rally Vehicle Counts
Vehicle traffic counts from the South Dakota Department of Transportation for vehicles entering Sturgis for the 80h annual Sturgis motorcycle rally Aug. 7-16, 2020, are available and will be updated daily.


Sunday Aug. 9 Highway Patrol Sturgis Rally Daily Information
Compiled from 6 a.m. Saturday August 8, 2020 to 6 a.m. Sunday August 9, 2020


An Optimistic Outlook
Last week, when I was in Sioux Falls to discuss reopening schools with parents and superintendents, I saw a great bulletin board in a 4th grade classroom.

Highway Patrol: Traffic Safety A Necessity At Sturgis Rally
PIERRE, S.D. –- As the 80th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins this week, the message of the South Dakota Department of Public Safety remains the same as in past years: Stay safe.

Name Released In Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
FREEMAN, S.D. – A Tabor, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Freeman.

South Dakota 811 and 811 Day
South Dakota 811 encourages people to make a free request at least two days before digging to avoid damaging buried utilities.


Education department announces guidelines for 2020-21 free or reduced-price meal programs
Child and Adult Nutrition Services in the South Dakota Department of Education announces the policy for free milk or free and reduced-price meals. The policy applies to children unable to pay the full price of meals or milk served under the National School Lunch, School Breakfast, Special Milk, and/or Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFP). The administrative office of each school or agency that participates in any of these federal programs has a copy of the policy available for review.

Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of July 26 through Aug. 1, a total of 731 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Asphalt overlay on Highway 1804
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction work will begin on Highway 1804 on Monday, Aug. 10.


South Dakota State Fairgrounds to Host National Red Power Round Up August 8-10
South Dakota Red Power Chapter 21 welcomes all International Harvester collectors, vendors, and the general public to the 2020 National Red Power Round Up to be held at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, August 8-10.

Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Lake Cochrane
Pierre, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) has confirmed the presence of adult zebra mussels in Lake Cochrane in Deuel County.

SOUTH DAKOTA ARTISTS TO BE FEATURED ON MAJOR NATIONAL STAGE
The South Dakota Arts Council is partnering with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and an outstanding group of South Dakota artists to produce the live, virtual performance, Love Fight Pray: Rising Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Voices on Monday, August 10, as part of Arts Across America.

I-29 Temporary Ramp Closures
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing two ramps on Interstate 29 for paving operations.

Homeowner Rehabilitation Program Funds Available
South Dakota Housing Development Authority has $1,000,000 available in HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation program funds for eligible organizations to assist low income homeowners rehabilitate their homes. Eligible organizations that can apply for the HOME Homeowner Rehabilitation program include Community Action Program (CAP) agencies and qualified non-profit organizations.


Pet Owners Should Be Aware of Blue-Green Algae
PIERRE, S.D. – As the “dog days” of summer roll on, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks officials would like to warn pet owners of blue-green algae blooms that are appearing in ponds and lakes across the state.

South Dakota Supports Breastfeeding
In acknowledgment of the importance of breastfeeding to the health of South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed August 2020 Breastfeeding Awareness Month in South Dakota.

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
FREEMAN, S.D. – One woman died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Freeman.

New Signal Installation on Highway 212 at 33rd Street East
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, says construction will begin on Highway 212 at the intersection of 33rd Street East on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

South Dakota One Call Celebrates 811 Day
South Dakota One Call encourages people to make a free request at least two days before digging to avoid damaging buried lines.

South Dakota Housing Development Authority Welcomes New Board Member
Gov. Kristi Noem has appointed Preston Steele to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) Board of Commissioners.


Tenth Annual South Dakota Timed Event Championship Rodeo Planned for the 2020 South Dakota State Fair
The tenth annual South Dakota Timed Event Championship (SDTEC) Rodeo sponsored in part by Panhandle, LG Seeds, and Double D Western will be held September 5 and 6 in at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron during the 2020 South Dakota State Fair.

South Dakota awarded $6.9 million Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded the South Dakota Department of Education a Rethink K-12 Education Models Grant in the amount of $6,883,481 to support the state’s efforts to better serve students during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. South Dakota is one of only 11 states to be awarded one of these grants. Thirty-nine states applied.


Getting Our Kids Back to School
As the calendar turns to August, we are getting closer to that time of year when kids go back to school. In South Dakota, our kids will be in classrooms this fall

Governor Noem Announces Chris Young Coming to Sioux Falls for Inaugural Sportsmen’s Showcase and Concert
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that award-winning country music superstar Chris Young will headline the concert at this year’s inaugural Governor Noem’s Sportsmen’s Showcase and Concert.

State Historical Society announces fall Deadwood Fund grant applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society announces that the applications for the next round of the Deadwood Fund grant program should be postmarked no later than Oct. 1 for work beginning no sooner than Jan. 1, 2021.

DPS Sobriety Checkpoint Schedule Announced For August
PIERRE, S.D. – Sixteen sobriety checkpoints in 12 different counties are planned for August by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.


Tickets On Sale Now for 2020 South Dakota State Fair
Tickets are now on sale for the 2020 South Dakota State Fair. Tickets for the grandstand events and general gate admission passes can be purchased on the State Fair website at www.sdstatefair.com, over the phone at (866) 605-3247, or at the State Fair ticket office located at the Nordby Exhibit Hall, 1060 3rd Street Southwest in Huron, South Dakota.

DENR Accepting Applications for Water Quality Projects
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is accepting applications through October 1, 2020, for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants.

Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of July 19-25, a total of 753 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

DSS’ 605 Strong program off to solid start
More than 1,875 South Dakotans have found COVID-19 support and resources since the launch of the 605 Strong program, the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) announced today.

Child Support Commission allowed extra time for review
The Department of Social Services (DSS) will convene the Commission on Child Support in 2021 to review child support guidelines.

Work Begins on S.D. Highway 22 East of Clear Lake
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, says construction will begin on Highways 22 and 101 in the eastern part of the state on Monday, Aug. 3.

Board On Geographic Names Seeks Input On Proposed Name For Creek In Hughes County
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board on Geographic Names (SDBGN) seeks public input on a name for an unnamed creek in Hughes County. There has been one name proposed for the creek: Crone Creek. The creek is located in rural Hughes County north of S.D. Highway 34 between 297th Avenue and 299th Avenue. The board is soliciting public input on the proposed name.

Purple Heart Recognition Day
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, as “Purple Heart Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who are recipients of the Purple Heart Medal.


Box Culvert Installation in Perkins County
On Monday, Aug. 10, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will begin installing a box culvert on Highway 75, at mile marker 225, south of Lodgepole.

Temporary Traffic Devices Being Deployed for Rally Traffic
Due to the increase in traffic volumes expected during the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will activate temporary traffic signals.

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 an online public meeting to inform area residents of the beginning of the U.S. 14A / U.S. 85 / Deadwood Box Corridor Study.


SDDA Release -- SDDA Issues Statement on Unsolicited Seeds from China
PIERRE, S.D. – There have been nationwide reports of packages from China containing unsolicited seeds. Unsolicited seeds may contain invasive species, introduce diseases to native plants, or be harmful to livestock.

Names Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
KEYSTONE, S.D. – A Villard, MN, man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday afternoon in a vehicle-motorcycle crash south of Keystone.

Name Released In Mellette County Fatal Crash
WHITE RIVER, S.D. – A Pierre, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Wednesday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of White River.

Names Released In Custer County Fatal Crash
CUSTER, S.D. – A Hot Springs, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Tuesday morning in a truck-motorcycle crash south of Custer.


Governor Noem Announces UpSkill
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the launch of UpSkill, a program to support workers dislocated by COVID-19.

Gov. Noem Rebukes SCOTUS’ Failure to Protect People’s First Amendment Right to Worship
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court’s failure to grant an emergency injunction in a case out of Nevada, Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley v. Steve Sisolak.

GFP Commission Proposes Electric Motors Only on Two Black Hills Waters, Trout Limit Change on Border Waters
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission proposed to limit two waterbodies in the Black Hills to the use of electric motors only.

GFP Commission Proposes Changes to Aquatic Invasive Species Rules
PIERRE, S.D. - With the creation of new aquatic invasive species laws (AIS) during the 2020 Legislative Session, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed the following rule changes at their July meeting:

GFP Commission Proposes Safety Signage and Marking Requirements for Aeration during Periods of Ice Cover
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Park (GFP) Commission proposed to require safety signage and marking of open water areas when aquatic aeration systems are being used on waters with public access during times of ice cover.

GFP Commission Proposes Additional Missouri River Tailrace Spearfishing Opportunity
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to extend spearfishing for gamefish on the Missouri River at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Expansion of Bobcat Season
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) proposed to expand the bobcat trapping and hunting season to the entire state at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Proposes Changing Dates for the Elk License Raffle
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to move the drawing time period for the elk license raffle.

GFP Commission Proposes Unrestricted Shooting Preserve Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – In response to requests from shooting preserve operators, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed to create an unrestricted license option, allowing for unlimited bag limits on shooting preserves who choose to offer this option to clients.

GFP Commission Proposes More Spring Turkey Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed an increase of 140 licenses for the 2021 spring turkey hunting season.

GFP Commission Proposes Rule to Increase New Duck Hunters
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission proposed an experimental 2-tiered duck regulation for the 2021-2024 seasons.

GFP Commission Removes Lost License Fee
PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks Commission removed the $20 administrative fee for lost or destroyed licenses, permits or game tags. However, the license agent’s fee established by SDCL 41-6-66.1 will still be charged by license agents and the department.

GFP Commission Finalizes Fall Turkey Season
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized their proposal to decrease the number of licenses available for the 2020 and 2021 fall turkey hunting seasons.

GFP Commission Establishes Fees for Nonresident Landowner Deer and Antelope Licenses
PIERRE, S.D. – During the 2020 South Dakota Legislative Session, the legislature created a provision to allow for nonresident landowners to be eligible for west river deer and firearm antelope licenses for their own land. In response to this action, the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized fees for these licenses at their July meeting.

GFP Commission Finalizes Local Fee Exemption for Yankton Sioux Tribal Members, Families
PIERRE, S.D. – The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission, finalized a park entrance fee exemption in collaboration with the Yankton Sioux Tribe at their July meeting. The new rule will allow Yankton Sioux Tribal members and their families to access four park areas local to the Yankton Sioux Reservation without purchasing a park entrance license (PEL).

GFP Commission Finalizes River Otter Trapping Season
PIERRE, S.D. - The Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission finalized their proposal to create a conservative trapping season for river otters. The season will be limited to portions of eastern South Dakota.

Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input into the U.S. 14 – U.S. 14 Bypass Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the City of Brookings and City of Volga, will hold an online public meeting to present transportation improvement scenarios developed for the US14-US14 Bypass (US14-US14B) Corridor Study.

Funding Available for the Development of Affordable Housing
South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) announces approximately $16.35 million is available for funding during the 2020 application cycle for the HOME Investment Partnerships, Housing Tax Credit, Housing Opportunity Fund and Housing Trust Fund programs. Funding can be utilized to assist communities in addressing their local housing needs.


South Dakota’s Future Remains Bright
Since my time in Congress, I’ve had a good relationship with President Trump and his administration.

First Human West Nile Virus Detection of 2020 Reported
A McCook County resident is South Dakota’s first human West Nile virus (WNV) case of the season, the state Health Department reported today.

Investing in America’s Future
The GI Bill® is one of the best benefits of being a military member. This great program helps service members, veterans, and families reach their education goals. However, each program is administrated differently, depending on a person's eligibility and duty status.


Governor Noem Thanks U.S. Department of Commerce for Economic Development Grants
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced two CARES Act grants targeted at responding to the coronavirus pandemic in South Dakota.

Work Search Waiver Will End Aug.1
The Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) waived the requirement that workers filing for unemployment must actively search for work to be eligible for benefits starting March 21. This waiver will end on Aug. 1, 2020.

Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of July 12-18, a total of 698 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Custer County Fatal Crash
KEYSTONE, S.D. – One person died Wednesday afternoon in a vehicle-motorcycle crash south of Keystone.

Name Released In Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS S.D. – A Hurley man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sioux Falls.

Arts Council Grants $1.26 Million
The South Dakota Arts Council will provide support for grants and special arts initiatives totaling $1.26 million in fiscal year 2021, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announced today.

Phase 1 of 6th Street Construction in Brookings to Open to Traffic
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says part of the 6th Street construction project in Brookings will be opening to traffic today, July 23.

Lane Closures on Interstate 229 in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the north and south bound two inside lanes on Interstate 229 at the 26th Street exit will be closed for one week beginning Monday, July 27.


GFP Commission Proposes Improvements to 2020 Pheasant Season
PIERRE, S.D. – At their July meeting, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission made several proposals that would provide more opportunities to hunters in upcoming hunting seasons.

Americans with Disabilities Act Day
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed July 26 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Day in South Dakota.

Name Released In Douglas County Fatal Crash
CORSICA, S.D. – A Mount Vernon, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash that occurred south of Corsica.

Mellette County Fatal Crash
WHITE RIVER, S.D. – One man died Wednesday morning (today) in a one-vehicle crash that occurred west of White River.

Asphalt Concrete Resurfacing to Begin on Highway 37
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says resurfacing operations will begin on Highway 37 at Springfield on Monday, July 27.

Regents Adopt Tiered Approach to Face Covering Protocols
The South Dakota Board of Regents has adopted a tiered approach to face covering requirements for its six public universities when the fall academic term begins Aug. 19.


Custer County Fatal Crash
CUSTER, S.D. – One person died Tuesday morning in a truck-motorcycle crash south of Custer.

Names Released In Meade County Fatal Crash
UNION CENTER, S.D. – A Piedmont, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Union Center.

I-229 Off-Ramp Closures For Pavement Repair
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be closing three I-229 off-ramps over the next week for concrete pavement repairs.


GFP Announces Hunt for Habitat Winners
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department (GFP) has announced the winners of the 2020 Hunt for Habitat raffle.

Lincoln County Fatal Crash
SIOUX FALLS S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sioux Falls.

Names Released In Hamlin County Fatal Crash
ESTELLINE, S.D. – An Estelline, S.D., man died Thursday afternoon in a crash involving a semi-truck and an utility terrain vehicle (UTV) north of Estelline.

Chip Seals on Highways 12, 253 and 45
Chip and fog seal operations will start tomorrow July 21, 2020 and will be applied to three highways in north central South Dakota.

Chip Seals on Highways 20 and 1804
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says chip seal and fog seal applications will be applied to two highways in the north central area of the state starting today, July 20.


Douglas County Fatal Crash
CORSICA, S.D. – One man died Saturday afternoon in a motorcycle crash that occurred south of Corsica.


Meade County Fatal Crash
UNION CENTER, S.D. – One person died Saturday morning in a two-vehicle crash west of Union Center.


Our South Dakota Way of Life
I came home to South Dakota after eight years serving in Congress because I love our state.

Writer, politician and educator headline latest “South Dakota History”
The lives and careers of Rose Wilder Lane, William T. La Follette, and Clarence Three Stars are featured in the latest issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Hamlin County Fatal Crash
ESTELLINE, S.D. – One person died Thursday afternoon in a crash involving a semi-truck and an utility terrain vehicle (UTV) north of Estelline.


South Dakota Closes the 2020 Budget Year with a $19 Million Surplus
South Dakota closed the 2020 budget year on June 30 with a surplus of $19.1 million, Governor Kristi Noem announced today.

Hanson elected to lead Mid-America Regulatory Conference
South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Gary Hanson was elected to serve as president of the Mid-America Regulatory Conference at the organization’s annual meeting, held electronically, on June 22.

GFP Commission to Be Held Via Zoom July 16-17
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission will hold their monthly meeting via Zoom on July 16-17.

Continued State Unemployment Claims Decrease
The latest number of continued state claims is 15,942 for the week ending June 27, a decrease of 9,244 from the pandemic high of 25,186 for the week ending May 9.

Names Released In Fall River County Fatal Crash
OELRICHS, S.D. – A Glencoe, OK woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon south of Oelrichs.

WASHTO Awards Scholarship to USD Student
Today, the Western Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (WASHTO) announced that Amanda Jandt, a junior at University of South Dakota (USD) student, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

South Dakota Means Business
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and her Office of Economic Development are inviting Minnesota businesses to relocate to South Dakota with an aggressive ad campaign. This business recruitment campaign is aimed at companies that have been burdened by recent government overreach and unprecedented regulation.


I-229 Deceleration Lane Closure at 26th Street
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says the southbound deceleration lane on Interstate 229 at the 26th Street exit will be closed beginning Monday, July 20.

Veteran’s Parkway Opening from 60th Street to I-90
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be opening the new 60th Street as well as Veteran’s Parkway (Highway 100) between I-90 and new 60th Street on Thursday, July 16.


$600 Weekly Unemployment Benefit Ending, Job Search Assistance Available
The Department of Labor and Regulation reminds South Dakotans job search assistance is available when the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program ends.


South Dakota again receives highest ratings under IDEA
South Dakota has received the highest rating possible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, for both Parts B and C for the most recent reporting year of federal fiscal year 2018. The state is one of only 12 across the country to meet the requirements and purposes of IDEA under both Parts B and C, according to information released recently from the U.S. Department of Education.

Fall River County Fatal Crash
OELRICHS, S.D. – One person died and three others were injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday afternoon south of Oelrichs.

Asphalt Paving on Highway 34 and I-90 Exit 23 Ramps
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin asphalt resurfacing on Highway 34 from Belle Fourche to Whitewood on Tuesday, July 14, 2020.