Governor Noem and Mayor TenHaken Announce Planned Completion of Veterans Parkway
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken announced plans to complete construction on the Veterans Parkway on the south side of Sioux Falls. The Transportation Commission approved plans for the final completion of the project earlier today.

Codington County Fatal Crash
WATERTOWN, S.D. – A 67-year-old male has died of injuries sustained in a two-vehicle crash that occurred Monday, Aug. 31, north of Watertown.

Missouri River Bridge Replacement Project Awarded
Today, Secretary of Transportation Darin Bergquist announced that the Transportation Commission approved the award of the Pierre-Fort Pierre Missouri River Bridge replacement project to Jensen Construction Company for $49.99 million.

Work Begins on I-90 near Exit 23
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge berm repair work will begin at the east and westbound bridges on Interstate 90 at mile marker 22.98 west of Whitewood on Monday Sept. 28.


Governor Noem Announces Special Legislative Session
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will be calling a special session of the state legislature.

South Dakota Timed Event Championship Results
The tenth annual South Dakota Timed Event Championship (SDTEC) sponsored in part by Panhandle Slim, LG Seeds, and Double D Western, was held Sept. 5 and 6 in Huron at the South Dakota State Fair.

Board adopts rules changes and begins public hearings on proposed content standards
The South Dakota Board of Education Standards adopted several changes to educator certification rules to allow additional flexibilities earlier today. The board also held the first of four public hearings on academic content standards in several content areas.

Webster DL Exam Station Expands Days to Accommodate Public
WEBSTER, S.D. – An additional day of service has been added at the Webster exam station to accommodate the needs of northeast South Dakota area residents who need to renew a driver’s license or identification card.

Custer County Fatal Crash
HERMOSA, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a three-vehicle crash Friday morning in Hermosa.

Retaining Wall Relocation near I-190 in Rapid City
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project to relocate a section of retaining wall at the intersection of North Street and 11th Street, near I-190 in Rapid City, will begin on Sept. 28, 2020.


Clay County Fatal Crash
VERMILLION, S.D. – One man died early Sunday morning in a one-vehicle crash north of Vermillion.


Name Released In Walworth County Fatal Crash
MOBRIDGE, S.D. – A Mobridge juvenile has been identified as the person who died Tuesday night in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Mobridge.


Governor Noem Outlines Framework for $100 Million in CARES Act Funding for Community-Based Healthcare Providers
Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $100 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota’s community-based healthcare providers in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Good News for Ethanol
For years, I’ve been working to advance ethanol to benefit South Dakota farmers.

State Historical Society creates listing of statues in South Dakota
The South Dakota State Historical Society recently prepared a list of statues in the state.

Vocational Rehabilitation Program Expanding Services
The South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program is expanding services to assist individuals with disabilities return to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Name Released In Edmunds County Fatal Crash
IPSWICH, S.D. – A Roscoe, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a tractor/sprayer crash near Ipswich.


Custer State Park to Host Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) will host the 55th annual Buffalo Roundup and 27th annual Arts Festival in Custer State Park later this month.

State Historical Society seeks public input on preservation needs
The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre is preparing for its federal fiscal year 2021 grant application and invites public comment through Oct. 31 on the state’s preservation needs and projects.

Governor Noem Proclaims Sept. 20-26 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept. 20-26 Adult Education and Family Literacy Week in South Dakota.

Unemployment Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of Sept. 6-12, a total of 346 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died in a one-vehicle crash Sunday in Spearfish.

Bridge Spall Repairs in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing concrete spall repairs on two overpasses in Sioux Falls on Sept. 22 and 23.


Scholarship Prizes Available for Resource Conservation Speech Contest Winners
Contestants in the 60th Annual Resource Conservation Speech Contest are eligible to win a share of $2,300 in college scholarships.

Name Released In Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. – A Martin man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Martin.

Walworth County Fatal Crash
MOBRIDGE, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured in a one-vehicle crash Tuesday night in Mobridge.

Explore South Dakota Virtually with New Online Learning Resources
As families across the nation continue to make decisions about virtual learning and travel experiences, the South Dakota Department of Tourism has developed flexible and unique virtual learning opportunities to experience South Dakota from home.

GOVERNOR NOEM OPENS CALL TO STUDENT ARTISTS
In celebration of National Arts in Education Week, Sept. 13-19, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Arts Council are excited to announce the launch of the Governor’s Student Art Competition.

Solberg Avenue Bridge Approach Slab Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be working on the Solberg Avenue overpass structure over I-229 in Sioux Falls starting Thursday, Sept. 17.

State Railroad Board Accepts Proposal to Purchase the Mitchell to Rapid City Railroad Line
The South Dakota State Railroad Board (Board) accepted a proposal today for possible acquisition of the state-owned Mitchell to Rapid City Railroad (MRC) Line. The proposal was presented by Watco Companies who have ownership in 43 other shortline railroads in North America and Australia.

South Dakota Awarded $22 Million Grant
Secretary Darin Bergquist announced that the South Dakota Department of Transportation has been awarded a $22 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant to reconstruct and widen shoulders on the S.D. Highway 46 segment from U.S. Highway 81 to west of Interstate 29.

Asphalt Paving on Highway 85 in Butte County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will begin asphalt resurfacing operations the week of Sept. 21, on 22 miles of Highway 85, from Belle Fourche, north to the junction of Kinghorn Road.


2020 Governor’s Awards Presented
Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2020 Governor’s Awards today to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to improving independent living and increasing employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Edmunds County Fatal Crash
IPSWICH, S.D. – One person died Monday afternoon in a tractor/sprayer crash near Ipswich.

Names Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
COLUMBIA, S.D. – A Mina, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died in a two-vehicle crash last Friday morning west of Columbia.

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

Tunnel Inspections to Take Place in October
The Department of Transportation will be doing bi-annual tunnel inspections the week of Oct. 5, 2020. This will result in traffic delays and or closure of Highway 87 Needles Highway and Highway 16A Iron Mountain Road.


The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Reminds Public of Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to remind the public about the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) quarantine.

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
SPEARFISH, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a one-vehicle crash Sunday in Spearfish.

Hyde County Fatal Crash
HIGHMORE, S.D. – One man died Saturday night in a pedestrian-vehicle crash west of Highmore.

Hall of Honor Banquet Date Set for Myron Rau of Sioux Falls
Myron Rau of Sioux Falls is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Hall of Honor Banquet Date Set for Barb Cline of Spearfish
Barb Cline of Spearfish is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Eastbound I-90 Lane Closure at Exit 402
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be placing a lane closure in the eastbound driving lane of Interstate 90 at Exit 402 on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

Highway 115 (Minnesota Avenue) Opening to Traffic
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 115/Minnesota Avenue will be opening to traffic today, Monday, Sept. 14.

Governor Noem Announces Watertown as ‘Large Community of the Year’
WATERTOWN, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem was in Watertown, South Dakota, today to present the community with the “Large Community of the Year” award.


Bennett County Fatal Crash
MARTIN, S.D. – One man died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Martin.


Inmate Clarence Ferris placed on escape status
Inmate Clarence Ferris left the Rapid City Community Work Center without authorization Sept. 12.


Celebrating and Commemorating
This past week started with a holiday celebrating America’s workers and ended with the commemoration of 9/11, one of the most tragic days in American history.

Brown County Fatal Crash
COLUMBIA, S.D. – One person died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash Friday morning west of Columbia.

Hughes County Fatal Crash
PIERRE, S.D. – A Pierre man has been identified as the person who died Saturday night in a one-vehicle crash in Pierre.


Unemployment Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of Aug. 30 through Sept. 5, a total of 536 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation. This is a decrease of 94 claims from the prior week’s total of 630.

Name Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
OKATON, S.D. – A Joliet, Ill., man has died as a result of injuries sustained in an Aug. 23, 2020 motorcycle crash west of Okaton.

Name Released In Harding County Fatal Crash
BUFFALO, S.D. – A man from Pinehurst, Idaho has been identified as the person who died early Sunday morning in a motorcycle crash north of Buffalo.

POW/MIA Recognition
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, as “POW/MIA Recognition Day,” calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.


Governor Noem Outlines Framework for $400 Million in CARES Act Funding for South Dakota Small Businesses
Today, Governor Kristi Noem laid out a framework for up to $400 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) to assist South Dakota’s small businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

RELIEF FUNDING AWARDED ACROSS ARTS FIELD
The South Dakota Arts Council has awarded $422,800 in grants supported by the National Endowment for the Arts through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to 60 arts and cultural organzations throughout South Dakota.

Project on Highway 12 from McLaughlin to the Grand River
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says work on Highway 12 from about one mile west of the Grand River to 1.5 miles west of McLaughlin will begin Monday, Sept. 14.


Governor Noem: Modeling Isn’t Reality
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement on the grossly misleading San Diego State CHEPS study regarding COVID-19 cases following the Sturgis rally:

Vermilion DL Exam Station Expands Days to Accommodate Public
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Driver Licensing program is adding days of service, by appointment only, to accommodate the needs of Vermillion area residents who want to renew a driver’s license or identification card.

DSS awarded $1.2 million to help prevent adult suicide
More than 68,000 South Dakotans are expected to be helped over the next three years in the fight against adult suicide, thanks to a $1.2 million federal grant recently awarded to South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS). The money is intended to help prevent suicide in the 25 and older age group.

Reminder to Remove Hay Bales from the Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation reminds land owners hay remaining in highway ditches after Oct. 1 is deemed illegal.


Harding County Fatal Crash
BUFFALO, S.D. – One man died early Sunday morning in a motorcycle crash north of Buffalo.


The Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather
The South Dakota State Fair announces the “Thunder at the Fair” Outlaw Truck and Tractor Pull sponsored by Kibble Equipment scheduled for Monday, September 7, has been cancelled due to inclement weather.


Three inmates placed on escape status
Inmates Liberty Briley, Joseph Davis and Kevan Whiteman left the Sioux Falls Community Work Center without authorization Sept. 4.

Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Sept. 13-19 Direct Support Professionals (DSP) Recognition Week in South Dakota.

Name Released In Union County Fatal Crash
BERESFORD, S.D. – A Sioux Falls, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Beresford.


Governor Noem Announces $75 Million in CARES Act Funding for K-12 Schools
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that public and private schools in South Dakota will receive an additional $75 million, or $500 per student, in new funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF).

The Consequences of Lockdowns
You’ve heard me say many times that South Dakota never closed. We allowed South Dakotans to make the best decisions for themselves, their families, their businesses, and their communities.

2020 Governor’s Awards Ceremony Scheduled
Gov. Kristi Noem will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to improving employment opportunities and independent living for people with disabilities at the 2020 Governor’s Awards ceremony Sept 15.

Unemployment Initial Weekly Claims Decrease
During the week of Aug. 23-29, a total of 594 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

September is ‘Suicide Prevention Month’ and ‘Recovery Month’ in South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed September both Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month in South Dakota.


Governor Noem Congratulates Build Dakota Scholarship Winners
Governor Kristi Noem today congratulated 313 students who have been awarded the Build Dakota Scholarship for the 2020-21 school year.

September’s Sobriety Checkpoint List Released
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has released the September sobriety checkpoint list which calls for 19 checkpoints to be done in 15 counties statewide.

Names Released In Turner County Fatal Crash
HURLEY, S.D. – A Freeman, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Sunday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Hurley.

DSS looks to ‘change minds’ on youth suicide
“Change my mind” is the main message behind the youth suicide prevention campaign recently kicked off through BeThe1SD, a joint effort between the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Health (DOH).

SOUTH DAKOTA AND WYOMING TOURISM DEPARTMENTS COME TOGETHER TO PROMOTE THE ULTIMATE AMERICAN ROAD TRIP
“Black to Yellow” Campaign Will Promote Outdoor Adventure and Family-Friendly Escapes to the Black Hills National Forest and Yellowstone National Park

Culvert and Handrail Repair on Highway 18 in Pine Ridge
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a box culvert repair project on Highway 18 in Pine Ridge, located one-quarter mile north of the junction of Highway 18/407 and Big Bats Gas Station will begin Thursday, Sept. 3.

I-229 Closed for 26th Street Construction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Interstate 229 will be closed between the Cliff Avenue and 10th Street exits next week for continued construction on the 26th Street bridge.

Median Shoulder Work on Interstate 90 Near Exit 48
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says median shoulder work begins today, Sept. 2, in the westbound lanes of Interstate 90 at Exit 48.

Regents Launch Higher Education Task Force Study
The first meeting of a task force to study operations of the public university system in South Dakota is scheduled Oct. 7-8 in Rapid City.

Media Advisory: South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Expands Clean Energy Footprint
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will expand their clean energy footprint by activating a 372.2Kw solar panel at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs on Wednesday, September 9, at 11:00 am (MT).

SD Bridge to be Dedicated in Honor of SFC Richard Schild
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will be hosting a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor Combat Veteran SFC Richard Schild.


Union County Fatal Crash
BERESFORD, S.D. – One man died early Tuesday morning in a one-vehicle crash south of Beresford.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HARTFORD, S.D. – A Colman, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Saturday night in a motorcycle-pickup crash west of Hartford.

Names Released In Union County Fatal Crash
JEFFERSON, S.D. – A Brunsville, Iowa woman has been identified as the person who died Saturday in a two-vehicle crash south of Jefferson.

Highway 22 Set to Reopen East of Clear Lake
The South Dakota Department of Transportation, says grading work on Highways 22 and 101 has been completed and will be reopened to full traffic on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Tax collections climb to $1.34 million at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Department of Revenue’s tax collections at the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are currently at $1,343,348.


Turner County Fatal Crash
HURLEY, S.D. – One person died Sunday night in a two-vehicle crash north of Hurley

Name Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – A Sturgis man has been identified as the person who died last Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash west of Sturgis

Names Released In Moody County Fatal Crash
FLANDREAU, S.D. – A Volga, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died Friday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Flandreau.

SDDOT Receives $41.5 Million in Additional Federal Funding
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says they have received an additional $41.5 million in federal highway funding after the state met all its fiscal year deadlines for federally-funded projects.

Highway 1806 Road Closure by GF&P Offices
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8, to replace mainline cross pipes on Highway 1806 west of Pierre/Fort Pierre.


Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
HARTFORD, S.D. – One person died Saturday night in a motorcycle-pickup crash east of Hartford.


Union County Fatal Crash
JEFFERSON, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured Saturday in a two-vehicle crash south of Jefferson.

Moody County Fatal Crash
FLANDREAU, S.D. – One person died and four others were injured Friday night in a two-vehicle crash west of Flandreau.


The Duty of Leaders
Today, the rule of law is under attack in America. In cities across the country, violent mobs are running rampant.

Lincoln, Mount Rushmore at center of latest State Historical Society biography
The latest book from the South Dakota Historical Society Press explores how the 16th president shaped the country beyond the Mississippi River.

State Historical Society puts more historic newspapers online
Three new South Dakota towns are represented in the digitized historical newspaper collections on Chronicling America. Newspapers from Eureka, Wood and Tabor have been digitized and made available by the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Potential COVID-19 Exposure in Sioux Falls, SD
State Health officials announced Friday, August 28th, that two individuals who visited Ignite Yoga Studio at 6144 S Lyncrest Ave in Sioux Falls, SD have tested positive for COVID-19.

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – One man died Wednesday night in a motorcycle crash west of Sturgis


Governor Noem Announces Merging of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources Departments
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the South Dakota Departments of Agriculture and Environment & Natural Resources will merge to form the streamlined South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

August 27th COVID-19 Update
The South Dakota Department of Health is reporting 343 new cases of COVID-19 infection in the state today. Today’s update also includes cases that were not reported on August 25th and 26th due to a reporting aberration.

Unemployment Continued Claims Decrease by 16,000 Since Pandemic Peak
The latest number of continued state unemployment claims is 9,051 for the week ending Aug. 15, a decrease of 16,135 from the pandemic high of 25,186 week ending May 9.

PE Bridge Improvement Grant Recipients Announced
The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded 40 Preliminary Engineering Bridge Improvement Grants (BIG) totaling $1.47 million at their meeting today in Pierre.

Asphalt Resurfacing of Ramps and Shoulders
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says asphalt concrete resurfacing of the inside shoulders of the north and southbound lanes of Interstate 29 from the Iowa line north to mile marker 5.0 will begin on Monday, Aug. 31.

Pipe and Asphalt Repairs on Highway 14A/85
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says pipe and asphalt repair work will begin on Highway 14A/85 on Friday, Sept. 4, 2020.


2020 S.D. Transportation Hall of Honor Inductees Announced
Three people have been chosen for induction into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor for 2020.

Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair
At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, as Veterans Day at the South Dakota State Fair, calling on all South Dakotans to honor those men and women who fought bravely for our freedoms.


Governor Noem Signs Executive Order for Educational Flexibility
Last Friday, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order to provide flexibility for South Dakota high school graduates pursuing South Dakota Opportunity Scholarships.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Reminds Producers to Check Cover Crop Seed Sources
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) would like to remind producers to check the source of cover crop seeds and ensure a lab analysis on the seeds has been conducted before planting.

Names Released In Roberts County Fatal Crash
SISSETON, S.D. – A Rice Lake, WI man has been identified as the person who died late Friday night in a pedestrian-vehicle crash north of Sisseton.

Kathy Schlecht Receives 2020 SDDVA Partner of the Year Award
Kathy Schlecht, of Aberdeen has been named the 2020 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partner of the Year. Schlecht was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 24, in Pierre.

Kathy Richardson Named CTVSO of the Year
Kathy Richardson of Sioux Falls has been named the 2020 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs “County/Tribal Veterans Service Officer of the Year.” Richardson was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 24, in Pierre.

Geri Opsal Receives 2020 SDDVA Outreach Award
Geri Opsal of Agency Village has been named the 2020 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Outreach Partner of the Year. Opsal was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 24, in Pierre.

Hannah Mulder Receives 2020 SDDVA Employee of the Year Award
Hannah Mulder of Sioux Falls has been named the 2020 South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Employee of the Year. Mulder was recognized by her peers at SDDVA’s annual benefit conference Monday, Aug. 24, in Pierre.

Leaders Recognized for their Service to South Dakota's Veterans
County and tribal veterans’ service officers (CTVSO) and staff from the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) were recognized for their dedication to serving veterans and veterans’ families at an awards program Monday, Aug. 24, in Pierre.


Her Vote. Her Voice. Statewide Toast Part of National Commemorations of Women’s Right to Vote
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote, buildings and landmarks across the U. S. will light up in purple and gold on Wednesday, Aug. 26, as part of the nationwide Forward Into Light Campaign, named in honor of the historic suffrage slogan, “Forward through the Darkness, Forward into Light.”

Greg Strommen resigns as Commissioner, Bob Goetz to take his place
Governor Kristi Noem accepted Commissioner Greg Strommen’s request to resign and sincerely thanked Greg for serving on the South Dakota Commission on Gaming. On August 18, 2020, Governor Noem appointed Bob Goetz to finish out the remainder of the term.