Statement on the Fire at the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex
At approximately midnight this morning, October 31, the South Dakota State Fair Beef Complex caught fire and sustained substantial damage.


Respecting (and Recruiting) Law Enforcement
It has been a tough year for the rule of law and law enforcement in certain parts of our country.

Inmate Curtis Schnellbach dies
Inmate Curtis Schnellbach, age 60, passed away at a Yankton hospital Oct. 30

Take-to-make holiday ornaments Nov. 7 at Cultural Heritage Center
The South Dakota State Historical Society Museum is switching the annual make-and-take a holiday ornament event to a “take-to-make” program this year on Saturday, Nov. 7.

Governor Noem Announces Lead Testing and Mitigation Reimbursement Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced a new lead testing and mitigation reimbursement program for licensed child care programs and registered family day care providers.

Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured late Thursday night in a two-vehicle crash near Kimball.

November Sobriety Checkpoint List
PIERRE, S.D. – Eighteen sobriety checkpoints in 15 different counties are scheduled during November by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.


Inmate Taksim Neziroski placed on escape status
Inmate Taksim Neziroski, age 68, was reported missing from his community service jobsite on the Human Services Center campus in Yankton at approximately 7:15 this morning. A blue grey 2002 Buick LeSabre with the license number 7A5664 has been reported missing from a parking lot on the HSC campus.

ACA Health Insurance Open Enrollment Begins Nov. 1
The South Dakota Division of Insurance reminds consumers the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period for 2021 coverage runs from Nov. 1 to Dec. 15, 2020, for consumers with individual policies.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 24
During the week of Oct. 18-24, a total of 391 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Names Released In Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – A Breckenridge, CO man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Murdo.

Bridge Work on Western Avenue over I-229
The Mitchell Region bridge crew will be doing concrete repairs on the Western Avenue bridge over Interstate 229 on Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 3-4, 2020.


Governor Noem To Appoint Judge Myren To South Dakota Supreme Court
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that she will appoint Scott P. Myren to the South Dakota Supreme Court.

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in South Dakota.


Governor Noem Announces K-12 Connect
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the launch of K-12 Connect, a program to provide internet service at no cost to eligible K-12 students in their homes for the remainder of the 2020-21 school year.

Name Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A 24-year-old Sturgis woman has been identified as the person who died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Whitewood.


Name Released In Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – An Oshkosh, WI man has been identified as the person who died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Kimball.

I-90 Exit 10 Eastbound Off Ramp Closure
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be doing repair work on the bridge over Spearfish Creek on Thursday, Oct. 29.


Jones County Fatal Crash
MURDO, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Saturday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Murdo.


Lawrence County Fatal Crash
WHITEWOOD, S.D. – A 24-year-old woman died early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Whitewood.


Election Day and the Consent of the Governed
When Thomas Jefferson laid out America’s founding ideal in the Declaration of Independence, he made clear that government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed.

Woman suffrage focus of “South Dakota History”
A special issue of “South Dakota History,” the quarterly journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society, highlights the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which granted most women equal voting rights.

Deadline to Renew Expired Driver Licenses Is Dec. 30, 2020
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakotans are reminded that they have only until Dec. 30, 2020 to renew expired driver licenses or ID cards and are encouraged to renew online at Renew2020SD.com.


Governor Noem Expands Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced updates to expand the Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program, which utilizes Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to assist small businesses, community-based healthcare providers, and non-profits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor Noem Announces $10 Million in CARES Act Housing Assistance
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that $10 million in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) has been awarded to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) to assist South Dakotans who have been financially impacted by COVID-19 and need help paying their housing expenses.

Obligation Recovery Center signs with a new vendor
The Bureau of Administration has announced that the Obligation Recovery Center, established by HB1228 during the 2015 Legislative Session, will be changing vendors.

Update on mass testing in DOC facilities
he South Dakota Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Health are continuing to conduct mass testing at all DOC facilities, with sentinel testing to follow.

Women’s suffrage exhibit to close at Cultural Heritage Center on Nov. 4
The museum exhibit at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre that celebrated South Dakota’s participation in the women’s suffrage movement will close on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 17
During the week of Oct. 11-17, a total of 414 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Brule County Fatal Crash
KIMBALL, S.D. – An 84-year-old man died Thursday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Kimball.

Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
ROWENA, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Rowena.

Prescription Take-Back Day Oct. 24
South Dakotans are encouraged to dispose of unwanted prescription drugs as part of Prescription Take-Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 24.

ERIN BROWN NAMED DIRECTOR OF STATE VETERANS CEMETERY
Aaron Pollard, Deputy Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, announced Monday, October 19, that Erin Brown will serve as the director of the new state veterans cemetery in Sioux Falls. Brown will begin her duties November 9.


Highway Patrol Postpones Friday’s Recruit Graduation
PIERRE, S.D. – The possibility of winter-like conditions has led the South Dakota Highway Patrol to postpone Friday’s trooper recruit graduation ceremony which was scheduled for the state Capitol Rotunda.

Name Released In Davison County Fatal Crash
ETHAN, S.D. – A Mitchell, S.D., man has died from injuries sustained in a one-vehicle crash that occurred Wednesday, Oct. 7, near Ethan.


A Successful South Dakota State Fair
The South Dakota State Fair celebrated its 135th fair September 3-7, themed ‘Perfect Vision of Fun,’ an event that showcased youth, tradition, agriculture, and South Dakota heritage.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Accepting Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Grants
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) is accepting applications for the 2020 Urban and Community Forestry Comprehensive Challenge Grants.

Cultural Heritage Center offering women’s suffrage Zoom program on Oct. 25
Dr. Claire Jerry, lead curator of political history in the Division of Political and Military History at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, will be making a presentation via Zoom about women’s suffrage on Sunday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the Museum of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

DSS helping to keep families, communities safe
Keeping South Dakota families safe is the goal of new services being provided by the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Test-Optional Alternatives Open to Students Applying to Public Universities
South Dakota’s six public universities are emphasizing test-optional academic pathways for prospective students as they apply in the current admissions cycle.


Highway Patrol Graduation Set For Friday
PIERRE, S.D. – The first nine recruits of the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s new Fast Track Academy graduate Friday at the state Capitol in Pierre.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
ROWENA, S.D. – One person died and two others were injured Sunday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash near Rowena.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s October Column – Agent Orange
October is designated as a month to increase awareness of Agent Orange and the long-term effect it has had, and continues to have, on our veterans.


More Hunting
Every year when the third weekend in October rolls around, South Dakota comes alive with hunters looking to enjoy the very best pheasant hunting in the world.

South Dakota Launches a Nationwide Effort to Fill Law Enforcement Positions
Today, South Dakota kicked off a nationwide law enforcement recruitment campaign with the primary goal to fill open positions within the Departments of Public Safety, Corrections, and Game, Fish and Parks.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture Industrial Hemp Plan Approved by United States Department of Agriculture
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture (SDDA) has received final approval by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for the South Dakota Industrial Hemp Plan.

Update on mass testing in DOC facilities
Mass testing was also conducted at the Mike Durfee State Prison (MDSP) in Springfield this week. A total of 127 inmates tested positive for COVID-19 with 22 inmates testing negative.


Inmate Kevan Whiteman back in custody
Kevan Whiteman, age 21, was arrested in Minnehaha County on Oct. 14.

State Minimum Wage to Increase Jan. 1
The state minimum wage will increase from $9.30/hour to $9.45/hour effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 10
During the week of Oct. 4-10, a total of 382 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

FEMA Approves Funding for Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative
SIOUX FALLS, SD – FEMA has approved more than $1.2 million to reimburse Sioux Valley Southwestern Electric Cooperative for emergency cleanup and restoration of electric service after a severe winter storm last year. High winds and heavy icing caused widespread damage in the cooperative’s territory leaving nearly 10,000 customers in Lake, Minnehaha and Moody counties without power and damaging hundreds of poles, power lines, and other equipment.

FRA Grants Awarded for Rail Projects
Secretary of Transportation Darin Bergquist has been notified the South Dakota Department of Transportation’s grant requests for three rail projects have been approved to receive Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) grant awards.


South Dakota’s Traditional Pheasant Hunting Season Opens: A Day Like No Other
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota pheasant hunting season is underway with blaze orange as the state’s prime color. This weekend, hunters, families and friends from across the country will be welcomed to South Dakota to take part in a tradition more than 100 years old.

Highway 248 near Presho to Close Temporarily
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says Highway 248 near Brakke Dam will be closed to through traffic for three weeks starting Monday, Oct. 26.


Westbound I-90 Lane Closure at Exit 402
As part of the new Veteran’s Parkway construction, the South Dakota Department of Transportation will be placing a lane closure in the westbound driving lane at Exit 402 on I-90 in Sioux Falls, Wednesday, Oct. 14.


Celebrating Native American Day
Today in South Dakota, we honor the Dakota and Lakota people that contributed to South Dakota’s history, both past and present, by celebrating Native American Day.


Names Released In Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
WALL LAKE, S.D. – Two Sioux Falls men have been identified as those who died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Wall Lake.


Fire damages Penitentiary Carpentry Shop
The carpentry shop suffered fire and smoke damage. The amount of damage is undetermined.


An Update on South Dakota’s COVID-19 Response
I always knew that South Dakota could be an example to the nation. I never expected that such an example would be set in the midst of a global pandemic.

Governor Noem Announces Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced the launch of the Small Business and Healthcare Provider Relief Program, which will utilize up to $580 million in Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) dollars to assist small businesses, community-based healthcare providers, and non-profits negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Names Released In Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – Names have been released of the three men who died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sturgis.

Ramp Work on I-29 Exit 64 and Exit 71
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will begin on the Exit 71 and Exit 64 interchange ramps along Interstate 29 in Sioux Falls on Monday, Oct. 12.


Governor Noem Announces Director Lauseng to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Mark Lauseng, Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA), will retire.

Hargreaves selected as 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year
Amanda Hargreaves, a sixth-grade teacher at Mitchell Middle School, has been named the 2021 South Dakota Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Ben Jones made the announcement this evening at a special virtual event.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Oct. 3
During the week of Sept. 27 through Oct. 3, a total of 404 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Minnehaha County Fatal Crash
WALL LAKE, S.D. – Two people died Thursday morning in a two-vehicle crash near Wall Lake.

Deadline approaching for disabled veteran property tax program
The Nov. 1, 2020 deadline for eligible disabled veterans to apply for property tax relief is approaching.


2019-20 Report Card: College and career readiness rates rise
South Dakota’s college and career readiness rates have improved, according to the 2019-20 Report Card.

Lawrence County Fatal Crash
STURGIS, S.D. – Three men died Tuesday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sturgis.

Spring 2021 Semester Proceeds as Planned at State Universities
The South Dakota Board of Regents today agreed to maintain a spring semester calendar of 77 class days for the six public universities, with the academic term beginning Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, and concluding Friday, May 7, 2021.


Name Released In Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – An Aberdeen man has been identified as the person who died Friday afternoon in a truck-train crash west of Aberdeen.

SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OFFERS NEW LOCATION FOR VETERANS TO MEET WITH STAFF
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs has setup a temporary office to meet with veterans to file their claims and conduct in-person interviews.


Governor Noem Address to 2020 Special Session (as prepared)
The last time I saw many of you, we didn’t know what to expect with COVID-19. Here we are nearly 7 months later.

New State Historical Society book offers firsthand accounts of Wounded Knee
The South Dakota State Historical Society’s latest book, “‘All Guns Fired at One Time’: Native Voices of Wounded Knee, 1890,” compiled and edited by Jerome A. Greene, sets aside official narratives of what was once called a “battle” and centers instead on the voices of survivors and witnesses.

White Cane Day
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October 15, White Cane Day in South Dakota.

Jennings Avenue Bridge Construction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge work will take place on the Jennings Avenue Bridge in Hot Springs today, Oct. 5, and on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020.

Higher Education Task Force Meets Thursday
Twenty members of a higher education task force meet for the first time Thursday in Rapid City.

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


Kitchen Safety Theme of Fire Prevention Week
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota’s Fire Marshal says while the kitchen can be one of the favorite rooms in the house, it can also be a deadly one.

Brown County Fatal Crash
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One person died Friday afternoon in a truck-train crash west of Aberdeen.


Governor Noem Issues Proclamation for Special Session
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued a proclamation for a special session of the state legislature. The legislature will meet on Monday, October 5, 2020, with the purpose of considering legislation related to the use of federal stimulus relief funds, including the $1.25 billion allocated to South Dakota in Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF).

A South Dakota Staple: The Buffalo Roundup
I recently got to enjoy one of my favorite days of the year in South Dakota, the annual Buffalo Roundup.

Governor Noem Announces Secretary Bergquist to Retire
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Darin Bergquist, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Transportation, will retire, effective November 13, 2020.

South Dakota Celebrates Archives Month in October
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed October as Archives Month in South Dakota.

Malnutrition Awareness Week
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed the month of October 5-9 Malnutrition Awareness Week (MAW) in South Dakota.

Highway 79 Turn Lane Paving
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, on Highway 79 to pave a turning lane into the landfill.

Bridge Work on Western Ave South of I-229
The Mitchell Region bridge crew will be doing concrete repairs on the Western Avenue bridge over the Big Sioux River south of I-229 in Sioux Falls on Tuesday and Wednesday (Oct. 6-7).

Box Culvert Work to Begin on 418th Ave in Hutchinson County
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work to replace the bridge over Dry Creek on 418th Avenue in Hutchinson County is scheduled to begin Monday, Oct. 5.


Third mass testing conducted of Women’s Prison inmates
A total of 29 inmates in Unit E of the Women’s Prison tested positive for COVID-19. The other 58 inmates in that housing unit tested negative.

South Dakota residents to receive free admission at Cultural Heritage Center beginning Oct. 1
For the first time in more than 10 years, admission fees at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre are changing – and South Dakota residents are clearly benefitting from the changes.

Unemployment Claims Filed for Week Ending Sept. 26
During the week of Sept. 20-26, a total of 233 initial weekly claims for state unemployment benefits were processed by the Department of Labor and Regulation.

Names Released In Fall River County Fatal Crash
MAVERICK JUNCTION, S.D. – A Hot Springs, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday afternoon in a pedestrian-vehicle crash near Maverick Junction.

Hall of Honor Banquet for Ben Orsbon of Pierre Nov. 2
Ben Orsbon of Pierre is being inducted into the South Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor.

Bridge Deck Sealing in the Sioux Falls Area
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge deck sealing will take place at the following locations starting Monday, Oct. 5.