Governor's Column: Don’t Move Firewood
Not much beats sitting around the campfire on a cool summer night or roasting a s’more over a smoking bonfire.


Noem to Speak at DAV Convention
Governor Kristi Noem will speak at the Disabled American Veterans Convention in Sioux Falls on Friday, May 17.

SD WLF Annual National Guard Helicopter Training
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division will be conducting their annual wildland fire training with the South Dakota National Guard Aviation Unit.

Hepatitis A Identified In Keystone Food Handler
A case of Hepatitis A has been reported in a food handler employed at two Keystone restaurants. Individuals who ate at the Keystone Subway between May 2 and May 14 or at the Keystone Turtle Town between May 6 and May 13 should contact their health care provider to determine if they need a shot of hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin to decrease risk of illness.

Bridge Work Begins on Interstate 90 West of Exit 55
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says bridge repair work will begin on Interstate 90 one mile west of Exit 55 in Rapid City next week.

Mowing Regulations For The State Right of Way
The South Dakota Department of Transportation would like to remind landowners of mowing regulations for the state right of way.

Spring Load Restriction Release #11
Effective at 10:00 a.m. CDT, May 20, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.


South Dakota Maintains Highest Credit Rating
This week, both Standard & Poor’s Global (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service announced they have reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Credit Rating with a stable outlook.

Construction on Highway 71 South of Hot Springs
HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a 17.5-mile construction project on Highway 71 from Indian Canyon Road to the Nebraska state line will begin Wednesday, May 22.


Construction on Highway 18 West of Edgemont
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says 11 miles of work on Highway 18 from Edgemont to the Wyoming state line will begin Friday, May 17.

Public Universities Respond to State Workforce Needs
The South Dakota Board of Regents this week approved new academic program requests from four public universities to meet emerging workforce and community development needs across the state.

SD Mines Creates Business Management Degree with Technology Focus
A new degree integrating business and management principles with engineering and science will be offered at South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The Board of Regents approved the program starting this fall.

Sales and Use Tax Rebate Programs Available for Livestock Development
PIERRE, S.D. – In an effort to encourage more livestock development, the sale and use tax rebate programs (South Dakota Jobs Grant and Reinvestment Payment Program) are now available for that purpose.


SDDA Launches Don’t Move Firewood Pledge
On May 13, 2019, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture, with support from the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, launched a Don’t Move Firewood pledge to encourage support and advocacy for protecting South Dakota’s natural resources by not moving untreated firewood.

Miller Named Highway Patrol Superintendent
PIERRE, S.D. – Major Rick Miller of Pierre has been named as the next Superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Construction of Highway 10 in Sisseton Beginning
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project to work on Highway 10 in Sisseton will begin on Wednesday, May 15, depending on weather.


Governor's Column: Reclaiming Hope
The lone graduate stood in front of the audience and tried to hold back tears as she told her story of addiction and her plans to stay clean – for her daughter.

Names Released In Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Rapid City, S.D. woman has been identified as the person who died Tuesday in a two-vehicle crash south of Rapid City.

Gov. Noem Requests FEMA Preliminary Damage Assessment For Damages In South Dakota Counties, On Tribal Reservations
PIERRE, S.D – Gov. Kristi Noem has requested that FEMA join state and local teams for a preliminary assessment of damages to public property as a result of the severe winter storms, snowmelt, rains, and subsequent flooding that occurred throughout South Dakota.

Culvert work on Highway 20 west of Hoven
The South Dakota Department of Transportation will be repairing and replacing culverts on Highway 20 from Hoven to Highway 83 beginning on May 12.


Rechtenbaugh Named Permanent Secretary of Human Services
Gov. Kristi Noem announced that Shawnie Rechtenbaugh has been appointed as the permanent Secretary of the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Gov. Noem proclaims May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as Archaeology & Historic Preservation Month in South Dakota.


“Silent Silos: South Dakota’s Missile Field” exhibit to open June 1 at Cultural Heritage Center
The new exhibit “Silent Silos: South Dakota’s Missile Field” is opening Saturday, June 1, at the South Dakota Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs Partners with South Dakota Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association
The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs (SDDVA) and the South Dakota Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association (AA) announced a partnership to better connect South Dakota’s veterans with the resources for Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Together they are collaborating on outreach opportunities for veterans and their families to learn more about the educational materials, care and support services offered by the Alzheimer’s Association.


Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration Making a Return to Mount Rushmore in 2020
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that following several months of meetings and discussions, the State of South Dakota and the U.S. Department of the Interior have agreed to bring fireworks back to Mount Rushmore National Memorial beginning with the 2020 Independence Day celebration.

Noem Names Jones as Permanent Secretary of Education
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Dr. Ben Jones has been appointed as the permanent Secretary of Education.

Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest Winners Announced
Charlee Ramsey of Phillip and Alyssa Miller of Box Elder are the winners of the 2019 South Dakota Wildfire Awareness Month Coloring Contest.

Pennington County Fatal Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash south of Rapid City.

Work to Begin on Highway 26 Bridge Replacement
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says work to replace a bridge located three miles east of Polo or 2.75 miles west of Highway 45 on Highway 26 will begin Friday, May 10.

Spring Load Limit Release #10
Effective at 11:00 a.m. CDT, May 7, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.


Governor’s Agricultural Summit Registration Open
Registration is open for the tenth annual South Dakota Governor’s Agricultural Summit to be held July 10 and 11 in Sioux Falls, SD at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

Celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week and announcing Regional Teachers of the Year
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week in South Dakota.

Grants Available for Mosquito Control Programs
Cities, counties and tribes can again apply for state grant funding to help control mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus (WNV).

Traffic Update: Highway 14A and Deadwood Street Intersection Upgrades
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews will be installing traffic control to close the outside northbound lane on Highway 14A and Deadwood Street from Highway 14A to Siever Street on Wednesday, May 8.

Work to Begin Highway 37 and 21st Street South in Huron
Reede Construction will begin construction on the intersection of Highway 37 & 21st Street South in Huron on Tuesday, May 7.

Turn Lane Construction on Highway 37 South of Mitchell
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says construction of turn lanes just south of Mitchell at the intersection of Highway 37 and the county roads at 256th Street, 258th Street, 259th Street and 260th Street will begin today, May 6.


Governor's Column: Travel Matters
In some states, visitors are rushed, tourists are looked down upon, and out-of-staters are simply ignored. In South Dakota, we do things differently. We pride ourselves on making new friends, and it shows. I often hear how amazed travelers are at the kindness they feel while visiting our state, a place where a handshake and a smile are second nature.

Individual Property Storm Damage Assessments Begin Monday
PIERRE, S.D. – A preliminary assessment begins Monday of individual properties damaged during the snow melt, rains and subsequent flooding in South Dakota.


Secretary of Social Services Announces Resignation
Governor Kristi Noem has accepted the resignation of Secretary of Social Services Greg DeSautel. The resignation is effective May 22.

2019 Arbor Day Essay Contest Winners Selected
Annika Tank of Britton, Grace Eastman of Tyndall, and Emmy Newsam of Murdo are the winning essayists, selected from the 998 entries, in the 2019 Arbor Day Essay Contest.

Advisory Council on Aging Meeting
The South Dakota Advisory Council on Aging (ACA) will hold a meeting in Pierre on Thursday, May 9.

Names Released In Kingsbury County Fatal Crash
ARLINGTON, S.D. – An Auburn Hills, MI man has been identified as the person who died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that occurred west of Arlington.

Reconstruction of I-29 North of Sisseton to Begin
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a project to reconstruct Interstate 29 from just north of Sisseton to the North Dakota border will begin in the southbound lanes on Tuesday, May 7, depending on weather.


Noem To Appoint Marlette As Adjutant General
Governor Kristi Noem announced today the appointment of Brigadier General Jeffery P. Marlette to serve as the Adjutant General for the South Dakota National Guard. The appointment is effective June 8, 2019 upon the retirement of Major General Tim Reisch.

State Prison Inmate Marlon Dumarce Back in Custody
Dumarce was arrested in Marshall County May 1.

Lewis and Clark Expedition’s departure to be observed in program at Cultural Heritage Center
The anniversary of the Lewis and Clark Expedition setting off from Camp Dubois will be commemorated in a program at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

Celebrate School Lunch Hero Day May 3
May 3 is School Lunch Hero Day, a special day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of school nutrition professionals. The South Dakota Department of Education invites students, school staff, parents and communities to thank their local school lunch and breakfast staff.

Family Fun Saturday to celebrate 30th birthday of Cultural Heritage Center
Visitors to the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre on Family Fun Saturday, May 11, can mark the occasion of the building’s 30th birthday by creating a pop-up card featuring the center’s façade.

State Historical Society election winners announced
Winners of the annual South Dakota State Historical Society board of trustees election were announced by Society Director Jay D. Vogt on Friday, April 26, during the society’s annual history conference in Pierre.

17 New Registered Apprenticeship Programs Approved
Businesses receiving incentive funding last November to expand the number of pre-apprenticeships and Registered Apprenticeships in South Dakota are showing progress.


Prevent Tick-Borne Illness
Head outdoors and enjoy the spring weather, but keep an eye out for ticks to prevent tularemia and other tick-borne diseases, says a state health official.

Highway 281 Construction
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has begun asphalt concrete work on Highway 281 from north of Aberdeen to Mellette.


NEWS RELEASE – EECVI
Equine enthusiasts traveling interstate with their horses will now have an alternative to meeting the requirement for a certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI or health certificate), which is valid for up to 30 days.

Governor’s Ag Ambassador Deadline Fast Approaching
The deadline for nominations for the 2019 South Dakota Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award is May 17, 2019.

2019 SD Workforce Education Grant recipients announced
Eight South Dakota Workforce Education Grants, totaling more than $1,091,000, have been awarded to seven South Dakota public school districts and one private non-profit organization. In 2013, the South Dakota Legislature established the Workforce Education Fund. Part of that fund was designated to provide grants for career and technical education programs in secondary schools.

Older Americans Month
Gov. Kristi Noem has proclaimed May Older Americans Month (OAM) in South Dakota.

Public Comment Open on Proposed Essential Health Benefits Benchmark Design
State Division of Insurance Director Larry Deiter invites the public to comment on the proposed Essential Health Benefits (EHB) benchmark design for plan year 2021.

South Dakota Driver Exam Stations Closed This Friday and Saturday
PIERRE, S.D. – All South Dakota state driver exam stations will be closed this Friday and Saturday (May 3-4) for annual employee training.

DPS Announces May Sobriety Checkpoints
PIERRE, S.D. – Sobriety checkpoints in 19 counties are planned during May by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.

Spring Load Restriction Release #9
Effective at 10 a.m. CDT, April 30, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.

Spring Load Restriction Release #8
Effective at 1 p.m. CDT, April 29, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.

Motor vehicle division adds new self-service terminal location
Motor vehicle owners in the Pierre area now have another option to renew their registrations.

Gov. Noem Announces Economic Development Awards
PIERRE, S.D. – During her State of the State address, Governor Kristi Noem tasked her Office of Economic Development with kickstarting the economy, and today, she recognized two communities and an individual for their commitment and involvement in economic development.


State Prison Inmate Robert White Plume-Janis on Escape Status
State prison inmate Robert White Plume-Janis has been placed on escape status for leaving his community service jobsite in Rapid City without authorization April 28.

Kingsbury County Fatal Crash
ARLINGTON, S.D. – One person died Saturday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that occurred west of Arlington.


Noem Encourages Participation in National Prescription Drug Take Back Program
Governor Kristi Noem is encouraging South Dakotans to dispose of unneeded prescription drugs on Saturday, April 27, as law enforcement agencies across the state participate in the National Prescription Drug Take Back Program.

Governor's Weekly Column: Leading the Way in Cybersecurity
In late April, I was proud to bring this message to the Center of Academic Excellence for Cybersecurity at their national meeting. It was great to meet with industry leaders and corporations looking for new places to do business. I’m confident they will see that South Dakota has the talent, the know-how, the needed facilities, and the optimal geographic location for a resilient cybersecurity industry.

Innovation Grant Funding Now Available
The South Dakota Department of Human Services is now accepting applications for nursing home innovation grants.

SDRC First Friday Classes
The South Dakota Rehabilitation Center for the Blind (SDRC) would like to invite anyone who is a South Dakota resident and has a visual impairment to participate in two training events.

SOUTH DAKOTA TO HOST THE 2019 INTERNATIONAL ROUNDUP EVENT APRIL 29-MAY 1
Spearfish will welcome more than 40 international travel planners at the 25th annual tourism tradeshow event.


State Prison Inmate Matthew Weddell Back in Custody
Matthew Weddell was arrested in Sioux Falls April 25.

Names Released in Faulk County Fatal Crash
FAULKTON, S.D. – A Mound City, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that happened west of Faulkton.

Spring Load Restriction Release #7
Effective at 10 a.m. CDT, April 25, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.

National Military Appreciation Month
At the encouragement of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs and the South Dakota Department of the Military, Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed May as “National Military Appreciation Month,” a time for all to honor, remember, recognize and appreciate those who have served in the past and those now serving, as well as their families.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s April Column – Hitting the Road
With session behind me, I have hit the road and begun visiting county and tribal veterans service officers (VSOs). My goal is to visit all 66 county and nine tribal offices. Collectively, the VSOs file, on an average of 450 veterans claims per month. In our effort to enhance the lives of our veterans we need to be kept abreast of the challenges, and the roadblocks, our veterans are facing. Visiting the VSOs will provide me an overview of those issues and guide me in developing a battle plan.


Department of Transportation Seeks Public Input on the Maple/Park Street Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), Minnehaha County, city of Sioux Falls and the city of Brandon, will hold an open house from 6 to 7 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, April 30, at the Brandon Valley Intermediate School (201 W. Park Street) to receive public input on the Maple/Park Street – Veterans Parkway to Highway 11 Corridor Study.

Spring Load Restriction Release #6
Effective at 1 p.m. CDT, April 25, 2019, Spring Load Limit Restrictions will be removed from the road segments shown in the table below.

ADA Upgrades on Highway 11 through Brandon
BX Civil and Construction will begin ADA upgrades on Highway 11 through Brandon on Monday, April 30, 2019.

Construction Begins on Deadwood Avenue
According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, repair work will begin on Deadwood Avenue on Thursday, April 25.

South Dakota Broadband Development Program Application Due May 10, 2019
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem’s commitment to secure broadband for South Dakota’s next generation and beyond is moving forward with the posting of a Request for Application for the $5 million grant money commitment to launch South Dakota’s broadband development program, Connect South Dakota.


Prescribed Fire to be Ignited at Angostura State Recreation Area
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Angostura State Recreation Area prescribed fire as conditions allow on Wednesday, April 24, 2019.

Parker Fifth Grader Wins SD Arbor Day Poster Contest
Mara Mohr, a fifth grade student at Parker Elementary School, is the winner of the 2019 South Dakota Arbor Day Poster Contest.

Dakota Prairie Elementary in Brookings earns national recognition
The American School Counselor Association has announced Dakota Prairie Elementary in Brookings as a Recognized ASCA Model Program. The school will be honored at a recognition ceremony at ASCA’s annual conference in Boston in July.

2019 Governor’s Awards Nominations
The South Dakota Board of Vocational Rehabilitation, Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Statewide Independent Living Council are now accepting nominations for the 2019 Governor’s Awards.

Traffic Update: Highway 14 Utility and Concrete Work
The South Dakota Department of Transportation says crews are closing three of the five lanes on Highway 14 and installing traffic control creating a two-way traffic situation today.

Lane Closures at I-29 and I-90 Interchanges
On Tuesday morning, April 23, Department of Transportation bridge maintenance staff will be doing routine inspections of the I-29 and I-90 interchange bridges.


Noem Announces Leopold Conservation Award Winner
In conjunction with Earth Day, Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Johnson Farms of Frankfort has been selected for the 2019 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award.

Faulk County Fatal Crash
FAULKTON, S.D. – One person died and another person was injured Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash that happened west of Faulkton.

Name Released In Walworth County Fatal Crash
AKASKA, S.D. – A Selby, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Thursday night in a one-vehicle crash north of Akaska.


Governor's Weekly Column: 100 Days of Progress
It’s been just over 100 days since I took office, and in that time, we’ve made some real progress. I signed 222 bills into law, met with hundreds of South Dakotans, and hit all four corners of the state to listen to peoples’ priorities and share some of mine.

Proclamation, Youth Safety Program Remind Drivers To Be Safe
PIERRE, S.D. – Once again this year, a Governor’s Proclamation is being used to remind motorists of all ages that being safe drivers not only protects them, but others.

Walworth County Fatal Crash
AKASKA, S.D. – A 55-year-old man died Thursday night in a one-vehicle crash that occurred north of Akaska.