Why Putting America First Matters to South Dakota
In his first hours in office just over one year ago, President Joe Biden canceled the Keystone XL pipeline and delivered a severe blow to South Dakota families and American energy independence. A few months later, President Biden opened the door for the construction of a Russian pipeline, delivering a costly gift to a dangerous adversary.

State Historical Society awards seven historic preservation grants
Historic preservation projects in Burke, Miller, Pierre, Tabor, Mitchell, Yankton, and Aberdeen recently received matching grants from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

Facebook Live event from State Historical Society Museum coming Feb. 11
Join South Dakota State Historical Society Museum Curator of Collections Katy Schmidt for a virtual walk-through of the Cultural Heritage Center exhibit “South Dakota’s Wardrobe: Selected Pieces from the Collection” on Friday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. CST (10 a.m. MST).

DOH Statewide Distribution of Free COVID-19 Tests Continues
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) continued its operations to distribute one million Flowflex® COVID-19 Antigen home tests to sites across the state.

Hutchinson County Fatal Crash
PARKSTON, S.D. – One person died Thursday night in a one-vehicle crash east of Parkston.


Gov. Noem Announces Tax Cut Legislation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced legislation to eliminate taxes and fees associated with starting or renewing a business and obtaining a concealed carry permit in South Dakota.

Gov. Noem Announces Vaccine Exemption Legislation
Today, Governor Kristi Noem filed legislation to guarantee medical or religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccines for private employees who are facing private employer vaccine mandates. The bill also recognizes natural immunity.

DANR Seeks Comments on Waterbody Report and National 303(d) Program Vision
The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is seeking public comments on the draft 2022 Integrated Report for Surface Water Quality Assessment (Integrated Report).

Names Released In Moody County Fatal Crash
FLANDREAU, S.D. – A White, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died Monday morning west of Flandreau.

Sodexo Selected to Provide Food Service for Public Universities
In an effort to reduce costs by moving to a system-wide food service provider, the South Dakota Board of Regents issued a request for proposals (RFP) and Sodexo was chosen from the three responding vendors. Sodexo is a leader in food services and facilities management.


South Dakota Great Finds Passport Launched for Residents and Visitors
The South Dakota Department of Tourism announced the launch of a free South Dakota Great Finds mobile exclusive pass that highlights all areas of South Dakota.

​Stork Retires from Board of Regents’ Service
The South Dakota Board of Regents announced today that Barb Stork of Dakota Dunes has retired from her position on the board.

SDDVA Secretary Whitlock’s January Column – Honoring our Prisoners of War and Those Missing in Action
Earlier this month, veterans gathered in Pierre for the dedication and unveiling of the POW/MIA chair of honor. The chair, donated by Rolling Thunder Inc. Chapter 2 of Brookings, is located on the west wing of the second floor at the South Dakota Capitol.


Gov. Noem Appoints Jarrod Johnson as Interim Commissioner of School and Public Lands
Today, Governor Kristi Noem appointed Jarrod Johnson as Interim Commissioner of School and Public Lands, effective February 1, 2022.


Gov. Noem Makes Statement on Ravnsborg Investigative File
Today, Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to multiple news agencies requesting that she release the investigative file into the fatal crash involving Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg and the late Mr. Joseph Boever.

State Secures New Plane, Reverts Savings to General Fund
Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced that the state has taken possession of a 2015 King Air 350 after an extensive, nationwide search.

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

Name Released In Roberts County Fatal Crash
SUMMIT, S.D. – A Sisseton, S.D., man has been identified as the person who died late Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash northeast of Summit.

Stronger Families Together making an impact
Governor Kristi Noem’s initiative to recruit 300 new foster families in South Dakota is more than halfway to its goal.

SDDOT and City of Mitchell Seek Public Input into Mitchell Master Transportation Plan Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in conjunction with the city of Mitchell, will hold a public meeting to present information on the Mitchell Master Transportation Plan.


Gov. Noem Announces Two Pro-Life Bills
Today, as tens of thousands of pro-life Americans participate in the annual March for Life in Washington, DC, Governor Kristi Noem announced the text of two pro-life bills to protect unborn lives.

In South Dakota, we protect life
It is no mistake that when Thomas Jefferson declared all men are endowed with the “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” LIFE came first. The Constitution clearly delegates defending the lives and safety of the people to the government as its chief role. That includes defending the rights and the lives of unborn children.

Department of Education releases federal funding transparency dashboard
The South Dakota Department of Education has developed an online dashboard displaying how school districts and other education providers are using federal COVID-19 relief funds. The dashboard is a simple tool for the public to view how much districts have received, what has been budgeted for, the time available for using the funds, and the work that has been completed to date.

DANR Accepting Applications to Increase Access to Local Foods at Schools
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) is pleased to announce $80,000 in funding to help school districts use more local and fresh foods.

Department of Health Begins Statewide Distribution of One Million Free COVID-19 Tests
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) began operations to promptly and efficiently distribute one million Flowflex® COVID-19 antigen home tests to sites across the state.

Tourism Professionals Awarded at Governor’s Conference on Tourism
On Thursday, January 20, the Department of Tourism honored tourism professionals and businesses from across South Dakota for their loyalty, commitment, and passion for the state’s tourism industry.

Governor Noem Announces 2022 Student Art Exhibition
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem announced 12 students who are being recognized for their artistic talents through the Governor’s Student Art Competition. An exhibition of the artwork is now open to the public in the South Dakota Capitol building.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input into I-229 Exit 6 (10th Street) Interchange Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the city of Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls MPO, and the Federal Highway Administration, will hold a public open house meeting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022, at Lincoln High School (2900 South Cliff Ave.) to inform area residents of the beginning of the Interstate 229 Exit 6 Interchange Modification Study.


Roberts County Fatal Crash
SUMMIT, S.D. – One man died late Wednesday night in a one-vehicle crash northeast of Summit.

SDDOT Seeks Public Input for S.D. Highway 11 Corridor Study
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), in collaboration with the city of Brandon, city of Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, Sioux Falls MPO, and the Federal Highway Administration, will hold a public open house at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2021, at the Holiday Inn Express Convention Center (1103 North Splitrock Boulevard) in Brandon to gather feedback on the preliminary S.D. Highway 11 Corridor Study’s improvement concepts developed to date.

ROYAL CANIN AWARDED FUNDS FOR EXPANSION, NEW PRODUCTION LINE
PIERRE, SD – The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced that global leader in pet health nutrition, Royal Canin, will invest $185 million for new production lines


2021 Visitor Spending in South Dakota Sets All Time Record
Visitor spending in South Dakota set an all-time record in 2021.


Wildlife Diversity Small Grant Proposals Being Accepted
South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks (GFP) Wildlife Diversity Program is accepting proposals for the Wildlife Diversity Small Grants Program.

Written CDL License Tests to be Offered Saturday at DL Exam Stations
PIERRE, S.D. – People wanting to take the written tests required to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL), before new federal regulations take effect, can do so this Saturday, Jan. 22, at several driver exam stations statewide. This opportunity is being provided by the state Driver Licensing Program.

New Officers Elected to Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Governor’s Tourism Advisory Board has selected its officers for 2022-2024.

Applications Open for SDAC Funding Opportunities
PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota artists, arts organizations and other nonprofit groups are invited to seek grant support from the South Dakota Arts Council (SDAC) to assist in funding arts projects and programs in fiscal year 2023.

SDDOT Provides John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge Project Update
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) says the John C. Waldron Memorial Bridge project schedule is being revised.

The Department of Revenue transitions to new Aberdeen office
Beginning January 18, the Department of Revenue reopens their Aberdeen Office to individuals and businesses who have any tax related questions at their new location.


Name Released In Stanley County Fatal Crash
FORT PIERRE, S.D. – A Hot Springs, S.D., woman has been identified as the person who died Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Fort Pierre.


Fairness in Girls’ Sports Matters
This week, the 2022 legislative session kicked off, and I presented my State of the State address to the people of South Dakota. I described how South Dakota is stronger than it has ever been in its 133-year history. This did not happen because of what government did. It happened because of what government did NOT do. To preserve what we have and grow even stronger, we need to remember why government exists in the first place – to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

State prison inmate placed on escape status
Inmate Jerald Brown left the Rapid City Community Work Center to go to his work release job Jan. 13. He failed to return to the Work Center at the appointed time.

Cultural Heritage Center Jan. 20 program discussing Rural America in the 1950s
Participants in the Jan. 20 book talk at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre will get a glimpse of what it was like to grow up in Rural America in the 1950s.

Explore Year-Round Fun Outdoors in 2022
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) is hosting a year-round activity with chances to win prizes for going outside and playing BINGO in 2022.

Stanley County Fatal Crash
FORT PIERRE, S.D. – One woman died Friday morning in a one-vehicle crash west of Fort Pierre.


Gov. Noem Responds to SCOTUS Blocking OSHA Vaccine Mandate
Today Governor Kristi Noem issued the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court blocking the OSHA vaccine mandate:

Make a difference in your community: Sponsor a Summer Food Service Program
The South Dakota Department of Education’s division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services is seeking local sponsors to assist with running a federally funded program that provides nutritious meals and snacks to children in low-income areas during the summer months.


GFP Proposes Lake Vermillion Boat Ramp Change
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is proposing to include the boat ramp on the south east side of Lake Vermillion to be within Lake Vermillion Recreation Area.


2022 State of the State
I am proud to report that the state of our state is stronger than it has ever been in our 133-year history.

Precision machining program launching at Women’s Prison
A pilot program for female inmates to earn a precision machining certificate starts this spring semester at the Women’s Prison in Pierre.


Gov. Noem Announces Legislation Blocking Action Civics
Today, Governor Kristi Noem released the text of draft legislation to block Action Civics as the basis of education for South Dakota students.

South Dakota teachers, school counselors go above and beyond with professional certifications
Twelve South Dakota teachers and school counselors earned or renewed national certifications in 2021, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skill in their professions.

Funding Available for Trails
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) announced today that applications are being accepted for grants from the Recreational Trails Program (RTP).

South Dakota Tourism Releases Marketing RFP
The South Dakota Department of Tourism is requesting proposals from qualified agencies that provide professional marketing and advertising services.

SDDOT Secretary Joel Jundt Named to National Transportation Research Board
Joel Jundt, South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) Secretary, will officially be welcomed as a new board member for the Transportation Research Board (TRB) during the upcoming organizational annual meeting.


God bless the 235th MPC
On January 5th, I joined several state and local officials for a deployment ceremony honoring the 235th Military Policy Company. The unit from the South Dakota National Guard is heading to Guantanamo Bay for a challenging operational mission.


State Historical Society board approves 14 property tax moratorium applications
The South Dakota State Historical Society board of trustees recently approved 14 applications in five counties for the eight-year state historic preservation property tax moratorium for restoration and rehabilitation made to historic buildings.

Department of Health Makes an Additional One Million Free COVID-19 Tests Available to State Residents
Today, the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) announced it has procured one million Flowflex® COVID-19 Antigen home tests.

Registration Open For 2022 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Registration is now open for the 2022 South Dakota Wildland Fire Academy, which is March 24-27 in Ft. Pierre, S.D. and is hosted by the State Wildland Fire Division with assistance from its federal partners.


Pro-Life Rule Blocking Telemedicine Abortions Approved
Today, Governor Kristi Noem and the Department of Health’s rule blocking telemedicine abortions was approved by the South Dakota Legislature’s Interim Rules Review Committee.

DANR Announces More Than $22 Million for Statewide Environmental Projects
Today, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the Board of Water and Natural Resources has approved $22,527,735 in grants and loans for drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste projects.

Rothschadl Named to SDDOT Yankton Area Engineer Position
Greg Rothschadl, a 31-year veteran of the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), recently assumed new duties as the Yankton Area Engineer.


GFP Commission Holds January Meeting
The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission held their January meeting at the Matthews Training Center in Pierre on Jan. 4-5.


Governor Noem Statement on Anticompetitive Practices in Meat Packing
Today, Governor Kristi Noem released the following statement regarding anticompetitive practices in the meat packing industry:

DPS Announces January Sobriety Checkpoints
PIERRE, S.D. – A new year means another year of sobriety checkpoints held in South Dakota as a way to discourage people from drinking and then driving.


GFP Launches Go Outdoors South Dakota, the Combined Licensing and Park Reservation System
The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) launched a new e-commerce system, Go Outdoors South Dakota.

January Mental Health Memo: New Year. Skills for the job of living
To support your well-being, check in with your “jobs of living” as you begin the new year.

SDDOT Announces Snowplow Naming Contest Winners
The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) rolled out the 2nd Annual Name the Snowplow Contest in November. The contest was designed to engage people across the state with the SDDOT in a fun way while providing safety information to assist the traveling public during winter weather.


Gov. Noem Signs Cleanup Executive Order
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem signed Executive Order 2021-16, which rescinds certain executive orders, corrects previous orders to refer to the proper state agencies, and modifies timelines.


Inmate Alexander Cook back in custody
Inmate Alexander Cook was apprehended in Rapid City Dec. 29.

Written CDL License Tests to be Offered Jan. 8 in Sioux Falls
PIERRE, S.D. – People wanting to take the written tests required to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL), before new federal regulations take effect, can do so on Saturday, Jan. 8, in Sioux Falls. The opportunity is being provided by the state Driver Licensing Program.