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1 week ago

Freeman Academy to close after 2025-26 school year following corporation vote amid enrollment, budget challenges

Freeman Academy, a private Christian school in Freeman, will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year after a corporation vote. Leaders cited declining enrollment, ongoing deficits and long-term sustainability concerns.

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1 week ago

Rhoden signs bills for Blue Dog Fish Hatchery funding, Spearfish Canyon Hydro II transfer, State Fairgrounds upgrades

Gov. Larry Rhoden signs legislation in Pierre. Rhoden has signed three bills supporting South Dakota outdoor recreation and public spaces, including funding for the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, a transfer of the Hydro Electric Plant No. 2 site in Spearfish Canyon, and continued improvements at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.

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1 week ago

South Dakota flu deaths rise to 14 this season; 45 new hospitalizations reported in latest week

South Dakota’s influenza death toll has climbed to 14 this season, including four new deaths reported in the past week. The state Health Department also reported 45 new flu-related hospitalizations and said flu activity remains moderate but geographically widespread.

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1 week ago

Mitchell Garbage Collection Starts at 7 a.m. on Presidents Day; Regional Landfill Closes at Noon

In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, Mitchell garbage collection will begin at 7 a.m. and finish by noon, and the Mitchell Regional Landfill will close at noon. Recycling will follow the regular city schedule.

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1 week ago

Homeschooling and Alternative Instruction Rise in South Dakota as Public, Private Enrollment Dips

New South Dakota Department of Education enrollment data show “alternative instruction” — which includes homeschooling and some hybrid or microschool options — increased by nearly 950 students this school year, while public and private school enrollment declined slightly.

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1 week ago

South Dakota House Rejects HB 1116 Bill Targeting Certain Ads During Children’s Streaming Programming

The South Dakota House voted down House Bill 1116, which sought to prohibit ads for abortion, alcohol, drugs, gambling, gender transition treatments and nicotine products during children’s programming on video streaming services. Lawmakers cited concerns about vague language and potential First Amendment issues.

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1 week ago

Miner County Businesses Pass Alcohol Compliance Checks Conducted Feb. 11

The South-Central Alcohol Task Force conducted six alcohol compliance checks in Miner County on Feb. 11, and all six Howard businesses checked were found in compliance.

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2 weeks ago

Davison County Commissioners Review Budget, Contracts and Infrastructure; Medical Transport Costs Flagged

The Davison County Commission approved routine agenda items and minutes while reviewing budget, contracts and infrastructure updates. Commissioners also heard concerns that medical transport and mental-health clearance costs could require additional funding later this year.

2 weeks ago

Mitchell Students, Community Members to Visit Pierre for “Mitchell Day at the Legislature” Feb. 19

Mitchell students and community members will travel to the South Dakota State Capitol in Pierre on Thursday, Feb. 19, for “Mitchell Day at the Legislature,” including a Capitol tour and meetings with state offices.

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2 weeks ago

South Dakota House Education Committee Advances HB 1205 to Boost Annual K-12 Funding Growth

A South Dakota House committee advanced HB 1205 on a split vote, sending it to House Appropriations after lawmakers debated changing the school funding formula so annual increases would be the greater of inflation or 3%.

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2 weeks ago

Mitchell City Council Approves $1 Transfer of Former Mobile Home Park Site for Owner-Occupied Housing Project

Mitchell city leaders approved transferring the former First Avenue mobile home park property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation for $1 to advance a 24-home, owner-occupied development with price caps and a 10-year owner-occupancy requirement.

2 weeks ago

South Dakota Native Royce Williams to Receive Medal of Honor at White House Ceremony

Wilmot native and retired U.S. Navy Capt. E. Royce Williams, 100, will receive the Medal of Honor after a secret Korean War-era dogfight in 1952 in which he faced seven Soviet MiG-15 jets, according to an announcement from Sen. Mike Rounds.

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2 weeks ago

Mitchell City Council Rejects $50,000 Retail Recruitment Contract, Leaves Funds Unspent in 2026 Budget

The Mitchell City Council voted 7-1 to turn down a proposed $50,000 annual contract with a retail-recruitment firm, saying it wants to explore partnerships with local organizations before hiring an outside company.

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2 weeks ago

South Dakota House Rejects HB 1068 Liability Shield for Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine Dispensing

The South Dakota House voted 40-28 to defeat House Bill 1068, which would have limited liability for doctors and pharmacists who dispense ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine to adults under written protocols for off-label COVID-19 treatment.

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2 weeks ago

South Dakota Senate Passes SB 89 to Study Making EMS an Essential Service as Volunteer Shortages Grow

The South Dakota Senate voted 27-7 to advance SB 89, creating an EMS funding task force to study whether emergency medical services should be treated as an essential service and how to pay for it as many rural services rely on volunteers.

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2 weeks ago

Deb Everson Takes Out Petition to Seek Re-Election to Mitchell School Board

Mitchell School Board member Deb Everson has taken out a nominating petition to run for re-election to the only seat up this year. Petitions are available through March 24, and a June 2 election will be held only if more than one candidate files.

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2 weeks ago

Mitchell City Council Rejects Retail Recruitment Contract, Leaves $50,000 Unspent in 2026 Budget

The Mitchell City Council voted 7–1 against a $50,000-per-year agreement with Retail Strategies aimed at recruiting new retail businesses. Several council members said they want to explore local partnerships before committing city funds.

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2 weeks ago

Mitchell Drug Case Moves Forward as Defendant Chooses to Represent Himself

A Mitchell criminal case involving Courtney Stork is moving ahead after multiple delays, with the defendant opting to represent himself. A judge has denied motions to suppress evidence tied to two 2025 searches, and a new motions hearing is set for Feb. 17.

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2 weeks ago

Mitchell Police Say City Remains Safe as South Dakota’s 2025 Crime Report Nears Release

Mitchell law enforcement leaders say violent crime remains low and most calls involve property crime or drug activity, even as overall incident counts can look high due to the city’s size and thorough reporting

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3 weeks ago

Mitchell City Council Overrides Mayor’s Veto on Lakeview Par-3 Short Course Design Agreement

The Mitchell City Council voted 6-2 to override Mayor Jordan Hanson’s veto and move ahead with a $9,400 preliminary design agreement for a proposed five-hole par-3 short course at Lakeview Golf Course.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in College, High School, Local Sports, Sports

Small Slate for Area Basketball, Mitchell Boys Region Wrestling, DWU Four Sports Weekend, SDSU Hoops Games & Timberwolves vs 76ers

Small Slate for Area Basketball, Mitchell Boys Region Wrestling, DWU Four Sports Weekend, SDSU Hoops Games & Timberwolves vs 76ers.

2 days ago in Agriculture, Government, Local

Rhoden signs South Dakota “trigger law” aimed at expanding direct-to-consumer meat sales

Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a bill designed to make it easier for South Dakotans to buy certain meat cuts directly from producers — but the change would only take effect if Congress first amends federal law. The measure was sponsored by Rep. John Shubeck of Beresford.

2 days ago in Business, Government, Local

South Dakota House passes HB 1286 for Future Fund grant oversight; bill heads to Senate

The South Dakota House passed House Bill 1286, a measure requiring the governor to report to legislative committees on large Future Fund grants, adding new oversight for projects exceeding $1 million. The bill now moves to the Senate.