Local

20 hours ago

Mitchell School District Caring Closet Expands Pop-Up Appointments With Student Clothing and “Cuts for Kids”

The Mitchell School District Caring Closet is adding scheduled clothing shopping appointments and “Cuts for Kids” haircuts at its monthly pop-up events, aimed at helping students get essentials so they can focus on school. Appointments are limited to in-person Mitchell students and must be reserved online

20 hours ago

Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota to Host “ShamROCK and Roll” Fundraising Event March 7

Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota to Host “ShamROCK and Roll” Fundraising Event March 7

2 days ago

Mitchell Park Board Approves 40% Rec Center Discount for Members, Updates Cadwell and Ice Arena Rental Fees

The Mitchell Park and Recreation Board voted 3-2 to give its members a 40% discount on Mitchell Recreation Center memberships, matching the city employee rate. The board also approved updated rental fees and multiple facility agreements for city sports venues.

2 days ago

South Dakota Bill Would Require English Proficiency for Commercial Driver Licenses, Add Penalties After Traffic Stops

A South Dakota Legislature bill would require commercial driver license holders to demonstrate English proficiency and would allow officers to cite and place drivers out of service if they can’t respond to official inquiries in English. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Taffy Howard, has advanced in the House and could next head to Gov. Larry Rhoden.

2 days ago

Missing Vote by Sen. John Carley Sinks Data Center Incentive Bill as Attendance Tactics Draw Scrutiny in Pierre

A key South Dakota Senate vote on data center incentives failed this week after Sen. John Carley was absent during Tuesday’s floor session in Pierre. The incident renewed debate over lawmakers missing votes amid close margins and the possibility of tie-breaking action by Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen.

3 days ago

Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon was a success!

The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund held its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT.

3 days ago

South Dakota lawmakers advance property tax relief ideas, expand refund program for seniors and disabled

South Dakota legislators advanced multiple property tax relief proposals this week, including a plan tied to Gov. Larry Rhoden that would let counties adopt up to a half-cent sales tax to reduce some property taxes. House lawmakers also moved bills to increase property tax refunds for low-income elderly and disabled residents and to create a homeowner relief fund.

3 days ago

Davison County Commission approves liquor license, jail contract and fairgrounds project; rural water discusses future tower

The Davison County Commission approved a retail on-sale liquor license for Legacy Pointe LLC, appointed Emergency Manager Jeff Bathke as the county’s designee for wildland fire suppression requests, and approved an out-of-county jail contract with Clay County. Commissioners also heard Davison Rural Water is considering a new water tower in three to five years to support growth outside Mitchell.

4 days ago

Lakeview short-course funds could roll into 2027 if project is delayed

The Mitchell Golf and Cemetery Board says money budgeted for a planned five-hole short course at Lakeview Golf Course would remain available in 2027 if construction is pushed back. The $1.05 million project is in the design phase, with bidding expected later this year.

5 days ago

Platte-Geddes voters to decide March 3 on $19M school bond for new middle-high building

Platte-Geddes voters will head to the polls March 3 to decide on a $19 million bond issue aimed at replacing the district’s nearly 100-year-old middle and high school facility. District leaders say the current building has outdated systems and space limitations, including for special education.

5 days ago

Travel South Dakota wins 7 HSMAI Adrian Awards for global tourism marketing excellence

Travel South Dakota earned seven HSMAI Adrian Awards — including two “Best of Category” honors — in one of the world’s top travel marketing competitions. The agency was recognized from more than 800 entries for campaigns promoting everything from winter adventure to Sturgis and statewide arts and culture.

5 days ago

South Dakota crime down 6% in 2025, state report shows

South Dakota’s overall criminal offenses fell 6.03% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the state’s annual “Crime in South Dakota” report. Serious “Group A” crimes dropped nearly 8%, including fewer homicides.

5 days ago

Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon is ready to go on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT

The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.

1 week ago

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.

1 week ago

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.

1 week ago

South Dakota Senate committee kills data center moratorium bill targeting 50-megawatt projects

A proposed one-year moratorium on new or expanded “hyperscale” data centers in South Dakota failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee after a series of votes. Supporters said the pause would give counties, cities and utilities time to plan for large projects, while opponents argued local governments should decide.

1 week ago

Dakota Wesleyan to host free Midwinter Concerts Feb. 22 and March 1 in Mitchell

Dakota Wesleyan University’s Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music will present two free midwinter concerts at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 in the Sherman Center, with livestreams available online.

1 week ago

DWU to host “Parade of Planets + Blood Moon” planetarium shows Feb. 28 in Mitchell

Dakota Wesleyan University will offer four free planetarium showings Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring a guided “Parade of Planets” tour and tips for spotting a Blood Moon on March 3. Space is limited and registration is required.

1 week ago

Mitchell Trail Life USA troop wins team trophy at first regional Lego Pinewood Derby

A newly formed Trail Life USA troop based at Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell won the traveling team trophy at a regional Lego Pinewood Derby competition in Sioux Falls. Leaders say the event showcased teamwork and leadership as the troop continues to grow.

1 week ago

Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund Radiothon set for Feb. 23 on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT

The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.

Recent Headlines

17 hours ago in College, High School, Local Sports, Sports

WEEKEND SPORTS: Mitchell State Wrestling final day, Three DWU sports in action & Wrestlers get All-Conference honors, Jackrabbit Hoops & Timberwolves at Denver

Mitchell The Kernel wrestling teams compete in their Varsity State Tournaments for their final day on Saturday. Both the boys…

20 hours ago in Business, Local, People

Mitchell School District Caring Closet Expands Pop-Up Appointments With Student Clothing and “Cuts for Kids”

The Mitchell School District Caring Closet is adding scheduled clothing shopping appointments and “Cuts for Kids” haircuts at its monthly pop-up events, aimed at helping students get essentials so they can focus on school. Appointments are limited to in-person Mitchell students and must be reserved online

20 hours ago in Business, Government, Local

Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota to Host “ShamROCK and Roll” Fundraising Event March 7

Safe Place of Eastern South Dakota to Host “ShamROCK and Roll” Fundraising Event March 7