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4 days ago
South Dakota Commission on Gaming Issues Reminder: Private Possession of Slot Machines is Illegal
The South Dakota Commission on Gaming warns that private ownership or possession of slot machines is illegal under state law. Following an increase in online sales advertisements, seven unlicensed machines were seized and ordered destroyed. Under SDCL 22-25-13, unapproved slot machines are classified as illegal contraband, carrying Class 1 misdemeanor penalties, fines, and forfeiture.
4 days ago
Sioux Falls Nonprofit Leader to Speak at National Trail of Truth on the National Mall
Angela Kennecke, founder of Sioux Falls nonprofit Emily’s Hope and host of the Grieving Out Loud podcast, will speak at the National Trail of Truth in Washington, D.C., on September 27, 2025.
4 days ago
Corn Palace Seat Installation on Track for October Events
Crews are making steady progress on a $374,000 seat installation project at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. About one-third of the new chairs are installed, each bolted together by hand.
4 days ago
Judge Reinstates USD Professor Amid Free Speech Lawsuit
University of South Dakota professor Michael Hook has returned to the classroom after a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order. Hook sued USD and the Board of Regents, arguing he was unfairly placed on leave over a Facebook post about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which he says is protected free speech.
4 days ago
Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund Among Nominees for Spirit of Dakota Award
Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund has been named one of 14 nominees for the prestigious Spirit of Dakota Award, South Dakota’s top honor recognizing women for leadership, achievement, and community impact. The 39th annual award will be presented October 4 at the Huron Event Center, with the evening featuring an art show, social, banquet, and the award presentation.
4 days ago
AG Links Prison Deaths to Illegal Products
Attorney General Marty Jackley says recent South Dakota Penitentiary inmate deaths may be linked to the same illegal products uncovered in a statewide smoke shop sting. Officials confirm 57-year-old inmate Keith McLain died earlier this week of an apparent suicide while serving a second-degree rape sentence from Minnehaha County.
4 days ago
South Dakota Smoke Shops Fail Drug Sting, Owners Indicted
A statewide sting operation found every South Dakota smoke shop checked was selling illegal drugs, leading to multiple indictments. Attorney General Marty Jackley says the dangerous products, in some cases marketed to minors, pose a serious risk to communities. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and local law enforcement assisted in the operation, with two Sioux Falls shop owners among those facing charges.
5 days ago
South Dakota Doctors Push Back on Tylenol-Autism Claim
South Dakota doctors are refuting claims that taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Experts, including Dr. Jeremy Cauwels of Sanford Health, point to large studies, including one in Sweden tracking over two million children, showing no link between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD.
5 days ago
Mitchell Council Approves $644K in Non-Profit Subsidies
The Mitchell City Council has approved over $644,000 in funding for 11 non-profits as part of its proposed 2026 budget, marking a 1.5% increase over the mayor’s initial plan.
5 days ago
No Injuries in Yankton School Bus Crash
A Yankton School District bus carrying middle school volleyball players went into a ditch Monday night along Highway 37, six miles west of Tyndall. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. Authorities say the driver lost control after taking a wrong turn on the return trip from Huron.
5 days ago
Minnehaha County Approves 2026 Budget
The Minnehaha County Commission has approved a $132.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous year.
5 days ago
Rhoden Signs Bill for New State Prison
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has signed Senate Bill 2, greenlighting a new prison in Sioux Falls and calling it the largest public safety investment in state history.
5 days ago
Smoke Shop Owners Indicted After Statewide Drug Sting
Five South Dakota smoke shop owners are facing charges after a statewide sting uncovered the sale of illegal products. Undercover officers, working with state and local law enforcement, made controlled buys earlier this summer.
5 days ago
State Prison Inmate Dies by Apparent Suicide
A South Dakota State Penitentiary inmate, 57-year-old Keith McLain, has died in an apparent suicide. McLain was found unresponsive in his cell on September 22 and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He was serving time for a Minnehaha County second-degree rape conviction. The South Dakota Department of Corrections has not released additional details.
6 days ago
BBB Issues Warning After Online Car Scam Attempt in South Dakota
The Better Business Bureau is warning South Dakotans to be cautious when buying used cars online, especially on social media platforms. Officials say deals that seem too good to be true are likely scams.
6 days ago
Sioux Falls Set to Host U.S. Olympic Curling Trials This Fall
Sioux Falls will host the U.S. Olympic Curling Team Trials this November, attracting top athletes from across the nation. At a preview panel, 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist Tyler George highlighted the high-stakes nature of the competition, where winning or losing can change an athlete’s career.
6 days ago
GOP Primary Shaping Up in South Dakota Secretary of State Race
South Dakota Republicans are preparing for a 2026 primary battle in the secretary of state race. State Rep. Heather Baxter of Rapid City announced her candidacy Monday, challenging incumbent Monae Johnson, who is seeking a second term.
6 days ago
The 437 Project Brings Mental Health Awareness Run to Mitchell
The 437 Project arrives in Mitchell this weekend as 12 runners cover 437 miles across South Dakota to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention.
6 days ago
Rhoden Omits Speaker Hansen From Remarks Amid Prison Debate
During South Dakota’s special legislative session, Governor Larry Rhoden thanked task force members for advancing his $650 million state prison plan, but pointedly omitted House Speaker Jon Hansen from his remarks.
6 days ago
Rhoden Highlights Prison Plan As Largest Safety Investment
Governor Larry Rhoden told lawmakers that replacing the South Dakota State Penitentiary is the state’s largest public safety investment. Backed unanimously by a bipartisan prison task force, the plan calls for a new 1,500-bed facility in northeast Sioux Falls with expanded treatment and vocational training space to better prepare inmates returning to society.
