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2 weeks ago
South Dakota lawmakers advance mobile sports betting plan tied to property tax relief
A proposed constitutional amendment could put statewide mobile sports betting on South Dakota’s November 2026 ballot, with 90% of online wagering tax revenue directed to property tax relief. Gov. Larry Rhoden says he opposes expanding gaming but would not have veto power over a ballot measure.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota PUC approves $750M Philip Wind Project; largest wind farm in state planned near Philip
South Dakota regulators approved a permit for the 333-megawatt Philip Wind Project in Haakon County, a $750 million development expected to be the largest wind farm in the state. The Public Utilities Commission accepted a settlement outlining construction and operating requirements for the developer.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota FFA to mark National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026
South Dakota’s FFA chapters will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026, highlighting agricultural education and student leadership. The South Dakota FFA Association includes more than 6,500 members statewide.
2 weeks ago
EPA Repeal of “Endangerment Finding” Spurs Legal Threats from Environmental Groups
Environmental and public health groups say they’re weighing lawsuits after the EPA repealed the 2009 “Endangerment Finding,” the legal foundation for many federal greenhouse gas rules.
2 weeks ago
Former First Avenue mobile home park in Mitchell to be redeveloped into 24 owner-occupied homes
Construction is expected to start in early April on a 24-unit owner-occupied housing development at Mitchell’s former First Avenue mobile home park site. The project will be built by Van Buskirk Construction after the city transferred the property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation.
2 weeks ago
Davison County Commission to hold Feb. 17 meeting in Mitchell; liquor license hearing, rural water land discussion on agenda
The Davison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the North Offices Building in Mitchell. The agenda includes a Legacy Pointe liquor license hearing, a Davison Rural Water land discussion and a fairgrounds storage addition proposal.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota drought worsens; moderate drought expands in southeast and southwest
Drought conditions are worsening across South Dakota, with moderate drought now showing up in parts of the southeast and southwest, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. About 29% of the state is rated abnormally dry, with 18.6% in moderate drought.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota initial unemployment claims rise to 273 in latest weekly report
New unemployment insurance claims in South Dakota ticked up to 273 for the week ending Feb. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationally, seasonally adjusted initial claims dipped to 227,000.
2 weeks ago
Davison County Commission approves employee raises, tax abatements at Feb. 10 meeting
Davison County Commissioners approved employee raises, several property tax abatements and routine county business during their Feb. 10 meeting. The board accepted one employee resignation and granted 50-cent hourly raises to multiple staff members who completed introductory periods. Several tax abatements were approved for valuation errors, tax-exempt classifications and property losses involving both businesses and private parcels, including Mitchell School District properties. Commissioners also approved a land plat, county bills and timesheets before adjourning. The next regular meeting is set for Feb. 17.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Senate advances mobile sports betting amendment tied to Deadwood casinos
South Dakota senators approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow statewide mobile sports betting routed through Deadwood-licensed casinos. Senate Joint Resolution 504 now heads to the South Dakota House.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks 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.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Lawmakers Get Updated Revenue Outlook as Budget Targets Due for Appropriations Committee
South Dakota legislators are reviewing updated revenue expectations for the next budget year as Gov. Larry Rhoden considers tweaks to his proposed budget after stronger-than-expected January numbers. Legislative Research Council Fiscal Chief Jeff Mehlhaff told lawmakers tax refunds could put hundreds of millions into residents’ pockets and add about $10.3 million to the state’s general fund.
3 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%.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
