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2 weeks ago
Lake Mitchell Drawdown Delayed by New State-Required Studies
The Lake Mitchell restoration project is facing another setback after state officials ordered new safety studies before a planned drawdown can proceed. The Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is requiring a dam breach analysis and updated flood study, delaying the project by up to six months and adding as much as $200,000 in costs.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Near Bottom in Teacher Rankings
A new WalletHub study ranks South Dakota 47th in the nation for teachers in 2025, citing low average pay, limited school funding, and weak income growth potential. While the state ranked 19th for starting salaries and 22nd for student-teacher ratios, it slipped to 44th in average pay and 41st in per-student spending.
2 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison on Firearm Charges
A Sioux Falls man with a history of fleeing police is headed to federal prison. Boru Wako, Jr. was sentenced to seven years for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and illegal receipt of a firearm while under indictment.
2 weeks ago
High-Risk Offender to be Released in Sioux Falls
The South Dakota Department of Corrections is alerting the public to the release of 49-year-old Carl Six Toes, a high-risk offender. Six Toes completed his full sentence for sexual contact with a person incapable of consenting in Minnehaha County and will not be under parole supervision.
2 weeks ago
Operation Round-Up® Grant Deadline Oct. 31
Central Electric Cooperative is now accepting Operation Round-Up grant applications from local organizations through Oct. 31. Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community groups can apply for up to $3,000 in funding for projects that benefit members in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner, and Sanborn Counties.
2 weeks ago
NWS Confirms Two Tornadoes in South Dakota: EF-1 Twister Near Mobridge Causes Farm Damage
The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in South Dakota on Sunday. The stronger twister southeast of Mobridge damaged a grain silo, tipped a semi trailer, and destroyed a farm outbuilding near Highway 12.
2 weeks ago
Name Released in Fatal Pedestrian Crash Near Irene
Authorities have identified 67-year-old Timothy Nelson as the victim of a fatal car-versus-pedestrian crash west of Irene. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says Nelson was struck by an eastbound Tesla while walking in the roadway and later died at the hospital. No charges are pending.
2 weeks ago
Lawmakers to Weigh Slimmed-Down $650M Prison Plan
South Dakota lawmakers will revisit a $650 million men’s prison proposal in Sioux Falls on September 23. The revised plan trims costs from an earlier $825 million version while still providing 1,188 cell beds, 300 dorm beds, and dayroom space above national standards.
2 weeks ago
USD Students Petition to Reinstate Professor After Charlie Kirk Post
Students at the University of South Dakota are protesting the planned firing of art professor Michael Hook after backlash over his social media post on Charlie Kirk’s death.
2 weeks ago
Proposed DSS Rule Raises Alarms Over Child Therapy Funding
LifeScape is warning that a proposed South Dakota Department of Social Services rule could cut its Medicaid funding by $10 million annually. The nonprofit says the 80% reduction threatens therapy services for more than 3,300 children and families who rely on its specialized care.
2 weeks ago
Hundreds Turn Out for Suicide Awareness Walk in Sioux Falls
More than 1,200 people joined the Out of the Darkness Walk in downtown Sioux Falls to support suicide prevention. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event has raised over $44,000 toward its $90,000 goal, offering hope and awareness for those affected.
2 weeks ago
Grill Fire Injures One in Sioux Falls
A weekend grill fire in southwest Sioux Falls sent one person to the hospital after a deck explosion. Fire crews quickly contained the blaze and checked the home for further damage, though the victim’s condition has not yet been released.
2 weeks ago
Gov. Rhoden Pushes for Stronger Drone Protections
Governor Larry Rhoden is joining 30 governors urging Congress to address rising drone threats. In a letter to lawmakers, they warn drones are increasingly misused for spying, stalking, and potential attacks.
2 weeks ago
South Dakota Public University Enrollment Holds Steady
Enrollment at South Dakota’s public universities is holding steady this fall, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth and the second straight year with more than 36,000 students enrolled.
2 weeks ago
Lake Andes Teen Charged After Alleged Gun Threat in Rent Dispute
An 18-year-old Lake Andes woman is facing two felony charges after allegedly threatening a woman and her infant during a rent dispute in Wagner. Police say Margaret Fischer struck the victim with a BB gun, pointed it at both her and the baby, and tried to push her down the stairs during the September 5 incident.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell Recreation Center, Aquatic Center Membership Rates to Rise in 2026
Membership rates at the Mitchell Recreation Center and Indoor Aquatic Center will rise by 3% in 2026 following approval from the Parks and Recreation Board. Annual family memberships will increase to $811.75, youth to $351, and adult memberships to $540.75, with monthly auto-renew options going up by $1–$2.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell Council to Weigh City’s First Roundabout, 2026 Budget
The Mitchell City Council is set to discuss a packed agenda today, highlighted by the city’s first proposed roundabout at West 23rd Avenue and North Ohlman Street.
2 weeks ago
Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund Nominated for Spirit of Dakota Award
Deanell Backlund of Mitchell, a longtime educator and community volunteer, is among 14 nominees for the 2025 Spirit of Dakota Award. The annual honor celebrates South Dakota women for leadership, service, and strength of character.
2 weeks ago
Rounds Seeks Applicants for U.S. Service Academy Nominations
Senator Mike Rounds is inviting South Dakota high school seniors to apply for a nomination to the nation’s prestigious U.S. service academies. Applications for the Class of 2030 are due by October 10, with opportunities to attend the Air Force Academy, West Point, the Naval Academy, and the Merchant Marine Academy.
2 weeks ago
88 Charged in South Dakota Federal Drug Cases
Federal prosecutors have charged 88 people in South Dakota this summer in a sweeping drug trafficking crackdown tied to cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell says the indictments, spanning April through August, were the result of joint investigations by federal, state, tribal, and local task forces. Major cases involved large-scale conspiracies moving hundreds of pounds of meth and fentanyl through Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre, and Aberdeen.
