Local » Page 6
3 weeks ago
Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks
South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell Moves Ahead With Cemetery Expansion Plans
Mitchell is moving ahead with a 20-acre west cemetery expansion to meet future burial needs, with design work scheduled for 2025 and construction planned for 2027. The Golf and Cemetery Board approved a $12,200 design contract, with an optional $8,500 east-side expansion. While the design cost runs $700 over budget, officials say the project remains on track. The west site could eventually accommodate up to 10,000 burials, with phased development ensuring long-term capacity and financial planning.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times
Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.
3 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Launches $3M Tree Replanting Program
Sioux Falls property owners dealing with the costly removal of Emerald Ash Borer–damaged trees will soon see relief through the city’s new CommuniTree Program. Backed by a five-year, $3 million USDA grant, the initiative will plant more than 2,500 trees along public rights-of-way. Urban Forestry Specialist Brian Peterson says the program aims to replant smarter than during the Dutch Elm Disease era, with the city covering planting and the first year of care. Qualified property owners will be contacted directly.
3 weeks ago
Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan
South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.
3 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Man Arrested After Pickaxe Threats
Sioux Falls police arrested Baruti Ndadyo after he allegedly threatened to kill his mother and brother and assaulted a worker on East 12th Street. Authorities say Ndadyo was caught going through a vehicle when confronted by an employee, then attacked the worker and threatened others with a pickaxe before fleeing. Officers located and arrested him a short time later. Ndadyo is now facing aggravated assault charges.
3 weeks ago
Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.
3 weeks ago
AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.
3 weeks ago
Thune Reflects on 24th Anniversary of 9/11
“[M]y thoughts and prayers on this anniversary remain with those who still bear the invisible scars of that day. With…
3 weeks ago
Attorney General Jackley Announces Huron Contractor Sentenced For Defrauding Customers
PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Huron contractor has been sentenced for defrauding…
3 weeks ago
New DEA Regional Chief Targets Sinaloa Cartel’s Grip on Midwest
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has appointed Dustin Gillespie as the new Special Agent in Charge of the Omaha Region, a territory deeply impacted by drug trafficking networks. Gillespie, who previously served along the Southwest Border, brings firsthand experience in fighting international cartels.
3 weeks ago
Secretary of State Monae Johnson Announces Reelection Bid
South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson has officially announced she will seek a second term in office. Johnson says she wants more time to complete several key projects, including upgrades to the state’s voter registration system and improvements to South Dakota’s business services platform.
3 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Homeowners Face Costly Battle as Emerald Ash Borer Decimates Trees
The Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Sioux Falls is reaching a costly stage for homeowners. City officials estimate more than 65,000 ash trees on private property will need to be removed as they become dangerously brittle and unsafe. The city has authority to take down hazardous trees and bill homeowners, with removal costs ranging from several thousand up to $10,000 per tree.
3 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Council Approves $207M Budget
The Sioux Falls City Council has approved the 2026 city budget, allocating nearly $207 million in general fund spending. This marks the final budget for City Councilor Curt Soehl, who noted the difficulty of balancing revenues and expenses amid economic uncertainty. Council members adopted several amendments to restore funding cuts from the original plan, including swimming pool hours, library hours, and economic development programs.
3 weeks ago
Emily’s Hope Expands Prevention Curriculum to Middle Schools
Emily’s Hope, a South Dakota nonprofit, is expanding its K–8 substance use prevention curriculum to schools nationwide for the 2025–26 school year. The evidence-based program now includes middle school lessons on peer pressure, brain development, social media safety, and naloxone awareness.
3 weeks ago
South Dakota Soybean Processors Opens Historic Multi-Seed Processing Plant in Mitchell
South Dakota Soybean Processors celebrated the grand opening of High Plains Processing near Mitchell, the largest ag project in state history.
3 weeks ago
Three members to join DWU Board of Trustees
MITCHELL, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University announces the appointment of three members to its Board of Trustees. Diane DesLauriers is…
3 weeks ago
Gas Leak Reported at Mitchell Plant
A gas leak at High Plains Processing in Mitchell prompted a fire crew response Sunday after a mower struck a gas line. No injuries were reported.
3 weeks ago
Lawmakers Set Special Session on $650M Sioux Falls Prison Proposal
South Dakota lawmakers will debate a $650M Sioux Falls prison plan Sept. 23. Some oppose costs and Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko’s leadership.
3 weeks ago
Three Injured in Brookings Plane Crash Near Airport
A small plane crashed after takeoff at Brookings Regional Airport, injuring three. The NTSB and FAA are investigating the Beechcraft accident.
