Local » Page 7
3 weeks ago
High School Students Invited to Apply as 2026 Legislative Pages
South Dakota juniors and seniors can apply to be legislative pages for the 2026 session, gaining civic experience while earning $55 per day.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell Artist Wins Prestigious Midwest Disability Arts Award
Mitchell artist Brianna Wiersema won the 2025 Midwest Award for Artists with Disabilities, one of nine honorees selected from 400 submissions.
3 weeks ago
Rhoden Unveils $650 Million Prison Plan for Sioux Falls Site
Gov. Larry Rhoden unveiled a $650M plan for a new Sioux Falls state prison at Benson Road, cutting costs by $175M ahead of the Sept. 23 special session.
3 weeks ago
Legislation Introduced for New State Prison
Gov. Larry Rhoden unveiled draft legislation to replace South Dakota’s 140-year-old State Penitentiary, a key step ahead of the upcoming special session.
3 weeks ago
Weather Delays Streets, Open House at Southlake Estates
Mitchell Area Housing delayed Southlake Estates ribbon cuttings after weather setbacks. Streets wrap by Sept. 10, with an open house rescheduled for Sept. 25.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell City Council Prepares to Review 2026 Budget and Projects
The Mitchell City Council begins reviewing the proposed 2026 budget and capital projects tonight, aligning priorities with the city’s Forward2040 vision.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell School Board to Weigh Sale of Crow Lake Wind Turbine
The Mitchell School Board will weigh selling its Crow Lake wind turbine to Basin Electric, valued at $850K, during tonight’s 5:30 p.m. meeting.
3 weeks ago
Farmer Celebrates 25 Years of Antique Car and Tractor Parade
Farmer celebrated its 25th annual Antique Car and Tractor Parade with over 100 entries, drawing nearly 1,000 spectators to the fall tradition.
3 weeks ago
South Dakota Marks POW/MIA Recognition Day
Gov. Larry Rhoden proclaimed Sept. 19 as POW/MIA Recognition Day in South Dakota, honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action.
3 weeks ago
Dam Analysis Delays Lake Mitchell Project
The Lake Mitchell Improvement Project faces delays as state officials require a flow and breach analysis before dam reconstruction can proceed.
4 weeks ago
Judge Weighs ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Tea Murder Case
A Lincoln County judge is weighing whether to dismiss a murder charge under South Dakota’s “stand your ground” law. Timothy Overton of Tea claims he shot contractor Isaiah Morales in self-defense during a June confrontation at his home. Prosecutors allege Overton attacked Morales with brass knuckles before firing the fatal shot, while the defense argues he was assaulted first. Testimony in the case resumes today in Canton.
4 weeks ago
Governor Rhoden Seeks Nominations for District 16 House Seat
Governor Larry Rhoden is seeking nominations to fill the vacant District 16 House seat following the passing of Representative Richard Vasgaard. Community members can apply or nominate someone through a link at MitchellNow.com, with nominations due by September 7.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Tourism Sees Summer Slowdown
Sioux Falls tourism numbers fell this summer, with visits down 9% in June and 6% in July compared to last year. Experience Sioux Falls reports fewer travelers at Falls Park and other attractions, citing economic uncertainty and reduced international travel.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Faces $10 Million in Future Cuts Under Property Tax Restrictions
The Sioux Falls City Council is wrapping up work on the 2026 budget, but officials warn new property tax limits will force $10 million in cuts over the next decade. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett says the legislature’s property tax task force is weighing even deeper restrictions, raising concerns for the city’s long-term finances.
4 weeks ago
Local Governments Struggle With New Property Tax Limits While Finalizing 2026 Budgets
As South Dakota cities finalize their 2026 budgets, local officials say new property tax restrictions are creating major challenges. The changes, approved by the legislature earlier this year, are drawing criticism from Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett, who testified during summer Task Force hearings.
4 weeks ago
Record Number of Build Dakota Scholarships Awarded
South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record 630 Build Dakota Scholarships awarded in 2025, helping students train for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, and other vital industries. The full-ride scholarships require recipients to live and work in South Dakota for at least three years, strengthening the state’s workforce. Since its launch in 2015, more than 4,500 students have benefited from Build Dakota, a program designed to keep talent in-state and support economic growth.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Choir Teacher in Running for National Classroom Heroes Award
George McGovern Middle School choir teacher Erin McFarland has been named a finalist in the national Heroes of the Classroom contest, sponsored by Kleenex. Former students say McFarland made a lasting difference during their challenging middle school years.
4 weeks ago
Friends of Firesteel Push Lake Mitchell Fundraising to $3M Goal
Friends of Firesteel is rallying Lake Mitchell residents to help raise $3 million in support of the city’s $25 million lake restoration project. With $1.7 million already pledged from major foundations and private donors, the nonprofit is playing a key role in backing the long-awaited dredging effort. Mayor Jordan Hanson says while the city has secured full project funding, community donations will be recognized with a plaque once work begins in 2026 to restore Lake Mitchell’s health and vitality.
4 weeks ago
Mitchell Hires Contractor for Corn Palace Mural Installation
The Mitchell City Council has approved a $75,420 contract with Pro Contracting to install nine new Corn Palace murals this fall. Work will begin after October 1 and finish by November 15, funded through the city’s Corn Palace fund. Officials say using a contractor for the first time will ensure the murals are ready for the 2026 semiquincentennial celebration, themed “250 Years of America.”
4 weeks ago
Lake Mitchell Residents Press City for Drawdown Timeline
Lake Mitchell homeowners are pressing city leaders for answers on when the lake will be drawn down for shoreline work and dredging. A local dock and lift contractor says residents are requesting equipment removal daily, but the city has yet to announce a timeline.
