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4 weeks ago
DWU Lands $1.5M TRIO Grant to Boost Student Success
Dakota Wesleyan University has received a $1.5 million federal TRIO Student Support Services grant to continue helping first-generation, low-income, and disabled students succeed through 2030. The program, which has supported nearly 7,400 DWU students since 1979, offers tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and financial aid guidance to boost retention and graduation rates.
4 weeks ago
Property Tax Limits Create Budget Strains for South Dakota Cities
South Dakota cities are facing growing budget challenges, according to Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett. He told the Sioux Falls City Council this week that creating the upcoming budget is the most difficult process he has encountered, citing a new property tax limitation passed by the legislature earlier this year.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Council Approves 5-Year Ambulance Contract Despite Criticism
The Sioux Falls City Council has approved a new 5-year ambulance service contract with PatientCare EMS in a 7-1 vote, despite concerns from Councilor Curt Soehl. The agreement has backing from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority along with Avera and Sanford Health.
4 weeks ago
Corrections Secretary Wasko Resigns, Clearing Path for New Sioux Falls Prison Plan
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko will resign effective October 20, creating a major shift in the state’s prison system leadership. Her departure could remove a key obstacle to building a new men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, a project long debated by lawmakers. Governor Larry Rhoden says the decision was Wasko’s alone and that her exit may help move the prison plan forward. Former Corrections Secretary and current Representative Tim Reisch supports the new facility, while the search for Wasko’s replacement is already underway.
4 weeks ago
DWU awarded $1.5 million grant to support first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities through TRIO Student Support Services
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) a $1.5 million TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant, continuing a 46-year tradition of helping low-income, first-generation, and disabled students succeed in higher education.
4 weeks ago
DOC Secretary Wasko Resigns Amid Prison Plan Backlash
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has resigned under pressure from lawmakers critical of her leadership and handling of the state’s new Sioux Falls prison proposal. Governor Larry Rhoden announced her departure Tuesday, just weeks before a special legislative session on building a 1,500-bed men’s prison. Wasko, appointed in 2022 after a DOC misconduct scandal, faced growing criticism over shifting cost estimates and prison safety policies.
4 weeks ago
$30M Musick Endowment Strengthens Education, Community Appeal
Roger and Vicki Musick’s $30 million endowment to Dakota Wesleyan University is being hailed as a transformative gift for education and community growth in Mitchell. The fund will provide need-based scholarships for Mitchell High School students to earn college credit and graduate scholarships for local teachers. City, school, and Chamber leaders say the investment strengthens Mitchell’s reputation for strong schools and professional opportunities, while new videos and social media campaigns aim to attract families to the community.
4 weeks ago
Mitchell Council Reviews Corn Palace Murals, Sewer and Bike Path Projects
The Mitchell City Council tackled a busy agenda this week, reviewing bids and major city projects. Council members considered new Corn Palace mural installations after earlier bids came up empty and discussed key infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewer for the lakeshore development, a new bike path at Lakeview Golf Course and Mitchell Cemetery, and nearly $892,000 in payments for ongoing utility and park improvements.
4 weeks ago
Ellsworth Prepares for Arrival of B-21 Stealth Bomber
Ellsworth Air Force Base is advancing preparations to host the B-21 Raider, America’s next-generation stealth bomber. The multi-billion-dollar project includes more than 30 base upgrades, from runway reconstruction to secure hangar construction.
4 weeks ago
Fort Pierre Player Scores Big in Lucky for Life
A Fort Pierre lottery ticket purchased at Dakotamart has scored big in the Lucky for Life drawing, winning $25,000 a year for life or a $390,000 lump sum payout. This marks the fifth major South Dakota Lottery win in August, highlighting a streak of luck for state players. Meanwhile, the massive $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot went unclaimed, raising the stakes even higher for tonight’s drawing—now among the top five largest jackpots in Powerball history.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Airport Expansion Breaks Ground This Week
The Sioux Falls Regional Airport is set for a major expansion as crews break ground tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. on a project adding a new concourse and five gates. Airport officials say the upgrade will enhance travel options, provide more space for passengers, and prepare the airport for future growth.
4 weeks ago
South Dakota Marks 988 Day With Awareness Events
South Dakota is recognizing 988 Day on September 8, spotlighting the life-saving impact of the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The South Dakota Department of Social Services and The Helpline Center are hosting events and art installations in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Vermillion, and Brookings to raise awareness about the easy-to-remember three-digit 988 number.
4 weeks ago
September Marks Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness and encourage life-saving conversations. The National Alliance on Mental Illness urges people to recognize warning signs, talk openly, and offer support with the message: Start a conversation. Be the difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential help.
4 weeks ago
Mitchell Pair Plead Not Guilty in Child Abuse Case; Trials Set for December
A Mitchell woman and man accused in a major child abuse case pleaded not guilty last week in Davison County court. Becky Robertson faces charges of accessory to a felony and witness tampering, while Eric Opperman is charged with 44 felonies and a misdemeanor tied to alleged abuse involving multiple minors over more than a decade.
4 weeks ago
Mitchell Teachers Get $14K in KIDS Grants for Classroom Projects
Eight Mitchell teachers are starting the school year with new classroom resources thanks to $14,000 in KIDS Grants. The awards, ranging from $700 to $5,000, support creative projects, technology, sensory tools, fitness events, and new reading resources. Now in its 11th year, the KIDS Grant program has invested more than $174,000 in Mitchell classrooms, funded by donations from local families, businesses, and organizations.
4 weeks ago
Corn Palace Seats Headed for Scrap After Auction Winner No-Shows
The historic Corn Palace seats are headed for salvage after the top bidder in an online auction failed to pick them up. A city crew began hauling the 1,772 chairs to H and R Salvage west of Mitchell, where the wood will be separated and the metal recycled.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Veteran, 95, Shatters Records at Senior Games
At 95 years old, Sioux Falls athlete Don Phillips is breaking national records at the National Senior Games in Iowa. The Korean War veteran and retired veterinarian won gold medals in multiple events, including sprints and shot put, while setting new records in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
4 weeks ago
South Dakota Greenlights $1.1 Billion Transportation Plan
South Dakota will invest more than $1.1 billion in road and bridge projects under a newly approved four-year transportation plan starting in 2026. The plan dedicates nearly $600 million for highway upgrades, $400 million for bridge repairs and replacements, and additional funding for safety improvements. Transportation officials emphasize maintaining existing infrastructure as a top priority but warn that declining fuel tax revenues and uncertain federal funding could impact projects. The $245 million Platte-Winner bridge rebuild has already been delayed until next year.
4 weeks ago
Governor Rhoden Sends South Dakota Guard Unit to Washington
Governor Larry Rhoden has approved the deployment of 12 South Dakota National Guard soldiers from the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Rapid City to Washington, D.C. The troops will support the DC National Guard on a 30-day mission, with the option to extend up to 90 days.
4 weeks ago
Davison County Commission to Hear Budget, Jail Contract, and Corn Palace Items
The Davison County Commission meets this morning in Mitchell with a full agenda, including a public hearing on a temporary liquor license and raffle for the Corn Palace Shrine Club, a discussion with Sheriff Harr about the jail phone contract and training requests, and the 2026 provisional budget hearing and adoption. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the North Offices Building on North Main Street.
