With the 2026 South Dakota legislative session nearing key deadlines, education advocates are pressing lawmakers to put a recent revenue uptick toward K-12 funding as districts warn of potential seven-figure cuts.

The Mitchell City Council voted 4-3 to reject a proposed tornado shelter and restroom facility at Lake Mitchell Campground after bids came in near $968,000, leaving an estimated $230,000-plus funding gap.

Davison County commissioners approved spring road weight restrictions, setting a six-ton-per-axle limit on county oil roads effective Feb. 25 due to seasonal conditions. Some major routes are exempt, and Highway Patrol Motor Carrier officers will help enforce the limits.

South Dakota Sens. John Thune and Mike Rounds and Rep. Dusty Johnson said they support the latest U.S. military action against Iran, pointing to nuclear and terrorism concerns. The statements came as national and international outlets reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike.

Dakota Wesleyan University’s Highlanders and Wesleyan Bells will perform a free concert tour March 6-10 with stops in Gregory, Sioux Falls, Alexandria and Salem, plus Papillion, Nebraska. All performances are open to the public.

District 20 legislators fielded questions in Mitchell about Gov. Larry Rhoden’s property tax plan, data center incentives and proposals aimed at improving rural roads and small-bridge infrastructure.

Mitchell’s Corn Palace has been selected as an official stop on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Great American Road Trip, putting the landmark in a national spotlight tied to the America 250 celebration

The Mitchell School District Caring Closet is adding scheduled clothing shopping appointments and “Cuts for Kids” haircuts at its monthly pop-up events, aimed at helping students get essentials so they can focus on school. Appointments are limited to in-person Mitchell students and must be reserved online