A South Dakota Legislature bill would require commercial driver license holders to demonstrate English proficiency and would allow officers to cite and place drivers out of service if they can’t respond to official inquiries in English. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Taffy Howard, has advanced in the House and could next head to Gov. Larry Rhoden.
A key South Dakota Senate vote on data center incentives failed this week after Sen. John Carley was absent during Tuesday’s floor session in Pierre. The incident renewed debate over lawmakers missing votes amid close margins and the possibility of tie-breaking action by Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen.
The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund held its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT.
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce will host a “Cracker Barrel” forum with District 20 legislators from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Dakota Wesleyan University. Community members can submit written questions to be read by a moderator during the discussion.
South Dakota legislators advanced multiple property tax relief proposals this week, including a plan tied to Gov. Larry Rhoden that would let counties adopt up to a half-cent sales tax to reduce some property taxes. House lawmakers also moved bills to increase property tax refunds for low-income elderly and disabled residents and to create a homeowner relief fund.
The Davison County Commission approved a retail on-sale liquor license for Legacy Pointe LLC, appointed Emergency Manager Jeff Bathke as the county’s designee for wildland fire suppression requests, and approved an out-of-county jail contract with Clay County. Commissioners also heard Davison Rural Water is considering a new water tower in three to five years to support growth outside Mitchell.
Davison and Douglas counties have enacted burn bans effective immediately due to dry, windy conditions and increased wildfire risk. Officials say all open burning is prohibited until further notice, and violations in Douglas County carry a $500 fine.
The South Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 175 on Thursday, approving a requirement that people provide proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote. The measure cleared the Senate 28-6 and now heads to the House.
