AG Jackley Pushes for Cheaper Prison Plan, Says Time to Act Is Now

South Dakota’s Prison Reset Task Force is racing against time with only two meetings left before making critical recommendations on prison overcrowding. The group must decide what type of facility to build and where. Attorney General Marty Jackley suggests a 1,500–1,700 bed prison could be constructed for significantly less than current estimates, possibly using existing state-owned sites.

By Christal Blue May 29, 2025 11:27 am

South Dakota Freedom Caucus opposition Sioux Falls new men’s penitentiary $650 million prison project South Dakota South Dakota legislature special session Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen prison task force Governor Rhoden prison plan South Dakota prison construction debate Freedom Caucus prison funding concerns South Dakota penitentiary cost cap Sioux Falls prison project vote — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Time is running short for the Governor’s Project Prison Reset Task force to come up with answers. The Task Force will only meet two more times before being asked to make a recommendation on what and where to build a facility to ease overcrowding in the prison system. Attorney General Marty Jackley says the state could build a 15-hundred to 17-hundred bed facility for far less than what’s been discussed. And, he believes the state may already have the locations it needs. (:14) The task force will meet again next week, with final recommendations for the full legislature to consider in a July special legislative session.

Lifestyle

3 hours 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.

Government

3 hours 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.

Crime

3 hours 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.

Government

3 hours 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.

Government

3 hours 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.