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Lifestyle
1 day ago
U.S. Senate candidate to hold forum at DWU

MITCHELL – The McGovern Center at Dakota Wesleyan University will host U.S. Senate candidate […]

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Government
1 day ago
South Dakota Commission on Gaming Issues Reminder: Private Possession of Slot Machines is Illegal

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming warns that private ownership or possession of slot machines is illegal under state law. Following an increase in online sales advertisements, seven unlicensed machines were seized and ordered destroyed. Under SDCL 22-25-13, unapproved slot machines are classified as illegal contraband, carrying Class 1 misdemeanor penalties, fines, and forfeiture.

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Government
1 day ago
Sioux Falls Nonprofit Leader to Speak at National Trail of Truth on the National Mall

Angela Kennecke, founder of Sioux Falls nonprofit Emily’s Hope and host of the Grieving Out Loud podcast, will speak at the National Trail of Truth in Washington, D.C., on September 27, 2025.

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Government
1 day ago
Corn Palace Seat Installation on Track for October Events

Crews are making steady progress on a $374,000 seat installation project at the Corn Palace in Mitchell. About one-third of the new chairs are installed, each bolted together by hand.

University of South Dakota professor lawsuit Michael Hook USD free speech protection case Facebook post controversy Charlie Kirk Facebook post USD Board of Regents lawsuit professor placed on leave South Dakota federal judge restraining order academic freedom South Dakota October 8 court hearing USD
Lifestyle
1 day ago
Judge Reinstates USD Professor Amid Free Speech Lawsuit

University of South Dakota professor Michael Hook has returned to the classroom after a federal judge granted a temporary restraining order. Hook sued USD and the Board of Regents, arguing he was unfairly placed on leave over a Facebook post about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which he says is protected free speech.

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Lifestyle
1 day ago
Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund Among Nominees for Spirit of Dakota Award

Mitchell’s Deanell Backlund has been named one of 14 nominees for the prestigious Spirit of Dakota Award, South Dakota’s top honor recognizing women for leadership, achievement, and community impact. The 39th annual award will be presented October 4 at the Huron Event Center, with the evening featuring an art show, social, banquet, and the award presentation.

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Government
1 day ago
AG Links Prison Deaths to Illegal Products

Attorney General Marty Jackley says recent South Dakota Penitentiary inmate deaths may be linked to the same illegal products uncovered in a statewide smoke shop sting. Officials confirm 57-year-old inmate Keith McLain died earlier this week of an apparent suicide while serving a second-degree rape sentence from Minnehaha County.

South Dakota smoke shop sting illegal drug sales South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Division of Criminal Investigation South Dakota Sioux Falls smoke shop indictments dangerous intoxicants marketed to minors statewide law enforcement operation South Dakota crime news smoke shop owners indicted illegal products investigation
Government
1 day ago
South Dakota Smoke Shops Fail Drug Sting, Owners Indicted

A statewide sting operation found every South Dakota smoke shop checked was selling illegal drugs, leading to multiple indictments. Attorney General Marty Jackley says the dangerous products, in some cases marketed to minors, pose a serious risk to communities. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and local law enforcement assisted in the operation, with two Sioux Falls shop owners among those facing charges.

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