South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is urging caution after black bear sightings were confirmed last week near Pelican Lake, just southwest of Watertown. Officials advise residents to keep pets supervised, ensure children are aware, and avoid approaching bears. To prevent attracting wildlife, secure garbage, bird seed, and other outdoor food sources. While such sightings are uncommon, officials expect bear activity to decrease as summer temperatures rise.
Worthing residents are pushing back after their town landed on the shortlist for South Dakota’s new men’s prison site. At a public forum Thursday night, locals raised serious concerns about infrastructure, public safety, and a lack of government transparency.
A proposed indoor sports complex in Mitchell is gaining traction, with City Council member Mike Bathke unveiling preliminary plans for a 116,000-square-foot facility. Estimated to cost around $20 million, the complex would offer year-round space for soccer, tennis, pickleball, football, and other sports. Bathke emphasized a cost-effective, expandable design aimed at promoting youth wellness during winter months.
The Mitchell Board of Education will vote tonight on final approval of the 2025-26 school district budget, including a proposed $24.6 million general fund. The public meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy, will also cover tax levy requests, meal prices for the upcoming school year, and key personnel decisions such as hiring special education staff.
Authorities have recovered the body of Juan Carlos Oballe Ixquiactap, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls man who drowned in the James River near Mitchell. He was swept away by a strong current Friday afternoon, prompting an extensive search involving drones, sonar-equipped boats, and ground crews.
The regional economy just got a boost, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index, which hit its highest level in two years—an unexpected positive sign. Despite low grain prices and concerns from community bankers that many farm operations may face losses in 2025, economist Dr. Ernie Goss points to continued strength in farm loan repayment rates and low delinquency levels, signaling cautious optimism in the rural Midwest economy.
As temperatures soar into the 90s across South Dakota this weekend, health officials urge residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses. Dr. Kenji Hamanaka of Sanford Health advises staying hydrated, seeking shade or air conditioning, and limiting outdoor activities—especially for vulnerable groups like children, seniors, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Local and state leaders officially broke ground Tuesday on the $110 million Randall Regional Waterline Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening water service across southeastern South Dakota.
Sioux Falls police arrested Timothy Farmer on Wednesday morning following a home invasion and armed robbery near South Riverdale Road. Authorities say Farmer entered the home through an unlocked door around 6:40 a.m., pointed a gun at the residents, and demanded car keys and phones before fleeing in their vehicle.
South Dakota’s Governor’s Office of Economic Development has once again earned national recognition, receiving the Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine for the third consecutive year.
