A 57-year-old Letcher man, James Winter, appeared in Davison County court Tuesday facing charges of second-degree rape and aggravated incest.
Roughly 250 residents attended a public forum in Mitchell to learn more about the proposed South Dakota state prison planned just south of town. Officials addressed rising land costs—now estimated at $35,000 per acre, totaling $5.6 million—and responded to concerns about inmate parole, local health care strain, and property values.
The South Dakota Department of Health is launching statewide vaccination clinics following the confirmation of two new measles cases, bringing the 2025 total to four. In response, officials are urging residents to check their immunization records and get the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine if needed.
Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that South Dakota has received nearly $2 million from Janssen Pharmaceuticals as part of a nationwide opioid settlement. The funds are part of a larger $5 billion agreement with Johnson & Johnson, Janssen’s parent company, aimed at addressing the opioid crisis.
U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell is joining advocates across South Dakota and the nation in recognizing June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Ramsdell is urging the public to stay alert for signs of elder fraud, abuse, and financial exploitation, which can strip seniors of their independence and well-being.
Dakota Wesleyan University Softball head coach Tommy Downs is stepping down after a successful three-year run to join the University of Sioux Falls. Downs led DWU to a 34-16 record and a GPAC Tournament quarterfinals win in the 2024-25 season—the team’s best performance since 2018.
Voters in Davison and Hanson counties have elected the first-ever board for the new Davison-Hanson Ambulance District, aimed at ensuring reliable EMS coverage for rural communities. The seven-member board includes Kyle Baker, John Millan, and Sara Jorgensen from Davison County; Don Huber, Heidi Berg, and Brian Leitheiser from Hanson County; and Jared Nesheim in the at-large seat.
Ellsworth Air Force Base is tightening security this week in response to global events, joining military installations across the country in boosting safety measures. Visitors can expect longer wait times and increased screening at the gate. While the 28th Bomb Wing says there’s no specific threat, the heightened precautions are a proactive step.
A sweeping federal bill sets aside $40 million to create a National Garden of American Heroes, and South Dakota leaders are pushing to bring it near Mount Rushmore. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” narrowly passed the House by one vote and includes plans to honor America’s 250th birthday with 250 statues of historic American figures.
Mitchell city leaders are grappling with how to keep local golf courses and sports fields green once Lake Mitchell is drawn down for dredging in 2026. Facilities like Lakeview Golf Course and Cadwell Sports Complex rely heavily on lake water for irrigation—up to 400,000 gallons per night.
