The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has postponed the launch of the upgraded SDVotes system to early 2027, citing requests from county auditors for more time to train staff and test the platform. Officials say the system is fully built and secure, with the delay focused solely on user readiness.
Christmas tree permits for the Black Hills National Forest are now available through Recreation.gov, offering families a convenient way to harvest their own holiday tree. Officials say the program also supports forest health by thinning overcrowded stands.
A Rapid City man has been sentenced to more than 24 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Federal prosecutors say the case involved high-speed chases, firearms, and drug trafficking across Rapid City and the Pine Ridge reservation.
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Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows the regional farm economy improving modestly last month, though it continues to sit in negative territory. Low commodity prices and rising costs remain major challenges for producers.
With SNAP benefits delayed during the recent government shutdown, Team Buche Cares and Farmers Union Industries have launched statewide efforts to support families facing food insecurity. The groups are distributing 10,000 pounds of pork loin and have already provided $300,000 in SNAP replacement certificates.
Two men from Florida are facing dozens of forgery charges in Codington County after law enforcement linked them to a multi-state credit card scam involving Walmart stores in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Authorities say a traffic stop led to the discovery of more than 300 credit cards and multiple skimming devices.
Preview: Warm daytime highs, chilly nights — a great weekend for outdoor plans in Mitchell, SD.
Sioux Falls Police Chief Jon Thum says buying radio equipment ahead of schedule could save the city $300,000. The City Council has approved the first reading of the proposal, with final consideration expected in early December.
Sioux Falls tax collections are showing early signs of recovery, though receipts remain below projected budget levels. City officials say sales tax growth is improving as construction activity continues to surge.
The South Dakota Department of Social Services will distribute the remaining November SNAP benefits to more than 37,000 eligible households following the end of the federal shutdown. Benefits are expected to be available on Tuesday.
