Operation Round-Up® Grant Deadline Oct. 31

Central Electric Cooperative is now accepting Operation Round-Up grant applications from local organizations through Oct. 31. Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community groups can apply for up to $3,000 in funding for projects that benefit members in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner, and Sanborn Counties.

By Tara Miller September 16, 2025 2:47 pm

Central Electric Cooperative Operation Round-Up grants grant applications due Oct. 31 South Dakota nonprofit funding Aurora County community grants Brule County Operation Round-Up Davison County community support Hanson County grant opportunities Jerauld County funding Miner County local projects Sanborn County community funding cooperative member support $3,000 community grants nonprofit and school funding rural community development South Dakota — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Central Electric Cooperative is accepting Operation Round-Up grant applications from local organizations until Oct. 31. Through Operation Round-Up, groups can request up to $3,000 for projects that benefit cooperative members and their communities. Operation Round-Up is a voluntary program in which Central Electric members round up their monthly electric bill to the next whole dollar. Those extra cents, along with contributions from cooperative employees and board members, are pooled together to fund local projects. Funds are awarded twice a year by a volunteer board of trustees representing Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner and Sanborn Counties. Since the program launched in 2015, more than $230,000 has been raised for local projects. In recent years, grants have supported nutrition programs, emergency services, park improvements, building upgrades and educational initiatives. Grant recipients have included non-profit groups, community clubs, cemetery associations, ambulance services, fire departments, schools and municipalities. Applicants are not required to be Central Electric members, but eligible projects should benefit the cooperative’s service area. Funding guidelines and a fillable application are available online at www.centralec.coop/operation-round-up or by calling 1-800-477-2892.

Government

4 hours ago

Gov. Rhoden Pushes for Stronger Drone Protections

Governor Larry Rhoden is joining 30 governors urging Congress to address rising drone threats. In a letter to lawmakers, they warn drones are increasingly misused for spying, stalking, and potential attacks.

Government

4 hours ago

Hundreds Turn Out for Suicide Awareness Walk in Sioux Falls

More than 1,200 people joined the Out of the Darkness Walk in downtown Sioux Falls to support suicide prevention. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event has raised over $44,000 toward its $90,000 goal, offering hope and awareness for those affected.

Government

4 hours ago

Proposed DSS Rule Raises Alarms Over Child Therapy Funding

LifeScape is warning that a proposed South Dakota Department of Social Services rule could cut its Medicaid funding by $10 million annually. The nonprofit says the 80% reduction threatens therapy services for more than 3,300 children and families who rely on its specialized care.

Lifestyle

3 hours ago

Name Released in Fatal Pedestrian Crash Near Irene

Authorities have identified 67-year-old Timothy Nelson as the victim of a fatal car-versus-pedestrian crash west of Irene. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says Nelson was struck by an eastbound Tesla while walking in the roadway and later died at the hospital. No charges are pending.

Weather

2 hours ago

NWS Confirms Two Tornadoes in South Dakota: EF-1 Twister Near Mobridge Causes Farm Damage

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in South Dakota on Sunday. The stronger twister southeast of Mobridge damaged a grain silo, tipped a semi trailer, and destroyed a farm outbuilding near Highway 12.