Sobering news for South Dakota drivers this Thanksgiving

By Mitchell Now November 21, 2023 7:17 am

With the Thanksgiving holiday comes a pair of sobering statistics for South Dakota.

South Dakota News Watch reports that the state ranks first in percentage of fatal car accidents involving drunk drivers during the holiday, that according to the Jerry AllCar App. During recent Thanksgiving reporting periods, which begin at 6 PM on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and last until 6 AM on Monday, the state saw an average of .79 drunk driving fatalities per 100,000 people, or 57 percent of the total fatal crashes involving drunk drivers. North Dakota and South Carolina followed South Dakota.

Also, a Forbes survey from last year found that 52 percent of South Dakota drivers have seen someone they know drive drunk after a holiday party. That too is the highest in the nation.

Lifestyle

2 days ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks

South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.

Government

2 days ago

AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.

Crime

2 days ago

Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.

Government

2 days ago

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan

South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.

Government

2 days ago

Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times

Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.