Governor Larry Rhoden has assured South Dakotans that his use of state-issued credit cards will not reflect the spending habits of former Governor Kristi Noem. This statement comes in the wake of Noem’s credit card records, which were made public following her resignation to join President Trump’s cabinet. The records revealed over $600,000 in charges for luxury hotels, car rentals, and high-end meals.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved the South Deuel Wind project, granting a construction permit for the wind energy facility. The project, which was approved on Friday, will include approximately 70 wind turbines spread across 30,000 acres.
Spring weight restrictions are returning to South Dakota’s roadways to protect infrastructure during the thawing season. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD-DOT) and local agencies will implement these restrictions this week to prevent road damage caused by saturated ground from melting snow and thawing temperatures.
A high-speed chase ended in a crash on the night of February 27th, 2025, when a driver, Steven Rath of Mitchell, led authorities on a pursuit after speeding at 115 mph on Highway 37 north of Mitchell. The chase, which started around 10:45 PM, quickly escalated as Rath ignored law enforcement’s attempts to stop him.
Mitchell The Kernel basketball teams will host the SoDak 16 games at home this […]
If Governor Rhoden approves, local law enforcement will gain stronger tools to combat the growing problem of street racing in South Dakota. The South Dakota House has passed a bill aimed at increasing penalties for street racing, a measure introduced by law enforcement officials in Sioux Falls in response to the rising issue.
A high-risk offender, Dillon Harrington, who was released from prison last week, is already back in custody. Just hours after his release early Thursday morning, Harrington was booked into the Minnehaha County Jail as a “Fugitive of Justice.” He is wanted in Lyon County, Iowa, for Obstructing Prosecution or Defense. Harrington, a 30-year-old convicted sex offender, had just completed a drug sentence in Beadle County and was reportedly planning to live in Wolsey upon release. Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko had previously warned of Harrington’s high risk to reoffend, based on his criminal history and institutional assessments, making his release a matter of significant concern.
Madison High School is taking proactive steps to ensure student safety at this year’s prom by implementing breathalyzer tests. Principal Adam Shaw explains that the initiative, approved by the School Board, aims to reduce the likelihood of students drinking during the event.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety checkpoints across 15 counties throughout March in an effort to combat impaired driving. These checkpoints, coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, will take place in counties including Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, Pennington, and more.
The South Dakota Transportation Commission is making a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure by awarding 17 Bridge Improvement Grants for preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. Among the recipients are the city of Sioux Falls and several counties, including Aurora, Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, and Pennington. At a recent meeting in Pierre, approximately $80 million was approved for these critical bridge projects, ensuring safer travel and the continued maintenance of vital transportation routes across South Dakota.