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.
Dakota Wesleyan University will host its annual Christmas at Dakota Wesleyan concert on Dec. 12 at the Sherman Center, featuring performances from multiple university ensembles. The community event offers a full evening of seasonal music with limited seating available.
The Mitchell Kernels will have day two action today at the State Tournament, DWU Volleyball begins National Tournament play, Upcoming Tiger events, NFL and Timberwolves NBA Cup action.
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.
The Davison County Regional Railroad Authority has received approval for an additional $5.7 million in low-interest loan funding to complete major rail infrastructure at High Plains Processing south of Mitchell. The investment strengthens one of South Dakota’s largest value-added agriculture projects and expands rail capacity for regional producers.
Excerpt:
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.
South Dakota leaders are recognizing National Rural Health Day, highlighting the state’s rural and frontier communities and honoring Jones County Ambulance Service as the 2025 Community Star. The observance underscores ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare access across rural South Dakota.