South Dakota’s legislature recently passed several election-related bills, but one specific bill has drawn significant opposition from a political organization that argues it undermines the rule of the people.
A new partnership between the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council and Kwik Star is set to promote the benefits of ethanol-blended fuels, specifically Unleaded 88, across South Dakota. As Kwik Star expands its presence in the state, the collaboration aims to raise awareness about the advantages of using ethanol fuel.
While states like California often dominate headlines for urban wildfire disasters, a new federal government report says communities in South Dakota—especially those near wildlands—are increasingly vulnerable.
The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is commending Governor Rhoden for signing House Bill 10-22, which mandates the proper labeling of lab-grown meat products. The bill requires the terms “cell-cultured” or “lab-grown” to appear on the product label, ensuring transparency for consumers. Eric Jennings of the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association highlighted that this was a top priority during this year’s legislative session, as the association was concerned that consumers might unknowingly purchase lab-grown meat. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the South Dakota Legislature.
An unsettling event is unfolding again at Lake Byron, just north of Huron, where residents have been working to clean up thousands of dead snow geese washing up on shore. This marks the third consecutive year of this issue, but this time is by far the worst, with an estimated 20,000 birds already collected. The cause is believed to be a combination of the bird flu and a mild winter, which allowed the geese to remain in the area longer. Local authorities and residents are in the process of burying the dead birds on land owned by South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Don’t miss the annual Ag Day event this Saturday, happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. With over 30 vendors showcasing the best of Midwest agriculture, this free event celebrates the importance of agriculture in the region.
South Dakota’s ongoing dry winter continues to pose a significant wildfire risk across the state. Officials are warning that the combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds is creating the perfect environment for wildfires. Fire crews have been actively battling multiple fires, particularly in the western regions. State officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning to help prevent further fire outbreaks and protect the community.
Governor Rhoden has confirmed that a wildfire on the Cheyenne River Reservation is now under control. While some hotspots remain, they are contained by burned areas, minimizing further risk. The fire has scorched approximately 38,000 acres, which is roughly the size of Rapid City. Authorities continue to monitor the situation, ensuring that any remaining threats are addressed swiftly.
Officials in Yankton County are urging locals to exercise caution amid high fire danger due to dry conditions and strong winds. With little moisture and high winds, even a small spark could lead to an uncontrollable grass fire. Although the county is not yet issuing an official burn ban, as the area remains under a moderate grass fire index, residents are still advised to refrain from any open burning over the next few days to reduce the risk of fire.
New spring weight restrictions are now in effect across South Dakota’s roadways, from March 10th to 14th, as part of efforts to protect infrastructure. The South Dakota Department of Transportation and local agencies have implemented these restrictions to prevent damage caused by thawing and melting snow, which softens roadbeds and makes them more vulnerable to wear. A map of the updated restrictions is available on the South Dakota Truck Info website at SD-Truck-Info.sd.gov.