Congressman Dusty Johnson is raising concerns about federal budget cuts to the National Weather Service, warning that reduced funding could jeopardize South Dakota’s ability to prepare for tornadoes, wildfires, and other severe weather events. In an interview with KELO Land News, Johnson emphasized the critical role of NOAA’s forecasting tools—like weather balloons—which have already been scaled back due to funding shortfalls.
Governor Larry Rhoden has officially proclaimed May as Wildfire Awareness Month in South Dakota, as drought conditions continue to elevate wildfire risks statewide. With the entire state currently classified as abnormally dry by the National Drought Monitor, residents are urged to take preventative measures—such as thinning trees, clearing dry brush, and storing firewood safely away from structures.
Opponents of the proposed carbon capture pipeline in Lake County, South Dakota, are weighing their next steps after the County Commission rejected petitions for a public vote on pipeline-related ordinances.
Sioux Falls Police are investigating a shooting after a man arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound Monday evening. The incident is believed to have occurred around 7 p.m. at an apartment complex near 57th Street and Greystone on the city’s south side.
South Dakota will forfeit nearly $10 million in FEMA funding after Governor Kristi Noem withdrew the state from the federal Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, calling it “wasteful” and “ineffective.” The program was designed to help local communities strengthen infrastructure and prepare for future disasters.
South Dakota clean water funding
SD Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources
water infrastructure grants South Dakota
wastewater system improvements
stormwater upgrades
drinking water projects South Dakota
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe water system
Mitchell SD water improvements
Box Elder infrastructure funding
Board of Water and Natural Resources meeting
clean water project approval Pierre SD
South Dakota has improved its national standing in average teacher pay, moving up from 49th to 46th place, according to the National Education Association’s 2023–24 report.
Governor Rhoden has officially proclaimed May as “Archaeology and Historic Preservation Month” in South Dakota, encouraging residents to celebrate the state’s rich heritage and cultural legacy
Opponents of the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline scored another win as the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission voted 2-1 to deny the company’s request to delay its application.
“South Dakota is joining a major USDA Forest Service hiring initiative aimed at bolstering wildfire preparedness in the Rocky Mountain Region. The agency plans to hire approximately 1,100 permanent firefighters and support staff, including forestry technician roles for wildland fire management in the Black Hills.