A fast-moving grass fire erupted northeast of Mitchell Regional Airport on Wednesday, drawing a multi-departmental response from Mitchell, Ethan, and Letcher fire crews. Driven by high winds and warm weather, the blaze spanned nearly a mile and scorched multiple fields before being contained with the help of a local farmer creating firebreaks.
A Day of Action food drive will take place Saturday, April 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Van Eps Park in Sioux Falls, supporting Feeding South Dakota and local hunger relief efforts.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission is delaying its decision on Summit Carbon Solutions’ permit to build a carbon pipeline. During a Thursday meeting, commissioners debated whether to extend the application timeline or deny it entirely.
Wildfire risk is on the rise across South Dakota as windy weather, dry conditions, and above-normal temperatures create a dangerous mix. Most of the state is experiencing moderate to severe drought, with extreme drought reported in the southwest, according to the latest drought map.
South Dakota FFA members packed over 55,000 meals during “Living to Serve Day” at the state FFA convention in Brookings on April 3rd. In partnership with Meals of Hope, the meals were donated to Feeding South Dakota and Feeding Brookings to combat food insecurity.
A state climatologist is cautiously optimistic about South Dakota’s drought conditions as summer approaches. Laura Edwards, with SDSU Extension, highlighted that recent rain and snow have come at a crucial time, allowing the soil to absorb moisture and retain it as the snow melts.
Governor Rhoden continued his “Open for Opportunity” tour on Thursday, visiting Sioux Falls to engage with POET Biofuels, the world’s largest producer of biofuels and a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
A local developer, Justin Thiesse, is facing challenges in building a $20 million senior living facility north of Lake Mitchell due to a lack of financial support from the Mitchell Area Development Corporation (MADC). Thiesse needs sewer infrastructure to move forward with the project, which is set to include a senior living center, apartments, a gas station, and other amenities, creating around 50 new jobs in Mitchell.
Governor Larry Rhoden is taking swift action to support firefighting efforts across South Dakota. On Friday, he issued an executive order enabling South Dakota National Guard resources, including Black Hawk helicopters, to assist in wildland firefighting efforts.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has approved nearly $140 million in funding for clean water projects across the state. This investment, which includes grants and low-interest loans, will support drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects in various communities, including Aberdeen, Bison, Box Elder, Dell Rapids, Huron, and Mitchell.