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.
Opponents of the carbon capture pipeline are celebrating with caution after Governor Rhoden signed a bill removing eminent domain for CO2 pipelines. The fight over this issue has been ongoing for nearly four years, and Spink County landowner Ed Fischbach says it all began with one simple question.
DOGE sets its sights on South Dakota as the Department of Government Efficiency moves forward with a significant reduction in federal offices across the state. At least 13 offices are slated for closure, including key locations in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Watertown, Huron, Fort Thompson, Sisseton, and Yankton.
South Dakota farmers, including Stephanie Peterson, owner of Fruit of the Coop in Brandon, are facing uncertainty due to the freezing of USDA grant funds. Peterson was set to move forward with significant business plans after being approved for a $36,000 grant, but last week, the USDA notified her that the funds were frozen due to ongoing government spending cuts.
South Dakota farmers are facing uncertainty as they head into planting season due to the state’s dry winter. With below-average snowfall, concerns are growing about the potential impact on crops in the coming months. Brent Greenway, treasurer of the South Dakota Soybean Association, highlighted the challenges of starting spring with such dry conditions, noting that having a good moisture reserve is ideal for giving crops a strong start.
The South Dakota House Health and Human Services Committee voted on Tuesday to reject a complete repeal of the state’s medical marijuana program, instead approving more targeted changes to patient identification requirements.
South Dakota lawmakers have taken a significant step toward restricting lab-grown meat, with the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee passing two bills targeting the emerging food technology. House Bill 1109, which seeks to ban the sale and production of cell-cultured meat in the state, and House Bill 1118, which prohibits state funds from being used to research or promote lab-grown meat, both advanced with narrow votes. As federal agencies, such as the USDA and FDA, approve cell-cultured chicken products, critics argue that South Dakota is stepping in ahead of potential benefits, while others worry about food safety. This move positions South Dakota alongside states like Florida and Alabama in restricting the future of lab-grown meat products.
EAGAN, Minn., July 2, 2024 – (MITCHELLNOW) The top 5 finalists for the Dakotafest Woman […]