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.
Thousands of pounds of ground coffee have been recalled due to a labeling error, affecting hundreds of 12-ounce bags of Our Family Traverse City Cherry Decaf Light Roast Ground Coffee. The recall was initiated by the FDA on March 13th, 2025, after the product, which was mislabeled as decaffeinated, was found to contain caffeine.
Freeman museum debuting new exhibits
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.