South Dakota lawmakers will convene in Pierre on September 23 for a special legislative session to decide on the future of a new state prison. The proposal calls for a $650 million, 1,500-bed men’s correctional facility in northeast Sioux Falls, following the collapse of earlier plans in Lincoln County.
BIG Update I joined the Peaceful Pines Senior Living Center in Huron to talk […]
A special legislative session on Sept. 23 will determine whether South Dakota moves forward with building a new 1,500-bed men’s prison in northeast Sioux Falls. Governor Larry Rhoden says the task force plan offers a better site at a lower cost after earlier proposals fell through.
The South Dakota Supreme Court is weighing discipline for Huron attorney Tucker Volesky over his handling of a ranch dispute case. Accused of filing frivolous lawsuits and making false claims about judges, Volesky faces a possible 30-day suspension, though his lawyer urged public censure instead.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol will hold sobriety checkpoints in 15 counties during September, including Minnehaha, Hutchinson, Jerauld, and Charles Mix, to deter impaired driving. The effort is supported by the Office of Highway Safety and local law enforcement.
Davison County’s Shawn Jerke and his son, Deputy Trestin Jerke, were honored for saving a couple and their dog from a burning trailer. Their quick action in April helped David and Alyssa Sweet escape before firefighters arrived.
Forbes has named Avera Health one of South Dakota’s best employers, based on nationwide worker surveys. Leaders credit the honor to a mission-driven culture of compassion, positivity, and team dedication.
South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden visited the State Fair in Huron, honoring Century Farms for over 100 years of family farming, saluting veterans, and attending the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash.
The Mitchell Main Street Business Improvement District (BID No. 3) is boosting support for storefront upgrades with its newly approved 2026 budget. The board has set aside $74,000 for exterior improvements, representing about 70% of the district’s funds. One $8,800 grant has already been awarded for brickwork and painting, with more applications expected in 2026.
South Dakota health officials are urging precautions as West Nile virus cases reach their highest level since 2018. So far this year, the state has confirmed 26 human cases and two deaths, driven by a wet summer and heavy mosquito activity. Positive mosquito pools have been reported in counties including Minnehaha, Brown, and Brookings.