The Davison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in the North Offices Building in Mitchell. The agenda includes a Legacy Pointe liquor license hearing, a Davison Rural Water land discussion and a fairgrounds storage addition proposal.
Drought conditions are worsening across South Dakota, with moderate drought now showing up in parts of the southeast and southwest, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor update. About 29% of the state is rated abnormally dry, with 18.6% in moderate drought.
New unemployment insurance claims in South Dakota ticked up to 273 for the week ending Feb. 7, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nationally, seasonally adjusted initial claims dipped to 227,000.
South Dakota senators approved a proposed constitutional amendment to allow statewide mobile sports betting routed through Deadwood-licensed casinos. Senate Joint Resolution 504 now heads to the South Dakota House.
Freeman Academy, a private Christian school in Freeman, will close at the end of the 2025-26 school year after a corporation vote. Leaders cited declining enrollment, ongoing deficits and long-term sustainability concerns.
Gov. Larry Rhoden signs legislation in Pierre. Rhoden has signed three bills supporting South Dakota outdoor recreation and public spaces, including funding for the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery, a transfer of the Hydro Electric Plant No. 2 site in Spearfish Canyon, and continued improvements at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.
South Dakota’s influenza death toll has climbed to 14 this season, including four new deaths reported in the past week. The state Health Department also reported 45 new flu-related hospitalizations and said flu activity remains moderate but geographically widespread.
In observance of Presidents Day on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, Mitchell garbage collection will begin at 7 a.m. and finish by noon, and the Mitchell Regional Landfill will close at noon. Recycling will follow the regular city schedule.
New South Dakota Department of Education enrollment data show “alternative instruction” — which includes homeschooling and some hybrid or microschool options — increased by nearly 950 students this school year, while public and private school enrollment declined slightly.
The South Dakota House voted down House Bill 1116, which sought to prohibit ads for abortion, alcohol, drugs, gambling, gender transition treatments and nicotine products during children’s programming on video streaming services. Lawmakers cited concerns about vague language and potential First Amendment issues.