Mitchell High School has announced that the first day of school will be Wednesday, August 20. Registration Day is scheduled for Wednesday, July 30, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
The Mitchell Board of Education will hold a special meeting today at 5:30 p.m. to consider a new roof for Gertie Belle Rogers Elementary and declare several district items as surplus. Superintendent Joe Childs is recommending the lowest of nine bids for the full roof replacement. The current roof is in poor condition, according to district officials. The board will also review a long list of items for surplus, including kitchen equipment, student desks, gym bleachers, exercise machines, and even the “Home of the Kernels” sign from the former high school. The public meeting will be held at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Center.
The Sioux Falls City Council has unanimously approved a $113,000 plan to demolish a deteriorating, state-owned building on East 10th Street, citing safety concerns and frequent police calls. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett acknowledged earlier miscommunication over redevelopment plans, but emphasized the urgency due to over 20 reported incidents—mostly break-ins—since May.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined 24 other attorneys general at the White House for the signing of a new federal law targeting Fentanyl copycats.
Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows modest economic growth in the region for a second straight month. The survey, which gathers input from small-town bankers, highlights growing concerns over weak commodity prices.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says the city is undergoing a “major recalibration” of its budget due to statewide property tax relief measures passed earlier this year.
The Sioux Falls City Council is moving toward a five-year extension of its ambulance services contract with Patient Care EMS (PCEMS). During a recent meeting, PCEMS earned praise from residents for its emergency response, despite earlier concerns about the lack of competitive bidding.
A South Dakota legislative study committee is investigating the causes of prison overcrowding, with a focus on sentencing practices and rehabilitation. Officials, including Pennington County State’s Attorney Laura Roetzel, note that sentencing reflects public attitudes.
Mitchell, South Dakota, hosted its first-ever stop in the Nation of Patriots’ annual flag relay, a 115-day, 50-state motorcycle journey that raises funds for disabled American veterans. At the Corn Palace Plaza, the American flag was ceremonially passed by members of the Vietnam Vet Legacy Vet Motorcycle Club, marking a powerful moment in the nationwide effort. The South Dakota chapter of the nonprofit helps veterans in financial crisis, covering essentials like housing and utility bills—with 100% of donations going directly to support.
South Dakota lawmakers are launching a bold initiative to cut the state’s recidivism rate in half, aiming to reduce it from 40% to 20%. A new legislative committee will explore solutions such as expanding addiction treatment, enhancing re-entry programs, and addressing the disproportionate incarceration of Native Americans, who represent 9% of the state’s population but 40% of its prison population.