At the “Stand with Farmers” event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota producers and advocates called for urgent federal action on agriculture. Speakers voiced concern over delays to the farm bill, USDA funding freezes, and harmful tariffs.
In response to newly confirmed measles cases, the South Dakota Department of Health has launched statewide vaccination clinics offering the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
South Dakota’s updated “Move Over” law takes effect July 1, expanding safety requirements for drivers. The new law mandates that motorists move over for any stopped vehicle with flashing amber, yellow, or blue lights — not just emergency vehicles.
South Dakota’s economy is showing unexpected strength, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index — the highest in two years despite ongoing tariff impacts on farm exports. Economist Dr. Ernie Goss credits regional resilience.
The Davison County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. at the North Offices Building in Mitchell to discuss budget requests from local agencies, review gravel bids, set a bridge replacement bid date, and address jail conditions.
Worthing residents are pushing back after their town landed on the shortlist for South Dakota’s new men’s prison site. At a public forum Thursday night, locals raised serious concerns about infrastructure, public safety, and a lack of government transparency.
A proposed indoor sports complex in Mitchell is gaining traction, with City Council member Mike Bathke unveiling preliminary plans for a 116,000-square-foot facility. Estimated to cost around $20 million, the complex would offer year-round space for soccer, tennis, pickleball, football, and other sports. Bathke emphasized a cost-effective, expandable design aimed at promoting youth wellness during winter months.
The Mitchell Board of Education will vote tonight on final approval of the 2025-26 school district budget, including a proposed $24.6 million general fund. The public meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy, will also cover tax levy requests, meal prices for the upcoming school year, and key personnel decisions such as hiring special education staff.
Authorities have recovered the body of Juan Carlos Oballe Ixquiactap, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls man who drowned in the James River near Mitchell. He was swept away by a strong current Friday afternoon, prompting an extensive search involving drones, sonar-equipped boats, and ground crews.
The regional economy just got a boost, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index, which hit its highest level in two years—an unexpected positive sign. Despite low grain prices and concerns from community bankers that many farm operations may face losses in 2025, economist Dr. Ernie Goss points to continued strength in farm loan repayment rates and low delinquency levels, signaling cautious optimism in the rural Midwest economy.