Travel South Dakota earned seven HSMAI Adrian Awards — including two “Best of Category” honors — in one of the world’s top travel marketing competitions. The agency was recognized from more than 800 entries for campaigns promoting everything from winter adventure to Sturgis and statewide arts and culture.
South Dakota’s overall criminal offenses fell 6.03% in 2025 compared with 2024, according to the state’s annual “Crime in South Dakota” report. Serious “Group A” crimes dropped nearly 8%, including fewer homicides.
The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.
The South Dakota House passed House Bill 1286, a measure requiring the governor to report to legislative committees on large Future Fund grants, adding new oversight for projects exceeding $1 million. The bill now moves to the Senate.
A proposed one-year moratorium on new or expanded “hyperscale” data centers in South Dakota failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee after a series of votes. Supporters said the pause would give counties, cities and utilities time to plan for large projects, while opponents argued local governments should decide.
Dakota Wesleyan University’s Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music will present two free midwinter concerts at 4 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 in the Sherman Center, with livestreams available online.
Mitchell’s Planning Commission will consider a conditional use permit for a childcare center on North Kimball Street, a setback variance for a West 8th Avenue addition, and a plan review for 505 N. Main St. The board will also review a new plat in Horseman’s Addition.
Mitchell city leaders are discussing whether to keep water and sewer utility rates unchanged beyond the already-approved 2025 increase, according to the Mitchell Republic. The city continues major water-supply planning while carrying more than $55 million in State Revolving Fund loan debt.
The Crime in South Dakota 2025 Report includes 64,261 criminal offenses in 2025 compared to 68,388 in 2024. Drug offenses decreased 6.25 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. There were 6,358 drug offenses in 2025 compared to 6,782 in 2024.
Mitchell police are investigating a late-night theft from two BankWest ATMs using a technique known as “jackpotting,” with an estimated $80,000 taken. The incidents happened late Friday, Feb. 13, into early Saturday, Feb. 14, and investigators are asking the public to report suspicious activity.