South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has joined fellow America First Governors in backing President Trump’s National Farm Security Action Plan, aimed at addressing the growing concern over foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land.
In response to public feedback, the Corn Palace Entertainment Board has voted to lower alcohol prices for the 2025 Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell, South Dakota. Announced during Tuesday’s meeting, the new pricing includes $6 beers, $7 seltzers, and $9 mixed drinks, with discounted six-packs also available.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is looking into an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday afternoon in Sioux Falls. Authorities say police were attempting to arrest Deondre Blackhawk on burglary, drug, and aggravated assault charges when he allegedly opened fire on officers
Sioux Falls is likely to remain the home of South Dakota’s men’s state penitentiary, as the Project Prison Reset Task Force recommends building a new 1,500-bed state prison in northeast Sioux Falls.
Plans to dredge Lake Mitchell are progressing, with construction expected to begin in 2026. Barr Engineering updated the Mitchell City Council on the project Monday, detailing a phased approach starting with a lake drawdown this fall, followed by dredging and spillway reconstruction.
Mitchell is no longer in the running for South Dakota’s next men’s prison. The state’s Prison Project Reset Task Force voted Tuesday to remove the city from consideration, citing strong public opposition and workforce concerns.
The South Dakota Department of Health is marking 25 years of Bright Start, a home visiting program that has supported over 5,000 families since its 1999 launch. Bright Start connects pregnant women with registered nurses who provide in-home education, resources, and support through the child’s second birthday.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning the public to be on alert for disaster relief scams following the recent flash floods in Texas. Jackley says scammers often take advantage of natural disasters to trick well-meaning donors.
U.S. Highway 14-A in Spearfish Canyon has reopened after a weekend rockslide forced a temporary closure near Savoy. The South Dakota Department of Transportation warns drivers to expect rough road conditions and reduced speed limits while crews continue cleanup and blasting work.
The Pine Ridge Reservation remains under a state of emergency as the Oglala Sioux Tribe continues to face severe public safety challenges. Tribal President Frank Star Comes Out says little progress has been made since his December plea for more law enforcement, drug enforcement, and jail space.