All six of Attorney General Marty Jackley’s legislative bills officially take effect today in South Dakota, marking a significant push for government accountability and public safety. The new laws target human trafficking, prison security, and fiscal transparency. Key measures include harsher penalties for obstructing trafficking investigations, tighter contraband regulations in correctional facilities, expanded authority for the State Auditor, and stronger protections for whistleblowers reporting government misconduct.
The Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force faced a high-risk arrest late last week when a suspect who had previously threatened law enforcement pulled a gun during a confrontation. The task force—comprised of members from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, and South Dakota Highway Patrol—responded swiftly, with a sheriff’s deputy firing and striking the armed man.
Thousands are expected to gather in downtown Mitchell for the annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party, returning to Main Street on Thursday, July 31. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and features live music from Weston Frank and Shelby Lee Lowe, plus thrilling stunt shows by Dialed Action Moto Trials.
South Dakota lawmakers are actively addressing the critical shortage of emergency medical services (EMS) in rural communities. With nearly two-thirds of the state’s ambulance services depending on volunteer or part-time crews, many small towns face increasing challenges in providing timely emergency care.
Main Street Mitchell will once again come alive on Thursday, July 31, 2025, as the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party kicks off the rally season with an evening of live entertainment, motorcycles, and community pride. The event begins at 5:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has approved nearly $16 million in funding for vital drinking water and wastewater improvement projects statewide. The low-interest loans will support critical infrastructure upgrades in multiple communities, enhancing access to safe drinking water and improving wastewater treatment systems.
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce is launching CO.STARTERS Core, a ten-week entrepreneurial training program starting this September. Designed to help local business owners and startups turn ideas into actionable plans, the hands-on course offers peer support, mentorship, and guidance on refining business models.
The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is reminding businesses about a fee increase taking effect July 1st. As part of new legislation passed earlier this year, filing fees for Annual Reports and Amended Annual Reports will rise by $5.
A grain train derailment near White Lake in May was caused by thermal misalignment—also known as a sun kink—according to officials with Ringneck and Western Railroad. Rapid temperature swings, jumping from the 40s to over 80 degrees, caused the steel rails to buckle.
South Dakota’s Project Prison Reset task force is eyeing two promising locations for a new state men’s prison—one near Box Elder and another in northeast Sioux Falls. The Box Elder site lies along Highway 14-16 near I-90, while the Sioux Falls option spans 137 acres between North Bahnson Avenue and I-229. State Senator Jamie Smith says the Sioux Falls site “checks a lot of boxes.”