A hiker made a disturbing discovery in Pennington County on Tuesday afternoon, finding a badly decomposed body south of Hill City around 1:00 p.m. Deputies responded to the scene, and officials are now working with local, state, and federal agencies to review missing persons cases in the area. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Rapid City Police Department, is investigating the victim’s identity and cause of death. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover more details surrounding the case.
A former South Dakota state employee accused of stealing nearly two million dollars is officially headed to trial. The case has drawn significant attention due to the large sum involved and the role Carroll held within the state agency.
Attorney General Marty Jackley is commending the House Judiciary Committee for approving two key anti-human trafficking bills. SB-58 focuses on revising provisions related to human trafficking, while SB-59 addresses the delivery and possession of unauthorized articles in state correctional facilities.
Governor Larry Rhoden has assured South Dakotans that his use of state-issued credit cards will not reflect the spending habits of former Governor Kristi Noem. This statement comes in the wake of Noem’s credit card records, which were made public following her resignation to join President Trump’s cabinet. The records revealed over $600,000 in charges for luxury hotels, car rentals, and high-end meals.
A high-speed chase ended in a crash on the night of February 27th, 2025, when a driver, Steven Rath of Mitchell, led authorities on a pursuit after speeding at 115 mph on Highway 37 north of Mitchell. The chase, which started around 10:45 PM, quickly escalated as Rath ignored law enforcement’s attempts to stop him.
If Governor Rhoden approves, local law enforcement will gain stronger tools to combat the growing problem of street racing in South Dakota. The South Dakota House has passed a bill aimed at increasing penalties for street racing, a measure introduced by law enforcement officials in Sioux Falls in response to the rising issue.
A high-risk offender, Dillon Harrington, who was released from prison last week, is already back in custody. Just hours after his release early Thursday morning, Harrington was booked into the Minnehaha County Jail as a “Fugitive of Justice.” He is wanted in Lyon County, Iowa, for Obstructing Prosecution or Defense. Harrington, a 30-year-old convicted sex offender, had just completed a drug sentence in Beadle County and was reportedly planning to live in Wolsey upon release. Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko had previously warned of Harrington’s high risk to reoffend, based on his criminal history and institutional assessments, making his release a matter of significant concern.
Officials are sending out a warning about a high-risk offender who will be released from prison this week. The State DOC says Dillon Harrington is set to be released today and plans to live in the town of Wolsey.
Funds for South Dakota’s new men’s prison ends in defeat, another measure is advancing in the Legislature that would create an Incarceration Task Force.
Lawmakers will reconsider measure after one vote margin on Monday