The Big Sioux River Corridor bike trail expansion near Lien Park is expected to be completed by November. The $2.7 million project adds a mile of trail, including the city’s first elevated boardwalk through the treetops.
The Mitchell City Council will meet Monday to consider a $50,000 retail study proposed by Alabama-based Retail Strategies, which helps cities attract new businesses using consumer shopping data. Mayor Jordan Hanson says a single business generating $2.5 million in sales could cover the study’s cost through city sales tax in its first year.
Mitchell city leaders are moving forward with plans for a second fire station, fully funding the $2.5 million project in the 2026 budget. The city council reversed a prior plan to spread costs over three years. Potential sites include the old water treatment plant or land near the airport. Fire Chief Shannon Sandoval says the department already has the necessary equipment and will add six new employees in 2026.
South Dakota wildlife officials are forecasting an exceptional pheasant hunting season in 2024, with harvests projected to reach 1.5 million birds, well above last year’s 1.3 million.
Central Electric Cooperative is now accepting Operation Round-Up grant applications from local organizations through Oct. 31. Nonprofits, schools, municipalities, and community groups can apply for up to $3,000 in funding for projects that benefit members in Aurora, Brule, Buffalo, Davison, Hanson, Jerauld, Miner, and Sanborn Counties.
More than 1,200 people joined the Out of the Darkness Walk in downtown Sioux Falls to support suicide prevention. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event has raised over $44,000 toward its $90,000 goal, offering hope and awareness for those affected.
Membership rates at the Mitchell Recreation Center and Indoor Aquatic Center will rise by 3% in 2026 following approval from the Parks and Recreation Board. Annual family memberships will increase to $811.75, youth to $351, and adult memberships to $540.75, with monthly auto-renew options going up by $1–$2.
Forbes has named Avera Health one of South Dakota’s best employers, based on nationwide worker surveys. Leaders credit the honor to a mission-driven culture of compassion, positivity, and team dedication.
Bret Michaels rocked the Corn Palace Festival Saturday night, drawing the largest crowd of the three-night concert series. Nearly 4,000 fans attended the festival, which also featured country star Justin Moore and Christian artist Micah Tyler. Michaels closed his show by teasing a return with a special guest in 2025. Organizers say ticket sales were close to last year’s totals, and this year marked the final festival with the current arena seating before renovations begin.
The South Dakota State Fair kicks off Wednesday in Huron, and organizers say the timing couldn’t be better. Heavy rains last week dumped more than two-and-a-half inches on already saturated fairgrounds, but conditions have since dried out.