BNSF train derailment South Dakota train derailment Kaylor South Dakota news Hutchinson County train accident Burlington Northern Santa Fe derailment grain train derailment BNSF freight train South Dakota train accident cleanup railroad news South Dakota no injuries reported train derailment train derailment investigation emergency response Hutchinson County
Government
4 months ago
Heat Caused May Grain Train Derailment Near White Lake

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.

Dakota Protein Solutions odor complaints Freeman South Dakota plant smell animal waste recycling plant South Dakota industrial odor issues “dead flesh” smell Freeman SD Dakota Protein Solutions state loan $2.5 million state loan South Dakota OSHA investigation Dakota Protein Solutions odor control technology failure Freeman South Dakota residents fuel and feed processing plant South Dakota environmental concerns industrial impact on rural communities plant ventilation issues city water use by industrial facilities
Lifestyle
5 months ago
Odor Complaints Continue at Freeman Rendering Plant

Nearly a year after opening, the Dakota Protein Solutions plant near Freeman continues to draw complaints from residents over an “unbearable” odor. Neighbors describe the smell as “dead flesh,” saying promised odor-control measures have yet to deliver results.

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Farm
5 months ago
“Stand with Farmers” Event Calls For Federal Support In SD Agriculture

At the “Stand with Farmers” event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota producers and advocates called for urgent federal action on agriculture. Speakers voiced concern over delays to the farm bill, USDA funding freezes, and harmful tariffs.

John Thune farm bill South Dakota farm legislation overdue farm bill 2025 Dakotafest Mitchell ag policy John Thune agriculture priorities U.S. farm bill Congress farm bill budget framework John Thune South Dakota farmers farm bill Senate votes agricultural policy South Dakota John Thune Washington priorities
Farm
5 months ago
Rural Economy Sees Unexpected Strength in New Survey

The regional economy just got a boost, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index, which hit its highest level in two years—an unexpected positive sign. Despite low grain prices and concerns from community bankers that many farm operations may face losses in 2025, economist Dr. Ernie Goss points to continued strength in farm loan repayment rates and low delinquency levels, signaling cautious optimism in the rural Midwest economy.

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Government
5 months ago
South Dakota Bidding For National Heroes Garden As Plan Moves Forward

A sweeping federal bill sets aside $40 million to create a National Garden of American Heroes, and South Dakota leaders are pushing to bring it near Mount Rushmore. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” narrowly passed the House by one vote and includes plans to honor America’s 250th birthday with 250 statues of historic American figures.

John Thune farm bill South Dakota farm legislation overdue farm bill 2025 Dakotafest Mitchell ag policy John Thune agriculture priorities U.S. farm bill Congress farm bill budget framework John Thune South Dakota farmers farm bill Senate votes agricultural policy South Dakota John Thune Washington priorities
Farm
5 months ago
Rounds Asks Agriculture Secretary to Promote Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent a letter to U.S. Secretary […]

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Farm
5 months ago
Salem Council Weighs Proposal to Allow Backyard Chickens

The Salem City Council is once again weighing the possibility of allowing backyard chickens. A resident presented a proposal at this week’s meeting outlining strict rules—permits, a six-hen cap, no roosters, and neighbor approval.

Farm
6 months ago
Dakotafest Seeks Nominations for the 2025 Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award

EAGAN, MN (MITCHELLNOW) – IDEAg Group LLC., producers of Dakotafest, seeks nominations for the sixth-annual […]

South Dakota Drought Monitor update South Dakota counties out of drought drought conditions improve in SD D-3 extreme drought Fall River Oglala Lakota drought conditions South Dakota weather outlook rainfall impact on drought SD Davison and Hanson drought status drought relief South Dakota 2025 weekly drought report South Dakota updated drought map SD agricultural weather update SD climate recovery in South Dakota
Weather
6 months ago
South Dakota Sees Major Drought Improvement Across 14 Counties, Extreme Drought Shrinks

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) The South Dakota Drought Monitor, updated weekly, shows parts of 14 counties […]

South Dakota Drought Monitor update South Dakota counties out of drought drought conditions improve in SD D-3 extreme drought Fall River Oglala Lakota drought conditions South Dakota weather outlook rainfall impact on drought SD Davison and Hanson drought status drought relief South Dakota 2025 weekly drought report South Dakota updated drought map SD agricultural weather update SD climate recovery in South Dakota
Weather
6 months ago
Recent Rain Boosts River Levels Across South Dakota

Recent steady rainfall has boosted river levels across South Dakota, with the Big Sioux River in Sioux Falls rising about a foot since last month. Many rivers and streams statewide have returned to normal or above-normal flows.