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.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved the South Deuel Wind project, granting a construction permit for the wind energy facility. The project, which was approved on Friday, will include approximately 70 wind turbines spread across 30,000 acres.
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.
The South Dakota Transportation Commission is making a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure by awarding 17 Bridge Improvement Grants for preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. Among the recipients are the city of Sioux Falls and several counties, including Aurora, Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, and Pennington. At a recent meeting in Pierre, approximately $80 million was approved for these critical bridge projects, ensuring safer travel and the continued maintenance of vital transportation routes across South Dakota.
This week, several veterans groups are joining forces to honor the sacrifices of prisoners of war. Tomorrow at noon, they will unveil a poignant “Missing Man Table” display at the Capitol Lake Visitor’s Center. The display, situated near other war memorials, serves as a solemn tribute to those who endured captivity and the families who continue to wait for their return. This meaningful event highlights the bravery and sacrifice of prisoners of war, ensuring their memory is preserved for generations to come.
South Dakota has introduced a new law aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content. Governor Rhoden recently signed House Bill 10-53, which mandates age verification for adult websites. The bill defines “covered platforms” as websites that create, host, or distribute material potentially harmful to minors. As a result, these platforms will now be required to implement strict age verification policies to ensure that users are of legal age before accessing adult content. This new legislation is a significant step in regulating online safety and protecting young users from inappropriate material.
Senate Bill 83 would change ingestion of controlled substances from a felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor for first and second offenses, with a third offense within ten years becoming a Class 6 felony.
The bill would empower landowners to sue carbon pipeline land agents for deceptive practices, fraud, misrepresentation, intimidation or harassment during land access deals.
The bill, from Rep. Logan Manhart, R-Aberdeen, died by being sent to the “41st day” of the 40-day legislative session, which would have permitted the state to make up to a 10 percent investment in Bitcoin.
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.