The Crime in South Dakota 2025 Report includes 64,261 criminal offenses in 2025 compared to 68,388 in 2024. Drug offenses decreased 6.25 percent in 2025 compared to 2024. There were 6,358 drug offenses in 2025 compared to 6,782 in 2024.
Your Shop in downtown Mitchell has been awarded a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses grant from American Express and Main Street America. Co-owners Tanya and Mark Kitto say the funding will help expand makerspace programs, classes and tools for the community.
Dakota Wesleyan University will offer four free planetarium showings Saturday, Feb. 28, featuring a guided “Parade of Planets” tour and tips for spotting a Blood Moon on March 3. Space is limited and registration is required.
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed 12 bills into law Feb. 13, including three Attorney General Marty Jackley measures aimed at strengthening South Dakota open government rules. The new laws update agenda requirements, tighten executive session rules and require agendas to be posted online at least 72 hours ahead of meetings.
District 20 Sen. Paul Miskimins says lawmakers are shifting focus to one-time spending priorities as South Dakota’s budget work intensifies ahead of the Feb. 24 crossover deadline. The Joint Appropriations Committee recently updated revenue targets and lawmakers continue debating how much the state should keep in reserves.
The Mitchell Community Scholarship Fund will hold its 23rd annual Radiothon fundraiser Monday, Feb. 23, on KOOL 98-3 and KMIT. Donations support scholarships for seniors at Mitchell High School and Mitchell Christian School, with prize drawings for pledges.
A proposed constitutional amendment could put statewide mobile sports betting on South Dakota’s November 2026 ballot, with 90% of online wagering tax revenue directed to property tax relief. Gov. Larry Rhoden says he opposes expanding gaming but would not have veto power over a ballot measure.
South Dakota regulators approved a permit for the 333-megawatt Philip Wind Project in Haakon County, a $750 million development expected to be the largest wind farm in the state. The Public Utilities Commission accepted a settlement outlining construction and operating requirements for the developer.
South Dakota’s FFA chapters will celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2026, highlighting agricultural education and student leadership. The South Dakota FFA Association includes more than 6,500 members statewide.
Construction is expected to start in early April on a 24-unit owner-occupied housing development at Mitchell’s former First Avenue mobile home park site. The project will be built by Van Buskirk Construction after the city transferred the property to the Mitchell Area Development Corporation.