After a month-long delay, the Mitchell School Board has elected Brittni Flood as president and Shawn Ruml as vice president, securing leadership through July 2026. The board approved a $220,000 boring machine purchase for Mitchell Technical College, bids for two student-built houses, and first readings of updated sexual harassment and weapons policies
Mitchell’s Commerce Street is set for growth as the Planning Commission approves a project for five new retail shop spaces at 1006 Commerce Street. Each unit will feature a storefront and garage door, providing flexible space for expanding businesses.
The 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally ended with four fatalities and 80 injuries from 66 crashes, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol. This year saw an increase in injury crashes but fewer drug arrests compared to previous rallies. Fatal wrecks included single-motorcycle crashes in the Black Hills, a pickup-versus-motorcycle collision near Rapid City, and a police pursuit crash outside Sturgis.
Travel South Dakota has partnered with Jeep, Matador Network, and adventurer Forrest Galante to launch Unexpected South Dakota, a three-episode video series showcasing the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Mount Rushmore State.
South Dakota is moving forward with plans for a new state prison in Sioux Falls, securing an option to purchase land in the city’s northeast corner along Benson Road. The proposal, set for review during a special legislative session on September 23rd, would pave the way for a modern correctional facility to replace the aging state penitentiary and address the state’s growing inmate population.
A petition to set term limits for Mitchell’s mayor and city council is just short of qualifying for the ballot. The proposal, backed by Councilman Mike Bathke, would cap officials at three consecutive terms — counting past and current service — potentially changing six of eight council seats by 2027. Supporters say the measure would bring fresh leadership, while opponents argue experience is vital for completing long-term city projects.
Four South Dakota men were arrested during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in a multi-agency child exploitation sting. Investigators say each suspect was caught attempting to meet someone they believed was a 14-year-old girl. The operation, led by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force with local, state, and federal partners, is part of the DOJ’s Project Safe Childhood initiative.
The Mitchell Board of Education will once again attempt to elect a president and vice president after a July vote deadlocked between current president Brittni Flood and member Terry Aslesen. Business manager Craig Bruening has been leading meetings in the interim.
The Sioux Falls City Council is set to vote on an ordinance banning tents and encampments in public spaces, a move that could impact the city’s homeless population. Officials say camps, including hidden sites along the Big Sioux River, are on the rise.
South Dakota nonprofit Emily’s Hope is expanding its statewide effort to prevent opioid overdoses by installing naloxone distribution boxes in public locations. Since May 2024, kits containing naloxone, gloves, and recovery resources have been placed from Sioux Falls to Rapid City, the Pine Ridge Reservation, and now Sturgis.