TEENS Act 2025 Dusty Johnson teen employment bill teenage work hour restrictions federal youth labor laws expand teen job opportunities South Dakota workforce legislation 14- and 15-year-old work limits early work experience for teens youth employment reform Dusty Johnson legislation teenage job law changes Congress teen workforce bill federal child labor policy real-world skills for teenagers
People
6 days ago
Lake Area Tech cites record enrollment, Build Dakota scholarships and $100M campus expansion plan heading into 2026

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown says enrollment is at record levels as it promotes the Build Dakota Scholarship, expands nursing training to Pierre, and advances a long-term campus plan estimated at $100 million.

Mount Marty University Mark Brown new university president Yankton South Dakota Sioux Falls campus higher education leadership Mount Marty Sioux Falls biotechnology management program university administration Mount Marty news South Dakota universities higher education announcement college president selection Mark Brown Mount Marty
Education
7 days ago
Watertown School District cuts student lunch debt by $20,500 after Sharp Automotive, anonymous donations

Watertown School District officials say more than $20,500 in donations — including $10,500 from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous gift — will be applied to outstanding student meal balances.

South Dakota flu season influenza cases flu vaccine KELOLAND news South Dakota Department of Health flu prevention tips flu symptoms over-the-counter flu medicine flu shot public health warning flu outbreak South Dakota prevent severe illness early flu activity healthcare provider advice get vaccinated
People
7 days ago
South Dakota reports first two flu deaths of 2025-26 season; cases, hospitalizations rising statewide

The South Dakota Department of Health says the first two influenza-related deaths of the 2025-26 season have been reported in Minnehaha County as lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations increase statewide.

Local
1 week ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden awards new $500,000 Future Fund grant for Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a new $500,000 grant for infrastructure work at Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park, adding to a previously approved $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant, according to state officials.

Business
1 week ago
Dusty Johnson Calls 2025 a “Remarkable” Year, Highlights Tax, Border and Welfare Policy Changes

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson says 2025 was one of the most impactful policy years in decades, pointing to tax changes, border enforcement and welfare reforms as he prepares for a 2026 run for governor.

Emily’s Hope Post-Overdose Response Team PORT program Yankton County overdose response Yankton County substance use services Overdose survivor support Naloxone distribution South Dakota Narcan Yankton South Dakota recovery resources Opioid use disorder support
Crime
1 week ago
Operation Relentless Justice: DOJ says 205 child victims located, 293 arrests made; Pine Ridge man faces federal charges

The U.S. Department of Justice says a nationwide crackdown called “Operation Relentless Justice” located more than 205 child victims and led to 293 arrests, including a South Dakota case involving a Pine Ridge Reservation resident.

Crime
1 week ago
Sioux Falls man accused of assaulting officer with knife during traffic stop, charged with DWI

Sioux Falls police say a traffic stop on Dec. 29 escalated when a driver allegedly pulled a knife and jabbed it toward an officer. Rudolph Gabe Jr. faces aggravated assault on law enforcement, DWI and concealed weapon charges.

Brookings man arrested South Dakota crime spree Sioux Falls stabbing stolen trucks Minnehaha County Yankton County KELOLand news Connor Hanson violent crime South Dakota police chase spike strips arrest Yankton County Jail cash-only bond South Dakota law enforcement multi-county pursuit
Crime
1 week ago
Howard man indicted on murder, manslaughter charges in Dec. 6 stabbing death

A Howard man has been indicted on two murder charges and a manslaughter charge in connection with the Dec. 6 stabbing death of a 56-year-old woman, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said.

Lifestyle
1 week ago
South Dakota Secures $189.4M Federal Award for Rural Health Transformation in FY 2026, Rhoden Says

Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health say the state has secured $189.4 million in federal funding for fiscal year 2026 through the Rural Health Transformation Program, a new five-year rural health initiative.

Crime
1 week ago
Harrisburg Man Sentenced for Structuring Financial Transactions, Ordered to Pay $363,800 Restitution

A Harrisburg man convicted of structuring financial transactions to evade federal reporting requirements was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay $363,800 in restitution, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota.