South Dakota lawmakers are actively addressing the critical shortage of emergency medical services (EMS) in rural communities. With nearly two-thirds of the state’s ambulance services depending on volunteer or part-time crews, many small towns face increasing challenges in providing timely emergency care.
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has approved nearly $16 million in funding for vital drinking water and wastewater improvement projects statewide. The low-interest loans will support critical infrastructure upgrades in multiple communities, enhancing access to safe drinking water and improving wastewater treatment systems.
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce is launching CO.STARTERS Core, a ten-week entrepreneurial training program starting this September. Designed to help local business owners and startups turn ideas into actionable plans, the hands-on course offers peer support, mentorship, and guidance on refining business models.
The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office is reminding businesses about a fee increase taking effect July 1st. As part of new legislation passed earlier this year, filing fees for Annual Reports and Amended Annual Reports will rise by $5.
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.
South Dakota’s Project Prison Reset task force is eyeing two promising locations for a new state men’s prison—one near Box Elder and another in northeast Sioux Falls. The Box Elder site lies along Highway 14-16 near I-90, while the Sioux Falls option spans 137 acres between North Bahnson Avenue and I-229. State Senator Jamie Smith says the Sioux Falls site “checks a lot of boxes.”
Construction is set to begin soon on a major concourse expansion at Sioux Falls Regional Airport, following the Airport Authority Board’s approval of bids for the first phase. The project includes new concourses and apron work around the terminal. Airport CEO Dan Letellier said bid results came in better than expected, offering a promising start.
Plans for a potential downtown convention center in Sioux Falls are gaining momentum, with early cost estimates ranging from $225 to $250 million. The Riverline Steering Committee met this week to review a consultant’s report outlining the project’s scope, funding options, and economic benefits.
A proposed $650 million state prison near Mitchell sparked heated debate at a packed community forum Tuesday night. More than 175 residents turned out to voice concerns about safety, reentry programs, and the project’s impact on the community. Opponents, like MiKayla Johnson, criticized the lack of public input, while supporters such as State Rep. Jeff Bathke pointed to potential economic benefits.
Major upgrades are on the way for Mitchell’s iconic Corn Palace. After years of planning, the venue’s aging seats will be replaced following this year’s Corn Palace Festival. Mitchell Public Works Director Joe Schroeder says the $567,000 renovation includes 1,538 new seats, padded seating, and ADA-compliant handrails—all slated for completion before Dakota Wesleyan University’s basketball season in late October.