Representative Dusty Johnson hosted a behavioral health roundtable on Tuesday, uniting South Dakota mental health experts to tackle rising concerns around addiction, youth suicide, and the shortage of mental health professionals.
Governor Larry Rhoden is still accepting applications for his fall internship program, offering college students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in state government. Interns will assist the Governor’s General Counsel and collaborate with various state departments based on their skills and interests.
An online clash has erupted between Congressman Dusty Johnson and South Dakota carbon pipeline opponents over legislation linked to carbon capture infrastructure. Activist Amanda Radke accuses Johnson of backing a bill that allegedly paves the way for carbon pipelines. Johnson refutes the claim, calling it “fake news” and stating the bill focuses solely on clean water projects.
South Dakota soybean farmer and newly appointed State Senator Brandon Wipf delivered a strong message to Washington on the critical role of the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) in ensuring international grain trade integrity.
The Mitchell Fire Department is searching for a new fire and EMS chief following the current chief’s decision to step down after serving since 2019. Preferring a return to hands-on work, the chief will transition to a battalion chief role starting the first week of August. Assistant Fire Chief Tiffany Boehmer will oversee department operations until a new chief is appointed.
South Dakota teachers are earning just over $56,000 on average in 2025, falling short of the nearly $60,000 pay target set two years ago. Despite a small bump in national ranking—from 49th to 46th—progress remains slow. The Teacher Compensation Review Board met Monday to address ongoing pay gaps, teacher shortages, and school capacity issues.
The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally revs up Friday in South Dakota’s Black Hills, drawing bikers from around the globe for the world’s largest motorcycle gathering. To manage the surge in traffic, officials have installed additional stop signs, speed trailers, traffic signals, and message boards.
Governor Larry Rhoden has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to fly at half-staff Friday in remembrance of former state legislator and Mitchell Mayor Lou Sebert. Sebert, who served in the South Dakota House from 1999 to 2006 and as Mitchell’s mayor from 2006 to 2012, will be honored during a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.
Mitchell, South Dakota, faced strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding Tuesday night as a severe storm moved through the region. Crews and law enforcement assessed storm damage, while Northwestern Energy addressed downed power lines.
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) advanced major housing priorities for South Dakota during a bipartisan Senate Banking Committee markup, securing the inclusion of four of his bills in the Road to Housing Act. This marks the first significant update to the USDA’s Rural Housing Service in over a decade.