Four local newspapers in South Dakota — including the Brookings Register, Huron Plainsman, Redfield Press, and Moody County Enterprise — shut down overnight, leaving their communities without a local news source.
When classes begin August 20 at the new Mitchell High School, students will be welcomed by a campus filled with natural light, modern classrooms, and upgraded athletic facilities. A standout safety feature is a raised crosswalk at the main entrance, designed to slow traffic and improve accessibility for those with mobility challenges.
During Navy Week in Sioux Falls, U.S. Navy sailors are volunteering with the Veterans Community Project to build tiny homes for homeless veterans. When rain moved in Wednesday, crews shifted indoors to install microwaves, hang doors, and add finishing touches.
South Dakota is raising a glass to America’s 250th birthday with a commemorative beer, Dakota Liberty. State Historian Ben Jones says the brew will debut August 30 at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron, with tastings at the nearby Tap Haus.
The 85th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is off to a busy and dangerous start, with the South Dakota Department of Public Safety reporting 41 injury accidents, two fatal crashes, and 70 DUI arrests in the first five days.
The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation will host a statewide virtual hiring event on Wednesday, August 20, giving job seekers the opportunity to connect with top employers, explore open positions, and interview — all from home.
A proposed Gemini Data Center project between Sioux Falls and Brandon is now under review by the city council. The plan calls for rezoning 160 acres from residential to light industrial, potentially creating 200 to 300 new jobs in the region.
A second death linked to West Nile virus has been confirmed in South Dakota, according to the Department of Health. As of August 6, officials report 16 human cases across 11 counties, with the first fatality occurring in July. In addition, two asymptomatic blood donors have tested positive for the virus.
The Moody County murder trial of Joseph Hoek is on pause as defense attorneys seek a change of venue, arguing the Sioux Falls man cannot receive a fair trial locally. Hoek is charged with the February 2024 killing of Chief Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok.
Jury selection is underway in the high-profile triple homicide trial of Justin Rackley in Lincoln County, South Dakota. Rackley stands accused of fatally shooting three individuals — Kellie Reaves, Michael Thompson, and Daniel Kemnitz — near a backyard fire pit in Sioux Falls over a year ago.