The Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force faced a high-risk arrest late last week when a suspect who had previously threatened law enforcement pulled a gun during a confrontation. The task force—comprised of members from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, and South Dakota Highway Patrol—responded swiftly, with a sheriff’s deputy firing and striking the armed man.
Thousands are expected to gather in downtown Mitchell for the annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party, returning to Main Street on Thursday, July 31. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and features live music from Weston Frank and Shelby Lee Lowe, plus thrilling stunt shows by Dialed Action Moto Trials.
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.
Justin Rackley, the man accused in a triple homicide during a backyard gathering in June 2024, appeared in court Thursday for a status hearing. Rackley remains in custody at the Minnehaha County Jail and recently submitted a handwritten note asserting his right to a speedy trial. Prosecutors and defense attorneys met with the judge to review the case’s progress.
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 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.
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.”
Nearly a year after opening, the Dakota Protein Solutions plant near Freeman continues to draw complaints from residents over an “unbearable” odor. Neighbors describe the smell as “dead flesh,” saying promised odor-control measures have yet to deliver results.
Starting July 1st, South Dakota notaries will no longer be required to post a $5,000 surety bond when applying for or renewing their commission.
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.