The South Dakota Department of Health has confirmed the state’s first case of West Nile Virus this season, detected in mosquito pools in Minnehaha County. Health officials urge residents to protect themselves by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves, and eliminating standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
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.
The Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office is set to deploy license plate reader cameras to enhance public safety and aid in criminal investigations. Captain Joe Bosman told county commissioners the technology will help locate fugitives and track suspicious vehicles.
The Davison-Hanson County Ambulance District is finalizing plans to fund rural EMS services following voter approval of a $700,000 measure. This week, the board approved a contract with the city of Mitchell for emergency medical services and discussed a possible $100,000 funding increase.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that 24 inmates have been indicted following a violent disturbance at the Sioux Falls state penitentiary on May 27. The incident left 14 inmates injured, including four hospitalized, and resulted in charges such as aggravated assault, simple assault, and rioting.
Sioux Falls Police are investigating four separate weekend shootings across the city, including incidents near downtown and an apartment complex east of I-229 and 21st Street. While no life-threatening injuries were reported, the shootings have sparked concern among residents.
U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is accepting applications for fall 2025 internships in his Washington, D.C., Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls offices. College students selected will receive a stipend and may earn academic credit. Internships typically run September through December, with flexible scheduling available.
In response to newly confirmed measles cases, the South Dakota Department of Health has launched statewide vaccination clinics offering the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
Two new South Dakota government accountability laws take effect July 1. Senate Bills 62 and 63, introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley, establish mandatory reporting of improper conduct and provide whistleblower protections for state employees.
South Dakota’s economy is showing unexpected strength, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index — the highest in two years despite ongoing tariff impacts on farm exports. Economist Dr. Ernie Goss credits regional resilience.