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.
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.