Governor Rhoden is taking action this week in Pierre, signing House Bill 1080 into law as part of his continued support for Second Amendment rights. On Tuesday, the Governor signed 32 bills, including this key piece of legislation, which voids covenants that prohibit or restrict the possession of firearms and ammunition.
The impact federal spending cuts will ultimately have on South Dakota is becoming clearer. The financial website WalletHub has released a report ranking South Dakota 11th overall among the most federally dependent states.
South Dakota is experiencing a record-breaking flu season, with more than 20,000 cases reported, according to the state health department. This marks the highest number of cases in the past decade, with 43 deaths attributed to the virus. Doctors note that the season peaked in mid-February and is now on the decline, aligning with typical flu trends. Health officials emphasize that fewer people are getting the flu shot this year, despite its proven effectiveness in reducing illness severity and hospitalizations. Vaccination remains strongly recommended to help protect against the flu each season.
The push to bring Amtrak passenger trains to South Dakota is far from over. Republican Representative Tim Goodwin, who authored a resolution supporting the initiative, plans to reintroduce the legislation after it narrowly failed by one vote in the State Congress last week.
Local brewers are celebrating South Dakota Craft Beer Week, as the state’s craft beer scene continues to grow. With around 40 independent craft breweries, South Dakota has seen a surge in popularity and economic impact, contributing $245 million annually, according to the Brewers Association.
A registered sex offender, Rodney Johnson, has been arrested on suspicion of loitering near Sonia Sotomayor Elementary School in Sioux Falls. Johnson, convicted in 2021 for possessing child pornography, was observed driving slowly around the school on multiple occasions.
The Mitchell City Council has approved an agreement with Mitchell Area Housing Inc. (MAHI) for street improvements at the Ridgeview on Foster development, at no cost to the city. MAHI will handle road grading, paving, and sewer installation prior to residents moving in. Additionally, the company will reimburse the city nearly $200,000 for upgrading a sewage lift station.
New spring weight restrictions are now in effect across South Dakota’s roadways, from March 10th to 14th, as part of efforts to protect infrastructure. The South Dakota Department of Transportation and local agencies have implemented these restrictions to prevent damage caused by thawing and melting snow, which softens roadbeds and makes them more vulnerable to wear. A map of the updated restrictions is available on the South Dakota Truck Info website at SD-Truck-Info.sd.gov.
The South Dakota Legislature is nearing the end of its historic 100th legislative session, with today marking the 35th working day of the 38-day session. Monday was the final day for bills and joint resolutions to pass both chambers, as well as the last chance for lawmakers to invoke the “smoke out” rule, forcing committees to release stalled bills.
The annual Summit League Tournament in Sioux Falls delivers a significant economic boost, attracting an estimated 65,000 attendees and generating around $10 million in local revenue. Over the course of its five-day basketball competition, the event drives spending across local retailers, restaurants, hotels, attractions, and gas stations, according to the Sioux Falls Sports Authority.