The South Dakota Department of Transportation is inviting the public to provide input on a transportation plan for the Chamberlain area. An open house will be held today from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Chamberlain Area Community Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about proposed developments and redesign plans for portions of Highway 50 and Interstate 90. Written comments will also be accepted until March 27th, giving residents a chance to share their feedback on the project.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is actively probing the death of an individual found in Bon Homme County. According to a press release from Attorney General Marty Jackley, the victim’s body was discovered on Tuesday in Scotland.
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.
A Minnesota man is headed to prison for his role in a plan to sell meth in South Dakota. Francisco Mendez was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison.
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.