South Dakota cities are facing growing budget challenges, according to Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett. He told the Sioux Falls City Council this week that creating the upcoming budget is the most difficult process he has encountered, citing a new property tax limitation passed by the legislature earlier this year.
The Sioux Falls City Council has approved a new 5-year ambulance service contract with PatientCare EMS in a 7-1 vote, despite concerns from Councilor Curt Soehl. The agreement has backing from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority along with Avera and Sanford Health.
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko will resign effective October 20, creating a major shift in the state’s prison system leadership. Her departure could remove a key obstacle to building a new men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, a project long debated by lawmakers. Governor Larry Rhoden says the decision was Wasko’s alone and that her exit may help move the prison plan forward. Former Corrections Secretary and current Representative Tim Reisch supports the new facility, while the search for Wasko’s replacement is already underway.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) a $1.5 million TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant, continuing a 46-year tradition of helping low-income, first-generation, and disabled students succeed in higher education.
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has resigned under pressure from lawmakers critical of her leadership and handling of the state’s new Sioux Falls prison proposal. Governor Larry Rhoden announced her departure Tuesday, just weeks before a special legislative session on building a 1,500-bed men’s prison. Wasko, appointed in 2022 after a DOC misconduct scandal, faced growing criticism over shifting cost estimates and prison safety policies.
Roger and Vicki Musick’s $30 million endowment to Dakota Wesleyan University is being hailed as a transformative gift for education and community growth in Mitchell. The fund will provide need-based scholarships for Mitchell High School students to earn college credit and graduate scholarships for local teachers. City, school, and Chamber leaders say the investment strengthens Mitchell’s reputation for strong schools and professional opportunities, while new videos and social media campaigns aim to attract families to the community.
The Mitchell City Council tackled a busy agenda this week, reviewing bids and major city projects. Council members considered new Corn Palace mural installations after earlier bids came up empty and discussed key infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewer for the lakeshore development, a new bike path at Lakeview Golf Course and Mitchell Cemetery, and nearly $892,000 in payments for ongoing utility and park improvements.
Ellsworth Air Force Base is advancing preparations to host the B-21 Raider, America’s next-generation stealth bomber. The multi-billion-dollar project includes more than 30 base upgrades, from runway reconstruction to secure hangar construction.
A Fort Pierre lottery ticket purchased at Dakotamart has scored big in the Lucky for Life drawing, winning $25,000 a year for life or a $390,000 lump sum payout. This marks the fifth major South Dakota Lottery win in August, highlighting a streak of luck for state players. Meanwhile, the massive $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot went unclaimed, raising the stakes even higher for tonight’s drawing—now among the top five largest jackpots in Powerball history.
The Sioux Falls Regional Airport is set for a major expansion as crews break ground tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. on a project adding a new concourse and five gates. Airport officials say the upgrade will enhance travel options, provide more space for passengers, and prepare the airport for future growth.