Education
1 week ago
Federal student loan wage garnishment to resume in 2026, affecting thousands of South Dakotans

The U.S. Department of Education says wage garnishment for defaulted student loans will resume in early 2026, potentially affecting thousands of South Dakota borrowers carrying $3.7 billion in federal education debt.

Opinion
1 week ago
Breaking Records and Delivering Results

U.S. Sen. John Thune says Republicans “delivered on promises” in 2025 through major tax, border security, and energy legislation — and will continue focusing on economic and public safety priorities in 2026.

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Business
1 week ago
Milbank man seriously injured in New Year’s Day rollover on I-29 near White, sheriff says

A 28-year-old Milbank man was seriously injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday night on Interstate 29 near White, according to the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office.

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People
1 week ago
Lake Area Tech cites record enrollment, Build Dakota scholarships and $100M campus expansion plan heading into 2026

Lake Area Technical College in Watertown says enrollment is at record levels as it promotes the Build Dakota Scholarship, expands nursing training to Pierre, and advances a long-term campus plan estimated at $100 million.

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Education
1 week ago
Watertown School District cuts student lunch debt by $20,500 after Sharp Automotive, anonymous donations

Watertown School District officials say more than $20,500 in donations — including $10,500 from Sharp Automotive and a $10,000 anonymous gift — will be applied to outstanding student meal balances.

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People
1 week ago
South Dakota reports first two flu deaths of 2025-26 season; cases, hospitalizations rising statewide

The South Dakota Department of Health says the first two influenza-related deaths of the 2025-26 season have been reported in Minnehaha County as lab-confirmed cases and hospitalizations increase statewide.

Local
2 weeks ago
Gov. Larry Rhoden awards new $500,000 Future Fund grant for Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park

Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a new $500,000 grant for infrastructure work at Watertown’s Calvin Industrial Park, adding to a previously approved $500,000 Local Infrastructure Improvement Program grant, according to state officials.

Business
2 weeks ago
Dusty Johnson Calls 2025 a “Remarkable” Year, Highlights Tax, Border and Welfare Policy Changes

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson says 2025 was one of the most impactful policy years in decades, pointing to tax changes, border enforcement and welfare reforms as he prepares for a 2026 run for governor.

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Crime
2 weeks ago
Operation Relentless Justice: DOJ says 205 child victims located, 293 arrests made; Pine Ridge man faces federal charges

The U.S. Department of Justice says a nationwide crackdown called “Operation Relentless Justice” located more than 205 child victims and led to 293 arrests, including a South Dakota case involving a Pine Ridge Reservation resident.

Crime
2 weeks ago
Sioux Falls man accused of assaulting officer with knife during traffic stop, charged with DWI

Sioux Falls police say a traffic stop on Dec. 29 escalated when a driver allegedly pulled a knife and jabbed it toward an officer. Rudolph Gabe Jr. faces aggravated assault on law enforcement, DWI and concealed weapon charges.