Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows modest economic growth in the region for a second straight month. The survey, which gathers input from small-town bankers, highlights growing concerns over weak commodity prices.
Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken says the city is undergoing a “major recalibration” of its budget due to statewide property tax relief measures passed earlier this year.
Brookings Police now say a medical emergency caused the sudden death of South Dakota State football player Nate White. The 20-year-old sophomore running back from Wisconsin was found unresponsive at his Brookings home the morning of June 25th.
A Brookings man is facing charges after allegedly leaving an 8-month-old baby in a hot car for over 30 minutes during Tuesday’s extreme heat.
The Sioux Falls City Council is moving toward a five-year extension of its ambulance services contract with Patient Care EMS (PCEMS). During a recent meeting, PCEMS earned praise from residents for its emergency response, despite earlier concerns about the lack of competitive bidding.
A South Dakota legislative study committee is investigating the causes of prison overcrowding, with a focus on sentencing practices and rehabilitation. Officials, including Pennington County State’s Attorney Laura Roetzel, note that sentencing reflects public attitudes.
Authorities have released new information on a July 2 crash in Mitchell that left an 18-year-old moped driver with life-threatening injuries. The collision occurred at Sixth Avenue and Winsor Street when a Jeep Compass driver failed to yield and struck the unhelmeted teen.
South Dakota lawmakers are launching a bold initiative to cut the state’s recidivism rate in half, aiming to reduce it from 40% to 20%. A new legislative committee will explore solutions such as expanding addiction treatment, enhancing re-entry programs, and addressing the disproportionate incarceration of Native Americans, who represent 9% of the state’s population but 40% of its prison population.
Two Sioux Falls City Councilors, Richard Thomason and Rich Merkouris, are spearheading efforts to expand the Sioux Falls Regional Airport, a project they say is vital to South Dakota’s economy.
South Dakota closed its fiscal year with a $63 million budget surplus, which, along with $106 million in prison funds, was added to the state’s emergency reserves, now totaling nearly $492 million. Governor Larry Rhoden emphasized the state’s commitment to conservative budgeting and smart fiscal management, even amid a decline in sales tax revenue.