The Sioux Falls School Board has approved a ten-year opt-out from South Dakota’s state tax limits to raise $2.1 million annually starting in 2026, aiming to prevent deeper education budget cuts. Without the opt-out, the district warns it could face $15 million in cuts next year.
A suspect in last summer’s deadly Dunham Park shooting is now back in South Dakota. Authorities say Lamont Burks Jr. and another man opened fire at the Sioux Falls park in August 2024, killing one person and injuring three others. Burks was arrested in South Carolina in November and was extradited to Minnehaha County, where he was booked into jail on Friday.
A proposed 25-acre development near Lake Mitchell could break ground this fall, pending final rezoning approval from the Mitchell City Council during tonight’s meeting. Spearheaded by developer Justin Thiesse, the mixed-use plan includes new housing, a senior living center, daycare, a coffee shop, and more.
A new after-school program in the Mitchell School District is stirring debate among local childcare providers. Launching in the 2025–26 school year, the KERNELS Program will offer free academic support and enrichment for elementary students from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m., funded by a private grant.
Sioux Falls could be inching closer to hosting the state’s new men’s prison, and city leaders are now weighing in. State Representative and prison task force member Greg Jamison just led Sioux Falls City Council members on a tour of potential prison sites in the city.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to stay safe this Fourth of July holiday. Officials urge motorists to slow down, stay alert, and never drive under the influence. To protect travelers, extra troopers will be on patrol throughout the holiday period, focusing on impaired driving, speeding, and seatbelt enforcement.
South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson has announced that Minnesota now recognizes South Dakota’s restricted enhanced concealed carry permits, extending legal firearm carry rights even to permit holders under age 21.
Sioux Falls residents could soon see extra charges when paying for city services with a credit card. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett says budget pressures are prompting a proposal to pass those processing fees on to users, instead of the city covering the cost.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced a sweeping 44-count felony indictment against Mitchell resident Eric Opperman. The charges include rape, aggravated incest, and child pornography offenses involving three children under age 14.
South Dakota customers of NorthWestern Energy will see a modest increase in their monthly electric bills following approval of a rate hike by the Public Utilities Commission. The average residential customer will pay just over $2 more per month.