Two new South Dakota government accountability laws take effect July 1. Senate Bills 62 and 63, introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley, establish mandatory reporting of improper conduct and provide whistleblower protections for state employees.
South Dakota’s updated “Move Over” law takes effect July 1, expanding safety requirements for drivers. The new law mandates that motorists move over for any stopped vehicle with flashing amber, yellow, or blue lights — not just emergency vehicles.
South Dakota’s economy is showing unexpected strength, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index — the highest in two years despite ongoing tariff impacts on farm exports. Economist Dr. Ernie Goss credits regional resilience.
The Davison County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. at the North Offices Building in Mitchell to discuss budget requests from local agencies, review gravel bids, set a bridge replacement bid date, and address jail conditions.
State prison officials are investigating the apparent suicide of 36-year-old inmate Leo Plenty Arrows, who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls on June 20. He later died at a local hospital. Plenty Arrows was serving a sentence for assault on law enforcement in Pennington County.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is urging caution after black bear sightings were confirmed last week near Pelican Lake, just southwest of Watertown. Officials advise residents to keep pets supervised, ensure children are aware, and avoid approaching bears. To prevent attracting wildlife, secure garbage, bird seed, and other outdoor food sources. While such sightings are uncommon, officials expect bear activity to decrease as summer temperatures rise.
Worthing residents are pushing back after their town landed on the shortlist for South Dakota’s new men’s prison site. At a public forum Thursday night, locals raised serious concerns about infrastructure, public safety, and a lack of government transparency.
A proposed indoor sports complex in Mitchell is gaining traction, with City Council member Mike Bathke unveiling preliminary plans for a 116,000-square-foot facility. Estimated to cost around $20 million, the complex would offer year-round space for soccer, tennis, pickleball, football, and other sports. Bathke emphasized a cost-effective, expandable design aimed at promoting youth wellness during winter months.
The Mitchell Board of Education will vote tonight on final approval of the 2025-26 school district budget, including a proposed $24.6 million general fund. The public meeting, set for 5:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy, will also cover tax levy requests, meal prices for the upcoming school year, and key personnel decisions such as hiring special education staff.
Authorities have recovered the body of Juan Carlos Oballe Ixquiactap, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls man who drowned in the James River near Mitchell. He was swept away by a strong current Friday afternoon, prompting an extensive search involving drones, sonar-equipped boats, and ground crews.