Twenty-five elementary and middle school students have qualified for the South Dakota State Spelling Bee on Feb. 7 at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. The winner advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington in May.
South Dakota lawmakers raised concerns Friday about whether rural ambulance services can remain viable, citing aging equipment, volunteer staffing and limited reimbursement. The discussion came during a Senate Health and Human Services Committee informational briefing on the state’s Rural Health Transformation funding.
Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order outlining how his office will prioritize and oversee Future Fund economic development dollars. The move comes as lawmakers and communities debate incentives such as tax increment financing and tax breaks for large projects, including hyperscale data centers.
Gov. Larry Rhoden is criticizing impeachment efforts targeting Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, calling them “radical left” attacks. The move follows the fatal shooting of a Minnesota woman by an ICE agent earlier this month.
Elementary and middle school students from across South Dakota will compete Feb. 7 in the state spelling bee at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell. The winner will advance to the 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee in May in Washington.
U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds says he began 2026 with meetings, intelligence briefings and Senate votes in Washington, then traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas and a South Dakota Army National Guard welcome-home ceremony in Rapid City.
Douglas County leaders say they’re “cautiously optimistic” skilled nursing care can remain local after Sanford Health and the Good Samaritan Society move to close the Corsica nursing home, citing staffing shortages.
Lake Area Technical College is encouraging students and families to apply for the Build Dakota Scholarship — a full-ride award for high-demand technical programs — before the March 31, 2026 deadline.
A Wagner man has been arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, DUI and leaving the scene after a fatal vehicle-related incident south of Wagner, according to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
The Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee will host “Coffee with Legislators” on Friday, Jan. 30, from 8-9 a.m. Community members can hear updates from District 20 lawmakers and submit written questions for a moderated discussion.