A former South Dakota Department of Social Services employee has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for embezzling nearly $1.8 million in state and federal funds. Lonna Carroll, convicted on two felony counts of aggravated grand theft, stole the money from Child Protection Services.
Lawmakers in Pierre got a firsthand look at the future of emergency medical care as the South Dakota Department of Health and Avel eCare showcased the Telemedicine in Motion project. An ambulance parked outside the Capitol demonstrated how EMTs can now connect with emergency doctors via live video while en route with a patient.
The South Dakota WIC Program has released updated income guidelines for 2025, helping more families access nutrition support and education. The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program now sets the income limit at $39,128 for a family of two and $49,303 for a family of three.
A Yankton woman died in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday morning about four miles south of Wagner, South Dakota. Authorities say the vehicle entered a ditch after the driver lost control and over-corrected on 394th Avenue around 1:45 a.m. A passenger from Wagner sustained minor injuries.
AAA is forecasting heavy travel across South Dakota this Independence Day, urging drivers to stay safe on the roads during the busy holiday period. Motorists are reminded to buckle up, avoid distractions, and inspect their vehicles before traveling.
Big changes are underway in South Dakota college sports as SDSU and USD join the national House vs. NCAA settlement. Starting today, both universities can offer expanded athletic scholarships across all sports, significantly impacting programs like football, where rosters can now receive up to 105 scholarships—up from the previous 65.
All six of Attorney General Marty Jackley’s legislative bills officially take effect today in South Dakota, marking a significant push for government accountability and public safety. The new laws target human trafficking, prison security, and fiscal transparency. Key measures include harsher penalties for obstructing trafficking investigations, tighter contraband regulations in correctional facilities, expanded authority for the State Auditor, and stronger protections for whistleblowers reporting government misconduct.
The Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force faced a high-risk arrest late last week when a suspect who had previously threatened law enforcement pulled a gun during a confrontation. The task force—comprised of members from the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, Sioux Falls Police Department, and South Dakota Highway Patrol—responded swiftly, with a sheriff’s deputy firing and striking the armed man.
Thousands are expected to gather in downtown Mitchell for the annual Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party, returning to Main Street on Thursday, July 31. The free event begins at 5 p.m. and features live music from Weston Frank and Shelby Lee Lowe, plus thrilling stunt shows by Dialed Action Moto Trials.
A former Huron pastor is facing child pornography charges after authorities searched his home and church office. Kevin W. Koester, who served at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church since 2019, is charged with two counts of manufacturing or possessing child pornography. Investigators say two illegal images were found on a church computer.