Spring weight restrictions are returning to South Dakota’s roadways to protect infrastructure during the thawing season. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SD-DOT) and local agencies will implement these restrictions this week to prevent road damage caused by saturated ground from melting snow and thawing temperatures.
A high-speed chase ended in a crash on the night of February 27th, 2025, when a driver, Steven Rath of Mitchell, led authorities on a pursuit after speeding at 115 mph on Highway 37 north of Mitchell. The chase, which started around 10:45 PM, quickly escalated as Rath ignored law enforcement’s attempts to stop him.
If Governor Rhoden approves, local law enforcement will gain stronger tools to combat the growing problem of street racing in South Dakota. The South Dakota House has passed a bill aimed at increasing penalties for street racing, a measure introduced by law enforcement officials in Sioux Falls in response to the rising issue.
A high-risk offender, Dillon Harrington, who was released from prison last week, is already back in custody. Just hours after his release early Thursday morning, Harrington was booked into the Minnehaha County Jail as a “Fugitive of Justice.” He is wanted in Lyon County, Iowa, for Obstructing Prosecution or Defense. Harrington, a 30-year-old convicted sex offender, had just completed a drug sentence in Beadle County and was reportedly planning to live in Wolsey upon release. Secretary of Corrections Kellie Wasko had previously warned of Harrington’s high risk to reoffend, based on his criminal history and institutional assessments, making his release a matter of significant concern.
Madison High School is taking proactive steps to ensure student safety at this year’s prom by implementing breathalyzer tests. Principal Adam Shaw explains that the initiative, approved by the School Board, aims to reduce the likelihood of students drinking during the event.
The South Dakota Highway Patrol will be conducting sobriety checkpoints across 15 counties throughout March in an effort to combat impaired driving. These checkpoints, coordinated with other law enforcement agencies, will take place in counties including Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, Pennington, and more.
The South Dakota Transportation Commission is making a significant investment in the state’s infrastructure by awarding 17 Bridge Improvement Grants for preservation, rehabilitation, and replacement projects. Among the recipients are the city of Sioux Falls and several counties, including Aurora, Codington, Lawrence, Minnehaha, and Pennington. At a recent meeting in Pierre, approximately $80 million was approved for these critical bridge projects, ensuring safer travel and the continued maintenance of vital transportation routes across South Dakota.
This week, several veterans groups are joining forces to honor the sacrifices of prisoners of war. Tomorrow at noon, they will unveil a poignant “Missing Man Table” display at the Capitol Lake Visitor’s Center. The display, situated near other war memorials, serves as a solemn tribute to those who endured captivity and the families who continue to wait for their return. This meaningful event highlights the bravery and sacrifice of prisoners of war, ensuring their memory is preserved for generations to come.
South Dakota has introduced a new law aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content. Governor Rhoden recently signed House Bill 10-53, which mandates age verification for adult websites. The bill defines “covered platforms” as websites that create, host, or distribute material potentially harmful to minors. As a result, these platforms will now be required to implement strict age verification policies to ensure that users are of legal age before accessing adult content. This new legislation is a significant step in regulating online safety and protecting young users from inappropriate material.
An original report claimed that three puppies were found in a dumpster on January 25th. On Tuesday, Sioux Falls Animal Control said an investigation found false statements were made, and those puppies were never left outside or found in a dumpster.