A group of Sioux Falls residents has launched a petition to challenge the City Council’s recent decision to surplus the Brockhouse taxidermy animal collection. The decision, made last week, would send most of the collection to the University of Notre Dame’s Museum of Biodiversity. Petition organizers argue that voters should have the chance to approve or reject the City Council’s resolution. The petition is currently available for signatures at Abby Normal’s Museum of the Strange, and organizers are aiming for at least 7,600 signatures to force a public vote.
Lawmakers in Pierre are pushing to expand South Dakota’s childcare assistance program to support childcare workers earning up to three times the federal poverty level. The proposal aims to help these employees secure affordable care for their own children, addressing a key barrier to workforce participation. Supporters of the bill see it as a vital step in attracting more individuals back to the state’s workforce, strengthening the economy and ensuring better support for the childcare sector.
Former South Dakota House Speaker Steve Haugaard is calling on state lawmakers to reconsider funding a new men’s penitentiary, arguing that the real issue lies in the lack of effective rehabilitation programs, not more prison space.
Governor Larry Rhoden announced that fireworks will light up Mount Rushmore once again in 2026 to mark the United States’ 250th anniversary. Joining Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in celebrating the decision, Rhoden called the event a historic moment that will capture global attention. The last fireworks display at the iconic site took place in 2020. Rhoden has extended an invitation to President Trump and looks forward to collaborating with the White House Task Force for the milestone celebration.
Chad Cody, battalion chief of the Mitchell Fire Department, has been honored as South Dakota’s VFW Firefighter of the Year. Cody, who started his firefighting journey at 17 with the Plankinton Volunteer Fire Department, has served with Mitchell since 2010. As battalion chief, he oversees operations and trains his team. Nominated by Mitchell Fire Chief and VFW leader Dr. Martin Christensen, Cody will be recognized at an award ceremony in Pierre this summer.
South Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 156, a proposal to raise the minimum age for marriage from 16 to 18. Introduced by Republican Senator Sydney Davis, the bill was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee and now heads to the Senate floor. Current law allows minors aged 16-18 to marry with parental consent, but advocates, including survivors of child marriages, argue for stronger protections. Opponents contend that the bill could impact couples facing unplanned pregnancies who seek parental rights
South Dakota’s transgender community faces potential challenges with House Bill 1259, currently under discussion by state lawmakers. The bill would restrict access to gender-designated bathrooms based on biological sex. Mike Phelan of the Transformation Project Advocacy Network testified against the bill, emphasizing that transgender individuals using restrooms do not pose a threat. Phelan, also a school board member in Vermillion, highlighted that inclusive bathroom policies in schools since 2022 have caused no issues. The timeline for House decisions on the bill remains uncertain.
A standoff in Brandon, South Dakota, ended tragically last Wednesday when a man, who had barricaded himself inside a home while facing felony charges, was confirmed dead after the house caught fire. Chief Deputy Jeff Gromer explained that the severity of the charges led to the tense situation. While neighbors, like Alisha Tramp, expressed shock over the rare occurrence, they remain confident in the safety of their community. Authorities have yet to release the name of the suspect involved.
South Dakota’s dairy industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, with the state’s milk cow population reaching 215,000 in January—more than double the number from 2015. This surge in dairy farming has resulted in a staggering five billion pounds of milk produced annually, solidifying South Dakota’s position as a leader in the nation’s dairy sector.
South Dakota Governor Rhoden has signed five new bills into law, including Senate Bills 17, 42, and 43, and House Bills 1033 and 1034. These bills tackle critical issues such as wildfire suppression, campaign finance disclosures, emergency disaster declarations, and the regulation of tobacco wholesale prices. With 21 bills now signed this session, Governor Rhoden continues to shape state legislation with a focus on public safety and fiscal transparency