More than 40 residents filled a Turner County meeting in Parker to voice concerns over strong odors from Dakota Protein Solutions, a rendering plant near Freeman. County officials cited three violations of the facility’s conditional use permit, including lack of a road haul agreement, dust control problems, and improper carcass storage. Investor Scott Stern apologized, blaming equipment and airflow issues, and promised fixes such as a new water source and storage tank.
A new $500 million soybean processing plant south of Mitchell is nearly ready to open, with operations expected to begin in mid-October. Built on 296 acres, High Plains Processing will crush up to 35 million bushels annually—about 18% of South Dakota’s soybean crop—while employing 75 people. The facility is the first of its kind in the state able to process other oilseeds like canola and sunflower, positioning it to meet growing demand in food production and renewable fuels.
Sioux Falls police have arrested 40-year-old Darius Tehmeh on multiple charges including kidnapping, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation of a minor.
The Sioux Falls City Council has approved an ordinance banning makeshift dwellings in public spaces, including city parks. Passed Tuesday night, the measure requires officials to give fair warning before removing shelters and to offer transition assistance.
The 2025 South Dakota State Fair is putting the finishing touches on preparations ahead of its kickoff next week in Huron. Fair assistant manager Candi Briley says families can take advantage of multiple discounts on gate admission and activities to make the event more affordable. Running August 27 through Labor Day, September 1, the State Fair promises six days of entertainment, food, livestock shows, and family fun.
Concerns are mounting over Mount Pleasant Cemetery after a watchdog group revealed it lost its nonprofit status for failing to file tax returns three years in a row. Families say poor upkeep, missing financial records, and unanswered questions about the cemetery’s obligations have deepened frustration.
Several South Dakota newspapers are back in print following last week’s abrupt shutdown. The Brookings Register, Huron Daily Plainsman, Redfield Press, and Moody County Enterprise are resuming operations under new ownership.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) warns that Mexican drug cartels are increasingly targeting children through social media platforms to sell dangerous and often deadly drugs.
Sioux Falls police are investigating a Saturday morning shooting that left a man with non-life-threatening injuries. The victim told officers he was walking near 10th Street and Cleveland Avenue when he was shot.
Sioux Falls police are seeing more reports of EBT card fraud, with cases rising beyond the 20 initially reported last week. The South Dakota Department of Social Services says it has received around 350 cases linked to skimming devices found at the East Side Walmart and several Dollar General stores.