After nearly four months of construction, South Dakota Highway 38 east of Mitchell reopens to through traffic today. The closure, which began in late March, allowed for bridge approach repairs at the James River and Firesteel Creek bridges.
The Mitchell City Council has delayed a decision on the proposed $23 million Corn Palace renovation, tabling the project during Monday’s meeting and casting doubt on its future. With a July 31 budget deadline looming, Mayor Jordan Hanson expressed concern over the delay.
Minnehaha County Commissioners are facing calls to reconsider their support of the annual United Way fund drive during county work hours.
A South Dakota legislative committee is tackling long-standing billing issues within the state’s developmental disability care system.
Robert Arnold, a 20-year-old Oglala Sioux Tribe member and student at Dakota State University, has launched his 2026 campaign for South Dakota governor. The young Democrat brings a fresh perspective and early political experience as a former legislative page and intern. Arnold will face a Democratic primary in June, while several Republicans and an Independent have also joined the race.
A rift on the Mitchell City Council surfaced Monday as Councilman Mike Bathke accused fellow members Kevin McCardle and Jeff Smith of unethical conduct and undermining transparency. The dispute centers on board appointments and alleged unauthorized meetings with city staff.
South Dakota is joining forces with ICE through the 287(g) program to target violent criminals and drug traffickers. Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the creation of a new task force in Pierre, where DCI agents will be trained to help enforce federal immigration laws.
Top South Dakota officials gathered at the Washington Pavilion for a public safety forum focused on a proposed $650 million men’s prison in Sioux Falls. The plan, endorsed by the Project Prison Reset task force, could double the city’s prison population and raise crime concerns.
Former Huron pastor Kevin W. Koester is scheduled to appear in court this week on child pornography charges. The 32-year-old, previously employed at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, was arrested after police searched his home and church office last month.
South Dakota 9-1-1 centers are adopting RapidSOS, an AI-powered platform that delivers real-time data from over 540 million devices to first responders. The system enhances emergency response by providing caller location, health profiles, and crash data instantly.