The Davison-Hanson County Ambulance District is finalizing plans to fund rural EMS services following voter approval of a $700,000 measure. This week, the board approved a contract with the city of Mitchell for emergency medical services and discussed a possible $100,000 funding increase.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced indictments in connection with two fatal drug overdoses at the state penitentiary in 2024. Inmate Manarion Fuse is charged with distributing synthetic drugs that led to an inmate’s death in February and faces up to 70 years in prison.
Sioux Falls Police are investigating four separate weekend shootings across the city, including incidents near downtown and an apartment complex east of I-229 and 21st Street. While no life-threatening injuries were reported, the shootings have sparked concern among residents.
In response to newly confirmed measles cases, the South Dakota Department of Health has launched statewide vaccination clinics offering the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
Two new South Dakota government accountability laws take effect July 1. Senate Bills 62 and 63, introduced by Attorney General Marty Jackley, establish mandatory reporting of improper conduct and provide whistleblower protections for state employees.
South Dakota’s updated “Move Over” law takes effect July 1, expanding safety requirements for drivers. The new law mandates that motorists move over for any stopped vehicle with flashing amber, yellow, or blue lights — not just emergency vehicles.
South Dakota’s economy is showing unexpected strength, according to Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index — the highest in two years despite ongoing tariff impacts on farm exports. Economist Dr. Ernie Goss credits regional resilience.
The Davison County Commission will meet at 9 a.m. at the North Offices Building in Mitchell to discuss budget requests from local agencies, review gravel bids, set a bridge replacement bid date, and address jail conditions.
State prison officials are investigating the apparent suicide of 36-year-old inmate Leo Plenty Arrows, who was found unresponsive in his cell at the Jameson Annex in Sioux Falls on June 20. He later died at a local hospital. Plenty Arrows was serving a sentence for assault on law enforcement in Pennington County.
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is urging caution after black bear sightings were confirmed last week near Pelican Lake, just southwest of Watertown. Officials advise residents to keep pets supervised, ensure children are aware, and avoid approaching bears. To prevent attracting wildlife, secure garbage, bird seed, and other outdoor food sources. While such sightings are uncommon, officials expect bear activity to decrease as summer temperatures rise.