South Dakota will invest more than $1.1 billion in road and bridge projects under a newly approved four-year transportation plan starting in 2026. The plan dedicates nearly $600 million for highway upgrades, $400 million for bridge repairs and replacements, and additional funding for safety improvements. Transportation officials emphasize maintaining existing infrastructure as a top priority but warn that declining fuel tax revenues and uncertain federal funding could impact projects. The $245 million Platte-Winner bridge rebuild has already been delayed until next year.
Governor Larry Rhoden has approved the deployment of 12 South Dakota National Guard soldiers from the 129th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment in Rapid City to Washington, D.C. The troops will support the DC National Guard on a 30-day mission, with the option to extend up to 90 days.
The Davison County Commission meets this morning in Mitchell with a full agenda, including a public hearing on a temporary liquor license and raffle for the Corn Palace Shrine Club, a discussion with Sheriff Harr about the jail phone contract and training requests, and the 2026 provisional budget hearing and adoption. The meeting begins at 9 a.m. at the North Offices Building on North Main Street.
Bill Mawhiney, longtime leader of the South Dakota Afterschool Network, has launched his campaign for the U.S. House. Emphasizing that he is not a career politician, Mawhiney says his focus will be on putting people ahead of politics and giving rural and working families a stronger voice. Based in Sioux Falls, where he lives with his husband and two children, Mawhiney has spent nearly 20 years championing childcare, education, and afterschool programs across South Dakota.
A 65-year-old Mitchell man, Curtis Buchholz Sr., is facing serious felony charges after multiple juveniles accused him of sexual abuse spanning several years. Arrested in late August, Buchholz pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexual contact with a child under 16, each carrying a potential 15-year prison sentence. The first report surfaced in 2023, with additional victims later coming forward. His trial is scheduled for December, where he could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Sanford Health announced plans to acquire all 60 Lewis Drug locations across South Dakota, Iowa, and Minnesota in a deal expected to close this fall. The acquisition will expand pharmacy access, especially in rural communities, while maintaining the Lewis Drug name, employees, and customer experience. Officials say the move builds on Sanford’s longstanding partnership with Lewis and strengthens healthcare services across the region.
South Dakota is raising a glass to America’s 250th birthday with a new commemorative beer. “Dakota Liberty” was unveiled at the State Fair in Huron and later featured at a Tap Haus sampling event. A portion of proceeds will support the South Dakota America 250th Commission, which is organizing statewide celebrations, heritage projects, and historic events leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial.
South Dakota is drawing attention from high-tech companies looking to build massive data centers powered by new energy infrastructure. State Representative Karla Lems recently toured Applied Data’s two-million-square-foot facility under construction in Ellendale, North Dakota
South Dakota lawmakers will convene in Pierre on September 23 for a special legislative session to decide on the future of a new state prison. The proposal calls for a $650 million, 1,500-bed men’s correctional facility in northeast Sioux Falls, following the collapse of earlier plans in Lincoln County.
BIG Update I joined the Peaceful Pines Senior Living Center in Huron to talk […]