
Mitchell Now publishes opinion pieces representing both sides of a variety of topics. Opinions […]

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is accepting applications for fall 2025 internships in his Washington, D.C., Pierre, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls offices. College students selected will receive a stipend and may earn academic credit. Internships typically run September through December, with flexible scheduling available.

At the “Stand with Farmers” event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota producers and advocates called for urgent federal action on agriculture. Speakers voiced concern over delays to the farm bill, USDA funding freezes, and harmful tariffs.

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.