South Dakota lawmakers and state leaders are reflecting on the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session, with the most notable achievement being the limitation of eminent domain powers for Carbon Capture pipeline companies. This significant victory comes after nearly four years of legislative battles. Pipeline critic Ed Fischbach is celebrating the win, as the grassroots movement opposing the pipeline continues to gain momentum. The movement has already scored several victories, including state Supreme Court rulings, a successful election referendum, and now, this legislative success.
Governor Larry Rhoden has signed 10 new bills designed to foster economic opportunity in South Dakota. These bills address various issues, including changes to licensing and inspection fees, the establishment of an electronic vehicle title system, and updates to trust provisions and sales tax exemptions. Governor Rhoden highlighted that these measures are crucial to sustaining South Dakota’s economic growth. Notably, SB 131 and HB 1232 were signed during a ceremony in Sioux Falls as part of his “Open for Opportunity” tour. To date, the governor has signed 136 bills and vetoed one in this legislative session.
Mills earned the silver in the slalom event, showcasing his exceptional skills on the international stage. In addition to his silver medal, Mills finished fifth in the giant slalom and seventh in Super-G. Special Olympics South Dakota celebrated his impressive achievements on their Facebook page this past Saturday.
A group of South Dakotans, organized by Indivisible 605, protested government cuts impacting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) near the VA Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The protest, held on Friday, called for increased support for veterans and criticized recent program reductions under the Trump administration. In response, the VA defended its efforts to reform, stating that these changes have been necessary for years. The department also emphasized that less than one percent of its workforce has been laid off, dismissing concerns over the cuts.
South Dakota’s ongoing dry winter continues to pose a significant wildfire risk across the state. Officials are warning that the combination of dry conditions, low humidity, and strong winds is creating the perfect environment for wildfires. Fire crews have been actively battling multiple fires, particularly in the western regions. State officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor burning to help prevent further fire outbreaks and protect the community.
A 24-year-old airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Quinterius Chappelle, is facing a federal murder charge in connection with the death of 21-year-old Sahela Sangrait. Sangrait, who was last seen in August, was found dead by a hiker near Hill City earlier this month. The investigation indicates that her death occurred on the base, granting the U.S. Attorney’s Office jurisdiction for prosecution. This tragic case has drawn attention to criminal activity involving military personnel.
South Dakota’s unemployment rate remains impressively low, continuing to outpace the national average. The state’s unemployment rate held steady at just 1.9% in January, far below the national rate of 4.1%. This positive trend highlights the state’s thriving economy, with nearly 500,000 workers in South Dakota’s workforce as of January. State officials are optimistic about job growth heading into the spring, emphasizing strong job creation across South Dakota.
A man from Chamberlain, Mitchell Old Lodge, has pleaded guilty to grand theft after stealing 45 bottles of liquor from County Fair over the course of a month. Last week, Old Lodge was sentenced to a two-year suspended prison sentence. As part of his sentence, he will serve two years of probation, spend 10 days in jail, and pay restitution of approximately $2,000 for the stolen liquor.
A woman from Mitchell, Tina Hauge, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to methamphetamine possession. As part of a plea deal, additional charges against Hauge were dropped. She received a five-year suspended prison sentence, will serve 30 days in jail (with 18 days remaining), and will be on probation for two years. Hauge will also pay a $750 fine. The investigation began in October when Mark Leach, an employee of the Freedom Valu Center, was stopped by police and found with meth and drug paraphernalia. Further searches at Leach’s home and the Freedom Valu Center uncovered evidence of meth dealing and illegal prescription drugs, leading to Hauge’s sentencing and the previous conviction of another employee, Shelly Klapkin, in December. Leach, with a prior drug conviction, pleaded not guilty and is set for court again in May.
Mitchell man has changed his plea from not guilty to guilty in a rape charge related to a domestic incident in November 2024. Court documents show Azriel Fallis admitted to living with a minor and having sexual relations with her multiple times.