Articles by J.P. Skelly

A 22 year old man from Yankton has been sentenced to 22 years in Federal Prison for selling fentanyl resulting in the death of a young woman. The U-S Attorney’s Office reported Evan Nelson was [Read More…]

A 50 year old man from Brunswick, NE died in a single vehicle crash Friday afternoon, one mile southeast of Avon, SD. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported around 3:25 pm, the driver [Read More…]

SD Searchlight-Ariana Figueroa WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing mounting criticism, including from some congressional Republicans and moderate Democrats, for her response to a second killing by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis. [Read More…]

Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that 11 people, including seven prison inmates, three private citizens, and one person who was contracted by the state at the time, have been indicted in connection with a November [Read More…]

South Dakota Searchlight-Jacob Fischler A partial federal government shutdown appeared Sunday to unexpectedly be on the horizon, after another fatal shooting by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis led key U.S. Senate Democrats to say they [Read More…]

Dakota Wesleyan University’s in-person A.S. nursing program based in Sioux Falls has a new home.  The program moved from a downtown location to a new location in early January. The program is now occupying part [Read More…]

When the USS Pierre was commissioned as the newest addition to the U.S. Navy fleet in November 2025, Pheasantland Industries’ Print Shop played a creative and meaningful role in commemorating the historic event. Working closely with [Read More…]

SD Searchlight-Makenzie Huber PIERRE — A South Dakota state representative was reassigned to different committees recently after tempers flared over a committee’s seating arrangement, in an episode one lawmaker described as “unprofessional and juvenile behavior.” [Read More…]

SD Searchlight-Josh Haiar State Sen. Tim Reed opened a bill hearing Wednesday by saying a former state economic development commissioner “complied with the statute as it exists today” when the ex-commissioner waited one year before [Read More…]

 Two people died and several were injured in a multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, five miles west of Reliance, SD. Preliminary crash information indicates Drew Allen Kellison, the driver of a 2025 Kenworth, was traveling westbound [Read More…]

Two people died and several were injured in a multi-vehicle crash Friday afternoon, five miles west of Reliance, SD. The names of the persons involved have not been released pending notification of family members. Preliminary [Read More…]

State Representative Jeff Bathke announces his re-election campaign, representing District 20 and the great State of South Dakota. District 20 includes the communities and citizens of Jerauld, Sanborn, Miner and Davison Counties. Representative Bathke has [Read More…]

The Kelley Center for Entrepreneurship at Dakota Wesleyan University announces two local women will serve as the university’s Kelley Center 2026 Entrepreneurs in Residence. According to Assistant Director for the Kelley Center Jessica Dollahon, “This [Read More…]

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Charles Mix County State’s Attorney Steve Cotton announced a man from Wagner has been arrested in connection with a fatal vehicle-related incident that occurred Saturday night near Wagner. [Read More…]

The South Dakota National Guard formally welcomed home the Rapid City-based 109th Engineer Battalion during a ceremony Sunday, Jan. 11, at the Range Road Armory. The event honored approximately 50 Soldiers for their successful completion [Read More…]

The 2026 South Dakota Legislative session starts Tuesday. Differing views are common on numerous issues. District 20 Senator Paul Miskimins of Mitchell believes it’s important to listen. “Respect for people, even if you don’t agree [Read More…]

Two people died in a single vehicle crash Saturday evening 10 miles north of Hill City in the Black Hills. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported shortly after 10pm Saturday the driver of [Read More…]

A 64 year old woman from Mitchell died Monday from injuries sustained during a January 3 hit and run crash near Humboldt, South Dakota. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported preliminary crash information [Read More…]

James Valley Drug and DUI Court celebrated two graduates to start the new year. Judge Donna Bucher said between them, Alan R. and Bradley J. have 1096 sober days, paid more than $2,500 in fines [Read More…]