Articles by Travis Kriens

Cassandra Stephenson, Gabrielle Nelson, Mónica Cordero RYDER, N.D., — Tyler Stafslien is a fourth-generation farmer who’s worked his family’s land in central North Dakota for about 20 years. Roughly half of his 2,500 acres are [Read More…]

Half of SD inmates return to prison, two-thirds among Native American women, new report shows

Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight Half the people released from prison in South Dakota return within three years, according to the state Department of Corrections’ newly released 2025 annual report — the highest recidivism rate in at least [Read More…]

$300 million Sanford gift ranks as fifth biggest charitable donation of the year

A $300 million gift from South Dakota philanthropist Denny Sanford to Sanford Health to support the construction of a new medical center in Rapid City was the fifth largest charitable donation in the country this year, according [Read More…]

When the Final Buzzer Comes Too Late

Travis Kriens. KORN News Radio Sports Director I pulled back into Mitchell at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday morning after covering the Mitchell Kernels girls and boys basketball doubleheader at Watertown on Tuesday night, Dec. 17. That’s [Read More…]

Tyler & Hybertson Named NAIA Women’s Volleyball Third-Team All-Americans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Elizabeth Tyler and Kayleigh Hybertson round out the season of athletic honors with Third Team All-American distinctions by the NAIA, marking the first All-American awards for both athletes. Tyler was the highest-rated libero on the [Read More…]

Zgonc Earns All-American Recognition

December 16, 2025 Travis Kriens

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State volleyball’s Sylvie Zgonc was recognized as an honorable mention All-American Wednesday by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). Zgonc is a repeat honoree, also picking up the accolade as a sophomore in [Read More…]

Tuesday Sports: December 16, 2025

TUESDAY SPORTS, DECMEBER 16, 2025 MITCHELL KERNELS — Mitchell Kernels basketball starts its season on Tuesday with a doubleheader at Watertown. The girls play at 6 pm, followed by the boys at 7:45 pm. The [Read More…]

Wyoming Beats Jackrabbits in Sioux Falls

December 16, 2025 Travis Kriens

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Wyoming made nine of its first 10 shot attempts and never looked back in an 87-72 victory over South Dakota State on Monday, Dec. 15, inside the Sanford Pentagon. The Cowboys got [Read More…]

False Hostage Report Triggers Lockdowns in Harrisburg

A reported hostage situation in Harrisburg on Monday was determined to be a false report, leading to the arrest of a 49-year-old man. Lincoln County dispatch received a 911 call shortly before noon claiming people [Read More…]

South Dakota High School Basketball Media Poll – December 15, 2025

The South Dakota Prep Media Basketball Poll for the week of Dec. 15 is listed below, ranking the top-five teams, the team’s record, points received and ranking in the previous poll. First-place votes are listed [Read More…]

Police videos in South Dakota: Public pays costs but cannot see footage

Bart Pfankuch/South Dakota News Watch Part 1 of a 3-part series Attorney Jeffrey Montpetit knew that obtaining a video of a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper’s actions after a 2015 DUI arrest in Clay County [Read More…]

South Dakota having less success keeping truancy cases out of court

Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight South Dakota’s success rate for keeping truancy cases out of court is the lowest it’s been in a decade, according to an annual report presented to a state committee. The Juvenile Justice Reinvestment [Read More…]

Monday Sports: December 15, 2025

MONDAY SPORTS, DECMEBER 15, 2025 MITCHELL KERNELS — Mitchell Kernels gymnastics picked up a triangular victory on Friday night at home with a team score of 144.10 points to defeat O’Gorman (128.85) and Huron (116.10). [Read More…]

Mahomes tears ACL as Chargers eliminate Chiefs from playoff contention with 16-13 victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The final images of the Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason pursuit were Patrick Mahomes getting helped to the locker room with what turned out to be a torn ACL in his left [Read More…]

J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings win after being eliminated from playoffs before kickoff at Cowboys

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — J.J. McCarthy has back-to-back wins for the first time as an NFL quarterback, and three more games to show the Minnesota Vikings that he can help get them back into the [Read More…]

Defense Lifts South Dakota State Over Ball State

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State had five players reach double figures in the scoring column and Mahli Abdouch posted a program-record 10 steals Sunday afternoon as South Dakota State topped Ball State 78-59 at First Bank & [Read More…]

One Man Dead in a Single Vehicle Crash South of Wall

Pennington County, S.D.- One man died in a single vehicle crash 11 miles south of Wall, SD on Friday, December 12. The name of the person involved has not been released pending notification of family [Read More…]

Coyotes Fall in FCS Quarterfinals at Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — The No. 3-seeded Montana Grizzlies defended their home turf Saturday afternoon inside of Washington-Grizzly Stadium, as the Grizzlies would down No. 11-seeded South Dakota 52-22 in the quarterfinals of the FCS Playoffs. Wide [Read More…]

Bruns, Fens lead Coyotes to 97-85 win over Prairie View A&M

VERMILLION, S.D. — Isaac Bruns and Cameron Fens set new career highs to lead the South Dakota basketball team to a 97-85 win over Prairie View A&M in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center Saturday afternoon. Bruns, who has now [Read More…]

No. 14 DWU Women Dominates College of Saint Mary