Latest News

John Hult/South Dakota Searchlight HURON – An agricultural economist told a group of farmers Thursday they’ll be well served to adapt to the cultural and policy changes that affect their industry – even the changes [Read More…]

Video lottery operators plan to ask lawmakers for higher limits on bets and machines

Seth Tupper, South Dakota Searchlight Owners of South Dakota video lottery establishments hope a lean budget for state government might incentivize legislators to raise the bet limit and allow more machines per license. The more [Read More…]

Civics could soon be added as a South Dakota college graduation requirement

Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight Students attending South Dakota public universities may soon face a civics proficiency requirement to graduate. Students will take three credits worth of civics education — either new classes created to meet [Read More…]

Resident-driven ideas at heart of Engage South Dakota

Bart Pfankuch / South Dakota News Watch HOT SPRINGS, S.D. – A sense of optimism and opportunity filled the air as a group of residents of this southern Black Hills city gathered recently to forge [Read More…]

Board awards $10.5 million in federal, $760,000 in state funds to affordable housing projects

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight A state board awarded over $10.5 million in federal funding at its Tuesday meeting to help rehabilitate or construct affordable housing in South Dakota. The developments received $3.33 million in Housing [Read More…]

It’s a done doula: South Dakota Medicaid to cover childbirth support starting in 2025

December 11, 2024 J.P. Skelly

South Dakota Medicaid will start covering doula birth and postpartum services in 2025. Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income and disabled people. Doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide physical, emotional and educational support to [Read More…]

New Operation Round-Up® Grant Recipients Announced

Central Electric Cooperative’s Operation Round-Up® grant program will surpass $225,000 in local impact after the board of trustees recently pledged $13,800 to support area projects. Through Operation Round-Up, participating cooperative members round up their monthly [Read More…]

Cattle tuberculosis confirmed in SD for first time since 2021

South Dakota Searchlight – Bovine tuberculosis has been confirmed in South Dakota cattle for the first time since 2021, State Veterinarian Beth Thompson said Tuesday. The infected steer was identified in late October by meat [Read More…]

Summit panelists say federal funding for rural water projects is likely to tighten

Former Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Scott Stern moderates a discussion on rural water systems on Dec. 10, 2024, at the Sanford Event Barn in Sioux Falls. Panelists are, from left, Lewis and Clark [Read More…]

Two Injured in Aberdeen Shooting; Police Say No Public Threat

Two people were hospitalized after a shooting in Aberdeen on December 10. Police responded to the scene on North Congress Street around 11 a.m. and found one individual with a gunshot wound. The second person [Read More…]

South Dakota Lawmakers Discuss Bill to Reconsider Felony Drug Offense Law

Local leaders gathered for a legislative breakfast on Tuesday to discuss key issues ahead of the 2025 legislative session. Among the topics was a proposed bill aimed at revising South Dakota’s unique law that classifies [Read More…]

Sioux Falls City Council Delays Vote on $68 Million Recreation and Aquatics Bond

The Sioux Falls City Council is still deliberating a $68 million bond to upgrade the city’s recreation and aquatics facilities, with the vote delayed yet again. Originally scheduled for May, the vote has been pushed [Read More…]

Attorney General Marty Jackley and Task Force Send Warnings to Voice Service Providers That Have Allowed Illegal Robocalls

Attorney General Marty Jackley says the Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force has sent warning letters to four voice service providers who are suspected of transmitting illegal robocalls on their networks on behalf of one or [Read More…]

SDDOT Seeks Public Input on Traffic and Drainage Study in Mitchell

The South Dakota Department of Transportation is hosting a public meeting open house for the recently completed traffic and drainage study for the area including S.D. Highway 38, between Burr Street and 413th Avenue, and [Read More…]

Mitchell School Board green-lights Begindergarten expansion

The Mitchell School Board is moving ahead with plans to expand the district’s Begindergarten program from half-day to full day starting next school year. Superintendent Joe Childs says a $1-million dollar donation from the Roger [Read More…]

Mitchell service clubs recognize Dakota Wesleyan University for its commitment to serving the community

During Monday’s annual Mitchell Service Club Christmas luncheon, the Exchange, Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary and Optimist clubs recognized Dakota Wesleyan University’s contribution to the community. Terry Aslesen of the Mitchell Exchange Club presented the proclamation. “The [Read More…]

Mitchell Salvation Army gets a boost from local service clubs

Mitchell’s five major service clubs gathered Monday to celebrate their accomplishments and support the Salvation Army during an annual Christmas get-together at DWU. Santa Claus stopped by to encourage the giving. “They got a short [Read More…]

S.D. Attorney General Jackley Elected Vice Chairman Of National Association of Attorneys General