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Structural Concerns Lead to Evacuation of Downtown Rapid City’s Block 5 Construction
Construction on Block 5, a high-rise development in downtown Rapid City, faced a setback as structural concerns in an elevator shaft prompted an evacuation. The northern elevator shaft, over 10 stories high, was found sinking [Read More…]

South Dakota State Senator Plans DUI Legislation Amidst Alarming Statistics
State Senator Brent Hoffman is set to address South Dakota’s alarming DUI statistics in the upcoming legislative session. Following reports of the state having the highest per capita DUI rates and fatalities during holidays, Hoffman [Read More…]

Sioux Falls Arrest: Trio Faces Multiple Charges Including Stolen Vehicle and Drug Possession
Three individuals—Trent Stepp, Alicia Spoonemore, and Jesse Foht—were arrested in Sioux Falls this week, facing a range of charges, including possession of a stolen vehicle and drugs. Detectives observed the trio in a parking lot [Read More…]

Arizona Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Leading Multi-State Meth Conspiracy in South Dakota
39-year-old Rusty James Driscoll from Kingman, Arizona, was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for his central role in a large-scale methamphetamine conspiracy spanning Mexico, Arizona, Louisiana, and South Dakota. Driscoll coordinated the import [Read More…]

Ross Cimpl Named Interim Director of Athletics at Dakota Wesleyan
Mitchell, S.D. – Dakota Wesleyan University has officially announced that head football coach Ross Cimpl has been appointed interim Director of Athletics (AD). Cimpl will replace Jon Hart who has accepted the AD position at [Read More…]

Inheritance money in dispute after death of woman who made millions off sale of T-rex remains
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — For years, the the massive mostly-intact dinosaur skeleton that came to be known as Sue the T-rex was at the center of a legal battle. The latest dispute involves who [Read More…]

South Dakota Volunteer Fire Departments Receive $5 Million in Grant Funding
PIERRE, S.D. – 251 South Dakota volunteer fire departments from across the state have been awarded grants totaling $5 million in funding for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Earlier this year, the South Dakota Legislature passed and [Read More…]

South Dakota Representative Johnson Introduces Legislation Allowing States to Divest from China
South Dakota’s lone U.S. House Representative, Republican Dusty Johnson, has introduced the “PRC Accountability and Divestment Act of 2023.” The legislation aims to permit state and local governments to divest assets, including pension funds, from [Read More…]

Carbon pipeline debate spawns another new organization
Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight A second group has formed in response to disputes over a proposed carbon dioxide pipeline in South Dakota, this time in support of policies that could result in the pipeline’s construction. [Read More…]

South Dakota teachers make less than they did in 2017, when factoring in inflation
Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight The average South Dakota teacher salary has increased by just over $6,000 in the last six years, according to a recent state Department of Education report. That’s enough to meet requirements set [Read More…]

Q&A: Carbon pipeline execs say ethanol’s future hangs in the balance
Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight MARION, S.D. — If South Dakota’s ethanol industry does not reduce the amount of heat-trapping carbon dioxide it emits into the atmosphere, the industry’s future is grim. That’s according to two [Read More…]

South Dakota predator bounty program to continue despite opposition
By Bart Pfankuch and Abbey Stegenga A state-sanctioned pheasant protection program that pays South Dakota youths and adults $10 for every raccoon, skunk and other predator they trap and kill will continue through 2026. Known [Read More…]

South Dakota Cattlemen’s Convention Celebrates 75th Annual Gathering with Focus on Industry Future
The 75th annual cattlemen’s convention in Watertown, South Dakota, brought together cattle producers and industry leaders to prepare for the upcoming year. The main focus was developing policies to guide the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association [Read More…]

Lincoln County Commissioners Grapple with Rural Identity Amidst Proposed Event Center Debate
Lincoln County commissioners are facing a delicate balancing act between rural traditions and progressive development. A recent proposal for an event center sparked heated discussions at a commission meeting, where residents voiced concerns about potential [Read More…]

Swift Response to Reported Gun Incident at Brandon Valley Middle School
Parents at Brandon Valley Middle School were informed of a reported gun incident during afternoon dismissal via an email from administrators Dr. Amanda Nelson and Adam Rothenberger. Students promptly reported the presence of a gun [Read More…]

Wagner Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Assault and Abuse of Foster and Adoptive Children
Tina Sully, a 53-year-old woman from Wagner, has been sentenced to federal prison for assault and abuse charges. Serving as a foster and adoptive mother from 2003 to 2021, Sully was convicted of beating children [Read More…]

Search Operation Resumes in James River near Huron for Clues in Rachel Cyriacks’ 2013 Disappearance
Search crews, prompted by renewed interest in the 2013 disappearance of Rachel Cyriacks, have set up operations along the James River near Huron. The Sanborn County Sheriff confirmed the connection to Cyriacks’ case, emphasizing its [Read More…]

Dakota Wesleyan University Expands Nursing Program to Rapid City
Dakota Wesleyan University has announced the expansion of its nursing program to Rapid City, South Dakota. The on-site program, scheduled to begin in August, will run year-round for 24 months, leading to graduates earning an [Read More…]

Own a Piece of Huron’s History: World’s Largest Pheasant and Commercial Space for $180,000
Montgomery Real Estate of Huron has listed a unique property for sale at 924 4th St NE in Huron. Priced at $180,000, the offering includes the iconic World’s Largest Pheasant landmark and accompanying commercial space. [Read More…]

Lincoln could become sixth county to regulate location of carbon pipelines
Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight CANTON — Lincoln County could become the sixth county in the state to enact regulations on the location of carbon dioxide pipelines. Brown, McPherson, Minnehaha, Moody and Spink counties already have [Read More…]
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