1. Mitchell Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase
A Mitchell man, Corey Bowers, was arrested after a police chase early Thursday morning. Deputies say he was driving 66 mph in a 30-mph construction zone on Highway 37, then fled into Sanborn County before spike strips brought him to a stop near 251st Street. He now faces charges including aggravated eluding, reckless driving, and driving without insurance.
2. Water Shut-Off Scheduled for Parts of Mitchell
Heads-up, neighbors: the city of Mitchell will shut off water service on Tuesday, August 19, from about 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM to repair valves at East Ash and South Gamble. If you’re in the area, plan ahead and consider filling some containers.
3. Governor Rhoden Expands Trade Footprint with UK & Ireland Mission
Governor Larry Rhoden is currently in the UK and Ireland leading a trade mission aimed at unlocking fresh international markets for South Dakota businesses. The outreach could mean new exports, investment, and partnerships shaped around agriculture, manufacturing, and tech innovation. Observers see this as a boost to the state’s economy—if deals move forward.
4. SDSU Aims to Reclaim $66 Million in Federal Research Funding
South Dakota State University is pushing to restore approximately $66 million in federal research grants that were cut when the Trump administration canceled a prominent climate-focused program. SDSU officials argue the funds are critical for ongoing studies in agriculture, sustainability, and science innovation.
5. Dangerous Surf Ahead: Hurricane Erin Brewing Offshore
Hurricane Erin, the season’s first major storm, has grown into a powerful Category 4 hurricane and is stirring up significant concern, even though it’s not forecast to make landfall in the U.S. Erin intensified rapidly over the weekend, briefly reaching Category 5 status before settling into a sustained Category 4 with 140 mph winds. It’s now moving north of Hispaniola, heading toward the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos.