News » Page 2
Lake Mitchell Residents Press City for Drawdown Timeline
Lake Mitchell homeowners are pressing city leaders for answers on when the lake will be drawn down for shoreline work and dredging. A local dock and lift contractor says residents are requesting equipment removal daily, but the city has yet to announce a timeline.
DWU Lands $1.5M TRIO Grant to Boost Student Success
Dakota Wesleyan University has received a $1.5 million federal TRIO Student Support Services grant to continue helping first-generation, low-income, and disabled students succeed through 2030. The program, which has supported nearly 7,400 DWU students since 1979, offers tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and financial aid guidance to boost retention and graduation rates.
Property Tax Limits Create Budget Strains for South Dakota Cities
South Dakota cities are facing growing budget challenges, according to Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett. He told the Sioux Falls City Council this week that creating the upcoming budget is the most difficult process he has encountered, citing a new property tax limitation passed by the legislature earlier this year.
Sioux Falls Council Approves 5-Year Ambulance Contract Despite Criticism
The Sioux Falls City Council has approved a new 5-year ambulance service contract with PatientCare EMS in a 7-1 vote, despite concerns from Councilor Curt Soehl. The agreement has backing from the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority along with Avera and Sanford Health.
Corrections Secretary Wasko Resigns, Clearing Path for New Sioux Falls Prison Plan
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko will resign effective October 20, creating a major shift in the state’s prison system leadership. Her departure could remove a key obstacle to building a new men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, a project long debated by lawmakers. Governor Larry Rhoden says the decision was Wasko’s alone and that her exit may help move the prison plan forward. Former Corrections Secretary and current Representative Tim Reisch supports the new facility, while the search for Wasko’s replacement is already underway.
2 days ago in Sports
For decades, US Open women’s champs got a smaller replica trophy than the men. Now they’re equal
Coco Gauff was surprised at how much tinier the replica trophy she got to keep after winning this year's French Open was than the trophy she posed with on court at Roland-Garros for all the world to see. She even did a TikTok about the discrepancy, drawing more than 2 million views.
2 days ago in National
Trump will host top tech CEOs except Musk at a White House dinner
President Donald Trump will host a high-powered list of tech CEOs for a dinner at the White House on Thursday night. The guest list is set to include Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and a dozen other executives from the biggest artificial intelligence and tech firms, according to the White House.
2 days ago in Lifestyle
Moms’ careers and personal time are hit hard by school drop-off demands, a poll finds
About one-third of parents say taking their kids to school has caused them to miss work, according to the poll. Roughly 3 in 10 say they've been prevented from seeking or taking work opportunities. And 11% say school transportation has even caused them to lose a job.
2 days ago in Sports
Angel Reese voices frustration with Chicago Sky’s losing season
The two-time WNBA All-Star told the Chicago Tribune that she "might have to move in a different direction and do what's best for me" if the team doesn't improve its outlook.
2 days ago in College, High School,
Sports Roundup: Thursday 9/4/25
Mitchell Golf The Kernel boys golf team will get back to action tomorrow morning. They will compete in a Varsity…
2 days ago in Lifestyle, Trending
Powerball jackpot jumps to $1.7 billion after another night without a big winner
The Powerball jackpot has jumped to an eye-popping $1.7 billion, after yet another drawing passed without a big winner Wednesday. The numbers selected were: 3, 16, 29, 61 and 69, with the Powerball number being 22.
Faye – Heartland Humane Society
Faye is a 1.5 year old female Torbie (Torteshell + Tabby!) Faye is living and loving her best life at foster where she…
Tucker – Heartland Humane Society
Tucker is a 4 year old Shepard mix. Tucker is at the top of his class at his training program.…
Buck – Heartland Humane Society
Buck is a 3 year old yellow lab, great pyrenees mix. Buck is the best dog you have never had. He…
Fiona – Heartland Humane Society
Fiona is a 4.5 year old female Tuxedo cat. Fiona is sweet, independent, but still open to love! She loves…
DWU awarded $1.5 million grant to support first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities through TRIO Student Support Services
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) a $1.5 million TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant, continuing a 46-year tradition of helping low-income, first-generation, and disabled students succeed in higher education.
DOC Secretary Wasko Resigns Amid Prison Plan Backlash
South Dakota Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has resigned under pressure from lawmakers critical of her leadership and handling of the state’s new Sioux Falls prison proposal. Governor Larry Rhoden announced her departure Tuesday, just weeks before a special legislative session on building a 1,500-bed men’s prison. Wasko, appointed in 2022 after a DOC misconduct scandal, faced growing criticism over shifting cost estimates and prison safety policies.
$30M Musick Endowment Strengthens Education, Community Appeal
Roger and Vicki Musick’s $30 million endowment to Dakota Wesleyan University is being hailed as a transformative gift for education and community growth in Mitchell. The fund will provide need-based scholarships for Mitchell High School students to earn college credit and graduate scholarships for local teachers. City, school, and Chamber leaders say the investment strengthens Mitchell’s reputation for strong schools and professional opportunities, while new videos and social media campaigns aim to attract families to the community.
Mitchell Council Reviews Corn Palace Murals, Sewer and Bike Path Projects
The Mitchell City Council tackled a busy agenda this week, reviewing bids and major city projects. Council members considered new Corn Palace mural installations after earlier bids came up empty and discussed key infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewer for the lakeshore development, a new bike path at Lakeview Golf Course and Mitchell Cemetery, and nearly $892,000 in payments for ongoing utility and park improvements.
Ellsworth Prepares for Arrival of B-21 Stealth Bomber
Ellsworth Air Force Base is advancing preparations to host the B-21 Raider, America’s next-generation stealth bomber. The multi-billion-dollar project includes more than 30 base upgrades, from runway reconstruction to secure hangar construction.
