Government » Page 2
1 week ago
Thune Highlights National Air Travel Modernization Efforts After Shutdown Disruptions
Sen. John Thune says federal investments in staffing and technology are moving the nation toward a more modern air traffic control system following shutdown-related travel delays.
2 weeks ago
Small Business Saturday Encourages Shoppers to Support Local Stores This Weekend
Small Business Saturday returns this weekend, offering shoppers a chance to support locally owned businesses during the holiday shopping rush. The national initiative has generated more than $200 billion in small-business spending since 2010.
2 weeks ago
Corsica Leaders Push to Preserve Local Nursing Home After Closure Announcement
Community leaders in Corsica are urgently working to preserve senior care services after Sanford Health announced it will close the town’s Good Samaritan Society nursing home on Nov. 30. The closure affects 43 residents and 68 employees in Douglas County’s only remaining long-term care facility.
3 weeks ago
Johnson’s Digital Permitting Bill Passes Committee
The House Natural Resources Committee has unanimously advanced the bipartisan ePermit Act, legislation co-led by Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota to modernize and streamline the federal permitting process. Supporters say the bill would move agencies toward a fully digital, more predictable review system.
3 weeks ago
Attorney General Jackley Encourages Shoppers To Watch for Holiday Scams
Attorney General Marty Jackley is urging South Dakota shoppers to stay alert for holiday scams, including fake delivery messages and tampered gift cards. The Consumer Protection Division is offering guidance and support for anyone who believes they’ve been targeted.
3 weeks ago
South Dakota Delays SDVotes Program Launch to 2027 to Allow More County Auditor Training
The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office has postponed the launch of the upgraded SDVotes system to early 2027, citing requests from county auditors for more time to train staff and test the platform. Officials say the system is fully built and secure, with the delay focused solely on user readiness.
3 weeks ago
Davison County Regional Railroad Authority Announces Additional $5.7 Million in Rail Infrastructure Funding for High Plains Processing
The Davison County Regional Railroad Authority has received approval for an additional $5.7 million in low-interest loan funding to complete major rail infrastructure at High Plains Processing south of Mitchell. The investment strengthens one of South Dakota’s largest value-added agriculture projects and expands rail capacity for regional producers.
3 weeks ago
Rural Mainstreet Index Shows Slight Improvement, but Farm Economy Still Struggling
Excerpt: Creighton University’s latest Rural Mainstreet Index shows the regional farm economy improving modestly last month, though it continues to sit in negative territory. Low commodity prices and rising costs remain major challenges for producers.
3 weeks ago
Team Buche Cares, Farmers Union Industries Distribute Food Aid Statewide After SNAP Delay
With SNAP benefits delayed during the recent government shutdown, Team Buche Cares and Farmers Union Industries have launched statewide efforts to support families facing food insecurity. The groups are distributing 10,000 pounds of pork loin and have already provided $300,000 in SNAP replacement certificates.
3 weeks ago
Thune Calls for Return to Regular Order Following End of Federal Shutdown
U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says Congress must return to the traditional appropriations process to fund the government, urging lawmakers to work together after the recent 43-day federal shutdown ended. Thune emphasized that regular order is the most transparent and effective way to pass spending bills.
3 weeks ago
Attorney General Jackley Announces California Man Sentenced To 12 Years in Prison for Online Scam
A California man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after admitting to an online scam that stole $472,000 from a Chamberlain resident, according to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office. The case was investigated by state, local, and federal agencies.
3 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Tax Receipts Rebound, but Still Trail Budget Expectations
Sioux Falls tax collections are showing early signs of recovery, though receipts remain below projected budget levels. City officials say sales tax growth is improving as construction activity continues to surge.
3 weeks ago
Attorney General Jackley Announces Creation of Task Force To Review State’s Open Meetings Laws
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has created a 15-member advisory task force to review the state’s Open Meetings Laws and recommend potential legislative updates. The group will hold its first meeting Nov. 25 in Pierre.
3 weeks ago
Rounds, King Seek Maximum H-2B Work Visas to Support Small Businesses in 2026
U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and Angus King are urging federal agencies to release the maximum number of supplemental H-2B visas in Fiscal Year 2026 to help small businesses fill seasonal workforce gaps. The request follows three consecutive years of similar federal action.
3 weeks ago
New Naloxone Distribution Box Installed at Brookings Health System to Expand Overdose Prevention Efforts Excerpt:
Emily’s Hope and Let’s Be Clear have partnered with Brookings Health System to install a 24/7 community-access naloxone box, expanding access to life-saving overdose reversal medication in eastern South Dakota.
3 weeks ago
Johnson Votes to Release Epstein Files
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson voted this week to release files connected to Jeffrey Epstein as part of an ongoing House Oversight Committee investigation. Johnson said the move supports transparency while protecting victims’ identities.
3 weeks ago
South Dakota DSS to Issue Remaining November SNAP Benefits This Week
The South Dakota Department of Social Services will distribute the remaining November SNAP benefits to more than 37,000 eligible households following the end of the federal shutdown. Benefits are expected to be available on Tuesday.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell City Council to Review Variance Request, Liquor Licenses, and 2026 Compensation Plan on Nov. 17
The Mitchell City Council will consider multiple land-use requests, license transfers, infrastructure agreements, and a proposed 2026 employee compensation plan during its Nov. 17 meeting. Councilors will also review several change orders and upcoming public hearing dates.
3 weeks ago
Mitchell Officer Shanden Reiners Graduates Academy, Continues Family Law Enforcement Legacy
Officer Shanden Reiners has graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy and will soon begin serving the Mitchell community. Reiners follows in the footsteps of his father, Bill, who served with the South Dakota Capitol Complex Police Department.
4 weeks ago
Sioux Falls Council Outlines Process to Fill Upcoming Vacancy After Sarah Cole’s Departure
Sioux Falls City Council members have set the process for filling an upcoming vacancy created by Councilor Sarah Cole’s move out of the city. Nominations are due Dec. 5, with the appointment scheduled for Dec. 9.
