Local
22 hours ago
Judge Weighs ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense in Tea Murder Case
A Lincoln County judge is weighing whether to dismiss a murder charge under South Dakota’s “stand your ground” law. Timothy Overton of Tea claims he shot contractor Isaiah Morales in self-defense during a June confrontation at his home. Prosecutors allege Overton attacked Morales with brass knuckles before firing the fatal shot, while the defense argues he was assaulted first. Testimony in the case resumes today in Canton.
22 hours ago
Governor Rhoden Seeks Nominations for District 16 House Seat
Governor Larry Rhoden is seeking nominations to fill the vacant District 16 House seat following the passing of Representative Richard Vasgaard. Community members can apply or nominate someone through a link at MitchellNow.com, with nominations due by September 7.
22 hours ago
Sioux Falls Tourism Sees Summer Slowdown
Sioux Falls tourism numbers fell this summer, with visits down 9% in June and 6% in July compared to last year. Experience Sioux Falls reports fewer travelers at Falls Park and other attractions, citing economic uncertainty and reduced international travel.
22 hours ago
Sioux Falls Faces $10 Million in Future Cuts Under Property Tax Restrictions
The Sioux Falls City Council is wrapping up work on the 2026 budget, but officials warn new property tax limits will force $10 million in cuts over the next decade. Finance Director Shawn Pritchett says the legislature’s property tax task force is weighing even deeper restrictions, raising concerns for the city’s long-term finances.
22 hours ago
Local Governments Struggle With New Property Tax Limits While Finalizing 2026 Budgets
As South Dakota cities finalize their 2026 budgets, local officials say new property tax restrictions are creating major challenges. The changes, approved by the legislature earlier this year, are drawing criticism from Sioux Falls Finance Director Shawn Pritchett, who testified during summer Task Force hearings.
22 hours ago
Record Number of Build Dakota Scholarships Awarded
South Dakota Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden announced a record 630 Build Dakota Scholarships awarded in 2025, helping students train for high-demand careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, and other vital industries. The full-ride scholarships require recipients to live and work in South Dakota for at least three years, strengthening the state’s workforce. Since its launch in 2015, more than 4,500 students have benefited from Build Dakota, a program designed to keep talent in-state and support economic growth.
22 hours ago
Sioux Falls Choir Teacher in Running for National Classroom Heroes Award
George McGovern Middle School choir teacher Erin McFarland has been named a finalist in the national Heroes of the Classroom contest, sponsored by Kleenex. Former students say McFarland made a lasting difference during their challenging middle school years.
22 hours ago
Friends of Firesteel Push Lake Mitchell Fundraising to $3M Goal
Friends of Firesteel is rallying Lake Mitchell residents to help raise $3 million in support of the city’s $25 million lake restoration project. With $1.7 million already pledged from major foundations and private donors, the nonprofit is playing a key role in backing the long-awaited dredging effort. Mayor Jordan Hanson says while the city has secured full project funding, community donations will be recognized with a plaque once work begins in 2026 to restore Lake Mitchell’s health and vitality.
2 days ago
Mitchell Hires Contractor for Corn Palace Mural Installation
The Mitchell City Council has approved a $75,420 contract with Pro Contracting to install nine new Corn Palace murals this fall. Work will begin after October 1 and finish by November 15, funded through the city’s Corn Palace fund. Officials say using a contractor for the first time will ensure the murals are ready for the 2026 semiquincentennial celebration, themed “250 Years of America.”
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
2 days ago
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.
3 days ago
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.
3 days ago
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.
3 days ago
$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.
3 days ago
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.
3 days ago
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.
3 days ago
Fort Pierre Player Scores Big in Lucky for Life
A Fort Pierre lottery ticket purchased at Dakotamart has scored big in the Lucky for Life drawing, winning $25,000 a year for life or a $390,000 lump sum payout. This marks the fifth major South Dakota Lottery win in August, highlighting a streak of luck for state players. Meanwhile, the massive $1.1 billion Powerball jackpot went unclaimed, raising the stakes even higher for tonight’s drawing—now among the top five largest jackpots in Powerball history.
