WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has introduced a bill that he says would close a loop hole in the “Gun-Free Schools Zones Act.” Rounds says the change is needed due to the addition of constitutional, or open carry laws in South Dakota. Rounds says it would revert federal law. The open… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – Under a bill passed by this year’s legislature, South Dakota universities will have to provide spaces and protections for free speech. The bill (HB1087) says the Board of Regents must encourage “the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.” University of South Dakota… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved an electric rate hike for Otter Tail Power Company but was less than the company requested. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says they weren’t convinced with what the company wanted. Fiegen says they don’t just average between the company request and the staff suggestions. Fiegen says… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Science continues at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, with a major expansion coming soon. Lab Communications Director Connie Walter says the next steps involve at least two research projects. Walter says there is international interest and cooperation. Walter says it will be a big construction job. Walter says they are now… Read more »

MITCHELL, S.D. (KMIT) – The Abbott House has been awarded a $350,000 grant to build two therapeutic foster homes and independent living apartments. The homes will be built in Rapid City. Each home will have six bedrooms with one home designated to serve boys ages 10 to 17 and another designated for girls ages 10… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Amy Iversen-Pollreisz will serve as Interim Secretary of Social Services. This follows the resignation of current Secretary of Social Services Greg DeSautel, which is effective May 22. “I’m thankful for the ways Amy has served South Dakota through her various roles at DSS over… Read more »

MITCHELL, S.D. (KMIT) – Mitchell police are investigating two deaths at a Mitchell motel. Just after 11:30 a.m. on Monday morning, authorities received a report of a deceased man and woman who were found at the Thunderbird Lodge. Officers and ambulance personnel responded to the scene. At this time, there are no indications of foul… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Sioux Falls woman charged with murder in the 1981 death of her newborn has been released from jail. The Argus Leader reports Theresa Bentaas posted bond Monday. The 57-year-old Bentaas has been in the Minnehaha County Jail since her arrest March 8. She is charged with first- and second-degree… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Police are looking for the person who shot a motorist in Sioux Falls. Authorities say the 34-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to his back Saturday about 2 a.m. The victim told police he was stopped at an intersection when a man got out of his own car and approached… Read more »

SPEARFISH, S.D. (Press Release) —Police in Spearfish say a man was arrested after allegedly holding up the Spearfish McDonald’s restaurant. Police say 20-year-old Brandon Allen Aldrich was arrested on the campus of Black Hills State University shortly after the robbery. The restaurant reported the robbery at around 11:17 p.m. Sunday night. Staff say the man,… Read more »