RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The Department of Veterans Affairs is increasing the push for veterans to kick the habit by banning tobacco use at VA health care facilities nationwide. The nationwide tobacco-free mandate is to take effect by October. But the Rapid City Journal reports that Black Hills VA hospitals at Fort Meade and… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – President Trump sharpened his rhetoric toward Iran with tweets suggesting the end of Iran as a country if they attack American forces in the middle east. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds, a member of the Armed Services Committee, says it is becoming a serious issue. Rounds says the U.S. has a… Read more »

TOLSTOY, S.D. (DRG News) – Two people are dead after a fire north of Tolstoy Saturday. The Lien Funeral Home in Bowdle says 81-year-old Jerry Schack and 74-year-old Shirlee Schack both passed away as a result of a house fire. No details are yet available. Tolstoy is located in Potter County, south and east of… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The assessment of damages to Marne Creek and the Auld-Brokaw Trail through Yankton is continuing. City Manager Amy Leon says there needs to be ongoing discussions about the needed repairs. Flooding in March caused major damage to the creek and nearby walking trail. Leon says even if the city qualifies for… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The inaugural Kids Konnection Karnival is set for Friday, May 24 at Central Park in Aberdeen. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. Kids Konnection is a supervised visitation program that is part of Safe Harbor. Teressa Barton, Public Awareness Coordinator with Safe Harbor, said the event is not only… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – MidAmerican Energy customers in South Dakota will get a refund and rate reduction as the result of a settlement with the Public Utilities Commission. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says it is tied to the federal tax reduction law passed in 2017. Fiegen says the refund is one time, the rate reduction will… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Yankton School Superintendent Wayne Kindle says district taxpayers will be asked again to consider a property tax opt out. Kindle says discussions on a proposal will begin this fall. Kindle says they haven’t set how much is needed, yet. The district budget has been carrying a structural deficit since the state… Read more »

WASHINGTON, S.D. (WNAX) – U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last Friday that the United States and Japan agreed on new terms and conditions that give U.S. beef full access to the Japanese market. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Jodie Anderson says cattle producers are excited about regaining that market which was shut off… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – As this spring’s university graduates head out into the world, most are able to find jobs in their areas of interest. Kasandra Girard is an employer relations advisor in the Academic and Planning Center at the University of South Dakota. She says more recruiting is done well ahead of graduation. Girard… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The trend appears to be wetter and cooler than normal for the week, month and summer. Nebraska State Climatologist Martha Shulski says heavy rain will spread across much of the northern plains for the next week. Shulski was featured on this month’s North Central regional climate webinar. She says that wet… Read more »