PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The 2019 session of the South Dakota legislature was unique by ending with a marathon day and night session and adjourning around 3 a.m. last Wednesday. Long time observer Dave Owen says ultimately each legislature has to figure out how to govern. Owen says state government has to cover the basics.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Governor Kristi Noem signed HB1087, a bill to increase intellectual diversity on college campuses. The bill directs the Board of Regents to ensure that each state-run institution of higher education is maintaining a commitment to the principles of free expression and encouraging the discussion of topics in an environment that is… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Sunshine and temperatures in the mid-40s are melting the snow in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Deputy Commander of the US Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District Lt. Col. James Startzell says severe flooding at Sioux Falls, Yankton and further south into Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri is happening… Read more »

STURGIS, S.D. (KBHB) – South Dakota Senator John Thune was in Sturgis earlier this week, meeting with representatives from the broadband industry, to discuss improving technology in rural areas. Thune says South Dakota is still struggling when it comes to expanding broadband service. He says some areas of South Dakota are still operating under 3G… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem has closed portions of three waterways in southeast South Dakota to recreational use because of flooding. The Governor’s executive order bans all recreational uses on the Big Sioux River, Skunk Creek, and Split Rock Creek, including their tributaries, in the counties of Lincoln, Minnehaha, and Union. Noem… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Stephen Falkenberg made his initial court appearance today in Yankton County Circuit Court. Magistrate Judge Kasey Sorensen read Falkenberg the charges of second-degree murder, which he said he understood. He is charged with killing 46-year-old Tamara LaFramboise (la-frahm-boy) on or about March first. Her dismembered body was found in a Menominee… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KXLG) — South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson is continuing his tour along the east side of the state this week. While making planned stops the Congressman is also assessing flood damage potential and the economic impact it’s already having on the state’s economy. The Congressman says it appears the most serious flooding will… Read more »

SISSETON, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – Sisseton business owner, Dustin Martin Kirk, 46, was indicted on two counts of embezzlement and theft, according to information from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Kirk is charged with taking money from an Indian tribal organization related to a now-dissolved business, Siouxland Lumber & Materials. It’s alleged that Kirk and his business… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A former Sioux Falls day care worker facing dozens of child abuse charges has pleaded no contest to two counts. A no contest plea isn’t an admission of guilt but is treated as such for sentencing. The Argus Leader reports Kenedi Wendt is to be sentenced in June. Authorities allege… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota’s state veterinarian says chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in a captive elk in Clark County. Dustin Oedekoven said Wednesday the owner of the 21-month-old female elk noticed the animal was sick and contacted his veterinarian. The USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, later confirmed samples tested… Read more »