BROOKINGS, S.D.(KELO)-  Miss South Dakota USA, Shania Knutson, has been suspended from her role as she faces petty theft charges in Brookings County. Denise Wallace, Executive Co-Director of Miss South Dakota USA state pageant issued a release saying, “We are aware of Shania’s recent arrest for first-degree petty theft.  We moved to suspend Shania from… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The Senate Judiciary Committee, on a 6-1 vote, passes a bill that would limit parole for South Dakota’s most violent offenders. It requires those convicted of manslaughter, kidnapping, rape and other violent crimes to serve the full term of their sentence. That’s already required for murder convictions. Senator Brent Hoffmann of Sioux Falls… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Senator Brent Hoffman of Sioux Falls sponsored a bill that would change the motto on state license plates. His bill was up for debate on the Senate floor Monday. Senator Jim Bolin of Canton says the current slogan has been pretty successful. Senator John Wiik (wick) of Big Stone City says there could… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A bill that would have allowed the posting of candidate signs before absentee voting for a primary or general election was killed by the House Local Government Committee Tuesday.  House prime sponsor Representative Mike Weisgram of Fort Pierre admitted the bill is a challenge to local control. Weisgram says just over 50-percent of… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The Aberdeen Community Theatre is hosting this weekend the Young People Theatre’s presentation of Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook”. Executive Director Brian Schultz explains this play is for people of all ages. Schultz talks about how to get tickets for the upcoming performances. You can learn about the play & other… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Senate Local Government committee heard and approved a bill that could help counties pay for new jails. Senator Bryan Breitling (bright-ling) of Miller said counties have a difficult time financing jail construction. Breitling says the money would give counties more time for jail projects. Senator Helene Duhamel of Rapid City… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota legislators will debate a bill that would allow students to use their state aid money to attend a private school. Senate Minority Leader Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says public schools are underfunded already. House Assistant Minority Leader, Representative Erin Healy of Sioux Falls says its part of an ongoing attack… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- Monday was “Pipeline Day” at Pierre.  The South Dakota House State Affairs Committee discuss bills dealing with CO2 pipeline and the issue of eminent domain.  HB1133 deals with a company transporting carbon dioxide by pipeline is not a common carrier. The author of the bill is Representative Karla Lems of Canton & she… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- It appears most South Dakota legislators are in favor of cutting taxes, the issue will be agreeing on which one. There are bills filed to cut the sales tax on groceries, general sales taxes and to roll back propery tax assessments. House Majority Leader Will Mortenson of Pierre says they are still considering… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The South Dakota Legislature is considering changes to public comment periods at public meetings like city council or school board meetings.   Senate Bill 162 allow public comment opportunities at any official meeting of such a group and remove ‘regularly scheduled” from current law.  Yvonne Taylor representing the South Dakota Municipal League says they… Read more »