PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — After an emotional and sometimes angry debate today (Thursday), the South Dakota House of Representatives passes a measure that would prevent various medical treatments of minors who wish to undergo gender reassignment. The vote was 60 to 70. After the bill sponsor, Republican Rep. Bethany Soye (soy) from Sioux Falls, said… Read more »

WARNER, S.D.(Press Release)- LifeServe Blood Center, the SOLE supplier to 29 hospitals in South Dakota, including Avera St. Luke’s, is seeking eligible blood donors to give blood at an upcoming community blood drive.  Blood is a vital part of treatment for countless illnesses and injuries afflicting local hospital patients.  Generous community members who give blood… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce will be participating in the South Dakota Chamber’s Business Day at the Legislature on Thursday, February 23 and will host Aberdeen Day at the Capitol on Friday, February 24. The public is invited to join Chamber staff and Leadership Aberdeen Class of 2023 as we promote… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The House State Affairs Committee of the South Dakota legislature heard and approved a bill that would require the Secretary of State to determine if a proposed constitutional amendment complies with the single subject rule before it is officially filed. Sponsor, Representative Will Mortenson of Pierre, says it comes out of the failed… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D.(KJJQ)- A drug bust by the Brookings Police Department leads to the arrest of a Minnesota man and the seizure of drugs and cash. Detective Adam Smith says the department conducted a drug operation Wednesday in the 2400 block of 6th Street. That led to a traffic stop on Interstate 29, about two miles… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- While the overall rate of inflation is easing, some product costs continue to rise. South Dakota Senator John Thune pointed to food as an example. Thune, at the GOP leadership briefing this week, says the rapid rise in prices points to the importance of the next farm bill. Thune says he is sponsoring… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson took part in a sometime contentious interview with CNN about the ongoing budget debate between House republicans and the White House. Johnson wouldn’t say which parts of the budget would be or should be cut. Johnson said the defense budget should also be part of the negotiations. Johnson… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has submitted several pieces of legislation that deal with election issues. He says there have been some issues over the past few years. Jackley says the laws should apply to all types of elections. Jackley says some loopholes have to be closed. Jackley says he wants to… Read more »

MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- In a special meeting Tuesday night, the Mitchell School Board approved a base bid of just over $45.5 million for a new high school.   That’s about $17 million less than estimated, but it also leaves out several athletic facility upgrades, including a main gymnasium, locker rooms, weight rooms, and an auxiliary gym.  The… Read more »

OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- Signs continue to point to a slowing economy in the nine state Mid America region. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss coordinates the monthly survey of business managers. Goss says the managers they talk to are dealing with a number of issues. Goss says job openings are shrinking. The survey covers businesses in… Read more »