SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (WNAX) – A task force studying the higher education system in South Dakota met at USD in Vermillion last week. SB55 Task Force member, Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls, says just talking to each other is a major step. Nesiba says they suggested a “Day of Education” during the legislative session.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Statewide election results were certified by the South Dakota Board of Canvassers on Nov. 10. Secretary of State Steve Barnett says voter turnout was just under 74 percent. Barnett says he didn’t hear of any issues with absentee ballots. Barnett says having a 5 p.m. election day deadline for all mail… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota voters approved major changes to the state’s constitution and laws earlier this month that will allow the growing and sale of marijuana both for medicinal and recreational purposes. Drey Samuelson, with the backing group, “South Dakotans for Better Marijuana Laws,” says support for marijuana has grown in states where… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – Avera St. Mary’s Hospital and the Avera Pierre Clinic are one week into implementing surge measures because of an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients needing treatment. President and Chief Medical Officer for Avera St. Mary’s Dr. Mikel Holland says they need the public to continue taking precautions. Holland… Read more »

HERREID, S.D. (WNAX) – Extending broadband internet service into rural areas is a critical, but expensive project. Valley Telecommunications, based in Herreid, is expanding their fiber optic network into rural areas of Moody, Brookings, and Kingsbury Counties. Valley Tel Manager Jeff Symens says they needed some financial help to expand into those rural areas. Symens… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (Press Release) – The University of South Dakota has launched a “Know Before You Go” campaign encouraging students to get tested for COVID-19 prior to the winter break. With funding from the South Dakota Department of Health, USD offers free COVID-19 testing to students, faculty and staff through the USD Sentinel Testing program.… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Press Release) – Forward Together is the theme for the 103rd Annual South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) Convention, Nov. 20-21, 2020 at the Holiday Inn Rushmore Plaza and Rapid City Civic Center, Rapid City, S.D. Registration for the event is now open and available at www.sdfbf.org. The two-day event will feature thought provoking… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (By Joe Sneve Sioux Falls Argus Leader) – President-elect Joe Biden has floated a nationwide lockdown and mask mandate in response to surging coronavirus cases across the country. But even if he follows through and orders all Americans to stay at home and cover their faces when in public, don’t expect to see… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Press Release) – SDSU Extension has selected participants to partake in Class 5 of the beefSD program. Since its inception in 2011, the beefSD program has provided intensive educational content that takes participants to the next level in beef enterprise management. Participation in the program is an excellent opportunity for beginning beef producers… Read more »