WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — Watertown’s police force will be expanding by three additional officers next year thanks to a $375,000 federal COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) grant. Police Chief Lee McPeek told the city council Monday night that their grant application was approved June 25. He says three additional officers will get the department adequately… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – From determining a person needs to get tested to how quickly labs can process tests to how soon contact tracing begins, when it comes to COVID-19 timing is everything. South Dakota Secretary of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon says how quickly results come back depends on which lab is doing the testing.… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS S.D. (Press Release) – One person died and another person was injured Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash near Sioux Falls. Names of the two drivers are not yet being released pending notification of family members. They were the only people involved. A 2020 Ford F150 pickup was eastbound on 85th Street and… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Even as construction continues for the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, they are setting records for usage. Executive Director Troy Larson says they hit a new high last month. Larson says they may have to restrict water use for the next year. Larson says they had to reduce the amount… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – Earlier fears of fewer students on university campuses this fall seem to be fading. University of South Dakota President Sheila Gestring says they expect more freshmen to come back for their second year. Gestring says she is optimistic for the incoming freshmen class. Gestring says they hope to hold their own… Read more »

OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – Weather trends look to be stable into early next year. Nebraska State Climatologist Martha Shulski moderated the July North Central Region Climate update and says the outlook for August through October looks relatively warm and dry. Shulski says that above normal temperature trend continues in the November through January outlook. Shulski… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – The Hughes County Commission has approved a request by Venture Communications to access county road right-of-ways as the Highmore-based telecom company is looking to continue its broadband expansion in Hughes County. County Manager Kevin Hipple told Commissioners Monday Venture is planning to expand its network to a number of locations. Venture… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (By American News Staff Reports) – An Aberdeen company with a 125-plus history has reportedly announced plans to close. According to multiple reports to the American News Monday, Hub City, Inc. officials informed employees that it will close in late 2021. Plant Manager Patrick Chamberlain confirmed internal announcements were made Monday, but was… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D. (Press Release) – SDSU Extension will host an online book club about retirement starting Sept. 1. Through the club, participants will receive a free copy of the book “Purposeful Retirement: How to Bring Happiness and Meaning to Your Retirement,” written by Hyrum W. Smith, and will meet biweekly at 11 a.m. CST/10 a.m.… Read more »