ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – During a difficult time, the Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau has found a way to help lighten the mood just a bit. The CVB has started the April Foolishness Storybook Land Character Showdown. Katherine Grandstrand, Convention Sales and Marketing Director, said CVB Executive Director Casey Weismantel came up with the… Read more »
News Category: Local News
COVID-19 taking toll on South Dakota tourism
The usually busy street in front of Wall Drug was eerily devoid of people and vehicles on a 65-degree afternoon on March 29 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Wall Drug and many other tourist attractions have closed to slow the spread of the virus. (South Dakota News Watch photo by Bart Pfankuch) PIERRE, S.D. (South… Read more »
Two longtime weekly newspapers print final editions
DeSMET, S.D. (KELO-AM) — Two longtime South Dakota weekly newspapers have folded under pressure from the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The Lake Preston Times and The DeSmet News both printed their final editions Wednesday after over 100 years of continuous publication. Publisher Dale Biegen wrote in a front-page editorial that the newspaper… Read more »
Lawmakers under investigation for conduct during session
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota legislators have decided to investigate allegations that Senate Majority Leader Kris Langer was drunk during a meeting earlier this week. Both Langer, a Dell Rapids Republican, and Senate Pro Tempore Brock Greenfield, a Clark Republican, will be under investigation for their conduct during a marathon session that stretched… Read more »
Governor mobilizing National Guard in fight against coronavirus
PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says she’s mobilizing the South Dakota National Guard to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Noem says she’ll announce details on the units to be called up later today. The Guard will set up 100-bed supplemental facilities. The Governor says the fight against the… Read more »
Governor says fight against COVID-19 will be long, slow process
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Even though pandemic mitigation efforts are working, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem says to be successful, it will be a long, slow process. Noem says while many are calling for a lock down of the state, it wouldn’t do what people think it would. Noem says the state is working with… Read more »
Brookings County has equipment for alternate care site if needed
BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Brookings County has a plan in place to deal with pandemics. In fact, the planning began back in 2006. Bob McGrath is the Chair of the Brookings Pandemic Preparedness Coordinating Committee. He says it started with a global scare over the bird flu. McGrath says they received a federal grant in… Read more »
Schwan Financial, American News team up to help Salvation Army
ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – A pair of Aberdeen businesses are teaming up to help the Salvation Army during the COVID-19 outbreak. Schwan Financial Group and the Aberdeen American News are raising funds for the Salvation Army. Schwan Financial will match dollar for dollar up to the first $5,000 donated. Dominick Vergara, Marketing and Planning Manager… Read more »
Officials have questions on economic rescue plan
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The $2.2 trillion economic rescue plan passed by Congress has several programs aimed at helping businesses. Dave Owen, President of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says they are waiting on details. Owen says he is hearing lots of those questions. Owen says there will be cascading impacts on… Read more »
State sees big jump in number of unemployment claims
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation has seen a big jump in the numbers of claims for unemployment benefits. A total of 6,645 initial claims were filed this week, well above last weeks total of 1,761. Department Secretary Marcia Hultman says their call center is struggling to catch up.… Read more »