PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – There have been no new positive tests for coronavirus in South Dakota in the past 24 hours. Gov. Kristi Noem says the eight people who tested positive for the coronavirus had traveled outside the state and their contact with people in the state has been limited. State epidemiologist Dr. Josh… Read more »
News Category: Local News
Public universities to extend spring break
PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Public universities across South Dakota will extend their spring break by one week and cancel non-essential travel in an effort to reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Spring break is already underway this week at all campuses within South Dakota’s public university system, but will be extended through Friday,… Read more »
Hemp proposal clears legislature
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A proposal to legalize industrial hemp in South Dakota has cleared the Legislature, and Gov. Kristi Noem says she will sign it. The Legislature approved a crucial demand from the governor. It allotted $3.5 million that Noem says is necessary to “responsibly” run a hemp program in the state. The governor… Read more »
Presentation College student being tested for COVID-19
ABERDEEN, S.D. (aberdeennews.com) – A Presentation College student who traveled for spring break last week is being tested for COVID-19 “out of an abundance of caution,” the school has confirmed. A student was in a U.S. city that has had cases of COVID-19, said Andrew Hansen, Presentation’s marketing and advertising coordinator. However, he said, the… Read more »
Senior airman now charged with murder
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A senior airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base is now charged with murder after a baby he was accused of assaulting died. A prosecutor tells the Rapid City Journal that 26-year-old James Cunningham of Rapid City was charged Thursday with second-degree murder. Cunningham earlier was charged with… Read more »
Legislature passes balanced budget for 131st year
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has approved a 2% boost to funding for salary for teachers, state employees and people who work for nonprofits with government funding as it passed a budget that will start in July. Lawmakers also have money left over to fund a hemp program, build several university buildings… Read more »
Physician says most who contract coronavirus will recover fine
YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Medical professionals say most people that do contract coronavirus will recover just fine. Doctor Mike Pietila (pea-et-ah-la) with the Yankton Medical Clinic says only the critically ill would need hospitalization. Pietila says people need to watch out for each other. Pietila says this virus is a good example of the need… Read more »
Rounds says goal is to avoid overwhelming health care system
WASHINGTON, D.C. (DRG News) – South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has been in closed door meetings for the past few days getting updates on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in the U.S. Rounds says the immediate goal is to avoid overwhelming the nation’s health care system. Rounds supports Pres. Trump’s decision to stop most incoming travelers… Read more »
National Guard Museum preparing for remodel
PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre is getting remodeled, but first several pieces of large equipment have to be moved. Director Sonja Johnson says that’s no easy task. She says a couple of pieces of equipment won’t be taken off site. Johnson says a variety of work will… Read more »
Parks and Rec accepting applications for summer positions
ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – The Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is accepting applications for summer seasonal positions. A variety of positions are available, including baseball, softball and tee ball coaches, baseball and softball umpires, Park, Forestry, Cemetery and Golf maintenance workers, Wylie Park and Aquatic Center concession workers, tennis instructors, lifeguards, aquatic center… Read more »