PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – At the request of Governor Noem, the remainder of the SDHSAA Class B Girls Basketball tournament is postponed. In addition, all SDHSAA state basketball tournaments for next weekend, along with the Visual Arts competition, are also postponed. The Student Council Convention, all Region music contests, and All-State Band scheduled for… Read more »
News Category: Local News
South Dakota Supreme Court declares judicial emergency
PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court has issued an order declaring a judicial emergency because of the new coronavirus. The order gives the presiding judges of the state’s seven judicial circuits authority to modify or suspend court rules as warranted for dealing with the pandemic. That may be closing the courtrooms, relocating… Read more »
No new positive tests for coronavirus in South Dakota
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 »
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 »