MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- It was announced Thursday that Dr. Hilary Rockwell will become CEO and regional president of Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell effective July 1st of next year.  Rockwell is the current chief medical officer at Avera Queen of Peace, having served in that capacity since March of 2020.  She says there are… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Overall enrollment at the six state universities was reported up seven tenths of a percent this week. Some individual programs helped drive that increase. At the University of South Dakota, which saw growth of over four percent, President Sheila Gestring said a computer program had a big jump. She says a nursing program… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden survived a challenge at the state republican convention in June from Representative Steven Haugaard of Sioux Falls by a fifty-six to forty four percent margin. He says he expects full republican support into the election. Rhoden filled in for Governor Kristi Noem at several campaign events, and… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The absentee voting period for South Dakota’s 2022 General Election begins today, To request an absentee ballot, voters must submit an absentee ballot application form to their county auditor. The application can be found at the county auditor or online at www.sdsos.gov. Voters choosing to cast an absentee ballot are… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release)- Today, Governor Kristi Noem announced state support for the Horse Nations Indian Relay Council’s 2022 Championship of Champions, which is taking place this afternoon in Fort Pierre. “South Dakota values our tribal heritage, competition, and our love of horses,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “I hope that South Dakotans and visitors to our… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- An interim legislative committee is close to finalizing their recommendations. Senator Art Rusch of Vermillion is a member of the “Study Committee on Regional Jails and State Correctional Plans”. Rusch says they probably won’t specify a dollar amount to go to those jails. Rusch says some parts of the state are ready to… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- As part of his statewide campaign, democratic Governor Candidate Jamie Smith is hearing about lots of problems and issues. He says housing and jobs are closely tied together. Smith says there is also a near crisis in childcare. Smith says there are some good plans to consider. Smith, of Sioux Falls, has been… Read more »

SiOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- Law enforcement officials are seeing more connections between drugs, guns and crimes. Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead says they are seeing more lethal drugs. Milstead says guns are more connected to drug deals now. Milstead says they are seeing a rise in drug overdoses. Milstead is advising people to lock their cars… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- Rapidly rising expenses and restricted tax revenues are squeezing more South Dakota counties. Yankton County Commissioner Dan Klimisch says they heard some grim news at their combined state meetings last week. Klimisch says counties are under a number of state mandates. Klimisch says counties don’t currently have many options. Klimisch is on the… Read more »