ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)  The 2022 BIG Idea Competition marked a milestone with new opportunities for high school students.  A total of 277 entries were received involving over 357 students from 54 schools. For the first time in competition history, a separate virtual competition was held for finalists outside of South Dakota. These were judged by… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(WNAX)- A student sponsored drag show at South Dakota State University will lead to some policy changes by the state Board of Regents. Executive Director Brian Maher says they can’t censor student organized activities. Maher says they changes will involve how student activities are promoted. Maher says expectations will be more clearly communicated.… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- Incoming South Dakota legislators got a taste of the process and proceedings this week with the Governors budget speech and orientation. District 17 Representative-elect Chris Kassin of Vermillion says they had a few intense days. Kassin will serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Kassin says he has his budget homework to go through… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- While the single winning ticket for a two-billion-dollar Powerball jackpot was sold in California in November, South Dakota also had some benefits. State Lottery Director Norm Lingle says the whole run up to that massive prize drove up lotto sales. Lingle says there were some big ticket sales days for retailers. Lingle says… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Toby Doeden has announced plans to not only reopen Scotty’s, but to reopen as the new and improved Scotty’s Diner. The property will undergo extensive updating and remodeling, and Doeden is hoping to open in Spring or early Summer of 2023. The all–new Scotty’s Diner will serve all the menu items… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is calling for an immediate review of all investments under the control of the South Dakota Investment Council in order to determine if taxpayer dollars are being invested in companies that pose a threat to national security, like those based in China. She challenged the Investment Council to… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- While the current snow and ice storm exits the region, another system is taking shape for next week. Alex Trellinger at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says this one will be bigger and moving slower. Trellinger says the critical factor will be where the cold air sets up. Trellinger says there… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Fido and Fluffy are now welcome to spend the night in some Game, Fish and Parks camping facilities.  The Game, Fish and Parks Commission Thursday afternoon to allow only dogs and cats to accompany campers renting some camping facilities for a 10 dollar reservation fee. Division of Parks and Recreation Director Scott Simpson… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Dozens gathered at the Rawlins Municipal Library in Pierre to hear about the conflict in Ukraine from Ukrainian-born nurse Nataliya Rezek.  Since the Russian invasion, Rezek has been collecting unused and unneeded medications and sending them to Ukraine.  She went to visit family for five weeks in western Ukraine earlier this year. Rezek… Read more »

IRENE, S.D.(WNAX)- While construction is not done yet, Highway 46 from Irene west to Highway 81 is open to traffic again. Regional D.O.T. Engineer Greg Rothschadl says part of the project has been built. Rothschadl says the temporary surface should be ok through the winter. Rothschadl says the stretch of highway will close again next… Read more »