PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The state can’t do much more than slow the spread of zebra mussels and other invasive species. South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann says they are relying on information and education. Kirschenmann told the Government Operations and Audit Committee that they can’t spend enough to have an… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- There are some republican Senators talking about making some possibly radical changes to Social Security and Medicare. South Dakota Senator John Thune says they shouldn’t wait for a crisis to do something to shore up the retirement and medical programs. Thune says he doesn’t support some of the more radical suggestions. Thune says… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The Pierre City Commission is starting the process for getting rid of annual eight-percent increases in water rates that residents have been paying since 2019.  City Finance Officer Twila Hight says four years of increases end this year. The increases were written into Ordinance 1790; which now needs to be amended. Mayor Steve… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The City of Yankton has been engaged with the Federal Emergency Management Agency over the past few years updating flood maps. Yankton Economic & Community Development Director Dave Mingo says they are making progress. Mingo says there will be a public input process. Mingo says the new maps should reflect changes along the… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The Yankton School Board will use less than the authorized amount of their property tax opt out in the next budget. District Business Manager Jason Bietz says the board can use more or less each year. Bietz says the decreased need is tied to rising enrollment. Bietz says the changes will roll out… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Rules Review Committee of the South Dakota legislature again refused to approve two rules dealing with licensing of appraisers.  The Department of Labor and Regulation had submitted the rules making changes in education and certification. Committee Chairman, Representative Jon Hansen of Dell Rapids said he was concerned with an agreement with South… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Xcel Energy has requested an electric rate hike in South Dakota and the Public Utilities Commission has taken their first steps in response. At their meeting in Pierre Tuesday Commissioner Gary Hanson says the public and impacted ratepayers need to be heard. Hanson suggested a couple of public input meetings. Commission Chairman Chris… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry will oppose I.M. 27, or the recreational marijuana initiative on the November ballot. Chamber President Dave Owen says it’s about workforce issues. Owen says there is a big difference between recreational and medicinal marijuana. Owen says there also always unintended consequences with measure like this.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The Pierre School Board has given first reading to a new policy that defines the administration of opioid antagonists.  Pierre School District Superintendent Kelly Glodt says policy in part comes from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. Glodt says training is required for administration and use is restricted only to those trained… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Northern State University has again been recognized among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. Northern is 24th on the Top Public Universities in the Midwest list of the 2023 Best Colleges rankings, a tie. “We’re proud to be consistently recognized for providing all students… Read more »