OMAHA, Neb. (WNAX) – The December Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from the Dakotas and Minnesota to Arkansas, moved above growth neutral. Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says business conditions improved slightly. Goss says the December employment index also increased from… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota legislature begins the 2020 session on Jan. 14. Farm Bureau Lobbyist Mike Held says the primary challenge facing lawmakers will be how to divide up the state budget to fund needed programs. He says Farm Bureau members are watching to see if legislators increase agricultural fees to raise… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – The new Dean at the University of South Dakota School of Law says the first semester went quickly and he is preparing for the spring semester. Neil Fulton started as Dean in June and welcomed his first class to Vermillion in August. Fulton says they are seeing the demand rising for… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department will start is second sessions of youth ice skating lessons on Monday, Jan. 13, There are several different sessions offered, according to Gene Morsching, Recreation Superintendent. Cost is $19.17 per person for the session. Skates are available for use during the lessons. The lessons… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KXLG) – This time of the year is a busy one and for many it’s a time to celebrate the end of one year and the beginning on a new one. But for some others this time of the year can be very difficult. Kari Johnston the CEO of the Human Service Agency… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota’s growing sheep and wool industry will be showcased at the 28th Annual SDSU Lamb Bonanza Saturday, Jan. 4 in Brookings. SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist Jeff Held says the event will feature product sampling and the auctioning of lamb pelts to raise money for student scholarships during the SDSU basketball… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – From bomb cyclones, to flooding and tornadoes, to multiple disaster declaration requests, 2019 was a rough year most people and businesses in the state. South Dakota Retailers Association executive director Nathan Sanderson says despite the struggles, his members remain optimistic. He says retailers hope to finish the year strong, even… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – Another year of sobriety checkpoints starts throughout South Dakota in January. The checkpoints are done each month in different counties as a way to discourage drivers from drinking and then driving. The checkpoints are funded by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety and conducted by the South Dakota Highway… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Press Release) – One person died and another was injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday morning north of Sioux Falls. Names of the two men are not being released pending notification of family. They were the only persons involved. A 2007 GMC Envoy was northbound on Interstate 29 when… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The South Dakota Democratic Party is rebuilding and pointing toward next year’s election. Party Chairman Randy Seiler says they plan to build from the county level up. Seiler says they will focus on legislative races next fall. Seiler says they will also correct their financial filings. Seiler says they plan to… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) – Rapid City police say a third person has died after a shooting at an apartment complex. Eighty-one-year-old Thomas Trout died after suffering a medical issue after he was evacuated during Sunday’s gunfire. A Rapid City police officer fatally shot the gunman who opened fire on officers after he killed a… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – After getting a two and a half percent raise this year, state employees in South Dakota are facing a wage freeze next year due to lower than expected growth in sales taxes. Eric Olilla, Executive Director of the South Dakota State Employees Organization, says that pattern shows the importance of legislators… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The $1.4 trillion 2020 federal budget was passed and signed into law before Congress left Washington for the holiday break. It funds the government through the end of next September. Included in that is more funding for rural water projects. Troy Larson, Executive Director of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – A priority for the South Dakota Board of Regents and the state’s universities is funding for the “Dakota’s Promise” needs based scholarship. Governor Kristi Noem did not include that in her 2021 proposed budget. University of South Dakota President Sheila Gestring says it would help more students get to higher education.… Read more »