PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – MidAmerican Energy customers in South Dakota will get a refund and rate reduction as the result of a settlement with the Public Utilities Commission. Commissioner Kristie Fiegen says it is tied to the federal tax reduction law passed in 2017. Fiegen says the refund is one time, the rate reduction will… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Yankton School Superintendent Wayne Kindle says district taxpayers will be asked again to consider a property tax opt out. Kindle says discussions on a proposal will begin this fall. Kindle says they haven’t set how much is needed, yet. The district budget has been carrying a structural deficit since the state… Read more »

WASHINGTON, S.D. (WNAX) – U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue announced last Friday that the United States and Japan agreed on new terms and conditions that give U.S. beef full access to the Japanese market. South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association Executive Director Jodie Anderson says cattle producers are excited about regaining that market which was shut off… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – As this spring’s university graduates head out into the world, most are able to find jobs in their areas of interest. Kasandra Girard is an employer relations advisor in the Academic and Planning Center at the University of South Dakota. She says more recruiting is done well ahead of graduation. Girard… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – The trend appears to be wetter and cooler than normal for the week, month and summer. Nebraska State Climatologist Martha Shulski says heavy rain will spread across much of the northern plains for the next week. Shulski was featured on this month’s North Central regional climate webinar. She says that wet… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WNAX) – The ongoing trade war with China will lead to another round of payments to ag producers caught in the middle. President Trump tweeted that it would be in the range of fifteen to twenty billion dollars.  South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds says it won’t cover all the losses… Rounds says the… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D. (WNAX) – Encouraging more out of state residents to attend universities in South Dakota is part of a new program authorized by the Board of Regents. USD President Sheila Gestring says those students can pay in-state tuition rates. A massive building boom is underway in Vermillion to help attract those students. Gestring says… Read more »

CANTON, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota legislators will have to man 11 special summer study committees, along with the eight regular committees. Senator Jim Bolin of Canton is a member of the Executive Board and says they have some major issues to study this year. Bolin says there are some special circumstances this year. Fifty… Read more »

DES MOINES, Iowa (WNAX) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds this week signed into law the bill that allows licensed growers to cultivate industrial hemp on up to 40 acres. Iowa Hemp Association Founder Dr. Christopher Disbro is excited about the opportunity for the state’s farmers who he hopes can begin growing the crop during the… Read more »

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (AP) — A South Dakota police officer accused of shooting stray cats is facing criminal charges. A criminal complaint filed in Union County charges North Sioux City Officer Derek McIntosh with a misdemeanor. Police began investigating McIntosh on May 9 after other officers reported that he had picked up stray cats… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – Beginning at approximately 8 a.m. on Monday, May 20, weather permitting the Aberdeen Fire Department will begin flow-testing fire hydrants in the following area: From Railroad Ave. South to Sixth Ave. between S. Fifth St. to Lancelot Drive The fire department will be opening hydrants and residents will experience some… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — The Aberdeen-based Village River Group says it is “very disappointed” that the City of Sioux Falls is terminating the hotel and multi-use project. VRG says they “spent a significant amount of time and resources updating” the private development portion of the project. Part of the project is a publicly funded… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Black Hills Energy is investigating what caused two power poles to collapse in Rapid City, knocking out power and causing a small oil spill. Officials say no one was hurt when the poles crashed near the Time Inn Motel and Time Out Lounge Wednesday afternoon. Police say it’s not known… Read more »

AVON, S.D. (WNAX) – Voters in the Avon school district rejected a property tax opt out measure this week. The opt out would have raised an extra $300,000 annually for the next five years. It was defeated by a vote of 187 to 153. Turnout was 42 percent. Superintendent Tom Culver says they want to… Read more »