PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A resolution highlighting security concerns about carbon dioxide pipelines failed in the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee on a 5-4 vote Thursday. Senate Concurrent Resolution 606, sponsored by Sen. Lauren Nelson, R-Yankton, would have expressed legislative concerns about potential terrorist threats to proposed carbon dioxide pipelines. “District 18 voters’ concerns about… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- If the U.S. Department of Transportation approves SkyWest Airlines as the Essential Air Service provider for the Pierre and Watertown airports, both airports could be entering uncharted territory. Following about three years of regulatory challenges, paperwork dated Feb. 13, 2025, shows that the USDOT tentatively approved SkyWest Charter’s application to operate as a… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KELO)- All that’s needed now is the Governor’s signature. The South Dakota Senate unanimously passed HB1053 requiring poronographic websites to verify the age of people trying to access those sites. Bill Sponsor, Representative Bethany Soye of Sioux Falls, says it’s an effort to protect minors from the harm of pornography. The bill already passed… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- South Dakota’s United States Congressman could be changing jobs in 2026. During a stop at the DRG Media Group radio stations Wednesday afternoon, Dusty Johnson said he might for governor. As far as a formal announcement of his candidacy, Johnson said he doesn’t anticipate doing that in the near future.  

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Federal government employees have been fired nationwide, but Governor Larry Rhoden says state officials don’t know how many of those employees were in South Dakota. So far, Rhoden says, state employees are still receiving the information they need from the federal level in order to administer programs such as SNAP or Medicaid. If… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota House debated HB1260 on Wednesday.  The bill require that birth certificates and certain official documents reflect biological sex. Prime sponsor was Representative Brandei Schaefbauer of Aberdeen. Schaefbauer explains why the sex on these documents are needed. Opposition to the bill included Representative Will Mortenson of Fort Pierre who voted in… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota House debated HB1259.  The bill prohibit unauthorized access to certain multi-occupancy rooms and to provide a penalty therefor. Prime sponsor of the bill is Representative Brandei Schaefbauer of Aberdeen. Schaefbauer told the floor that boys don’t belong in girls’ restrooms and was motivated by an alleged incident that took place… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Senate State Affairs Committee heard testimony on SB49.  The bill prohibit the exercise of the right of eminent domain for the construction of certain facilities. Prime sponsor of the bill was Senator John Carley of Piedmont. Carley explains the purpose of the bill. Opposing the bill was lobbyist for Summit… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- A $2 million plan to help restore flood-ravaged McCook Lake drew mixed reactions’ Wednesday in a legislative committee hearing. HB 1108, introduced by Republican Rep. Chris Kassin from Vermillion, would establish the McCook Lake Contingency Fund to provide grants for lake cleanup, restoration, pipe replacement, and flood mitigation planning following last year’s record… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The Aberdeen City Council held their meeting on Tuesday.  Reminder, no meeting took place Monday because of the Presidents Day holiday. During the open forum, a citizen addressed concerns about the railroad crossing near North Roosevelt Street and 8th Avenue that’s been an issue over the last few years.  City Manager Robin Bobzien… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- South Dakota lawmakers said no to giving college students more freedom in choosing where they live and eat on campus. The House of Representatives voted 42-28 Tuesday against House Bill 1193. Republican Rep. Phil Jensen from Rapid City sponsored the bill. Money worries led many lawmakers to vote no. Republican Rep. Mike Stevens… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota Senate debated SB203.  The bill increase the minimum age to purchase a lottery ticket from 18 to 21. Prime sponsor of the bill is Senator Michael Rohl of Aberdeen. Rohl believes South Dakota laws needs to be more consistent regarding the age you can begin to gamble. Senator Carl Perry… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- The South Dakota House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee heard testimony on HB1165.  The bill provide a means by which an agricultural producer can reject the imposition of an assessment on crops. Prime sponsor of the bill was Representative Spencer Gosch of Glenham. Gosch explains the ways to option out of check offs.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- A piece of the polar vortex that typically holds arctic air around the North Pole has broken off and moved south, causing unseasonably cold temperatures in part of the United States and Europe this week. National Weather Service Meteorologist Megan Mulford reviews some of the low temperatures recorded in the Pierre/Fort Pierre area… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D.(KWAT)–A Watertown woman was in court Tuesday pleading not guilty to 71 child pornography crimes. Twenty year-old Gracie Ann Stanton is charged in a 17 page Codington County Grand Jury indictment handed down last week with Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography and Solicitation of the Distribution of Child Pornography. All are… Read more »