PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA) – Disagreements over whether or not to drastically expand South Dakotans access to abortion boiled over in the House State Affairs Committee Wednesday morning. The Republican dominated committee had asked Dakotans for Health co-founder Rick Weiland to testify on House Concurrent Resolution 6008, which would express the Legislature’s disapproval of a ballot measure… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release)- Volunteer advocates with the Alzheimer’s Association met with lawmakers at the Capitol in Pierre for State Advocacy Day on Monday, February 5. More than 50 South Dakotans from across the state, including those living with Alzheimer’s, family members, and others impacted by the disease met with legislators over lunch to share how… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Beginning at approximately 8 am on Thursday, February 8th, 2024, water will be off in the following area for utility work: 1200 Block of N. Kettering The Public Works department suggests that residents in the affected area collect and store water for personal and restroom use.  The water is estimated to remain… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — One of the downsides of out-of-state residents moving to South Dakota with fat wallets from selling their homes and buying another house in the state well above market value is hurting long-time homeowners. That is the contention of supporters of SJR505. However, Wednesday, the Senate Taxation Committee killed the ballot measure… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Argus Leader)- The Senate Health and Human Services committee voted Wednesday to kill a bill that would’ve changed a law passed last year that restricted minors in South Dakota from receiving puberty blockers or hormone therapy, two forms of gender-affirming care. Sen. Reynold Nesiba’s (D-Sioux Falls) bill, Senate Bill 216, would have allowed puberty… Read more »

STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB) – The City of Sturgis this week continued discussion on an ordinance that would help Transportation Network Companies such as Lyft and Uber come to town. The city is contemplating repealing some regulations that discourage Uber and Lyft from doing business here. The current ordinance requires T.N.C.’s to go through extensive background checks… Read more »

STURGIS, S.D.(KBHB) – The Sturgis City Council met for their first meeting in February Tuesday night and on the agenda was a host services agreement for a controversial flat track race proposed for this year’s rally. The proposed contract is between American Flat Track Events and the City of Sturgis. Dubbed the Spirit of Sturgis,… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(KELO)- U.S. farmers aren’t getting a fair shake on the international market. That according to Congressman Dusty Johnson. Appearing on RFD-TV, Johnson said problems created by shipping companies during the Covid pandemic exposed the problem. Johnson says federal officials need to use the tools his bill provides to level the playing field.

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is announcing that the city outdoor ice rinks will be closed for the season as of Wednesday, February 7. This means the warming houses are not open and the ice rink surfaces will not be maintained. Recreational skating continues at the Odde Indoor Ice Arena… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(KELO)- They can generate combat power that can strike anywhere in the world at any time. Senator John Thune is commending members of the 28th Bomb Wing’s air crews and maintainers from Ellsworth Air Force Base. They participated in last week’s strike on 85 targets in the Middle East, responding to attacks on U.S.… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D.(KELO)- They suffered some defeats in the legislature this week, but they aren’t giving up. Carbon capture pipeline opponents say the glut of pipeline bills considered this week demonstrates there’s a problem. Former legislator Craig Schaunaman says the bills that were passed are a move in the right direction, but don’t protect landowners from… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — The second time was the charm. On Tuesday, the Senate reconsidered and passed a bill allowing the governor to choose circuit court judges or state supreme court justices to serve on the Public Utilities Commission. It would be only in the event of a vacancy. SB177 passed 20 to 13. On… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — A trio of pro-labor bills died on party-line votes in a Senate committee Tuesday. On 8 to 1 votes, the Senate Commerce and Energy Committee sent Senate Bills 145, 163, and 179 to the 41st legislative day, killing them. Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba from Sioux Falls sponsored all three bills. SB145… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – Governor Kristi Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide from sunrise until sunset on Thursday February 8, 2024, in honor of Moody County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Ken Prorok, who was killed in the line of duty on February 2. “We are grateful for the life and service of… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — South Dakota legislators rejected a ballot measure Tuesday that would have expanded gun rights in the state. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7 to 0 to send SJR506 to the 41st legislative day, killing the measure. Republican Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller from Rapid City sponsored the resolution. The measure would have limited when… Read more »