ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Renovations to the Women’s Center within Avera St. Luke’s Hospitalbegan this week. Focused on the comfort of patients and families, the renovations will create a modernized, private and peaceful environment for every stage of birthing, from admission to delivery and postpartum. “Avera continues to invest in growth opportunities that will help… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- There is a lot of interest in the proposal from Governor Kristi Noem to cut the four and a half percent sales tax on groceries, but a lack of details. Dave Owen, President of the state Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says they haven’t supported changes in sales taxes in the past. Owen… Read more »

MITCHELL, S.D.(KMIT)- Mitchell’s Corn Palace on Monday hosted South Dakota gubernatorial candidate Jamie Smith, who spoke about a number of issues including education, abortion, and prisons.  Another issue he talked about was the recent proposal by Governor Kristi Noem to repeal the sales tax on food. Smith was one of several legislators who called on… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – On Monday, October 17th, the campaigns for Democratic nominees for U.S. Senate Brian Bengs (South Dakota), Tom McDermott (Indiana), and Mark Holland (Kansas) joined together to create the Heartland Senate Fund, a fundraising venture with the intention of helping the Democratic nominees compete in the heartland again. There is a belief… Read more »

WALLACE, S.D.(Press Release)–  One person died Tuesday morning in a two-vehicle crash that occurred near Wallace. Names of the two people involved have not yet been released pending notification of family members. Preliminary crash information indicates that a 2019 GMC Terrain SUV was westbound on South Dakota Highway 20, near the intersection with 436th Avenue,… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The process for updating social studies standards for South Dakota schools will continue into next year. Education Department Secretary Tiffany Sanderson says the Board of Education Standards will hold the next public hearing next month. Sanderson says the board will accept public comments in a variety of forms. Sanderson says the board will… Read more »

BERESFORD, S.D.(WNAX)- The District 16 Senate race will feature three candidates on the ballot, incumbent republican Senator Jim Bolin of Canton, democrat Donn Larson of Hudson and independent Brian Burge of Beresford. He says he is running to call attention to the issues in the district and state. Burge says he is running as an… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Municipal League is hiring David Reiss of Pierre as their next executive director. He says he wanted to continue to work with towns and cities. Reiss most recently was the executive director for the Central South Dakota Enhancement District, a voluntary association in Pierre of local governments within a nine-county… Read more »

AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- Ongoing drought conditions have produced areas in the region where ground moisture is ten to fifteen inches below normal. Dennis Todey, head of the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa says trends and timing don’t look good for any substantial moisture. Todey says frost can go deep into dry soils. Climate trends point… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- A stretch of South Roosevelt Street that has been closed for repairs reopened late Monday afternoon. The Aberdeen City Council heard Monday at the board’s regular meeting that temporary pavement has been laid allowing the stretch south of Sixth Avenue Southeast to be used. City Manager Joe Gaa said the street… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- The Biden Administration is criticizing Saudi Arabia for leading the OPEC plus countries in cutting oil production to hold up prices. South Dakota Senator John Thune says it puts the US in a tough position. While some oil companies have cut back on drilling on their own, Thune says government policies are… Read more »

OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- The economy in the nine state Mid America region is showing mixed signals. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss, who coordinates the monthly survey of business managers, says there are some warning signs. Goss says rising prices will continue to be a problem. Goss says interest rates will also continue to rise. Goss… Read more »

DAKOTA DUNES, S.D.(WNAX)- Tyson Foods has announced it will close its corporate office facilities in Dakota Dunes and move those jobs to its headquarters in Arkansas. District 17 House candidate Bill Shorma lives in Dakota Dunes and says Tyson employs people from a wide area. Shorma says he isn’t sure local and state officials can… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- One South Dakota legislative candidate believes democracy in on the ballot next month. Democrat Jay Williams of Yankton is running for a District 18 House seat and is spreading his message to voters. Williams says people have to vote on ideals and not just candidates. Williams says he is also concerned about a… Read more »