SALEM, S.D.(WNAX)- Following the Governors budget address last week, incoming members of the South Dakota legislature had some intense orientation days. District 19 Representative-elect Drew Peterson of Salem says it was good and busy. Peterson says there will be a lot of turnover in next years session. Peterson says they had a lot of information… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Board of Regents is following the Governors order banning Tik Tok on state owned devices. Regents Executive Director Brian Maher outlined their options at their meeting last week at the School of Mines in Rapid City. Maher says the universities are clearing out their devices. Maher says the ban also… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- The National Defense Authorization Act is sitting in the US Senate, waiting for final passage. South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds says the eight hundred fifty eight billion dollar bill is more than the President was asking for. Rounds says this is another spending bill that should have been done long before now. Rounds… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Blizzard and Winter Storm Warnings remain posted through Thursday for much of western and central South Dakota.  South Dakota Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price says Governor Kristi Noem staying up-to-date on the storm. Price says coordination with the three National Weather Service offices in South Dakota plays a critical role in… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(HubCityRadio)- A massive winter storm is expecting to arrive in the area this week.  Meterologist Kelly Serr with the National Weather Service office in Aberdeen provided the latest update. Serr preview what’s to come this week. Serr talks about ice being a major issue along Interstate 29 north to the North Dakota border. Serr… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) — DemKota Ranch Beef announced today that the company has given its hourly associates a total of $1.7 million in bonuses as part of an annual incentive plan. The bonuses, which amounted to an average of $3,200 per employee, were distributed based on the company’s performance, an individual employee’s attendance, and the… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is proposing a five percent increase in state aid to education for next year. That follows a six percent increase this year. Wade Pogany, Executive Director of the Associated School Boards, says it means schools fall further behind. Pogany says inflation puts a lot of stress on school… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D.(Press Release)- South Dakota News Watch, the state’s first nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization, has hired veteran journalist and communications professional Carson Walker as its first chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Walker will assume the company’s top management role, succeeding News Watch co-founders Randell Beck and Jack Marsh, who have overseen staff, news… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)  The 2022 BIG Idea Competition marked a milestone with new opportunities for high school students.  A total of 277 entries were received involving over 357 students from 54 schools. For the first time in competition history, a separate virtual competition was held for finalists outside of South Dakota. These were judged by… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(WNAX)- A student sponsored drag show at South Dakota State University will lead to some policy changes by the state Board of Regents. Executive Director Brian Maher says they can’t censor student organized activities. Maher says they changes will involve how student activities are promoted. Maher says expectations will be more clearly communicated.… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- Incoming South Dakota legislators got a taste of the process and proceedings this week with the Governors budget speech and orientation. District 17 Representative-elect Chris Kassin of Vermillion says they had a few intense days. Kassin will serve on the House Appropriations Committee. Kassin says he has his budget homework to go through… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- While the single winning ticket for a two-billion-dollar Powerball jackpot was sold in California in November, South Dakota also had some benefits. State Lottery Director Norm Lingle says the whole run up to that massive prize drove up lotto sales. Lingle says there were some big ticket sales days for retailers. Lingle says… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release) – Toby Doeden has announced plans to not only reopen Scotty’s, but to reopen as the new and improved Scotty’s Diner. The property will undergo extensive updating and remodeling, and Doeden is hoping to open in Spring or early Summer of 2023. The all–new Scotty’s Diner will serve all the menu items… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is calling for an immediate review of all investments under the control of the South Dakota Investment Council in order to determine if taxpayer dollars are being invested in companies that pose a threat to national security, like those based in China. She challenged the Investment Council to… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- While the current snow and ice storm exits the region, another system is taking shape for next week. Alex Trellinger at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says this one will be bigger and moving slower. Trellinger says the critical factor will be where the cold air sets up. Trellinger says there… Read more »