PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- An attempt to raise entrance fees to the South Dakota State Fair was headed off by a legislative committee. State Fair officials came to the Rules Review committee with a proposal to raise the gate fee from six to ten dollars. Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton told them they didn’t follow the right… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- The “Ocean Shipping Reform Act” co-sponsored by South Dakota Senator John Thune and Congressman Dusty Johnson has passed through Congress and is now on President Bidens desk. Thune says they got involved after hearing about the supply chain issues related to a slowdown in ocean shipping. Johnson says the bill got solid bi-partisan… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D.(Watertown Public Opinion)- A Canadian bicyclist who was struck last week along Interstate 29 in Deuel County has died, according to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. Jean-Pierre “J.P.” Petit, 53, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, was first taken to a hospital in Brookings, then transferred to a hospital in Sioux Falls. He died Monday, according… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- A Pierre area law enforcement official says you’ll hear more this summer about a new kind of societal war.  Hughes County Sheriff Patrick Callahan says he is concerned about what calls the War on Sobriety. Callahan says drugs and alcohol are associated with variety of incidents. Callahan says increasing traffic enforcement is one… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Third night in a row of severe weather sets back progress on repairs for West Central Electric Coop. West Central Electric Cooperative crews continue to try to repair lines and poles damaged after severe storms ripped through its service area the past three nights. Manager of Member Services Jessie Tucker says repair crews… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- While Senate negotiators say they have reached agreement on the outlines of a gun safety bill, the final outcome will depend on the details. South Dakota Senator John Thune says to be successful a bill will have to directly address the problem. The bill would focus on mental health resources and keep the… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- Hours have changed for those protesting outside the Grand Gateway Hotel, as spring gives way to the heat of summer. Protesters have now been boycotting all Uhre family-owned businesses for over two months, and will be present in front of the hotel from 3-6 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, rain or shine.… Read more »

OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- While the latest monthly report on the Mid America economy showed continued growth, there are more warning signs. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss says some negative factors should ease. Goss says he expects the Federal Reserve to continue to push interest rates up. Goss says there are a number of key indicators… Read more »

A home received a substantial amount of damage during a fire last night (June 13, 2022) northeast of Pierre. Pierre Rural Volunteer Fire Department Chief Doug Hinkle says the call came about 7:15pm to a residence on Prairie Place. Hinkle says some of those providing mutual aid were called away, so he called in more… Read more »

The war in Ukraine and the shutdown of their grain exports may lead to rising prices and food shortages around the world. South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson says its an issue of food security. Johnson says there will be more pressure on American farmers to step up production. Johnson says the war is a wild… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Health Care Association says in the past five years, ten percent of state nursing homes have closed, with the most recent closures this spring in Ipswich, Clear Lake and Lennox. The legislature this year gave a one time, twenty percent increase in funding to nursing homes. Governor Kristi Noem says… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Beginning at approximately 8:00am on Wednesday, June 15th, 2022 the following intersection will be closed to thru traffic for street patching repairs: 7th Avenue SE & Centennial Street South Both North/South and East/West traffic will be impacted, motorists are advised to take alternate routes until the work is completed. The intersection is… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(Press Release) — Sanford Aberdeen Executive Director Ashley Erickson is stepping into a new role within the Sanford Health organization. She has accepted the position of Executive Director of Women’s and Children’s at Sanford Fargo. Erickson has led the Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center for more than seven years, where she has grown numerous… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Roughly 2600 West Central Electric Cooperative meters are still without power as of mid-afternoon Monday after two severe storm systems moved through western and central South Dakota over the weekend. Manager of Member Services Jessie Tucker says the majority of the power outage is in Jackson and Haakon counties. Tucker says around 225… Read more »