ABERDEEN, S.D.(Aberdeen American News)- Seven people and a high school team were recognized as community champions by The Aberdeen Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday. Awards were given at the Community Champion Luncheon. Those recognized were: Emerging Leader: Spencer Sommers Entrepreneur of the Year: Julie Fischbach George: Jack Hollinsworth STAR (Students Taking Active Responsibility): Roncalli Robo-CAVS ViTality: Troy McQuillen Woman of Spirit: Judy… Read more »

MOBRIDGE, S.D.(DRGNews)- A diving company from Pierre is leading the search for a 70 year old man from Wakpala last seen on Lake Oahe near Mobridge Jan. 27, 2022. Authorities believe Clyde Oswald is most likely in the water because there’s no indication he drove away. Oswald’s 1996, green Ford Explorer is also missing. Central… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The Senate Judiciary Committee of the South Dakota legislature listened to over ninety minutes of testimony, pro and con, over a bill that would have banned transgender students from using bathroom and locker facilities that match their gender identity. The bill grew out of a policy adopted in the Vermillion School District over… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- South Dakota Senator John Thune held a tele-town hall last (Tuesday) night, taking questions for over an hour. One of the questions dealt with the possible Russian invasion and Ukraine and what Vladimir Putin wants. Thune says the issue could spread beyond Europe. Thune says the US has to take a strong leadership… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- Slowing the rate of inflation without crashing the economy will take a delicate balance. South Dakota Bankers Association President Karl Adam says the Federal Reserve has started on that path by signaling upcoming interest rate hikes. Adam says ag producers are especially vulnerable to interest rate increases. Adam says the Federal Reserve is… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- A bill that would open potential property tax increases to a public hearing has been introduced in the South Dakota legislature. Representative Chris Johnson of Rapid City says the bill doesn’t change how property is valued or taxes are assessed. Johnson says cities and counties would have to hold a public hearing on… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- A recent KOTA exclusive interview with a Rapid City-based drug dealer has highlighted the ease of access Rapid City residents have to hard drugs including meth, cocaine, and heroin – and the dangers associated with a black market. Brendyn Medina, spokesperson for the Rapid City Police Department, described meth in no uncertain… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- A bill has been introduced in the South Dakota legislature that would at least start a debate over changing the name of Custer State Park. Senator Troy Heinert of Mission says there should at least be the discussion. Heinert says the state should make appropriate changes where it can. Heinert says there are… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DakotaNewsNow) – Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Gov. Kristi Noem in her reelection bid. In a release sent out Tuesday, Trump applauded Noem for her “great job” as governor of South Dakota. “She is strong on Borders, the Second Amendment, preserving land and Energy Dominance, Medical Freedom, and kept South Dakota open… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- Severe weather season is still three months away, but the National Weather Service is adjusting the centerpiece of the annual Severe Weather Awareness weeks celebrated in the spring each year. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Kelly Serr at the National Weather Service in Aberdeen says tornado safety will still be a part of Severe Weather… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- More weather firsts set in the region this month. Red Flag warnings have been issued for much of central into southeast South Dakota. Matt Dux at the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls says this is the first year they have ever issued Red Flag warnings in the winter. Dux says Red… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D(KXLG)- Senator Lee Schoenbeck ntalks about the group “Convention of States”…. Schoenbeck says he knows his people and they don’t want “a bunch of crazy people re-writing the constitution” Schoenbeck discussed the probability of that being passed. The bill was “smoke out” which means it will brought to the Senator floor to set up… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- The Vermillion School District has now removed their mandatory face mask requirement as Covid-19 infections drop. Superintendent Damon Alvey says they have been going two weeks at a time. Alvey says they rode a big spike in infections through much of January. Alvey says their medical advisors are telling them the worst may… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(WNAX)- Putting limits on the reach of so called “big tech” companies is a priority for South Dakota Senator John Thune. He says there is some bipartisan agreement on that. Thune says much of social media has a negative influence on society. Thune says he is especially concerned about the impacts on young people.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(KELO)- Last week, Gov. Kristi Noem and House Speaker Spencer Gosch (gosh), both Republicans sparred over what happened to the Governor’s fetal heartbeat bill not being heard by a committee. House Majority Leader Kent Peterson from Salem. Peterson talks about the upcoming Supreme Court case that could deal with Roe vs Wade. Peterson still… Read more »