PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Because of the drought, many people are diligently watering lawns, gardens and  young trees to keep things green and growing. But, Art Smith with East Pierre Landscape and Garden Center says established trees need to be watered too– and what comes out of your lawn sprinklers doesn’t count. How much to water your… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Board of Regents may decide on a mission for each of the six state universities. That’s one of the offshoots of the ongoing SB55 task force. A bill passed in last years legislature directs the Regents to come up with operating efficiencies for the six campuses. Regents Vice President for… Read more »

GRANT TOWNSHIP, S.D.(WNAX)- A national renewable energy company is exploring McCook County in eastern South Dakota as the possible location of a large solar electric generating project. McCook County Planning and Zoning Administrator Cori Kaufmann says the company, National Grid Renewables, has not officially filed any applications. Lindsay Smith, a spokesperson for National Grid, says,… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- At their last meeting the Federal Reserve Board indicated no changes soon in their key interest rates, but inflation was mentioned as a future issue. South Dakota Bankers Association President Karl Adam says changing Covid-19 infections may also play a part. Adam says federal spending will also play a role in inflation and… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release) – Today, Governor Kristi Noem released the following statement in response to the South Dakota Board of Regents’ approval of a draft policy restricting the teaching of Critical Race Theory at state colleges and universities: “I am grateful the Board of Regents is taking steps to address this divisive subject and limit its… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Brown County has its choice of five bids from firms seeking to help with a needs assessment for the jail. Bids to provide owner representation services were opened Tuesday at the county commission meeting, but no decision was made and few details were discussed. Owner representation is a service that ensures that… Read more »

FORT PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Three members of the Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department have gone west to help fight wildfires in Washington state. Chief Justin Jones, assistant chief Tye Odden (odd-en) and firefighter Trey Stroup (stroop) were initially assigned to the Sherwood Fire, but Odden says they’ve been reassigned to the Green Ridge Fire. Odden says… Read more »

STURGIS, S.D. – The 81st Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally will officially open Friday with a parade that will be headlined by the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The majestic horses are actually scheduled to make several appearances in the area during this year’s Rally. On Friday, the Clydesdales will parade up Main Street to Harley Davidson… Read more »

HOVEN, S.D.(Press Release) – A 62-year-old Onaka, S.D. man has been identified as the person who died Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash that occurred east of Hoven. Preliminary crash information indicates that both vehicles were eastbound on South Dakota Highway 20. A 2020 Ford Explorer struck the rear of a 2017 Honda Pioneer ATV.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. – State Rep. Taffy Howard announced that she is pursuing legislation to limit the ability of businesses which accept taxpayer funding to mandate vaccines. “We are so blessed to live in South Dakota,” said Rep. Howard, “where thanks to the leadership of the legislature and our Governor, we stand against shutdowns and mask… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D. —  At approximately 6:30 pm Wednesday evening Police officers were called to a residence in Southwest Watertown where a gunshot wound was reported.  On arrival officers located a male party that had been shot in the face. Watertown Police Department Captain Kirk Ellis says that Watertown Fire Rescue transported the victim to Prairie… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(Press Release)– The South Dakota National Guard’s 235th Military Police Company has received a mobilization order for a 12-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, beginning in January 2022. About 115 Soldiers with the Rapid City and Sioux Falls-based unit will provide detention operations support to Joint Task Force Guantanamo. The unit will report… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- Students are back on campus in Vermillion as the USD School of Law welcomed incoming freshmen this week. Law School Dean Neil Fulton says it’s another large class with eighty new students. Fulton says it’s a good mix of students from in and out of state. Fulton says they try to set realistic… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Supreme Court heard arguments in April over the constitutionality of “Amendment A”, the recreational marijuana issue that was approved by voters last November. The court has not yet issued a decision in the case. Senator Art Rusch of Vermillion says the time frame is not unusual. Rusch says the Justices… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- Over 1900 people flew out of the Pierre Regional Airport last month. City commissioner Jamie Huizenga (hi-zin-ga) says it was the first month of having two commercial air service companies operating flights from Pierre to Denver. Huizenga says so far this year, over 7000 people have started their travels from Pierre. At the… Read more »