PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The ongoing drought has landed in record territory. South Dakota State Climatologist Laura Edwards says the dry trend accelerated in the summer months. The National Weather Service reports that the April through mid-August period is the driest on record in Yankton with five point six inches of rain, breaking the record set in… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The infrastructure bill passed by the US Senate contains sixty-five billion dollars to expand and upgrade broadband internet across the country. Greg Dean, with the South Dakota Telecommunications Association, says that may be just a down payment on the ongoing expansion that will be needed. Dean says broadband needs constant attention and improvements.… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(Press Release) – On Thursday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) will speak at the Glacial Lakes Rubber & Plastics expansion ribbon cutting in Watertown. In the afternoon, Johnson will host a Vietnam Veteran Commemorative Pinning Ceremony and tour the Avera Addiction Center in Aberdeen. What: Glacial Lakes Rubber & Plastics Expansion Ribbon Cutting When: Thursday,… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Please join the Chamber Agribusiness Committee on Thursday, August 19 at noon, at the Brown County Fair Clubhouse for lunch with US Senator John Thune. Senator Thune will be providing an update on all of the recent happenings in Washington, DC, with an emphasis on agriculture issues. Come a little early to… Read more »

MITCHELL, S.D.(WNAX)- When the one point two trillion dollar infrastructure bill was up for a vote in the Senate, South Dakota Senator John Thune voted no. Thune says the bill is just too expensive. Thune says the state is still sitting on hundreds of millions of federal dollars that could be redirected. Thune says he… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The interim Joint Committee on Appropriations of the South Dakota legislature meets again today in Pierre. Their agenda includes updates on diversity offices on state university campuses, civics and history program funding and activation and funding of the National Guard for emergencies. Co-Chair, Senator Jean Hunhoff of Yankton, says policy and not just… Read more »

AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- Continued drought and heat now could be a contributing factor to an early frost. Dennis Todey, with the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa, says dry air and soil leads to a quicker cool off at night. Todey says early dry down of crops could also contribute to the frost risk. Normal frost… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C.(DRGNews)- Monday’s USDA National Ag Statistics Service crop progress report has South Dakota on some Top 3 lists– but they’re not good lists to be on. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippy says South Dakota is one of the states where the corn crop conditions are among the lowest in the country. Unfortunately, Rippy says soybeans in South Dakota aren’t in any better shape.

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Board of Education Standards is working through revisions to civics and history curriculum for K through 12 schools. Vermillion Superintendent Damon Alvey says each district can use those standards as a guideline. Alvey says they can mix and match with the state standards. Alvey says they open all their curriculum… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- Much of West River is in “extreme” fire danger today, while a rating of “very high” extends into the Black Hills and Central South Dakota. Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department said triple digit temperatures have a red flag warning in effect. Jaeger said a pair of… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- The Aberdeen Aquatic Center will conclude its open swim season on Sunday, August 22 at 5:00 p.m.  From 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on August 22, the Aquatic Center will be going to the dogs and dog owners are invited to bring their pets to the pool. Adult supervision is required for all… Read more »