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YANKTON, S.D.(WNAX)-Despite occasional snowstorms that blow through the region, the dominant climate factor in the northern plains is drought. Illinois State Climatologist Trent Ford moderated the latest North Central Region Climate update. Ford says the dry conditions started early last fall. Ford says the outlooks don’t offer much relief. Soil moisture is also depleted across much of the region after several years of above normal precipitation and flooding.
PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has proposed changing K – 12 education standards for civics and government classes with an emphasis on South Dakota and American history. Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says he is not hearing much public support. Nesiba says even funding at the rate of inflation isn’t enough. Nesiba says… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The legal minds in the South Dakota legislature are beginning the work of writing rules for the state’s new marijuana movements. Representative Ryan Cwach of Yankton, a member of the Judiciary Committee, says there are still many questions around the amendment and initiative. Cwach says they could put in code some… Read more »
YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota is in the top three states nationally in the percentage of COVID-19 vaccines distributed. There are still frustrations with the slow pace of immunizations. Liz Healy, infection control specialist with Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton says the state Department of Health is working to even out the distribution.… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – Active COVID infections decreased by more than 300, hospitalizations remained nearly the same and there were no new deaths, according to figures released by the South Dakota Department of Health today. The state reported 32 new confirmed cases and 359 recoveries, lowering active cases by 327 down to 3,678. Those hospitalized… Read more »
ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The annual Winter Fun Day is coming up on Saturday, Feb. 6. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. on Manor Park. Gene Morsching, Recreation Superintendent with the Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, said the day offers a variety of activities. There will also be a chance to try curling and… Read more »
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — State officials have canceled the annual count of South Dakota’s unsheltered homeless population because of the coronavirus pandemic and other concerns. The count is usually done on the last Tuesday of January. Volunteers of America regional homeless services coordinator Sara Hornick says the Department of Housing and Urban Development made… Read more »
ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – The decades-long relationship between Montgomery’s and Malchows will soon culminate in a 55,000 square foot showroom, slated to open this summer at 3502 7th Avenue SE. The same location, the former Office Max building between Target and Walmart, was the site of the Tom Malchow retirement sale that ended Jan.… Read more »
ABERDEEN, S.D. (By Elisa Sand esand@aberdeennews.com) – The state’s December sales tax report shows continued growth in sales tax revenue for Aberdeen. According to the report, which reflects sales taxes collected in October and reported to the state in November, Aberdeen’s collections were 10% higher than the December 2019 report. It shows $1,698,587 in sales… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota lawmakers are back in Pierre for a four day week, with unlimited bill introductions wrapping up on Thursday. House Majority Leader, Kent Peterson of Salem, says he is ready to work with his Democratic counterpart. Peterson says lots of issues and more money are getting attention. Due to extra… Read more »
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (HubCityRadio.com)- Senator Mike Rounds on Sunday appeared on NBC “Meet the Press” to discuss COVID-19 Relief, the upcoming impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, and election integrity. Senator Rounds said that Republicans and Democrats are not far apart on COVID-19 relief, but that the next package needs to be specific. Senator… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D.(KJJQ)- The House State Affairs Committee of the South Dakota Legislature passes a bill (HB 1046) intended to limit the liability from lawsuits stemming from the pandemic. Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, spoke in support. He says it’s designed to prevent frivolous lawsuits Also speaking in support of the… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota voters approved two marijuana issues in last November’s election. One deals with medical marijuana, the other opens up recreational use. House Majority Leader Kent Peterson of Salem says the recreational amendment may be on hold for a while. Peterson says they will have to come up with rules for… Read more »
PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Joint Appropriations Committee of the South Dakota legislature has been holding agency hearings as the first step in putting together next year’s spending plan. Senator Reynold Nesiba of Sioux Falls says the committee has set up sub-groups. Nesiba says the needs-based scholarship proposal will get attention, too. The plan has… Read more »
RAPID CITY,S.D.(KOTA)- The Rapid City Police Department released their annual crime statistics report for the 2020 calendar year, and saw notable increases in rates of homicide and theft. Brendyn Medina, community relations specialist for the Rapid City Police Department said homicides doubled over 2019’s count, which is believed to be related to substance abuse. Along with that, Rapid City saw nearly a forty percent increase in burglaries, which Medina said could be tied to the pandemic. Despite this, there was a lower rate of arrests and calls for service, also likely tied to the pandemic Medina said. Officers during the height of the pandemic were given much more freedom regarding when and if they would engage in law enforcement activities like traffic stops.
