AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- Despite rain expected this week, climate observers are warning of persistent drought conditions expected to continue into the summer. Dennis Todey, head of the Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa, says the rain this week, while welcome, won’t have much of an impact on the expanding dry conditions. Todey says the long range… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D.(Alpha Media)-After a little more than three years on the job, Chris Schilken is leaving his position as the executive Director of the Watertown Development Company. He broke the news this morning. Schilken was asked how this new opportunity came together. Schilken says his role with the Governor Office of Economic Development (GOED) will… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(DRGNews)- The new fence around the Governor’s residence in Pierre won’t hinder this year’s annual Elk’s Easter Egg Hunt. Elk’s Lodge member Tony Mangan says the front gates will open Sunday at noon. Mangan says South Dakota’s “oldest and largest family event” draws an estimated 1,500 children each year. He says kids are divided… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- The groundbreaking was held for the new School of Health Sciences Building on the campus of USD in Vermillion Thursday. The three story, 45,000 square foot building will connect to the Andrew Lee Medical Building. USD President Sheila Gestring says it comes at a critical time. Gestring says there will be a lot… Read more »

NEMO, S.D.(KOTA & KBHB)- As of 9:00 this morning, all residents of areas evacuated as a result of the Rapid City area fires have received the all clear to return home, with some restrictions. Right now, the Schroder fire is listed at 86 percent contained, and only one home and two outbuildings are thought to… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D.(AlphaMedia)–Watertown Mayor Sarah Caron has made it official: she’s running for re-election. She made the announcement via a press release this morning. The mayor pointed to some major accomplishments since taking office in 2017. But there’s more work to be done, namely in the areas of housing and employment. The next mayor will take… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- After the legislature failed to override the veto of HB1217, the trans-gender, women in sports fairness bill, Governor Kristi Noem issued a pair of Executive Orders mandating that K through 12 schools and universities carry out what was in the original bill. Mark Froke, Superintendent in the Marion School District, says they are… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Board of Regents has laid out a “back to normal” plan for the six state universities for this fall. South Dakota State University President Barry Dunn says it will be a great relief. Dunn says everything they do is designed to function with students on campus. Dunn says they have… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(Press Release)– Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month to help bring an end to abuse and neglect in South Dakota. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is asking everyone to be vigilant in watching for signs of a problem. “The Department of Social Services is focused on protecting children… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D.(Press Release)- Lamont Companies is hosting the first mixer of 2021 on Thursday, April 8th at the Dakota Event Center! We are working together to ensure a comfortable environment for everyone who wishes to attend. Mask and hand sanitizer will be available and masks are recommended while in line and visiting member tables. There… Read more »

NEMO, S.D.(KOTA & KBHB)- As the Rapid City area fires continue to be tamed, most evacuees have been allowed back into their homes for the first time since being forced out by flames. The evacuations came with little warning, but appear to have been useful, as no injuries or deaths have been reported at this… Read more »

OMAHA, N.E.(WNAX)- For a 10th straight month, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index, a leading economic indicator for the nine-state region stretching from Minnesota and the Dakotas to Arkansas, remained above growth neutral. Ernie Goss, director of Creighton University’s Economic Forecasting Group, says the index dropped slightly. Goss says many businesses are dealing with… Read more »