PIERRE, S.D. (KWAT) — Influenza cases are still rising in South Dakota. State Epidemiologist Dr. Joshua Clayton talked about the numbers. Since those numbers were released, it’s been learned that a fourth grade boy in southeastern South Dakota has become the first child in the state to die of flu-related complications this winter. As for… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – Brookings police arrest a man for animal cruelty after he posted a video on social media. Assistant Police Chief Derrick Powers says the video showed the male torturing and killing an injured cat. He says the investigation identified the man in the video a 19-year-old from Brookings. The male suspect was… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – This is National Grain Bin Safety Week (Feb. 16-22). The subject hits home for South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, who grew up on a farm in Hamlin County and lost her father in a grain bin accident. She says farmers and ranchers work with dangerous equipment every day. While you… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Modern medicine has become a triangle of sorts between patients, providers and insurance companies. The patient and providers both depend on the insurance companies to pay for appropriate treatments. Doug Ekeren, President of Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton says they want to be on the side of their patients. Ekeren… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Legislative leaders in Pierre are also keeping an eye on ongoing recovery efforts in towns and counties. Many counties had road and bridge damage from several rounds of flooding and storms last year. House Majority Leader Lee Qualm of Platte says the state is on the edge right now. Qualm says… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Workforce development was a hot button issue in some past legislative sessions but has not seen the same level of interest this year. Representative Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says there are some ongoing programs. Hunhoff says a program that could encourage housing is another important piece. Hunhoff says legislative turn over… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – South Dakota Congressman and Fort Pierre native Dusty Johnson today (Wed.) officially announced his intent to seek another term in the US House of Representatives. In his re-election campaign announcement video, Johnson says during his first term he accomplished several things to strengthen South Dakota. Johnson, a republican in the… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – A bill to allow certified therapy dogs to accompany vulnerable witnesses when testifying in South Dakota Circuit courts gains unanimous approval from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Wednesday.  Hughes County States Attorney Roxanne Hammond tried to use such a dog in a 2019 rape case, but was denied by… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The annual Tyler Wilcox Memorial Guns n’ Hoses Blood Drive in Pierre and Fort Pierre has been named the America’s Blood Centers’ Blood Drive of the Year for 2019. Vitalant senior donor recruitment representative Abbie Arneson says the national recognition will officially be given March 10 during the ABC Awards… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – The NSU School of Fine Arts presents Darci Bultema, soprano and Audrey Miller, clarinet in recital on Feb 20 at 7:30pm in the Krikac Auditorium on the NSU campus. The program features a premiere of the work “She Loves” by NSU music professor and Aberdeen University Civic Symphony conductor Christopher… Read more »

PARKSTON, S.D. (Press Release) – One person died Tuesday afternoon in a one-vehicle crash south of Parkston. The name of the deceased is not being released pending notification of family members. He was the only occupant. A 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe was northbound on South Dakota Highway 37 when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle… Read more »

AURORA, S.D. (KWAT) — A costly sheep barn fire occurred in rural Brookings County yesterday. Assistant Sheriff Scott Sebring says fire departments from Brookings, Bruce, Sinai, Volga, Elkton and Aurora were called to the fire near Aurora (21610 478th Avenue) on Tuesday afternoon. Fifteen ewes and 17 lambs were killed in the fire. The barn… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – A bill proposed by Governor Kristi Noem to revise county zoning and appeals procedures will be heard by the Senate State Affairs Committee this morning. Committee member, Senator Craig Kennedy of Yankton, says he is getting a lot of input.   The bill would streamline the process used by counties to… Read more »

BRYANT, S.D. (WNAX) – Doug Noem of Bryant has been re-elected as President of the South Dakota Corn Grower’s Association. He’s also serving on a National Corn Growers Committee and wants to focus on helping producers with their risk management decisions. He says crop insurance is a critical tool for producers and is also the… Read more »