WASHINGTON, D.C. (Press Release) – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that his office is seeking internship applicants for Summer 2020 in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices. Duties will include researching legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House Health and Human Services Committee passed a bill that would raise the age for the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21. It includes vaping products that contain nicotine. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Carl Perry of Aberdeen, says this will bring state law in line with new federal… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KJJQ) – A bill to prevent South Dakota cities from banning plastic bags, straws and beverage containers is advancing at the state Legislature. The Senate Commerce and Energy Committee approved the bill on a 4-2 vote Tuesday. The bill’s sponsor, Republican John Wiik of Big Stone City, says prohibiting cities from banning plastic… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – South Dakota may set a new state record for roadway fatalities last year. Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price says South Dakota is projected to have the lowest number of motor vehicle fatalities in state history. The previous low was 111 fatalities in 2011. The department began keeping records… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – An unexpected issue with wind power development is coming up with a plan to dispose of old wind blades. As technology improves, wind developers are replacing blades with new, more efficient designs. South Dakota Public Utilities Commission Chairman Gary Hanson says they anticipated a much longer life for the projects and… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg says he is waiting to see the final form of the industrial hemp bill. A summer study committee came up with a bill authorizing the production of industrial hemp, but it has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. Ravnsborg says he is willing to… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – A Yankton legislator isn’t sure the state is getting the return it should from the Governors Office of Economic Development. Democratic Representative Ryan Cwach says the legislature increased funding for the agency last year. Cwach says the concern is not new. Cwach says he has heard similar comments from other lawmakers.… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – Friday marks the end of the month and the first deadline for license plate decal renewals for 2020. Patty VanMeter, Interim Brown County Treasurer, talked about this month’s letters. She said there are ways to help speed up the process. Kessler’s is also another option for renewals.

BROOKINGS, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota officials are planning on making suicide prevention programs available across the state. The suicide rate is high in rural areas and Native American communities. There’s also been stress in farm country because of low commodity prices and weather challenges. Andrea (buh-yorn-uh-stad) Bjornestad is an SDSU Extension Mental Health Specialist.… Read more »

BROOKINGS, S.D. (KJJQ) – The House Judiciary Committee unanimously passed a bill that would lengthen the time that law enforcement stores rape kits from anonymous victims. The bill’s sponsor, Representative Tim Reed of Brookings, says these are victims who have not yet decided to press charges. Reed says the seven years matches the statute of… Read more »

HURON, S.D. (KWAT) — Another concert announcement made today by the South Dakota State Fair. Assistant Manager Candi Briley made the announcement.   Lynch is a Tennessee native who released his first album in 2012. He’s recorded seven number one hits, including “Mind Reader” and “Hell of a Night.” Tickets for the general public go… Read more »

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WNAX) – While some climate models are hinting at a very warm weather pattern developing by mid-summer, drought chances will stay low. Doug Kluck, Central Region Climate Service Director for the National Weather Service in Kansas City, says the saturated soils will prevent much rapid heating. Kluck says drought chances across the… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KMIT) – The 2020 Nationwide Homeless Count will take place today. Dr. Suzanne Smith of Augustana University coordinates the count in Sioux Falls. Smith talks about the challenges involved in the count. She says the information collected affects funding from HUD for homeless programs. Previous years’ counts have shown an estimated 300… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Minority Democrats in the South Dakota legislature say they are being included in more discussions and debate. House Minority Leader Jamie Smith of Sioux Falls says Republicans are making an effort so far. Smith says they are also hearing more from the Governor’s office. Senate Minority Leader Troy Heinert of Mission… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Appropriations Committee of the South Dakota legislature continues to grind through budget hearings of state agencies and departments. Representative Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says they are now looking hard at the money that departments don’t spend.   Hunhoff says they also want more details of how state programs are working.… Read more »