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 »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – Northern State’s spring semester of Noon Forum Sessions will start on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The forums will take place at noon most Wednesdays through April. A variety of topics will be presented during the course of the next three months, according to Art Marmorstein, History Professor at NSU. While many of… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Now moving into the third week of the 2020 session, South Dakota lawmakers have until the end of the week for unlimited bill introductions. Senator Craig Kennedy of Yankton says he has some bills dealing with drug offenses. Kennedy says he wants legislators to look at alternatives to prison for drug… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) – A man has been charged in the killing of a 20-year-old woman who authorities say was abducted from a Walmart parking lot in Sioux Falls. The Argus Leader reports that the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office says 19-year-old Amir Hasan Beaudion Jr. was charged Monday with 15 counts, including first-degree murder.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – It’s in the same location in Pierre (925 East Sioux Avenue), but Capital University Center has a new name, a new website and new nursing class offerings. Executive Director Chris Maxwell says Capital University Center is now Capital City Campus. He says the new name comes with a fresh logo… Read more »

WESSINGTON, S.D. (Press Release) – One person died and another was seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash that occurred late Sunday night west of Wessington. Names of the two men are not being released pending notification of families. They were the only persons involved. A 1993 Chevrolet S-10 pickup was westbound on U.S. Highway 14… Read more »

GROTON, S.D. (Press Release) – Basin Electric will present Groton Area Fire & Protection and Rescue District with a $15,554.86 donation to purchase a Power Pro Cot for their ambulance. The presentation will take place at 1 p.m. today at the Groton Fire Hall. The power cot will be there for demonstrations. Being a volunteer… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The 2020 Governors Conference on Tourism wrapped up last week with a surprisingly positive report on last year’s visitation. According to the annual study done by Tourism Economics, South Dakota welcomed 14.5 million visitors, an increase of 3.1 one percent. This is the highest growth percentage the state has experienced since… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The bill legalizing the production of industrial hemp in South Dakota has been introduced, but no hearings have been scheduled yet. Governor Kristi Noem says they continue to work with the bills sponsors. Noem says they are working the details. Noem says they hope to see details of the bill soon.… Read more »