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 »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – The final Nurse for a Day at Presentation College for this school year is set for Friday, Feb. 21. Jill Young, Administrative Assistant for Admissions at PC, talked about the event. She said students from as far away as California come to participate in Nurse for a Day. A big draw… Read more »

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — A name change is on the radar for South Dakota’s four technical institutes. Both houses of the South Dakota Legislature have passed a bill that will rename the institutes as colleges. The bill still requires the signature of Governor Noem. The prime House sponsor of that bill is Representative Hugh Bartels… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – A bill that would have raised the cost of a South Dakota driver’s license two dollars (to $30) was killed by the South Dakota House Transportation Committee Tuesday.  The two-dollar increase would have gone to help support transit systems in South Dakota.  Eight proponents testified in favor of the bill.  Deputy… Read more »