RAPID CITY, S.D. (Rapid City Journal) — A senior airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base is now charged with murder after a baby he was accused of assaulting died. A prosecutor tells the Rapid City Journal that 26-year-old James Cunningham of Rapid City was charged Thursday with second-degree murder. Cunningham earlier was charged with… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Legislature has approved a 2% boost to funding for salary for teachers, state employees and people who work for nonprofits with government funding as it passed a budget that will start in July. Lawmakers also have money left over to fund a hemp program, build several university buildings… Read more »

YANKTON, S.D. (WNAX) – Medical professionals say most people that do contract coronavirus will recover just fine. Doctor Mike Pietila (pea-et-ah-la) with the Yankton Medical Clinic says only the critically ill would need hospitalization. Pietila says people need to watch out for each other. Pietila says this virus is a good example of the need… Read more »

WASHINGTON, D.C. (DRG News) – South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds has been in closed door meetings for the past few days getting updates on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) situation in the U.S. Rounds says the immediate goal is to avoid overwhelming the nation’s health care system. Rounds supports Pres. Trump’s decision to stop most incoming travelers… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The South Dakota National Guard Museum in Pierre is getting remodeled, but first several pieces of large equipment have to be moved. Director Sonja Johnson says that’s no easy task. She says a couple of pieces of equipment won’t be taken off site. Johnson says a variety of work will… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – The Aberdeen Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is accepting applications for summer seasonal positions. A variety of positions are available, including baseball, softball and tee ball coaches, baseball and softball umpires, Park, Forestry, Cemetery and Golf maintenance workers, Wylie Park and Aquatic Center concession workers, tennis instructors, lifeguards, aquatic center… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (aberdeennews.com) – Both local health systems recommend that people who are concerned they might have COVID-19 call their doctor’s office before making an appointment. That’s the word from Keith Sharisky, training section chief at Aberdeen Fire & Rescue, who has been monitoring COVID-19 news and relaying information to city officials. Health care workers… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (aberdeennews.com) – AGP — the mammoth soybean processing plant on the northeast edge of town — was before the Aberdeen City Council this week offering ways to reduce high levels of hydrogen sulfide in the city’s sanitary sewer system. The council met in special session Wednesday. The city could levy fines or take… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (Lifewrx.com) – District 23 Representative Spencer Gosch is currently undergoing testing for what is being described as a, ‘serious medical situation.’ House Speaker Steven Haugaard made the announcement at the start of legislative business Thursday. Haugaard sais that Gosch had not been feeling well Wednesday and that the matter had worsened overnight. Some… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (Press Release) – People who utilize Avera facilities for their health care who feel they may have been exposed to COVID-19 (coronavirus) or who are displaying symptoms are asked to call 1-877-AT-AVERA (1-877-282-8372), or contact their clinic. The toll-free number is Avera’s Medical Call Center that is staffed 24/7. At this number, people… Read more »

ABERDEEN, S.D. (HubCityRadio.com) – While the coronavirus has had a major impact on the college and professional sports scene, it hasn’t changed the plans for the South Dakota state basketball tournaments. Gene Brownell, State B Boys’ Basketball Tournament Director and Aberdeen Central Athletic Director, said that right now it’s business as usual. He said that… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (KCCR) – A Senate bill to allow certified therapy dogs in Circuit court to assist vulnerable witnesses is awaiting a signature from Governor Kristi Noem after an attempt to amend the bill failed on the House floor. The bill was Hughes County State’s Attorney Roxanne Hammond’s idea and carried by legislators Senator Deb… Read more »

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A Canadian company says it has started preliminary work along the proposed Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the U.S. as opponents wait for a judge to rule on their request to block the project. TC Energy spokeswoman Sara Rabern said Wednesday the Calgary-based company was moving equipment this week and… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Preliminary election results say members of the Oglala Sioux Tribe have passed a referendum to legalize medical and recreational marijuana on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. A proposal to to allow alcohol in the tribe’s casino failed. The results will be certified by the end of the month. The… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – South Dakota legislators will work through the day in an attempt to pass a 2021 budget and wrap up the main run of the session. Representative Jean Hunhoff of Yankton says there are ongoing budget talks.   Hunhoff, a member of the Joint Appropriations Committee, says if there are hang ups… Read more »