South Dakota News

Gov. Rhoden signs bill to make “Deepfakes” a crime and 10 other public safety bills

PIERRE, S.D. (KVRR) — South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has signed a bill into law that makes it a felony crime to create, possess or share computer-generated “deepfakes”. They are images of unwilling people in states of nudity or engaging in pornographic acts. It was proposed by Attorney General Marty Jackley. Two years ago, he successfully pushed for a bill…

Wildfire near Rapid City, SD spreads to 200 acres forcing evacuations

Rapid City Fire Department (Facebook)PENNINGTON CO., S.D. (KVRR)– Evacuations are underway near Rapid City, South Dakota after a wildfire broke out. Rapid City Fire Department says around two dozen structures are threatened. The fire is estimated at 200 acres and remains very active. Firefighters from federal, state, and local agencies are on scene with multiple engines, dozers and aircraft. If…

Trump says he’s replacing Homeland Security Secretary Noem with GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said he’s replacing his embattled Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and will nominate in her place Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin. Trump made the announcement on social media on Thursday, two days after Noem faced a grilling on Capitol Hill from GOP members as well as Democrats. Trump says he’ll make Noem a “Special…

Inspiration That Sticks: The Unglued Craft Fest

FARGO — It’s one of the biggest draws in the region for creative and crafty types. And this year, the Unglued Craft Fest is marking its sweet sixteen. Eighty-some makers from around the region, curated by local artisans, are coming together this weekend for the sixteenth annual festival. It features arts and crafts from regional makers, including jewelry, home decor,…

Sisseton man who drove vehicle into lake arrested for DUI

LAKE POINSETT, S.D. (KVRR-KWAT) – A Sisseton, South Dakota man was arrested for Felony DUI and a parole violation after driving his vehicle into Lake Poinsett, south of Watertown Sunday. Officers with the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office were called to an area near Stone Bridge on the north end of the lake around 1:30 p.m. They found a 2024 GMC…

Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s sweeping tariffs

FILE – President Donald Trump speaks during an event to announce new tariffs in the Rose Garden at the White House. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s far-reaching global tariffs on Friday, handing him a significant loss on an issue crucial to his economic agenda. The 6-3 decision centers on tariffs imposed…

Richland Co. rancher accused of theft of over $650,000 worth of livestock

RICHLAND CO., N.D. (KVRR) — A Colfax, North Dakota man is charged in Richland County with the theft of over $650,000 in cattle and the unlawful transport of livestock. Court documents reveal that Daniel Dockter was in a 40% agreement on the calf crop for cattle from two Benson County, North Dakota ranchers. One rancher had 93 head of cows…

Winter weather impacting travel in Dakotas, Minnesota

(MSP Sgt. Jesse Grabow)FARGO – (KVRR-KFGO) – As a storm pushes through the Dakotas and Minnesota, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is advising no travel in parts of the state. The entire northern third of North Dakota is under a Winter Storm Warning until midnight Wednesday into Thursday. The No Travel Advisory in the northeast includes areas where blowing…

Former West Fargo police chief has high profile role in Guthrie investigation in Arizona

TUCSON, Ariz. (KVRR) — There is a familiar name and face involved in investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, the mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savanna Guthrie. Heith Janke is the FBI Special Agent In Charge of the investigation out of the Phoenix office. Janke is the former police chief in West Fargo. He applied for the…

Spay It Forward Expands

FARGO — The temperatures here during winter can make surviving the streets a matter of chance for homeless pets. Now, you’ve got a chance to apply for a low-cost program to spay or neuter yours. Minn-Kota Paaws is a local pet welfare group that works to spay and neuter strays, feral cats, and other animals in the region to keep…