South Dakota

Students evacuated following explosion at South Dakota high school

MILLER, S.D. – Officials say students have been evacuated from a high school in Miller following an explosion and fire in the shop area. School board chairwoman Natalie Bertsch says no injuries have been reported. The Hand County Sheriff’s Office confirmed an explosion had occurred in the agriculture workshop at the school and that a fire was still active. People…

Dusty Johnson to seek 3rd term in U.S. House

Rep. Dusty JohnsonPIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson is seeking reelection to a third term. The 45-year-old Republican on Monday announced his run for the state’s lone House seat in a statement that promoted his record and effectiveness on agriculture policy. Johnson is facing a primary challenge from state Rep. Taffy Howard.  Democrats have not announced a candidate for…

Federal judge halts Noem’s abortion pill restriction rule

PIERRE, S.D. – A federal judge has temporarily halted a South Dakota rule from taking effect that would have made the state one of the hardest places in the U.S. to get abortion pills. U.S. District Judge Karen Schreier granted a request from Planned Parenthood for a restraining order on a state Department of Health rule that was set to…

South Dakota House committee approves trans athlete ban

South Dakota CapitolPIERRE, S.D. – A South Dakota House committee on Wednesday approved a proposal from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem to ban transgender women and girls from competing in school sports leagues that match their gender identity. All 11 Republicans on the House State Affairs committee voted in favor of the bill, which has been cast as “protecting fairness in…

Planned Parenthood sues to stop South Dakota abortion rule

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Planned Parenthood is suing the state of South Dakota to stop new rule for medical abortions that would make the state one of the hardest places in the nation to get abortion pills. The rule approved by lawmakers earlier this month requires women to return to a doctor to receive the second of two drugs used…

Tourism has record-breaking year in South Dakota

PIERRE, S.D. – Tourism officials say South Dakota had a record number of visitors in 2021, making it the first state to fully recover to pre-pandemic levels. The state Department of Tourism says visitors spent more than $4.4 billion last year, generating $160 million in tax revenue for the state and $184 million for local governments. Tourism also supports over…

Former South Dakota air force station on market for $4.5 million

(USAF photo)GETTYSBURG, S.D. – A former Air Force station in north central South Dakota is on the market for $4.5 million. While the 42-acre base is no longer active, the Federal Aviation Administration continues to operate a radar site on the property near Gettysburg. The retired businessman from California who owns the property, Lev Goukassian, purchased the property in 2007….

Woman accused of faking kidnapping wanted a break from husband

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Court documents say a Sioux Falls woman accused of faking her own kidnapping from a local pizza restaurant told detectives she wanted a break from her husband. The woman has been charged with attempted grand theft and making a false report to authorities. She faces arraignment next week in Minnehaha County. Court documents say the woman…

Seniors served marijuana-laced brownies at community center

TABOR, S.D. – Officials say a South Dakota man is facing a felony drug charge after his mother unknowingly served his marijuana-laced brownies to a group of seniors at a local community center. The 46-year-old man is charged with possession of a controlled drug or substance. An investigation began after Bon Homme County dispatchers received several calls about possible poisonings…