SPEARFISH, S.D. - Spearfish could see about 400 new apartments become available over the next year as city leaders work to address housing needs and support continued growth. Mayor John Senden shared the outlook during the annual State of the Community luncheon, saying the additional housing will complement the planned...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - The South Dakota Department of Corrections says a state prison inmate has died while in custody. Officials report that 78-year-old Lee Smith died November 5th in the infirmary at the Jameson Prison in Sioux Falls. At the time of his death, Smith was serving a five-year sentence out of Pennington Cou...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - Drivers traveling through Spearfish should prepare for new traffic patterns beginning Monday as the final phase of a one-point-three million dollar intersection improvement project gets underway at Interstate 90's Exit 10. The South Dakota Department of Transportation says a new paved U-turn area, kno...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police say charges are pending after a hit-and-run crash caused an estimated 150-thousand dollars in property damage earlier this week. Officers responded Wednesday morning to a storage lot in the 400 block of East Watts Lane, where two camper trailers had been struck by a Tesla. Investiga...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota utility customers will soon see higher electric bills after the Public Utilities Commission approved a rate increase for Black Hills Energy. The commission signed off on a settlement agreement that will increase Black Hills Energy's annual electric revenue by more than 27 million dollars. Of...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - The Deadwood Police Department says it has seen a rise in false emergency reports, commonly known as "swatting" calls, and officials are warning about the impact these incidents have on public safety. Police Chief Cory Shafer says the hoax calls often involve bomb threats, hostage situations,...

STURGIS, S.D. - Meade County authorities say a semi-truck suspected of bypassing a state weigh station was stopped and cited Thursday morning following a tip from a local resident. According to the Meade County Sheriff's Office, the truck was reported traveling on county gravel roads after turning from Ricard Road onto...

Tesean Richards Photo from the Rapid City Police Department RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police are asking for the public's help in locating a suspect following a shooting that left a woman seriously injured Thursday evening. Officers were dispatched around 7 p.m. to an alley behind the 900 block of Haines Avenue afte...

CHAMBERLAIN, S.D. - An 18-year-old Chamberlain man has been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred Sunday evening in Chamberlain. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Brule County State's Attorney Theresa Maule say Michael Ottmo has been charged with one count of aggravated assault, with ...

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Butte County has filed a lawsuit against a former Highway Department employee, alleging he received full wages while also collecting workers' compensation benefits for several months. According to court filings, the county claims former employee Kordell Stuen received workers' compensation payment...

CUSTER, S.D. - Custer State Park has been selected for a 2026 Hearts of STIHL grant to support ongoing trail restoration efforts following the devastating December 2025 windstorm. Park officials say significant cleanup work has already been completed, with all trails reopened by May, but restoration efforts continue in...

LEAD, S.D. - The Lead City Commission has approved a long-term plan to modernize equipment used by the Lead Police Department. The proposal from Arizona-based Axon Enterprise will provide new body cameras, in-car dash cameras, Tasers, cloud-based evidence storage, software, training, maintenance, and technical support....

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is joining attorneys general from 45 states and territories in urging Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The proposed federal legislation would establish minimum safety standards for social media and gaming platforms while still allowing states to enf...

GILLETTE, S.D. - Rapid City-based Monument Health is expanding its regional health care network by opening a new clinic in Gillette, Wyoming. The Monument Health Gillette Clinic began seeing patients this week and will continue caring for more than 21,000 patients previously served at the facility. Monument Health is l...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A multi-agency rescue effort near Falling Rock west of Rapid City helped bring an injured individual to safety Wednesday morning. The Johnson Siding Fire Department responded around 11 a.m. to reports of a person who had suffered injuries after a long fall. Rescue crews from several agencies, includi...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota saw historically low voter participation in Tuesday's general election, with just 49 percent of registered voters casting ballots, according to the Secretary of State's Office. The turnout marks the lowest general election participation rate recorded in the state since at least 1964, surpass...

LEAD, S.D. - A 32-year-old Lead woman has been sentenced to more than three years in federal prison for her role in a violent assault that left a man unconscious and seriously injured. Federal prosecutors say Vivian Rose One Feather was sentenced on October 30th to three years and five months in prison after pleading g...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The Sturgis City Council has approved annual renewals for the city's on-sale liquor and on-off sale wine and cider licenses, with the exception of Dollar General, which had not yet submitted its application for 2027. City officials say the renewals generate about $23,000 in annual licensing fees. Th...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Two 18-year-old Rapid City men have been sentenced for their roles in a February stabbing that left two victims seriously injured. James Lerat was sentenced to 10 years in prison with three years suspended after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and a separate charge related to a ja...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - Republican incumbents Mary Fitzgerald and Scott Odenbach won re-election Tuesday to continue representing District 31 in the South Dakota House. Odenbach led the race with 39 percent of the vote, followed by Fitzgerald with 37 percent, while Democratic challenger Morgan Plucker received 24 percent. M...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Lawrence County voters elected Robert Haiwick and Mike Davies to the Lawrence County Commission in Tuesday's election, while incumbent Eric Jennings secured re-election to another four-year term. More than 11,000 votes were cast, resulting in voter turnout of 47.26 percent. Davies received the highest...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The South Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the motorcyclist killed in a crash west of Rapid City last week as 75-year-old David A. Scheller of Rapid City. Authorities say Scheller was riding a 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan eastbound on Sheridan Lake Road around noon Friday when he failed to negotiate a c...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A fundraiser has been established for a 14-year-old Rapid City girl who suffered serious injuries after being struck in a hit-and-run crash while walking to school. According to family members, Emma was crossing at 5th and Omaha streets on October 27 when she was hit by a Jeep, dragged, and left at t...

BUFFALO, S.D. - Harding County voters have approved a school bond issue aimed at funding major facility and infrastructure improvements for the local school district. Unofficial results show the measure passing with 62 percent of voters in favor and 38 percent opposed, with all precincts reporting. The bond will fund a...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - A towering Black Hills spruce that has stood in a Spearfish yard for more than 30 years is headed to Pierre as South Dakota's 2026 Capitol Christmas Tree. The tree was planted by Sheila and Harold Baker after purchasing it as a small sapling from a local nursery. Over the decades, it grew to a size th...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota voters have elected Catherine Barranco as the state's next auditor, completing a campaign that began after the death of her husband, former candidate David Barranco. As of 11 p.m. on Election Night, Barranco had received 63 percent of the vote, defeating Democratic candidate Tom Cool, who ha...

PIERRE, S.D. - With all precincts reporting and results remaining unofficial until certification, voters have selected their representatives in several western South Dakota State House districts. In District 27, Republican Liz May easily claimed one of the two seats with nearly 65 percent of the vote. Independent Joe F...

PIERRE, S.D. - With all precincts reporting and results awaiting certification, Republicans won all six State Senate races across western South Dakota districts. In District 27, Republican Anthony Kathol won in commanding fashion, capturing nearly 77 percent of the vote. Democrat Celestine Stadnick and Independent Peri...

PIERRE, S.D. - With all precincts reporting and results remaining unofficial until certification, South Dakota voters decided four proposed constitutional amendments on Tuesday's ballot. Voters rejected Amendment I, which would have repealed Medicaid expansion in South Dakota. The measure failed with nearly 56 percent ...

PIERRE, S.D. - With all precincts reporting statewide and results still unofficial pending certification, Republicans swept every federal and statewide office on South Dakota's ballot. In the race for U.S. Senate, Republican Mike Rounds won another term, defeating independent challenger Brian Bengs with 60.5 percent of...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - All 671 precincts are now reporting across South Dakota, with turnout at just under 49.5 percent. The results remain unofficial until they are canvassed and certified. In Rapid City, voters approved the Rapid City Area Schools bond issue. The measure needed 60 percent support to pass and received nea...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Deadwood's gaming industry continued its strong 2026 performance in September, posting another month of growth and marking a third consecutive quarter of gains. According to the South Dakota Commission on Gaming, the total gaming handle in Deadwood increased 10.6% in September compared to the same mont...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Sturgis City Council has given final approval to the city's 2027 budget. During Monday night's meeting, council members passed the second and final reading of the spending plan, which includes more than $25.5 million in total expenditures. The approved budget contains general fund spending of just o...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A semi-truck rollover temporarily closed westbound Interstate 90 in eastern Pennington County Tuesday, causing traffic delays near Wall. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol and Pennington County Sheriff's Office, the semi rolled onto its driver's side near mile marker 116, blocking the entir...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As South Dakotans cast their ballots on Election Day, community groups and local organizations are working to help voters overcome transportation and access challenges. In District 27, State Senate candidate Celestine Stadnick has organized a free voter transportation effort to help residents who may...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As South Dakotans head to the polls today, civil rights advocates are reminding voters to understand their rights and protections while casting a ballot. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota says voters have the legal right to vote free from intimidation, harassment or interference. Off...

ROSEBUD, S.D. - A Rosebud woman has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison for a fatal crash on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. 34-year-old Crystal McCloskey was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Prosecutors say McCloskey w...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City woman has been arrested after a vehicle-versus-pedestrian crash Friday morning left one person seriously injured. Police were called to the 5100 block of Stoney Creek Drive at approximately 9:25 a.m. after receiving reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a Nissan SUV. Investigators...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide several high-profile state and federal races, along with four statewide ballot measures. At the top of the ballot, Republican Larry Rhoden faces Democrat Dan Ahlers for governor. Republican Mike Rounds is seeking another term in the U.S. Se...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City teenager is facing multiple charges after reports of gunfire prompted a large law enforcement response Monday afternoon. Police were called shortly before 2 p.m. to the 3900 block of Elm Avenue after receiving reports of an armed individual. While officers were responding, witnesses repo...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakotans will have a unique opportunity Monday to take part in a piece of state history as the America's 250 South Dakota Commission buries the state's official time capsule. The ceremony is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. at the Battleship South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls. The capsule will remain...

HILL CITY, S.D. - The South Dakota State Railroad Museum in Hill City will close its current location after the building's owner decided not to renew the museum's lease. Museum leaders say they must vacate the building by February 1, 2027, ending more than three decades of preserving and showcasing South Dakota's railr...

By: Jim Kallas RAPID CITY, S.D. - The Pennington County Democratic Party has filed a supplemental campaign finance complaint with the South Dakota Secretary of State's Office, seeking records related to a reported $5,063 transaction involving Republican State Senate candidate Taffy Howard and political consulting firm ...

WYOMING - Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has appointed Lisa Finkey to serve as a circuit court judge for the Sixth Judicial District, which includes Campbell, Crook and Weston counties. Finkey currently works as a district court staff attorney in Gillette and brings a wide range of legal and judicial experience to the be...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A South Dakota conservation group has been awarded nearly $8 million in federal funding to restore grasslands while supporting livestock producers across the state. The Second Century Habitat Fund received a $7.98 million grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Regional Conservation Partne...

FAITH, S.D. - The South Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the man who died in a single-vehicle crash Sunday near Faith as Sean Hanlon Walker of Douglas, Wyoming. According to investigators, Walker was driving a 2023 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound on U.S. Highway 212 near mile marker 100 when the vehicle left the roadway...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting another man in the head earlier this year. Twenty-eight-year-old Torell Flute was sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated assault in connection with a January 4 shooting at a residence on East Anamosa Street. The 36-year-old...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - An Iowa man has pleaded guilty in connection with a fatal UTV crash that claimed the life of a 9-year-old girl in Hughes County on the Fourth of July. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says 38-year-old Zachary Berger of Indianola, Iowa, entered a guilty plea Thursday to second-degree mansla...

PIEDMONT, S.D. - The Meade County Sheriff's Office says a weekend traffic stop in Piedmont resulted in a significant drug seizure and an arrest. According to a social media update from the sheriff's office, deputies stopped a vehicle Saturday afternoon and discovered approximately 2.4 ounces of methamphetamine during t...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Law enforcement agencies are searching for a Pennington County inmate who escaped from a supervised work crew Friday afternoon in Rapid City. Authorities say 33-year-old Christopher Whiteface escaped at approximately 2:45 p.m. while participating in the Pennington County Work Release Program. He was ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A 75-year-old Rapid City man died Friday in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Rapid City. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the man was riding a 2026 Kawasaki Vulcan eastbound on Sheridan Lake Road when he was unable to navigate a curve. The motorcycle entered the north ditch, and the...

LEAD, S.D. - Exploration work is continuing at the Lion Rock Resources mining site in southwestern Lawrence County, with company officials telling county commissioners they expect to remain in the exploration phase for at least another year. During an annual update to the Lawrence County Commission, representatives of ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Law enforcement officials are searching for a state prison offender who failed to report to his assigned work-release job Wednesday in Rapid City. Authorities say 41-year-old James Traversie left the Rapid City Minimum Center on October 28 to travel to his work-release employment but never arrived at...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police have identified the victim in Tuesday's fatal shooting as 19-year-old Jason Brave of Rapid City. The shooting occurred early Tuesday morning at a residence in the 1500 block of Kellogg Place. Officers responded to the scene and found Brave suffering from a gunshot wound. He was tran...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As Halloween decorations come down and jack-o'-lanterns begin to fade, the City of Rapid City's Solid Waste Division is offering residents guidance on how to properly dispose of or recycle common Halloween items. Officials say non-working holiday light strings can be recycled at the Rapid City Landfi...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - With daylight saving time coming to an end this weekend, Rapid City officials are reminding motorists to use extra caution as darkness arrives earlier each evening. Beginning Sunday, sunsets will occur before 5 p.m., meaning more people will be commuting, walking and biking during low-light condition...

BOX ELDER, S.D. - A multi-agency law enforcement operation in Box Elder resulted in 14 arrests, 19 drug charges and the service of 21 arrest warrants over two days. The October 21st and 22nd operation was led by the South Dakota Highway Patrol as part of Operation Prairie Thunder, a statewide initiative aimed at improv...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A rollover crash on Skyline Drive that sent four people to the hospital has now turned fatal, resulting in criminal charges against the driver. Rapid City police have identified the driver as 19-year-old Maricel Barrientos of Rapid City. Investigators say one of the passengers injured in the October ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Law enforcement agencies are searching for a state prison offender who failed to report to his assigned work-release job in Rapid City. Authorities say 41-year-old James Traversie left the Rapid City Minimum Center on October 28 to go to his scheduled employment but never arrived at the job site. Tra...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota lawmakers are moving forward with a long-term plan aimed at preserving emergency medical services, especially in rural communities struggling with staffing and funding challenges. The Legislature's Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force has endorsed two bills designed to strength...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for breaking into a woman's home, assaulting her and threatening to kill her. Thirty-five-year-old Francis Brewer was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty in June to first-degree burglary and aggravated assault stemming from a November 2024...

COLMAN, S.D. - Four people lost their lives Monday in a three-vehicle crash involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 29 near Colman. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, an 88-year-old man driving a Ford Ranger was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes near mile marker 119 when his vehicle collided he...

SOUTH DAKOTA - With just one week until Election Day, Americans are casting ballots at a record pace in the 2026 midterm elections. More than 34 million voters have already cast ballots either in person or by mail, according to election tracking data. Political analysts say turnout is on pace to surpass the early voti...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - AAA and local law enforcement are urging drivers to use extra caution this Halloween weekend as trick-or-treating, impaired driving, and the end of daylight saving time create what officials are calling a "triple threat" on the roads. With Halloween falling on Saturday and clocks turning ba...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota has received its first payment from a multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the state has received $9 million as part of a nationwide legal settlement reached after 42 state attorneys general sued Met...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police have arrested a man accused of seriously injuring a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash Tuesday morning. Authorities have identified the driver as 49-year-old David Kroeger, who was arrested on a charge of felony hit-and-run. The crash happened around 6:40 a.m. at the intersection of...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police have identified two individuals arrested in connection with a fatal shooting that left one man dead early Tuesday morning. Authorities say 21-year-old Harley Highwolf of Rapid City was taken into custody on a federal warrant, while 19-year-old Antwon Longvisitor of Rapid City was a...

Photo from the Cheyenne River Sioux Trible PD: RAPID CITY, S.D. - The search for missing Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe member Jory Low Dog remains active, although ground search operations have been temporarily suspended due to severe winter weather and hazardous road conditions. In a Monday night update, the Cheyenne Riv...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Two men have now been sentenced for their roles in the 2025 beating death of 24-year-old Michael Ladeaux in Rapid City. Twenty-five-year-old Joshua Thunder Hawk received a 40-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting first-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors identified Thunder Ha...

LEAD, S.D. - The City of Lead is shifting ordinance enforcement duties out of the police department and into its planning and building inspection division. During a recent meeting, the Lead City Commission approved a job description for a new ordinance officer and authorized $1,000 to advertise the position. City lead...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As Halloween celebrations approach, the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, Rapid City Police Department, and state and federal highway safety officials are reminding drivers that "Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving." Authorities say alcohol-impaired driving remains a major cause of traffic f...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will make a special stop in Custer next month as it travels from Idaho to Washington, D.C. The Custer Area Chamber of Commerce is planning a community celebration on November 10 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Way Park in downtown Custer. Organizers say the family-friendly event ...

WYOMING - Wyoming families will have another opportunity this week to apply for the state's Education Savings Account program, with 89 spots still available for the 2026-27 school year. The Wyoming Department of Education will accept applications from 9 a.m. Tuesday through 9 p.m. Thursday. Available spots will be awa...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Sanford Health has notified Wellmark that it intends to terminate its contract effective July 1, 2027, unless the two sides can reach a new agreement. Sanford officials say the dispute centers on contract language that they claim would give Wellmark too much authority to make changes affecting patie...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian with serious injuries Tuesday morning. Officers were dispatched around 6:40 a.m. to the intersection of Omaha Street and Fifth Street after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transporte...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police are investigating a homicide after a man died from injuries sustained in a shooting early Tuesday morning. Officers were dispatched shortly before 1 a.m. to a residence in the 1500 block of Kellogg Place, where they found an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency aid ...

Photo from KBHB Radio: STURGIS, S.D. - Multiple agencies responded to a house fire in Sturgis Monday morning. Fire crews responded to a home at 1336 Cedar Street, across from Sturgis Williams Middle School, where first responders found smoke coming from the residence's upper level. Sturgis Fire was assisted by Fort Mea...

FAITH, S.D. - A 30-year-old man from Douglas, Wyoming, died Sunday night in a single-vehicle crash west of Faith in Meade County. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash happened around 8:55 p.m. on U.S. Highway 212 near mile marker 100, approximately 13 miles west of Faith. Authorities say the man was...

PINE RIDGE, S.D. - A renewable energy training center on the Pine Ridge Reservation is gaining national attention for helping Native Americans build careers in the growing solar energy industry. Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center has trained more than 1,100 people, with about 80 percent of graduates finding work in the...

HOT SPRINGS, S.D. - The Fall River County Sheriff's Office says a woman who had been reported missing has been found deceased. Authorities confirmed Sunday that 39-year-old Kelsie Bryant was located on Saturday, October 24. Investigators say there are currently no indications of foul play, though the case remains unde...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - AARP South Dakota is inviting Rapid City residents to take part in two free events in November honoring family caregivers, veterans and military families. The first event is a free screening of The Upside at the Elks Theatre on November 4 at 6:30 p.m. Organizers say registration is required to atten...

SUMMERSET S.D, - Five people were injured Friday afternoon in a four-vehicle crash on Interstate 90 near Summerset that temporarily shut down westbound traffic. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, traffic was stopped in a construction zone near mile marker 48 when a 27-year-old Lead woman driving a Buick Encl...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - A Spearfish-based consulting company has received a federal grant to help emergency medical service leaders across South Dakota address the growing challenges facing rural ambulance services. Rose Group International will lead the Rural EMS Leadership Initiative, known as RELI, through a more than $3...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has pleaded guilty in the shooting death of 29-year-old Monte Gakin at the Oxford Apartments last August. Thirty-one-year-old Kane Youngman entered a guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter Friday in Seventh Circuit Court. Youngman had originally been charged with murder. According ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City teenager has been sentenced for the December 2024 shooting death of 16-year-old Kade Potter of Box Elder. On Friday, Judge Jeffrey Connolly sentenced Isiah Taha to 10 years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary, suspending four of those years. Taha will also receive credit for the 692 ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Four people were injured, including two who suffered life-threatening injuries, following a rollover crash early Thursday morning on Skyline Drive in Rapid City. According to Rapid City police, officers were dispatched around 1 a.m. on October 23 after receiving a report of a vehicle that had left th...

STURGIS, S.D. - A Sturgis church with deep roots in the community is celebrating a major milestone. First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis marked its 140th anniversary this week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1886, the church has served generations of Sturgis res...

CUSTER, S.D. - Indigenous leaders from across the United States and Canada are gathering in the Black Hills this week to celebrate the anniversary of the Buffalo Treaty and continue efforts to restore buffalo herds across tribal lands. The treaty was first signed in 2014 by eight Indigenous nations in Montana and is co...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for her role in a large methamphetamine distribution conspiracy operating across South Dakota. Thirty-six-year-old Jaimie High Horse was sentenced Tuesday after pleading guilty in July to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substan...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Drivers in western South Dakota can expect increased enforcement next month as the South Dakota Highway Patrol conducts sobriety checkpoints aimed at reducing impaired driving. Troopers plan to hold checkpoints in 15 counties statewide during November, including Lawrence, Pennington, and Custer count...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Visitors to the Wyoming side of the Black Hills National Forest will soon have more flexibility when recreating outdoors. Beginning at midnight on October 23rd, the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts will move from stricter fire restrictions to Stage 1 fire restrictions. The change will allow...

PIERRE, S.D. - About 120 members of the South Dakota National Guard are preparing for a deployment to the U.S. southern border that is expected to last roughly one year. Governor Larry Rhoden announced Thursday that he has activated soldiers from the 155th Engineer Company for the mission. State officials are not relea...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - South Dakota's habitat conservation license plate program is helping fund wildlife and forest improvement projects across the state, including several in the Northern Black Hills. Officials with the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Department say the program has generated about $229,000 for habitat co...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - An Allen man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a child. Court records show Tyler Cortier was sentenced Monday in federal court in Rapid City. He previously pleaded guilty to a charge of abusive sexual contact stemming from an incident that occ...

PIERRE, S.D. - Two Pierre residents are facing federal charges after prosecutors say they continued collecting Social Security disability benefits for a deceased recipient. According to a federal indictment, 51-year-old Beth Miley, also known as Beth French, and 54-year-old Jason Miley, also known as Jake Miley, are ch...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - The Deadwood City Commission has unanimously denied a conditional use permit for a proposed vacation rental at 21 Charles Street, a property commonly known as the "Fountain House." According to city officials, property owners Jillian and Jesse Peterson originally purchased the home as a long-...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - A Spearfish man has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing unregistered firearm suppressors. Cole Nygaard was sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison after pleading guilty in July to two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. Federal ...

PIERRE, S.D. - A new statewide poll shows Governor Larry Rhoden with a significant lead in South Dakota's race for governor less than two weeks before Election Day. The South Dakota News Watch poll found the Republican incumbent leading Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers by a margin of 56 percent to 36 percent among like...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Meade 46-1 School District has completed a series of public meetings as it considers switching to a four-day school week. Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt says more than 1,100 parents responded to district surveys, providing feedback on the proposal. District officials say the public meetings in Sturg...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - A missing Rapid City man who was the subject of a public search has been found deceased. The Rapid City Police Department says 34-year-old Adam Hughes was located dead in Lawrence County on Wednesday. Authorities say no evidence of foul play has been found in connection with his death. Hughes had been ...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Residents of Lawrence County and the City of Lead can once again conduct open burning after local officials lifted their burn bans this week. The Lawrence County Commission has rescinded the burn ban that had been in place since July 30th, while the Lead City Commission voted to end its temporary burn ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Professional land surveyors from across the country gathered at Mount Rushmore Monday to mark America's 250th anniversary and celebrate a major milestone in the nation's mapping and surveying system. The ceremony was hosted by state and national surveyor organizations and highlighted the profession's...

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - Families in the Northern Hills are invited to celebrate Halloween early this weekend as Belle Fourche's 10th Annual Pumpkinfest takes place Saturday. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center in Belle Fourche. This year's Pumpkinfest will feature a variety of...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City woman has been sentenced to more than eight months in jail in connection with a case involving a man's remains being found in a hotel room earlier this year. Twenty-nine-year-old Diana Hairy Shirt pleaded guilty to violating burial permit requirements and failing to notify authorities of...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A suspicious letter sent to Senator Mike Rounds' Sioux Falls office prompted an evacuation and police response this week. Rounds says staff members received a letter believed to contain a suspicious substance and immediately followed safety protocols recommended by U.S. Capitol Police. The Sioux Fal...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is back in a federal government role. Noem has been named a senior adviser to Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau. According to a source familiar with the appointment, she will continue work with "The Shield of the Americas," a coalition foc...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The City of Spearfish has temporarily taken one of its municipal wells offline after residents on the east side of town reported an unusual odor in their water. According to city officials, the Sky Ridge well has been removed from service while crews investigate the source of the issue. Public Works D...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - After a busy summer tourism season, the town of Keystone is settling into its annual off-season as many businesses begin closing for the winter months. The Black Hills community saw strong visitor traffic this year, fueled by Fourth of July celebrations and events surrounding America's 250th annivers...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to five years in prison after charging at two police officers with a knife during a confrontation earlier this year. Twenty-seven-year-old Matthew Fegueroa was sentenced Monday in Pennington County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assa...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Spearfish Police Department is encouraging residents to clean out their medicine cabinets and safely dispose of unused or expired medications as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. The nationwide effort, coordinated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and local law enforcement age...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 34-year-old man. Adam Hughes was reported missing today, but was last seen on October 17th in the 2400 block of Emerson Lane in Rapid City. Investigators believe Hughes may be driving a black Toyota Tacoma with dealer plates. Au...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Spearfish Police Department says its investigation into an alleged assault near the Lions Park recreation path remains active. Police first responded to the reported assault of a female victim on September 4th at about 11:30 in the morning. Authorities say the suspect is a man, but no additional i...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Sturgis City Council has approved the first reading of the city's proposed 2027 budget, a $25.7 million spending plan that includes major investments in public safety and public works. The budget allocates nearly $4.9 million for police and fire services and just over $6 million for public works. Ho...

STURGIS, S.D. - The City of Sturgis is taking steps to correct FEMA compliance issues involving two Bear Butte Creek crossings. The Sturgis City Council on Monday approved corrective action alternatives for the Blanche Street and Sly Street crossings after officials determined culverts installed decades ago were put in...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota's traditional pheasant hunting season opens Saturday, and state wildlife officials are expecting another strong year in the field. Hunters from across the country are expected to flock to South Dakota, where pheasant hunting remains one of the state's biggest economic drivers. Hotels, re...

STURGIS, S.D. - The City of Sturgis is looking to grow the business side of its world-famous motorcycle rally. City officials have issued a Request for Qualifications and Interest, seeking an experienced consultant to help expand the Sturgis Rally's sponsorship and trademark licensing program. Mayor Rod Bradley says th...

BLACK HILLS, S.D. - As heating season begins across western South Dakota, fire officials are reminding homeowners to use extreme caution when disposing of wood stove and fireplace ashes. Improper ash disposal causes numerous house fires and wildfires each year, often because hidden embers can remain hot and smolder fo...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - As Domestic Violence Awareness Month continues this October, advocates across western South Dakota are encouraging victims to seek help and communities to recognize the warning signs of abuse. Experts say domestic violence is about power and control and often goes beyond physical violence. Many surv...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson is thanking law enforcement agencies after a suspicious envelope containing a white powder was intercepted before it reached her office in the State Capitol. Johnson praised Capitol Security, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Public Safet...

PUKWANA, S.D. - A Wisconsin man has died following a single-vehicle crash Friday on Interstate 90 near Pukwana in central South Dakota. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the driver of a Ford F-250 was traveling westbound near mile marker 273 when the vehicle drifted toward the median. Authorities say the dr...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City police are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 56-year-old man. Authorities say Chris Wehrle was reported missing on Thursday and was last seen in the 700 block of Lion Drive. He was reportedly wearing jeans and a T-shirt at the time. Police say officers have checked several...

EDGEMONT, S.D. - The South Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the man who died in a rollover crash near Edgemont last week. Authorities say 59-year-old James Michael Edwards of Nebraska was killed Wednesday while driving a 2020 Freightliner Cascadia on U.S. Highway 18 near mile marker 2. According to the Highway Patr...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - The City of Deadwood is receiving national recognition for its efforts to preserve local history. Deadwood's Historic Preservation Commission has officially been certified by the National Park Service as part of the Certified Local Government Program, making it the newest South Dakota community to earn...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Pennington County Search and Rescue is being credited with safely rescuing a stranded rock climber from Old Baldy Mountain over the weekend. According to Pennington County Fire Services, the climber became stuck on the rock face Saturday night. Rescue crews were able to reach the individual, make con...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Today, October 19, is the deadline for South Dakotans to register to vote in next month's general election. Voters will decide a number of high-profile races, including South Dakota's next governor, a U.S. Senate seat, and the state's lone U.S. House seat. Ballots will also include several statewide ...

STURGIS, S.D. - Plans to explore a possible school district reorganization in western South Dakota have hit another roadblock. Meade 46-1 School Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt told the school board this week that New Underwood is no longer interested in joining the reorganization discussions with the rural Meade County...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The man accused of fatally shooting a Minnehaha County sheriff's deputy is now facing murder charges. Prosecutors have amended the complaint against 39-year-old John Oetken, adding charges of first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer and second-degree murder of a law enforcement officer. Oetke...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Lawrence County property owners will see a slight increase in their tax mill levy next year after the county approved its 2027 budget. County officials say the mill levy will rise from 2.775 to 2.834. Auditor Brenda McGruder says property values are still increasing, but not at the pace seen in recent ...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - Drivers and residents near Grant and 12th Streets in Spearfish may notice construction activity beginning Friday as the city starts a sewer improvement project. City officials say crews from Municipal Pipe Tool Company of Hudson, Iowa, will repair aging sewer lines using a trenchless method known as c...

FARGO, N.D. - A Rapid City man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a woman was found with life-threatening injuries in eastern North Dakota. The Cass County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded Tuesday afternoon to a report of an injured person near Wild Rice, about five miles south of Fargo. W...

PIERRE, S.D. - More than 30 South Dakota organizations and businesses are urging Governor Larry Rhoden to enroll the state in a federal program that helps low-income families buy groceries during the summer. The Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, or Summer EBT program, provides eligible families with $120 per child t...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City woman has been sentenced to 260 days in jail in connection with a case involving a man's remains being found in a Rapid City hotel room. Twenty-nine-year-old Diana Hairy Shirt pleaded guilty to violating burial permit requirements and failing to notify authorities of a death. A Penningt...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota is launching a new statewide effort to improve emergency medical services in rural communities where long travel distances and limited resources can make emergency care more challenging. The South Dakota Department of Health has selected the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care to help ...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's medical marijuana program will continue operating as it does now, despite a recent federal change in how marijuana is classified. Attorney General Marty Jackley issued an official opinion Tuesday stating that the federal government's decision to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III cont...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Lawrence County commissioners have voted to deny a request to rezone roughly 100 acres near Deadwood for a large mixed-use development. Developer David Winter sought to change the property's zoning from park forest to planned unit development for a project that included tiny homes, residential housing,...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota's Class of 2026 once again outperformed the nation on the ACT, continuing a six-year streak of scoring above the national average. According to the South Dakota Department of Education, graduating seniors posted an average composite ACT score of 21.1, compared to the national average of...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The City of Spearfish is set to begin a sewer infrastructure improvement project on Oct. 16 that will rehabilitate aging sewer lines while minimizing disruptions to residents and businesses. The work will take place near the intersection of Grant Street and 12th Street and will use a process known as ...

PINE RIDGE, S.D. - Residents recovering from severe summer storms on the Pine Ridge Reservation can now receive in-person assistance through federal disaster recovery centers located in Pine Ridge, Manderson, and Oglala. The U.S. Small Business Administration says staff at the centers can help residents learn about ava...

BAGGS, WY. - A convicted sex offender who had been wanted in Colorado for nearly two years has been arrested in Wyoming. The U.S. Marshals Service says it took Timothy Dan Thurston into custody Oct. 7 near Baggs, Wyoming. Thurston was listed as No. 21 on the Colorado Bureau of Investigation's Most Wanted Sex Offenders ...

KYLE, S.D. - A Kyle man has been convicted on two assault charges stemming from an attack at a convenience store near Kyle in 2024. Federal prosecutors say 42-year-old Brandon Brave Heart was found guilty by a federal jury of assault by striking, beating, or wounding and simple assault following a two-day trial in Rapi...

PIERRE, S.D. - First-time homebuyers in South Dakota will soon have a new opportunity to get help with the cost of purchasing a home. Governor Larry Rhoden and South Dakota Housing have announced the new Give Me Five program, which launches November 2. The program will provide eligible buyers with down payment assista...

CUSTER, S.D. - A driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after a rollover crash Tuesday afternoon on Sidney Park Road in Custer County. According to the Custer County Sheriff's Office, deputies investigating the crash determined the driver failed to navigate a curve and continued straight off th...

SOUTH DAKOTA - Nearly 6,000 South Dakotans are currently registered as federal-only voters, meaning they can vote for federal offices but not in state or local races unless they meet new voter registration requirements. According to a report from South Dakota Searchlight, the number of federal-only voters has nearly qu...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Meade County Commission has approved a resolution authorizing a future property tax credit for owner-occupied homes under South Dakota Senate Bill 96. Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-23 on Tuesday, allowing funds from the Meade County Property Tax Reduction Fund to be applied as a credit agai...

KIMBALL, S.D. - Two people died, and another was seriously injured in a crash Monday on Interstate 90 near Kimball in Brule County. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the crash occurred when a wheel came off a stock trailer being pulled by a westbound 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 near mile marker 292. Investigators s...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Meade County Commission has approved a resolution authorizing a future property tax credit for owner-occupied homes under South Dakota Senate Bill 96. Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-23 on Tuesday, allowing funds from the Meade County Property Tax Reduction Fund to be applied as a credit agai...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The longtime rivalry between South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University is extending beyond the football field this week through the annual Black Hills Blitz fundraising campaign. The weeklong challenge, held in conjunction with the Black Hills Brawl football game, encourages alumni, fans, f...

STURGIS, S.D. - The Meade County Commission has voted to oppose a proposal that could designate a portion of Little Elk Creek as a federal Wild and Scenic River. The discussion came after former commissioner Alan Aker urged county leaders to weigh in, arguing that local government input could play an important role as ...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Lawrence County commissioners have voted to lift the county's 2026 burn ban, allowing open burning to resume in most unincorporated areas of the county. The action removes restrictions on open burning outside city limits and on state and federal lands. However, officials noted that Amended Ordinance No...

Jory Low Dog Photo from KELOLand TV DUPREE, S.D. - Law enforcement with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe is asking the public for help locating a man missing for nearly a month. Authorities say 25-year-old Jory Low Dog was last seen on Sept. 18 in Ziebach County near the community of Dupree. Investigators say they have n...

SHERIDAN, WYO. - Fire officials say progress continues on the PK Fire burning in Sheridan County, with the wildfire now estimated at 1,645 acres and 85% contained. The fire, located between the Beckton and Wolf communities, has been burning since last Friday. Sheridan County Fire Warden Chris Thomas said the blaze cont...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A social media exchange between former South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and country music star Kacey Musgraves has drawn national attention after the two traded personal jabs online. The dispute began after Musgraves shared a photo with Texas Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico. Noem res...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A man accused in the fatal shooting of a Minnehaha County sheriff's deputy is now facing multiple felony charges. Court documents show 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault against a law enforcement ...

SOUTH DAKOTA - Long-standing agreements between South Dakota and neighboring states are helping rural school districts maintain enrollment and expand opportunities for students. Partnerships with North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa allow students living near state borders to attend public schools across state lines. Schoo...

STURGIS, S.D. - Families gathered in downtown Sturgis Saturday for the seventh annual Sturgis Fall Festival, a community event featuring live music, games and seasonal activities. Hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, the festival centered around Harley-Davidson Rally Point and included po...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City residents have a new option for emergency medical care after Exceptional Community Hospital officially opened its doors Monday. Hospital officials say the facility received its first patient by ambulance just 40 minutes after opening. The new hospital is the company's ninth location and is...

NORTH DAKOTA - The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has launched a new legal challenge against the Dakota Access Pipeline, seeking to overturn federal approvals for the pipeline's Missouri River crossing and ultimately shut down its operation. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., argues that federal agenci...

LEAD, S.D. - A new weather monitoring station is now online in Lead, giving forecasters and residents more detailed information about weather conditions in the northern Black Hills. The station, located at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, is part of South Dakota State University's Mesonet network, a statewide...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Authorities have released the names of those involved in a fatal motorcycle crash Friday on Nemo Road near Deadwood. The South Dakota Highway Patrol says 35-year-old Neco James Biou of Rapid City was riding a southbound Harley-Davidson when he entered a curve, began to slide, and crossed into the path ...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A man accused in the fatal shooting of a Minnehaha County sheriff's deputy is now facing multiple felony charges. Court documents show 39-year-old Brandon John Oetken has been charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder and three counts of aggravated assault against a law enforcement ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota wildlife officials are reporting a sharp increase in deer deaths linked to epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, a viral illness spread by biting midges. Game, Fish and Parks says more than 400 deer deaths have been reported this year, more than double the total reported just a month a...

BLACK HILLS, S.D. - Drivers across the Rapid City area will encounter several road projects and traffic changes this week as communities work to improve transportation infrastructure and safety. Construction is underway on Old Folsom Road, where crews are widening and resurfacing the roadway through October 23. Meanwh...

LEOLA, S.D. - A South Dakota state senator has been cited for driving under the influence, marking the third criminal case involving a state lawmaker to emerge in the past four months. McPherson County authorities say Senator Mark Lapka of Leola was cited for suspected DUI sometime between Tuesday night and early Wedn...

DEADWOOD, S.D. - Lawrence County commissioners are expected to decide Tuesday whether to approve a zoning change for more than 100 acres on Mattson Lane near Deadwood. Developer David Winter is requesting that the property be rezoned from park forest to a planned unit development, paving the way for a large mixed-use ...

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A Minnehaha County Sheriff's deputy remains in critical condition following an officer-involved shooting Friday night in southwest Sioux Falls. Authorities say deputies responded to the 2900 block of South Keyrell Drive around 7:30 p.m. About 30 minutes later, gunfire erupted, leaving both a deputy...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A new national survey is putting two South Dakota cities in the spotlight for driver behavior. The survey of more than 3,000 drivers ranked Sioux Falls 151st and Rapid City 153rd on a list of cities with the country's most entitled drivers. Researchers looked at behaviors including risky lane change...

WYOMING - A new study suggests Wyoming residents are searching for free football streams at a higher rate than any other state in the country. According to research by Action Network, Wyoming recorded 340 searches per 100,000 residents for football-related free streaming terms, including searches tied to college footb...

SHERIDAN, WYO. - Residents affected by the PK Fire in Sheridan County are now able to return home as all evacuation notices have been lifted and firefighters continue containment efforts. The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office says recent moisture has helped improve conditions, allowing evacuation levels to be reduced a...

GILLETTE, WYO. - Three people were displaced, and one man was injured after a house fire near Gillette on Saturday. The Campbell County Fire Department responded to a home on Patrick Henry Road just before 2:40 p.m. and found the single-family residence fully engulfed in flames. Fire officials say three adults were ab...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A 35-year-old Rapid City man died Friday after a two-motorcycle crash on Nemo Road near Deadwood. According to the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the rider of a 2013 Harley-Davidson was traveling south when he entered a curve and began to slide. Authorities say the motorcycle crossed into the path of ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A 30-year-old man will spend 45 years in prison for the stabbing death of 21-year-old William "Willis" Medicine Eagle. Joseph Poor Thunder was sentenced in Seventh Circuit Court after pleading guilty to first-degree manslaughter in the July 2026 killing. Prosecutors said Poor Thunder stabbe...

BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. - South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Belle Fourche attorney Kellen B. Willert as a judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit. Willert fills the vacancy created by the departure of Judge John Fitzgerald and will serve a circuit that handles criminal, civil, and family court cases across west...

ROCKERVILLE, S.D. - The Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department is reminding motorists to slow down and use caution around emergency scenes after responding to four crashes along Highway 16 in just a matter of days. According to the department, the crashes occurred between Saturday and Tuesday night near mile marker 60, ...

SOUTH DAKOTA, - A nationwide debate over access to abortion medication is intensifying as anti-abortion groups push for more states to require in-person medical visits, ultrasounds, and waiting periods before patients can receive abortion pills. The effort comes as federal officials continue reviewing regulations gover...

CUSTER, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks Commission is expected to approve a new concessionaire contract for Custer State Park this week, selecting Xanterra Travel Collection to oversee lodging, dining, retail, and other visitor services. Xanterra would replace U.S. Hotel and Resort Management, a South Dako...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Spearfish City Council has approved a reduction in the financial assurance required from the developer of the Sky Ridge workforce housing project, citing the company's progress and compliance with its development agreement. On Monday, council members unanimously voted to lower the financial assura...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, with 10 years suspended, after pleading guilty to second-degree rape involving a child. 23-year-old Hayden Czerwonka was sentenced in Pennington County Circuit Court by Judge Jeffrey Connolly, who described the case as one that weighed heavil...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - An 18-year-old Rapid City man is facing multiple charges after police say he pointed an AR-15-style rifle at another motorist, led officers on a pursuit, and was later arrested following reports of gunfire. According to the Rapid City Police Department, officers were called Tuesday evening after rece...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - A retired Spearfish fire engine will soon begin a second life serving firefighters in Nemo. The Spearfish City Council voted Monday to declare a 2002 Spartan Type 1 fire truck surplus and donate it to the Nemo Volunteer Fire Department. The truck, formerly known as Spearfish Engine 3, is designed for ...

SOUTH DAKOTA - The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota is encouraging residents to become trained election observers ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. The organization plans to place volunteer observers at polling locations in Aberdeen, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls on Election Day. According to the ACLU, ...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Spearfish City Council has rejected all bids submitted for snow hauling services as city officials review the bidding process to ensure it complies with state law. The action came during a special meeting held prior to the council's Sept. 30 study session. City officials said snow hauling services...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - Families across the Black Hills who may need help providing Christmas gifts for their children can now apply for assistance through the 2026 Black Hills Toy Drive. The annual program connects families experiencing financial hardship with donated toys and gifts provided by community members, businesse...

EUREKA, S.D. - A Northcentral South Dakota resident will have a chance to win big on national television this week. Scott Svendsen of Eureka is scheduled to compete on Wheel of Fortune during the show's special "Wheel Loves LA" week. Svendsen's appearance will air Friday, October 9, on KSFY. The episode is se...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined attorneys general from 29 other states in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to allow families of 9/11 victims access to billions of dollars in frozen Taliban-linked assets. The bipartisan coalition recently filed a legal brief supporting efforts to make ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison after admitting to sexually abusing a minor. Thirty-eight-year-old William Beane Davis was sentenced on Aug. 31 in U.S. District Court. In addition to his prison term, Davis will serve five years of supervised release and must pay a ...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Mexican national has been sentenced and will be deported after admitting to illegally reentering the United States following multiple previous deportations. 38-year-old Marco Jimenez-Sanchez was sentenced September 18th in federal court to time served. Following the completion of his sentence, he w...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been sentenced to nearly four years in federal prison after being convicted of illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. 36-year-old Avery Hawk Wing was sentenced September 28th to three years and ten months in federal prison. He will also serve three years of supervis...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man is facing a felony vandalism charge after police say he broke a business window with a rock Monday night. Rapid City Police were dispatched around 8:40 p.m. to a business at 1302 East Saint Patrick Street following a report of property damage. According to police, surveillance video ...

STURGIS, S.D. - Sturgis homeowners could see a modest increase in the city portion of their property tax bills next year following action by the City Council. Council members approved the city's 2027 property tax request Monday night, adopting the maximum levy allowed under state law. The estimated tax rate is set at 4...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - A new nonprofit organization has been created to help strengthen and sustain local journalism across western South Dakota. The Western South Dakota Journalism Foundation was established in response to the decline of local newsrooms and the financial challenges facing community news organizations. Foun...

PIEDMONT, S.D. - The City of Piedmont has approved a new ordinance aimed at regulating mining and other industrial activities to better protect air quality, water resources, and nearby residents. The Piedmont City Commission unanimously passed the Industrial Operation Protective Ordinance on September 29th. The measure...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota's court system is considering a major administrative change that would merge two judicial circuits serving western South Dakota. The Unified Judicial System's State Court Administrator's Office has proposed combining the Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits into a single 12-county circuit he...

SPEARFISH, S.D. - The Spearfish Chamber of Commerce is preparing for a leadership transition as Executive Director Heather Giffrow announces she will step down from the position on October 16th. Giffrow has led the chamber for the past four years, overseeing significant growth in membership, event attendance, and commu...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has extended the deployment of seven South Dakota National Guard members who provide administrative support to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. The deployment will now continue through September 30th of, 2027, and is fully funded with federal dollar...

STURGIS, S.D. - Two Sturgis police officers are being recognized for helping save the life of an elderly Air Force veteran during a welfare check earlier this summer. Sergeant Dylan Goetsch and Officer Matthew Jacobs will receive the Lifesaving Award during tonight's Sturgis City Council meeting for their actions on Ju...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - The U.S. Forest Service is planning a prescribed burn in the southern Black Hills this week as part of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire danger and improve wildlife habitat. The Schenk prescribed fire is scheduled for Thursday, October 8th, weather and fuel conditions permitting. The burn will cover...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man has been given a suspended 15-year prison sentence after entering an Alford plea in a child sexual abuse case involving an 8-year-old boy. Forty-five-year-old David Sprague was sentenced Monday in Pennington County Circuit Court. Under a plea agreement, Sprague pleaded to a reduced c...

MISSION, S.D. - A Mission man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two separate assaults involving dangerous weapons on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Twenty-year-old Daniel Hart was sentenced September 28th to six years and seven months in federal prison. The sent...

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A Rapid City man will spend two and a half years in federal prison after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court sentenced 47-year-old Patrick Riley Bettelyoun on September 28 in U.S. District Court. In addition to his prison term, Bettelyoun must se...

PIERRE, S.D. - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the 2026 Police Management Study, providing law enforcement agencies across the state with updated information on staffing, budgets, policies, and operational resources. The study, compiled by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation's ...