THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

About a year ago, bar owner Justin Henrichsen started offering THC seltzers and cocktails at his four establishments in Rapid City, Spearfish and Sioux Falls.

Since then, he’s watched the libations’ popularity spike with each passing month, across age groups and demographics, sometimes outselling wine and on pace with craft beers.

What he hasn’t seen are problems. A year in, he can say something about cannabis drinkers he can’t say about beer drinkers. The drinks are a natural extension of the adult beverage business, he argues, no more difficult to fold safely into a bar’s daily operations than the higher-alcohol craft beers that began to take hold across the nation a few decades ago. Continue reading THC seltzers quietly find a foothold in cannabis-cautious South Dakota

Vanderpool gets new attorney; trial rescheduled for Nov. 18

Matt Vanderpool, facing serious sexual offense charges, obtained a new attorney as his trial date was rescheduled. Accused of assaulting a minor, he pleaded not guilty and changed lawyers. The alleged victim detailed years of abuse, and law enforcement sought further evidence. The trial is now set for November 18th. Continue reading Vanderpool gets new attorney; trial rescheduled for Nov. 18

Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg resigned to prioritize family, praised by Gov. Reynolds and Iowa AG Bird. Reynolds to appoint replacement. Graduated from Central College and Drake University Law School. Previously ran for Attorney General of Iowa and served as Iowa State Public Defender. Married to Cari, with two children. Resignation effective September 3, 2024. Continue reading Iowa Lt. Governor Adam Gregg is leaving his position to focus on family

Noem commutes sentences for two convicted of murder

Gov. Kristi Noem commuted the sentences of two murder convicts and issued 45 pardons since February. Notably, she commuted a 70-year-old’s life sentence to 410 years and pardoned those with various convictions, such as DUIs and burglary. Noem’s decisions highlight the significant role of pardons in South Dakota, where pardons permanently clear a person’s criminal record. Continue reading Noem commutes sentences for two convicted of murder

Winning bidder on state Medicaid contract wants its full bid kept secret

OptumRx, a company awarded a state contract for managed-care services in Iowa, is seeking to block the state from disclosing certain information in its bid, claiming it as a trade secret. The information includes employee and client management, customer references, and project management details. MedImpact, a competing company, is seeking the unredacted bid. Continue reading Winning bidder on state Medicaid contract wants its full bid kept secret

Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Recipients Announced by Transportation Commission

Union County in South Dakota has received grants for four bridge projects as part of the Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) program. The grants, totaling approximately $1.8 million, aim to enhance critical transportation assets. Each year, $15 million is made available for BIG projects, and to date, $165 million in funds have been awarded. Continue reading Bridge Improvement Grant (BIG) Recipients Announced by Transportation Commission

Former state employee pleads not guilty in $1.8 million theft case

Lonna Carroll, a former employee of the South Dakota Department of Social Services, pleaded not guilty to stealing $1.8 million in state and federal funds over 13 years. She faces two felony counts of aggravated grand theft and could be sentenced to 40 years in prison. The state lawmakers plan to hold a hearing on the alleged theft. Continue reading Former state employee pleads not guilty in $1.8 million theft case

Alcester woman sentenced for wire fraud

Michelle Warner, a former employee of Heartland Counseling Services, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for wire fraud. She will also serve three years of supervised release, pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and make restitution of $261,066.09 to her former employer. Warner must report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on September 16, 2024. Continue reading Alcester woman sentenced for wire fraud

Court ruling complicates carbon pipeline company’s push for land

The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit Carbon Solutions has not proven its right to take private land for its carbon-capture pipeline project. The company plans to appeal, claiming it qualifies as a common carrier. Landowners and lawmakers see the ruling as a victory, anticipating further legal battles over the project’s impact. Continue reading Court ruling complicates carbon pipeline company’s push for land

As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips

A majority of the 300 overdose deaths in Iowa in 2022 involved fentanyl. Activists are pushing for the legalization of fentanyl test strips to prevent accidental overdoses. Despite concerns, supporters believe these strips can save lives and provide valuable information about drug supply. Legalization faces resistance due to stigma and fear of enabling drug use. Continue reading As fentanyl ravages Iowa, activists push for the legalization of fentanyl test strips