Category: South Dakota

Environment, Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Gary Dickson

Homeowners allege inadequate warnings, authorities defend communication in the face of record floodwaters at McCook Lake, South Dakota. State and local authorities executed a flood mitigation plan, but some residents claim insufficient warnings. Cleanup and future plans are now in question as the community grapples with the aftermath of the devastating flood. Continue reading McCook Lake residents say their homes were sacrificed, and they want a new flood plan

Education, South DakotaLeave a comment

South Dakota ranks 21st in child well-being according to data book

Gary Dickson

South Dakota’s education rankings show a decline in fourth-grade reading proficiency and eighth-grade math skills. Despite some improvements, disparities in educational attainment persist for low-income and minority students. The state also faces challenges in children’s health insurance coverage. Investment in early education and support for families is crucial to address these issues and ensure children thrive. Continue reading South Dakota ranks 21st in child well-being according to data book

South Dakota, Transportation3 Comments

Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon

Gary Dickson

A semi-truck carrying snacks overturned after the driver turned too wide onto an on-ramp, sliding into tall grass and tipping over. The driver was uninjured but expressed concern about the lack of warning signs for the steep hill and tall grass. Three wreckers were needed to pull the rig back onto the ramp, closing traffic for several hours. The Highway Patrol is investigating the incident. Continue reading Semi overturns at Jefferson on-ramp Tuesday afternoon

Government, Healthcare, South DakotaLeave a comment

DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

Gary Dickson

The South Dakota Department of Health is launching Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile clinics to provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. The initiative aims to address healthcare barriers, improve health outcomes, and promote wellness. The mobile clinics will offer a range of services including WIC, immunizations, oral health, and STD testing, among others. Continue reading DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

Government, North Sioux CityLeave a comment

The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2

Gary Dickson

The North Sioux City Council met to canvass election votes, revealing wrong dates for plat tracts and absentee voter irregularities. The appointment of a new city alderman was delayed, and the finalization of a former city administrator’s severance package was approved. Additionally, routine agenda items and bill payments were discussed. Council also addressed future city administrator and alderman appointments. Continue reading The continuing saga of NSC City Hall: Parts 2.1 and 2.2

Economy, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Public forum highlights potential property tax political storm

Gary Dickson

Some attendees at a public forum in South Dakota advocate for raising the sales tax to replace property taxes. Concerns surround the increasing property tax burden on homeowners and commercial property owners, as well as potential negative economic consequences for the state. Various ideas for property tax relief were proposed, including reevaluating property valuations and reconsidering sales tax exemptions. Continue reading Public forum highlights potential property tax political storm

Art, Education, South DakotaLeave a comment

Dakota Valley student to compete in Poetry Out Loud national finals

Gary Dickson

Grace Powell, a senior at Dakota Valley High School in North Sioux City, SD, won the South Dakota Poetry Out Loud state contest. She will compete in the national finals in Washington, D.C., with the chance to win a top prize of $20,000. The competition aims to promote poetry education and public speaking skills among high school students. Continue reading Dakota Valley student to compete in Poetry Out Loud national finals

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Clay County Sheriff’s Office Incident Report for 3/19 – 4/13/2024

Gary Dickson

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office in South Dakota responded to various incidents, including car accidents, inmate transfers, and mental health crises. Deputies also handled vandalism, theft, and traffic violations. They assisted with medical emergencies, investigated suspicious activity, and provided support for truant students. Inmates were transported between jails for court appearances and medical appointments. Continue reading Clay County Sheriff’s Office Incident Report for 3/19 – 4/13/2024

Crime, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff’s Report for March, 2024

Gary Dickson

Below are the charges for the month of March. You may notice that there may be more charges than arrests. This is due to individuals facing multiple charges.

You will notice that the information provided is only a numeric total, unlike that provided from what we get from Clay County which gives call incident detail.

We have asked the Union County Sheriff to provide more call detail, similar to that of Clay County. Continue reading Union County Sheriff’s Report for March, 2024

Environment, South Dakota2 Comments

EPA data: South Dakota industrial chemical releases rise amid national decline

Gary Dickson

Most mountain and plains states have seen reductions in pollutants released to the air, water and soil since 2013 at a rate of decline more than double the national average.

In South Dakota, though, toxic releases increased by 16%.

That’s according to recently published 2022 data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Toxics Release Inventory. Continue reading EPA data: South Dakota industrial chemical releases rise amid national decline