Tag: South Dakota

Government, PoliticsLeave a comment

Hand counting vs. voting machines: Debate rages in South Dakota

Gary Dickson

Most of the county officials who administer elections in South Dakota don’t consider hand counting to be an effective or efficient method of tabulating votes.

That’s the result of a South Dakota News Watch survey that saw input from 49 of the state’s 66 county auditors. Auditors are elected officials who supervise county, state and federal elections as well as maintain financial records and other duties.

The hand count debate comes as South Dakota is viewed as a proving ground by election reformists who claim that recent elections across the county were marred by hacking or fraud, allegations repeatedly rejected by courts of law as well as Democratic and Republican election leaders. Continue reading Hand counting vs. voting machines: Debate rages in South Dakota

Government, Health, South DakotaLeave a comment

Long-term care committee’s work translates into legislative success

Gary Dickson

Out of the 12 recommendations made by an interim legislative committee studying the sustainability of long-term care in South Dakota, most passed the legislative process.

That’s a clear success, said committee co-chair Sen. Jean Hunhoff, R-Yankton. Legislators were challenged last year to produce recommendations that would pass through the process, something that summer studies have struggled with in years past. This year’s legislative session ended last week, except for a day on March 25 to consider vetoes. Continue reading Long-term care committee’s work translates into legislative success

Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Noem signs Indian Child Welfare Council and other bills into law

Gary Dickson

South Dakota will soon have a council devoted to the welfare of Native American children.

Gov. Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1232 this week, which creates the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council. It will bring together people from the Department of Social Services, South Dakota’s nine tribes, the Legislature, and the field of child welfare for annual conversations.

Following are summaries of some other bills Noem signed into law recently as she continues to consider measures passed by the Legislature. The 2024 legislative session ended Thursday, except for one day on March 25 to consider vetoes. Noem had not vetoed any bills as of Friday afternoon. Continue reading Noem signs Indian Child Welfare Council and other bills into law

Commentary, Siouxland6 Comments

To whom it may concern

Gary Dickson

I’ve been wanting to write a multi-topic opinion column for some time. It’s not that I haven’t let my personal views seep into my reporting about various activities earlier. For example, you might want to look up one of my stories about the Union County Commission to see what I think about their workings. I admit that my writing isn’t always objective. So what? I own this site and I don’t get paid to write, photograph or post the stories that appear on it. So there.

You might consider this column in a similar light to Frank Costanza’s “Airing of the Grievances” on the classic Festivus episode during the Jerry Seinfeld Show. During that episode, many might remember, Frank — who was George Costanza’s father — stands up and shouts, “I’ve got a lot of problems with you people! Now you’re going to hear about them.” I loved Frank.

Continue reading To whom it may concern

Government, Politics, South DakotaLeave a comment

Dakotans for Health threatens lawsuit over signature withdrawal bill

Gary Dickson

The group sponsoring a constitutional amendment to expand South Dakota abortion rights said it will likely file a lawsuit if legislators pass a bill allowing petitioners to withdraw signatures that already have been certified for the ballot.

“I can’t speculate about whether the bill will pass or not,” said Rapid City lawyer Jim Leach, who represents Dakotans for Health, a grassroots organization that pushes for progressive policy through petition efforts. “I can say that if it does pass, there’s certainly a substantial possibility of legal action.”

At issue is House Bill 1244, which would change South Dakota’s ballot initiative process by allowing an individual who signed a petition to withdraw their signature by sending a written notification to the Secretary of State’s office. This could occur after the petition effort has been validated but is still eligible to be challenged through the Secretary of State or court appeal. Continue reading Dakotans for Health threatens lawsuit over signature withdrawal bill

South Dakota, TransportationLeave a comment

Fatal crash Saturday near Gayville

Gary Dickson

A 45-year-old man died Saturday evening in a two-vehicle crash in Yankton County.

The names of the people involved have not been released pending notification of family members.

According to a press release from the SD Department of Public Safety, preliminary crash information indicates a Ford van was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes of SD Highway 50 near Gayville. At the same time, a Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling westbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 50. The vehicles crashed head-on. Continue reading Fatal crash Saturday near Gayville

Education, South Dakota, SportsLeave a comment

Ripperda, Coyote squads recognized as USTFCCCA All-Academic

Gary Dickson

South Dakota senior Abby Ripperda, in addition to the Coyote men’s and women’s cross country teams has earned USTFCCCA All-Academic honors as announced by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association.
 
Ripperda is one of 174 women to receive recognition from the USTFCCCA, including being one of three from the Summit League. To be eligible for the award, honorees must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 and have finished in the top 25 at the NCAA Regionals or as an All-American at the NCAA Championships. Continue reading Ripperda, Coyote squads recognized as USTFCCCA All-Academic

Education, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Lawmakers endorse summer children’s food program, nix expansion of reduced price school meals

Gary Dickson

A bill to include South Dakota in a summer food program for children advanced to the next step of the legislative process Wednesday in Pierre, while legislation to expand eligibility for reduced-price school meals was rejected.

Lawmakers moved a bill forward that addresses the federal government’s Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program for Children. It provides eligible low-income families with $40 per child, per month in preloaded cards to buy groceries during the summer months. Continue reading Lawmakers endorse summer children’s food program, nix expansion of reduced price school meals

Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

Union County Sheriff Dies

Gary Dickson

For nearly four decades, Dan Limoges dedicated himself to Union County law enforcement, with the last 33 years as sheriff.

His lifetime of service has now ended, according to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges,” the department posted Tuesday on its Facebook page.

Limoges, 64, died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home, according to his obituary.

During that time, Limoges worked with high-profile cases for the county in the extreme southeast corner of South Dakota. Those experiences ranged from decades-old cold cases to three Missouri River drownings in as many years. Continue reading Union County Sheriff Dies