Tag: South Dakota

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Prevention groups fear consequences from Noem’s proposal to reduce funding for anti-tobacco efforts

Gary Dickson

An anti-smoking group warns that reducing South Dakota’s Tobacco Prevention and Reduction Trust Fund from $5 million to $2 million could significantly harm public health. The fund supports the QuitLine and prevention programs, which are crucial as tobacco tax revenues decline. Critics emphasize the importance of maintaining funding to combat rising nicotine use among youth. Continue reading Prevention groups fear consequences from Noem’s proposal to reduce funding for anti-tobacco efforts

Environment, GovernmentLeave a comment
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State’s bill for 2024 flood response and recovery is $3.5 million, officials say

Gary Dickson

In the wake of the June 2024 flooding in South Dakota, recovery costs are estimated at nearly $3.5 million. The state seeks $5 million from the legislature to cover expenses, with FEMA contributing $2.9 million toward community recovery efforts, highlighting ongoing disaster response challenges. Continue reading State’s bill for 2024 flood response and recovery is $3.5 million, officials say

GovernmentLeave a comment
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Change is ‘eminent’: Property-rights fight transforms this year’s SD Legislature

Gary Dickson

In South Dakota, opposition to a carbon dioxide pipeline led to significant political changes. Legislators who supported the contested pipeline legislation were ousted, and new leadership aimed to address landowners’ concerns. Voters rejected a related bill, highlighting growing grassroots mobilization focused on property rights and the potential misuse of eminent domain for pipeline projects. Continue reading Change is ‘eminent’: Property-rights fight transforms this year’s SD Legislature

Crime, South DakotaLeave a comment
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Minnesota man arrested near Beresford for second DUI

Gary Dickson

Nahim Antunez, a 57-year-old from Minnesota, was arrested on December 20 for multiple charges including DUI, open container, and driving under revocation. Officer Koch pulled him over for erratic driving, finding him impaired with a blood alcohol level of 0.089%. Antunez has two prior DUI offenses, escalating potential charges. Continue reading Minnesota man arrested near Beresford for second DUI

Environment, Government, JusticeLeave a comment
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State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Gary Dickson

South Dakota faces potential lawsuits from McCook Lake property owners due to severe flood damage linked to state flood diversion efforts. Residents allege inadequate warning and communication about the risks as authorities diverted floodwaters, resulting in devastation. State officials defended their actions while acknowledging the gravity of the situation and ongoing legal concerns. Continue reading State receives notice of potential lawsuit over McCook Lake flood response

Education, Government, JusticeLeave a comment
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‘Big gray area’: SD authorities fear alternative instruction means ‘no-schooling’ for some students

Gary Dickson

In South Dakota, changes to education laws since 2021 have reduced oversight of alternative instruction, impacting truancy reporting and concerns about potential educational neglect. Critics argue these laws make it difficult to ensure quality education for students outside public schools, leading to fears of children remaining uneducated or falling victim to abuse. Continue reading ‘Big gray area’: SD authorities fear alternative instruction means ‘no-schooling’ for some students

CommentaryLeave a comment
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Attorney general and others know: Noem’s public broadcasting cut threatens public safety

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s proposed budget cuts threaten the funding of South Dakota Public Broadcasting, which supports a vital communication network for emergency services and public alerts. The potential loss of over $3.6 million could jeopardize infrastructure relied upon by law enforcement and local emergency responders, endangering public safety. Continue reading Attorney general and others know: Noem’s public broadcasting cut threatens public safety

Crime, Justice, SiouxlandLeave a comment
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Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week

Gary Dickson

Troy Cooke, convicted of sexual contact with a child under the age of 13, as well as bestiality, faces sentencing on Jan. 6. The former bounty hunter was convicted in a jury trial of a sexual contact charge and pleaded guilty to bestiality. Continue reading Troy Cooke, guilty of sexual contact with a child and bestiality, to be sentenced next week