Category Archives: State News

Over 1,000 Deaths in South Dakota from COVID-19

The state of South Dakota passed the one-thousand mark in deaths related to the coronavirus on Thursday.  The State Department of Health confirmed 38 deaths yesterday, bringing the statewide total up to 1,033 since the pandemic began.  There have been 184 deaths in South Dakota in the seven days since Thanksgiving. Active cases of COVID-19…… read more »

COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Soon for South Dakota

South Dakota health officials says they are preparing to receive 7,800 COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as December 15.  Officials with the State Department of Health said they don’t know yet when more doses will arrive. Medical providers can begin administering the 7,800 doses of the vaccine manufactured by Pfizer the day after the shipment is…… read more »

Separate Holiday Displays at SD Capitol

There are two separate holiday displays planned at the South Dakota Capitol this week in Pierre.  One inside the Capitol will feature Governor Kristi Noem with 83 Christmas trees, Santa Claus and live music.  The other will take place outside with over 800 empty chairs representing lives lost to the coronavirus in South Dakota.… read more »

SD has 31 New Deaths, but Large Total of Recoveries

South Dakota confirmed 31 deaths related to the coronavirus in Thursday’s report from the South Dakota Department of Health.  The death toll now stands at 705 in South Dakota. There were 1,071 new positive tests for COVID-19 on Thursday, but yesterday also saw 2,396 new recoveries, which is the biggest one-day total of recoveries in…… read more »

SD Makes History With Marijuana Ballot Questions

SD Makes History With Marijuana Ballot Questions PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota has become the first state to endorse two marijuana ballot questions in the same election. Supporters now hope state leaders get behind the next steps. …(Read More)… read more »

County Auditor: SD Voters Can Expect Safety Measures to Stay

County Auditor: SD Voters Can Expect Safety Measures to Stay MILBANK, S.D. — Plastic barriers, extra hand sanitizer, safe distance reminders: Those are a few of the safety measures South Dakota voters may have observed on Election Day to protect them from COVID-19, and a local election official says some of those protections may never…… read more »

Local Mask Mandates Take Shape in SD

Local Mask Mandates Take Shape in SD BROOKINGS, S.D. – Calls have amplified for South Dakota to issue a statewide mask rule in light of surging COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. As that debate play outs, some local governments have decided on mandates of their own – or are considering them. …(Read More)… read more »

Survey: SD Teachers Say They’re Overwhelmed During COVID

Survey: SD Teachers Say They’re Overwhelmed During COVID PIERRE, S.D. — Nearly two months into the school year, South Dakota teachers say they’re feeling the weight of extra work brought on by the crisis, according to a new survey from a key union. The South Dakota Education Association recently reached out to more than 1,100…… read more »

SD Voters Urged to Plan Carefully

SD Voters Urged to Plan Carefully RAPID CITY, S.D. — Time is running short for South Dakotans who haven’t voted yet to consider how they will cast their ballots. With COVID-19 still ravaging the state, a detailed plan is strongly encouraged. …(Read More)… read more »