The ninth set of saturation patrols in Operation: Prairie Thunder (OPT) concluded Friday, Dec. 19. The patrols were conducted in Sturgis and Winner. The Sturgis operation was curtailed as troopers were called to other incidents unrelated to OPT in the area.

Five months after Operation: Prairie Thunder officially began, the South Dakota Highway Patrol’s collaborative anti-crime and immigration enforcement effort will continue into the new year, the governor’s office has confirmed.

When a group of two dozen economic development leaders gathered in Murdo, SD in November, they were asked to list the top challenges to growth and prosperity in their communities. The concerns were as varied as the cities and towns they represent and ranged from pinpointing local problems to big-picture historical hurdles.

First, you notice the small changes. It may be challenging to find the right word or remember the name of someone you just met. You may forget where you placed your keys when you came home from the grocery store. Overall, you feel healthy, and these instances are easily brushed off as a normal part of aging or the result of poor sleep the night before. However, over time, these instances become more frequent, and you start to miss appointments or struggle to organize your shopping list. If this sounds like you or someone you know, it is time to seek medical help to get screened for dementia.

The Citizen’s Against Distracting Driving South Dakota group is purposing that everyone have a New Years Resolution for 2026 of “Put the Phones Down when Driving.” The life you save could be yours! There are over 32 States that currently have a Hands-Free law on the books. The last State to pass a law like this was Iowa in 2025.

hoden Growing up on our family ranch near Union Center, the holiday season was always a time of simple joys. The ornaments might not have been the fanciest, but they were ours – and they reflected the true meaning of Christmas.