News

In January, the South Dakota State Historical Society’s virtual “History Talks” author speaker series features professor emeritus of Native American Studies at the University of Montana Richmond Clow, speaking about his book, “Spotted Tail: Warrior and Statesman.”

An animal neglect investigation has led authorities to seize more than a dozen horses from a South Dakota home. The Rapid City Journal reported that the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office seized 14 horses and two donkeys from the home just north of Rapid City on Thursday morning.

South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioner Chris Nelson was sworn into office on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, to officially begin his new term. Nelson’s oath was administered by South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen in the State Capitol in Pierre as part of the 2023 inaugural ceremony.

Commissioner Kristie Fiegen was elected chairperson of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission by her fellow commissioners at the PUC’s regular meeting in Pierre on Jan. 5, 2023. Commissioner Gary Hanson was elected vice chairman. The third member of the panel is Commissioner Chris Nelson.

A new law that makes it easier for people to sell homemade foods directly to consumers in South Dakota could expand business opportunities for small producers and increase product offerings at homes, farmers markets, fairs and roadside stands.

Last week, my colleague and mentor Dr. Douglas Anderson shared the following thoughts about entering 2023, “I encourage you to allow for the messiness of life, recognize the mystery of human existence alongside all that we discover through the sciences, and tolerate or even applaud a bit more mediocrity in your life and in the lives around you.”

Gov. Kristi Noem has appointed a Catholic administrator as the state’s next social services secretary.

When the song of the angels is stilled, When the star in the sky is gone, When the kings and the princes are home, When the shepherds are back with their flocks, The work of Christmas begins: To find the lost, To heal the broken, To feed the hungry, To release the prisoner, To rebuild the nations, To bring peace among people, To make music in the heart.

Attorney General Mark Vargo has created a council to advise him on missing and murdered indigenous people. The Rapid City Journal reported Wednesday that a disproportionate percentage of missing people in South Dakota are indigenous.

A special meeting of the Gregory County Board of Commissioners was held at 9:00 a.m., Thursday, December 30, to address any end-of-the-year business. Disaster to include second and third storms In reviewing the minutes from the December 20 meeting, the board agreed to amend the storm disaster declaration to include both storm damage during and subsequent to Winter Storm Diaz.