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A motorcycle crash claimed the life of a Hot Springs man Friday evening after the bike struck a deer on US Highway 18. The incident occurred around 7:04 p.m. near mile marker 44, approximately four miles east of Hot Springs. According to preliminary reports from the South Dakota Highway Patrol, a 2007 Harley-Davidson Night Train was traveling westbound when a deer entered the roadway. The motorcycle collided with the animal and tipped over, ejecting both riders to the ground.

Next week, lawmakers will vote on whether to build a new state prison in Sioux Falls. At $650 million, it’s the biggest building project in South Dakota history. That price tag is hard to swallow, and people deserve clear answers before we move forward. Here’s what we know now. The current state penitentiary is 140 years old. It’s crumbling, overcrowded, and dangerous. We’ve seen stabbings, staff assaults, contraband smuggling, and reports of mold, pests, and failing plumbin

A Beech 35‑C33 airplane (N1310A) was destroyed following an accident near Brookings on September 6, 2025. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries, according to a preliminary investigation report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (Accident Number CEN25LA368). The flight, operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, departed Brookings Regional Airport (BKX) bound for Bozeman, Mont. About 8:59 a.m. CDT, shortly after takeoff at roughly

The Watertown Lakers, in partnership with the NHL, NHLPA, and USA Hockey, will launch a revamped Learn to Play 10U Developmental Program this fall aimed at making hockey more accessible for local families. The program welcomes children ages 5–10 (birth years 2015–2020) and is designed for beginners as well as those who already feel comfortable on the ice. Practices emphasize skating fundamentals, basic hockey skills, teamwork, confidence

Wilmot School announced that it has received community support for a new outdoor learning classroom, with a $2,000 Community Impact Grant from POET Bioprocessing — Big Stone and an additional donation from Valley Queen to help fund the project. POET representatives presented a ceremonial check for $2,000 to Wilmot School on September 17, marking the company’s contribution to the hands-on outdoor learning space planned just outside the school’s classrooms.

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a State Bridge Dedication Ceremony to honor U.S.M.C. Sergeant Dirk R. Abbas on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. CT at the Britton Area Event Center, 1203 3rd Street, Britton. The SD HWY-27 bridge over Crow Creek, south of Britton, will be officially designated the SGT Dirk R. Abbas Bridge.

Glacial Lakes Corn Processors’ Board of Directors has declared a cash distribution of $0.06 per share from the Nonqualified Written Notice of Allocation (NQWNA) for fiscal year 2024. The distribution will be paid to shareholders of record as of 5:02 p.m. CST on September 17, 2025, with payment scheduled to be issued by October 31, 2025. This $0.06 per share payment is part of the $0.29 per share NQWNA initially declared in 2024, leaving $0.23 per share still outstanding.

Theresa Hillis, superintendent of the Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, has announced she will retire from her role effective December 5, 2025. Hillis joined the City of Watertown team in 2022 and, over the past three years, led a series of operational and programmatic improvements at the Wellness Center.

Watertown Fire Rescue has announced the promotion of Lieutenant Adam Heinrich to the rank of Battalion Chief. Heinrich, who joined the department in 2007 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2021, will officially begin his new role overseeing C-Shift on October 2.

At this year’s County Convention Safety Awards Luncheon, the Codington County Maintenance Department was recognized with both the Gold and Platinum Safety Awards for its outstanding commitment to workplace safety and employee training. The awards are presented annually to county departments that demonstrate proactive measures to improve safety standards, reduce risk, and provide practical training for both staff and the public they serve.