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The Watertown Shamrocks will open their 2025–26 season this weekend with a new layer of competition: the Buffalo Wild Wings Dakota Buffalo Cup. The Cup is a three-year partnership between the Shamrocks, Aberdeen Wings, Bismarck Bobcats, Minot Minotauros, and Buffalo Wild Wings, designed to elevate regional rivalries across the Dakotas.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has called on Postmaster General David Steiner to take urgent steps to restore reliable mail service in South Dakota, citing persistent delays that have impacted residents across the state.

Homecoming Week kicks off Monday, September 22, and the Watertown Police Department is encouraging students, parents, and the broader community to celebrate safely while showing their Arrow pride. The weeklong celebration includes performances, games, and community events, culminating in Friday’s parade, football game, and dance. In advance of the festivities, police issued a set of safety reminders aimed at promoting responsible behavior and positive engagement.

The Second Century Habitat Fund (SCHF) has received a $543,500 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Northern Great Plains Program to help landowners in western South Dakota restore native grasslands on marginal cropland. The initiative aims to improve habitat for wildlife while supporting sustainable ranching practices.

The Children’s Museum of South Dakota is celebrating their 15th birthday this weekend with a free party on the museum’s front lawn.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Wednesday that five individuals have been indicted in connection with a scheme to transport contraband into the South Dakota State Penitentiary. The group includes a former correctional officer, two current inmates, and two civilians.

The Watertown Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department hosted a high-energy skateboard, scooter, and bike competition on Saturday, drawing several riders from across the area to showcase their skills at the city’s skate park. Participants competed in two 90-second runs in their chosen event, with judges scoring performances based on difficulty, consistency, creativity, execution of tricks, smoothness, and overall use of the course.

Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed John Shubeck to serve as the new representative for District 16 in the South Dakota House of Representatives, effective immediately. The seat was previously held by the late Representative Richard Vasgaard. “John embodies the core values of not only South Dakota, but also of late Representative Vasgaard,” Governor Rhoden said. “He has lived a life of service and hard work as a veteran, a coach, a church elder, and a Turner County farmer.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill led by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) aimed at strengthening oversight of international ocean shipping and protecting American economic interests. Introduced in June, the legislation reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) through fiscal year 2029 and expands its authority to investigate unfair trade practices

Governor Larry Rhoden has announced plans to establish the Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, a new advisory group focused on expanding rehabilitation services as South Dakota prepares for a new state prison. The task force will be created by Executive Order, pending the passage of draft legislation scheduled for a vote during the Special Session on Tuesday, September 23.