The 2025 South Dakota State Fair in Huron showcased the talents of 4-H youth from across the state from August 27 to September 1, 2025, and Codington County participants made a strong impression in several Youth-in-Action competitions. Local youth earned Purple Ribbon honors in categories such as Fashion Revue, Special Foods, Communications Projects, and Skill-a-Thons. These awards reflect excellence in creativity, public speaking, animal science, and consumer education.

Drivers in Sioux Falls should prepare for a temporary traffic diversion on Interstate 229 this Tuesday evening, Sept. 23, 2025. Beginning at 7 p.m., the northbound lanes of I-229 will be closed near Cliff Avenue (exit 4) to allow maintenance crews to repair the asphalt at the temporary bridge.

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.

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.

The Codington County Commissioners met on Tuesday to discuss several community service initiatives and budget matters, including funding for burials, transportation assistance, and the strategic planning of various community programs. Community Services Director Sarah Foust provided a report on August's activities, noting that her department assisted 48 individuals with a total of 88 services. Funeral assistance remains the most requested service, with transportation and doc

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Codington County Commissioners unanimously approved a final amendment to the construction manager-at-risk (CMAR) contract for the new county jail and sheriff’s office facility. The guaranteed maximum price for construction was set at $32,665,397, allowing the county to move forward with all planned alternates—including full completion of the sheriff’s office.

At Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Codington County Commissioners held a public discussion on the county’s five-year highway and transportation plan, led by Highway Superintendent Randy Falvey. While no significant changes were introduced, several projects were rescheduled due to inspection results, weather impacts, and grant funding timelines.

Rachel’s Hope, a Watertown-based nonprofit dedicated to providing hygiene and household essentials to families in need, reported its busiest month to date in August—serving 133 families and distributing nearly 3,900 items. The organization, which launched just over a year ago, provided support to 518 individuals last month, including 269 adults and 249 children.

Watertown High School has announced its 2025 Homecoming royalty candidates, selected by their peers for their involvement and leadership across a wide range of school activities. This year’s candidates are: Jonas Geier, Sarah Li, Silas Masar, Siri Bach, Tysen Canfield, Markus Pitkin, Patrick Bednarczyk, Malia Kranz, Cole Hansen, Whitney Martinsen, and Luka Lessin. These students are known for their participation in various activities, including football, soccer, theater, ban

The City of Watertown Street Division will close 14th Avenue North to through traffic beginning at 6:00 AM on Monday, September 22, 2025, to perform roadway repairs at the rail crossing. The work is expected to be completed by the end of the day Tuesday, September 23, weather permitting.

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.