Austin Goss, 26, a former reporter for KOTA and Daktota News Now is facing misdemeanor charges after making a prank call in January, 2023. According to cour t documents, Goss may have utilized his connection with Governor Kristi Noem to obtain her personal cell phone number then used an internet program to make a prank call.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) and the South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) are proud to recognize longstanding South Dakota family farms and ranches through the Century Farm and Ranch program.

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The City of Elk Point was informed from the state of South Dakota that portions of the city lagoons need to be updated in order to meet current regulations. According to Elk Point City Administrator Derek Tuttle, the city was informed that the lagoons have “failing discharges” and the “style of lagoon” is incorrect. Due to this, the Elk Point City Council was presented a Wastewater Treatment Facility study from John Graupman of Bolton & Menk. Graupman discussed various options for the city to choose from and answered questions from the council members.

The Elk Point-Jefferson school board opened their meeting May 8 with the approval of canvassing of the school board election held April 11. The totals were 144 for Sabrina Sayler, 129 for Noelle Jacobs and 81 for Dennis Stabe.

People in North Sioux City were treated to the musical talents of Audrey Johnson, April 25. Johnson is a classically trained opera singer and founder of the performance platform “Of Thee I Sing.” She performed Songs and Stories of Heroism from the Women’s Suffrage Movement. She was accompanied by Lori Jessen, a local piano collaborative pianist.

Governor Kristi Noem announced that Steve Westra, Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), will be stepping down from that position, effective May 22. “South Dakotans are building the strongest economy in America with the lowest unemployment rate of all time.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) announced the City of North Sioux City public water system and the system’s operation specialists have been awarded a Secretary’s Award for Drinking Water Excellence.

The Loess Hills chapter of Wild Ones is a non-pro_t organization that promotes planting native landscapes, both small and large, in Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska. Native plants attract native pollinators and wildlife, enhancing your home and the environment. Loess Hills Wild Ones is selling native plants for your yards and gardens this spring. The sale is open to the public on Saturday, May 20, and Sunday, May 21 from 9 a.m. to Noon each day.

The South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), in partnership with STChealth, has announced the launch of its new Immunization Information System (SDIIS), a leading provider of health information technology solutions. The new system will improve immunization reporting and coverage throughout the state, making the lives of public health of_cials, immunization providers, and local communities easier.