@SDNewsWatch

A nonprofit of South Dakota journalists who tell in-depth and investigative stories, verify claims and engage with communities to identify solutions.

 South Dakota, USA
sdnewswatch.org/
Joined January 2018
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  • Followers3.7K
725Media
Pheasant opener is today, and it's expected bird numbers will be high after a couple of years of mostly excellent nesting conditions across the state. Everything you need to know - from where to get a license to a map of public land - below! ⬇️ buff.ly/OsPAfyF

Explainer: What to know about the 2026 South Dakota pheasant hunting season

Opening day is today, and it's expected bird numbers will be high after a couple of years of mostly excellent nesting conditions across the state.

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Are you registered to vote? Monday, Oct. 19 is the deadline for South Dakotans - find out how to register at our voter guide ⬇️ buff.ly/IVext2Y
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Get caught up on the biggest stories in local elections across the state - the South Dakota Legislature will see an Independent for the first time in over a decade, and school districts will vote on millions in bonds. See what's on your ballot ⬇️ buff.ly/CQsQdrg

Local and legislative elections to watch this November

The South Dakota Legislature will see an Independent for the first time in over a decade, and school districts will vote on millions of dollars in bonds.

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A Brandon student represented South Dakota in the 2026 National Civics Bee, but those from Colorado, Florida and Michigan took home prizes. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/Z1AEF0y

National Civics Bee winners - and how to get involved next year

Brandon student represented South Dakota, but those from Colorado, Florida and Michigan took home prizes.

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Fact brief on the percentage of South Dakotans that vaccinate their children - and how SD's numbers compare nationally. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/hObYaGz
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"There were a lot of doom and gloom signals here. We'd hire new teachers and they'd be so excited ... but they'd leave because there was nowhere for them to live." Find out how the town of Tripp has fueled a new sense of vibrancy. buff.ly/85bJRpM
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A check of statements made during the Oct. 1 debate between Democrat Nikki Gronli and Republican Marty Jackley. buff.ly/0ceJOau

Fact brief roundup: US House debate

A check of statements made during the Oct. 1 debate between Democrat Nikki Gronli and Republican Marty Jackley.

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For 20 years, partnerships with North Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa have shaped the way rural schools keep up with declining enrollment rates. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/KRicfXi

More SD students and athletes coming from neighboring states

How a 20-year-old precedent has shaped the way rural schools keep up with declining enrollment rates. About 60 students from Minnesota now attend school in the Milbank School District – nearly 6% of...

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“I've been a classical musician, I’ve worked with them all my life. I don't know elitists in classical music. All of us just want to share the music." buff.ly/ZuatMqU

Ticket sales up at SD's 2 professional symphony orchestras

“People seem to feel that they need to know something about it before they can come. There's also a perception that you have to dress up, like tuxedos or dresses and this sort of thing. Neither of...

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The full story of the Sioux Falls Smithfield development, from announcement to court ruling. Read! ⬇️ buff.ly/rMu8z4A

Smithfield: The full story, from announcement to court ruling

Read News Watch's coverage of Sioux Falls' massive new pork processing facility, from beginning to where it is now.

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The western SD region is large and its population is diverse. News Watch spoke to individuals in the 577 region who represent some of the people that call it home. Issues raised range from young people's concerns about the future to land use. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/ofkceLz

Heard in South Dakota / ZIP 577: People and issues from the west

The second installment of our Heard in South Dakota series brought us to the west and southwest region of the state.

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The Game, Fish and Parks commission approved Xanterra as the next provider of Custer State Park concessions today. The new concessionaire will take over Feb. 1. Read our update ⬇️ buff.ly/dsex4sI

Custer State Park concessions going to out-of-state operator

Colorado-based Xanterra Travel Collection to take over Feb. 1 after Game, Fish and Parks Commission approves the deal.

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Join Rapid City Native Eda Uzunlar, who spent part of this year traveling across Turkey researching news deserts, for a discussion in Sioux Falls tonight! Join at 6 p.m. CT at the SDPB office, 601 N. Phillips Ave. Claim your spot ⬇️ buff.ly/Nror2Jz

You Can Trust Me - Sioux Falls | Get Free Tickets in Sioux Falls | Ticketbud

You Can Trust Me - Sioux Falls - October 8, 2026 at SDPB Sioux Falls Studio, 601 North Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 57104, US. Find event and ticket information on Ticketbud.

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An ad for U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, paid for by a political action committee, featured long-time anchor Tom Hanson, prompting the station to respond. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/PAJzqkH

Fact Brief: Can political ads use images of journalists without permission?

An ad for U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, paid for by a political action committee, featured long-time anchor Tom Hanson, prompting the station to respond.

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"It wasn't just a business opportunity. It was something that we have just been a part of for so long ... Unfortunately, it didn't go our way." Read about Custer State Park's switch from SD-based company to out of state hospitality giant. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/t6wQfPI

Custer State Park concessions going to out-of-state operator

Colorado-based Xanterra Travel Collection to take over Feb. 1 after Game, Fish and Parks Commission approves the deal.

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Don't miss the chance to make your voice heard through #EngageSD! Join at 4 p.m. central (3 p.m. MT) today for a conversation with News Watch reporters to talk about issues and the news. Google Meet link in the story below - no registration needed! buff.ly/wzgSllk

Engage South Dakota: News Watch wants to hear from you

Community engagement project will identify issues the entire state should know about, people whose voices aren't often heard and grassroots solutions to challenges through in-person visits, reader...

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Candice K. Lockner of Ree Heights is the 2026 Spirit of Dakota Award winner. Lockner was among 13 South Dakota women nominated by their communities. Read about the history of this 40-year-old #SouthDakota tradition ⬇️ buff.ly/unfvzTQ

Spirit of Dakota Award marks 40 years of recognizing women

A longtime Mitchell teacher's story illustrates why one of South Dakota's longest-running honors has stood for four decades.

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"That is patently false," Rhoden said. Read more to fact check claims made by the two candidates running for governor of #SouthDakota. buff.ly/tIAMUe1

Fact brief roundup: Governor debate

A check of statements made during the Sept. 28 debate between Democrat Dan Ahlers and Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden.

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We want to hear from you! Join News Watch tomorrow at 4 p.m. CT for a conversation with reporters as part of our #EngageSouthDakota series. Join the Google meet to speak directly to reporters about the things going on in your communities! Link ⬇️ buff.ly/wzgSllk

Engage South Dakota: News Watch wants to hear from you

Community engagement project will identify issues the entire state should know about, people whose voices aren't often heard and grassroots solutions to challenges through in-person visits, reader...

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“It’s one of the worst things I’ve ever dealt with, and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” Pennington County employees upgrade security, hope others learn from cyberattack this summer. Read more ⬇️ buff.ly/2WLrx9b
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