February 27, 2015

TULALIP, Wash. (AP) — The Justice Department’s December announcement that it would allow the nation’s Indian tribes to legalize and regulate marijuana on their reservations brought notes of caution — if not silence or opposition — from many tribes. They were reluctant to consider it given the substance abuse problems that already plague many reservations. […]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A former Sioux Falls middle school teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual contact with a child younger than 16. Thirty-three-year-old Tonya Drueppel was charged in a five-count indictment in February 2014. Authorities say Drueppel developed a sexual relationship […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A state Senate committee has approved a measure advocates say will help lessen the danger of passing vehicles to cyclists. The Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday unanimously passed the proposal, which had previously faced some speed bumps in the House over how the issue should be addressed. Transportation Department attorney William […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The capital cities of the Dakotas have a chance to pass Go and collect $200. Pierre and Bismarck are among 60 cities up for possible inclusion as property spaces in the new Monopoly Here and Now special U.S. edition of the popular board game. The edition, along with a World Edition […]

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — Thirteen Spearfish residents have sued the city over sewer backups. The plaintiffs say they have suffered through a series of sewer backups stretching back to 2008, leading to stinky, flooded basements and lost possessions. Jennifer and Adrian Netterberg are one couple suing. They say they have suffered $40,000 in damages to […]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology has raised $1.4 million toward its effort to help meet demands for workers in the region’s oil and gas industry. The public university in Rapid City announced the Energy Resources Initiative last year and says it will now search for a director. […]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city of Sioux Falls plans to offer some clarity about proposed food truck regulations for its downtown. City officials are expected to discuss the regulations on Friday. Neighborhood Development Coordinator Adam Roach and Economic Development Manager Brent O’Neil will address the plans. The standards aim to formally authorize food […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Deadwood gambling advocates were jubilant Thursday that a yearlong push to allow three new games in the historic outlaw town is finally coming to a close. The state House voted 46-22 to approve the proposal to allow keno, craps and roulette in Deadwood. It has already passed the Senate, and Gov. […]