February 21, 2015

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota drone operators say they’re anxious to see proposed Federal Aviation Administration rules come to fruition but plan to fly under the radar until anything is finalized. The FAA released its long-anticipated rules recently that would allow small commercial unmanned aircraft to perform routine tasks — crop monitoring, aerial […]

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — Some Spearfish locals are hoping to bring the spirit of national music festivals to the Black Hills with their first annual two-day festival. Organizers for the Black Hills Music Festival have booked 11 bands and hope to bring a roster of eclectic groups to a state that can be short on […]

YANKTON, S.D. (AP) — Yankton officials say they’re getting $400,000 in grant funding from the state to boost the city’s trail system. The Yankton Daily Press & Dakotan reports ( ) the city has been awarded a grant from the state’s Transportation Alternative Program. City Manager Amy Nelson says the grant will help connect areas […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Authorities say one person is dead following a three-vehicle accident Friday night near Pierre. KCCR-AM reports the three vehicles collided east of the capital city on Highways 14 and 83. The state Highway Patrol responded to the scene. Officials say there were several others injured who were taken to Avera St. […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota lawmakers are debating a plan to increase state spending on roads and bridges, as federal funding has fallen. Figures compiled by The Associated Press show total per-capita spending available to the state from the Federal Highway Trust Fund declined 10 percent in the five years before 2013, the latest […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A legislative committee has approved a proposal that would allow no-fault divorce in South Dakota, but the measure could face challenges. The House Judiciary Committee voted 7-5 on Friday for the plan, which advocates say will make it easier for domestic violence victims to escape abusive marriages. All they have to […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A federal regulator has told an air carrier selected by Pierre officials to provide subsidized commercial service that she wants more proof that its recently replaced CEO is not still connected with the carrier. The Department of Transportation announced in January that it planned to deny the application of Aerodynamics Inc. […]

LEAD, S.D. (AP) — A Chicago-based company has bought the Wharf gold mine in western South Dakota. Coeur Mining Inc. finalized the sale of the gold mine near Lead from its parent company, Goldcorp Inc., for $105 million in cash on Friday. Goldcorp is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The Black Hills Pioneer reports […]

STURGIS, S.D. (AP) — The City Council and the Chamber of Commerce in the motorcycle mecca of Sturgis say they’re opposed to a 1 ½-mile highway bypass around the city aimed at stimulating growth and alleviating traffic. Meade County voters will decide the fate of the “Fort Meade Way” plan March 3. The Council and […]