PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a measure to increase the amount of the state’s Opportunity Scholarship for new recipients. Daugaard signed the proposal on Thursday. The measure allows incoming South Dakota students to receive up to $1,300 for their first three years of college and up to $2,600 for […]

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Gov. Dennis Daugaard has eight bills left for his consideration from the 2015 legislative session’s main run. Daugaard signed a flurry of bills on Thursday, including the state budget for the year beginning on July 1. He has approved every bill that originated in the House and is now reviewing Senate […]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — City officials in Sioux Falls are considering putting a moratorium on billboards until they can figure out a way to make everyone happy with a new zoning ordinance. The Argus Leader newspaper reports ( ) that the ordinance enacted about a year ago has enabled businesses that move off the […]

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A monthly survey of bankers suggests a weakening economy lies ahead for rural parts of 10 Midwestern and Western states. The Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index for March sank to 43.6, its lowest level since February 2010. Last month’s figure was 46.4. Creighton University economics Ernie Goss oversees the survey, and […]

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — A manufacturer of motorcycle trikes is closing its facility in Spearfish. The Black Hills Pioneer reports ( ) that Champion Investments will shut down the Lehman Trikes operation in about two months. About a dozen employees will be out of jobs, though Champion plans to keep its startup firearms manufacturing division […]

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — One of the three people who have announced a run for mayor in Rapid City has dropped out of the race. City Councilwoman Amanda Scott says she is no longer running, and instead will support former Police Chief Steve Allender. Allender announced this week that he has decided to take […]

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Two teenage boys are facing second-degree burglary charges following an attempted break-in at a home in southwest Sioux Falls. The Argus Leader ( ) says the 16-year-old boys were reported as escapees by Volunteers of America last Tuesday, and then warrants were issued for their arrest. Police spokesman Sam Clemens […]

MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL, S.D. (AP) — Mount Rushmore National Memorial is hosting a gathering next week to start the celebration of its 90 years of history. The March 25 event in the Carver’s Cafe will include a talk on the park history, cake and ice cream. Superintendent Cheryl Schreier says 1925 was the year […]

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A standoff between authorities and a man who locked himself inside a hotel room in Aberdeen has ended after more than 14 hours. The American News ( ) reports the man was arrested at 9:37 p.m. after authorities used tear gas to force him out of the room. Capt. Eric Duven […]

ABERDEEN, S.D. (AP) — A man has locked himself in a room at a northeast South Dakota hotel where players and fans of the Class B basketball tournament are expected to arrive Wednesday. Aberdeen Police Chief Dave McNeil says the man is wanted in connection with local crimes and has a handgun. The American News […]