South Dakota

Series of prison, criminal defense bills move through SD Legislature

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Series of prison, criminal defense bills move through SD Legislature

PIERRE — It’s been two weeks since the South Dakota Legislature first convened, and a series of bills related to the planned operation of a state penitentiary in Lincoln County are slated for discussion and debate.

While some have already advanced, another was quickly swept away. A third cluster of bills have yet to be discussed.

As questions swirl about how to approach and logistics of the construction and operation of a new penitentiary, so do questions about Sec. Kellie Wasko, head of the state’s Department of Corrections (DOC).

Just days before the Legislature convened on Jan. 9, a collective of corrections employees released a letter calling for Wasko’s replacement.

“A prevailing sentiment among most staff is that Secretary Wasko’s continued tenure as a leader has proven ineffective,” the letter reads. “Many believe that a change in leadership, one that is more supportive of the well-being and concerns of correctional officers, is imperative.”

In the letter, staff allege that Wasko’s policies have led to an increase in contraband and drug distribution, increased inmate’s resistance to corrections officers’ authority and increased response times to emergencies.

The call for her replacement resulted in Rep. Kevin Jensen, R-Canton, asking fellow lawmakers to vote against prison expansion until the issues brought forth in the letter are resolved.

Sec. Kellie Wasko, left, takes questions from nurses in the Jameson Annex about the effects of a department shuffle.

Michael Winder / Department of Corrections

“A new building will not fix horrible policy issues,” Jensen said he told lawmakers. “There is no urgency to move forward. An 800 million dollar mistake would be on our heads if we approve it.”

While it’s unclear whether lawmakers plan to heed his advice, here are a few important prison and criminal defense bills to keep an eye on:

HB 1057: Creating a statewide public defender’s office

One piece of legislation would create two new bodies in the realm of criminal defense for low-income individuals across South Dakota.

House Bill 1057 would direct for the creation of the Commission on Indigent Legal Services and Office of Indigent Legal Services.

The creation of those bodies was a need identified in a summer study conducted by lawmakers last year. Per the bill, the commission would oversee indigent representation services while the office would do the groundwork providing those services.

As it stands, county governments, funded by its citizens, foot the bill for indigent representation. With HB 1057, state government would pay as part of its operating costs.

According to Greg Sattizahn, a court administrator and lobbyist, the commission and office would take approximately $1.4 million to establish — a number that Gov. Kristi Noem has already factored into her budget proposal.

After being heard by the House Committee on State Affairs on Wednesday and Friday, it was referred to an appropriations committee by way of a 13-0 vote.

It has not yet been scheduled for a second committee hearing.

Hanson County Courthouse.jpg — The Hanson County Courthouse in Alexandria.

SB 31: Funding for indigent legal services

A separate bill navigating through the Senate would provide funding for the Commission on Indigent Legal Services.

Senate Bill 31 stipulates that the funding shall be kept at the state level. Twenty-two percent of the funds would be used for administration, with the rest being disbursed to counties to cover indigent legal expenses.

After its first reading in the Senate, the bill was referred to the Joint Committee on Appropriations, and has not yet been debated by lawmakers.

HB1039: Pushing DOC to cover inmates’ legal expenses

With the prison’s planned location near Canton, officials in Lincoln County are concerned about whether the county will be able to cover criminal defense costs for inmates.

To address that, Rep. Ernie Otten, R-Tea, introduced House Bill 1039.

If it were to become law, the Department of Corrections would be required to cover legal expenses for inmates who commit crimes inside DOC facilities.

Springfield prison — The gates at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield.

The bill was first heard in the House Committee on State Affairs, where it passed with a 13-0 vote. It was then transferred to appropriators, who added an amendment that would provide for the possibility to force the inmate, if convicted, to repay their legal expenses as part of their terms of probation or parole.

Jensen’s bill comes as Lincoln County Commissioner Joel Arends estimates Minnehaha County’s Public Defender’s Office spends up to $100,000 annually on the criminal defense of inmates. Lincoln County does not have a public defender’s office, and instead contracts with area firms.

The bill has not yet been voted on by appropriators in its entirety.

SB49: Moving money to fund the prison

It’s going to take a large sum of money to construct a new prison, and appropriators are beginning to take steps to spend it.

Senate Bill 49 calls for the use of $10 million in federal grant funding for the installation of water and wastewater infrastructure at the site. It also transfers more than $228 million from the state’s general and reserve funds to the Department of Corrections for the purpose of prison construction.

The bill has been referred to a Senate appropriations committee, but has not yet received a vote.

Some lawmakers have estimated the new prison will cost as much as $1.2 billion to construct.

The South Dakota Legislature will remain in session until March 7, with an extra day on March 25 reserved for consideration of gubernatorial vetoes.

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South Dakota

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

Published

5 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

South Dakota’s Congressional leaders are praising President Donald Trump for his action of joining Israel for a missile-launched attack this weekend in Iran, with the intent to target and dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and demand regime change.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said Saturday, Feb. 28, calling the strikes, “a massive and ongoing operation.”

Trump has since faced scrutiny for a lack of clarity about the timeline and overall goals of the war, and acting without the direct approval of Congress, which has the power to officially declare war for the U.S. Lawmakers are also in heated debate about whether the Trump’s decision may violate the Constitution, with Democrats calling for a war powers resolution vote to stop the effort, according to multiple military outlets.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was directly targeted, a Middle Eastern official told USA TODAY. Khamenei was killed in the attacks on Feb. 28, according to Israeli sources who told USA TODAY, CNN and Reuters. He was 86 and had led Iran since 1989.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes, hitting American and Israeli targets, including a U.S. Naval base in Bahrain. Iran said its enemies would be “decisively defeated.”

At least four Americans and an estimated 200 other individuals have been killed, and an estimated 700 injured as of March 2.

President Trump said he expects more to come.

Here’s what South Dakota Congressional leaders, along with former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who now sits at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security as secretary, have to say about what has been named by the administration as Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies,” said Thune, a Republican, the morning of Feb. 28 in a comment from his office.

“Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats,” Thune said, thanking Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week.

“I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations,” he said. “I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds

Rounds, a Republican, said Trump took “the right course of action” when handling the strike.

Rounds later congratulated the United States military and Trump on the death of the Iranian leader, stating the moment “offers a path for a more peaceful Middle East.”

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson

Johnson, a Republican and the lone U.S. representative for South Dakota, stated the Iranian regime “is full of theocratic thugs and is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror.” He said Trump had given multiple opportunities to change direction.

“I’m praying for the safety of America’s servicemembers, and our allies involved in Operation Epic Fury,” Johnson stated on social media.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Noem, who left her governorship after she was appointed secretary at the beginning of Trump’s current term, took to social media as well, stating she was actively monitoring any potential threats against America.

“I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners,” she said.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for March 1, 2026

Published

17 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 1 drawing

10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.

When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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South Dakota

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is an annual culinary competition where high school students from across the state showcase their cooking and restaurant management skills. This year, 12 schools will send a total of 60 talented students to Pierre to compete in events like cake decorating, culinary arts, and restaurant management. Winners will receive scholarships and the opportunity to advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland.

Why it matters

The ProStart® program is an important investment in developing South Dakota’s future culinary and hospitality industry leaders. By providing high school students with hands-on experience and the chance to compete at the state and national levels, the program helps cultivate the next generation of skilled chefs, restaurateurs, and food service professionals.

The details

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026 in Pierre. The competition kicks off on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM with a cake decorating contest. The more intense culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will be held on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM. Students will be judged on their technical skills, creativity, and business acumen as they compete for scholarships and a spot at the national competition.

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026.
The cake decorating competition will be held on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM.
The culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will take place on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM.

The players

Nathan Sanderson

Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, which administers the ProStart® program.

Florence

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Harrisburg

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Huron

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Mitchell CTE

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ProStart® is an excellent way for us to invest in South Dakota’s future industry leaders. Our students are highly skilled and graduate workplace ready.”

— Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association (b1027.com)

What’s next

The winners of the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, where they will represent the state on a national stage.

The takeaway

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is a valuable program that helps cultivate the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals in the state, providing high school students with hands-on experience, scholarships, and the opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level.

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