South Dakota
Committee rejects bill to study and potentially redesign South Dakota state flag – South Dakota Searchlight
A bill that would create a commission to study and possibly propose a new state flag design to the Legislature and Governor’s Office failed in the Senate State Affairs Committee in a 5-3 vote on Monday.
Proponents of the bill, which was introduced by Democratic Sen. Reynold Nesiba from Sioux Falls, said a redesign could increase awareness of the state and bolster pride and unity among South Dakotans.
South Dakota fails four out of the five guidelines for “good flag design” put forth by the North American Vexillology Association, said Zach DeBoer, an educator and artist from Sioux Falls.
South Dakota’s flag has 17 words (more than any other state, and with South Dakota spelled out twice) and includes an intricate state seal on a blue background.
Such a wordy and complicated design prevents the state flag’s use on merchandise, DeBoer argued, and deters South Dakotans from identifying with and flying the flags themselves.
“People aren’t using our flag to show how proud they are of being from South Dakota. That’s not happening,” DeBoer told lawmakers. “You don’t see it on shirts or hats. You can’t find flag merch at Wall Drug or Reptile Gardens. You definitely won’t see anyone getting it tattooed on their body.”
Legislators who voted against the bill said the current state flag does its job well enough.
“Tradition is important,” said Sen. Erin Tobin, R-Winner. “I don’t feel we need to modernize our flag for reasons of PR.”
While Nesiba is term-limited in the Senate and does not plan to run for the House this year, constituents that brought the bill to his attention say they hope the discussion will continue in future sessions.
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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has released the name of the woman who was killed in a fatal crash in Minnehaha County last week.
64-year-old Patricia Archambeau of Mitchell died on January 5 due to her injuries in a crash that took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.
Archambeau’s 2012 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling eastbound on I-90 near mile marker 379, about four miles west of Humboldt, when she attempted to pull off on the side of the road.
At the same time, the Traverse was struck by a semi-truck, also traveling eastbound, and pulling a trailer. The truck continued driving east after the crash and has yet to be located.
On Sunday, the South Dakota Highway Patrol released two images of the semi-truck suspected of hitting Archambeau’s Traverse. The two photos were taken on I-29 near 41st Street in Sioux Falls at 2:25 a.m., about 12 minutes after the crash west of Humboldt.
Highway Patrol is seeking more information about a red Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck, missing its passenger-side headlight. If anyone has information, they’re asked to contact Highway Patrol at 605-367-5700.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Cameron Fens scored 23 points as South Dakota beat Denver 82-72 on Saturday.
Fens also contributed 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Coyotes (9-9, 1-2 Summit League). Isaac Bruns scored 20 points while going 8 of 12 and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and added six rebounds. Jordan Crawford went 5 of 11 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.
Gabe Oldham led the Pioneers (8-11, 1-3) in scoring, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Denver also got 19 points from Zane Nelson. Carson Johnson also put up 11 points and six assists.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Highway Patrol is continuing to look for the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run near Humboldt, SD.
In a Facebook post, the SD Highway Patrol has released new details regarding the semi suspected of committing the hit and run.
According to police, the semi is a red Freightliner Cascadia semi, missing its passenger-side headlight.
The semi was traveling eastbound from the Humboldt area on I-90 in the early morning hours of Jan. 3, 2026.
Police are seeking information, video, or pictures from 2:13 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. along I-90 and I-29 from the public.
If you have any tips or footage, contact the South Dakota Highway Patrol District 2 Office at (605) 367-5700.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
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