South Dakota
AAA says South Dakota seeing record travel on 4th of July week
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Even after the holiday, the Fourth of July weekend is a busy time for travel, but going into this weekend, South Dakota may be seeing more traffic than usual.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) has followed trends to provide travel tips as the roads get even busier. Going into the week, they expected nearly 71 million Americans would be traveling and they’re on pace for close to their projections.
Travel is always forecasted very high in the middle of the summer with the Independence Day holiday and the peak of vacation and road trip season.
AAA said that this year has seen higher travel volume than ever before, with 214,201 residents, over 20% of all South Dakotans, traveling more than fifty miles to a Fourth of July destination, most of them driving.
“South Dakota saw around 180,000 people hitting the road. With fourth of July being on a Thursday, people did fourth of July celebrations last weekend. They’re continuing them into this weekend, so that’s a really long travel period,” said Public & Government Affairs Manager with AAA, Rylie Fletcher.
One factor that has an impact on the number of travelers is the prices at the pump. While the cost of a gallon of gas is steadily going up again, it’s still lower than it has been around the holiday in recent years.
The average cost of a gallon of gas in South Dakota is slightly above $3.20, more than 25 cents cheaper than a year ago.
Fletcher said that the recent jump was expected due to rising demand.
“We did see gas prices increase, but not too significantly. They might increase a little bit more just as summer demand for travel continues to increase, but it’s not likely that we’ll see the surge like we did two summers ago in 2022,” Fletcher explained.
With the influx of drivers, AAA wants drivers to be aware of their surroundings and be safe on the roads. They suggest giving yourself extra time and being patient with other drivers.
You should inspect your vehicle before a road trip and like always, never drive impaired or distracted.
“All of those things we know we should be doing every single day, make sure you practice them with extra diligence on a weekend like this upcoming weekend because there are so many other drivers on the roads. It’s important that you’re doing your part,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher also said that the busiest times to be on the road are between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and if you want to see less traffic, try leaving earlier in the day. She also recommended avoiding nighttime driving because even though there’s less traffic, there may be more impaired drivers.
Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
South Dakota
South Dakota knocks off Denver 82-72
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.
South Dakota
SD Highway Patrol releases new details on hit and run, asks for public’s help
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.
South Dakota
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces $48 million for statewide projects
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has the approval of over $48 million in loans and grants for statewide projects.
Together with the Board of Water and Natural Resources, a total of $36,958,000 in state loans, including $425,000 in principal forgiveness, was authorized for drinking water and wastewater improvements.
More funding was distributed to the following programs:
BDM Rural Water:
- Received an additional $233,450 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct a new water treatment plant, install a new water reservoir, install a pipe to expand the water system, and replace water meters
Clay Rural Water:
- Received $334,250 in ARPA grant funds to construct two ground storage reservoirs near the Greenfield reservoir and the Wakonda Water Treatment plant
Mid-Dakota Rural Water System:
- Received $917,357.85 in ARPA grant to update the existing water system
Mitchell:
- Received $3,930,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Funds to upgrade the clay sanitary and storm sewer
Rapid City:
- Received a $14,512,000 Drinking Water State Revolving loan to make improvements to an existing well and also construct two new wells
Shared Resources:
- Received $1,500,000 in ARPA grant funds for a treatment plant, well field, distribution pipeline, and two storage tanks
Sioux Falls:
- Received $7,648,000 to complete a third connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System
- Received $17,746,000 to construct a new Southeast Basin sanitary force main
South Lincoln Rural Water System:
- Received $328,250 in ARPA funds to install an elevated water tank, new pump station, and new water treatment plant
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources:
- Received $1 million in ARPA funds for its statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative
Toronto:
- Received $770,000 Drinking Water Revolving Loan to accommodate the Department of Transportation installing new storm sewers and highway surfacing
These programs are funded through a combination of federal appropriations, loan repayments, and bonds.
The board approved the funding during a January 8 meeting in Pierre.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
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