South Dakota

Summit pipeline hits potential roadblock in South Dakota

Published

2 years ago

August 23, 2024

Summit pipeline hits potential roadblock in South Dakota

A unanimous decision this week by the South Dakota Supreme Court cast doubt on whether a carbon dioxide pipeline company is eligible to use eminent domain to build a pipeline in that state. (Associated Press)

A unanimous decision by the South Dakota Supreme Court this week cast doubt on whether a carbon dioxide pipeline company is eligible to use eminent domain to build a pipeline in that state.

The ruling focused on Summit Carbon Solutions’ ability to survey land against the wishes of landowners, but the justices said Summit’s multistate project might not qualify as a “common carrier,” a requirement for eminent domain.

Summit intends to build a 2,500-mile pipeline network in five states, including Iowa, to transport captured carbon dioxide from ethanol producers to North Dakota to be pumped deep underground. The project would make the company and the ethanol plants eligible for generous federal tax credits that reward carbon sequestration and the production of low-carbon fuels.

The use of eminent domain — a government mechanism that allows the company to force unwilling landowners to host its pipeline — is a primary source of opposition to the project.

Summit requested eminent domain for about a quarter of its initial 690-mile route in Iowa, where state regulators have approved its use.

The South Dakota justices also questioned whether Summit would be transporting a commodity. Other pipelines transport gas and oil, for example, which are sold to fuel appliances and vehicles.

The South Dakota court, in its consideration of an early, lower court ruling, said Summit has not yet provided enough evidence that it is “holding itself out to the general public as transporting a commodity for hire.”

“It is thus premature to conclude that (Summit) is a common carrier, especially where the record before us suggests that CO2 is being shipped and sequestered underground with no apparent productive use,” the Supreme Court ruling stated.

The justices reversed the decisions of two circuit courts and directed them to resume the litigation over whether Summit is a common carrier that can conduct pre-condemnation land surveys.

State rules differ

Summit has long maintained that the carbon dioxide it transports will go underground as a means to deplete the amount of the greenhouse gas in the atmosphere.

Some of those who oppose the project have suspected the carbon dioxide would eventually be used to extract more oil from depleted reservoirs, which Summit has rebuffed.

But that type of use might make it qualify as a commodity. The gas also can be used for other commercial purposes, such as the production of dry ice or methanol fuel.

“We are evaluating the South Dakota Supreme Court’s decision and look forward to providing the information requested to the district court that reaffirms our role as a common carrier, and that CO2 is a commodity,” said Sabrina Zenor, a Summit spokesperson.

Summit was successful in arguing it is a common carrier in Iowa, which has different standards for the classification.

When the Iowa Utilities Commission approved the project in June, it said, in part: “All that is required for a pipeline to be vested with the right of eminent domain is that the pipeline company reserve 10 percent of its capacity for walk-up shippers.”

Minnesota does not allow eminent domain for carbon dioxide pipelines.

South Dakota is a crucial state for the Summit project. It has the second-most ethanol producers of the five states — 15 of them — and is a conduit between Iowa and North Dakota. Iowa has 30 ethanol producers that have agreements to be part of the project.

Summit has said its project isn’t feasible without approval in South Dakota.

South Dakota utility regulators denied Summit’s first request for a pipeline permit about a year ago because its route violated county zoning ordinances. The company has said it will reapply with a different route but has not disclosed when.

Opponents of the project cheered the South Dakota decision. The Sierra Club of Iowa, a leading organizer of that opposition, noted: “Without eminent domain powers, Summit’s path forward is insurmountable.”

Comments: (319) 368-8541; jared.strong@thegazette.com

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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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