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South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame induction latest honor in Scott Morgan's storied career

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South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame induction latest honor in Scott Morgan's storied career


MITCHELL — All Scott Morgan wanted to do was have fun when he first picked up a basketball.

Little did he know he’d put together one of the most prolific basketball careers in South Dakota history, let alone be recognized for it.

Morgan was one of 19 inductees into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame class of 2024 for his contributions to both Mitchell High School and Dakota Wesleyan University basketball. Much like his other honors over the years, it came as a complete surprise to him.

“I wasn’t even expecting it,” Morgan said upon finding out from former Mitchell and DWU radio announcer Tim Smith. “It’s a heck of an honor, and I was excited about it and thought it’s pretty cool.”

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In this 2019 file photo, Scott Morgan (left) instructs Mitchell High School boys basketball players during an open gym session at Mitchell High School.

Mitchell Republic file photo

As a Kernel under the tutelage of legendary coach Gary Munsen, the 6-foot-7 Morgan was a two-time Class AA all-state first-team selection while helping Mitchell High School to three state tournaments, including a runner-up finish his junior season in 1988.

At DWU, he was twice named the NAIA Division II national player of the year, averaging 25.8 points and 10.7 rebounds throughout his career, and finished with the second-most points in school history at 2,810. Morgan is one of only six 2,000-point scorers in Tigers history and his jersey No. 50 is one of seven retired by the men’s basketball program.

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However, after only his second game of his sophomore season with Mitchell, Morgan’s first on the varsity team, the mark he left on the Corn Palace floor almost never came to fruition.

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Scott Morgan (top) is pictured here during his Dakota Wesleyan University career. Morgan will be formally inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday.

Mitchell Republic file photo

“(Coach) Munsen told me after one or two games, ‘If you don’t start shooting, I’m going to put you on the bench,’” Morgan recalled. “As a young kid playing against older kids, you’re really nervous to pull the trigger, but I didn’t want to sit on the bench, so I better start shooting.”

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Crediting Munsen for bringing the best out of him and his players on game days, Morgan flooded the post and overpowered opponents on contested rebounds. He never paid attention to how many points he scored, as he enjoyed the camaraderie of playing with his teammates and siblings he shared the court with.

It was especially true the night he set the South Dakota collegiate scoring record, putting up 57 points against Mount Marty in 1992. When he reached 55, Morgan was oblivious to what was at stake to the point he questioned why teammate Craig Cheeseman kept feeding him the ball.

“I had no idea how many points I had because it wasn’t posted (on the scoreboard) like it is now,” Morgan said. “He kept throwing me the ball and said, ‘You’re going to get the record,’ and I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’ I ended up breaking it on free throws, which was cool.”

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From left, Dakota Wesleyan alumni Scott Morgan, Alan Miller, and South Dakota Tech’s Chad Kramer share a laugh as they were honored as members of the inaugural South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference men’s basketball hall of fame on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021 at the Corn Palace.

Mitchell Republic file photo

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Morgan’s team-oriented personality on the floor went back to the days of playing basketball with his siblings in their driveway on the farm, as his ultimate goal was to have fun playing a sport he grew to enjoy, and still supports to this day. Looking back on his journey, Morgan cherishes the time spent being around others from pickup games to the long road trips.

“We had good times in high school playing duck ball and playing 3-on-3,” Morgan said. “When you like doing something, you find whatever it takes to go play. You get together with your buddies and that’s what you did.”

Morgan currently resides in Mitchell with his wife Stacy, with whom he has raised three children, and is the owner of Blarney’s Sportsbar and Grill off Highland Way in Mitchell.

In addition to being inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, Morgan is already a member of the Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell High School, South Dakota Basketball and South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference Halls of Fame. He’s also a member of the NAIA National Hall of Fame.

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The South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame banquet is on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Blake Durham

Blake Durham is a Sports Reporter for the Mitchell Republic, having joined in October of 2023. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in December of 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. Durham can be found covering a variety of prep and collegiate sports in the area.





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South Dakota: GFP Commission modifies bounty program – focuses on youth trapping and coyote removal

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South Dakota: GFP Commission modifies bounty program – focuses on youth trapping and coyote removal


The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission passed a resolution to end the current Nest Predator Bounty Program at their March meeting in Pierre and create two separate programs within the existing budget and time period.The Nest Predator Bounty Program began in 2019 with the implementation of the Second Century Initiative. This reinvigorated trapping as an outdoor recreational opportunity and a means to get youth engaged and spend more time outdoors.

Data collected from the program shows that the level of youth participation over the past 4 years has exceeded 30%. In 2024 and 2025, youth participation reached 46%.”The Nest Predator Bounty Program has been incredibly successful at engaging youth in wildlife management and our tradition of trapping in South Dakota,” said Kevin Robling, GFP Secretary.

In total, 342,743 nest predators were removed since the program’s inception.”Intense nest predator removal in localized areas during the nesting season can contribute to higher nest success and we encourage individuals to continue to participate in this management activity,” continued Robling. “In 2026, we are going to focus on continuing to get youth outdoors and addressing our coyote population.”



As part of this focus, the current Nest Predator Bounty Program is ending. The allocated $500,000 for this program will be split into two separate programs: the Youth Trapping Recruitment Program and the Coyote Bounty Program.

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Youth Trapping Recruitment Program 



The Youth Trapping Recruitment Program will be open for South Dakota youth age 17 and under. Tails from raccoon, striped skunk, badger, opossum, and red fox will be worth $10.The program will run from March 1-July 1, unless the $200,000 limit is reached first.”Youth recruitment and retention in trapping and wildlife management is a key component of this program,” said Robling. “We are thrilled with the amount of youth participation we have seen, so we want to continue this momentum.”

Coyote Bounty Program

The Coyote Bounty Program will be open for all South Dakota residents. Tails from coyotes will be worth $30.The program will run from April 1-July 1, unless the $300,000 limit is reached first.”Controlling the coyote population is critical for both our agricultural industry and wildlife populations,” stated Robling. “The newly created Coyote Bounty Program will assist in the management of these predators to help protect newborn calves and lambs for agricultural producers and enhance fawn survival for deer and antelope.”

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Tail Submission Opportunities 

Individuals wishing to participate in either of these programs may submit tails to their local GFP office during designated tail turn in opportunities. Households are eligible to submit up to $590 worth of tails in each program.

–South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks





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SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for March 5, 2026

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

Here’s a look at March 5, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 5 drawing

17-20-23-30-33, Bonus: 05

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

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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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DOE selects nine school districts for 2026 South Dakota Perkins Reserve grant

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DOE selects nine school districts for 2026 South Dakota Perkins Reserve grant


SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Nine school districts have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Perkins Reserve Grant by the South Dakota Department of Education.

The grant provides major equipment upgrades for Career and Technical Education programs, helping to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for post-secondary education and the workforce.

“CTE programs are constantly evolving to match the pace of workforce needs,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Joseph Graves.

“The South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant aids schools in equipping students with current technologies, resources, and tools, offering students a realistic, hands-on learning experience that will strengthen their marketability to colleges or employers once they leave the K-12 education system.”

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The following school districts have been named as the 2026 recipients:

  • Aberdeen School District:
    • Awarded $30,233 for new precision machine equipment for the manufacturing program.
  • De Smet School District:
    • Awarded $15,898 for modernizing metal fabrication within agriculture programs.
  • Lake Preston School District:
    • Awarded $43,160 for expansion of program offers in multiple career clusters to strengthen industrial alignment.
  • McLaughlin School District:
    • Awarded $11,997 to purchase equipment to offer a new culinary arts program.
  • Menno School District:
    • Awarded $32,844 to purchase small engines and attend professional development opportunities to enhance the agricultural mechanics program.
  • Mitchell School District:
    • Awarded $38,663 for the modernization of the automotive technology lab.
  • Timber Lake School District:
    • Awarded $42,400 for the expansion of agriculture course offerings to strengthen industry alignment.
  • Wakpala School District:
    • Awarded $40,145 to purchase a skid steer simulator to enhance the agriculture and construction program.
  • Wolsey-Wessington School District:
    • Awarded $26,201 to purchase industry-aligned equipment to enhance the agriculture and construction program.

You can learn more about the South Dakota Perkins Reserve Grant at doe.sd.gov.



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