South Dakota

'Christmas at the Capitol' marks kickoff to holiday season in South Dakota

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

Press Room

'Christmas at the Capitol' marks kickoff to holiday season in South Dakota

(Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

PIERRE — The Christmas season has officially started in South Dakota’s capital city.

Gov. Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem, along with Pierre Mayor Steve Harding, hosted the annual state Capitol tree lighting ceremony in Pierre Tuesday night, marking the kickoff of the holiday display that has become a must-see attraction in the state.

This year, over 90 trees adorn the hallways of the building, displaying the ornaments of different service organizations and groups across the state that were chosen to decorate them.

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“This is always a special event and the kickoff to the holiday season in South Dakota,” Noem said, noting that the lighting ceremony has become one of her favorite events to attend as governor.

This year, the theme is “Through a Child’s Eye.” The featured tree – a 28-foot Colorado blue spruce – was donated by Deb Lutz and her family from Mobridge. Lutz’s daughter, Carrie, planted the tree’s seed 30 years ago with her dad, Darwin. Carrie’s dad, a regular attendee to Christmas at the Capitol every year, dreamed of donating the tree for the annual affair. Darwin passed away in 2021, but this year, that wish finally came true.

The tree was decorated by this year’s prime sponsor, the YMCA Youth Development organization – in coordination with the Oahe YMCA in Pierre. The decorations, which include candies, desserts and miscellaneous Christmas trinkets, are extremely large in size as a way to capture the way that kids see Christmas time.

Noem encouraged others to think of the holiday season this year in the way that a child does.

“I think you’ll find it’s even more memorable and enjoyable when we look at it like they do,” Noem said.

In addition to the tree and decorations displayed on three floors of the Capitol, various events and celebrations will occur throughout the duration of the display. They can be followed on Christmas at the Capitol’s Facebook page. Children are also encouraged to leave letters for Santa in the mailbox, located on the first floor near the first ladies and gentleman display.

Christmas at the Capitol is open to viewing by the public every day until Dec. 26, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sights and scenes from the 2024 Christmas at the Capitol in Pierre. (Austin Goss/The Dakota Scout)

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South Dakota

SD Highway Patrol releases new details on hit and run, asks for public’s help

Published

9 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Press Room

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.

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South Dakota

Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces $48 million for statewide projects

Published

21 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces 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.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 8, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 8 drawing

05-12-13-39-48, Lucky Ball: 13

Check Lucky 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.

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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