South Dakota

1000 Thank You’s to those who keep our community safe

Published

2 years ago

July 4, 2024

1000 Thank You’s to those who keep our community safe

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – While many of us will be watching fireworks and grilling outside this Fourth of July, one group wants us to remember those working to keep everyone in our community safe.

An officer of the law is never “off duty.”

During the summer months, officers are putting in extra hours to respond to the increase in calls. With the Fourth of July holiday and the large number of visitors to the Black Hills, their work is constant.

“This time of year is very busy for our law enforcement agencies, and while many people are off flipping burgers, our folks will be working, and that’s what we do,” said Don Hedrick, the Chief of Police for the Rapid City Police Department.

As a way to thank law enforcement for all they do for the community, South Dakota Strong printed 1,000-yard signs thanking law enforcement for keeping people safe.

”It’s very humbling. Yesterday I took a drive up Mount Rushmore Road and saw an outpouring of support for law enforcement with signage, really, our folks see that, they appreciate it, and we work every single day to maintain the trust of the community, and it’s something that we take very seriously here in our county and in our city,” Hedrick said.

This is the second year for South Dakota Strong, which has grown in participation with double the number of signs posted, boosting the spirits of law enforcement.

”I had an opportunity to visit with a few staff this morning, and they just talked about the impact when they’re driving to work and they’re seeing these signs in their neighbor’s yards, they’re stopping at local businesses, and the signs are hanging in the windows. It means a lot to all of our staff, and it’s truly part of why all of us choose to do this work in this beautiful county,” Brian Mueller, the Pennington County Sherriff, said.

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South Dakota

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

Published

28 minutes ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A Rapid City church is hosting a free community event Thursday to raise awareness about human trafficking, with organizers saying the danger may be closer than people think.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is opening the presentation to the entire community because organizers say awareness alone can save a life.

“If we can get 20 people to understand what to look for — if we can get 20 people to understand that this organization exists — then we can start shining light into every corner, and suddenly it’ll be a better world,” said Alexandra Loverink, co-president of LWML Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Event details

The free presentation is Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Rushmore Street. The speaker is Reverend Tess Franzen, founder of Freedom’s Journey, a Rapid City-based ministry that has assisted hundreds of trafficking survivors over more than a decade.

Franzen said the problem in South Dakota is far more widespread than most people realize.

“We see mostly sex trafficking, but much of what we see is — some people might call it homegrown or familial,” Franzen said. “We see trafficking here where young people are being trafficked out, their family members are selling access to them when they’re children. And in many cases, they don’t really even realize there’s anything wrong with it.”

Organizer Cari Garwood-Beard said Franzen’s presentation changed how she sees her own neighborhood, and she wants others to have that same wake-up call.

“She told a story about her neighbor one time — just a good old guy — and found out that he was a trafficker. Her neighbor, who she thought was above boards,” Garwood-Beard said. “And it really hit home. My next-door neighbor could be.”

A freewill offering will be collected for Freedom’s Journey at Thursday’s event. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is at 1630 Rushmore Street.

Resources

If you suspect trafficking, dial 9-1-1 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more information about Freedom’s Journey, visit their website or call 805.380.8009.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for May 8, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

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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