South Dakota

2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns in South Dakota

Published

2 years ago

July 27, 2024

2024's 8 Most Beautiful Small Towns in South Dakota

South Dakota contains the most well-known and highly praised American monuments in the United States. The recognizable faces of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse are just the tip of South Dakota’s tourist iceberg. In the territory and former hunting grounds of the Lakota and Dakota Sioux peoples, you will find 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota. From the state capital of Pierre to Hill City and Custer, which are closest to the most mentioned landmarks in America, these beautiful small towns shine with their own features and factoids that will have you coming back for more. So charter a map and point your finger at the many landmarks in the geographical center of the US, particularly in 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota.

Custer

Aerial View of Custer, South Dakota, at Sunset.

Custer, almost 40 miles away from Rapid City, neighbors many of the most iconic national parks in America. Aside from the presidential countenances of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the one face in Crazy Horse Memorial, there are the sweeping woodlands of the Custer State Park and the deep caverns of the Wind Cave National Park. These oft-mentioned landmarks are certainly among the most beautiful and memorable attractions one can cherish around Custer. The town also happens to be the oldest town in the Black Hills, where one can observe dozens of modern-day cowboys corralling thousands of buffalo during the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival from September 26 – 28. There are also the Crazy Horse Volksmarch challenges on September 29, where thousands of people undergo an arduous 6.2-mile pilgrimage to the Crazy Horse Memorial. So if you are eager to see the masterful works of nature and man, you can stay a while in some of Custer’s best hostels, such as the Calamity Peak Lodge, Bavarian Inn, or Shady Rest Motel & Cabins.

Hill City

Hill City is another convenient stop-by towards South Dakota’s majestic monuments, such as Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more. However, unlike its close neighbor, Custer, Hill City happens to be much nearer to the Jewel Cave National Monument, the third largest and longest cave system in the world. There may be wonders to behold in the underworld, but the surface world also has its appealing attractions. The Museum @ Black Hills Institute, for instance, houses the prehistoric fossils of dinosaurs that were unearthed from the Black Hills and nearby regions. One can familiarize oneself with the vibrant cultures and indigenous histories of the Black Hills at the CCC Museum of South Dakota, or you can hitch a ride at the Train Depot of Hill City, which has been in operation since the year 1880. Only about 14 miles from Custer, the sublime accommodations of the Alpine Inn, the EverSpring Inn & Suites, or the Black Hills Trailside Park Resort will have you refreshed and renewed for more adventures in the Black Hills.

Pierre

Strangely enough, the capital city of South Dakota, Pierre, is the second least populous state capital in the US. Over 14,000 people live in Pierre compared to the 200,000 population in Sioux Falls. Regardless of the size difference, Pierre is a pleasant destination on the banks of the Missouri River. Originally, Pierre was an Arikara and Sioux that William Clark and Meriwether Lewis visited in their legendary expedition. Some of the oldest buildings in South Dakota can be found here, such as the governor’s mansion, which has endured the ages since 1937.

There is also the Cultural Heritage Center for those who want to know more about the history of Pierre and South Dakota, in addition to the Flaming Fountain, which honors many war veterans. History enthusiasts might fancy touring Fort Pierre, the original fur-trading center of the Northwest that operated from 1832 to 1855. Rumor has it that a monument in Fort Pierre supposedly marks the spot where a lead plate from 1743 was buried, which claims that South Dakota belongs to France. Other than these historic landmarks, you can also admire more modern wonders, such as the Oahe Dam, which manages the flow of Lake Oahe, the Cheyenne River, and the Missouri River. So, for those of you who want to explore more of the second least populous state capital in the US, you can enjoy accommodations at the Historic Farr House or Hitching Horse Inn.

Brandon

Approximately 18 minutes away from the dense city of Sioux Falls, Brandon is a hub of biodiversity and activity in South Dakota. Travelers can admire the untamed and ferocious wildlife of the Big Sioux Recreation Area, while the Great Bear Recreation Park is a perfect destination for those eager for snowboarding and skiing during the coldest season of the year. More animals and organisms can be admired at the Beaver Creek State Nature Area, just as the East Sioux Falls Historic Site and the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum are homes to many of South Dakota’s plant species and flowers. If there is sublimity to simplicity, then Brandon exemplifies this statement with its humble atmosphere and its proximity to some of the most serene and lush wilderness in South Dakota. So take a break from Sioux Falls and head over to the lovely community of Brandon.

Wall

About 50 minutes east of Rapid City lies the quaint town of Wall. As the gateway to the Badlands National Park, Wall is not the type of town to deter or repel travelers coming from all over the world. The Badlands Wilderness Overlook, the Pinnacles Overlook, the Yellow Mounds Overlook, and other locations that overlook striated mesas are just some of the many stellar regions in the Wall’s neighboring badlands. Making a home out of this arid and arduous land are the thousands of American bison at Sage Creek Wilderness Area. Aside from these natural features, you can traipse about in the Delta-09 Minuteman Missile Silo (a remnant of the Cold War); peruse paleontological items at the Wall Drug Backyard; and taste free ice water from the Wall Drug Store. If you ever get exhausted from traveling through the badlands of Wall, you can always settle down in a comforting abode like the Hansen Inn & Cabins.

Vermillion

Situated close to the state borders of Nebraska and South Dakota, Vermillion is a town of remarkable charm and vermillion hospitality. The town stands atop a bluff that overlooks the majestic Missouri River. Vermillion is also the headquarters of the University of South Dakota, one of the best college towns in South Dakota. Within those school grounds are the National Music Museum, also known as America’s Shrine to Music; the W.H. Over Museum; and the Austin-Whittemore House, which are all perfect places for travelers to become more acquainted with Vermillion’s inception. Do not miss out on the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival from June 6 – 9 for a grand appreciation of the Bard. Only about one hour away from Sioux City, stay in the soothing rooms of the Prairie Inn amidst the nightly splendors of Vermillion.

Deadwood

Historic saloons, bars, and shops bring visitors to Main St. in this Black Hills gold rush town, famous for Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane. Editorial credit: Kenneth Sponsler / Shutterstock.com

Deadwood has seen its fair share of swashbuckling brawls and shootouts in the era of the Wild West. When it first began in 1876, gold miners and prospectors founded Deadwood as a major treasure trove of resources. Even famous outlaws like Calamity Jane, Seth Bullock, and Wild Bill Hickok plundered the riches of Deadwood, as best seen in the 2004 TV series Deadwood, and whose remains can be seen at the Mount Moriah Cemetery.

Despite its chaotic past, Deadwood is now a vibrant and vivacious settlement in the Black Hills National Forest. Within these lively and towering trees, you can traipse through the Tatanka Story of Bison or ascend the Mount Roosevelt Friendship Tower to get a better view of the region. The Adams Museum, aside from chronicling Deadwood’s gold-mining heritage, also exhibits a plesiosaur fossil and buckets of gold nuggets. No need to worry about lodgings because the Lodge at Deadwood and Historic Bullock Hotel are some of the many excellent places that will keep you cozy and satisfied in Deadwood.

Spearfish

Spearfish is a gorgeous small town replete with verdant routes and trails in the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Follow the eternal waterfalls of these trails and head over to the D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery to admire the many fishes in Spearfish. You might also fancy the unique natural pools called “Devil’s Bathtub” in Spearfish Creek. The avant-garde masterpieces of the Termesphere Gallery will leave you amazed by the masterful artistry of South Dakota’s residents, just as the High Plains Western Heritage Center—with its well-preserved models of stagecoaches, chuck wagons, and a model homestead—will offer you a glimpse of the pioneering past. Spearfish also happens to be the home of the prestigious Black Hills State University for those of you eager to be enlightened. Only 20 minutes from Deadwood, set your sights and aim for the arboreal beauties of Spearfish.

South Dakota certainly has a plethora of beautiful attractions, notably 2024’s most beautiful small towns in South Dakota. Education is prospering in university towns like Spearfish and Vermillion. The Wild West’s lawless adventures return to Deadwood’s thriving industry. The Black Hill towns of Hill City and Custer give visitors convenient access to monuments like Crazy Horse, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave. So whether you are sightseeing the majestic animals in Brandon’s parks and landscapes or chatting with the many people in the least populous state capital of Pierre, you will not be disappointed by the sublimity and magnificence of South Dakota’s small towns.

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South Dakota

7 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas in South Dakota

Published

12 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

7 Most Rattlesnake Infested Areas in South Dakota

There is only one rattlesnake native to South Dakota: the prairie rattlesnake. Also known as the Great Plains rattlesnake, it has the largest range of any rattlesnake in North America, stretching from Canada to Mexico.

In South Dakota, the prairie rattlesnake’s range crosses through the western parts of the state and lands around the Missouri River. The prairies, badlands, rocky outcrops, and river watersheds make ideal places for it to thrive, and these snakes are most often found in areas where that terrain provides them with room to hide and hunt.

These snakes are not aggressive toward humans, but they will defend themselves if threatened. That is why the areas below stand out, as they combine the kinds of habitat where prairie rattlesnakes are most likely to live with places where people also hike, camp, and explore.

Custer State Park

Herd of buffalo in Custer State Park.

Spanning 71,000 acres, Custer State Park is home to granite mountain peaks, lakes, and grasslands. Set in the Black Hills, its most noteworthy trails are up mountains such as Black Elk Peak, but its Wildlife Loop Road runs for 18 miles through open grasslands home to prairie dogs, bison, and other animals. These grasslands are a prairie rattlesnake’s preferred habitat, as they can slither through undetected and feed on prairie dogs, taking over their colonies.

Prairie rattlesnakes can be found in other places in Custer State Park as well, including in lower-elevation campgrounds. There have been multiple reports of rattlesnakes wandering onto campgrounds. This can be especially dangerous for guests who wander outside without proper footwear. That’s why it’s critical to always wear good shoes or boots while in these parks to avoid a nasty bite if you accidentally step on one of these reptiles.

Badlands National Park

These badlands contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. The area was once covered by a sea, leaving behind many ancient marine creatures, such as the massive Mosasaurus. Mammal fossils are also common here, such as the Nimravid cat and the Brontothere, which likely grew to 8 to 16 feet tall and closely resembled modern rhinos. The badlands still provide rich habitat for wildlife, including prairie rattlesnakes, which are most often found in the prairies below the Badlands National Park’s iconic sedimentary rock formations.

The prairie rattlesnake feasts on a wide variety of prey in the park, from prairie dogs to burrowing owls and ferrets. It uses its heat-seeking pits to track its prey, while its tongue picks up particles in the air to “smell.” However, these snakes are not the only predators here. Red-tailed hawks and Golden Eagles are known to attack and eat these rattlesnakes, along with badgers.

Prairie rattlesnakes are most active from the spring to fall, but they can also come out in slightly cooler weather to bask in sunlight.

Lake Francis Case

Lake Francis Case was formed by the Fort Randall Dam on the Missouri River in the 1950s. It covers 102,000 acres with a maximum depth of 140 feet. Unfortunately, its creation flooded a Native American settlement and forced the community out. The lake is surrounded by prairies, from which hikers have seen prairie rattlesnakes. The lake is also home to a population of prairie dogs, which are prime prey for prairie rattlesnakes.

However, some prairie rattlesnakes can get closer to the shoreline, as Snake Creek Recreation Area is one of the better-known hotspots. They have been spotted hiding in the rocks and bushes by the lake. One trail known as a rattlesnake hotspot is the Shannon Trail, which connects the north and south campgrounds and overlooks Lake Francis Case.

George S. Mickelson Trail

The George S. Mickelson Trail is a 109-mile-long trail along an abandoned rail line across western South Dakota in the Black Hills. It connects to multiple forests, state parks, and privately maintained trails, including areas near Custer State Park. Toward the lower-elevation southern end of the trail, rattlesnakes have been regularly sighted by hikers and South Dakota park authorities.

The southern end of the trail passes through several habitats that support the prairie rattlesnake, such as the lower-elevation Sheep Canyon, where the rattlesnakes can hide among rocks, and the grassy prairies near Custer, South Dakota. Hikers in South Dakota sometimes find these snakes in prairie dog holes, as prairie rattlesnakes occasionally stick their heads out of them.

Wind Cave National Park

Wind Cave National Park comprises two distinct ecosystems: a vast cave and an above-ground prairie. The cave was of great importance to the Lakota people because it is central to their emergence story. What makes this park a good environment for rattlesnakes is its mixture of prairies and ponderosa forests. Prairie dogs in particular dig holes known as underground colonies or ‘towns,’ which prairie rattlesnakes often use as ambush sites to hunt prey.

The rattlesnakes can also take refuge in rocky outcrops, both to protect themselves from the elements and to ambush prey. During cooler parts of the year, snakes are more likely to bask in the sun, increasing the chance of human encounters. The Wind Cave National Park is also close to several other rattlesnake hotspots on this list, including Custer State Park.

Missouri River

The Missouri River is the longest river in the United States, flowing for 2,341 miles from the Rocky Mountains of Montana down into the Mississippi River in Missouri. It flows through western and central South Dakota as well, providing water for a large semi-arid watershed. In South Dakota, the drier climate and the rocky bluffs, shorelines, and nearby prairie habitat along the river make this corridor one of the main areas where prairie rattlesnakes are found.

Prairie rattlesnakes are most strongly associated with western South Dakota and the lands around the Missouri River. They are more often found in rocky or grassy areas near the river than in the water itself, though they have been observed swimming and may occasionally enter the water. As a result, people fishing or hiking through the Missouri River valley should stay alert for this snake.

Black Hills National Forest

The Black Hills National Forest is a massive area, covering 1.2 million acres of forests and mountains, or 110 miles long by 70 miles wide. It has been called an Island in the Plains, as it rises above the mostly flat landscape of the Great Plains.

The forest contains 1,300 miles of streams, 11 reservoirs, 353 miles of trails, and 30 campgrounds. While exploring this forest, hikers and campers may encounter rattlesnakes, especially in lower-elevation areas or in rocky areas. In hot summer weather, rattlesnakes often retreat from the heat, but during the cooler spring and fall months, they are more likely to bask in the open.

In some cases, hikers may not hear a warning rattle right away, which is one reason caution matters in rocky or brushy areas. These tails don’t provide the support needed for their rattles to make a sound. Wildlife experts believe this is an evolutionary change, since rattlesnakes that make a loud rattle are more likely to be killed by frightened hikers or campers.

Humans are rattlesnakes’ biggest predators

Prairie rattlesnakes face many threats, and encounters with humans are one of them. Rattlesnakes usually try to avoid people when they can, or warn them when someone gets too close. These incidents are often avoidable if you take proper precautions, such as wearing sturdy shoes, staying on trails, and being aware of what lies ahead. These snakes may be intimidating, but they are far more threatened by humans than we are by them.

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South Dakota

Coaches select all-state boys basketball players from Class AA, A & B

Published

24 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Here are the 2025-26 South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association All-State boys basketball teams:

Class AA

First Team

Sam DeGroot, SF Lincoln, 6-7, sr., F (20.9 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game)

Blake Ellwein, Huron, 6-10, sr., G (22.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 2.1 apg)

Gavin Shawd, Tea Area, 6-1, jr., G (21.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Stellen Larson, Harrisburg, 6-3, sr., F (14.3 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 1.7 apg)

Carter Buisker, Watertown, 6-3, sr., G (18.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 3.9 apg)

Brody Schafer, SF Lincoln, 6-0, jr., G (9.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 6.3 apg)

Second Team

Colton Smith, Mitchell, 6-5, sr., G-F (17.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3 apg)

Davis Chase, Huron, 6-8, jr., F (15.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.6 apg)

Ayuel Deng, Brandon Valley, 6-3, sr., G (13.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg)

Sam Ericsson, SF Lincoln, 6-3, sr., G (13.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.4 apg)

Colby Nuttbrock, SF Jefferson, 6-5, jr., F (19 ppg, 7 rpg, 1.9 apg)

Grifin Wiebenga, Tea Area, 6-4, jr., F (16.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.4 apg)

Honorable Mention

Jackson McClemans, Watertown, 6-5, sr., G-F (14.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 6.0 apg)

Mason Clark, O’Gorman, 6-0, sr., G (13.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 3.3 apg)

Memphis Bylander, SF Roosevelt, 6-5, sr., F (11.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.2 apg)

Justin Bilal, SF Roosevelt, 6-5, sr., F (10.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 1.6 apg)

Hayden Rock, Sturgis, 5-11, sr., G (21.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.4 apg)

Bergan Tetzlaff, Brookings, 6-6, sr., F (15.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.2 apg)

• Player of Year — DeGroot.

• Repeat Selections — 2025 (Ellwein, DeGroot and Ericsson, first team; Schafer, Smith and Wiebenga, second team; 2024 (Ellwein and Smith, first team).

Class A

First Team

Brant Wassenaar, SF Christian, 6-4, jr., G (22.8 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.5 apg)

Marvin Richard III, Pine Ridge, 6-3, sr., G (30.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 5.5 apg, 92 steals)

Connor Mebius, West Central, 5-10, jr., G (17.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 5.6 apg)

Trey Hansen, Vermillion, 6-4, sr., G (25.9 ppg, 8 rpg, 6.1 apg, 68 steals)

Jackson Wadsworth, Hamlin, 6-3, jr., G (21.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.4 apg)

Sully Felberg, Clark-Willow Lake, 6-8, so., F (15.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 2.3 apg)

Second Team

Will Kuhl, West Central, 6-10, sr., F-C (15.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.6 apg)

Wyatt Gylten, St. Thomas More, 6-4, sr., G-F (19.2 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.2 apg)

Ryder Johnson, Groton Area, 6-5, sr., G (16.4 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 2.9 apg)

Riley Casey, Little Wound, 6-1, sr., G (26.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 5.8 apg, 75 steals)

Boden Stevenson, Hamlin, 6-5, jr., F (17.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.1 apg)

Tatum Sorensen, Dakota Valley, 6-2, sr., G (22.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 60 steals)

Third Team

Eddie Duffy, Stanley County, 6-2, jr., G-F (20.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 3.7 apg)

Tate Gerdes, Lennox, 6-3, sr., G (15.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg)

Aiden Hanssen, Lennox, 6-0, jr., G (17.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg)

Chris Bevers, Clark-Willow Lake, 6-3, jr., G (14.3 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 apg)

Zane Messick, Hill City, 6-0, sr., G (19 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 3.1 apg, 59 steals)

Cooper Goodbary, SF Christian, 6-4, sr., F (12.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.9 apg)

Honorable Mention

Luke Sheppard, Flandreau, 6-5, sr., F (16.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 5.2 apg)

Damien Clown, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, 6-0, sr., G (15 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg)

Carter Craven, Winner, 6-6, jr., F (23.4 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.2 apg)

Brady Hiltunen, Sioux Valley, 6-2, jr., G (17 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.4 apg)

Levi Elk Nation, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, 6-2, sr., G (13 ppg, 6 rpg, 5 apg)

Isaak Hunter, Miller, 6-4, sr., F (18.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3 apg)

Paxton Deal, Stanley County, 6-0, sr., G (16.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 47 steals)

• Player of Year — Wassenaar.

• Repeat Selections — 2025 (Richard and Wassenaar, first team; Hansen, Gerdes and Mebius, second team; Craven, Johnson, Hunter and Felberg, third team; Goodbary and Kuhl, honorable mention); 2024 (Richard, first team; Hansen, honorable mention).

Class B

First Team

Grant Wilkinson, De Smet, 6-10, sr., C (24.4 ppg, 18.8 rpg, 45 blocks)

Teelen Kjerstad, Wall, 6-3, jr., G (27.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4 apg, 91 steals)

Wesley Wittler, Sully Buttes, 6-1, sr., G (22.3 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 81 steals)

Brady Schroedermeier, Viborg-Hurley, 6-2, sr., F (22.7 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 70 steals)

Kamden Keszler, Castlewood, 6-3, jr., G (19.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.2 apg)

David Walter, Freeman, 6-5, so., G (17.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 3 apg)

Second Team

Brycen Bruening, Parkston, 6-2, jr., G (19.7 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.3 apg, 61 steals)

Colby Flowers, Wessington Springs, 6-5, sr., F (19 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 apg)

MJ Diehm, Lyman, 5-11, jr., G (19 ppg, 3 rpg, 6 apg, 60 steals)

Chance Schoenfeld, Deubrook Area, 6-9, sr., F-G (19.3 ppg, 8 rpg, 48 blocks)

Brooks Jett, Aberdeen Christian, 6-5, jr., f (13.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 29 blocks)

Ben Weber, Bridgewater-Emery, 6-6, sr., F (18.5 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 6 apg)

Third Team

Parker Graff, Wessington Springs, 6-1, sr., G (16 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg)

Tate Sorensen, Freeman, 6-2, sr., F (10.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.8 apg)

Emmet Dinger, Wall, 6-3, sr., F (15.7 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 apg)

Holden Wollman, Bridgewater-Emery, 6-2, sr., G (21.8 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg)

Jake Austin, Viborg-Hurley, 5-9, sr., G (12 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 2.3 apg)

Lucas Peskey, Iroquois-Lake Preston, 6-0, jr., G (19.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 56 steals)

Honorable Mention

Noah Luethmers, De Smet, 6-3, jr., G (14.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.2 apg)

Dawsen Volmer, Lyman, 6-4, jr., F-G (13 ppg, 7 rpg, 40 blocks)

Colt Keiser, Gregory, 6-6, sr., F (18.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 47 blocks)

Westyn Thorpe, Leola-Frederick Area, 5-10, sr., G (10.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 4.2 apg)

Kassen Keough, Langford Area, 6-0, sr., G (21 ppg, 5 rpg, 45 steals)

Hogan Hlavacek, Waubay-Summit, 6-7, so., C-F (16 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 2.2 apg)

Caleb Richmond, Wolsey-Wessington, 6-1, sr., G (15.3 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg)

• Player of Year — Wilkinson.

• Repeat Selections — 2025 (Wilkinson and Wittler, first team; Schroedermeier, Flowers and Weber, second team; Kjestad, Walter, Jett, Graff and Dinger, third team; Bruening, honorable mention); 20024 (Graff, third team; Weber and Wittler, honorable mention).

Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com

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South Dakota

Governor Rhoden signs school lunch bill into law

Published

1 day ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Governor Rhoden signs school lunch bill into law

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Governor Rhoden officially signed HB 1082 into law on Friday, March 27.

HB 1082 is a bill that establishes parameters for reimbursing school districts that provide free or reduced-price meals to students.

Representative Kadyn Wittman, who has worked to pass the bill for several years, expressed excitement and gratitude in a post to Facebook on Friday.

“10,000 kids across our state will now have access to free school meals. No stigma. No barriers. Just the support they need to learn and grow,” wrote Wittman.

“So incredibly grateful to everyone who made this happen. This is a big win for South Dakota families!”

You can see the full bill and its sponsors here.

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