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

As South Dakota legislative session nears, dozens of bills already filed

Published

10 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

As South Dakota legislative session nears, dozens of bills already filed

The 2026 South Dakota legislative session is still a week away but we’re already seeing dozens of bills being introduced.

The Legislative Research Council’s website shows more than 60 bills already on tap as of Tuesday.

But many more are on the way. In recent years, the Legislature has seen on average around 500 bills per session. Generally, a little under half end up being signed into law.

Some of the early bills include an act allowing for the removal of a county commissioner and another creating a tax exemption for data centers.

Attorney General Marty Jackley is also introducing a host of bills including one allowing law enforcement to seize cryptocurrency that’s part of a criminal investigation.

“Cryptocurrency has become a haven for scammers, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, costing South Dakotans millions in losses and fueling online crime,” said Jackley. “This legislation adds ‘digital currency’ to South Dakota’s seizure laws, giving law enforcement the tools to confiscate illicit crypto assets and disrupt criminal networks hiding behind digital secrecy.”

A full list of bills and resolutions is available on the LRC’s website.

The 2026 session begins Jan. 13.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 5, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 5, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 5 drawing

04-18-24-51-56, Powerball: 14, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 5 drawing

02-07-08-21-45, Lucky Ball: 15

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 5 drawing

12-19-21-30-47, Star Ball: 05, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America 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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South Dakota

SD Lottery Lucky For Life winning numbers for Jan. 4, 2026

Published

2 days ago

January 5, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 4, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 4 drawing

03-08-13-38-47, Lucky Ball: 02

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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