South Dakota

DOC officials touch on state of prison reform in South Dakota

Published

4 months ago

December 16, 2025

DOC officials touch on state of prison reform in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The governor’s Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force, which aims to determine the best path forward for expanding services, will hold its second meeting on Wednesday.

The meeting will continue the dive into what programming should look like for the new prison. Officials in the Department of Corrections say they appreciate the attention to the issue shown over the year.

“The focus is in the right place. I think people are asking the right questions. I think that it’s being noticed that reentry in totality is a group effort,” Justin Elkins, DOC Chief of Behavioral Health, said.

Sitting at 43%, lawmakers and the Rhoden administration have dedicated a substantial amount of time to addressing recidivism in the state.

“I think people are starting to see that reentry is something our department needs help within terms of collaboration and relationships. Because we only determine part of the equation when it comes to reentry,” Elkins said.

Corrections Reentry Program Manager Scott Day says this change in perspective regarding inmates is needed.

“95% of these individuals are going to come back into your community. They’re going to be your neighbors. They’re going to work at your local fast-food restaurant or at your local store. You’re going to see them walk down the street. We just need to see as a culture that these aren’t bad people; these are just people who need an opportunity to show that they can succeed.”

The prison reset task force, which focused on the structure of the new prison, ensured that programming space increased from what is currently available, even when the location changed from Lincoln County to Sioux Falls.

“There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t constantly think about what we could do more. And the new prison is needed. We need the space, we need the opportunity to get more programming in there,” Day said.

Day says the investment into programming space is not a matter of being soft on crime but rather smart on public safety.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for April 11, 2026

Published

8 hours ago

April 12, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at April 11, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 11 drawing

06-47-49-53-60, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 11 drawing

01-21-26-29-32, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Dakota Cash numbers from April 11 drawing

04-11-13-19-20

Check Dakota Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 11 drawing

15-19-24-38-55, Bonus: 05

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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South Dakota

Crews battling grass fire in western South Dakota

Published

20 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Crews battling grass fire in western South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – Crews in western South Dakota are battling a large grass fire in Custer County.

According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, the fire is estimated at 4,500 acres, and is burning between Highway 79 and Buffalo Gap. Smoke plumes could be seen as far as 15 minutes away.

Road closures are in effect for the area and state, federal, and local resources are on scene. Updates on the status of the fire will be provided as they become available.

Photo by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety – Facebook

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South Dakota

Your next can of Coke might have Mount Rushmore on it

Published

1 day ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Your next can of Coke might have Mount Rushmore on it

Check your next can of Coke, it might have a South Dakota landmark on it.

Coca-Cola has launched cans of its iconic drinks specific to each state. These will also include Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C. as a way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. South Dakota’s can features Mount Rushmore.

The Atlanta-based beverage company, like the country itself, is gearing up to celebrate close to three centuries of independence this July 4 with the release of America250 collectible mini cans.

From Georgia’s peach to California’s surfer culture, each mini-can “highlights iconic local symbols” of each one of the 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

According to the Coca-Cola Company, the America250 packaging also connects consumers to “interactive experiences.”

The campaign is anchored by “Drink in America,” a new creative anthem that celebrates the spirit of American communities.

“For nearly 140 years, Coca‑Cola has been part of the American experience,” Stacy Jackson, Vice President of Coca‑Cola Trademark, North America, said in a statement. “… Our goal is to uplift Americans throughout every zip code and create optimism for the future.”

Here’s what to know about Coca-Cola’s collectible America250 mini cans, including where to get them.

Coca-Cola has dubbed the new collection of limited-edition America250 packaging, which includes custom bottles and America250 collectible mini cans, “the center of the celebration.”

Each mini can features a design “unique” to each of the 50 states, plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.

Fans can unlock prizes and rewards, including the opportunity to win a new Jeep and other experiences inspired by exploring the country, by scanning participating products with America250 packaging.

Additional Coca-Cola brands like Vitaminwater, Smartwater, BodyArmor, and Gold Peak will also don commemorative packaging.

According to the Coca-Cola Company, the collectible mini cans will be available for purchase at major retailers, including Walmart and Target nationwide, starting this month. In addition to the minicans, Coca-Cola also plans to roll out custom bottles.

Coca-Cola confirmed to USA TODAY that regular Coke, Coke Zero and Diet Coke will have the America250 artwork on the minicans.

In addition to limited-edition packaging and “creative storytelling,” the America250 signature partner plans to rack up 250,000 volunteer hours in 2026 and will be launching “Paint the Nation,” a large-scale public art initiative.

Coca-Cola will keep the celebration going throughout 2026, with “brand presence” at major events, including the NASCAR Coca‑Cola 600 and the PGA Tour Championship.

According to the Coca-Cola Company, the “collaboration reflects both the Company’s deep roots in American culture and its ongoing commitment to bringing people together in meaningful ways.”

This story has been updated to add new information.

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