South Dakota
Does North Dakota support mental health days for students?
BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — In recent times, the education system has experienced crises on many different ends — ranging from, according to the American Enterprise Institute, 26% of all public school attendees in the US were labeled “chronically absent” (missing at least 10% of the school year, or roughly 18 days of classes) in the last school year, a tremendous jump from the pre-pandemic rate of 15%. This leads some to wonder: what can be done to keep students in class?
In a comprehensive study by Test Prep Insight, 3,000 parents (including representatives from ND), parents were polled on whether or not they believe parents of absentee children should be fined, citing money as a major motivator for many. According to the results, 25% of North Dakotans support the idea of using financial penalties as a way to deter student absences, with an average suggested fine of $22 per day. The 44% who oppose this idea, meanwhile, say that it has the potential to be extremely unfair to parents from poorer backgrounds. The survey respondents continued to note that steps could be taken to help aid students outside of forcing another burden on their parents. 70% say that schools or authorities should provide extra support for those who may be struggling in classes, 20% suggest offering financial incentives for good attendance, and 10% say that additional communication with parents would be helpful.
It should be noted, however, that multiple causes can contribute to chronic absences among students, with mental health struggles serving as one of the most prevalent and frequently discussed. While exploring the issue of truancy, Test Prep Insight also asked their sample population about their feelings towards mental health absences.
Out of the surveyed parents, a fairly large percentage (73%) agree that children should be able to take mental health days. Unfortunately, despite interest in these programs, several obstacles make properly implementing them fairly difficult — the most common of which are unsupportive school policies (47%), social stigma (27%), and the fear of falling behind academically (26%). Luckily for those concerned about the last hurdle, the respondents also shared how they believe schools can support students who may need to take time to collect themselves: most notably through catch-up sessions (33%), regular check-ins from counselors (30%), flexible deadlines (25%), and providing assignments in advance (12%).
When asked about the changes they would like to see in handling childhood mental health issues, 39% of all surveyed parents called for better teacher training, 3% approved implementing mental health education in the school curriculum, 21% expressed an interest in improved communication between schools and parents, and 17% stated more on-site mental health professionals on-site.
Most also agreed these days should not be thrown around lightly, and that higher officials should be able to determine when mental health breaks are appropriate. 66% of parents say they should have the final say on whether or not a student can take one. An additional 17% believe the child’s therapist or physician is responsible for doing so, and 3% suggest that the school should decide.
To view the full study — including a detailed infographic showcasing how parents across the United States view the topic of being fined for absences — visit this page on TestPrepInsight.com.
FARGO — Energy companies plan to build a 150-mile power line that stretches from northwest of Fargo into South Dakota.
Otter Tail Power Co. and Xcel Energy introduced on Monday, July 6, their Big Stone South to Hankinson (North Dakota) to Bison transmission line to the Cass County Commission. The 345-kilovolt line will run from the Bison Substation about 15 miles northwest of Fargo, or 5 miles north of Mapleton, North Dakota, to the Hankinson Substation to the Big Stone South Substation about 60 miles northeast of Watertown, South Dakota, said Craig Steingaard, senior transmission project developer at Otter Tail.
The line will be made of single-circuit, self-supporting monopoles between 120 and 160 feet tall, spanning 700 to 1,200 feet between each other, Steingaard said. The right-of-way is expected to be 150 feet, he said.
The companies are in the process of determining the final route and seeking permits for the project, Steingaard said. Construction is slated to begin in mid-2030, with operation beginning in late 2033.
Otter Tail and Xcel are studying a corridor west of Fargo and along Interstate 29, according to a slideshow presented by Steingaard. The line will go through Cass and Richland counties in North Dakota and Grant and Roberts counties in South Dakota, Steingaard said.
The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and North Dakota Public Service Commission need to approve the projects. Otter Tail and Xcel also need to get building permits from the counties they cross.
The project is one of five high-priority projects in what is called the Joint Targeted Interconnection Queue, according to Otter Tail. The project seeks to “optimize interconnection” along the seam of the Southwest Power Pool and Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Otter Tail said.
SPP covers a region that includes north Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and parts of South Dakota and North Dakota. MISO also covers parts of North Dakota and covers much of the Midwest, including Minnesota and Iowa.
“It (the transmission line) helps relieve pressure on transmission lines that are currently overloaded,” Otter Tail spokeswoman Stephanie Hoff told The Forum. “Overall, it strengthens the electric system across the region, making it more reliable and better able to recover during emergencies or high-demand situations today and into the future.”
Xcel and Otter Tail have held open houses this year to gather input from the public. It also has reached out to landowners to assist in narrowing down the potential corridor, Steingaard said.
It’s unclear how much the project will cost or how many jobs it will create.
Otter Tail is also involved in a
160-mile power line
from near Fargo across the Red River into central Minnesota. That project is expected to begin in 2029 and could be operational in 2033, according to Otter Tail.
That line is in partnership with Great River Energy and Minnesota Power.
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at July 6, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from July 6 drawing
17-44-63-66-67, Powerball: 04, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from July 6 drawing
12-16-19-21-23, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from July 6 drawing
02-08-32-54-56, 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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Nexstar Media Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
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