South Dakota

How can female runners stay safe following the murder of Laken Riley?

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

How can female runners stay safe following the murder of Laken Riley?

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Almost a week has gone by since the death of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered while running alone at the University of Georgia.

Since her murder, there has been an uproar of emotions amongst female runners across the nation and in South Dakota, who’ve expressed fear, sadness, and an overall sense of helplessness. How can these women look to achieve their goals and stay safe?

The Sioux Falls Women Run group was created as a safe space for female runners in the area to connect and look out for one another.

The group has over 3,000 members and it gives these women an opportunity to run with others. Board member of the Sioux Falls Women Run group, Iryna Schneider questions if women are an easy target for people who are not doing well and need to release their anger.

She said there is no other reason for finding an unprotected victim.

“Solo runs are some people’s safe place, it’s a place to be one-on-one. it’s a beautiful place to be,” Iryna said.

But now this image of a safe space has been tarnished. Female runners have questioned if their pepper spray, taser, or even a firearm will protect them on their next run.

A local self-defense academy said the best way to defend yourself is with the tools you were born with.

Sydney Meza who founded The Empowerment Center in Sioux Falls to help women protect themselves, said to be aware of your surroundings and that it’s always important to trust your gut when being approached by a stranger.

“They may be acting like the nicest guy in the world, and your brain may be telling you, ‘If you assert your boundary right now, he’s gonna think you’re crazy,’ but here’s the thing, when it comes to your personal safety, politeness is not the way to go,” Sydney stated.

She acknowledged that for many women who may find themselves in a situation where they’re about to be attacked, they freeze.

Her advice is to practice, so if your brain goes blank your body will know what to do.

In the video above you can see a demonstration of how to protect yourself if a stranger were to approach you.

For more information about classes at The Empowerment Center, click here.

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South Dakota

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

Published

8 hours 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

20 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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