South Dakota
Legalization of recreational marijuana in South Dakota could become reality in November
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – We’re only months away from the general election and there’s a chance recreational marijuana could get legalized here in South Dakota.
On November 5, South Dakota voters will have the opportunity to vote on Initiated Measure 29 which would legalize the possession, distribution, and use of recreational marijuana for people ages 21 and older.
This wouldn’t be the first time legalization has been on the South Dakota ballot.
In 2020, the legalization of marijuana was originally approved by state voters through Constitutional Amendment A, but that was overturned in court on a constitutional challenge.
In 2022, voters voted no against the passing of marijuana legalization.
A supporter for the legalization of recreational marijuana is confident it will finally be passed in November.
“29,000 people signed the ballot. People are really wanting to push this home. The state might have some fatigue on the issue in [and] of itself, but with so many other issues on the ballot and turnout expected to be so high, I think it will be pretty clear where the state lies in November,” Member of the “Yes on 29″ Ballot Committee Brad Jurgensen said.
Not everyone in the state is for the measure being passed, with one opponent believing the legalization of marijuana would be problematic.
”The number one predictor of increased jail and incarceration is substance abuse and drug abuse. And there’s no question at all that marijuana, the research is very clear, is a gateway drug, and it leads to harder and more serious drugs for our kids,” Chairperson for “Protecting South Dakota Kids” Jim Kimyon said.
Whether people are for or against legalizing marijuana, a decision on the future of cannabis in South Dakota will be made in November.
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Copyright 2024 KOTA. All rights reserved.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Legislation was considered to split Dakota Territory east-west at the Missouri River instead of the current north-south split that was approved in 1889.
A retrospective released by the state of South Dakota on the 125th anniversary of statehood noted that the east-west proposal did have some support.
The East/West Dakota would have followed the Missouri River and aligned regions with similar geographic and cultural identities.
The north-south border decision was motivated partially by resentment between the northern and southern portions of Dakota Territory over the location of the state capital. In 1883, the territory’s capital was moved from Yankton to Bismarck.
Other reasons cited included separate railroad systems, economic ties to major eastern cities (Sioux Falls and Fargo) and the growth of separate systems of public institutions.
This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.
Sources
State of South Dakota, 125th anniversary story
BigThink.com, East and West Dakota? Here’s What Those States Would Look Like
Medium, A Tale of Two States
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Copyright 2026 KOTA. All rights reserved.
LINCOLN, Neb. (WOWT) -Nebraska softball defeated South Dakota 4-1 in the opening game of its first NCAA Regional at Bowlin Stadium since 2013.
South Dakota took an early 1-0 lead in the fourth inning when Wahoo native Autumn Iverson hit a home run to left field that struck the scoreboard. The Coyotes started five players from Nebraska in their lineup.
Nebraska tied the game in the fifth inning when Hannah Coor hit a two-out triple up the middle that rolled to the wall, scoring Jordy Frahm.
Hannah Camenzind followed with a fly ball to right field that scored Coor with the go-ahead run. Camenzind was thrown out attempting to stretch the hit into a triple, ending the inning.
The Huskers added insurance runs in the sixth inning when Kacie Hoffmann, an Elkhorn South alum, hit an RBI double that scored Samantha Bland and Kennadi Williams to make it 4-1.
Frahm closed out the game in the seventh inning. Bella Bacon caught a line drive for the final out.
Nebraska will play Grand Canyon on Saturday at noon in the winner’s bracket.
Copyright 2026 WOWT. All rights reserved.
SIOUX CITY (KTIV) – As it gets closer to summer, more drivers will be on the road and the South Dakota Highway Patrol wants to remind drivers to stay vigilant behind the wheel.
With summer vacations, joy rides in the nice weather, and more drivers on the road, travel will be busier than usual.
On top of that, an increase in construction projects could cause delays and change traffic patterns.
All of this means drivers should stay alert when they are behind the wheel.
“With all of the traffic going on during the summer time during the road construction, we just want to remind people on the roadway to slow down, pay attention to the traffic signs, the construction workers, and the traffic ahead of them,” Trooper Tori Hurtig of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.
Also, reminding motorcyclists and drivers to remain aware of their surroundings.
“Be a proactive and defensive driver, so watch where you are going, watch where the other drivers are going, and also try and avoid any unnecessary corrective actions as well,” said Hurtig.
Highway Patrol also wants to remind people to wear seatbelts and, if driving a motorcycle, to wear a helmet.
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Copyright 2026 KTIV. All rights reserved.
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