South Dakota

More than 200 people suing South Dakota for Hideaway Hills sinkhole

Published

1 week ago

June 17, 2024

More than 200 people suing South Dakota for Hideaway Hills sinkhole

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KEVN) – Imagine waking up one day to a large sinkhole right outside your house.

For some residents of Hideaway Hills, that’s exactly what happened in April 2020 when a sinkhole formed revealing an abandoned gypsum mine.

Four years later, more than 200 people are involved in a lawsuit against the State of South Dakota and are seeking $60 million in damages.

Since 2020, the sinkhole in the Hideaway Hills neighborhood in Black Hawk has led to anger and fear.

“There’s no guarantee that a sinkhole won’t open under a school bus or somebody’s bedroom or anything else that’s out there. They’re also afraid they’re going to lose their utilities and they’re going to have to move,” said Kathleen Barrow an attorney with Fox Rothschild LLP.

Now, there is a class action lawsuit against the state of South Dakota as more than 200 people are claiming the area to be too dangerous to live in.

“To the degree that there was an incorrect or inadequate reclamation which is certainly one of the things we’re alleging, it can only be attributable to the state,” said Barrow.

There are currently 12 homes in an evacuation zone and a total of 158 homes are threatened due to their foundations having nothing stable to sit on.

Barrow believes more homes will be added to the evacuation zone.

“Every time it rains, you get small collapses and subsidence’s and that affects the structures of the homes,” said Barrow.

She feels empathy for those who have lost their homes because of the sinkhole.

“I wouldn’t know what to do because I wouldn’t have the means to buy another house and just vacate the one I’m in. Not very many of us would, but nobody should be living out there, unfortunately, because you don’t know what’s going to happen,” said Barrow.

Barrow says a hearing is expected at some point this summer and a trial is set for damages next spring.

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South Dakota

I29 REOPENS IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA – KSCJ 1360

Published

4 hours ago

June 26, 2024

Press Room

I29 REOPENS IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA – KSCJ 1360

INTERSTATE 29 HAS REOPENED IN SOUTHEAST SOUTH DAKOTA. STATE OFFICIALS REOPENED THE NORTH AND SOUTHBOUND LANES OF I29 TUESDAY AT 3 PM. FROM EXIT 2 TO EXIT 26.
THE LANES WERE CLOSED THIS WEEK DUE TO FLOODING ALONG THE BIG SIOUX RIVER.
LOCAL ROADS AND OTHER STATE HIGHWAYS CONTINUE TO BE IMPACTED BY HIGH WATER, CLEAN UP EFFORTS AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE.
THE MCCOOK LAKE EXIT MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CLOSURES FOR RESPONSE OPERATIONS.

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South Dakota

Governor Noem gives update on flooding in SE South Dakota

Published

11 hours ago

June 26, 2024

Press Room

Governor Noem gives update on flooding in SE South Dakota

YANKTON, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – On Tuesday afternoon, Governor Kristi Noem held a press conference in Yankton to give the latest update on flooding in Southeastern South Dakota.

During that press conference, Noem said that late last week state officials were informed of different cresting times for rivers. Luckily the James, Vermillion, and Big Sioux Rivers crested earlier than anticipated and at different times from one another. The James River was the final river of the three to crest, reaching its peak early Tuesday morning.

As the rivers have started to recede, cleanup is underway. Noem said the state is currently working with 30 counties in assessing to total damage done and submitting their reports to FEMA.

“We have to have a loss in order to qualify for FEMA of $1.6 million worth of property damage in order to qualify,” Noem explained. It’ll take up to 30 days until the state has notice of the funds they received.

However, when it comes to those damages, the governor has her eyes set on McCook Lake as her highest priority. She described how they underestimated the damage it would undergo. She said that they are currently working on a time for residents to obtain their belongings from within their homes and encourages individuals to stay away from the damage.

Noem did make it a point to thank law enforcement and emergency personnel who have traveled from all over that state to Southeast South Dakota to help with the flood waters. She also wants to remind individuals that are traveling on flooded roads or ones with barricades to turn around. For the latest on road conditions, click here.

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South Dakota

South Dakota’s WIC Program implements new income guidelines July 1

Published

19 hours ago

June 25, 2024

Press Room

South Dakota’s WIC Program implements new income guidelines July 1

The South Dakota Department of Health has released new income guidelines for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program effective July 1, 2024.

WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provided at no cost to eligible moms, infants, and children. It aims to empower families through support with healthy eating, nutrition, and breastfeeding, as well as offering referrals to other essential services. WIC strives to help improve the overall health and well-being of families.

“WIC makes a profound difference in the lives of families, offering essential nutrition, heartfelt discussions, and unwavering support,” said Department of Health Secretary, Melissa Magstadt. “The mission is to empower moms, infants, and children with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive and live healthier, happier lives.”

If your family’s annual income does not exceed the following amounts for the size of your family, you could qualify for WIC:

Family Size	185% of Federal Poverty Level	Family Size	185% of Federal Poverty Level
1	$27,861	6	$77,626
2	$37,814	7	$87,579
3	$47,767	8	$97,532
4	$57,720	9	$107,485
5	$67,673	10	$117,438

To find out if you or children in your household are eligible for the WIC Program and to apply online go to https://www.sd.gov/wic. Or you can call for an appointment at your local WIC office. Offices can be found under the county listings in your phone book or on the web at https://www.sd.gov/wic.

WIC is an equal opportunity provider. More information about the program is available at https://www.sd.gov/wic.

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