The state Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway has both increased its cohort size and endowed about 50 new teachers. Advocates say in a state with a noted teacher shortage, it represents steps toward closing the gap for educators.

The pathway gives qualified and interested paraprofessionals the opportunity to advance their careers and become fully fledged teachers.

For Kathryn Blaha, state Department of Education Division of Accreditation director, it does make a difference in the lives of those involved, and the communities they serve.

“As I listen to people who have been accepted into the program and hear their stories, it’s an opportunity for them to make a difference at a different level in the classroom, but it’s also making a significant impact on the communities that they’re living in and the financial changes for their own personal children,” Blaha said.

These cohorts are expanding to provide more opportunities on the back of support from the governor.

“We’ve had state support for additional funding for the program,” Blaha said. “It really is a program that allows individuals who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to seek a position as a teacher in a classroom to gain the experience and training to do so.”

As a result, Blaha said the new cohort will have over 70 positions. That’s the largest group since the inception of the program in 2023.

“It’s been a tremendous program,” Blaha said. “We have 118 that have graduated as of the spring and summer 2026 graduation ceremonies. We’re really to the impact and the differences those individuals will make.”

The program is run through Northern State University and takes an average of two years to complete.

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

Here’s a look at May 12, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 12 drawing

17-32-35-40-47, Mega Ball: 17

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 12 drawing

19-21-35-38-53, Bonus: 01

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.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – Mark Larson has been named Code Enforcement Officer of the Year for the City of Box Elder, honoring his work in the community and contributions to the profession.

The annual award recognizes a code enforcement officer for outstanding municipal service, community involvement, and professional achievements.

City officials credited Larson with helping improve communication, strengthening partnerships with other departments, and finding practical solutions to complex enforcement issues.

“Through exceptional communication, investigative, and critical thinking skills, Mark consistently develops creative and effective solutions,” said Box Elder Building and Code Enforcement Supervisor Chad Tomjack. He also praised Larson’s balanced approach of being firm when needed while working collaboratively when possible.

Among Larson’s key accomplishments was helping resolve a long-standing code enforcement case that had gone on for more than a decade. He also assisted with cleanup efforts at two trailer parks, removing abandoned structures and debris that had impacted nearby neighborhoods.

Larson was recognized during the SoDACE Training Conference, held May 6–7 in Fort Pierre.

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