South Dakota
South Dakota mental health nonprofit shuts down over financial problems
NAMI South Dakota, a nonprofit that provides free mental health support to residents across the state, has announced that its Board of Directors made the “difficult decision to dissolve the organization.”
NAMI South Dakota’s phone went unanswered as of Feb. 13. Its website is mostly inactive, with a brief message about support group meetings being canceled, but it offers online resources on the general NAMI website.
The most recent post on its Facebook page was on Feb. 5.
In an email statement to employees and supporters, NAMI South Dakota stated the directive does not “reflect the importance of our mission,” but rather a response to the “significant and ongoing financial challenges facing the nonprofit sector nationwide.”
Those challenges included reduced funding, rising operational costs and increasing financial uncertainty.
“We are incredibly proud of the work NAMI South Dakota has accomplished over the years,” the organization stated. “… we have been able to raise awareness, reduce stigma and provide hope and resources to countless individuals and families impacted by mental illness.”
About NAMI South Dakota
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) maintains itself as the “nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization,” with more than 650 state organizations and affiliates.
There were eight affiliates in South Dakota in addition to classes, programs and wellness activities offered in Sioux Falls, Sisseton and Milbank via the NAMI South Dakota Consumer Council.
NAMI South Dakota has provided more than 1,500 phone referrals and served 80 individuals at its annual conference. More than 4,700 people were reached by signature programs and 2,000 more by community events, according to the organization.
Staff members were informed of NAMI South Dakota being dissolved and that they were no longer employed with the organization by email Feb. 4.
The Argus Leader reached out to multiple NAMI South Dakota board members but had not received a response. Executive Director Sheri Nelson issued the same response previously given to employees.
Program Director, Brooke Hoffman of Sioux Falls, traveled throughout the state of South Dakota, speaking with K-12 students at various schools.
“I gave presentations about mental health, why it’s important, how to take care of it, warning signs, trusted adults. Suicide prevention to older kids,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman was the only program coordinator with the organization for the entire state of South Dakota, serving since September 2025.
Hoffman also had regular appointments with the Juvenile Detention Center in Sioux Falls and was scheduled to conduct crisis intervention trainings (CIT) with law enforcement at the Minnehaha County Jail and Public Safety Center in Sioux Falls.
“I was also invited to speak at the South Dakota HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) event in previous years,” Hoffman said. ‘A lot of kids attend that.”
HOSA lists NAMI as one of its many partners for the organization.
Hoffman was staying in Watertown while working with the Hamlin School District, one of five schools she worked with and more were in the process of being scheduled when she got the Feb. 4 phone call from Nelson telling her the organization had been dissolved and to stop all services.
“She then sent me the email to send to the schools I was working with,” Hoffman said, estimating the impact to be about 750 students.
Hoffman had been working under a Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant provided by SAMHSA that was awarded to South Dakota Behavioral Health, part of the South Dakota Department of Social Services. The grant was set to expire in September.
“It’s been a really hard blow for me personally,” Hoffman said. “I’m struggling a bit with my own mental health over it but trying to look forward too.”
Mental health in Sioux Falls
Beginning in 1988, Sioux Falls had a more localized NAMI affiliate, NAMI Sioux Falls, an independent nonprofit that offered classes and support services to local families.
In February 2020, NAMI Sioux Falls merged with the NAMI South Dakota office, a decision made by the national NAMI office, according to previous Argus Leader reporting.
“They have moved ahead with terminating the NAMI Sioux Falls Affiliate and have asked the NAMI South Dakota State Organization to step in to provide all programming for the Sioux Falls area,” NAMI South Dakota said in a statement.
In Sioux Falls, 16.8% of adults have been reported to have been diagnosed with depression and adolescent mental health ranked second in the city’s top three health priorities, according to the 2025 City of Sioux Falls Community Health Assessment.
Mental health in South Dakota
According to NAMI South Dakota data from May 2025, 166,000 state residents have a mental health condition, with more than 650,000 who live in communities without sufficient mental health care. More than 10,000 adolescents aged 12-17 have anxiety and depression in South Dakota, with 11,000 having serious thoughts of suicide per year.
Among six community health priorities, improving mental and behavioral health ranked 3rd in a 2023 South Dakota Department of Health Assessment on overall health.
Moving forward
Additional mental health resources, some of which are free, in Sioux Falls and throughout the state of South Dakota are listed on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, staffed in Sioux Falls by the Helpline Center.
As for Hoffman, the connections she made during her time with NAMI South Dakota have helped provide leads to new opportunities, while also working part time for Emily’s Hope.
“I have a few connections from being out in the community from volunteering with them and from working at NAMI,” she said. I’m just using what resources I have to get leads on a new role. Hopefully something similar to what I got to do for NAMI.”
“While NAMI South Dakota will be dissolving, the need for mental health support remains vital,” the Board of Directors said in a statement. “We encourage our community members to continue seeking and supporting mental health resources and organizations serving South Dakotans.”
Vanessa Carlson Bender is the real estate and development reporter for the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Reach her at vbender@gannett.com.
South Dakota
SD Lottery Powerball, Lotto America winning numbers for May 4, 2026
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from May 4 drawing
30-36-42-60-63, Powerball: 13, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from May 4 drawing
09-10-12-50-52, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 4 drawing
08-17-22-34-39, Bonus: 05
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.
South Dakota
Thousands expected for Avera Race Against Cancer in South Dakota
Thousands of participants are expected to lace up their shoes as the 38th Annual Avera Race Against Cancer returns Saturday, May 9, with events across eastern South Dakota and southwest Minnesota.
Avera Race Against Cancer running and walking events will take place in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre, Yankton and Marshall, Minnesota, with total participation projected to exceed 7,500 people. Last year’s event broke participation records with a total of 7,747 participants across all regions.
“We never take that for granted,” said Reid Jensen, director of annual giving for the Avera Foundation. “Yet a lot of our signups each year are based on the excitement and inspiration people have experienced or heard about from past events.”
The annual fundraiser supports patients facing all types of cancer, with proceeds benefiting a wide range of services. Among them is the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center, a 24/7 call center offering guidance and support to patients and families.
Funds also help cover lodging and transportation assistance for individuals and families, screenings and early detection, genetic testing, specialized equipment, wigs for cancer patients, complementary therapies, such as massage and Arts in Healing, and grief support and survivor events, according to the Avera Health press release.
Organizers emphasize that all dollars raised stay local to support patients and families in the region. As of April 30, fundraising totals had already reached more than $780,000 toward an $850,000 goal, $100k more than last year’s goal. Donations can be made online at AveraRace.org.
For those wishing to volunteer for the event, sign up online on the Avera Race Against Cancer Sioux Falls event page at averafoundation.org. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older. Those who sign up to volunteer will receive a 2026 Avera Race Volunteer shirt.
There is also still time to register individually on the event website.The Avera Race is one of the few large events of its kind that offers “week of” and “same day” registrations, according to the Avera press release.
“We’ve been doing that for 37 years and will continue to do that,” said Elijah Bonde, community giving manager for the Avera Foundation.
Sioux Falls race details
In Sioux Falls, the race will start and finish at the GreatLIFE Fitness Club at Avera McKennan Fitness Center at 3400 S. Southeastern Ave. Race course maps are available for each running or walking course. Parking information can be found on the Sioux Falls event page online at averafoundation.org.
Before the day of the event, all registered individual and team participants are required to pick up their race day packets at the GreatLIFE Fitness Club at Avera McKennan Fitness Center on the following dates and times:
Team packets:
- Friday, May 1, 1-7 p.m.
- Saturday, May 2, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 3, 10:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
- Monday, May 4, 7 a.m.–7 p.m.
Individual packets:
- Thursday, May 7, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 8, 7 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Packets will include timing chips on racing bibs for the 5K and 10K races and the first 5,000 registrants will receive an official 2026 Avera Race Against Cancer shirt.
Whether rain or warms rays of sunshine, the race day schedule of events will be as follows:
- 6 a.m. — Complimentary shuttle buses begin, running in 15-minute increments until 10 a.m.
- 7 a.m. — Avera Race Expo and Survivor Pavilion opens
- 7:15 a.m. — Survivor group photo
- 7:40 a.m. — Song tribute to all survivors
- 7:45 a.m. — Aerobic warm up with Jackie Haggar-Tuschen, executive director at Avera McKennan Fitness Center
- 8 a.m. — 10K race start and breakfast buffet opens
- 8:15 a.m. — 5K race start
- 8:20 a.m. — 1.5 and 3-mile walk start
Both runs will be staggered and chip-timed. Race results will be posted online after the race at AveraRace.org.
‘Smiles, hugs and a few tears’
The Race offers countless moments that keep people coming back year after year. It’s a powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together — united by purpose, driven by hope and committed to a cause that truly matters.
That spirit of unity is shown by not just runners and walkers, but also from local sponsors and organizations who make the event possible.
This year, Sioux Falls Ford Lincoln serves as the title sponsor for the 2026 race, and events like the Sioux Empire Ford Club’s Mustang Cruise for Race Against Cancer, held on April 28, have helped build momentum and excitement leading up to race day.
For the participants themselves, they bring their own story, motivation and connection to the cause.
“Many [participants] are running enthusiasts who appreciate the chip-timed 5K and 10K races, with awards to top finishers,” Bonde said.
Others simply enjoy venturing out an a spring day for a leisurely 1.5-mile family walk or a 3-mile walk, while also supporting a good cause.
In this instance, the race can also be a spectator sport for those who wish to cheer participants in support.
For those who stand beside patients in their hardest moments, the Avera Race Against Cancer is a day filled with meaning, and reflects the stories they carry, the lives they’ve cared for and the courage they witness every single day.
This is true for Jayna Boeve, mammography quality control technologist who leads a team from Avera primary care clinics in Sioux Falls, who has seen cancer tough the lives of not just patients but also co-workers, friends and family members.
“As healthcare workers, it’s especially meaningful for us to stand alongside our patients outside the clinical setting and show our support in a visible, unified way. It’s become a tradition that brings our team together for a cause that truly matters.”
For many others, the annual event is “deeply personal.”
Avera Foundation statistics reval that 90% of participants are not cancer survivors themselves but attend in support of someone they love, according to Avera’s press release on April 28.
“There’s a lot of fun as teams show their spirit. But there’s also inspiration as we recognize survivors and remember those who are no longer with us,” Jensen said. “We see a lot of smiles and hugs but also a few tears.”
Vanessa Carlson Bender is the Development and Public Health Reporter at the Sioux Falls Argus Leader. Reach her at vbender@gannett.com.
South Dakota
Tribes sue to halt exploratory drilling in Black Hills near sacred ceremonial site
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — Nine Native American tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska are suing the federal government in a bid to stop exploratory drilling for graphite near a sacred site in the Black Hills.
A small group of demonstrators has been protesting at the drilling location and at the mining company’s headquarters since they learned ground was broken on the drilling project in late April.
The tribes filed their federal lawsuit Thursday in South Dakota against the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging that the agencies violated federal law by greenlighting a project near a site called Pe’Sla, a meadow in the central Black Hills used for tribal ceremonies, prayer and youth camps year-round.
The project is the latest point of tension between tribes and mining interests in the lush pine-covered Black Hills, which encompass over 1.2 million acres (485,000 hectares), rising from the Great Plains in southwest South Dakota and extending into Wyoming.
The region is a yearly destination for millions of tourists boasting such attractions as Mount Rushmore and wildlife-filled state parks. Yet for even longer, it has been sacred to Sioux tribes who call the area He Sapa and consider it “the heart of everything that is,” according to the complaint.
Some of the landscape has already been altered by the gold rush of the 1870s that developed the region and displaced Native Americans. And in recent years, a new crop of miners driven by rising gold prices have sought to return to the landscape.
The complaint said the project by Rapid City-based mining company Pete Lien & Sons would impact the use of Pe’Sla for traditional, cultural and religious purposes by the tribes, and that the Forest Service did not consult with the tribes before approving the project.
Parts of Pe’Sla are owned by Sioux tribes after they bought the land in 2012, 2015 and 2018, and an agreement between the tribes and the Forest Service established a two-mile (three kilometer) buffer zone on public lands around the site, according to the complaint.
Because Pe’Sla was not included as an affected area and no environmental review was conducted, the approval violates the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act, the lawsuit alleges.
Pete Lien & Sons, which supplies materials like limestone, sand and gravel, did not return email requests or voicemails for comment Thursday and Sunday.
Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, said in a statement that the lawsuit is “a historic demonstration of unity” between the nine tribes. The tribes are separate, distinct federally recognized tribes sharing cultural and linguistic roots, but each with its own government and land base.
“We as Lakota people have been coming and praying and holding ceremony at these places for over 2,000 years,” said Wizipan Garriott, president of Indigenous advocacy group NDN Collective and a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. “And so us being here is a continuation of countless generations before us. And it’s important that these sacred places be protected for future generations to come.”
The project was granted a permit from the Forest Service in February without conducting an environmental review because the agency said it met the requirements for a categorical exclusion, like having a duration of less than a year and not posing impacts to environmental and cultural sites.
But tribal opponents disagree that those requirements were met and said drilling projects are often a first step leading to future mines.
Besides the lawsuit from the tribes, NDN Collective and other environmental groups filed a request for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to halt the project.
Some of the drilling pads are in the buffer zone around the site, according to NDN Collective. The project calls for the company to drill up to 18 holes down some 1,000 feet (300 meters) into the Earth to collect samples.
On Thursday, opponents demonstrated with signs reading “Protect Pe’Sla” and “Sacred ground not mining bound” near two drilling pads to block access. NDN Collective said the Forest Service told them drilling was paused for the rest of the day and the contractors were sent home.
The Forest Service said in a statement that it had no comment on the project when asked for a response.
“The Forest Service does not comment on the specifics of the case or on issues that are part of ongoing legal proceedings,” the statement said.
It is unclear when drilling began, but NDN Collective said it noticed drilling pads in operation last week. The group said protest actions will continue as needed to protect Pe’Sla.
“As Lakota, we pray as long as we need to,” Garriott said.
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