South Dakota
South Dakota unemployment rate is lower than the nation’s
PIERRE, S.D. (SDBA) — South Dakota’s unemployment rate stayed at 1.9 percent in January, well below the national average of 4.1 percent, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Labor and Regulation.
The state’s workforce grew to 491,500 people in January. That’s up 0.2 percent from December and 1.5 percent higher than one year ago.
About 45,070 workers remain available statewide to fill jobs at new or expanding businesses.
Construction jobs increased by 7.5 percent compared to January 2024, adding 1,900 workers despite typical winter slowdowns. However, the industry saw a seasonal decline of 6.8 percent from December.
The health care and social assistance sectors gained 2,100 jobs over the past year, an increase of 3 percent. Hospitals alone added 800 new employees.
Sioux Falls continues to lead South Dakota economically, with average annual pay at $63,530 compared to the statewide average of $57,141.
Union County reported the state’s highest average wage, $71,873, while Mellette County had the lowest, $34,887.
Inflation remains a factor for South Dakotans. The Consumer Price Index rose by 3 percent compared to January 2024.
Housing starts fell by nearly 10 percent from December and dropped slightly—0.7 percent—from one year ago. That signals a modest cooling in the construction market.
Borrowing costs improved for businesses and consumers as the Bank Prime Loan Rate dropped to 7.50 percent. That’s down almost 12 percent from last January.
Leisure and hospitality employment grew by 3.3 percent over the past year, adding 1,500 jobs statewide. The sector still saw a seasonal decline of 4.1 percent from December levels.
Professional and business services also expanded, gaining 1,300 jobs since last January. The sector now employs about 37,400 people statewide.
In January, county-level unemployment varied widely across South Dakota. Rates ranged from a low of 0.8 percent to a high of 4.7 percent in counties with fewer job opportunities.
State officials say overall job creation remains strong statewide heading into spring. Employers’ primary challenge is finding enough available workers, rather than creating new positions.
Todd Epp is the remote legislative reporter for the South Dakota Broadcasters Association.
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South Dakota
Pictures of semi-truck, name of woman released in Minnehaha County fatal crash
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has released the name of the woman who was killed in a fatal crash in Minnehaha County last week.
64-year-old Patricia Archambeau of Mitchell died on January 5 due to her injuries in a crash that took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 3.
Archambeau’s 2012 Chevrolet Traverse was traveling eastbound on I-90 near mile marker 379, about four miles west of Humboldt, when she attempted to pull off on the side of the road.
At the same time, the Traverse was struck by a semi-truck, also traveling eastbound, and pulling a trailer. The truck continued driving east after the crash and has yet to be located.
On Sunday, the South Dakota Highway Patrol released two images of the semi-truck suspected of hitting Archambeau’s Traverse. The two photos were taken on I-29 near 41st Street in Sioux Falls at 2:25 a.m., about 12 minutes after the crash west of Humboldt.
Highway Patrol is seeking more information about a red Freightliner Cascadia semi-truck, missing its passenger-side headlight. If anyone has information, they’re asked to contact Highway Patrol at 605-367-5700.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
South Dakota
South Dakota knocks off Denver 82-72
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — Cameron Fens scored 23 points as South Dakota beat Denver 82-72 on Saturday.
Fens also contributed 12 rebounds and four blocks for the Coyotes (9-9, 1-2 Summit League). Isaac Bruns scored 20 points while going 8 of 12 and 3 of 4 from the free-throw line and added six rebounds. Jordan Crawford went 5 of 11 from the field (3 for 7 from 3-point range) to finish with 13 points.
Gabe Oldham led the Pioneers (8-11, 1-3) in scoring, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds and two steals. Denver also got 19 points from Zane Nelson. Carson Johnson also put up 11 points and six assists.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
South Dakota
SD Highway Patrol releases new details on hit and run, asks for public’s help
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Highway Patrol is continuing to look for the suspect in a deadly hit-and-run near Humboldt, SD.
In a Facebook post, the SD Highway Patrol has released new details regarding the semi suspected of committing the hit and run.
According to police, the semi is a red Freightliner Cascadia semi, missing its passenger-side headlight.
The semi was traveling eastbound from the Humboldt area on I-90 in the early morning hours of Jan. 3, 2026.
Police are seeking information, video, or pictures from 2:13 a.m. – 3:00 a.m. along I-90 and I-29 from the public.
If you have any tips or footage, contact the South Dakota Highway Patrol District 2 Office at (605) 367-5700.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
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