South Dakota

State representative hosts panel to discuss sexual violence in South Dakota

Published

1 year ago

April 14, 2025

State representative hosts panel to discuss sexual violence in South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Today, a panel gathered at the Sioux Falls downtown rotary meeting to discuss a growing issue in the state of South Dakota, sexual assault, and just how the community can come together to address the issue.

Michelle Trent, a panelist and the executive director of the Compass Center in Sioux Falls, says that the state needs to invest in education for the youth, but that parents can have their own conversations at an early age.

“We can have conversations with our kids as young as three or four that says ‘do you wanna a hug?’ and if they say no then we say, ‘ok thank you for telling me’ and creating opportunities to educate about ‘my body is my body’ and when I say something to someone else they respect that,” said Trent.

Trent says every county in the state is supported and served by a domestic violence organization that can get someone the help they need.

“Reaching out to those organizations that might be going to the South Dakota network against family violence and sexual assault website and checking out what entity covers your county and starting there and calling, saying ‘hey I’m interested in this where can I access services?’ and they’ll be able to direct you,” said Trent.

As of 2023, South Dakota ranked in the top ten for sexual violence, with 50 cases for every 100 thousand people. Something Sioux Falls Representative Kadyn Wittman called embarrassing. However, she says the state is taking the right steps.

“There’s not enough of us to work against each other, so seeing that collaboration and open lines of communication between law enforcement and victim services and emergency departments, that was really heartening for me,” said Wittman.

Sexual Violence was not a large talking point in the 2025 legislative session. Wittman says she hopes it will be something lawmakers address further in 2026 so that South Dakota becomes a safer place to live and helps those who need it.

All three panelists agreed that the most important thing you can do for a victim is to believe them. In Sioux Falls, Grant Green, Dakota News Now.

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South Dakota

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

Published

48 minutes ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A Rapid City church is hosting a free community event Thursday to raise awareness about human trafficking, with organizers saying the danger may be closer than people think.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is opening the presentation to the entire community because organizers say awareness alone can save a life.

“If we can get 20 people to understand what to look for — if we can get 20 people to understand that this organization exists — then we can start shining light into every corner, and suddenly it’ll be a better world,” said Alexandra Loverink, co-president of LWML Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Event details

The free presentation is Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Rushmore Street. The speaker is Reverend Tess Franzen, founder of Freedom’s Journey, a Rapid City-based ministry that has assisted hundreds of trafficking survivors over more than a decade.

Franzen said the problem in South Dakota is far more widespread than most people realize.

“We see mostly sex trafficking, but much of what we see is — some people might call it homegrown or familial,” Franzen said. “We see trafficking here where young people are being trafficked out, their family members are selling access to them when they’re children. And in many cases, they don’t really even realize there’s anything wrong with it.”

Organizer Cari Garwood-Beard said Franzen’s presentation changed how she sees her own neighborhood, and she wants others to have that same wake-up call.

“She told a story about her neighbor one time — just a good old guy — and found out that he was a trafficker. Her neighbor, who she thought was above boards,” Garwood-Beard said. “And it really hit home. My next-door neighbor could be.”

A freewill offering will be collected for Freedom’s Journey at Thursday’s event. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is at 1630 Rushmore Street.

Resources

If you suspect trafficking, dial 9-1-1 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more information about Freedom’s Journey, visit their website or call 805.380.8009.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for May 8, 2026

Published

13 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

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.

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