South Dakota
The share of fatal crashes involving teen drivers is higher in South Dakota than most other states
New Mexico street racing ends in fiery crash scene
The occupants of a vehicle accused of racing crashed into a parked car and were transported to the hospital.
The share of fatal crashes involving a teen driver is higher in South Dakota than in almost any other state.
The state has the ninth-highest percentage of deadly crashes involving a teen driver at 16.4%, according to a recent analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data by Bumper, a vehicle history report website.
The analysis found that, nationwide, the number of people who died in crashes involving teen drivers has increased by 25% since 2013. In 2023, a total of 5,588 people died in crashes involving a teen driver, including passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.
It also determined that while teen drivers account for only 5.1% of all licensed drivers in the country, they represent 8.9% of drivers in fatal crashes.
South Dakota had a total of 146 traffic crash fatalities in 2024, up from 140 in 2023 and 137 in 2022, according to the state Department of Public Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, about a 4% decrease from 2023.
Hoping to make pursuits less dangerous, South Dakota Highway Patrol turns to GPS launchers
What states had the highest teen involvement in fatal crashes?
These states had the highest percentage of crash deaths involving a teen driver.
- Kansas, 18.9%
- Utah, 17.9%
- Idaho, 17.5%
- Montana, 17.3%
- Wisconsin, 17%
- Missouri, 16.9%
- Indiana, 16.8%
- Colorado, 16.5%
- South Dakota, 16.4%
- New Mexico, 15.8%
What states had the lowest teen involvement in fatal crashes?
These states had the lowest percentage of crash deaths involving a teen driver.
- District of Columbia, 4.5%
- New Hampshire, 6.2%
- Hawaii, 6.5%
- Wyoming, 8.3%
- North Dakota, 8.5%
- Vermont, 8.7%
- Connecticut, 10.10%
- Oregon, 10.4%
- Maine, 10.4%
- Maryland, 10.5%
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.
South Dakota
Dept. of Agriculture and Natural Resources announces $48 million for statewide projects
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has the approval of over $48 million in loans and grants for statewide projects.
Together with the Board of Water and Natural Resources, a total of $36,958,000 in state loans, including $425,000 in principal forgiveness, was authorized for drinking water and wastewater improvements.
More funding was distributed to the following programs:
BDM Rural Water:
- Received an additional $233,450 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to construct a new water treatment plant, install a new water reservoir, install a pipe to expand the water system, and replace water meters
Clay Rural Water:
- Received $334,250 in ARPA grant funds to construct two ground storage reservoirs near the Greenfield reservoir and the Wakonda Water Treatment plant
Mid-Dakota Rural Water System:
- Received $917,357.85 in ARPA grant to update the existing water system
Mitchell:
- Received $3,930,000 in Clean Water State Revolving Funds to upgrade the clay sanitary and storm sewer
Rapid City:
- Received a $14,512,000 Drinking Water State Revolving loan to make improvements to an existing well and also construct two new wells
Shared Resources:
- Received $1,500,000 in ARPA grant funds for a treatment plant, well field, distribution pipeline, and two storage tanks
Sioux Falls:
- Received $7,648,000 to complete a third connection to the Lewis and Clark Regional Water System
- Received $17,746,000 to construct a new Southeast Basin sanitary force main
South Lincoln Rural Water System:
- Received $328,250 in ARPA funds to install an elevated water tank, new pump station, and new water treatment plant
South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources:
- Received $1 million in ARPA funds for its statewide Riparian Buffer Initiative
Toronto:
- Received $770,000 Drinking Water Revolving Loan to accommodate the Department of Transportation installing new storm sewers and highway surfacing
These programs are funded through a combination of federal appropriations, loan repayments, and bonds.
The board approved the funding during a January 8 meeting in Pierre.
Copyright 2026 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
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