South Dakota
‘We can’t exist without child care’: Rural towns use state funding to open local centers • South Dakota Searchlight
It’s been over six months since two in-home child care providers closed in Highmore. The town of over 600 in central South Dakota has a few other in-home providers, but all are full and have waitlists months out.
If a family wanted to move to the town — about an hour’s drive east of Pierre — there wouldn’t be any child care for them, said Beth Simonson, a board member of Hyde County Child Development.
Parents are driving their children up to 50 miles away to towns including Miller, Onida or Pierre to find child care, Simonson said. Some families have to split their children between child care in Highmore and another town.
Hyde County, where Highmore is located, has the fastest declining population in the state, according to census data.
“Why would young people want to move here if there isn’t quality child care?” Simonson said. “It’s one of the key elements of keeping people and growing our community, which we’ve been struggling with thriving. We need to attract those young families. We can’t exist without child care.”
The city of Highmore is one of 13 communities awarded a child care grant from the Governor’s Office of Economic Development last month. In total, the grants, using federal funds, are infusing over $3.7 million into helping communities find collaborative, innovative solutions to address child care needs across South Dakota.
The initiatives range from improving the child care workforce, to creating after school programs, to supporting existing providers with continued education. In Highmore, the community plans to use the $300,000 awarded by the state to create a community child care center.
“I don’t know what other solution there was,” Simonson said. “It’s been six months and nobody has really stepped up otherwise.”
The Hyde County Child Development board’s plan is to lease and renovate a vacant building — most recently a flower shop — as a child care center to serve up to 39 infants and toddlers. Highmore plans to eventually build a new child care center on vacant land owned by Venture Communications. That piece of land will house the center’s playground until then.
The state’s focus for the grants was fostering community collaboration between local governments, child care providers, businesses and schools, according to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Simonson expected a handful of people to help in the planning and implementation of the grant, but nearly 50 people came out to support the effort.
Based on a survey of over 100 Highmore residents, nearly 30% expect they’ll need child care in the next three years. Another 45% currently need child care during the summer months when school is out, since there isn’t an afterschool program for school-aged children in Highmore.
“They want this for their families and for Highmore’s future,” Simonson said. “That’s what this is really about. We need this for the future of our community.”
In Redfield, the economic development group Grow Spink (a reference to Spink County) plans a similar community child care center using the $245,000 it was awarded from the state. It will be open to the entire county, and will serve as an “umbrella organization” for other child care providers in the county. There are 12 in-home providers in Spink County and one community child care center in Doland — all are full with waitlists.
Having a central child care agency or office will help the county organize, award smaller grants for other child care providers to make renovations and improvements, and set up a substitute teacher system. In applying for the state grants, the economic development group realized one of the major challenges for providers is staffing.
“My own kids go to a provider in Redfield that has a waitlist out to 2026,” said Grow Spink Executive Director Gianna Schieffer. “I know of three or four providers who want to retire but don’t have the heart to close because their families have nowhere to go. They’re hoping there’ll be a solution sooner rather than later.”
Schieffer added she’s starting to see families move out of Redfield or pass up “good paying jobs” because of a lack of child care options. With 30% of the county population nearing or within child bearing age, it’s important for the growth of the county, she added.
Both Redfield and Highmore plan to fundraise more to reach their goals beyond the awarded grants.
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South Dakota
SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for June 19, 2026
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mega Millions numbers from June 19 drawing
13-16-21-26-50, Mega Ball: 12
Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from June 19 drawing
02-20-28-51-54, Bonus: 02
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
Communities across South Dakota celebrate America 250 with fireworks, parades, and exhibits
MITCHELL — Happy birthday to you, America.
A series of events are planned in July to celebrate America 250, which is the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed in 1776 and establishing America as separate from the crown of Great Britain. Some America birthday events are multi-day, and others include exhibitions on America that extend past Independence Day.
The below list of these events in South Dakota:
On Saturday, July 4, the Mitchell Exchange Club will put on a fireworks display on the north side of Lake Mitchell, starting at 9:45 p.m. The theme this year is “Red, White and Blue, Through and Through.”
Republic file photo
Patrick Soukup, of the Mitchell Exchange Club, told the Mitchell Republic the fireworks show is perfectly timed with a radio broadcast on KMIT. Fireworks technician Paul Tol of P and J Pyrotechnics will have the fireworks display lined up with cables, charges and a computer. “He’s got the best view in the county,” Soukup said.
“He has everything loaded and ready to go, he just ties in the communication cables between pallets for the charges to fire at certain predetermined times throughout the 20 minute display,” Soukup said.
The show will have 12 pallets of pre-loaded canisters with fireworks. There is no reloading during the show, according to Soukup.
Republic file photo
On Friday, July 3, starting at 5 p.m., the First Fridays on Main Street by Mitchell Main Street and Beyond will feature an old school fire hydrant party with the Mitchell Fire Department, patriotic live music by the Layton Lee Band, and car show awards will also be given for red, white, and blue colored cars. Attendees are encouraged to wear their best red, white and blue outfits, and there’s something for the youth with a kids decorated bike contest.
Mitchell Main Street and Beyond Executive Director Elizabeth Luczak said her favorite part of last year’s celebration was watching the kids decorate their bikes.
“Letting kids decorate their bikes as red, white, and blue truly teaches the next generation how to really appreciate and celebrate their freedom on July 4, and just have fun with it,” Luczak said.
Republic file photo
On Saturday, July 18, the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo will have its annual parade down Mitchell’s Main Street starting at 10:30 a.m. This year’s theme is “America 250: Red, White and Blue.” Floats will be judged on the categories of antique, horse drawn, humorous, youth, and best use of theme, among others.
On Thursday, July 2, Sioux Falls will host the Stars and Stripes Family Stroll at Arrowhead Park. Attendees must register for the event, which includes dressing up in red, white and blue.
On Friday, July 3, Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets will have Phillips Avenue from Second Avenue to Fourth Avenue open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. with shopping, activities, and live music. Also at 5 p.m., First Friday in Sioux Falls will have a Red, White and Blue Backyard Bash at Lloyd Landing. At 8 p.m. at Falls Park, take in the patriotic beauty of the Lighting of the Falls, and enjoy the colors of freedom.
On Saturday, July 4, the Sioux Falls Independence Day parade will start at 10 a.m. on Phillips Avenue, and the fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The pre-fireworks festivities start at 6 p.m. with live music, balloon twist show, and flyover.
On June 27 to June 28, the America-themed Rock the Country concert series will take place at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds.
Through Oct. 16, the Center for Western Studies on the campus of Augustana University will have “Still Becoming: America at 250,” an art exhibition featuring the many dimensions of the American story — its landscapes, peoples, histories, and evolving identities.
Rapid City / Mount Rushmore
On July 3, a larger fireworks display is planned at Mount Rushmore. This event is ticketed. Public lottery applications for tickets took place in April, but watch parties and overflow viewings are planned.
On July 1 to July 5, the Real America Birthday Bash will be held in downtown Rapid City, stretching from Main Street Square to Memorial Park. The event features live music, a drone show on July 2, a patriotic parade on July 3, and fireworks on the 4th. A full schedule of the birthday bash can be found on the visit Rapid City website.
On July 4, Aberdeen is hosting a “Spirit of ’76” downtown parade at 10:00 a.m., followed by an evening celebration at Wylie Park from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fireworks show is at dusk.
On July 4, Brookings starts out the day with a parade at 11 a.m., the Uncle Sam Jam at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 10 p.m.
On July 4, the America’s 250th Community Mosaic Mural will be revealed in Brookings on the north side of the VFW at 520 Main Avenue. The public art piece measures approximately 20 feet long and features a patriotic flag and eagle design. The mosaic is composed of 950 individual tiles, each hand-painted by Brookings-area residents, organizations, and volunteers during community painting parties.
South Dakota State University is hosting campus-wide events, including a historical exhibition on the nation’s legacy that opens in mid-June and has an extended public reception on Aug. 7.
On July 4, in Chamberlain, a patriotic parade will start at 11 a.m. at the Avenue of Flags. Daily from 1 to 5 p.m., through July 4, the large conference room at the Chamberlain Community Center will be a walk-through pop-up museum featuring military regalia, artifacts, and displays to celebrate America’s semiquincentennial. A Rock the Bluffs fireworks show is planned at dusk.
On July 4, Custer will hold a fireworks show at 9:30 p.m. at Pageant Hill in Custer. The event is free, and is part of a two-day festival running July 4 to July 5, starting at 10 a.m. with a classic small-town parade with local marching bands, vintage cars, and fire trucks.
On July 4, a parade through historic Deadwood will start at 3 p.m. The town is celebrating its 150th year. On July 4-5, at 1 p.m. each day, live music and entertainment will be held at Mr. Wu’s.
On July 5, a vintage “base ball” game will be held between Deadwood and Lead in celebration of both towns’ 150th anniversaries. The teams will play using 1877 to 1885 rules. The event at Mountain Top Field in Lead will begin at 10 a.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Northern Bills Brass Band. Following the game Lead will have a community potluck and BBQ.
On July 4, the Huron Independence Day parade starts at 10:30 a.m., a BBQ and vendor fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be held at Campbell Park. Fireworks are planned at two sites, Ravine Lake and Lake Byron. Both displays are expected to start by 10 p.m.
On July 4, the day’s events in Interior include a parade at 10 a.m., a car show at 11 a.m., a corn hole tournament at 1 p.m., triathlon rodeo at 5 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m.
On July 4, the Madison fireworks show will be at 10 p.m. at Prairie Village.
The 100th annual Fort Pierre Rodeo performances will be June 30 to July 4.
On July 3, there will be a boat parade and a concert by Wade Hayes.
On July 4, there will be the annual parade and a B-1 Bomber flyover, and the grand finale fireworks Saturday night.
On July 3, Platte will host a birthday party for America at 11:30 a.m. at North Park with free pork, water games, and kickball and volleyball. Fireworks will follow a 7:30 p.m. baseball game at Platte Baseball Field.
On July 4, the Independence Day parade starts at 10 a.m. and fireworks are to start at 10 p.m. at Redfield Lake.
On July 3, the Spearfish America 250th Parade starts at 2 p.m. at the Spearfish High School and continues down Main Street.
On July 4, the Watertown Independence Day Parade will be held in Downtown Watertown. Candy toss will start at 1:45 p.m. followed by the parade at 2 p.m. The parade will take place rain or shine. City of Watertown Fireworks will be held at dusk on July 4th at the Anza Soccer Complex.
On July 4, the fireworks display starts at 10 p.m at Riverside Park in Yankton. There will be a week-long celebration starting on June 29, with live music, historical presentations, family activities, free museum tours, patriotic performances, food vendors, and special programs for all ages.
South Dakota
South Dakota sends poetry to the America250 time capsule
The capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4. Here’s a look at what each state contributed to “America’s Time Capsule.”
‘America’s Time Capsule’ has been officially sealed. What’s inside?
All 50 states contributed items to “America’s Time Capsule,” which will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4 and will be opened 250 years later.
South Dakota sent a special edition of poetry to be sealed in “America’s Time Capsule” along with 200 items from every state, five territories and some institutions.
“This Far Country” is a suite of poems by South Dakota native Joseph Bottum celebrating four themes and symbols of the state: the meadowlark, chokecherry jelly, the homestead and rivers. The edition is illustrated by Jeanne Bowman and designed by Angela Corbo Gier.
South Dakota also contributed a letter from Gov. Larry Rhoden to the Americans of 2276, when the capsule is meant to be opened.
The time capsule has been officially sealed in commemoration of the United States’ 250th birthday.
The 900-pound steel cylinder contains over 200 artifacts, records and objects to tell America’s story when it is opened 250 years later.
The capsule will be buried in Philadelphia on July 4 as part of the hundreds of events for America’s 250th anniversary that will take place nationwide.
America250, the official nonpartisan commission designated by Congress to organize the July 4 celebrations, spearheaded the work to design the capsule and collect relics. All 50 states in conjunction with numerous national organizations contributed items (ranging from a vial of sand to an Olympic gold medal) reflecting the people, places and moments that shaped their history.
California contributed a NASA photo, an AI prediction and a fusion superconducter segment. Arizona contributed a copper ingot and a laser-etched challenge coin. Maine contributed a whale bone and a woven bookmark. And Utah contributed tickets to their amusement parks and George Washington’s prayer medal.
“Now that America’s Time Capsule has been sealed, it carries with it a remarkable record of this moment in our nation’s history,” said Chair of America250 Rosie Rios. “This moment is as much about the future as it is the past. When it is opened in 2276, future generations will see the care, pride, and optimism with which Americans marked our 250th anniversary.”
Below is a list of an item contributed from each state and territory of the United States. Most states submitted multiple items, and the full list can be viewed on America250’s official website.
- Alabama: A series of poems written by author and professor James Matthew Wilson titled “America.”
- Alaska: A map of New Archangel, Alaska, when Russia sold Alaska to the United States in 1867.
- American Samoa: A set of two uncirculated quarters from 2009 and 2020 with images of American Samoa.
- Arizona: A laser nano-etching of the text and signatures of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution on a coin.
- Arkansas: A diamond found at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the United States where people can search for diamonds and keep what they find.
- California: A Claude AI prediction of what California will be like in 250 years on archival paper. This will serve as a “tangible representation” of AI in 2026.
- Colorado: A set of postcards selected to represent “what life was like in Colorado in 2026.”
- Connecticut: The Official Proclamation document for the state.
- The District of Columbia: A challenge coin with “Washington, D.C. 250” on one side and a building with flags and the Mayor’s name etched on the other.
- Delaware: A set of 12 notecards with writings and drawings from the state’s citizens to answer what Delaware is to them.
- Florida: The Florida Senate Booklet from 2024 to 2026, which describes the operations of the Senate.
- Georgia: A distinct medallion of The Masters Logo, which has a yellow silhouette of the United States with a red flagstick to mark where Augusta, Georgia is located.
- Guam: A Gualofan ornament pendant, which is a traditional ornament that has become a “modern expression of Chamorro identity.” The pendant represents the full moon.
- Hawaii: A letter from Governor Josh Green.
- Idaho: A star garnet, which is the state’s official gemstone found only in Idaho and one other place in the world. The garnet is meant to highlight the state’s geological heritage.
- llinois: A poem authored by Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte titled “Dear New Blood.”
- Indiana: The Indiana 250 Annual Report, which shares the mission and objectives of the commission working to celebrate July 4th.
- Iowa: Astronaut Peggy Whitson’s International Space Station medallion, which commemorates Whitson’s leadership as the first woman to command the International Space Station.
- Kansas: A document identifying Kansas250 commissioners and news items from the last year.
- Kentucky: A commemorative coin from the Sons of the Revolution, intended to serve as a reminder of how the American Revolution influenced Kentucky.
- Louisiana: A necklace with a Krewe of Bacchus pendant, a collectible from Mardi Gras, and glass beads.
- Maine: A whale bone from the North Atlantic right whale, which is one of the world’s most critically endangered large whale species.
- Maryland: A challenge coin with Governor Wes Moore’s name and a map of the state on it.
- Massachusetts: A set of archival prints, including a print of the Boston Massacre and a letter from John Adams and Benjamin Franklin to the Massachusetts Council.
- Michigan: The state stone, or the Petoskey stone, which is native to the shores of Lake Michigan and formed nearly 350 million years ago.
- Minnesota: The state’s flag.
- Mississippi: Four brass coins commemorating the U.S.’s largest rocket engine test site and the Birthplace of America’s Music, amongst other notable events.
- Missouri: A letter from Governor Mike Kehoe to Americans 250 years later.
- Montana: A beaded artwork created by a Arikara artist representing the state’s landscapes and heritage.
- Nebraska: An archival photo of the Vice Grip pliers, which symbolize the state’s commerce and history.
- Nevada: A set of gambling chips to reflect the history of casinos across the state, which legalized gambling during the Great Depression.
- New Hampshire: A print of a sticker depicting the center emblem of a flag carried by the Second New Hampshire Regiment of the Continental Army.
- New Jersey: A stainless steel plate with greetings to people in 2276, with “the hope that the values that guide us in 2026 — liberty, opportunity, cooperation, love and respect for one another — continue to shape society.”
- New Mexico: A hand-crafted red chile tile created by Mexican-American artist Jennel Juarez. The tile is one of New Mexico’s longstanding cultural symbols.
- New York: A written reflection from New York State.
- North Carolina: A copper disk engraved with an image of the North Carolina State Capitol Building.
- North Dakota: A commemorative coin representing the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
- The Northern Mariana Islands: A crescent-hewn symbol representing the Chamorro ancestors’ leadership and noble standing.
- Ohio: Fabric from the Wright Brothers’ flight honoring the state’s connection to the birth of aviation.
- Oklahoma: A belt buckle that features images that represent the “grit, determination and spirit” of the state.
- Oregon: A handcrafted pin created by Native American artist Lillian Pitt.
- Pennsylvania: A “Greetings from Harrisburg” letter from Governor Josh Shapiro.
- Puerto Rico: A rosary to represent the importance of faith in the island.
- Rhode Island: A holiday ornament meant to honor the state’s Revolutionary War legacy.
- South Carolina: A coin commemorating the work done by the state’s 250 Commission.
- South Dakota: A poetry book celebrating the state’s rivers, wildlife and homestead culture through a special edition of “This Far Country” authored by Joseph Bottum.
- Tennessee: An original poster designed by one of the state’s artists to highlight Tennessee’s agricultural history and cultural symbols, including its role in the Civil Rights movement and women’s suffrage.
- Texas: The state seal on a chiseled glass paperweight. The seal was designed in 1836 during the Texas Revolution.
- The U.S. Virgin Islands: A letter from Governor Albert Bryan, Jr.
- Utah: A set of 101 paper cards with different people that shaped Utah history.
- Vermont: A Battle of Hubbardton ornament. The battle was the only Revolutionary War battle fought entirely on what is now considered Vermont.
- Virginia: A challenge coin representing the state’s commemoration of America’s semiquincentennial.
- Washington: A letter from Washington State Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck to the future.
- West Virginia: A student essay authored by Alyssa Dalton titled “Remembering our Foundation” celebrating the nation’s 250th birthday. The essay was solicited from a statewide essay contest to recognize how “the young people… will continue to guide our state.”
- Wisconsin: An Eagle feather and photo of Old Abe, an American bald eagle who served with the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the civil war.
- Wyoming: A letter from Governor Mark Gordon to future Americans.
Many of the capsule’s collections were specifically designed for the commemoration. For example, the Library of Congress contributed a molecular data storage device about 0.2 inches with synthetic DNA encoded with digital copies of the library’s items. It includes Thomas Jefferson’s rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, a 3D rendering of President Abraham Lincoln’s hand and an 1898 audio recording of the national anthem.
Companies such as Coca Cola and Apple along with museums like the Smithsonian Institute also contributed items.
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