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Citizen Portal News South Dakota
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Yankton School Board just secured a groundbreaking $1.14 million federal grant to launch an innovative behavioral-health education pathway, paving the way for future mental-health professionals!

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#SD #CommunityPartnerships #YanktonSchools #BehavioralHealth #EducationPathway
Yankton partners win $1.14 million federal grant to build behavioral-health education pathway
District staff and health partners told the board Yanktons R-CORP award from HRSA will fund a three-year, $1,140,000 program to create a behavioral-health education pathway with dual-credit classes, internships and local training to recruit students into mental-health careers.
citizenportal.ai
December 17, 2025 at 1:50 AM
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Yankton School Board faces critical decisions ahead as state legislators warn that property taxes and school funding will take center stage in the 2026 session.

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#SD #SouthDakotaSchools #EducationFunding #PropertyTaxReform #CitizenPortal #TechnologyPolicy
Local legislators tell Yankton board property taxes, school funding and tech policy will dominate 2026 session
Representative Julie Elk, Senator Lauren Nelson and Representative Mike Stevens told the Yankton School Board that property-tax bills, school funding debates and possible statewide technology restrictions are likely priorities in the 2026 legislative session, and they urged local leaders to remain engaged.
citizenportal.ai
December 16, 2025 at 11:58 PM
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Sioux Falls School Board is grappling with the challenge of balancing class sizes and support staff in their upcoming budget decisions—what's the best path forward for our students?

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#SD #TeacherSupport #SiouxFallsSchools #EducationReform #ClassSizeMatters #CitizenPortal
Sioux Falls board hears class-size report, affirms focus on keeping elementary classes small
District staff told trustees that the elementary-funded ratio is 24.3 students per teacher but current classroom averages are about 23.35:1 after extra FTE; the board acknowledged the report and discussed tradeoffs between smaller classes and support staff during upcoming budget decisions.
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December 16, 2025 at 7:07 PM
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Rapid City just approved a $70 registration fee for vacation homes, paving the way for stricter enforcement and potential fines of up to $500 per day for unlicensed rentals!

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityDevelopment #RapidCityVacationHomes #LocalGovAI
Council approves registration fee and adopts vacation-home licensing enforcement framework in second reading
Community Development proposed a $70 registration fee for vacation homes to pay for Granicus software; council approved the fee and supported an ordinance (Ordinance No. 6698) requiring licensing before registration and authorizing enforcement fines up to $500 per day for unregistered operation.
citizenportal.ai
December 15, 2025 at 11:34 PM
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Rapid City's Wastewater Reclamation Facility is making significant progress, but a shocking discovery of corroded walkways is pushing costs higher with a crucial change order set for council approval.

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD #RapidCityWastewater #PublicSafety
Rapid City updates WRF south-plant project; change order to replace corroded walkways moves to council
City engineers told the Legal & Finance Committee the Wastewater Reclamation Facility South Plant Improvements project is about 37% complete and that change order No. 2 — largely to replace corroded primary-clarifier walkways — will be sent to council at an estimated cost of $404,155.
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December 15, 2025 at 10:49 PM
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Rapid City's Public Works Committee has approved a significant $404,155 change order to enhance the Wastewater Reclamation Facility, tackling critical repairs as the project nears completion.

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Public Works committee approves $404,155 change order for WRF South Plant project
The Public Works Committee approved change order No. 2 to PKG Contracting for the WRF South Plant Improvements project, increasing the contract by $404,155 to address deteriorated clarifier walkways; staff said the project is about 37% complete and funding includes grants, SRF and enterprise cash reserves.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:37 PM
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Urban3's recent analysis reveals that Rapid City's downtown mixed-use properties generate significantly more revenue per acre than sprawling big-box retailers, highlighting a critical $57 million funding gap for infrastructure improvements.

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD
Urban3 analysis: Rapid City downtown and mixed-use land far more productive per acre; infrastructure funding gap highlighted
Consultant Urban3 told Rapid City’s Public Works Committee the city’s downtown and mixed-use parcels yield far higher revenue per acre than sprawling big‑box and single‑family areas, identified a large infrastructure funding shortfall (estimated gap in roads ~ $57M annually versus current spending), and recommended rebalancing TIF districts and incentivizing denser infill.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:35 PM
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As property valuations soar by 5.62%, Rapid City Area Schools face tough challenges with a proposed 0% increase in state aid that could leave them struggling to keep up with inflation.

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#SD #SouthDakotaSchools #EducationFunding #BudgetAccountability #PropertyValuation
Board hears budget outlook as property valuations rise but state aid recommendation holds flat
Board member-led budget briefing explained a 5.62% increase in district property valuation (total just over $14.5 billion), limits on capital outlay tied to a 'growth plus 3%' formula and the $3 per $1,000 cap, and concern that a governor's 0% state‑aid recommendation would not cover inflationary pressures on schools.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:41 AM
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Sioux Falls School District's security assessment reveals strong emergency plans but highlights urgent needs for panic devices and improved communication with first responders.

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#SD #SiouxFallsSchools #PublicSafety #CybersecurityMeasures #EmergencyPlanning #CitizenPortal
Sioux Falls School District security assessment praises plans and SRO ties, urges panic devices and faster first-responder links
At a work session, the district security coordinator summarized a statewide assessment that found strong emergency plans, SRO partnerships and single-entry buildings, and recommended measures including expanded panic devices, student ID policies, bollards, and a direct notification link to first responders; no new funding votes were taken.
citizenportal.ai
December 11, 2025 at 1:45 AM
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Pennington County is hitting pause on a controversial ordinance that could impact electric utility reliability and emergency responses after significant pushback from local co-ops.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CommunityCollaboration #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #InfrastructureReform
County delays changes to right‑of‑way utility permitting after co-op concerns
Pennington County deferred changes to a right‑of‑way ordinance (Ordinance 11) after West River Electric and others raised concerns that new permit and subcontractor language could create reliability or emergency-response problems; commissioners asked staff and utilities to meet and the board continued the item to the second meeting in January.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:52 AM
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Pennington County commissioners are navigating a snowy dilemma as they reject new towing rules, opting instead for a more strategic approach to keep roads clear and safe during winter storms.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityOutreach
Pennington County rejects expanded towing rule for snow events, seeks statute changes
County commissioners debated new rules to remove vehicles during snow events and to authorize towing inside section-line rights of way. The state’s attorney warned the county that its legal authority is limited and urged use of abandoned‑vehicle statutes; commissioners denied the proposed amendments and asked staff to pursue statutory changes and stronger public outreach instead.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:51 AM
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Codington County is ramping up its efforts to secure crucial state funding for bridge improvements by boosting the local match to 30%—a move that could significantly enhance project funding!

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#CodingtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #CodingtonCountyBridgeImprovement
Commissioners approve bridge grant application, set 30% local match and sign engineering contracts
Codington County commissioners approved a resolution to apply for state bridge improvement funds for Bridge 15‑157‑025, adopted a 30% local match to boost scoring, authorized right-of-way and utility certifications, and approved two Banner Engineering contracts for bid-ready bridge plans.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:32 AM
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Residents are rallying for full library funding as Pennington County navigates negotiations for 2026 amid heated public comments and critical discussions.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PublicFunding #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyLibraries #CommunityResources
Residents urge full library funding as county, Rapid City negotiate contract and reserves
A public commenter pressed Pennington County commissioners to restore full library funding for 2026; county staff say they are negotiating annual contract language with Rapid City and smaller libraries and will return with a proposal Dec. 16 after clarifying which parcels pay the library levy and how reserves should be used.
citizenportal.ai
December 3, 2025 at 1:21 AM
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Brandon Valley School District is not only outperforming state averages with a stunning 97% graduation rate but is also gearing up for exciting growth with new facilities and strategic plans for the future!

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#SD #CitizenPortal #FacilitiesPlanning #EnrollmentGrowth
Superintendent Larson reports strong proficiency and outlines facility, enrollment plans for Brandon Valley
Superintendent Larson told the Brandon Valley School District board that the district's proficiency rates exceed state averages, highlighted a 97% on-time graduation rate, and described facility plans including a middle-school addition and a forthcoming bond for Brandon Valley Intermediate School; staffing and final boundary notices for a new elementary school are pending.
citizenportal.ai
November 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
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Codington County is bracing for changes in property taxes as new legislation caps owner-occupied assessment increases at 3% for 2026—what does this mean for homeowners?

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#CodingtonCounty #SD #BudgetTransparency #CitizenPortal #LegislativeMonitoring #PropertyTaxReform
Codington County officials review levy calculations as 2026 assessment cap approaches
County assessment staff told commissioners they have submitted levy calculations for taxes payable in 2026 and are monitoring legislative and ballot activity after a recently passed measure limits owner-occupied assessment increases to 3% for the 2026 assessment year.
citizenportal.ai
November 23, 2025 at 3:16 AM
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Pennington County is making major strides in infrastructure by awarding contracts for bridge-preservation projects that came in over half a million dollars under budget!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyHighways #CommunityPlanning #RoadSafety
Commission awards bridge-preservation contracts, adopts 96,500‑lb spring-load limit and sets local speed limits
The county awarded contracts for four bridge‑preservation projects after low bids came in significantly below engineer estimates, adopted a 96,500‑pound gross‑vehicle‑weight spring‑load limit, and approved new speed limits for Antelope Creek Road and South Rockford Road.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 10:22 AM
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Pennington County is set to sell its downtown administration building to Elevate Rapid City, paving the way for a groundbreaking innovation corridor that could create hundreds of new jobs!

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #UrbanRenewal #CitizenPortal #CommunityJobs
Pennington County approves letter of intent to sell downtown administration building to Elevate Rapid City
The commission authorized a letter of intent for Elevate Rapid City to purchase the county's 14 E Saint Joseph Street building and begin due diligence, with Elevate and the School of Mines planning a downtown innovation corridor; a formal purchase agreement and closing remain subject to further approvals and 45–60 business days of drafting and due diligence.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 8:41 AM
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Residents are rallying to save the Rapid City Public Library from drastic funding cuts that could jeopardize vital resources for low-income families and students.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicAccess #EducationSupport #CommunityResources #PenningtonCountyLibrary
Residents urge Pennington County to restore Rapid City Public Library funding as negotiations continue
Multiple residents and library advocates urged the county to reverse proposed cuts to the Rapid City Public Library during public comment; commissioners said they are renegotiating contracts and reviewing a roughly $197,000 library fund balance while seeking additional data before making final budget decisions.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:35 AM
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The Hot Springs City Council is calling for your voice on crucial wastewater improvements—join the special hearing on Dec. 12 to shape the future of our community!

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#HotSpringsFallRiverCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #InfrastructureImprovements #HotSpringsWastewater
Hot Springs council sets special Dec. 12 hearing on wastewater plan to meet state funding timeline
Council rescheduled the Wastewater System Improvements Project public hearing for Dec. 12 after a power outage canceled the earlier meeting; the Black Hills Council of Local Governments will prepare the state funding application with a Dec. 15 internal deadline and the city will open a public survey through Jan. 15.
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November 21, 2025 at 6:31 AM
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The future of Renberg Elementary hangs in the balance as district officials weigh the benefits of closure against the heartfelt pleas from parents who cherish its community spirit.

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#SD #CitizenPortal #SpecialEducation #CommunityCulture #SiouxFallsSchools #EducationReform
District staff recommend board study and consider vote next year on Renberg Elementary closure
District administrators recommended the Sioux Falls School District study closure options for Renberg Elementary and consider a formal board vote in the first semester of the 2627 school year, citing low enrollment, transportation burdens and potential annual savings; parents urged keeping the school open.
citizenportal.ai
November 21, 2025 at 6:05 AM
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The Aberdeen council just greenlit over $3 million for critical infrastructure projects, with a pressing $7 million ARPA fund deadline looming!

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#SD #CitizenPortal #TransportationDevelopment #PublicSafety #AberdeenInfrastructure #WaterReclamation
Aberdeen council approves multiple infrastructure and airport payments; staff reports ARPA balance
The City of Aberdeen council approved several large payments for water reclamation, bridge and airport projects, and heard staff report remaining state ARPA funds of about $7 million that must be spent by 2026.
citizenportal.ai
November 19, 2025 at 7:45 AM
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The Turner Lake and Clay Water Project District is urging Clay County to support their appeal for $2 million in flood damage repairs after FEMA denied their application, claiming the damage occurred on private land.

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#ClayCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #ClayCountyWaterProjects
Turner Lake and Clay water district seeks Clay County letter to bolster FEMA appeal after levee damage
Representatives for the Turner Lake and Clay Water Project District told commissioners they identified roughly 186 flood-damaged sites and estimated about $2 million in repairs; they asked the county to review and possibly sign a draft support letter to strengthen a second FEMA appeal.
citizenportal.ai
November 15, 2025 at 2:20 AM
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Rapid City is taking a major step forward by launching RFPs for a $61 million sports field house that promises free amenities like a walking track and indoor playground!

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #RecreationDevelopment #CommunityEngagement
Rapid City committee authorizes RFPs for $61M sports field house management and sponsorships
Committee authorized requests for proposals to secure a public-private partner to manage a proposed sports field house and to solicit sponsorships estimated to cover about 10% of the project's more than $61 million cost; staff said certain amenities would be free to the public, such as a walking track and indoor playground.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 3:12 PM
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Rapid City has taken a bold step toward safer streets by adopting a Vision Zero target aimed at eliminating transportation-related deaths by 2050!

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#RapidCityPenningtonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #TransportationSafety #RapidCitySafeStreets #VisionZeroGoals #CommunityDevelopment
Rapid City committee adopts Safe Streets action plan and sets Vision Zero target for 2050
The Legal & Finance Committee approved a draft Safe Streets and Roads for All action plan and adopted Resolution 2025-129 setting a target of zero transportation deaths and serious injuries by 2050, making the city eligible for additional grant funding to implement safety projects.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:39 AM
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Brown County's Emergency Manager unveils a game-changing regional emergency management plan that could transform McPherson County's disaster response!

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#McPhersonCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #RegionalCollaboration #DisasterReadiness #EmergencyManagement
Brown County emergency manager outlines regional model for McPherson County emergency services
Brown County Emergency Manager Scott Lines briefed McPherson County commissioners on a regional emergency management model using LEMPG funding and the ScribeTrack documentation tool; commissioners asked staff to collect documentation and consider a regional arrangement and possible deputy assignment.
citizenportal.ai
November 14, 2025 at 10:14 AM