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Citizen Portal News South Dakota
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Pennington County is set to transform its former administration building after awarding a $2.94 million renovation contract amid discussions of cost-saving measures and funding strategies.

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#PenningtonCounty #SD #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal #PenningtonCountyBuildings
Pennington County awards $2.94 million renovation contract for former administration building; bond authorization approved
Commissioners awarded the construction contract for the 130 Kansas City Street renovation to the lowest responsive bidder (construction contract $2,937,250), approved an owner-held contingency of $188,300 and authorized bond-fund expenditures not to exceed $4,147,060; a $242,450 dispatch scope is to be funded separately from restricted 911 funds.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 8:27 PM
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South Dakota's Senate session saw key bills deferred and passed, including a significant move to authorize booster clubs to operate bingo and raffles!

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#SD #CommunityInvolvement #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaSenate #LegislativeProcess #PublicPolicy
Senate votes: SB 208 deferred, SB 195 reconsideration fails; several House bills pass
On the floor the Senate deferred Senate Bill 208, defeated a motion to reconsider Senate Bill 195, approved the consent calendar (three bills), and passed House Bill 12 01 authorizing limited pull-tab use by booster clubs. Several bills were signed in open session.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 4:26 PM
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Codington County is making waves with a successful diversion program boasting a 90% completion rate and vital support for transitional housing—could this be the blueprint for other communities?

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#CodingtonCounty #SD #TransitionalHousing #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUse
Codington County reports progress on diversion, transitional housing and naloxone distribution under COSUP grant
County substance‑use program coordinator reported that a COSUP‑funded diversion program (started July 1) referred 84 people through December with a 90% completion rate, supported transitional housing for 34 people (about 2,000 nights), and distributed more than 800 naloxone units through local partnerships.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 3:43 PM
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The South Dakota Senate has just voted to change the custody landscape, favoring joint physical custody as a default—what does this mean for families and children's stability?

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#SD #JudicialDiscretion #ParentalInvolvement #CitizenPortal #FamilyLaw #SouthDakotaChildCustody
South Dakota Senate approves rebuttable presumption favoring joint physical custody
After hours of debate, the Senate passed Senate Bill 2 24 to establish a rebuttable presumption favoring joint physical custody as the starting point for custody decisions; supporters said it promotes parental involvement, opponents warned it could reduce judicial discretion and harm stability for some children. The final vote was 20-14 with one excused.
citizenportal.ai
February 19, 2026 at 6:51 AM
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Parents, are you aware of the alarming rise in anxiety and substance use among teens?

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#SD #MentalHealthAwareness #CitizenPortal #SubstanceUsePrevention #ParentingSupport #SiouxFallsSchools
Sioux Falls experts tell parents to set boundaries on phones, watch for signs of anxiety and substance use
At a Family Forum hosted by Sioux Falls School District 49-5 with Avera, local experts emphasized that anxiety and depression top teen health concerns, urged parental limits on screen time, recommended annual medical visits and described school-based, non-punitive supports for vaping cessation.
citizenportal.ai
February 18, 2026 at 9:22 AM
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Big changes are coming to the Brookings School District, with a focus on urgent high school facility needs and an innovative 'switcheroo' kindergarten model designed to ease student transitions!

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#SD #EarlyLiteracy #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaSchools #EducationInnovation
Superintendent previews high school facility priorities and new kindergarten 'switcheroo' plan
Superintendent Dr. Schultz previewed focused facility planning for high school roofing, plumbing and bathrooms and discussed boundary reviews; Tana Stadler outlined a fall 'switcheroo' kindergarten approach to let teachers observe all incoming kindergartners before finalizing homerooms.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 4:03 AM
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The Brookings School Board just made significant moves, including approving over $22,000 in donations for a disability-awareness event and selecting a new insurance broker to enhance employee benefits!

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#SD #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaSchools #DisabilityAwareness
Brookings School Board approves donations, insurance broker and other routine business
The Brookings School District board approved donated items totaling about $22,400 for a disability awareness event, selected Marsh McLennan Agency as broker for self-insurance (pending a contract language change), approved food-buying group membership and made an appointment to the Board of Equalization.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:51 AM
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Aberdeen School District is shaking up its background-check policies for volunteers and contractors after a federal audit revealed crucial changes needed for compliance.

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#SD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #SouthDakotaSchools
Board approves first readings of background‑check policy revisions after federal audit interpretation
The board approved first readings of policy GBB, GBB‑R and GBBV to change how the district handles criminal-history checks for volunteers and contractor employees after an FBI/DCI audit interpretation; the district will apply for a new ORI number and process volunteers under a separate policy.
citizenportal.ai
February 14, 2026 at 2:43 AM
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A controversial bill in South Dakota is pushing for patient choice in blood donations, allowing requests for "unvaccinated" blood, but experts warn it could endanger the blood supply.

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#SD #MedicalFreedom #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #PatientChoice #SouthDakotaHealthcare
House committee advances bill allowing non‑emergency requests for 'unvaccinated' blood
The House Health and Human Services Committee voted 7–5 to give House Bill 1171 a due‑pass recommendation; sponsors said the bill protects patient choice, while blood‑bank witnesses and health systems warned of operational hurdles, federal labeling limits and risks to the blood supply.
citizenportal.ai
February 13, 2026 at 9:54 PM
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Superintendent Rathley unveiled critical updates on district communications and safety practices, ensuring a secure and informed environment for students and families.

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#SD #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #PublicSafety #SouthDakotaSchools
Superintendent highlights communications metrics and outlines law-enforcement, legislative updates
Superintendent Rathley reported on district communications platforms (ParentSquare and social media), highlighted public-safety planning and ICE/warrant procedures, and reviewed several pending state education bills and their status.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 2:57 PM
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The South Dakota Supreme Court is grappling with a pivotal appeal that could reshape workers' compensation benefits, questioning whether a 2010 fall nullifies a 1994 settlement from a catastrophic injury.

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#SD #InsuranceClaims #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaWorkersComp
S.D. Supreme Court Hears Appeal Over Whether 2010 Fall Voids 1994 Workers’ Comp Settlement
In oral argument in appeal No. 331059, attorneys debated whether prior Department of Labor and circuit-court findings preclude an insurer’s 62-7-33 change-of-condition claim and whether an April 2010 fall was an intervening cause that severed liability tied to a 1991 work injury.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 12:53 AM
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The Vermillion School Board just backed a bold initiative to make school meals free for students in need, potentially saving families $10 a month!

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#SD #NutritionSupport #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaSchools #EducationAccess #FamilyBenefits
Vermillion board votes to send letter supporting state bill to make reduced-price meals free
Board member Ryan urged the Vermillion School Board to sign a letter backing House Bill 1082, which would make meals free for students who now qualify for reduced-price lunches and reimburse districts; the board voted to send a letter despite some members voicing budgetary concerns.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 8:58 PM
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Lincoln County has finally raised the pay for qualified mental health professionals to $130 an hour, addressing a crucial need in the face of rising caseloads and long hours since 2020.

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#LincolnCounty #SD #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport #LincolnCountyMentalHealth
Lincoln County raises pay for qualified mental health professionals to $130 an hour
The commission set the county reimbursement rate for qualified mental health professionals at $130 per hour, citing unchanged pay since 2020 and the heavy caseload and hours these contractors provide for involuntary commitment evaluations.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 9:41 AM
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Lincoln County's airport manager just unveiled a bold $1 million development plan that promises to elevate aviation in the region while generating vital revenue for the county!

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#LincolnCounty #SD #CommunityEngagement #AviationDevelopment #PublicInfrastructure #CitizenPortal
Airport manager outlines development plan, ground‑lease policy and grant bids for south 20 acres
Lincoln County’s airport manager briefed commissioners on hangar demand, existing ground leases set at 40¢/sq ft with scheduled increases, and three proposed projects including a $1 million infrastructure stage for the south 20 acres with a county contribution of about $24,000 and a potential new terminal with a county share around $19,500.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 9:23 AM
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The Sioux Falls board is taking a stand against proposed charter school exemptions and changes to opt-out petition thresholds that could jeopardize school funding stability.

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#SD #CitizenPortal #LocalAccountability #GovernanceReform #EducationFunding #SiouxFallsSchools
Sioux Falls board reviews legislative bills, opposes charter-school measure and changes to opt-out petitions
Board's legislative liaison summarized dozens of state bills; the board signaled opposition to measures creating blanket charter exemptions and to proposals that lower petition thresholds for tax‑related referenda, and approved the district positions by voice vote.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 6:27 AM
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Sioux Falls ranks third in South Dakota for teacher compensation, but how does their salary stack up against national averages?

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#SD #SiouxFallsEducation #CitizenPortal #WorkplaceWellness #TeacherCompensation #EmployeeBenefits
Board hears benefits review: Sioux Falls ranks high in state total compensation
Human-resources presentation showed Sioux Falls ranks third in South Dakota on total teacher compensation ($84,352 average), with the district covering about 72% of medical costs; board acknowledged the report and discussed salary competitiveness.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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The First District Association has secured an impressive $27 million in federal grants for our region, with Codington County alone benefiting from $7 million this year—plus, an exciting shift to online permitting is on the horizon!

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#CodingtonCounty #SD #OnlinePermitting
First District Association tells Codington County commissioners it helped bring millions in grants, pushes online permitting
Todd Kays told the Codington County Commission on Feb. 10 that the First District Association of Local Governments helped secure roughly $27 million in federal grants for the region last year and about $7 million for Codington County projects this year; he highlighted GIS services, revolving loan funds and a planned online permitting system.
citizenportal.ai
February 11, 2026 at 3:53 AM
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Sioux Falls just hit a record-breaking special-education child count of 4,437 students, with significant growth in areas like autism and speech-language disorders, all while gearing up for a major transition campus opening this July!

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#SD #CitizenPortal #EducationReform
Sioux Falls board hears special-education child-count surge, plans larger transition campus
The district reported an all-time high special-education child count of 4,437 students in 2025, outlined growth in speech-language disorders and autism, and previewed a mid‑July opening of expanded transition space for 18–21 students at the community campus.
citizenportal.ai
February 10, 2026 at 11:52 PM
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The Lennox City Council has just approved a bold new plan to tackle gravel streets, sewer repairs, and expand the Cleveland Multi-Use Trail, setting the stage for major improvements over the next few years!

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#LennoxLincolnCounty #SD #LennoxCouncil #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety
Lennox council approves amended capital improvement plan targeting gravel streets, sewer repairs and multi-use trail
The Lennox City Council approved an amended Capital Improvement Plan that prioritizes paving remaining gravel streets, sewer system repairs and extending the Cleveland Multi-Use Trail. Council members asked staff to return with project-specific funding proposals and rate-impact analyses before construction.
citizenportal.ai
February 10, 2026 at 11:49 PM
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South Dakota's Joint Appropriations Committee just greenlit crucial funding for disaster relief, wildfire suppression, and vital university projects—shaping the future of rural health and education!

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#SD #RuralHealthRecruitment #CitizenPortal #DisasterFunding
Joint Appropriations advances disaster, wildfire, corrections and multiple university projects
The South Dakota Joint Committee on Appropriations advanced a package of appropriations and authorizations on Feb. 6, including a $4.2 million disaster fund backfill, a $2.65 million wildfire suppression backfill, reimbursements for rural health recruitment, demolition funds for a corrections facility and multiple higher‑education construction authorizations funded with private or federal matches.
citizenportal.ai
February 10, 2026 at 11:25 PM
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In a significant move, the South Dakota Senate has passed a bill to clarify property surveying rules, following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed previous invasive practices unconstitutional.

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#SD #CommunityEngagement #LegalReform #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaProperty
Senate Passes Bill Aligning Surveying Rules with State Supreme Court Ruling
Senate Bill 88 clarifies when a potential condemnor may examine private property without the owner’s permission, aligning statute with an August 2024 unanimous South Dakota Supreme Court decision that struck down invasive surveying provisions; the bill passed on final reading.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM
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South Dakota just took a bold step to protect its children by expanding "community safety zone" residency restrictions to include licensed daycares, affecting over 32,000 kids in the state.

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#SD #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #CommunitySafety #ChildProtection
Senate Expands 'Community Safety Zone' to Licensed and Registered Daycares
Senate Bill 107 adds licensed and registered childcare programs to the state's "community safety zone" protections, applying existing residency restrictions for certain registered offenders within 500 feet; sponsors cited 765 licensed/registered programs serving about 32,000 children as of 2025.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 5:48 PM
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The South Dakota Senate just took a bold step by passing a bill to create a task force aimed at securing essential funding for emergency medical services amidst rising call volumes and workforce shortages.

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#SD #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport #HealthcareFunding
Senate Adopts Amendment, Passes Bill to Create EMS Funding Task Force
Senate Bill 89 establishes an emergency medical services funding task force to examine funding mechanisms and the feasibility of designating EMS as an essential service; an amendment replacing the word “support” with “fund” for local governments was adopted before final passage.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 5:43 PM
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South Dakota's Senate just passed a groundbreaking bill aimed at transforming how Medicaid delivers vital services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities!

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#SD #SouthDakotaDisabilities #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupportNetworks
Senate Passes Bill Creating Oversight Committee for Developmental Disability Services
Senate Bill 15 establishes a multi‑year committee to examine Medicaid waiver delivery for intellectual and developmental disability services, citing program costs, caseloads and provider sustainability. The measure passed on final reading.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 3:50 PM
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South Dakota’s Senate just passed a controversial bill that elevates preventing religious practice from a misdemeanor to a felony—are we protecting worship or stifling protest?

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#SD #LegislativeReform #CitizenPortal #SouthDakotaReligion #PublicSafety #ReligiousFreedom
Senate Approves Tougher Penalty for Preventing Religious Practice
Senate Bill 113 upgrades the crime of preventing someone from practicing their religion from a misdemeanor to a class 6 felony, citing recent incidents of disruptions at houses of worship; floor debate raised concerns about breadth and potential unintended consequences.
citizenportal.ai
February 9, 2026 at 3:26 PM