SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(WNAX)- The Sioux Falls Chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union has reached a tentative contract agreement with Smithfield Foods. UFCW President B.J. Motley says they’ll hold a meeting of Union members next week and then vote on the deal on Thursday June 17. He says the three main issues they… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- Changes in operations of the Clay County Jail in Vermillion happened quickly following the rejection of a forty one million dollar bond issue by voters this week. Sheriff Andy Howe says the prisoners were moved out of the jail. Howe updated the Clay County Facility Planning Committee Thursday night on their new plans.… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- South Dakota has entered into the Cooperative Interstate Shipping Agreement which opens new market opportunities for state producers. Under the CIS some state inspected meat processors now will be able to ship their meat across state lines. South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven says South Dakota is now the ninth state involved… Read more »

SIOUX FALLS, S.D.(KELO)- Senator Mike Rounds was a guest on KELO’s The Greg Belfrage Show. Senator Mike Rounds doesn’t think COVID-19 was anything more than an accidental lab leak, but says more steps should have been taken to investigate the claims early on. Senator Mike Rounds explained that China is the biggest threat to the… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- The State of South Dakota released the “Meth, We’re on It” campaign in late 2019 to focus attention on the drug problem and help those affected find treatment. The campaign went quickly national and viral. Governor Kristi Noem was asked about that by delegates during her appearance last week at Girls State in… Read more »

AMES, I.A.(WNAX)- While severe drought conditions have eased some across the northern plains, the dry area is expanding. Dennis Todey, head of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub in Ames Iowa says some of the worst hit areas did get some rain. Todey says the overall dry areas have expanded. Todey says it’s a bad time… Read more »

PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The interim “Workforce Housing Needs in South Dakota” committee held its first meeting in Pierre Wednesday. Committee Chairman, Representative Roger Chase of Huron, opened the meeting by saying there is a housing crunch across the state. Chase says housing issues are slowing economic growth. Chase says he and other real estate agents are… Read more »

VERMILLION, S.D.(WNAX)- One of the larger water projects in the region is feeling the heat as demand rises. Troy Larson, Executive Director of the Lewis & Clark Regional Water Project says they hit record production each day for the last week. Larson says some of the cities they serve are using other water sources too.… Read more »

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- The victim of a June 8 stabbing incident in Rapid City – 30 year-old James Rice – has died, and the individual believed responsible has seen charges upgraded to second degree murder. Brendyn Medina, spokesperson for the Rapid City Police Department, said the incident first took place on Surfwood Drive Tuesday evening.… Read more »