News

Register for SDSU Energize conference

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BROOKINGS–Registration is open for the sixth annual South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality Energize Conference on May 22 and 23, 2024, in Hot Springs. Energize is a two-day event exploring innovative rural communities and includes speakers, breakout groups and social events highlighting the host community’s resources and rural community success stories.

Reconstruction project still slated for completion in 2024

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HOT SPRINGS – Despite what most casual observers may have assumed, there are no current plans to extend the Hot Springs Urban Reconstruction project beyond the end of this calendar year. Initially slated as a two-year project for 2022 and 2023, the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) announced last year at this time that delays – mostly due to weather and unanticipated utility issues – had forced an extension to the timeline resulting in a projected completion date of September 2024.

Commission suggests putting jail issue on November ballot

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Discussion between commissioners and FRCSO gets intense at March 7 meeting By Cathy Nelson HOT SPRINGS – “Get it on the ballot!” said Fall River County Commissioner Les Cope, during an intense discussion about the proposed new county justice center at the March 7 commission meeting. “Send it to bond right now,” he said.

Legislature passes bill aiming to increase teacher salaries

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Opponents worry legislation will have unintended consequences By Makenzie Huber South Dakota Searchlight and Brett Nachtigall Fall River County Herald-Star PIERRE — School districts may soon be required to raise average teacher compensation each year by a rate nearly equal to the increase in state education funding. The Senate and House of Representatives sent a bill (SB127) to the governor last Wednesday, March 6, that would require school districts raise average teacher compensation – which includes salary and benefits – by 97% of the increase approved by the Legislature and governor each year.

Justice Center good for Fall River County

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••• Justice Center good for Fall River County I attended the Town Hall meeting 2/22/24 that presented information for the Fall River County Justice Center. There were three options given regarding the current jail: 1) Do nothing, knowing that the jail would be closed, as renovations and building on the current site are not viable options; 2) transport inmates to and from Winner, SD for pretrial confinement, costing approximately $1.38 million annually in wages, vehicle expense, housing contracts, etc.