Abbey Stegenga

Abbey Stegenga

Abbey Stegenga, a Sioux Falls native, was a 2023 summer intern through the Scripps-Howard Fund. She studies journalism, English and Spanish at Augustana University.

A racoon in a cage

South Dakota predator bounty program to continue despite opposition

Despite data or evidence, state is 'confident that this bounty program is enhancing nest success.'

Students walk on the campus at South Dakota State University.

South Dakota colleges look to raise graduation, placement rates

Each year, an average of nearly 700 out-of-state students who graduate from a public South Dakota university choose to work and live in the state after graduation. State leaders hope to increase that number.

A pheasant is shown standing on a South Dakota road.

South Dakota road hunting laws the most lax in the Great Plains

“It’s kind of been a strong issue with me, that it may be legal but it’s not smart,” said Ron Kolbeck of Salem, who has taught state HuntSAFE programs for more than 20 years.

Hall of Fame: South Dakota’s ‘culture of excellence’ showcased in 2023 class

Hall of Fame: South Dakota’s ‘culture of excellence’ showcased in 2023 class

The 2023 class’s impacts stretch beyond South Dakota’s borders. Nearly every 2023 inductee has received national recognition for their contributions to an industry.

South Dakota universities look to strengthen enrollment through affordability, accessibility

South Dakota universities look to strengthen enrollment through affordability, accessibility

Out of the 8,264 South Dakota public high school graduates in 2022, 62% went on to higher education after graduation, according to the most recent State Report Card from the state’s Department of Education. But with the number of college-aged students predicted to dwindle and as other states

Bee colony loss at ‘unsustainable’ rate, hurting ag industry and consumers

Bee colony loss at ‘unsustainable’ rate, hurting ag industry and consumers

For more than a decade, beekeepers in South Dakota and around the country have been fighting against historically high annual colony loss rates of more than 30%. The continued loss of colonies has the potential to affect roughly 100 different agricultural crops across the country and could raise food prices

Age of South Dakota farmers rise – along with land and input costs

Age of South Dakota farmers rise – along with land and input costs

DIMOCK, S.D. – Ron Neugebauer has been farming in South Dakota for more than 60 years. He began in the early 1960s when he was in high school. By the time he was 30 years old, he and his brother had taken over the family farm after their father died.