Nick Lowrey

Nick Lowrey, based in Pierre, is an investigative staff reporter for South Dakota News Watch. A South Dakotan for more than 20 years, he is a former editor of the Pierre Capital Journal.

Shuttered SD theater groups suffering financially and emotionally during pandemic

South Dakota’s mostly non-profit theater industry has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the cancellations of stage plays, events and concerts across the state, resulting in millions of dollars worth of lost revenue, staff layoffs and ongoing budget cuts. The financial losses have raised fears that

Pandemic increases demand for locally grown foods but small SD producers can’t keep up

The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting fears over the stability of the American large-scale food production industry have pushed more consumers toward locally grown and raised meats and vegetables, and so far, South Dakota producers of homegrown foods have been unable to keep up. Demand for locally grown food soared as

Child-care options in SD dwindling at a time more parents are returning to work

South Dakota parents trying to return to work after pandemic-caused layoffs, furloughs or job changes may have a hard time finding child care as state day-care providers struggle to survive amid decreased business and increased costs. Day-care centers, preschools and state registered in-home day-care providers were struggling against high costs,

Special report: How four SD small towns are managing change — Lemmon, Webster, Edgemont and Lake Andes

Editor’s note: This article is the final piece of a three-part special report by South Dakota News Watch. The “Small Towns, Big Challenges” series was supported in part by a grant from the COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund Grant Program sponsored by Facebook. Lemmon has a new ‘fire in

Experts express optimism on future of small towns during virtual town hall discussion

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of articles by South Dakota News Watch called, “Small Towns, Big Challenges” that is examining small towns from a historical perspective and looking forward through the lens of the COVID-19 pandemic. Optimism for the future of South Dakota’s small

Special report: Small towns in SD facing big challenges amid pandemic and historic declines

Editor’s note: This article is the first of three parts of a special report by South Dakota News Watch. The “Small Towns — Big Challenges” series was supported in part by a grant from the COVID-19 Local News Relief Fund Grant Program sponsored by Facebook. Parts two and three will

Fire expert: Mount Rushmore fireworks show ‘ill-advised’ due to dry conditions and high fire risk

Abnormally dry conditions and a persistent risk of summer wildfires in the Black Hills of South Dakota make the fireworks display planned for July 3 at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial an unnecessary, potentially devastating and expensive event, according to one fire expert with intimate knowledge of the region. Bill