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Investigation Part 2: South Dakota outsourced management and auditing of COVID relief grants

The state Bureau of Finance and Management is not conducting its own auditing of individual grant applications or grants awarded under the Coronavirus Relief Fund, according to Colin Keeler, director of financial systems in the department. The state hired an independent firm to manage both the application and award process

Despite sales tax hike, average teacher pay in South Dakota returns to near bottom in nation

In 2016, South Dakota set a goal to put more money into the K-12 public school system after years of ranking last in the nation for teacher pay. The plan included a sales tax hike with new revenues directed to school districts to raise teacher salaries and be competitive with

Labor shortage and COVID-19 costs causing crisis in South Dakota's long-term care industry

Finding a safe, affordable and accessible nursing home or assisted-living center for sick or elderly South Dakotans has become more difficult in recent years but is getting harder than ever due to a shortage of facility workers and financial losses suffered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The labor shortage affecting businesses

COVID-19 on Campus: One student’s personal perspective

After a year and a half of attending college during unprecedented times, it has been welcome to return to a more normal school year at South Dakota State University. From fully in-person instruction, to full capacity events such as football games and student organization events, to unrestricted access to dining

College life in South Dakota appears normal, but COVID concerns still simmer

College campuses across South Dakota have a mostly back-to-normal feel so far this academic year, but the COVID-19 pandemic remains a top concern for many students, faculty and staff. University leaders want students to experience a typical collegiate year with indoor and outdoor pep rallies, sporting events and group study

South Dakota News Watch wins Community Spirit Award from Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation

South Dakota News Watch has been chosen to receive the 2021 Community Spirit Award from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation, which cited News Watch for its “impact in the lives of those it serves and in the community we call home.” The annual award recognizes a non-profit organization that

Wildlife officials express strong stances for and against S.D. pheasant predator bounty program

A former South Dakota Game, Fish and Park leader with vast experience in wildlife management has expressed strong disagreement with current GFP leadership on whether a state predator bounty program protects young pheasants or is the right way to get youths involved in outdoor activities. In an online panel discussion