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COVID-19 outbreak infects students at Northern State University in Aberdeen

Eight students of Northern State University in Aberdeen and a youth who attended a recent athletic camp on the NSU campus have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a university spokesperson. The university is working closely with the state Department of Health to undergo contact tracing of those with confirmed

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

University faculty in SD fear return to campus may lead to COVID-19 outbreaks

The plan to return to face-to-face teaching and learning at colleges in South Dakota in August is causing great concern among faculty and staff who fear that campuses across the state could become sources of major outbreaks of the potentially deadly coronavirus. Though extensive planning and preparation are underway to

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

Back-to-school plans in SD awash with worry over safety of children, teachers and staff

With a new school year fast approaching in South Dakota, the usual feelings of excitement, anticipation and opportunity have been replaced with angst, anxiety and worry. The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a pall of uncertainty over whether students, teachers and staff can safely return to schools for in-person teaching and

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,

Committed to their communities: Two rural medical professionals go the extra miles

Editor’s note: This article is part of the final segment in the South Dakota News Watch series, “Small Towns, Big Challenges” and features two rural medical professionals who show a deep commitment to providing medical care to residents of remote small-towns in South Dakota. In many rural areas of