LAKE PRESTON, SD – One person died today in a single motorcycle crash a half mile south of Lake Preston, S.D.
The name of the person has not been released pending notification of family members.
Preliminary crash information indicates a 2005 Harley Davidson FLSTNI was traveling northbound on 441st Avenue in Kingsbury County. For an unknown reason, the motorcycle and driver entered the east ditch before vaulting over an embankment separating the driver from the motorcycle.
The 67-year-old male driver, who was not wearing a helmet, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased on the scene.
South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.
PIERRE, SD – Three South Dakota schools have been identified as National Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education. The award recognizes schools for their excellence in overall academic performance or for their progress in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.
The South Dakota Department of Education congratulated these schools on this achievement and their commitment to South Dakota students:
“Congratulations to South Dakota’s newest Blue Ribbon schools, their staff, students, and communities,” said Secretary of Education Joseph Graves. “They demonstrate what can be achieved when resourceful educators and engaged students put their values into action.”
The South Dakota schools named as National Blue Ribbon Schools are:
- Bridgewater-Emery Elementary, Bridgewater-Emery School District
- Fred Assam Elementary, Brandon Valley School District
- Castlewood High School, Castlewood School District
These schools serve as models of effective practices for other educators in South Dakota and schools throughout the nation. All three of the schools recognized in South Dakota are honored for their high student scores in English and mathematics.
Each school stands out for its unique approach to education. Bridgewater-Emery Elementary, for example, focuses on meaningful community engagement. Students have opportunities to visit senior centers, nearby Hutterite colonies, local businesses, and other points of interest. These experiences, combined with strong in-class instruction, create engaged, informed students.
Fred Assam Elementary’s Walk to Read process has improved literacy for students at every grade level. The process focuses on assessing each child’s reading level and providing the right reading instruction for their ability level. The school’s administration also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and planning time for teachers at the school.
Castlewood High School works to provide students with the encouragement to take rigorous classes that match their ability level. It’s a small school that keeps students well-rounded by providing high-quality academic, athletic, and performance opportunities, which are boosted by a supportive community.
SIOUX FALLS, SD – One person died Monday evening in a single vehicle crash east of Sioux Falls, S.D.
The name of the person involved has not been released pending notification of family members.
Preliminary crash information indicates that a 2004 Pontiac Vibe was traveling west on Interstate 90 near mile marker 403. The vehicle was in the left lane of travel and swerved toward the median to avoid a deer. The vehicle collided with the deer on the passenger side. The driver over-corrected to the right, lost control of the vehicle, and entered the north ditch. The vehicle rolled and the driver was thrown.
The driver sustained fatal injuries in the crash. He was not wearing a seatbelt.
South Dakota’s Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released so far is only preliminary.
SIOUX FALLS, SD – For the third consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals for 2023-2024 ranked Sanford Medical Center Fargo the No. 1 hospital in North Dakota and Sanford USD Medical Center the No. 1 hospital in South Dakota.
The annual U.S. News & World Report rankings evaluate data on nearly 5,000 hospitals in 15 adult specialties and 21 adult procedures and conditions.
Sanford USD Medical Center received high-performing rankings in three adult specialty areas, including gastroenterology and gastroenterology surgery, orthopedics, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
In urology and gastroenterology and gastroenterology surgery, Sanford USD Medical Center ranks as one of the top in the nation when comparing those specialty services with health care systems across the country.
Sanford USD Medical Center also received high ratings for procedures and conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart bypass surgery, heart attack, diabetes, kidney failure, back surgery, hip replacement, knee replacement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.
Sanford Medical Center Fargo ranks as one of the tops in the nation in urology and is rated high-performing in 10 procedures and specialties, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, colon cancer surgery, prostate cancer surgery, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, aortic valve surgery, heart attack, heart bypass surgery, heart failure, kidney failure, hip replacement and knee replacement.
MITCHELL, SD – High Plains Processing broke ground on a new soybean plant in Mitchell, SD on Tuesday. The project is the result of two years of work between the company and the City of Mitchell.
“These kinds of projects have wide reaching impact, you know, where are we buying beans from a large draw area that’s going to permit benefit producers all over the state,” said Tom Kersting, CEO of the South Dakota soybean processors.
The 500 million dollar project will create 85 new jobs and have the capacity to process 35 million bushels of soybeans a year.
“The project size is going to require us to have more in the way of utility, infrastructure as well as for truck traffic. And so that’s huge. Sales tax revenues. And Mitchell alone will be significant over the next few years,” said David Lambert, Mitchell Director of Regional Development.
Statewide, the benefits will go far beyond the money.
“Help not just the community of Mitchell, but also our workforce needs and diversifying our economy to stabilize every single family. And every single person that lives and works here,” said Governor Kristi Noem.
The facility is expected to be up and running by Fall of 2025.
SHELDON, IA – A Northwest Iowa man has pleaded guilty to killing his mother and will spend the rest of his life in prison.
Court documents show that 42-year-old Nathaniel Kassel of Sheldon was in court Monday, Sept. 18, and pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. After entering his plea, Kassel was sentenced to life in prison with no possibility of parole.
Kassel was accused of killing his mother, Jody Duskin, whose body was found in her Sheldon home back in March 2023. Court documents show before Duskin’s body was found, Kassel had spoken with family members saying he was planning to kill his mother. Kassel was arrested in South Dakota the day after authorities learned of Duskin’s death.
Previously, Kassel had pleaded not guilty and was set to go to trial on Oct. 17, 2023. He was originally charged with two other counts as well, operating a vehicle without the owner’s consent and possession of control of a firearm as a felon. Those charges have been dismissed.