PIERRE, SD – The final ballot explanation for a draft initiated measure, proposed by Emmett Reistroffer of Rapid City, that would legalize recreational marijuana and create dual-use licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries, has been released filed with the Secretary of State by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office.
Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation. He has provided a fair and neutral explanation of the proposed initiated measure to help assist the voters.
The proposed initiated measure would allow individuals 21 years old or older to possess, grow, sell, ingest, and distribute marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia. The initiated measure does not affect laws dealing with hemp. The measure also authorizes the South Dakota Department of Health to issue dual-use licenses to medical marijuana dispensaries. A dual-use license allows dispensaries to sell marijuana to persons 21 years or older.
If the required 17,509 valid signatures are gathered and approved by the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office, the proposed initiated measure will be placed on the 2024 general ballot. A majority of the votes cast in the general election will be needed to pass the measure.
The Attorney General’s explanation was drafted after a review of all the comments received during the proposed amendment’s 10-day comment period. A total of six comments were received.
For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State’s website, sdsos.gov
MARTIN, SD – The South Dakota Brand Board and the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the theft of over 250 head of cattle in the Martin, SD, area.
Information from the Brand Board says the 108 cows and 150 calves are Black Angus or Red Angus and are missing from a location 16 miles west of Martin. The cows are 2-4 years old.
A social media post by the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office says the herd owners, Schultes Ranch, LLC, of Howes, SD, are offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of these animals. Additionally, the South Dakota Brand Board “may pay up to $5000 to any person who provides information leading to the conviction of any person for the crime of stealing livestock which are branded with a registered brand with the board.”
Brand Board Director Debbie Trapp says it’s not uncommon for November to be a busy month for reports of cattle being missing.
Most of the cows and calves have a “lazy reverse E, sitting Y” brand on their right hip. There is a few with an “L7-stacked, 7-7 side by side” brand on their left hip.
Anyone with information should contact the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office at 605-685-6516 or 605-842-1014.
PIERRE, SD – A $300,000 cash only bond has been set for a 23 year old man from Pierre charged with Second Degree Murder, a Class B felony, in the stabbing death of a 17-year-old female on November. 30, 2023 at his residence in Pierre.
The charge against David J. Shangreaux, Jr., is connected to the death of Evie Maxey from Rapid City. The maximum punishment is up to life in prison, a $50,000 fine or both.
In court Thursday, Assistant South Dakota Attorney General Ernest Thompson asked for a $1-million cash only bond while Shangreaux’s court appointed attorney, Justin Bell, asked for a personal recognizance bond.
Thompson said further charges may be coming and alcohol was a factor in this incident. Thompson also set the record straight that Maxey was NOT pregnant, contrary to rumors being circulated.
Shangreaux’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 15, 2023. Should Shangreaux make bond, he will be required to follow several requirements, including that he have no contact with Maxey’s family, consume no alcohol and possess no weapons.
Charging documents indicate that Pierre Police officers responded to a disturbance call Nov. 30, 2023, at 9:04pm at an apartment located at 325 S. Brule Street. When officers arrived, they found Maxey “cold to the touch and believed to be deceased.” Emergency Medical Services arrived and confirmed she was dead.
During the investigation, officers learned Shangreaux, his live-in girlfriend identified as “L.G.” and Maxey had been “consuming alcohol and socializing” when Shangreaux became intoxicated and began “threatening E.M. with a knife.” L.G. said before she left the residence, she last knew Maxey and Shangreaux to be “in the bathroom of the residence, and that Shangreaux had a knife.”
PIERRE, SD – Zebra mussels, an invasive species, have been officially identified in Lake Oahe, South Dakota’s largest body of water, according to the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks Department.
The confirmation comes after the discovery of zebra mussels at two boat landings—East Shore and Cow Creek ramps upstream of Pierre.
Lake Oahe is now designated as a zebra-mussel confirmed water, leading to the installation of high-profile signs at access points along the Missouri River reservoir, which extends into North Dakota.
Conservation efforts, including increased engagement with boaters and other stakeholders, will be implemented to address the presence of this invasive species.
