VERMILLION, S.D. – Residents in Vermillion are being told to reduce their wastewater flows as much as possible.

According to a Vermillion press release, two of the community’s three force mains were lost  on Monday, June 24, due to high water levels, velocity of the water and debris in the Vermillion River. The force mains are what carry sanitary sewage across the Vermillion River and to the local wastewater treatment plant.

On Thursday morning Vermillion’s last remaining force main was knocked out of service. Officials say the sanitary sewage from the community is now being discharged into the Vermillion River until a solution is developed and implemented. Vermillion is working with the state and an engineering consultant to figure out how to deal with this issue.

All Vermillion residents are asked to continue to reduce wastewater flows as much as possible. As the sewage is discharging directly into the Vermillion River, the limitation of flushes is also encouraged.

City officials are being very clear on the fact that the flood water has not affected the town’s potable water source or the treatment facility. Vermillion draws the water from wells along Chestnut Street, Dakota Street and Broadway Street. Officials say none of the well locations, or the treatment plant, have been affected by the flood waters.

Residents are asked to continue following traffic control and road closed signs. Residents and visitors are also advised to stay away from all open bodies of water.

 

PIERRE, S.D. – As South Dakota communities face flooding and begin rebuilding, Governor Kristi Noem announced she is not activating the National Guard. Emergency management teams, the American Red Cross, and local fire rescues are responding.

Noem stated that counties must request National Guard assistance, and it is typically a measure for severe crises due to its high cost.

Democratic Rep. Linda Duba questioned this decision, highlighting the use of the Emergency Disaster Fund.

Noem emphasized that federal aid requires a $1.6 million property loss threshold, which has been met, ensuring 75% federal coverage of costs.

Meanwhile, Minnesota has activated its National Guard for flooding.

Noem announced the deployment of South Dakota National Guard troops to the southern border this past February, marking the fifth such deployment under her administration.

Sixty soldiers were deployed on a rolling basis over three months, primarily focusing on constructing a border wall to combat illegal immigration, drug cartels, and human trafficking.

In response to questions regarding the issue Ian Fury, a spokesman for the Governor sent a release stating the following:

“In order for National Guard troops to be deployed, a request is to the Governor from the local government, and after discussion, no request was ever made. The Guard may still be utilized to help in this disaster if a time comes when a community requests a defined mission that can be best accomplished by our soldiers.

The National Guard is often deployed when other options cannot respond or do not have the ability to provide the services needed. Thankfully, the local contractors, officials, and state agencies were best suited for the situation South Dakota has faced the last several days. As an example, just yesterday, 55 contractors (including engineers, electricians, and other specialties), plus law enforcement officers, conservation officers, and local and state officials were organized into teams to help people on McCook Lake safely retrieve their belongings.

In some instances, the National Guard may be utilized for law enforcement purposes, but mutual aid agreements with law enforcement from other cities and counties have taken care of this need. Further, we have continued to provide both Highway Patrol and GFP Conservation Officers to this area as well.

It is important to note that there are limitations on what National Guard soldiers can do to assist in these situations. They legally cannot enter people’s homes or clear or repair private property.

 

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Kathleen Shannon / Greater Dakota News Service) – AARP has announced its 2024 Community Challenge grant recipients this week, including several in South Dakota.

Nearly $4 million is going to about 350 organizations nationwide to fund quick-action projects to make communities more livable. South Dakota organizations have received a total of nearly $320,000 since 2017, supported by the state’s AARP chapter.

Judy Larson, a volunteer grants administrator in Lemmon, with a population of about 1,100 said this year’s award is its third Community Challenge grant win. Larson noted a past grant funded a portable dance floor, which can be checked out from the Lemmon library.

“We have a big country-dance culture in our history here,” Larson pointed out. “We have the older generation. They can foxtrot. They can polka. They can two-step. They can do them all. And then now, the next generation is really interested in learning some of those dances.”

Larson emphasized the grant has helped realize her community’s vision. Other South Dakota towns and cities receiving grants this year are Edgemont, Gettysburg, Rosyln and Sioux Falls.

Erik Gaikowski, state director of AARP South Dakota, said the grants fund projects focused on livable and walkable public spaces, transportation, community gardens and other plans especially benefiting people age 50 and over.

“We know that older adults want to live in their home communities for as long as they possibly can,” Gaikowski explained. “We also want to help all community members live, work, play, and age in a safe, friendly community.”

Gaikowski added he hopes other communities take inspiration from the list of funded projects.

 

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents has announced the approval of two high-need programs designed to meet growing workforce demands in the state and beyond. The programs include a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at South Dakota State University and a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence at the University of South Dakota.

SDSU’s Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting aims to provide students with comprehensive training in various aspects of the field. The university currently provides a minor in accounting, and it believes that the bachelor’s program will expand its students’ educational opportunities, leading to improved professional prospects. Additionally, introducing a major in accounting will help meet the strong demand for accounting professionals in the job market in South Dakota.

The Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence at USD is a cutting-edge graduate program designed to address the rapid advancements and growing needs in the AI sector. The degree will encourage innovation through research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing the state’s science and technology foundation. This emerging program will prepare graduates for leadership roles in AI research, development, and application across various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and more.

These programs will help fill critical gaps in South Dakota’s labor market by equipping students with specialized skills in accounting and artificial intelligence. Graduates of these programs will be well-prepared to take on vital roles in their respective fields, enhancing the region’s economic growth and technological advancement.

Both programs will be offered at their respective universities beginning Fall 2024

 

 

NEW UNDERWOOD, S.D. – National Grid Renewables has launched Wild Springs, South Dakota’s largest solar farm, in Pennington County. The 128-megawatt (MW) solar farm, part of the Southwest Power Pool, includes a 114 MW power purchase agreement with Basin Electric Power Cooperative.

The installation is expected to provide $29.5 million in economic impact and $12 million in new tax revenue over 20 years, Wild Springs will generate enough clean electricity to power 37,000 homes annually, avoiding 190,000 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.

A unique part of the National Grid Renewables project is the fact that the group will also donate $500,000 to the local New Underwood school district.

Despite South Dakota’s strong wind power presence, solar energy remains limited, with the state ranking 42nd in installed solar capacity.

Basin Electric’s senior vice president, Chris Baumgartner, expressed enthusiasm for integrating solar into their diverse energy portfolio, which includes plans for a large natural gas power plant in North Dakota.