ONIDA, SD – The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has concluded that the Ringneck Energy Plant explosion in Onida was accidental.
The investigation report indicates two separate explosions occurred in July, attributed to human error during the restart process after a shutdown.
Deputy State Fire Marshal Michael Jones explained that ramping up the restart too quickly and bypassing a valve interlock led to high-proof ethanol in the corn slurry tank, causing ethanol vapors to escape and ignite.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incidents.
BROOKINGS, SD – The Brookings Police are investigating an animal complaint that led to pending charges against two individuals on Friday.
Responding to a call near the intersection of 6th Street and 12th Avenue, officers discovered unsanitary living conditions prompting the removal of 12 dogs and a child from the home.
The Department of Social Services and Heartland Veterinary Clinic collaborated in handling the case.
SIOUX FALLS, SD – Gift cards, a popular choice for gifts, have become a prime target for scammers, warns Jessie Schmidt, Vice President of the Better Business Bureau’s South Dakota Region.
A recent BBB study reveals a 50% increase in reported gift card scams in 2023.
Schmidt advises heightened caution, emphasizing red flags like demands for gift card payments.
Surprisingly, the 18 to 34 age group is more susceptible to fraud. Beyond gift cards, shoppers are urged to scrutinize too-good-to-be-true deals, especially on social media, and opt for local businesses to support during the holiday season.
The BBB encourages reporting scams for a collective defense against sophisticated scammers.
RAPID CITY, SD – A man who beat a Box Elder woman to death in her home has been sentenced to 40 years in prison
Jamie Prince was sentenced in Seventh Circuit Court on Monday.
He was charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of 61-year-old Shirley Bartolotta on August 31 of 2022.
Prince pled guilty but mentally ill to first degree manslaughter after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors, who agreed not to recommend more than 40 years.
The judge in the case argued that while no term of years could truly suffice, a 40-year sentence was critical to protect the community from the defendant.
RAPID CITY, SD – Authorities say the suspect in a Rapid Valley murder has died.
Steven Custer, 33, died Thursday night in a Colorado hospital according to law enforcement.
Custer is believed to have shot and killed 32-year-old Mercades Dahlvang of Philip at a home on Gypsey Lane on November 13 before turning the gun on himself.
Dahlvane and Custer were found outside the home, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Dahlvang died after being taken to the hospital.
Investigators believe the two had been in a relationship and they are investigating the shooting as a now murder-suicide.
