(SOUTH DAKOTA SEARCHLIGHT) - Enrollment at South Dakota’s four technical colleges increased, according to the 2026 fall enrollment report.pdf).

The state Board of Technical Education reviewed the report Thursday during its Rapid City meeting.

Total enrollment grew by 39 students over last year, reaching a record 7,813 across degree-seeking, dual-credit and non-degree-seeking categories. Dual-credit programs allow high-schoolers to earn both high school and college credit simultaneously.

By contrast, enrollment fell at South Dakota’s public universities by 294 students to 35,797, driven primarily by drops among undergraduate and international students.

Both systems reported a decrease in dual-credit enrollment. Among the public university system, dual-credit enrollment decreased by 10 students. Dual-credit enrollment at technical colleges decreased by 53 students, to 1,421.

Jenna Reis, policy and data analyst for the board, called it a “slight decrease.”

“I think our dual enrollment numbers still remain strong and are a great connection point for high school students to get connected to college coursework and get familiar with our technical colleges,” Reis said.

The drop in dual enrollment within the technical education system was entirely attributable to Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City, where it decreased by 132 students, from 411 to 279. Dual enrollment increased at all other technical colleges.

“We saw that decrease, and we’re trying to diagnose it,” Nick Wendell, executive director of the board, told South Dakota Searchlight after the meeting. “We don’t have absolute certainty this early what led to that.”

Western Dakota Technical College President Kendra Ericson attributed the drop in dual-credit enrollment to “multiple factors,” including students or school districts taking courses through other institutions.

Ericson told Searchlight that the college no longer teaches in-person courses at the Meade School District, decreasing its district involvement from nine to eight districts. Meade School District Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt said students are still able to take courses online at Western Dakota and other higher education institutions across the state.

Dual enrollment at Black Hills State University increased by 48 students over last year and South Dakota Mines increased by six, according to data from the South Dakota Board of Regents.

Ericson also said the number of course sections Western Dakota faculty have taught at schools decreased for some districts.

Ericson told board members that students who take dual-credit courses are more likely to later enroll full-time at that institution. Dual credits earned at technical colleges or universities can carry directly into a degree program without needing to transfer. That pipeline has resulted in an 8% increase in degree-seeking students at the institution, she said.

“From my standpoint, we’re not concerned,” Ericson said to Searchlight about the decrease. “We know we’re meeting the needs of our school districts and our enrolled students.”

In 2022, the Rapid City School District announced that it would no longer cover the cost of dual-credit enrollment at Western Dakota. The next year, dual enrollment at the college dropped by 38%, to 310 students.

After Western Dakota rebuilt dual enrollment over the next two years, the Legislature passed a bill in 2025 that shifted more of the cost of dual enrollment onto families. Ericson said that recent cost increase could also be a factor in Western Dakota’s decrease.

“Any time we have a change in cost structure that puts more on our students and families, we can always see a potential decrease in our enrollment because they don’t have the financial means to cover that,” Ericson said.

Health sciences remain the most popular programs at technical colleges, with enrollment growing by 147 students systemwide. Information technology enrollment dropped by 90 students systemwide, with 79 of those lost at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls.

Southeast Technical College President Cory Clasemann attributed the drop to uncertainty around the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.

“There is just some hesitation among students, particularly in that program, and that’s where we are seeing the drop at the moment,” Clasemann said, adding that he hopes it’s a “one year blip” as the college updates its Information Technology curriculum to align with AI advances.

South Dakota’s four technical colleges are in Sioux Falls, Watertown, Mitchell and Rapid City.

If passed, Amendment L would allow a minority to override the will of the majority of South Dakotas.

It is encouraging to see the universal backlash to this proposal. Strangely, similar measures were on the ballot and rejected in 2018 and 2022.

Here is the official text that will be on the ballot:

"The State Constitution provides that any proposed constitutional amendment or revision must be submitted to the voters for approval. Currently, a proposed constitutional amendment or revision becomes part of the Constitution if approved by a majority of the votes cast. This proposed Constitutional Amendment increases the number of votes required for a proposed constitutional amendment or revision to become part of the Constitution. If passed, further constitutional amendments must receive an affirmative vote of sixty percent of the votes cast to be implemented. Vote “Yes” to adopt the amendment. Vote “No” to leave the Constitution as it is."

Had to go out southwest of Kadoka recently and decided to take some pictures.

Just saw this ad and am wondering if it’s really a South Dakota road, perhaps along the Missouri River?

Update: It appears to be Little Bend Recreation Area!

I recommend checking out Roughlock Falls when visiting the area. In May this year we got caught in 3 hail storms while there but waiting out in the car for the storm to pass. Glad we did.

https://youtu.be/N-a7nhd1lY4?is=cZcrPIehg9lGzCVW

The City of Lead has passed an ordinance prohibiting Automated License Plate Readers. This is the first city in South Dakota to officially ban ALPRs. The ordinance will go into effect on Friday, October 30th, 20 days after its publication in the Black Hills Pioneer, which was on Saturday, October 10th. The ordinance covers all vendors, both leased and purchased devices. It also prohibits the city from using ALPR data from adjacent jurisdictions and private operators.

Lead Mayor Huepel said the ordinance has "been very well received already." Noting that he has received calls with people appreciating that they're doing this. "So it's a big thing for people, and the residents seem to be on board and happy with not being mass surveilled."

Sources:

• Ordinance 1128-26. City of Lead. https://cityoflead.com/images/uploads/docs/Ordinance_1128-26_Prohibiting_Automated_License_Readers_and_Mass_Surveillance_1.pdf
• Lead seeks to ban automated license plate readers. (2026, September 24). Black Hills Pioneer. https://www.bhpioneer.com/local_news/lead-seeks-to-ban-automated-license-plate-readers/article_53597015-96aa-4e65-ac39-ea42bb72fd4a.html
• Lead Public Notices. (2026, October 10). Black Hills Pioneer, 22. https://www.bhpioneer.com/eedition/page-22/page_bdd09593-9e8a-5a95-bdd3-cd28d63fda88.html

Hey there! I collect Real Photo Postcards and need the help of anyone who has a knowledge of early 1900s South Dakota history. I have a picture of a reunion perhaps, and two men in the picture are wearing interesting jerseys or sports shirts that look to be baseball uniforms. They say "Lincoln State" and "Prairie Hill". The card was sent to Aberdeen, SD. Does anyone recognize these team names or communities they may have come from? Thanks!
Best wishes from "Music City, USA"- Nashville, Tennessee!
Hudson

Hey all, I drew 00B86 tags this year and my hunting partner is backing out of the trip due to work issues. That leaves me with a 20 hour solo drive. If anyone will be around Webster/Aberdeen in the month of November and wouldn’t mind an extra head to help with scouting, I am really flexible with the timeframe. I just don’t want to make the trip and then be stuck hunting solo for a week.

Thanks!

I thought this was an interesting read, and it brought up the most obvious question:

https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/10/17/south-dakotas-own-tradition-fades-amid-success-of-nonresident-pheasant-hunting/

Why?

Why aren’t people, especially state residents, hunting pheasants like they used to?

I grew up hunting pheasants every year. It was something I genuinely looked forward to. As I got older, I moved away from my old stomping grounds, which indirectly made hunting and fishing less of a priority. I lost the loved ones I used to go with, and I’ve realized now that they were the reason I wanted to go. I enjoyed those weekends with my uncle they most. Between the hunting, talking, and just bullshitting it was nice being there in the moment. It was a great time, and the rest of the world didn’t exist when I was with him. The only reminder of reality was listening to the Vikings disappoint us yet again on the AM radio.

I’ve found that my reasons today are simple. I no longer know who owns the land. I don’t feel like spending the time driving to the places I used to hunt, and I don’t care to find new spots. Most of all, I use those excuses to avoid admitting the real reason: my uncle has passed away.

If you used to go pheasant hunting and don’t anymore, why?

hello i currently live in MI and has done the practical cosmetology test before and failed , im now thinking of moving to south Dakota and still want to purse my career i’ve seen online that SD doesn’t require the hands on practical, if there is anyone that is currently licensed can confirm if you had to take the hands on practical cosmetology test and if so how was it if it was easy/ hard thank you!!

I'm curious to hear from anyone who has purchased a home through the 502 Direct program (different than the USDA Guaranteed program). How long was the wait for you, and how was the home buying process? I applied 7 months ago and am still waiting for my application to be processed. I'm hoping the wait isn't much longer.

Reddit is not happy about this. Is this at a Rush game?

They are to be treated as 4-way/All-way stops.

SDDOT is doing work on the signals along US 12/6th Ave in Aberdeen. Sometimes they will deploy a temporary signal set up while the main ones are out.

The times they don't, I'm almost always being honked at for stopping and treating as an all-way stop.

If you don't know the rules of the road, get off of them.

Thanks, I feel a bit better for venting. But for real, this isn't rocket science.

Help a small South Dakota school district win a contest.

Lennox, SD is competing against other Midwest schools to win money to improve their athletics program. Lennox School District is the only South Dakota school in the T-Mobile Friday Night Lights competition.

Each cell phone number can vote 1 time per day until 10/25. You do not need to share any personal information to vote just enter your phone number.

This is the link to the contest website.

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/friday-night-5g-lights?utm_source=chatgpt.com

This link will take you directly where you need to go to vote for Lennox.

https://fn5gl.t-mobile.com/vote/lennox-high-school

Looking for hotel for my son to have a five year old birthday around Sioux falls and watertown.

Looking for a fun pool decent rooms

We have stayed at the best western plus which we really enjoyed and have stayed at ramada which we don't care for . Just wondering if there's any others people suggest

Gestring assumed the role of USD’s 18th president on June 22, 2018, after previously serving as the university’s vice president of finance and chief financial officer since 2010 and serving on the USD finance staff since 2006. She became USD’s second alum and woman to serve as president.

As president, Gestring has remained focused on championing the university’s mission, supporting students and addressing workforce needs in the state. She has guided the university through critical periods of transformation, navigating challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and opportunities such as the establishment of USD – Sioux Falls as it exists today. Under her leadership, USD reached its highest-ever enrollment, now reporting three consecutive years with 10,000 students enrolled, as well as record fundraising achievements. The last nine years have also been shaped by Gestring’s strong financial leadership that, paired with public and private support, has strengthened programs and facilities across the university.

In reflecting on the past nine years, Gestring credits the USD community with making these achievements possible and positioning the university for success in welcoming a new president.

“Serving as USD’s eighteenth president has been the honor of my professional life,” Gestring said. “Since assuming this role in June 2018, I have had the privilege of working alongside extraordinary students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, community partners, legislators and friends of the university. We have guided USD through a period of remarkable growth and momentum, and I could not be prouder of what we have accomplished. Together, we have laid the foundation for a strong future for USD, and we are in a prime position to welcome a new president who will lead us in the years to come.”

South Dakota Board of Regents Executive Director and CEO Nathan Lukkes emphasized Gestring’s stable leadership and commitment to serving South Dakota.

“President Gestring has always been deeply committed to her students, to South Dakota, and to higher education. It has been a privilege working alongside her,” Lukkes said. “Under her leadership, USD has reached new heights, from enrollment and fundraising records to investments in modern facilities that enhance the student experience. She has also been a trusted voice and leader among her fellow presidents and partners across the state. We are grateful for her many contributions to USD and for her lasting commitment to the university.”

In a video posted by USD on Oct. 14, Gestring shared that she and her husband Keith plan to remain in Vermillion to enjoy retirement and look forward to staying connected with the Coyote community.

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RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - A new survey is giving South Dakota drivers something to argue about — and yes, both Rapid City and Sioux Falls made the list of cities with the country’s “most entitled” drivers.

The survey from New Jersey-based Brett Rosen Law asked more than 3,000 drivers in major U.S. cities about behaviors such as risky lane changes, cutting through traffic and ignoring road rules when they’re inconvenient.

Sioux Falls ranked No. 151 nationally, while Rapid City came in at No. 153. Researchers pointed to the heavy traffic around Interstate 29 and Interstate 90 in Sioux Falls and the mix of local and tourist traffic on Rapid City-area roads as possible factors.

The survey also found that 25% of drivers said they had experienced a road-rage incident that went beyond yelling or hand gestures. 15% said they had intentionally used their vehicle to intimidate another driver, cyclist or pedestrian.

Reports of deer deaths from a viral disease have spiked as hunters take to the fields in South Dakota, and state wildlife officials are reducing some hunting opportunities and offering hunting-license refunds to protect deer numbers.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is a viral illness spread by tiny biting midges typically found along muddy shorelines. In South Dakota, the disease primarily impacts white-tailed deer, according to Game, Fish and Parks Senior Wildlife Biologist Byron Buckley.

“Because white-tailed deer generally inhabit the areas where these midges currently are,” he told the Game, Fish and Parks Commission on Thursday in Pierre.

Mule deer, bighorn sheep, elk and pronghorn can also be infected. The department says the disease usually affects deer herds in late summer or early fall. Warm conditions can extend the period when the insects are active, while a hard freeze generally kills them off, bringing a seasonal outbreak to an end.

Buckley said weather strongly influences outbreaks. This year’s outbreak started in July and continued as South Dakota experienced an unusually warm, dry September with some heavy rain.

Retired Game, Fish and Parks lead biologist George Vandel said those conditions — drier dry periods and wetter wet periods — can create the environment where midges thrive best: muddy areas that are sometimes covered by water and sometimes exposed to the air.

During the commission’s monthly meeting, Buckley said the department now has about 407 reports this year of dead deer due to the illness: 376 suspected cases and 31-lab-confirmed. During the commission’s Sept. 10-11 meeting, the count was 196, he said. Though he said it’s not unusual for a spike in reports to come in during that timeframe.

“So a lot of our reports have come from the month of October,” Buckley said. “Now, that could be because we are seeing the disease a lot more or that there’s just a lot more people on the landscape.”

Waterfowl, grouse, dove and archery deer hunting seasons all began in September.

The number of reported cases for 2026 is slightly higher than the total reported for all of 2025, according to the state’s EHD map, though Buckley described this year’s numbers as roughly comparable to the previous two years.

The state has taken several steps to limit deer hunting in outbreak-affected areas, aiming to give deer populations a better chance to recover. The department removed mentored and youth deer licenses in nine southeastern South Dakota counties where outbreaks have affected deer in the past two years. It also removed 62 unsold licenses, two in McPherson County and 60 in Dewey County. The state changed statewide archery license rules, which previously allowed hunters to take any deer, to buck-only licenses.

Buckley said the department is now offering a further option: Hunters holding deer licenses in 16 counties along the Missouri River corridor can voluntarily return their licenses for a full refund.

Wildlife Division Director Tom Kirschenmann said the department may add counties as more October reports arrive.

“We’re trying to be somewhat strategic about it, but we’re also trying to be proactive about where we offer this up,” Kirschenmann said.

The department asks people to report sick or dead deer via methods listed at gfp.sd.gov/contactus. Buckley said officials enter reports into a system that updates the department’s public online map.