Jonathan Ellis

3 weeks ago | siouxfallslive.com | Patrick Lalley |Jonathan Ellis

South Dakota continued to expand its industrial hemp footprint in 2024 as Texas quickly gained ground, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Hemp Report . As defined in the 2018 Farm Bill, the term “hemp” is a cannabis plant with a no more than 0.3% concentration of the chemical that results in a high, known as THC. According to the report, which was released on Thursday, South Dakota farmers planted 3,900 acres of hemp – a 22% increase from 2023.

3 weeks ago | siouxfallslive.com | Joe Sneve |Patrick Lalley |Jonathan Ellis

David Zokaites is once again running for mayor of Sioux Falls — if the perpetual candidate ever stopped seeking public office. A familiar move for the longtime local government observer and perennial municipal office seeker, the 63-year-old citizen activist has initiated yet another mayoral campaign, this time ahead of the upcoming 2026 contest.

3 weeks ago | siouxfallslive.com | Patrick Lalley |Jonathan Ellis

Jaimie Bartmann planned to quit her job in education. She loved being a paraprofessional in the Montrose School District in southeastern South Dakota, but after nine years assisting teachers and students, she wanted to make a bigger impact. “I felt limited,” Bartmann said. “A family trusts you with their child — whether you’re a paraprofessional or a teacher. But as a ‘para,’ you only assist them.

1 month ago | siouxfallslive.com | Patrick Lalley |Jonathan Ellis

Julian Beaudion, a small-business owner and former state trooper from Sioux Falls, announced Thursday that he is seeking South Dakota’s Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Mike Rounds. “This campaign isn’t about me — it’s about securing a future where South Dakota’s working families don’t get left behind,” Beaudion said in a statement. He and his wife co-own Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen, and he also operates The Hub, a professional development program.

1 month ago | siouxfalls.business | Jonathan Ellis

April 10, 2025By Jonathan Ellis, The Dakota ScoutThree people connected to Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet face potential deportation after their arrest Tuesday on charges of harboring illegal workers. Hui Weng, Min Lin and Jin Ju Pan were denied release by Federal Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy at their first appearance Wednesday. The government asked for their detention until trial because they pose a flight risk.