Patrick Lalley

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks ago | newscenter1.tv | Trent Singer |John Hult |Patrick Lalley

A move to put more tobacco tax money toward South Dakota’s day-to-day government expenses might mean more mosquito bites — and a greater risk of West Nile virus — after July. Gov. Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 54 into law on Friday. It reduces the amount of yearly tobacco tax revenue used to help people quit and avoid smoking from $5 million to $2 million. The rest of the money raised annually by the tax — more than $40 million, typically — goes to the state’s general fund.

3 weeks ago | newscenter1.tv | Patrick Lalley |Matt Zimmer

SIOUX FALLS — The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is looking into a fight at the maximum security wing of the state prison in Sioux Falls that broke out less than 48 hours before a planned tour of the building by a 22-member prison work group. It’s unclear how many people were involved, how long the fighting took place before being brought under control, or how badly anyone was hurt.