Watertown Public Opinion

3 days ago | thepublicopinion.com | Dominik Dausch |Vanessa Carlson Bender

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has been nominated to receive an honorary doctorate from Dakota State University — over the objections of faculty and student senators. José-Marie Griffiths, president of the Madison school, sent DSU's Student Association Senate an open letter March 14 nominating Noem for the honorary degree, Anden Wieseler, vice president of the student senate, told the Argus Leader April 20.

6 days ago | thepublicopinion.com | Dominik Dausch

South Dakota House Speaker Jon Hansen and Speaker Pro Tempore Karla Lems will make a joint announcement on April 24, sparking speculation of a gubernatorial ticket for 2026. Political observers believe the announcement will be a Hansen/Lems ticket, though a leadership PAC is also a possibility. They may face challenges against established figures like Gov. Larry Rhoden, Attorney General Marty Jackley, and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson if they run for governor.

1 week ago | thepublicopinion.com | Vanessa Carlson Bender

McNally’s Irish Pub, a Sioux Falls staple of 18 years, will reopen under new ownership in May after its sudden, unexplained closure days before Christmas last year. A small investment group of five Sioux Falls locals formed an LLC called South Side Partners and purchased the business located at 6211 S. Old Village Place from former owner Nikki Ellerbroek, who was looking for a buyer. Now the pub has a new lease on life as the group officially purchased McNally's on April 4.

1 week ago | thepublicopinion.com | Ariana Figueroa

Ariana FigueroaSouth Dakota SearchlightMillions of undocumented immigrants are now required to register with DHS and carry proof of registration. A federal judge rejected a request by advocacy groups to halt the requirement. Non-compliance could result in fines and prison sentences.

1 week ago | thepublicopinion.com | Roger Merriam

SIOUX FALLS — The South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting 23 sports legends on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.  The 2025 class includes perhaps the greatest kicker in NFL history, world record holders, champion coaches, women athlete pioneers, a pro cowboy and South Dakota’s most well-known sled dog racer. Tickets for the induction banquet will go on sale later this year.