Utility & Community Support: Black Hills Energy added $10,000 to the Salvation Army’s “Play It Forward” energy-assistance fundraiser in Rapid City, aiming to help families cover electric and gas bills. Severe Weather Watch: Northern Plains storms are expected to bring strong winds and large hail across Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming into Monday. Ag Entrepreneurship: Farmers Fuel Coffee Co. is expanding beyond its Hartland, Minn. roots, shipping bags from a family farm to stores across Minnesota and the Midwest while supporting Farm Rescue. Transportation Leadership: SDDOT named June Hansen (Pierre) and Kari Karst (Dell Rapids) to the 2026 Transportation Hall of Honor for work ranging from tribal liaison efforts to workforce programs. Local Business Growth: Blarney’s in Mitchell opened a new long-play casino room and arcade, adding a second kitchen and more family-friendly entertainment. Public Works & Accessibility: Yankton’s Broadway Avenue (US 81) intersection and signal upgrades are nearing completion, with ADA curb ramp work across multiple junctions. Health Care Expansion: Avera opened the new Avera Cancer Institute in Yankton, consolidating cancer services under one roof with infusion bays and exam rooms. Policy & Cost Control: South Dakota’s SNAP payment error rate hit 2.47% in FY25, the lowest in the nation, according to USDA data. Energy Resilience & Drought: More than half of South Dakota is in drought as heat accelerates dryness, raising demand and water-bill pressure while utilities stress grid readiness.