Jesse Victor Joseph was taken into custody on June 18, 2026, one day after law enforcement officials executed search warrants tied to the case. The investigation was conducted by the Rapid City Police Department and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Joseph is currently being held at the Pennington County Jail and faces charges including solicitation of a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and furnishing alcohol to a person under 18.

Investigators allege Joseph communicated with multiple underage individuals over an extended period, providing alcohol, vaping products, money, and other items in an effort to coerce them into inappropriate acts.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and additional victims may exist. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Detective Karen Bicskei or Investigator Parker Frederick at (605) 394-6115.

The case involves assistance from several agencies, including the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Joseph is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Jesse Menard, who is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement urges the public not to approach or attempt contact. Anyone who sees Menard should call 911 or contact authorities immediately.

Officials are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation continues. Additional details will be released when available.

In a separate case, law enforcement is also seeking information in the June 22, 2026 homicide of Tylen Valandra, which occurred in the early morning hours. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

Authorities stress that no tip is too small and encourage anyone with information in either case to contact law enforcement or call 911.

Officials inspected 10 businesses, with seven passing and three failing the operation. Two of the violations occurred at Hart Ranch Golf Course and Hart Ranch Camping Resort, along with Rockerville Lodge & Cabins/General Store.

Employees involved were cited for furnishing alcohol to someone under 21, a Class 2 misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine.

The businesses also face penalties, including a $1,000 fine for a first offense, increasing for repeat violations and potentially leading to license revocation.

Erickson holds 18,279 votes (49.91%), compared to Smith’s 18,277 (49.91%), according to unofficial results.

Minnehaha County Auditor Leah Anderson said counting paused for the night, with five provisional ballots still to be reviewed today. A mandatory recount will also take place due to the extremely close results.

A total of 36,556 ballots were cast, including 4,195 absentee votes and 32,361 cast on Election Day.

The race remained tight throughout the evening, with both candidates trading narrow leads before ending nearly tied.

Despite the steady month, overall performance remains strong. Gaming revenue is up more than 9 percent through the first five months of 2026 compared to 2025.

Slot machines saw a slight increase in May, rising just over 0.5 percent, while table games fell about 9.5 percent. Sports wagering experienced the largest decline, dropping nearly 20 percent.

Casinos offered more than $2 million in free play incentives during the month, resulting in taxable gaming revenue of just under $12.7 million. That generated more than $1.1 million in gaming taxes, which benefit the state general fund, South Dakota Tourism, and Lawrence County.

Deadwood Gaming Association Director George Milos said the steady May results coupled with strong year-to-date growth show visitors continue to find value in the city’s gaming and entertainment offerings.

The law, House Bill 1274, prohibits ads for abortion pills in the state and allows civil penalties for possessing or distributing them.

Nonprofit Mayday Health and a South Dakota attorney argue the law is unconstitutional, saying it restricts First Amendment rights. Their lawsuit follows a dispute with the state over ads placed in December promoting access to abortion medication.

State officials defended the law, saying it is intended to protect public health. Attorney General Marty Jackley said lawmakers acted to address concerns about abortion pills entering the state.

The case is part of a broader national debate over abortion access and free speech, with a judge expected to decide whether the law can be enforced.

Pischke, 44, of Dell Rapids, is accused of submitting forged precinct committeeman forms to the Minnehaha County Auditor’s Office. He turned himself in Tuesday and was released on a personal recognizance bond.

Party officials said Pischke will step away from his duties as Region 1 Director and Minnehaha County State Committeeman until the case is resolved.

Investigators say 16 forms contained similar handwriting, and multiple individuals listed said they did not sign the documents. The case stems from an inquiry launched after irregularities were identified by the auditor’s office.

Pischke, who represents District 25, declined comment and referred inquiries to his attorney.

The changes stem from legislation passed during the 2026 session and now head to the Legislature’s Rules Review Committee on July 14. If approved, the rules could take effect about 20 days later.

Supporters say the move will generate new revenue and create fairness for in-state racing. Officials estimate the state could collect $400,000 or more annually, with funds supporting live racing and South Dakota-bred programs.

Currently, South Dakota has no dog racing and only a one-day horse racing event in Fort Pierre. Regulators say the new requirements will also improve oversight and data security for bettors while bringing previously untaxed out-of-state betting operations under state regulation.

The proposal, which must pass a second reading on July 7, shifts approval authority from the Planning Commission to county commissioners and significantly increases setback requirements for projects.

Supporters say the changes protect agricultural land and limit large-scale industrial development, while opponents, including Commissioners Ron Rossknecht and Gary Drewes, argue the rules are overly restrictive.

The vote follows months of debate and a temporary moratorium on new projects after public opposition to large developments near New Underwood.

Officials say the closures will be in effect July second and third as part of a safety and traffic management plan.

Areas impacted include Breezy Point and Wrinkled Rock recreation areas, along with Forest Service Roads 442 and 442-point-1-A, and Lafferty Gulch Road.

Forest officials say the restrictions are designed to help manage heavy traffic, protect visitors, and support the large-scale event.

Anyone planning to travel in the area is encouraged to check for updates before heading out. Information is available through the Black Hills National Forest, Mount Rushmore National Memorial, and the South Dakota Department of Transportation.