SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 5 -- The American Coalition for Ethanol issued the following news on May 4: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced further information and details surrounding the application process for its Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), which makes available up to $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the sale and use of renewable fuels, $86 million of which is reserved for higher blends of ethanol. Th  more

WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities issued the following news: South Dakota's Governor Kristi Noem says her state doesn't need more federal fiscal relief; it just needs the Treasury Department to let it use previously provided relief funds to cover revenue shortfalls. The argument apparently has gained traction among some congressional Republicans. But while that may work for South Dakota, the vast majority of states -- blue and red alike -- desperately need more fed  more

PIERRE, South Dakota, May 9 -- The South Dakota Bankers Association issued the following news: The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA), the professional and trade association for South Dakota's financial services industry, recently held elections for four of the nine seats on its Board of Directors. Elected to serve on the SDBA Board of Directors were: * Dylan Clarkson, President/CEO, Pioneer Bank & Trust, Belle Fourche * Craig Davis, President/CEO, First National Bank, Pierre * Timothy   more

SANTA MONICA, California, May 6 -- RAND issued the following news release on May 5: An innovative statewide alcohol-monitoring program that requires drunk drivers to be tested frequently for alcohol use significantly lowers the likelihood that offenders will be rearrested or have probation revoked, according to a new RAND Corporation study. The study analyzed results from South Dakota's 24/7 Sobriety Program, a public safety effort that imposes very frequent alcohol testing along with swift bu  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 9 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: The latest tool against the novel coronavirus pandemic is being used. A mobile testing laboratory for COVID-19 from Sanford Health administers and processes tests in emerging high-need areas. The mobile testing unit is equipped with the laboratory technologies to process COVID-19 tests on-site, with results completed in one hour. The unit can be deployed to potential hot spots to expedite testing and results, which h  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 6 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: Many states are opening back up after more than a month with several sectors of the economy closed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, going to the grocery store or getting a haircut will be a much different experience than it was before. Some businesses have even started requiring customers to wear masks in their stores. "By now, everyone should be wearing some sort of mask whenever they are out and about,"   more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 9 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: Hospice agencies throughout the Good Samaritan Society and Sanford Health are navigating uncharted territory during the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically, when clients receive hospice services, visits from loved ones are common and encouraged. But now, it's a necessity that hospice visits take place virtually through social media or other technology. Family members also are encouraged to keep in touch with loved ones by   more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 7 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: Dr. Wendell Hoffman watched as the SARS and MERS coronaviruses emerged during his career. He helped with planning during the H1N1 influenza pandemic. But the infectious disease specialist for Sanford Health currently is immersed with other health care providers in the struggle to understand, prevent and treat COVID-19. Our knowledge has come far since the virus first came to the United States, said Dr. Hoffman, but w  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 8 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: Sanford Health has positioned itself to rapidly respond to increased demands on its clinical health care workers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sanford Health has designed an upskill training program that can quickly teach Sanford Health and Good Samaritan Society employees skills that will enable them to help support those providing patient care, even if they've had no clinical experience before. Training progra  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 6 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: At Sanford Health, addressing health care needs is not something that should be complicated by the presence of the coronavirus. In other words, it is OK to keep regularly scheduled appointments. In fact, it is encouraged. The national conversation regarding the coronavirus is shifting from the disease itself to the gradual reopening of our communities. Meanwhile, within the region, states have increased testing, mon  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 8 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: The term "herd immunity" has a long history. Sooner or later, that history most likely will include slowing down the coronavirus. Because there is not yet an effective vaccination, it might not happen as quickly as everyone would like. It remains, however, the ultimate goal as the world continues its battle in harnessing the pandemic. "This virus is three or four months old, so we are like new parents," explained Dr  more

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota, May 8 -- Sanford Health issued the following news: When Sanford Health licensed practical nurse Courtney Caspers' supervisor asked for volunteers to train for an area of the health care system that might require additional help during a surge of coronavirus patients, Caspers didn't have to think about it. "I was quick and eager to help out," she said. "... I immediately signed myself up." Caspers is among 1,500 employees who have gone through one of 47 different tr  more

PIERRE, South Dakota, May 6 -- The South Dakota Bankers Association issued the following news: A total of 19,159 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in the amount of $1,549,175,802 were approved in South Dakota as of May 1, 2020. "A huge THANK YOU to South Dakota's banks and bankers for providing critical working capital to more than 19,000 businesses!" said SDBA President Curt Everson. "You Make a Difference!!" Round one PPP totals in South Dakota were at 11,324 approved loans in the amo  more

PIERRE, South Dakota, May 9 -- The South Dakota Bankers Association issued the following news on May 7: Farmers and ranchers play a vital role in keeping America's food supply flourishing. But unfortunately, farms across America are hurting as crop and livestock prices tumble due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With farm income declining, ag producers--now more than ever--need help acquiring credit to help them deal with the pandemic's impact on the industry. Congress can help our nation's farmers a  more

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 8 -- Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives issued the following news release: More than 30 electric co-ops serving over 3 million member-consumers across the Upper Midwest have signed on to a letter urging members of Congress to provide economic relief for rural America. The letter was addressed to members of Congress from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Specifically, the letter calls for Congress to support additional stimulus package relief  more