SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – KELOLAND News has covered thousands of stories in 2024.
From devastating flood waters that submerged entire communities to reflecting on the legacy of a beloved state leader, we’ve compiled a list of the most trending and viewed stories of this year.
In February, many were struck with heartache after the tragic loss of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok. He was killed during an officer pursuit near the Interstate 29 and Colman exit. Thousands attended his funeral and lined the streets of Madison, South Dakota to honor his life.
“He had belief in people too and was there to still protect and that’s what he was doing that day. He was protecting his community,” said Tammy Smith of Tea, South Dakota.
Just one month later, another tragedy struck the state. A massive search began for 17-year-old Wyatt Rowland, who went missing on March 9th. He was driving a red pickup, and his last known location was northwest of Miller.
Investigators later traced his phone to a small body of water. On March 12th, they located Rowland’s truck and his body.
In April, a deadly crash took the lives of two teens, Eric Hopkins and Milana Reeves, both 15. The 17-year-old driver, Damion Laurelez, was behind the wheel. A December court hearing ruled that Laurelez will be tried in adult court at a later date.
Then, controversy stirred the state after Governor Krisit Noem wrote about shooting her 14-month-old German wirehaired pointer named Cricket after a bad hunting trip. It left many expressing their own concerns.
“I think any dog probably isn’t a good hunter or a great dog until they’re like three or four years old because then they’ve started to settle down a little bit. And by five, you’ve got the perfect dog. Five, six, seven, you’ve got a great dog,” Bob Uecker said.
In June, historic flooding devastated communities across the region. The state received a presidential disaster declaration, but the damage stretched across South Dakota’s borders. Rock Valley, Iowa’s school had extensive damage.
“People from Rock Valley, people from surrounding communities, surrounding schools showed up in waves and helped us clear all the contents out, get ourselves to a place where we can start assessing what it’s going to take to build back,” Rock Valley Community School District superintendent Matt Van Voorst said.
As communities would continue to recover, in July, the Sioux Falls School District would quickly fire an employee after writing a controversial Facebook post about the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.
In September, a Sioux Falls man went missing. Tyler Weathersby’s family and friends organized several searches. He still has not been found.
South Dakota lost one of its most influential former leaders in October. Former U.S. Senator Tim Johnson was 77 years old when he passed away.
“Although Tim Johnson and I ran against each other, we were friends. I don’t know if many people know that or not, but I considered him a friend,” Larry Pressler said. “It was never a race where there was a harsh word said on either side. I think we both had some issues in mind and it was an issue-oriented campaign.”
Also happening in October, London-based newspaper The Sun reported the body of 68-year-old Colleen Monfore, of South Dakota, was found inside the stomach of a shark.
In Sioux Falls, many faced disappointment when a concert celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center was canceled. In an Instagram post, scheduled pop-singer P!nk shared her pain struggles.
November brought the excitement of Election Day. Results would shake up the state, especially when it came to the newly learned roles of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and Senator John Thune.
