City News & Updates

From the Attorney General's Office

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that up to $60,000 from the Attorney General’s Drug Control Fund has been awarded to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office for the purchase and training of two Drug Detection K-9s. The Box Elder Police Department will also receive up to $93,000 to create a Drug Detection K-9 unit.

“These funds strengthen the ability of local law enforcement agencies to combat illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “By supporting our partners in Pennington County and Box Elder, the Attorney General’s Office is taking a comprehensive approach to keeping our communities safe.”

“Three additional K-9s is a force multiplier with the existing Rapid City Police K-9 program. Methamphetamine is the #1 driver of violence in our community. This is something we have wanted to do for some time,” said Pennington County Sheriff Brian Mueller. “Enforcement alone will not solve the drug problem. As a community, we hope to receive additional opioid settlement dollars to help on the treatment and prevention fronts.”

“Having this asset available within our own department will increase our efforts to eradicate illegal drugs in the City of Box Elder, Pennington County, and Meade County,” said Box Elder Chief of Police Bob Connell. “We are grateful for the efforts of the Division of Criminal Investigation and the support from the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office in helping make this program a reality."

“Police K-9s are invaluable assets to law enforcement,” says Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick of his two trained K-9s. “Their presence alone can de-escalate tension and ensure safer outcomes. We take pride in our partnership with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and look forward to strengthening our collaboration with the Box Elder Police Department to serve all residents of Pennington County.”

The Attorney General’s Drug Control Fund is supported by drug forfeiture monies and are to be used for drug control and apprehension purposes. So far this year, the fund has distributed $221,565.38 to seven law enforcement agencies statewide.

The K-9s and handlers for the two law enforcement agencies receiving the funds will be selected throughout the summer, with training completion planned for early this fall.

From the South Dakota Municipal League

FORT PIERRE, SD – Mark Larson, Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Box Elder, was named Code Enforcement Officer of the Year last week by the South Dakota Association of Code Enforcement (SoDACE).

The award is given each year to a member of the association for their outstanding contributions to their municipality as a code enforcement officer, contributions to their community as a citizen, and personal accomplishments.

Larson was recognized for creating positive impacts on the community through his dedication, professionalism, and skill in carrying out the mission of the Box Elder Code Enforcement Department.

“Through exceptional communication, investigative, and critical thinking skills, Mark consistently develops creative and effective solutions to a wide variety of code enforcement challenges,” said Box Elder Building and Code Enforcement Supervisor Chad Tomjack. “Mark has been firm when necessary and collaborates when possible. This balanced approach reflects the very best of the profession of a Code Enforcement Officer.”

One of Larson’s most notable accomplishments this year was his assistance in managing a large, complex situation that had been a code issue in the city for over a decade. Mark became involved in the project during the later stages, but through his persistence, attention to detail, and effective coordination among multiple stakeholders, a viable resolution was finally reached.

Larson also assisted in executing a contract to clean up two separate trailer parks of abandoned homes and significant amounts of trash and debris, significantly improving neighborhood conditions and the quality of life for surrounding residents.

“These projects required careful planning, collaboration, and oversight, all of which Mark handled with professionalism and efficiency,” said Tomjack.

Tomjack also credits Larson for developing cooperative relationships with other City departments, streamlining processes, improving communication, and ensuring complex enforcement efforts move forward efficiently and effectively.

“What truly sets Mark apart is his ability to take on these major projects while maintaining his existing workload at a high level of performance,” said Tomjack. “On a day-to-day basis, Mark has done an excellent job working to keep our community clean, safe, and a great place to live by emphasizing voluntary compliance whenever possible. This approach has fostered cooperation, trust, and positive relationships between code enforcement and the public.”

Larson was presented with the award during the annual SoDACE Training Conference, which was held at Drifters Event Center in Fort Pierre on May 6-7.

SoDACE, an affiliate of the South Dakota Municipal League, is a statewide association that works to advance, educate, and improve efforts of state, county, city, and other political subdivision employees who are actively involved with and responsible for the enforcement of housing, municipal, county, state, or federal codes. For more information, visit www.sdmunicipalleague.org/codeenforcement.

It's starting to feel more and more like S-P-R-I-N-G each day!

While temperatures are warming up, we're not officially out of the clear. Overnight freezes can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Protect your plumbing by insulating pipes, letting faucets drip, and keeping indoor temperatures consistent. 

As you start to play in your yards more, remember the City of Box Elder has outdoor watering restrictions from April 1st through October 31st. 

• Property Addresses ending in an odd number water on odd numbered days
• Property Addresses ending in an even number water on even numbered days
• Outdoor Watering is allowed 6-9 a.m. and 7-10 p.m.

More detailed information can be found in the City's Municipal Code.

Update 3/24/26: 

Update 3/11/26: PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed seven bills that support his national security efforts.

“National security is South Dakota’s next big industry, and we are actively fighting to protect our people – both South Dakotans and all Americans,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “These bills are a strong step forward in limiting foreign ownership of our land, strengthening our infrastructure and strategic assets, and positioning South Dakota as a leader in security and defense.”

Governor Rhoden signed the following seven bills:

• SB 17 prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national, provides a penalty therefor, and declares an emergency;
• SB 40 revises the compliance requirements for limitations on foreign ownership of agricultural land;
• SB 60 restricts ownership of real property interests by certain prohibited entities and provides for enforcement;
• SB 130 makes an appropriation for roadway and related infrastructure improvements required because of construction activity at Ellsworth Air Force Base and declares an emergency;
• HB 1049 protects electric infrastructure in this state;
• HB 1280 increases penalties for the operation of drones over certain facilities and provides for mitigation techniques and countermeasures; and
• SB 1311 requires the reporting of funding given by certain persons and governments to institutions under the control of the Board of Regents and the South Dakota Board of Technical Education.

Governor Rhoden signed some of the national security bills in a bill signing ceremony. Governor Rhoden has signed 134 bills into law and vetoed one this legislative session.

(Sourced from the Governor's Office.)

Unanimous Senate Vote Moves SB 130 Forward to Repair Roads Serving Ellsworth AFB

On Thursday, February 26, 2026, the South Dakota Senate voted unanimously 32–0 to approve SB 130, sending the bill forward to the South Dakota House of Representatives for further consideration. The bill would appropriate $8 million from the state general fund for roadway and related infrastructure improvements necessary to support, mitigate, and address impacts from construction activity occurring at Ellsworth Air Force Base. The City of Box Elder is proud to be home to Ellsworth Air Force Base. For generations, the base and the community have worked side by side to make western South Dakota a strong place to live, work, and raise families. That relationship has created tremendous opportunity, but it also comes with responsibility. One of those responsibilities is making sure the roads serving Ellsworth Air Force Base are safe, reliable, and able to handle the demands placed on them.

To read the full News Release, click here. 

The City of Box Elder has launched the City of Box Elder 311 App, making it easier for residents to connect with city services.

The app allows users to report issues, pay utility bills, read the latest city news, and stay informed about upcoming City Council meetings all in one place.

The platform improves communication between residents and the City while helping staff respond more efficiently to community needs.

The app is currently available on Apple devices, with Android availability expected in the future. Residents are encouraged to download the app and explore its features. 

To learn more, click the link: Official Website for the City of Box Elder, SD - City of Box Elder 311 

Box Elder, South Dakota - City of Box Elder, Amanda Spitzer, Payroll and Benefits Specialist for the City of Box Elder, has recently earned the prestigious Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification, awarded by PayrollOrg (PAYO). Formed in 2023 through the merger of the American Payroll Association and the Global Payroll Management Institute, PAYO is the leading authority in payroll education and certification. Amanda’s achievement places her among an elite group. She is now one of only eight professionals in the entire state of South Dakota to hold this nationally recognized credential. 

Click the link to read the full release.

 Last night, the City Council recognized Cassie for earning the Certified Public Works Professional – Management (CPWP-M) designation from the American Public Works Association!

We’re incredibly proud of Cassie’s dedication and her vital role in keeping our city running smoothly. Read the full news release here: