Many view the midwest region of the U.S. as stereotypically boring and less appealing than the more exciting east and west coasts. Here in the good ol’ state of South Dakota, we tend to fall under that stereotype as our beloved land is made up of mostly cornfields and widely separated small towns. 

According to SafeWise, South Dakota is the nation’s 7th least-concerning state in the country. With lower crime rates than the nation’s average and our trusted “boring” and “hillbilly” stereotype paving the way, it isn’t often you see this state highlighted in some of the nation’s top news coverage. That being said, about once a year, South Dakota is granted with our very own 15 minutes of fame in some of the highest ranked news corporations in the country. However, with the excitement of our annual spotlight, it is no surprise that these South Dakota features always tend to accent some of the most tragic and life altering moments in many of our lives.

One of the most relevant and recent events to occur in Sioux Falls that has appeared on our national news has been the Stampede Dash for Cash. Organized by the Sioux Falls Stampede Hockey Team, the Dash for Cash was an event held at one of the games in the Arena as a giveaway. During this event, they had a select pick of teachers in the middle of the ice scrambling for cash in order to fund classroom needs. In the article, the New York Times highlights the fact that South Dakota ranks 49th in the country for teacher pay salary with a whopping $49,000 a year. With the controversy over the poor pay of educators in our state, this event was seen as degrading and insulting. 

Next on the list of exposing South Dakota, Republican governor Kristi Noem has seen her fair share of controversy in the national news. Within the past few years, Noem has made her opinion on the control of citizens bodies loud and clear: you control your own body… unless you are a woman… or you’re transgender. Countless articles concerning Noem’s COVID-19 response, the misguided “Meth. We’re On It” campaign, her push of the South Dakota transgender sports ban and her attempts of restricting abortion have all continued to give Noem a name in the headlines including articles for The Washington Post, The New York Times and CBS News.

Another tragic event for the public takes place a few years back to the fall of 2019. Three EF-2 tornadoes flew through Sioux Falls, SD in a hurry creating chaos. Destructing homes along with beloved businesses, these tornadoes pushed Sioux Falls to the top news. The Washington Post covered the story interviewing meteorologist Todd Heitkamp at the National Weather Service of Sioux Falls. Citizens of Sioux Falls were heartbroken as the third tornado touched down on 41st street, taking down the loved Original Pancake House and Pizza Ranch. 

Many can agree that South Dakota is the beloved home of countless different types of people with varying thoughts, beliefs and values. It makes you wonder why a state thought of as so bland and boring can make the national news with some shocking and jarring events.