South Dakota Focus in May

Stephanie Rissler.

SDPB’s live public affairs program with host Stephanie Rissler devotes an hour to in-depth discussion about issues affecting South Dakotans.

Chronic Wasting Disease

Thursday, May 9, 8pm (7 MT)

Wildlife Program administrators with South Dakota’s Game, Fish & Parks have been developing a plan to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting the brain and spinal cord of deer and elk. From 2001- 2019, the GF&P confirmed CWD in 135 white-tailed deer, 89 mule deer, and 201 elk within Custer, Fall River, Lawrence and Pennington counties. In March 2019, a captive elk tested positive for CWD in Clark County. We’ll discuss how the plan may affect hunters, taxidermists, game processors and wildlife watchers in the state.

2019 Summer Tourism Outlook

Thursday, May 16, 8pm (7 MT)

South Dakota tourism officials discuss expectations regarding summer holiday visitors to the state.

Emerald Ash Borer

Thursday, May 23, 8pm (7 MT)

Last spring, the South Dakota of Agriculture implemented Plant Pest Quarantine after confirming an infestation of emerald ash borer (EAB) in northern Sioux Falls, the first confirmed infestation in the state. The quarantine included a change to state parks’ policy regarding bringing outside firewood into the parks. The invasive insect has killed tens of millions of ash trees in at least 32 states. We’ll discuss the impact of the quarantine and other efforts to reduce the spread of EAB.

Close-up photo of an emerald ash borer. A confirmed infestation in Sioux Falls prompted a quarantine.

Coalition on Aging

Thursday, May 30, 8pm (7 MT)

Taped on location at the Center for Active Generations during their annual Coalition on Aging Conference in front of a studio audience.

South Dakota, you’re invited to join the conversation. Submit your comment or question. Text: 605-956-7372 Email: SDFocus@SDPB.org Due to guest availability and other factors, topics are subject to change.