UJS Press Releases & News
View press releases from and news about the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Recent News From UJS
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate 2026 National Treatment Court Month
May is National Treatment Court Month and the perfect time to share the many ways treatment courts are making a positive impact on their communities.
Governor Rhoden Appoints Magistrate Judge Callahan as Fourth Circuit Judge
Gov. Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Magistrate Judge Chad Callahan as a circuit judge in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mike Day.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Warns Public of Court Notice Scam
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) is alerting the public to a recent scam involving fraudulent text messages claiming to be from a state or municipal court regarding unpaid traffic violations.
Fourth Circuit Treatment Courts to Hold Graduations in January
Fourth Circuit DUI Court and Northern Hills Drug Court will hold two graduation ceremonies in January. Family, friends and members of the public are invited to attend the events.
Data Reflects Success of South Dakota’s Treatment Courts
Data from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) released during a Drug Court Advisory Council meeting on Oct. 14, 2025, highlights the success of the state’s treatment courts since their beginning in 2008.
South Dakota Unified Judicial System Issues FY2025 Annual Report
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) has issued its FY2025 Annual Report, which encompasses the work of the South Dakota Supreme Court, circuit courts, magistrate courts and the State Court Administrator’s Office between July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Supreme Court Rescinds Judicial Emergency in South Dakota
After being advised that all network systems are back up and operating, the South Dakota Supreme Court today issued an order rescinding a judicial emergency in South Dakota.
Supreme Court Declares Judicial Emergency in South Dakota
The South Dakota Supreme Court has declared a judicial emergency in South Dakota. All deadlines, time schedules, due dates and filing requirements imposed by applicable statutes, rules and court orders are suspended until further ordered by the Court.
Northern Hills Drug Court to Hold Graduation Ceremony
Northern Hills Drug Court will hold a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, at 1 p.m. MDT in Courtroom #3 (downstairs) at the Meade County Courthouse, 1425 Sherman St., Sturgis.
South Dakota Treatment Courts Hosting Special Events to Celebrate National Treatment Court Month
Treatment courts across South Dakota are holding special events in May and June to celebrate National Treatment Court Month.