Corson County Sheriff's Office

08/30/2026

Over the last couple of weeks, we've seen an increase in traffic offenses on our highways through Corson County so here is little reminder for you:

🚔 RURAL ROADS AREN’T THE WILD WEST 🚔

There seems to be a common misconception on South Dakota’s rural highways:

“If there’s a lot of prairie, nobody’s watching.” 👀🌾

We hate to break it to you… the prairie has deputies.

Speed limits still apply when you’re 30 miles or more from the nearest stoplight. Stop signs don’t become suggestions just because there’s nobody sitting behind you. Turn signals are still a thing—even when the only witness is a pheasant wondering what you’re doing.

And yes, we know the roads are long, straight, and sometimes you can see the next county from where you’re sitting. That doesn’t mean 75, 80, 90, or 100 in a 65 suddenly becomes legal.

Rural roads have their own challenges: livestock, farm equipment, wildlife, gravel, changing road conditions, and long stretches of highway where a bad decision can have very serious consequences.

Our job isn’t to make your commute inconvenient. Our job is to make sure everyone gets where they’re going safely.

Buckle up, slow down, use your signals, put the phone down, and obey the traffic laws.

And remember…

Just because you don’t see a patrol car doesn’t mean a patrol car doesn’t see you. 👀🚔

Drive safe, South Dakota. The prairie is watching. 😉

08/29/2026

🚨 ATTENTION, GRAVEL TRUCK DRIVERS! 🚨

Today we've found ourselves needing to have a little “roadside chat” with the gravel trucks making the trip back and forth from Hoven, SD to Fort Yates, ND. 👀🚛💨

Over the past several days, your enthusiasm for getting that load delivered has caught the attention of our deputies. And by “caught our attention,” we mean we've noticed the speedometer numbers you're apparently trying to set a new record with. 😂

We understand that gravel needs to get from Point A to Point B. We also understand that gravity works, trucks have brakes, and speed limits still apply—even when you're hauling a load of rocks that isn't going anywhere.

⚠️ Consider this your friendly public-service announcement:

The deputies have noticed.

From this point forward, do not expect a warning. If you're stopped for speeding, enforcement action will be taken.

So, to our gravel-hauling friends:

🪨 The gravel isn't going anywhere.
🚛 Your truck will still be there when you arrive.
⏰ You're probably not going to save as much time as you think.
👮‍♂️ And yes… we know what you're doing.

Slow down, buckle up, and make the trip safely.

After all, we'd much rather see you arrive at the Fort Yates gravel pit with a full load of gravel than arrive at the Corson County Courthouse to pay a ticket! 😉

Drive like someone is watching… because we are. 👮‍♂️🚨 And yes, we absolutely have better things to do!

— Corson County Sheriff's Office

08/29/2026

🚨 DRIVE SOBER. GET HOME SAFE. 🚨

Impaired driving can happen to anyone—and the consequences can last a lifetime.

Alcohol, ma*****na, prescription medications, illegal drugs, and combinations of substances can all affect a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Impairment can slow reaction time, reduce coordination, affect judgment, and make it harder to recognize and respond to hazards on the road.

🚗 If you’re impaired, don’t drive.

✅ Designate a sober driver
✅ Call a friend or family member
✅ Make arrangements for a safe ride before you start drinking or using impairing substances
✅ If you see an impaired driver, call 9-1-1 and report it to law enforcement

One impaired decision can change multiple lives. Don't risk your life—or someone else's—to get behind the wheel.

This weekend and every day, Drive Sober. Drive Safe. Get Home Alive.

08/28/2026

Come on our and meet your first responders!

The Northern Plains Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #18 invites everyone to join us for our National Night Out Celebration! 👮‍♂️🚒🚑

📍 Scherr-Howe Arena
📅 Tuesday, October 6, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT

Come out and enjoy an evening with the men and women who serve our communities! This is a great opportunity to:

👮 Meet local first responders
🚓 Check out emergency vehicles and equipment
🚒 Learn about the important jobs they do
🤝 Build relationships with the people who serve our community

🍔🌭 Burgers & hot dogs will be served! Food will be available for a free-will donation.

National Night Out is all about bringing our community and local public safety professionals together. Bring the family, meet your local heroes, check out the equipment, grab some food, and help us celebrate the strong relationship between our community and those who serve it.

We hope to see you there! 🇺🇸

— Northern Plains Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #18
Together for a Safer Community. 🚔🚒🚑

08/26/2026

He’s a good boy!

08/20/2026

🐂 Continuing Education – Brand Board 101

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Sergeant Mike Varilek and Deputy Sheriffs Justin Tvedt and RickyLee Medina traveled to Belle Fourche, South Dakota, to attend Brand Board 101, a specialized course focused on the investigation of cattle theft and livestock brand violations.

The training provided valuable instruction on livestock investigations, including the importance of brands in identifying ownership, recognizing potential violations, and investigating cases involving stolen or improperly identified cattle.

The course was also attended by several other law enforcement officers from agencies throughout western South Dakota, providing an excellent opportunity for officers to share knowledge, experiences, and investigative practices while strengthening relationships and cooperation between agencies.

The Corson County Sheriff's Office is committed to continued training and professional development so our deputies are prepared to effectively serve and protect the ranching and agricultural communities of Corson County.

07/31/2026

Keep an eye out for Mr. Madison!

We would appreciate your help in finding Kenneth Madison. He is 67 years old and left Thunder Butte yesterday at 0730, and his family has not seen him since. He was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and black jeans, maybe headed to Eagle Butte.

Our office, Emergency Management, Game and Fish, is all out looking for him. We established an incident command to deploy resources to help find him.

Please call the police department if you have any information or if you have seen him. (605) 964-4567

07/28/2026

Corson County citizens, don’t forget today is the County’s Road and Bridge Levy vote! ALL registered voters can vote in this! If you have any questions reach out to any of the five commissioners or the Highway Superintendent!

07/22/2026

A while back I was contacted by Tina at Texota Resin Company, who is a former Mobridge 9-1-1 Dispatcher, asking if she could make something for me in honor of my K-9 Zigi, and my previous K-9s, Taz and Winnie. Today, she delivered it to me!

Thank you so much Tina, thoughtful gestures like this are not necessary but much appreciated

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575720568112

07/05/2026

I wish we could say that everyone used common sense and exercised good judgement this 4th of July, however, sadly that's not the case!

Over the 4th of July, fire crews and law enforcement responded to numerous brush fires in and around Corson County, as well as one structure fire involving an abandoned mobile home in McLaughlin.

As a reminder, according to SDCL 34-37-16.1, a person is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor if the person uses consumer fireworks except during the period from June 27th to the first Sunday after July 4th, and during the period beginning December 28th to January 1st.

What does that mean? It means the last day you're lawfully allowed to shoot fireworks is TODAY - Sunday, July 5, 2026.

If you're out and about and see a volunteer firefighter, remember to thank them for their time and sacrifice - I'm sure they would have liked to enjoy time with their families this 4th of July instead of putting out fires.

(Unfortunately, as I type this message, there are two active fires occurring in Corson County)