SWO Law Enforcement

08/10/2026

⚠️ COMMUNITY TRAFFIC NOTICE — SÍČEČA WIČHÁYUONIHAN ⚠️

The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Law Enforcement Department would like to remind all community members and motorists to please be mindful and use extra caution while traveling on our Tribal roadways as the “Síčheča Wičháyuonihan” (Honoring the Youth) Horse Ride is being conducted throughout the community.

Please slow down when approaching riders, give the horses and participants plenty of space, and remain patient while traveling through areas where the ride is taking place. The safety of our youth, riders, horses, and community members is our priority.

We would also like to give a special shoutout to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribal departments and programs who came together to make this event possible for our youth:

• Dakota Language Institute

• Employment Training Services

• Sisseton Wahpeton College

• Veterans Memorial Youth Center

• Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation

• Native Connections

• Dakota Connection

Events like this give our young people an opportunity to come together, be involved in our community, and strengthen their connection to our Dakota culture and way of life.

We at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Law Enforcement Department are honored to be a part of the Síčheča Wičháyuonihan Horse Ride and to help support and protect our youth along the way.

Please drive safely, slow down, and help us show respect to our riders as they make their way through our community.

— Officer Jacob LaBlanc

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Law Enforcement

07/14/2026

*****************Weather Update******************

07/03/2026

With the temperature being throughout the weekend, as well as the humidity, please remember to hydrate. Listed below are common symptoms of Heatstroke as well as Heat exhaustion. So remember to pack water with you when you plan on staying outside today. Hope everyone has a good weekend and stay hydrated.

07/03/2026

*******WEATHER UPDATE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW*********

Summary & Forecast Confidence:
Another round of severe storms is expected today. Lingering morning showers and thunderstorms are likely to affect where and when storms get going this afternoon and evening.

Primary threats today are large hail 1-2 inches in diameter and damaging thunderstorm wind gusts of 60-75 mph.

Timing:
Thunderstorm development today is tied to how long it will take for cloudiness from morning showers and thunderstorms to dissipate or move out of the region.

Impacts:
Property damage and personal safety is a concern for those in the path of any severe storms that develop at any point today into this evening.

06/30/2026

***************Information****************

Bullying is not tolerated in any form. So please make sure we are teaching our children about treating each other with kindness. We have received many complaints about older kids bullying younger kids, more so in the Barker Hill area. With that being said, know that all reports of this type of behavior will be reported to housing authority as well as possible criminal charges.

Also remember that curfew on Sunday through Thursday is 10pm and Friday through Saturday 11pm for everyone under the age of 18. If children are caught being out past curfew they will receive a ticket for curfew violation.

06/29/2026

Hello, I’m Officer Lance Haug with the Sisseton
Wahpeton Oyate Police Department. Before celebrating the
Fourth of July this year, decide whether you’ll drink, or you’ll
be the sober driver. Drinking and driving is a risk no one
should take. If you’re planning on driving, commit to not
drinking. The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Police Department
and the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety want to
remind everyone to please be responsible this Fourth of July
and designate a sober driver. Expect to see more messaging,
patrol vehicles, checkpoints, and saturation patrols. If you see
an impaired driver on the road dial 911 and report it. Please

remember “Buzzed driving is drunk driving.”

06/26/2026

Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Law Enforcement Criminal Investigator Woodrow Hawkins and Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent Russell Hawkins provided a Cultural Diversity presentation to South Dakota Highway Patrol recruits this week.

The training covered Dakota culture, tribal history, sovereignty, and the legacy of SWO Medal of Honor recipient Master Sgt Woodrow Keeble.

Thank you to the South Dakota Highway Patrol for the partnership and continued commitment to cultural understanding in law enforcement

06/10/2026

Severe storms with an Enhanced Risk (Level 3 of 5) are expected this afternoon through tonight. Main threats include wind gusts of 75+ mph, large hail (2+ inches), and EF2+ tornadoes.

To prepare for a tornado, check the forecast regularly, create a family plan with an emergency meeting place, and identify a nearby safe building if you live in a mobile home or without a basement. Pick a safe room in your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows. Practice your plan regularly, ensuring everyone knows what to do during a tornado warning. Don’t forget pets if time allows.

Emergency Management has opened and cleared out the tornado shelters in the housing areas in preparation for tonight’s weather.

06/05/2026

🚨 Community Safety Notice 🚨

There are participants out on BIA Route 700 today taking part in a community challenge. Runners will be traveling approximately 7 miles along the route and may be present on or near the roadway.

Motorists are asked to slow down, stay alert, and be aware of their surroundings while traveling through the area. Please use extra caution and give participants plenty of space as they complete the challenge.

Let’s all do our part to help keep everyone safe. Thank you for your cooperation.

06/05/2026

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/agency-village-man-sentenced-21-years-federal-prison-distribution-controlled-substance

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Agency Village, South Dakota, convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death. The sentencing took place June 1, 2026.