Author

Joshua Haiar

Joshua Haiar

Joshua Haiar is a reporter based in Sioux Falls. Born and raised in Mitchell, he joined the Navy as a public affairs specialist after high school and then earned a degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to joining South Dakota Searchlight, Joshua worked for five years as a multimedia specialist and journalist with South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

Oversight committee clashes over ‘pop-up’ medical marijuana clinics
By: - October 25, 2022

A medical marijuana card clinic popped up in early October at the Watertown Hampton Inn, where walk-ins were welcome. An advance notice in the local newspaper said “certification takes roughly five minutes,” and the medical cannabis card would be mailed to the patient once approved. That’s how most medical marijuana patients in South Dakota are […]

Democratic candidate Jamie Smith, left, and Libertarian candidate Tracey Quint debate Monday night on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. The empty podium was for Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, who declined an invitation to participate. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Differences on health care emerge in gubernatorial debate
By: and - October 25, 2022

SIOUX FALLS — Differences in health-care policy emerged between two candidates for governor of South Dakota who participated in a televised debate Monday night on South Dakota Public Broadcasting. Democratic candidate Jamie Smith said he supports raising the reimbursement rates paid to medical providers that care for Medicaid patients. “When you lose $50 a day […]

A precipitation chart displayed recently at the Eastern South Dakota Water Conference in Brookings. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

Changing climate could flush more soil and fertilizers into water, experts say
By: - October 25, 2022

BROOKINGS — Water management professionals say more soil and fertilizer will leave farms and enter the state’s waterways as climate change intensifies storms and droughts. Experts from around the nation discussed the problem recently at the annual Eastern South Dakota Water Conference in Brookings. The Northern Great Plains can expect more heavy rains because of […]

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