Cooper Seamer
@seamercoop.bsky.social
Multimedia Journalist for Dakota News Now. South Dakota raised - University of South Dakota alum. RIAS Berlin alum. All opinions are my own.
I'm extremely excited to finally share this news! Thank you to the entire Koch family for allowing me tell their story, and a big thank you to the entire RIAS Berlin Commission as well for opening a new world of reporting to me. I'm excited to go to Berlin next week and accept this award!
Dakota News Now weekend anchor Cooper Seamer has been recognized for his work on a story that crosses the Atlantic Ocean.
Cooper Seamer honored with RIAS Media Award for transatlantic coverage
Dakota News Now weekend anchor Cooper Seamer has been recognized for his work on a story that crosses the Atlantic Ocean.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
May 6, 2025 at 2:45 AM
I'm extremely excited to finally share this news! Thank you to the entire Koch family for allowing me tell their story, and a big thank you to the entire RIAS Berlin Commission as well for opening a new world of reporting to me. I'm excited to go to Berlin next week and accept this award!
The South Dakota Senate rejects HCR 6008, a resolution supporting the efforts to bring Amtrak service to the state, on an 18-17 vote. The bill was previously passed by the full House, and unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
March 3, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The South Dakota Senate rejects HCR 6008, a resolution supporting the efforts to bring Amtrak service to the state, on an 18-17 vote. The bill was previously passed by the full House, and unanimously by the Senate Transportation Committee.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
ICYMI: The South Dakota House advances a resolution signaling support for Amtrak service expansion to the state. The resolution now heads to the Senate.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/02/21/s...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/02/21/s...
South Dakota House advances Amtrak support resolution
A resolution supporting Amtrak expansion to South Dakota has made it out of the House and now heads to the Senate.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 23, 2025 at 2:58 AM
ICYMI: The South Dakota House advances a resolution signaling support for Amtrak service expansion to the state. The resolution now heads to the Senate.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/02/21/s...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/02/21/s...
In the South Dakota House of Representatives, HCR 6008 passes on a vote of 49-21. The resolution that would signal support to bring Amtrak passenger rail service to the state now heads to the Senate to start its consideration of the bill.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
South Dakota Legislature
sdlegislature.gov
February 19, 2025 at 10:02 PM
In the South Dakota House of Representatives, HCR 6008 passes on a vote of 49-21. The resolution that would signal support to bring Amtrak passenger rail service to the state now heads to the Senate to start its consideration of the bill.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
South Dakota House Transportation committee meeting starting now. On the agenda today is HCR 6008, a resolution supporting the efforts to expand Amtrak passenger rail service to South Dakota.
February 18, 2025 at 4:17 PM
South Dakota House Transportation committee meeting starting now. On the agenda today is HCR 6008, a resolution supporting the efforts to expand Amtrak passenger rail service to South Dakota.
HCR 6008, which would back the efforts to bring Amtrak service to South Dakota, has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Transportation Committee. That hearing is Tuesday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. CT.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
South Dakota Legislature
sdlegislature.gov
February 13, 2025 at 9:49 PM
HCR 6008, which would back the efforts to bring Amtrak service to South Dakota, has been scheduled for a hearing in the House Transportation Committee. That hearing is Tuesday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. CT.
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill...
ICYMI: South Dakota is one step closer to restoring passenger rail service to the state for the first time since 1969. The FRA has submitted its final Long-Distance Study report to Congress.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/31/f...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/31/f...
FRA submits final Long-Distance Service Study report to Congress
The FRA has submitted the final report of its Long-Distance Service Study to Congress, which will decide what happens next for the future of passenger rail service in the country.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 3, 2025 at 1:44 AM
ICYMI: South Dakota is one step closer to restoring passenger rail service to the state for the first time since 1969. The FRA has submitted its final Long-Distance Study report to Congress.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/31/f...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/31/f...
With House Bill 1020 filed, South Dakota's Senate and House leadership have entered the battle over school vouchers.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/10/f...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/10/f...
Fight over school vouchers escalates with new legislation
With House Bill 1020 filed, South Dakota's Senate and House leadership have entered the battle over school vouchers.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
January 10, 2025 at 4:33 PM
With House Bill 1020 filed, South Dakota's Senate and House leadership have entered the battle over school vouchers.
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/10/f...
www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/01/10/f...
In a press release with prepared remarks for her 2024 Budget Address, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is proposing legislation for a school voucher (education savings accounts) program. Noem proposes setting aside $4 million, amounting to $3,000 per student for a limited number of students.
December 3, 2024 at 7:14 PM
In a press release with prepared remarks for her 2024 Budget Address, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is proposing legislation for a school voucher (education savings accounts) program. Noem proposes setting aside $4 million, amounting to $3,000 per student for a limited number of students.
The conservative non-profit political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity is one of the organizations pushing for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre.
Americans for Prosperity to make push for school vouchers
The conservative non-profit political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity is one of the organizations pushing for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
December 3, 2024 at 4:03 AM
The conservative non-profit political advocacy group Americans for Prosperity is one of the organizations pushing for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre.
South Dakota education groups are wary of a push for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre, warning that school districts could see massive funding cuts.
Education groups warn of school voucher push in South Dakota
Education groups are wary of a push for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre, warning that school districts could see massive funding cuts if passed.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
November 29, 2024 at 3:44 AM
South Dakota education groups are wary of a push for school vouchers this upcoming legislative session in Pierre, warning that school districts could see massive funding cuts.
After South Dakota's second-ever bomb dog passed away not too long ago, his replacement is on the job and working to keep people safe.
Meet Easy: Sioux Falls' newest bomb dog
After South Dakota's second-ever bomb dog passed away not too long ago, his replacement is on the job and working to keep people safe.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
November 27, 2024 at 12:24 AM
After South Dakota's second-ever bomb dog passed away not too long ago, his replacement is on the job and working to keep people safe.
Tourism groups in South Dakota's two largest cities are looking to capitalize on visitor growth, and they see Amtrak service as a potential boost.
Amtrak expansion grabs interest from tourism organizations
Tourism groups in the state’s two largest cities are looking to capitalize on visitor growth, and they see Amtrak service as a potential boost.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
April 26, 2024 at 11:49 PM
Tourism groups in South Dakota's two largest cities are looking to capitalize on visitor growth, and they see Amtrak service as a potential boost.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced 11 inmates are facing 18 counts total after unrest at the state penitentiary last March.
11 charged in last month’s unrest at South Dakota State Penitentiary
South Dakota Attorney Marty Jackley has announced 11 inmates are facing 18 counts total after unrest at the state penitentiary last March.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
April 24, 2024 at 12:01 AM
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced 11 inmates are facing 18 counts total after unrest at the state penitentiary last March.
While momentum for Amtrak expansion to South Dakota has been growing for months, the state’s Transportation Secretary is doubtful it will ever become a reality.
Transportation Secretary throws cold water on South Dakota Amtrak expansion
While momentum for Amtrak expansion to South Dakota has been growing for months, the state’s Transportation Secretary is doubtful it will ever become reality.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
April 20, 2024 at 3:10 AM
While momentum for Amtrak expansion to South Dakota has been growing for months, the state’s Transportation Secretary is doubtful it will ever become a reality.
After New York Yankees stars Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge received custom Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener Dogs jerseys, the number of orders have once again skyrocketed for the hockey club.
Social media buzz drives up ‘Fighting Wiener Dogs’ sales
The Sioux Falls Stampede are getting national attention from sports leagues and teams for their 'Fighting Wiener Dogs' promotion.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
April 11, 2024 at 11:26 PM
After New York Yankees stars Anthony Rizzo and Aaron Judge received custom Sioux Falls Fighting Wiener Dogs jerseys, the number of orders have once again skyrocketed for the hockey club.
“It’s a lot of fun talking to our students, like, ‘Hey, the next time you’re going to be able to see this, you’re going to be in your 30′s, like my age.’ That’s kind of hard for them to believe, that we’re not going to have another chance next year."
Despite weather, Sioux Falls students observe eclipse
Despite the clouds and rain, a partial solar eclipse could be seen in Sioux Falls, and local students took advantage of it.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
April 8, 2024 at 11:23 PM
“It’s a lot of fun talking to our students, like, ‘Hey, the next time you’re going to be able to see this, you’re going to be in your 30′s, like my age.’ That’s kind of hard for them to believe, that we’re not going to have another chance next year."
"There’s some great history there and a legacy, and I guess the question is is there a future. I hope the answer is yes. We’ll find out, and if the answer is yes, we’ll do everything we can to try and bring it about.”
Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) weighs in on Amtrak expansion to South Dakota.
Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) weighs in on Amtrak expansion to South Dakota.
Thune weighs in on Amtrak expansion to South Dakota
Senator John Thune is looking forward to a report from the Federal Railroad Administration, possibly adding South Dakota to Amtrak's services.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
March 5, 2024 at 12:32 AM
"There’s some great history there and a legacy, and I guess the question is is there a future. I hope the answer is yes. We’ll find out, and if the answer is yes, we’ll do everything we can to try and bring it about.”
Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) weighs in on Amtrak expansion to South Dakota.
Sen. John Thune (R-South Dakota) weighs in on Amtrak expansion to South Dakota.
The South Dakota Teacher Career Fair always draws a big crowd of future teachers and school districts, but more and more of those looking for teachers are coming from outside the Mount Rushmore State.
More school districts coming to South Dakota looking for teachers
Districts from Colorado, Alaska, Nevada, even Houston, Texas were present at this year’s Teacher Career Fair.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 28, 2024 at 12:35 AM
The South Dakota Teacher Career Fair always draws a big crowd of future teachers and school districts, but more and more of those looking for teachers are coming from outside the Mount Rushmore State.
In the third draft of it's Long-Distance Service Study, the FRA identifies two routes traversing through South Dakota that could be viable for Amtrak expansion. The first would travel between the Twin Cities and Phoenix, other from the Twin Cities to Denver.
Advocates: Proposed Amtrak service a big first step for South Dakota
The latest update from the Federal Railroad Administration is a big first step before Amtrak service could become a reality in South Dakota — and has advocates excited for more.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 23, 2024 at 12:12 AM
In the third draft of it's Long-Distance Service Study, the FRA identifies two routes traversing through South Dakota that could be viable for Amtrak expansion. The first would travel between the Twin Cities and Phoenix, other from the Twin Cities to Denver.
“What I want people to walk away with, the notion that we are all in the boat together. That if one end of the boat is taking on water and sinking, then the other end will soon take on water and sink as well. But if all of the boat is safe and sound, then it will be good."
South Dakota State University hosts second annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Marade
Headlining the rally and march was Reverend France Davis, a civil rights activist who marched with King in Selma, Alabama.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 20, 2024 at 12:21 AM
“What I want people to walk away with, the notion that we are all in the boat together. That if one end of the boat is taking on water and sinking, then the other end will soon take on water and sink as well. But if all of the boat is safe and sound, then it will be good."
House Bill 1048 comes as South Dakota has slipped back in national teacher salary rankings, down to 49 out of 51 in the country.
Teacher salary and compensation bill faces next challenge in House
The bill comes as South Dakota has slipped back in national teacher salary rankings, down to 49 out of 51 in the country.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 17, 2024 at 12:32 AM
House Bill 1048 comes as South Dakota has slipped back in national teacher salary rankings, down to 49 out of 51 in the country.
“This is going to be a huge hole. Not only for my office, but for our entire community, and his entire family. Words can’t say what we’re going through right now. ‘I don’t know.'"
First Degree Murder, Aggravated Eluding charges for suspect in Moody County Chief Deputy’s death
The suspect in the death of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok is facing life in prison — or even the death penalty — after charges were filed against him.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 6, 2024 at 12:17 AM
“This is going to be a huge hole. Not only for my office, but for our entire community, and his entire family. Words can’t say what we’re going through right now. ‘I don’t know.'"
Gov. Noem's comments on cartel activity on South Dakota's reservations prompted a meeting with two tribal member lawmakers.
Lawmakers take Gov. Noem’s remarks on tribal cartel activities to task
Noem's comments on cartel activity on South Dakota's reservations prompted a meeting with two tribal member lawmakers.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
February 2, 2024 at 12:48 AM
Gov. Noem's comments on cartel activity on South Dakota's reservations prompted a meeting with two tribal member lawmakers.
A bill that would’ve created a South Dakota state flag design commission was deferred to the 41st legislative day by the Senate State Affairs Committee.
Senate State Affairs Committee defers state flag design commission bill
A bill that would’ve created a South Dakota state flag design commission was deferred to the 41st legislative day by the Senate State Affairs Committee.
www.dakotanewsnow.com
January 30, 2024 at 12:32 AM
A bill that would’ve created a South Dakota state flag design commission was deferred to the 41st legislative day by the Senate State Affairs Committee.