Ernest Cottier

Reporter & Producer

Ernest graduated from St Cloud State with a degree in broadcast journalism in December of 2020.

While Dakota News now is his first job after graduating college, Ernest worked on a variety of different programs throughout his time in school.

Ernest has spent time as a sportscaster for his school's radio station and worked as a news anchor, reporter, and producer before graduating in late December.

Ernest also loves sports having done freelance work with Fox Sports as well as doing play by play for St Cloud state for sports such as volleyball, basketball, and hockey. His favorite teams include the Packers and the Bucks.

Ernest was born and raised in Janesville Wisconsin and says he loves the Midwest and cannot wait to explore Sioux Falls and South Dakota.

Education

Isolation has been one of the leading causes of mental health problems during the pandemic.

Dell Rapids School District addressing mental health in schools

Updated: 6 hours ago

By Ernest Cottier

During the pandemic, many have struggled with mental health around the country, and right here in South Dakota

Regional

Footage of the Ravsnborg interrogation was released to the public earlier this week.

Release of Ravnsborg footage could affect other criminal trials moving forward

Updated: Feb. 26, 2021 at 11:27 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

South Dakota attorney general Jason Ravnsborg is now facing backlash after footage from his interrogation was released just days ago.

News

The 7,000 additional vaccines will bring the states weekly allotment to over 25,000

South Dakota expecting 7,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine starting next week.

Updated: Feb. 25, 2021 at 10:41 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Pending FDA approval South Dakota is expected to receive 7,000 doses of the Johnson &Johnson vaccine. This will bring the state’s allotment to just over 25,000 doses per-week.

Regional

University of South Dakota hopes to defend Summit League championship win

Sioux Falls Pentagon to host multiple tournaments in the coming weeks.

Updated: Feb. 24, 2021 at 10:49 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

As teams prepare for their conference tournaments representatives for the Sanford pentagon say all of the conferences had to work together to help make these games a reality.

Education

Many daycares have had to close their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith argues for COVID financial relief to childcare centers

Updated: Feb. 19, 2021 at 10:42 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Minnesota senator Tina Smith planning to bring more financial relief to childcare centers in Minnesota and throughout the country.

News

tru Shrimp is continuing its plans to build a plant in Madison S.D.

tru Shrimp holding investor meetings for Madison facility

Updated: Feb. 18, 2021 at 11:13 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

A Minnesota-based company that holds a patent for the first fresh-water shrimp production technique is moving forward with plans to build their first major harbor in eastern South Dakota.

News

Many Minnesota schools will begin in person classes on Monday

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz unveils plan to bring more students back to campus

Updated: Feb. 17, 2021 at 10:50 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Today Minnesota governor Tim Walz unveiled his plan to continue bringing more and more middle and high school students back to classrooms.

News

This restaurant was featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives

Daily Clean Food and Drink featured on Friday’s episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Updated: Feb. 12, 2021 at 10:43 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Earlier tonight Daily Clean Food and Drink got to show off their restaurant on a national stage thanks in large part to Guy Fieri

Local

Local restaurants prepare for Super Bowl rush

Updated: Feb. 5, 2021 at 11:54 PM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Both Overtime Sports Grill and Gateway Lounge here in Sioux Falls are hoping their weekend Super Bowl specials will help draw in extra customers.

News

Sanford Health brings the COVID-19 vaccine to independent living residents.

Mobile vaccine clinic set up for those in independent living homes

Updated: Feb. 1, 2021 at 9:45 AM CST

By Ernest Cottier

Sanford Health set up a mobile vaccine clinic to get residents in Good Samaritan Society's independent living facilities vaccinated.

Latest News

News

Hospitalized Prince Philip has successful heart procedure

Updated: 10 minutes ago

By Associated Press

The two-week stay is already Prince Philip’s longest-ever stint in the hospital.

News

House passes sweeping voting rights bill over GOP opposition

Updated: 1 hour ago

By Associated Press

The bill would restrict partisan gerrymandering of congressional districts, strike down hurdles to voting and bring transparency to a murky campaign finance system that allows wealthy donors to anonymously bankroll political causes.

News

Pothole season beginning in South Dakota

Updated: 6 hours ago

By Kevin Gonzalez

According to research done by AAA, American drivers spend 3-billion dollars a year on damage caused by potholes.A common issue after hitting a pothole is a flat tire.

News

Dakota State Finds “Supernatural Strength” To Carry On After Passing Of Dave Branco

Updated: 9 hours ago

By Zach Borg

Two days after witnessing assistant coach Jamal Branco's father Dave collapse and later pass away, the Dakota State Trojans stayed true to his words and triumphed in his honor.

News

MN legislators pouring out dated rules for smaller breweries

Updated: 10 hours ago

By Sam Wright

There is bipartisan support from Minnesota legislators to allow local breweries to flourish. Senate File 50 would allow brewers producing 7,500 barrels or less of malt liquor annually to sell packaged containers of their product.

Latest News

News

Wylie Park Campground moving to new reservation system in 2022

Updated: 12 hours ago

By Cooper Seamer

Although always a popular spot during the season, the Wylie Park Campground in Aberdeen will be moving to a new reservation schedule starting in 2022.

News

Businesses tied to Noem family got $600,000 in virus grants

Updated: 12 hours ago

By Associated Press

Family members of Gov. Noem received over $600,000 in funds from a state grant program pushed by the governor that directed federal coronavirus relief funds to small businesses.

News

Iowa governor gets vaccinated and encourages others to do so

Updated: 13 hours ago

By Associated Press

Gov. Kim Reynolds has received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson coronavirus vaccine during her weekly news conference to encourage Iowans to get vaccinated as soon as they can.

News

Someone You Should Know: Who is leading Sioux Falls Fire Rescue?

Updated: 13 hours ago

By Vanessa Gomez

Chief Matt McAreavey started in his new position February 15th, and he's still adjusting to the role.

News

1 killed in I-29 crash near Sisseton

Updated: 14 hours ago

By Dakota News Now staff

One person is dead after authorities say he was struck and killed by a semi while changing his tire on the shoulder of an Interstate in northeast South Dakota.

News

Community Blood Bank employee to retire after serving Sioux Falls community for over 40 years

Updated: 14 hours ago

By Dakota News Now staff

Rita Nelson, the Community Blood Bank’s donor consultant, is retiring after serving the Sioux Falls community for over 40 years.