1. In 1987, South Dakota Governor George S. Mickelson designated January 30 as South Dakota School Bus Driver Appreciation Day to recognize the important role school bus drivers play in transporting students safely to and from school.

2. On January 30, 2006, a winter storm brought heavy snow and high winds to South Dakota, causing school and business closures and widespread power outages across the state.

3. In 1892, the United States Army established Fort Meade near Sturgis, South Dakota. The fort played an important role in the settlement of the Black Hills and served as a training ground for soldiers during World War I and World War II.

4. On January 30, 1948, the South Dakota Good Roads Association was formed to promote the development of a modern highway system in the state. Today, the organization is known as the South Dakota Transportation Association and continues to advocate for transportation infrastructure improvements.

5. In 1889, South Dakota became a state on January 30, joining the Union as the 40th state. The admission followed years of political and economic struggle, as South Dakotans fought for statehood and control over their own affairs.