Good gosh. What is it with politicos being accused of trying to strangle women?

First, it was Gordon Howie/Neal Tapio campaign supporter Shad Olson. Now, Sioux Falls city candidate.. or attempted city candidate.. David Zokaites has been accused of trying to injure some poor woman:

At Zokaites’ initial appearance hearing Tuesday, Minnehaha County prosecutor Kathleen Fulton said the allegations against Zokaites were that an argument between him and the woman became physical, and that he placed an exercise ball over her mouth and nose and put his body weight on it, preventing her from breathing for 30 seconds.

Victoria Reker, with the Minnehaha County Public Advocate’s Office, said Zokaites denied the allegations. Reker had asked the woman to leave his home after coming over while she was intoxicated, which had become a “pattern of behavior” that he had called police about before.

Read the entire story here.

 

Ellsworth Task Force Leaders Announced

MADISON, SD–Today, the Executive Board of the Legislature announced the Senate membership on the Ellsworth Task Force, which will explore current and future developments surrounding Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Senate members of the Ellsworth Task Force are Senator Michael Walsh (Chair) (D-35), Senator Red Dawn Foster (D-27), Senator Helene Duhamel (R-32), Senator Jean Hunhoff (R-18), and Majority Leader Casey Crabtree (R-8).

The formation of this task force underscores South Dakota’s commitment to the continued success and viability of Ellsworth Air Force Base and the surrounding region.

Majority Leader Casey Crabtree expressed his confidence in the Senators selected to serve. “The Senate has made economic development in South Dakota a major priority,” said Majority Leader Crabtree. “We have the opportunity to strengthen America’s national security and grow prosperity for the surrounding region. These Senators understand the importance of Ellsworth Air Force Base to our state and nation.”

“Ellsworth Air Force Base is an integral part of the Rapid City community and a strategic location for our nation’s military,” said Task Force Chair Walsh. “I look forward to helping ensure that we as a state are doing everything possible to support the Ellsworth Air Force Base.”

Walsh was appointed to the vacant District 35 Senate seat by Governor Kristi Noem earlier this year. He is a Marine veteran, volunteers as a Key Spouse at Ellsworth Air Force Base, and is a volunteer boxing coach on the base. District 35 is home to the air base and Box Elder School District.

“I’m especially appreciative of Michael Walsh stepping up to chair the committee,” added Crabtree. “With the air base in his district along with past military service and time spent volunteering on base will help this group land the plane and stay on target.”

The Ellsworth Task Force will convene for its inaugural meeting with House members at an upcoming date. The Ellsworth Task Force plans to convene for meetings in Box Elder and Sioux Falls in the legislative interim period.

###

Attorney General Jackley Announces 11 Inmates Charged in State Penitentiary Disturbances 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Tuesday announced that 11 inmates will face a combined 18 felony charges stemming from the March 27-28 disturbances at the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

The inmates face charges including aggravated assault, simple assault, damage to prison property, and starting fires within the prison. The charges were filed Tuesday in Minnehaha County Circuit Court.

“These were dangerous acts that injured two state correctional officers and caused significant damage to prison property,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Inmates found responsible will be held accountable for their actions.”

The 11 inmates and their charges are:

• Joshua David Vortherms, 45, two counts of Aggravated Assault Against a Department of Corrections employee; and two counts of Simple Assault Against a Department of Corrections employee.
• Lee David Bernard, 32, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• Taylor Dallas Cook, 22, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• Markos James Fernandez, 19, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• John Welsey Lovejoy, 25, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• Connor David Shockey, 20, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• Michael Chaske White, 50, one count of Intentional Damage to Property.
• James Ewing, 41, one count of Reckless Burning, and one count of Burning Within a Structure Where a Person is Lawfully Confined.
• Curtis Carpenter, 39, one count of Reckless Burning, and one count of Burning Within a Structure Where a Person is Lawfully Confined.
• Michael Hewitt, 41, one count of Reckless Burning, and and one count of Burning Within a Structure Where a Person is Lawfully Confined.
• Mahlon Kirkie, 35, one count of Reckless Burning, and and one count of Burning Within a Structure Where a Person is Lawfully Confined.

An initial court date for those charged has not yet been scheduled. They are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

-30-

Gov. Noem and Colleagues Oppose Biden’s Pause on Liquified Natural Gas Exports

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and 24 of her Republican colleagues issued a joint statement opposing the Biden Administration’s ban on approving applications to export liquified natural gas:

“As governors, we are very concerned by the Biden Administration’s move to pause approvals of new liquified natural gas (LNG) export projects, especially after Iran’s recent attack on Israel. The U.S. is the world’s leading exporter of LNG, and the decision to pause new approvals undermines our economic and national security, and the security of our allies.

“It creates instability and threatens future energy security throughout the world at a time when our allies need us the most. It sends a message that the U.S. is not a reliable energy partner.

“We call on the Biden Administration to reverse course and lift the pause, allowing America to retain its global energy advantage ensuring Americans and our allies abroad have access to a steady supply of affordable energy.”

“We stand with the people of Israel against this brazen and callous attack. Iran hates democracy, Freedom, and basic human rights – making them an enemy of Israel and the United States. I expect the Biden Administration to stand up for these shared principles and hold Iran accountable,” Governor Noem tweeted.

Governor Noem was joined by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, Arkansas Governor Sarah Sanders, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Idaho Governor Brad Little, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, Missouri Governor Mike Parson, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice, and Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon.

###

Shortly after District 17 House candidate Robin Schiro was addressing the Clay County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner audience talking about why she was running, she was also making the papers in both Union and Clay Counties:

This was brought to my attention a short time ago..

Kind of doubt the SDGOP Chair is pushing the Secretary of State to charge anyone with anything, as Senator Wiik is well aware the SOS doesn’t charge people with crimes.

But having been at the Brookings Co. Lincoln Day Dinner Friday night, I believe that I did hear that Justin McNeal himself was going around blabbing and pestering people over something about this.

I would think if there was a possibility that Justin did something in the course of running.. or trying to run.. in an election that was not in compliance with South Dakota law, and what he violated might possibly came with criminal penalties, the more prudent thing would be to only talk to a competent attorney about it. And not running around to everyone under the sun.

Stay tuned, and keep your ears open.

State Representative Kevin Jensen is on Facebook trying to mine votes for his race for Senate against Eric Hohman. And despite the complaints of those who in he hard right who label themselves as “Real Republicans” in other instances, Jensen is out begging for independents to register as Republican to support his candidacy.

That earned the notice of State Senator Michael Rohl, who pointed out to Jensen, that it appears Jensen is supporting the open primaries measure which would actually allow independents to participate in the primary. Jensen didn’t like that:

After the South Dakota Legislature fought over whether or not to let all Republicans choose who represents the party in the constitutional races, and the status quo was continued, there are a number of people who had fought open primaries before who have moved to being ambivalent, or even supportive of Open Primaries.

When he only option being presented is the status quo, there are instances where people are going to continue to look for door #2. And we’re starting to see that.

This wasn’t on my bingo card this week. But it’s heartening to see that people with different approaches and philosophies can come together and show us all that there is hope we can all work together.

Democrat and former City Council Candidate Allison Renville couldn’t be more ideologically different than her former opponent, and candidate in the run-off race Republican Richard Thomason. But both recognize the need to  work together to serve the community of Sioux Falls. Which brought Renville to support her former opponent’s candidacy in the upcoming election:

Renville endorsed Richard Thomason in a Friday afternoon Facebook post, saying she plans to vote for him in the April 30 runoff as opposed to Jordan Deffenbaugh, who she had openly sparred with in the final days of her campaign.

She also wrote that she wanted people to “look beyond identity politics and vote for someone willing to adequately communicate with not just me but all those present and engaged.”

“Campaigns are about bringing people together,” Thomason told the Argus Leader in a text message Friday. “I have appreciated getting to know Allison, and we have had great conversations. Her support means a great deal to me.”

Read the entire story here in the Argus Leader.

Standing with our Allies
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
April 19, 2024

BIG Update

Gas prices have increased more than 50% since President Biden took office. One way to combat the high prices is to allow more renewable fuel options at the pump. But without action from the EPA, South Dakotans can’t access E15 ethanol in the summer months due to a D.C. Circuit Court decision on the Clean Air Act in July of 2021.

I recently urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow drivers cleaner, cheaper E15 fuel during the summer driving season. I’m pleased to share the EPA heeded our request and announced its waiver for the sale of E15 during summer months (June 1 – September 15). This is great news for consumers and ethanol producers. This decision will also bolster America’s energy security by adding billions of gallons of ethanol to our fuel supply.

BIG Idea

This week, I was joined by many health care professionals from Avera, American College of Surgeons, South Dakota Association of Health Care Organizations, Home Care Association of America, and more. Many of the groups discussed the unfair Medicare physician fee schedule. We discussed policy solutions like the Strengthening Medicare for Patients and Providers Act to adjust the reimbursements for inflation.

BIG News

Last weekend, Iran launched its first direct attack on Israel. Hundreds of drones and missiles were shot towards Israel. Thankfully, Israel and its allies were able to intercept almost all projectiles, minimizing damage and saving countless lives. President Biden and his Administration have failed to take a strong stance in support of our ally Israel, and even told them not to strike back. In September 2023, Biden released $6 billion to Iran and just two months later, released another $10 billion in sanctions, fueling their ability to strike Israel at this capacity.

In stark contrast to the Administration’s actions, Congress passed 17 bills in support of Israel and condemning Iran this week. Iran and their leaders must be held accountable, and America must stand with our ally, Israel.

###

Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
By: Governor Kristi Noem
April 19, 2024

From a young age, my mom and dad taught me that the Bible teaches us to pray for the Holy Land of Israel. In the face of brazen and callous attacks from those hell bent on the inhalation of the Jews, I pray for God’s chosen people even more today.

Israel has been the victim of many horrific attacks in the last six months – most recently by the nation of Iran. They are the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and openly profess hatred for democracy, Freedom, and basic human rights.

I am calling on the Biden Administration to stand up for these shared principles and hold Iran accountable for their heinous acts.

Unfortunately and inexplicably, not everyone agrees.

Since the horrific terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7th, 2023, antisemitism has been on the rise around the world, including right here in the United States. We have seen antisemitic acts of hate in places of work, in kids’ schools, and on college campuses. There has been footage of people cheering when the news broke that Iran attacked Israel. We have people chanting “Death to America” and “Death to Israel.” People are burning the American flag and instead waving the flag of Hamas, a known terrorist organization.

Anti-Israel protestors have also blocked bridges and roads in major cities across the country – from blocking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, to stopping traffic in New York City and Chicago. This is against the law, and these individuals should be held accountable.

It’s astounding how foolish these antisemitic, Anti-America “protestors” are. We are so deeply blessed to live in this great country. The reality is, if these ignorant people tried to voice a complaint that was at odds with any of the governments in the terrorist nations they support, they’d be tortured or killed.  America uniquely affords us the Freedom of speech, the Freedom to practice any religion we want, and the Freedom to assemble and protest. But rather than appreciating those privileges, these protestors are burning Old Glory and opting instead to wave the flag of terrorists who would certainly never grant them the same Freedoms.

South Dakota proudly stands with Israel. We have never turned our back on the Holy Land, and we certainly are not going to start now. I was proud to sign historic legislation this session to stop antisemitic acts of hatred in our state. The bill clearly defines antisemitism and makes it easier to prove when discriminatory conduct is motivated by antisemitism. This important and impactful legislation will ensure the safety of Jewish people in our state and strengthen South Dakota’s anti-discrimination laws.

Since signing that bill into law, my office has been inundated with antisemitic hatred and even violent threats. But we will stand firm. I hope that bill can serve as model legislation for other states. It’s time for leaders to step up and do all that we can to protect our Jewish communities from the devastating hate we see happening across our country and around the world.

I hope you will join me in praying for Israel. I pray for the strength of God’s chosen people. And I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

###