PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the reappointments of Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Commissioner Bill Even and Travel South Dakota Secretary Jim Hagen. These reappointments will take effect on January 9 when Governor Rhoden’s full term begins.

“The transition process for the new Rhoden Administration is well underway, and the South Dakota Constitution affords me the responsibility to fill 19 cabinet positions,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “I’m pleased to start these announcements with strong leaders who help drive our economy and keep South Dakota Open for Opportunity. Both Jim and Bill bring a wealth of knowledge and sound-minded leadership to our state.”

All current cabinet appointments expire at the end of the current four-year gubernatorial term. Appointment power is granted to the Governor in Article 4, Section 9 of the South Dakota Constitution. Most cabinet appointments will require advice and consent of the South Dakota Senate.

Commissioner Bill Even has served as GOED Commissioner for less than two years, and in that time helped Governor Rhoden make a sizeable impact in economic development. Governor Rhoden brokered the largest business investment in South Dakota’s history and opened up an unprecedented opportunity to re-develop the downtown area of South Dakota’s largest city, Sioux Falls.

Commissioner Even has also been instrumental in delivering on Governor Rhoden’s vision to make national Security South Dakota’s next big industry. Under his leadership, the Rhoden Administration invested in a new central hub for defense companies and stakeholders, the South Dakota Defense Institute (SDDI), to support businesses pursuing defense contracting opportunities.

“Thanks to Bill’s vision and leadership, our state is building the partnerships and infrastructure needed to expand our national defense industry,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “My team is laser focused on economic development that’s right for South Dakota, so we can keep our state Open for Opportunity for generations to come.”

Bill has decades of experience in leadership, public service, and agriculture – including previously serving as the South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture. He holds an A.S. in Agricultural Production from Lake Area Technical Institute, a B.S. in Agricultural Business from South Dakota State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Drake University Law School. Bill and his wife, Janell, have three children and live in Tea, SD. You can find a photo of Bill Even here.

“Now more than ever, businesses are seeking stability, predictability, and a common-sense regulatory environment when making long range investments. South Dakota offers the solid ground that business of all types crave in our fast-changing world,” said Bill Even. “Governor Rhoden also sees the opportunity to update our economic development strategy to support existing in-state businesses and welcome new pioneers as we build the future of our state, and I am honored to continue to serve on his team.”

Secretary Jim Hagen will continue his service as Secretary of Travel South Dakota. He has held this role for 15 years. During his tenure in Noem-Rhoden Administration, visitor spending and total visitation have set record after record, supporting local businesses and providing tax relief for residents across the state. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Hagen’s efforts to advance tourism also include securing investments in the expansion of the two largest airports in South Dakota, leading efforts to keep the lights on at Mount Rushmore during a federal government shutdown, and hosting America’s 250^thbirthday celebration at Mount Rushmore.

“Jim is a leader who remains focused on continuous improvement to lay a strong foundation for the next generation,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “The tourism industry is an important economic driver for our state, and I am excited to see the new ways Secretary Hagen and his team will elevate the South Dakota brand and continue our rich history of tourism and hospitality.”

“The Travel South Dakota team is excited about the next four years and what’s ahead for the tourism industry in our state, including our ambitious goal of becoming one of the top 10 most-desired vacation destinations in the nation,” said Jim Hagen. “To achieve that goal, we’ll continue helping communities across South Dakota develop their tourism assets, with a particular focus on our rural areas. We are deeply grateful to Governor Rhoden for his steadfast and enthusiastic support of tourism and for empowering our team to act boldly.”

With over 20 years in leadership roles for five different governors, Jim has made a tremendous impact on our state. He has served in a number of positions on national boards and is well-touted as an expert in tourism and travel across the country. His leadership and vision have created an award-winning agency team and guided South Dakota’s tourism industry to consecutive records in visitation and economic impact, helping cross 14.9 million visitors and $5 billion in visitor spending. You can find a photo of Jim Hagen here.

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Attorney General Jackley, Day County State’s Attorney Knight Announce Webster Man Charged with Murder in Day County Case

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley and Day County State’s Attorney John Knight announce that a Webster man has been charged with First Degree Murder, Second Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault in connection with the death of another man late Thursday night, Nov. 5.

Agustin Martinez, 34, of Webster made his first court appearance Monday in Day County Circuit Court. He faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the First Degree Murder, life in prison for Second Degree Murder, and 15 years in prison for the Aggravated Assault charge.

Henry Hernandez, 38, of Webster was the victim. The incident was reported late Thursday night.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is leading the investigation with the assistance of the Day County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Day County State’s Attorney’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.

Martinez is being held on a $1 million cash bond. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) announced $187.7 million in Year Two funding through South Dakota’s Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program, a five-year initiative focused on strengthening health care access, workforce capacity, technology, and long-term sustainability for rural and frontier communities across the state.

“Strong rural communities depend on strong rural health care,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “South Dakotans shouldn’t have to choose between strong health care opportunities and their rural way of life, so these investments will allow them to access quality care close to home. These resources will support healthcare providers, strengthen local services, and help ensure a healthier future for generations to come.”

Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden signed HB 1044, which appropriated funding for the RHT Program. In Year One, South Dakota committed every dollar of its $189.5 million Rural Health Transformation award by the federal deadline, through 234 agreements supporting healthcare organizations and communities across the state. Additional details on funded projects and communities can be explored through the program’s “Where Investment Meets Impact” interactive map.

“The Trump Administration’s $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program gives states the resources and flexibility to bring care closer to home and build stronger, more sustainable health care systems for their rural communities,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “As the program enters its second year, this next round of funding will help South Dakota build on the progress made in year one and continue working toward lasting improvements in access, quality, and health outcomes for rural communities.”

The Year Two funding will support continued implementation of 10 statewide initiatives aligned with the state’s RHT strategy, which focuses on four key areas:

• Connecting technology and data to improve interoperability, care coordination, and digital infrastructure;
• Advancing the rural healthcare workforce through recruitment, training, retention, and workforce development initiatives;
• Keeping healthcare local and strong by expanding access to services, including maternal health, behavioral health, and chronic disease management; and 
• Transforming systems for sustainability through innovative care models and long-term healthcare system improvements. 

You can find more information on Rural Health Transformation efforts in South Dakota here.

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This press release is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of the Rural Health Transformation Program, a financial assistance award totaling $377,131,053.07 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the State of South Dakota and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Former Yankton Deputy Sheriff Charged With Falsifying Evidence

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a former Yankton County Deputy Sheriff has been indicted on one felony count each of Offering Forged or Fraudulent Evidence and Falsification of Evidence.

Michael Rothschadl, 56, was indicted by a Yankton County Grand Jury. His first court appearance has been scheduled for 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12, in Yankton County Circuit Court.

Attorney General Jackley said Rothschadl, who was the Yankton County Chief Deputy Sheriff at the time of the incident, allegedly changed information found in a law enforcement criminal report. The incident occurred on April 1, 2021.

Rothschadl faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison for the offense of Offering Forged or Fraudulent Evidence and two years in prison for the Falsification of Evidence offense if convicted. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the case. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case.

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(Here’s the official – pp)

2027-2028 HOUSE MAJORITY LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED

 PIERRE – The newly-elected House Republicans met in caucus November 9, 2026, to elect majority leadership positions and nominate candidates for the positions of Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore for the 2027-2028 Legislative term.

House Republicans nominated Mike Stevens for Speaker of the House and Amber Arlint for Speaker Pro Tempore. The following members were elected to majority leadership positions in the House:

• Majority Leader:  Taylor Rehfeldt
• Assistant Majority Leader: Drew Peterson
• Majority Whip:  Nick Fosness
• Majority Whip:   Mellissa Heermann
• Majority Whip:  Brian Mulder
• Majority Whip:  Matt Roby
• Majority Whip:  Mike Weisgram

Legislator information is available on the LRC website.

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Not sure what James Biolata thought he was going to accomplish today lurking outside the caucus door with his giant camera.

Biolating legislator’s personal space, perhaps?

Here’s what I’m hearing for the Majority Whips who were selected for the upcoming session from insiders, in no particular order:

• Mellissa Heermann
• Mike Weisgram
• Matt Roby
• Brian Mulder
• Nick Fosness

Again, a great team to help lead the new Republican House Majority in Pierre.

And I don’t think there’s any who will be defecting to support democrats in other races. (IYKYK)

It sounds as if the House Republicans are getting the job done as the major positions in the caucus elections are falling into place.

The word out of Pierre is that State Representative Taylor Rehfeldt – who did a masterful job of getting many House Republicans elected this year – has been elected as the first female Majority Leader in South Dakota history!  They’re in the middle of voting for other positions, but this is great news.

While I’m writing this, I’m told Representative Drew Peterson was just elected by the body as the Assistant Majority Leader.

Also hearing that one of the nicest people in Pierre, State Representative Mike Stevens will be the Republican nominee to lead the chamber as Speaker of the House in the next term, and his Speaker Pro Tem will be Representative Amber Arlint.

Stay tuned for the full rundown…

2027-2028 HOUSE MINORITY LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCED

PIERRE – The newly-elected House Democrat caucus met November 8, 2026, to determine legislative leadership for the 2027-2028 Legislative term.

The following members were elected to minority leadership positions in the House of Representatives:

• Minority Leader: Eric Emery
• Assistant Minority Leader: Kadyn Wittman
• Minority Whip: Nicole Uhre-Balk
• Minority Whip: Sonja Mentzer

Legislator profiles can be viewed on the LRC website. Information is updated as it is received.

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