From the Internet, it appears that the Rhoden for Governor campaign may be officially on the air.
Or at the very least, in less of a question of “will he/won’t he?”
A website for Larry Rhoden‘s gubernatorial campaign is now online at GovernorLarryRhoden.com.
Attorney General Jackley Announces Indictment After Arrest of 207 Pounds of Crystal Methamphetamine
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a 42-year-old Fresno, CA man has been indicted on two felony counts after he was arrested Friday night transporting 207 pounds of crystal methamphetamine in Sturgis. The case is being prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office and the Meade County State’s Attorney’s.
“Meth of any amount is dangerous, but distribution of meth with a street value of $12 million would have led to grave consequences for our citizens,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I appreciate the excellent work of the South Dakota Highway Patrol in stopping and arresting this defendant.”
Alonso Molinacorona, who is a Mexican national, was indicted by a Meade County Grand Jury of one count of Possession of Methamphetamine, of more than five grams, with Intent to Distribute, and one alternate count of Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Drug or Substance. The first count is a Class Three Felony that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison and a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. The alternate count is a Class Five Felony which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Molinacorona was stopped by a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper for speeding on Interstate 90 in Sturgis. The drugs were discovered in the vehicle.
Molinacorona made his first appearance in Meade County Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty. His next court appearance is scheduled for 4 p.m. MDT on Sept. 10, 2025. The defendant is being held without bond. He is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Assisting agencies include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Meade County Sheriff’s Office, and Rapid City Police Department.
Attorney General Jackley expects federal charges to be filed as well.
Attorney General Jackley Announces South Dakota Leads Bipartisan Amicus Brief in Support of American Ranchers
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that he is leading a bipartisan coalition of 11 Attorneys General that has filed an amicus brief that supports cattle ranchers against manufacturers who are selling foreign-sourced beef products under a “Product of USA” label.
“Ranchers in South Dakota and across America work hard to produce the highest quality beef products in the world,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The ‘Product of USA’ label is a brand that reflects the quality of American beef.”
South Dakota ranchers filed suit in South Dakota Federal District Court after the U.S. Department of Agriculture erroneously allowed the manufacturers to use the “Product of USA” label on its foreign-sourced beef products. The District Court ruled in favor of the ranchers. The case is on appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.
In their brief, the Attorneys General point out that the Department of Agriculture now acknowledges that use of the label for foreign-sourced beef product conflicts with federal requirements and have asked the court to order the manufacturers to stop falsely labeling their beef as a “Product of USA.”
“Selling lower-quality foreign beef with a ‘Product of USA’ label misleads consumers and harms the reputation and financial interests of American ranchers,” Jackley said. ”Consumers should not be fooled into paying a premium price for substandard foreign beef product under a false ‘Product of USA’ label.”
The Attorneys General of Colorado, Kansas, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming joined in supporting American ranchers and consumers.
South Dakota’s brief can be found here: https://atg.sd.gov/docs/PSS%20%20Taylor%20Baker.JBS%20Foods%2025.1986.pdf.
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I had someone sent this to me, and they have my sincere thanks and pity that they sat through this much goofy to pluck this nugget out to share from an interview that someone did with House Majority Whip and District 3 State Representative Brandei Schaefbauer – start about 1:05:15:00
“He (Fauci) should be on death row, for killing millions and millions of people... If something doesn’t happen with russia-gate or Epstein, there is going to believe a revolt of the american people. I mean, we have all been promised that something is going to happen, and we get this little… give us this little nugget and this is a pacifier for us. Well, no, I think the way things are going – people are so upset and they have nothing else to lose – so why not lets just start a civil war again.” – State Representative Brandei Schaefbauer.
I’m not sure what you do with that.
In July, everyone was saying that “the SDGOP they can’t do worse than only raising $85.” And it seems like former 32 year Democrat Jim Eschenbaum must have declared hold my beer – because they managed to do just that.
The SDGOP raised ZERO dollars between July 1 and July 31 of 2025.
SDGOP July 2025 FEC Report by Pat Powers
Wow. Just wow. Zero contributions. ZERO.
They might have received something from county organizations that would go into the state account. But absolutely no on-line donations via WinRed which runs through federally. They did transfer $4654.73 from the state account into their federal account. Which I’m guessing is to cover expenses..
The party had about $2800 in expenses, with about $32,867 left over after moving money. $32,800… Which, if you think about it, might constitute most of their money for the SDGOP Raffle.
Because according to their records, they’ve got nearly $38,000 worth of not terribly expensive guns that they’ve committed to give away weekly.
Well, the SDGOP seems to have managed to make history this month.
Because I don’t think they’ve ever had a month where they raised absolutely nothing.
Brookings Bureau: Brookings County Sets Sept. 2 Hearing on $29 Million 2026 Budget
In Brief: Proposed spending plan includes major allocations for roads, public safety, and health services
By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News
The Brookings County Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 9 a.m. to review the county’s proposed $29 million provisional budget for 2026.
The hearing will take place at the Brookings City & County Government Center, 520 Third St., Suite 310. Residents may attend in person or send a representative to comment on the proposed allocations before the commission adopts a final budget Sept. 23.
The proposed budget outlines funding for general government, public safety, roads and bridges, health services, cultural programs, and debt service. It also includes allocations for specialized funds such as opioid settlement programs, rural infrastructure, and domestic abuse services.
The general fund totals $19.6 million, with the largest share—$7.3 million—earmarked for highways and bridges. Public safety spending, including the sheriff’s office, jail operations, and emergency services, is budgeted at $6.4 million.
Other notable appropriations include $663,572 for health and welfare programs, $456,954 for culture and recreation, and $556,252 for conservation of natural resources. The county building fund is budgeted at $436,133, and debt service at $508,900.
The budget is funded primarily through $16.1 million in property taxes, along with state and federal revenues, licenses, fees, and other local sources. The county’s property tax levy is set at $3.87 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.
Brookings County Finance Officer Lori Schultz said the hearing will provide “a full and complete discussion” of the budget’s purposes, objectives, and appropriations.
Please help me welcome Northern Plains News for a run on advertiser’s row, as they encourage your readership. They also join our friends such as the Dusty Johnson for Governor campaign, US Senator John Thune, United States Senator Mike Rounds, Dakota Town Hall, and my own Dakota Campaign Store.
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State Enters Purchase Agreement for New Prison Land at Benson Rd. Site
Agreement Contingent on Approval by Legislature
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced that the State of South Dakota has entered into a purchase agreement that grants the State the option to purchase land at the Benson Road site. This agreement represents over $10 million savings on what was estimated by the prison task force.
“South Dakota needs a new prison to keep our people safe, and we are moving forward with delivering a proposal that prioritizes safety and conservative fiscal stewardship,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We appreciate the Legislature’s continued attention to this project, and we are excited to deliver this as efficiently as possible for South Dakota taxpayers.”
The land in question is approximately 148 acres in northeast Sioux Falls along Benson Road (the “Benson Road site”). The State of South Dakota will only complete the purchase if approval to acquire the site is granted by the South Dakota Legislature.
If the purchase of the Benson Road site is approved by the Legislature on September 23, 2025, the Lincoln County site would no longer be owned by the State. As private property, any agricultural use or development of this land would be subject to county zoning.
“Residents of Lincoln County should be excited about the opportunity to regain control over what happens to that land,” said Sen. Ernie Otten (R-Lincoln County), who served on the prison task force. “I look forward to working with my fellow legislators to get this project across the finish line.”
The Benson Road site will represent millions of dollars in savings on utility development costs compared to the Lincoln County land, as there will be no need for a water tower, long sewer line, or other expenses. The purchase of the new Benson Road site also represents a more-than $10 million savings on the previous estimate by the prison task force. The purchase price is to be paid as follows:
You can find a full handout depicting the Benson Road site here.
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Flags at Half-Staff at State Capitol in Honor of Leland Kleinsasser
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Friday, August 8, 2025, in honor of former state legislator Leland Kleinsasser. He served in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 1979 to 1980 and the South Dakota State Senate from 1981 to 1988.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm MT on Friday, August 8, at Bethel Mennonite Brethren Church in Yale, SD.
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SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF REGENTS ANNOUNCES PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH FOR NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Board of Regents has officially begun the search for the next president of Northern State University (NSU) in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Serving around 3,500 students on a 75-acre campus, NSU is recognized for its quality instruction, community engagement, and a range of extracurricular activities. As a regional comprehensive university, it meets educational and workforce needs in business, academics, the arts, and sciences, offering personalized teaching and flexible online programs.
CANDIDATE PROFILE & APPLICATION PROCESS
The Board of Regents seeks a forward-thinking, collaborative leader capable of building upon NSU’s existing strengths as a regional comprehensive university. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in academic leadership, innovation in student services, engagement with faculty and community partners, and strategic campus stewardship.
Applicants must submit all materials electronically, and priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 24, 2025. All applications will remain confidential except for those individuals selected to participate in on-campus interviews.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Visit northern.edu/nsu-presidential-search for the full position description and application process.
For questions or accommodations during the application process, contact:
Kayla Bastian, Chief Human Resource Officer | South Dakota Board of Regents Phone: 605‑773‑3455 | Email: kayla.bastian@sdbor.edu
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