Author: @SoDakCampaigns

In the District 25 Senate race, elect a candidate with an action plan
by District 25 State Senate candidate Jordan Youngberg

Actions speak louder than words.

That’s the first lesson that I taught my two boys, and it’s the way I’ve always seen things in all areas of life. Anyone can talk about doing something. It takes true leadership to hear all sides of an issue, create strong legislation, and have the relationships that it takes to get positive change over the finish line. Next year, District 25 voters will have the chance to choose who will continue to represent them starting in 2025.

My message to the people of District 25 is simple: elect the candidate with a plan for action.

Bringing a plan for action to Pierre isn’t just a campaign slogan – it’s something I have a proven track record of doing. During my first race in 2016, I beat a democrat incumbent that very few people thought I had a shot at beating. However, with the support of my family, friends, and community, we got the job done.

Once in the Senate, I passed strong legislation that everyone can be proud of. I sponsored legislation to train tribal law enforcement at the state law enforcement center, set the groundwork for regulating industrial hemp, support victims of human trafficking, and strengthen our education system. I was also fortunate to be elected to serve as a whip in Senate leadership.

These bills were not made to make headlines – they were made to bring real improvement to the lives of South Dakotans.

If elected to the Senate next year, I’ll go to Pierre with a plan for action that will continue to benefit South Dakotans, and never give up until the job is done. I hope to bring legislation to lower our taxes even further, increase scholarships for college students, keep the cost of living low, and ensure that South Dakota remains a safe place for our families to call home.

These are the types of bills that the people of District 25 deserve, but they require someone to bring them who is serious about getting things done.

This coming June, elected a leader with a plan for action that will make life for you, your family, and all South Dakotans better, and vote Youngberg for District 25 Senate. To learn more about my campaign, follow me on facebook at Jordan Youngberg for South Dakota.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges Against Prison Inmates for Assault on Correctional Officers

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer charges are being filed against two inmates for a Thursday morning assault against a state correctional officer at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

Inmates Lester M. Monroe and Kyle L. Jones were arrested after assaulting the correctional officer at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Unit D of the Jameson Annex. The officer was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

The inmates also will be charged with a second Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer for an attack on a second correctional officer who arrived to help their colleague. That second officer was treated at a local hospital and later released.

“This was a violent incident where officers were assaulted,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Department of Corrections staff responded quickly and took control of the situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families.”

Monroe, 48, is serving time for Simple Assault on Law Enforcement out of Minnehaha County and Receiving/Transferring a Stolen Vehicle out of Bennett County. Jones, 30, is serving time for First Degree Manslaughter, Eluding a Police Officer and Unauthorized Ingestion of a Controlled Substance, all out of Minnehaha County.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. The Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution. Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said, “I applaud the swift actions of security staff to get control of this situation. The Governor has been fully briefed and engaged. The Warden and I wish the officer a full recovery. Please refer all additional questions on this matter to the Attorney General’s Office.”

Inmates Monroe and Jones are being held at the State Penitentiary. They are presumed innocent under the U. S. Constitution.

-30-

SDBA Bringing Legislation to Reject CBDCs and Protect Financial Privacy

 PIERRE, SD – Aug. 23, 2023– The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) announced today that it will bring forward proposals opposing and rejecting the adoption of central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the 99th Session of the South Dakota Legislature. SDBA, through its alignment with the American Bankers Association, has helped to craft model policy circulated through the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) processes this summer. The model policy will be voted upon by the ALEC board this coming Saturday, August 26, and if passed, SDBA will offer it to the upcoming South Dakota legislative session for consideration.

“During the 2023 South Dakota Legislature, the opposition to HB 1193 ‘An Act to Amend Provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC),’ disseminated a lot of misinformation. As a result, Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed the HB 1193, in part because there was concern the federal government would adopt a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The veto message specified potential ‘overreach by the federal government,’ but connecting that claim to 1193 is simply unfounded,” said SDBA president, Karl Adam. “While HB 1193 did nothing to create a CBDC, rejection of CBDC is a policy goal we share with those opponents. We can find no upside to the adoption of a CBDC in this free nation. Therefore, we are pleased to see that ALEC’s proposed model policy does exactly that. That’s why we plan to bring forward similar policy proposals during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session.”

“HB 1193 was and will be good law for South Dakotans. Although it did not become law in 2023, we’re hopeful that during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, the model policy ABA and ALEC have created will settle some of the confusion and fears that became part of the discussion around HB 1193,” said SDBA Board Chair, David Nelson, President/CEO of First Fidelity Bank in Burke, South Dakota. “We look forward to seeing continued engagement and support from our industry cohorts to ensure that South Dakotans have the benefit of up-to- date commercial law and maintain the freedom to take part in the economy as they see fit. We don’t need CBDC in this country.”

The SDBA has begun seeking sponsors and intends to proceed with its early filing of policy proposals as soon as possible. For additional context on HB 1193, go to https://www.sdba.com/latest-news-blog to read the SDBA’s op eds that were published in the spring supporting the measure.

About the South Dakota Bankers Association

The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) is the professional and trade association for South Dakota’s financial services industry. Established in 1884, the SDBA enhances the ability of its members to compete effectively and profitably in the financial services industry. The SDBA helps educate, advocate and grow a diverse mix of financial institutions throughout the state. For more information about the SDBA, visit www.sdba.com.

-30-

Gov. Noem Announces $27 Million in High-Speed Broadband Grants

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced the final round of funding that will award up to $27 million to connect rural South Dakota to high-speed broadband. Governor Noem made this announcement during the South Dakota Telecommunications Association Conference. You can find the video of Governor Noem’s announcement here.

“We are revitalizing small town America with this investment. And we are preserving our way of life,” said Governor Noem. “My vision is to bring, high-speed internet to every home and business in South Dakota. No one should have to choose between the modern economy and a life in their hometown. It’s time to finish the job.”

The Connect SD broadband program has connected tens of thousands of households and businesses to high-speed broadband since Governor Noem took office in 2019. Over $269.5 million has been invested into broadband expansion in South Dakota.

South Dakotans should never be left behind because of the small-town way of life they’ve chosen to build for themselves and for their families. Thanks to Governor Noem’s continuous efforts, more and more South Dakotans are reaping the benefits of expanded opportunities in education, entertainment, and commerce,” said GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken.

This investment will be crucial for South Dakota’s workforce development and future economic efforts. The goal is to create vibrant, connected communities across the state.

This is South Dakota’s eighth round of broadband expansion grants since 2019. Grant applications will be available soon on the Connect SD website.

###

Since September, Mr. Sneve has continued to cover and report on Rep. Hansen while failing to inform his readers of his personal relationship.

— Briggs Warren (@BriggsWarrenSF) February 21, 2023

That tweet comes from South Dakota Democrat activist Briggs Warren, as he took after Dakota Scout co-founder Joe Sneve over his objectivity with regards to State Rep. Jon Hansen this past February because of what he perceived as bias arising from their close friendship.

Why do I bring this up?  I just received an e-mail story from The Dakota Scout about the debate they had been advertising that they’re co-hosting tonight, which notes in part…

“…having a conversation with key players from both sides of the issue will help our friends and neighbors learn more about this consequential topic,” said Joe Sneve, co-founder of The Dakota Scout. “So we’re grateful to both Rep. Hansen and Ms. Burns-Thompson for their willingness to answer question in the open for everyone to hear.”

Read that here.

Well, reporting the facts of a story is one thing, but featuring him in an event they’re sponsoring?

When it was originally written by Briggs, you take it with a grain of salt. But 6 months later when the Dakota Scout is sponsoring a debate featuring the same person one of the co-owners had previously been tweaked for his close personal relationship with, it kind of leaves you wondering if maybe Briggs had a point.

Are all Dakota Scout debates going to feature Jon Hansen?

From my mailbox, State Representative Sue Peterson, who is a candidate for State Senate in the coming year, will be hosting a fundraiser in Sioux Falls on September 7 featuring Attorney General Marty Jackley as the guest of honor:

Given that it is rumored to be a marquee primary race, it’s an interesting list of names showing up on the co-host list, including the Lt. Governor, State Auditor Rich Sattgast, State Treasurer Josh Haeder, several members of team Rounds, and a number of legislators.

State Senator Castleberry Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement

PIERRE, S.D. – Senator Jessica Castleberry announced that she will resign her seat in the State Senate. Castleberry has represented District 35 in the State Senate since 2020. Upon Castleberry’s resignation, Governor Kristi Noem requested public input on filling the District 35 vacancy.

Those wishing to be considered for the Senate vacancy, or to offer nominations, should email Ben Koisti at Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current physical address, resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. All nomination materials must be submitted by September 18th.

###

Attorney General Jackley Announces Former State Correctional Officer Convicted Of Simple Assault

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Joshua Westenkirchner of Harrisburg, S.D., has been convicted of two counts of simple assault of a prison inmate while serving as a correctional officer at the state prison in Sioux Falls.

A Minnehaha County jury this week reached its verdict after a two-day trial. He was found not guilty of another count of simple assault and one count of aggravated assault.

“The conduct in this case should not and has not been tolerated. It is an isolated incident of one individual that should not reflect on those correctional officers that serve their positions with respect,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I want to thank the investigators, Assistant Attorney Generals, and the jurors for their important work in serving justice in this matter.”

Officials say the incident occurred March 14 and 15, 2022. Westenkirchner, 42, was indicted by a Minnehaha Grand Jury on Dec. 22, 2022.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the incident. Prosecution of the case was handled by the Attorney General’s Office.

-30-

Lt. Gov. Rhoden Elected to NLGA Executive Committee

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, the National Lieutenant Governors Association (NLGA) announced that Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will serve as an At-Large Member of the NLGA Executive Committee.

“My top priority has always been the hard-working people of South Dakota. Governor Noem and I have accomplished much for our state over the last several years, including breaking the national record for low unemployment, preserving our thriving agriculture industry, and creating the blueprint for state-led response to the Chinese Communist threat. This work is being recognized by lieutenant governors from all over the United States, and I look forward to working with them to tackle the most pressing issues,” said Lt. Gov. Rhoden.

NLGA is a professional association that supports every lieutenant governor across the United States of America. NLGA empowers lieutenant governors to be as effective and efficient as possible for their constituents. The Executive Committee meets about three times a year. The committee is responsible for addressing issues that concern every U.S. state and territory and providing necessary resources to their fellow lieutenant governors.

“NGLA thrives under leaders that are willing to participate, share, and learn with their peer seconds-in-command from across the country,” said NLGA Director Julia Brossart. “His peers find Lt. Gov. Rhoden to be an engaged leader willing to share ideas from the agriculture industry to veterans affairs.”

Lt. Gov. Rhoden was elected to the state legislature in 2000. He served as House Majority Leader and chaired both the Senate and House State Affairs Committees before he was elected alongside Governor Noem in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.

###

From facebook: