Just had a reader point this out to me, that Governor Larry Rhoden’s Ag Summit is being held in Pierre at the same time as the Republican State Convention in Rapid City:
I would wager that the Ag Summit will have better sponsors too.
Okay, this made me laugh.
A new PAC, said to be coming out of the Doeden-sphere, is hitting Jon Hansen for being weak on crime with a text blast to Republican phones:
The PAC is fronted by Tabor Schabot of Aberdeen. You can find out more at JailbreakJon.com
Christine Erickson for Mayor and her boys talk about what it takes to run a household – and a city!
From the NRA-PVF website, the national second amendment organization NRA has released its ratings of the candidates in the gubernatorial race, ranking three of the four equally, but giving the endorsement to the incumbent (as they have a habit of doing).
Read that and more of the NRA’s endorsed candidates here.
Governor Rhoden, who got the nod, Congressman Dusty Johnson, and that one guy, are all ranked equally. But it looks like Toby Doeden is unranked, his stance with the NRA a big question mark and possibly having bagged the NRA entirely.
Kind of a rookie mistake. But then again, for Toby this is his first Gubernatorial primary. Both running as a candidate, and voting in one.
PUC approves settlement to increase Xcel Energy electric rates below request
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners voted to approve a settlement stipulation submitted by Xcel Energy and PUC staff that will allow Xcel to increase electric rates for South Dakota customers at a public meeting on May 8, 2026, in Pierre. The settlement authorizes the company to increase overall electric rates by $25.6 million, or roughly 9.5%. The approved rate is about 41% less than Xcel’s original request that asked the PUC to allow for a $43.6 million annual increase to overall electricity rates, or approximately 16.2%. New rates will go into effect July 1, 2026.
Xcel Energy’s last base rate increase for electric customers was approved by the PUC in June 2023. Since that time, the company has made significant investments in its generation, transmission, and distribution systems to reliably meet the electricity needs of its approximately 107,000 South Dakota customers. Xcel cites those investments, plus additional factors like inflation, as primary drivers behind their requested increase. As a result of the commission’s decision, a typical residential customer using an average of 750 kilowatt hours of energy each month will see an increase of approximately $13.48 per month based on average rates.
“I was recently asked why more customers don’t personally participate in these dockets and the answer is simple. They have busy lives and that is why South Dakotans hire us. The public hires three commissioners and our highly skilled staff to do that work,” stated PUC Chairman Chris Nelson. “Over the past year, our staff and the experts they brought in to assist have gone through this rate case with the finest tooth comb you can imagine. Today, I can confidently tell South Dakota’s Xcel ratepayers that we have acted in their best interest,” he continued.
Xcel Energy implemented interim rates for South Dakota customers on Jan. 1, 2026. State law allows investor-owned utilities to collect an interim rate increase, subject to refund, while the commission considers a rate request. Due to the final rate increase being less than the implemented interim rate and as part of the settlement, Xcel will refund the difference, with interest, in August and September bills. The company estimates an average residential customer’s interim refund will be approximately $43.52.
“One of the things I appreciate most about this filing is how our staff have held Xcel Energy accountable to South Dakota ratepayers. While utilities have the opportunity to earn a fair rate of return, our team meticulously audited this filing and cut millions in costs that would have otherwise fallen on customers. By removing these line items, we’ve ensured that the new rates remain just, reasonable, and reliable, ultimately keeping more money in our citizens’ pockets,” commented PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen.
Following extensive discovery and inquiry, the company and PUC staff entered into numerous settlement discussions in February 2026. Ultimately, parties reached a comprehensive agreement on Xcel’s overall revenue deficiency and other issues presented in this case including, but not limited to, class revenue responsibilities, rate design, and tariff concerns. A residential intervenor in the docket accepted the agreement.
“I greatly appreciate all the work PUC staff put into this docket. The public did not see the hundreds of data requests, countless hours and incredible amount of effort our staff has dedicated to this filing, but I can tell you it has been as thoroughly vetted as any rate case could be. Our goal is to guarantee that South Dakotans receive safe, reliable service at the most affordable rates possible, and I am deeply grateful for their efforts,” noted PUC Commissioner Gary Hanson.
Xcel Energy filed its application to increase electric rates for customers in its South Dakota retail service territory with the PUC on June 30, 2025.
Terms of the agreement include a rate moratorium that will prevent Xcel Energy from requesting additional increases to base rates that take effect prior to Jan. 1, 2029. The settlement also makes changes to the residential customer service charge and late payment charges.
The full docket can be viewed on the PUC website at puc.sd.gov, Commission Actions, Electric Dockets, 2025 Electric dockets, EL25-024 – In the Matter of the Application of Northern States Power Company dba Xcel Energy for Authority to Increase its Electric Rates.
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Gov. Rhoden Is Only Candidate Endorsed by NRA
Pierre, SD – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden received the endorsement of the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA), and he received an A+ rating for his support for the Second Amendment. Governor Rhoden is the only candidate in the gubernatorial race endorsed by the NRA. You can find the endorsement here.
“The Second Amendment exists to protect all our other rights, and I have proudly stood for it my entire career,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “South Dakota is the most pro-Second Amendment state in America, and we’re keeping it that way! This year, we made South Dakota the first state in America to remove regulations on suppressors. It’s but the latest in a long list of results that I’ve delivered for law-abiding gun owners in South Dakota. Thank you to the NRA for their support!”
Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden signed SB 2 (often called SB 2A), making South Dakota the first state in America to remove suppressors from the concealed weapons list. During the Noem-Rhoden Administration, South Dakota became the first state in America to eliminate concealed carry permits. And Constitutional Carry was the first bill signed during the Noem-Rhoden Administration.
Governor Rhoden was the prime sponsor on at least a half-dozen bills to advance the Second Amendment while in the Legislature, including the bill to eliminate the 48-hour waiting period for pistol purchases.
Find out more about Governor Rhoden’s results to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free at RhodenResults.com.
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From Facebook, South Dakota Congressman Dusty Johnson has been endorsed by the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police in the race for Governor:
Johnson Receives South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police Endorsement
Rapid City, S.D. – Today, gubernatorial candidate and Congressman Dusty Johnson received the endorsement of the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police.
“In every conversation I’ve had with law enforcement officers across this state, it is clear South Dakota can do better,” said Johnson. “We must fix our state’s broken parole and probation system. We need to increase offender accountability, and we need strong leadership to address these issues before it puts our communities at risk. I’m grateful and humbled to receive this endorsement and look forward to continuing work with organizations like the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police during my time as Governor.”
“Throughout his career in public service, Dusty Johnson has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting law enforcement, strengthening public safety, and standing with the men and women who serve our communities every day,” said the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police. “South Dakota deserves leadership grounded in integrity, accountability, and common-sense solutions. We believe Dusty Johnson has the experience, character, and vision necessary to lead South Dakota forward. We encourage the citizens of South Dakota to join us in supporting Dusty Johnson for Governor.”
To learn more about the endorsement, please click here.
The South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police is comprised of over 1,400 active and retired law enforcement officers at the federal, state, and local levels.
Safety and Discovery
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
May 8, 2026
BIG Update
Public safety begins in our communities. Our police officers, firefighters, and emergency services personnel are on the frontlines every day to keep South Dakotans safe. This week, I toured the Public Safety Building in Lake Norden – an outstanding example of a community prioritizing safety and resilience. After their public safety building burned down in 2023, the people of Lake Norden came together to build a brand new facility that serves the entire region.
Johnson meets with public safety officials in Lake Norden
I also met with leaders from Working Against Violence, Inc. (WAVI) in Rapid City. WAVI provides critical services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across western South Dakota. Their dedicated team provides shelter, therapy, and guidance, which are all essential services for families seeking safety.
Johnson tours WAVI shelter in Rapid City
BIG Idea
Deep beneath the Black Hills of South Dakota, researchers are working to answer some of the biggest questions about our universe – discoveries that could help explain why we live in a matter-dominated world. The U.S. Department of Energy is a key partner in these efforts, and I was honored to join Undersecretary Dr. Darío Gil for a beam signing ceremony marking the next phase of construction at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). Projects like this don’t just advance scientific understanding, they create high paying jobs right here in South Dakota and generate economic and scientific benefits felt across the country.
Johnson speaks with Undersecretary Dr. Darío Gil and others at the SURF beam signing
BIG News
My bill to make it easier for families to buy a home on tribal trust land was signed into law by President Trump. The Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act cuts through unnecessary bureaucracy at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and streamlines the mortgage approval process on trust land.
Right now, a mortgage that requires BIA approval can take more than a year to move forward – far too long for families trying to put down roots. With this new law, those approvals will happen faster, helping more families achieve the American Dream and improving homeownership opportunities across Indian Country.
I’m grateful to Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds for their leadership in getting our bill signed into law.
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Our People
By: Governor Larry Rhoden
May 8, 2026
When visitors arrive in our state, they are greeted with warm smiles and friendly faces. South Dakota is known for our world class hospitality – and all the credit goes to our people and our way of life. Tourism is not just about where people go; it’s about the connections they make, the memories they create, and the communities they support along the way.
These connections are important because tourism is more than a seasonal activity in South Dakota. It’s a year-round economic engine that supports communities in every corner of our state. In 2025 alone, nearly 15 million visitors traveled to South Dakota, generating a record $5.16 billion in visitor spending. These aren’t just numbers. They represent livelihoods, small businesses, and families that thrive because visitors choose to invest their time and dollars in our state.
During National Travel and Tourism Week, it is important to remember that travelers also play a critical role in easing the tax burden on our citizens. By generating more than $400 million in state and local tax revenue, this industry helps fund essential services while saving each South Dakota household over $1,100 annually. That is the power of welcoming the world to experience our Great Faces and Great Places. And next year when the record-breaking property tax cut takes effect, tourists will help decrease the tax burden on South Dakotans to an even greater degree!
From our biggest monuments to our smallest communities, South Dakota has one thing at every stop: our people. They work hard, live by common sense, and they understand how to approach situations with civility. Everywhere I visit across the state, I am met with the same thing: friendly and strong-willed South Dakotans.
Along with the travel industry, we’ve been setting aside time to celebrate professional groups like nurses, correctional professionals, state employees, and teachers. They all share a common heart of service. I find the same factor of friendliness and grit when I visit with those working in our healthcare facilities, prisons, state agencies, and schools.
A couple weeks ago, I toured Harrisburg High School and Brandon Valley High School. The focus of these visits was to understand their youth apprenticeship programs. I was amazed at the opportunities for students. As I see it, South Dakota is open for opportunity even in our K-12 schools, combining curriculum, work experience, and college credit to give our students purpose and direction when they graduate. I can think of few greater gifts to give to serve each other than to give the gift of purpose.
This month, many of our students across the state will celebrate graduations. I want them to stay in South Dakota. They are product of our people and our way of life. In order to make this expansion of youth apprenticeships possible, we are opening a statewide apprenticeship coordinator. This will multiply what these schools have created and open more doors for students to find work and opportunities right here in South Dakota – all while continuing their education.
Creating opportunities for our next generation keeps me motivated when the sledding gets tough. And just like travelers that come back every year to experience the connection with our folks, I enjoy being your governor most when I’m out meeting our citizens, seeing what they are proud of and what gives them purpose. It is a reminder of two truths I already know: that our people are world class, and our way of life is special. Thank you for being a part of it.
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Police Officers: A Noble Calling
By Sen. John Thune
Take a look at a police officer’s belt, and you get a sense of their job. They carry handcuffs for criminals, a flashlight to see in the dark places they have to go, and a first aid kit to help a person who’s hurt. And in a single shift, an officer may very well use all of these things. That’s the type of job police officers have, and these items tell us something about the type of individuals who serve their community in this way. During National Police Week, we salute these brave men and women.
Police officers represent some of the best of our country. If someone needs help, they’re the first on the scene. When there’s danger, they put themselves in harm’s way. And they – and their families – make considerable sacrifices for their communities. The recent shooting of a Sioux Falls police officer is a timely reminder of the dangers police officers face in the course of doing their jobs. And it’s a reminder for all of us to be grateful for the men and women in our community who are willing to face these dangers in order to keep us safe.
Growing up in the small town of Murdo, the officers who served our town and county and the highway patrol officers who worked I-90 were all fixtures of daily life. And my dad, a World War II veteran who knew something about the sacrifice of those serving in uniform, instilled in us a deep respect for law enforcement – something I’ve carried throughout my life.
Unfortunately, respect for law enforcement isn’t always a given these days, but it should be. Kimberley and I now have six grandchildren, which makes us even more acutely aware of the importance of having safe communities for them and other children to grow up in. But safety doesn’t happen by chance. It takes people with character and courage to stand up to protect our communities and to support the people who live in them. That’s exactly what police officers do, from arresting criminals to helping stranded motorists to mentoring young people.
As a U.S. senator, I have an additional responsibility to support law enforcement. Last year, congressional Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts bill made a significant investment in state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies. That same bill also provided tax relief for police officers, especially by allowing them to deduct overtime pay they earn when they spend long hours and holidays on the job away from their loved ones.
We ask a lot of police officers. Their job requires them to face dangerous places, people, and situations. When others run away, police officers run toward the danger. It takes a special type of person to be willing to risk their own safety to keep the rest of us safe, but that’s what a police officer does. And I’m grateful for those who have stepped up to answer this noble calling.
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