Category: Uncategorized

Tammy Hatting to lead SDSMA as next CEO

SIOUX FALLS – JUNE 24, 2025 – The South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) is pleased to announce Tammy Hatting as its next CEO. Hatting will begin her role on July 7. The position is being vacated by Barb Smith, who is retiring after serving the organization since 2000.

Hatting has served as the chief operating officer for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) for seven years where she was responsible for advocating on behalf of members and overseeing multiple divisions including human resources, benefits, compliance, and program development. In this role, she was involved in state and federal government relations, lobbying, emergency preparedness, grants management, and policy development. Prior to joining SDAHO, Hatting was the director of innovation for Avera (now Avel) eCARE. In this role, she worked with key business and clinical stakeholders to bring telemedicine services to residents of South Dakota and was an advocate at both the state and federal levels for reimbursement of virtual services. Her experience also includes working at critical access hospitals and clinics in northwest Iowa as a patient relations manager and admissions manager, working across the continuum of care in patient access, EMR initiatives, quality improvement, corporate compliance, risk management, process improvement, and emergency preparedness. Hatting also spent more than 12 years in sales and management for Gateway Computers before entering the healthcare industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tammy,” said Keith Hansen, MD, president of the SDSMA. “Her extensive background in healthcare makes her an exceptional choice to lead our organization. We are confident that her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for physicians and patients, and promote the health of our communities.

Hatting holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Bellevue University, as well as an associate degree in financial management from the American College of Business in Des Moines. She also holds several certifications.

“I am honored to step into this role for the SDSMA,” said Hatting. “I look forward to working closely with members, staff, and partners to serve the needs of physicians and the patients they care for to ensure the highest quality of care for South Dakotans.”

Tammy has been married to her husband Dan for 33 years. They have two adult children: a son who lives in Milford, Iowa, and a daughter who lives in Des Moines. Tammy and Dan have lived in Sioux Falls for eight years, where Dan is employed at Sanford Health in IT services. In their spare time, they enjoy their lake home in Okoboji, traveling as much as possible, and attending sporting events and concerts.

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The SDSMA serves physicians, residents and medical students who are dedicated to the health of South Dakotans. The mission of the SDSMA is to promote the art and science of medicine, protect and improve the health of the public, and advocate for the well-being of physicians and patients and the best environment for physicians to advance quality health care. Learn more about the SDSMA at www.sdsma.org.

State Representative and (2%) Gubernatorial candidate Jon Hansen was in court this week, except he found himself on the witness stand testifying over efforts that the opposing counsel claimed illustrate Hansen’s desire to restrict citizen lawmaking:

The candidate is Jon Hansen, who serves as speaker of the state House of Representatives and is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in next June’s primary election. He convinced his fellow legislators to pass a bill during the winter that makes the window for gathering ballot-question petition signatures three months shorter, by moving the election-year deadline for submitting signed petitions from May to February.

and..

Several times during witness testimony, Leach pointed to bills Hansen has sponsored during his legislative career to restrict citizen lawmaking.

During this year’s legislative session, for example, Hansen prime-sponsored the bill to shorten the signature-gathering period and also prime-sponsored a bill adding justifications for the secretary of state to reject petition signatures, both of which passed. He co-sponsored a bill vetoed by the governor that would have required constitutional amendment petitions to have signatures from registered voters in each of the 35 state Senate districts. Existing law allows signatures to come from registered voters anywhere in the state.

The state’s lawyer, in response, asked Hansen if he’s opposed to the initiative process or wants to repeal it. Hansen answered no to both questions.

Read the entire story here at SD Searchlight.

The latest from the Minnehaha GOP is another note out today from the County Party Chairman Korry Petterson telling everyone that the rebel group meeting is not proper, nor recognized. Just in case someone was going to recognize it:

Good afternoon Central Committee Members,

I am writing to address the “special meeting” reportedly called by Vice Chair Marsha Symens for today.

After further reviewing the situation and consulting with over a dozen Central Committee members whom did not—including my wife and myself, receive any formal notification—contrary to what is being stated by the Vice Chair, nor has any attempt been made by Marsha, Tom, or Bridget to provide me, as Chairman, with evidence of such notice being sent to out to all members of ourbody, I maintain my previous position as chairman: This meeting was not properly noticed or called in accordance with the established procedure as laidout in our SDGOP bylaws and Robert’s Rules of order. Under the SDGOP bylaws, all official meetings must be conducted with proper notice to ALL relevant members, including clear communication of time, date, location, and agenda. Given that I have received communication again, from over a dozen MCGOP CC members stating they have not been notified, the required procedural threshold has not been met. The Minnehaha County Republican Party will not recognize this gathering as a valid or official meeting, deeming it out of order and without standing under both the RRO and party bylaws.

As previously announced, we will continue with our scheduled Roundtable Zoom call this Thursday, followed by another Roundtable Zoom Call in August. These Roundtable calls will not be official meetings, but rather informal discussions and updates.

Please also plan to see a notice later this summer for an in-person Regularly Called Central Committee meeting scheduled for September.

I recognize that the current situation and confusion are notably frustrating for you as members of the body, and division is certainly not the goal; rather, it is to uphold the integrity of our internal processes. I was duly elected as your Chairman for the next two years, and I take that role and the faith you have entrusted me with as a body very seriously.

This unrecognized “meeting” is another in a long line of ongoing attempts by a small, select group of individuals within the body to divert Minnehaha County from the forward progress we have made, are making, and will continue to create together. Looking ahead, we have a pivotal election cycle on the horizon, and I will need the support and leadership of every precinct committeeman and committeewoman in Minnehaha County. Let us stay focused on our shared goals and avoid unnecessary distractions.

I remain available and open to conversation with any of you. If you have concerns or would like to meet, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at korrypgop@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service to the Minnehaha County Republican Party.

Best Regards,

Korry Petterson
Chairman
Minnehaha County Republicans

Glad he’s cleared that up.

Also, did I miss something regarding the progress they’re supposedly making?

Stay tuned. I’m sure we will see more salvos in the battle over who is in charge of the circus tent.

Thune: Republicans’ Bill Puts American Strength, Safety, and Prosperity First

“[W]e want to allow you to keep more of what you earn so that you can spend it and make decisions that are in the best interests of your family, instead of sending that money to Washington, D.C.”

 Click here or on the picture to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:

Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges in Prison Inmate Deaths

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces two individuals have been indicted on charges related to the drug overdose deaths of two South Dakota Penitentiary inmates that have occurred this year at the Penitentiary.

“We are holding individuals accountable for distributing illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Their action led to the tragic and preventable loss of life.”

Penitentiary inmate Manarion (Mare-nar-ion) Timothy Douglas Fuse, 21, is charged with one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids, that resulted in the death of inmate Anthony Richards on Feb. 6, 2025; and one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids. Fuse is alleged to have provided the drug to Richards who died that night. He faces a maximum of 70 years in prison.

Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, resulting in the death of inmate Jason Garreau, who died on May 15, 2025. She is alleged to have brought the drug into the prison when she visited Garreau on May 14. She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Both defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.

The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

Attorney General Jackley said the investigation continues into the suspected drug overdose deaths of two other inmates that occurred this year.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces 24 Prison Inmates Indicted on Charges in May Penitentiary Disturbance

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces 24 inmates have been indicted on charges in connection to the May 27 disturbance at the Penitentiary that left 14 inmates injured.

“The defendants orchestrated violent assaults that endangered both inmates and staff,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General will hold accountable those engaging in violence within the prison walls.”

The 24 inmates charged in the May 27 disturbance were indicted on either felony or misdemeanor charges including Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, and Rioting. The assaults resulted in 14 inmates injured and four were transported to local hospitals. Maximum sentences for individual defendants extend up to 80 years in prison.

All defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.

Court appearances for the defendants will be scheduled later. The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

Inmates who have been charged are:

1.            Daniel James Farmer
2.           Montique Rinaldo Bickham
3.           Treysean Mychael Gunnoe
4.           Carlos Luis Riveramontes
5.           Cruz Louis Deleon
6.           Cyruss Baylee Haag
7.           Elias Seth Richard
8.           Bryce Jaymes Spinks
9.           Trevor Joseph Cunningham
10.      Ethan Bradley Phillips
11.      Austin John Esser
12.      Mekohl Louis Tyrel Johnson
13.      Ezekiel Chavez Two Dogs
14.      Luis Javier Perez-Melendez
15.      Hunger High Pipe
16.      Enos Evans Horned Eagle
17.      Dylan Robert Brown
18.      William Christopher Little
19.      Garrett Austin Dumarce
20.      Lyric Murray Hill
21.      Jonathan Alan Denoyer
22.      Adrian Vaughn Lund
23.      Deaundrea Gage Janis
24.      Shaun Ray Valenzuela

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Gov. Rhoden and Sec. Doug Burgum Move Forward with Planning for Mount Rushmore Fireworks

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the State of South Dakota and the United States Department of the Interior are moving forward with planning for the Mount Rushmore Fireworks celebration to celebrate America’s 250^th Birthday. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward with planning, which you can find here.

“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”

You can find photos of Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signing the MOA here and b-roll footage here.

Back in February, Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum agreed that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This MOA serves as the legal binding document.

“Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country’s birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration.”

Governor Rhoden also invited President Trump to attend this fantastic celebration. He made this invitation in a letter to the President, which you can find here.

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Rounds Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications
Applications Due by July 15

PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the fall 2025 semester. Positions are available in the Washington, D.C. office and the state offices in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Fall internships typically run from September to December, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.

“Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage college students interested in serving the state of South Dakota to apply for the upcoming fall internship.”

“I learned many valuable things during my time interning in Senator Rounds’ office,” said Kaelyn Somsen, a summer 2022 intern in Rounds’ D.C. office who is now attending law school at the University of South Dakota. “I continue to use many of those lessons during my time in law school and while working in a law firm. Communication is a big part of interning in the Senate, whether it be communicating with constituents, those who are coming in to meet with the Senator, or other staff members. Learning how to address different people and situations has helped me in school and work as I am able to communicate efficiently and effectively with clients, professors, attorneys, and other staff members.”

Duties in the Washington, D.C. office include tracking legislation, researching bills, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and providing legislative support. Duties in the South Dakota offices include researching constituent inquiries and requests, participation in outreach activities, assisting staff on special projects, sorting mail, handling phone calls and responding to constituent requests. In all offices, students will work closely with constituents and staff, polish their research and writing skills and gain an in-depth understanding of a Senate office. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible.

Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information, please contact Rounds’ Pierre office at 605-224-1450.

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2026 is already proving to be a little crazy, and it’s only going to get bigger and louder. And Dakotawarcollege.com is here to chronicle the good, the bad, and ask what are some of these people thinking as the campaign heats up, now that we’re down to about 1 year until the political conventions where the full tickets will be put on display for the fall of 2026.

As you know, South Dakota War College is in our 20th year of being on the air, keeping an eye on political leaders, and offering commentary from a conservative Republican point of view. With politics continuing to be controversial and directly affecting people’s day to day lives, people are watching what happens because things can turn on a dime.

Advertisers – I have a number of spots open, and questions on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here.  Lots of open space available at the moment, such as the #1 spot on the left available, as well as spots #2 on the right, and spots on both sides lower on the page. (The #1 spot on the right may open up as well, but I’m waiting to hear on that.) Ads run in their position through the site, meaning they are not rotated.  Advertising is available on a first-come first-served basis, and as I have since we started taking advertising, discounts are provided for extended commitments.

Please also take a moment to visit our long-time advertisers such as our friend and Senate Majority Leader South Dakota Senator John Thune,  Congressman Dusty Johnson, Republican United States Senator Mike Rounds and Summit Carbon Solutions.   Of course, at Dakota Campaign Store, down on the right, you’ll find me getting ready for the elections with yard signs, postcards, and all the things a professional campaign needs to make an impression.

Thank you to our advertisers for your support, and please reach out if you’d like to join them!

US Senator Mike Rounds’
WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: June 9-22, 2025

Welcome back to another Weekly Round[s] Up. As a United States Senator, each year I have the opportunity to nominate South Dakota students to attend our nation’s service academies. I recently announced that nine students I’ve nominated will be attending service academies this fall. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. Read more about these nominees here, and read more about what I’ve been up to in my Weekly Round[s] Up:

South Dakota groups I met with: Members of the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association; members of the South Dakota Health Care Association; Bill Brown, CEO of 3M, which has operations in South Dakota; Children’s Advocacy Center of South Dakota; Don Haggar, State Director of South Dakota’s chapter of Americans for Prosperity; a group of leaders from South Dakota State University, including President Barry Dunn; the South Dakota Music Education Association; leaders from Solventum, which has a manufacturing plant in Brookings; South Dakota members of the National Association of Home Builders; leaders from Empirical Foods and Empirical Innovations; Anna Lent, a South Dakota student who is participating in the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program and will be studying in Taiwan this summer; Cash Martinez, a student from Bridgewater-Emery’s Future Farmers of America chapter; South Dakota members of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition; Chloe Beltrand, co-host of WNAX’s Drive Time radio show (which I go on with monthly!); Steve Elliott, President of Black Hills State University, and his daughter Ava; a group of students in town with the South Dakota Rural Electric Association; a group of South Dakota FFA members; and a group of South Dakota 4-H members.

I attended the dedication ceremony for the Veterans Honor Park in Madison. We were honored to have Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Fitzmaurice in attendance as well. I spoke at conference hosted by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body, titled “Operationalizing a Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare.” Leaders from two South Dakota health care systems, Monument Health and Sanford Health, were in attendance.

South Dakota towns represented: Bonesteel, Box Elder, Brandon, Brookings, Burke, Dakota Dunes, Estelline, Harrisburg, Hartford, Kimball, Marion, Mitchell, Parker, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Vermillion and Yankton.

Other meetings: Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve; Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin; Richard Haworth, CEO of Barclays America; the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America; leaders from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; Dennis Nixon, CEO of IBC Bank; and leaders from Starcloud.

I spoke at an AI policy dinner hosted by Amazon and a housing summit hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center. I also attended our weekly Senate Bible Study twice, where our verses of the week were Proverbs 12:22 and Genesis 12:3, and Senate Prayer Breakfast, where Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia was our speaker.

Hearings: I attended eight different hearings. We had two hearings in the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). In one hearing, we heard from leaders with the Navy and Marine Corps. In the other SASC hearing, we heard from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other leaders within the Department of Defense.

I discussed AI and China in a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee – specifically my legislation, the Stop Stealing Our Chips Act, which would establish a whistleblower incentive program within the Bureau of Industry Security aimed at increasing actionable intelligence on illegal exports. I also attended two closed hearings of the Select Committee on Intelligence.

We had three different Appropriations Subcommittee hearings. We heard from National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. We had a hearing in the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, where I asked about last year’s disastrous flooding at McCook Lake. We also had a hearing in the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment where we discussed ways to U.S. Forest Service can mediate minor resource disputes between the federal government and producers.

Classified briefings: I attended two classified briefings. One was part of my work on the Select Committee on Intelligence. The other was our bi-weekly cyber education seminar, which I host as part of my work on SASC’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity. 

Letter to Secretary Rollins: I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins asking her to develop a framework for reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef. A majority of American consumers support requiring country of origin labeling for fresh meat. It’s past time that we reinstate this rule and deliver transparency to American consumers. Read more about this letter here.

Legislation Introduced: I reintroduced the USA Beef Act, legislation to limit the use of the “Product of USA” label only to beef products that are born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. The legislation would also codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) rule addressing the same issue. While the USDA rule is a win, our next priority is delivering Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for American producers and consumers.

Votes taken: 25 – many of these votes were on more executive branch nominees, all of which I supported. We also voted to pass the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act of 2025. This legislation will establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are a type of cryptocurrency backed by a sovereign like the U.S. dollar. I voted yes on this legislation.

My staff in South Dakota visited: Centerville, Eagle Butte, Hartford, Mobridge and Wall.

Steps taken: 60,775 steps or 28.93 miles in week one, 45,472 steps or 21.36 miles in week two.

Video of the week: I joined NewsNation on Sunday to discuss the strikes in Iran: