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An article just came out from the Dakota Scout this afternoon noting that former SDGOP Executive Director Ryan Budmayr has been chosen to lead the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce as it’s new President and CEO:

The former executive director of the South Dakota Republican Party will take the reins of the state’s primary business networking organization.

The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry announced Wednesday the appointment of Ryan Budmayr as its new president and CEO, succeeding longtime state chamber leader David Owen.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ryan, well-respected across the state, and his extensive experience and deep ties to South Dakota make him the ideal leader to build on David’s legacy and guide us into the future,” said Michael Bender, chairman of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Read the entire story here.

And congratulations to Ryan in his new role!

Attorney General Jackley Announces Sioux Falls Woman Indicted On Grand Theft Charge

PIERRE, S.D.—South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a Sioux Falls woman has been indicted on one count of Grand Theft for taking unauthorized control of monies owned by 16 different victims that had a combined value of between $100,000 and $500,000.

Margaret Jean Spears-Pederson, 67, was indicted May 22 by a Codington County Grand Jury. The alleged theft occurred in Codington County between Jan. 1, 2023, and Jan. 1, 2025.

“The defendant is alleged to have violated the victims’ trust,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This is a good reminder for consumers to do due diligence when agreeing to pay for services. Make sure everything is in writing upfront before you provide payment.”

Spears-Pederson made her initial court appearance on Wednesday, June 4 (today). Bond has been set at $50,000 cash surety.

If convicted, Spears-Pederson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. She is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

Agencies investigating the case were South Dakota Consumer Protection Division, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and Watertown Police Department. The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case.

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Ladies & gentlemen of Butte County, here’s your District 28B State Representative Travis Ismay, as he imparts wisdom in the Butte County Commission chambers, on how non-violent juvenile offenders should break rocks in quarries, how we need an income-based tax for property, and how to poison people with eye drops for fun and entertainment.

All caught on the cameras for the Butte County Commission chambers.  Seriously.  The Butte County Commission had gone into executive session for a period of time, and while they were there, State Representative Ismay took the opportunity to impart his steaming nuggets of wisdom.

Juvenile incarceration? Let them break rocks. Nevermind that the work camp approach killed Gina Score, and cost state taxpayers $1.25 million.  Property Tax Relief? Let’s create a new income tax for property.  Which party is he with again? Because creating a South Dakota Income Tax sounds a lot like a Democrat talking point.

And what every member of the House Education committee discusses with their constituents – “Want to give someone chronic diarrhea?” Of course, he tells his friend to poison them with eye drops, which can actually kill you dead as hell.

Don’t take my word for it – Here’s selected video clips from the May 25th Butte County Commission hearing room:

In case you want to go through the extensive video yourself, you can find it on YouTube.

Former State Senator Erin Tobin seems like she’s on a mission for South Dakota to serve it’s citizens.

Recently, she was in the news advocating for rural health care, and drawing attention to the availability crisis that many counties face in health care. And this afternoon, she’s pointing out how when the economy booms, it decreases the tax burden that falls to individuals:

“Unfortunately, too many in our legislature are quick to reject ideas they don’t understand. They didn’t do the math. But the math is simple: when we grow the pie, everyone gets a bigger slice. It’s time we elect leaders who get it.“

That sounds like someone who is ready to lead.

My head is starting to hurt from so much stupid.

I can’t wait to hear this explanation. Anyone on earth have any idea what “a legal wall” supposedly entails?

LOL. This is funny. Fox News Host Jesse Watters has advice for Democrats. You want to win elections? You need the Senator Thune workout plan.

State Rep. Dylan Jordan, whom his predecessor Fred Deutsch called “kooky, wrong and dangerous” is apparently speaking about something in an event sponsored by his lobbyist friend Anthony’s organization:

 

INTERIM RULES REVIEW COMMITTEE TO MEET

 PIERRE – The Interim Rules Review Committee will meet Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. (CT). The meeting is being conducted via electronic conference and in Room 414 of the State Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to allow for both remote and in-person participation.

The committee will review rules proposed by:

• Department of Game, Fish and Parks;
• Department of Social Services;
• South Dakota Board of Accountancy (Department of Labor and Regulation);
• South Dakota Board of Education Standards (Department of Education);
• South Dakota Board of Elections (Office of the Secretary of State);
• South Dakota Board of Examiners in Optometry (Department of Health);
• South Dakota Board of Funeral Service (Department of Health):
• South Dakota Cosmetology Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation);
• South Dakota Division of Insurance (Department of Labor and Regulation);
• South Dakota Electrical Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation);
• South Dakota Plumbing Commission (Department of Labor and Regulation); and
• South Dakota Transportation Commission (Department of Transportation).

Those wishing to testify must register by 12:00 p.m. (CT) June 5, 2025, by email to Kelly.Thompson@sdlegislature.gov. Testifiers should provide their full names, whom they are representing, city of residence, which proposed rules they will be addressing, whether they are a proponent or opponent, and if they will be testifying remotely or in person. Only public testimony regarding the rules being presented will be accepted.

Committee members are Representative Jon Hansen (R-Dell Rapids), Chair; Senator Taffy Howard (R-Rapid City), Vice Chair; Representatives Roger DeGroot (R-Brookings) and Erik Muckey (D-Sioux Falls); and Senators Liz Larson (D-Sioux Falls) and Jim Mehlhaff (R-Pierre).

Hot off of my e-mail this AM, outgoing Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken has sent out a letter announcing what he anticipates the next chapter of his career will look like. While not directly stating what he’s going to be doing, he does specifically note “I do not intend to run for another public office at this time and look forward to seeking opportunities in the private sector.”:

Dear Friends,

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of Sioux Falls as Mayor since 2018. I am blessed by the outpouring of support from friends like you that have kept me charging ahead to make Sioux Falls an incredible place to live during my tenure.

During my seven years in the mayor’s chair, we have accomplished tremendous things. As Sioux Falls has grown by more than 30,000 new residents, we invested in infrastructure growth of roadways and a massive expansion of our wastewater system. While other cities moved to defund police, we expanded our ranks and built a state-of-the-art public safety training campus. Our administration brought together the city, businesses, and philanthropists to finish the Levitt, complete the State Theater, open The Link to serve those battling addiction, and build Jacobson Plaza at the Falls. Sioux Falls also proved its resilience through tough times as we overcame flooding, tornadoes, civil unrest, political tensions, and a pandemic. Through it all, Sioux Falls was named on of the 10 Best Run Cities in America this past year.

I am proud of the work we’ve done for Sioux Falls, but I am especially proud of the nearly 1,500 city employees as well as everyone we have collaborated with to improve the lives of the people who call Sioux Falls home. I’m also extremely grateful for the love and support of my family. Being mayor is a very demanding job, but it’s even tougher being the family of the mayor. I couldn’t do this without Jill and my great kids.

As I move into my final year in office, many are asking me what’s next. The words of encouragement have been humbling as I prepare to pass the baton to the next mayor. After prayerful thought and discussions with my family, I do not intend to run for another public office at this time and look forward to seeking opportunities in the private sector.

This does not mean I am walking away from politics. I will certainly stay engaged to help make sure South Dakota elects pragmatic leaders to local and state offices with servant hearts and the best interests of South Dakotans as their priority.

Again, thank you for your support over the years. It has meant the world to me and my family. We’ve got a lot of work to get done in Sioux Falls as we run through the tape in this final year together!

Blessings,
Paul

Mayor TenHaken does note in the letter that he plans to “stay engaged to help make sure South Dakota elects pragmatic leaders to local and state offices with servant hearts and the best interests of South Dakotans as their priority.”

So I’m guessing he’ll be supporting whomever runs against Bethany Soye?

According to social media and many, many mourners, Casey Wilson, a leader in South Dakota’s shared parenting movement lost his life yesterday in an automobile accident.

Casey, who helped organize efforts on social media for the shared parenting movement, as well as led the “Kids Need Both Parents PAC” was one of the most active and visible leaders of the movement to change the traditional custody arrangements in case of divorce to recognize greater rights for non-custodial parents. Wilson was also part of local country music duo “The Barn Flies” along with his wife Carleen Wild Wilson, featuring Carleen as vocalist and Casey on guitar which has enjoyed a popular following in the state. The group had been scheduled to play at Leavitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls this weekend.  Casey was well known as an area farrier and former PRCA Team Roper.

Please keep Carleen and his children in your thoughts.