MADISON, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) elected a new slate of officers for the upcoming term.
Jeff Partridge of Rapid City was elected as the new Board President, succeeding Tim Rave, who has held the position since 2023. Partridge is president of Partridge Financial Services and previously served on the Rapid City Common Council and in the South Dakota Legislature, including service on the Joint Appropriations Committee. He was previously serving as Board Vice President.
“I’m grateful for the thoughtful leadership of our previous Board presidents and the solid foundation they established,” said Regent Partridge. “I am eager to focus on the future, making decisions and implementing changes now to guarantee ongoing success for future generations.”
Randy Frederick of Hayti was elected Board Vice President. Frederick served 12 years in the South Dakota Legislature, including six years as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. He was appointed to the Board of Regents in 2023 and previously served as Board Secretary.
Miles Beacom of Sioux Falls was elected Board Secretary. Beacom is Chief Executive Officer of PREMIER Bankcard and serves on numerous business, community, and higher education boards. Beacom was appointed to the Board by Governor Rhoden last year.
The newly elected officers will begin their terms upon the conclusion of the Board of Regents’ April meeting, held April 1-2, 2026.
Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: March 23-29, 2026
Welcome back to another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up. It was an eventful week in the D.C. office with many South Dakotans stopping by. In just four days, I met with 17 different groups of South Dakotans visiting DC to advocate for issues that are important to them. It’s always good to see these groups out here! Beyond that, we took a number of votes on the Senate floor to address various topics including voter ID, government funding and the conflict in Iran. More on these and the rest of my week in the Weekly Round[s] Up:
South Dakota groups I visited with: Major General Mark Morrell with the South Dakota National Guard; South Dakota Dentists with the American Dental Association; South Dakota Doctors for America FDA Task Force; the University of South Dakota’s Center for Disabilities, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities; Barry Dunn, President and Daniel Scholl, VP for Research & Economic Development at South Dakota State University and Dr. Stephen Gent; South Dakotans with the Association for Career and Technical Education; Kevin Nyberg and Erik Nyberg with Nyberg’s Ace and Dakota Workwear; South Dakota Agricultural & Rural Leadership; South Dakota Science and Technology Authority; Bret Afdahl, Director of the Banking Division at the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation; Lemmon High School students; Jennifer Beving, State Director, South Dakota Americans for Prosperity; South Dakota Trucking Association; Brianna Mount, Associate Professor at Black Hills State University; South Dakotans with the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians; and Dr. Tim Ridgway with the Association of American Medical Colleges.
Met with South Dakotans from: Aberdeen, Arlington, Aurora, Brookings, Chamberlain, Claremont, Deadwood, Gettysburg, Lead, Lemmon, Leola, Nemo, New Underwood, Philip, Pierre, Rapid City, Redfield, Reliance, Rosebud, Sherman, Sioux Falls, Tabor, Vermillion, Volga, Walker, Watertown, White River and Winner.
Other meetings: Robert Kadlec, Assistant Secretary of War for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs; Tim Teter, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, NVIDIA; Admiral Rich Correll, Commander, U.S. Strategic Command; and Michael Smith, Senior Executive, Ares.
This past week I spoke on a panel at the 2026 Hill & Valley Forum with Sean Cairncross, National Cyber Director and Joe Lin, Co-Founder of Twenty.
I also attended our weekly Senate Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday hosted by Senator Tim Kaine from Virginia.
Hearings: This past week, I attended four hearings. I chaired a Cybersecurity Subcommittee Hearing. You can watch my opening remarks here. In another hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, we heard from the U.S. Space Command and the U.S. Strategic Command as we prepare for the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. You can watch my questions here. Lastly the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs committee held a hearing titled “Export-Import Bank Reauthorization” with John Jovanovic, President and Chairman of Export-Import Bank. Watch my questions here.
Briefings: I chaired one Cyber Education & Briefing Seminar and attended one Senate Armed Services Committee briefing.
Votes taken: 12 – This past week I voted to confirm Markwayne Mullin to be Secretary of Homeland Security. I am confident he will do a great job in continuing to secure our border and keep our homeland safe.
In addition, early Friday morning the Senate passed legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This package would fund operations and personnel for critical programs housed under DHS, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the United States Coast Guard. Opposition from Democrats means that ICE and Border Patrol are left unfunded through this package, but their operations will still be funded through the reconciliation package passed last summer. It’s our goal to continue this funding to protect our borders and secure our homeland through a second reconciliation package this summer. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to fund DHS and end this government shutdown.
I also cast several procedural votes this past week, including legislation related to the SAVE America Act, a resolution to fund DHS, a resolution submitted by the Department of Veterans Affairs relating to “Reproductive Health Services,” a Congressional Review Act resolution and a War Powers Act resolution.
Lastly I voted for Colin McDonald to be an Assistant Attorney General, James Hurtt and Kelli Knight to be the Coast Guard’s permanent commissioned teaching staff.
You can read more details about the votes I took on my website here.
Steps taken: 62,942 steps or 28.62 miles.
My Staff in South Dakota Visited: Martin and Mitchell.
Video of the Week: On Monday I joined Bloomberg to talk about the SAVE America Act and the conflict in Iran, click here to watch.
Sabrina Green announces candidacy for Pennington County Auditor
Pennington County Auditor Sabrina Green has announced her candidacy for this upcoming election seeking to continue representing Pennington County.
Green was first appointed as County Auditor November 2025, and has served in the Auditors office since 2018.
I have enjoyed all duties and task in my eight years. Anything from accounts payable, accounts receivable, apportioning, elections and several other duties. I always kept the tax payers in mind when it came to my job, because in the end I’m a tax payer also.
“I care deeply about this community because it’s home,” Green said. “I am committed to ensuring transparency, maintaining fair and secure elections, and responsibly managing budgets.”
It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Pennington County. I ask for your support this upcoming election.
Green, 44, is married and has three children. Born and raised in New Underwood now living in Rapid City a long time County resident.
Hot off the press, a new Christine Erickson for Mayor fundraiser is happening on April 7 in Sioux Falls. Lots of hosts there to support the next mayor of Sioux Falls.
Gov. Rhoden Advises Counties on Implementation of SB 96
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden advised South Dakota’s counties on the implementation of his plan to cut property taxes, SB 96. Combined with SB 245, this bill helped deliver the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. Several counties have already expressed excitement about implementing SB 96, and this guidance will answer those questions.
“We delivered results to cut property taxes which is a major win for South Dakota homeowners. I am glad that counties are already expressing so much interest in implementing it,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “My administration will continue to work alongside our counties and provide clarity to answer any questions they may have.”
The Department of Revenue (DOR) published resources to assist counties. DOR’s implementation guide, which includes a sample ordinance, can be found here.
Whether the legislation is adopted by the county commission, referred to a vote of the people, or initiated by the people themselves, the Department of Revenue stands ready to assist counties with implementation. Governor Rhoden sent a letter to each county outlining this implementation information. One of those letters can be found here.
Governor Larry Rhoden previously unveiled a county map that shows how much South Dakotans save under SB 96. He has since updated that map to include savings estimates for SB 245. Combined, SB 96 and SB 245 account for the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history!
No foolin’ on this April Fool’s Day. Please take the opportunity to welcome the Strong, Safe, and Free PAC supporting Governor Larry Rhoden to Advertiser’s Row through the campaign.
Are you running for office in 2026, If you’re running, you should get in front of the thousands of readers we have a week. 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 #2 positions on the right right between the SSF PAC and Monae as well as spots lower down on both sides of the page.
Ads run in their position through the site, meaning they are not rotated. Advertising is available on a first-come first-served basis, and discounts are provided for extended commitments. Advertising on the Dakotwarcollege.com website is based on a first come, first serve basis for available positions.
The deadline to turn in your ballot in person was yesterday at 5pm.. and it was surprisingly slim pickings. Which may mean that we’re looking at more coming in the mail over the next few days. With the problems with the US Postal service delays, it might be the start of next week until they end. But I’m sure we’ll see more coming.
Word is Dems have their statewides in. So now it’s a waiting game.
But, there is some early and interesting talk about candidates who are NOT on the ballot already.
Which at the moment, might mean that District 20 House candidates Terry Sabers and Jeff Bathke could get in without a challenger, unless there’s one coming in the mail.
Also not having filed yet are a couple of interesting incumbents.
And District 14 State Rep Tony Kayser, who was a maybe or a maybe not for Senate, right now is a maybe, period. Because he has yet to file petitions. Is that setting up a return for District 14’s Legislative Team of Taylor & Tyler? They’ll have to get past a Democrat in the fall, but it could be.
And I’m sure there will be more things to talk about as the races fall into place. But these are the ones to watch in the short term.
Watched the KELOland debate that was on this afternoon and broadcast over the internet. What are your thoughts on it? Because I’m not sure that it really moved the needle at all for me. I still have my preferences and dislikes. I learned Jon Hansen wants to dismantle public education, as he blames school superintendents for any shortcomings in our schools, while he’s part of the crowd who wants to strip-mine public schools of funding to divert to private entities. And Toby Doeden claims administrators are fat cats… So says the guy who flies to campaign stops.
I did learn the legislature raised sales taxes three times this year, which seemed to make Jon Hansen angrier than he was in comparison to his general crabby tone the entire debate. (You’d think he was in last place or something). Toby Doeden was kind of programmed and robotic in his delivery; the same monotone delivery he provides every time he speaks, as if any authenticity has been trained out of him.
For Alzheimer’s Patients, Protecting Medicare Advantage is a Must By Wayne Mortrude
Being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease is never easy. It’s even harder and more heartbreaking when the person that you’re caring for is the same person who spent nearly twenty years raising and caring for you.
When my mother received her Alzheimer’s diagnosis over 20 years ago, we knew it would just be the beginning of a long, uphill battle to ensure she has access to all the care she needs to live the healthiest, most normal life possible. Despite the struggles we still face, we count ourselves lucky that she is enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The program has offered unparalleled support and comprehensive coverage that helps address my mother’s unique health care challenges.
Better care coordination is one of the main things that stands out in Medicare Advantage in comparison to its fee-for-service counterpart. Patients living with Alzheimer’s, like my mom, must often see multiple doctors and specialists. That can include primary care physicians, neurologists, and home health care providers. The level of care coordination in Medicare Advantage ensures all providers are on the same page, which means better results for my mom and less stress for me as her caregiver.
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries also have access to in-home health risk assessments, which are invaluable tools for any patient but particularly useful for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. In-home assessments bring health care professionals into patients’ homes, where they can learn a lot more about a patient than in an office visit.
These visits help providers spot fall risks, problems with medications, nutrition issues, and other health risks, including both physical and mental. Identifying and addressing these threats early helps prevent emergencies later down the line, keeping patients like my mom safer and healthier. That kind of support means a lot to families and caregivers who only want the best for their loved ones.
A national survey of caregivers reveals just how important they find Medicare Advantage to be, both in the lives of the ones they care for as well as in their own lives. Over half of all caregivers reported saving at least five hours a month because of the support they receive from their loved one’s Medicare Advantage plan. Nearly half of all respondents also reported savings of over $1,000 annually through lower premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, all thanks to the program.
Given the tremendous support Medicare Advantage has among caregivers and their patients, you might think the program has earned the support of our President and his Administration. After all, more than half of the entire Medicare patient population is now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, the program continues to face threats, most recently from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which announced weakened funding for the program. Limited investments in Medicare Advantage have historically been shown to reduce benefits and raise costs for seniors, including folks like my mom who are battling Alzheimer’s. That’s not acceptable.
That’s why we need Senator Thune and other policymakers to advocate for caregivers and seniors alike by urging the CMS to reconsider its harmful proposal. If they follow through with this, seniors across the nation could lose health care and be left with no options.
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Wayne Mortrude is a Realtor in Dell Rapids and his mother is a Medicare Advantage recipient at Bethany Homes in Brandon, SD.
Randy Bury Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House District 9
Sioux Falls, SD — Randy Bury, a longtime healthcare leader and community volunteer, announced today that he is running as a Republican for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 9.
“I’m running because I believe in this state and the people who call it home,” Bury said. “With the right leadership, we can protect what makes South Dakota special while continuing to create opportunities for the next generation.”
Bury brings more than four decades of experience working in healthcare, where he focused on solving complex challenges and helping communities access the care they need. He said those experiences: working with families, caregivers, and community leaders, shaped how he approaches leadership.
“I’ve spent my career working to solve problems in ways that take care of people,” Bury said. “That means bridging gaps, listening to different perspectives, and keeping people at the center of every decision. That’s exactly how I’ll approach this job in Pierre.”
Bury said he is running because he believes District 9 deserves a leader focused on solutions, not partisan noise.
“We need to get back to focusing on the challenges that matter: supporting our communities, strengthening our economy, and making careful decisions that move our state forward,” Bury said. “South Dakotans deserve leadership that improves people’s lives, not legislation written for headlines.”
Bury said his campaign will focus on priorities that reflect the values of District 9:
Protecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal responsibility
Supporting strong communities, including access to healthcare
Encouraging responsible growth and new opportunities
Respecting local decision-making and limiting unnecessary mandates
“I’m not a career politician,” Bury said. “I’ve spent my career working in healthcare, solving complex problems and helping organizations serve their communities. I want to bring that same steady, thoughtful approach to Pierre.”
Born and raised in Webster, Bury learned the value of hard work, faith, and service at an early age. Both sets of his grandparents were South Dakota farmers, shaping his deep respect for family, personal responsibility, and community values. He graduated from Augustana University and later obtained his graduate degree in healthcare administration.
Throughout his career, Bury has remained deeply involved in civic life, serving on boards including the Sioux Empire United Way, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Helpline Center, and the American Red Cross Sioux Empire Chapter. He also served on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations and on the national Board of Directors for the American Health Care Association.
Bury and his wife, Sonia, have been married for more than 40 years and have been active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church since its founding in 1986. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons.
For more information, visit Bury’s campaign website at randybury.com. The Republican primary is June 2, with early voting beginning April 17.
MADISON, S.D. — The South Dakota Board of Regents (BOR) elected a new slate of officers for the upcoming term.
Being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease is never easy. It’s even harder and more heartbreaking when the person that you’re caring for is the same person who spent nearly twenty years raising and caring for you.
Sioux Falls, SD — Randy Bury, a longtime healthcare leader and community volunteer, announced today that he is running as a Republican for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 9.