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The state’s major homeschooling group is announcing up front that they are opposed to the current proposal for government funding for alternative instruction, and the organization has hired lobbyists to enforce that point with State Representatives and Senators.

The Families for Alternative Instruction Rights is South Dakota’s only statewide homeschooling organization, and has been in operation for the last 6-7 years to represent homeschooling rights and resources in South Dakota. It is led by several familiar names, including board member and State Senator Sue Peterson.  As noted on their website “FAIRSD is dedicated to advancing, protecting and securing Alternative Instruction rights for families in South Dakota. ”

In a letter sent to legislators this last week, the group is emphasizing that at this time they are largely opposing the measure for ESAs’/Vouchers as currently written, and offers the following in rebuttal to the ESA/Voucher program being proposed:

Many assume that FAIRSD would lobby in favor of ESAs or vouchers. That is not the case.  FAIRSD stands adamantly opposed to any legislation which would seek to take away or change the traditional option for Alternative Instruction. It is the desire of many homeschool parents that it remains free and independent from any government funding or interference. We are hopeful that any proposed bills create a separate legal category for ESAs or vouchers. FAIRSD believes parents have the right to choose the best education option for each of their children, and to choose what, how, where, and when their children learn in a homeschool setting. Currently, there are three legal options in SD for parents to choose to educate their children: public, private, or alternative instruction. Any school choice bill that creates education savings accounts or vouchers should create a fourth legal option for parents to choose that is separate and distinct from Alternative Instruction.

The group has announced that they are “partnering with Rob Skjonsberg and Jason Glodt of 605 Strategies to represent SD homeschool families as our lobbyists at the capitol this session.”

More to come on this, as it will be the hottest topic that will come up at this years’ legislative session.

If you’re looking for the Minnehaha County Republican Party Officer election results, I’ve scoured my sources and found a couple people who were brave enough to stay up until voting ended around 11:30 in a meeting that was described as “full of attacks and negativity ” as the legacy of outgoing Minnehaha County GOP Chair R. Shawn Tornow.

The theme of the evening was raw anger against vice-chair Jennifer Foss. Treasurer Tyler Swanger gave an impassioned speech against Foss, dropping the f-bomb a couple of times, and outgoing Chair R. Shawn Tornow several times used “Chairman’s privilege” to ask loaded questions directed to whichever candidate he didn’t like and softball questions to boost whichever candidate he did like.

There was a flyer handed out showing who the current leadership team wanted…

And in opposition, another handout detailing facebook attacks (in part below) allegedly from Vice Chair Jennifer Foss against a precinct committeewoman/board member.

And it sounds like this might have been one of the biggest free-for-alls in modern history at a county GOP meeting.

When the dust settled only two from the slate of people the outgoing board wanted had survived,  The State Committeeman and Committeewoman:

Chair – Korry Petterson
Vice Chair – Marsha Symens
Secretary – Patrick Peterson
Treasurer – Dave Rundell
State Committeeman – Tom Pischke
State Committeewoman – Bridget Boyden-Myers

And none of the other recommendations of the outgoing leadership’s slate were installed.

What can we expect from the Minnehaha County GOP moving forward?

I’m told that how well the board moves forward will depend on who the new chair appoints to at-large positions. One attendee noted to me that without Tornow and Foss on the board that maybe things will calm down? But by the the same token, the board is a mix of the two far right factions, and they could continue on the path that they’re on.

Much will depend on how the new chair fills open positions on the county party’s executive board. And whether they want to go back to an organization that is taken seriously and works to elect candidates. Or is only interested in more of the same.

And maybe they’ll hire some security to keep the peace at the next meeting. Sounds like they might need it.

The Minnehaha County Republican Party is attempting to turn over a new leaf tonight with county elections being held for party officers.

I kind of wish they were live streaming it, because it sounds like a complete circus. Minnehaha County Commissioner Joe Kippley is running for chair to represent the adults in the room against current Minnehaha County Republican Vice Chair Jennifer Foss, who in 2024 was attempting to recruit petition carriers for an independent candidate against congressman Dusty Johnson. There’s also Korry Petterson running for chair as well.

From the handout that was sent to me, it looks like the Foss team wants to spend the parties time having Trump parades, despite the fact President Trump is barred from a third term.

Not much in that flyer for helping candidates and fundraising, which is the actual job of the county parties.

Stay tuned for updates..

And I’m being told reports are that Joe Kippley was bumped out of the contest for chair, so the hopes of adults running the Republican organization for the state’s largest county have quickly gone downhill.  Also told a number of people walked out at that point.

Oh well..

Big update!!

In a move that was not expected, apparently the Minnehaha County GOP Central Committee kicked the vice chair Jennifer Foss to the curb. As one correspondent offered regarding the second round of voting,  “The hate for her was palpable.” Almost all of the Joe Kippley votes from round 1 went against Foss, and Korry Petterson who no one has a good read on captured the win.

And maybe that’s for the best, for someone who can come in without preconceived notions to attempt to give it a go.

We will find out more shortly.

South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson Announces Re-Election Bid

Pierre, S.D. (Jan. 9, 2025) – South Dakota Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson today announced her intention to seek re-election, aiming to continue her mission of enhancing service, transparency, and security for all South Dakotans.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your Secretary of State,” Johnson said. “Together, we’ve made significant strides in improving our office, ensuring that South Dakota’s elections remain secure and accurate, and supporting our state’s vibrant business community. There is more work to be done and I am excited to build on the foundation we’ve created.”

Two years into her term as Secretary of State, Johnson brings eight years of prior experience as an employee in the office, making her the most experienced candidate since Chris Nelson, who served as Secretary of State from 2003-2011.

A Legacy of Accomplishment

Since taking office, Secretary Johnson has prioritized customer service, bolstered election security, and increased transparency in South Dakota’s electoral processes. Her tenure has been marked by several significant achievements.

In June 2024, she successfully added New Mexico to the list of states that recognize reciprocity with South Dakota for the enhanced concealed carry permit, effectively protecting South Dakota’s strong Second Amendment heritage.

Johnson spearheaded modernization efforts within the Secretary of State’s office, initiating an upgrade to the voter registration system, which will include a Campaign Finance module to enhance financial transparency in elections.  She is also planning to upgrade the current business platform to better serve the business community.

Beyond technology, she has championed voter education through initiatives like the Gladys Pyle Award for Young Voter Registration and the “I VOTED” sticker contest, encouraging civic engagement among students statewide.

Recognizing the evolving challenges of election security, Johnson brought on a dedicated Cybersecurity Analyst in 2023 to safeguard the integrity of South Dakota’s elections and protect the business community from fraud.

Johnson also played a critical role in regional and national collaborations, serving on the Midwest States Election Security Summit and working with Dakota State University and the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office on cybersecurity initiatives.

In a first for South Dakota, Johnson oversaw the county auditor’s implementation of post-election audits to ensure accountability and build public trust, debuting the program during the 2024 primary and general elections. This commitment to transparency reflects her dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards in the electoral process.

Looking to the Future

During her tenure, Johnson has earned national recognition for her leadership, including appointments to the U.S. Global Leadership Committee (USGLC) and the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Governance and Archives Committees. This year, she will serve as Co-Chair of the NASS State Records and Archives Committee.

Her groundbreaking partnership with Dakota Wesleyan University to bring back the state’s quarterly Economic Report in 2024 demonstrates her vision for using data to drive economic growth and empower South Dakota businesses.

With a second term, Johnson plans to build on this momentum by continuing to modernize office systems, enhance voter outreach, and ensure South Dakota’s elections remain secure, transparent, and accurate.

Rooted in South Dakota Values

Johnson was born in Brookings, grew up in Rapid City and now lives in Pierre. Her family remains her greatest source of pride and inspiration. She is a proud mother to six and grandmother to four.

“South Dakota deserves leadership that reflects our shared values of honesty, hard work, family and service,” said Johnson. “I am ready to continue this important mission, ensuring our state’s democracy remains strong and secure for generations to come.”

Elected by the people of South Dakota in 2022, Johnson began her service early when Governor Kristi Noem appointed her to assume the role in December 2022 – a full month early. Since then, she has embraced the responsibilities of the office with dedication and resolve. As she seeks re-election, Johnson remains committed to continuing her work to serve all South Dakotans with integrity and excellence.

For more information, visit monaeforsouthdakota.com.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Former State Employee Indicted For Using Family-Use Voucher for Personal Use 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that a former South Dakota Department of Social Services employee has been charged with using a DSS grocery voucher, intended for families in need, for personal use.

“It is alleged this defendant abused her position by using resources intended to help others for her own personal gain,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General’s Office intends to continue to prosecute these cases to regain the public’s trust in state government. I appreciate the Department of Social Services’ cooperation throughout this investigation.”

Amalia Escalante Barrientos, 28, of Brookings is charged with one misdemeanor count of Obtaining Money, Property or Assistance by Fraud from Social Services or Related Programs. The maximum penalty is a one-year sentence in the county jail, a $2,000 fine or both.

An investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) found that the defendant had used the voucher, which is provided by DSS to families the department works with, to purchase groceries for her own personal use. The incident occurred at a Brookings business on Oct. 11, 2024.

The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the case.

Barrientos has not yet made her initial court appearance. She is presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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From Twitter, Congressman Dusty Johnson has high praise for Governor Noem:

.@KristiNoem will get the job done as Secretary of Homeland Security. pic.twitter.com/1qnWazkyvo

— Rep. Dusty Johnson (@RepDustyJohnson) January 9, 2025

Johnson Introduces Bill to Repurchase Panama Canal

 Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), a member of the Select Committee on China and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, which would authorize the purchase of the Panama Canal. President Donald Trump has stated his interest in bringing the canal back under American ownership to improve national and economic security.

“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal,” said Johnson. “China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad – owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe.”

The Panama Canal is of strategic importance to the United States. The commercial importance cannot be overstated – according to the U.S. Department of State, around 72% of all vessel transits through the canal are coming from or destined to a U.S. port. It is also a key transit point for Coast Guard and Department of Defense vessels.

Without access to the Panama Canal, ocean shippers would be forced to travel 8,000 additional miles around South America. More than 10,000 ships use the Panama Canal each year, generating billions of dollars of tolls which would economically benefit America.

China’s growing influence in the Panama Canal region is cause for concern. In 2018, Panama was the first country in Latin America to join the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) Belt and Road Initiative, and investments from PRC firms in canal infrastructure has only increased since. Further, PRC companies have managing rights for the two ports on either side of the canal.

Johnson has been a leader in Congress to reform ocean shipping and hold China accountable for their unfair shipping practices. He also is also a leader on legislation to prohibit Chinese LiDAR technology from being used on U.S. infrastructure. LiDAR allows China to surveil and collect highly detailed data of America’s critical infrastructure.

The Panama Canal Repurchase Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX), Mike Collins (R-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Mike Rulli (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), and Brian Babin (R-TX).

Click here for bill text.

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Remember Anthony Mirzyants who yesterday was attacking House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach because House & Senate Leadership (Rep. Odenbach & Sen Mehlhaff ) are carrying the administrations’ bill on Education Savings Accounts?

Why the hate? It seems he dislikes that it’s not his bill.  Or at least the bill from his employers. You see, Mirzyants is in a snit because he has Rep. Heather Baxter carrying his legislation he was paid to support as a lobbyist for his Ron Paul group, Young Americans for Liberty, and as the lobbyist for a special interest organization, he needs to deliver for his paymasters.

In fact, despite the bills being introduced, even before people are being sworn in, he’s continuing to lob bombs against leadership (and the Governor) as “the insiders and their friends.”

As opposed to the legislation being brought by his employer from out of state.

While you’re contemplating all of this, don’t forget that special interest lobbyist Mirzyants is also the same person who was attacking Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr for his committee appointments a little more than a month ago:

It seems that a lot of this is manufactured sturm und drang to try to drum up business. And to provide fodder for the weekly reports he has to send to his superiors to justify them sending a paycheck from Texas to South Dakota.  I’m sure we’ll see plenty more manufactured outrage directed as leadership to justify something going in a report, and to collect names for sending fundraising appeals to.

As opposed to actually having a seat at the table or accomplishing anything.

Senate Bill 49 is getting attention in the news this week as it’s another half-baked bag of goofy from our out of state transplant Senator John “California” Carley.   SB49 attempts to go after CO2 sequestration pipelines, but in the final section of the bill, it goes farther and also attacks wind and solar power production. As noted on KELOland News:

Why are wind farms and solar farms also covered by your proposed ban?

“I personally use and enjoy some of the benefits of renewables like wind and solar,” Carley said. “However, it’s only there in the case of the exercise of eminent domain when a landowner does not want parts of those projects to go through their land, even after being offered a payment. If the landowner is willing to lease their land, they certainly can. These are just current and future Green New Deal ideas that have been raised, and so instead of having to fight to keep land after the fact, we would like to fix the loophole before it becomes an issue.”

Read it all here.

If you want to read that section of the bill for yourself..

Section 5. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 49-41B:

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person may not exercise the right of eminent domain to construct a solar energy facility, wind energy facility, or any facility that qualifies for a tax credit pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 45 (August 16, 2022) or 26 U.S.C. § 48 (January 1, 2023).

The problem with Carley’s proposal? As I understand, in the last section Carley is purporting to take away eminent domain rights THAT WIND AND SOLAR DON’T HAVE NOW. 

For God’s sake don’t tell Carley that snipe hunting or sleeping cows that tip over can infringe on a landowner’s rights. Because I’m sure that will be the next bill he tries to bring.

 

 

That was quick.

Ex-Senator Julie Frye Mueller’s buddy Anthony Mirzayants is taking to facebook to attack State Representative Scott Odenbach over Odenbach’s sponsorship of House Bill 1020 establishing education savings accounts.

As noted in the post from Mirzyants…

Scott Odenbach – Your FAKE School Choice Bill is awful. You are completely dropping the ball, and I don’t know why.
YOU ARE INTRODUCING NEEDLESS REGULATION. This is dangerous.
Stop. Take a breather. Withdraw your bill.
Let the REAL School Choice champions handle this.

Just a thought.. maybe they can agree to sit on this and work things out.

For at least a few years…