Category: Uncategorized

Supreme Court Issues Advisory Opinion Regarding State Legislator Interest in Contracts

PIERRE, S.D.— The South Dakota Supreme Court today issued an advisory opinion in the matter of interpretation of the South Dakota Constitution and state laws regarding state legislator interest in state or county contracts.

The opinion follows the Supreme Court hearing oral arguments on Jan. 8, 2024, for Gov. Kristi Noem’s request for an advisory opinion on nine individual and fact-specific questions concerning the constitutional restriction upon legislators contracting with the state of South Dakota.

View the advisory opinion at https://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/sc/opinions/30488ac53a4b.pdf.

UJS Conflict of Interest Ruling by Pat Powers on Scribd

Ending Iran’s Reign of Terror
By Sen. John Thune

Since Hamas attacked Israel in October, the Middle East has grown increasingly unstable. Militia groups have attacked U.S. troops approximately 170 times, injuring a number of Americans and, tragically, killing three soldiers late last month. Houthi militants are regularly attacking commercial shipping and U.S. Navy vessels in the Red Sea, and two Navy SEALs were recently lost at sea off the coast of Somalia during a dangerous nighttime raid to interdict missile parts being shipped to the Houthis.

What these attacks have in common is that the groups committing them are financed, armed, and supported by Iran. This recent campaign of terror is just one part of Iran’s record of driving unrest, instability, and violence in the Middle East that goes back decades. Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism, operating through a network of proxies across the region. President Biden inherited a maximum pressure campaign intended to keep Iran in check, but throughout his presidency he has yielded to misguided policies that have emboldened the Iranian regime.

President Biden has a history of weakness and appeasement when it comes to Iran. Against the warnings of Republicans and Israel, the Biden administration attempted to revive the flawed nuclear deal negotiated under the Obama administration, which included sweeping sanctions relief. The Biden administration also attempted to unfreeze $6 billion in Iranian assets as part of a deal to free American prisoners, which would have provided Iran with a windfall to fund its proxies. Not to mention the president’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan – on a timeline announced to our enemies – that seriously dented the world’s perception of America’s resolve.

As Iran-backed groups have launched attacks on U.S. troops and American allies, the White House has responded mostly with half-measures and a weak posture that is neither deterring or degrading Iran and its proxies. The United States does not seek war, but we must be willing to assert our national interests, including the safety of our troops and freedom of maritime navigation. While the president has recently taken more forceful action, which was overdue, he is going to have to demonstrate sustained resolve in order to bring an end to Iran’s terror campaign in the Middle East. We cannot allow Iran to control or cut off shipping routes through their Houthi proxies. We cannot allow Iran to continue to enable Hamas and Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel. And we most certainly cannot tolerate attacks on our troops and the loss of American lives.

These recent attacks are a reminder of the very real dangers our servicemembers face. We owe them and their families a debt of gratitude for their bravery and the sacrifices they make to serve our country. I specifically want to commend the men and women of the 28th Bomb Wing that participated in the February 2 retaliatory strikes against 85 targets in Iraq and Syria. The 28th Bomb Wing, which is based at Ellsworth Air Force Base but had a contingent operating out of a base in Texas while our airfield was temporarily closed, flew B-1 bombers to the Middle East on a single marathon flight, taking off from U.S. soil, executing the mission, and returning back to base without interruption.

The ability to generate combat power capable of striking anywhere on the map is a testament to the professionalism and determination of the 28th Bomb Wing’s aircrews and maintainers. And it underscores the importance of preserving this capability now and well into the future. Later this decade, the B-21 Raider will make Ellsworth its first home as it ushers in a new era of American air power. Until that sixth-generation bomber is fielded, we need to continue full support for programs like the B-1.

The United States can’t solve every problem or bring peace to every conflict, but we can be a powerful force for good, if we’re willing to lead. There will always be evil actors in the world who are bent on aggression and violence. Failure to demonstrate strength risks more serious consequences for our national security both now and long into the future.

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From Twitter:

Joe Biden proved tonight what the Special Counsel said. His mental capacity is clearly diminished.

He claimed that President Sisi (from Egypt) is president of Mexico!

Joe Biden and the Democrat party think the American people are stupid. The events of today make it clear the… pic.twitter.com/aBgzHxbetR

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) February 9, 2024

South Dakota IS a Border State
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
February 9, 2024

Every state is a border state. South Dakota is no exception.

While on a drug trafficking trip, an illegal immigrant and his companion, both from Central America, carjacked and kidnapped an FBI employee outside of Red Shirt in West River. One of the men had re-entered our country after being deported. President Biden’s open border policies have allowed illegal immigrants to enter and re-enter our country and commit heinous crimes. Unfortunately, this isn’t the only time South Dakota has seen crime like this.

The effects of the border crisis are hitting way too close to home for many in South Dakota who are more than 1,000 miles from the southern border. We’ve seen increases in violent crimes, fentanyl overdoses, and illegal immigrants flooding cities that don’t have capacity to house them.

In the past three years, more than 7 million people have crossed the southern border illegally. The situation has worsened almost every month. This is the direct result of having open borders. This is a major problem, but we already know what some solutions are, like Trump’s effective Remain in Mexico policy which I support. If President Biden put it in place today, illegal border crossings would decrease by 70-80 percent almost immediately.

I’ve voted over 70 times for stronger border policies since I came to Congress. I’ve worked on and helped draft legislation that includes some of the strongest border policies ever brought before the House. These policies would stop the flow of illegal immigrants, restart construction of the border wall, hire more Border Patrol agents, and improve technology along the border. I voted in support of the Secure the Border Act, HALT Fentanyl Act, POLICE Act, Schools Not Shelters Act, and more.

I’ve been to the border and know how disastrous the situation is. The Senate and President Biden need to enact these bills the House has passed – and they need to do it soon. You can’t have a safe and secure nation if you don’t have safe and secure borders.

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Supporting Second Chances
By: Governor Kristi Noem
February 9, 2024

As I travel the state, the biggest challenge that I hear about is a shortage of workers. We’ve been taking action to fill open jobs. But for some folks, their past mistakes stand in the way of the career of their dreams.

During my State of the State Address, I discussed South Dakotans’ Freedom to Get a Second Chance. Specifically, I talked about legislation that I was working on with my Department of Labor and Regulation to provide second-chance licensing opportunities. I am proud that our legislature has now overwhelmingly passed that bipartisan bill, SB 57. And I have signed the bill into law. Photos from the bill signing can be found here.

For South Dakotans who get involved in drugs or another aspect of crime, that should not have to be the final word. Their punishment should match their crime, but they should also have the opportunity to rehabilitate and become better, more capable members of our society.

When individuals are ready to reenter society, we want them to have the opportunity to build a career so that they can provide for themselves and their families.

Last year, I worked with legislators and signed a bill to enhance workforce Freedom in South Dakota. That bill recognizes out-of-state licenses for nearly every profession. It cut unnecessary government red tape, making it easier for those moving to South Dakota to get to work right away.

This year’s second-chance licensing bill builds on that concept and applies it to a different population. It creates a set of standards to consider criminal histories and any possible rehabilitation by applicants and licensees. With this bill, we’re removing barriers preventing individuals from entering the workforce.

This important piece of legislation means that someone who made a dumb decision or a mistake in the past can still get a professional license for the job of their dreams today. It also means that individuals in our prison system can rehabilitate and successfully reenter our society, their community, and the workforce to create a better life for themselves.

I don’t think one, or even two, bad decisions should define someone for the rest of their live. And this bill gives people hope that they can still achieve the American Dream.

We need more plumbers, more electricians, more welders, and an unrelated criminal past shouldn’t stop qualified applicants from filling these roles.

This isn’t all we’re doing when it comes to second chances. Late last year, I spoke at a graduation for the Sixth Circuit Problem-Solving Court. Eight graduates, all of whom had been sober for a year or more, stood up and shared their stories and their hopes and dreams for the future. In fact, more than 150 South Dakotans graduated from this initiative last year. This is a rigorous program that includes five phases and requires frequent alcohol and drug testing. It’s a proven strategy that reduces recidivism, saves taxpayer dollars in the long-run, and restores hope and dignity for these individuals.

The people that I met at that graduation ceremony inspired me, they touched my heart. And I know there are so many people in our state that are just like them – that just need a second chance.

In South Dakota, everyone has the Freedom to Get a Second Chance.

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South Dakota Auto Dealers Association executive (and maybe future Sioux Falls Mayor) Christine Erickson sat down with automotive technology leader Reynolds & Reynolds and spoke with them about running for office, and how auto dealers can connect with their communities.

Weekly Column: Halftime at the Capitol
by Senate Majority Leader Casey Crabtree

MADISON–It’s halftime in Pierre for the Legislative Session and the Capitol is busy as we work ahead of Crossover Day. One of the best parts of the process in the Legislature is that every single bill gets a hearing–the good, the bad and the ugly. This allows for every lawmaker and every idea to have a fair hearing. With 220 bills introduced in the Senate this year, we have until the deadline of Crossover Day to hear every bill and either pass it along to the House of Representatives or kill the bill. So far, at halftime, the Senate has sent 94 bills to the House, killed 60 bills, and 18 have been signed into law by the Governor.

I entered Week 5 of session with a heavy heart as our communities were mourning the loss of Moody County Deputy Sheriff Ken Prorok. Ken was a great family man and led a life of service to others. I had the joy of becoming friends with Ken as a fellow youth baseball coach. He had a contagious competitive spirit, a drive to teach the kids about life and my oldest son, Casyn, and I will hold on to many fond memories shared on the field. My deepest condolences to Ken’s wife, Renee, and kids, JD, Brooke and Taylor. Our whole region is mourning along with you.

It was Madison Day at the Capitol on Tuesday. Thanks to everyone for coming to share the great things happening in Pierre with the rest of the Legislature. I welcomed the high school classes from Lake Preston and Sioux Valley as they joined us to see the legislative process in action. It was also a good week for cybersecurity with the approval of SB 187 in Senate State Affairs which creates a local government cybersecurity services initiative so that our cities can be protected. I’ll continue to work with the various stakeholders on this so that we can keep the public, utilities and election information safe and secure.

One of my initiatives this year was SB 78 which helps incentivize gas stations to offer E15 and bolster our ag industry. The House and Senate have approved the bill, and it is now with Gov. Noem. Ethanol plants buy 64% of the corn grown in the state, supporting 11,00 family farms and 30,000 jobs. I want to see more homegrown fuel sold and used in South Dakota. It’s good for farmers and consumers.

Next week, the Legislature will receive updated revenue projections so that we can finalize a balanced budget for the next fiscal year. There are several priorities, but at the top of the list for me is another tuition freeze for our students at state universities and technical colleges. An affordable education is the best opportunity for our kids and grandkids to pursue their dreams in South Dakota and strengthen our economy.

The House took up several of the pipeline-related bills this week and the rest are scheduled for committee on Monday. Two of the bills that I prime-sponsored passed the House on Thursday–HB 1185 and HB 1186. These two bills help make South Dakota the state with the strongest landowner protection rights in law. Next week, Senate State Affairs will hold a hearing on SB 201, prime sponsored by Rep. Will Mortenson and myself. With these three bills, we have worked on proposals that protect the future of South Dakota agriculture; one that promotes respect, fairness, and certainty for everyone involved.

As we head into the homestretch before Crossover Day, stay in touch with your thoughts on the Senate bills pending action and the House bills making their way over to the Senate.

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PRESS RELEASE

On 02.05.2024, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office arrested Shad Olson, 51, of Blackhawk SD, for Aggravated Assault, Domestic Violence.  The arrest was a result of a report on 02.04.2024.  As this case remains under investigation, no other information will be released specific to this matter.

The Meade County Sheriff’s Office is committed to doing everything we can to address issues of domestic violence.  The protection of victims and holding those responsible, accountable for their actions will always be a priority for this office.

An arrest is an allegation only, and there remains a presumption of innocence until adjudication in a court of law.

Aggravated Assault is a Class 3 Felony.

Former West river news anchor Shad Olson’s arrest for felony domestic assault just had a significant information dump in the Sioux Falls Argus Leader in their story how this former Neal Tapio advisor was allegedly drunk as he slammed his partner on the ground according to the probable affidavit for his arrest:

The victim asked Olson “if he was drinking already and he became mad.” She then told Olson, who she described as unemployed and lacking a source of income, that she “works hard to support their family,” to which he simply retorted she was a “crazy [expletive],” documents state.

and..

From there, the victim said Olson chased after her as she ran away from her home. They had been living together from some time, but she told the officer “she pays for everything in the home while Olson worries about the country,” the documents read.

The officer asked the victim if Olson had assaulted her before, with her replying “yes.”

The victim said Olson, who runs his own far-right, eponymic podcast, is “stressed over politics,” which influences his drinking. She then told the officer Olson blames his political frustrations on her.

Go read this story now.

This story is just horrible. I mean, it is the worst.

The victim of this weeks’ alleged domestic assault, and it was supposedly not the only time she’s been a victim, was being assisted by Working Against Violence, Inc. out of Rapid City.

If you’re so inclined, you can make a donation to them by clicking here.

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BONUS: A Shad Olson Facebook post which hasn’t aged well over the last week or so. 

Shad probably should have spent more time addressing the abuse and maltreatment of women a lot closer to home.

Dakota Scout has a story tonight on the Shad Olson arrest and incarceration, which includes some disturbing allegations of abuse by Olson, including strangulation:

According to court documents, the incident leading to Olson’s arrest entailed strangulation of a female victim and an attempt to evade arrest before he was taken into custody and placed in the Meade County Jail.

Go read the entire story here.

That’s really disturbing. If true, I hope this victim gets the help and the justice she needs.

If you are a victim of abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.