By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
October 9, 2026
My wife, Sandy, is passionate about the “Rising Stars” that make South Dakota the best place to live. So, about a year ago, she launched the South Dakota Rising Award to recognize the people who are stepping up, solving problems, serving their neighbors, and making their communities better. There are countless examples of South Dakotans rising to the occasion every day, often without recognition.
Some of our greatest opportunities come when people are willing to rise together. I’m focused on making life more affordable for South Dakotans, and it took a team to deliver the largest property tax cut in South Dakota history. I’m proud of all the counties that have quickly adopted the local option property tax cut – this will result in real savings for South Dakota homeowners. Another example: we heard from farmers that rising diesel prices were making harvest tough this year, so I took what action was in my authority to deliver relief.
Both of those initiatives could not have happened in a silo – we needed to work together to deliver results.
Working together involves building strong relationships built on respect, communication, and a willingness to listen. We may not always agree – but we can always choose to talk with each other, rather than at each other.
In early October, Native American Day helps us recognize the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of the nine tribes that call South Dakota home. Even though many of us come from different backgrounds or communities, we are all South Dakotans. We all want safe communities. We all want our children to have opportunities. And we want South Dakota to continue to remain strong, safe, and free.
This year, thanks to the collaboration of state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, we busted a multistate “Operation Black Book” cocaine-trafficking. Getting these drugs out of our communities will not be accomplished by any one person or one government. It will take all of us rising together.
When I travel the state, I am always encouraged to see South Dakotans stepping up to help a neighbor, start a business, or serve their community. They are rising to the occasion. And when we bring those “Rising Stars” together, our whole state benefits.
Building relationships matters. Listening matters. And it is why we recognize the people who are willing to step forward and make a difference. If you know of some “Rising Stars” in your community, I encourage you to nominate them for the First Lady’s Rising Star Award.
And I encourage every South Dakotan to look for an opportunity to rise. Rise to serve your neighbor. Rise to listen to someone with a different perspective. Rise to find agreement. And rise to the challenges facing your community.
Our greatest strength has always been our people. When we work together, there is no limit to what South Dakota can accomplish.
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