From Facebook, State Senator Taffy Howard sounds off about all those RINO’s you guys are sending to Pierre who are going to raise our taxes:

I’m sure folks believe that what happened yesterday in NY, NJ, and VA could never happen here…but those states did not just wake up that crazy, it happened slowly over time. And it always starts by electing RINOs, or Republicans who say they are conservative but are anything but, and THAT is already happening statewide in our state..

and..

From the article, “Mamdani campaigned on proposals to raise the corporate tax rate, shift more of the tax burden to “richer and whiter neighborhoods…”

Those darn RINO’s. Damn them! But, wait a minute. I seem to recall someone in South Dakota talking about new and increased taxes recently. It must have been Taffy’s evil twin Senator TAXXY Howard who was earlier taking about income taxes in the Comprehensive Property Tax Task Force committee, and who ultimately proposed this package of tax increases on South Dakotans:

• • Increases state sales tax from 4.2% to 4.5%, which will generate $105.3 million
  • Increases contractor’s excise tax from 2.0% to 2.25%,which will generate $27.4 million
  • Increases the wholesale alcohol excise tax from 2% to 4%, which will generate $3.2 million
  • Increases alcohol beverage excise taxes by 25%, which will generate $2.3 million
  • Implements a new tax on vaping at 40%, which will generate $8.3 million
  • Increases a tobacco products excise tax from 35% to 40%, which will generate $1.7 million
  • Increases the tax mill rate on cigarettes from 76.5 to 101.5, which will generate $9.0 million
  • Utilizes 33% of the future fund revenues for property tax reduction, which will equal $8.0 million
  • Increases the tourism tax from 1.5% to 4%, which will generate $29.2 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for advertising services, which will generate $41.3 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for radio and television broadcasting, which will generate $7.2 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for services performed for rodeos, which will generate $1.5 million
  • Applies sales tax to mini storage, which will generate $1.5 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for the supply of bulk water, which will generate $7.7 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for membership fees to organizations, which will generate $9.3 million
  • Removes the sales tax exemption for social services and credit counseling services, which will generate $12.0 million
  • Removes the tax credit to insurance companies for giving money to educational scholarships, which will generate $5.0 million
  • Reduces general fund expenditures by 5.07%

You can read all of TAXXY’s proposals to increase tax burdens on businesses and agriculture here.

Kind of ironic when someone trying to portray themselves as the hero ends up actually being the villain.

(And she might have gotten away with it, if it wasn’t for you meddling kids!)

Former  State Representative Byron Callies reached out to let me (and voters in his district) know that he will be seeking re-election for District 5 House of Representatives for the seat he had formerly been elected to in 2022.

During his time in Pierre while representing Watertown, Callies was an effective legislator able to get legislation signed by Governor Noem.  (unlike the goofball who is there now, who was 0-9 bills this last session and is a dumpster fire of a committee chairman).

Byron had previously served on the House Commerce & Energy Committee, House Education, and on House Military and Veterans affairs committees.  In addition to being a college professor for 10 years, Callies has served the state and nation in the National Guard, completing nearly 41 years of service, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2006. And in the past, he has served as the national vice-commander of the two-million member American Legion.

From Facebook:

Attorney General Jackley Announces Indictment in Cocaine Distribution Network Investigation Involving Illegal Immigrants

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces nine suspects, eight men and one woman, have been indicted in connection to a cocaine distribution network that operated in Davison County. Three of the suspects also are being investigated for immigration issues.

“These drug traffickers are bringing dangerous drugs into our state; that has to stop,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I will investigate and prosecute those drug dealers who endanger our citizens.”

The nine suspects were indicted by a Davison County Grand Jury on Wednesday, Oct. 29. All 36 charges are felonies and involve cocaine. Those indicted and the charges they face are:

*** Milton Velasques-Barrera, 35, Mitchell: Six counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone; six counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance; two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance; and one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

*** Brian Medrano-Eudales, 32, Mitchell: One count each of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

*** Estuardo Corado, 31. Mitchell: Two counts each of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone and Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

*** Guillermo Hernandez, 27, Mitchell: One count each of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance in a Drug Free Zone, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

*** Josselin Zuniga, 32, Mitchell (female): One count each of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Accessory to a Crime.

*** Timothy Antonie, 50, Mitchell: One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

*** Jorge Prendes, 39, Michell: One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

*** Hector Cartagena, 38, Ethan: One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

*** Michael Morrison, 47, Mitchell: One count of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Maximum prison sentences for each charge are 10 years for Distribution of Controlled Substance with a mandatory minimum of one year; five years for Possession of a Controlled Substance, five years mandatory minimum for Distribution in a Drug Free Zone, five years for Conspiracy and five years for being an Accessory to a Crime.

The charges occurred between March 1, 2025 and Sept. 1, 2025.

Three of the suspects, all from Guatemala, also face immigration charges. They are Milton Velasques-Barrera, Guillermo Hernandez, and Josselin Zuniga. Attorney General Jackley said the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is working with federal authorities on that issue.

“Earlier this year, I signed a 287(g) agreement with the federal government to allow DCI to help arrest undocumented individuals who have committed violent crimes or are involved in drug dealing,” said Attorney General Jackley. “We will continue to work with federal authorities on such cases.”

The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

DCI and the Mitchell Police Department investigated the case. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute.

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Former Republican State Senator Bob Haskell of Rapid City has passed away, according to the Rapid City Journal. A carrier of water for the elephant, Haskell served in the State Senate from 1991-1992, as well as on the Pennington County Commission, according to his obituary:

Through his great relationships with many businesses, he was able to raise funds for many worthy causes in Rapid City. He helped to form the “Diplomates” for the Rapid City Chamber, serving as it first chairman. He served on many boards in the hills area. Bob was active in the Pennington County Republicans. He served in the South Dakota Senate and on the Pennington County Commission.

and..

Family visitation will be held at Kirk Funeral Home on Sunday, November 9th, from 2 to 4 p.m. A Memorial Service will be Monday, November 10th, at South Canyon Lutheran Church at 10 a.m., with Pastor Deb Grismer officiating. Interment will follow at the Bear Butte Cemetery. Kirk Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Please keep his family in your prayers in their time of remembrance.

Caregivers Say Medicare Advantage Makes Their Lives Easier, Saves Time and Money

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new, first-of-its-kind national survey released by Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) finds that caregivers across the country overwhelmingly credit Medicare Advantage (MA) with easing their caregiving responsibilities, saving time and money, and providing much- needed stability for the seniors they support. The findings highlight how Medicare Advantage not only strengthens care for older Americans, but also helps millions of families balance work, childcare, and caregiving responsibilities in an era of rising costs and increasing demands.

“Medicare Advantage doesn’t just serve seniors, it supports the ecosystem and community of people who care for them,” said MAM spokesperson Darren Grubb. “With the cost of necessities at an all- time high, millions of families depend on Medicare Advantage to manage healthcare expenses and make caregiving more manageable. Lawmakers should protect these benefits, as both seniors and caregivers are paying attention and counting on Medicare Advantage to keep families and communities strong.”

The MAM caregiver survey fielded September 22 – October 3, 2025, polled 1,000 caregivers of seniors currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Topline findings from respondents include:

• High awareness and satisfaction of the MA program: 87% of caregivers are aware of the benefits and features of the MA plan the senior they support is enrolled in, and 82% are satisfied with the coverage and care provided.
• Easier caregiving experience: 69% of caregivers say MA plans make their caregiving responsibilities easier to manage than traditional Among caregivers with minor children, that figure rises to 76%.
• Time saved each month: 51% of caregivers save at least five hours per month on coordinating care, managing appointments, and similar tasks thanks to the MA plan their senior is enrolled Among caregivers with children, 63% report saving five or more hours per month, and 25% save over 10 hours.
• Significant cost savings: Nearly half (47%) of caregivers estimate saving more than $1,000 annually in premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs – or from being able to work more and take less time off. That number climbs to 55% among caregivers with children.
• Strong opposition to cuts: 81% say cuts to MA would raise out-of-pocket costs, 74% fear losing access to in-home care services, and 73% worry cuts would increase their caregiving burden and emotional strain.
  • This includes specific concern about consequences of the No UPCODE Act: 84% of caregivers are concerned about decreased access to primary care programs for rural or homebound seniors, nutrition, dental, hearing, and vision benefit cuts, and higher premiums and out of pocket costs; 82% of caregivers are concerned about loss of programming to support seniors with diabetes, heart disease, and similar conditions.

• Political implications: 79% would recommend an MA plan to caregivers of other seniors, and 59% say they would be less likely to vote for a member of Congress who supported cutting MA funding. Nearly all (92%) are willing to take action to protect MA.

Medicare Advantage is a public-private partnership that provides healthcare to more than 34 million seniors and people with disabilities in the United States. Today, it is the preferred choice for over half (53%) of all Medicare beneficiaries. Unlike traditional Medicare, MA offers a more integrated, affordable, and personalized approach to care, often including extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and wellness programs.

MAM’s new caregiver survey builds upon its previous national poll of seniors, which found overwhelming support for protecting Medicare Advantage funding and benefits. The survey conducted in March 2025 can be found here along with previous research from October 2024 that emphasizes how seniors felt about their plan’s benefits.

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About Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM)

Medicare Advantage Majority (MAM) is a 501(c)4 organization dedicated to protecting and strengthening the Medicare Advantage program for 34 million American seniors and people with disabilities – more than half of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries – who depend on it. MAM is powered by the support of local advocates across the country, including beneficiaries, caregivers, providers and community leaders.

Thune: Schumer Shutdown Day 36

“How much longer are Democrats going to make the American people suffer?”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:

Click here to watch the video.

Listening to the Medical Marijuana Committee interim legislative committee today, which I have a few items to bring you later, because there are some clown show items that readers should hear about.

Not from today’s hearing, but on 10/22 at the end of the meeting, representing Watertown, State Representative Josephine Garcia apparently had quite the rant, where she talks about masturbation:

Umm.. yeah.. Not a comment that we usually hear from someone during a committee hearing.

Otherwise, I do like the part where she says she may not come back.

Please?

Gov. Rhoden Appoints Judge Robert Gusinsky to the South Dakota Supreme Court 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced the appointment of Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky of the Seventh Circuit to serve as a supreme court justice for the First Supreme District. This vacancy was created by the retirement of the Honorable Janine Kern. The First Supreme District consists of the counties of Custer, Lawrence, Meade, and Pennington.

“South Dakota prides itself on honoring our Constitution and upholding the rule of law,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Justice Kern has done a remarkable job serving our state with integrity and fairness, and I have no doubt that Judge Gusinsky will pick up the torch with the same commitment and conviction. He is even-keeled and humble, and his background gives him a unique perspective that will strengthen our Supreme Court.”

Judge Robert Gusinsky was born in Latvia. After emigrating with his parents through Israel and Germany, he settled in California and became a U.S. citizen. Gusinsky enjoyed his earlier career as an airline pilot before changing course to pursue law. He enrolled at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law in 1993. Following graduation, he practiced as a trial lawyer at Lynn, Jackson, Shultz & Lebrun and later at Clayborne, Loos, Strommen & Gusinsky in Rapid City. Gusinsky went on to serve in the U.S. Attorney’s Office before being appointed to the Seventh Circuit bench by former Governor Dennis Daugaard. In 2024, the Chief Justice named Gusinsky the presiding judge of the Seventh Circuit.

“I am deeply humbled, honored, and grateful for the trust placed in me by Governor Rhoden,” said Judge Robert Gusinsky. “I look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of South Dakota and pledge to uphold the law that governs our State with fairness, integrity, and dedication.”

“Robert Gusinsky has been an excellent judge for the last 12 years in a busy circuit. He is hard working, highly skilled, and well respected,” said Justice Janine Kern. “I am honored to pass the baton to him. I know he will make an excellent Supreme Court Justice.”

Judge Robert Gusinsky is married to his wife Ronda. They have two children and two grandchildren. A photo of Judge Gusinsky can be found here.

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Todd Wilkinson Announces Campaign for District 8 State Senate

De Smet, S.D. — Todd Wilkinson, a fourth-generation South Dakotan, cattleman, attorney, and community leader, has announced his campaign for the South Dakota Legislature.

Todd is a longtime advocate for South Dakota’s farm families and is focused on strengthening rural communities and protecting South Dakota’s way of life.

For nearly four decades, Todd has operated the Wilkinson Law Firm in De Smet, representing families, small businesses, and local governments across Kingsbury, Lake, Miner, and Brookings Counties. His work focuses on agriculture, business, and estate law, and helping South Dakotans protect their land, grow their operations, and pass on what they’ve built to the next generation.

In addition to his private practice, Todd served as Kingsbury County State’s Attorney for two decades, where he built a reputation for fairness, integrity, and common-sense decision-making in local government.

Alongside his son Nick, he also operates Wilkinson Livestock, a family cow-calf and cattle- feeding business. Through years in both the pasture and the courtroom, Todd has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing South Dakota producers, from rising input costs and taxes to federal regulations that don’t make sense on the prairie.

In 2023, Todd became the first South Dakotan to serve as President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). In that role, he led national efforts to protect private property rights, push back on burdensome federal rules, and strengthen trade and market opportunities for producers. He has testified before Congress and worked closely with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to advocate for South Dakota agriculture and rural communities.

Todd’s commitment to service runs deep. He has served with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, De Smet Development Council, Governor’s Snowmobile Advisory Board, and the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation. He also serves as president of the church board at American Lutheran Church in De Smet. He has long represented municipalities across the region, including De Smet, Lake Preston, Arlington, Howard, Bancroft, and Oldham.

“Four generations of my family have called this area home,” Todd said. “My late wife Jean and I have raised our three kids here, and now we have ten grandkids growing up right here in South Dakota. I want them and every young family to have the same opportunities we’ve had: to make a living, to raise their families, and to be part of strong local communities. That’s what this campaign is about: keeping government practical, protecting our way of life, and making sure the future of South Dakota stays rooted in the values that built it.”

Wilkinson’s campaign will focus on supporting agriculture, strengthening rural communities, and keeping government accountable and grounded in local control.

Proven. Practical. South Dakota.

For more information, visit ToddWilkinsonForSD.com

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