Governor Rhoden Celebrates Record-Breaking Build Dakota Awards
Strengthens South Dakota’s Future Workforce

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden celebrated the awarding of 630 new Build Dakota Scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year, the highest number in the program’s history. These recipients make up Cohort 11, representing the 11th year of scholarship awards through the Build Dakota program. You can find the complete list of recipients here.

“Build Dakota is more than a scholarship program; it is a long-term investment in the future of South Dakota. These awards represent a strategic commitment to equip learners with the skills to thrive in high-demand industries while supporting the growth and competitiveness of our state’s economy,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We are building stronger communities by connecting students with meaningful career paths and aligning them with workforce needs.”

Established in 2015, the Build Dakota Scholarship Fund was created through an initial $50 million investment from both philanthropist T. Denny Sanford and the Daugaard Administration. Since its inception, the program has awarded more than 4,500 full-ride scholarships to students pursuing degrees in high-demand fields and establishing rewarding careers in healthcare, construction, law enforcement, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. The program plays a vital role in addressing South Dakota’s workforce needs by equipping students with the technical skills essential to the state’s continued economic growth.

“This scholarship is a once in a lifetime opportunity for so many students,” said Deni Martin, Program Director of the Build Dakota Scholarship. “For more than a decade, we’ve worked alongside the four technical colleges – and with countless industry partners – to offer millions of dollars in scholarships. It’s neat to zoom out and think of the big picture effect we’re having on the workforce. But it’s also important to remember that for each and every person on this list, the Build Dakota Scholarship is a life-changing path to an impactful career.”

The 2025–2026 cohort reflects the strength of South Dakota’s public-private partnerships. This year, 92 percent of recipients are co-sponsored by businesses and organizations across the state. To date, industry partners have committed more than $21 million by partnering on scholarships, demonstrating a shared and growing investment in building a skilled and sustainable workforce.

According to recent data from the South Dakota Board of Technical Education, 98 to 100 percent of graduates from the state’s four technical colleges are employed or continuing their education, and nearly 90 percent of those employed are working in South Dakota. Build Dakota recipients further that impact by committing to live and work in the state for at least three years, strengthening local industries and communities.

Approximately 6 percent of the 630 scholarships awarded were granted to out-of-state students, many from neighboring Midwest states, who have committed to live and work in South Dakota following graduation. This approach not only strengthens the state’s talent pipeline but also expands our long-term economic reach by attracting new residents who are eager to grow their careers and contribute to South Dakota’s economy.

Businesses, students, and community leaders can learn more about the Build Dakota Scholarship program by visiting www.BuildDakotaScholarships.com. Details on eligibility, Cohort 12 (2026) programs, and how to become an industry partner are available online.

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Johnson Votes to Sanction Chinese Companies for Their Role in America’s Fentanyl Crisis

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) voted to pass the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act to hold China accountable for its role in the fentanyl crisis. The bill passed with a vote of 407-4. Johnson is a member of the Fentanyl Policy Working Group within the Select Committee on China.

“China is the number one producer of fentanyl—the deadliest drug—and its precursor chemicals, yet the Chinese government continues to allow the flow of fentanyl out of their country,” said Johnson. “We must do more to protect our kids and adults and make our communities safe. I’m grateful the Stop Chinese Fentanyl Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support to penalize the Chinese entities and officials who are fueling the fentanyl crisis in America.”

Background:

• Companies in China produce nearly all fentanyl precursor ingredients.
• Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-45.
• According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, 42% of pills tested for fentanyl contained at least 2 mg of fentanyl, considered a potentially lethal dose. Drug trafficking organizations typically distribute fentanyl by the kilogram, which has the potential to kill 500,000 people.

Click here for the Select Committee on China’s report on the Chinese Communist Party’s role in the fentanyl crisis.

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From Facebook, State Senator Kevin Jensen – as he wants to keep kicking the prison can down the road – claims he wasn’t seeking the Secretary of Corrections resignation…

“I was not asking for the Secretary’s resignation, I was pushing for a rational discussion on the actual needs of DOC.“

Well, except for when he was seeking Wasko’s resignation..

“I just sent the following to a group of legislators I trust. Collective letter from prison staff calling for resignation of sec Wasko. Policy changes undermined security and safety. Please vote no on all prison expansion until there is resolution.“

Yeah…

Thune Crisscrosses South Dakota During State Work Period

“We’re setting our country up for a stronger and more prosperous future. And I can’t wait to see the benefits for my state of South Dakota and for our entire country.”

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.

Gov. Rhoden Releases Draft Legislation for New Prison

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden released the draft legislation for a new prison, which will be acted on in the upcoming special session of the South Dakota Legislature. This legislation reflects the plan that was unanimously approved by the prison task force. You can find the draft legislation here. An outline of the legislation can be found here.

“We are one step closer to delivering a new prison to replace the 140-year-old State Penitentiary,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “We have a good site, a good plan, the money to pay for it, and now the legislation to authorize it. I look forward to working with legislators to get this bill passed.”

This legislation was drafted with consultation from legislative leadership, members of the prison task force, and the Legislative Research Council.

Last week, Governor Rhoden announced a FAQ page to answer questions about the plan for the new prison. More information about the full plan will be released within a week.

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South Dakota Searchlight has a good article by Josh Haiar which if you haven’t read it is an ominous foreshadowing of how some of the people running for governor view bringing new industries and the jobs that come with them into South Dakota, as they promise a future lacking vision and aspiration:

“You’re using tax dollars to bring in companies that compete with current South Dakota businesses,” (Jon) Hansen said. “You’re using their tax dollars to fund their competition.”

He has pledged to put an end to what he describes as “corporate welfare.”

and..

(Toby) Doeden told South Dakota Searchlight he hopes to change the focus of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. He said the state should shift its focus away from job creation, pointing to South Dakota’s 1.9% unemployment rate.

and..

“We will grow the economy with new small businesses, new energy production, expanded dairy, and bringing high-tech jobs home to South Dakota. We will keep tax rates low by growing the tax base,” the statement said. “This is growth with a purpose — not growth for its own sake, but growth that creates opportunity for the next generation.”

..(Dusty) Johnson said during a recent public forum that he is “befuddled” by blanket opposition to economic development, including data centers and other large projects. He said South Dakota leaders need to be “visionary” and bring new industries to the state “or we are saying that our children will have diminished opportunities.” That, Johnson said, is “absolutely unacceptable.”

“It’s un-American and it’s not at all capitalist,” he said.

Read the entire story here.

Candidate Jon Hansen’s NIMBY campaign is being built on the back of the BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything) movement and Candidate Toby Doeden’s self-funded campaign directly coming out against investment in job creation is so anti-leadership, it immediately puts him in the reject pile for being conceived as a viable leader for South Dakota.

They both lack ambition, and they lack basic leadership. They lack vision. They both disqualify themselves from consideration for the job of governor because of their short-sightedness and lunkhead pandering. 

I always counsel people thinking of running that candidates should be inspirational and aspirational. Those are huge leadership qualities. Why do I point this out? Elections are not about the past – elections are about the future.

If you want your future to be kids moving away because they have no opportunity, leading to schools shutting down, and towns dying, then keep on the Hansen/Doeden path. Just because someone born on a farm in 1950 South Dakota couldn’t dream about working in an AI data Center in rural South Dakota doesn’t mean their kids won’t.

Governors have to think big and always about tomorrow.  Bill Janklow brought Citibank to South Dakota (And starting under him, his COS Dave Knudson was the architect of SD’s Trust success), George Mickelson was the father and architect of today’s economic development prosperity, and why South Dakota is a good place to do business. When Janklow came back, he wired the schools for data. Mike Rounds took a deep hole in the ground and turned it into a word class research lab, created research centers at state universities to attract federal and private funding, and worked with the federal team to save Ellsworth.

While it’s in vogue to throw rocks at Governor Kristi Noem, she was far more visionary than people would care to remember.  Early on, Kristi launched an effort to bring high-speed, sustainable broadband to every home and business in South Dakota. Her Cybersecurity initiative with DSU to bring a new applied research lab in Sioux Falls was a huge investment in training graduates for jobs. I can cite a few more that people ignore, but those were HUGE.

With most all of these initiatives to benefit the state for the future, there was opposition – in some cases, strong opposition. But there was a vision for the state, and there was leadership to make their vision happen.

The best takeaway from the article was a statement from Nathan Sanderson of SD Retailers talking about South Dakota’s success in the dairy industry; “If the state didn’t get involved, that growth wouldn’t have happened. This isn’t about picking winners and losers — it’s about building partnerships to improve quality of life.”

Thinking big and thinking about tomorrow isn’t just an aside when running for Governor. It’s central to the job description. And we don’t need people who don’t get that.

Hot off the press, the Christine Erickson for Mayor committee has released their fundraiser invite for the big event with her brother, legendary NFL kicker Adam Vinatieri happening on September 15 in Sioux Falls.

Check it out, and make plans to attend this event for the person who is likely to be the next Mayor for South Dakota’s largest city in the election happening on June 2, 2026.

From facebook:

AFP-SD Deputy Director Jennifer Beving is on facebook apparently demanding local control of schools in all decision making.  Does that mean they going to hand a legislator a bill to introduce to walk that walk?

Just asking.

Nonprofit Leader James Oppenheimer Launches Campaign for Sioux Falls City Council At Large

Sioux Falls, SD – September 3, 2025 – Community leader James Oppenheimer today announced his candidacy for Sioux Falls City Council At Large in the June 2, 2026 election.

“I am excited to share that I am running for Sioux Falls City Council At Large. With experience leading major nonprofits in our city, I am ready to bring positive, people-focused leadership to City Hall,” Oppenheimer said.

Oppenheimer currently serves as CEO of the Sioux Falls Family YMCA and previously led the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society and Dakota Alliance Soccer Club. Across these roles, he has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led teams of more than 200 employees, and served thousands of children, families, and animals each year.

Oppenheimer’s campaign is focused on building a city where families can thrive, with three key priorities:

• Sensible and Balanced Growth – Planning for the future of Sioux Falls in a way that helps families succeed, welcoming growth while protecting what makes our city
• Public Safety – Supporting our first responders and ensuring safe neighborhoods across the city.
• Maintaining and Improving Roads – Investing in infrastructure that keeps Sioux Falls moving and makes daily life easier for families.

“I believe in collaboration, transparency, and building a city that is welcoming for all. As someone who became a citizen by choice, this community means everything to me, and I want to serve it well,” Oppenheimer added.

Current At-Large City Councilwoman Sarah Cole, who is not seeking re-election, will serve as chair of Oppenheimer’s campaign. “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Sioux Falls, and I am deeply grateful for the trust they have placed in me. James is exactly the kind of steady, service-minded leader Sioux Falls needs on the City Council. I have watched him lead organizations that touch thousands of lives, and I know he will bring that same integrity, collaboration, and results-driven focus to City Hall.” said Cole.

For more information, visit www.JamesForSiouxFalls.com

Gov. Rhoden Seeks Public Input on District 16 Vacancy

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden requested public input on filling the District 16 House of Representatives vacancy, which includes the counties of Lincoln, Turner, and Union.

This seat was formerly held by Representative Richard Vasgaard, whose leadership will be deeply missed. He served in the South Dakota State House of Representatives from 2021 to 2022, and again in 2025. Governor Rhoden previously lowered flags statewide to honor Representative Vasgaard’s life.

Those wishing to be considered for the vacancy in the House of Representatives, or to offer nominations, should email ryan.brunner@state.sd.us. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current physical address, resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. All nomination materials must be submitted by Sunday, September 7, 2025.

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