Senator Casey Crabtree: No Sanctuary in South Dakota

MADISON–Growing up in Arlington, South Dakota, we kept our keys in our pickups and the doors to our house were always open. Parents let their kids ride their bikes around town until the 6 o’clock whistle told us it was time to come home. We felt safe and secure.  We trusted that everyone in our community looked out for one another and they had your back if tough times arrived. The same can’t be said today throughout the United States. Folks deserve to feel safe and secure, but that is hard to do after millions of criminals entered the United States illegally under the Biden Administration.

The recent chaos in the streets of Los Angeles and their liberal leaders, particularly Gavin Newsom and LA’s Mayor, doubling-down on protecting violent criminals once again highlighted the stark differences between California and South Dakota–criminals over citizens, chaos over order, and political theater over meaningful discussions. I’m grateful to call South Dakota home because we value law enforcement and public safety. I’m proud to be counted among our leaders here in South Dakota to side with our citizens and not the criminal illegal immigrants.

On July 1, South Dakota’s Sanctuary City Ban will take effect to enshrine our status as a state that will not harbor violent criminals who are in our country illegally. I was proud to be the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 7 this past year and turn this policy idea into law. SB 7 was so important to ensuring safer communities in South Dakota that it was the first bill that Gov. Rhoden signed into law as the new governor. It passed the legislature with overwhelming support and only Democrat opposition.

The policy in SB 7 helps support President Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Noem’s agenda to protect our homeland. South Dakota voters helped elect a leader to secure the southern border including an end to the flow of meth and fentanyl that is tearing South Dakota families apart, and the president is fulfilling that promise. President Trump needs the support of states and cities to remove criminals who pose a danger to their communities, and SB 7 was the answer for South Dakota. Local law enforcement have been supportive of the President’s efforts so far this year. There were eight ICE arrests a few weeks ago, and 26 criminals arrested for other crimes have seen ICE detention holds at the Minnehaha and Pennington county jails.

This new law is straightforward: it blocks counties, cities, the state or state agencies from enforcing sanctuary policies and protects police officers who refuse to follow a sanctuary policy that is illegally adopted by South Dakota local governments. Since SB 7 was signed into law, five other states have followed suit with a sanctuary city ban.

My message for criminals in South Dakota illegally is simple–don’t wait for July 1, leave the United States now. You will not find sanctuary in South Dakota if you are a criminal here illegally, and thanks to President Trump, Secretary Noem and this new law, our communities will be strong, safe and secure.

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Ban on Sanctuary Cities Will Take Effect

PIERRE, S.D. –  On July 1^st, the ban on sanctuary cities in South Dakota, SB 7,  will take effect. This was the first bill Governor Larry Rhoden signed after taking office as Governor.

“We must do everything we can to keep our people safe, including removing criminal illegal aliens from this country. Signing SB 7 was an important step in keeping South Dakota strong, safe, and free,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “President Trump and Secretary Noem are making tremendous strides to keep our nation secure. We will continue to do all we can to support their efforts.”

The bill also provides protections for law enforcement officers carrying out immigration enforcement actions.

You can find video footage of Governor Rhoden signing SB 7 here. You can find a picture of Governor Rhoden signing SB 7 here.

Governor Rhoden continues to take decisive action to keep our state strong, safe, and free. He recently visited our South Dakota National Guard troops at the Southern Border, who are working with the Trump Administration, Secretary Noem, and Border Patrol to protect our nation.

Following that trip, the Governor announced that the South Dakota Highway Patrol obtained a Memorandum of Agreement to assist in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) actions to keep America safe.

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Tammy Hatting to lead SDSMA as next CEO

SIOUX FALLS – JUNE 24, 2025 – The South Dakota State Medical Association (SDSMA) is pleased to announce Tammy Hatting as its next CEO. Hatting will begin her role on July 7. The position is being vacated by Barb Smith, who is retiring after serving the organization since 2000.

Hatting has served as the chief operating officer for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) for seven years where she was responsible for advocating on behalf of members and overseeing multiple divisions including human resources, benefits, compliance, and program development. In this role, she was involved in state and federal government relations, lobbying, emergency preparedness, grants management, and policy development. Prior to joining SDAHO, Hatting was the director of innovation for Avera (now Avel) eCARE. In this role, she worked with key business and clinical stakeholders to bring telemedicine services to residents of South Dakota and was an advocate at both the state and federal levels for reimbursement of virtual services. Her experience also includes working at critical access hospitals and clinics in northwest Iowa as a patient relations manager and admissions manager, working across the continuum of care in patient access, EMR initiatives, quality improvement, corporate compliance, risk management, process improvement, and emergency preparedness. Hatting also spent more than 12 years in sales and management for Gateway Computers before entering the healthcare industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tammy,” said Keith Hansen, MD, president of the SDSMA. “Her extensive background in healthcare makes her an exceptional choice to lead our organization. We are confident that her leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advocate for physicians and patients, and promote the health of our communities.

Hatting holds a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration from Bellevue University, as well as an associate degree in financial management from the American College of Business in Des Moines. She also holds several certifications.

“I am honored to step into this role for the SDSMA,” said Hatting. “I look forward to working closely with members, staff, and partners to serve the needs of physicians and the patients they care for to ensure the highest quality of care for South Dakotans.”

Tammy has been married to her husband Dan for 33 years. They have two adult children: a son who lives in Milford, Iowa, and a daughter who lives in Des Moines. Tammy and Dan have lived in Sioux Falls for eight years, where Dan is employed at Sanford Health in IT services. In their spare time, they enjoy their lake home in Okoboji, traveling as much as possible, and attending sporting events and concerts.

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The SDSMA serves physicians, residents and medical students who are dedicated to the health of South Dakotans. The mission of the SDSMA is to promote the art and science of medicine, protect and improve the health of the public, and advocate for the well-being of physicians and patients and the best environment for physicians to advance quality health care. Learn more about the SDSMA at www.sdsma.org.

State Representative and (2%) Gubernatorial candidate Jon Hansen was in court this week, except he found himself on the witness stand testifying over efforts that the opposing counsel claimed illustrate Hansen’s desire to restrict citizen lawmaking:

The candidate is Jon Hansen, who serves as speaker of the state House of Representatives and is running for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in next June’s primary election. He convinced his fellow legislators to pass a bill during the winter that makes the window for gathering ballot-question petition signatures three months shorter, by moving the election-year deadline for submitting signed petitions from May to February.

and..

Several times during witness testimony, Leach pointed to bills Hansen has sponsored during his legislative career to restrict citizen lawmaking.

During this year’s legislative session, for example, Hansen prime-sponsored the bill to shorten the signature-gathering period and also prime-sponsored a bill adding justifications for the secretary of state to reject petition signatures, both of which passed. He co-sponsored a bill vetoed by the governor that would have required constitutional amendment petitions to have signatures from registered voters in each of the 35 state Senate districts. Existing law allows signatures to come from registered voters anywhere in the state.

The state’s lawyer, in response, asked Hansen if he’s opposed to the initiative process or wants to repeal it. Hansen answered no to both questions.

Read the entire story here at SD Searchlight.

The latest from the Minnehaha GOP is another note out today from the County Party Chairman Korry Petterson telling everyone that the rebel group meeting is not proper, nor recognized. Just in case someone was going to recognize it:

Good afternoon Central Committee Members,

I am writing to address the “special meeting” reportedly called by Vice Chair Marsha Symens for today.

After further reviewing the situation and consulting with over a dozen Central Committee members whom did not—including my wife and myself, receive any formal notification—contrary to what is being stated by the Vice Chair, nor has any attempt been made by Marsha, Tom, or Bridget to provide me, as Chairman, with evidence of such notice being sent to out to all members of ourbody, I maintain my previous position as chairman: This meeting was not properly noticed or called in accordance with the established procedure as laidout in our SDGOP bylaws and Robert’s Rules of order. Under the SDGOP bylaws, all official meetings must be conducted with proper notice to ALL relevant members, including clear communication of time, date, location, and agenda. Given that I have received communication again, from over a dozen MCGOP CC members stating they have not been notified, the required procedural threshold has not been met. The Minnehaha County Republican Party will not recognize this gathering as a valid or official meeting, deeming it out of order and without standing under both the RRO and party bylaws.

As previously announced, we will continue with our scheduled Roundtable Zoom call this Thursday, followed by another Roundtable Zoom Call in August. These Roundtable calls will not be official meetings, but rather informal discussions and updates.

Please also plan to see a notice later this summer for an in-person Regularly Called Central Committee meeting scheduled for September.

I recognize that the current situation and confusion are notably frustrating for you as members of the body, and division is certainly not the goal; rather, it is to uphold the integrity of our internal processes. I was duly elected as your Chairman for the next two years, and I take that role and the faith you have entrusted me with as a body very seriously.

This unrecognized “meeting” is another in a long line of ongoing attempts by a small, select group of individuals within the body to divert Minnehaha County from the forward progress we have made, are making, and will continue to create together. Looking ahead, we have a pivotal election cycle on the horizon, and I will need the support and leadership of every precinct committeeman and committeewoman in Minnehaha County. Let us stay focused on our shared goals and avoid unnecessary distractions.

I remain available and open to conversation with any of you. If you have concerns or would like to meet, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly at korrypgop@gmail.com.

Thank you for your continued dedication and service to the Minnehaha County Republican Party.

Best Regards,

Korry Petterson
Chairman
Minnehaha County Republicans

Glad he’s cleared that up.

Also, did I miss something regarding the progress they’re supposedly making?

Stay tuned. I’m sure we will see more salvos in the battle over who is in charge of the circus tent.

Thune: Republicans’ Bill Puts American Strength, Safety, and Prosperity First

“[W]e want to allow you to keep more of what you earn so that you can spend it and make decisions that are in the best interests of your family, instead of sending that money to Washington, D.C.”

 Click here or on the picture to watch the video.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke at a press conference with Senate Republican leadership:

Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges in Prison Inmate Deaths

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces two individuals have been indicted on charges related to the drug overdose deaths of two South Dakota Penitentiary inmates that have occurred this year at the Penitentiary.

“We are holding individuals accountable for distributing illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Their action led to the tragic and preventable loss of life.”

Penitentiary inmate Manarion (Mare-nar-ion) Timothy Douglas Fuse, 21, is charged with one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids, that resulted in the death of inmate Anthony Richards on Feb. 6, 2025; and one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids. Fuse is alleged to have provided the drug to Richards who died that night. He faces a maximum of 70 years in prison.

Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, resulting in the death of inmate Jason Garreau, who died on May 15, 2025. She is alleged to have brought the drug into the prison when she visited Garreau on May 14. She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

Both defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.

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

Attorney General Jackley said the investigation continues into the suspected drug overdose deaths of two other inmates that occurred this year.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces 24 Prison Inmates Indicted on Charges in May Penitentiary Disturbance

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces 24 inmates have been indicted on charges in connection to the May 27 disturbance at the Penitentiary that left 14 inmates injured.

“The defendants orchestrated violent assaults that endangered both inmates and staff,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General will hold accountable those engaging in violence within the prison walls.”

The 24 inmates charged in the May 27 disturbance were indicted on either felony or misdemeanor charges including Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, and Rioting. The assaults resulted in 14 inmates injured and four were transported to local hospitals. Maximum sentences for individual defendants extend up to 80 years in prison.

All defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.

Court appearances for the defendants will be scheduled later. The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

Inmates who have been charged are:

1.            Daniel James Farmer
2.           Montique Rinaldo Bickham
3.           Treysean Mychael Gunnoe
4.           Carlos Luis Riveramontes
5.           Cruz Louis Deleon
6.           Cyruss Baylee Haag
7.           Elias Seth Richard
8.           Bryce Jaymes Spinks
9.           Trevor Joseph Cunningham
10.      Ethan Bradley Phillips
11.      Austin John Esser
12.      Mekohl Louis Tyrel Johnson
13.      Ezekiel Chavez Two Dogs
14.      Luis Javier Perez-Melendez
15.      Hunger High Pipe
16.      Enos Evans Horned Eagle
17.      Dylan Robert Brown
18.      William Christopher Little
19.      Garrett Austin Dumarce
20.      Lyric Murray Hill
21.      Jonathan Alan Denoyer
22.      Adrian Vaughn Lund
23.      Deaundrea Gage Janis
24.      Shaun Ray Valenzuela

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Gov. Rhoden and Sec. Doug Burgum Move Forward with Planning for Mount Rushmore Fireworks

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the State of South Dakota and the United States Department of the Interior are moving forward with planning for the Mount Rushmore Fireworks celebration to celebrate America’s 250^th Birthday. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward with planning, which you can find here.

“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”

You can find photos of Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signing the MOA here and b-roll footage here.

Back in February, Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum agreed that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This MOA serves as the legal binding document.

“Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country’s birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration.”

Governor Rhoden also invited President Trump to attend this fantastic celebration. He made this invitation in a letter to the President, which you can find here.

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Rounds Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications
Applications Due by July 15

PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the fall 2025 semester. Positions are available in the Washington, D.C. office and the state offices in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Fall internships typically run from September to December, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.

“Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage college students interested in serving the state of South Dakota to apply for the upcoming fall internship.”

“I learned many valuable things during my time interning in Senator Rounds’ office,” said Kaelyn Somsen, a summer 2022 intern in Rounds’ D.C. office who is now attending law school at the University of South Dakota. “I continue to use many of those lessons during my time in law school and while working in a law firm. Communication is a big part of interning in the Senate, whether it be communicating with constituents, those who are coming in to meet with the Senator, or other staff members. Learning how to address different people and situations has helped me in school and work as I am able to communicate efficiently and effectively with clients, professors, attorneys, and other staff members.”

Duties in the Washington, D.C. office include tracking legislation, researching bills, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and providing legislative support. Duties in the South Dakota offices include researching constituent inquiries and requests, participation in outreach activities, assisting staff on special projects, sorting mail, handling phone calls and responding to constituent requests. In all offices, students will work closely with constituents and staff, polish their research and writing skills and gain an in-depth understanding of a Senate office. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible.

Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information, please contact Rounds’ Pierre office at 605-224-1450.

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