I’m sure you’ve seen or heard about the ads that Governor Noem is running in media markets across the country encouraging people to come to South Dakota:

Inevitably, the Governor finds herself taking some hits on the ads because they were ran through an out of state firm which happened to have had the successful proposal.

And there’s no denying the quality. The Governor has had opportunity to tout the success of the campaign again and again, as noted most recently:

“These ads have achieved their goal: people are talking about South Dakota. Those of us who were born and raised here know how wonderful the state is – and it’s time for the rest of America to see that, too,” said Governor Noem. “I am so happy to see folks from all over the country looking into moving their families to South Dakota. Freedom-loving Americans from coast to coast want to be a part of the great life we’ve all built for ourselves here in the heartland.”

The ads have been viewed over 720 million times. 6,792 people have applied to move to South Dakota through “Freedom Works Here.” Over 1,547 applicants are in the final stages of moving to South Dakota. The most applications have come from California (1,048), Florida (519), Texas (488), Minnesota (374), and New York (312). 183 South Dakotans have also used the campaign as a tool to get plugged into career opportunities. A map showing where applicants are from can be found here.

These numbers represent those working directly through the “Freedom Works Here” program. Even more people are finding jobs and moving to South Dakota of their own accord after seeing the ads.

Read that here.

I’m sure timing, the national environment, and other things factor into it as well, but there’s no denying that this has been one of the most successful marketing efforts ever to recruit people to move to South Dakota.

Even in the face of success, people are finding a way to criticize the Governor over the marketing campaign. I can’t help but wonder if people go looking for excuses just to criticize advertising from the state?

Literally we’ve been doing this as a state since statehood. Above my desk is one of the earliest versions of a “move to South Dakota” campaign, where as part of the 1899 “Pierre for Capital” campaign, it points out how western South Dakota has been opened for settlement by act of Congress. Recruiting people to move to the wide open spaces of South Dakota to improve the economic condition of the state has been done since statehood.

That piece was printed by Pettibone, Wells & Company out of Chicago at the time.

This Governor has taken hits in the past for advertising campaigns from the various state agencies because everyone has an opinion. When trying to raise awareness for how methamphetamine addiction can affect everyone, we had the “Meth, We’re on it” campaign. The Governor took flak on that, and as part of the criticism, it was brought up that it was developed by a Minnesota firm.

But, just a few years before, with a different governor, we had another ad that took fire. This time the recruiting campaign that then Governor Daugaard was taking heat over was “Why Die on Mars When You Can Live Here?” That came from a South Dakota firm, but that didn’t enter into the griping. Why? Well, because we developed it here.

If the state and the marketing agency followed the rules and guidelines, why are we complaining? Don’t like the procurement rules? Change them. Otherwise, why are we trying to find reasons to throw shade on success? We’ve had marketing campaigns that have resonated, and others that didn’t. They’ve come from within the state and from without.

I’d rather celebrate the big win we are enjoying and the wave of people seeking the freedom of South Dakota right now than manufacture reasons to dislike it.

(Although someone will inevitably grouse about that.)

Now there’s a name from the past.  Hot off the press this morning is a new campaign filing from the Annette Bosworth for US Senate campaign.

FEC Termination filing for Annette Bosworth MD by Pat Powers on Scribd

Remember Annette Bosworth? She was the US Senate candidate who jumped in the 2014 US Senate contest free-for-all against Mike Rounds, Larry Rhoden, Stace Nelson and latecomer Jason Ravnsborg.. where many of them went on to bigger and better things. For at least a while.   Obviously, Rounds became US Senator, and Larry Rhoden later found himself as our Lt. Governor.

Jason Ravnsborg successfully ran for Attorney General.. until he wasn’t Attorney General. As he became the first elected official impeached and removed from office after a tragic auto accident.

After placing third in the race behind Rounds & Rhoden, State Rep. Stace Nelson managed to move to the State Senate for most of a term until he flamed out and resigned after a lawsuit was brought to challenge whether he could block someone from his facebook page. Since then he was divorced and remarried for the 4th? time, and his name has become a fading footnote in South Dakota politics.

Since then, candidate Annette Bosworth ran into some… legal troubles.

Bosworth fought a long battle to get her medical license back after being convicted of six felony counts of “offering a false or forged instrument for filing with the state” in filing false attributions that she witnessed petition signatures, after overturning perjury convictions for the same things.

And the impact of those felony convictions continue to be problematic, as noted in this 2023 decision:

Petitioner, Annette M. Bosworth, M.D., is a South Dakota physician who was once enrolled in the Medicare program but no longer is.  On May 27, 2015, she was convicted on six felony counts of offering a false or forged instrument for filing with the state.  She did not report those convictions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).  Based on her convictions and her failing to report, the Medicare contractor, Noridian Healthcare Solutions, revoked her Medicare enrollment and billing privileges, followed by a three-year reenrollment bar, which expired on March 26, 2019.  She has not reenrolled.

and..

Conclusion

CMS is authorized to include Petitioner Bosworth on the preclusion list, effective January 1, 2019, because, within the preceding ten years, she was convicted of a felony offense that CMS reasonably determined is detrimental to the best interests of the Medicare program.

I have no authority to review CMS’s determination that Petitioner will remain on the Preclusion List for ten years.

Read that here.

Which seems to say she is barred from billing Medicare for a decade, which doesn’t end until 2029! That’s not going to help the bottom line.

But getting back to the filing. The interesting part in the filing is the last page. Since the end of her campaign, Bosworth has been recording this debt to attorney Joel Arends:

But in today’s filing, it’s not there, and the new filing makes this claim to the FEC:

With the campaign claiming that “The amount represented a future stream of monthly retainers for legal fees anticipated for the remainder of the 2013-2014 cycle.”

Well.. not exactly.   While Bosworth has maintained to the FEC that it was for disputed legal services, Arends noted to me today that it was for campaign management, and not in the scope of legal services.  The big thing that’s happened recently is that I’m told that the statute of limitations for bringing a lawsuit for breach of contract has run out.  And obviously Joel had moved on from this long ago.

It’s hard to give the full account of Annette Bosworth’s careening ride through South Dakota politics in a blog post, because it was just so crazy. I didn’t even get into the part where she spoke about living in a van, Mitchell Olson’s lawsuit against the Annette Bosworth Legal fund, etc. As we get to years and close to a decade later in part, it’s hard to remember the constant drama and insanity that surrounded this train wreck of a campaign.

But here we are. The closing of this campaign account marks the closing of the story of Annette Bosworth in South Dakota politics. And it will be left to the historians to remember.

Richard Thomason Announces Candidacy for At-Large Seat on Sioux Falls City Council

SIOUX FALLS, SD – Richard L. Thomason announced today that he will be a candidate for an At-Large Seat on the Sioux Falls City Council in 2024.  

Thomason moved with his family to Sioux Falls as a child and is a graduate of Lincoln High School.  Following graduation from college, Richard returned to Sioux Falls to begin his professional career and currently serves as the Relationship Manager at Central Bank.

“I moved to Sioux Falls before I was three and have loved it ever since,” said Thomason. “I’m humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve this great city that gives us all so much,” he added.

Thomason was elected in 2020 to serve as a State Representative from District 13 (south central Sioux Falls). Currently, Alex Jensen serves on the Council in the At-Large seat and has announced his support for Richard, following his decision not to seek re-election.

“While I’m saddened my term on the council is coming to a close, I’m incredibly excited Richard has decided to run,” said Councilor Alex Jensen. “He has a sincere understanding of the issues facing our community, and I know he’ll be a great advocate for public safety and fiscal responsibility,” Jensen added.

Thomason is a firm advocate for fiscal responsibility with balanced budgets and low taxes.  He has a commonsense approach to decision making that involves research and communication with both sides of an issue to be fully informed.

“Sioux Falls is one of the best places to raise a family, and I want it not only to stay that way but get even better,” said Thomason. “I have great respect for our city government and am excited for the opportunity to get involved in a meaningful way to help take Sioux Falls to the next level,” he added.

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TONY VENHUIZEN TO SEEK REELECTION TO STATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT 13

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Rep. Tony Venhuizen announced today that he will seek a second term in the State House of Representatives from District 13 in next year’s election.

Venhuizen, 40, was elected to his first State House term in 2022, finishing first in a four-way Republican primary and running in the general election unopposed. He assumed a leadership role in the State House as vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, which scrutinizes and sets the state budget each year.

During the 2023 legislative session, Venhuizen was the prime sponsor of a bill to increase the value of the South Dakota Opportunity Scholarship, and another to allow for a work requirement for Medicaid expansion enrollees.

“In my first session, we balanced our state budget, passed historic tax relief, and expanded opportunities for our young people in K-12 and higher education. There is always more to do, though, and I would be honored to continue to serve in Pierre,” said Venhuizen. “I will remain focused on making South Dakota an even better place for families and business, and I will always defend our values and be pro-life, pro-family, and protective of our liberties.”

Venhuizen grew up in Armour and holds a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from South Dakota State University and a law degree from the University of South Dakota. Prior to serving in the State House, Venhuizen served as chief of staff to Governor Kristi Noem and Governor Dennis Daugaard, and as a member of the South Dakota Board of Regents, which oversees the six state universities.

Venhuizen and his wife, Sara, live in Sioux Falls, where he works in trust and estate law and she works as an electrical engineer. Their three children – Henry, Elizabeth, and Madeleine – are students at Patrick Henry Middle School and Robert Frost Elementary School, and the family attends Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

Visit www.tonyforsd.com

From my mailbox, unlike some who are termed out of office, State Senator Jack Kolbeck is not feeling the pull to return to Pierre in the winter, and is going to devote his time to family & friends, and the community he calls home:

Senator Jack Kolbeck – District 13
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

As most of you know I am termed out of the Senate as of January 2025.

It has been more than an Honor and a Privilege to represent the great people in District 13 and in the State of South Dakota while serving in the Senate.

I have decided not to pursue, as law permits, the Seat in District 13 to the House of Representatives in the State of South Dakota.  

My wife and I have 10 grandchildren and it is time to spend more time with Family and Friends.

We would also like to do some traveling and participate more in community activities in this Great City of Sioux Falls.

I know that there are people who can fulfill the wishes of the people in District 13, and I wish whoever takes on this responsibility the best.

I just want to thank everyone who supported me and my family and gave me the encouragement to represent the people in District 13.  You all are much appreciated, and I am so ever grateful.

Sincerely
Senator Jack Kolbeck

Thank you for your time and your service Senator Kolbeck.

 

Thune Calls Out Biden’s Radical Return to Obama-Era Net Neutrality Proposal

 “Under the regulatory regime the Biden FCC wants to impose, the federal government would be allowed to block or prioritize internet traffic or otherwise interfere with the free flow of information.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today spoke on the Senate floor about the Biden administration’s attempt to return to failed, heavy-handed Obama-era regulations on the internet. Thune noted that in order to maintain a free and open internet, Democrats should reject the administration’s misguided net neutrality power grab.

Just had a note that the race has begun in District 22 House, as former State Representative Lana Greenfield let me know she intends to be a candidate.

Greenfield, pictured above in a screenshot of a campaign piece from an election gone gone by, had termed out of office in 2022 after serving 8 years in the state legislature.

Greenfield is a business owner and a retired public school teacher, who followed in her son Brock’s footsteps in public service in the South Dakota State Legislature.

While Brock has retired from the third floor, he’s still hanging around the State Capitol as our Commissioner of School & Public Lands. 

Clearly, 2024 is coming up fast!

Tarek Maalouf Announces Candidacy for Sioux Falls City Council Northeast District

SIOUX FALLS–Tarek Maalouf, an attorney and actuary in Sioux Falls, is excited to announce his candidacy for the Sioux Falls City Council Northeast District.

Raised in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Tarek moved to Sioux Falls in 2021 to work for Sammons Financial Group.  “The things that drew me to Sioux Falls are the things I want to focus on maintaining as the Northeast’s next City Councillor: affordable housing, low crime, and a thriving downtown,” Tarek said.

“I remember growing up and seeing our downtown movie theater abandoned.  And then I remember coming to Sioux Falls and seeing the vibrant downtown anchored by the newly reopened State Theatre.  Sioux Falls is a city on the rise and I want to help keep it that way.”

When not busy with work, Tarek volunteers at the State Theatre, serves as the Secretary of the South Dakota Young Republicans, and bikes the Greenway Trail with his dog, Stella.

Sioux Falls city elections are Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Follow Tarek for Sioux Falls on Facebook for campaign updates and the username TarekForSF on Twitter and Instagram.

I had to chuckle when this was sent over to me. Jordan Youngberg is certainly enthusiastic in his campaign for the District 25 State Senate seat.

As you can see – the wrap is back – referring to one of Youngberg’s favorite campaign methods, wrapping his truck as a visible sign he’s out on the campaign trail.

Interesting story I read today on the Jet Fuel plant that a company is looking to bring to Lake Preston – setting a community that had a foot and a half in the grave back on the road to prosperity.  One thing the project states they need to make it happen – the Summit Carbon pipeline:

Without the Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline, what’s believed to be the largest capital investment in South Dakota’s history might not happen.

That was part of the message from Kent Hartwig, director of state government affairs with Gevo, at Tuesday’s Brown County Commission meeting at the courthouse annex.

Gevo is planning a plant near Lake Preston that would include an ethanol plant and a hydrocarbon plant that converts the ethanol into aviation jet fuel. The plant would be powered by an adjoining wind farm.

The ethanol-hydrocarbon plant is estimated to cost $850 million and the wind farm $150 million, for an overall investment of $1 billion. The wind farm would power the plant.

Read the entire story here.

While a lot of people want to put their blinders on, the fact of the matter is that energy plants, such as ethanol and in this case, jet fuel, have to be cognizant of making their product as carbon neutral as possible if they want to sell to anyone in other countries, and in ever increasing frequency, in other states.  You can produce the fuel, but if you can’t sell it to other people, well, you’re going to go out of business quickly.

This plant will be a major consumer of ag products, keeping corn prices high.

The question is whether those who oppose the pipeline can give up their opposition to ethanol and ag producers, and support South Dakota.