The minutes of the June 3 Butte County Commission are interesting.

Without naming names – which they should have in the case of a fellow elected official doing it – they placed a resolution in their minutes scolding the people who were on camera on May 20th calling county employee fat asses, and things of the like while commissioners were out during executive session:

Commissioner Ager read statement addressing 20 May 2025 regular Commission Meeting. The comment published in full below.

Statement for the Record – Butte County Commission Meeting, Tuesday, May 20. Video available at www.butte county.org

During the executive session of the Butte County Commission meeting held on Tuesday, May 20, while the Commissioners were out of the room, three individuals remained in the room. While the meeting camera continued recording, these individuals made multiple derogatory and inappropriate remarks directed at Butte County, its elected officials, and its employees. These comments included referring to an elected official and employees as “idiots” and making disrespectful, body-shaming remarks about employees at the Butte County Administration Building.

The Butte County Commission finds such behavior reprehensible, offensive, and wholly unacceptable. These remarks do not represent the values or sentiments of the vast majority of Butte County’s residents, who are respectful, civic-minded, and supportive of their public servants.

The Commission formally condemns both the behavior and the comments made by these individuals and affirms its support for the dedicated employees and officials who serve the county with integrity.

This statement is to be entered into the official minutes of the Butte County Commission.

James Ager, Chairman, Butte County Commission
Chad Erk. Commissioner
Frank Walton, Commissioner
Terry Batterman, Commissioner
Tom Brunner, Commissioner

Motion by Batterman, Second by Walton, to approve the Consent Agenda Items with no changes. Vote Unanimous. Motion Carried.

Who was in the room talking about people being fat asses? State Rep. Travis Ismay was one of them. You know, the same person who was telling someone how to poison someone with eye drops. At that same meeting. (I’m not sure why the whole poisoning thing didn’t make their list.)

If I were Rep. Ismay, I don’t know that I would take issue with someone’s weight, nor refer to the public employees of the county as idiots. That’s just too “pot & kettle” you know.

South Dakota and the Psychopath Myth

Despite Viral Buzz, South Dakota Is Not a Land of Psychopaths; Media outlets misreport state’s rank in controversial personality study

By Todd Epp, Northern Plains News

South Dakota is not among the most psychopathic states in the U.S., despite what several national websites have claimed.

According to a 2019 working paper by economist Ryan H. Murphy of Southern Methodist University, South Dakota ranks 23rd out of 48 in estimated psychopathic personality traits.

The study used Big Five personality trait data—specifically low conscientiousness and agreeableness—from a 2013 peer-reviewed mapping study to create a “psychopathy index” by state.

Murphy stressed that the term “psychopathy” in this case refers to subclinical traits—not violent or criminal behavior. “This isn’t clinical diagnosis,” the paper notes. “It’s a statistical construct using personality traits like boldness, meanness, and disinhibition.”

Wrong Numbers, Real Damage

Despite that clarification, media outlets repeatedly mischaracterized the findings. A 2019 Men’s Health article ranked South Dakota 12th. Other click-driven sites, including one titled “Science Says,” claimed the state was 4th, citing no direct source or link to the original study.

The original paper does not support those rankings. It lists Washington, D.C., Connecticut, California, and New Jersey among the highest-scoring areas. South Dakota is squarely in the middle.

Murphy’s paper also found no correlation between the psychopathy rankings and homicide or violent crime rates.

Rural Norms Defy Labels

Murphy theorized that urbanization might influence psychopathy scores more than region. Densely populated states with large metro areas tended to rank higher. Rural states like South Dakota often showed personality profiles tied to self-reliance but not antisocial behavior.

South Dakota’s community-oriented culture and lower population density likely soften traits that might otherwise read as “cold” in personality metrics.

Journalism Check: Read the Paper

The incident underscores how viral news often distorts nuance. Without verifying primary sources, states like South Dakota can become scapegoats for misleading national narratives.

The 2019 working paper has not been peer-reviewed, and no follow-up study has emerged since its release. Murphy cautioned that his methodology is experimental and should not be overinterpreted.

For South Dakotans, the bottom line is clear: the state is not a hotbed of antisocial behavior. According to the original data, it’s about as average as you can get.

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Resilience, Discipline, and Strength on Display
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
June 18, 2025 

At the start of fall, many high school graduates embark on a new journey at vocational schools, community colleges, or four-year universities. But a unique group of exceptional individuals begin their college experience in June at our military service academies. After receiving nominations from my office, eight strong young men and women accepted appointments to attend all five U.S. service academies.

Our backgrounds often inform our decisions in life. These appointees have been shaped by leaders and ambitions, even from a young age. Lexi Brandt from Custer has been dreaming of attending the Air Force Academy since seventh grade, and in just a few days, that dream will become a reality. Dylan Frank of Custer is the son of an Army helicopter pilot and is taking steps of his own to serve like his dad. Dylan is aiming to be a fixed-wing Navy aviator at the Naval Academy. Kevin Jung was born in South Korea and just completed his two years of compulsory service in the Republic of Korea Army. But as a Sioux Falls resident and United States citizen, he is restarting his military career as a plebe at West Point. Aubrey Fraasch of Milbank is the fourth generation in her family to serve, and she wants to become a pilot. She attended a military preparatory school last year and will study engineering at the Naval Academy this year. No matter what their background, their ambition is the same: serving their country.

Personal values and interests also lead us to choosing a specific path for our life. Gabriel Reeve of Piedmont has internalized the value of holding ideals above self-interest and will soon begin at the Naval Academy. Brody Weinmeister of Aberdeen has embodied high personal standards, integrity, and responsibility, the core principles of the Air Force Academy, which he will attend. Paige Willnerd of Summerset has volunteered with her local Disabled American Veterans chapter, which has shown her the sacrifices our servicemembers have made and has inspired her. She applied to all four academies and accepted her top choice, the Merchant Marine Academy, and is excited to serve her country in this way. Rowdy Baldwin of Pierre has spent years giving back to his community and attend the U.S. Military Academy in hopes of becoming a mechanical or combat engineer in the Army.

Additionally, Maverick Sutton, currently serving active duty at Ellsworth Air Force Base, will attend the Air Force Academy preparatory school in hopes to join the Air Force Chaplain Corps. Also attending the Air Force preparatory school will be Max Cook of Gregory. Both of his parents served in the military and now he feels it is his time to become a leader. Lincoln Mansfield of Hurley accepted a United States Naval Foundation scholarship, which provides a year of education and training before the Academy.

Just like any other university or college, these individuals will undertake rigorous coursework. But unlike other academic programs, their non-traditional college adventure begins with several weeks of basic military training. These programs demand resilience, discipline, and strength—qualities each of these students have already demonstrated in abundance. Their dedication and character are inspiring.

These young men and women will represent South Dakota with honor and distinction. Join me, their families, and communities in congratulating them on their appointments and thanking them for their willingness to serve our nation. Their commitment to our country is unwavering and South Dakota stands proudly behind them.

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When that person is smiling at you.. think twice before you assume it’s South Dakota nice, according to the New York Post:

As it turns out, our personalities are, in fact, shaped by the environments we grow up in, and Nevada, New York, South Dakota, and Texas contain the highest percentages of those in possession of “dark personality traits.”

A recent study conducted by Ingo Zettler, Lau Lilleholt, Benjamin E. Hilbig, Morten Moshagen, and Martina Bader at the University of Copenhagen found that humans display different levels of dark personality traits depending on their location and the concentration of aversive societal conditions (ASC) that place possesses.

and..

In their exploration of the correlation between dark personality traits and aversive social conditions, the researchers examined the U.S. through the lens of individual states.

Data was gathered via survey, and for the U.S.-focused portion of the study, used Census data on socioeconomic disparity and poverty, FBI homicide rates, and Justice Department corruption sentences to draw conclusions.

Read it all here.

Well, there you go. You might actually want to start locking your door at night.

Thune: Senate Republicans Secure Permanent Tax Relief for Hardworking Americans

“The tax provisions in our bill – from the permanent extension of the lower tax rates to the increased child tax credit to the permanent tax relief for small and medium-sized businesses – will help bring security to American families and prosperity to our 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.

 

 

Thune Joins Sean Hannity on Fox News

 “We want to make sure that we are rooting out the Biden-era waste, fraud, and abuse in the Medicaid program, and making sure that it’s targeted and directed … at the people for whom it was intended.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) joined Sean Hannity on Fox News: 

 Click here or on the picture to watch the video.

If there are any still speculating what Senator Rounds intends to do, you should have figured it out a long time ago. Mike is in for US Senate, and the campaign is slowly being brought to the gantry, according to Team Rounds insiders.

Longtime confidant and former chief of staff to Senator Rounds, Rob Skjonsberg, confirmed that Rounds is taking steps to launch his 2026 re-election campaign.  Rob tells me that “Mike’s focused on the job – but the campaign infrastructure will be in place when he’s ready to make a formal announcement.   I guarantee we won’t have a cold start. We’ll hit the ground running.”

When pressed about “the team” being in place, Skjonsberg informs me that “We have most of the pieces locked in already.”

If you recall, in 2020, Rounds’ media and digital presence was impressive after partnering with former Thune and Noem political media guru, Scottie Howell. Howell brings a massive network and a proven record of winning tough races in South Dakota. Rounds also has one of the best pollsters in the country, a strong friendship with Senator Thune and his team, and a ground game with 30 years worth of success. Skjonsberg has always added a little extra “edge” to Mike and I think that’s why it’s a successful combination.

It’s not “If” Mike decides to pull the trigger –  It’s when. And everyone should assume he’ll be the juggernaut once again.

Stay tuned.

NFIB Releases New Ads In South Dakota Urging Congress to Permanently Protect American-Owned Small Businesses from Unconstitutional, Invasive Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements
New Radio, Digital Ads in South Dakota Urge Lawmakers to Protect Small Business Owners’ Privacy, Repeal BOI

PIERRE, SD (June 18, 2025) – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, today released new paid advertisements in South Dakota featuring targeted radio ads and digital ads. The ads urge members of Congress to: Protect the privacy of small business owners by codifying into law President Trump’s order that American small businesses are exempt from the unconstitutional and invasive Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting rule; fully repeal the BOI law, and require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) to destroy all beneficial ownership information data already submitted by U.S. small businesses.

Listen to the radio ad here and visit ProtectSmallBusiness.org  for up-to-date information on the campaign.

“President Trump’s announcement that America’s small businesses were exempt from enforcement of the unconstitutional and invasive Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirement was a huge victory for small business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “Now the fight shifts to Congress; they must take immediate action to codify President Trump’s order into law, fully repeal the outrageous BOI law, and require FinCEN to destroy the data of the millions of small business owners who have already complied with this unconstitutional mandate.”

For over six years, NFIB has fought against Beneficial Ownership Information reporting regulations in Congress, executive branch agencies, and the federal courts, working to permanently block and repeal it. If not fully repealed, 32 million small businesses nationwide could once again be subjected to this unnecessary, invasive, and unconstitutional mandate. Those who fail to comply would be subject to criminal and civil penalties of up to two years in federal prison and up to $10,000.

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For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.

Last night was apparently an active one for candidates (and those who might be).

Toby “I’m not the evil one” Doeden was out in the field after his debacle of an interview on KELOland. Ironically, testing his positive/negative rating.  I can almost guess which one is going to be up:

Also floating around in a different poll was someone testing the interest of people for Attorney General Marty Jackley in the race for both Congress. Yet, there was still a Gov. question at the end:

This is a weird period where rumors rule, and things are in flux. Affecting a few contests for statewide office.

It has been rumored that with Governor Rhoden in the race for well, Governor, along with Congressman Dusty Johnson, and the other two, the race for the big chair on the second floor of the Capitol is looking a bit crowded.

So, there’s talk that Marty is at least exploring his options on switching gears. And instead of running for Governor as many expected him to, he’s at least giving thought to the Congressional race. Yet.. he’s not necessarily letting go completely, as I’m told there was another question in this poll about Governor.

The problem with this for our Attorney General – And make no mistake, Marty is a good guy, and most Republicans including myself think the world of him – is that there’s a growing sense of inertia because supporters are less and less sure of what he’s running for. Donors are out there who may consider cutting him a check.. but they want to know specifically whether it’s Marty for Governor or Marty for Congress.

And the longer he waits to pick a lane.. the more commitments are going to have been made to other people. If Marty wants in on Campaign 2026 for a higher office, he might need to pick the trail he’s going to be running down very soon.

If you notice the polling question above, you notice that Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen’s name is still in that mix, when many thought he was not.  And I hear that’s also causing some consternation. The thought was that Venhuizen is rock solid with Rhoden serving loyally as his Lt. But, I’m told some Tony supporters of his in the congressional contest are saying don’t count Tony out.  Which might make for some awkward conversations.

Stau tuned. I’m sure there’s a lot more to come.

Attorney General Jackley Announces South Dakota Receives Almost $2 Million Opioid Payment from Janssen Pharmaceuticals

 PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that South Dakota has received payment of $1,967,317.50 in its latest opioid settlement from Janssen Pharmaceuticals.

“This payment is part of our efforts to hold companies accountable for their part in creating this nation’s opioid crisis,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Too many South Dakota families have suffered because of this crisis.”

Johnson & Johnson, which owns Janssen, agreed in 2021 to pay states more than $5 billion over nine years. This latest payment brings the amount received to $4,994,200.68. South Dakota is expected to receive a projected total of $9,357,950.77 from the Johnson & Johnson settlement.

The payments go into the National Opioid Settlement Fund administered by the South Dakota Department of Social Services. As part of the National Opioid Settlement, South Dakota is projected to receive nearly $80 million in funds from companies that helped fuel the opioid epidemic.  These funds will be used for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery.

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