There was a press release from the so-called Freedom Caucus earlier this week that didn’t really seem related to freedom as I’ve heard it defined.

What they were seeking attention for was about going after South Dakota Libraries, because the national library association is pushing some ideas they don’t like, so they want to stop “collaboration with organizations deemed inappropriate.”  Or at least, collaboration with organizations that they deem inappropriate, as they believe themselves to be the umpires of what’s acceptable and not acceptable in society.

In their release, the Free-dumbers are going after South Dakota libraries in collaboration with several groups/co-conspirators that they identify in a letter including street evangelist Matthew Monfore, “Toni” Weaver with Citizens for Liberty (who needs little introduction), and Elkton election conspiracist Rick Weible.

Seriously? These nanny-staters think they are qualified to be the arbiters of what people should be reading in our libraries and want to be the censors what people should expose themselves to?  Are they kidding? When he’s not getting kicked off the rez for distributing hate materials, Matthew Monfore’s sense of oppressive and smothering evangelism has had him in the past harassing women in bathing suits in public beaches as being immoral.

And with Elkton resident Rick Weible, his latest cause has ginned up some opposition locally here in Brookings as he leads a book burning movement as described in this flyer making the rounds on Facebook:

The group behind this anonymous flyer opposing Weible’s book burning effort seems to have drawn their line in the sand at the September 11 Brookings School Board meeting, and is encouraging Brookings residents to show up en masse to oppose the group pushing for the book bans.  While both sides are given to hyperbolae, the group opposing book bans does have a point.

When people such as Weible wants to organize the removal of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “the Diary of Anne Frank” (yes, they are on his list) from school libraries, people should be concerned.  Because they are substituting their own judgment for ours as parents. Maybe, as in To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s a proper lesson to teaching good versus evil, and the value of justice.  Or as is found in the Diary of Anne Frank, living and hiding under an oppressive regime (who also burned books), that the Director of the Holocaust Museum cited the lesson as tracing the author’s “emotional growth amid adversity.”

Ultimately, as the parent of a child in the school, if there is something I object to, I consider it MY JOB to determine what might be appropriate or inappropriate for my child. It’s called being a parent. And guess what? I refuse to abdicate that role to a group of nanny-state zealots any more than I would abdicate that role to the school.

Having the ability to determine myself what is appropriate for my child.  That seems to be a lot closer to the definition of freedom as it has been taught to me than the “big government freedom” some want to impose on South Dakotans.

If these groups claim to be actual advocates for Freedom, maybe they should actually trust people to judge for themselves, and for parents to be parents.

Unless they’re not about freedom, and just want to tell people what to do.

The Dakota Scout is reporting today that former Speaker of the House Spencer Gosch is actually considering a run for State Senate.

..former House Speaker Spencer Gosch, is mulling another run at District 23’s Senate seat, a pursuit he also made in 2022 before coming up short in a primary against incumbent Sen. Bryan Breitling.

and..

“I am still considering it,” Gosch said.

Read that here (subscription required).

So, let me get this.. The same Speaker Gosch who, among other things, was an obstacle to the impeachment investigation, and held a secret vote on a special session for impeachment, and got blasted for it during the last campaign…

And who followed up his loss with a taxpayer paid Hawaiian vacation..

Gosch, as well as Rep. Jamie Smith, both went on a trip to Hawaii to attend the Council of State Governments’ national conference in Honolulu. They were among a dozen South Dakota lawmakers to attend.

But neither Gosch nor Smith are returning to the Legislature in January. Both are lame-duck lawmakers.

And..

“As God is my witness, I can think of no justifiable reason for the outgoing House speaker, with less than 30 days left in his term, to be at a taxpayer-funded legislative conference in Hawaii,” Hoffman said. “My constituents will not be pleased to hear of it.”

Read the entire story here (subscription required).

..a Hawaiian vacation where he was injured cliff-diving during this important taxpayer-funded conference.

And he is looking at running for the legislature again?

I’d ask if someone was kidding, but Spencer was just that tone-deaf during his tenure.

Do taxpayers have that short an attention span? Who knows.

Maybe he’s planning his next vacation.

“Freedom Works Here” Ad Airs during Republican Presidential Debate

PIERRE, S.D. – On Wednesday night, the “Bright Side” ad aired during the first Republican presidential primary debate on Fox News. The debate generated 35.7 million impressions for Governor Kristi Noem’s national “Freedom Works Here” workforce recruitment campaign.

“People love the new ad! I have heard time and time again that ‘Bright Side’ is their favorite, so we aimed it at the Freedom-loving debate viewers,” said Governor Noem. “Americans are taking action to move to South Dakota. We have open jobs that need to be filled, and we are showing the nation why this is the best state in the nation to live, work, and raise a family.”

Last Friday, in the 24 hours after Governor Noem launched the “Bright Side” ad, the “Freedom Works Here” campaign received 386 applications – a new daily high. Governor Noem unveiled the ad last Thursday night on Hannity.

 “Freedom Works Here” will advertise in the November issue of Stars & Stripes, a publication targeted at 350,000 military personnel who are leaving the service and seeking job opportunities. This is an opportunity for South Dakota to connect with military personnel and veterans.  

The “Freedom Works Here” ads have been viewed over 558 million times. Since the beginning of the campaign, 5,674 people have submitted applications. 1,100 individuals are in the final stages of moving to South Dakota.

The most applications have come from California (917), Texas (423), Florida (418), Minnesota (328), and New York (255). 163 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.

More information about the Freedom Works Here campaign can be found here.

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In the District 25 Senate race, elect a candidate with an action plan
by District 25 State Senate candidate Jordan Youngberg

Actions speak louder than words.

That’s the first lesson that I taught my two boys, and it’s the way I’ve always seen things in all areas of life. Anyone can talk about doing something. It takes true leadership to hear all sides of an issue, create strong legislation, and have the relationships that it takes to get positive change over the finish line. Next year, District 25 voters will have the chance to choose who will continue to represent them starting in 2025.

My message to the people of District 25 is simple: elect the candidate with a plan for action.

Bringing a plan for action to Pierre isn’t just a campaign slogan – it’s something I have a proven track record of doing. During my first race in 2016, I beat a democrat incumbent that very few people thought I had a shot at beating. However, with the support of my family, friends, and community, we got the job done.

Once in the Senate, I passed strong legislation that everyone can be proud of. I sponsored legislation to train tribal law enforcement at the state law enforcement center, set the groundwork for regulating industrial hemp, support victims of human trafficking, and strengthen our education system. I was also fortunate to be elected to serve as a whip in Senate leadership.

These bills were not made to make headlines – they were made to bring real improvement to the lives of South Dakotans.

If elected to the Senate next year, I’ll go to Pierre with a plan for action that will continue to benefit South Dakotans, and never give up until the job is done. I hope to bring legislation to lower our taxes even further, increase scholarships for college students, keep the cost of living low, and ensure that South Dakota remains a safe place for our families to call home.

These are the types of bills that the people of District 25 deserve, but they require someone to bring them who is serious about getting things done.

This coming June, elected a leader with a plan for action that will make life for you, your family, and all South Dakotans better, and vote Youngberg for District 25 Senate. To learn more about my campaign, follow me on facebook at Jordan Youngberg for South Dakota.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges Against Prison Inmates for Assault on Correctional Officers

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Attempted Murder and Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer charges are being filed against two inmates for a Thursday morning assault against a state correctional officer at the State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls.

Inmates Lester M. Monroe and Kyle L. Jones were arrested after assaulting the correctional officer at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in Unit D of the Jameson Annex. The officer was taken to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

The inmates also will be charged with a second Aggravated Assault Against A Law Enforcement Officer for an attack on a second correctional officer who arrived to help their colleague. That second officer was treated at a local hospital and later released.

“This was a violent incident where officers were assaulted,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Department of Corrections staff responded quickly and took control of the situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families.”

Monroe, 48, is serving time for Simple Assault on Law Enforcement out of Minnehaha County and Receiving/Transferring a Stolen Vehicle out of Bennett County. Jones, 30, is serving time for First Degree Manslaughter, Eluding a Police Officer and Unauthorized Ingestion of a Controlled Substance, all out of Minnehaha County.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. The Attorney General’s Office is handling the prosecution. Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko said, “I applaud the swift actions of security staff to get control of this situation. The Governor has been fully briefed and engaged. The Warden and I wish the officer a full recovery. Please refer all additional questions on this matter to the Attorney General’s Office.”

Inmates Monroe and Jones are being held at the State Penitentiary. They are presumed innocent under the U. S. Constitution.

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SDBA Bringing Legislation to Reject CBDCs and Protect Financial Privacy

 PIERRE, SD – Aug. 23, 2023– The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) announced today that it will bring forward proposals opposing and rejecting the adoption of central bank digital currency (CBDC) to the 99th Session of the South Dakota Legislature. SDBA, through its alignment with the American Bankers Association, has helped to craft model policy circulated through the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) processes this summer. The model policy will be voted upon by the ALEC board this coming Saturday, August 26, and if passed, SDBA will offer it to the upcoming South Dakota legislative session for consideration.

“During the 2023 South Dakota Legislature, the opposition to HB 1193 ‘An Act to Amend Provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC),’ disseminated a lot of misinformation. As a result, Gov. Kristi Noem vetoed the HB 1193, in part because there was concern the federal government would adopt a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The veto message specified potential ‘overreach by the federal government,’ but connecting that claim to 1193 is simply unfounded,” said SDBA president, Karl Adam. “While HB 1193 did nothing to create a CBDC, rejection of CBDC is a policy goal we share with those opponents. We can find no upside to the adoption of a CBDC in this free nation. Therefore, we are pleased to see that ALEC’s proposed model policy does exactly that. That’s why we plan to bring forward similar policy proposals during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session.”

“HB 1193 was and will be good law for South Dakotans. Although it did not become law in 2023, we’re hopeful that during the 2024 South Dakota Legislative Session, the model policy ABA and ALEC have created will settle some of the confusion and fears that became part of the discussion around HB 1193,” said SDBA Board Chair, David Nelson, President/CEO of First Fidelity Bank in Burke, South Dakota. “We look forward to seeing continued engagement and support from our industry cohorts to ensure that South Dakotans have the benefit of up-to- date commercial law and maintain the freedom to take part in the economy as they see fit. We don’t need CBDC in this country.”

The SDBA has begun seeking sponsors and intends to proceed with its early filing of policy proposals as soon as possible. For additional context on HB 1193, go to https://www.sdba.com/latest-news-blog to read the SDBA’s op eds that were published in the spring supporting the measure.

About the South Dakota Bankers Association

The South Dakota Bankers Association (SDBA) is the professional and trade association for South Dakota’s financial services industry. Established in 1884, the SDBA enhances the ability of its members to compete effectively and profitably in the financial services industry. The SDBA helps educate, advocate and grow a diverse mix of financial institutions throughout the state. For more information about the SDBA, visit www.sdba.com.

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Gov. Noem Announces $27 Million in High-Speed Broadband Grants

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) announced the final round of funding that will award up to $27 million to connect rural South Dakota to high-speed broadband. Governor Noem made this announcement during the South Dakota Telecommunications Association Conference. You can find the video of Governor Noem’s announcement here.

“We are revitalizing small town America with this investment. And we are preserving our way of life,” said Governor Noem. “My vision is to bring, high-speed internet to every home and business in South Dakota. No one should have to choose between the modern economy and a life in their hometown. It’s time to finish the job.”

The Connect SD broadband program has connected tens of thousands of households and businesses to high-speed broadband since Governor Noem took office in 2019. Over $269.5 million has been invested into broadband expansion in South Dakota.

South Dakotans should never be left behind because of the small-town way of life they’ve chosen to build for themselves and for their families. Thanks to Governor Noem’s continuous efforts, more and more South Dakotans are reaping the benefits of expanded opportunities in education, entertainment, and commerce,” said GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken.

This investment will be crucial for South Dakota’s workforce development and future economic efforts. The goal is to create vibrant, connected communities across the state.

This is South Dakota’s eighth round of broadband expansion grants since 2019. Grant applications will be available soon on the Connect SD website.

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Since September, Mr. Sneve has continued to cover and report on Rep. Hansen while failing to inform his readers of his personal relationship.

— Briggs Warren (@BriggsWarrenSF) February 21, 2023

That tweet comes from South Dakota Democrat activist Briggs Warren, as he took after Dakota Scout co-founder Joe Sneve over his objectivity with regards to State Rep. Jon Hansen this past February because of what he perceived as bias arising from their close friendship.

Why do I bring this up?  I just received an e-mail story from The Dakota Scout about the debate they had been advertising that they’re co-hosting tonight, which notes in part…

“…having a conversation with key players from both sides of the issue will help our friends and neighbors learn more about this consequential topic,” said Joe Sneve, co-founder of The Dakota Scout. “So we’re grateful to both Rep. Hansen and Ms. Burns-Thompson for their willingness to answer question in the open for everyone to hear.”

Read that here.

Well, reporting the facts of a story is one thing, but featuring him in an event they’re sponsoring?

When it was originally written by Briggs, you take it with a grain of salt. But 6 months later when the Dakota Scout is sponsoring a debate featuring the same person one of the co-owners had previously been tweaked for his close personal relationship with, it kind of leaves you wondering if maybe Briggs had a point.

Are all Dakota Scout debates going to feature Jon Hansen?

Gov. Noem Visits Southern Border
Joins Border Security Press Conference

EAGLE PASS, T.X. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem and four of her Republican Governor colleagues highlighted the total breakdown of the rule of law at America’s southern border. Governor Noem joined a border security press conference hosted by Texas Governor Greg Abbott in Eagle Pass, Texas. They were joined by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

“America’s border has become a warzone, so we’re sending soldiers,” said Governor Noem. “The Biden Administration should be sending help to Texas, but Republican governors are stepping up, instead. We will do everything in our power to keep South Dakotans safe.”

Two years ago, when Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for help securing the Southern border, Governor Kristi Noem was the first governor to send National Guard. Earlier this summer, Governor Noem committed to sending at least 50 National Guard soldiers to Texas to help them secure the border.

Photos from the press conference can be found here, here, and here.

Governor Noem also took an aerial helicopter tour of the southern border. A photo from the tour can be found here.

“These Governors here with me today are deploying military and law enforcement officers to help Texas secure the border,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “There is a reason the United Nations has named the border between the United States and Mexico the deadliest land border in the entire world. President Biden is responsible for that deadly border, and we’re not going to stand idly by. We, as states, share an obligation and that’s to step up and address this unparalleled catastrophe caused by President Biden.”

While at the southern border, Governor Noem attended an Operation Lone Star Briefing, as well as a briefing from Customs and Border Patrol. These briefings focused on the dire situation at the southern border and what governors can do to help secure the country. A photo can be found here.

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From my mailbox, State Representative Sue Peterson, who is a candidate for State Senate in the coming year, will be hosting a fundraiser in Sioux Falls on September 7 featuring Attorney General Marty Jackley as the guest of honor:

Given that it is rumored to be a marquee primary race, it’s an interesting list of names showing up on the co-host list, including the Lt. Governor, State Auditor Rich Sattgast, State Treasurer Josh Haeder, several members of team Rounds, and a number of legislators.