Rounds Statement on Indictment of Former President in Federal Court

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statement on the indictment of the former president in federal court:

“Regardless of your political position or perspective, the news of another indictment against the former president should concern all of us. American citizens look to our leaders and our justice system to have integrity – and that integrity is once again being called into question. 

“The indictment that has been unsealed contains multiple charges against the former president for his role in retaining classified documents, some of which were highly classified.

“As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, I receive classified briefings multiple times per week. It is unacceptable that sensitive information, which could undermine our national strategy and security, has been treated so carelessly by current and former members of the executive branch.

“At the same time, I am concerned about the Department of Justice’s decision to pursue this case against the former president at a time when our current president has also admitted to the possession of classified documents while out of office.

“The unprecedented action of indicting in federal court a former president, who is also a current candidate for president, cannot be taken lightly as it is inherently political and will have a lasting impact on our nation. The burden of proof is on the Department of Justice to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The former president should be considered innocent unless proven guilty.”

###

Governor Noem to Testify on Capitol Hill

PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Noem will testify before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources on Thursday, June 15, in favor of HR 3397. This bill would require the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to abandon the proposed rule on “Conservation and Landscape Health.”

“Washington bureaucrats don’t know how to manage land better than the South Dakotans who have been stewarding it for centuries. But Joe Biden’s Administration is pursuing a regulatory land grab,” said Governor Kristi Noem. “Their proposed rule will result in poorly managed federal lands, which will devastate conservation and management efforts, harm our wildlife, slow economic growth, and endanger public safety.”

The Bureau of Land Management’s proposed rule elevates conservation practices as a “use” within the Federal Land Policy and Management Act multiple-use framework without Congressional authority. BLM intends to pursue this through so-called conservation leases for both protection and restoration activities. This proposed rule would fundamentally change the way multiple use and sustained yield mandates are carried out.

Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming will also be testifying. Governor Noem has previously worked with Governor Gordon on several issues pertaining to land management, such as the Biden Administration’s overregulation of the Black Hills timber industry.

The Biden Administration could use this proposed rule change to determine currently permitted activities on BLM lands are incompatible with a conservation lease or areas identified as “intact landscapes.” This could include loss of grazing, energy production, and recreation – all of which are essential to the South Dakota way of life.

HR 3397 was introduced by Congressmen John Curtis (R-UT), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), and Russ Fulcher (R-ID).

###

After his expose of a pop-up clinic which prescribed him medical marijuana, State Representative Fred Deutsch and the Medical Marijuana Association are apparently in a war of words over his actions:

“Rep. Deutsch is clear that he does not have a qualifying medical condition — the fundamental requirement in 34-20G-1. Thus, his possession of a medical card appears to be in violation of the chapter,” CIASD President Deb Peters said in written remarks provided to The Dakota Scout.

Deutsch last week told this newspaper that as part of a fact-finding mission into what he characterizes as “pop-up clinics”, he received a medical marijuana ID card through DOH after being certified for the program by a nurse practitioner employed by MMJ Card Clinics.

Read the story here.

I’ve got to pause the reporter Joe Sneve here – because it’s not  what “he characterizes as pop-up clinics.”  The pop-up clinic term comes from pop-up clinics own advertising, if you’d note that part which reads “Pop-up Clinic” in a screenshot from a post of mine this last December:

When they’re prescribing medical marijuana in hotel conference rooms and local lounges, I’m not sure how else you’d characterize them. Because it’s sure not a doctor’s office.

Getting back to the article, Representative Deutsch continued to fire back..

“I’m the whistleblower here. I’m pointing out the problems with the clinic, and they’re attacking me,” he said. “The clinic broke multiple laws, and I was completely forthcoming. Deb Peters doesn’t know what she’s talking.”

Deutsch said he will not voluntarily turn in his medical marijuana ID card…

Read that here.

Get your popcorn. I would wager that this story is not over.

From Dakota News Now, a nearly 130 year old cemetery in Ft. Pierre is open again, and will allow new burials, and could add an area for pets:

The committee — established by Mayor Gloria Hanson — hopes resurveying the cemetery will solidify exactly where the lot lines are for each set of graves. Allowing “green burials” and establishing an area for pet burials are other considerations for the committee.

and..

Cedar Hill Cemetery (originally called Union Cemetery) was established in 1894 and was divided into Protestant and Catholic sides. Different sections contain graves of the unknown. The cemetery’s name was changed from Union Cemetery to Cedar Hill Cemetery in 1933, according to Dakota Radio Group News.

Read the entire story here.

I think I’ve seen horror films start this way.  Just don’t start complaining when people start shambling down the street in Ft. Pierre.

Wow. Looks like the primary has definitely started…

A weak man appeases a mob. A man of courage stands up to them.

Our first ad in support of Mike Pence for president: pic.twitter.com/WQvuiMdoSV

— Committed To America (@CmtdToAmerica) June 8, 2023

Governor Noem Now Accepting Applications for Fall Interns

 PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office Fall 2023 Internship Program.

Student interns will work with staff on various projects based on interests and strengths. Additional duties include aiding the governor’s general counsel, constituent services team, and communications team. Interns will help conduct policy research, prepare policy briefings, and staff events. The internship program provides students first-hand experience with the State government and the functions of the governor’s office.

College students who would like to be considered for an internship should submit a resume, cover letter, and letter of recommendation to brad.otten@state.sd.us. Application should be submitted by Friday July 7, 2023.

##

AG Jackley Urges U.S. Senate To Pass HALT Fentanyl Act

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has joined 22 other Attorneys General in asking the U.S. Senate leadership to pass the HALT Fentanyl Act.

This legislation would permanently schedule all current and future fentanyl analogues as Schedule I drugs, which are defined as drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. That designation would allow for the criminal prosecution of anyone caught possessing, distributing, or manufacturing illicit variations of the drug.

“So far this year, there have been 81 arrests made for fentanyl in South Dakota and that number continues to climb,” said Attorney General Jackley. “We need to take a stronger stand against fentanyl analogues being brought into this country, and this legislation does that.”

The bill has already passed the U.S. House.

Attorneys Generals from other states who signed the bill were from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

The full letter can be read here: https://ago.mo.gov/docs/default-source/press-releases/state-attorneys-general-letter-to-senate-re-halt-fentanyl-act-(06-01-23).pdf?sfvrsn=69f879cc_2

-30-

As he officially enter the race for President, former Vice President Mike Pence has released this video for the campaign:

I believe in the American people, and I have faith God is not done with America yet. Together, we can bring this Country back, and the best days for the Greatest Nation on Earth are yet to come! 🇺🇸 #Pence2024 pic.twitter.com/A8EkqgCDAm

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) June 7, 2023

In Rapid City, former City Councilman Jason Salamun eclipsed the rest of the field and will be the new mayor by fewer than 300 votes after other candidates seemed to split the vote against Laura Armstrong who came in second.

According to the Rapid City Journal,

Salamun unofficially took 32% of voters with 4,888 votes Tuesday, topping Laura Armstrong by only 269 votes.

and..

Unofficial results show Laura Armstrong came in second with 4,619 votes, Ron Weifenbach third with 2,999, Brad Estes fourth with 2,769, and Josh Lyle with 150.

Read that here.

Brad Estes was by far the strongest fundraiser, but as one observer noted to me, he just did not have an effective stage presence in debates.

This race might be characterized by – surprisingly – not being a complete circus sideshow. Which is doing pretty good for Rapid City.

On the other hand, we have the school board race…

The race for a new Mayor in Chamberlain had another big blowout last night where (yes, it’s on a non-partisan ballot) Republican Monte Claussen trounced Democrat Tim Thomas on a vote of 230-170, with the winner receiving over 57% of the vote.

This race got a little attention in that it had the winning candidate running a modern campaign, while the losing one.. well they didn’t.  For example, One ran a couple of ads like this throughout the race..

And the one who lost had a single ad a couple days before the election that was this kind of mess.

Good note to others who are thinking of running for office.. you have to plan and run a serious campaign. Or not. And see how that goes.