Just a few months after I was elected to the Senate, we got the dreaded news that Ellsworth Air Force Base was being recommended for closure. The odds of saving the base were slim. The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission in charge of these decisions rarely reversed course. But, through an all-hands effort by our congressional delegation and state and community leaders, we proved to the Air Force and the BRAC Commission that Ellsworth was too valuable to lose.

We didn’t stop there, though. Having saved Ellsworth from closure, we got right to work building up the base so we would never again find ourselves in the same position. In 2007, the Air Force Financial Services Center opened at Ellsworth. The 89th Attack Squadron, which remotely commands MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, arrived a few years later. In 2015, after a nearly decade-long effort, we quadrupled the base’s local training airspace, making the Powder River Training Complex the largest range in the lower 48. And in 2021, Ellsworth was designated Main Operating Base 1 for the B-21 Raider, meaning it will host the Formal Training Unit and first operational squadron.

The B-21 will extend Ellsworth’s already incredible contributions to America’s national security for years to come. A sixth-generation long-range bomber, the Raider has been called the future backbone of the bomber force. And that’s no exaggeration. Operating from the United States, it will be able to reach targets around the world that 90 percent of our current bomber force can’t. It will use stealth technologies that you have to see – or not see – to believe. And it’s designed to be able to incorporate new technologies within its airframe and work alongside the technologies of tomorrow, like unmanned aircraft and artificial intelligence, enabling the B-21 to evolve with a changing threat environment.

It will be another few years before the first B-21s make their home in the Black Hills, but the men and women of Ellsworth are working hard to prepare for this important new mission. And I’m working to ensure they have everything they need to successfully carry it out. In recent years, I’ve secured full funding for the B-21 project and its support facilities at Ellsworth. I also worked to establish a dynamic airspace pilot program that will allow airspace boundaries to evolve as exercises progress, which is critical for training in long-range aircraft like the B-21. And I’m proud to report that this year’s defense bill includes full authorization for continued B-21 development and base preparation.

Looking at Ellsworth today, it’s hard to imagine that its future was in jeopardy not long ago. Once slated for closure, Ellsworth is set to be a critical part of our nation’s defense long into the future. I will continue to do everything I can to support both the base’s mission and the men and women who make it happen.

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Most of us feel a bit of dread when going to the airport. From the time we leave our front door until we reach our final destination, a lot can go wrong. Maybe it’s the crowds, long lines, flight cancelations, delays, or missing baggage, we’ve all had our fair share of air travel problems.

A few weeks ago, I updated you about an important amendment I got included in this year’s aviation bill to protect the airports in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Pierre. This week, the House passed the bipartisan aviation bill, and now it flies to the Senate. Before it passed, there was some opposition to my amendment—some other members of Congress wanted to cut Essential Air Service (EAS) airports.

Without EAS airports in Watertown, Aberdeen, and Pierre, some South Dakotans would have to drive nearly seven hours to reach the closest medium or large hub airport in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Driving this far to begin the travel journey is astonishing. America has a national commitment to infrastructure, and that includes aviation. These EAS airports connect rural America to larger airports with ease.

This year, we’ve seen multiple nationwide air service problems. In January, the FAA’s computer system outage grounded all domestic flights. This spring, Southwest Airlines encountered a technology issue that caused thousands of flight cancelations and staffing issues. And to top it all off, we’re also facing a pilot shortage.

The aviation bill focused on improving the passenger experience from beginning to end. My colleagues and I won the battle to support EAS airports, so you don’t have to drive as far to start your flight journey. The bill also included provisions to improve efficiency in the FAA, grow the aviation workforce, ensure safety, and foster innovation in America’s aviation industry.

The bill successfully passed the House with overwhelming support. I look forward to the bill getting signed into law and securing more wins for South Dakotans.

Alex moved to the United States from South Africa in 1995. He had lived in Seattle ever since – until the COVID pandemic and violent riots changed the city. In 2021, Alex decided that he’d had enough of the soaring cost of living and diminishing quality of life on the West Coast. He packed his bags, moved to South Dakota, and never looked back. And Alex says that moving to the Mount Rushmore State is one of the greatest decisions he’s ever made.

“I decided to go to South Dakota because I wanted to improve my situation and my life,” Alex said. “Moving to South Dakota was one of the best decisions of my life. And I can honestly say there isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t think about how thankful I am to be in South Dakota.”

Today, Alex is a dedicated job advisor with the South Dakota Department of Labor & Regulation. And with our new “Freedom Works Here” nationwide workforce recruitment campaign, he’s busier than ever.

Even with the lowest unemployment rate in the history of the nation, South Dakota still has open jobs to spare. We have more jobs than people! So we’re inviting Freedom-loving people from across America to come join our winning workforce.

More than 3,000 people have applied to find jobs in South Dakota – that’s when folks like Alex step in. As a job advisor, Alex works to connect individuals interested in moving to our state with our businesses that are in need of workers. His personal journey and firsthand experience in transitioning to a new state allow him to empathize with his clients on a profound level. For that reason, Alex is working directly with folks moving from the West Coast!

“Freedom Works Here” has already been the most successful workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota history. The number one state for applications is California. Americans are seeing the pitfalls of far-left policies. People don’t want to live in packed communities with skyrocketing prices and politicians that don’t seem to care for their wellbeing.

For so many of these folks, South Dakota is a beacon of hope and Freedom. Our vast lands, our thriving economy, and our patriotism set us apart. These folks really are making a statement. It’s not easy to pick up your entire life and move your family across the country, but that’s exactly what these people are doing.

We have hundreds of applicants that are already working with people like Alex. Over 550 are in the final stages of finding career opportunities to move to South Dakota. And people like Alex who have actually packed up their lives and moved here are the one that really connect with Americans from coast to coast.

Alex firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance to thrive professionally. He is committed to empowering others to achieve their dreams in South Dakota. And there are people like Alex all over our great state. People have seen that our small-town values and rural way of life work.

Freedom Works Here – and now, Americans from across the nation are working here too.

You can listen to Alex tell his story here. More information about the “Freedom Works Here” campaign can be found here.

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No. It’s not a re-run of the X-files.

South Dakota Senator Mike Rounds is part of a group in the US Senate demanding answers to rumors about the military collecting data on extraterrestrials and UFO’s:

The Senate has adopted an amendment to an annual defense bill that would require the federal government to collect and disclose all records related to UFOs and UAPs unless a special review board determines they must be kept classified.

The amendment was sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

and..

Rounds said he has seen “no evidence personally” that extraterrestrial craft are visiting the planet but said, “I know that there’s a lot of people that have questions about it.”

and..

“I don’t think anybody should say that they know for certain either way,” he said. “If we simply refuse to acknowledge there’s even a remote possibility, then we’re probably not being honest.”

“Some of the items we simply can’t explain,” he said of the Naval videos of UAPs.

Read it all here.

Stay tuned …

Governor Noem Appoints Chas Olson as Director of South Dakota Housing 

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Krisi Noem announced that Chas Olson will be the new Executive Director of the South Dakota Housing. He has served as Interim Director of South Dakota Housing since April.

“As interim director, Chas has been very proactive in reaching out to communities and working to roll out funding as quickly as possible,” said Governor Noem. “I am confident that he will continue to cut red tape and streamline state government for the people of South Dakota as executive director.”

Olson previously served as the Director of Rental Housing Development and worked as a Housing Development Officer prior to his appointment. Before joining SDHDA in 2014, Olson worked for seven years in various roles at a national bank.

Olson is a native of Pierre and graduated from T.F. Riggs High School in 2002. He attended the University of South Dakota where he obtained a bachelor’s in finance. He also has a Housing Development Finance Professional Certification from the National Development Council.

“It’s an honor to be appointed by Governor Noem, and I want to thank her for the opportunity to serve as the Executive Director of SDHDA,” said Chas Olson. “We have an outstanding staff and board of commissioners at SDHDA, and I look forward to continuing my work with them in this new capacity. Together, we will ensure that all South Dakotans have a place to call home.”

Chas Olson and his wife, Sheila, have two children. Olson enjoys golfing, hunting, and spending time with family and friends in the Black Hills and on the Missouri River.

Information on South Dakota Housing can be found here. A photo of Olson can be found here.

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South Dakota Breaks U.S Record for Lowest Unemployment Rate

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota has officially broken the record for the lowest unemployment rate in United States history with a June unemployment rate of 1.8%. South Dakota had previously tied the record of 1.9% unemployment rate over the past several months. Employment grew by 1,300 in June.

“South Dakotans are the hardest working folks I know, and this record low unemployment rate is proof of that,” said Governor Noem. “South Dakota is setting an example for the rest of the nation. We are showing that work ethic and traditional American values still have a place in the United States of America.”

 South Dakota currently has more than 24,000 job openings. The “Freedom Works Here” nationwide workforce recruitment campaign is encouraging freedom-loving people from across the nation to live, work, and raise their families right here in South Dakota. By welcoming new South Dakotans into our winning workforce, we are ensuring the continued growth and economic success of our state.

“Unemployment in South Dakota is the lowest that this country has ever seen,” said South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Secretary Marcia Hultman. “I am grateful that Governor Noem kept our state ‘Open for Business,’ and allowed South Dakotans to keep on working during the pandemic. Our economic success is truly thanks to the people that get up and work hard every single day. With the great response we’re seeing to the Freedom Works Here workforce recruitment campaign, we’re hopeful this healthy growth can continue.”  

A more comprehensive overview of the South Dakota labor market based on the preliminary June data can be found here.

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Here’s one of those stories where previous actions have returned to come back and bite someone in the tail.  This week in legislative testimony on elections, the Deputy Secretary of State testified in a legislative committee that their team of election experts do not know anything about election technology:

Hansen also wants the security procedures for ballot tabulators better proscribed in rule and wanted to know more about KNOWiNK, a St. Louis, Missouri, company that bought BPro. The secretary of state contracts with the formerly South Dakota-based company for some voter-registration and elections technology.

(Deputy Secretary of State) Deadrick indicated he didn’t know much about the company and acknowledged that the secretary of state’s staff lacks expertise in election technology.

“The fact that we don’t even know who these people are just concerns me a little bit,” Hansen said about KNOWiNK. He added, “Even the head of our elections doesn’t fully understand how this stuff works.”

Read the entire story here.

I hate to bring it up, but I have to ask (rhetorically), “Why do they not have anyone with any knowledge or expertise in elections technology?”

Maybe because THEY FIRED THE PEOPLE WITH EXPERTISE in the infamous “Christmas Blizzard massacre” at the Secretary of State’s office, where as part of the spree, two of the elections staff were fired within two weeks of Monae Johnson taking office. Eileen Jensen who Johnson brought in as her ‘new’ Director of Elections quit less than a month at the job.

We didn’t miss that Monae was back looking for an elections coordinator as recently as June, noting the candidate would assist with Information Technology projects.  I have the suspicion that they didn’t get it.

It goes without saying that if part of your focus is going to be on election technology and the machines that run elections, you probably don’t want to FIRE most of the people who have at least a passing knowledge of very specific equipment.

Because any embarrassment to the Secretary of State that arises from this incident seems to be pretty self inflicted.

GOED announces new deputy commissioner; two directors named

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is pleased to announce the hiring of Jesse Fonkert as its new deputy commissioner. Fonkert will begin his duties on September 1.

Fonkert, of Hartford, has spent the majority of his professional career in the field of economic development. Most recently, he has served as the President and CEO of Sioux Metro Growth Alliance (SMGA).

Part of SMGA’s mission is to support the economic growth of communities, something that Fonkert will bring to GOED as one of his top priorities.

“Economic development and the growth of our state is something I am very passionate about,” said Fonkert. “I am most excited about working with industry leaders and communities in our state and helping execute the governor and commissioner’s vision for economic development in South Dakota.”

Fonkert continued, “Thank you, Governor Noem and Commissioner Schilken, for the honor to serve South Dakota as the Deputy Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development.”

Two talented and accomplished GOED employees have also been promoted.

Adam Molseed of Sioux Falls has been named Business Development Director. Molseed has been a state employee for the past 16 years. He has spent the past nearly six years as a public relations representative, building strong collaborative relationships with local economic development offices and partners across the state.

Molseed will bring both experience and knowledge of economic development and its processes as the new director.

“Over my 16 years with the State of South Dakota, I have had the pleasure to serve our great state in multiple roles. Each stop along my professional journey has prepared me for this new challenge and I am excited for the opportunity to be part of the business development team,” said Molseed. “I look forward to working with team GOED as we continue to foster economic development growth across the state and position South Dakota for future success.”

Missy Sinner of Watertown has been named Marketing Director and has already begun her role. Sinner, who has spent the past two years as GOED’s special projects coordinator, is bringing both experience and creativity to this position.

“I feel passionate about our amazing state and all it has to offer for both individuals and businesses who are considering a move to South Dakota,” Sinner said. “And I am looking forward to being able to make an impact with the amazing GOED team that is already in place.”

For Sinner, her fresh outlook will allow her to focus on the promotion of both business and workforce recruitment.

GOED Commissioner Chris Schilken said that he knows there will be continued success with these additions.

“GOED is made up of valuable team members and these changes will only improve our commitment to build upon South Dakota’s strong economy,” said Schilken.

I just had a note on this sad news. Former South Dakota Republican Party National Committeeman, and 1998 US Senate Candidate Ron Schmidt passed this last Sunday, only days after his wife Priscilla’s recent funeral.  Among South Dakotans, especially those in politics, Ron Schmidt was known by many, and I don’t know that a person could say a bad word about the man if they tried to think of one. Ron was a consummate gentleman, a professional, and a genuinely nice person.

Hired out of law school to be the director of the State Legislative Research Council in July of 1965, Ron became more openly involved with the State Republican Party with an announcement in 1970, when he threw his hat in the ring for the office of Attorney General on the Republican ticket, taking on incumbent Attorney General Gordon Mydland. The convention race between Schmidt & Mydland hinged somewhat on vote horse trading for the Lt. Governor’s position between Robert Bartron of Watertown, Art Jones of Rapid City, and James Rothstein of Mobridge.  Mydland won the vote for AG at convention, and went on to another term as Attorney General.

At the time when Democrat Dick Kneip had taken the state’s highest office, Schmidt made a second run for Attorney General in 1972 in a year that was bad for Republicans. Schmidt ran in the general election, but lost to Democrat Kermit Sande.

In the years after that, Schmidt served as a lobbyist for various and diverse interests in Pierre ranging from bankers, to billboard owners, to psychologists. Ron also was noted to work with the Attorney General’s office from time to time as a special Attorney General.  Schmidt was considered more than once for a federal judgeship, and had been one of Senator Larry Pressler’s strongest supporters in the SDGOP.

Schmidt participated in a number of National Republican Conventions representing South Dakota (at least 4). And he served for a number of years as the SDGOP National Committeeman, including appointments to an RNC special council for outreach to minority communities.

The pinnacle of Schmidt’s political career would be when he won the primary nomination against State Senator Alan Aker to be the South Dakota Republican Party’s candidate for US Senate in 1998 against Tom Daschle. While he was not ultimately successful against Daschle at a time when the political winds were not always behind the GOP, he did the Republicans of South Dakota proud to represent them in the November election.

Ron & Priscilla are survived by their daughters Ingrid & Eva, and their son Ethan who many Republicans know as a former Pennington County Commissioner, and current member of the Pennington County GOP’s Executive Board.

There will be an Obituary posted here shortly, and I will run it when it’s available.

Please keep the Schmidt family in your prayers.

If you were wondering why the State GOP had to shift their plans for a state dinner from this weekend to September, there’s a good reason. A change in schedule came about because they needed to adjust to get one of the biggest speakers that the Republican Party has to offer; former President Donald Trump.

Our Monumental Leaders Rally just got 45 times better as we look forward to hearing from the original America First leader, President @realDonaldTrump!

👉 Follow @SDGOP to find out how you can score tickets to our Monumental Leaders Rally! pic.twitter.com/dhbdAUuN0G

— South Dakota GOP (@SDGOP) July 19, 2023

Stay tuned for more coverage.. And I should also have the link where you can score tickets to the event!