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.

As South Dakota Democrats toss their chair on the figurative burn pile, one important item that should be noted is that it coincides with a big occasion – the number of people identifying as Democrat has slipped below the number of people who prefer no party label, choosing to identify as no party affiliation or independent.

With democrats at 150,886, the combined Independents/No Party Affiliation registrants are now 151,109, outpacing Democrat registration in the state for the first time ever!

Republican registration still outpaces the two combined, maintaining dominance.

The lesson? It should be a huge wake-up call to to everyone that when you quit doing the things that a political party is supposed to do, the end result is irrelevance.

South Dakota Democrats unanimously voted to dump chair Jennifer Slaight-Hansen after a reading of accusations and grievances, which apparently included treating an intern as personal staff, requiring them to drive Miss Daisy.

Other than a couple of party members who voted to abstain, over 50 delegates both online and in person voted unanimously to remove the Aberdeen native.

and…

Both party leadership and state lawmakers have appeared to be particularly bristled by the way that Slaight-Hansen allegedly treated both interns and others active in the party. Speakers at the Drifter’s convention center accused Slaight-Hansen of having used one of the party’s interns as a personal driver of hers, without consent or permission from the party’s executive board.

Read the entire story here (subscription required).

The accusations against Slaight-Hansen include using an intern as a personal chauffeur? Was her regular limo driver indisposed?

Apparently the Democrat chair job comes with a lot more perks then outsiders knew.

Summit Carbon Solutions Submits Revised Pipeline Permit Application 

Responds to North Dakota PSC’s concerns, reroutes north of Bismarck 

AMES, IA (August 19, 2023) — Summit Carbon Solutions (SCS) is pleased to announce the submission of a Petition for Reconsideration for their pipeline permit application to the North Dakota Public Service Commission (ND PSC), showcasing its continued commitment to the community and addressing previously raised concerns.  

In the Petition, SCS addressed previously raised concerns: 

• Rerouting around Bismarck: Summit has implemented specific re-routes that includes moving the pipeline almost 10 miles north of Bismarck’s city limits, addressing concerns about city growth and future development.

•  Avoidance Areas: Summit has rerouted or planned drills to avoid areas of concern, including game management areas and areas that may present a geo-hazard risk such as a landslide.

• Cultural Resource Surveys: Summit is working with the State Historic Preservation Office to document the results of cultural surveys and is confident no historic or archeological sites will be affected by the Project. To date, Summit has completed cultural surveys on approximately 90% of the pipeline route.

Project Advancements: 

• Landowner Support: Nearly 80 percent of the right-of-way (ROW) for the pipeline route has been secured through voluntary easements from local landowners, including parts of the new pipeline route.

• Sequestration Site Advancement: SCS has successfully secured almost 90 percent of the space needed for its carbon sequestration sites in North Dakota. 

“We’re truly grateful for the trust and support shown by the landowners of North Dakota, allowing us to make substantial progress in our pipeline route and sequestration site plans,” said Summit Carbon Solutions CEO Lee Blank. “Addressing the concerns of the ND PSC is a top priority for us, and we’ve worked diligently to revise our application accordingly. Our aim is to work collaboratively, listen to everyone’s input, and align our project with the long-term vision that North Dakota has for its energy and agricultural sectors. We are confident that our efforts will contribute positively to North Dakota’s future, and we’re excited to be part of this journey.”

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Summit Carbon Solutions is driving the future of agriculture by expanding economic opportunities for ethanol producers, strengthening the marketplace for Midwest-based farmers, and creating jobs. In developing the largest carbon capture and storage project in the world, the company seeks to connect industrial facilities via strategic infrastructure to store carbon dioxide safely and permanently in the Midwest United States. More information, visit: www.SummitCarbonSolutions.com.  

I’m at the Brookings County GOP picnic tonight where State Representative Fred Deutsch announced he will be a candidate for State Senate in District 4, running against State Representative Stephanie Sauder for the seat being vacated by State Senator (and State GOP chair) John Wiik.

Another marquee primary coming for June 2024. Stay tuned.

State Senator Castleberry Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement

PIERRE, S.D. – Senator Jessica Castleberry announced that she will resign her seat in the State Senate. Castleberry has represented District 35 in the State Senate since 2020. Upon Castleberry’s resignation, Governor Kristi Noem requested public input on filling the District 35 vacancy.

Those wishing to be considered for the Senate vacancy, or to offer nominations, should email Ben Koisti at Ben.Koisti@state.sd.us. Nominations should include the candidate’s name, current physical address, resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. All nomination materials must be submitted by September 18th.

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Attorney General Jackley Announces Former State Correctional Officer Convicted Of Simple Assault

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that Joshua Westenkirchner of Harrisburg, S.D., has been convicted of two counts of simple assault of a prison inmate while serving as a correctional officer at the state prison in Sioux Falls.

A Minnehaha County jury this week reached its verdict after a two-day trial. He was found not guilty of another count of simple assault and one count of aggravated assault.

“The conduct in this case should not and has not been tolerated. It is an isolated incident of one individual that should not reflect on those correctional officers that serve their positions with respect,” said Attorney General Jackley. “I want to thank the investigators, Assistant Attorney Generals, and the jurors for their important work in serving justice in this matter.”

Officials say the incident occurred March 14 and 15, 2022. Westenkirchner, 42, was indicted by a Minnehaha Grand Jury on Dec. 22, 2022.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation investigated the incident. Prosecution of the case was handled by the Attorney General’s Office.

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