The deadline to turn in your ballot in person was yesterday at 5pm.. and it was surprisingly slim pickings. Which may mean that we’re looking at more coming in the mail over the next few days. With the problems with the US Postal service delays, it might be the start of next week until they end.  But I’m sure we’ll see more coming.

Word is Dems have their statewides in. So now it’s a waiting game.

But, there is some early and interesting talk about candidates who are NOT on the ballot already.

Seth Phillips, who was running despite having been arrested for DUI says that after “honest conversations,” he’s taking a pass on running for D5 House.

Brookings to Mitchell transplant and State Representative Kaley Nolz has also decided not to run.

Which at the moment, might mean that District 20 House candidates Terry Sabers and Jeff Bathke could get in without a challenger, unless there’s one coming in the mail.

Also not having filed yet are a couple of interesting incumbents.

Gun totin’ District 18 State Representative Julie Auch does not have her petitions in yet.  Does that mean we’ll have greater gun safety at the political forums this election?

And District 14 State Rep Tony Kayser, who was a maybe or a maybe not for Senate, right now is a maybe, period. Because he has yet to file petitions.  Is that setting up a return for District 14’s Legislative Team of Taylor & Tyler? They’ll have to get past a Democrat in the fall, but it could be.

And I’m sure there will be more things to talk about as the races fall into place. But these are the ones to watch in the short term.

Stay tuned.

Watched the KELOland debate that was on this afternoon and broadcast over the internet. What are your thoughts on it?  Because I’m not sure that it really moved the needle at all for me. I still have my preferences and dislikes. I learned Jon Hansen wants to dismantle public education, as he blames school superintendents for any shortcomings in our schools, while he’s part of the crowd who wants to strip-mine public schools of funding to divert to private entities. And Toby Doeden claims administrators are fat cats… So says the guy who flies to campaign stops.

I did learn the legislature raised sales taxes three times this year, which seemed to make Jon Hansen angrier than he was in comparison to his general crabby tone the entire debate. (You’d think he was in last place or something). Toby Doeden was kind of programmed and robotic in his delivery; the same monotone delivery he provides every time he speaks, as if any authenticity has been trained out of him.

I do think there’s a poll you can vote in on who won, at least for the next few minutes. Not that it’s a scientific measure.

Coming out of tonight, I think Dusty and Governor Rhoden both remain the leading candidates. And heaven help us if that ever changed.

For Alzheimer’s Patients, Protecting Medicare Advantage is a Must
By Wayne Mortrude

Being a caregiver for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease is never easy. It’s even harder and more heartbreaking when the person that you’re caring for is the same person who spent nearly twenty years raising and caring for you.

When my mother received her Alzheimer’s diagnosis over 20 years ago, we knew it would just be the beginning of a long, uphill battle to ensure she has access to all the care she needs to live the healthiest, most normal life possible. Despite the struggles we still face, we count ourselves lucky that she is enrolled in Medicare Advantage. The program has offered unparalleled support and comprehensive coverage that helps address my mother’s unique health care challenges.

Better care coordination is one of the main things that stands out in Medicare Advantage in comparison to its fee-for-service counterpart. Patients living with Alzheimer’s, like my mom, must often see multiple doctors and specialists. That can include primary care physicians, neurologists, and home health care providers. The level of care coordination in Medicare Advantage ensures all providers are on the same page, which means better results for my mom and less stress for me as her caregiver.

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries also have access to in-home health risk assessments, which are invaluable tools for any patient but particularly useful for those living with Alzheimer’s disease. In-home assessments bring health care professionals into patients’ homes, where they can learn a lot more about a patient than in an office visit.

These visits help providers spot fall risks, problems with medications, nutrition issues, and other health risks, including both physical and mental. Identifying and addressing these threats early helps prevent emergencies later down the line, keeping patients like my mom safer and healthier. That kind of support means a lot to families and caregivers who only want the best for their loved ones.

A national survey of caregivers reveals just how important they find Medicare Advantage to be, both in the lives of the ones they care for as well as in their own lives. Over half of all caregivers reported saving at least five hours a month because of the support they receive from their loved one’s Medicare Advantage plan. Nearly half of all respondents also reported savings of over $1,000 annually through lower premiums, copays, and out-of-pocket costs, all thanks to the program.

Given the tremendous support Medicare Advantage has among caregivers and their patients, you might think the program has earned the support of our President and his Administration. After all, more than half of the entire Medicare patient population is now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, the program continues to face threats, most recently from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which announced weakened funding for the program. Limited investments in Medicare Advantage have historically been shown to reduce benefits and raise costs for seniors, including folks like my mom who are battling Alzheimer’s. That’s not acceptable.

That’s why we need Senator Thune and other policymakers to advocate for caregivers and seniors alike by urging the CMS to reconsider its harmful proposal. If they follow through with this, seniors across the nation could lose health care and be left with no options.

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Wayne Mortrude is a Realtor in Dell Rapids and his mother is a Medicare Advantage recipient at Bethany Homes in Brandon, SD.

 

Randy Bury Announces Candidacy for South Dakota House District 9

Sioux Falls, SD — Randy Bury, a longtime healthcare leader and community volunteer, announced today that he is running as a Republican for the South Dakota House of Representatives in District 9.

“I’m running because I believe in this state and the people who call it home,” Bury said. “With the right leadership, we can protect what makes South Dakota special while continuing to create opportunities for the next generation.”

Bury brings more than four decades of experience working in healthcare, where he focused on solving complex challenges and helping communities access the care they need. He said those experiences: working with families, caregivers, and community leaders, shaped how he approaches leadership.

“I’ve spent my career working to solve problems in ways that take care of people,” Bury said. “That means bridging gaps, listening to different perspectives, and keeping people at the center of every decision. That’s exactly how I’ll approach this job in Pierre.”

Bury said he is running because he believes District 9 deserves a leader focused on solutions, not partisan noise.

“We need to get back to focusing on the challenges that matter: supporting our communities, strengthening our economy, and making careful decisions that move our state forward,” Bury said. “South Dakotans deserve leadership that improves people’s lives, not legislation written for headlines.”

Bury said his campaign will focus on priorities that reflect the values of District 9:

• Protecting taxpayers and maintaining fiscal responsibility
• Supporting strong communities, including access to healthcare
• Encouraging responsible growth and new opportunities
• Respecting local decision-making and limiting unnecessary mandates

“I’m not a career politician,” Bury said. “I’ve spent my career working in healthcare, solving complex problems and helping organizations serve their communities. I want to bring that same steady, thoughtful approach to Pierre.”

Born and raised in Webster, Bury learned the value of hard work, faith, and service at an early age. Both sets of his grandparents were South Dakota farmers, shaping his deep respect for family, personal responsibility, and community values. He graduated from Augustana University and later obtained his graduate degree in healthcare administration.

Throughout his career, Bury has remained deeply involved in civic life, serving on boards including the Sioux Empire United Way, the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, the Helpline Center, and the American Red Cross Sioux Empire Chapter. He also served on the Board of Directors for the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations and on the national Board of Directors for the American Health Care Association.

Bury and his wife, Sonia, have been married for more than 40 years and have been active members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church since its founding in 1986. Together, they are proud parents of two adult sons.

For more information, visit Bury’s campaign website at randybury.com. The Republican primary is June 2, with early voting beginning April 17.

 

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Did any of you catch the editorial in the Dakota Scout the other day?  Where the author went after former State Representative Fred Deutsch for being too liberal because he didn’t want to throw women in jail if they have an abortion?

It appears Mr. Deutsch doesn’t believe in legal consequences for the murder of an unborn child. A child, like the rest of us, is created in the image of our God Most High. A child is holy as it forms in the womb.

and..

We have become so influenced by the world’s idea of tolerance that we think by calling sin what it is and by expecting accountability for it, it makes us somehow hateful. Making public statements based on emotion over the word of God guides people down a path of destruction far from obedience to God.

and..

We cannot any longer be afraid of holding individuals at a higher degree of accountability when killing an unborn child for the only reason of not being ready or willing to be a parent.

Read it here.

So, basically, the author, Patty Shiery is going after Fred for not wanting to charge women with murder if they have an abortion. If you’ve forgotten, the bill that was proposed this last session to do just – HB 1212 – that was considered so bat***t crazy, that it put all of the following on the same side to oppose it:

• Dale Allen Bartscher, South Dakota Right to Life
• Jenna Spellerberg, Self
• Leah Anderson, Self
• Michael G. Pauley, South Dakota Catholic Conference
• Representative Al Novstrup
• Ian Fury, Governor’s Office
• Justin Bell, South Dakota State Medical Association
• Ellie J. Bailey, South Dakota Advocacy Network for Women
• Samantha Chapman, American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Inc
• Norman Woods, South Dakota Family Voice Action
• Linda Schauer, Concerned Women for America

If a proposal is so nuts it puts SDRTL, the ACLU, the SD Advocacy Network for Women, and the Concerned Women for America ALL on the same page to oppose a bill, safe to say it’s probably a little extreme.  But, as you can read, that’s not what Patty thinks.

Why do we care?  Because Patty Shiery just filed to run for the State Senate in the District 8 Republican Primary.  That’s how bad this primary race is getting.   But if that doesn’t dissuade you.. I do remember the post I did last time she was thinking about running for office in 2023:

• And in a blast from the past, former State Representative Patricia (Stricherz) Shiery formed a committee yesterday to run for District 8 State Senate.  Shiery, under her former married name Stricherz served in the House from 2011 – 2012. And she was just a peach.  One former House speaker told me the story where she had demanded to know what the state spent heating the Capitol Lake. Since then, she has denied the tale, but that’s how the story was related to me.  (BTW, Capitol Lake is a naturally warm body of water heated by underground artesian wells. Taxpayers don’t pay to keep it warm.).  Since then, she ran unsuccessfully in District 30 in the 2018 Republican Senate Primary (coming in 3rd with 12.7%), before moving back to the Madison area.

Read that here.

Yep. As noted, this is the same person whom a Speaker of the House related the tale to me where she was demanding to know what the state spent heating the Capitol Lake.  So, make a point to get your checkbook out and start writing your check to:

Crabtree for SD
115 Woodland Drive
Madison, SD 57042

You and a lot of other people will be glad you did.

Helene Duhamel announces re-election for South Dakota Senate

After a productive 2026 legislative session, Helene Duhamel announced her candidacy for re-election to the South Dakota Senate, representing District 32 in Rapid City.

“We achieved major wins for South Dakota, Rapid City, and Box Elder this session, and I was proud to play a leadership role,” said Duhamel. “As the prime sponsor, I secured $8 million in funding to repair and improve roads around Ellsworth Air Force Base in preparation for the arrival of the new B-21 bomber.”

Duhamel also highlighted another milestone: “For the first time, we set aside $3 million in a water savings account to prepare for South Dakota’s long-term needs. Western South Dakota faces ongoing water shortages, and with continued growth on the horizon, we must plan ahead so our children and grandchildren can thrive in this dry region of our state.”

She further noted success in securing low-interest loans for the Rapid City and Sioux Falls airports, calling them vital to the state’s economy. “These two airports serve 95–98% of South Dakotans, and they’re essential to our tourism industry. This investment in transportation infrastructure benefits all of us.”

“It remains my great honor to serve and represent my fellow citizens in the South Dakota Senate,” Duhamel said. “I ask for your continued trust and support. I will keep working hard, listening to every perspective, and doing what’s best for the great state of South Dakota.”

A fifth-generation South Dakotan and longtime broadcaster, Duhamel was first appointed to the Senate in 2019 and has since been re-elected three times. She balances her legislative duties with a full-time position at the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Duhamel currently serves on the Senate Judiciary, Local Government, and Agriculture & Natural Resources committees. A pro-business Republican, she is recognized by Elevate Rapid City for her consistent support of smart growth in western South Dakota. Her top priorities include public safety, good wages, workforce housing, and quality education.

Duhamel, 63, is married and the proud mother of three children and two grandchildren.

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Strengthening South Dakota
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
March 27, 2026

From rural healthcare to property tax relief, apprenticeships to airport investments, I have focused on strengthening our economy and supporting communities across the state. These are real investments that make a difference in the lives of our hardworking South Dakotans.

Access to quality healthcare is a priority, especially in our rural communities. Families should be able to stay in the town they grew up in without having to travel hours to see a doctor or receive critical care. This past session, we made historic investments in rural healthcare. The first bill that I signed was to support the Rural Health Transformation Fund. This investment will expand resources for rural hospitals and clinics, ensuring that South Dakotans can get the care they need close to home. Strong communities start with strong healthcare, and these resources will help keep families healthy and thriving.

Infrastructure plays an important role in our economic growth. This session, we invested in the Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports in the form of low-interest loans. Folks from across South Dakota use these airports to travel, and visitors from across the country and around the world land at those airports to take advantage of our travel industry. This investment will create more opportunities for local businesses, tourism, and economic development. This will ensure South Dakota remains competitive, connected, and Open for Opportunity.

I’m also focusing on workforce development. This session, we set up a new State Apprenticeship Agency at the Department of Labor and Regulation. Apprenticeships and hands-on learning programs allow South Dakotans to earn while they learn, gaining valuable skills that meet the needs of local industries.

We also supported the growth of Southeast Tech in Sioux Falls. By investing in education and training right here in our communities, we’re keeping talent in our state and preparing workers for the high-demand careers of today and tomorrow. These programs make a difference, not just for participants, but for the businesses and communities that rely on a skilled workforce to grow and succeed. And they give our next generation more opportunities to get into the career of their dreams right here at home.

When we focus on practical, common-sense policy, South Dakota thrives. This legislative session was about keeping our economy strong, supporting our communities, giving families what they need to succeed, and keeping South Dakota the freest state in a nation founded on the principle of freedom. I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I’ll keep working every single day to deliver results for you.

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Transparency for Farmers
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
March 27, 2026

BIG Update

Farmers face many factors that they have no control over. They can’t control the weather, commodity prices, or input costs. Yet they work hard every day to feed and fuel the world despite these unknowns.

I introduced the Fertilizer Transparency Act to give farmers accurate, weekly information on fertilizer prices. The United States Department of Agriculture currently publishes this data annually and on a voluntary basis.

My bill will help alleviate some of the uncertainty that producers face every day and help them plan best for the seasons ahead. Not only will we have better data, but regulators will have the information they need to fight back against price gouging and manipulation.

Click here or the image above to read more

BIG Idea

Trucks move more than 70% of freight in the United States, bringing goods to people across the country and supporting the economy. This week, I met with the South Dakota Trucking Association to talk about challenges the trucking industry is facing.

I’m leading legislation that would allow truck drivers to transport more weight in goods. The data shows it would increase road safety and get more products delivered on time, cutting down costs and speeding up our supply chain.

Johnson with members of the South Dakota Trucking Association

BIG News

The International Olympic Committee announced biological men will not be allowed to compete in women’s events for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

I’ve been a leader in Congress to protect women’s sports. One bill I support is the Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act which would ensure biological men cannot compete in women’s sports from grade school to the Olympics and every age in between. I’m glad the Olympic Committee adopted this policy.

This is not a new concept – biological males and females have different strengths and should compete on separate playing fields. Regardless of the level of competition, female athletes deserve fair competition.

 

Click here or the image above to read more

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I’m not seeing any pictures on-line, but hearing the Minnehaha GOP Lincoln Day Dinner featuring former Congressman Madison Cawthorn was a little rough last night.

Initial reports were that they had a room for 500 people. Except only an estimated 105 people showed up. Whoof.   We’ll see when some photos show up for confirmation.

Not a good omen for the Friday SDGOP VIP convention event with the man who went on trial for accusations of drugging and raping a woman.

Who are they trying to appeal to with these guys? Not regular South Dakotans.

Christensen Launches Campaign for State Senate in District 9

Hartford, South Dakota – March 27, 2026 – Daryl Christensen, former State Representative, business leader, and longtime advocate for South Dakota communities, today announced his campaign for State Senate in District 9 as a Republican—focused on lowering property tax pressure, public safety, infrastructure and growth management, and keeping citizens informed of the impact of decisions made in Pierre.

Christensen said he is entering the race at a time when families, homeowners, farmers, and small business owners across District 9 are being squeezed by rising costs and growing frustration with government that isn’t responding.

“We need serious leadership focused on real issues, not symbolic resolutions.”

Christensen brings decades of real-world experience in business, development, and public service. Most recently, he served as Regional Business Development Manager for Fireplace Professionals in Sioux Falls, where he led strategic growth and market expansion. As Vice President of Reaves Buildings, he managed multi-state territories, built teams, and drove sustained revenue growth while maintaining disciplined financial oversight.

Earlier in his career, Christensen worked with state and local governments in 11 states in senior care and owned and operated a real estate brokerage specializing in residential, agricultural and commercial transactions. In addition, he served in other roles managing emergency and civil defense services.

Christensen said his campaign will focus on clear, results-driven priorities:

• Slow and reduce the growth of property taxes to protect homeowners, farmers, and retirees
• Support public safety and strong local communities
• Encourage responsible growth that respects both Sioux Falls and rural South Dakota

“People aren’t asking for more promises. They’re asking for results,” he said. “We need to focus on core responsibilities, be honest about how taxpayer dollars are spent, and make sure government is working for the people, not the other way around.”

With District 9 spanning both rapidly growing Sioux Falls neighborhoods and surrounding rural communities, Christensen said effective leadership must reflect both perspectives.

“This district is stronger when we bring those priorities together,” he said. “Whether you’re in Sioux Falls or outside of town, you deserve someone who listens to your concerns welcomes thoughtful conversations and does not just go along with the status quo.”

Now retired, Christensen said he is prepared to fully commit his time and energy to serving District 9.

“I’m not running to talk. I’m running to do the job,” Christensen said. “And I’ll be ready to go to work for District 9 on day one.”

Daryl Christensen, Candidate for South Dakota Senate District 9
Email: daryl@votedarylchristensen.com Website: www.votedarylchristensen.com

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(This could be the year District 9 comes back to the light – Go check out Daryl’s web site! – pp)