The left-leaning ProPublica newspaper/website posted an article this morning digging into campaign committees set up to pay some of former Governor Kristi Noem’s expenses while she was out on the national speaking trail over the course of the last election season, as well as to raise funds for those purposes:

In the intervening years, American Resolve has maintained a low public profile. In March, it purchased Facebook ads attacking a local news outlet in South Dakota, which had been reporting on Noem’s use of government credit cards. Noem’s lawyer did not answer questions about whether the group paid her more money after 2023, the most recent year for which its tax filing is available.

and..

American Resolve’s treasurer referred questions to Noem’s lawyer. In his statement, Noem’s lawyer said she “did not establish, finance, maintain, or control American Resolve Fund. She was simply a vender for a non-profit entity.”

While Noem failed to report the fundraising income Ashwood Strategies received on her federal financial disclosure, she did provide some other details. She described the LLC as involving “personal activities outside my official gubernatorial capacity” and noted that it received the $140,000 advance for her book “No Going Back.” The LLC also had a bank account with between $100,001 and $250,000 in it and at least $50,000 of “livestock and equipment,” she reported.

Read the entire story here.

Happy Independence Day

Greetings. Land of the Free Because of the Brave is a great logo to use in celebrating our 249th Independence Day. Yep! 249 and one year away from the 250th celebration of this great constitutional republic. No other country in history has lasted this long. Now that’s for sure a big hooah hooah!

It was 5 years ago on the 4th of July that we had the huge fireworks show at the “Shrine of Democracy” Mount Rushmore. Marcia and I had the opportunity to attend that spectacular event.

I enjoy representing the home of not only the two gigantic monuments, those being Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse. I like to mention that all the features in a South Dakota tourism brochure are in District 30 except for that big bird feeder in Mitchell. My good friend, Dale Bartscher, really gets perturbed when I say that because he thinks I’m making fun of the Corn Palace (big bird feeder); and yes, I am! LOL.

So, here’s the next great monument project in our country – you ready? It’s called America’s Heroes Statue Garden. It’s going to consist of up to 250 statues. “These should depict historically significant Americans with examples that include military heroes, civil rights leaders, elected officials and others,” according to Pres. Trump.

President Trump started this initiative of a heroes garden saying, “We’re going to be honoring our heroes, honoring the greatest people from our country.” He went on to say, “We’re not tearing down, but instead we’re going to be building up.” Of course the president was referring to tearing down epic landmark statues, primarily in the south.

The last president even went so far as renaming military bases. An example is Fort Bragg in North Carolina, home of the famous 82nd Army Airborne Division. What happened? They changed the name from Fort Bragg to Fort Liberty, costing millions in signage and various ways of removing the name Fort Bragg and changing it to Fort Liberty. President Trump has gotten this changed back to Fort Bragg again, along with 7 other military installations that had this “woke” movement trying to erase history.

So, back to the American Heroes Statue Garden. Here are 30 of the possible 250: John Adams, Susan B. Anthony, Clara Barton, Daniel Boone, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Henry Clay, Davy Crockett, Frederick Douglass, Amelia Earhart, Benjamin Franklin, Billy Graham, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Douglas MacArthur, Dolley Madison, James Madison, Christa McAuliffe, Audie Murphy, George S. Patton, Ronald Reagan, Jackie Robinson, Betsy Ross, Antonin Scalia, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Booker Washington, George Washington, Orville and Wilbur Wright.

The location of the American Heroes Statue Garden is totally up for grabs. Our governor, Larry Rhoden, asked Pres. Trump to consider private land by Mt. Rushmore, owned by Pete Lien and Sons, a Rapid City mining company. In Gov. Rhoden’s letter to Pres. Trump he states, “We have a plot of land available in sight of Mount Rushmore that would be ideal for this fantastic effort.” Gov. Rhoden has invited Pres. Trump to celebrate our 250th anniversary at Mt. Rushmore next year with a fireworks display. It will take place, just like 5 years ago, and will be televised worldwide and will happen right here in South Dakota in District

God bless the United States of America! Hooah! Hooah!

Representative Tim Goodwin, District 30
U.S. Army Lt. Colonel, retired Chair Military and Veterans Affairs
Ag. And Natural Resources and Transportation Committees

Worth Fighting For
By Sen. John Thune

 On the Fourth of July, Americans across the country will gather with family, friends, and their communities to celebrate our nation’s independence. After the parades and barbecues have ended, when I’m looking out at the wide South Dakota sky before the fireworks begin, it’s impossible not to be grateful to be an American and for the freedoms that we enjoy in this country.

Those freedoms, of course, did not come automatically. We fought for them, and later generations have fought to preserve them. Next year, we will celebrate 250 years of independence – and what a celebration it will be. Although we can trace a lot of our history to the iconic spirit of 1776, it was the year 1775 that was a moment of decision for many in the colonies.

It was in March 1775 that Patrick Henry urged his fellow Virginians to fight with the immortal words, “Give me liberty, or give me death.” Weeks later, at Lexington and Concord, the first Americans answered the call to arms, and some gave their lives for our country. And in June of that year, the Continental Congress officially established an army and appointed George Washington its commander in chief.

Ronald Reagan once said of our revolution, “We learned then that the God-given love of freedom that fills every human heart with strength is the greatest force the world has ever known.” Indeed, it was the powerful force of freedom that compelled farmers and tradesmen to leave their homes and face down the most powerful army in the world. They left behind their families, their livelihoods, and risked their lives for a cause of great importance.

The cause of freedom has moved generations of Americans to follow in their footsteps to defend our nation. I’m grateful for the men and women who continue this proud tradition today and for their families who share in their sacrifice. As we mark 80 years since the end of World War II this year, I think especially of the Greatest Generation. They left home for faraway places to defend America and advance the cause of human freedom, and what they did continues to inspire.

Some might say that “freedom” is just an empty word. But no one would fight for a mere word. Freedom is an idea – a powerful idea – and it is worth fighting for. As we march toward 250 years of independence, I hope that this flame – this most powerful force – will continue to burn brightly in our country.

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Johnson to Make Political Announcement in Sioux Falls, Rapid City on Monday

Sioux Falls, S.D. – On Monday, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) will make a political announcement in Sioux Falls and Rapid City.

What:    Sioux Falls Announcement
When:   Monday, June 30, 12:00 PM CT; doors open at 11:30 AM CT
Where:  Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown

What:    Rapid City Announcement
When:   Monday, June 30, 5:00 PM MT
Where:  David Lust Accelerator

Rounds Invites President Trump to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today sent an invitation to President Donald Trump inviting him to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. In addition to the rally itself, Rounds is inviting President Trump to attend a concert at the iconic Sturgis Buffalo Chip alongside founder and CEO Rod Woodruff.

“The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is among the most iconic venues in the nation, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiasts,” wrote Rounds. “It is a must-see experience, glowing with American pride and the roar of American muscle in the background.”

“South Dakota is Trump Country,” said Rounds. “We’d love to introduce you on stage during one of our premier concerts, in front of tens of thousands of fans and we’re thoroughly convinced you’ll be impressed with the reception.”

President Trump would be the first President to visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The last time a sitting President has visited South Dakota was President Trump’s attendance at the Mount Rushmore fireworks show in July 2020.

Read the full invitation HERE or below.

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Dear President Trump,

I write to offer an open invitation to be our guest at South Dakota’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

The rally began in 1938 and is the world’s largest motorcycle rally, attracting hundreds of thousands of patriots each year.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is among the most iconic venues in the nation, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiasts. It is a must-see experience, glowing with American pride with the roar of American muscle in the background.

The Sturgis Buffalo Chip offers world class entertainment and has hosted America-First artists such Kid Rock, Jason Aldean and Toby Keith, among others.  We’re biased, but it’s an experience every red-blooded American should witness, or better yet, participate in.

South Dakota is Trump Country. We’d love to introduce you on stage during one of our premier concerts, in front of tens of thousands of fans and we’re thoroughly convinced you’ll be impressed with the reception.

This year, the event is our 85th Anniversary – which will draw rally goers from every corner of the country and throughout the world. Next year, the 250th anniversary of our country will also be a blow out event. We’d be honored to host you whenever it may work in your schedule.

My friend, Rod Woodruff, founder and CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, has been copied on this letter and is available to answer any questions you or your team might have and will be available to help with all logistics. We’d be happy to make that introduction when appropriate.

Thank you for leading our great country, we’d love to honor you with an appreciation event like you’ve never seen.

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From KELOLAND News, Attorney General Marty Jackley is apparently pulling the trigger on a run for United States Congress:

Jackley told KELOLAND News Friday he is planning to run in 2026 for South Dakota’s lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Republican Dusty Johnson, of Mitchell, currently occupies the seat which will be open 2026 along with every other seat in the U.S. House.

And..

According to Jackley’s latest campaign finance report filed in January, he had more than $500,000 cash on hand.

U.S. Senator Mike Rounds has extended an invitation to  President Trump to attend the motorcycle rally this year in Sturgis South Dakota:

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., extended an invitation exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital to the president to attend his home state’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rounds left the door open for Trump to either come to the rally’s 85th anniversary this year, or to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year.

“South Dakota is Trump Country,” Rounds said. “We’d love to introduce you on stage during one of our premier concerts, in front of tens of thousands of fans, and we’re thoroughly convinced you’ll be impressed with the reception.”

and..

“We’re biased, but it’s an experience every red-blooded American should witness, or better yet, participate in,” Rounds said.

“Thank you for leading our great country. We’d love to honor you with an appreciation event like you’ve never seen,” he continued.

Read it here.

Protecting American Farmland
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
June 27, 2025

BIG Update

China owns a concerning amount of farmland in the United States, and much of that land is near our military bases. For years, I have been sounding the alarm on how China’s purchases of American farmland pose a risk to our food security and national security. Our foreign adversaries—especially China—should not be purchasing U.S. farmland. We can never assume their intentions are good or these purchases are random. Rather, each move from the Chinese Communist Party is a deliberate attempt to increase their global dominance and undermine America.

This week, I voted to pass the Agricultural Risk Review Act to make sure the U.S. Secretary of the Agriculture’s voice is heard when it comes to ag land purchases that pose a risk to America. This bill will protect America’s farmland, military bases, and food supply, but most importantly, national security.

Map of Chinese-owned farmland in the U.S.

BIG Idea

Clean water is essential for economic growth, but the Clean Water Act imposes overly burdensome regulations and America’s permitting process is slow and antiquated. States and the federal government have access to technology to get these projects done in a more timely manner, but it’s not commonly used. This week, I secured a provision in the PERMIT Act to encourage states to use an online dashboard to improve permitting efficiency. The PERMIT Act passed the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and now heads to the full House.

I’ve been focused on permitting reform and this bill is another step toward increased transparency and quicker project timelines. Congress must cut red tape to unleash America’s energy and building potential.

BIG News

President Trump’s decisive action to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites quickly led to a ceasefire between Israel and Iran. I’m grateful for our brave men and women in uniform who safely and successfully completed this mission. The world is safer without a nuclear Iran and with an America that leads by peace through strength.

I recently wrote about America’s role abroad. You can read that article in the Ripon Forum here.

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The Western States
By: Gov. Larry Rhoden
June 27, 2025

I was born and raised in West River, and that part of the state reflects the great American West in a lot of ways. The hillcrests and valleys are a bit sharper, the prairies have more cows and grass than corn and soybeans, and the Black Hills are similar to the Rockies (though far more beautiful).

Many of the issues that impact West River are similar to other western states as well. For that reason, I was right at home just a few days ago when I attended the meeting of the Western Governors Association. Bipartisan governors from all over the western states joined together in New Mexico. I hadn’t spent much time in New Mexico, so I was impressed by the natural beauty – very different from our own here in South Dakota

The other governors shared advice and policy ideas. We also heard from several cabinet secretaries in the Trump Administration on policies that impact us in this part of the country.

I was impressed by the fact that, even though governors from both parties were present in strong numbers, there was very much a spirit of comradery among us to solve problems facing our people. For example, Sandy and I made friends with New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and her husband. If she ever decides to leave government and politics, she could make a career as a standup comedian!

The conversations were very much policy oriented – not political at all. We heard from Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who is the former Governor of North Dakota and a longtime member of the Western Governors Association. He brought a lot of understanding of our various circumstances and how we can face those in our respective roles as governor.

I had the privilege to introduce Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who has been a major benefit to South Dakota in her role. We covered a lot of ground, including what she is doing to tackle looming challenges like the New World Screwworm, which would threaten cattle herds across western states if left unaddressed.

Most of all, I very much appreciated the counsel that I received from my fellow governors. I was the newest to my role at this event, but the other governors treated me as an equal. I’m glad to know that if I ever have need of advice or assistance, all I need to do is pick up the phone.

It’s very humbling to serve as governor on behalf of our entire state – to have it as my responsibility to keep our people strong, safe, and free. Other governors have the same responsibility. Though they may approach their roles in different ways or support different policies, their perspective and advice is always beneficial. We can always learn something, even from our worst critic. It was a great opportunity to work with and learn from my fellow Western Governors.

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Using a new logo, it is being reported that Congressman Dusty Johnson will be making a special announcement on Monday.

Stay tuned. Things may just be getting more interesting in South Dakota politics.