Thune: Republicans’ Bill Puts American Strength, Safety, and Prosperity First
“[W]e want to allow you to keep more of what you earn so that you can spend it and make decisions that are in the best interests of your family, instead of sending that money to Washington, D.C.”
Attorney General Jackley Announces Charges in Prison Inmate Deaths
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces two individuals have been indicted on charges related to the drug overdose deaths of two South Dakota Penitentiary inmates that have occurred this year at the Penitentiary.
“We are holding individuals accountable for distributing illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Their action led to the tragic and preventable loss of life.”
Penitentiary inmate Manarion (Mare-nar-ion) Timothy Douglas Fuse, 21, is charged with one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids, that resulted in the death of inmate Anthony Richards on Feb. 6, 2025; and one count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, synthetic cannabinoids. Fuse is alleged to have provided the drug to Richards who died that night. He faces a maximum of 70 years in prison.
Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls is charged with distribution of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, resulting in the death of inmate Jason Garreau, who died on May 15, 2025. She is alleged to have brought the drug into the prison when she visited Garreau on May 14. She faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Both defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.
The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Attorney General Jackley said the investigation continues into the suspected drug overdose deaths of two other inmates that occurred this year.
Attorney General Jackley Announces 24 Prison Inmates Indicted on Charges in May Penitentiary Disturbance
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces 24 inmates have been indicted on charges in connection to the May 27 disturbance at the Penitentiary that left 14 inmates injured.
“The defendants orchestrated violent assaults that endangered both inmates and staff,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The Attorney General will hold accountable those engaging in violence within the prison walls.”
The 24 inmates charged in the May 27 disturbance were indicted on either felony or misdemeanor charges including Aggravated Assault, Simple Assault, and Rioting. The assaults resulted in 14 inmates injured and four were transported to local hospitals. Maximum sentences for individual defendants extend up to 80 years in prison.
All defendants were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The cases were investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the South Dakota Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will prosecute the cases.
Court appearances for the defendants will be scheduled later. The defendants are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Inmates who have been charged are:
1. Daniel James Farmer
2. Montique Rinaldo Bickham
3. Treysean Mychael Gunnoe
4. Carlos Luis Riveramontes
5. Cruz Louis Deleon
6. Cyruss Baylee Haag
7. Elias Seth Richard
8. Bryce Jaymes Spinks
9. Trevor Joseph Cunningham
10. Ethan Bradley Phillips
11. Austin John Esser
12. Mekohl Louis Tyrel Johnson
13. Ezekiel Chavez Two Dogs
14. Luis Javier Perez-Melendez
15. Hunger High Pipe
16. Enos Evans Horned Eagle
17. Dylan Robert Brown
18. William Christopher Little
19. Garrett Austin Dumarce
20. Lyric Murray Hill
21. Jonathan Alan Denoyer
22. Adrian Vaughn Lund
23. Deaundrea Gage Janis
24. Shaun Ray Valenzuela
Gov. Rhoden and Sec. Doug Burgum Move Forward with Planning for Mount Rushmore Fireworks
PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden and United States Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum announced that the State of South Dakota and the United States Department of the Interior are moving forward with planning for the Mount Rushmore Fireworks celebration to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday. Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward with planning, which you can find here.
“South Dakota is the epitome of freedom, so it is only fitting to throw the biggest birthday party ever for the United States of America in our backyard,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “President John Adams said that Independence Day, ‘ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade… Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.’ These fireworks achieve that mission, and I am grateful for Secretary Burgum and President Trump’s partnership. You won’t want to miss it!”
You can find photos of Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum signing the MOA here and b-roll footage here.
Back in February, Governor Rhoden and Secretary Burgum agreed that fireworks will return to Mount Rushmore for America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This MOA serves as the legal binding document.
“Next year, America will celebrate 250 years of independence, and it is a priority of President Trump and the Department of the Interior to ensure we have the appropriate celebration for the greatest nation in the world,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “With the help of South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden and the National Park Service, we are sealing plans to observe our great country’s birthday at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial, a staple of American history, in 2026. Through this joint effort, the Department looks forward to ensuring the two and a half centuries of American leadership, growth, and strength are honored during this historic celebration.”
Governor Rhoden also invited President Trump to attend this fantastic celebration. He made this invitation in a letter to the President, which you can find here.
Rounds Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications Applications Due by July 15
PIERRE – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) is currently accepting applications from college students to serve as interns during the fall 2025 semester. Positions are available in the Washington, D.C. office and the state offices in Pierre, Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Fall internships typically run from September to December, but dates can be tailored to specific schedules. Interns will receive a stipend, and the office works closely with all universities to meet the criteria necessary for interns to receive college credit.
“Our internship program is an incredible opportunity for students to experience a deeper understanding of the political process,” said Rounds. “Interns are crucial to our office operations both in South Dakota and in D.C. The program is open to students from all areas of discipline, not just political science. I encourage college students interested in serving the state of South Dakota to apply for the upcoming fall internship.”
“I learned many valuable things during my time interning in Senator Rounds’ office,” said Kaelyn Somsen, a summer 2022 intern in Rounds’ D.C. office who is now attending law school at the University of South Dakota. “I continue to use many of those lessons during my time in law school and while working in a law firm. Communication is a big part of interning in the Senate, whether it be communicating with constituents, those who are coming in to meet with the Senator, or other staff members. Learning how to address different people and situations has helped me in school and work as I am able to communicate efficiently and effectively with clients, professors, attorneys, and other staff members.”
Duties in the Washington, D.C. office include tracking legislation, researching bills, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail and providing legislative support. Duties in the South Dakota offices include researching constituent inquiries and requests, participation in outreach activities, assisting staff on special projects, sorting mail, handling phone calls and responding to constituent requests. In all offices, students will work closely with constituents and staff, polish their research and writing skills and gain an in-depth understanding of a Senate office. Internships can also be tailored to an intern’s specific interest areas when possible.
Interested students can apply at https://www.rounds.senate.gov/internships. The application deadline is July 15, 2025. For more information, please contact Rounds’ Pierre office at 605-224-1450.
2026 is already proving to be a little crazy, and it’s only going to get bigger and louder. And Dakotawarcollege.com is here to chronicle the good, the bad, and ask what are some of these people thinking as the campaign heats up, now that we’re down to about 1 year until the political conventions where the full tickets will be put on display for the fall of 2026.
As you know, South Dakota War College is in our 20th year of being on the air, keeping an eye on political leaders, and offering commentary from a conservative Republican point of view. With politics continuing to be controversial and directly affecting people’s day to day lives, people are watching what happens because things can turn on a dime.
Advertisers – I have a number of spots open, and questions on ad prices, ad positions, and ad commitments may be directed to the webmaster by clicking here. Lots of open space available at the moment, such as the #1 spot on the left available, as well as spots #2 on the right, and spots on both sides lower on the page. (The #1 spot on the right may open up as well, but I’m waiting to hear on that.) Ads run in their position through the site, meaning they are not rotated. Advertising is available on a first-come first-served basis, and as I have since we started taking advertising, discounts are provided for extended commitments.
US Senator Mike Rounds’ WEEKLY ROUND[S] UP: June 9-22, 2025
Welcome back to another Weekly Round[s] Up. As a United States Senator, each year I have the opportunity to nominate South Dakota students to attend our nation’s service academies. I recently announced that nine students I’ve nominated will be attending service academies this fall. After receiving a top-notch education, these South Dakotans will serve our country as active-duty military members. We’re proud of these students and their desire to answer the call of duty to serve our nation. Read more about these nominees here, and read more about what I’ve been up to in my Weekly Round[s] Up:
South Dakota groups I met with: Members of the South Dakota Alzheimer’s Association; members of the South Dakota Health Care Association; Bill Brown, CEO of 3M, which has operations in South Dakota; Children’s Advocacy Center of South Dakota; Don Haggar, State Director of South Dakota’s chapter of Americans for Prosperity; a group of leaders from South Dakota State University, including President Barry Dunn; the South Dakota Music Education Association; leaders from Solventum, which has a manufacturing plant in Brookings; South Dakota members of the National Association of Home Builders; leaders from Empirical Foods and Empirical Innovations; Anna Lent, a South Dakota student who is participating in the International 4-H Youth Exchange Program and will be studying in Taiwan this summer; Cash Martinez, a student from Bridgewater-Emery’s Future Farmers of America chapter; South Dakota members of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition; Chloe Beltrand, co-host of WNAX’s Drive Time radio show (which I go on with monthly!); Steve Elliott, President of Black Hills State University, and his daughter Ava; a group of students in town with the South Dakota Rural Electric Association; a group of South Dakota FFA members; and a group of South Dakota 4-H members.
I attended the dedication ceremony for the Veterans Honor Park in Madison. We were honored to have Medal of Honor Recipient Michael Fitzmaurice in attendance as well. I spoke at conference hosted by the Joint Commission, the nation’s leading healthcare accrediting body, titled “Operationalizing a Responsible Use of AI in Healthcare.” Leaders from two South Dakota health care systems, Monument Health and Sanford Health, were in attendance.
South Dakota towns represented: Bonesteel, Box Elder, Brandon, Brookings, Burke, Dakota Dunes, Estelline, Harrisburg, Hartford, Kimball, Marion, Mitchell, Parker, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Vermillion and Yankton.
Other meetings: Jerome Powell, Chairman of the Federal Reserve; Dave Limp, CEO of Blue Origin; Richard Haworth, CEO of Barclays America; the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America; leaders from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates; Dennis Nixon, CEO of IBC Bank; and leaders from Starcloud.
I spoke at an AI policy dinner hosted by Amazon and a housing summit hosted by the Bipartisan Policy Center. I also attended our weekly Senate Bible Study twice, where our verses of the week were Proverbs 12:22 and Genesis 12:3, and Senate Prayer Breakfast, where Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia was our speaker.
Hearings: I attended eight different hearings. We had two hearings in the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). In one hearing, we heard from leaders with the Navy and Marine Corps. In the other SASC hearing, we heard from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other leaders within the Department of Defense.
I discussed AI and China in a hearing of the Senate Banking Committee – specifically my legislation, the Stop Stealing Our Chips Act, which would establish a whistleblower incentive program within the Bureau of Industry Security aimed at increasing actionable intelligence on illegal exports. I also attended two closed hearings of the Select Committee on Intelligence.
We had three different Appropriations Subcommittee hearings. We heard from National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Jay Bhattacharya in a hearing of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. We had a hearing in the Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, where I asked about last year’s disastrous flooding at McCook Lake. We also had a hearing in the Subcommittee on Interior and Environment where we discussed ways to U.S. Forest Service can mediate minor resource disputes between the federal government and producers.
Classified briefings: I attended two classified briefings. One was part of my work on the Select Committee on Intelligence. The other was our bi-weekly cyber education seminar, which I host as part of my work on SASC’s Subcommittee on Cybersecurity.
Letter to Secretary Rollins: I sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins asking her to develop a framework for reinstating Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for beef. A majority of American consumers support requiring country of origin labeling for fresh meat. It’s past time that we reinstate this rule and deliver transparency to American consumers. Read more about this letter here.
Legislation Introduced: I reintroduced the USA Beef Act, legislation to limit the use of the “Product of USA” label only to beef products that are born, raised and slaughtered in the United States. The legislation would also codify the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) rule addressing the same issue. While the USDA rule is a win, our next priority is delivering Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (MCOOL) for American producers and consumers.
Votes taken: 25 – many of these votes were on more executive branch nominees, all of which I supported. We also voted to pass the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act of 2025. This legislation will establish a regulatory framework for stablecoins, which are a type of cryptocurrency backed by a sovereign like the U.S. dollar. I voted yes on this legislation.
My staff in South Dakota visited: Centerville, Eagle Butte, Hartford, Mobridge and Wall.
Steps taken: 60,775 steps or 28.93 miles in week one, 45,472 steps or 21.36 miles in week two.
Video of the week: I joined NewsNation on Sunday to discuss the strikes in Iran:
Well, it looks like Toby has his poll results back, because he’s out on Facebook today trying to claim that last week after he called Dusty “evil,” that we’re now supposed to believe the car salesman when he’s telling us that “It’s not personal.”
So, now when Toby says claims Dusty Johnson is evil, it isn’t personal, it is all policy?
Coalition for Medicare Choice: South Dakotans Urge Protection of Medicare Advantage as Budget Talks Intensify
South Dakota seniors are raising their voices as Congress considers major budget decisions that could impact Medicare Advantage, a program many in the state say is central to their health, independence, and financial stability.
During a recent roundtable held at the Tavern Grille in Sioux Falls, local retirees and caregivers gathered to share personal stories about how Medicare Advantage supports their lives — from managing chronic conditions and accessing preventive care to ensuring cost predictability. The event offered a timely reminder that for thousands of South Dakotans, this isn’t an abstract policy issue — it’s a day-to-day reality.
Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive health coverage, including hospital and physician services covered by traditional Medicare, while also providing additional benefits such as vision, hearing, dental care, and prescription drugs. For rural states like South Dakota, services such as telehealth, transportation assistance, and in-home support can make the difference between delayed care and timely treatment.
Participants underscored how Medicare Advantage’s cap on out-of-pocket costs helps protect those living on fixed incomes.
South Dakota’s leadership in Washington places the state at the center of this national discussion. Staff members from both Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Senator Mike Rounds’ offices attended the roundtable, signaling continued engagement and reaffirming that both senators remain committed to protecting the program.
Nationwide, more than 35 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage — a number that continues to grow as more seniors choose coverage that prioritizes preventive care, care coordination, and financial protection.
As budget negotiations continue in Washington, South Dakotans are making their priorities clear: safeguard the care that’s working, and don’t jeopardize a model that delivers better outcomes and long-term value for patients and taxpayers alike.
Dusty Johnson’sOffice Now Accepting Fall 2025 Internship Applications
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) announced that his office is seeking internship applicants for the fall in his Washington, D.C., Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sioux Falls offices.
Duties of a congressional intern will include researching legislation, attending committee hearings and briefings, leading tours of the U.S. Capitol, handling constituent phone calls, sorting mail, and providing support to the staff and the Congressman. Interns will work closely with staff while developing their research, writing, and communications skills. Most importantly, they will gain an in-depth understanding of the federal legislative branch while helping to serve South Dakota constituents.
Applicants interested in federal tribal relations or Native American issues are encouraged to apply for the Ben Reifel Internship based in the Washington, D.C. office. The ideal candidate will intern for a minimum of six weeks and have a desire to serve South Dakota’s tribal communities.
“Our internship program is an opportunity to see how Congress works—from legislating in D.C. to assisting constituents in South Dakota,” said Johnson. “Our interns contribute to the meaningful work we do day in and day out. Through the collaborative work environment of our offices, interns can learn a host of information and skills to set them up for success, regardless of their career path.”
Interested applicants should complete the online internship application no later than July 15, 2025. More information about the internship program, along with the application, can be found online. Resumes should be submitted at dustyjohnson.house.gov/services/internships.