If you would like to review the video that was broadcast today, here it is from YouTube:

According to the presser being held by Hyde Co. States Atty Emily Sovell, Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg is being charged with three violations of law as a result of the 9/12/20 accident where a pedestrian was struck and killed while on the road.

1. Operating a vehicle while using a mobile electronic device. (*this was before the accident and the prosecutors claim that the look/see at the phone took place on the East side of Highmore, and the accident was on the west side of Highmore.)
2. Lane Driving
3. Careless Driving

All charges are misdemeanors.

They’re saying that he was not under the influence of anything. I’m sure there will be more to come on this.

Governor Noem Signs Bills into Law

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Kristi Noem signed eighteen bills into law:

• SB 6 corrects technical errors in statutory cross-references related to the Department of Social Services.
• SB 20 places certain controlled substances on the controlled substances schedule.
• SB 22 corrects a technical error concerning a cross-reference regarding a certain energy conservation program.
• SB 29 revises certain training and testing requirements for entry level driver applicants for a commercial driver license.
• SB 30 extends the issuance period for commercial learner’s permits.
• SB 32 revises certain provisions regarding access critical nursing facilities.
• SB 39 repeals the registration requirements for certain amusement devices.
• SB 41 revises certain requirements for contesting certificates of assessment.
• SB 42 requires all documentation supporting a tax refund claim regarding the accidental mixing of undyed and dyed diesel fuel to be submitted to the Department of Revenue within a certain time period.
• SB 43 modifies certain provisions related to motor vehicles.
• SB 63 corrects technical errors and outdated provisions regarding the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
• SB 73 revises provisions regarding the sale of certain government owned vehicles by an auction agency.
• SB 78 modifies certain provisions related to trusts.
• HB 1031 revises certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1032 revises the minimum cost of living adjustment and revises terminology of the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1033 updates certain provisions relating to the South Dakota Retirement System and revises certain provisions relating to reemployment after retirement with the South Dakota Retirement System.
• HB 1037 authorizes the increase of certain fees by the State Electrical Commission.
• HB 1046 limits liability for certain exposures to COVID-19.

Governor Noem has signed sixty bills into law this legislative session.

Last week after purposely avoiding as much contact as I could with the outside world over the last several months, my household got an unexpected visitor when COVID showed up on my doorstep, banishing my youngest son and I to the basement, separating us from my wife and youngest daughter on the upper side of the stairwell. My oldest son abandoned the house entirely and pushed across the town avoiding all of us.

I think I have a comparatively mild case, strictly body aches and low grade fever. I did pick up some chest issues yesterday where I went in, so I could be checked out. I think it was mainly the cheap oxygen monitor that I had gotten, but better safe than sorry. They said I look good on paper and sent me home with some preventative medicine.

Although as a result, I do find myself back in the ER again today.. but not for a bad thing. My doctor called this morning and said that she thought I was a good candidate for the experimental infusion treatment.

Apparently you cannot have received oxygen or been hospitalized or vaccinated yet. It’s meant to try to prevent hospitalization. Supposedly it pumps you full of antibodies.

They did mention that there’s no charge for the medicine itself because it’s experimental.  Free experimental medicine? Sure…I’m go for a little medical experimentation.. why is my foot tingling?

Seriously, I did talk to one person who had a family member who received infusion who was miserably ill, and less than two days later this 90-year-old person was up baking cookies and feeling better than they had in years. So I’m hopeful this has me on the mend and maybe un-banished to “the home hot zone” a little sooner.

Can’t post without mentioning that I’ve received great care & service from the medical community at Avera Clinic & Brookings Health System. They have truly been outstanding.

State Sen. Brock Greenfield to run for Commissioner of School & Public Lands

Brock Greenfield (R-Clark) has announced he will be seeking the nomination for the office of Commissioner of School and Public Lands in the 2022 election cycle.  Greenfield graduated from Doland and earned his Bachelor of Science from Northern State University with majors in Business Management and Marketing and a minor in Economics.

Greenfield has served in both the SD Senate and House of Representatives and has held numerous leadership positions in the Legislature, including President Pro Tempore of the Senate for four years.  He has also served on Appropriations, State Affairs, Taxation, Commerce and Energy, Education, Retirement Laws, the Executive Board, and State and Tribal Relations, as well as a number of interim summer studies.  He has extensive conservative budgeting experience as an 11-year appropriator, and he has chaired several legislative committees.  In his daily life, Greenfield is a businessman, substitute teacher, bus driver, and baseball coach.  He is also a past State Director of South Dakota Right to Life.  He was united in marriage to his wife, Kelli, last April.  Kelli grew up near Clearfield and graduated from Winner. She is currently a nurse practitioner with the Monument Health system.

Greenfield says the Office of School and Public Lands has been well-served by current Commissioner Ryan Brunner and Deputy Commissioner Mike Lauritsen.  He wants to carry on their tradition of superior, efficient, and effective management of school and endowment lands and dams under the purview of the office. “Ryan, Mike, and their team in the Office of the Commissioner of School and Public Lands have dedicated themselves to serving with integrity as they oversee operations and work to achieve the best results for students, taxpayers, lease holders, and all South Dakotans.”

Greenfield concluded, “I have reached out to a number of people who have served as convention delegates in the past, and they have provided me with strong encouragement to run for this very important job. I look forward to visiting with more delegates from all across the state to listen to their input and concerns in the hopes of garnering their feedback and ultimately gaining their trust and support.”

YOUNGBERG ANNOUNCES DESIRE TO LEAD THE OFFICE OF SOUTH DAKOTA SCHOOL & PUBLIC LANDS

Former State Senator wants to return to Pierre and continue serving the people of South Dakota.

MADISON, SD– Today Former District 8 State Senator Jordan Youngberg officially announced his intent to seek election to serve as South Dakota’s Commissioner of School and Public Lands.

“I have a fierce desire to continue serving our state, and I believe that my conservative, hardworking approach is a perfect fit to lead the office of South Dakota School & Public Lands,” said Youngberg. “As South Dakota’s next Commissioner, I’m committed to utilizing my legislative experience and commitment to financial stewardship to ensure the office continues to effectively maintain all properties and allocate funds to our school districts.”

Born and raised in South Dakota, Jordan and his wife Ann currently call Madison home, along with their two young sons, Russell and Blake. Jordan was re-elected to the State Senate after defeating a popular incumbent democratic incumbent and served as Senate Majority Whip, Vice Chair for the Ag and Natural Resources and Local Government Committees and Chair of the Government Accountability Committee. In addition to public service, Former Senator Youngberg has experience managing an ag implement dealership along with owning and operating small businesses.

“I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish during my time serving in the South Dakota Legislature, but equally as important are the friendships and relationships I’ve been able to develop with folks who have South Dakota’s best interest at heart,” said Youngberg. “I’m excited to engage those individuals again soon as I travel the state to listen and learn throughout my campaign. Those that know me know that I will work hard every single day to make this state better for our next generation.”

The Commissioner of the office of South Dakota School & Public Lands is officially elected in November of 2022. Youngberg is the only candidate to officially announce intentions to pursue the office and will seek the Republican Nomination in June of 2022.

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Former congresswoman and current Augustana university president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin has been sworn into federal court. I had heard about this story this last week, and it opens up some interesting areas of speculation:

The move, sponsored by Democratic Chairman Randy Seiler, opens the door to Herseth Sandlin being nominated for either U.S. attorney — the top federal prosecutor in the state — or a lifetime tenure as a federal judge.

Read it all here.

If I was to place a wager, given her background and prior federal court clerk experience, I would guess it is for a federal judgeship.

Thune Statement on Conclusion of Senate Impeachment Trial

“The Constitution is clear that the primary purpose of impeachment is removal from office, and that’s what I believe the Founders intended.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today released the following statement regarding the conclusion of the Senate impeachment trial:

“The impeachment trial is over and former President Trump has been acquitted. My vote to acquit should not be viewed as exoneration for his conduct on January 6, 2021, or in the days and weeks leading up to it. What former President Trump did to undermine faith in our election system and disrupt the peaceful transfer of power is inexcusable.

“But he is no longer president. The Constitution is clear that the primary purpose of impeachment is removal from office, and that’s what I believe the Founders intended. I have great concerns with the Senate punishing a private citizen with the sole intent of disqualifying him from holding future office. Our Founders designed impeachment to be an extreme remedy and cautioned against its use as a political weapon. We should heed their caution. In our democracy, matters of representation should be left with the people, as the Founders intended.

“I have faith in the American people and the strength of our democracy.”

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Rounds Votes Against Articles of Impeachment

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after voting against the articles of impeachment brought against former President Trump.

“I’ve said all along that impeaching former President Trump is a moot point as the Constitution is clear that removal from office is the primary purpose of impeachment. Our Founding Fathers intended the process of impeachment to remove public officials from office, not to punish private citizens. After carefully listening to every minute of the presentations made by the House Managers and the former president’s legal team, I am convinced that the Senate does not have jurisdiction to render a judgement against the former president. Therefore, I voted not guilty. It is now time to get back to the work of the American people.”

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