It looks like the 2026 legislature is going to have a lot of pledge legislation being brought by a cast of characters who keep popping up on the pledge lists based on crazy stuff they read on the Internet as opposed to genuine needs for changes in South Dakota law being brought based on the wants and needs of constituents.

To set the stage, there is a new pledge being brought by a Texas Ear Nose and Throat specialist who seems to be in conflict with her state medical board when they try to stop her from doing what she wants:

The Texas Medical Board on Friday voted to issue a public reprimand to a Houston physician for prescribing medication to a COVID-19 patient at a Fort Worth hospital where she lacked permission to provide treatment.

The reprimand of Dr. Mary Talley Bowden came after two administrative law judges with the State Office of Administrative Hearings determined she could be subject to discipline from the medical board. The judges determined Bowden engaged in unprofessional conduct, behaved in a disruptive manner toward staff at the Fort Worth hospital and interfered with patient care, according to court records.

and..

Bowden said during the meeting that she does not regret her actions, and that she intends to appeal the reprimand. She also said she plans to file a lawsuit against the medical board and its members, according to the recording of the meeting shared by the medical board.

and..

The medical board’s president, Dr. Sherif Zaafran, pushed back on Bowden’s claim that she was being punished for her views on the COVID-19 vaccine and support for ivermectin.

Read that entire story here.

On the heels of that mess, this scolded physician from another state has decided that she wants legislators to sign pledges to pull COVID Vaccines off the market.. I’m guessing because she apparently prefers Ivermectin, the medicine for sheep, popularized during the epidemic?

Not shockingly.. Dylan Jordan and BranDEI signed right up, because signing a pledge is easier than thinking.

God save us from legislators – whom we wouldn’t trust to watch our plants – who think they know more than our family physicians.

Looks like the election conspiracists goofballs backing Heather Baxter to take over the Secretary of State’s office are taking the gloves off on Facebook, as they dial up the gaslighting and delusional narcissism and declare that people should do things their way, because the rest of the world is stupid and they’re the only ones who understand.

Yet, oddly enough, not one of them can point to an election in South Dakota that came out wrong.  At the same time that hand-counting has been proven to not be so great when it comes to accuracy.

I guess they will have to accept that South Dakotans aren’t big on the paranoia they keep trying to sell.

Important Work Ahead
By Sen. John Thune

More than 40 days after Democrats chose to shut down the government, Congress has finally passed a funding bill to reopen it. While I’m disappointed that the vast majority of Democrats in Congress were apparently willing to let the shutdown continue, I’m glad that the pain of the shutdown has ended, and Congress can get back to the important work before us.

As Democrats’ shutdown dragged on for six weeks, it caused pain that was felt across the country. Nutrition benefits were in jeopardy for millions of needy families. Air travel was in an extremely precarious situation. Federal workers didn’t receive a paycheck for weeks. Many turned to food banks to feed their families, and others couldn’t afford to put gas in their cars to get to work. Many military families, too, were forced to turn to charity in order to put food on the table amid uncertainty about their paychecks.

South Dakota was not immune to these challenges. I was proud to work with the Trump administration to mitigate the harms the shutdown caused, as we did by finding funds to reopen Farm Service Agency offices that had been closed due to the shutdown. I know how critical FSA services are to farmers and ranchers, especially during harvest season, and I’m glad we were able to find a solution to that issue. But at the end of the day, there is no substitute for reopening the government, and I’m glad that enough Democrats finally relented to allow all the services that Americans depend on to be funded.

I also want to express my gratitude to the South Dakotans whose jobs were impacted by the shutdown. I know the last six weeks have been challenging for military families and federal employees. I’m especially grateful to every air traffic controller in South Dakota who showed up during the shutdown despite not being paid. Thank you to those who kept working and to those organizations and neighbors that helped these South Dakotans during this difficult time.

With the government shutdown behind us, Congress now returns to work on full-year government funding bills. I made it clear when I became majority leader that the Senate would be taking its role in the appropriations process seriously. My preference is for a regular order process that allows senators to advocate for their views and the views of the people they represent – the way things are supposed to work. My hope is that we will continue to build on the progress we’ve already made with the three funding bills that have been signed into law.

There are no winners in a government shutdown, but Democrats’ 40-day long shutdown produced a lot of losers. It caused pain, uncertainty, and chaos for the American people. I hope that Democrats will leave these partisan political games in the past and join Republicans in the important work we need to do for our country.

###

Angels in Adoption
By Rep. Dusty Johnson
November 14, 2025

November is National Adoption Month. Adoption is a truly selfless decision and a meaningful way to grow a family.

Each year, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute selects individuals, families, or organizations across the country who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of children in need of permanent, loving homes.

This year, Marcus and Jackie Isakson of Hill City were selected as South Dakota’s Angels in Adoption honorees. Marcus and Jackie have a big heart for fostering and adoption, which is evident through their story.

Marcus and Jackie had four biological children but had always desired to pursue fostering and adoption. After having kids of their own, they decided to begin the process. Over the years, they have fostered countless children and recently fostered four siblings. When the children’s biological mother passed away, the Isaksons decided to pursue adoption of these four children.

On February 7, 2025, the Isakson family went from a family of six to a family of ten. This jump hasn’t deterred the family’s desire to continue fostering children. The Isaksons continue to take in emergency foster cases and currently have two foster children living in their home.

I had the privilege of meeting Marcus and Jackie this summer to honor them and thank them for their dedication to helping children in need find a loving home. I enjoyed talking with them and hearing their thoughts on how to improve our foster care system.

As the Thanksgiving season quickly approaches, it is a good time to be thankful for those in our communities who help others in need. I’m grateful to the Isaksons, and many other South Dakota families who foster or adopt, and for their commitment to make our families and our communities stronger.

Heath Shields Announces for State Treasurer

CUSTER, S.D. (AP) — Heath Shields, a Custer business owner, rancher and conservative activist, announced Tuesday that he will seek the Republican nomination for South Dakota State Treasurer in the 2026 election. Shields enters the race with a platform built around what he calls a “Seven Pillars Plan,” a modernization blueprint aimed at strengthening fiscal management and increasing transparency in the Treasurer’s Office.

Shields, who works in real estate and operates a ranch and agritourism business in the Black Hills, said his decision to run is driven by a sense of duty rather than political ambition.

“Leadership isn’t found in ambition — it’s born from a calling,” Shields said. “I feel called to serve South Dakota — not merely to maintain expectations, but to raise them. Our citizens deserve a Treasurer’s Office that doesn’t settle for ‘good enough,’ but one that constantly strives to deliver more transparency, more efficiency and more accountability than ever before.”

Shields said South Dakotans value stability in financial stewardship, but he believes the moment calls for elevating the office beyond routine administration.

“I don’t want to just give South Dakotans what they’ve come to expect. I want to raise their expectations of the Treasurer’s Office altogether,” he said.

The centerpiece of Shields’ campaign is the Seven Pillars Plan, which he describes as a practical and conservative roadmap for strengthening the management of state funds, returning unclaimed property more quickly, improving citizen access to financial information and protecting the state’s long-term investments.

“South Dakotans deserve to see clearly where their money is, how it’s protected and what we’re doing to secure their financial future,” Shields said. “My goal is simple: build the most modern, transparent and responsive Treasurer’s Office in state history.”
—
Shields’ Seven Pillars Focus On:
1. Modernizing outdated processes
2. Strengthening fiscal security through disciplined, conservative management
3. Increasing transparency into state accounts and investments
4. Improving and simplifying communication with citizens
5. Accelerating the return of unclaimed property
6. Promoting financial responsibility and literacy statewide
7. Protecting South Dakota’s permanent trust funds for future generations
—
Shields said true public service requires more than maintaining the status quo — it requires advancing systems that support taxpayers and preparing state financial institutions for the future.

“South Dakotans deserve a Treasurer who leads with purpose, integrity and vision,” Shields said. “This office must be built for the future — not just maintained for the moment.”

Shields has been active in Republican grassroots efforts and statewide advocacy initiatives. His background includes small-business ownership, ranch operations and experience navigating complex financial and regulatory systems as a licensed real estate professional.

—-

Heath Shields is a South Dakota entrepreneur, ranch owner and licensed realtor serving communities across the Black Hills. He is known for his involvement in conservative grassroots organizations, his focus on fiscal responsibility and his commitment to service-driven leadership.

Gov. Rhoden Opts in to President Trump’s School Choice Initiative

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, Governor Larry Rhoden announced he is opting in to President Donald J. Trump’s school choice initiative. This initiative was laid out in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, and states need to opt in to take advantage of the program.

“Our students are the future of our state, and we must equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “Parents should have the freedom to choose the learning environment that sets their kids up for success. I am grateful that President Trump has the same conviction and is helping us create more opportunities for our students.”

Individuals will be able to donate to organizations that provide tax credit scholarships, allowing families to choose the type of instruction that works best for their kids. The money will fund scholarships for families to use on a variety of educational purposes, including microschools and classical schools. The scholarships can also be awarded to public school students for supplemental academic enrichment.

Donors can give up to $1,700 to approved scholarship organizations for a 100%, nonrefundable tax credit. This opportunity is available starting in January 2027.

Over the last 5 years, the number of students choosing homeschooling has doubled, and other innovative models like microschools and classical schools have also been on the rise.

“Individuals can soon donate to scholarship organizations instead of paying more taxes to the federal government – that is a huge win for taxpayers, schools, and students!” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “My goal as Governor is to support innovation – not stand in the way. So, we will continue to champion policies that expand the freedom to learn for our students.”

Governor Rhoden made this announcement at a press conference at St. Josephs Academy. You can find a photo of that announcement here.

###

Readers, I’m on a long-planned weekend getaway and I won’t be able to post the full report until I’m back at the hotel room and have access to my iPad.

But the SDGOP just posted a bombshell FEC report that continues to highlight the (former 32-year Democrat) chairman’s poor performance coupled with an ever increasing downward acceleration.

$7.66? How does one justify continuing to have the title of chairman, yet raising that little amount of money month after month?

Unless as opposed to utter and gross incompetence the goal is to break the back of the Republican Party as we approach the most consequential elections in about a decade.

Something to think about.

Update – here’s the full report:

NovSDGOP_2025 by Pat Powers

State Legislator Greg Jamison to Host Sioux Falls Town Hall on Safety, Fiscal Responsibility and Growth

Sioux Falls, SD — State Legislator and longtime Sioux Falls public servant Greg Jamison announced today that he will host a community town hall to hear directly from residents about the most important issues facing the city as it continues to grow.

The conversation will center on three key priorities for Sioux Falls families:

1. Strengthening Public Safety and Neighborhood Stability

Jamison will get input on how to continue to support law enforcement, improve neighborhood well-being, and ensure every part of the city remains safe and secure. “Our first responsibility is safe neighborhoods. Public safety is not a talking point — it’s a promise,” he noted.

2. Fiscal Discipline and Transparent City Government

How do we have responsible budgeting, performance accountability, and protecting taxpayers through efficient and transparent city management. “Every dollar should have a job, and it should work for the people of Sioux Falls,” Jamison said.

3. Managing Growth with Accountability

As Sioux Falls expands, Jamison will gather feedback on strategies to ensure growth pays for itself, protects existing neighborhoods, and preserves the character and affordability that make Sioux Falls strong. “Growth is good — but only when it strengthens us rather than strains us,” Jamison said.

Jamison is encouraging residents to attend and share their concerns, ideas, and hopes for the future. “Sioux Falls is at an important moment. I want to hear what residents are seeing, feeling, and expecting from their city leadership. A strong foundation and a smart future start by listening to the people who call Sioux Falls home.”

Town Hall Details

Date: November 24, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Siouxland Libraries – Downtown Branch 200 N. Dakota Ave. Sioux Falls
Open to: All residents and media

From my e-mail, looks like Minnehaha GOP chair Korry Petterson is done taking the guff of the rebels trying to oust him from the position he was elected to do:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Minnehaha County Republican Party Chairman, Korry Petterson.

As Chairman, I must formally address recent actions taken by two Minnehaha County GOP Executive board members — Vice Chair Marsha Symens (Mayor of Dell Rapids) and State Committeewoman Bridget Myers— who, after having held a knowingly unrecognized county meeting, attempted to remove me from and assume control over the Minnehaha County GOP bank account. These actions represent the most egregious in a long line of offenses by the aforementioned board members’ repeated attempts to undermine our county party. Upon notification from the bank, I immediately took the necessary steps to safeguard our assets.

Their attempt to overthrow a duly elected Chairman marks a rinse-and-repeat effort by this small faction, revealing a troubling pattern of disregarding both the committee’s will and the Party’s governing rules. These actions directly challenge the State Central Committee, which, during the July SCC meeting, thoroughly discussed Committeeman Tom Pischke’s (D25 Senate) bylaw amendment to limit and introduce removal procedures for board members—and overwhelmingly rejected it.

I, along with my other fellow elected and at-large board members, remain fully committed to serving you with transparency and proper governance. We ask these board members to join us in the effort to move the party forward into the upcoming election year.

Korry Petterson
Chairman
Minnehaha Republican Party

South Dakota Searchlight has a story today on how one legislative committee is complaining about student performance in South Dakota.

Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the department’s review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department of Education Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.”

And..

The department didn’t reach any of the report’s target performance outcomes in the last fiscal year.

For the past five years, the department hasn’t reached its target performance outcomes for reading proficiency, math proficiency, Native American student success or absenteeism. The last time the department met a target for college and career readiness was in fiscal year 2021.

Read the entire story here.

Now compare that to this story from April of this year, where South Dakota hovers towards the bottom of national rankings, certainly the bottom of anything in the region for teacher salaries:

The South Dakota Education Association (SDEA) announces that South Dakota has moved up three positions to rank 46th in average teacher salary according to the latest NEA Rankings and Estimates report. For the 2023–2024 school year, South Dakota’s average teacher salary is $56,328, a significant increase from the previous year’s average of $53,153 when the state ranked 49th. This current rank of 46 is the highest South Dakota has achieved since the report’s inception.

Read that here.

But I’m sure the South Dakota Legislature believes it can solve the problem by stripping funds from public schools, and posting the 10 Commandments on the classroom wall.

Because that’s the best way to solve everything isn’t it?