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South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the arrest of 28-year-old Hudson Wheeler for threatening Governor Larry Rhoden. Wheeler faces a felony charge and a potential ten-year prison sentence, awaiting his next court appearance on February 19, 2025. Continue reading Rapid City man charged for threats made toward governor
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Lynne Hunsley, a former South Dakota state employee, accepted a plea deal for creating a fraudulent vehicle title, receiving three years of probation, a $1,000 fine, and $1,200 in restitution. Other former state employees also face charges for various crimes. Attorney General Marty Jackley aims to enhance fraud protections in state government. Continue reading One of former state employees charged in string of criminal cases takes a plea deal
In an October legislative meeting, South Dakota lawmakers expressed frustration over Department of Revenue Secretary Michael Houdyshell’s refusal to discuss changes following a vehicle title scandal. His silence mirrored ongoing issues with the Noem administration’s transparency. Lawmakers voted to subpoena Houdyshell, reflecting the broader struggles for accountability in state governance. Continue reading Legislators get a taste of reporters’ frustration with Noem administration
I’m back with another installment of To Whom It May Concern, my multi-topic opinion column about the goings-on in Siouxland, South Dakota, the nation and the world. I’d been meaning to write this earlier – like last month – but things kept getting in the way. Like my health. I had a cold which turned into a bad sinus infection that kept me in bed for most of a week with a fever. Now that I’m almost 71, stuff like that seems to hit me particularly hard. It sucks getting old. But don’t cry for me Argentina, I’ve rebounded, for the most part. Continue reading To whom it may concern
According to a press release from the South Dakota Attorney General’s office today, Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that a Texas couple has been convicted of a combined six charges in connection with stealing or attempting to steal the property of another person.
A Bon Homme County jury Wednesday convicted Richard Spry, 82, of two felony counts of Grand Theft and one felony count of Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft. Susan Spry, 75, was convicted of separate felony counts of Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft as well as one misdemeanor count of Theft by Exploitation. Both individuals are from League City, Texas. Continue reading Texas couple convicted of theft of $500,000 from S.D. man
The group sponsoring a constitutional amendment to expand South Dakota abortion rights said it will likely file a lawsuit if legislators pass a bill allowing petitioners to withdraw signatures that already have been certified for the ballot.
“I can’t speculate about whether the bill will pass or not,” said Rapid City lawyer Jim Leach, who represents Dakotans for Health, a grassroots organization that pushes for progressive policy through petition efforts. “I can say that if it does pass, there’s certainly a substantial possibility of legal action.”
At issue is House Bill 1244, which would change South Dakota’s ballot initiative process by allowing an individual who signed a petition to withdraw their signature by sending a written notification to the Secretary of State’s office. This could occur after the petition effort has been validated but is still eligible to be challenged through the Secretary of State or court appeal. Continue reading Dakotans for Health threatens lawsuit over signature withdrawal bill
The Siouxland Observer 