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Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power

Gary Dickson

South Dakota Senator Chris Karr has introduced a legislative package to enhance oversight of state spending, addressing concerns over former Governor Kristi Noem’s administration bypassing legislative approval. The bills focus on requiring legislative consent for significant expenditures, long-term leases, and budget transfers, aiming to ensure accountability in government finances. Continue reading Noem’s actions motivate state senator’s attempt to limit executive power

economic development, Government, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘Governor’s Cup’ rodeo among recipients of millions from public fund controlled by Noem

Gary Dickson

In September, Gov. Kristi Noem carried the American flag on horseback into a Sioux Falls arena full of fans. 

Several months earlier, Noem had decided to use tax dollars from South Dakota employers to help pay for the event. 

In June, the Governor’s Office of Economic Development awarded a three-year contract worth up to $2.5 million to rodeo announcer Rorey Lemmel’s Dean Entertainment Group, to promote and conduct the annual event. The contract said Sioux Falls would contribute additional matching funds.

It was the Cinch Playoffs Governor’s Cup, advertised as “the richest rodeo in South Dakota history,” with $1 million in prize money. Noem handed out awards, posed for photos with the winners, and shared the images with thousands of followers on her social media accounts.

Continue reading ‘Governor’s Cup’ rodeo among recipients of millions from public fund controlled by Noem

Business, Career, economic development, Government, Personal Qualities, South DakotaLeave a comment

‘Freedom’ not enough to fill South Dakota jobs: Local business leaders say there are hurdles with campaign

Gary Dickson

Bob Douglas, touted as a success story of Gov. Kristi Noem’s “Freedom Works Here” workforce recruitment campaign in South Dakota, confirmed a few things during a recent interview with News Watch.

The 66-year-old recreational vehicle salesman does enjoy freedom, it turns out. And he loves South Dakota. He plans to move to the Sioux Falls area once he sells his house in southern California, maybe as early as next spring. Douglas was referenced in a Sept. 21 press release from the governor’s office as having “recently moved to South Dakota.”

As for being heralded by the governor’s staff as an example of Noem’s $6.5 million ad campaign drawing new residents to the Mount Rushmore State, well, that’s not exactly true either. Continue reading ‘Freedom’ not enough to fill South Dakota jobs: Local business leaders say there are hurdles with campaign