Severe weather in southeast South Dakota exposed Governor Kristi Noem’s shortcomings as she left the state for a political conference and interview, neglecting to adequately warn people about the impending danger. Despite her lackluster crisis response and departure for a fundraiser, she defended her actions, leaving many to question her priorities and leadership. Continue reading Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem faces challenges in her relationship with Native American tribes. The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe’s ban on her entry to tribal lands prompted reflection on her rhetoric and actions. Noem’s comments about tribal leadership and drug cartels were criticized and an apology is seen as a potential path to reconciliation and improved relations. Continue reading The unsaid words that matter most in Noem’s feud with tribes
South Dakota Republicans, including Governor Noem, criticize the conviction of ex-President Trump, showing a departure from their party’s traditional values. They voice concerns about the trial’s fairness and its potential impact on Trump’s political future. Their response highlights a shift away from prioritizing moral principles and the rule of law. Continue reading What further Trump sins and crimes will SD’s highest elected officials excuse?
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem’s upcoming memoir reveals that she shot and killed her healthy 14-month-old German wirehaired pointer, Cricket, due to unruly behavior. This has sparked controversy and calls into question her responsible dog ownership. The governor’s attempt to portray herself as a tough problem-solver clashes with this action. The story has garnered significant attention, both in social and traditional media. Continue reading What Noem’s shot heard around the world says about her approach to problems
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
The homes built by inmates and sold to income-eligible South Dakotans will cost more come Friday, but the price hike is lower than it has been for the last three years.
The South Dakota Housing Development Authority Board voted Tuesday to increase the prices for Governor’s Houses, which are constructed at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield and shipped across the state to eligible buyers.
There are two- and three-bedroom homes, as well as “DakotaPlex” options for more than one family in towns with 5,000 people or fewer, and day care models. Continue reading Price goes up for Governor’s House program, but less than recent years
Standing next to a row of bookcases in the Mitchell High School library, South Dakota’s lieutenant governor was asked about taking the reins of state government.
It’s a sensitive subject for Larry Rhoden, who has embraced his supporting role as Gov. Kristi Noem’s second-in-command since entering office in 2019 following 16 years in the state Legislature.
“I try not to bring it up,” said the Union Center rancher when asked by News Watch about how his duties might change if Noem is chosen as Donald Trump’s vice presidential nominee on the Republican ticket. “I don’t want to make it look like I’m thinking about it.”
Despite that political prudence, the subject is hard to avoid.
Gov. Kristi Noem leveled accusations against Native American parents and political leaders Wednesday while saying she wants to help Native American students succeed.
She made the comments during a town hall meeting in Mitchell, where she signed two education bills into law, and at a later town hall in Winner.
“We’ve got some tribal leaders that I believe are personally benefitting from the cartels being here, and that’s why they attack me every day,” she said. Continue reading Noem slings accusations about tribes while signing education bills
South Dakota will soon have a council devoted to the welfare of Native American children.
Gov. Kristi Noem signed House Bill 1232 this week, which creates the Indian Child Welfare Advisory Council. It will bring together people from the Department of Social Services, South Dakota’s nine tribes, the Legislature, and the field of child welfare for annual conversations.
Following are summaries of some other bills Noem signed into law recently as she continues to consider measures passed by the Legislature. The 2024 legislative session ended Thursday, except for one day on March 25 to consider vetoes. Noem had not vetoed any bills as of Friday afternoon. Continue reading Noem signs Indian Child Welfare Council and other bills into law
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.
The Siouxland Observer 