Opinion
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Ambiguity cleared Kristi Noems path to national prominence
This is what South Dakotans should do, the governor said, emphasizing should. I was perplexed. It was March 23, 2020, almost two weeks since the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the state. Republican Gov. Kristi Noem was conducting a news conference about an executive order listing 20 things that…
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There’s plenty to be thankful for this time of year
The holidays are a wonderful time to spend time together and celebrate traditions as a family. Every family celebrates in their own unique way and develops their own traditions. The Noem family has our own Thanksgiving traditions that we enjoy together. On Thanksgiving morning, Kristi cooks breakfast including pumpkin pancakes…
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Return of Open Meetings Commission is good, and a membership tweak could make it better
Anyone who cares about open government in South Dakota was cheered by the recent news of the reemergence of the Open Meetings Commission. The commission, established by the Legislature in 2004, considers complaints against local governmental bodies that have allegedly run afoul of the states open meetings law. The commission…
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Apprenticeships in action: Celebrating opportunity
This year marks 10 years of raising awareness and celebrating National Apprenticeship Week. Apprenticeships are an effective approach for South Dakotans to gain on-the-job training plus classroom instruction to earn a nationally recognized credential while continuing to earn a living for their family. In the last two years, we have…
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On Cabinet nominees, Thune can lead the Senate band or play second fiddle in Trumps
Lord, Ive seen the world with a five-piece band Looking at the back side of me Singing my songs, one of his now and then But I dont think Hank done em this way, no I dont think Hank done em this way. Are You Sure Hank Done it this…
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Pell grants should be extended to short-term workforce training
Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology, a private two-year college in Boston, offers an 800-hour certificate program in HVAC and refrigeration. President and CEO Aisha Francis said shed like to break out segments of the program to create continuing education classes for HVAC technicians seeking to improve their skills for…
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Will there be movement on overdue Farm Bill during the lame duck session?
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says talking about thestuck-in-the-mud farm bill negotiationsfeels like Groundhog Day. Congress is required to approve a new federal farm bill every five years. The 2018 farm bill expired on Sept. 30, 2023. But the Republican-led House couldnt get its version of the bill across the finish…
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Study unlikely to produce solutions for excess water woes in northeast South Dakota
At the same time the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes to turn Lake Kampeska near Watertown into an artificial flood reservoir, it now plans to study artificially sending water from the massive Bitter Lake basin down the Big Sioux River. The latest $850,000 waste of federal taxpayer money will…
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Lifelong lessons from South Dakota schools
One of the highlights of my travels across South Dakota is the opportunity to visit schools and meet young people. Its refreshing to see their engagement with the important issues facing our country and hear about their dreams for their own future and for our countrys future. In just the…
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Legislators get a taste of reporters frustration with Noem administration
An October legislative meeting proved to be frustrating for lawmakers. For reporters, it offered the sweet taste of vindication. At issue during the meeting of the Legislatures Government Operations and Audit Committee was the refusal of Department of Revenue Secretary Michael Houdyshell to discuss in public or behind closed doors…
