News Tips For December 15 – 21, 2018
Saturday, December 15, 11 a.m. CST, Yankton – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the deployment ceremony for the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 174th Cyber Protection Team, Yankton High School, Yankton.

Governor's Column: Sharing the Joy and Peace of Christmas
Sometimes I wonder if every kid who grew up on a South Dakota farm or ranch went out with their dad on Christmas Eve searching for Santa Claus.


Noem Applauds TAG Following Retirement Announcement
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today applauded the dedicated service of Major General Timothy A. Reisch following his retirement announcement. Reisch has served as The Adjutant General (TAG) for South Dakota since April 2011. He will continue serving until his retirement in June 2019.


Governor-elect Noem Announces Staff Hires
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a key round of governor’s office staff hires. The following people will begin serving on January 5, 2019.

Governor's Column: We Don't Spend Money We Don't Have
Every December, the state legislature meets to receive a budget proposal from the governor. This proposal is the starting point for the legislative budget process, which ends with the passage of a budget bill at the end of session in March.

News Tips For December 8 – 14, 2018
Saturday, December 8, 10 a.m. CST – Fort Sisseton Historic State Park is hosting a Frontier Christmas. Celebrate the season with Christmas crafts, roasted chestnuts, homemade bread, sleigh rides and caroling. Find more information online, or call 605-448-5474.


Noem Announces GOED Appointment
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced that Steve Westra will serve in her administration as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).


Noem Statement on Governor Daugaard’s Final Budget Address
Governor-elect Noem released the following statement following Governor Dennis Daugaard's final Budget Address:


Governor-elect Noem Seeks Public Input for District 9 House Nomination
Governor-elect Kristi Noem is seeking public input as she looks to appoint a service-first South Dakotan to fill the District 9 House vacancy. The opening was created after Representative-elect Deb Peters announced she would not be taking the oath of office in January. Peters will continue serving until January 4, 2019. Governor-elect Noem will appoint a legislator to serve during the 2019 and 2020 legislative sessions.


President Orders Flags At Half-Staff To Honor The Life Of Former President George H.W. Bush
President Donald Trump has ordered flags at half-staff immediately for 30 days to honor the life of former President George H.W. Bush.


Gov. Daugaard To Give Farewell Address and Final Budget Proposal on Tuesday
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his farewell address and final budget proposal on Tuesday, Dec. 4, at 1 p.m. CST in the state House Chamber.

Governor's Column: Progress in Transparency
As Americans, we are privileged to live in a free society where we can elect our own leaders. Democracy only works, however, when government is transparent and open about its operations, so that the people can vote based on good information.

Capitol Portrait of Gov. Daugaard To Be Unveiled
Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s official portrait will be unveiled for the public on Tuesday, Dec. 4. The brief ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. CST, following the Governor’s budget address.

News Tips For December 1 – 7, 2018
Gov. Dennis Daugaard will give his final annual Budget Address in the State House Chamber.


Noem Invites "Trailblazers" to Apply for Cabinet Openings, Announces Key Administration Appointments
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced a targeted talent search for seven key cabinet posts: Secretary of Education, Secretary of Agriculture, Commissioner of the Governor's Office of Economic Development, Secretary of Social Services, Secretary of Human Services, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and Secretary of Tribal Relations.


Governor-elect Noem Names Leadership Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem today announced three key leadership team positions for her Governor’s office.


South Dakota Maintains Highest Ratings with Moody’s and S&P
Today, Standard & Poor Global announced it has reaffirmed South Dakota’s AAA Issuer Credit Rating with a stable outlook.

Governor's Column: Making Progress on Teacher Pay
As I enter my final weeks as governor, many people are asking me to reflect on my time in office. I’m not a person who worries much about a “legacy.” I just hope that I have left things a little better than I found them. It is hard, though, not to reminisce about the events of the last eight years. One memory of which I’m very proud is the progress we made on teacher pay.

News Tips For November 24 – 30, 2018
Monday, November 26, 11 a.m. CST – The School Finance Accountability Board will meet via teleconference with a public listening place available on fourth floor of the Capitol Building in Room 412, 500 E. Capitol Ave.


Governor-elect Noem Invites "Best and Brightest" to Serve in State Government
New website offers opportunity to submit resumes and stay updated on transition.


Governor's Column: Thanksgiving - A Special Day to Share with Family and Friends
Back on the farm, we had a big dining room table that sat against one wall most of the year. On Thanksgiving, Dad pulled that table out into the middle of the room. Mom covered it with the good tablecloth and set the good dishes. She crowded every square inch of the table’s surface with turkey and mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, a real feast for our family to share after we gave thanks for the blessings we had enjoyed during the past year.

Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
The 2018 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. CST.

News Tips For November 17 – 23, 2018
Tuesday, November 20, 9:45 a.m. CST, Sioux Falls – Gov. Dennis Daugaard and will attend and speak at the Discovery District Groundbreaking ceremony in Sioux Falls.


Gov. Daugaard Orders State Capitol Flags At Half-Staff For Roger Hunt
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is ordering flags fly half-staff at the State Capitol on Monday, Nov. 19, to honor the life of former state legislator Roger Hunt.


Governor's Statement on the Passing of Former House Speaker Roger Hunt
Gov. Dennis Daugaard issued the following statement on the death of former House Speaker Roger Hunt, who passed away last night:


Governor-elect Noem Announces Transition Team
Governor-elect Kristi Noem and Lieutenant Governor-elect Larry Rhoden today announced the membership of their transition team.

Governor's Column: On Veterans Day, We Recognize Commitment and Courage
When I was a young boy, sometimes on trips to town I would see an old soldier or sailor on the street. The Korean War was still fresh in our minds, and World War II as well. The veterans I spotted didn’t go out of their way to be noticed. Folks around town just knew who they were and what they had done. They were some of my boyhood heroes, and on Veterans Day, the whole town turned out to recognize them.

News Tips For November 10 – 16, 2018
Wednesday, November 14, 8 a.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the 2018 Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) Leadership Conference, Ramkota, Pierre.


Flags Half-Staff For Thousand Oaks Victims
President Donald Trump has called for flags at half-staff out of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated in Thousand Oaks, California, on Wednesday, November 7.


Gov. Daugaard Orders State Capitol Flags At Half-Staff For John Timmer
Gov. Dennis Daugaard is ordering flags fly half-staff at the State Capitol on Saturday, Nov. 10, to honor the life of former state legislator John Timmer.

Governor’s Statement on Gubernatorial Election Results
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to South Dakota’s gubernatorial election results:


Governor's Statement on United States Congressional Election Results
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to the United States congressional election results:

Governor's Column: Stopping the Flu Starts With You
As my term comes to a close, Linda and I have been planning for our future outside the Governor’s office. One of the things we are most looking forward to is spending more time with friends, family and loved ones. In addition to planning for our financial future, we’ve also been taking steps to ensure we’re taking care of our health, including getting our annual flu vaccination.


Governor's Column: Big Sioux River Flood Information System is now Online
During my time as governor, I have always tried to learn from experience, and to improve systems and processes to lead to better performance. Recently, a new flood information system came online that will help with future flooding events on the Big Sioux River.

Scott Stern To Depart As GOED Commissioner
Scott Stern will leave his position as Commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) at the end of this month, Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today.

News Tips For November 3 – 9, 2018
Thursday, November 8, 2 p.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will be a guest on 1240 AM KCCR with Zach Nelson.


Gov. Daugaard Requests Flags Remain At Half-Staff To Honor South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter
In honor of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested that all flags in the state remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, Nov. 5, the day of Justice Zinter’s funeral.

Secretary of Corrections Denny Kaemingk to Retire
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that Secretary of Corrections Denny Kaemingk will retire in early January.


State of South Dakota Reaches Settlement In Remote Seller Law Litigation
Governor Dennis Daugaard and Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that the State of South Dakota has entered into a settlement agreement and stipulation of dismissal in State of South Dakota v. Wayfair, Overstock and Newegg.


Governor Daugaard Orders Flags Half-Staff In Honor Of Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter
Governor Dennis Daugaard issued the following statement on the death of South Dakota Supreme Court Justice Steven L. Zinter:


President Orders Flags At Half-Staff For Pittsburgh Victims
President Donald Trump has called for flags at half-staff out of respect for the victims of the terrible act of violence perpetrated at The Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.

Governor and First Lady To Welcome Halloween Visitors
Gov. Dennis Daugaard and First Lady Linda Daugaard will give Halloween treats to children who come to trick-or-treat at the Governor’s Mansion on Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CDT.


Gov. Daugaard’s Statement on The Execution of Rodney Berget
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to the scheduled execution of Rodney Berget on Monday:

Gov. Daugaard Orders Capitol Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Former State Legislator Michael J. O’Connor
Gov. Dennis Daugaard ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 30, to honor the life of former state legislator Michael J. O’Connor, of Brandon, on the day of his funeral.

News Tips For October 27 – November 2, 2018
Monday, October 29, 1 – 4 p.m. CDT, Pierre – The Advisory Council on Aging will hold their quarterly meeting at the Hillsview Plaza located at 3800 E. Highway. 34 in Pierre. For more information, please contact Beth Dokken at 605-773-3656.

Governor's Column: Celebrating A Milestone For Democracy
The 2018 election is an important milestone for South Dakota elections. It was 100 years ago – on November 5, 1918 – that South Dakota voters, all men, gave women the right to vote in our state for the first time. It was a long-awaited victory for voting rights for women. Women’s suffragists – both men and women – had campaigned for women’s suffrage since the 1870s, during the era of Dakota Territory.


Gov. Daugaard Requests Flags At Half-Staff To Honor Rep. Chuck Turbiville
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has requested that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, Oct. 29, to honor the life of state Rep. Chuck Turbiville, of Deadwood, on the day of his funeral.


Gov. Daugaard's Statement On The Passing Of State Rep. Chuck Turbiville
Gov. Dennis Daugaard offered the following statement on the death this weekend of State Rep. Charles M. "Chuck" Turbiville: "I’m very sorry to hear of Chuck Turbiville’s passing. Chuck was a true gentleman. He always worked hard for Deadwood, Lawrence County, and our state. Chuck was a good friend and he made every visit to Deadwood special. Linda and I will miss him and we extend our sympathies to his family."


Governor's Column: Leaving It Better Than You Found It
Over the past few months, Linda and I have been getting ready to turn the Governor’s Mansion over to its next occupants. We’ve been working with state maintenance crews to replace light bulbs, repaint rooms, clean out the drains, and make other small improvements. The Mansion is just like any other house – over time, small projects like these accumulate. We want to get these projects done now, so the home is in great shape for its next occupants.

News Tips For October 20 – 26, 2018
Friday, October 26, 1 p.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will attend and speak at the Governor’s Leadership Development Program (GLDP) Graduation at RedRossa, Pierre.


News Tips For October 13 – 19, 2018
Monday, October 15, 11 a.m. CDT, Brookings – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak and attend the ribbon cutting at the Passive House in Brookings.

Governor's Column: SD's 100th Pheasant Season
October in South Dakota is a glorious month. I love the crisp mornings, chilly evenings and weekend sounds of marching bands in homecoming parades.


DPS Secretary Jones To Depart
DPS Secretary Trevor Jones announced today that he has accepted a position with Dakota State University, working in the university’s digital forensics lab.


Gov. Daugaard’s Statement On E15
Gov. Dennis Daugaard today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s announcement on year-round E15.


Governor's Column: In SD, It's Native Americans' Day
If you look at your calendar, I’ll bet on Monday, Oct. 8, it says Columbus Day. Though the designation may serve as a good reminder for those who don’t have school that day or whose offices are closed, it’s not quite accurate . . .


Gov. Daugaard Appoints Sandra Hoglund Hanson As Second Circuit Judge
Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Sandra Hoglund Hanson, of Sioux Falls, as a circuit court judge in the Second Judicial Circuit.


First Lady's Column: Commit To Know More About Foster Parenting
In any given month over the last year there were around 1,600 children across South Dakota in state custody. These are children who have been removed from their homes by a court order for safety reasons. They are victims of abuse and neglect who, by no fault of their own, have no other place to go.

News Tips for September 29 – October 5, 2018
Wednesday, Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. CDT, Beresford – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will speak at the AEM “I Make America” Event at Sioux Corporation at One Sioux Plaza in Breseford.


News Tips for September 22 through 28, 2018
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. CDT, Pierre – Gov. Dennis Daugaard will recognize individuals and employers for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities at the 2018 Governor’s Awards ceremony. The event will be held inside the Capitol Rotunda. For more information, call 605-773-5990.

Governor's Column: 2018 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
On Friday morning, Sept. 28, a few dozen cowhands will put on their boots and saddle their horses. Custer State Park employees will arise before dawn. And thousands from across the state, country and world will gather, all to continue a 53-year tradition.