Noem, Administration Officials Urge Lawmakers to Consider Extensive Questions Surrounding Industrial Hemp
Earlier this summer, Governor Kristi Noem submitted a list of 315 questions to House and Senate leadership involved in a summer hemp study. During a session in Pierre today, Noem’s administration will urge legislators to carefully consider the unknowns surrounding industrial hemp.


Governor's Column: Enhancing Bee Habitat
There are more than 400 species of native bees in South Dakota. Though we don’t have exact numbers on bee distribution or abundance, we know bees are critical to our state’s economy.


Noem Appoints Fourth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Kevin J. Krull to serve as judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit.


Governor's Column: Bringing in a New School Year
Earlier this year, I visited Todd County Middle School in Mission, South Dakota – a school that is doing a lot of things right. Their work has been bolstered in recent years by a state-funded Native American Achievement Grant, a 3-year project to jumpstart improvements in academic outcomes for Native American students and increase student success.


President Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Victims of Tragedies in Texas, Ohio
President Donald Trump has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on August 8, 2019, to honor the victims of the tragedies in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.


Governor's Column: Slowing the Spread of Zebra Mussels
It doesn’t get much better than spending a summer day on a lake or river in South Dakota. Recreating on the water always seems to be the perfect backdrop for family memories and laughter. It’s one of the great things about our state.


Noem, SDHDA to Extend Grant Funding to Households Impacted by Spring Storms
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) today announced that the remaining balance of the 2019 Housing Opportunity Funds (HOF) will be used to help families whose homes were impacted by storms this spring. In total, $165,000 will be available.


Noem Announces DENR Secretary Following Pirner Retirement
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Hunter Roberts will join her administration as Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). This follows the retirement of Steve Pirner, who has led DENR since 2000. Roberts will begin serving in this capacity on August 5.


Governor's Column: Dealing with Disaster
This year has been tough for South Dakotans. The storms this spring brought destruction to homes, businesses, roads, and communities throughout the state. Unprecedented flooding made it difficult for farmers and ranchers to get into fields. When you add it all up, it’s become the largest federally declared disaster our state has ever seen.


President Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor John Paul Stevens
President Donald Trump has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, to honor the life of John Paul Stevens, retired Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court.


Governor's Column: Living Within Our Means
South Dakotans value the dollar. We don’t spend money we don’t have. We live within our means. We understand the importance of the bottom line.


South Dakota Ends 2019 Budget Year with $19.4 Million Surplus
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota closed the 2019 budget year on June 30 with a $19.4 million surplus. The state general fund budget ended with lower expenditures than budgeted, while ongoing revenue finished lower than projected levels.


Governor's Column: Future-Focused Agriculture
In South Dakota, our way of life is largely rooted in agriculture. It’s where many of us learned how to work hard, how to be good stewards of the land, and how to focus on the things that matter most in life. While we treasure the traditions we grew up with, it’s important to acknowledge that agriculture is an ever-evolving industry. We must continually grow and learn together to be competitive on the market and prepare our farms and ranches for generations of success. We must be future-focused.


Noem Names Interim Commissioner of Human Resources
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Thomas Steckel will serve as Interim Commissioner of the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR).


Governor's Column: Combating Meth for a Safer South Dakota
13 people. That’s how many South Dakotans died last year because of meth.


Noem: Hold off on Roadside Mowing until July 10
Governor Kristi Noem today reminded East River residents and landowners that roadside mowing along state highways is not permitted until July 10 under state law.

PHOTO: Noem, Tribal Leaders Discuss Meth at State-Tribal Luncheon
On July 1, Governor Kristi Noem hosted 10 tribal leaders at the Governor’s Residence to discuss State-Tribal partnerships on meth prevention and law enforcement.

PHOTO & AUDIO: Noem Surveys Storm Damage in Charles Mix County
Yesterday, Governor Kristi Noem toured flood damage in Lake Andes and met with city and tribal leaders to discuss recovery efforts.


Governor's Weekly Column: Strengthening Families
Today, more than ever, it’s important we work to strengthen families, which is why I’m committed to being a family-first governor, fighting to strengthen the family unit and preserve the values South Dakotans have long embraced.


Noem Taps Gill for Department of Social Services
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Laurie Gill will serve as Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS). She will begin serving in this capacity on July 9, 2019.

Governor's Weekly Column: Equipping our National Guard
South Dakota has a strong legacy of military service. With over 72,000 veterans and more than 4,200 enrolled members of the National Guard, our state understands the importance of answering the call to serve.

Noem Encourages Eligible Residents, Businesses to use FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers
Governor Kristi Noem today encouraged South Dakota individuals and businesses impacted by this spring’s winter storms and flooding to take advantage of the Disaster Recovery Centers now operational throughout the state.


Noem Urges Congress to Support Agriculture, Ratify USMCA
Governor Kristi Noem today joined 26 other governors in urging the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate to ratify the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Noem Applauds USDA’s Move to Bump Up Prevent Plant Harvest Date
Governor Kristi Noem today applauded the announcement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) adjusting the 2019 final grazing and haying date from November 1 to September 1, aiding South Dakota farmers who were unable to plant due to flooding this year.


Governor's Column: Husband, Father, Servant
Father's Day is the perfect opportunity for me to stop for a moment and express to Bryon how grateful I am that our children have such an incredible father.


Noem Names 2019 Governor’s Ag Ambassador
Governor Kristi Noem today named Paul Casper of Lake Preston as the 2019 Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award recipient.


Noem to Transform Governor’s Hunt into “Industry Showcase for the Nation”
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the 2020 Governor’s Hunt and Sportsmen’s Showcase will be based out of the Sioux Falls Convention Center.


President Trump Approves South Dakota Disaster Request
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Trump has approved the State’s request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration.


Governor's Column: Addressing the Stigma Around Mental Health
Too often, there is a stigma surrounding mental health. While this is true across the board, it’s especially true when we talk about mental health among agriculture producers. That’s unfair. Life is tough, and when you feel like you’re playing a losing hand, depression or anxiety is more common than you may think.

Governor Noem Approves School for the Deaf Property Sale
Governor Kristi Noem today finalized the sale of the South Dakota School for the Deaf property, located at 2001 East 8th Street in Sioux Falls, to the Sioux Falls Ministry Center.


Governor Noem Accepting Applications for Fall Interns
Governor Kristi Noem is now accepting applications for the Governor’s Office fall internship program.


Noem, Oglala Sioux Tribe Sign Fuel Tax Agreement
Governor Kristi Noem and Oglala Sioux Tribe President Julian R. Bear Runner, along with the Department of Revenue and Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, last week signed a five-year fuel tax excise agreement between the State of South Dakota and the Oglala Sioux Tribe.


Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff Until June 4
Upon the directive of President Donald Trump, Governor Kristi Noem today ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff beginning immediately until sunset on June 4, 2019 to honor the victims of the tragedy in Virginia Beach, Virginia.


Governor Noem Recognizes National Foster Family Appreciation Day
In recognition of National Foster Family Appreciation Day, Governor Kristi Noem today highlighted the story of Frank and Beth Marnell, a foster family in Pierre.

Governor Noem’s Statement on Year-Round E15 Announcement
After years of pressure from Governor Kristi Noem and others, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced the removal of regulatory burdens preventing the sale of E15 (15 percent ethanol blends) year-round.

Governor's Column: Connecting South Dakota
Today, widespread broadband access in South Dakota isn’t as widespread as we may think. In fact, about 88,000 South Dakotans lack high-speed internet access. These people cannot launch an online business or take advanced classes that require extensive uploading or downloading. Producers in these areas may not be able to use cutting-edge technology that requires online components.


ICYMI: What They’re Saying About the Connect South Dakota Grant Awards
Earlier this week, Governor Kristi Noem announced the recipients of $5 million of Connect South Dakota grant awards. These private-public partnerships will extend high-speed internet access to more than 100 businesses and 4,800 homes.

Noem Statement on Rising Missouri River Water Levels
Governor Kristi Noem today released the following statement: “In recent days, state officials have been notified by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of rising Missouri River water levels. Those levels are expected to remain higher than average for the next several weeks. Any additional rainfall could mean even higher levels.


Noem Names South Dakota Poet Laureate
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that Christine Stewart, an English professor at South Dakota State University, has been named as the next South Dakota Poet Laureate.


Noem Announces Connect South Dakota Grant Awards
Connect South Dakota, the state program designed to fund broadband projects in unserved and underserved areas across the state, recently awarded $5 million to its first grant recipients. The money was approved by legislators last March. The initial $5 million will leverage more than $11.4 million in project costs.


Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff on Memorial Day
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 27, 2019, in honor of Memorial Day.

Governor's Column: Honoring Heroes
This Memorial Day, between the barbecues and campfires, take a moment to reflect on those who have given so much so we can be free.


Noem Seeks External Review on South Dakota’s Wildlife Damage Management and Animal Damage Control Programs
Last week, the Governor’s Office signed an agreement with the Wildlife Management Institute that will launch an external review on South Dakota’s Wildlife Damage Management and Animal Damage Control Programs.