Noem Proclaims Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day, Assembles Women’s Vote Centennial Delegation
Governor Kristi Noem proclaimed today as “Women’s Vote Centennial Celebration Day” in South Dakota. On December 4, 1919, South Dakota was one of the first states to ratify the Nineteenth Amendment, approving it during a special legislative session.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Wednesday, December 4, 2019, to honor the life of Kermit Staggers, a former legislator.

Governor Noem’s Budget Provides Disaster Relief
Governor Noem’s budget builds partnerships with local governments to provide disaster relief resources and implement programs to mitigate future disasters.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Education in South Dakota
Governor Noem’s budget better equips educators and schools by adjusting funding formulas for general and special education.

Governor Noem’s Budget Supports Long-Term Care Services
Governor Noem is building sustainable models of care to ensure individuals have improved access to quality, long-term care services.

Governor Noem’s Budget Strengthens Families
Governor Noem is strengthening families by designating funds for foster parent training, supporting family reunification, and improving services for child maltreatment victims.

Governor Noem’s Budget Improves Public Safety
Governor Noem is prioritizing the safety of families and communities by combating the meth epidemic and equipping law enforcement with modernized communication tools.

Governor Noem’s Budget Invests in Next Generation Industries
Governor Noem is investing in next generation industries by increasing high-speed internet access, bolstering cybersecurity development, and investing in healthcare training programs.

Noem Announces District 32 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she is appointing Helene Duhamel of Rapid City to represent District 32 in the South Dakota Senate.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, November 30, 2019, to honor the life of T. Loren Christianson, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Giving Thanks
From my family to yours, have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

South Dakota Launches Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Departments of Veterans Affairs, Military, and Transportation this week launched the new Fallen Heroes Bridge Dedication Program. The program will dedicate state bridges after South Dakotans who died while in active service. More than 3,000 South Dakotans have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Noem Seeks Public Input for District 35 Senate Nomination
Governor Kristi Noem is seeking public input for a District 35 Senate vacancy. The opening was created after current State Senator Lyndi DiSanto announced her resignation effective December 31, 2019.


Governor's Column: Meth. We’re On It.
It seems we’ve captured attention not just in South Dakota, but around the country and even the world with our new anti-meth campaign. We needed that. In today’s age, traditional messages don’t cut through the noise. We knew we needed to make a bold statement to make people stop and think… and it is working.


President Trump Approves Disaster Declaration for Southeast South Dakota
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Donald Trump has approved a presidential disaster declaration for September storm damage done in South Dakota, including the three tornadoes that struck Sioux Falls and the extreme flooding in communities such as Madison and Mitchell.


Noem Announces Details for Christmas At The Capitol Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the 2019 Grand Lighting Ceremony for Christmas at the South Dakota Capitol will take place in the Rotunda on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. CST. The public is invited to join Governor Noem, First Gentleman Bryon Noem, and Pierre Mayor Steve Harding as they welcome guests and light the Capitol trees.


Noem Waives Hours of Service Regulations to Deal with Propane Shortage
Governor Kristi Noem has signed an executive order granting extended hours of service for commercial delivery of propane products in South Dakota.

Noem Celebrates Advancements in Internet Access for South Dakota K-12 Schools
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that 100 percent of K-12 school districts in South Dakota now have access to high-speed internet on par with the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) short-term goal of 100 kbps per student.


Governor's Column: Honoring our Nation’s Veterans
When I became governor, I told my team that I wanted to be a governor that doesn’t just say thank you to our veterans – the people who fought for our freedoms. I want to be a leader that demonstrates that gratitude in the policy we make and the actions we take.

Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Gene Abdallah
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Monday, November 11, 2019, to honor the life of Gene Abdallah, a former legislator.


Noem Proclaims November as Adoption Awareness Month
Governor Kristi Noem has proclaimed November as Adoption Awareness Month and has encouraged families to record short videos about their adoption experience and share them on social media using the hashtag #SDAdoptionMonth.

Noem Recognizes Businesses, Individuals Who Contribute to Disability Employment
This week, Governor Kristi Noem presented the 2019 Governor’s Awards to South Dakota businesses and individuals who have made significant contributions to the employment of people with disabilities.


Noem Displays MMIW Quilt in South Dakota State Capitol
This week, Governor Kristi Noem hosted a ceremony to display a quilt presented to her following a June horseback ride to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The quilt is currently displayed in the Governor’s Reception Office and will be permanently displayed in the South Dakota State Capitol.

Noem Releases Statement on USDA Hemp Guidelines
Governor Kristi Noem today issued the following statement regarding the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) new regulatory guidelines for industrial hemp:


Governor's Column: Protecting and Preserving Our Outdoor Treasures
South Dakota's beautiful outdoors are here for all of us to enjoy – for today and for the next generation. We must all take care of them together.

Noem Launches Registration for Inaugural South Dakota LEADS Conference
Governor Kristi Noem today launched registration for the first-ever South Dakota LEADS Conference. The free, one-day event will feature dynamic speakers including Clint Pulver, and specialized tracks for teachers, students, and women. The event will happen Monday, Dec. 9 in Sioux Falls.


Noem Urges EPA to Reconsider Proposed Biofuels Rules
Governor Kristi Noem and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz yesterday sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler urging the agency to honor President Donald Trump’s commitment to follow the Renewable Fuel Standard.


Lieutenant Governor Rhoden to Host Trick-or-Treat Festivities at Governor’s Residence
Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden and Sandy Rhoden will host the annual trick-or-treat festivities at the Governor’s Residence in Pierre on Thursday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. CT.


State Senator Solano Announces Resignation, Noem Seeks Public Input on Replacement
Senator Alan Solano today announced that he will resign his seat in the State Senate effective November 30. Solano has represented District 32 in the State Senate since 2014.

Noem Requests Federal Help for Southeastern South Dakota Following September Tornadoes, Floods
Governor Kristi Noem has requested a presidential disaster declaration for damage done by September storms in South Dakota, including the three tornadoes that struck portions of Sioux Falls and extreme flooding that occurred in the cities of Madison and Mitchell.


Noem Releases Statement after Parties Involved in DRA v. Noem File for Settlement
Governor Kristi Noem today released the following statement after the parties involved in Dakota Rural Action v. Noem filed for a settlement.


Noem Announces District 23 Legislative Appointment
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that she has appointed James “JD” Wangsness to represent District 23 in the South Dakota House of Representatives. The vacancy was created after Rep. John Lake was appointed to the District 23 Senate seat. Wangsness will serve during the 2020 legislative session.


Governor Noem, Bryon Noem Launch First Gentleman’s Initiative
PIERRE, S.D. – Governor Kristi Noem and First Gentleman Bryon Noem today launched South Dakota’s first-ever First Gentleman’s Initiative on social media.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, October 19, 2019, to honor the life of Joyce Hodges, a former legislator.

Governor's Column: Pheasant Hunting - A South Dakota Tradition
I grew up hunting. Dad took us big-game hunting, but it was my Grandma Dorris who made bird hunting such a big part of our family heritage. Still today, it’s something that brings my family together. (And how grateful this mom is for that!)


Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Elijah Cummings
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 October 18, 2019, in memory of Representative Elijah E. Cummings.


Noem Administration Receives Nearly $2 Million in Grants for School Security
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota received three grants totaling almost $2 million to help South Dakota school districts prevent and address threats of violence.


Noem Orders Capitol Flags at Half-Staff to Honor Former Legislator
Governor Kristi Noem has ordered flags at the South Dakota State Capitol to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset on Saturday, October 12, 2019, to honor the life of Doris Miner, a former legislator.

Noem Announces Avera Health Plans and Sanford Health Plan to Offer ABA Coverage in 2020
Governor Kristi Noem, in conjunction with Avera Health Plans and Sanford Health Plan, is pleased to announce health insurance coverage options that include Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy in the South Dakota insurance market for 2020.

Governor's Column: Recognizing Native Americans’ Day
Each October, we celebrate Native Americans' Day – an opportunity to honor South Dakota's nine Native American tribes, as well as their heritage, culture, and tradition.


Noem Releases Attorney General’s Report on Minnehaha State’s Attorney
Governor Kristi Noem today released the summary of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s investigation into Minnehaha State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan.


President Trump Approves Third South Dakota Disaster Request
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Trump has approved the State’s request for a third Presidential Disaster Declaration, covering the damage done by severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred June 30-July 21.


Noem Orders Flags at Half-Staff on October 6
Upon the directive of President Donald Trump, Governor Kristi Noem ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 6, 2019, to memorialize fallen firefighters.

Governor's Column: Serving South Dakota
Since becoming governor, I have been continually reminded that strengthening South Dakota for the next generation is a task I cannot accomplish on my own. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in the last nine months, but what most people don’t have the privilege of seeing are the state employees – the incredible public servants – who work day in and day out to make South Dakota great.

Governor Noem Calls Trump’s Biofuels Plan a “Big Win for Producers”
Governor Kristi Noem, a long-time ethanol advocate, today applauded the Trump administration's new plan to promote biofuels and expand ethanol production.


Governor Noem Announces Leadership Changes
Governor Kristi Noem today announced the departure of Herb Jones as Chief of Staff to the Governor’s Office and the appointment of Joshua Shields to serve as Chief of Staff and Beth Hollatz to serve as Deputy Chief of Staff.


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


Governor's Column: Grit and Tradition
The roundup is a unique tradition. While it’s a tip of the hat to our historic past when millions of buffalo roamed the Great Plains, it’s also an opportunity to showcase our state’s unique beauty to business leaders and prospects looking to expand their operations to South Dakota


President Trump Approves Second South Dakota Disaster Request
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that President Trump has approved the State’s request for a second Presidential Disaster Declaration, allowing federal money to be used to help local governmental entities recover from property damage sustained during severe storms and flooding that occurred statewide in late May and early June.


Noem Announces Prenatal and Primary Care Innovation Grants
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that the Department of Social Services (DSS) has awarded $1 million of innovation grants to improve primary and prenatal care for women in the Medicaid program.


Governor's Column: Launching a Week of Work
In mid-September, my team and I announced the official kick-off of our South Dakota Week of Work initiative – a partnership with businesses and schools that will give 10th grade students the opportunity to get out of the classroom, experience the world of work, and see careers that are available right here in South Dakota. It will help teach them soft skills like showing up on time, dressing professionally, and interacting with customers. Our first Week of Work will be April 20-24, 2020.

Emergency Management Plan Receives FEMA Approval
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota’s Hazard Mitigation Plan received FEMA approval, allowing the State to receive additional funds in the event of future presidential disaster declarations. South Dakota is one of 13 states that have received this designation.

Noem, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Visit CTE Classrooms in Pierre
This week, Governor Kristi Noem and U.S. Department of Education Deputy Secretary Mitchell Zais visited T.F. Riggs High School in Pierre to visit technical education classrooms and discuss the importance of career and technical education (CTE).


Noem, DOT to Install Four-Way Stop at Intersection Near Woonsocket
Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Department of Transportation today announced that they are working to install additional traffic control measures at the intersection of Highways 34 and 37 in Sanborn County, changing it from a two-way stop to a four-way stop.


Noem Requests Investigation into Minnehaha County State’s Attorney
Governor Kristi Noem sent the following letter today:


Governor Noem Delivers Flooding Address
Governor Kristi Noem delivered the following Flooding Address today at 5pm CT:


Noem Announces Partnership Between DSS, Avera Behavioral Health to Provide Additional Services Following Sioux Falls Tornado
Governor Kristi Noem today announced that South Dakota’s Department of Social Services (DSS) is working with Avera Behavioral Health to provide support for patients affected by the tornado damage in Sioux Falls Tuesday evening.

Noem Announces South Dakota Week of Work to be Held April 20-24, 2020
The South Dakota Week of Work is scheduled for April 20-24, 2020, with the goal of introducing 10th grade students to career opportunities in their communities through job shadows, industry tours, and other business-classroom connections.


Governor's Column: A Tribute to Heroes
Earlier this month, I was honored and humbled to join veterans and South Dakotans as we broke ground on South Dakota’s first State Veterans Cemetery. Despite pouring rain, more than 100 veterans and South Dakotans gathered at the site just outside Sioux Falls for the momentous occasion.


President Orders Flags at Half-Staff on September 11
President Donald Trump has ordered flags nationwide to be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, to recognize Patriot Day, a day to honor the individuals who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

ICYMI: Wall Street Journal Publishes Noem Op-Ed on Industrial Hemp
In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal today published an opinion piece written by Governor Kristi Noem entitled “Why I Won’t Support Legalizing Hemp.”


Noem Appoints Sixth Circuit Judge
Governor Kristi Noem today appointed Margo Northrup to serve as judge for the Sixth Judicial Circuit.