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Governor Rhoden Reappoints Key Economic and Tourism Leaders in South Dakota

Governor Rhoden Reappoints Key Economic and Tourism Leaders in South Dakota

Governor Rhoden Reappoints Key Economic and Tourism Leaders in South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden Reappoints Key Economic Development and Tourism Leaders in South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden Reappoints Key Economic Development and Tourism Leaders in South Dakota

Governor Larry Rhoden of South Dakota has announced the reappointment of two key cabinet members as he prepares for his upcoming term in office. Bill Even will continue as commissioner of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development, and Jim Hagen will remain as secretary of Travel South Dakota. Both appointments are set to take effect on January 9th. Governor Rhoden commended both individuals for their significant contributions to the state's economy. Even has led the economic development office for less than two years, focusing on attracting business investment and supporting initiatives like the South Dakota Defense Institute. Hagen has served as the head of Travel South Dakota for 15 years, during which time state officials report that tourism reached record levels, with visitor spending exceeding five billion dollars and annual visitation approaching 15 million people. These reappointments are among the first cabinet decisions made by Governor Rhoden ahead of his new term.

Governor Rhoden Reappoints Economic Development and Tourism Leaders to Cabinet

Governor Rhoden Reappoints Economic Development and Tourism Leaders to Cabinet

Governor Larry Rhoden has reappointed two key members of his cabinet, Governor’s Office of Economic Development Commissioner Bill Even and Travel South Dakota Secretary Jim Hagen, to new terms. These reappointments are set to take effect on January 9, coinciding with the start of the governor's new full term. Jim Hagen has served as the head of the state’s tourism department for 15 years, with Governor Rhoden commending his leadership in navigating the tourism industry through the pandemic and securing investments for the state's two largest airports. Bill Even has led the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for nearly two years, during which he worked with Smithfield on their plant relocation efforts while maintaining their presence in the state. Both leaders expressed their commitment to continuing their work, with Hagen aiming to make South Dakota one of the top 10 most-desired vacation destinations and Even focusing on updating the state's economic development strategy.

Governor Rhoden Announces $187.7 Million in Year Two Funding for South Dakota's Rural Health Transformation Program

Governor Rhoden Announces $187.7 Million in Year Two Funding for South Dakota's Rural Health Transformation Program

Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) have announced $187.7 million in Year Two funding for the state's Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. This five-year initiative aims to enhance healthcare access, workforce capacity, technology, and long-term sustainability for rural and frontier communities across South Dakota. Governor Rhoden emphasized that strong rural communities rely on robust rural healthcare, ensuring residents can access quality care close to home. The funding will support 10 statewide initiatives aligned with the RHT strategy, focusing on connecting technology and data, advancing the rural healthcare workforce, keeping healthcare local, and transforming systems for sustainability. Earlier this year, Governor Rhoden signed HB 1044, which appropriated funding for the RHT Program. In its first year, South Dakota successfully committed all $189.5 million of its federal award by the deadline through 234 agreements with healthcare organizations and communities...

South Dakota Counties Implement Property Tax Credit Under Senate Bill 96

South Dakota Counties Implement Property Tax Credit Under Senate Bill 96

Six counties in South Dakota are set to implement a property tax credit starting January 1, 2027, under the provisions of Senate Bill 96. The counties adopting this local option are Custer, Fall River, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade, and Pennington. According to Governor Larry Rhoden, this initiative represents the largest property tax cut in South Dakota's history. Each participating county will direct revenue generated from a 0.5% county gross receipts tax into a dedicated property tax reduction fund. This fund will then provide a credit against owner-occupied property tax bills, as mandated by state law. Governor Rhoden emphasized the rewarding nature of seeing this tax relief become a reality and stated that the Department of Revenue is actively assisting counties with the implementation process to ensure South Dakotans receive the full benefit. Under state law (SDCL 10-52B-10), counties have the flexibility to set or adjust these tax rates on either January 1 or July 1 each year. The South Dakota Department...

South Dakota Lawmakers Debate Legislative Memo on Data Center Costs and Regulations

South Dakota Lawmakers Debate Legislative Memo on Data Center Costs and Regulations

South Dakota lawmakers are engaged in a debate over a legislative memo concerning data centers, particularly regarding the costs associated with their electrical demands. Senator Steve Kolbeck, R-Brandon, an executive for Xcel Energy, criticized the 17-page 'Hyperscale Data Centers' issue memorandum, calling it 'very opinionated' and questioning the factual basis of some of its sources. Kolbeck, who cast the lone no vote against accepting the memorandum, argued that the report did not consult relevant stakeholders like electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, or the Public Utilities Commission. The memo, prepared by Legislative Research Council staff attorney Rachel Hale, was tasked with summarizing the effects and challenges of hyperscale data centers in other states, focusing on water and electricity. Hale defended her work, stating her sources included government publications, academic research, law review articles, and news reports, and that the assignment did not require stakeholder interviews...

Sioux Falls Business Groups Pursue F-35 Fighter Jets, New Event Center Opens Near Empire Mall

Sioux Falls Business Groups Pursue F-35 Fighter Jets, New Event Center Opens Near Empire Mall

Sioux Falls Business Groups Pursue F-35 Fighter Jets, New Event Center Opens Near Empire Mall

John Thune reelected to lead Senate Republicans despite midterm losses

John Thune reelected to lead Senate Republicans despite midterm losses

The Senate GOP's closed-door decision to stick behind their leader stood in contrast to their House counterparts, who picked a new figurehead.

Sioux Falls Committee Discusses Regulations for Proposed Minnehaha County Data Center

Sioux Falls Committee Discusses Regulations for Proposed Minnehaha County Data Center

Sioux Falls Committee Discusses Regulations for Proposed Minnehaha County Data Center

Tennessee State Offices and Courts Closed for Veterans Day Observance

Tennessee State Offices and Courts Closed for Veterans Day Observance

Tennessee state government offices and state courts were closed today in observance of Veterans Day. This closure means that no new opinions or official state business were conducted or released on this day. The observance is a standard practice for state entities to honor military veterans. The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) Law Blog noted this closure, indicating a temporary pause in legal proceedings and administrative functions across the state's governmental and judicial branches.

Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District Faces Dissolution Vote in Local Election

Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District Faces Dissolution Vote in Local Election

Voters in the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland School District are participating in an election today, November 10, to determine the future of the district. The election, held at Nunda Fire Hall, will decide whether the district remains open or dissolves at the end of the 2026-2027 school year. A 'yes' vote supports the reorganization plan, which would lead to the district's dissolution and the division of its land and property among neighboring school districts, including Brookings, De Smet, Chester Area, Colman-Egan, Sioux Valley, Lake Preston, Madison Central, Howard, and Arlington. A 'no' vote opposes this plan, aiming to keep the district operational. The election follows a previous dissolution vote in December 2025 that failed by a narrow margin, and subsequent changes have been implemented to ensure transparency and proper conduct.

West St. Paul City Council Addresses Vacancy, Approves Budget Adjustments, and Redevelopment Plan

West St. Paul City Council Addresses Vacancy, Approves Budget Adjustments, and Redevelopment Plan

The West St. Paul City Council convened on November 9, 2026, to address several key local issues. A primary discussion point was the process for replacing Council Member Robyn Gulley, who was recently elected to the state senate. The Council plans to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of Gulley's term through 2028, with the mayor participating in the vote, requiring four 'yes' votes for approval. The application process for this vacancy is expected to begin soon, following a similar procedure used in 2019. Additionally, the Council received an update on the 2027 budget, which now projects a property tax levy increase of 6.22%, a reduction from the previously approved 7.28%. Mayor Dave Napier and Council Member John Justen expressed satisfaction with the budget adjustments, emphasizing efforts to tighten spending without negatively impacting programs. The Council also unanimously approved a zoning change that eliminated a maximum setback requirement for industrial zones, which subsequently led to ...