Brooke Rollins is Named as the Secretary of Agriculture Designee

By Mitchell Now December 26, 2024 8:31 am

PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Republican President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former White House aide Brooke Rollins to be his Secretary of Agriculture, as he prepares to move back into the White House in Washington, D.C..

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President and Wyoming rancher Mark Eisele (eyes-lee) is cautiously optimistic about Rollins taking the reins of the federal Agriculture Department. Eisele also sees some positive things ahead for cattle producers in this second Trump Administration and says they have already been in contact with those named to be in the next Trump Administration.

The new session of the U.S. Congress begins Jan. 3, 2025. Incoming Senate Republican Party leader and South Dakota Senator John Thune has said getting Trump’s Cabinet Secretaries confirmed is one of his priorities.

Trump will be sworn in as President on Jan. 20, 2025.

Lifestyle

3 days ago

South Dakota Doctors Push Back on Tylenol-Autism Claim

South Dakota doctors are refuting claims that taking Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Experts, including Dr. Jeremy Cauwels of Sanford Health, point to large studies, including one in Sweden tracking over two million children, showing no link between acetaminophen and autism or ADHD.

Government

3 days ago

Mitchell Council Approves $644K in Non-Profit Subsidies

The Mitchell City Council has approved over $644,000 in funding for 11 non-profits as part of its proposed 2026 budget, marking a 1.5% increase over the mayor’s initial plan.

Government

3 days ago

State Prison Inmate Dies by Apparent Suicide

A South Dakota State Penitentiary inmate, 57-year-old Keith McLain, has died in an apparent suicide. McLain was found unresponsive in his cell on September 22 and later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He was serving time for a Minnehaha County second-degree rape conviction. The South Dakota Department of Corrections has not released additional details.

Lifestyle

3 days ago

Minnehaha County Approves 2026 Budget

The Minnehaha County Commission has approved a $132.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2026, reflecting a 1.5% increase from the previous year.

Government

3 days ago

Smoke Shop Owners Indicted After Statewide Drug Sting

Five South Dakota smoke shop owners are facing charges after a statewide sting uncovered the sale of illegal products. Undercover officers, working with state and local law enforcement, made controlled buys earlier this summer.