PIERRE, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A public swearing-in ceremony was held over the weekend for South Dakota’s 34th governor. Larry Rhoden was sworn into office January 27th at the Capitol in Pierre. But a much bigger ceremony was planned for Saturday at the Capitol rotunda. Rhoden replaces Kristi Noem, who was recently confirmed as the Secretary of Homeland Security.
South Dakota wants to recognize the folks who continually work to promote agriculture in the state. Governor Rhoden is seeking nominations for the annual Governor’s Ag Ambassador Award. It’s awarded to a person or organization that makes positive contributions to the state’s ag industry. Nominations can be submitted to the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the deadline is March 7th.
Governor Rhoden is making it clear that South Dakota really needs the proposed new men’s prison. He shared his thoughts last week during his first legislative press conference, saying that after touring the old facility in Sioux Falls, he believes it’s outdated and unsafe. Despite pushback from people living near the proposed site and a legal challenge from the group Neighbors Opposing Prison Expansion, the governor is still backing the plan. House Bill 1025, would give the Department of Corrections the go-ahead to build the new prison and set aside $825 million for it’s construction.