Opinion

America is still the land of the free

Published by admin on Wed, 11/11/2026 - 1:36pm

In September of 1814, Francis Scott Key sat detained aboard a British ship in the Chesapeake Bay. For 25 hours, he watched America’s Fort McHenry being bombarded by enemy fire. The Americans were almost destined to lose, but by the “dawn’s early light” on Sept. 14, Key saw the stars and stripes of our flag still proudly flying over the fort. In that moment, he was inspired to write a poem that we now know as the Star-Spangled Banner.

Voters were seeing red and voted blue

Published by admin on Wed, 11/11/2026 - 10:34am

Forget a blue wave. That was a tsunami. A meteor strike. Name your natural disaster.
Heading into the Nov. 3 General Election, many assumed there would be a blue wave of some description, as the party with the sitting president usually experiences losses in midterm elections. However, no one could have imagined the heights to which Democrats would be successful. States that for years have been traditionally deep red elected Democrat governors. Republican senators and representatives were being ousted left and right. It was an absolute blood bath.

Today, Forward

Published by admin on Wed, 11/11/2026 - 9:33am
Over 600 days ago, I started a new job as South Dakota’s 34th Governor. A lot has happened, and there is a lot to reflect on. But my windshield is a lot bigger than my rearview mirror, so I’m looking ahead to the future. South Dakotans gave me the privilege of serving another four years as their governor, and that work continues now—it doesn’t wait for January.

You know what’s going on

Published by admin on Wed, 11/04/2026 - 2:34pm

One of our staff members was called into jury duty in Pennington County during the month of October, and on the third-to-last day of said duty, they were summoned to the Pennington County Courthouse to see if they would be selected for the jury for an upcoming trial.

Half empty, half full, running over

Published by admin on Wed, 11/04/2026 - 2:34pm

I can’t say I remember what we were even talking about last Wednesday afternoon, but Brad started grinning, the same extremely charming, slightly-irritating, very provocative grin that I’ve discovered our baby has inherited. Lucky me. 
“What?” I said, spicily. 
He laughed, a questionable action. “You look a little crazy when you’re only sleeping 45 minutes at a time.” 
Alright, sir, consider yourself officially recruited. Change incoming. Bedtime is now yours. 

Some thoughts on Daylight Saving Time

Published by admin on Wed, 11/04/2026 - 2:32pm

Greetings. I’m writing this before the general election results are in. So, what should we talk about? Well, two recent subjects that have flooded my emails are front license plates and Daylight Saving Time. Let’s take Daylight Saving  Time this week because its timely, pun intended.

Motherhood: basic training with snacks

Published by admin on Wed, 11/04/2026 - 9:36am
I heard something the other day that caught my attention while doom scrolling Facebook reels. Not something I typically allow myself to do, but hey, we all need a minute of mindless downtime now and then.
The question was posed as to why society spends so much time trying to teach manners and lady-like behaviors to young women just for them to enter motherhood. 
The quote was, “Motherhood isn’t a finishing school, it’s basic training—with snacks.”
While I thought this was a hilariously clever ideology, I half-heartedly disagree. 

It’s time to get out there and vote

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:03pm

Next Tuesday is the first Tuesday in November, and in South Dakota, that means it’s time for the General Election. We said it in the lead up to the Primary Election, and we will say it again—be sure to get out there and vote.

Why is it so hard to say goodbye?

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 3:03pm

Have you ever noticed how many different things we say at the end of a phone call? 
Take care. Thank you for your time. Have a great day. See you soon. Alright, bye. Talk to you later. See you Sunday. Well, I have to be going. It was good to talk with you. See you later. Talk soon. Bye now. The list just goes on and on. 

Why is it so hard to say goodbye?

Published by admin on Wed, 10/28/2026 - 9:30am
Have you ever noticed how many different things we say at the end of a phone call? 
Take care. Thank you for your time. Have a great day. See you soon. Alright, bye. Talk to you later. See you Sunday. Well, I have to be going. It was good to talk with you. See you later. Talk soon. Bye now. The list just goes on and on.