South Dakota
Two fastpitch, two slowpitch players to join promotor/sponsor in state’s softball hall
RAPID CITY — Two fastpitch players, two slowpitch players and a promotor/sponsor make up the 2025 class for the USA Softball of South Dakota Hall of Fame.
The new inductees include Ken Many Woods Billingsly of Pine Ridge (men’s fastpitch), Kelly’s Sports Lounge/Jeremy Ofstead of Rapid City (promotor/sponsor), Sheri Lappe of Pierre (women’s slowpitch), Silas “Mo” Skates of Rapid City (men’s slowpitch) and Dennis Brewer of Pine Ridge (men’s fastpitch).
The inductees will be honored during a banquet scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Rapid City Ramkota Inn. A social hour start at 6 p.m. Central, followed the meal at 7 p.m. and the induction ceremony.
The cost of the event is $50 per plate. For advance tickets, contact Mike Dykstra at 605-212-3139 or email: kdyskstra@sio.mido.net.
Here’s more on the inductees:
Ken Many Wounds Billingsly, Pine Ridge
Billingsly is a legendary figure in fastpitch softball, whose remarkable career spans across states, regions and even the world stage.
Billingsly’s accomplishments include being named All-American 3rd baseman at the 2003 ASA/USA Nationals and playing in 15 ISC World Tournaments. Notably, his Pine Ridge Sioux team claimed the championship at the 1987 “A” Tournament. He also made an extraordinary impact in national Indian tournaments, where he played on teams that claimed four national titles. His individual excellence earned him an MVP award and a spot on the tourney all-star team an impressive 12 times.
Ken’s versatility and unwavering dedication to the sport led him to celebrated teams such as the Pine Ridge Sioux, the Storm from Texas, Frontier Bar from Bismarck (N.D.) and Nariko from St. Paul (Minn.). His international contributions include representing Nariko in ISC tournaments and spending 13 years with the North Americans.
Gary Young of Watertown, who nominated Billingsly for this honor, said: “I saw Ken hit line drive home runs and play defense as well as anyone at the tournaments. But what I remember the most was that he was a competitor who had respect for the game and those who played it.”
“I have played ball both with and against Ken … my favorite of the two would be teammate,” Fellow Hall of Famer JC Crawford of Sisseton said. “Ken was not only one of the best players in South Dakota, but also within the upper Midwest.”
Kelly’s Sports Lounge/Jeremy Ofstead, Rapid City
Ofstead, owner of Kelly’s Sports Lounge in Rapid City, is a lifelong supporter of softball. This recognition celebrates Jeremy’s ongoing efforts to preserve and expand the remarkable legacy of the Lounge’s late founder (Kelly Cotton) and its lasting impact on the softball community.
For more 30 years, Kelly’s has been a cornerstone of the softball scene, providing athletes and fans with sponsorships, encouragement and a welcoming hub that fosters camaraderie. Under Ofstead’s leadership, Kelly’s has sponsored numerous teams that have competed in Regional Events as well as Women’s Senior Nationals.
Their dedication goes far beyond team sponsorships, playing an integral role in supporting the game through partnerships such as sponsoring state scorebooks, hosting umpire suppers before tournaments, providing gift cards for benefit events and sponsoring two fields at the Star of the West Complex — with plans for additional sponsorships in the future.
“As the vice president of the league for 20 years, I was able to see first hand the dedication of Kelly and Jeremy to the teams and tournaments of the Rapid City Softball Association,” Jenna McNabb said. “They have made a substantial investment in the teams and the league and a commitment to USA Softball.”
Sheri Lappe, Pierre
Lappe is being honored for her extraordinary contributions to the sport as a player, umpire, coach and leader.
Her softball journey began at just 13 years old, playing alongside her grandmother and aunt at Rob’s Flat cow pasture. She went on to compete at the highest levels, playing for over 30 years in fastpitch, slowpitch and co-ed leagues. She has won state championships with five different teams, including Oahe Vet and Chuck Wagon in Class B, Shenanigans in Class C, the Longbranch in Class D and the Legion in D5. Her Chuck Wagon team went on to win the Northern Regional Championship in Bismarck, adding to a long list of league titles while showcasing her versatility as a center fielder and catcher.
Beyond her playing career, Lappe served 13 years as an umpire, officiating men’s and women’s leagues as well as state tournaments. She also thrived as a player-manager, guiding Chuck Wagon to a state and regional championship.
Her dedication extended beyond the diamond, where she has been a women’s league officer for more than two decades, championing the growth and success of the sport in Pierre.
Lappe has also served as the Pierre Women’s Commissioner since 1993. Her leadership has been pivotal in organizing state tournaments, ensuring teams and players receive the resources needed to compete at the highest levels. Her legacy was further cemented in 2024 when she was inducted into the Oahe Softball Wall of Fame.
“Sheri is the heart and soul of our softball community,” Nominator Stacie Morrell said. “She’s always the first person at the fields and usually the last to leave. Her dedication over the past 32 years has been unmatched.”
Silas “Mo” Skates, Rapid City
Skates is being recognized for his incredible softball career. As a versatile player who excelled in left field, catcher and EH roles, he contributed to the success of three different Kelly’s teams as well as Sonny’s, Thomas Electric, Saloon 10 and Team Primed.
Skates’ career is defined by consistent excellence, winning league titles every single year he played — primarily in upper-division softball. Among his notable achievements are a state championship with Kelly’s in the 1998 State Open and two out-of-state titles: one in Wyoming and another in Montana with Sonny’s.
In addition to his league and state victories, Skates competed in two C Nationals tournaments (held in Rapid City and Las Vegas, Nev.) and three 35 & Over Nationals, achieving two second-place finishes and one third-place finish (all in Mandan, N.D.).
Beyond softball, Skates proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 1996, demonstrating his dedication and leadership in service to his country. Off the field, he has shared his passion for the game by coaching girls fastpitch softball, youth baseball and even trying his hand at coaching a women’s slowpitch team in recent years.
“Mo was absolutely one of the best players in the state. On top of his exceptional skills — hitting, fielding and running — he was also a team leader, both on and off the field,” Nominator Keith Morell said. “He could hold his own at the highest levels of the game and his passion for discussing and strategizing the game was unmatched.”
Dennis Brewer, Pine Ridge
Pine Ridge celebrates the remarkable achievements of Brewer, a true legend in the world of fastpitch softball. As both a player and coach, his contributions to the Pine Ridge Sioux team and his community have left a lasting legacy.
Brewer began his illustrious career in 1969 as a pitcher, infielder and outfielder, later transitioning to the catching position in 1983. He spent decades excelling in the game, playing alongside Hall of Famers Richard “Tuffy” Lunderman and North Dakota Hall of Famer Ollie Fiedler. Brewer dedicated 20 years (1972–1992) to the Pine Ridge Sioux team, guiding them to historic victories.
Under Brewer’s’ ‘s leadership, the Pine Ridge teams dominated the Pine Ridge League from 1980 to 1989 and also claimed the Sioux Trail Baseball League title from 1972 to 1983. A significant milestone came in 1987 when Brewer and his team triumphed at the ASA State “A” Championship in Watertown, securing a third-place finish at the A Regionals in St. Paul (Minn.) that same year.
Brewer’s career is marked by outstanding individual accolades, including six MVP awards and over 50 all-tournament awards from Pine Ridge, Rosebud and Yankton Sioux competitions. His teams won a remarkable 150 tournaments over 20 years and he hit more than 300 home runs, including an awe-inspiring performance of five homers in one day. As a pitcher, he achieved a one-hit game and recorded 242 victories. The Pine Ridge Sioux achieved an 84–4 record in 1985— losing only at the state and national tournament in Reno, Neb.
“Dennis was the rock who solidified the Pine Ridge Sioux. He inspired through his leadership, dedication and warrior heart,” Fellow inductee Billingsly said. “His extraordinary career and contributions to his community truly make him a Hall of Fame inductee worthy of the highest praise.”
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com
The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 20, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 20 drawing
09-17-36-47-64, Powerball: 26, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from April 20 drawing
05-07-31-41-43, Star Ball: 07, ASB: 02
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 20 drawing
19-37-40-41-53, Bonus: 02
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize
- Prizes of $100 or less: Can be claimed at any South Dakota Lottery retailer.
- Prizes of $101 or more: Must be claimed from the Lottery. By mail, send a claim form and a signed winning ticket to the Lottery at 711 E. Wells Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501.
- Any jackpot-winning ticket for Dakota Cash or Lotto America, top prize-winning ticket for Lucky for Life, or for the second prizes for Powerball and Mega Millions must be presented in person at a Lottery office. A jackpot-winning Powerball or Mega Millions ticket must be presented in person at the Lottery office in Pierre.
When are the South Dakota Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 9:38 p.m. CT daily.
- Lotto America: 9:15 p.m. CT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Dakota Cash: 9 p.m. CT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 10:15 p.m. CT daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Dakota editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Editor’s note: If you cite the results of this poll, credit South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy, per copyright law and our republishing policy.
PIERRE, S.D. – With seven weeks until the June 2 primary, U.S. House Rep. Dusty Johnson is close to avoiding a runoff in the race to secure the GOP nomination for governor, according to a new poll sponsored by South Dakota News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.
In the contests for U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, state Attorney General Marty Jackley and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds have solid leads over their challengers.
The scientific survey of 500 registered Republicans, conducted April 7-11 by Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, found Johnson leading the four-way contest for governor with 34% of likely GOP primary voters supporting his candidacy.
The other three candidates are effectively tied for second due to the margin of error being plus-or-minus 4.5%. State House Speaker Jon Hansen, of Dell Rapids, has 18% support from GOP voters, and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden both have 17%. Roughly 14% of those surveyed were undecided.
South Dakota Election Voter Guide
Everything South Dakota voters need to know about statewide contests in the primary and general elections.
If no candidate receives at least 35% of the vote on the June 2 ballot, a runoff between the top two finishers will take place July 28. The winner of the contest will meet Democrat Dan Ahlers in the Nov. 3 general election.
Rhoden’s support drops; Hansen surges
While Johnson, who grew up in Pierre and lives in Mitchell, saw a 6-point increase from the News Watch/Chiesman poll conducted last October, Rhoden’s support fell 10 points.
Julia Hellwege, director of the Chiesman Center and USD associate professor in political science, said Rhoden’s association with his predecessor, former Gov. Kristi Noem, could be behind the drop in poll numbers.
“He has aligned himself closely with Noem. They worked closely together, and he continues to champion her and stand by her,” she said. “There’s a potential that has been a side effect.”
Rhoden served as lieutenant governor under Noem and became governor in January 2025 when President Donald Trump made her secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. He fired her last month after severe criticism.
Hellwege pointed out the poll found that Johnson even leads in West River, a stronghold for Rhoden, who is from Union Center east of Sturgis.
She said one candidate more than any other has been the main beneficiary of the declining support for the sitting governor.
“Anyone shifting from Rhoden is more likely to shift towards Hansen,” Hellwege said, noting that Hansen is a state lawmaker, like Rhoden was, who plays up his conservative Christian credentials.
Hellwege said in comparing the new poll results with those from last year, a certain pattern can be seen. That includes the surge in support for Hansen and Johnson, a decline in support for Rhoden, a stable level of support for Doeden and a lower number of undecided voters.
“My interpretation is many Rhoden voters in the last poll shifted to Hansen voters and the undecideds went to Johnson,” Hellwege said.
SD governor: Johnson in driver’s seat
Hellwege highlighted the extent to which the math favors Johnson.
“Even if all the undecided voters go to one of those second-place candidates, plus if you factor in the margin of error, they still would barely reach where Johnson is sitting right now,” Hellwege said.
Brad Coker, founder of Mason-Dixon Polling and Strategy, ranked as one of the least-biased and most-factual pollsters, also believes Johnson is in a comfortable position.
“Johnson is moving into the clear front-runner status,” he said.
“People know him. People like him, and that’s probably why he’s ahead right now. Whether he can hold on to that will depend on what the other campaigns – particularly Hansen’s – are able to do in the coming weeks,” Coker told News Watch, pointing to the poll results that found Johnson has a 47% favorability rating, the highest of any of the candidates.
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Coker said Hansen has the best chance to challenge Johnson not only because his candidacy has seen the biggest increase in support but also due to not many people knowing him – yet.
“Hansen’s name recognition is only 73%. He’s still got 27% of the voters who don’t know who he is, which I think gives him a much higher ceiling than Doeden and Rhoden,” Coker said. “That tells me Hansen is getting some traction.”
On the flip side, Doeden’s 35% unfavorable rating and high name recognition indicate his support has mostly peaked, Coker said.
“He has a higher negative rating than positive rating, which tells me he’s got a core group behind him, but his growth potential is far more limited, especially since he has 89% name recognition,” Coker said.
The poll was conducted after the four candidates met in the March 31 KELO-TV debate but before the April 13 SDPB and South Dakota News Watch forum.
US House: Jackley has comfortable lead
Since Johnson ran for governor, that opened up South Dakota’s only seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In that contest, Jackley – who is from Sturgis and previously served as U.S. attorney for the District of South Dakota – has a comfortable lead toward securing the GOP nomination.
According to the poll, he has 68% support from South Dakota Republican voters surveyed, well ahead of challenger James Bialota Jr., who has 12%, with 20% of respondents undecided.
“This primary is definitely in Jackley’s favor, even if all the undecideds move to Bialota,” Hellwege said.
The winner will face Democrat Nicole “Nikki” Gronli in the November general election.
US Senate: Incumbent Rounds ahead by large margin
Rounds – who’s from Pierre and was South Dakota’s governor from 2003 to 2011 – also enjoys a sizable lead over his challenger.
He received 66% support from GOP voters surveyed, compared to 18% for challenger Justin McNeal, with 16% of respondents undecided.
“The fact that McNeal, who is vastly outspent by Rounds, is able to get up to 18% is commendable. But at the same time, I don’t think there’s any expectation that Rounds will not be able to hold on to that seat,” Hellwege said.
The winner will take on Democrat Julian Beaudion in November.
Favorability poll results for all governor, House and Senate candidates
The News Watch/Chiesman poll also asked Republicans their opinions of the candidates. To see results for each person, click the arrow below and the tab for each section: overall, by gender, age and region where they’re from.
Coming Tuesday
Tuesday’s story will focus on South Dakota News Watch/Chiesman Center for Democracy poll results on the job performance rating South Dakotans give Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. John Thune and other elected officials. The story also includes voter thoughts on Noem’s time as DHS secretary and President Trump’s decision to fire her.
South Dakota News Watch is an independent nonprofit. Read, donate and subscribe for free at sdnewswatch.org. Contact politics and statehouse reporter Alexander Rifaat: 605-736-4396/alexander.rifaat@sdnewswatch.org.
South Dakota
FCS Football Recruiting Roundup: South Dakota, Montana State Target 2027 Defensive Standouts
Welcome to another edition of the FCS Football Central Recruiting Roundup.
As spring practice winds down, recruits are still continuing to get on campus to visit schools and meet with their coaching staff. I caught up with some of the latest prospects who received an offer from an FCS program after their visit.
Amarie King | 2027 | DB | 5’7″ 140 lbs | Case High School | Racine, WI
King received his latest offer from South Dakota on April 17 after speaking with defensive coordinator Billy Kirch.
“Coach Kirch told me bout the offer, and that conversation went well. He told me a lot about the school, and asked me what my family and parents do. He said that my film was amazing and that he wanted to offer me,” King said.
“My recruitment is going well, although it is a little stressful here and there, but I am really just being patient and trusting the process, and keep working.”
He has visits to South Dakota and Drake coming up. Last season, he finished with 44 tackles, eight pass breakups, and six interceptions for the Eagles.
After a great conversation with coach kirch I’m blessed to I’ve received my first division 1 offer from @SDCoyotesFB @AntonGraham_ @MJ_NFLDraft @CoachBKirch @joshmanchigiah pic.twitter.com/jaxIYac67A
— Amarie King (@Amarieking27) April 17, 2026
Jayden Harris | 2027 | ATH | 6’2″ 170 lbs | Manteca High School | Manteca, CA
Harris picked up his latest offer from Montana State on Friday when he was in Bozeman for the Bobcats’ Junior Day, and meeting with cornerbacks coach Jordan Lee, defensive coordinator Bobby Daly, and head coach Brent Vigen.
“First, it was Coach Lee, then I had meetings with Coach Daly and Coach Vigen, who broke the news while we were talking. They want me to come in and play early. They like my versatility as a defensive back, and that’s why they offered me,” Harris said.
“The visit was cool! The snow was coming down, and the coaches still showed love. Recruiting is going well right now. Most schools that are in touch with me see something in me for sure, especially since I’m a zero-star athlete, so that’s love. I feel like I’m the best DB in California, and my measurements and production speak for themselves.”
He also has offers from Idaho, Washington State, and Sacramento State. He has upcoming visits to Arizona State and New Mexico.
Last season, he finished with 63 tackles, 11 pass breakups, nine interceptions, six tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and two pick-sixes for the Buffaloes.
Blessed to receive an offer from Montana State University 🐾 @ballcoachLee @CoachBobbyDaly @CoachSauve @CoachSmith59 @bvigen @BrandonHuffman @Rivals_Recruits @GregBiggins pic.twitter.com/ofYdjJKcmK
— Jay Harris (@JaydenOHarris) April 18, 2026
Maurice “MJ” Harrell | 2026 | DB | 6’1″ 170 lbs | Hutchinson CC | Hutchinson, KS
Harrell picked up his first Division I offer from Houston Christian on April 17 after he spoke with cornerbacks coach DeMarcus Coleman.
“Coach Coleman called and told me he liked what we saw from the videos I sent him, and that he wanted me to be a part of his program,” Harrell said.
Last season, he finished with 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and a fumble recovery for the Blue Dragons. Mercyhurst, Division II UTPB, and Missouri Southern are some other schools he has been in contact with.
Blessed To Receive my first d1 offer from Houstan Christian University pic.twitter.com/OBD9ITQZHS
— MauriceHarrell (@M_Harrell19) April 18, 2026
Jadhari Young | 2026 | WR | 6’1″ 200 lbs | De Anza College | Cupertino, CA
Young received his latest offer from Eastern Illinois on April 15 after speaking with wide receivers coach Tino Smith.
“Coach Smith called me, and we had a long and great conversation. He told me he believes in me and that he thinks I can be great under his coaching,” Young said. “My recruitment has been going great since I graduated two weeks ago. A lot of coaches have expressed a lot of interest in me.”
Young also has offers from Sacramento State, Prairie View A&M, and Chicago State. Last season, he hauled in receptions for 559 yards and seven touchdowns for the Mountain Lions. He was named a Golden Coast Conference First Team selection.
He will be taking his official visit to Eastern Illinois on April 24. Gardner-Webb, West Florida, Monmouth, Stony Brook, and UMass are some other schools he is hearing from.
Blessed to receive my 5th D1 offer from Eastern Illinois University — Dhari Young “DEBO” (@dharigogetit) April 15, 2026
Thank you Coach @coachtinosmith for believing in me💯 pic.twitter.com/yMZjnsfRvK
AJ Moore | 2027 | RB | 5’9″ 200 lbs | College of Dupage | Glen Ellyn, IL
Moore received his first Division I offer from Lindenwood on April 17 after speaking with running backs coach Lane Lawson.
“Coach Lawson called and offered me. He just told me he’d be really excited to have me over and thinks I could be a part of something special with the program they got going over there,” Moore said.
Last season, he finished with 81 carries for 518 yards and five touchdowns, while adding nine receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns for the Chaparrals, who won their fifth consecutive NJCAA Division III national championship. Moore is working on scheduling his official visit to Lindenwood.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachLawsonLU I am blessed to have my first division 1 offer from Lindenwood University @LindenwoodFB @Dupage_Football @JUCOFFrenzy @AllenTrieu @JordanWesty1 pic.twitter.com/DGLjZC4gIA
— AJ Moore (@ajmoore6_) April 17, 2026
Leshem Nyante | 2027 | OT | 6’5″ 265 lbs | Anna High School | Anna, TX
Nyante picked up his latest offer from Texas Rio Grande Valley on April 17 after he spoke with offensive line coach Jeff Bowen.
“Coach Bowen reached out this morning to officially extend the offer. It was a great talk, and he mentioned they really liked my film and how I would fit their system. So we are focused on building that relationship now,” Nyante said.
“I’m really grateful for how my recruiting process is unfolding so far. Things are definitely moving fast with spring ball right around the corner, and it’s been great seeing the increase in interest every week.”
He also has offers from Arkansas State, Division II Midwestern State, and East Central University. Old Dominion, Texas State, UTEP, and New Mexico are some other schools he is hearing from. Nyante will be taking an official visit to Arkansas State in June.
#AGTG After a great conversation with @CoachJeffBowen , I am blessed to receive a D1 offer from @UTRGVFootball !!@8_parr @Coach_Rigg @tylerdedwards33 @Sevier5 @jessedstew @AnnaCoyotesFB @CoachTBush @Perroni247 @SWiltfong_ @CKennedy247 pic.twitter.com/6o9H13baAb
— Leshem (Shem) Nyantee (@leshemnyantee10) April 17, 2026
Matthew Lashley | 2027 | DB | 6’1″ 198 lbs | Riverside City College | Riverside, CA
Lashley received his latest offer from East Texas A&M on April 15 after speaking with safeties coach Luke Jaicks.
“Coach Jaicks called and offered me. He’s a great coach, and I would love to play for him,” Lashley said. “My recruitment is going well; it’s starting to heat up after spring ball.”
He also has an offer from Southern Utah. Last season, he finished with 14 tackles and two interceptions for the Tigers.
Blessed to receive another D1 offer to @Lions_FB! @JacksonSimon25 @nilsonsports pic.twitter.com/X4iLU8VRID
— Matthew Lashley (@MatthewLashley_) April 15, 2026
Follow FCS Football Central on social media for ongoing coverage of FCS football, including on X, Facebook, and YouTube.
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