South Dakota
Calls for transparency and accountability permeate prison commission meeting • South Dakota Searchlight
The first meeting of the South Dakota Corrections Commission in nearly a year drew calls for transparency and accountability from commissioners, lawmakers and members of the public.
Under state law, the commission is meant to advise the Department of Corrections (DOC) on matters of justice and public safety. The DOC also needs commission approval to spend any money to adjust the operations of prison industries like the state’s license plate or sign-making shops.
There was much to discuss on Thursday.
Wealth of controversies, outbreaks of violence spark questions on prison oversight
Since the commission’s last meeting in October of 2023, the Department of Corrections has faced a series of controversies, among them a lawsuit in Lincoln County over its proposed site for a new men’s prison, two bouts of unrest at two separate prisons that injured inmates and staff, a suspension of tablet-based communications that contributed to one of those bouts of violence, and concerns from inmates and family members over the price of goods made available through the state’s new commissary vendor.
Questions have also emerged about the commission’s role in light of testimony from DOC Secretary Kellie Wasko to lawmakers on the state’s Government Operations and Audit Committee in July, as well as comments from some commission members suggesting that the group has ceased to serve its intended purpose.
As many as 33 people at a time logged in for the virtual meeting, a figure that includes Department of Corrections staff members and commissioners.
Most who spoke expressed concerns over the host of issues facing the prison system.
“I’ve heard nothing but more chaos in the past six months,” said Sen. Shawn Bordeaux, D-Mission, who was elected to serve as the commission’s chair on Thursday. “I’m really struggling with what we can do.”
Role of commission debated
Wasko began the meeting by addressing what she called “perceived interpretations” of the laws defining the commission’s role.
On July 31, Wasko told the state’s audit committee that she answers to it, not the commission. Prior to that meeting, DOC officials had asserted in public statements that the commission’s only role was to oversee Pheasantland Industries, the umbrella term for the industrial shops inside DOC facilities.
Those assertions came despite language in state law that defines the commission’s role more broadly. In the past, its members toured prisons, asked questions about justice reform efforts and security measures, and weighed in on new prison construction options.
Particularly with security incidents, Wasko said July 31, she doesn’t feel that she should discuss the details with the commission’s citizen members in the group’s open public meetings. She also suggested that lawmakers reassess the commission’s role.
Head of state prison system wants to ‘close the doors’ to public scrutiny of security incidents
On Thursday, she read the law that created the commission, noting that the statute refers to it as an advisory body, not an oversight one. She said she’d “done some homework” by reviewing notes from 10 years of commission meetings and learned that the commission’s focus narrowed to prison industries sometime around 2018.
The commission’s members were given paper copies of the DOC’s annual statistical report in January. If commissioners want to weigh in and advise the DOC based on those figures, Wasko said, they are welcome to do so.
She receives and responds to calls from lawmakers on a weekly basis, she said. But aside from Judge Christina Klinger and newly appointed member Sen. Helene Duhamel, R-Rapid City, “I’ve never received a single email, text or call from another member of this commission asking for an opportunity to discuss a concern,” Wasko said.
Commission members David McGirr and Mark Anderson have bemoaned the body’s narrowed focus. On Thursday, McGirr said previous iterations of the commission had a more useful role.
Without discussions on broader justice issues, he said, there’s little incentive for the unpaid commissioners to show up at all.
“It really feels like we don’t need to be meeting several times a year to discuss prison industries and financials,” he said.
Previous commissions spent time talking about diversion programs and ways to reduce the prison population, Anderson said. Yet the commission has never discussed the state’s current plans for new prisons over the two years those plans have taken shape.
“My biggest concern is that we’re looking at building a prison when the people before you, their intention was to reduce the number of inmates so we didn’t have to build a new prison,” Anderson said.
Rep. Kevin Jensen, R-Canton, a former commission member, joined Thursday’s meeting to say he intends to bring legislation to strengthen the commission’s role. The group learned a lot from tours, Jensen said, and its members discussed justice issues and potential legislative fixes on an ongoing basis. The law that created the commission says the group should engage in a “continuing study” of criminal justice issues, Jensen said.
“I don’t see any continuing study,” he said. “It seems like it’s just meeting to meeting.”
Jensen wrote an op-ed for The Dakota Scout newspaper, published Thursday morning, that outlined his concerns in more detail.
Wasko told commissioners she’d be happy to offer more information or to set up tours of prison facilities. As for justice reform efforts, Wasko said none of them moved the needle on the state’s prison population in the years before her arrival from Colorado in 2022. She’s worked since then to address the issues that were front and center, such as overcrowding and staffing.
“I came into this state looking at an agenda, and I followed what that agenda was,” Wasko said.
As for calls to adjust the authority or scope of the commission’s work, Wasko said she would prefer that it “remain in the advisory capacity, as state statute recommends.”
Calls for transparency
The meeting’s regular agenda included a discussion of changes to prison commissary operations. The DOC switched its vendor for the prison store starting this month. As part of the contract with Union Supply, inmates work to manage inventory on site at the prison in Sioux Falls.
DOC Finance Director Brittni Skipper said one of the goals of the switch was to offer inventory skills training in areas like forklift operations.
“They get the skills that are needed in a high-demand industry in e-commerce,” Skipper said.
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Some inmates and family members have complained of higher prices, however. McGirr said he’s seen media reports on the prices, and said he’d voted to approve the changes last October with the understanding that prices would drop.
“The idea was that we would see a lowering in cost to the prisoners as well as some profit-making to help run the prisons,” McGirr said.
Skipper said the new commissary catalog includes 142 new items. Of the items listed in both the old and new catalogs, she said, more than half cost less or are within 10 cents of their prior price.
“One of the biggest items for commissary are ramen noodles,” Skipper said. “The difference is one cent.”
McGirr wondered why there wouldn’t be more savings, given that inmates earn a dollar an hour to manage the system.
“I had hoped we would live up to our expectations,” he said.
Wasko said there are good reasons for some of the price increases. Televisions cost more now, she said, but the new televisions are “prison grade,” more durable and with clear outer casings for security.
Beth Warden, a reporter with Dakota News Now, referenced that point in her own public comments. Warden decried what she described as a lack of transparency and argued that the DOC’s reticence to answer basic questions on security incidents or issues like price increases does damage to the agency’s credibility.
Wasko’s explanation on the price of televisions, Warden said, could’ve been shared with the reporters covering the inmates’ price concerns.
“Why are we having to fight to get answers that would lower the tension?” Warden said.
Lynette Johnson, the widow of slain correctional officer Ron “R.J.” Johnson, also called on Wasko to adjust her approach. Johnson’s husband was murdered by two inmates in 2011, both of whom have since been put to death.
“If you follow the agenda of the past, there was no transparency,” Johnson said.
Rep. Linda Duba, D-Sioux Falls, put the blame for a lack of openness on Republican Gov. Kristi Noem’s office. The lawmaker said the state needs more information on corrections, because “it belongs to all of us.”
“For six years, I have seen the shutting down of transparency in this state,” Duba said. “I agree with the press in their frustration.”
Nieema Thasing, an advocate for inmates who lives in Sioux Falls, thanked Wasko for opening up the discussion and addressing several of the issues that have arisen this year, calling the discussion “forward-looking.”
Thasing then suggested that the state create a citizen commission to address the concerns of inmates, family members and members of the communities to which most incarcerated individuals return after serving their sentences.
“I would volunteer myself, and I know there would be other people who would serve on a citizen commission,” Thasing said.
After the meeting, newly elected commission chairman Bordeaux said he supports the idea of a citizen commission, and that he would be happy to work with Rep. Jensen on bills to strengthen the corrections commission’s role. He also said he plans to bring a bill to add two more lawmakers to the commission to act as liaisons for the rest of the Legislature.
The next Corrections Commission meeting is set for Nov. 19.
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(SOUTH DAKOTA SEARCHLIGHT) – Democrats are running for 46 of South Dakota’s 105 legislative seats — leaving 56% of seats without a Democratic candidate.
That doesn’t bode well for the party ahead of November, said Michael Card, professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Dakota.
“It doesn’t put them in a position to actually put forward their ideological policy preferences and have much of a success at getting those enacted,” Card said.
In the state Senate alone, Democrats have failed to field a candidate for 22 seats, which is nearly two-thirds of the chamber. In the House, Democrats have failed to field a candidate for 38 seats, which is 54% of the chamber.
There is only one Democratic legislative primary in the state: a state Senate race in District 26, which includes the Rosebud Reservation.
There are no statewide Democratic primaries, after announced candidates for governor and U.S. House dropped out or failed to gather enough petition signatures to make the ballot, leaving one Democrat in each of those races.
Statewide candidates will have less name recognition than Republican candidates ahead of the general election, since they didn’t have primaries, Card said. In the Legislature, Card said Democrats “are guaranteeing they won’t get a majority.”
In contrast, Republicans have primary races for governor, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Five legislative districts do not have Republican primaries, but do have Republican candidates. There is a Republican candidate running for every legislative seat, except for one House seat in District 27, which includes the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Card said there are several factors leading to poor candidate turnout among Democrats, including a self-fulfilling cycle of failure.
“A lack of winning makes fewer people willing to take a chance on running for office,” Card said. “Why run if I think I’m going to lose?”
Democrats haven’t held a statewide office since 2015, and they haven’t held a majority of either legislative chamber since 1994.
Joe Zweifel, deputy executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said the organization worked “really, really hard” to convince Democrats to run for office.
“But you can’t force people to run for office,” said Zweifel, of Sioux Falls, who’s running for a legislative seat himself in District 12.
He’s heard the open seats called a “failure.” But he disagrees, choosing to focus on the Democrats who did step forward.
“We’re running quality, good candidates in those races,” Zweifel said.
The South Dakota Democratic Party hopes to build on legislative successes, such as a new law from Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, that commits state funding to cover the family portion of reduced-price school meals.
“That specifically is a return on investment for our donors, and it shows that Democrats are doing good things for the people of South Dakota,” Zweifel said.
Wittman’s success helped inspire Democratic District 13 House of Representatives candidate Ali Rae Horsted, of Sioux Falls, to take a second run at the Legislature. Horsted ran unsuccessfully for the Senate against Sen. Sue Peterson in 2024, garnering 42% of the vote.
Horsted plans to build on that success and the name recognition she already has in the district. She hopes she’ll have “better odds” in this election, since there are two House seats for every district.
Horsted said it would better serve South Dakota if the state had a more balanced Legislature. While the latest Legislature was 92% Republican, 52% of voters in South Dakota are Republican. South Dakota has the lowest percentage of Democrats, 7.6%, in the Legislature nationwide.
“I think it’s important that people have options on the ballot,” Horsted said, “and people are able to vote for candidates that represent their values and their vision for the future of South Dakota.”
Makenzie Huber is a lifelong South Dakotan who regularly reports on the intersection of politics and policy with health, education, social services and Indigenous affairs. Her work with South Dakota Searchlight earned her the title of South Dakota’s Outstanding Young Journalist in 2024, and she was a 2024 finalist for the national Livingston Awards.
South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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From East River to West River, South Dakota communities share a common goal: creating places where people of all ages can live, work and thrive. AARP’s Domains of Livability provide a framework to help communities do just that. Through the AARP Community Challenge grant program—designed to spark quick, impactful local projects—South Dakota communities are turning big ideas into visible, people-centered improvements.
Read the South Dakota Community Challenge Grant Report, which showcases grant-funded projects across the state designed to build more livable communities.
What Are AARP’s Domains of Livability?
AARP’s approach to livable communities is rooted in eight interconnected domains that together support quality of life at every age:
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings – Safe, accessible parks, streets and public buildings
- Transportation – Affordable, accessible options for getting around
- Housing – A range of choices that support independence
- Social Participation – Opportunities to connect, learn and have fun
- Respect and Social Inclusion – Communities that value people of all backgrounds and ages
- Civic Participation and Employment – Meaningful ways to engage and contribute
- Communication and Information – Clear, accessible ways to stay informed
- Community Support and Health Services – Access to services that support well-being
These domains work best when addressed together—something South Dakota communities are embracing.
Turning Vision into Action with Community Challenge Grants
AARP Community Challenge grants fund short-term, “quick-action” projects that can ignite long-term change. Across South Dakota, these grants have helped communities pilot ideas, build momentum and demonstrate what’s possible when residents put people first.
Here’s how local projects are bringing the Domains of Livability to life:
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Communities have used grants to enhance parks, create pop-up public spaces, add benches and shade and install wayfinding signs. These improvements invite people to linger, gather, and enjoy shared spaces—supporting both physical activity and social connection.
- Transportation: Small, thoughtful transportation projects can make a big difference. Community Challenge grants have supported safer crossings, improved walkability and bikeability around key destinations and the planning or installation of transit amenities like shelters and seating—especially important for older adults and people with mobility challenges.
- Housing and Community Support: Some projects focus on helping residents age in place by improving access to information about home modification resources or by testing neighborhood-level solutions that connect people to services. These efforts strengthen independence and peace of mind.
- Social Participation and Inclusion: Murals, community events and creative placemaking projects funded by AARP grants have sparked community pride and social connection. By involving residents in design and implementation, these projects foster respect, inclusion and a strong sense of belonging across generations.
- Communication, Civic Participation and Opportunity: From hosting community conversations to creating new tools for sharing local information, South Dakota communities are using grants to engage residents in shaping their future. These efforts elevate local voices and encourage ongoing civic participation.
Vermillion is a college town built around a historic Main Street with an urban feel. With the University of South Dakota just about a mile away, the stretch stands apart for its youthful energy and academic culture. Best explored on foot, Main Street pairs 19th-century brick storefronts with stops like Café Brulé and the nostalgic Coyote Twin Theater. Murals and sculptures add pops of color to the town center, including works from Mural on the Wall and the Mirrored Medicine Wheel. Below are some of the downtown’s best highlights.
Walkable, Accessible, And Student-Friendly
Since most of downtown Vermillion is centered on Main Street, the district is compact and pleasant to stroll. Better yet, walking here from the University of South Dakota only takes about 20 minutes, making it accessible for students without cars. In recent years, the Vermillion Downtown Streetscape project has also enhanced pedestrian accessibility and safety. By implementing ramps, wider sidewalks, and well-placed crosswalks, navigating downtown Vermillion is easier and safer than ever.
Parking In Downtown Vermillion
Alongside its pedestrian-friendly improvements, the Vermillion Downtown Streetscape project made sure to maintain ample parking. Main Street and the first blocks along its north and south side streets offer plenty of free parking for locals and visitors alike. Removing the hassle of parking meters, you can explore downtown Vermillion without stressful time constraints.
Charming Architecture
With many buildings built between 1880 and 1942, history cements downtown Vermillion. Main Street stands out for its historic facades, where brick storefronts tell a story. After a fire destroyed much of the street in the late 19th century, a town ordinance banned wood-frame buildings from the district, explaining the streetscape we see today.
Some main street structures predate the infamous fire, like the present-day Dakota Brick House restaurant. Other brick landmarks were rebuilt in accordance with the ordinance, like the Classical Revival-style Clay County Courthouse, constructed between 1912 and 1913. Coupled with old-fashioned lampposts and weave-patterned pavement inspired by Main Street’s brick buildings, downtown Vermillion is a living time capsule.
Cool Cafes And Shops
Like all the best college towns, Vermillion is fueled by caffeine, a cafe-culture haven. Main Street W houses cozy places like Café Brulé, which specializes in “comfort food, decadent desserts, and espresso coffee drinks with classic hospitality.” A few doors down, The Bean Community Coffeehouse is a favored spot for students, serving everything from sweet cream cold brews to Italian cream sodas.
If you grab a to-go order, shopping is a great follow-up. The stores in downtown Vermillion reflect its diverse population, with something for every budget and vibe. Cash-strapped students and retro enthusiasts are drawn to spots like the Civic Council Thrift Store, but you can also find clothing boutiques like Blue Monarch. For your next read or a new board game, Outside of a Dog Books & Games is another cute and welcoming store to hunt for a souvenir.
Public Art
As you continue strolling downtown, Vermillion’s award-winning outdoor art is impossible to miss. Since 2017, the Vermillion Community Mural Project (now Mural On the Wall) has decked out downtown with colorful and meaningful installations. The massive artworks depict Indigenous themes, elements of local culture, and messages of inclusion, including the “It Gets Better: Vermillion Pride” installation outside Café Brulé.
Vermillion is also known for its SculptureWalk, installed by the Vermillion Cultural Association. Much like the downtown murals, these 6 sculptures breathe life into the district, depicting themes like resilience and family, along with Indigenous culture. The Mirrored Medicine Wheel is a striking example, situated at the corner of Main Street and Elm. Bear in mind, 2026 marks a rotation for the Sculpture Walk, meaning locals and visitors can expect to see a new set of sculptures sometime in the spring.
Dining, Entertainment, And Nightlife
In the evening, downtown Vermillion sees no signs of slowing down. Foodies flock to Cee Cee’s 605 Scratch Kitchen & Bar for happy hour cocktails and made-from-scratch dishes, while Native-owned Dez From The Rez serves cultural comfort foods with a modern twist. Afterward, Main Street’s Coyote Twin Theater is a great follow-up for new film releases and freshly popped popcorn.
Once night falls, Vermillion’s bar scene keeps downtown alive. On Main Street, Carey’s Bar has served locals and students since 1954. Nearby, the Main Street Pub is favored for its classic bar bites, while XIX (19) Brewing Company specializes in good beer, good company, and themed trivia nights.
Explore Towns Near Vermillion
There are countless cool towns to explore near Vermillion if you want to keep the good times rolling. 30 minutes southeast, North Sioux City offers an eclectic range of entertainment. During the day, visitors can enjoy NASCAR races at the Park Jefferson Speedway. Later, evening calls for gaming on “The Strip,” a two-block gambling district with spots like Beano & Sherry’s Casinos.
For outdoor fun, the town of Beresford is a gateway to Union Grove State Park. A 20-minute drive from Vermillion, Union Grove is home to serene tree-studded hillsides, making it a popular place to picnic, hike, or spend a night under the stars. Alternatively, 30 minutes west of Vermillion, Yankton is a blend of both towns. At Riverside Park, visitors can stroll, fish, and picnic along the Missouri River. Further inland, Broadway Ave is dotted with casinos like the South Point Gaming Lounge.
A Day In Downtown Vermillion
While it’s helpful to have an itinerary, exploring downtown Vermillion can be even better with a bit of curiosity and spontaneity. Tucked in between its top bars, murals, and cafes, you could find a hidden hangout locals love or a piece of public art not detailed online. That being said, Vermillion’s top-frequented restaurants and shops are popular for good reason, so don’t be afraid to follow the crowds. No matter where you start, go, and end, this South Dakota downtown is an absolute joy to walk through.
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