South Dakota

Noem shares more ‘influencer’ posts that critics label unethical and ‘bad judgment’ • South Dakota Searchlight

Published

2 years ago

March 16, 2024

Noem shares more ‘influencer’ posts that critics label unethical and ‘bad judgment’ • South Dakota Searchlight

Smile Texas isn’t the only business South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem is promoting to her social media followers.

The second-term governor promoted two other South Dakota businesses on her personal X feed (formerly Twitter) on Thursday: Fit My Feet in Rapid City, owned by state Department of Public Safety Secretary Bob Perry’s son, and Common Grounds, a Spearfish coffee shop where she hosted her latest town hall this week.

“They are my favorite. This coffee shop is amazing. You have to come in,” Noem said in the 22-second video clip at Common Grounds. “Bryon and I come in all the time. You will enjoy it. They love America and that is a special gift to me and a pep talk to this country. They are the backbone of South Dakota. Come visit them: Common Grounds in Spearfish, South Dakota.”

Some elected officials regularly post photos and videos of their interactions with constituents or businesses. In the age of social media, it’s a strategy to show they’re engaged with their base and are listening to their concerns.

South Dakota’s U.S. Sens. Mike Rounds and John Thune and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson post about their visits, industry tours and roundtable discussions online. Sometimes they’ll compliment a local restaurant for a meal on the road. One of Thune’s latest shoutouts regarded the “legendary” hot beef sandwiches at Al’s Oasis after posing next to a taxidermy bison named Al.

But a review of their X posts over the last 10 months showed they didn’t tell their followers to visit those establishments or buy a product — or in other words, influence them.

Noem did several times this week on social media, and has in the past as well, including suggesting that her followers buy a motorcycle from Black Hills Harley-Davidson.

Consumer advocacy group sues Noem over her Texas tooth promo video

That crosses an ethical line, said Michael Card, associate professor emeritus of political science at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion.

“It changes other people’s behavior, or could change their behavior, which is why the label of ‘social media influencer’ is such a fraught place to be for an elected official,” Card said. “… If you’re a state official you just shouldn’t be doing that.”

Noem received national attention for posting and participating in a five-minute video endorsing a Texas dental office where she received treatment. The Monday post sparked calls for investigation by some state lawmakers and a lawsuit by a Washington, D.C., based consumer advocacy group.

The lawsuit from Travelers United alleges Noem violated a D.C. law. That law requires social media influencers to disclose whether they received payment or free or discounted services in exchange for their endorsement. The group says D.C. has jurisdiction because residents of the district can view Noem’s posts.

The Legislature’s Government Operations and Audit Committee isn’t planning to investigate the video further, according to reporting by The Dakota Scout.

The legislative Executive Board doesn’t plan to review her conduct either, said chairman of the board and Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown. It’s an ethical question because “somebody used poor judgment,” he said, but it doesn’t call for disciplinary action.

Neither does the state need further ethics laws, he added, saying it’s “clear Noem is done running for office in South Dakota” based on the dental video. Presidential candidate Donald Trump has confirmed that he’s considering Noem as his running mate.

“I think ballot boxes are about bad judgment,” Schoenbeck said. “We have laws for embezzlement, theft, misuse of state resources. We don’t need any more laws. People just need to take elections seriously.”

Sen. Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, on the Senate floor during the 2024 legislative session. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)

But if Noem was any other civil servant, Card said, she would likely be disciplined for the posts even if she wasn’t compensated for them. The practice – especially the Texas dentistry video – “reflects unfavorably” on the state and challenges people’s confidence in the Governor’s Office, Card said.

But she isn’t subject to career service rules.

“It begs the question, if the boss can do this, why can’t I?” Card said. “If you’re acting in a manner that could be perceived as detrimental to the state, you’re setting others up to do the same thing. Should we be engaging in conduct that causes people to think less of state government, that the governor is a social media influencer trying to get people to look at other people’s businesses?”

Noem’s office has not disclosed if she received compensation, discounted services, or other benefits from posting any of the videos. Her spokesman, Ian Fury, did not respond to messages Friday from South Dakota Searchlight.

Dan Ahlers, executive director of the South Dakota Democratic Party, said the nationwide ethics discussion spurred by Noem is evidence that South Dakota legislators should revise the state’s ethics laws.

“I think we should have some kind of code of conduct for publicly elected officials,” Ahlers said. “The fact is we don’t have a line.”

South Dakota scored an “F” in the last state integrity investigation by the Center for Public Integrity in 2015. The investigation gauged the strength of the state’s anti-corruption laws.

South Dakota voters passed the anti-corruption Initiated Measure 22 in 2016, but the law was partially dismantled by the Legislature. The state’s Government Accountability Board, which is made up of retired judges, was established instead to review misconduct allegations for statewide offices and executive branch employees. The board could investigate Noem’s conduct if there is an official complaint submitted.

Card said the state would benefit from an independent review of the behavior, without disciplinary authority.

At the very least, the governor should stop promoting specific businesses and disclose if she received a discount or payment for any of the videos she posts encouraging her followers to do business at certain locations, Card said. If she is being compensated in any way to be an influencer, then that distracts her from her job as governor, both Ahlers and Schoenbeck added.

“If you’re receiving benefits because of that,” Card said, “that’s a complete other step. That’s a hard line, the hard red line. If you step over that line, there should be no doubt that’s an ethical violation.”

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South Dakota

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

Published

11 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

How South Dakota officials have reacted to ‘massive’ US attack on Iran

South Dakota’s Congressional leaders are praising President Donald Trump for his action of joining Israel for a missile-launched attack this weekend in Iran, with the intent to target and dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and demand regime change.

“Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime, a vicious group of very hard, terrible people,” Trump said Saturday, Feb. 28, calling the strikes, “a massive and ongoing operation.”

Trump has since faced scrutiny for a lack of clarity about the timeline and overall goals of the war, and acting without the direct approval of Congress, which has the power to officially declare war for the U.S. Lawmakers are also in heated debate about whether the Trump’s decision may violate the Constitution, with Democrats calling for a war powers resolution vote to stop the effort, according to multiple military outlets.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, was directly targeted, a Middle Eastern official told USA TODAY. Khamenei was killed in the attacks on Feb. 28, according to Israeli sources who told USA TODAY, CNN and Reuters. He was 86 and had led Iran since 1989.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile strikes, hitting American and Israeli targets, including a U.S. Naval base in Bahrain. Iran said its enemies would be “decisively defeated.”

At least four Americans and an estimated 200 other individuals have been killed, and an estimated 700 injured as of March 2.

President Trump said he expects more to come.

Here’s what South Dakota Congressional leaders, along with former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, who now sits at the helm of the Department of Homeland Security as secretary, have to say about what has been named by the administration as Operation Epic Fury.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune

“For years, Iran’s relentless nuclear ambitions, its expanded ballistic missile inventory and its unwavering support for terror groups in the region have posed a clear and unacceptable threat to U.S. servicemembers, citizens in the region, and many of our allies,” said Thune, a Republican, the morning of Feb. 28 in a comment from his office.

“Despite the dogged efforts of the president and his administration, the Iranian regime has refused the diplomatic off-ramps that would peacefully resolve these national security concerns. I commend President Trump for taking action to thwart these threats,” Thune said, thanking Secretary Rubio for providing updates on these issues throughout the week.

“I look forward to administration officials briefing all senators about these military operations,” he said. “I commend the bravery of the servicemembers carrying out these operations and pray for the safety of those in harm’s way.”

U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds

Rounds, a Republican, said Trump took “the right course of action” when handling the strike.

Rounds later congratulated the United States military and Trump on the death of the Iranian leader, stating the moment “offers a path for a more peaceful Middle East.”

U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson

Johnson, a Republican and the lone U.S. representative for South Dakota, stated the Iranian regime “is full of theocratic thugs and is the world’s largest state sponsor of terror.” He said Trump had given multiple opportunities to change direction.

“I’m praying for the safety of America’s servicemembers, and our allies involved in Operation Epic Fury,” Johnson stated on social media.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

Noem, who left her governorship after she was appointed secretary at the beginning of Trump’s current term, took to social media as well, stating she was actively monitoring any potential threats against America.

“I am in direct coordination with our federal intelligence and law enforcement partners,” she said.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Millionaire for Life winning numbers for March 1, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

The South Dakota Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at March 1, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from March 1 drawing

10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04

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.

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South Dakota

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

South Dakota High School Students Showcase Culinary Skills – Harrisburg Today

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is an annual culinary competition where high school students from across the state showcase their cooking and restaurant management skills. This year, 12 schools will send a total of 60 talented students to Pierre to compete in events like cake decorating, culinary arts, and restaurant management. Winners will receive scholarships and the opportunity to advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland.

Why it matters

The ProStart® program is an important investment in developing South Dakota’s future culinary and hospitality industry leaders. By providing high school students with hands-on experience and the chance to compete at the state and national levels, the program helps cultivate the next generation of skilled chefs, restaurateurs, and food service professionals.

The details

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026 in Pierre. The competition kicks off on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM with a cake decorating contest. The more intense culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will be held on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM. Students will be judged on their technical skills, creativity, and business acumen as they compete for scholarships and a spot at the national competition.

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will take place on March 9-10, 2026.
The cake decorating competition will be held on Monday, March 9th at 2:00 PM.
The culinary arts and restaurant management competitions will take place on Tuesday, March 10th starting at 8:45 AM.

The players

Nathan Sanderson

Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, which administers the ProStart® program.

Florence

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Harrisburg

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Huron

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Mitchell CTE

One of the 12 high schools sending students to compete in the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“ProStart® is an excellent way for us to invest in South Dakota’s future industry leaders. Our students are highly skilled and graduate workplace ready.”

— Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association (b1027.com)

What’s next

The winners of the South Dakota ProStart® Invitational will advance to the National ProStart® Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland, where they will represent the state on a national stage.

The takeaway

The South Dakota ProStart® Invitational is a valuable program that helps cultivate the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals in the state, providing high school students with hands-on experience, scholarships, and the opportunity to showcase their skills at the national level.

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