South Dakota
Three counties will vote on banning ballot tabulator machines, requiring hand-counting • South Dakota Searchlight
Three South Dakota counties will ask voters during the June 4 primary if they should ban the use of tabulator machines in future local elections.
If the measures pass, the auditor’s offices in each county would have to hand-count ballots in the Nov. 5 general election and thereafter. The votes – in Gregory, Haakon and Tripp counties – were forced by citizen-initiated petitions at the county level.
Petitioners say they want to ban tabulators because they’re concerned about election security and integrity.
State law allows citizens to petition their local governments to put a proposed law to a public vote. The petitions require signatures from 5% of registered voters in a jurisdiction.
The auditors in each county are now working to educate their citizens on the election process, including the accuracy and safety of tabulators, and highlighting the potential financial consequences of hand-counting ballots.
“More than anything, I want my county to be educated about how our elections run,” said Stacy Pinney, Haakon County auditor.
Similar petitions are circulating in 35 counties, according to South Dakota Canvassing, the nonprofit that helped organize the statewide effort. Petitions have been rejected in counties including Lawrence and McPherson, where some county officials cited legal problems with the petition language. Meanwhile, Fall River County is the only county in South Dakota that will hand-count ballots during the primary election.
In Haakon County, Pinney plans to hold three town halls ahead of the June 4 primary to answer county residents’ questions. The final town hall will coincide with her statutorily required public test of the tabulator machines. She’ll also present to the local high school’s senior government class about the election process.
Push for election hand counts spreads despite rejection in Lawrence County
Pinney said many county residents don’t know there’s a resolution board that handles votes cast aside by a tabulator when those votes need further study for voter intent. She added that some people aren’t aware they can ask for a new ballot if they make a mistake.
In Haakon County, the cost of the general election without hand-counting will already be about $10,000 to $15,000, Pinney said.
If the ballot initiative passes, Pinney expects she’ll need 10 extra people to hand-count ballots. That can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 more, she estimates.
Julie Bartling, Gregory County auditor, said if her county’s tabulator ban passes, she’ll have to break up the south-central county’s three precincts into six or 10 precincts to have manageable ballot amounts for hand counters.
That will cost the county $5,000 to $8,000 more – assuming she can convince poll workers who’ve already been working 12-hour days to stay longer and hand-count ballots.
“A lot of people think hand-counting is cheaper, but it really isn’t,” Bartling said.
Bartling said some people think different ballots can be used, but, by law, the county has to use the same ballot whether it hand-counts or uses machines. For Gregory, the tabulator machines cost less than $2,000 each election to use, Bartling said.
Tripp County Auditor Barb DeSersa said she’ll have to find another 65 people to hand-count ballots if the measure passes. DeSersa oversaw Tripp County’s 2022 general election hand-counting effort, when it was the only county in South Dakota to hand-count all its ballots.
DeSersa was awake for 40 hours straight between Election Day and the day after in 2022, with a significant amount of that time supervising volunteers hand-counting ballots. Several races had to be recounted by volunteer counting boards – sometimes three or four times that night.
If the ban passes, she won’t have poll workers hand-count, and she’ll have five hand-count volunteers per precinct rather than three. The extra two will be “onlookers to ensure everything is done correctly,” DeSersa said.
Tripp and Gregory counties will each conduct a post-election audit of all cast ballots after the primary, rather than the state-required 5% audit.
“I’m anxious for the post-election audit because I want people to know that their automated counting machines are accurate,” Bartling said. “They’re counting correctly and the post-election audit will show that and prove it.”
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The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) will be hosting its 2024 Spring Roundup series, “Swing for the Fences,” June 3, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12 in Golden Valley, Watford City, Crosby, Strasburg, Cooperstown and Havana, North Dakota. The Spring Roundups serve as the organization’s district meetings and will include socials, suppers, informational programs, NDSA Nominating Committee meetings and local brand inspector meetings.
In each location, the brand inspectors’ meeting begins at 5 p.m., with the social at 5:30 p.m., the supper at 6:30 p.m. and the program and Nominating Committee meeting following. All locations are at Central Time.
“The Spring Roundups are designed to bring the association to its members — to provide information to the state’s cattle producers and to gather their valuable input for the NDSA to ‘swing for the fences,’” said NDSA President Jason Leiseth, an Arnegard, North Dakota, cow-calf producer. “I invite members to bring their input and ideas, have the conversations for the betterment of the industry and enjoy a fun evening topped off with a beef meal.”
Here are the Roundup details:
District 1: The District 1 Spring Roundup will be held at the Cooperstown Country Club at 305 Fairway Drive, Cooperstown, on June 11. The program will include Leiseth and NDSA Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson, who will discuss the NDSA’s recent work. In addition, a golf scramble will begin at 1 p.m.
The District 1 Spring Roundup is being hosted by District Chairman Bryan Ressler of Cooperstown.
District 2: The District 2 Spring Roundup will be held at the Coteau des Prairies Lodge at 9953 141st Ave. SE, Havana, on June 12. The program will include Leiseth and Randy Martinson of Martinson Ag Risk Management, who will speak on the cattle market and obstacles that may pressure it.
The District 2 Spring Roundup is being hosted by District Chairman Jeff Breker of Havana.
District: 3: The District 3 Spring Roundup will be held at the Blue Room at 622 Main Street, Strasburg, on June 10. The program will include Leiseth, Ellingson and North Dakota Beef Commission Executive Director Nicole Wardner, who will discuss the impact the beef checkoff has in North Dakota and beyond.
The District 3 Spring Roundup is being hosted by District Chairman Carter Vander Wal of Pollock, South Dakota.
District 4: The District 4 Spring Roundup will be held at the Golden Valley Community Center, 110 1st Ave. SW, Golden Valley, on June 3. The program will include Leiseth, Ellingson and District 4 Director Casey Voigt of Beulah, North Dakota, who will talk about the importance of getting out and voting to have your voice heard and working in unity. In addition, there will be a clay shooting activity at the Zap Sportsman’s Club, 840 County Road 13, Zap, North Dakota, beginning at 3 p.m. A wine auction will take place during the District 4 Spring Roundup.
The District 4 Spring Roundup is being hosted by Voigt, the district chairman.
District 5: The District 5 Spring Roundup will be held at the Rough Rider Center Convention Hall at 2209 Wolves Den Parkway, Watford City, on June 5. The program will include Leiseth, Ellingson, Butte Veterinary Center and Watford City Veterinary Center owner Dr. Bruce Pederson, who will discuss current veterinary topics, and Lauren Van Ewyk, who will discuss mental health and self-care tips for those in agriculture.
The District 5 Spring Roundup is being hosted by District Chairman Calli Thorne of Watford City.
District 6: The District 6 Spring Roundup will be held at the Crosby Community Center/Andrist Arena, 1002 2nd Street SE, Crosby, on June 6. The program will include Leiseth and Kali Rider, a registered dietitian and North Dakota native who discovered the intricate connections between the soil and human health through a personal health crisis, which led her back to her roots in agriculture. In addition, there will be a golf scramble beginning at 2 p.m. at the Crosby Country Club at 10765 County Road 15, Crosby.
The District 6 Spring Roundup is being hosted by District Chairman Chase Jacobson of Columbus, North Dakota.
The Spring Roundups are free and open to all. For more information, call (701) 223-2522 or visit
www.ndstockmen.or
South Dakota
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem Keeps Digging Deeper Holes in Her Gravel Pit – WhoWhatWhy
One of Donald Trump’s VP hopefuls bragged about killing her dog in her biography and expected MAGA media to praise her bravery.
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After Kristi Noem told a story about killing her dog Cricket, she went on a media tour to promote her book and to try and explain her actions. It did not go well as this video clip from Fox “News” illustrates.
While you’re here enjoying DonkeyHotey’s latest cartoon, please take a moment to read these articles on related topics:
South Dakota
Brandon Valley’s girls and Harrisburg’s boys capture team championships in conference meet
BROOKINGS — Watertown and Aberdeen Central athletes won a combined six events on Saturday during the Eastern South Dakota Conference Track and Field Championships.
Aberdeen Central’s girls scored 110.25 points and finished third for the second-straight year behind champion Brandon Valley (201.75) and runner-up Harrisburg 144. The title was the 10th in a row for the Lynx. Watertown added a fourth-place finish with 89, up three spots from last spring. Pierre was fifth at 69, followed by Mitchell 61.75, Yankton 54, Huron 25.75 and Brookings 24.5.
Harrisburg ended Brandon Valley’s two-year run of titles in the boys division, winning by a 171.5-117.5 margin. Yankton was third at 106, followed by Aberdeen Central 94, Pierre 78, Mitchell 64, Brookings 62, Watertown 69 and Huron 27. Aberdeen Central took third and Watertown eighth in 2023.
Top Performers, Meet Records
Mia Wentzy, Sarah VanDeBerg and Lily Rude led Brandon Valley’s girls to another title. Wentzy won the 800-meter run in 2:19.53 and VanDeBerg the 1,600 in 5:06.46. Wentzy, VanDeBerg and Rude also ran on the winning 1,600 (4:03.45) and 3,200 (8:59.5) relays. Rude also ran on the winning medley (4;20.7).
Shelby Bergan added a win in the 300 hurdles (45.35) and ran on the winning 800 (1:42.78) relay, and Madison Pederson ran on the 400 relay along with winning the long (18-0.75) and triple (37-6) jumps for Brandon Valley’s girls. Kali Ringstmeyer of Pierre took the 100 (12.09) and 200 (25.4) dashes in the girls division.
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Tate Larson led Harrisburg’s boys by winning the 110 hurdles (15.56) and 200 dash (21.89) and also running on the winning 800 relay (1:29.51).
Jon Kahler of Brookings won the 800 (1:57.78) and ran on the winning 1,600 (3:28.37) and 3,200 (8:08.17) relays. Austin Gobel of Yankton took the 100 (10.77) and ran on the winning 400 (43.22 relay).
New meets record included Brandon Valley’s girls in the 3,200 relay (8:59.5, old record 9:26.77 set by Aberdeen Central in 2012); Hannah Genrich of Harrisburg in the girls’ 3,200 run (10:55.10, old record 10:57.44 set by Annie Kruse of Yankton in 2014); Bergan in the girls’ 300 hurdles (45.35, old record 45.58 by Jeana Hoffman of Mitchell in 2003); Logan Smidt of Brookings in the girls’ javelin (111-6, old record 110-8 set by Kaityn Disbrow of Harrisburg in 2022); and Jared Lutmer of Pierre in the boys’ 3,200 (9:27.09, old record 9:27.4 set by Larry Beesley of Madison in 1975).
Watertown Highlights
Boaz Raderschadt provided the big highlight for the Arrows, winning the boys’ shot put (57-8) and discus (165-8), both with personal-record throws. Malia Kranz won the girls’ discus in 124-1 and also was fourth in the shot put (39-9).
Other Watertown boys’ place winners were Bayley Steiner and Isaiah Norton, seventh and eighth in the 800; Dane Stark, fifth in the 1,600; Jereome Zebroski, fifth in the 300 hurdles; Simon Hendricks, fifth in the javelin; Owen Spartz and Tommy Foley, second and seventh in the pole vault; and Aaron Bruns and Jonas Geier, seventh and eighth in the triple jump.
The Arrows placed fourth in the 400 (Noah Wallenmeyer, Shey Coltrin, Austin Redfield and Lincoln Schutt), sixth in the 800 (Coltrin, Schutt, Austin Moen and Redfield), eighth in the 1,600 (Schutt, Redfield, Norton and Zebroski) and seventh in the medley (James Clendenin, Mlan Moen, Ayden Steiner and Ty Sullivan).
Other Arrow girls who placed include Alayna Smith, seventh 100 and 200; Andi Olson, eighth in 200; Grace McElroy, second in 3,200 and sixth in 1,600; Grace Corey, sixth in discus; Jordan Remmers and McKenzie Lewis, fourth and eighth in javelin; Reese Munger and Mayla McGhee, third and sixth in high jump; Jordyn Padgett, Ericka Woolley and Marli Wadsworth, second, third and eighth in the pole vault; and Makenna Blank, third in the long jump.
The Arrows took sixth in the 400 (Blank, A. Smith, Hayden Thomas and Anna Hirtz), fourth in the 800 (Victoria Smith, A. Smith, Hirtz and Hauger), fifth in the 1,600 (V. Smith, Grace List, Olson and Hauger), fourth in the medley (Kate McElroy, G. McElroy, Remmers and Olson) and eighth in the medley (Ashlynn Andrews, Emma Reihe, List and Lola Barrett).
Aberdeen Central Highlights
Ciara Frank won the girls’ high jump (5-5), took second in the long jump (18-0) and fourth in the 100 hurdles (15.64) and ran on the winning 400 relay (50.26) and second-place 800 relay (1:43.69) to lead Aberdeen Central. Gracie Rife took second in the 100 dash (12.49) and fourth in the 200 dash (25.73) and also ran on the 400 and 800 relays. Keyana Stillman, Lucy Fritz and Kamdyn Borge rounded out the 400 relay and Stillman and Madison Hochstetter the 800.
Other place winners were Stillman, sixth in 200; Juna Ramey, sixth in 3,200 and eighth in 1,600; Mya Arampatzis, second in 100 hurdles and fourth in 300 hurdles; Hochstetter, fifth in 100 hurdles and second in high jump; Taryn Hermansen, third in shot put; Regan Lust, tied for seventh in high jump; and Jaidyn Forsyth, fourth in pole vault and seventh in triple jump.
Aberdeen Central was also sixth in the 1,600 relay (Eme Mounga, Allyson Bauer, Grace Richter and Charlee Williams-Smith), sixth in the 3,200 (Angie Lopez, Khloe Cochran, Allison Brenner and Kaylie Peldo) and fourth in the medley (Fritz, Lust, Lauren Joosten and Lopez).
Tyler Bain won the high jump (6-3) to lead Aberdeen Central’s boys. Other placers were Avery Ligon, sixth in 100; Brendan Phillips, fifth in 400 and sixth in high jump; Grant Fritz, eighth in 400; David VanVeen, second in 1,600 and seventh in 3,200; Tate DeVries, fifth in 3,200; Kyson Fayant, seventh in 110 hurdles and sixth in 300 hurdles; Colby Dauwen and Jack Podoll, fourth and eighth in 300 hurdles; Joran Foss, fourth in shot put and eighth in discus; Evan Hauer and Jaxon Henley, sixth and seventh in shot put; Jack Bertsch, third in discus; and Jett Carlson, second in javelin.
The Golden Eagles took seventh (Kalen Larson, Ligon, Eli Biegler and Karson Borge) in the 400 relay, fourth in the 800 (Larson, Ligon, Biegler and Borge), second in the 1,600 (Biegler, Fayant, Phillips and Dauwen), seventh in the 3,200 (Philipp Abel, Christian Wells, Esten Foss and Dauwen) and third in the medley (Ligon, Borge, Biegler and VanVeen).
State Boys Tennis Preview: Class A tourney set for Monday and Tuesday and AA for Thursday and Friday at Rapid City
Central South Dakota Conference
MILLER — Potter County’s girls and Mobridge-Pollock’s boys captured team championships in the CSD conference track and field meet on Saturday.
PC won the girls division with 151 points, followed by Wolsey-Wessington at 131. Mobridge-Pollock repeated as the boys division champion by a 147-126 margin over Miller. Seven schools competed.
Emma Schlachter, Paige Ahlemeier and Dannika Kaup led the way for Potter County’s girls. Schlachter won the 800-meter run in 2:24.78, Ahlemeier the 3,200 run in 13:01.43 and Kaup the 300 hurdles in 47.92. All three girls also ran on PC’s winning 1,600 (4:12.62) and 3,200 (10:11.56 relays). Kayden Cronin (triple jump, 32-11.5) and Megan Seurer (100 dash, 13.68) each won events and ran on the winning 400 (53.54) relays).
Ryli Thompson of Mobridge-Pollock won the 200 (26.9) and 400 (1:01.31) dashes and ran on the winning 800 (1:48.97) relay in the girls division. Other area event winners were Heidi Olson of Mobridge-Pollock (1,600 run, 5:20.71) and Carley Cotton (100 hurdles, 17:07) and Savanna Hayes (shot put (33-11.5) of Faulkton Area.
Andrew Fulkerson (100 dash, 11.88), Simon Fried (300 hurdles, 41.95), Carter Hinsz (shot put, 45-5.5) and Kellen Pfitzer (discus, 132-2) each won events for Mobridge-Pollock’s boys.
Other area event winners included Carter Luikens (200 dash, 23.54), Nicholas Schlachter (3,200 run, 10:22.74) and Landon Larson (long jump, 19-4) of Potter County; Spencer Melius of Faulkton Area (javelin, 165-1) and Tarrence Mickelson of Sunshine Bible Academy (triple jump, 38-1.75). Faulkton Area won the 800 (1:53.81) and Sunshine Bible Academy the medley (8:49.86).
Complete results of both meets can be found at https://www.athletic.net/events/us/south-dakota/2024-05-11.
ESD and CSD Results: https://www.athletic.net/events/us/south-dakota/2024-05-11
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com
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