South Dakota

What’s next for Noem and South Dakota?

Published

1 year ago

November 13, 2024

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – President-elect Donald Trump has selected Governor Kristi Noem as his Homeland Security Secretary, meaning a change in leadership will likely be coming to South Dakota soon.

If Noem is seated as Secretary, she would be the first Governor in nearly 30 years to not complete two terms in office.

In 1993, Governor George Mickelson was killed in an airplane crash, leading Lieutenant Governor Walter Dale Miller to finish his term.

Noem’s cabinet nomination will need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The selection, with Republicans having the majority, will likely be approved.

“I don’t expect any real and substantial opposition to her confirmation by the Senate. The issue is time,” Michael Card, University of South Dakota Political Science Professor Emeritus said.

Noem’s appointment, if conducted by the Senate, would not happen until next year when the new session of Congress begins. However, President Trump has been calling for whoever receives the vote for Senate Majority Leader on Wednesday to “agree to Recess Appointments,” in which he would be able to install nominees without Senate confirmation.

Noem would then be able to quickly use her experience in South Dakota and try to fulfill a Trump campaign promise and secure the southern border, one of the many responsibilities of the position.

“I think in a lot of states, the Mexican cartels have been targeting the reservations because they are sovereign nations. I’m hoping that we take that awareness and we can really work on those issues from a national standpoint,” Rep. Kevin Jensen of Canton said.

With Noem heading to Washington, Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden will likely fill her position as governor and finish her term, which ends in early 2027.

Representative Jensen, who will serve as a Majority Whip in next year’s legislative session, expects a smooth transition for Noem’s exit.

“Governor Rhoden, if that happens, would likely keep the same staff. He would probably only make changes if they were directly not in favor of changes he would like to make,” Jensen said.

Rhoden will have his own policy plans to work through, but he may bring a fresh perspective for a likely very busy 2025 legislative session.

“I wouldn’t underestimate the challenges with the newly elected legislative leadership. We know they were going to have some real battles with Governor Noem. This may just dissipate those,” Card said.

Those leadership positions were announced over the weekend, you can find all of the appointments here.

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Related Topics:donald Featured Homeland Kristi larry Noem Rhoden Security trump

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South Dakota

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

Published

11 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

Human trafficking survivor advocate to speak at Rapid City church event

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – A Rapid City church is hosting a free community event Thursday to raise awareness about human trafficking, with organizers saying the danger may be closer than people think.

The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League at Bethlehem Lutheran Church is opening the presentation to the entire community because organizers say awareness alone can save a life.

“If we can get 20 people to understand what to look for — if we can get 20 people to understand that this organization exists — then we can start shining light into every corner, and suddenly it’ll be a better world,” said Alexandra Loverink, co-president of LWML Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Event details

The free presentation is Thursday, May 14 at 6 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Rushmore Street. The speaker is Reverend Tess Franzen, founder of Freedom’s Journey, a Rapid City-based ministry that has assisted hundreds of trafficking survivors over more than a decade.

Franzen said the problem in South Dakota is far more widespread than most people realize.

“We see mostly sex trafficking, but much of what we see is — some people might call it homegrown or familial,” Franzen said. “We see trafficking here where young people are being trafficked out, their family members are selling access to them when they’re children. And in many cases, they don’t really even realize there’s anything wrong with it.”

Organizer Cari Garwood-Beard said Franzen’s presentation changed how she sees her own neighborhood, and she wants others to have that same wake-up call.

“She told a story about her neighbor one time — just a good old guy — and found out that he was a trafficker. Her neighbor, who she thought was above boards,” Garwood-Beard said. “And it really hit home. My next-door neighbor could be.”

A freewill offering will be collected for Freedom’s Journey at Thursday’s event. Bethlehem Lutheran Church is at 1630 Rushmore Street.

Resources

If you suspect trafficking, dial 9-1-1 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

For more information about Freedom’s Journey, visit their website or call 805.380.8009.

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South Dakota

SD Lottery Mega Millions, Millionaire for Life winning numbers for May 8, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

May 9, 2026

Press Room

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

Here’s a look at May 8, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from May 8 drawing

37-47-49-51-58, Mega Ball: 16

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 8 drawing

14-16-21-43-51, Bonus: 03

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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