Hill City Prevailer

Come fly with me

Published by admin on Wed, 04/08/2026 - 9:39am
There is so much interesting news going on now. We are over a month into a war for what seems like oil. We are hearing about threats of more inflation, concerns about fertilizers and food supply, stock market volatility. AI seems to be grabbing headlines, whether it be how people use AI as companions or friends, how data centers are sucking our resources dry, how companies can now earn billions of dollars without the expense of payrolled employees.
Yet my column this week will focus on airports and why I don’t understand them.

Delivering results for South Dakota

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 9:45am
Just last week, we wrapped up another legislative session—and what a session it was.
At the beginning of the year, I outlined my Opportunity Agenda, focused on keeping South Dakota strong, safe and free. I called on the legislature to take action on several key priorities. When all was said and done, we accomplished everything we set out to do. Every single one of those priorities made it across the finish line.
That kind of success doesn’t happen everywhere—but it does here in South Dakota.

Exciting news at Ellsworth Air Force Base

Published by admin on Wed, 04/01/2026 - 9:43am
Greetings. Let’s talk about the biggest thing happening in the Black Hills, shall we? No, it’s not the July 3 fireworks at Mt. Rushmore. No, it’s not President Trump attending the fireworks ceremony. So, what is it? How about Ellsworth Air Force Base? 
Specifically, the anticipated arrival of the B21 Raider Bomber coming to the base in 2027. Currently Ellsworth AFB is scheduled to be the first base to receive the B21s. They are/were scheduled to have two squadrons, or 40 B21 bombers.

This too shall pass

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 9:44am
Is it just me, or are we all on edge? Everytime the wind picks up I think, “Will a fire start?” or “Will my power get shut off?” I look around and see dust and  brown. I feel the air, heavy and dry.
I try not to watch the news or read the headlines, but when I do I see or hear about things like bombs, war, prices rising, this side or that complaining about the other.

Promises made, promises kept

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 9:43am
Greetings. “Promises made, promises kept.” The 101st legislative session is officially over. We need to go back to Pierre March 30 for what is called Veto Day. This is designed to override any vetoes the governor gave, and we have one bill, funding Richmond Lake Dam, to vote on. Session starts at 1 p.m.
I left last week with SB245 still hanging. Well, SB245 passed the House with 42 yea votes. We needed 36. Then, in the Senate, they had to concur and we got 20 yea votes out of 34 and needed 17 or 18.

Some information on SB 36

Published by admin on Wed, 03/25/2026 - 8:43am

Greetings. We all need to pray for rain or snow or any kind of moisture. Well, maybe not hail.
During the 2026 session, Sen. Steve Kolbeck and I prime-sponsored SB36 “Authorize certain utilities to establish wildfire mitigation plans and associated liability limitations for wildfire damages.” I know, a super long title for a super long bill, but it needed to be done. I had 30 House members sign it and Sen. Kolbeck had 17 senate members sign on.

Promises made, promises kept

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 2:42pm

Greetings. “Promises made, promises kept.” The 101st legislative session is officially over. We need to go back to Pierre March 30 for what is called Veto Day. This is designed to override any vetoes the governor gave, and we have one bill, funding Richmond Lake Dam, to vote on. Session starts at 1 p.m.
I left last week with SB245 still hanging. Well, SB245 passed the House with 42 yea votes. We needed 36. Then, in the Senate, they had to concur and we got 20 yea votes out of 34 and needed 17 or 18.

Incredible kids

Published by admin on Wed, 03/18/2026 - 9:37am
Here I go again, checking the National Day calendar looking for inspiration. This time, I’m really glad I did.
This Thursday (tomorrow) is National Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. You probably hadn’t heard of it—neither had I.
According to the website, it’s a day to encourage adults to tell kids how absolutely incredible they are—“Tell the kids in your life why you think they are incredible, amazing, inspiring or just plain terrific!”
What an idea.

District 30 got brock blocked

Published by admin on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 9:47am
When I hosted the legislative crackerbarrel a month and a half ago, I heard one of our wonderful District 30 elected officials ask the question of why is the governor bringing bills to the legislature? I thought it was not only a great question, but, as it related to property taxes, a very good point.
I did not vote for Gov. Larry Rhoden. None of us did.

Working on real property tax reform

Published by admin on Wed, 03/11/2026 - 9:46am
Five years ago, I was told by the Department of Revenue that the drastic increase in property taxes was an anomaly. Unfortunately, we now know that wasn’t the case. 
Since then, many of us in the legislative body have worked on this problem, not just for our own constituents, but for all South Dakotans. Whether you live East River or West River, whether you’re a retiree on a fixed income living in a $300,000 home, or a young professional family with two incomes and kids around the kitchen table, housing affordability matters to every one of them.