From South Dakota Searchlight, it appears that the SDGOP Chair was not only denying entry to influencers last night, but to credentialed South Dakota media:

At the event, Searchlight showed several party officials the email confirming permission to attend, and spoke with Wagner and other party officials and officeholders. Several said they were having problems with other people who registered as media but weren’t from what the state party considers legitimate outlets.

Wagner apologized to Searchlight and said, “I didn’t realize that they weren’t going to allow press tonight.” Wagner said it was the decision of “the chairman,” a reference to State Party Chairman Jim Eschenbaum.

Eschenbaum did not immediately respond to a text message Thursday night from Searchlight.

and..

Searchlight asked Wagner if journalists will be allowed to attend those speeches.

“I don’t know what his decision on that is,” Wagner said, referring to Eschenbaum. “It’s a possibility that we will. You might want to check tomorrow.”

Read that here.

So, who exactly are they going to let in to the convention?

Sounds like it was a bad night for influencers at the Republican Convention in Rapid City.

And exactly how many Sergeant at Arms do they have to have if they have a lead Sergeant at Arms?

According to the convention rules,

No person shall be nominated or elected for public office or party office unless that person gave written notice of his or her intention to run for the office to the Convention Secretary by 5:00 p.m., Thursday June 25, 2026 ….

As of 5 PM today, here’s what I’m told we have for candidates to vote for in the following races (and this is the ballot order):

Public Utilities Commissioner:

Don Haggar and Peri Pourier

(Jess Bahmuller unexpectedly had to decline participation at the last moment due to family issues.)

Treasurer:

Heath Shields and Melissa Hull

Auditor:

Catherine Barranco, Tamara Grove, and Renae Randall

School and Public Lands:

Brock Greenfield and James Bialota

Secretary of State:

Monae Johnson and Heather Baxter

Attorney General:

Austin Hoffman, Lance Russell, and John Fitzgerald

Unless there’s one I missed that nobody knew about, this is it.

Over the past couple of months, the field of candidates has somewhat whipsawed back and forth, with rumors all over the place.

But when it comes down to brass tacks, it’s mostly the same people we started with, with some last-minute additions that are likely to go just how you expect.

Keep watching this space for more over the next couple of days.

If you’re a SDGOP convention attendee, and haven’t gotten your credentials, here’s a passage in the convention rules that you need to pay attention to.

Possibly in an attempt to keep the number of normal people weeded out a bit, they’re putting tight restrictions on those who were thinking of coming in on Saturday. From the Convention Rules:

3. Speaking and floor privileges shall be limited to registered delegates, convention officers, convention committee members, state party officers who are not delegates, and any candidate for statewide office nominated at the party primary election. To be eligible to vote in the elections for candidates, floor votes or be present on the floor, a delegate must be registered for the convention. Delegate registration closes at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

That’s a tight timeline if you’re taking off Saturday AM to go to Rapid City.  Don’t plan on any bathroom breaks along the Interstate. Purely Gas -n- go if you want to get in line before the deadline.

 

The 2026 South Dakota Republican Party Convention has begun with committee meetings today. And from reports, it’s already getting a bit crazy out there.

Kind of like when Josephine Garcia was claiming she was endorsed by God, Secretary of State candidate Heather Baxter posted a prayer for herself to her Facebook page:

I think that’s kind of like praying that a million dollars will drop from the sky. The Lord usually is not big on answering those requests.

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What else? There are reports that new candidates are emerging to run for some of the offices.

Fresh off of his loss for Congress on June 2, and being found guilty of Criminal Trespass and Disorderly Conduct in a 2025 incident involving Governor Rhoden at a dollar store on June 12…

…James Bialota is back looking for a triumvirate of misfortune, and is rumored to be considering another bite at the apple, and thinking about a challenge for the office of School and Public Lands.   If that’s the case, that’s a guaranteed NO vote.

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There is talk from delegates that State Senator Tamara Grove who was beaten in the primary by Rep. Rebecca Reimer amidst some controversy about living in a District 200 miles or so away, while collecting a owner occupied tax break for her home in Sioux Falls, it is rumored she may be entering the race for State Auditor against Catherine Barranco.

Not to split hairs or anything, but the State Auditor is responsible for dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s for State Government, and scrutinizing the manner in which state tax dollars are being spent. When you were just spanked by the voters for not having your own property tax paperwork in order.. that one would be a pretty tough sell running for an even higher office.   Oh – and I was just told a Biolata ally, Renae Randall, might also jump in that race.  Jumping in at the last minute after never being involved with the party usually isn’t a good fit.

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What else?  There’s lots more going on, and e-mails have been flying back and forth, but they’re just not ripe yet to bring up.  Keep watching this page to find out what’s happening at the – as one person just texted me referred to it – the apocalypse in Rapid City otherwise known as the 2026 SDGOP State Republican Convention!

South Dakota PUC approves merger of two investor-owned utility companies

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners approved the merger of NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy at their ad hoc meeting in Pierre yesterday, June 24. The panel heard from company representatives, PUC staff, and intervenors regarding two settlements resolving all issues, offered by the parties, and voted to grant approval of the merger.

“There are two key points I want the public to understand. First, going forward, the PUC will continue to regulate NorthWestern and Black Hills Energy individually—nothing about that responsibility changes. Second, it is important to understand what South Dakota law says about the PUC’s role in this type of proceeding. The statute directs that the commission shall approve mergers of this kind unless there is a likelihood of significant adverse impact to customers in this state. It doesn’t say we may or if we want to; it says we shall, and that distinction matters. Based on that language and the record before us, I believe approval of this merger is appropriate,” stated PUC Chairman Chris Nelson.

The commission received a joint application requesting approval of the merger on Oct. 27, 2025. Since that time, parties have engaged in extensive discovery and completed a thorough analysis. Through settlement discussions, settling parties agreed to a comprehensive set of commitments that address all concerns identified by PUC staff and provide meaningful protections for South Dakota customers. The settlement does not modify the rates, terms, or conditions under which NorthWestern or Black Hills Energy currently provide service.

“I am so grateful to PUC staff for really digging into this docket. When I first read the statute outlining our role, it appeared to set a fairly low bar. I’m thankful that our staff worked diligently to secure so many added benefits for South Dakota customers throughout this process,” said PUC Vice Chairperson Kristie Fiegen. “The extension of rate moratoriums, the assurance that shareholders—not customers—will cover merger‑related costs, and the confirmation that the companies will maintain a local presence and continue to operate and file for rates separately are meaningful additions that will benefit customers,” she added.

Under the terms of a merger agreement signed in August 2025, NorthWestern Group will become a direct subsidiary of Black Hills Corporation, which will be renamed Bright Horizon Energy Corporation upon closing. NorthWestern Energy Public Service Corporation will remain a direct subsidiary of NorthWestern Group and an indirect subsidiary of parent company Bright Horizon Energy Corporation. When the merger is finalized, the combined company will have an enterprise value of $15.4 billion and serve approximately 2.1 million customers across eight states.

“I am very pleased with this agreement and deeply appreciate the extensive work that all parties invested to reach this point. It is clear that it required significant collaboration and negotiation, and I commend you for crafting a historic agreement and a comprehensive package that truly benefits South Dakota,” remarked Commissioner Gary Hanson.

Laborers International Union of North America, Great Plains Laborer’s District Council, and South Dakota Laborers Local 620 were granted intervention in this proceeding and began actively participating in the docket in December 2025.

The full docket can be viewed on the PUC website at puc.sd.gov, Commission Actions, Gas & Electric Dockets, 2025 Gas & Electric dockets, GE25-001 – In the Matter of the Joint Application of NorthWestern Energy Public Service Corporation, Black Hills Corporation and NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., for Approval of Merger.

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Rounds to Attend Independence Day Fireworks at Mount Rushmore with President Trump

 WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today announced that he will be attending the Independence Day fireworks display at Mount Rushmore alongside President Trump on July 3.

“I’m looking forward to attending the fireworks show at Mount Rushmore on July 3 with President Trump,” said Rounds. “In South Dakota, we don’t just climb mountains – we carve them. Thanks to President Trump and his team, fireworks will once again be displayed over Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2020, just in time for the 250th anniversary of America’s founding. There’s no better place to celebrate than at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Thank you to everyone who has been working hard to put on a great event.”

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Gov. Rhoden Welcomes President Trump to Rushmore Fireworks!

PIERRE, S.D. – Today, President Donald J. Trump announced his attendance at the America 250 Mount Rushmore Fireworks Celebration. Governor Larry Rhoden welcomed him to America’s iconic monument of freedom.

“It is my honor to welcome President Trump to the great state of South Dakota – the freest state in a nation founded on the principles of freedom,” wrote Governor Larry Rhoden. “Together, we will throw the biggest birthday party ever for our nation and celebrate America’s legacy of freedom, liberty, and justice for all!”

The historic fireworks celebration will be held on July 3, 2026, in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the National Park Service. Governor Rhoden and DOI Secretary Doug Burgum previously signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to move forward with planning for the fireworks celebration.

Tickets are required for attendance at the event, and they were distributed through a public lottery, which ended on April 12th. More information about the event, including FAQs, can be found on the National Park Service website.

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Weekly Round[s] Up: June 15-22

Another week in DC means another edition of the Weekly Round[s] Up! This past week, my schedule was packed with meetings with people from all over South Dakota. I enjoyed visiting with many middle school and high school students this past week who were on school trips to see our nation’s capital. We also took procedural votes to pass the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. This bicameral, bipartisan housing reform bill includes four of my provisions to modernize rural housing programs and cut red tape.

As usual, I was back in South Dakota over the weekend where I attended a couple of events in Deadwood and Aberdeen. I had a great time visiting with members from the Livestock Marketing Association in Deadwood and veterans at the South Dakota American Legion’s 107th Annual State Convention held in Aberdeen. On Sunday, I spent time with my family celebrating Father’s Day. Being a dad is the single greatest job in the world, and I am blessed to be a dad of 4 and grandfather of 11. More on this past week in the Weekly Round[s] Up:

South Dakota groups I visited with: South Dakotans with the American Academy of Family Physicians; Liz Olive, CEO of Vista Care South Dakota; 40 students on the South Dakota Rural Electric Association Youth Tour; South Dakota REALTORS; and President Barry Dunn of South Dakota State University (go Jacks!).

I was also able to visit with a bunch of South Dakota students who were in DC for a school trip, including: Deuel Middle School, Webster High School and students from all across the state here for National History Day.

In addition, on Friday, I attended the Livestock Marketing Association (LMA) Annual Convention in Deadwood. This was a great opportunity to speak with LMA leaders from across the state and country. On Saturday, I traveled to Aberdeen to attend the South Dakota American Legion 107th Annual State Convention. It was good to visit and thank our veterans for their service and incredible sacrifice for our country.

Met with South Dakotans from: Aberdeen, Brookings, Clear Lake, Deadwood, Hot Springs, Pierre, Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Spearfish, Vermillion, Watertown, Webster and Wentworth.

Other Meetings: Jay Clayton, Nominee for Director of National Intelligence; Lt. Gen. Douglas Scheiss, Nominee to be Chief of Space Operations for U.S. Space Force; John Doyle, CEO of Marsh; Erich Hernandez-Baquero, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Space Acquisition and Investment) nominee; Dr. Pradeep Khosla and Dr. Alexander Khalessi; Mark Cruz, Nominee for Director of Indian Health Service; Charlie Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo; Ken Gleuck, Oracle’s EVP of Global Government Affairs; Jay Hurst, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller); Shane Smith, CEO of Smithfield Foods; Jeff Ledbetter, Nominee for Inspector General for the Department of Housing and Urban Development; Sarah Heck, Head of Policy for Anthropic; and Jack Hidary, CEO of SandboxAQ.

On Tuesday, I attended our weekly Senate Bible study, this time hosted by Senator Daines from Montana. And on Wednesday, I spoke at the USA Artificial Intelligence Summit.

Briefings: I received one Senate Select Committee on Intelligence briefing and another classified briefing as part of my work on the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Votes taken: I took 10 votes this past week, including: Justin D. Smith, of Missouri, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit; Michelle Steel, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Korea; and George Holding, of North Carolina, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

As mentioned above, I voted in favor of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. I also voted Nay on a resolution to remove US Armed Forces from Iran, a resolution requesting information on Honduras’s human rights practices, and I voted against a resolution preserving Biden-Harris Immigration Court Backlogs CRA. Click here to read in more detail about these votes.

Steps taken: 61,241 steps or 28.68 miles.

My Staff in South Dakota Visited: Aberdeen, Corsica, Deadwood, Mitchell, Mobridge, Newell and Rapid City.

Video of the week: On Wednesday, I joined Blake Troli from KOTA to discuss the US-Iran peace deal and the National Defense Authorization Act. Click hereto watch the full interview.

Attorney General Jackley Announces Two Men Indicted On Sexual Assault Charges in Hamlin County

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces two men have been arrested in two separate sexual assault investigations involving minors in Hamlin County.

Those arrested were:

*** Christopher Verhoek, 34, Bruce, S.D., on two felony counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in the state penitentiary, a $4,000 fine or both for each count; two misdemeanor counts of Attempted Hiring for Sexual Activity, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, or both for each count; and five misdemeanor counts of Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, which carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, or both for each count. The crimes occurred between 2024 and 2026. Verhoek was released on a $2,500 bond.

*** Kevin Benthin, 63, Estelline, S.D., on two felony counts of Sexual Contact with a Child Under the Age of Sixteen, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in the state penitentiary, a $30,000 fine or both for each count. He has also been charged with one misdemeanor count of Sexual Contact Without Consent of a Child 15 Years of Age or Older. That charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in the county jail, a maximum fine of $2,000, or both. The crimes occurred in 2021, 2022 and 2026. Benthin is being held in the Codington County Detention Center in Watertown on a $5,000 cash bond.

The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigated the cases. The Hamlin County State’s Attorney’s Office will prosecute.

Both men were arrested on Wednesday. They are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.

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