Hill City Prevailer

Protecting property rights

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 1:52pm
I am no stranger to discussions about eminent domain and property rights. I’ve fought for private property rights in this Capitol for over 20 years. When I was a legislator, I was the prime sponsor of legislation that reformed eminent domain to protect property rights. I don’t just care about landowners—I am a landowner.
I also want to ensure that we keep South Dakota open for opportunity. That includes the opportunity for every family, every business owner and every farmer or rancher to pursue their own American dream.

Reviewing the 100th legislative session

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 11:30am

The historic, 100th Legislation session is over, and what a session it was! After a couple of days at home, people are asking, “Did you get anything done?” Yes, we did. During session we processed and heard a total of 540 bills, resolutions and commemorations.

What happened regarding property tax?

Published by admin on Wed, 03/19/2025 - 11:29am

Greetings! The 100th legislative session is officially over. We go in March 31 to look at any vetoes and have a special session in Pierre July 22 to decide on the penitentiary.
So, what happened regarding property tax? Great question! Not the results I was hoping for. I knew going in it was going to be tough going, but it was much worse than I anticipated.

Better run through the jungle

Published by admin on Wed, 03/12/2025 - 1:43pm
Wow, how your mind reacts when someone holds a gun to your head. On a recent trip to Rio, I had just this occur. I was hiking to a viewpoint, and when I got to the top, two kids with guns robbed me of my money. I felt targeted and helpless.
When I came home I got the pleasure of opening my property tax assessment and seeing my tiny home’s value has gone up $130,000. My neighbor’s assessments have either gone down or remained flat.
Those feelings of helplessness and being targeted rushed through my veins again.

SB6 deals with Ellsworth Air Force Base

Published by admin on Wed, 03/12/2025 - 12:41pm

Greetings! Today’s article is about Senate Bill 6—to transfer certain monies and create a fund to support capital and infrastructure projects necessitated by expansion of Ellsworth Air Force Base (EAFB). Boy, that’s a mouthful of a bill! What’s it about?
With the huge expansion at Ellsworth Air Force Base, the need for an additional public school in Box Elder is apparent. The proposed elementary school has a price tag of $60 million.

I’m not ready for basketball to end

Published by admin on Wed, 03/05/2025 - 10:29am
I’m not ready for basketball to end.
I’m sure my sentiment is shared with a lot of basketball players and sports parents this season. It’s been a great season of basketball. 
If you didn’t see the ending of the girls’ game against Custer, you need to. It was one of the craziest endings I’ve ever seen in a high school basketball game. Seeing the girls come off of a high like that straight into the lions den in the game against St. Thomas More is heartbreaking.

Rhoden hits rest button hit on prison funding

Published by admin on Wed, 03/05/2025 - 10:28am
Greetings! Only two weeks left of session. We officially have our last day Thursday, March 13. Then we return March 31 for consideration of any governor’s vetoes.
Probably the biggest news this past week was the penitentiary. Let’s just call it the pen.

Prison funding still up in the air

Published by admin on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 3:35pm

At the crackerbarrel in Fall River County last weekend, I asked the question, “Who acknowledges that we need a new prison?” Practically everyone in the room raised their hand. My follow-up question was, “How many of you want to pay the $860 million price tag?” Absolutely no one raised their hand.

Why can’t we pass a property tax bill?

Published by admin on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 3:06pm

One bill standing.
By the time you read this, that bill will have been heard and the legislature will have sealed our fate in regards to property taxes. And if it passes, this entire column will be a moot point and I will say BRAVO now if it goes to the Governor.
Either way I want to thank our legislators for the hard work they have done on this issue.  

Amtrak rail system approved in House

Published by admin on Wed, 02/26/2025 - 2:43pm

All aboard northwest! What in the world am I talking about? Great question! I’m talking about an Amtrak rail system (Yep!) connecting our rural state with the rest of the passenger train networks.