Category Archives: Story

Venhuizen confirmed as South Dakota’s new Lieutenant Governor

The South Dakota Legislature today unanimously confirmed Tony Venhuizen as the state’s new Lieutenant Governor.
The House voted 67-to-0, and the Senate 35-to-0 to approve Governor Larry Rhoden’s pick for the position.
Venhuizen, a former chief of staff to Governor Dennis Daugaard, was sworn in immediately after the votes and will now serve as President of the Senate.
The position opened when former Lieutenant Governor Rhoden became Governor following Kristi Noem’s resignation.

Tony Venhuizen to become South Dakota’s new Lieutenant Governor

A Sioux Falls lawmaker is set to become South Dakota’s next lieutenant governor.  Governor Larry Rhoden has nominated Republican Rep. Tony Venhuizen to succeed him after former Gov. Kristi Noem resigned last week to join President Donald Trump’s cabinet. Venhuizen, 42, is in his second term representing District 13 in the state House. A former chief of staff under both Noem and Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Venhuizen is known as a pragmatic conservative and a prolific political fundraiser. He’s also served on the South Dakota Board of Regents, and currently leads the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation. At a press conference this morning, Gov. Rhoden said he chose Venhuizen for his integrity, adding, “I wanted a person with integrity above all else.”
The appointment, which requires confirmation by the state House and Senate, will be reviewed by a special committee this Wednesday. A vote is set for Thursday. Venhuizen is an attorney with a history degree from South Dakota State University and a law degree from the University of South Dakota. He is married with three children.  If confirmed, Gov. Rhoden will need to appoint someone to fill Venhuizen’s House seat.
*Story courtesy of Austin Goss, SDBA.

Donations being taken for Kelly Duffy benefit

There will be a benefit meal and auction for Kelly Duffy at the Tripp County 4-H Building at the Fairgrounds in Winner on February 7th beginning at 6pm. Money donations can be left at Sentinel Federal Credit Union in Winner, or by calling 842-3581. The account is set up under ‘Kelly Duffy Benefit’. Donations for the event can be dropped off at the Winner City Office.

Larry Rhoden ready to take over as South Dakota Governor

South Dakota’s 34th Governor Larry Rhoden says he is ready to take over after Kristi Noem’s resignation Saturday.

Rhoden, 65, who ascended to the role after the U.S. Senate confirmed Noem to become the next secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, spoke publicly for the first time about the transition process that has been underway since President Donald Trump nominated Noem on Nov. 12.

In preparation for the ascension, Rhoden says he has held briefings with Noem and top cabinet officials, as well as sought out advice from long-time allies like Matt Michels and former Speaker of the House Tim Rave.

 

*Story courtesy of Austin Goss, SDBA.