Daugaard Archives - Big Sioux Media Sports Network

Governor Daugaard Urges Safe Travel On Memorial Day Holiday

May 22, 2014 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

Governor Daugaard Urges Safe Travel On Memorial Day Holiday

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard is urging South Dakotans to make safe, smart choices and have a fatality-free Memorial Day weekend.

“We have traveled and celebrated the Memorial Day weekend without a highway fatality twice in the last three years,’’ Gov. Daugaard said. “We can do it again this year if we all make safe choices on the highways. Traffic laws are there for everyone’s protection. Let’s all take care, and travel safely.’’

The Memorial Day weekend is traditionally the start of the summer travel season in South Dakota, and traffic is likely to be heavier than usual, Gov. Daugaard said. He asked motorists to follow speed limits, avoid distractions, make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt and have a sober driver at the wheel.

The Governor noted that the 2014 Legislature passed a law making it illegal to text and drive.

“While that law doesn’t officially take effect until July 1, texting and driving is dangerous and ill-advised,’’ Gov. Daugaard said. “The upcoming holiday weekend is a good opportunity for all drivers to remind themselves to keep their eyes off their phones and on the road.’’

Memorial Day weekend in South Dakota was free of highway fatalities in 2013 and 2011. One person died during the holiday reporting period in 2012, statistics from the State Office of Highway Safety show.

Secretary Zimmerman keynote speaker at Veterans Day program in Dells

November 5, 2013 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

PIERRE, SD – Gov. Dennis Daugaard recently signed a proclamation recognizing the service of South Dakota’s veterans. The proclamation encourages South Dakotans to remember the service and sacrifice of the nation’s veterans and military personnel during Veterans Day observances.

The proclamation signed by Gov. Daugaard states, “From Valley Forge to Afghanistan, through war and peace, valiant Americans have answered the call to duty with honor and dignity. These brave men and women, and their loved ones, have made significant sacrifice on behalf of our nation.”

“Our great nation is forever indebted to the men and women who have served in the military during the time of war. Their service and the sacrifices made by their family members will never be forgotten,” said Maj. Gen. Tim Reisch, SDNG adjutant general and Secretary of the South Dakota Department of the Military.

Reisch will be the keynote speaker at the Veterans Day program at the De Smet High School.

“We must never allow ourselves to forget that America, as we know it, exists because of the sacrifices of our veterans,” said Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs. “ Through their steadfast defense of America’s ideals, our service members are the reason our country still stands strong, our founding principles still shine and nations’ around the world know the blessings of freedom.”

With an estimated 75,000 veterans living in South Dakota and that number increasing as troops return home each month, Secretary Zimmerman will be keynote speaker at Veterans Day programs in North Sioux City, Deadwood, Huron and Dell Rapids.

http://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=15372

Kris Langer to be appointed as State House Representative

August 14, 2013 by Matt Larson, Big Sioux Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2013
CONTACT: Tony Venhuizen or Kelsey Pritchard at 605-773-3212

Gov. Daugaard To Appoint Kris Langer To District 25 House Seat

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Dennis Daugaard announced today that he will appoint Kris Langer of Dell Rapids to the South Dakota State House. Langer will represent District 25, filling the vacancy created by the resignation of Rep. Jon Hansen.

“Kris Langer is an impressive woman and a leader in her community,” said Gov. Daugaard. “She will be an excellent state representative for the people of District 25.”

Langer is a realtor for LandMark Realty and Auction in Dell Rapids. She served four terms on the Dell Rapids City Council, including service as Council President. Langer has also served on the Minnehaha Economic Development Association and the Dell Rapids Economic Development Board.

“I am honored to be chosen for the appointment,” said Langer. “I look forward to serving the people of District 25.”

Langer was born and raised on a family farm between Toronto and White, and is a graduate of South Dakota State University. She and her husband, Tracy, have two sons, Cole and Grant. Langer is a member of Lutheran Church of Dell Rapids and is active in the Dell Rapids Baseball Association and the Dell Rapids Athletic Booster Club.

District 25 includes north and east Minnehaha County, including the cities of Dell Rapids, Baltic, Garretson, Colton, Lyons, Valley Springs and Rowena. It also includes the area in eastern Sioux Falls near South Sycamore Avenue and East 26th Street.

Earlier this year, Rep. Hansen announced that he would resign, effective Aug. 15, to attend the USD School of Law. The Governor’s appointment of Langer is also effective Aug. 15.

http://sd.gov/governor/PressReleases.aspx