Bluestem Prairie

Ben Davis, Master of Ceremonies for Dec 2021 'Searching For Truth' event, GOP endorsed in 6A

Meet #gop #mnhouse candidate who appeared as one leader in @smontemayor's Jan "Web of Deception" piece #mnleg

We read in the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal article, Republican legislative endorsements made in Brainerd lakes area districts:

House District 6A

Ben Davis won the Republican endorsement for the House District 6A seat over John Howe, of Grand Rapids, and David Liedl, of Pequot Lakes. . . .

House District 6A includes the cities of Crosslake, Manhattan Beach, Fifty Lakes, Emily, Crosby, Ironton and Deerwood, along with Fairfield, Ideal, Little Pine, Mission, Ross Lake, Perry Lake, Timothy and Wolford townships in Crow Wing County; and Ponto Lake Township in Cass County, among other Cass County communities. This district also includes part of Itasca County, including Grand Rapids and Cohasset.

First-time candidate Davis, a pastor from Mission Township, said in a news release that he earned 61.1% on the first ballot to successfully secure the endorsement.

“I want to express my sincere thanks to all of the delegates and alternates who participated, and extend my appreciation to David Liedl and John Howe for a spirited race,” Davis said in the news release. “As your next state representative, I will always fight for the rights of Minnesotans, our Constitution and the unborn. I look forward to representing all of the people living in Minnesota House District 06A, and to meeting voters across this new district as the campaign continues in the weeks and months ahead.”

Davis is pastor of Remnant Ministry Center in Brainerd. He’s been married to his wife, Dawn, for almost 22 years and they have six children.

His name rang a bell for us, and we realized that we'd included him in a December 14 post, Westrom wouldn't talk to local reporter about why he attended sketchy election fraud event:

While we're curious about which  "current and former state representatives" were in attendance, let's look at the speakers Senator Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, believed where worth a four-hour round trip to and from Brainerd, more or less.

Crow Wing County skeptics

There's Pastor Ben Davis of Remnant Ministry Center in Brainerd. He was part of the crowd [that] seeks 2020 election audit in Crow Wing County, as Chelsea Perkins reported  for the dispatch at the end of October.

Crow Wing County voters overwhelming supported endorsed Republican federal and state candidates in the 2020 election, but these folks have their suspicions.

The event was listed on Eventbrite by the Crow Wing County Election Integrity Team.

Oh yes, that event. That guy. He does appear that his pastoral background is cut from a different cloth that that of Northfield's Todd Lippert,  who is retiring after this session.

At the Minnesota Reformer, Deena Winter caught up with the traveling road show in The big lie goes on tour in Minnesota. She notes at one point:

An estimated 400 people attended the Brainerd event, and surely contributed to a groundswell of conservatives who urged Crow Wing County officials for months to look into unspecified fraud. The county board voted Jan. 4 to call for a “full forensic audit” of the 2020 election — even though Trump won the county by 30 points. 

The secretary of state denied their request. As required by law, county administrators conducted post-election reviews and found no significant irregularities.

At Restore Mn--  a "Christ-centered educational hub creating a united network of God-fearing, America-loving patriots who know it is time to take God-directed action and become the informed, authoritative leadership in every sphere of their local communities" that seems to be run by Dale and Sue Witherington, with the help of former state senator Dan Hall--the Admin notes a special role for Davis in Capt. Seth Keshel Presents November 2020 Election Fraud Information:

There were well over 400 Patriots who came to Brainerd on Thursday evening, December 9, to hear Capt Seth Keshel share a very interesting overview of the fraudulent elections last November 3rd along with specifics of Minnesota’s impossible numbers for Joe Biden.

Seth’s talk followed Rick Weible and Sue Shogren of Midwest Swamp Watch, who also focused on many of Minnesota’s sketchy election practices from the Secretary of State down through the county ballot boards and county certifications. The Master of Ceremonies was Pastor Ben Davis, the leader of the Crow Wing County Community Action Team.

Being naturally curious, we clicked on the link for the Crow Wing County Community Action Team. Here's what we read:

Just prior to and especially since the elections of 2020, concerned patriotic Americans have been asking, “What is going on and what can we do?” Restore Minnesota offers a Community Action Team (CAT) to you and your home community wherever you live so you, the “We the People,” can take ownership of the leadership positions in your “backyards”.

Where is it important for you to lead? Your School Boards? City Councils? County Commissions? Business organizations? Where else is it important for you to have a voice? Perhaps organizing and facilitating a RestoreMN CAT is what your community needs.

Use the Form Below to Contact Us to learn more about starting a RestoreMN CAT even if you don’t live in Minnesota!

Foundations of a CAT

Community Action Teams (CATs) operate on the following:

• A firm acknowledgment of the truth “Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:11)
• A clear understanding that Jesus instructs His followers to bring into their communities the life and culture of heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10; Philippians 3:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 2:10)
• A clear strategy from Jesus. (Matthew 28:18-20)
• A model from which to implement the strategy.

Well, who's to argue with that--though we are reminded of The Debate Over Religious Tests that led to the Article VI of the Constitution, which stipulated that “no religious Test shall ever be required as a Qualification to any Office or public Trust under the United States.”

Perhaps there's it's pre-screening work around. Or maybe the Founding Fathers only hoped to void "a state constitutional provision which required a notary public, as a condition of perfecting his appointment, to declare his belief in the existence of God," as we read at Congress's Annotated Constitution.

It's worth taking a look back at Smith's boon companion as he's appeared on our pages. We noted in 2018 that Witherington's Wed. morning MN Prayer Caucus bible study in State Office Building might not be for everyone. In 2020, there was State director of MN Legislative Prayer Caucus wants to see Ilhan Omar & others hanged.

He later claimed he was just joking.

So what's Restore MN getting for its organizing? What's the tenor on Davis's leadership? In January, the Star Tribune's Stephen Montemayer reported for the paper's "Web of Deception" series in A COUNTY CONFRONTS CONSPIRACIES Group of Crow Wing County residents seek new audit of already certified vote:

. . .The Crow Wing County activists, ranging at times from 75 to 100, brought with them familiar claims of proof that there were problems with the last election when they started stepping forward last fall.

Allegations included fraudulent Dominion voting machines — rehashing discredited theories put forward by Lindell and other pro-Trump associates. Others repeated false claims that an algorithm was used to control the outcome of the vote or that the amount of time it took for ballots to be returned to the courthouse from a given precinct was evidence of wrongdoing.

 

"We, us people in this room, have been disenfranchised by the evidence that we have seen," said Ben Davis, a pastor at the Remnant Ministry Center in Brainerd who helped lead the campaign. "It is overwhelming."

 

The group collected signatures for an online petition on the site auditcrowwing.com, which left open the possibility of demanding audits in other locations.

 

The website also encouraged visitors to sign an affidavit urging Minnesota legislative leaders to back a new election audit. It cited debunked claims from Lindell of evidence that votes were changed "over the internet" during the 2020 election. . . .

Davis, a leader among the activists calling for an audit, suggested to the board last week that the group wanted to make sure "that the law is being followed and that fraud wasn't taking place in our county" rather than challenge the results of the election.

 

"This is what a healthy America looks like and I'm so grateful we get to exercise this freedom in this nation," Davis told the board.

Jeepers, we're sure glad it's not just his imagination running away with him. Should he win the seat in the November election, we'll watch for the demand for audit after audit.

 

Photo: Ben Davis, via Pines and Lake Echo Journal.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

 

Seven women accuse Noem's NE gubernatorial pick of groping; Herbster denies allegations

We first learned about this Nebraska Examiner story via the Dakota Free Press's post Eight Women Accuse Noem’s Pal Herbster of Pattern of Sexual Harassment.

Cory Allen Heidelberger makes the connection between the aspiring candidate for Nebraska governor, a frontrunner in the 2022 GOP primary race, and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem:

Just days after Kristi Noem was caught consorting again with her formerly forsworn campaign advisor and accused sexual harasser Corey Lewandowski, the Nebraska Examiner reports that the man Noem has endorsed in Nebraska’s gubernatorial race, Corey and Kristi’s mutual pal Charles Herbster, faces accusations of sexual harassment. One of the accusers is Herbster’s own Republican State Senator . . . 

Back on Groundhog's Day, Aaron Sanderford reported in South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem endorses Herbster in his run for Nebraska gov for the Examiner:

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a fixture on conservative television and radio for her state’s relaxed-regulation approach to COVID-19, on Wednesday endorsed Nebraska gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster.

Herbster, an early favorite in the Republican primary race, announced the endorsement by press release a day after his top opponent, Jim Pillen, got the support of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Herbster was Noem’s first endorsement for governor this election cycle, her campaign manager said. . . .

Herbster has donated thousands to Noem’s campaigns over the years. She has flown to political events on private planes Herbster supplied.  . . .

Minnesota readers might recognize Herbster as the CEO of Conklin Company,  which maintains manufacturing operations and distribution warehouse in Shakopee. Herbster has not made donations  recorded in the contributors database at the Minnesota Campaign Finance Board;  looking back ten years in the Federal Election Commission contributors database, we found an October 7, 2020 contribution to the Republican Party of Minnesota'a federal account for $10,000, and another $10,000 contribution to the state Republican party on October 17, 2016.

The Daily Nonpareil reported this week that Herbster continues to bankroll his campaign for Nebraska governor.

Sanderson has followed up in the Nebraska Examiner with Ricketts, Orr and all 13 women Nebraska state senators condemn Herbster over groping allegations:

Nebraska’s governor, a former governor and all 13 women senators in the State Legislature issued statements Thursday expressing horror at allegations of groping aimed at Republican gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster.

Gov. Pete Ricketts, former Gov. Kay Orr and the state senators also expressed support for the eight women who came forward, including Republican State Sen. Julie Slama, who confirmed witness accounts that Herbster had reached up her skirt at a GOP event. Ricketts and Orr are also Republicans. . . . 

There's this:

One supporter of Herbster, former Omaha Mayor and U.S. Rep. Hal Daub, criticized the Examiner’s report, saying journalists should be “drilling down” on the “origins of the story,” suggesting that it was Ricketts and his camp who pushed for the story.

Then, Daub added, “Maybe ask Sen. Slama what she was wearing. Was she nude? Was she wearing a one-piece or two-piece?”

Slama, upon hearing Daub’s comments, posted a picture of the dress she wore at the GOP event.

During an interview on KFAB radio Thursday afternoon, Slama said it was comments like Daub’s that “keeps women from coming forward.”

“Clothes don’t equal consent,” Slama added. . . .

Read the whole mess at the Examiner, and read the original story in the Nebraska Examiner: GOP state senator, seven other women say Charles Herbster groped them; he denies allegations.

We certainly hope Governor Noem starts picking her political companions with greater care.

Photo: Charles Herbster and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (Courtesy of Herbster for Nebraska), via the Nebraska Examiner.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

 

Post-impeachment digest: Jason Ravnsborg sees redemption in the South Dakota Senate

We last left the long-suffering man killer, now suspended South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg with our post, SD Attorney General Ravnsborg impeached by South Dakota House. Next stop: the state senate.

So what's the buzz in South Dakota media?

On Wednesday, Jonathan Ellis and Joe Sneve reported for the Argus Leader in Senate picks prosecutors, date for South Dakota AG Jason Ravnsborg's impeachment trial:

Pennington County State's Attorney Mark Vargo will serve as the lead prosecutor in the Senate impeachment trial of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg.

The decision comes less than 24 hours after Ravnsborg was impeached by the House of Representatives for conduct related to the traffic fatality of a pedestrian in 2020.

The Senate will hold a two-day trial starting on June 21.

Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, said the trial dates accommodate the schedules of all 35 members of the state senate. It also starts just two days before the South Dakota Republican Party Convention in Watertown, where delegates will nominate their next candidate for attorney general.

Being assisted in the trial by Clay County State's Attorney Alexis Tracy, Vargo comes to the new role as special prosecutor with familiarity to the Ravnsborg case.

That's because he was part of the original team of state's attorneys that Hyde County Deputy State's Attorney Emily Sovell used in determining what charges should be brought. However, Sovell and Vargo stopped working together prior to Hyde County handing down three misdemeanors. Ravnsborg later took a plea deal, agreeing to plead no contest to two charges while a third was dropped. 

"He knows the evidence," Schoenbeck said.

Vargo told the Argus Leader that his service to the Legislature comes at the request of Schoenbeck, who reached out to him to see if he would handle the trial.

"It's a simple as that," he said. "I did not lobby for it."

Vargo will not charge the state for his time, though he will be reimbursed for any expenses he incurs conducting the work. . . . 

Perhaps that's what's giving the hapless Attorney General hope. We find it peculiar when a news story on this topic doesn't name the victim Ravnsborg mowed down on the shoulder.

At the Mitchell Republic, Forum News Service's Hunter Dunteman reports in Impeached Ravnsborg seeks vindication by SD Senate in June trial after 11th-hour appeal to legislators fails:

The South Dakota Attorney General will face an impeachment trial before the state’s Senate in June, legislative leaders announced Wednesday, something Jason Ravnsborg believes will clear him from wrongdoing.

Just one day after the conclusion of a special session of the South Dakota House of Representatives, when lawmakers impeached Ravnsborg for two separate articles of crimes and malfeasance in office, Senate leaders are already gearing up for an impeachment trial.

The Senate will meet June 21 for the first gathering of a two-day trial, according to a calendar item published by the South Dakota Legislative Research Council. On Wednesday, Senate President Pro Tempore Lee Schoenbeck, R-Watertown, told the Argus Leader that the late-June dates were one of the earliest opportunities senators could gather in Pierre.

As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, no agenda or calendar items were added to the Legislature’s website, but the Legislative Research Council told the Mitchell Republic that documents regarding the trial should become publicly available by the end of the day. . . .

being called upon to do so by Gov. Kristi Noem, the South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police, the South Dakota Sheriffs’ Association, the South Dakota Police Chiefs’ Association and more — issued a statement in the hours following his impeachment Tuesday, indicating he believes the Senate will not remove him from office.

“The House of Representatives voted, and I respect the process, but I look forward to the Senate trial, where I believe I will be vindicated," Ravnsborg said Tuesday. . . .

Read the whole hot mess at the Republic.

At the Rapid City Journal, there's the Associated Press story, Pennington County state's attorney named lead prosecutor in impeachment trial:

The leader of the state Senate named Pennington County State's Attorney Mark Vargo the lead prosecutor for the impeachment trial of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg on Wednesday and scheduled it for late June.

The announcement from Sen. Lee Schoenbeck comes one day after House lawmakers voted to impeach Ravnsborg for a car crash that killed Joe Boever.

Ravnsborg is the first official to be impeached in South Dakota history and must take leave until the Senate decides whether to remove him from office.

Schoenbeck set the trial for June 21-22. He said Vargo will argue in favor of the two articles of impeachment — one for crimes that led to the death of Boever and the other for malfeasance in office. Clay County State’s Attorney Alexis Tracy will assist in the prosecution.

Ravnsborg will get the chance to present his case. He said after the impeachment vote that he believes he will be vindicated.

The attorney general was driving home from a Republican dinner in September 2020 when he struck and killed Boever, who was walking along a rural highway. Ravnsborg pleaded no contest last year to a pair of traffic misdemeanors in the crash, including making an illegal lane change. He has cast Boever’s death as a tragic accident.

“This isn’t like a criminal trial. It’s a political trial," he said. "There’s no reason to have the senators sit on the floor and start reading reports. That should all be done beforehand. I believe it will be.”

Vargo was part of the team of state’s attorneys that Hyde County Deputy State’s Attorney Emily Sovell used in determining what criminal charges should be brought. Although he left the group before Ravnsborg was charged with three misdemeanors, Schoenbeck said Vargo has a firm grasp of the evidence.

Vargo said Schoenbeck asked him to oversee the trial.

“It’s a simple as that,” Vargo said. “I did not lobby for it.”

The trial starts two days before the Republican convention in Watertown, where delegates will pick the party’s attorney general candidate for November’s general election.  

We'll be keeping an eye out for whatever stories creep out of the sagebrush between now and the first day of summer.

Photo: Nick Nemec, the cousin of Joseph Boever, stands with the wedding photo of Boever in the South Dakota House gallery on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, before the body voted for impeachment. Via AP: Jorge Encinas/ Capital Journa.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

MNReformer: Jensen--COVID death data ‘skewed’ by people who would have died soon anyway

We often wonder whether politicians listen to the words they speak. 

Case in point: Scott Jensen, the caucus-night frontrunner for the Republican gubernatorial endorsement in Minnesota. He seems nice.

From the Minnesota Reformer:

Scott Jensen: COVID death data ‘skewed’ by people who would have died soon anyway
by Rilyn Eischens

Dr. Scott Jensen’s latest piece of evidence for his erroneous claims that COVID-19 death counts have been inflated: Many people who died of COVID-19 would have died in two or three years anyway.

Jensen — a practicing family physician, former state senator from Chaska and GOP gubernatorial frontrunner — argued during a Facebook livestream Monday that Minnesota’s COVID-19 death data is “skewed,” supporting his view that stay-at-home orders early in the pandemic were unnecessary. One reason the statistics are slanted, Jensen said, is that they include people who had severe health conditions in addition to COVID-19, like heart disease or high blood pressure.

“If you take John Doe, and he’s 75 years old, and he has fragile diabetes and emphysema — if he gets COVID-19, yes, COVID-19 could take his life. But based on actuarial studies, his lifespan might only have been two or three more years,” Jensen says. “That’s one way things were skewed.”

Early in the pandemic, Jensen called COVID-19 a “mild four-day respiratory illness which poses little risk to more than 95% of people.” He accused health care providers of inflating their COVID numbers to get more money from the government. Once vaccination began, he questioned their safety, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. 

Jensen opened the Monday video by explaining that the Christian Holy Week leading up to Easter prompted him to reflect, especially on government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years.

He goes on to criticize Gov. Tim Walz’s business restrictions in 2020 — especially allowing liquor stores and the south-metro candy store The Big Yellow Barn to open, which Jensen says showed that “evidently (Walz) wanted your diet to move towards alcohol and candy, not spiritual wholesomeness.”

More than 97% of Minnesotans who died of COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 had another health condition as well, Jensen says, referencing an analysis by a retired lawyer published in conservative news site AlphaNews. 

“A comorbidity — or an associated illness — is not a hangnail,” Jensen says. “It’s big-time stuff. It’s obesity to an alarming degree. It’s hypertension. It’s coronary artery disease. It’s diabetes. It’s fragile pulmonary disease. It’s stuff that would curtail your lifespan.”

Claims of inflated COVID-19 mortality counts have been a common — and baseless — talking point among right-wing pundits and COVID-19 skeptics since at least August 2020, according to the nonprofit media institute Poynter.

People making the argument often allege that deaths are overcounted by including people who died “with,” not “from” COVID-19, which has been debunked. In reality, COVID-19 deaths were likely undercounted, studies show.

Quinn Nystrom, an author and diabetes advocate who ran for Congress as a Democrat in 2020, said Jensen’s statements were “appalling” and contribute to the stigma around diabetes, which many people erroneously believe is a direct result of weight, diet or exercise habits.

“The whole undercurrent is that people with diabetes, it’s their fault, and that we shouldn’t be counted (in COVID-19 numbers),” Nystrom said. “To me, the irony that you have a candidate who, on his main platform is pro-life — it doesn’t feel like certain lives matter.”

People with diabetes tend to be at higher risk of complications from COVID-19 and other illnesses, but they’re less likely to become seriously ill if their diabetes is well-managed — which is often an issue of health care access and ability to pay for treatment, Nystrom said. It’s especially troubling to hear this rhetoric from a doctor, she said.

“Shame on Jensen,” Nystrom said. “It’s baffling to me.”

Jensen’s campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

Catch the embedded video in the Minnesota Reformer article.

Republished online in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. If you appreciate the work at the Minnesota Reformer, consider making a donation to the publication.

Photo: Former state Sen. Scott Jensen.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

 

MN01: Munson bares his soul in 7-page letter

We've been so absorbed in following the Itchy-and-Scratchy Show that is South Dakota Republican politics, as well as the business of the Minnesota Legislature--as well as the heartbreak of animal diseases in the upper Midwest--that we haven't paid much attention to the special election in Minnesota's First Congressional District.

We'll be turning our attention to the prairie of our birth, but for now, we'll share a campaign mailing from Rep. Jeremy Munson,New Republican--Lake Crystal, sent by a reader in the district. Our correspondent was astounded at the length of the document.

We were told that all of the material in the embedded PDF below arrived in the same envelope. As we don't open anyone else's mail, we'll trust our source with this assertion.

Asked about the length of the document, Rep. Munson said that he took advice from a United States Senator who is interested in the race; "send a huge letter, explaining from my heart who I am, what I believe in, why I vote the way I do and what I want to accomplish," Munson said in a Twitter Direct Message.

Here's everything that was in the envelope our reader received, save for the request for a contribution and remittance envelope. That's above our pay grade. 

Munson's April Campaign Letter uploaded by Sally Jo Sorensen on Scribd

We'll be back with more on the broader special election throughout the weekend.

Still: from KIMT.com's coverage.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

SDNW: Pending closure & poor care at Ipswich nursing home latest outcomes of staffing crisis

Another fine piece of investigative work from Souta Dakota News Watch:

Pending closure and poor care at Ipswich nursing home latest outcomes of staffing crisis
by Bart Pfankuch

A crisis at the nursing home in Ipswich, S.D., illustrates the two worst potential outcomes of staffing shortages affecting long-term care facilities across the state: possible nursing home closures and troubling incidents of inadequate resident care.

A shortage of staff was given as one reason that officials for the Avantara Ipswich nursing home said they will close the 40-bed nursing home on May 31, 2022. Challenges related to COVID-19 were also listed.

The closure would leave residents and families searching for new care options, potentially 25 miles away or more. Employees would also face job uncertainty, and the Edmunds County community of 1,000 people about 27 miles west of Aberdeen would see a loss of economic activity. Local municipal leaders have called a public meeting for April 18 to discuss ways to keep the Ipswich home open.

Staffing problems were also identified by the South Dakota Department of Health, which sent inspectors to the Avantara Ipswich nursing home in April 2021. The state compiled a list of 13 code violations in that inspection that required 104 pages to document. Four violations were listed as “Quality of Life and Care Deficiencies.”

According to records from the state health department and the federal government, which were reviewed by News Watch, the April 2021 inspection revealed a facility short on staff, with inexperienced, inefficient management and oversight, and numerous errors or omissions in regard to how residents were cared for.

“The provider failed to ensure the facility was operated and administered in a manner that ensured the safety and overall well-being for all 28 residents in the facility,” the state report concluded.

Legacy Health Care, the Illinois company that operates Avantara Ipswich and 12 other nursing homes in South Dakota, did not return a call or email requesting comment for this story. Legacy administrator Connie Ortega did not return a message, and the director of Avantara Ipswich told News Watch he was unable to comment. A state health department licensing official also declined an interview request from News Watch.

The 2021 inspection report gave examples of serious deficiencies in resident care at Avantara Ipswich. Some residents lost large amounts of weight; others were found by family members to be frequently soaked in urine; some had injuries or ulcers that were not documented or treated; and one elderly man had catheter problems that caused his penis to begin “eroding away.”

The pending closure of the home in Ipswich is an ominous sign for the state’s nursing home industry, which is a critical component of the healthcare continuum in South Dakota and a basic necessity for many of the state’s oldest and most vulnerable residents, said Mark Deak, director of the South Dakota Health Care Association. Deak was not directly familiar with what has taken place at Avantara Ipswich, but he said the inability of nursing homes across the state to hire workers was a problem even before the pandemic.

“For something as critical as long-term care, this is a big deal,” Deak said. “The issue is particularly acute in the rural areas.”

Lack of revenue a hurdle for homes

Beyond staffing challenges, providing consistent, adequate funding of nursing homes remains a related and ongoing issue. For each resident on Medicaid, the federal health plan for low-income residents, nursing homes lose more than $50 per day, according to state and federal documents. That equation means the roughly 100 nursing homes in South Dakota lose about $56 million a year combined in unreimbursed care provided to Medicaid recipients, who make up about 55% of the overall residents in nursing homes.

The heightened concerns over viability of nursing homes comes after a disastrous year in 2020-2021, when the pandemic hit. Nursing home employee costs rose by about $30 million overall that year in South Dakota, while revenue fell by an estimated $60 million due to heightened virus protocols and reduced admissions.

The South Dakota Legislature, recognizing the funding crisis, allocated in the 2022 session about $30 million in one-time funding to temporarily boost the bottom lines of nursing homes. The funding, which will reach nursing homes before June 30, 2022, equals about a 20% bump in annual state funding to nursing homes, according to a legislative budget memo.

In the memo, the Joint Committee on Appropriations said nursing homes could use the state money to raise employee pay, but the committee urged the recipients to spend the resources on “business continuation efforts” and “to use them for one-time expenses such as construction, debt payment or retention bonuses.”

Deak said the cash infusion is needed, but not adequate in the long run to stabilize the long-term care industry. “That will help float some people for a while, but that is also just a Band-Aid,” he said.

Despite the one-time state funding bump, and incremental increases in Medicaid funding in recent years, South Dakota remains near the bottom of all states in regard to state Medicaid reimbursement levels.

Deak said that without a more stable funding source, and an increase in the ability of homes to hire and retain healthcare workers, the industry may continue to suffer closures and overall constriction even as the need for long-term care is expected to rise dramatically in coming years.

South Dakota saw a handful of nursing home closures, mostly in rural areas, over the past five years.

Each time a home closes, it upsets the lives of many people, said Erica Larson, a city council member in Ipswich.

“That will definitely hurt our small town, for those employees and those families that have loved ones in our facility,” Larson said. “When people come to visit, they stop in our town and visit our grocery store and convenience stores. It will definitely hurt us a lot by not having the people come here and spend money in our local facilities and by not having our loved ones here in the community.”

Deak said the combination of insufficient workforce, rising business and personnel costs and stagnant or barely rising revenues could lead to serious repercussions in the long-term care industry in South Dakota.

“What’s been happening, and this is a very tough situation, is they don’t take new admissions; they simply do not have the staff to take on new residents that need their care,” Deak said. “And without taking on enough residents, obviously that hurts the viability of their operation, so it really catches them that way and makes it very difficult.”

Tough job, low pay, but big rewards

Healthcare workers of all sorts remain in great demand in South Dakota, where wages are generally lower than in other states.

Among the most difficult positions to fill, and among the most critical in terms of function, is the certified nursing assistant position.

According to the state Department of Labor and Regulation, the nurse aide position will be one of the fastest-growing professions in the state over the next decade, with employment of almost 4,000 by 2028, if open positions can be filled.

But becoming a CNA requires education, training and expertise not demanded of entry-level workers in other fields, who can often make more money per hour.

A survey of South Dakota nursing homes in 2021 showed the average pay for a CNA was $14 an hour, or $29,000 a year. Many fast-food workers are being hired for higher pay in the current employment market, and they don’t have to manage elderly residents, provide them food, bathing and bathroom assistance, or go through the extensive training required of CNAs.

To become certified, CNAs must be at least age 16 and complete 75 hours of classroom and clinical instruction. They then must pass a written or oral final exam and complete a competency evaluation that includes performing at least five nursing tasks on a live person. Nursing aides must also undergo 12 hours of training annually to maintain certification.

About three dozen individual skills are required for certification, including basic duties such as communication and interpersonal skills, taking and recording vital signs, height and weight, and showing proficiency in feeding, bathing, dressing and toileting of patients.

But CNAs must also be proficient in more medically sensitive skill areas, including: infection control; overseeing range of motion and use of prosthetics or orthotics; using mechanical lifts; completion of several reporting and security functions; caring for patients lacking bladder or bowel control; handling patients with dementia or cognitive decline; and caring for patients when death is imminent.

The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society, which runs 23 housing campuses in South Dakota, many of them with nursing homes, is taking aggressive steps to recruit and retain more healthcare workers, said Rochelle Rindels, vice president of nursing and clinical services at the agency.

As of mid-April, Good Sam had about 1,000 nursing employees but about 250 open positions in South Dakota, including 65 openings for licensed nurse positions and about 180 CNA openings.

CNA jobs remain hard to fill in South Dakota, where overall job openings are plentiful and the available workforce is low. Furthermore, working as a CNA is a difficult job that requires a great level of caring and commitment, Rindels said.

“They come in at that entry-level pay, and it’s a very physical job,” she said. “If somebody comes into the position and doesn’t really expect what the work would be or look like, it can lead to burnout.”

Long-term care facilities have a hard time competing with other entry-level industries, such as manufacturing or service industries, which can raise employee pay and then pass that cost on to consumers, Rindels said. Nursing homes are limited in how much they can charge before pricing customers out of the market, and Good Sam, like most providers in South Dakota, has about half its residents on Medicaid, which provides a set per-resident funding level each year.

Good Sam is working to become more competitive on pay, especially for CNA positions, recently investing $15 million targeted at raising pay for healthcare employees. Last year, the agency developed a new program to recruit and pay to train people interested in the CNA position, Rindels said. So far, about 600 students have entered the program and more than 90% have made it through and passed state certification exams.

Rindels said additional training programs, new funding sources and expanded employee-support systems are needed on the federal and state levels to stabilize staffing at nursing homes in South Dakota.

“We’ve got to continue to invest and find some creative solutions to ensure that the workforce is there to provide care, to partner with state and federal associations to really just come at this staffing challenge from multiple perspectives,” she said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s extremely important in our state to provide care for people close to home.”

Rindels said she and other lifelong nurses often feel a calling to the profession and greatly value the opportunity to help people, to provide high-quality medical care and to build positive, long-lasting relationships with residents, families and staff.

“It’s the relationship and the friendships that you build,” she said. “It’s the things you learn and the wisdom shared by residents, and attending all those birthdays and anniversaries.”

Deak said the nursing home industry will continue to struggle to find workers if it cannot even compete with entry-level pay at fast-food outlets. Deak, who spent a day following a CNA a few years ago, has a deep appreciation for how difficult the job can be.

“It takes a particularly special person, someone with angelic qualities, to do the day-in and day-out hard, physical and emotional work of working in a nursing home,” he said. “If Taco Bell is hiring for a couple bucks more an hour, it might be worth it for the extra money and easier work, too.”

He added: “We’re really looking for angels and they’re tough to find sometimes, and they need to put food on their tables at home, too.”

Deak said the long-term care industry may need to look to more immigrant laborers to fill the many open positions. He also suggested that perhaps immigrants from Ukraine, fleeing the war in their country, could help fill employment gaps at South Dakota nursing homes.

A troubling inspection in Ipswich

Some of the deficiencies noted by state inspectors during their April 2021 inspection of Avantara Ipswich involved a lack of basic procedures such as developing “care plans” for all residents, implementing a toileting plan for all residents and not properly documenting skin conditions and other ailments. Low morale and operational confusion within the staff were also noted in the report.

Other deficiencies found by inspectors included unsafe or unsanitary conditions for residents.

One female resident went from 152 pounds to 133 pounds in three weeks, and the rapid weight loss was not documented by staff or reported to a physician. Another resident was given the wrong dose of a vitamin.

Residents were not provided adequate care for incontinence, the report stated. One female resident said bedpans were left in too long and became painful. One resident was sent to the emergency room, where nurses found two skin tears, a bruise and an ulcer on the perineum that had not been documented or addressed by employees at the home, according to the report.

The treatment of one man was the subject of a lengthy analysis. The man’s wife said she found him regularly soaked in urine and with dried urine under his bed, dried food on the floor and a soiled trash can. His wife reported that his legs were red, swollen and oozing and that he had an undocumented open sore on his buttock. The day after Christmas 2020, the resident was found to have removed a problematic catheter and after he arrived at an emergency room, his penis was found to be “eroding away,” the report stated.

“There was no other communication or notes regarding resident’s penis eroding away. There was no communication regarding the open sore on his buttocks,” the report noted. 

Another man, a 75-year-old Vietnam War veteran, lost 18 pounds in three weeks and was also frequently found by his wife to be out of water and wearing urine-soiled clothing. 

That resident’s wife told inspectors that nursing home staff said her husband was “naughty, naughty, naughty” during clothing changes and that closer monitoring of his water intake would be “entirely too much work.”

In several areas, the inspection report pointed to a lack of staffing as a primary cause of deficiencies in care at the Ipswich home.

“The provider failed to ensure sufficient nursing staff were available at all times to provide nursing services to meet residents’ needs safely and in a manner that promoted each resident’s rights and physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being,” the report stated.

Inspectors found that the activities director was sometimes forced to serve as a nursing assistant. 

An inspector, called a surveyor in state reports, also interviewed the clinical care coordinator of the facility in April 2021 and noted the coordinator was also serving as interim director of nursing at the time.

“When surveyor asked who was in charge of infection control for the facility, she stated, ‘I guess that would be me,’” according to the state report.

The coordinator also told the inspector that infection-control matters, even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, were “not really” part of the discussion at quality-assurance meetings.

“Surveyor asked who was in charge of antibiotic stewardship for the facility. She stated, ‘probably me,’” the report noted. 

The coordinator was not sure whether a physician or pharmacist was involved in the facility’s antibiotic-stewardship program.

Followup reports from the state indicate that the deficiencies found in the April 2021 inspection had been fixed. The 2021 inspection found far more deficiencies than inspections in October 2019, when seven deficiencies (two related to quality of life and care) were found, and in August 2018, when three deficiencies were noted (only one related to quality of life and care,) according to state records.

In the press release announcing the pending closure of the nursing home, Legacy Health Care official Connie Ortega said the decision to close Avantara Ipswich was difficult, but that “the challenges related to staffing and the continued impact of COVID-19 have created an environment where we can no longer keep the doors of Avantara Ipswich open.”

Residents and their families will be given individual plans to relocate and continue their care, the release said. 

The release praised the staff at Avantara Ipswich as “incredibly hardworking and dedicated to the care of our residents and community” and said the company would help employees explore other opportunities.

The release said Legacy made significant investments into the home and had worked with state officials to find solutions. The home has filed a formal closure notice with the state, the release said. Other Avantara nursing homes operated by Legacy Health Care in South Dakota are located in Arlington, Armour, Clark, Groton, Huron, Lake Norden, Milbank, Pierre, Rapid City, Salem and Watertown.

Bart Pfankuch, Rapid City, S.D., is the content director for South Dakota News Watch. A Wisconsin native, he is a former editor of the Rapid City Journal and also worked at newspapers in Florida. Bart has spent more than 30 years as a reporter, editor and writing coach.

This article is republished with permission of South Dakota News Watch.

 

Photo: Nursing homes rely heavily on underpaid employees known as Certified Nursing Assistants, who often make about $14 an hour to provide critical care to nursing home residents. Photo: News Watch file.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

 

SD Attorney General Ravnsborg impeached by South Dakota House. Next stop: the state senate

It's Jason Ravnsborg's birthday today.

We were attending to business in Sisseton when the news came through: the South Dakota House had rejected the report and recommendation of the investigation committee, instead choosing to impeach South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. He is immediately suspended from duties.

The South Dakota Senate must now try him after a 20-day waiting period before the Senate can begin a trial, once the adopted articles of impeachment are served, according to Forum News Service reporter Hunter Dunteman's South Dakota AG Ravnsborg impeached on 36-31 vote, immediately suspended from duties.

Some representative tweets from South Dakota media:

House votes to impeach pic.twitter.com/THmluDKJF5

— Joe Sneve (@Argus_Joe) April 12, 2022

It’s the first impeachment of a statewide officeholder in South Dakota history.#sdleghttps://t.co/Jj7xS4gxAs

— Lee Strubinger (@LeeSDPB) April 12, 2022

At the Associated Press, Stephen Groves reports in South Dakota attorney general impeached over fatal crash:

The South Dakota House on Tuesday impeached state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg over a 2020 car crash in which he killed a pedestrian but initially said he might have struck a deer or another large animal.

Ravnsborg, a Republican, is the first official to be impeached in South Dakota history. He will at least temporarily be removed from office pending the historic Senate trial, where it takes a two-thirds majority to convict on impeachment charges. The Senate must wait at least 20 days to hold its trial, but has not yet set a date.

Ravnsborg pleaded no contest last year to a pair of traffic misdemeanors in the crash, including making an illegal lane change. He has cast Joseph Boever’s death as a tragic accident.

In narrowly voting to impeach the state’s top prosecutor, the Republican-controlled House charged Ravnsborg with committing crimes that caused someone’s death, making “numerous misrepresentations” to law enforcement officers after the crash and using his office to navigate the criminal investigation. A Senate conviction would mean Ravnsborg would be barred from holding any state office in the future.

“When we’re dealing with the life of one of your citizens, I think that weighed heavily on everyone,” said Republican Rep. Will Mortenson, who introduced the articles of impeachment.

A spokesman for Ravnsborg did not reply to a request for comment after the vote. Tim Bormann, the attorney general’s chief of staff, said his staff would “professionally dedicate ourselves” to their work while Ranvsborg is forced to take a leave.

Ravnsborg, who took office in 2019, was returning home from a Republican dinner in September 2020 when he struck and killed Boever, who was walking along a rural highway. A sheriff who responded after Ravnsborg called 911 initially reported it as a collision with an animal. Ravnsborg has said he did not realize he hit a man until he returned the next day and found the body.

The Highway Patrol concluded that Ravnsborg’s car crossed completely onto the highway shoulder before hitting Boever, and criminal investigators said later that they didn’t believe some of Ravnsborg’s statements.

The House rejected the recommendation of a GOP-backed majority report from a special investigative committee, which argued that anything wrong he did was not part of his official duties “in office.” But even Republican lawmakers who argued his actions did not meet constitutional grounds for impeachment said Ravnsborg should resign.

“He should have stepped down, should have done the honorable thing,” said House Speaker Spencer Gosch, who oversaw the House investigation and voted against impeachment.

The articles of impeachment required approval from a majority of the 70 members of the House and passed by just one vote.

Of the 36 people who voted in favor, eight were Democrats and 28 were Republicans. The 31 against it were all Republicans. Republican Rep. Scott Odenbach recused himself because he had given legal advice to the attorney general after the crash. Two other Republican lawmakers were absent.

Ravnsborg, who had been largely silent about the crash and was not present for the vote, sent lawmakers a pair of defiant letters Monday night urging them not to impeach him.

“In a few hours, your vote will set a precedent for years to come,” Ravnsborg wrote. “No state has ever impeached an elected official for a traffic accident.”

He also accused Republican Gov. Kristi Noem of interfering in the investigation and of supporting impeachment because of the attorney general’s investigations into her behavior.

After Ravnsborg fell out with the governor following the crash, he pushed a pair of ethics complaints against Noem to the state’s Government Accountability Board. His office is also investigating whether an organization aligned with the governor broke campaign finance disclosure laws.

Noem lauded the vote on Twitter, writing that the House “did the right thing for the people of South Dakota and for Joe Boever’s family.”

The decision brought some relief for his family, who his wedding photo as they watched from the House gallery during the vote. They have decried the criminal prosecution as a “slap on the wrist” for Ravnsborg.

“We’re a step closer to justice. We’re not done,” said Boever’s cousin, Nick Nemec.

“Now we just need the Senate’s help on this because these laws need to be changed badly,” said Jennifer Boever, who was married to Boever. “People are getting hurt and killed, and the pedestrian has no self-defense against a 4,000 pound (1,814 kilogram) vehicle.”

Recent related posts:

• Will SDLeg deliver April 12 birthday present for Ravnsborg or justice for Joseph Boever?
• Another week in the official life of SD's Attorney General, a couple more fugly narrative wrinkles

Photo: The Taurus with which Ravnsborg killed Joseph Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road with a flashlight.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

MNReformer: Want court documents? It will cost you, and now lawmakers want to stop it

We've been reading about new fees for case records from the Minnesota Judiciary System and are not pleased with the price tag about to be attached to documents.

At the Minnesota Reformer, Deena Winter takes up the topic in Want court documents? It will cost you, and now lawmakers want to stop it:

State lawmakers appear poised to stop the Minnesota judicial branch’s plan to begin charging people $8 per document for court papers obtained online. 

Both the House and Senate have bills with language that would eliminate the planned fees for Minnesota Court Records Online. 

The state judicial branch launched online access to district court case records in March 2021, and more than 3 million documents have been downloaded for free since then. But later this year, the judicial branch plans to begin charging $8 per document for anything beyond the first page — the same fee if people get the document at a courthouse. 

News reporters and independent journalists have expressed concern about the fees because they routinely use court records to keep the public informed. By comparison, federal courts charge 10 cents per page for online court documents.

Blocking the fees has bipartisan support, with language prohibiting the fees in both the House and Senate judiciary bills. 

Rep. Kristin Robbins, R-Maple Grove, is one of several lawmakers who introduced bills to stop the fees (HF3041). Robbins said in a recent press release that Minnesotans have a right to access documents pertaining to their own cases, and the right to a transparent government. 

The Senate, House and governor must agree on all provisions in the public safety bill for it to become law, but bipartisan support is a key first step. 

This news brief from the Minnesota Reformer is republished online under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

If you appreciate the Minnesota Reformer, consider making a donation here.

Photo: The Minnesota Capitol. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Update: MnDOT throws a bone on Highway 34 tree-cutting, but locals don't rush to pick it up

Earlier this year, we posted about the public sentiment against clear-cutting trees as part of Minnesota Department of Transportation to resurface Highway 34. The road part of the Lake Country Scenic Byway, a tourist attraction due to its beauty, including roadside patches of Showy Lady's Slippers, the state flower.

Explore Minnesota, the state tourism program, recommends that visitors Enjoy Lake Country Scenic Byway in all seasons.

Late Monday afternoon, the Detroit Lakes Tribune published Nathan Bowe's story, MnDOT throws a bone on Highway 34 tree-cutting, but locals don't rush to pick it up. Bowe reports:

The Minnesota Department of Transportation still plans to cut all the trees in a 65-foot “clear zone” on both sides of Highway 34 as part of its upcoming project, but after public criticism, it now plans to cut just 50% of the “shade trees” beyond that zone on the south side of a seven-mile scenic stretch in the Smoky Hills near Osage.

MnDOT originally planned to cut 85% of those extra trees to reduce shading that it says makes the highway icy in the wintertime. And it originally planned to thin those trees 250 feet back from the highway in that seven-mile stretch from Snellman to the Shell River outside of Osage. MnDOT owns a lot of right of way in that area, and can cut trees back a long way.

After sharp negative public reaction to those plans, it decided to thin 75% of the trees 150 feet back from the highway. With many members of the motoring public, and groups like the Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce Tourism Bureau, Becker County, and the local Izaak Walton League still opposed to the large-scale tree-cutting along a scenic byway, MnDOT has changed its plans again.

It now says it will still cut all the trees in the 65-foot “clear zone” on both sides of the highway, but will take 50% of all trees in the “shade zone,” which extends from the 65-foot clear zone out 150 feet from the highway.

MnDOT project leaders announced the latest change of plans at the April 5 Becker County Board meeting, where they appeared along with Temporary MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger.

MnDOT project manager Joeb Oyster told Becker County commissioners that there are areas along Highway 34 that have a lot fewer trees than the project area, so after the trees are removed “it will match very well with the rest of the scenic corridor.”

By removing the shade trees, MnDOT says it will be able to use less of its salty brine solution on icy stretches of the road, which would be better for the environment. It would also be less cumbersome for MnDOT, which sometimes has to send salt trucks out more than once to keep treating the same icy spots.

That line of thinking didn’t sit well with several commissioners.

“I love the stretch of road that you guys are going to take all the trees out of,” said Commissioner Richard Vareberg. If MnDOT would go back to using more sand on icy highways, like it used to, a lot of the problems on Highway 34 would be solved, he added.

“I’ve driven that road a lot over the years, and I’ve never had an issue with it,” said Commissioner Larry Knutson, who lives in the Toad Lake area. “The biggest concern I have is that we have many thick, thick pine trees — just past the 65-foot (total clearance) zone. That’s where the scenery comes in — losing them wouldn’t be acceptable to me.”

Commissioner Ben Grimsley asked if MnDOT planned to cut trees along all highways in the area, such as scenic Highway 113 along the northern edge of the county, like it plans to do along Highway 34. He was told no, not at this time. He asked why it had to happen on Highway 34, and was told because of the roadway’s issues and characteristics.

The Becker County Board earlier wrote a letter opposing the large-scale cutting of trees along Highway 34, which is part of the Lake Country Scenic Byway. . . . 

There's more at the Tribune. 

Related posts:

•  Letter: MNDOT's plan to resurface Hwy 34 may ruin Lake Country Scenic Byway
•  Update: Becker County Board of Commissioners asks MnDOT to save Hwy 34's scenic beauty

Photo: A group of Showy Lady's Slippers along Highway 34. They are the official state flower, but that offers them no special protections. Contributed to the Detroit Lakes Tribune/ Kelly Blackledge.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Ethanol carbon pipeline digest: trust & protest

We last posted about pipelines proposed across the upper Midwest to transport carbon from ethanol plants to North Dakota in South Dakotans, Iowans don't hug CO2 pipeline.

Reading around, we're still finding skepticism in corn country for this one.

Iowa

Just today, the Sunday editorial in the Des Moines Register seems overcast. In Editorial: Carbon pipelines have a long way to go to earn Iowans' trust, we read:

Three companies propose burying carbon dioxide pipelines underneath hundreds of miles of Iowa soil in order to keep planet-warming gas from entering the atmosphere. It's tempting to judge their plans solely on some prominent red flags:

• Bruce Rastetter, the Iowa agriculture magnate whose company is planning the furthest along of the projects, is quite open about his intent to help secure longer-lasting relevance for biofuels — when instead we should be working on what comes after ethanol.
• The cheerleaders for these plans include former Gov. Terry Branstad, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, three elected officials with abysmal records on water quality. Their hollow assurances about water inspire no confidence that mitigation of global warming is anywhere near top of mind. Too much of the advocacy for the pipelines has zeroed in on profitability.
• Iowa is only about six years removed from bitter clashes over an oil pipeline that secured permission to knife through the state, and now familiar battles over public use and eminent domain are surfacing.

Many environmental activists oppose the carbon pipelines, whose business model at the outset rests heavily on generous federal tax credits. Spending tens of billions of dollars on climate mitigation is a great idea, groups such as Food and Water Watch argue, but why not put that sort of money toward a quicker pivot away from fossil fuels? Why invest in catching dangerous emissions when that helps perpetuate the creation of those emissions? Or participate in carbon offset markets where fuzzy accounting can mean illusory achievements? Why not focus on a wholesale rethinking of animal and plant agriculture? . . .

Even without broaching the subject of the pipeline companies' negotiations with the property owners whose land they need, it's not a slam dunk that the pipelines would benefit the average person.

The red flags are substantial, but they are not the end of the story. Carbon sequestration has real-world virtues, not least of which is that the technology to do it on a non-trivial scale already exists. Iowa's geology is not suitable for sequestration, which is why carbon captured at our biofuels plants would have to be piped out of state. John Thompson, technology and markets director for the Clean Air Task Force, told this editorial writer that the amount of carbon dioxide emissions the pipelines could eventually displace in one year is comparable to the amount of CO2 emissions from coal that Iowa's solar and wind energy production has averted in a three-year period. . . . 

The latest United Nations climate report, issued last week, warns that dramatic, immediate mitigation measures are required to avert an "unlivable world."

The decision on whether and how these pipelines will move forward rests with the Iowa Utilities Board and, in all likelihood, the courts and their interpretation of eminent domain law. The Iowa Constitution allows private land to be taken by eminent domain "for public use." Another law says that for the utilities board to grant approval for a hazardous pipeline, it must "promote the public convenience and necessity."

. . .If companies want buy-in from Iowans along with government approval of their projects, they should concentrate on proving that the pipelines can indeed be an effective tool in saving the planet from catastrophic warming — truly a public "necessity."

To meet that high standard and earn Iowans' trust, the entrepreneurs behind the projects must do much more in coming months to support and publicize independent assessments of the technology, its financing and its effectiveness. And Iowa's regulators and lawmakers must insist on it. 

On Sunday at the Cedar Rapids Gazette, James Q. Lynch reports in Democratic Senate hopefuls voice qualms over Iowa CO2 pipelines:

Democratic U.S. Senate hopefuls say they have reservations about the use of eminent domain to help route underground carbon dioxide pipelines across Iowa, as well as doubts whether the proposed projects make economic and environmental sense for the state.

The candidates — former U.S. Rep. Abby Finkenauer of Cedar Rapids, retired Admiral Michael Franken of Sioux City and physician Glenn Hurst of Minden — agree that removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is important, but question proposals to move the greenhouse gas through pipelines from Iowa ethanol plants to sequestration sites in other states.

“The science is poor,” Hurst said during an April 4 virtual forum with the Iowa Democratic Party Rural Caucus. “As a matter of fact, it might actually add greenhouse gases with the effort to build the pipeline and move the CO2.”

The issue of using pipelines to move CO2 is “thoroughly flawed from top to bottom,” Hurst added.

The candidates are competing in the June 7 primary election for the Democratic nomination for the seat held by Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley in the November elections. Republican voters are suing in Polk County District Court over a decision to allow Finkenauer on the ballot, arguing that some signatures required for her to be on it are not valid. A judge had not ruled in the case by Saturday morning. On the GOP side, Grassley also faces a primary against state Sen. Jim Carlin of Sioux City.

Eminent domain — the power of the government to take private land for public use or benefit — is a flashpoint in proposals by three companies to build pipelines across the state to move CO2. So far, only one of the pipeline developers, Summit Carbon Solutions of Iowa, has filed an application with the Iowa Utilities Board and is asking for permission to use eminent domain, but said it is uncertain it will be needed. . . .

Supporters argue the pipelines are vital to Iowa’s ethanol industry, which produces CO2. While there is a future for ethanol, Franken believes it “includes carbon extraction, not running pipelines.”

Franken supported an amendment filed in the Iowa House that would delay regulatory hearings on the use of eminent domain until after Feb. 1, 2023.

Capturing CO2 is important in addressing climate change, Finkenauer said, “but the way that this is impacting Iowans across the state, and very specifically in rural America and rural Iowa, in particular, is very, very concerning.”

As opposed to Grassley, who listens to “high-paid lobbyists to tell him what to think and what to say and what to support and what not to,” Finkenauer said, she wants to hear from Iowans who will be impacted by pipeline construction.

“That's not how this legislation or any decisions should be made on it,” she said.

The decision whether to allow private pipeline companies to use eminent domain is an issue for state government, not Congress, according to Grassley. He has voiced support for carbon sequestration as “one of the ways to hit at global warming.”

In an October interview with the Mason City Globe-Gazette, Grassley said he assumes moving it underground is safer than above ground by truck or train.

“Whether it’s done by a pipeline, it's collected and stored someplace or whether it's done by carbon sequestration by farmers farming according to where you can sequester the most carbon, all of those things are justified under global warming,” Grassley said.

Last week, Donnelle Eller reported for the Des Moines Register in Advocacy group estimates carbon capture pipelines crossing Iowa will get $23 billion at public expense:

Three proposed carbon capture pipelines in Iowa could receive $23 billion in federal tax credits over a dozen years, a national environmental group estimates, while local communities are left to "foot the bill should anything go wrong."

“Carbon capture and its associated pipelines are designed to funnel wealth from communities to corporations," Emma Schmit, an organizer for advocacy group Food & Water Watch in Iowa, said in a statement. "But Iowans see these schemes for what they are — greenwashing and corporate profiteering at our expense." 

Summit Carbon Solution, Navigator CO2 Ventures and Archer-Daniels-Midland have proposed building underground pipelines to capture carbon dioxide from ethanol plants, liquefy it under pressure, then transport it to locations in North Dakota and Illinois, where it would be sequestered a mile underground.

The companies say the projects will help ethanol and other energy-intensive agricultural industries remain viable as the nation seeks to cut net greenhouse emissions in half by 2030 to address climate change.

Countries will not get to their climate change goals "without carbon management technologies," said Madelyn Morrison, a spokeswoman for the Carbon Capture Coalition, a group that includes utilities, coal producers and other industries, as well as some environmental groups and unions.

But other environmental groups, including Food & Water Watch, say early carbon capture projects have failed to deliver significant climate benefits, and that any leak from a pipeline could pose a safety threat. High carbon dioxide concentrations can cause illness and asphyxiation.

The groups say the federal carbon capture tax incentives should be spent on development of wind, solar and other non-carbon energy sources. . . .

Read the rest at the Register. On April 4, National Public Radio reported These companies say their carbon pipelines would curb climate change. Farmers object. Listen:

North Dakota

At Fargo's KFGO, Tasha Carvell reported on April 7 in Landowners organizing around carbon pipeline concerns:

Area landowners gathered in Casselton Thursday night to learn more about the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline, a 2,000-mile proposed carbon dioxide pipeline that would cut through much of the upper Midwest, including North and South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska. The meeting was the latest in a series of informational sessions the Dakota Resource Council has been hosting around the state. Organizers say they have a number of safety concerns about the project, which would be by far the largest of its kind in the U.S.

A coalition of concerned landowners on the proposed route say Summit is poised to make up to $1 billion annually off the project once it’s complete, while landowners are being asked to sign easements for a 99-year lease for a one time payment in order to allow the pipeline to travel through their land without any assurances of indemnification.

They want the ability to negotiate for better easement terms. Todd McMichael, a spokesperson for the coalition, says they want some assurances from Governor Doug Burgum that they will have that option, calling on Burgum to reiterate his earlier statements that eminent domain cannot be used for the Summit project.

Burgum has been major proponent of the pipeline. Last year he called for North Dakota to become carbon neutral by 2030, and Summit project is a critical step toward achieving that goal.

South Dakota

In the Aberdeen American News, Elisa Sand reported on April 6 in Brown County seeks party status for Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline application:

Brown County has joined a long list of people and communities who have applied for party status in connection to the Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline application with the Public Utilities Commission.

County commissioners unanimously approved the motion Tuesday at the board's regular meeting, after once again hearing multiple comments from residents who are opposed to the project. Friday is the deadline to be added as a party.

Commissioners join Edmunds, Spink and Hand counties, each of which have already submitted applications for party status, as well as McPherson County, which also approved a motion to file for party status on Tuesday, according to McPherson County Auditor Lindley Howard. The city of Leola has also applied for party status. All of those applications are pending approval by the PUC.

Party status gives people and government entities more say in the permitting process though testimony and depositions.

The 2,000-mile pipeline would pump liquefied carbon dioxide from 31 ethanol plants in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska so it could be stored a mile underground in western North Dakota.

In all, 469 miles of the pipeline route would go through South Dakota and 29 miles of pipeline are planned in Brown County. The current route runs through Beadle, Brown, Clark, Codington, Edmunds, Hamlin, Hand, Hyde, Kingsbury, Lake, Lincoln, McCook, McPherson, Minnehaha, Miner, Spink, Sully and Turner counties. 

Residents expressed a variety of concerns. Former Emergency Management Director Freddie Robinson asked commissioners how emergency responders are expected to prepare for the potential of a line break, when that break will release a cloud of gas that could kill people and animals in the immediate area.

Others expressed concern about:

• The potential for contamination of the Missouri River, which is the source of water for WEB water.
• That approval of this project through the Public Utilities Commission will give Summit Carbon Solutions, a private, for-profit company, the ability to seize land through eminent domain.
• That cutting through farmland for the construction of this pipeline will cause permanent damage to cropland.

 

More:Brown County officials question Summit Carbon Solutions representatives during commission meeting

While commissioners approved the motion, it wasn't without caution.

Deputy State's Attorney Ross Aldentaler said this action commits Brown County to devoting resources and allows the county to state its concerns, but the county also has limited power, which means the county doesn't have a say about whether eminent domain can be used, nor can the state's attorney provide legal services about eminent domain.

To intervene, he said, the county has to have an interest that isn't adequately protected. . . .

In approving the request for party status, commissioners also signed a letter outlining the commission concerns and requesting the PUC not to grant the permit.

Check out the entire article at the News.

Related posts:

• South Dakotans, Iowans don't hug CO2 pipeline
• Keloland: mostly negative public comments to SD Public Utilities Commission on CO2 pipeline
• Strib: Ethanol's per-gallon carbon output shrinks, but greenhouse gas from plants remains high
• We agree: It's time to move on from ethanol
• Another IA newspaper editorial board questions ethanol industry, carbon capture pipelines
• Ethanol CCS pipeline update: Reuters & Agweek
• Not a lot of easements for Midwest carbon pipeline, but plenty of political connections
• 2 ethanol CO2 headlines that make us go hmmm
• CO2 pipelines: who wins & who loses?
•  Coming soon from a cornfield near you: mammoth carbon capture pipeline system
• Mother Jones: USDA Secretary Vilsack’s son works for a controversial ethanol pipeline project
• Iowa county boards scorn construction of CO2 pipelines, use of eminent domain to build them
• Digest of news about carbon dioxide pipelines

Photo: More than 100 farmers gathered in the rotunda of the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines to protest three carbon pipelines proposed in Iowa. Clay Masters/Iowa Public Radio.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Will SDLeg deliver April 12 birthday present for Ravnsborg or justice for Joseph Boever?

Tuesday, April 12 is South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg's birthday. Will the South Dakota House gift him with a no vote on articles of impeachment--or will we see a modicum of justice for Joseph Boever, the Highmore man Ravnsborg killed on the shoulder of a road after a bout of distracted driving in September 2020.

On Friday, we posted Another week in the official life of SD's Attorney General, a couple more fugly narrative wrinkles.

Another chapter is emerging in the press.

UPDATE: Since we assembled this digest, veteran South Dakota journalist Tom Lawrence reported in Republicans Are Finally Turning on Their Killer Attorney General at the Daily Beast:

If South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg long seemed virtually certain to dodge any real consequences for fatally running over a pedestrian in 2020, it looks increasingly like he faces a real threat.

Not to his liberty, but to his political career. And the danger comes not just from his longtime nemesis Gov. Kristi Noem, but from a growing swath of his own GOP, who dominate the state legislature and face a key step next week in deciding whether to impeach him.

Republican State Rep. Charlie Hoffman told The Daily Beast Friday that he had been “on the fence” about whether to impeach Ravnsborg for killing Joe Boever two years ago, but was now determined to do so. A presentation from South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers last Wednesday that offered new details on just how reckless a driver Ravnsborg has been changed his mind, Hoffman said.

“After seeing the length of time Mr. Boever’s body was on the AG’s car with his head inside of the AG’s car’s window, and then flying off hitting the middle of the lane behind the AG’s car, leaving bone fragments on the road and skidding into the ditch at 65 mph, my mind has changed,” he told The Daily Beast Friday morning. “I now have irrefutable evidence the AG knew exactly what he hit and lied to investigators and the Hyde County sheriff.” . . . 

Read the rest at the Daily Beast [end update]

At the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Joe Sneve reports in Ravnsborg impeachment articles drafted, circulating ahead of House vote:

Five hundred seventy-seven days.

That's the time that will have passed between a fatal crash that killed 55-year-old Joe Boever and the political judgement day for the man behind the wheel.

The South Dakota House of Representatives will gavel in at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the state Capitol for what could be the state's first-ever impeachment of a constitutional officer.

But exactly how the final day of a special legislative session convened in November to specifically vet whether the conduct of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg related to the 2020 crash will play out, and if the 45-year-old Republican will be impeached remains uncertain. . . .

Drafted by Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Pierre, the resolution states Ravnsborg was not forthcoming with a 911 dispatcher the night of the crash as well as detectives who investigated the crash, and that he used state assets to benefit himself personally.

Mortenson declined to comment for this article.

Procedural mechanisms for delivering both Mortenson's resolution, as well as the committee's 22-page report, have yet to be established by House leadership or the Legislative Research Council.

House Speaker Spencer Gosch, R-Glenham, told the Argus Leader on Friday, because this is the first time the Legislature has ever gone through the impeachment process, research and dialogue with the LRC about how best to proceed are ongoing.

While any motion made to accept the report could be replaced with a substitute motion, Gosch said it's his preference to allow resolutions relating to impeachment to be introduced independent of the committee's report. 

"We're still navigating through that," he said. "But I think it would be much more cleaner if they brought their own resolutions."

And while many lawmakers are also still keeping their intentions on Ravnsborg's impeachment close to the vest, they all say they're eager to put the attorney general saga behind them.

"This is long overdue, and hopefully, we can get the situation resolved for the betterment of the people of South Dakota," said Rep. Sydney Davis, R-Burbank.

At KELO, Don Jorgenson reports in Lawmakers to decide if Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg should be impeached:

 On Tuesday, South Dakota lawmakers will decide whether the conduct of Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, surrounding the death of Joe Boever, involved impeachable offenses.

The deadly crash and possible impeachment involving Jason Ravnsborg have made headlines in South Dakota and nationally for more than a year.

Back on September 12th, 2020 Ravnsborg was driving home from a political function in Redfield when he struck and killed Joe Boever who was walking along the shoulder of Highway 14 with a flashlight.

Ravnsborg called 911 and told the dispatcher he hit something. . . .

Last week, the House Select Committee voted 6 to 2 to “not” recommend the impeachment of Jason Ravnsborg.

But just this past week, the Department of Public Safety gave a detailed and lengthy briefing to some lawmakers on their investigation and findings, where they said again Ravnsborg was distracted the night he hit and killed Joe Boever.

Even though investigators say they were prepared to show the House Select Committee members that same presentation, they were denied that opportunity.

So now, it’ll be up to the full House to decide on Tuesday if Ravnsborg’s actions are impeachable offenses.

The editorial board of the Black Hills Pioneer pulls no punches in Ravnsborg no longer holds the trust of South Dakotans, it is time to impeach him:

Tuesday, members of South Dakota’s House of Representatives are anticipated to vote whether to impeach Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, perhaps ending the saga of his Sept. 12, 2020, crash that claimed the life of Joe Boever as he walked along Highway 14 near Highmore late at night.

On March 28, by a 6-2 vote, along party lines, the select committee chose to not recommend impeachment.

We strongly disagree and call for state representatives to impeach Ravnsborg. And to Ravnsborg himself, we call on you once again, as we did in our Editorial on Sept. 4, 2021, to resign. You no longer instill the confidence of South Dakotans or the personal integrity to hold the office of the top law enforcement officer in the state.

In the 21-page majority report, Republicans of the select committee repeatedly cite a clause in the state constitution that says officials can be impeached for actions “in office” and then argue most of Ravnsborg’s actions surrounding the crash were not done in his official capacity as attorney general or were not done with “an evil or corrupt motive.”

This is what state law says:

“The Governor and other state and judicial officers, except county judges, justices of the peace and police magistrates, shall be liable to impeachment for drunkenness, crimes, corrupt conduct, or malfeasance or misdemeanor in office, but judgment in such cases shall not extend further than to removal from office and disqualification to hold any office of trust or profit under the state. The person accused whether convicted or acquitted shall nevertheless be liable to indictment, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.”

The majority says his crimes, for which he was convicted, were not conducted while in office. Rather, he was returning from a Lincoln Day dinner in Redfield.

We disagree. When a person is elected to office, they are, from that point forth, until they leave office, “in office” 24/7. They represent South Dakota and the people who elected them. Public officials should be, and are held to a higher standard than your average citizen.

Even Ravnsborg said that when you are the AG, you’re “always runnin.’”

During his interview with the North Dakota investigators, Ravnsborg recalled his conversation with Sheriff Mike Volek where he explained that he was returning home from a Lincoln Day Dinner when the accident occurred.

“He goes, ‘well you’re not running this year are ya, already?’ and I says, ‘no, but you’re Attorney General, you’re always runnin’ you’re always out seein’ the people and I think that’s what you gotta do and get out and find out what their concerns are and talk with them,’” Ravnsborg said. “That’s what you should do as an elected person.”

Ravnsborg has been pulled over by law enforcement more than 25 times, crash investigators found. Eight of those traffic violations have been since he was elected South Dakota attorney general. And guess what, in five of those traffic stops, he identified himself as the attorney general or displayed his badge to the law enforcement officer.

Now it is no secret that law enforcement officers often give fellow cops, firefighters, ambulance crew members, and judges the professional courtesy of a verbal warning during minor violations of the law such as a speeding infraction. It is that officer’s prerogative to cite, issue a written warning, or a verbal warning. And they do that with the general public as well. That doesn’t mean they won’t place cuffs on a fellow officer as it is well documented that they do.

So was Ravnsborg trying to get that professional courtesy when he displayed his badge or identified himself as the AG?

In most of his traffic stops he was issued a verbal or written warning. However, he has been cited numerous times for speeding both in South Dakota and Iowa.

Four days before his trial, he was cited for going 57 mph in a 35 mph zone.

In September 1996 he was cited for going 6-10 mph over the posted speed limit.

In September 2003 he was cited for going 11-15 mph over the posted speed limit.

In January 2014 he was cited for going 54 in a 45.

In March 2014 he was cited for going 40 in a 30.

In March 2015 he was cited for going 1-5 mph over the posted speed limit.

In May 2015 he was cited for going 85 in a 65.

In May 2017 he was cited for going 75 in a 70.

In April 2018 he was cited for going 80 in a 65.

In August 2018 he was cited for going 40 in a 35.

According to crash investigators, Ravnsborg’s entire vehicle was on the shoulder of the road at the time of the crash. It also took him 614 feet to stop from the time of impact. Normally it would take, “less than 200.”

So we are left now with more questions than we had following the tragic accident.

Why was Ravnsborg completely on the shoulder that was equipped with rumble strips?

Is it plausible that he did not see Boever at the time of the crash? Afterall, his head went through the windshield and his blood and glasses were found inside Ravnsborg’s car.

Did Ravnsborg really not see Boever lying dead alongside the road as he walked back to the “Highmore” sign to double check which town he was near? Remember, Boever was carrying a flashlight that was still lit the following morning and was inches from the road. Subsequent tests of the flashlight at night in the crash location, found that it was “shining like a beacon.”

Volek, who in the meantime died on Nov. 1, 2021, did a subpar job in his investigation the night of the crash. Numerous law enforcement officers who’ve conducted countless deer/auto crash investigations said the first thing you do as a cop when told an animal as been struck is look at the damage. Is there hair stuck on the car? Is there feces on the vehicle? If not, something is not right, they have likely struck something other than an animal. Then, you look for the injured animal. You don’t want it suffering, and you don’t want it to create another crash by running back into the roadway. Volek even told investigators that he saw Boever’s light shining, but thought it was a part of Ravnsborg’s car and did not investigate it.

So did Ravnsborg know he hit a person, and, after the sheriff botched the investigation, thought he was going to get away with it? Did his conscience then get the better of him by the next day?

Ravnsborg, in his interview with North Dakota investigators, said he saw Boever’s body when he was walking along the road to read the sign verifying that it was Highmore he was near, but he quickly changed his story. Did he really see Boever, or did he misspeak? Investigators said that he would have had to pass right by Boever, laying right along side the road.

How were the select committee members chosen, and are any of the members Ravnsborg’s friends?

Why did the committee meet almost entirely in executive session, secluded away from the public and even the general legislators?

The full report was released on March 30. Is two weeks enough time for House members to review it and make an informed decision on whether to impeach?

Almost 40 legislators listened to two Highway Patrol troopers outline the crash investigation Wednesday. There are 70 members of the South Dakota House of Representatives, so what about those other 30 members? Have their minds already been made up?

Why did the select committee decline to hear the same report? Instead they were only allowed to ask questions of the troopers.

Did Gov. Kristi Noem “taint” the House members when she issued information released about the crash, even before Ravnsborg’s court hearing? Those reports included video interviews with Ravnsborg, crash scene diagrams, and more.

Does the Republican leadership not want to impeach Ravnsborg because if they do, Noem is the one who will appoint a new AG? Ravnsborg is currently investigating whether Noem broke ethics rules over her use of the state airplanes as well as her handling her daughter’s certification as a real estate appraiser. Is this what’s concerning the leadership regarding a replacement appointment by the governor?

The questions go on. And on.

Now, we do not believe that Ravnsborg should be impeached simply because of the crash. Accidents can and do happen. Nor do we believe he was intoxicated at the time. But no other tests were conducted for other substances in his system until the day after the fatal crash.

We also do not believe he is being truthful with investigators.

He twice pulled out in front of law enforcement officers forcing them to hit their brakes to avoid striking him.

Yes, he stopped and called 911.

Yes, he was cooperative with the sheriff on the scene and did not leave until he was released.

Yes, he turned over his car and cell phones to investigators and sat for interviews with them.

Yes, he was within his rights to not appear in court for the misdemeanor charges he was convicted of and therefore not face the family.

The South Dakota Sheriff’s Association has called for his resignation.

The South Dakota Police Chiefs Association has called for his resignation.

The South Dakota Fraternal Order of Police has called for his resignation.

When these top law enforcement organizations call for his resignation, it is clear that they no longer hold confidence in him, and the legislature should listen and act accordingly.

To read the minutes and to listen to the audio from the select committee hearings, visit, tinyurl.com/AGsesh0409

To read the committee’s report and the full investigation packet, visit, tinyurl.com/AGtree0409.

As we've asked before, why does Jason Ravnsborg still have a driver's license, much less serve as the Rushmore State's attorney general?

As we noted in our earlier post:

Near the end of March, Tom Lawrence asked at the South Dakota Standard, Justice for Joe Boever? 18 months after being killed by AG Ravnsborg, it's worth asking: Did he receive that?.

Head over to the South Dakota Standard for a thoughtful read.

Photo: The Taurus with which Ravnsborg killed Joseph Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road with a flashlight.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Another week in the official life of SD's Attorney General, a couple more fugly narrative wrinkles

We last posted stories about mankiller South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg in South Dakota Attorney General Ravnsborg had two close calls with police before fatal crash and Scenes from South Dakota Republicans' Itchy and Scratchy Show, now on a campaign website.

In the days since those posts appeared, more stories have emerged in advance of the April 12 meeting of the South Dakota legislature to review the no-impeachment report of the House special investigative committee.

In the Argus Leader, we found Joe Sneve's reporting, Troopers say South Dakota attorney general's traffic crimes killed man:

South Dakota Highway Patrolmen who led an investigation into Jason Ravnsborg's fatal crash in 2020 told lawmakers Wednesday the attorney general "beyond the reason of a doubt" drove outside his lane of traffic while distracted.

And that has members of the South Dakota House of Representatives, who next week will decide whether the 45-year-old Republican should be impeached, doubting the findings of a recently-released 22-page report that says he shouldn't.

"All the evidence we had 14 months ago when I brought the first Articles of Impeachment have only been confirmed by the evidence we've seen," said Rep. Will Mortenson, R-Pierre. "The attorney general ran out off the road and because of his crimes, he caused the death of Mr. Boever."

His remarks followed a two-hour briefing with state troopers where about three dozen lawmakers got a final look at evidence stemming from the Sept. 12, 2020, crash that killed 55-year-old Joe Boever. . . 

Not that the special committee heard that.

At the Mitchell Republic, Hunter Dunteman reported in Troopers ‘weren’t allowed’ to give presentation during Ravnsborg impeachment inquiry, DPS tells lawmakers:

Troopers who investigated the scene of a fatal crash involving South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg say they “weren’t allowed” to give a presentation of their findings to a House committee that probed the incident.

The House Select Committee on Investigation on March 28 recommended that Ravnsborg not be impeached for striking and killing pedestrian Joe Boever on Sept. 12, 2020.

A presentation containing detailed findings by South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper John Berndt and Sgt. Kevin Kinney saw the light of day for the first time Wednesday afternoon, April 6, as the South Dakota Department of Public Safety gave a briefing in Pierre to lawmakers on their investigation into the crash.

During a question-and-answer portion following the conclusion of the presentation, Rep. Tim Goodwin, R-Rapid City, who requested DPS host the briefing, asked Berndt and Kinney if they had given their presentation to the House Select Committee during their testimony on Jan. 18.

“No, sir,” responded Berndt, a 20-year veteran of the Highway Patrol who assisted with the mapping and investigation of the crash. . . . 

Read the rest at the Mitchell Republic.

But there's more. On Thursday, Joe Sneve reported in the Argus Leader story, SD lawmaker who advised attorney general won't vote on impeachment:

A state lawmaker who consulted South Dakota's attorney general following a fatal 2020 crash will not participate in any further impeachment proceedings.

Rep. Scott Odenbach, R-Spearfish, informed leadership in the House of Representatives Wednesday that he will recuse himself from any votes involving the potential impeachment of Jason Ravnsborg, who struck and killed a pedestrian with his vehicle on Sept. 12, 2020.

Earlier:South Dakota lawmaker gave Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg legal advice after fatal crash

"Recent news reports have raised the issue of a potential attorney-client relationship between me and Attorney General Ravnsborg arising out of our conversations in the days following his traffic accident," Odenbach wrote in a letter to House Speaker Spencer Gosch. "To avoid even the appearance of impropriety, I am writing to let you know that I will be recusing myself from the House vote and will not be attending the proceedings in Pierre on April 12th, 2022."

Recently released investigation files compiled by law enforcement following the death of 55-year-old Joe Boever showed Ravnsborg reached out to Odenbach following the crash that occurred along Highway 14 in Hyde County. Odenbach told investigators that he provided Ravnsborg with input on a statement the attorney general released the day after the crash.

Well, that's a relief.

Near the end of March, Tom Lawrence asked at the South Dakota Standard, Justice for Joe Boever? 18 months after being killed by AG Ravnsborg, it's worth asking: Did he receive that?.

Head over to the South Dakota Standard for a thoughtful read.

Photo: The Taurus with which Ravnsborg killed Joseph Boever, who was walking on the shoulder of the road with a flashlight.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Session Daily: Omnibus environment and natural resources bill advances on party-line vote

After we watched the Minnesota House floor discussion of the $1 million measure to combat Minnesota's avian influenza outbreak, we turned to the public testimony and mark up of the omnibus environment and natural resources bill.

Here's the Minnesota House Information Services YouTube of the hearing:

Coverage from Session Daily:

Omnibus environment and natural resources bill advances on party-line vote
by Brian Hall

A House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee that’s been divided all session stayed that way Thursday as it approved its omnibus environment and natural resources bill.

Sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul), HF4492 was replaced by a delete-all amendment, further amended, and approved on an 11-8 party-line vote. Its next stop is the House Ways and Means Committee.

“We can offer a package here which fixes past problems and lays a foundation for the future,” Hansen said. “Our state is changing and we’re learning more.”

The bill contains fiscal year 2023 supplemental budget appropriations for the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Board of Water and Soil Resources and other organizations. It also includes statutory and other changes related to the environment and natural resources, including the DNR’s policy and technical proposals.

[MORE: View the spreadsheet]

Two of the biggest points of debate are regulations placed on white-tailed deer farms and prohibiting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in carpet and textiles, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products and ski wax.

Rep. Josh Heintzeman (R-Nisswa) echoed a concern of Republicans heard in other committees, about adding to department budgets a year after funding state operations through June 30, 2023 was signed into law.

Heintzeman also noted that some provisions struck down in last year’s bill have returned.

“How can we possibly expect this to go forward now, bringing back provisions that were unsuccessful, very controversial last session? Now, we have what I think I can argue is even a more controversial package of provisions,” Heintzeman said.

Hansen responded: “Our responsibility to our constituents is to keep trying. If an issue is important to our constituents, and if an issue continues to get worse or better, we have a responsibility to try to address it. I can’t help what the other body does. They can oppose things. They can support things. But we do have our votes here. We have an opportunity to do better. We have an opportunity to try again.”

Hansen had an amendment approved that made several changes to the bill. They include more funding for counties to assist with the required reporting of registered feedlot and manure storage areas, extending the deadline for a rough fish species report, adding more funding to grants for tree replacement from impact of the emerald ash borer, and changes to the air toxics emissions reporting provision.

“The changes we’ve made (were) based on the public input in the public meeting two days ago,” Hansen said.

Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL-International Falls) successfully offered two amendments.

The first would add $500,000 from the all-terrain vehicle account in the natural resources fund to St. Louis County for trails in the Voyageur County ATV trail system and $500,000 to the county for trails within the Prospector trail system.

The second made technical changes for deferred payments on timber cutting permits, changing that payments can be postmarked within 30 days of the statement date to help account for delays in postal processing.

The Senate omnibus bill, SF4062, is sponsored by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) and awaits action by the full Senate.

Photo: An emerald ash borer, an invasive species that kills ash trees. There's funding in the bill for grants for tree replacement from impact of the emerald ash borer. 

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Talking turkey: Minnesota legislature adds $1 million avian flu aid to rural mental health bill

Wednesday evening, we posted Can Minnesota walk and deal with drought relief, CWD, and avian influence at the same time?

We're happy to report that avian flu aid--that can be used for testing, surveillance and other emergency needs--was passed  on Thursday, without fiddling with drought relief for farmers and DNR forest and tree programs. 

At Session Daily, Brian Hall reports in House passes $1 million measure to combat avian influenza outbreak:

With two days remaining before the Legislature’s annual Easter/Passover Break, the House moved quickly to pass funding to address the breakout of highly pathogenic avian influenza in the state.

Sponsored by Rep. Ginny Klevorn (DFL-Plymouth), HF3217, as introduced, would protect data about individuals connected to farming or agriculture seeking mental or behavioral health assistance. It was passed 131-0 by the House March 31.

However, earlier Thursday, the Senate added an amendment to provide $1 million in funding to the Agriculture Department to address the avian influenza and the House acted swiftly to repass the amended bill 129-1. It now heads to Gov. Tim Walz.

“(It is) very important for us to address in a short-term way the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak that has come to our state,” Klevorn said.

The bill would help cover avian-influence related expenses until the Legislature reconvenes April 19 after its break.

Rep. John Burkel (R-Badger), a former turkey farmer, said the money would give the state “a couple weeks” to work on the emerging issue. The funding would go toward testing material and equipment and help counties and local governments with workforce concerns.

“This virus is affecting, not only commercial turkey farms and layer facilities, but backyard flocks and upland game farms,” Burkel said. “The virus is different this time, and the need and urgency is greater, and it’s critical we get this done before we leave for Easter recess.”

The influenza poses little or no risk to humans. It has been found in flocks in 12 counties since March 25.

“HPAI is an urgent problem for poultry producers in Minnesota. This is certainly a challenge, but our state Agriculture Department, Board of Animal Health and others are well prepared to respond to the crisis,” Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL–Esko) said in a statement. He chairs the House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee. “The investment we’re making today on a bipartisan basis will help keep our state’s poultry industry thriving and protect Minnesota turkeys from avian influenza.”

Forum News capitol press staffer Dana Ferguson reports in Minnesota Legislature sends $1 million emergency bird flu funding to governor's desk:

Both chambers of the Minnesota Legislature on Thursday, April 7, voted to send out $1 million to the Department of Agriculture to help combat the highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Sen. Torrey Westrom, R-Elbow Lake, advanced an amendment to another bill that would approve the emergency funding to help detect and contain the illness that has already been found in 21 flocks in Minnesota, impacting more than 1 million birds.

The Senate unanimously approved the bill Thursday and all but one lawmaker in the House of Representatives voted in favor. Rep. Erik Mortensen, R-Shakopee, was the lone legislator to oppose the funding. The bill moves now to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature. . 

The House bill was HF3217 which had passed in the House on March 31, as a measure that protected the data of those who contact the Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline individuals to seek mental or behavioral health assistance.  . . . 

Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, noted how stressful the avian flu was for commercial turkey producers. It seemed to fit. He certainly seems stressed out.

At the Star Tribune, Briana Bierschbach reports in Minnesota legislators pass $1 million for bird flu response:

"The virus is different this time, and the need and the urgency is greater," said Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, a former turkey farmer who experienced the state's 2015 bird-flu outbreak. "The money we're talking about is $1 million. It will buy us a couple of weeks of testing materials and equipment."

The funding can be used for testing supplies, disease surveillance and other emergency response needs. Minnesota is the top turkey producer in the nation, with more than 600 turkey farms across the state that raise roughly 40 million birds annually. The 2015 outbreak resulted in the death of roughly 9 million birds in Minnesota.

We're checking to see if the virus is indeed different this time. Minnesota Public Radio shared an Associated Press report, Minnesota Legislature approves emergency $1M for bird flu:

Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, a former turkey farmer, recounted how his farm in Roseau County was struck in 2015. That outbreak required euthanizing 9 million birds statewide.

“The virus is different this time, and the need and the urgency is greater,” Burkel said.

Rep. Dave Baker, R-Willmar, who represents one of the hardest hit areas of Minnesota, said the cold weather and worker shortages are making it harder this time for producers to euthanize infected flocks because the foaming machines used to suffocate the birds don’t work as well.

BTW, that foam does not contain PFAS, according to Minnesota Department of Agriculture Thom Petersen.

In a March 31 YouTube, Rep. Paul Anderson and Dr. Beth Thompson discuss avian flu, Thompson notes that the 2022 outbreak is different in that more backyard flocks have been stricken than in 2015. However, a 2015 article on the Poultry Site notes that backyard flocks were not immune from infection during the fast spreading 2015 outbreak

She also states that the 2022 outbreak is heightened by this spring's cold and wet weather, which create ideal conditions for HPAI. It might be that 2022 weather is a major factor, rather than a change in the virus itself.

We had forgotten that  "The last case of HPAI was confirmed, in a commercial flock, on June 16, 2015," according to the USDA's Final Report for the 2014–2015 Outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the United States.

More from that report:

In December 2014, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was detected in the United States for the first time in 10 years. From December 11, 2014 to January 16, 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received a total of seven reports of HPAI H5N2 or H5N8 in captive wild birds and backyard flocks from the northwestern United States. Additional detections occurred in wild birds. The first infected commercial flock was identified on January 23, 2015, in California. From January to March, the disease spread slowly to multiple states, including Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kansas. A significant increase in HPAI H5N2 in turkey flocks occurred through early April in Minnesota, followed by a rapid increase in Iowa in late April and throughout May, where large numbers of chicken layer flocks were affected. The last case of HPAI was confirmed, in a commercial flock, on June 16, 2015.

In total, during the 2014–2015 outbreak, there were 211 detections on commercial operations and 21 detections on backyard premises (including those premises designated as a Dangerous Contact Premises). HPAI was detected in commercial premises, backyard flocks, wild captive birds, and/or wild birds in 21 States (Arkansas, California, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). Approximately 7.4 million turkeys and 43 million egg-layers/pullet chickens, as well as a limited number of mixed poultry flocks, were affected by HPAI and died from the disease or were depopulated as part of the response. This outbreak was the largest HPAI outbreak ever recorded in the United States and arguably the most significant animal health event in U.S. history.

When the first cases were confirmed on March 25, Burkel said in a press release, House GOP Statement On Confirmed Avian Influenza Cases:

 Rep. John Burkel, R-Badger, issued the following statement regarding today's news that H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza has been confirmed in two flocks in Meeker and Mower Counties.

"Minnesotans need to know that poultry remains safe to eat, and the best thing we can do to support our poultry industry is to keep buying Minnesota-made chicken and turkey," Burkel said. "This is incredibly difficult and devastating news for our poultry farmers who went through this crisis in 2015, but the good news we are much more prepared this time around. Thankfully the legislature made critical investments in biosecurity and research, and built the Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab in Willmar that has dramatically increased testing capacity so we can respond more quickly to potential outbreaks.

"I will continue working with my colleagues on the Agriculture Committee, the Board of Animal Health, and the Department of Agriculture to ensure we are doing everything we can at the legislative level to support our poultry farmers and make sure we have the resources needed to test and respond accordingly and stop the spread of avian flu."

It appears that Burkel is less confident in the "critical investments in biosecurity and research" and the Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab as he was last month. 

We're happy the emergency aid passed. We're also curious what steps the industry, the USDA, and state agencies across the country might do to prepare for the next time.

Costs? Nationwide, the USDA report noted:

While HPAI detections ended in mid-June 2015, many response operations—including virus elimination, environmental sampling, and restocking—continued throughout the fall. On November 18, 2015, the United States sent a final report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE); at that time, the 2014–2015 outbreak in the United States was considered closed. For the 2014–2015 outbreak, nearly $850 million was obligated for response activities (including personnel support) and indemnity payments. Another $100 million was made available for further preparedness activities: it was the most expensive animal health incident recorded in U.S. history. Extensive planning and preparation efforts continued to prepare for the possible reemergence of HPAI in the fall of 2015 and spring of 2016.

That's in 2015-2016 dollars.

Related posts:

• Can Minnesota walk and deal with drought relief, CWD, and avian influence at the same time?
• In America's turkey industry, SD producers hit hardest by highly pathogenic avian influenza
• Board of Animal Health: Minnesota poultry sales and exhibitions temporarily banned for 31 days
• Board of Animal Health: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza confirmed in two Minnesota flocks 
• SD Game, Fish & Parks: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) detected in South Dakota 
• Associated Press: Bird flu detected among commercial flock in southeastern South Dakota
• Minnesota Reformer: Menacing bird flu detected in western Iowa backyard chicken and duck flock

Map: From the Kansas City area NPR station article, As bird flu sweeps across U.S. even small, backyard flocks are at risk.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Can Minnesota walk and deal with drought relief, CWD, and avian influence at the same time?

We reported on April 2 that In America's turkey industry, SD producers hit hardest by highly pathogenic avian influenza. Since then, the disease has also battered Minnesota's poultry flocks.

HPAI was first confirmed in Minnesota in two flocks on March 25.

At the West Central Tribune, News Editor Susan Lunneborg reports in More than 1 million birds affected by avian flu outbreak in Minnesota:

 An additional six poultry flocks diagnosed with avian flu April 5 have pushed the state of Minnesota over 1 million birds affected by the outbreak.

According to the state Board of Animal Health's daily web update posted Wednesday, the inventory of flocks diagnosed with H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza is 1,017,568.

Twenty-one infection sites have been identified in the state since the first cases of the disease — which is fatal to domestic poultry — were confirmed March 25, according to the Board of Animal Health.

Five commercial flocks of meat turkeys were diagnosed April 5 and included in Wednesday's update, as well as one commercial poultry slaughter location in Waseca County, the first infection site in that county and the first report from a slaughter operation.

A newly diagnosed flock of 128,000 turkeys in Meeker County is the second site in that county, and a flock of 41,350 in Stearns County is the fourth there. Morrison County now has four sites, including the two new reports posted Wednesday: flocks of 27,675 and 105,335. And a flock of 52,000 in Big Stone County is the first infection reported in the far western Minnesota county.

Other previously confirmed sites include four in Kandiyohi County and single sites in Becker, Dodge, Lac qui Parle, LeSueur and Mower counties.

Most of the infections have been diagnosed in commercial turkey flocks — both meat turkeys and breeder hens. Two reports have been backyard poultry producers.

The Board of Animal Health web page on the avian flu response at bah.state.mn.us/hpai is updated each weekday.

We haven't seen more coverage of HPAI in South Dakota, but a look at the Wednesday, April 6 postings of 2022 Confirmations of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Commercial and Backyard Flocks at the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), we find that five more commercial turkey flocks in South Dakota--a total of 217,257 birds--have joined the 806,000 turkeys in 18 flocks that Successful Farming's Chuck Abbott reported on April 1 in  Turkey Losses to Bird Flu Jump by One-Fifth in New Outbreaks.

That's a total of 1,023,257 infected birds in South Dakota, to Minnesota's 1,017,568. There does seem to be a tendency to larger flocks in Minnesota, however, so we suspect that the Rushmore State will be eclipsed soon by the North Star State.

There's a somewhat different story in the Des Moines Register, which focuses on the commercial chicken egg production industry. Donnelle Eller reports in Bird flu pushing up egg prices, shrinking supplies as Iowa, nation head into Easter, Passover:

Egg prices are climbing and supplies are tight going into Easter and Passover, analysts say, with bird flu outbreaks forcing the destruction of millions of laying hens, including nearly 13 million in Iowa, the nation's largest egg producer.

The wholesale price for a dozen large eggs was $3.01 Wednesday, said Karyn Rispoli, an analyst at Urner Barry, a market research organization. It's more than double last month's price and nearly three times the cost a year ago, Urner Barry's data shows.

That price was 8 cents short of the record set at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rispoli said. Prices "seem to have leveled off," she said. "But with the X factor of bird flu, it's anyone's guess what happens from here."

A dozen large eggs sold for $2.99 online Wednesday at Iowa's two largest grocery chains, Fareway and Hy-Vee. The companies declined to comment, referring questions to industry groups. 

On Wednesday, the Storm Lake Times reported that Rembrandt Enterprises, a northwest Iowa egg producer, had laid off more than 200 employees after a bird flu outbreak at its facility forced the destruction of 5.3 million laying hens. Rembrandt did not respond to requests from the Des Moines Register for comment, but it had filed notice with the state that it intended to lay off 135 workers. . . .

But even with large losses like the one reported at Rembrandt, bird flu is impacting only about 5% of the nation's flock. That's not "enough to cause widespread shortages," [American Egg Board spokesman Marc] Dresner said, adding that farmers are working to "minimize the disruption of supply."

Brian Earnest, lead protein economist at CoBank, part of Farm Credit Services of America, said he thinks consumers could see spot shortages as families gather to dye eggs for Easter hunts or prepare roasted boiled eggs for Seder plates as part of the Passover tradition.

Earnest said egg supplies have yet to return to the levels they reached before the global pandemic hit, cutting demand from schools, hotels and other food service venues as the nation closed down.

The nation's transition to cage-free eggs to meet state and corporate requirements for humane treatment of birds is pushing flock sizes lower, as well, he said.

The U.S. table egg layer flock has shrunk from a record 340 million head in April 2019 to about 322 million, Earnest wrote in a recent note.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is whittling the flock even more, with about 16.8 million laying hens destroyed as of Tuesday, U.S. Department of Agriculture data shows. In addition, the Iowa Department of Agriculture reported Wednesday that 46,000 turkeys had been destroyed after an outbreak at a facility in Hardin County. . . . 

There's much more about the nation's egg supply at the Des Moines Register, but our dear readers will need to subcribe to the paper to read it.

Meanwhile, back in Minnesota, some members of the Minnesota House Agriculture Committee expressed concern that the differences in the Minnesota House version of the drought relief bill--passed on the House floor on March 10--and the Minnesota Senate drought bill--passed on March 31--might unduly burden Minnesota's poultry industry as the avian flu sweeps through the barns.

It's that doggone money in the House bill--requested last year by the Walz administration--for enabling the DNR to replaced young trees that perished in the drought--that gives Republicans the fantods. Oh the delays.

We see a different picture. If only the Senate Ag Committee, chaired by Torrey Westrom, had spent February dealing with drought relief, rather than as a star chamber reviewing the perceived oppression of deer farmers by state efforts to contain Chronic Wasting Disease. Perhaps drought relief could have been passed by both chambers in early March. Knowing that HPAI was on its way, aid for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Minnesota could have been secured.

Even now, we're puzzled by the notion that the Minnesota Legislature is unable to provide drought relief to two agencies. It's like paying two clients, employees or bills. Neither need robs from the other, so both can be serviced. 

Lyndon Johnson famously said that Gerald Ford was unable to walk (or something) and chew gum at the same time. In this case, the legislative pity party for farmers appears to live with the same limitations. Why not call a genial conference committee and get the job done for drought-stricken farmers and foresters, as Minnesota's fowl industry as well?

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Photo: Turkeys in a commercial production barn.

MN Reformer/Energy News Network: Bill aims to close gap on ‘pre-weatherization’ work funding

A friend who has worked with small Minnesota towns recommended we look into HF3905, with the observation that the measure would be helpful for rural Minnesota, improving housing stock that might otherwise be abandoned. 

Introduced by Apple Valley DFLer Robert Bierman, the bill has been rolled into House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee chair Jamie Long's HF3337. the omnibus bill discussed in Session Daily's Omnibus climate and energy bill targets a ‘clean energy transition.

As the article notes below:

Rep. Robert Bierman, DFL-Apple Valley, said that while some Republicans have raised objections, his bill would benefit constituents in every county. “It’s for the benefit of their citizens and their communities,” Bierman said. “It’s a workforce issue and an economic issue. It’s good for grid resiliency and the planet.”

From Energy News Network via the Minnesota Reformer:

Minnesota bill aims to close a gap on funding for ‘pre-weatherization’ work
Frank Jossi, Energy News Network

A lack of state funding to help Minnesota homeowners clean up mold, asbestos and other hazards is limiting the reach of federal weatherization programs in the state, preventing some of those most in need from accessing benefits.

Nearly half of homeowners who seek help from federal weatherization programs in the state are denied because the work cannot be completed before other “pre-weatherization” problems are addressed — costs not covered by the programs.

A suburban state lawmaker’s bill aims to address the problem by providing $60 million in state weatherization funds over the next three years, nearly doubling the total funding and also offering crucial flexibility to pay for pre-weatherization work that the federal dollars won’t cover.

Rep. Robert Bierman, DFL-Apple Valley, said that while some Republicans have raised objections, his bill would benefit constituents in every county. “It’s for the benefit of their citizens and their communities,” Bierman said. “It’s a workforce issue and an economic issue. It’s good for grid resiliency and the planet.”

A study released this year by the Minnesota Department of Commerce reported that Minnesota used $22 million in federal dollars to weatherize slightly more than 1,900 homes in 2019. At that rate, it would take nearly three centuries to complete all Minnesota houses eligible for the program, the report said.

The Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program provides more than half of the $22 million in weatherization money, with $7.7 million coming from the Department of Health and Human Services’ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The state’s Conservation Improvement Program and a handful of other programs added $3.1 million in 2019.

The state distributes federal money to 23 local service providers who offer weatherization services — defined as insulation, ventilation, air sealing, and mechanical systems repair or replacement. About two-thirds of the funds go to providers in Greater Minnesota, with the rest being spent in the Twin Cities.

We’re doing worse than Wisconsin? Yes

University of Minnesota professors Gabe Chan and Elise Harrington compared Minnesota’s weatherization program to 20 other states based on proximity and other factors. The research found that six states surveyed had dedicated state funding sources that allow them to stretch the impact of the federal programs. Wisconsin, for example, charges utility customers a small monthly fee that raises $50 million annually for weatherization programs. With roughly the same population as Minnesota, Wisconsin weatherizes three times as many homes with a budget of $76 million.

Vermont uses a fuel tax to bring in $7 million annually to help residents pay for pre-weatherization work. New York leverages a Medicaid payment system to encourage more pre-and-weatherization across the state.

“We found some states that are integrating all of those [funding sources] together, and some like Minnesota that have them in separate buckets,” Chan said.

A dedicated source of state funding for weatherization would also help provide stability for contractors amid the ebb and flow of federal dollars, Chan said. An Obama-era economic recovery program provided a surge of federal money for weatherization. A few years later when the funding stopped, contractors had to lay off employees.

Jed Norgaarden, executive director of the Minneapolis Sustainable Resources Center, Inc., manages more than 450 deep energy retrofits annually and another roughly 300 lighter efficiency projects. As the leader of one of the state’s largest weatherization providers, Norgaarden said state money would be helpful.

“I believe the state should be devoting resources to a long-term, thoughtful and measured ramp-up of low-income weatherization that can ride on the back of the federal program,” Norgaarden said. “There is no other program like low-income weatherization because in addition to reducing energy burden, it generates [other] benefits that address equity, climate change, health and community resilience.”

Weatherization most important for neediest Minnesotans

From an equity perspective, low-income weatherization is seen as critical for offsetting rising utility costs related to the clean energy transition. The potential benefits are considerable: An average homeowner saves $280 annually after weatherization and lives in a healthier home, according to government research. Retrofits reduce heating costs by 18% and electricity use by 7%.

In Minnesota, low-income households spend more of their income on energy than other residents. According to the Commerce Department, energy costs equal about 8% of their income, compared to 2% for all residents.

The Minnesota House bill would focus on pre-weatherization and make a small amount, 10% or less, available for worker training initiatives. Bierman said the commerce department would have until the end of 2026 to spend the general fund money before the Legislature would have to renew it.

Minnesota’s 2021 Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Act will add money to utility programs for pre-weatherization and weatherization. Xcel Energy, for example, will increase a low-income electric efficiency budget by $7 million and the gas budget by $2.8 million, Chan’s study reported.

The issue goes beyond funding, too. Mari Ojeda, senior policy associate for energy access and equity at Fresh Energy (which publishes the Energy News Network), served on the weatherization task force and heard several suggestions to improve the program. One involved using state funds to help low-income affordable multifamily property owners pay their share of weatherization projects. The other was better communication about weatherization.

“We saw a need for targeted outreach, partnerships with local neighborhood organizations and local governments about getting the word out and being culturally appropriate, depending on geography and population,” she said.

State Rep. Jamie Long, a Minneapolis Democrat who leads the House Climate and Energy Finance and Policy Committee, supports the measure and has not seen pushback. “I’m hopeful it could be a bipartisan area that we all believe is a great program that we need to be more than we’re doing now in the state,” he said.

A companion bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate.

Frank Jossi is an independent journalist and consultant based in St. Paul and a longtime contributor to Midwest Energy News. His articles have appeared in more than 50 publications, including Minnesota Monthly, Wired and the Los Angeles Times. Frank has been a Fulbright journalism teacher in Pakistan and Albania, and a program director of the World Press Institute at Macalester College.

This article first appeared on Energy News Network and was republished at the Minnesota Reformer under a Creative Commons license.

Photo: A weatherization worker drills holes to blow cellulose insulation in the interior walls of a home. Photo by Dennis Schroeder/NREL.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Prohibiting PFAS, regulating farmed white-tailed deer key points in omnibus environment bill

In state representative Rick Hansen's constituent email on Tuesday, the South St. Paul DFLer notes:

Protecting Our Environment and Natural Resources  

As chair of the Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee, I’m proud of the omnibus bill House DFLers developed this year. Our bill contains $275 million worth of investments that will help protect and enhance our environment and natural resources. It includes funding and policies to:  

• Provide stronger protections for residents of areas that have been exposed to a disproportionate amount of pollution 
• Improve water quality and water management  
• Help communities replace ash trees that are susceptible to emerald ash borer infestations  
• Expand the popular Lawns to Legumes program that helps Minnesotans establish pollinator habitats  
• Clean up contaminated sites throughout Minnesota  
• Ban the use of PFAS in carpet and textiles, cookware, cosmetics, children’s products, and ski wax 
• Protect wild deer from chronic wasting disease  
• Create opportunities for all Minnesotans to enjoy the outdoors 
• Help communities prepare for impacts of climate change  
• Protect Minnesota’s wildlife and their habitats  

If you’d like to learn more about our proposal, you can watch a video of the public hearing we held this afternoon. We went through each section of the bill and discussed some of the provisions in detail.  

Here's the Minnesota House Information Services YouTube of the Hearing:

From Session Daily:

Prohibiting PFAS, regulating farmed white-tailed deer key points in omnibus environment bill
By Brian Hall

Two of the biggest concerns heard by the House Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy Committee this year have been regulating farmed white-tailed deer to control chronic wasting disease and attempts to get a handle on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminating the state’s waters.

No surprise those two topics make up a big part of the omnibus environment and natural resources finance and policy bill.

Members learned more about the delete-all amendment to HF4492 Tuesday. The committee plans to take public testimony and vote on the proposal, sponsored by Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul), Thursday.

The bill contains 2023 supplemental budget appropriations for the Pollution Control Agency, Department of Natural Resources, Board of Water and Soil Resources, as well as other organizations. It also includes statutory and other changes related to the environment and natural resources.

“This is a comprehensive bill,” Hansen said. “This bill reflects priorities that we have heard not only this year, but last year. As I mentioned last week, we’re focusing on the future while we are also righting past wrongs.”

The bill would appropriate $68.9 million to the Board of Water and Soil Resources, $57.9 million to the Pollution Control Agency, $54.3 million to the DNR and for a variety of new and existing programs.

[MORE: View the spreadsheet]

Along with a one-time appropriation of $45,000 to the Minnesota Zoo in fiscal year 2024, the bill would provide the following funds to these organizations in fiscal year 2023:

• $13.1 million to the Metropolitan Council;
• $10.5 million to Explore Minnesota Tourism;
• $1.75 million to the Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Office, established in the bill;
• $500,000 to Conservation Corps Minnesota;
• $500,000 to the Science Museum of Minnesota; and
• $180,000 to the University of Minnesota.

The total funds appropriated from the General Fund would be a change of $240 million over base in fiscal year 2023 and $35 million over the base in the next biennium.

The farmed Cervidae, including white-tailed deer, provisions would include having owners immediately notify the DNR if a farmed cervid escapes and is not returned or captured within 24 hours, require perimeter fencing for farmed cervids, prohibit intentional movement of the animals unless certain criteria are met and require owners of farmed white-tailed deer to test their herd for chronic wasting disease.

The bill would ban all PFAS in carpet and textiles, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products and ski wax.

Other provisions in the bill include:

• prohibiting the use of a pollinator-lethal pesticide in cities with an ordinance;
• prohibiting the use or selling of seeds treated with neonicotinoids for food, feed, oil or ethanol production;
• requiring guidance for the disposal of neonicotinoid-treated seed;
• establishing goals to protect, restore and enhance peat soil lands;
• prohibiting use of certain pesticides in wildlife management areas, state parks, state forests, aquatic management areas, or scientific and natural areas;
• maintaining a long-term management plan for invasive species;
• changing the age requirement and other modifications for operating watercraft;
• creating the Swan Protection Act;
• creating certain protections for taking or selling turtles, including the need for licensing;
• providing grants for the Lawns to Legumes program;
• establishing soil health goals and creating a cost-share program;
• establishing a stormwater infrastructure grant program;
• establishing a grant program for composting for multifamily properties;
• creating a zero waste grant program;
• prohibiting the importation, manufacturing, selling, holding for sale, distributing or offering certain products containing lead or cadmium above certain levels; and
• creating and funding air quality monitoring.

Many components from an air-quality bill, sponsored by Rep. Fue Lee (DFL-Mpls) are included, including a study on environmental justice areas.

“We’ve spent a lot of effort on water quality over the last 30 years,” Hansen said. “We need to bring air quality and the air-quality focus up in terms of a priority, and this bill does that.”

The DNR’s policy and technical proposals are also included.

The Senate omnibus environment and natural resources bill, SF4062, is sponsored by Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen (R-Alexandria) and awaits action by the full Senate.

What's in the bill?

The following are select bills incorporated in part or in whole into the omnibus environment and natural resources bill:

• HF78 (Wazlawik)
• HF718 (Vang)
• HF766 (Hansen)
• HF1165 (Wazlawik)
• HF1294 (Hansen)
• HF2162 (Torkelson)
• HF2211 (Agbaje)
• HF2661 (Hollins)
• HF2719 (Hansen)
• HF2814 (Ecklund)
• HF2906 (Wazlawik)
• HF2907 (Wazlawik)
• HF3075 (Wazlawik)
• HF3146 (Lee)
• HF3180 (Jordan)
• HF3273 (Hansen)
• HF3302 (Lippert)
• HF3571 (Kotyza-Witthuhn)
• HF3686 (Becker-Finn)
• HF3761 (Becker-Finn)
• HF3774 (Hansen)
• HF3787 (Koegel)
• HF3947 (Hansen)
• HF4126 (Hansen)
• HF4190 (Hansen)
• HF4274 (Lippert)
• HF4356 (Davnie)
• HF4407 (Hansen)
• HF4428 (Jordan)
• HF4537 (Lippert)

We'll keep an eye out for this bill's successful.

Related post:

• Environmental justice: Bill proposes updates to state’s air quality laws, pollution standards

Image: The popular Lawns to Legumes program would continue under funding in the bill.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

Culture war hysteria: Gov. Noem signs order limiting ‘divisive concepts’ for K-12 students

Once again, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem can't let a culture war stone rest unthrown. At the Argus Leader, Morgan Matzen reports in Gov. Noem signs order limiting ‘divisive concepts’ for K-12 students:

Gov. Kristi Noem signed an executive order Tuesday that she said will limit the influence of “divisive concepts” in K-12 schools.

Noem’s move follows the failure of a bill that she proposed during the legislative session similar to the executive order. That bill, House Bill 1337, was killed in the Senate Education committee on a 4-3 vote.

However, the same committee passed a similar bill, House Bill 1012, pertaining to the state’s higher education system. Noem has signed HB 1012 into law.

Her order points to critical race theory as a “political and divisive ideology that teaches a distorted view of the U.S. and its institutions,” Noem said.

Critical race theory (CRT) is an academic theory that states race is a social construct, that racism isn’t just the product of individual bias or prejudice, and racism is embedded in the nation’s legal systems and policies. Top education officials in K-12 and colleges have said CRT largely doesn't show up in South Dakota's content standards or curriculum. . . .

In final arguments against HB 1337, 12 proponents argued it would keep CRT out of K-12 classrooms, and would keep students safe from discrimination or radical agendas.

But 13 opponents of the bill said it didn’t give clear direction to educators, questioned “promoting” concepts as opposed to “teaching” concepts, and argued it would have a chilling effect on South Dakota’s educators and censor classroom discussions.

They also argued there are already avenues to avoid teaching divisive concepts, such as the standards revision and adoption process that the Board of Education Standards uses, and routes to revoke or suspend teacher licenses if they teach anything divisive.

Keloland's Jacob Newton, Jazzmine Jackson, and  Anna Peters report in Noem signs executive order banning CRT in K-12:

Governor Kristi Noem has issued an executive order banning the teaching of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in South Dakota’s K-12 schools Tuesday.

In a release sent out Tuesday afternoon, Noem announced the signing of the order.

“Political indoctrination has no place in our classrooms,” said Noem. “Our children will not be taught that they are racists or that they are victims, and they will not be compelled to feel responsible for the mistakes of their ancestors. We will guarantee that our students learn America’s true and honest history – that includes both our triumphs and our mistakes.” 

The order has drawn criticism, with the ACLU of South Dakota issuing a response opposing the order. . . . 

“Despite the legislature’s unwillingness to codify Noem’s desired policy, Noem today signed an executive order directing the Department of Education to accomplish her goal of censoring classroom discussion of what she calls “divisive concepts,” the ACLU wrote in a Tuesday release, arguing that the order violates the First Amendment right to receive information and knowledge. “Instead of encouraging learning, Noem’s executive order will have a chilling effect on academic freedom.”

Jett Jonelis, advocacy manager for the ACLU of S.D. said in the release that the order is overly-broad and could censor free speech and important discussions about systemic racism.

“All young people deserve to learn an inclusive and complete history in schools, free from censorship like this,” said Jonelis. “The ability to discuss and debate ideas, even those that some find uncomfortable, is a crucial part of our democracy — coming back with an executive order that is strikingly similar to her original bill is a subversion of our entire democratic process.”

The article mentions this tweet by Noem's campaign account:

Critical Race Theory has no place in our South Dakota public education.

That’s why yesterday I announced I will be signing an executive order to ban the teachings in our K-12 schools. pic.twitter.com/nPYye6E4oT

— Kristi Noem (@KristiNoem) April 5, 2022

Here's the document:

Governor Noem's executive order limiting teaching critical race theory in K-12 schools uploaded by Sally Jo Sorensen on Scribd

Who knew history was to be defined by the comfort zones of individuals.

Photo: Nat Love, from SDPB's Nat Love aka Deadwood Dick: Cowboy, Nature Lover, Man of Letters, by Michael Zimny. We first learned about him when our father gave us a paperback copy of this 1965 book Such material wasn't in the local school library. And Mr. Love wasn't the character in Hollywood's 1940 Deadwood Dick.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

 

MNHouse ag omnibus bill features new opportunities for farming, food processing

We listened to Monday afternoon's  House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee, pleased with many of the provisions included in the bill. 

Here's Brian Hall's take on the walk through in House lawmakers unveil ag omnibus bill that features new opportunities for farming, food processing industries at Session Daily. We're most interested in the fate of language in the third paragraph:

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko), the bill’s provisions would also, in part, prohibit plastic-coated fertilizers and pesticides, set provisions for seed treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide, establish a moratorium on white-tailed deer farms, develop an aquaculture program, expand the Farm to School grant program, and provide farm down payment assistance.

Here's the Minnesota House Information Services YouTube of the hearing, followed by the full text of the Session Daily article.

House lawmakers unveil ag omnibus bill that features new opportunities for farming, food processing industries

by Brian Hall

Creating new and additional opportunities for farming, meat processing, developing winter-hardy crops, eliminating noxious weeds and soil health initiatives are major provisions included in the omnibus agriculture supplemental finance and policy bill.

The House Agriculture Finance and Policy Committee on Monday received a walkthrough of a delete-all amendment to HF4366 and took public testimony. The committee plans to vote on the proposal Wednesday.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Sundin (DFL-Esko), the bill’s provisions would also, in part, prohibit plastic-coated fertilizers and pesticides, set provisions for seed treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide, establish a moratorium on white-tailed deer farms, develop an aquaculture program, expand the Farm to School grant program, and provide farm down payment assistance.

The bill would set a new appropriation of more than $63.8 million in fiscal year 2022 (a $4.49 million increase) and more than $107.9 million in fiscal year 2023 (a $48.51 million increase) to the Department of Agriculture. A new appropriation for the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute would be more than $4.74 million in the current fiscal year and more than $7.24 million in the current biennium, a $200,000 and $3.2 million increase, respectively.

The bill would also include appropriations in the next biennium for a number of programs.

[MORE: See the spreadsheet]

“I think this package coupled with the drought package that’s moving separately represents a strong investment in agriculture and moves us in the right direction,” Sundin said.

Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen likes many of the bill’s provisions. He did note that the bill doesn’t include work on a grain indemnity account and wants to continue to work with the Legislature regarding the issue.

“When we put this budget together just looking at what some other states have done and looking at our surplus and looking at things that we could do that were strong investments for Minnesota,” Petersen said. “Also, a lot of these ideas and things that you see in the bill are coming from members but also from administration. A lot of these ideas came from Minnesotans through the portal that the governor had set up and had strong support.”

In addition to establishing a grant program to help farmers finance new cooperatives, the bill would provide the following funds in fiscal year 2023:

• $6.5 million to the University of Minnesota for the Forever Green Initiative;
• $4.5 million for an agricultural emergency account;
• $3 million for farm down payment assistance;
• $3 million for grants to Second Harvest Heartland for hunger relief;
• $2.6 million for grants for emerging farmers;
• $2 million for a pollinator research account;
• $2 million for a noxious weed and invasive species account;
• $2 million to the University of Minnesota for a study on heritage seeds;
• $2 million to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute to acquire property, construct and equip offices and research laboratories;
• $1.5 million for an Ag Innovation Campus soybean facility; and
• $1 million to the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute for equipment upgrades and replacement.

Among the concerns of Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck) is language that would prohibit the plastic-coated fertilizer, plant-based foods being eligible for refunding and a moratorium on deer farms.

Anderson noted that farmers use environmentally smart nitrogen fertilizer on crops as a form of time-released nitrogen. A replacement is likely several years away.

“That’s very problematic, I think, and is actually taking a step backward in terms of stewardship environmentally here in Minnesota,” Anderson said.

He added about the plant-based food refunding: “I think there was a bevy of testimony against that type of thing in committee when the bill was heard, but the language showed up in the omnibus bill anyway. So, I have some concerns about including a plant-based food in this really livestock heavy state of Minnesota.”

The Senate agriculture and rural development omnibus bill, SF4019, is sponsored by Sen. Torrey Westrom (R-Elbow Lake) and awaits action by the Senate Finance Committee.

Photo: A contemporary Minnesota hog farm. 

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6

South Dakota Attorney General Ravnsborg had two close calls with police before fatal crash

Earlier today, we posted Scenes from South Dakota Republicans' Itchy and Scratchy Show, now on a campaign website.

We're not sure which cartoon would fit this headline from the Associated Press. Stephen Groves reports in South Dakota AG had 2 close calls with police before crash:

South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s errant driving in 2020 twice caused police officers to hit their brakes to avoid collisions, records released by the state’s Highway Patrol showed Monday, but he just received warnings until he struck and killed a pedestrian on the shoulder of a highway.

The Highway Patrol’s scrutiny of the attorney general’s driving record is coming to light ahead of the state House meeting next week. Lawmakers will consider a majority report from a Republican-controlled impeachment investigation committee that recommended he not be impeached. However, Gov. Kristi Noem is pushing for Ravnsborg’s ouster, and the Highway Patrol is offering a public briefing for lawmakers on Wednesday.

The Highway Patrol records showed that a week before the Republican attorney general hit a man, Joseph Boever, walking on the shoulder of state Highway 14, he had been pulled over on the same highway for illegally pulling in front of a police car at an intersection in the city of Huron, roughly 70 miles from where the fatal accident happened. Ravnsborg displayed his badge identifying himself as the state’s top law enforcement officer and later told Huron police Officer Tanner Dornacher that he thought the intersection had a four-way stop sign.

Dornacher gave Ravnsborg a verbal warning. But he also noted in a written account roughly seven weeks later that Ravnsborg seemed unsure about the highway’s driving lanes, stopping his vehicle in a “weird” spot inside one of the lanes. Before driving away, Ravnsborg asked Dornacher if the highway had two lanes and whether he could drive in either of them. Dornacher told him he could.

As the attorney general has recounted the fatal crash to the public and criminal investigators, he has been unable to explain how his car came to hit Boever on the shoulder of Highway 14, in a spot where the highway narrows to a single driving lane in either direction.

Ravnsborg last year pleaded no contest to a pair of misdemeanors in the crash, including making an illegal lane change. He has cast the crash as a tragic accident, insisting he did not realize he hit a man until he returned to the scene the next day and found his body. A spokesman for Ravnsborg did not immediately respond to a request for comment on his driving record.

Ravnsborg had also been issued a warning for making an improper lane change less than two months before the crash. Highway Patrol Trooper Nathan Moore wrote in an account of a July traffic stop that Ravnsborg drove out of his lane on a road in Sioux Falls, nearly causing a collision.

“I had to hit my brakes and swerve to avoid being struck by the SUV,” Moore stated in his account.

Ravnsborg racked up eight traffic stops, mostly for speeding, between taking office in 2019 and the crash, but had only been issued warnings. In five of those stops, Ravnsborg either identified himself as the attorney general or displayed his badge, the Highway Patrol found.

Those traffic stops came on top of a long history of driving violations. Ravnsborg had been pulled over more than 25 times, crash investigators found. However, he was in no danger of having his license suspended in South Dakota, where accumulated speeding tickets do not count against a driver’s record.

Why is this man still on the road? While we think it's probably hopeless to think that the South Dakota House will disobery the recommendations of the impeachment investigation committee...

Photo: Jason Ravnsborg Taurus after he drifted off the road, struck and killed Joseph Boever, who was carrying a flashlight as he walked on the shoulder.

If you appreciate Bluestem Prairie, you can mail contributions (payable to Sally Jo Sorensen, 600 Maple Street, Summit SD 57266) or use the paypal button in the upper right hand corner of this post. 

Or you can contribute via this link to paypal; use email [email protected] as recipient.

I'm on Venmo for those who prefer to use this service: @Sally-Sorensen-6