DRG Media Group Beyond the Mic podcasts

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem 2020 Budget Address for 2022 proposed state budget

Dec. 8, 2020, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem gave her 2020 Budget Address outlining her proposed 2022 state budget. She listed three priorities:

1. Paying off 2010 Debt
2. Restoring and Reinvigorating Infrastructure
3. Strengthening Communities

Avera St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre activates Surge Plan because of increasing COVID-19 cases in central SD

Avera St. Mary's Hospital in Pierre and the Avera Pierre Clinic have implemented their surge plan because of rapidly growing COVID-19 numbers in central South Dakota. Dakota Radio Group news and farm director Jody Heemstra spoke with President and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mikel Holland to learn more about their plan and what they need residents to do to help the hospital staff taking care of patients. The short answer: WEAR A MASK.

Organizations join behind "Mask Up South Dakota" effort

As the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in South Dakota continue to make the state a national hotspot for infections, medical providers and partnering organizations came together Oct. 27, 2020, to promote mask-wearing. South Dakota State Medical Association president Dr. Benjamin Aaker spoke for supporters of "Mask Up South Dakota." #MaskUpSoDak 

Hughes County Commission candidate forum Sept. 30, 2020

The League of Women Voters Pierre and Dakota Radio Group hosted a Hughes County Commission candidate forum Sept. 30, 2020. Candidates Vicky Wilkey, Tom Rounds and Randy Brown answered questions about the county budget, the jail, infrastructure needs and more. Thank you to Lee Real Estate and the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center for sponsoring the forum.

District 24 House candidate forum held Sept. 30, 2020

The League of Women Voters Pierre and Dakota Radio Group hosted a District 24 House candidate forum Sept. 30, 2020. Candidates Amanda Bachmann, Will Mortenson and Mike Weisgram answered questions about what they see as the major issues for District 24, how COVID-19 is being handled in South Dakota, the three ballot issues and more. Thank you to Lee Real Estate and the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center for sponsoring the forum.

Governor Girls Tennis Emerges As State Contender

Pierre Governor Girls Tennis reached success not seen in over a decade at the recent state tournament, including a singles state champion.

Head Coach Jessica Carr talked about her team's great showing with Dakota Radio Group Sports Director David Burrall.

Pierre School Board approves COVID-19 mitigation plan for T.F. Riggs High School

The Pierre School Board held a special meeting Sept. 18, 2020, to discuss changes being made to the T.F. Riggs High School class schedule because of COVID-19. This podcast begins with Supt. Dr. Kelly Glodt speaking. Others speaking at Riggs principal Kevin Mutchelknaus and school board members Dan Cronin (president), Joan Adam, Randy Hartmann, Dennis James and Cari Leidholt.

Trappers & Expedition League Ready For New Season

Baseball's Expedition League is ready for its new season to start, albeit late due to the pandemic.  League President and Pierre Trappers Owner Steve Wagner talked with Dakota Radio Group Sports Director David Burrall about the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and what fans can expect this season at Hyde Stadium.

Gov. Noem extends school closure, remote work for state employees until May

On March 24, 2020, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order extending remote work for state employees and closure of public schools into May. Gov. Noem and state Sec. of Health Kim Malsam-Rysdon also provided more information about the inmate at the State Women's Prison in Pierre who tested positive for COVID-19 and about the nine inmates in the same unit who walked away the evening of March 23. One inmate is back in custody.

Noem signs executive order outlining what should be done in South Dakota; Final decisions remain under local control

On March 23, 2020, Governor Kristi Noem signed an executive order outlining guidelines for all South Dakotans, for-profit and not-for-profit employers, enclosed retail businesses that promote public gatherings, local and municipal governments and healthcare organizations as it relates to COVID-19 in the state of South Dakota. The order outlines what should be done. It is not a mandate. Final decisions remain under local control.

Noem and Department of Health Sec. Kim Malsam-Rysdon held a 2nd press conference March 23 to provide the latest information on the status of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the state. The case in Hughes County is in an inmate at the State Women's Prison. Because it is not travel related, the one case is considered community spread.