Joshua Haiar
@joshuahaiar.bsky.social
South Dakota journalism @southdakotasearchlight.com
Pinned
Joshua Haiar
@joshuahaiar.bsky.social
· Dec 6
‘Wild places are worth fighting for’: Concern grows for receding South Dakota wetlands • South Dakota Searchlight
Conservationist John Cooper is sounding the alarm on the loss of South Dakota wetlands, and the impact on wildlife, climate and communities.
southdakotasearchlight.com
Conservationist John Cooper is sounding the alarm on the loss of South Dakota wetlands, and the impact on wildlife, climate and communities.
southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/12/06/w...
southdakotasearchlight.com/2024/12/06/w...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year. buff.ly/qzGY4gy
Governor proposes ‘limited budget’ for SD that avoids big cuts but keeps school funding flat • South Dakota Searchlight
Gov. Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year.
southdakotasearchlight.com
December 2, 2025 at 10:55 PM
Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden proposed a $7.44 billion state government budget that would avoid big cuts but also hold South Dakota’s funding for schools, Medicaid providers and state employees flat next year. buff.ly/qzGY4gy
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in recent years, advocates say.
‘Not increasing is a cut’: Governor’s flat funding plan for education, health care worries advocates • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in…
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December 3, 2025 at 12:00 AM
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden’s plan to keep state funding flat for Medicaid providers, state employees and schools could hurt the same areas Rhoden said he’s helped “prioritize” in recent years, advocates say.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Five years since an SD lawmaker successfully proposed legislation adding a Habitat Stamp fee to hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, it has funded 1,300 projects worth $14 million. A wildlife advocate calls it "one of the smartest investments hunters and anglers have ever made.”
Five years in, SD’s Habitat Stamp praised as one of state's 'smartest investments' • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s Habitat Stamp has become a cornerstone in the state’s strategy to improve habitats and expand access for outdoor recreation.
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November 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Five years since an SD lawmaker successfully proposed legislation adding a Habitat Stamp fee to hunting, fishing and trapping licenses, it has funded 1,300 projects worth $14 million. A wildlife advocate calls it "one of the smartest investments hunters and anglers have ever made.”
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Savannah Standing Bear’s family and friends have heard plenty of rumors, but not many answers. It’s been eight months since she disappeared from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
Searching for Savannah: Eight months and no answers since woman’s disappearance • South Dakota Searchlight
The family of Savannah Standing Bear has waited eight months for answers about her after she went missing on the Rosebud Reservation.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Savannah Standing Bear’s family and friends have heard plenty of rumors, but not many answers. It’s been eight months since she disappeared from the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota.
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
The latest from an #MMIP series in collaboration with @ict-news.bsky.social ⬇️
buff.ly/uyIDKr8
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased anxiety about how much #farmers depend on a single foreign buyer. buff.ly/sd3jomx
China soybean pledge lifts prices, but South Dakota farmers still nervous • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased their anxiety.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:16 PM
South Dakota soybean industry leaders said a new trade pledge with China is lifting prices but hasn’t erased anxiety about how much #farmers depend on a single foreign buyer. buff.ly/sd3jomx
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Money is flowing to tribal public radio stations after U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, brokered a deal to replace Corporation for #PublicBroadcasting funding that Congress rescinded. But the stations are concerned about their prospects for future appropriations.
Tribal radio funding flows, but future remains uncertain after clawback of public media money • South Dakota Searchlight
Funding has come to tribal radio stations under the terms of a deal made by South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, but uncertainty remains.
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November 23, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Money is flowing to tribal public radio stations after U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-SD, brokered a deal to replace Corporation for #PublicBroadcasting funding that Congress rescinded. But the stations are concerned about their prospects for future appropriations.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Amid water pollution debate, report shows results of $3 million river buffer program • South Dakota Searchlight
According to the report, 67 projects created 83 linear miles of buffers, protecting 1,219 acres. The project contracts last for 10 years.
buff.ly
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
As a public debate begins about agriculture and water pollution in South Dakota, a new report shows the effects of a $3 million effort to mitigate the problem in the Big Sioux River watershed.
See the numbers:
See the numbers:
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Governor says lawmaker will be ‘set straight’ on suggestion to regulate agricultural water polluters • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:58 PM
South Dakota Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden pushed back on a lawmaker’s suggestion that the agricultural industry should be more tightly regulated to improve water quality.
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
“Rest assured,” Rhoden said, “he’s going to be set straight on a few of his issues in a very kind, civil way." buff.ly/LFstFGu
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
With so much polluted water, SD lawmaker says state can no longer ‘dance around’ ag regulations • South Dakota Searchlight
A top lawmaker said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider regulations on agriculture for water pollution.
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November 20, 2025 at 12:20 AM
One of South Dakota’s top lawmakers said it may be time to move beyond financial incentives and consider new regulations on #agriculture to address the state’s polluted rivers and lakes: “I think it takes more than the carrot to address this."
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
South Dakota Department of Education fails to reach goals in legislative performance review • South Dakota Searchlight
The South Dakota Department of Education deserves an F, according to one of the lawmakers tasked with performance management reviews.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
State Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, called the #Education Department's review the “worst performing report that we have” and said Department Secretary Joe Graves faces an “uphill battle.” southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/13/s...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m
Noem’s uses of credits cards and an economic fund cause lawmakers to propose restrictions • South Dakota Searchlight
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support Thursday for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said Republican former Gov. Kristi Noem abused.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:23 AM
A committee of South Dakota lawmakers expressed support for legislative efforts to rein in powers that some committee members said former Gov. #KristiNoem abused. The efforts address the use of state credit cards and an economic development fund under the governor's control. buff.ly/6yZgD9m
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is looking for parole board applicants. He needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, the former Lincoln County sheriff, state lawmaker and 15-year parole board member who announced his retirement from the board last week. buff.ly/Xy8Shce
South Dakota governor seeks applicants for parole board • South Dakota Searchlight
Rhoden needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, who announced his retirement from the board last week.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:44 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden is looking for parole board applicants. He needs to appoint a replacement for Ken Albers, the former Lincoln County sheriff, state lawmaker and 15-year parole board member who announced his retirement from the board last week. buff.ly/Xy8Shce
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota sellers of #hemp based products ranging from seltzers to lotions fear that a provision in federal legislation will result in the products "getting ripped away."
Hemp products will be ‘ripped away’ by federal legislation, SD businesses fear • South Dakota Searchlight
A federal bill caps hemp-based THC, threatening South Dakota seltzers, vapes and CBD products, and leaving retailers high and dry.
buff.ly
November 12, 2025 at 11:00 PM
South Dakota sellers of #hemp based products ranging from seltzers to lotions fear that a provision in federal legislation will result in the products "getting ripped away."
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota dedicated six bridges to fallen #WorldWarII veterans on #VeteransDay. “When folks drive by, that’s somebody’s loved one, and it’s a good way to keep their memory alive," said an honoree's nephew. buff.ly/ETmWzrR
On Veterans Day, South Dakota names six bridges for World War II veterans • South Dakota Searchlight
On Veterans Day, the state of South Dakota named six bridges after World War II veterans who died in combat.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:11 AM
South Dakota dedicated six bridges to fallen #WorldWarII veterans on #VeteransDay. “When folks drive by, that’s somebody’s loved one, and it’s a good way to keep their memory alive," said an honoree's nephew. buff.ly/ETmWzrR
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
An example of how @statesnewsroom.com serves readers -- we in DC do a story on the War Powers Resolution vote in the US Senate & @southdakotasearchlight.com fills in details for South Dakota on how SD senators--including the majority leader -- voted southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/06/r...
US Senate fails to pass war powers resolution blocking Trump attacks on Venezuela • South Dakota Searchlight
A vote to stop President Donald Trump’s deadly strikes on alleged drug-running boats off the coast of Venezuela failed in the U.S. Senate.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 7, 2025 at 12:44 PM
An example of how @statesnewsroom.com serves readers -- we in DC do a story on the War Powers Resolution vote in the US Senate & @southdakotasearchlight.com fills in details for South Dakota on how SD senators--including the majority leader -- voted southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/11/06/r...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
While the federal government shutdown threatens #SNAP food assistance benefits, three South Dakota counties have some of the highest percentages of federal food assistance participation in the country.
Three of the nation’s most SNAP-dependent counties are in South Dakota • South Dakota Searchlight
Three South Dakota counties have some of the highest percentages of federal food assistance participation in the country.
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November 7, 2025 at 1:00 AM
While the federal government shutdown threatens #SNAP food assistance benefits, three South Dakota counties have some of the highest percentages of federal food assistance participation in the country.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Seventh Circuit Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky to serve as a supreme court justice for the First Supreme District, the governor’s office announced.
Governor appoints judge to state Supreme Court • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Seventh Circuit Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky to serve as a supreme court justice.
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November 4, 2025 at 10:01 PM
South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Seventh Circuit Presiding Judge Robert Gusinsky to serve as a supreme court justice for the First Supreme District, the governor’s office announced.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A South Dakota man is traveling to Washington, D.C., with plans to advocate for the vocational programming that helped him recover from the loss of his sight 12 years ago.
He says the programming is under threat from proposed federal staffing cuts.
He says the programming is under threat from proposed federal staffing cuts.
Owner of 'Blind Guy Boards' travels to D.C. on a mission to save services for his community • South Dakota Searchlight
A blind woodworker from Brookings, South Dakota, will be among dozens in Washington, D.C., to advocate for vocational programs.
buff.ly
November 4, 2025 at 11:00 PM
A South Dakota man is traveling to Washington, D.C., with plans to advocate for the vocational programming that helped him recover from the loss of his sight 12 years ago.
He says the programming is under threat from proposed federal staffing cuts.
He says the programming is under threat from proposed federal staffing cuts.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in the #SNAP food assistance program during the federal government shutdown, and said he was unaware of a funding request that a hunger relief organization submitted to the Legislature. buff.ly/mxa0sF4
South Dakota won’t tap reserve funds to fill federal food assistance gap, governor says • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in a food assistance program.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:29 AM
South Dakota’s governor said he does not support using state money to fill a funding gap in the #SNAP food assistance program during the federal government shutdown, and said he was unaware of a funding request that a hunger relief organization submitted to the Legislature. buff.ly/mxa0sF4
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the indictment of a former driver’s license examiner should inspire legislators to make it a state crime to possess pornographic images of real adults created by artificial intelligence. buff.ly/vj5PpWv
Attorney general charges former state employee with computer misuse, child porn, rape solicitation • South Dakota Searchlight
A former driver's license examiner from Aberdeen was charged for allegedly sharing information obtained through state databases this week.
southdakotasearchlight.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:20 PM
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the indictment of a former driver’s license examiner should inspire legislators to make it a state crime to possess pornographic images of real adults created by artificial intelligence. buff.ly/vj5PpWv
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
The 19 proposals advanced by a legislative task force aiming to reduce #PropertyTaxes for South Dakota homeowners are a mix of ideas including spending cuts, increases in other taxes and tapping into other funds.
A closer look:
A closer look:
Lower spending, higher sales tax, revenue shifts: A closer look at 19 ways to reduce property taxes • South Dakota Searchlight
The 19 proposals advanced by a legislative task force aiming to reduce property taxes for South Dakota homeowners are a mix of ideas.
buff.ly
October 26, 2025 at 8:01 PM
The 19 proposals advanced by a legislative task force aiming to reduce #PropertyTaxes for South Dakota homeowners are a mix of ideas including spending cuts, increases in other taxes and tapping into other funds.
A closer look:
A closer look:
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
South Dakota wasted $20.4 million on a rural Lincoln County site before it pivoted to a location in Sioux Falls for a prison construction project. The wasted money covered an array of costs, ranging from herbicide application to site-specific designs.
See where the money went: buff.ly/ue2ClZo
See where the money went: buff.ly/ue2ClZo
Architects, consultants, sewer pipe, travel: Where millions in wasted prison money went • South Dakota Searchlight
South Dakota settled more than two years of debate with a decision to build a prison, but there’s more than rhetoric in the rearview.
southdakotasearchlight.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:55 PM
South Dakota wasted $20.4 million on a rural Lincoln County site before it pivoted to a location in Sioux Falls for a prison construction project. The wasted money covered an array of costs, ranging from herbicide application to site-specific designs.
See where the money went: buff.ly/ue2ClZo
See where the money went: buff.ly/ue2ClZo
Two days after a U.S. senator from South Dakota said he was encouraged by the desire of President Donald Trump to “do right” by American ranchers, Trump outraged many of them by rolling out a policy to import more beef from Argentina. southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/23/a...
American ranchers hit with ‘gut punch’ as Trump follows through on Argentina beef import pledge • South Dakota Searchlight
Trump angered ranchers by following through on a plan to quadruple low-tariff beef imports from Argentina, meant to lower consumer prices.
southdakotasearchlight.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Two days after a U.S. senator from South Dakota said he was encouraged by the desire of President Donald Trump to “do right” by American ranchers, Trump outraged many of them by rolling out a policy to import more beef from Argentina. southdakotasearchlight.com/2025/10/23/a...
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
A South Dakota couple want an Iowa carbon pipeline company to pay them for surveying their land against their will. Jared and Tara Bossly, of rural Aberdeen, filed a trespassing lawsuit in Brown County against #SummitCarbonSolutions.
Aberdeen-area couple sues carbon pipeline company for trespassing • South Dakota Searchlight
A South Dakota couple wants an Iowa carbon pipeline company to pay them for surveying their land against their will.
buff.ly
October 23, 2025 at 11:00 PM
A South Dakota couple want an Iowa carbon pipeline company to pay them for surveying their land against their will. Jared and Tara Bossly, of rural Aberdeen, filed a trespassing lawsuit in Brown County against #SummitCarbonSolutions.
Reposted by Joshua Haiar
Sioux Falls service club introduces civil discourse theme in public Q&As: “We want to create a space where these conversations don’t break down into finger-pointing and shouting."
Sioux Falls service club introduces civil discourse theme in public Q&As • South Dakota Searchlight
A club of South Dakota leaders hopes its events will counteract what members call a breakdown in communication and trust among Americans.
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October 13, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Sioux Falls service club introduces civil discourse theme in public Q&As: “We want to create a space where these conversations don’t break down into finger-pointing and shouting."