Columns

Dear Editor, In the District 21 senate race, both Erin Tobin and Mykala Voita have stated they would like to be our voice in Pierre. Ample discussion has occurred over the last several weeks over the merits/demerits of these two ladies, but the facts available show that Mrs.

My husband and I have been following what has recently been written about our neighbor and family friend, Erin Tobin. After reading those pieces, we felt compelled to share our experience— because what we’ve seen simply does not match what has been said.

Dear Editor, I have known Mykala Voita since she was in high school. I remember meeting her on a trail ride, and was intrigued by the young horse she was riding.

As person who was born and raised in Gregory County, I see and feel how important our local clinics and hospitals are to the health of our communities. That’s why I love Jim’s approach. In the last two years while serving in our House of Representatives, he has been taking the time to build relationships with leaders in the medical centers across our communities along with the leaders in health services at the state level. He’s advocating for leveraging all available resources to stabilize our vital local health programs while not adding to the tax burden. Most importantly, he’s carefully weighing every bill that comes through Health and Human Services, reading it carefully, and looking at the important details rather than focusing on a headline or a title. The details matter, and he’s taking the time.

Dear Editor, As we quickly approach the primary election June 2nd, I see a lot of negativities circulating around certain candidates, one of them being Senator, Mykayla Voita. However, as I have gotten to know her and learn more about the amazing work she has already accomplished in her first term as Senator for District 21, I realize she is destined to accomplish great things.

Dear Editor, Some of you may know me, Kevin Jensen, Senator from District 16. What you may not know is I have been a firearms instructor for most of my life.

hoden We just wrapped up the 2025 legislative session – our 100th in South Dakota’s history. It’s been quite a ride. Not only did we celebrate this history of our state in this Capitol, but we also navigated a historic succession of power. I stepped into the role of governor mid-session, and that’s never happened in South Dakota history. I’m proud to say we didn’t just keep the ship afloat – we made real progress to keep South Dakota strong, safe, and free.

Have you ever known someone that you admired because of who they were? There is something special and refreshing to witness the light and love of Christ shining brightly in one of His children. I know a sweet lady like this. I will not mention her name because she does not like the attention of anyone telling her how wonderful she is, even though it’s true. She just enjoys working and serving quietly in the background no matter where she is or what she’s involved with. For example, if someone mentions that something needs cleaning she immediately goes to work. If something needs to be done, she is always the first one to show up and the last one to leave. More than this, she is genuinely kind, tenderhearted, gracious, generous, and filled with God’s love.

I am working with the local museum in Pangman on a project to mark the sites of the one-room schools. A book has been written about the 170 one-room school sites in Gregory County. On Labor Day, we visited the museum in Winner which has a one-room school on its site. This museum, like most, is always making additions, and I think everyone should take the time to make regular visits. I believe that it’s important for my generation, who has the memories, to make contributions preserving local history for the generations to come. Last December, we visited the Western Heritage Museum in Spearfish. We were very impressed, and I think that all students, especially West River, should have a chance to visit and learn more about the history of western South Dakota. It is up to the present to teach the future about the past.

When I first ran for governor, South Dakota needed new opportunities. For years, our economic growth had not kept up with the nation. Young South Dakotans were too often leaving our state to pursue college or a career. Cities like Sioux Falls were growing, but our rural communities were slowly falling behind.