Dakota Town Hall

Back again! This week on the show we head to District 8 with John Nelson jumping into a packed House race, Casey Crabtree laying out why affordability is becoming the defining issue in South Dakota politics, and the ungovernable Pat Powers jumping in to stir up the ballot chaos, convention chatter, and governor's race crossfire. We get into the farm economy squeeze, property tax reality, economic development fights, TIF confusion, and why the debate over who can actually put more money back in voters' pockets is quickly becoming the whole race.Plus we hit the early voting mess, turnout math, the GOP convention money crunch, and of course the only Dakota Town Hall side quest wild enough to steal the third break: Murdoc's full-blown campaign to bring Pablo Escobar's Colombian hippos to Reptile Gardens. Add in gizzard diplomacy, Pizza Ranch politics, and Pat's signature war-college-level chaos, and this one feels like campaign season in South Dakota finally hitting full speed.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! This week on the show we're loaded up with campaign energy as Jason Fleming jumps in on the District 35 race, Amber Hulse lays out her reelection case in District 30, and Wyatt DeJong joins the District 21 scrum. We get into the B-21 buildup, Ellsworth's long-term economic ripple effect, the fight over whether West River is finally getting the infrastructure and defense investment it needs, and why Rapid City's next phase of growth is becoming one of the biggest political stories in the state. Plus Amber breaks down the session's late-stage chaos, anti-SLAPP protections, property tax relief, and how the governor's race turned Pierre into a faction-on-faction psychological experiment.Plus we hit the opioid settlement tug-of-war between big-city impact and rural access, the prison rehab fight now bleeding into the governor's primary, and the latest candidate shuffle as races lock in across the map. And of course, we close the only way Dakota Town Hall can with burger rankings, campaign trail banter, and enough primary-season side chatter to remind you South Dakota politics is fully in motion.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week we're joined by Ryan Budmayr, returning show historian Tony Venhuizen, and District 13 Senate candidate Dan Kippley for a fast-moving episode on how the session ended, what actually got done in Pierre, and how the governor's debate is already reshaping the 2026 race. We get into historic property tax relief, TIF and Future Fund fights, the battle over economic development, and why the divide between growth-first Republicans and the populist wing is only getting sharper. Plus Dan jumps in to talk about his District 13 Senate run, why he's leaning on his economic development background, what “common sense politics” looks like in Sioux Falls, and how he plans to grind through one of the toughest primaries in the state. We also hit petitions, yard sign wars, debate fallout, and the campaign-season chaos that's officially underway. @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week we're joined by South Dakota Searchlight reporter John Hult and South Dakota Chamber CEO Ryan Budmayr for a wide-ranging episode on what did—and didn't—happen in Pierre this session. Plug in as we talk about prison reform that stalled out, what lawmakers avoided tackling, the reality of rehabilitation efforts, and how campaign politics may be shaping those decisions. We also get into economic development, TIF changes, data center incentives that didn't make it, property tax shakeups, shifting the tax burden, and what it all means for businesses and communities across the state.Plus we dive into Sioux Falls' massive upcoming transformation with the Smithfield move, what doubling downtown could look like, the politics behind big development projects, and how local leadership is navigating it all. And of course, we wrap with campaign season chatter, candidate announcements, legislative leftovers, and the always important debate… best burgers in South Dakota.@DakotaTownHall @Jakeshoenbeck @MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week we are joined by Campaign Manager Ian Fury, Pat Powers of South Dakota War College and Sioux Falls City Council candidate James Oppenheimer for a packed episode on city politics and campaign season chaos. Plug in as we talk about James' run for Sioux Falls City Council, the future of downtown, the massive Smithfield redevelopment, TIF debates, data centers, public safety, affordable housing, family-focused growth, the Sioux Falls mayor's race, and what the city could look like in the next 5 to 10 years. Plus Pat jumps in for a full South Dakota politics rundown with court week drama, Shad Olson, candidate DUI trouble, a flood of new legislative filings, major Senate primaries, PUC buzz, governor's race ripple effects, campaign season madness, and of course… the best burgers in South Dakota.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is Carmen Toft Director of South Dakota Families for Vaccines, Nathan Sanderson of the South Dakota Retailers Association, D15 Rep. Kadyn Whitman from Sioux Falls, and D29 House candidate Gary Deering, who's jumping into the District 29 House race. Plug in as we talk about measles cases and vaccine policy, the wild final days of the legislative session, property tax relief, grocery tax debates, school lunch funding, the state budget, cell-cultured meat, ag policy, campaign season, brand-new candidates, polling drama, data centers, and of course… the best burgers in South Dakota. Plus Jake drops some surprise polling numbers you haven't seen yet and we speculate on the 2026 governor's race and MORE! @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is D14's Rep Taylor Rehfeldt, Rep Amber Arlint from D12, SDEA Director of public affairs Sandra Waltman, Stephanie Hageman the President of the SDEA as well as the ungovernable Pat Powers with Dakota War College. Plug in as we talk about SNAP bills, WIC, Education, lobbyist compliments, SDEA, parental rights bill, data centers, child marriage, cooking, best burgers, school funding, John Carley, missing lawmakers, crossover day, eye appointments, freedom caucus, new candidate roundup and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week we're live from Pierre with a cast of characters including Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen, Tim Rave, Casey Crabtree, Mac Decker, Bill Even, Cousin Colbeck and more as they wander in from session. Plug in as we talk about the legislative crossover crunch, healthcare bills, charter schools, parental rights, tight Senate votes, the Lt. Gov.'s new voting power, data centers and the grid, property taxes, mobile sports betting, and the massive Smithfield expansion reshaping Sioux Falls.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Special bonus interview, Homeslice Group CEO Dean Kinney sits down with congressman Dusty Johnson at the Black Hills Stock Show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is Dem Gubernatorial Candidate Dan Ahlers as well as Yvonne Taylor the Former Executive Director of the Municipal League. Plug in as we talk about school lunches, datacenters, democrats, corrupt states, property taxes, school levy, school bonds, tax structures, happy birthday Dakota War College, lab grown meats, setbacks, new candidate update, bad bills, and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJDanAhlers.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is Reporter for SD Searchlight Mackenzie Huber, Ryan Budmayr the CEO of the South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry as well as D10 House Candidate Adam Bair. Plug in as we talk about and last weeks episode, Datacenters, current bills, pipeline comparisons, Budmayr on bills, property and sales tax, gubernatorial race, best burgers, meet Adam Bair, forklift certifications, ivermectin, SD legislators, birthdays and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back! this week, with Murdoc in the West out of town, this week is hosted by Jake in the East! On this week is Deputy Mayor of Watertown Kyle Peters, D5 Senator Glen Vilhauer as well as Rep Mat Roby. Plug in as we talk about appropriations, farm bill, THC derivative legislative changes, bathroom bill, LRC, economic development, datacenters, power infrastructure, Bill Gates, growing revenue, TIF thoughts, Rep Roby's bills, tie breaking votes, and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is Kadyn Wittman Democratic member of the South Dakota House of Representatives from D15, Doug Kelly CEO of American edge project. Plug in as we talk about election results, Ohio weather, school lunch bill, tech, datacenters, AI, AI bubbles, water, Mongolia, turnouts, why the TIF vote failed, liberty limo, secret datacenter, political signs, seat assignments, new candidates and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is Lt Governor and show historian Tony Venhuizen, State director for Americans For Prosperity's Jennifer Beving as well as Krista Heeren-Graber the Executive Director of SD Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault. Plug in as we talk about Kista and her work, victim of crimes dollars, revenue sources, senator shoutouts, Giverners office bills, fried gizzards, Americans For Prosperity, Beving on AFP bills, America 250, Thomas Jefferson, powdered wigs, DTH new overhaul, how to prep for session, website updates, Lewis and Clark, goofy bills and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 17th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Bill Clinton. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocjhttps://sodakgovs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is D34 Senate Candidate Jason Green as well as South Dakota War College's The Ungovernable Pat Powers. Plug in as we talk about Jason Green's campaign, Senator Taffy, TIF's, datacenters, Kyle Peters leg day, Kristi Noem, 2025 top stories, Prisons, economic development, growth discussions, division of the party, new candidates, best burgers and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 16th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers George H.W. Bush. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocjhttps://sodakgovs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is SD Searchlights Seth Tupper, Senator Michael Rohl. Plug in as we talk about Searchlight articles, capitalism, Rohl's new bills, homeowners, mining protection, soft hands, news candidates, TIF's, best burgers and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is D14 House Tyler Tordsen as well as D34 Representative Michael Derby. Plug in as we talk about rural development, datacenters, scary dentists, best burgers, TIF's, new candidate update, gubernatorial debate, economic development, future funds and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is long time friend, former Senator and horseradish expert Lee Shoenbeck as well as Rob Monson, the Executive Director of the School Administrators of South Dakota. Plug in as we talk about cutting property taxes, Janklow's plan, mill levy's, horseradish, school funding, opt-out's, bonds, TIF's, local bands, best burgers, new candidates, gopher hunting and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back again! On the show this week is D34 Senator Taffy Howard as well as Seth Tupper the Senior Editor for South Dakota Searchlight. Plug in as we talk about searchlight articles, property tax reform, senator Howard's bills, future funds, TIF debates, to TIF or not to TIF, new candidate update, abortion ads and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is D15 Democrat Rep Erick Muckey, D35 House candidate Emmett Reistroffer as well as Nathan Sanderson the Executive Director of the SD Retailers Association. Plug in as we talk about teacher salaries, budgets, tax cuts, Services cuts, ballot measures, B-21, meet Emmett, show horse bills, pie eating contest, best burgers and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy turkey week! This week Murdoc and your favorite guest host Pat powers chat with Representative Dusty Johnson about Dusty's Thanksgiving plans, Chinese vapes, Jake on vacation, Dusty's campaign, Livability in SD, voter turnouts, cattle prices, new soybean markets, SD democrats, campaign announcements, datacenters and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The lost tapes have been recreated!! Welcome back to Running Mates! The 15th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Nixon and Ford. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocjhttps://sodakgovs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Governor Larry Rhoden, family farmer from Scotland Frank Kloucek as well as Independent Candidate for US Senate Brian Bengs. Plug in as we talk about gubernatorial announcements, family farms, beef, Dusty, Brazilian beef, gizzards, state foods, meet Brian Bengs, Hot Springs, Independents and MORE!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is AG Candidate Austin Hoffman as well as VP Board or Regents Jeff Partridge. Plug in as we talk about election races, corruption, law school, Sioux Falls, Schools, new candidate update Aberdeen, special guest next week and more!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Joe Sneve Editor of the Dakota Scout, Shane Merrill Chair of the SD Democrat Party as well as D10 House candidate Claire Ketcham. Plug in as we talk about marijuana charades, meet Claire, Candidates, growth vs. anti-growth, best burgers, corn sales, NYC mayor, Minehaha Comission meeting and more!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Kevin Killough from SD News Watch, Lancaster Management Group's Jasper Diegel as well as D31 Senator Randy Deibert. Plug in as we talk about Governors hunt, poll numbers, front runners, Crabtree, property tax relief, summer studies, announcements and more!@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Nikki Gronli the former USDA Role Development State Developer, Managing Director of Colliers Toby Morris as well as Deputy Mayor of Watertown Kyle Peters. Plug in as we talk about Gronli's campaign, farmer finaces, no kings, pheasant season, TIF's and how they work, Liberty Land, datacenters and best burgers.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See you all next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Pat Powers from Dakota War college, D2 State Senator Steven Kolbeck as well as Director of Public Affairs for SD Education Association Sandra Waltman. Plug in as we talk about prison getting passed, vouchers, task force, D2, liberty land, sports betting, sales taxes, schools, washing hands, District 35 races, Mike Walsh discussion, Governor's office opening, Gizzard debate and Pat Powers anniversary. @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 14th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Carter and Reagan. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocjhttps://sodakgovs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is D10 Sate Rep Erin Healy, Dakota War College's Pat Powers as well as gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson. Plug in as we talk about shutdowns, surprising prison votes, ND attorney general, physical fitness tests, Hegseth, regular order vs mega bills, not buying stocks in office, pipelines and TIF's.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ@SoDakCampaigns@RepDustyJohnson@RepErinHealy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 12th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers an LBJ recap and Nixon. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocjhttps://sodakgovs.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Executive Director of the SD Retailers association Nathan Sanderson, SD Searchlights Seth Tupper as well as Ian Fury Director of Communications for the Governors office. Plug in as we talk about prison votes, gubernatorial race, prison task force, notes from last week, republican primary, best mustache, budgets, woke-ness and best burgers. @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ@IanTFury@SethTupper@DocSandersonSD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 12th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is SD Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen along with Sheriff and Chairman of the prison task force Mike Milstead. Plug in as we talk about new prison, prison money, wayfair, covid effects, Nebraska prison comparisons, notes from listeners, new candidate roundup, SF food review, street recognitions and a farewell to hot Goss. @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ@Tony_Venhuizen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 11th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Truman and Eisenhower. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Liberty Land Manager Joel Brennan, Billy Mawhiney Dem candidate for house as well as Sioux Falls Mayoral candidate Joe Bachelor. Plug in as we talk about the Vikings, Charlie Kirk, city council, liberty land TIF, TIF talk, meet Billy Mawhiney, meet Joe Bachelor, burger battle, prison thoughts, best burgers, Jackley rally, running mates announcement, podcast plugs and the rally tally. @DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the show this week is Nathan Sanderson the Executive Director of the SD Retailers Association, The Dem candidate for Secretary of State Terrence Davis as well as D10 Dem senator Liz Larson. Plug in as we talk about football being back, unpacking the prison project, splitting bills, Souix Falls prison location/cost, male cheerleaders, secretary of state, meet Terrence Davis, pre-registration for teens, best burgers, new candidate roundup, cell phones in schools, future funds, building in SD and supporting SD's businesses.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ@LizLars02133825@DocSandersonSD@TerrenceMDavis Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 10th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers FDR. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined this week by Director of Public Policy Grace Gil alongside Leslie Morrow the State Executive Director as well as Brad Jankord Alzheimer's Association advocate. RIP Rep. Richard Vasgaard, Alzheimer association, preventing Alzheimer's, sorry Taffy, datacenters, Dakota Scout articles, gizzard soap box, how to get more involved with Alzheimer's association, new candidate roundup.@DakotaTownHall@Jakeshoenbeck@MurdocJ@BradJankord@mamaroomorrow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 8th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Harding, Coolidge and Hoover. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined this week by D34's Taffy Howard, Brendan Thomas from Internet for Growth, and Erik Muckey from D15. Can we eliminate property taxes? Budget evaluations, sales taxes, Liberty Land, datacenters, gizzard spots, SDPB, digital ad taxes, personal data, and credit card problems.@DakotaTownHall@taffy_howard@Jakeshoenbeck@erik_muckey@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 8th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Taft and Wilson . Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined this week by Pat Powers from Dakota War College, Senator Randy Deibert from D31, alongside D1 Senator Mike Rohl. This week is all about property taxes, paycheck fees, education tax, term limits, social media personal data, Gubernatorial campaigns, new candidate roundup, PUC candidates, Jackley name drops, child marriage social posts, and America 250 bits.@DakotaTownHall@JakeShoenbeck@SenRohl@SoDakCampaigns@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 7th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Harrison, McKinley and Roosevelt. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined this week by Dr. Stephen Tamang with the Rapid City Council, EDPA CEO Mike Bockorny along with Mohamed and Moriah President and Director of Communications of the SD College Dems. This week is all about data centers, reducing property taxes, blockchains, tiff talk, chicken sandwiches, medical marijuana, Facebook comments, social media, affordable housing, tiger meat and favorite burgers.@DakotaTownHall@JakeShoenbeck@stephen902@Moriahscorz@itsjustmohamed_Doc Talk Vital Conversations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 6th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleveland and Harrison. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joined this week by former Rep Duba, along with Kristin Johnson of the Midwest Foodbank, and the CEO of SDVFP, Taneeza Islam. Big list this week: the history of the Midwest Food Bank, budget cuts, Medicaid, immigration, and ethical deportation. Stick around for a Doeden data dump, alternative naming for Operation Prairie Thunder, and #davidlustbangs@sdduba@JakeShoenbeck@DakotaTownHall@TaneezaIslam@MurdocJ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Running Mates! The 5th episode of our presidential election series. This episode covers the tail end of Buchanan's term then on to Lincoln, Johnson and Grant. Listen to SD Lt. Governor and historian Tony Venhuizen, along with Murdoc, as they delve into the history of the elections.@Tony_Venhuizen@DakotaTownHall@Murdocj Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.