SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Governor Kristi Noem shared another top 10 list during Tuesday’s State of the State address, which highlighted some of the responses during the June flooding in southeastern South Dakota.
Noem listed 10 reasons while the state will continue to be an example to the nation, one reason included safety.
She cited how infrastructure like levees and dams have been improved during her roughly seven years as governor. And although the state is prepared, “planning can only go so far in preparing for a 1,000-year flood,” Noem said.
“I want to thank all of the emergency responders, volunteers, local governments and state employees whose quick and professional actions prevented further damage,” she said.
Noem listed agencies that responded at her direction including the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Game Fish and Parks, the Department of Transportation, Department of Social Services, the Department of Health, the Bureau of Information of Telecommunications and the state geologist.
The Governor also cited several individuals she said “went above and beyond the call of duty” during the flooding.
Noem gave the Governor’s Award of Heroism to Tim Cowman, the state geologist, Game Fish and Parks employees Sam Schelhass, Jeremy Roe, Christopher Schiera, and Taylor Etherington and members of the Sioux Falls Swift Water Rescue Team: Mike Murphy, Mike Olson, Adam Frick, Chris Lohan, Jack Claussen and Rob Flannery.
She described several acts for which she thanked those individuals. The GFP employees launched a board in a highway ditch and rescued an individual trapped on a highway overpass in Union County, Noem said.
Swift rescue team members worked through the night to make sure those in need were rescued, Noem said. Cowman provided the state with accurate water flow projections and it saved lives, she added.
The top 10 list also included values under which Noem said the state should expect fireworks at Mount Rushmore.
“We will once again move forward with planning to return fireworks to Mount Rushmore for America’s birthday,” Noem said. That’s for 2025. Noem promised an even bigger party for 2026.
“Get ready America – our nation’s 250th birthday is coming up in 2026. And South Dakota is going to throw the biggest birthday party ever at Mount Rushmore,” Noem said.
