Change Agents of SD, Sioux Falls, SD (2026)

06/05/2026

Here is my impression:

Toby Doeden, the Republican who got the most votes in the Primary election for Governor on June 2nd, is a mini-Trump.

Toby brags. Toby boasts. Toby sticks his nose in local politics. Toby is not a humble man.

To be fair, I have never met Toby Doeden. Never been in the same room.

My impressions come from his ads, his social media posts, and quotes attributed to him thru regular media posts.

When I posted earlier this week about holding my nose as I voted in the Republican Primary for Governor, the devil in me almost voted for him. Not because I wanted him to be Governor, but because I wanted him to lose and give a Democrat a chance to live in the Governor’s mansion.

Ultimately, I decided I couldn’t let the devil in me prevail. I voted for the least offensive to me. Ironically, he and Toby are in the July 28th runoff.

Toby got the most votes in the Republican Primary. A lot more than the second-place finisher.

That tells me that like Trump, Toby’s ego driven, false bravado has appeal here. That should concern us, and scare the few rational Republicans left in the state.

Toby will not be able to eliminate local property taxes without creating replacement revenue for police and fire protection, pothole filling, snow removal, teaching kids how to read, funding jails, to name a few local services. Will that replacement be higher sales taxes, or a personal and/or a corporate income tax? He has not offered a solution.

I am in favor of new people running for office. I was a newbie once. However, thnew people need to not just make lofty promises, they need to propose specific solutions. Toby has not done that.

One more thing on Toby. He has inserted himself into local politics. Endorsing a candidate for Sioux Falls mayor and hammering a fellow Republican for having the audacity to endorse a non-Republican for the same job.

Over all, Toby’s actions and words, to me, are the height of arrogance with plenty of ignorance thrown in.

He got the most votes in the Republican Primary.

Think about that.

The Independent Rick Knobe

06/04/2026

The pictures have nothing to do with the post. I like them. They help calm me in our chaotic world.

We are NOT done voting yet!

Both in Sioux Falls and statewide.

Sioux Falls first. Runoff election June 23rd. For Mayor, Jamie Smith or Christine Erickson. For City Council, At Large A, Vince Danh or James Oppenheimer. For Southeast District, Mike Crane or Sara Pankonin, for Central District, Zak Okuwe and Zach DeBour.

The runoff for which Republican candidate for Governor goes to the fall general election takes place July 28th. Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden.

Both elections are important. Hope you will participate.

The Independent Rick Knobe

06/02/2026

I held my nose when I voted today.

Not for every office. There are many solid folks running for School Board, City Council and Mayor. Local, non-partisan elections.

I am one of many who switched to Republican for this election. My purpose to vote for the least objectionable.

As I moved up the political food chain on the ballot, County Commission to Governor, the choices got harder.

Too many idealogues. One issue people. Or people proudly claiming loyalty to the President.

The man who has raised my grocery and gas prices. The man who has hurt my friends in agriculture with tariffs and high fertilizer prices.

The man who has invaded one country, started a war with another, and shot boats out of the water, killing numerous people, without probable cause.

The man condoning lawlessness and greed.

The four Republican candidates for Governor fit into the above category. That’s when I held my nose. Which one of them could cause the least damage to education, healthcare, local government and my choices and freedoms?

I have strong opinions on the partisan parties(gangs). Strong opinions on mandates and controls.

Our current state elected leaders brag about us being the “Freest State in the Country.” We aren’t. Especially women and some children.

It will be interesting to see how many Democrats and Independents voted, even though they didn’t have primaries. They did have the right to vote for local elected officials.

Also interesting, how long will it take to get results? The mandated non-partisan and partisan elections made for the long and in some minds confusing ballot.

Will there be accusations of fraud? Especially in the Governor race?

Will voters trust the results?

Lots of questions which will be answered after the votes are counted and we have time to figure out what happened and why.

We live in interesting times.

The Independent(but temporary Republican) Rick Knobe

06/01/2026

Here is another Democrat writing about the South Dakota Senate race. His name is craig Brown. He lives here.

“I am one of many South Dakotans who do not want to see Senator Mike Rounds elected to a third term. I would really hate to see him re-elected without a serious challenge. As things stand currently, he could spend a few million dollars, cruise to victory, and watch an Independent and a Democrat split the opposition vote.

Would anyone seriously advise a candidate to run for U.S. Senate with just $3,000 in the bank and little prospect of raising millions more before Election Day? Of course not. Yet that is effectively what supporters of Julian Beaudion are asking him to do. After a year of campaigning, Julian has worked hard but has not generated the support, energy, or funds necessary to compete. Public FEC reports show his campaign entering the final five months with approximately $3,000 on hand and carrying debt. During the same period, Independent Brian Bengs for South Dakota has raised nearly $700,000, compared with Julian's roughly $208,000, and Bengs’ fundraising momentum continues to grow.

For that reason, I have suggested to Julian that he step aside and endorse Brian Bengs. If the situation were reversed, I would make the same argument to Bengs. As a lifelong Democrat, I would have loved to see Julian's campaign gain traction. It simply hasn't happened.

A united effort behind one challenger would give South Dakotan voters a far better chance of defeating Rounds. Many potential donors appear reluctant to invest while the opposition vote remains divided. Julian's withdrawal could unlock resources and support that are currently sitting on the sidelines. It would also position Julian as an important leader within the South Dakota Democratic Party heading into 2028. An Independent victory would weaken the Republican hold on statewide office and could create opportunities for future Democratic success.

Polling suggests Rounds' favorability is vulnerable, but any successful challenger will need support from disaffected Republicans. Many of those voters are unlikely to back a Democrat, making Bengs the stronger vehicle for building a broad coalition.
I've spoken recently with dozens of Democrats, including party leaders, and none express confidence that Julian can finish this race strongly. Hope for a last-minute turnaround is not a strategy. Julian has until early August to remove his name from the ballot and time is short. Donors generally invest in campaigns they believe can win. The lack of financial support reflects widespread doubts about Julian's path to victory.

Those who object to calls for Julian to step aside should ask themselves a simple question: if they believe he can win, why aren't they investing the money needed to prove it?

South Dakota has a chance to shock the nation this November and that opportunity depends on consolidating support behind a single challenger. If Julian remains in the race, he risks becoming little more than a spoiler, rather than a catalyst for change. And those who helped hang that title on him while hanging onto their money, will have very little to cheer about.”

05/27/2026

This article is from the South Dakota Standard. It is relevant. Please feel free to comment.

This is an Op-Ed written by Julia Natvig an east river resident.

“Allow Brian Bengs to go Head-to-Head against Mike Rounds

Rumblings indicate that the usual “just-vote-Republican” South Dakotans may be ready for a change in their U.S. senator.

A May 2026 poll by Emerson College shows Mike Rounds has only a 31.8% approval rating. Former university professor and military veteran Brian Bengs is running for the job as an independent. A Bengs-Rounds race could be very competitive — if only the Democratic candidate would step aside.

Exactly this situation is happening in our southern neighbor, Nebraska. The Independent candidate is seen as having the better chance, so the Democrat is pledging to step aside. That needs to happen here as well. South Dakota Democrat Julian Beaudion is a fine person, but his campaign contributions have been meager and his website shows a dearth of policy proposals — in fact, none at all. Even Rounds’ campaign website is lean on issue specifics.

Bengs, on the other hand, is a U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force veteran, former JAG officer, former university law professor, and former park ranger, running on a platform of accountability, transparency, ethics, and leadership that puts South Dakotans first.

His website outlines specific policy positions for government accountability, overhauling the health care system, immigration and border security, protecting Social Security and Medicare, unrigging the tax code, holding the Supreme Court accountable, establishing Congressional term limits, protecting and serving veterans, balancing the budget, paying down the debt, targeting and eliminating corruption, and other issues.

Rounds has proven himself to be nothing more than another Trump sycophant. He voted to pass the Rescissions Act of 2025 (H.R. 4) which adversely impacted South Dakota agriculture by cutting funding for foreign food aid which reduced key overseas market exports and by cutting funding for local food purchase assistance and food for school programs, which particularly hurt small farmers.

Rounds’ 2025 votes for federal rescissions and budget reconciliation eliminated nearly $1 billion in planned renewable and clean fuel investments in South Dakota, resulting in a sharp decline in private-sector investment in clean energy, halting planned manufacturing and deployment projects across the state, killing 1300 clean energy jobs, and raising energy costs for all SD households.

Rounds feebly attempted to put a positive spin on Trump’s policies as $86 million of South Dakota agriculture grants were cut and Trump’s tariffs destroyed SD soy and corn export markets. Rounds remained silent as nearly 30,000 Veterans Administration jobs were decimated under DOGE.

Rounds took no action when four members of the Oglala Lakota Sioux were rounded up and detained in ICE raids in Minnesota. Along with other Republican senators, Rounds’ recent votes against a War Powers Resolution have hamstrung the Senate’s ability to demand accountability and rein in Trump’s unpopular war with Iran which is driving up the costs of fuel, fertilizer, food and overall inflation.

Rounds has abdicated his responsibility to represent South Dakotans and instead made himself a tool in Trump’s inept, erratic toolbox. Although the MAGA faithful will remain true to him, farmers, ag-dependent businesses, inflation-burdened families, and informed South Dakotans are likely to weigh other options.

South Dakotans who expect more than what is being delivered by Senate incumbents Thune and Rounds should seriously check out Brian Bengs, who would be beholden to no party — only to his constituents. Candidate Julian Beaudion should follow the Nebraska example, bow out, and throw his support to Bengs to enable a competitive Senate race.

And Bengs vs. Rounds would be the most competitive South Dakota Senate race in a long, long while — one worth gassing up at $4.50 a gallon to drive to your polling place come Nov. 3.

Julia Natvig is a retired occupational health nurse for six Fortune 500 companies, a Sioux Falls resident since 2019, a pro-democracy and social justice advocate and co-leader of Common Grounds Indivisible SD. This commentary reflects her opinion, not that of Common Grounds Indivisible SD.

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Published with permission of South Dakota Standard

05/27/2026

Am I supposed to be voting now?

If you live in Sioux Falls, regardless of your political party, YES.

Local, non-partisan elections, Mayor, City Council, and School board are part of the Juhe 2nd partisan primary. You can vote early at the County Administration Bldg.

There are five candidates for Mayor, three candidates for one at-large seat, two for another. There are council candidates in the central and southeast districts.

There are six candidates for the three seats on the Sioux Falls School Borad.

There are five proposed changes to the City Charter(Constitution).

I am a strong supporter of local government.

Decisions made by these folks impact our daily lives for good or ill.

Local government is the foundation for County, State, and Federal Government.

I hope you will get a sample ballot at the County Auditor’s office, or online. Study it.

Then Vote.

Thank you,

The Independent Rick Knobe

05/25/2026

I am delivering this to Senator Thune’s Sioux Falls office Tuesday May26.

Senator Thune,

You can relax. This letter is not a criticism.

I am writing this on Memorial Day 2026.

On this day, I have mixed emotions. Sad as I reflect on the lives lost in battle, preserving our freedom and democracy.

The other emotion is gratitude, for the millions, like your Dad, who ,answered the call, stood up to bullies, l and ultimately won.

On this day I also think of courage. Men and women doing the right thing.

Recently I saw you stand up and do the right thing.

You said, “No” to the federal take-over of elections. In the “obey me or pay the price,” of the Trump era, that takes courage.

I applaud you for your statement and courage.

I read a story about some MAGA guy threatening you with a primary in 2028 if you don’t change your mind. Blackmail or extortion.

By the time the 2028 election comes, Trump and his ilk will be more unpopular and ineffective, than they are now. He might be out office. A nice thought from my perspective.

John, I hope you spent today at a military cemetery, maybe where your dad is buried. I hope you gained inspiration to continue showing courage, standing up to bullies.

The country needs and deserves that from you.

Godspeed,

The independent Rick Knobe

05/20/2026

I attended a unique non-political event today.

Yes, those still exist. It was a gathering of former Mark Twain elementary school students. They opened the Time Capsule they created 50 years ago in 1976.

It took place on the current site of Susan B. Anthony School at 28th and Dakota.

The organizers, led by Bev Hammerich, a first year teacher in 1976, put on a great event.

I’m guessing over 200 in attendance! Many travelled a long distance to participate. Seattle, the Ozarks, Minneapolis to name a few.

Beth Fuller Jensen, was Emcee. Four generations of her family attended Mark Twain. She did a great job, engaging the crowd.

I was Mayor of Sioux Falls in 1976 and attended when the time capsule was created. The organizers thought since I was still alive I should attend. I think I was the novelty attraction.

I one of four speakers. They put me first. I had a great time. People laughed. Not at me, but with me. At least I think so.

I did make serious comments on the importance of what these folks did 50 years ago and what they were doing today.

Two speakers talked about their time as students at Mark Twain. Captivating.

Steve Hildebrand of Promising Futures spoke about the work of his group, providing opportunities for kids to experience new things. His organization is worth supporting.

A new time capsule was created today by the students of what is now Susan B. Anthony Elementary School.

A tradition has been started. A good one.

As I spoke and watched the crowd as others were speaking, it was obvious these people were having a good time. No political discussion or rancor.

Happy faces and hugs were in abundance. A bond of years ago quickly renewed.

For me it was good to get away from the political chaos and mayhem which seems to be everywhere. Associating with happy people was energizing.

I’, going to carry this memory for a long time.

There is a page. Search Mark Twain Time Capsule. I’m sure there will be lots of pictures and comments.

Godspeed,

The Independent Rick Knobe

05/16/2026

History is repeating itself.

The 1960s. I was in my teens.

The Vietnam war was in full swing. Daily Body counts. You could be drafted at 18 but couldn’t vote until you were 21.

The Civil Rights Movement was also in full swing. Lots of resistance to it, much of it violent from white folks in Southern states but elsewhere, too.

Three assassinations in the 1960s. President John F. Kennedy. His Brother, Robert Kennedy. Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King.

Several students were murdered by National Guardsmen at Kent State University in Ohio.

There were riots in many major cities.

In 1965, the song” Eve of Destruction” was released by Barry McGuire. One of the first major protest songs.

It was banned in many places because it was considered “anti-government.” It was labeled “leftist propaganda.” Because of the harsh criticism the song went to number 1 in America.

The lyrics were cryptic.

They still are. They come close to mirroring our current situation.

Here they are:

“The Eastern world, it is explodin'
Violence flarin', bullets loadin'
You're old enough to kill but not for votin'
You don't believe in war, but what's that gun you're totin'?
And even the Jordan river has bodies floatin'
But you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Don't you understand what I'm trying to say
Can't you feel the fears I'm feeling today?
If the button is pushed, there's no runnin' away
There'll be no one to save with the world in a grave
Take a look around you boy, it's bound to scare you, boy
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
Yeah, my blood's so mad, feels like coagulatin'
I'm sittin' here just contemplatin'
I can't twist the truth, it knows no regulation
Handful of senators don't pass legislation
And marches alone can't bring integration
When human respect is disintegratin'
This whole crazy world is just too frustratin'
And you tell me
Over and over and over again, my friend
How you don't believe
We're on the eve of destruction
And think of all the hate there is in Red China
Then take a look around to Selma, Alabama
Ah, you may leave here for four days in space
But when you return, it's the same old place
The poundin' of the drums, the pride and disgrace
You can bury your dead, but don't leave a trace
Hate your next door neighbor but don't forget to say grace
And you tell me
Over and over and over and over again, my friend
You don't believe we're on the eve of destruction
No no, you don't believe we're on the eve of destruction.”
Source: Musixmatch

50,000 young men and women in uniform died in Vietnam.

Blacks and those supporting them during the Civil Rights movement were murdered.

Protests of the war and the injustices towards Blacks had an impact. (The “N” word was used publicly and often.

Ultimately, Black haters(Racists) lost elections.

The Supreme Court acted making segregation illegal.

Congress passed two Voting Rights laws.

Pressure on President Johnson and his administration was so intense over the war, and his lies about it, Johnson announced he would not seek re-election.

The country survived.

Ask your parents or Grandparents about those days.

By the mid 70s, things had calmed down. There was a new normal. It was better than the previous one.

Today we sit in a similar situation. An unpopular war. An unpopular/lying President. An administration which is inept and corrupt.

Civil unrest is growing. No major citizen created violence so far. But it is possible.

Federal employees/agents have caused today’s deaths, chaos, and mayhem.

Our Senators and Congressmembers have basically “left the field.” No actions to make things right.

The Supreme Court appears to be just as dysfunctional as Congress and the Administration. Their decisions seem inconsistent. At worst, blatantly prejudiced in favor of the corrupt administration.

We are in scary and nearly desperate times.

The power of you and me, We The People, will prevail. Bad Senators and Congresspeople will lose elections.

The number of people supporting the President is getting smaller each day.

Our job is to keep at it.

Protest. Vote. Protest. Vote. Protest. Vote.

We were on the “Eve of Destruction” in the 1960s. Folks back then protested and voted.

It worked then.

It will work now.

The Independent Rick Knobe

05/09/2026

Change Agents of SD spent time talking with and listening to candidates for Sioux Falls School Board, Sioux Falls City Council, and Mayor.

We were able to visit with four of the six School Board candidates. One was unable to attend. One refused to meet with us.

As a group we decided overwhelmingly to support Gail Swenson, Marc Murren, and Dawn Marie Johnson. Each of them bring valuable skill sets to the job of educating our children and managing our money.

On the City Council races there are three candidates running for At-Large A. We were able to interview two. We liked Vince Danh the best. Young. Good communication skills, admits he doesn’t know everything. We endorse him.

For City Council At-Large B, there are two candidates. We were able to able to interview both. We like Rich Merkouris. He is the incumbent and current Council Chair.
He is a good listener and when he speaks is articulate and intelligent.

For the Mayor’s race, we visited with four of the five candidates. To win outright it takes 50% plus one vote. Not likely to happen.

We will issue our preference before the run-off election.

Voting day is June 2nd. You can early vote now at the Minnehaha County Administration Bldg.

This is the first year local, non-partisan elections are being held with partisan ones. (Frankly, I think this is a bad idea).

The ballot is long. Local candidates are at the bottom of the ballot. (I think they should be at the top).

Change Agents of SD encourages you to get a sample ballot in advance. It will give you time to figure out where your favorite candidates are on the ballot.

Local elections are important. They are the foundation of Good Government.

The Independent Rick Knobe

Change Agents of SD

06/05/2026

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06/02/2026

06/01/2026

05/27/2026

05/27/2026

05/25/2026

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