Readers Weigh In on South Dakota Politics and Tobacco Policy

Letters to the editor cover a range of issues, from the Smithfield slaughterhouse relocation to the state's smoke-free law.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:36am

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Readers submit letters to the editor on various political and policy topics affecting South Dakota, including concerns over the proposed relocation of the Smithfield slaughterhouse near the town of Crooks, criticism of the state legislature's decision to allow cigar smoking in bars, and reflections on the country's involvement in foreign conflicts.

Why it matters

These letters provide a window into the diverse perspectives and concerns of South Dakota residents on key issues facing their state and country. They highlight the importance of local control, public health, and civic engagement in shaping the direction of the state.

The details

The letters cover a range of topics, from the potential impact of the Smithfield slaughterhouse relocation on property values and the character of the Crooks community, to the state legislature's decision to carve out an exemption to the state's smoke-free air law to allow cigar smoking in bars. Several letters also reflect on the country's involvement in foreign conflicts, with one writer drawing parallels between the Vietnam War and the current tensions with Iran.

  • The letters were submitted between March 23 and April 5, 2026.
  • HB 1215, the bill allowing cigar smoking in bars, was signed into law by Governor Larry Rhoden on March 30, 2026.

The players

Sawyer Van Horn

A resident of Brandon, South Dakota who has known and supported Jamie Smith, a candidate for mayor of Sioux Falls.

Robert Funk

A resident of Brandon, South Dakota who attended the 'No Kings' rally in St. Paul, Minnesota and shared his reflections on the state of American democracy.

Susan Beyer

A resident of Crooks, South Dakota who is concerned about the potential impact of the Smithfield slaughterhouse relocation on her community.

Dan Mehlbrech

A resident of Crooks, South Dakota who lives near the proposed Smithfield slaughterhouse relocation site and is concerned about the potential impact on property values.

Jerry Wilson

A resident of Vermillion, South Dakota who reflects on the country's involvement in foreign conflicts, drawing parallels between the Vietnam War and the current tensions with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“We, the people, need to reclaim our government. We need to find a way to get the big money out of government. We need to elect leaders with moral character, honesty, and integrity. We need to ensure we have free and fair elections. We need to maintain a free press.”

— Robert Funk, Resident of Brandon, South Dakota

“The relocation of the Smithfield slaughterhouse to the proposed location was going to be very controversial and was going to impact a large number of people. In a fair process, potentially impacted groups would have been part of the relocation discussion. Did this happen?”

— Dan Mehlbrech, Resident of Crooks, South Dakota

“What we wanted were lower prices, the security of our country, health care, a living wage. Are we getting any of that with this administration? And who thinks this war has made our country safer? It will encourage terrorist retaliation in our own country.”

— Joan McMillin, Resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota

What’s next

Governor Rhoden will likely face continued pressure from constituents to reconsider his decision to sign HB 1215 into law, which allows for cigar smoking in bars and weakens the state's smoke-free air law. Additionally, the proposed Smithfield slaughterhouse relocation near Crooks may face further scrutiny and opposition from local residents concerned about the impact on their community.

The takeaway

These letters highlight the diverse range of political and policy issues that are top of mind for South Dakota residents, from local development decisions to the state's stance on public health and the role of government. They underscore the importance of civic engagement and the need for policymakers to carefully consider the perspectives and concerns of all stakeholders when making decisions that impact local communities.