South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem recognized a handful of individuals or groups from central South Dakota during her State of the State Address today (Jan. 12, 2021).
One of those groups is Dr. Darrell Plumage and his team. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Noem said the group turned their attention from the clinic to acute COVID care– including at the Avantara Pierre facility where every single resident is considered high-risk.
“Of the 53 residents, 52 tested positive for the virus, after a staffer unknowingly brought it into the facility. But like so many other long-term care facilities, the residents weren’t the only issue – half the staff tested positive as well. At times, Dr. Plumage and his team ended up working around the clock. During one stretch, some staff worked 12-hour days for 22 days straight. Despite being understaffed and overworked, this team was determined to handle the acute care needs of these residents. Admitting 52 people to the hospital in Pierre would have overwhelmed that facility, so Dr. Plumage and his team treated them at Avantara. The expectation was that half the residents would not survive. That number ended up being far less because of the work of Dr. Plumage and his team. 70% of the Avantara residents recovered from the virus.”
Noem also recognized an idea that came from Savanah Hendricks, a junior high student from Vivian.
“With the goal of getting out in the field more with her family, Savannah created a petition urging the Game, Fish, and Parks Commission to extend the youth pheasant season from five to nine days. At the May meeting, the Commission adopted Savannah’s proposal. It is my hope that more young people will get involved – like Savannah did – finding new ways to secure South Dakota’s outdoor heritage for the next generation. It is my hope that her story will serve as an example to all South Dakotans to get involved in policymaking.”
The Governor also gave kudos to the South Dakota National Guard– in particular the Pierre-based 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.
“Lieutenant Colonel Dave Moore commanded the Guard’s 152nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. Under his command, and for the second time in three years, the Pierre-based 152nd was recognized as the most outstanding Army National Guard battalion in America. On behalf of the unit, Lieutenant Colonel Dave Moore says “it is an incredible honor to receive these awards. And that their selection is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of all the 152nd soldiers and a validation of all the hard work they put in. Collectively, the 152nd has received 13 Bronze Stars; 50 Army Accommodation Medals; 20 Army Achievement Medals; and 67 Combat Action Badges.”
Last year, Noem started the annual Governor’s Award for Heroism. This year’s recipient, posthumously, is Hughes County chief deputy sheriff Lee Weber.
“Chief Deputy Weber had served the department since 2015. Before that, he enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after 9/11 and completed two tours in the Middle East in service to our great country. He was active in the Army National Guard and loved hunting and fishing, watching football, and spending time with his wife, Wendy, and their six children, whom he loved deeply. This past July 3rd, Lee was boating with his family on the Missouri River. His son fell out of the boat with no life vest on. Without hesitation, Lee dove into the water to save his son. While he was able to get his son to safety, Lee was not able to save himself. He died a hero that day. We grieve the loss of this great man, and we honor Lee for his courage, his sacrifice and his selfless commitment to you and your family, Wendy. Today, given his selfless courage and sacrifice, I am awarding the Governor’s Award for Heroism to your husband, Chief Deputy Lee Weber.”
Use this link to see the full transcript of Gov. Kristi Noem’s State of the State Address.
Use this link to listen to Gov. Kristi Noem’s full State of the State Address via KGFX Beyond the Mic podcast.
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