South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has turned in her resignation. In a letter dated Sept. 1, 2025, Wasko told Governor Larry Rhoden that her retirement would be effective as of Oct. 20.
News of Wasko’s resignation came less than 24 hours after 20 of the 70 members of the state House of Representatives signed a letter asking Rhoden to “clean up his Department of Corrections.” The lawmakers wanted the “clean up” done before a Sept. 23 special session where they will be asked to approve construction of a $650 million, 1,500-bed men’s state prison in Sioux Falls.
Rhoden said Wasko made the decision to resign on her own. The search for her replacement is underway.
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