South Dakota Governor and current gubernatorial candidate Larry Rhoden made a stop in Mobridge on Friday.
Rhoden began the day at Mobridge-Pollock High School, where he presented freshman Avery Schlomer with a $10,000 prize for winning a random drawing as part of the state’s “Lesson Learned” program. The visit drew excitement from students and staff before the governor continued to his next stop in town.
Later in the afternoon, Rhoden hosted a coffee with the Governor event at the Great Plains Family Restaurant from noon to 1 p.m., where residents gathered to hear about his campaign and ask questions on issues affecting local South Dakota communities.
Attendees included local residents of all ages, from high school students to Mobridge Mayor Gene Cox. During his opening remarks, Rhoden highlighted South Dakota’s recent economic growth and emphasized the state’s low-tax environment under his current administration.
The discussion later shifted to a community question-and-answer session, where Rhoden addressed several concerns raised by audience members. One topic centered around concealed carry permit fees, an issue on which Rhoden said there has been public misunderstanding. He clarified claims that he had raised concealed carry fees, stating that he had not, and that those permits are actually free in South Dakota.
Residents also questioned the governor on efforts to retain young people in South Dakota, particularly in rural communities, as well as plans to attract more medical professionals to rural areas. Additional topics included the current status of jail funding and the use of minimum-security inmates for cleanup efforts and storm relief operations.
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