 Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels talks with Brion Schnurr MMC (SS) Ret. and Kent Winter RM@ (SS) of the United States Submarine Veterans, South Dakota "Scorpion Base". The conversation mainly talked about their community work and the new USS South Dakota submarine.

Public Affairs Director, Jon Michaels talks with Brion Schnurr MMC (SS) Ret. and Kent Winter RM@ (SS) of the United States Submarine Veterans, South Dakota "Scorpion Base". The conversation mainly talked about their community work and the new USS South Dakota submarine.

A community issues and answering program that focuses on the city and people of the Sioux Empire.

Jon Michaels' Forum

FORUM WEEK 2,037: United States Submarine Veterans (South Dakota)

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Tanner Hoops, the voice of the Sioux Falls Canaries about the home opener this Monday, May 18, at the Birdcage.




From AI:

Sioux Falls Canaries broadcaster Tanner Hoops is the longtime “Voice of the Canaries” and Director of Broadcast/Media Relations for the team. He returned for the 2026 season, marking his fifth year calling games for the club.

Some highlights about Tanner Hoops and the Canaries:
Won American Association Broadcaster of the Year in 2025.
Calls Canaries games on radio/webcast and also works with the University of Minnesota Gopher Radio Network and BTN+.
Frequently appears in Dakota News Now game recaps and local baseball coverage.

The Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball are Sioux Falls’ professional independent baseball team, playing in the American Association of Professional Baseball. They play home games at Sioux Falls Stadium — often called “The Birdcage.”

A few quick facts:
Founded in 1993
League: American Association
Home field: Sioux Falls Stadium
Team website: Sioux Falls Canaries Official Site
Tickets: Canaries Tickets

The 2026 season is underway, with home games beginning May 18 against the Lake Country DockHounds.

Popular local draws include:
Friday fireworks nights
Family promotions
Affordable summer baseball atmosphere
Group outings and themed events

Upcoming 2026 games include series against:
Lincoln Saltdogs
Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks
Chicago Dogs
Kane County Cougars

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Tanner Hoops, the voice of the Sioux Falls Canaries about the home opener this Monday, May 18, at the Birdcage. 
From AI:
Sioux Falls Canaries broadcaster Tanner Hoops is the longtime &ldquo;Voice of the Canaries&rdquo; and Director of Broadcast/Media Relations for the team. He returned for the 2026 season, marking his fifth year calling games for the club.
Some highlights about Tanner Hoops and the Canaries:
<ul data-start="361" data-end="846">
<li data-section-id="123j6lb" data-start="361" data-end="458">Won American Association Broadcaster of the Year in 2025.</li>
<li data-section-id="931m6z" data-start="459" data-end="615">Calls Canaries games on radio/webcast and also works with the University of Minnesota Gopher Radio Network and BTN+.</li>
<li data-section-id="1m97rfw" data-start="616" data-end="734">Frequently appears in Dakota News Now game recaps and local baseball coverage.</li>
</ul>
The Sioux Falls Canaries Baseball are Sioux Falls&rsquo; professional independent baseball team, playing in the American Association of Professional Baseball. They play home games at Sioux Falls Stadium &mdash; often called &ldquo;The Birdcage.&rdquo;
A few quick facts:
<ul data-start="316" data-end="602">
<li data-section-id="1159e4a" data-start="316" data-end="333">Founded in 1993</li>
<li data-section-id="148rzm2" data-start="334" data-end="364">League: American Association</li>
<li data-section-id="1ft31wi" data-start="365" data-end="416">Home field: Sioux Falls Stadium</li>
<li data-section-id="14i6o00" data-start="417" data-end="516">Team website: <a href="https://sfcanaries.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-start="433" data-end="516">Sioux Falls Canaries Official Site</a></li>
<li data-section-id="noj3w7" data-start="517" data-end="602">Tickets: <a href="https://sfcanaries.com/tickets/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-start="528" data-end="602">Canaries Tickets</a></li>
</ul>
The 2026 season is underway, with home games beginning May 18 against the Lake Country DockHounds.
Popular local draws include:
<ul data-start="771" data-end="890">
<li data-section-id="8b0pf0" data-start="771" data-end="796">Friday fireworks nights</li>
<li data-section-id="1t5i14u" data-start="797" data-end="816">Family promotions</li>
<li data-section-id="19yf1g3" data-start="817" data-end="856">Affordable summer baseball atmosphere</li>
<li data-section-id="1nddkjv" data-start="857" data-end="890">Group outings and themed events</li>
</ul>
Upcoming 2026 games include series against:
<ul data-start="936" data-end="1055">
<li data-section-id="xqxwuw" data-start="936" data-end="954">Lincoln Saltdogs</li>
<li data-section-id="109qd6" data-start="955" data-end="980">Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks</li>
<li data-section-id="1xibx5r" data-start="981" data-end="995">Chicago Dogs</li>
<li data-section-id="66fwpc" data-start="996" data-end="1055">Kane County Cougars</li>
</ul>

Sioux Falls Canaries Home Opener Monday, May 18 at the Birdcage....Tanner Hoops

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (from 1977) talks with Qadir Aware about his views on Iran.

from Chatgpt:

Qadir Aware is a longtime community leader and former executive director of the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center. He is a Kurdish immigrant who settled in Sioux Falls in the 1970s after fleeing political persecution in Iraq/Kurdistan.

He became known locally for:
Supporting immigrant and refugee families
Running multicultural education and language programs
Advocating for Kurdish causes
Community outreach and translation services

Some notable references:
South Dakota Historical Society described his work helping new immigrants adjust to life in South Dakota.
HUD archives highlighted his multilingual community work and translation services in Sioux Falls.
KELO reported on his public advocacy for Kurdish people in 2019.

He was also associated for many years with the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center before resigning in 2010 amid organizational controversy and audits involving the center’s management.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (from 1977) talks with Qadir Aware about his views on Iran.
from Chatgpt:
Qadir Aware is a longtime community leader and former executive director of the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center. He is a Kurdish immigrant who settled in Sioux Falls in the 1970s after fleeing political persecution in Iraq/Kurdistan.
He became known locally for:
<ul data-start="326" data-end="503">
<li data-section-id="dsygz5" data-start="326" data-end="369">Supporting immigrant and refugee families</li>
<li data-section-id="kjd846" data-start="370" data-end="425">Running multicultural education and language programs</li>
<li data-section-id="1t455o1" data-start="426" data-end="457">Advocating for Kurdish causes</li>
<li data-section-id="192p5ba" data-start="458" data-end="503">Community outreach and translation services</li>
</ul>
Some notable references:
<ul data-start="530" data-end="918">
<li data-section-id="uzldhw" data-start="530" data-end="675">South Dakota Historical Society described his work helping new immigrants adjust to life in South Dakota.</li>
<li data-section-id="1i3vm9m" data-start="676" data-end="813">HUD archives highlighted his multilingual community work and translation services in Sioux Falls.</li>
<li data-section-id="dmerc0" data-start="814" data-end="918">KELO reported on his public advocacy for Kurdish people in 2019.</li>
</ul>
He was also associated for many years with the Sioux Falls Multi-Cultural Center before resigning in 2010 amid organizational controversy and audits involving the center&rsquo;s management.

Sioux Falls, Iran, Iraq, Kurdistan and Freedom Fighter Qadir Aware

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead about officer shootings and early parole.

from AI

1. Parole Eligibility vs. Release

South Dakota law states that an inmate is never entitled to parole as a matter of right, even after becoming eligible . The Board of Pardons and Paroles has full discretion to grant or deny release based on the inmate's rehabilitation, conduct, and risk to society .
Eligibility Dates: An inmate's "initial parole date" is calculated by the Department of Corrections based on the crime's classification (violent vs. nonviolent) and the number of prior felony convictions .

For nonviolent first-time offenders, eligibility may begin after serving 25% of the sentence.
For violent offenses or repeat convictions, the required time served increases significantly (e.g., up to 75% or more for repeat violent offenders) .

2. The "Presumed" or Mandatory Release Mechanism

Recent changes, specifically under SDCL § 24-15A-38, created a process that functions similarly to "presumed" release for inmates who meet all criteria:
Initial Parole Date: If an inmate reaches their calculated initial parole date and has substantively met all program requirements (work, school, treatment), agreed to supervision conditions, and has an approved release plan, they must be released to parole supervision without a further Board hearing .
The Plan: At least 30 days before this date, the inmate must submit a release plan detailing residence, employment, and treatment needs .
Discretion Remains: If an inmate fails to meet these program directives or lacks an approved plan, the Board retains the discretion to deny parole and hold a hearing to determine if release is in the best interest of society .

3. Recent Strengthening of Supervision

As of late April 2026, Governor Larry Rhoden announced new measures to tighten parole supervision, including faster revocations for violations and a new compliance unit within the Department of Corrections . This indicates that while the "path" to release may be clearer for compliant inmates, the state is actively enforcing stricter consequences for those who violate parole conditions.

Summary

While South Dakota does not use the phrase "presumed parole," the law effectively creates a mandatory release track for inmates who:
Serve the statutory minimum time (based on their crime and history).
Successfully complete all required prison programs.
Submit an approved release plan.

If these conditions are met, the Board cannot deny release, making the release "presumed" by statute rather than discretionary . However, for those who do not meet these specific criteria, parole remains entirely at the Board's discretion.

Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead announced his retirement in late January 2026, marking the end of a 60-year law enforcement career and nearly 30 years as the county's top cop.  Milstead, who began his career with the Sioux Falls Police Department in 1973, was appointed sheriff in 1997 and was re-elected six times without opposition. 

His term officially ends on December 31, 2026, making this the first time in decades that Minnehaha County will have a new sheriff.  Milstead has endorsed Captain Josh Phillips, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff's office who oversees investigations and the fugitive task force, as his successor.  Phillips launched his campaign alongside another candidate, Bobby Smith, who has 16 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections. 

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks with Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead about officer shootings and early parole.
from AI
1. Parole Eligibility vs. Release
South Dakota law states that an inmate is&nbsp;never entitled to parole&nbsp;as a matter of right, even after becoming eligible . The&nbsp;Board of Pardons and Paroles&nbsp;has full discretion to grant or deny release based on the inmate's rehabilitation, conduct, and risk to society .
<ul>
<li>Eligibility Dates:&nbsp;An inmate's "initial parole date" is calculated by the Department of Corrections based on the crime's classification (violent vs. nonviolent) and the number of prior felony convictions .
<ul>
<li>For&nbsp;nonviolent&nbsp;first-time offenders, eligibility may begin after serving&nbsp;25%&nbsp;of the sentence.</li>
<li>For&nbsp;violent&nbsp;offenses or repeat convictions, the required time served increases significantly (e.g., up to&nbsp;75%&nbsp;or more for repeat violent offenders) .</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
2. The "Presumed" or Mandatory Release Mechanism
Recent changes, specifically under&nbsp;SDCL &sect; 24-15A-38, created a process that functions similarly to "presumed" release for inmates who meet all criteria:
<ul>
<li>Initial Parole Date:&nbsp;If an inmate reaches their calculated initial parole date and has&nbsp;substantively met&nbsp;all program requirements (work, school, treatment), agreed to supervision conditions, and has an&nbsp;approved release plan, they&nbsp;must be released&nbsp;to parole supervision without a further Board hearing .</li>
<li>The Plan:&nbsp;At least 30 days before this date, the inmate must submit a release plan detailing residence, employment, and treatment needs .</li>
<li>Discretion Remains:&nbsp;If an inmate fails to meet these program directives or lacks an approved plan, the Board retains the discretion to deny parole and hold a hearing to determine if release is in the best interest of society .</li>
</ul>
3. Recent Strengthening of Supervision
As of late April 2026, Governor Larry Rhoden announced new measures to tighten parole supervision, including faster revocations for violations and a new compliance unit within the Department of Corrections . This indicates that while the "path" to release may be clearer for compliant inmates, the state is actively enforcing stricter consequences for those who violate parole conditions.
Summary
While South Dakota does not use the phrase "presumed parole," the law effectively creates a&nbsp;mandatory release&nbsp;track for inmates who:
<ol>
<li>Serve the statutory minimum time (based on their crime and history).</li>
<li>Successfully complete all required prison programs.</li>
<li>Submit an approved release plan.</li>
</ol>
If these conditions are met, the Board cannot deny release, making the release "presumed" by statute rather than discretionary . However, for those who do not meet these specific criteria, parole remains entirely at the Board's discretion.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead&nbsp;announced his retirement in late January 2026, marking the end of a&nbsp;60-year law enforcement career&nbsp;and nearly&nbsp;30 years&nbsp;as the county's top cop.&nbsp;&nbsp;Milstead, who began his career with the&nbsp;Sioux Falls Police Department&nbsp;in 1973, was appointed sheriff in&nbsp;1997&nbsp;and was re-elected&nbsp;six times without opposition.&nbsp;
His term officially ends on&nbsp;December 31, 2026, making this the first time in decades that Minnehaha County will have a new sheriff.&nbsp;&nbsp;Milstead has endorsed&nbsp;Captain Josh Phillips, a 22-year veteran of the sheriff's office who oversees investigations and the fugitive task force, as his successor.&nbsp;&nbsp;Phillips launched his campaign alongside another candidate,&nbsp;Bobby Smith, who has 16 years of experience in law enforcement and corrections.&nbsp;

FORUM WEEK 2,037: United States Submarine Veterans (South Dakota)

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