Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels talks with long time television news reporter, Tom Rooney, about his career from Mitchell to Sioux Falls and now the KELO News Talk group.

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

Jon Michaels' Forum

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

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;

Presumed Automatic Parole (with no Parole Board)...Sheriff Mike Milstead...Officer Shootings

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks again with Bruce Blumer about his Sioux Falls support for Haiti.

from AI

**Haiti Alive** is a nonprofit organization based in Tea, South Dakota, that operates on the island of LaGonave, Haiti.  Its mission is to bring hope, health, and happiness to the local community by conveying the message of Christ through education, healthcare, and support for women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of gradual, sustained improvement, symbolized by the Haitian proverb, "Little by little the bird builds its nest." You can visit their official website at [haitialive.org](https://haitialive.org/) to learn more about their ministries and donation opportunities.

Haiti Alive, based in Tea, South Dakota, is a nonprofit ministry serving the island of LaGonave, Haiti, with a mission to bring hope, health, and happiness through Christian outreach.  The organization focuses on three core areas:

1. Education

Haiti Alive supports students through school scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies.  They have helped students progress from elementary school to professional careers, including nurses and lawyers. Their Back to School program provides uniforms and supplies to hundreds of children annually, ensuring access to education. 

2. Healthcare

The organization funds mobile medical clinics and supports medical teams providing care on LaGonave.  They assist in training Haitian medical professionals, such as Dr. William Hyppolite, who is completing medical school in the Dominican Republic with their sponsorship. 

3. Support for Vulnerable Populations

Haiti Alive aids women, children, and the elderly through various initiatives:


Haiti Children Christmas: Delivers meals and toys to 850–1,000 children each year. 


Elderly Food Giveaway: Provides food twice a month to over 50 elderly individuals. 


Support for orphanages and women’s groups that protect and nurture families. 

Founded in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Haiti Alive grew from a relief effort into a sustained ministry rooted in the belief that "little by little, the bird builds its nest." The organization relies on donations and partner churches to continue its work. 

 

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels (since 1977) talks again with Bruce Blumer about his Sioux Falls support for Haiti.
from AI
**Haiti Alive** is a nonprofit organization based in Tea, South Dakota, that operates on the island of LaGonave, Haiti. &nbsp;Its mission is to bring hope, health, and happiness to the local community by conveying the message of Christ through education, healthcare, and support for women, children, and the elderly. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of gradual, sustained improvement, symbolized by the Haitian proverb, "Little by little the bird builds its nest." You can visit their official website at [haitialive.org](https://haitialive.org/) to learn more about their ministries and donation opportunities.
Haiti Alive, based in Tea, South Dakota, is a nonprofit ministry serving the island of LaGonave, Haiti, with a mission to bring&nbsp;hope, health, and happiness&nbsp;through Christian outreach.&nbsp;&nbsp;The organization focuses on three core areas:
1. Education
Haiti Alive supports students through&nbsp;school scholarships, covering tuition, uniforms, and supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp;They have helped students progress from elementary school to professional careers, including nurses and lawyers. Their Back to School program provides uniforms and supplies to hundreds of children annually, ensuring access to education.&nbsp;
2. Healthcare
The organization funds&nbsp;mobile medical clinics&nbsp;and supports medical teams providing care on LaGonave.&nbsp;&nbsp;They assist in training Haitian medical professionals, such as Dr. William Hyppolite, who is completing medical school in the Dominican Republic with their sponsorship.&nbsp;
3. Support for Vulnerable Populations
Haiti Alive aids&nbsp;women, children, and the elderly&nbsp;through various initiatives:
<ul>
<li>
Haiti Children Christmas: Delivers meals and toys to 850&ndash;1,000 children each year.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Elderly Food Giveaway: Provides food twice a month to over 50 elderly individuals.&nbsp;
</li>
<li>
Support for&nbsp;orphanages&nbsp;and&nbsp;women&rsquo;s groups&nbsp;that protect and nurture families.&nbsp;
</li>
</ul>
Founded in response to the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Haiti Alive grew from a relief effort into a sustained ministry rooted in the belief that "little by little, the bird builds its nest." The organization relies on donations and partner churches to continue its work.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Haiti Alive...Long Time Sioux Falls Support for Haiti...Bruce Blumer

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks Lisa Hirsch, President of the Sioux Falls Air Show.

from their Facebook pages:

Legendary WWII Fighters Coming to Power on the Prairie! The Sioux Falls Airshow – Power on the Prairie is proud to welcome WPP Legacy Warbirds with an incredible lineup of historic World War II fighters:• P-51D Mustang – One of the most iconic fighters of WWII, the Mustang escorted Allied bombers deep into enemy territory and helped secure air superiority in Europe.• F4U Corsair – Instantly recognizable by its inverted gull wings, the Corsair became one of the most successful naval fighters of the war and a legend in the Pacific Theater.• FM-2 Wildcat – A rugged carrier-based fighter with a strong connection to South Dakota hero Joe Foss, the Marine Corps ace who scored 26 aerial victories flying the Wildcat in the Pacific .Seeing these aircraft together is like watching living history take flight, honoring the pilots and crews who flew them in defense of freedom. Be sure to check out our webpage for a full list of performers and static aircraft on display. Power on the Prairie 2026 July 18–19, 2026 Joe Foss Field – Sioux Falls Regional Airport

Would you ride in a World War II bomber if you had the chance? Something rare is flying into Sioux Falls this summer. A World War II bomber — one of the last flying in the entire world — will land at Sioux Falls Regional Airport this July. And people here will be able to ride in it. The historic B-29 Superfortress known as “DOC” is coming to Sioux Falls July 13–16 as part of the B-29 DOC History Restored Flight Experience Tour. The aircraft will offer ride flights July 14 and 15 before the major Power on the Prairie Airshow later that week.DOC is one of only two airworthy B-29 bombers still flying anywhere on Earth. The aircraft was originally built in 1944 during World War II and has been fully restored into a flying museum that travels across the country. For Sioux Falls locals, this is more than another event. It is a chance to step inside a piece of history that helped shape the outcome of the war and the future of aviation. The timing is also intentional. DOC will arrive just days before the Sioux Falls Power on the Prairie Airshow on July 18–19, which will bring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and several historic aircraft to the city. Events like this rarely stop in the region, which makes this one of the more unique Sioux Falls events coming this summer. If you follow Sioux Falls news or enjoy finding unique things happening in Sioux Falls, this is the type of local experience people travel hours to see. And for a few people… it will be the chance to fly in a WWII bomber.

Public Affairs Director Jon Michaels, (since 1977) talks Lisa Hirsch, President of the Sioux Falls Air Show.
from their Facebook pages:
Legendary WWII Fighters Coming to Power on the Prairie! The Sioux Falls Airshow &ndash; Power on the Prairie is proud to welcome WPP Legacy Warbirds with an incredible lineup of historic World War II fighters:&bull; P-51D Mustang &ndash; One of the most iconic fighters of WWII, the Mustang escorted Allied bombers deep into enemy territory and helped secure air superiority in Europe.&bull; F4U Corsair &ndash; Instantly recognizable by its inverted gull wings, the Corsair became one of the most successful naval fighters of the war and a legend in the Pacific Theater.&bull; FM-2 Wildcat &ndash; A rugged carrier-based fighter with a strong connection to South Dakota hero Joe Foss, the Marine Corps ace who scored 26 aerial victories flying the Wildcat in the Pacific .Seeing these aircraft together is like watching living history take flight, honoring the pilots and crews who flew them in defense of freedom. Be sure to check out our webpage for a full list of performers and static aircraft on display. Power on the Prairie 2026 July 18&ndash;19, 2026 Joe Foss Field &ndash; Sioux Falls Regional Airport
Would you ride in a World War II bomber if you had the chance? Something rare is flying into Sioux Falls this summer. A World War II bomber &mdash; one of the last flying in the entire world &mdash; will land at Sioux Falls Regional Airport this July. And people here will be able to ride in it. The historic B-29 Superfortress known as &ldquo;DOC&rdquo; is coming to Sioux Falls July 13&ndash;16 as part of the B-29 DOC History Restored Flight Experience Tour. The aircraft will offer ride flights July 14 and 15 before the major Power on the Prairie Airshow later that week.DOC is one of only two airworthy B-29 bombers still flying anywhere on Earth. The aircraft was originally built in 1944 during World War II and has been fully restored into a flying museum that travels across the country. For Sioux Falls locals, this is more than another event. It is a chance to step inside a piece of history that helped shape the outcome of the war and the future of aviation. The timing is also intentional. DOC will arrive just days before the Sioux Falls Power on the Prairie Airshow on July 18&ndash;19, which will bring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and several historic aircraft to the city. Events like this rarely stop in the region, which makes this one of the more unique Sioux Falls events coming this summer. If you follow Sioux Falls news or enjoy finding unique things happening in Sioux Falls, this is the type of local experience people travel hours to see. And for a few people&hellip; it will be the chance to fly in a WWII bomber.

Long Time TV News Anchor Tom Rooney Joins News Talk KELO Radio

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