Schoenbeck critical of negative storm-related comments aimed at Gov. Noem  (Audio)

January 25, 2023
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Earlier this month in the State of the Tribes Address to the South Dakota Legislature, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe Chairman Peter Lengkeek was critical of Governor Kristi Noem and her administration for what he says was a slow response to winter storms on the reservation that cost some people their lives.

The chairman says the tribes struggled to clear the snow themselves last month, with many using what he described as “outdated equipment and dilapidated resources.”

Republican Senator Lee Schoenbeck of Watertown tells KWAT News the negative comments directed at the governor are an example of, “sad politics being played”…..

Governor Noem declared an emergency on Dec. 22 to respond to the winter storm and activated the state’s National Guard to haul firewood to the Rosebud Tribe.