Wasko to Resign as DOC Secretary

Wasko Resigns from DOC, Helps Rhoden’s Campaign for New $640M Prison

In further rearrangement of Kristi Noem’s old furniture, Governor Larry Rhoden yesterday announced the resignation of the Corrections Secretary Noem imported from Colorado: Gov. Larry Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight that Kellie Wasko delivered the letter announcing her Oct. 20 departure on Tuesday, though the letter is dated Sept. 1. News of the secretary’s resignation after 3½ years on the job came less than a day after a group of 20 lawma…

Prison leader quits as prison vote looms

South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko presents to the Legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee on Jan. 23, 2025, at the Capitol in Pierre. (Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)South Dakota’s beleaguered secretary of corrections has resigned. Gov. Larry Rhoden told South Dakota Searchlight that Kellie Wasko delivered the letter announcing her Oct. 20 departure on Tuesday, though the letter is dated Sept. 1. News of…

Wasko to resign as DOC Secretary

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) -- South Dakota Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko will resign effective Oct. 20, she said in a letter dated Sept. 1 to Gov. Larry Rhoden. Rhoden provided KELOLAND News with a copy of the letter on Tuesday. The Legislature will be voting on a proposed $650 million 1,500 bed prison recommended for Sioux Falls on Sept. 23 and lawmakers have shared concerns about the DOC. Push in House for ‘cleaning up’ D…

Wasko ultimatum tests South Dakota's $650M prison plan

South Dakota Corrections Sec. Kellie Wasko speaks during the Project Prison Reset Task Force’s meeting in Springfield on April 29, 2025. (Joe Sneve / The Dakota Scout)Gov. Larry Rhoden has a problem.South Dakota’s long-debated plan to build a new men’s prison is hitting another snag as more lawmakers once in the governor’s corner are now demanding a leadership shakeup in the state prison system.Nineteen Republicans on Monday added their names to…