Veteran reporters Jonathan Ellis, Joe Sneve mark new era in South Dakota journalism

Longtime South Dakota journalists launch corporate-free media venture

The Dakota Scout is not your grandfather’s newspaper.

Still, it’s closer to it than any other media publication offered in the Mount Rushmore State.

That’s because veteran journalists Jonathan Ellis and Joe Sneve are bringing their passion for truth, fairness and accuracy to a brand new news outlet that will pay homage to traditional newspapers while embracing the next era of South Dakota journalism.

But what exactly is The Dakota Scout?

Together, and with the community’s support, Ellis and Sneve will bring fresh and interesting news about South Dakota politics and culture to newsstands each week and to the desktops and mobile devices of readers each and every day.

The Dakota Scout print edition will also capture the voice of the community by bringing together a host of wonderful content creators already producing sophisticated, insightful and smart writing and art in the digital space. The free newspaper is a collaborative medium that will include not only the state’s top political reporting, but also history, human interest, viewpoints, entertainment, events and business coverage. 

So who are we?

The Dakota Scout is a locally owned, sourced and printed independent operation founded by Ellis and Sneve. Together, they have more than 30 years of combined experience in South Dakota journalism that’s earned them reputations as dogged reporters who’ve not lost touch with their neighbors’ sensibilities.

Joe Sneve

A fifth-generation South Dakotan with deep roots in the Sioux Falls area and the South Dakota agricultural community, Sneve, 38, resides in his hometown of Dell Rapids with his two daughters, Kerrigan and Scout.

After beginning his journalism career as a student journalist at the University of South Dakota where he studied political science, journalism and English, he sharpened his skills through coverage of the Dell Rapids community, breaking news in Sioux Falls and eventually making a name for himself holding elected officials in Sioux Falls and Pierre accountable over the bulk of the last decade.

When he’s not hounding politicians and hunting for the next big story, he spends his time taking his kids to activities, teaching them to ski and ride dirt bikes, pretending to be a groupie during Pearl Jam tours and putting miles on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Jonathan Ellis

His longtime colleague and partner in crime, Ellis, has also been ingrained in the South Dakota news world for nearly two decades.

First coming to South Dakota in 1995 on the heels of the woman who would become his wife, Amy, a year later, Ellis moved permanently to Sioux Falls in 2005.

Together, the couple have two children, Grace and Thomas, who both attend college and high school, respectively, in Sioux Falls. 

During his years of covering the community, Ellis built a reputation as a trusted news source for his thorough, fair and accurate reporting of Sioux Falls City Hall, state government and politics and as an investigative reporter. His work has been praised by two politicians who are mortal enemies: Former U.S. Sen. Jim Abourezk, a Democrat, and former U.S. Sen. Larry Pressler, a Republican.

When he isn’t working and spending time with his family, Jonathan spends most of his time coaching youth soccer and aiding in the United States’ eventual capture of the FIFA World Cup. 

So why did Ellis and Sneve start The Dakota Scout?

Over the years, the pair have watched corporate media unsuccessfully vow to “save” journalism while continuing to divest itself from the Sioux Falls economy and other South Dakota communities where a demand for news remains.

Tired of waiting, Ellis and Sneve decided earlier this summer that it was time to take the future of South Dakota journalism into their own hands. And The Dakota Scout is how they are doing just that.

A journal of politics and culture, The Dakota Scout will bring you relevant news about your government officials, interesting happenings in the community and notable people in the region.

How does it work?

Like other content providers that will be featured each week in the print edition, The Dakota Scout has a digital home. Much of the content at www.TheDakotaScout.com is accessible via a subscription. There, subscribers will get breaking government and political news and analysis not found anywhere else in the world. 

The monthly cost of a subscription is $5 a month, plus tax – the state always wants its cut.

The Dakota Scout won’t be perfect. Ellis and Sneve are building it as they go. And like themselves, The Dakota Scout will evolve with time.

Understanding the work that lies ahead and the boldness of the endeavor, Ellis and Sneve believe in themselves, their community and the idea that society is on the dawn of a golden era of independent journalism.

Feel free to reach out to them with thoughts, news tips and story ideas at Jonathan@TheDakotaScout.com and Joe@TheDakotaScout.com. 

Thanks for coming on this journey with The Dakota Scout.

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