Rhoden's prison chief quits as $650M vote on penitentiary replacement looms

Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko submits resignation amid calls for her ouster that began in June

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 is on the hunt for a new chief prison official.

Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko has resigned amid mounting pressure from Republican lawmakers dissatisfied with her handling of the state’s years-long pursuit of a new men’s prison that has spanned two gubernatorial administrations.

“We have taken on a tremendous responsibility the last 3 ½ years to make the South Dakota DOC a modern operation, and I am proud of the work that has been done,” Wasko wrote in a two-page resignation letter submitted to Rhoden. “I thank you for the opportunity to remain on your team after Gov. Noem’s departure and wish you nothing but the best.”

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