Straight Outta Pierre: Cowboy hats, hero parks, and other South Dakota mysteries

Sharp, snappy and South Dakotan — An anonymous shot of insight with a twist of sarcasm

EDITOR’S NOTE: We’re excited to introduce a new regular feature in The Dakota Scout’s VIEWPOINTS section: Straight Outta Pierre, a sharp, sassy, and occasionally sideways look at South Dakota politics and life under the dome.

Written under the pseudonym Bo Hutchins, this column is the work of a Capitol veteran who’s spent more than 30 years zigzagging between the roles of lobbyist, legislator and lawmaker-whisperer. Bo’s seen it all — the power plays, the prairie drama, the legislative lullabies — and lived to laugh about it. So far.

Why the pen name? Because sometimes the best way to speak freely is with a little mystery. We know who Bo is, but we’re keeping that part quiet so the wit can stay loud.

You won’t always agree with Bo — but you’ll definitely want to read what he has to say. From walleye to wristwatches, cowboy hats to campaign trails, Straight Outta Pierre is here to bring a little fun (and a few truth bombs) to The Scout.

Robins and Meadowlarks are back, and songbirds are in the air... Is spring the best season in South Dakota?... Why is it called March Madness when it ends in April? Someone explain that to me... If there’s a prettier view in South Dakota than the Cheyenne River running through the valley by Bridger, please text me. Seriously, I want to know...

I’ve seen Gov. Rhoden in cowboy hats — gray, black, straw, and even hatless... Not sure I like any of them. Also, is it just me, or is there a new hair color in the mix?... Speaking of Rhoden, he’s all about resetting everything — can we reset to 2018 and get our $660,000 back?...

Tony Venhuizen slid into the Lt. Governor chair so smoothly you’d think he had it preheated. Keep an eye on that office — there’s going to be more action there in the next 12 months than we’ve seen in years.

SCOUTING YESTERDAY: Buried dynamite on reservation caused panic in 2000