South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s use of a historic, state-owned cabin has raised questions as the Republican evades transparency on who has stayed there and for what purposes. Valhalla, a secluded cabin built in 1927 by former South Dakota Gov. and Sen. Peter Norbeck that has since become state property, has been a regular fixture for South Dakota governors. Over the past three years, the cabin has received $120,000 in taxpayer upgrades, but citing open records, Noem has kept private about who is visiting and if the state is reimbursed. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks denied a request last month by South Dakota News Watch to view a list of Valhalla’s visitors, saying “no such record exists as no list is maintained.” The department added, “if this information were available, it would be exempted” under open record laws. However, the department had released a list of visitors in 2019, when asked.
Gov. Kristi Noem hides guest list at historic state-owned cabin in Custer State Park
Stu Whitney
South Dakota News WatchSouth Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, her family, friends and guests are the only people who can stay in a state-owned historic cabin in Custer State Park, and it’s unclear if the rustic Valhalla retreat is being used for political purposes.
Citing open records law, Noem’s administration won’t reveal who stayed there over the past three years or whether the state is reimbursed, despite more than $120,000 in taxpayer money being spent on property upgrades.
Noem, who was re-elected in November to a second four-year term, is on the short list of potential 2024 Republican presidential candidates and spent much of the past week giving policy speeches in Washington D.C…………………………………………
Could it be:
- A fugitive from the law?
- A boyfriend?
- 1 and 2
- Trump in hiding from the GA Attorney General?