SD Department of Corrections secretary Kellie Wasko resigns amid pressure from state lawmakers

After 19 Republican lawmakers signed onto a letter to Governor Larry Rhoden, calling him to fire Department of Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko, Wasko has announced her resignation. She will resign from her post effective immediately. In the letter, lawmakers expressed distrust in the leadership at the Department of Corrections and wanted to see changes if the legislature is to allocate over $600 million to build a new men’s state prison. A special session regarding the proposed 1,500 bed complex is scheduled to begin September 23^rd.