South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has tapped former local news anchor and news director Helene Duhamel is fill a vacant senate seat.
Duhamel currently works in the public information office for the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
“The responsibility to appoint a legislator when a vacancy arises is not something I take lightly,” Noem said in a statement. “Helene is a pillar of her community and a trusted voice for Rapid City. Helene’s experience as a journalist and more recently in the Pennington County Sheriff’s office will position her well to succeed in the State Legislature. I am confident she will serve as an effective Senator for her district.”
Duhamel is a recipient of the South Dakota Broadcasters’ Tom Brokaw Award and was inducted into the Upper Midwest Regional Emmys Silver Circle.
Duhamel’s appointment is effective immediately.