The South Dakota State Senate has confirmed the appointment of Dean Kirkeby to the South Dakota Game, Fish Parks Commission. “South Dakota is the most beautiful state, and protecting our great outdoors is a responsibility we don’t take lightly – we owe it to our kids and our grandkids,” sai d Governor Larry Rhoden. “Dean Kirkeby is a lifelong steward of the land, and his commitment to conservation, habitat protection, and public access will be a strong asset to our state.” Dean Kirkeby is a lifelong South Dakotan and a 1978 graduate of South Dakota State University. He operates a family farm with his sons and provides public access to deer and pheasant hunters. He is also a private pilot and has incorporated flying into his farming operation to survey livestock, crop land, and land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. For over twenty years, Kirkeby served on the Merton Township board. Kirkeby will be replacing Jon Locken, who completed his eight-year term this January. “I appreciate my appointment to the SD GFP Commission and the trust Governor Rhoden has placed in me,” said Dean Kirkeby. “As a commissioner, my primary goal will be keeping the outdoors open and accessible to everyone that wants to enjoy it.” Dean Kirkeby has been married for 36 years. He and his wife have three sons and five grandchildren. ...read more read less