Today, Governor Larry Rhoden ordered that flags be flown at half-staff at the State Capitol from sunrise until sunset on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in honor of former state legislator Elmer Bietz. He served in the South Dakota Senate from 1983 to 1992.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am CT on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at First American Lutheran Church in Tripp, SD.

Residents, businesses, schools, local governments, and other organizations are also encouraged to display the flag at half-staff.