Governor to order flags to half-staff to honor late lawmaker

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - Gov. Dennis Daugaard will order flags to be flown at half-staff statewide in honor of the late state Rep. Jim Schaefer.

Daugaard’s office said Wednesday that Schaefer, of Kennebec, died the day before while working on his ranch. Schaefer had been a member of the South Dakota Legislature since 2011.

Daugaard says Schaefer never sought the limelight, but worked hard for his district and the state. The governor says he will always remember Schaefer’s advocacy on reconstructing a rail line from Chamberlain to Presho.

Daugaard will order flags to fly at half-staff on the day of Schaefer’s funeral, which hasn’t been set.