Official: License for Noem’s daughter got unusual treatment

— South Dakota Gov. Bren testified that she felt “intimidated” at the July meeting, where she said Peters’ unsuccessful application was discussed in detail and a plan was formulated that gave her another chance to apply. Bren said that she could not remember the agency forming what’s called a “stipulation agreement” for any other appraiser at that point in their application. In testimony Tuesday, Bren said she had expected to see Noem and her labor secretary at the July meeting, but was surprised it included others, including Peters and the governor’s top aides. Bren testified that she was “forced to retire.” Asked later to say why, she said: “I believe that it was age discrimination and beyond that would be strictly speculation on my part.” Several lawmakers said they would like to see the state remove the nondisparagement clause from Bren’s agreement because it would let them get more information.