BROOKINGS — Republican voters in Brookings County will have a tough decision to make during the primary election on June 2 — namely, whether Shawn Hostler or Dave Biteler advances to the general election on Nov. 3.
The candidates, both of whom live in Brookings, have resumes rich with qualifications. For Biteler, the most recent is his current posting as assistant sheriff in the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office. For Hostler, he’s currently serving on the Brookings County Commission.
Only one will face off against independent candidate Manny Langstraat in November. Langstraat is a patrol sergeant in the sheriff’s office.
To help voters decide, The Brookings Register reached out to both candidates with a questionnaire regarding their experience, priorities and vision for the office. Their verbatim responses follow:
What would you like to tell our readers about yourself?
• Biteler: My name is Dave Biteler, and I have dedicated my life to serving Brookings County through military service, law enforcement and community involvement. I was born and raised here, graduated from Brookings High School, and spent 22 years in the Army National Guard, retiring as a sergeant first class after serving both locally and in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. I have also spent 30 years in public safety, serving with both the Brookings Police Department and the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office, where I currently serve as assistant sheriff. My wife Becky and I raised our families here, and Brookings County has always been home.
• Hostler: I’ve dedicated my career to serving Brookings County — in law enforcement, county government, business, and community leadership. I spent 14 years with the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy and K9 handler, and today I serve as a Brookings County commissioner and commission chair. I’ve worked on public safety budgets, policy decisions, and long-term planning while also running a successful small business in Brookings. My wife Tracy and I have built our lives here, and we’re proud to raise our son in this community. Service, integrity and leadership aren’t slogans to me — they’ve been my life’s work.
Why are you running for sheriff in Brookings County?
• Biteler: I am running for sheriff because I care deeply about this community and the people who serve it.
Throughout my career, I have prepared myself for leadership opportunities and gained experience in patrol, corrections, administration and countywide operations. I believe strong leadership, teamwork and communication are essential to keeping our communities safe, and I want to continue building the strong foundation already in place at the sheriff’s office.
• Hostler: I’m running because I believe Brookings County deserves strong, experienced, forward-thinking leadership in the sheriff’s office. Public safety challenges are changing rapidly — from drugs and mental health issues to technology-driven crime and recruitment challenges in law enforcement. We cannot afford complacency or “business as usual.”
I bring a unique combination of frontline law enforcement experience, county leadership, budgeting knowledge, and established relationships across South Dakota. I know what it takes to protect our communities, support deputies, and lead an organization responsibly. I’m running to bring energy, accountability, modernization, and leadership that puts Brookings County first.
What sets you apart from your opponent? Why should people vote for you?
• Biteler: Being sheriff is far more complex than patrolling alone. I believe my broad leadership experience sets me apart. I am the only candidate who has led in all major areas of the sheriff’s office, including the detention center, while also serving in leadership roles throughout my military and law enforcement career.
I am also the only primary candidate who is currently a certified law enforcement officer actively serving within the Brookings County Sheriff’s Office as your assistant sheriff.
For the past decade, I have continuously served the sheriff’s office while helping lead daily operations within the department. During that time, law enforcement has experienced significant changes in training, policies, technology and public expectations, and I have worked through those changes firsthand.
I believe in leading by example, supporting employees, and building strong relationships with local agencies and the community. Public safety works best when people work together, and I believe my experience, leadership style, and commitment to this community prepare me well to serve as sheriff, day one.
• Hostler: What sets me apart is the combination of experience I bring to the table. I’m the only candidate with extensive law enforcement experience in Brookings County, current county-level leadership experience, and real-world business experience.
I’ve worked the streets as a deputy and K9 handler. I’ve managed budgets and policies as the County Commission chair. I’ve helped modernize technology and equipment within law enforcement. And I’ve built strong working relationships with local, state, and federal partners that are critical to effective public safety.
This election is about leadership — not maintaining the status quo. Voters deserve a sheriff who can lead people, manage operations, build partnerships, and move the office forward. I have the experience, vision, and proven leadership to do exactly that.
What are the most important issues the new sheriff will have to face?
• Biteler: One of the most important responsibilities for the next sheriff will be continuing to strengthen relationships and cooperation between local law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, schools and community organizations throughout Brookings County. Public safety works best when agencies communicate effectively, train together, and operate as a team.
There are more than 80 law enforcement officers serving communities across our county and continuing to build unity and training opportunities between departments will improve response capabilities, officer safety and the level of service we provide to the public. Crime and emergencies do not stop at jurisdictional lines, and strong partnerships are essential to keeping our communities safe.
• Hostler: Recruitment and retention of quality staff will be one of the biggest challenges moving forward. Law enforcement agencies everywhere are struggling to attract and keep good people, and strong leadership matters more than ever.
We also must address the growing impacts of mental health issues, addiction, repeat offenders and technology-related crime. At the same time, the sheriff’s office must continue building trust and strong relationships with the public, schools, rural communities, and partner agencies.
The next sheriff must be proactive, adaptable, and willing to embrace training, technology, and collaboration to keep Brookings County safe.
What would you change about how the sheriff’s office performs its responsibilities?
• Biteler: I believe the sheriff’s office should continue building strong partnerships throughout Brookings County while placing an even greater focus on proactive, community-based policing. Public safety is not just about responding to emergencies or enforcing laws — it is about building trust and relationships before problems occur.
I believe it is important for deputies and staff to remain visible and involved in local events, schools, organizations and community activities throughout the county. When law enforcement is engaged and approachable, it strengthens communication, builds trust, and creates stronger partnerships between the community and the sheriff’s office.
• Hostler: My focus would be on strengthening training, modernizing operations, supporting staff, and expanding community partnerships. Our staff need the best tools, equipment, and training available to succeed safely and effectively.
I also believe the sheriff’s office should continue building stronger outreach programs with youth, schools, and rural communities while improving collaboration with local and state partners.
Most importantly, leadership starts from the top. I will lead with integrity, transparency, accountability, and a willingness to move the office forward — not simply maintain the way things have always been done.
Election information
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 2. In Brookings County, registered voters can vote at the following locations:
• In Aurora: The Impact Church — 201 E. Pine St.
• In Brookings: Holy Life Tabernacle — 241 Mustang Pass; Brookings Activity Center — 320 Fifth Ave.; Bethel Baptist Church Area 1 and Area 2 — 714 17th Ave. S.
• In Bruce: Community Club — 409 Jefferson St.
• In Elkton: Community Center — 109 Elk St.
• In Volga: Community Center — 109 Samara Ave.
• In White: McKnight Hall — 228 W. Main St.
— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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