Time to change political balance in Pierre; Rhoden is part of the problem | Your letters
Your letters to the editor for Nov. 1, 2026, as submitted to the Argus Leader: How Sioux Falls can protect lives, reduce mental health stigma On behalf of Empire Mental Health Support, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and coworkers on the loss of Deputy Katherine “Kat” Frank, and to the law enforcement community as a whole. We also hold the Oetken family in our thoughts during this unimaginably painful time. As a community we must continue to learn from each tragedy, strengthen community supports, and expand pathways to timely treatment so fewer families face this kind of loss. Incidents like this are heartbreaking and complex. Mental illness affects many people. According to the National Institute of Mental Health about one in five adults live with a mental illness diagnosis, and while it can be a factor in violent behavior, it is rarely the only cause. People with serious mental illness are more likely to be victims of violent acts rather than perpetrators of violence. Reducing harm requires honest, evidence-based public education, early access to effective and affordable treatment, and attention to co-occurring risks such as substance use, isolation, and lack of social supports. Empire Mental Health
