PIERRE - Gov. Mike Rounds is asking that all flags in the state be flown at half-staff beginning today and continuing until the day of interment, from 8 a.m. until sunset each day, in honor of former Lt. Gov. Carole Hillard, who died Thursday in Switzerland.

"I worked with Carole for six years, when she was the President of the Senate, and I was the Majority Leader," Gov. Rounds said. "I gained a huge amount of respect for her. She was intelligent, caring, and always fair in conducting the Senate's business."

"She was a 'class act,' but it was never an 'act.' She was a genuine, kind, gracious person who was a good friend to everyone. She was also very proud of her family and loved to talk about what they were doing," added the governor.

"After she left government, she could have totally retired, but she worked very hard promoting democracy and economic development in other countries. She cared deeply about other people and about making things better. We are a better state because Carole Hillard gave her time, talent, and wisdom in public service to South Dakota," said Gov. Rounds.

The date of a memorial service will be announced at a later time.