PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — Republican Gov. Kristi Noem said Saturday it's a "distinct honor" to serve as South Dakota's first female governor after taking her oath of office to lead state government for the next four years.

In her inaugural address, Noem departed from a campaign in which she didn't emphasize the milestone , saying she couldn't let the day pass without commenting on its "historic nature." Noem's election to her first term as governor in November came 100 years and one day after women's suffrage passed in South Dakota.

"I offered up my experience and my vision to the people of South Da...