SIOUX FALLS – The South Dakota State Penitentiary is operating without its head after Warden Teresa Bittinger was removed from her position this week. In a memo sent to Department of Corrections staff on Tuesday, Oct. 17, Director of Prisons Amber Pirraglia said Bittinger’s removal was a decision made for “the best interests” of inmates and staff alike, but did not provide any specific reasoning for the decision.