AGP Executive Report

Rural EMS Funding: South Dakota is set to receive $7.2 million in federal money to modernize rural emergency medical services, backing 25 projects aimed at faster response times, better telemedicine links, EMS training, and upgraded communications and data sharing. Women’s Corrections Update: The state’s new Rapid City women’s prison has started taking inmates, with 79 women housed there as operations ramp up, while a dilapidated Pierre unit still remains in use. Food Safety Recall: Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s are under an expanded recall after FDA warnings about possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blends plus Trader Joe’s mixed berry blend. Dakota Days Football: South Dakota’s Coyotes turned five takeaways into five touchdowns in a 44-14 Dakota Days win over Indiana State, while SDSU kept rolling with a 31-14 road win over Illinois State. Sports & Community: Sioux Falls hosted the Festival of Bands, and Yankton welcomed the World Archery 3D Championships, drawing competitors from 27 countries. Politics & National Buzz: An MS NOW panel highlighted a Mississippi campaign stop as a “biggest tell” for a possible Democratic midterm wave, while Trump continued campaigning in Ohio and promised a “big surprise.”

FCS Football (South Dakota): South Dakota State rolled past Illinois State 31-14 as Josh Holst threw two TDs and Myles Green scored on an interception return, while the Coyotes answered last week’s loss with a dominant 44-14 Dakota Days win over Indiana State—turning five takeaways into touchdowns and holding the Sycamores scoreless in the first half. Key to the City (Sioux Falls): Augustana kept the rivalry trophy for a fourth straight year, beating Sioux Falls 37-20 and shutting down the Cougars after halftime. Local Sports (High school): Friday night’s South Dakota high school scoreboard featured big wins across classes, including Sioux Falls Jefferson 62-25 and Brandon Valley 38-12. Public Health: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen berries tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in South Dakota. Courts & Government: The South Dakota Supreme Court is set to consider a proposal to merge administrative structures of the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits. Community & Culture: Hermosa celebrated local art and history at its Harvest Arts Festival, with the museum building itself serving as a historic centerpiece.

Election & Courts: A Rhoden-appointed judge has paused Sioux Falls’ Smithfield Foods conditional use permit, sending the approval back for the city to reconsider after claims it didn’t follow its own rules. State Government: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved updated funding policy to better support airport terminal development, including a higher state match for most public airport grants. Health & Safety: A frozen berries recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, including products sold in South Dakota. Local Economy & Community: First Interstate Bank wrapped up its ninth annual Volunteer Day with nearly 400 service projects across its 10-state footprint. Agriculture & Rural Life: A conservation award highlights how 3Sixteen Ranch in Ft. Ripley is tying soil health to faith-driven land stewardship. Public Services: An official USPS inspector general audit adds detail to long-running mail problems in South Dakota. Food Access: SDSU Extension is partnering with Buche Foods and farmers markets to match SNAP dollars through Double Up Food Bucks. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota has three candidates running for the open Secretary of State seat ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

State Aviation Funding: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved major updates to its funding policy to better support airport terminal development, including a new tiered formula and raising the state match for most public airport grants from 5% to 7%. Food Assistance & Local Grocers: SDSU Extension teamed up with Buche Foods to expand Double Up Food Bucks in South Dakota, matching SNAP spending on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating stores and farmers markets. Archives & Farm to School: Gov. Larry Rhoden proclaimed October as Archives Month, highlighting “Documenting American Democracy,” and also declared October “Farm to School” Month to boost local food connections between schools and producers. Education & Training: USD opened a new Sales Center at the Beacom School of Business, and the USD Law School marked a six-year, $6 million renovation with a celebration of its legacy. Public Health & Courts: The 8th Circuit blocked South Dakota’s effort to enforce the abortion-pill advertising ban while the lawsuit over its constitutionality continues. Drugs Settlement: South Dakota joined a 42-state push for preliminary federal approval of a $400 million Sandoz/Fougera generic-drug settlement, with eligible buyers from 2009-2019 potentially receiving compensation. Outdoor Recreation: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks opened sales for resident annual park entrance licenses for next season. Sports (Local): Pierre beat Huron 45-14 for Steve Steele’s 100th career win; Sioux Falls middle schoolers explored engineering futures at SDSU Day; and Lennox’s Drake Mikkelsen set the state all-time touchdown reception record.

Elections & Courts: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the 8th Circuit will hear the state’s appeal in January 2027 over a ruling that blocks enforcement of a law shifting the election-year ballot-question petition deadline from May to February. Public Safety & Local Government: Meade County commissioners voted unanimously not to back a proposal to reclassify 911 dispatchers as emergency responders for retirement benefits, citing budget and risk concerns. Criminal Justice: A Sioux Falls jury convicted Samir Albaidhani of multiple felonies, including attempted murder of law enforcement, after he shot an officer and fled in a stolen car; sentencing could reach more than a century. Health & Policy: A new federal $500 ACA refund program is underway in 30 states, with South Dakota included among the places receiving payments. Agriculture & Costs: Farmers are pushing for diesel relief as record-high fuel prices squeeze harvest operations, with South Dakota among states taking steps like weight-limit changes. Sports & Community: USD is gearing up for Dakota Days 2026, and local racing and community events continue to draw attention across the state.

Dakota Days Preview: South Dakota is regrouping after a 47-28 loss at Youngstown State and heads to the DakotaDome Saturday to face Indiana State, with coaches stressing the need to bring intensity every week. Local Government: Clay County commissioners approved last-minute cuts to the 2027 budget, trimming funding for several non-mandated programs and services as they aim for property tax relief. Courts & Public Records: The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled a father doesn’t have a right to police investigation records about his son’s death, citing limits under state law and Marsy’s Law. Public Safety: The Highway Patrol announced October sobriety checkpoints across 20 counties, targeting impaired driving and coordinating with local agencies. Civic Life: The public can attend the South Dakota Supreme Court’s traveling session at USD Oct. 7-8 in Vermillion. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls opened public input for the Quarry at the Falls revitalization project, funded by a $15 million Bezos Earth Fund grant. Sports: Mitchell’s Kernels beat Pierre 3-0 in volleyball, while Sioux Falls Christian’s Cooper Strande is off to a 5-0 start after leading the Chargers to a state title as a sophomore.

Courts & Public Records: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley praised a South Dakota Supreme Court ruling that keeps certain law enforcement investigative records sealed, after a father sought files tied to the disappearance and death of his son. Drugs & Health Costs: Jackley also asked a federal judge to preliminarily approve South Dakota’s share of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price-fixing, with eligible buyers from 2009-2019 able to file claims. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls pedestrian died after being struck in a central parking lot; police said impairment or reckless driving didn’t appear to be factors. Criminal Justice: In Sioux Falls, charges were upgraded in a fatal motorcycle crash case after the hospitalized victim died, adding a vehicular homicide count. Behavioral Health: The Trump administration announced $13 million for a 24/7 mobile crisis response service in South Dakota, tied to grants for providers expanding mental health and substance-use crisis care. Local Events: The South Dakota Festival of Books returns to Sioux Falls Oct. 3, featuring Mount Rushmore author Matthew Davis. Outdoors & Travel: Pactola Reservoir releases will be cut nearly in half to conserve water and protect trout habitat, while Watertown Regional Airport added flights for the pheasant hunting season. Community: Rapid City’s Rushmore Rotary Giving Circle is set for Oct. 6 to pool donations for local nonprofits.

Statehouse & Courts: South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to the court’s Oct. 7-8 traveling session at USD in Vermillion, with arguments starting at 9 a.m. Health & Research: Avera Research Institute, SDSU and USD Sanford Medicine won an NIH award of $11.09 million over five years to create the statewide SD-ACT clinical research partnership. Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s executive order expands harvest-season hauling flexibility for farmers, letting producers move more weight than usual amid high diesel costs. Local Government: Clay County commissioners approved last-minute cuts to the 2027 budget, trimming funding for several nonprofits and services as they try to protect property tax relief. Community & Service: The Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls is now fully complete, finishing a two-acre village with 25 tiny homes for veterans. Arts & Education: The Governor’s Student Art Competition opens for submissions statewide, with a Nov. 6 deadline and student work displayed in the Capitol next year. Politics & National News: Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, in South Dakota court records. Sports: SDSU hosts Illinois State in a key FCS matchup, while Sioux Falls and Augustana meet in the Key to the City rivalry.

Healthcare & Community Impact: HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a merger plan that would create a major nonprofit system under the HealthPartners name, expanding hospitals and clinics across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. State Government & Public Safety: Pennington County shared more details on its July cybersecurity incident, saying work continues to investigate, restore systems and strengthen defenses. Agriculture & Rural Costs: Gov. Larry Rhoden issued an executive order to give farmers harvest-season hauling flexibility amid high diesel prices, including higher weight limits and a temporary permit-fee waiver—though the Farmers Union says it doesn’t fully offset fuel costs. Local Services & Access: A new DMV Now kiosk opened at The Country Store in Three Forks, adding another self-service option for eligible transactions across Pennington County. Food Security: Volunteers at the Crazy Horse Volksmarch collected 16 bins of food for Church Response in Rapid City, expected to support families for about four months. Education: Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains will launch “Prairie Sparks,” a free after-school academic program for early elementary students in Brookings starting Oct. 5. Behavioral Health: South Dakota awarded more than $13 million in grants to expand rural behavioral health services, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Cybersecurity Awareness: Rhoden proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, urging South Dakotans to adopt safer online habits. Politics & Personal News: Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem filed for divorce from her husband Bryon Noem, with court records citing “irreconcilable differences.”

Personal Politics: Kristi Noem has filed in South Dakota to end her 34-year marriage to Bryon Noem, citing irreconcilable differences and leaving open the possibility of spousal support, with court filings surfacing months after paperwork was signed. Elections & Federal Spending: Democrats say DHS used $20 million in Homeland Security funds for TV ads featuring President Trump, sparking criticism over whether taxpayer money is being used for political messaging. State Government & Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order to ease harvest pressure from high diesel prices by loosening hauling weight limits and suspending a $25 overweight permit, though an ag leader said it may not be enough. Rural Health: South Dakota awarded more than $13 million in behavioral health grants to expand rural mental health services, including upgrades tied to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Weather & Harvest: A stalled weather pattern has kept harvesting on hold, with farmers hoping conditions improve this weekend. Community & Education: Yankton is set to celebrate Manufacturing Week with school outreach and facility tours, while SDSU Extension announced a free soil health webinar series. Sports: SDSU football is preparing for quarterback Josh Holst or Jack Henry/backup roles as it heads into Missouri Valley play; Sioux Falls volleyball saw USF pull off a reverse sweep over Augustana.

Local Media Ownership: Lee Enterprises is expanding in South Dakota and Montana, buying the Sioux Falls Argus Leader, Aberdeen American News, Farm Forum, Watertown Public Opinion and Great Falls Tribune, boosting its footprint to 193 brands. Statehouse Pay: South Dakota lawmakers are set for about a 3% pay bump for the 2027 session, with total compensation and reimbursements last fiscal year nearing $3 million statewide. Election 2026: In a governor debate, Dan Ahlers and Gov. Larry Rhoden sparred over affordability, education funding, and data centers, with Rhoden defending state rules and Ahlers calling for more local control. Public Health & Safety: South Dakota consumers are being urged to check for a nationwide recall of chlorthalidone 25 mg after dissolution problems could reduce effectiveness. Agriculture & Weather: Farmers across parts of the state are delaying harvest after late-season rain left fields too wet, raising worries about crop quality. Community & Care: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota marked a milestone with new Life Skills and Family Engagement rooms in Rapid City, part of a $51 million campus project. Business Costs: South Dakota executives warn that tariffs and other pressures are already driving “pipeline inflation,” with price increases likely to follow.

Economic Development: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved loans and support for projects statewide, including a $597,275 SD Works loan for Rev It Up Espresso’s new Sturgis storefront and a $320,000 loan for Elwood Family Dental Care’s Yankton expansion. Education & Community: USD’s Knudson School of Law will hold a ribbon cutting Oct. 2 after a multi-year renovation. Health Access: Avera Research Institute’s mobile unit stops in Yankton Oct. 1 (3-6 p.m.) with free, family-friendly info on research studies. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order easing high diesel costs for farmers by allowing up to 10% extra weight on hauls, waiving an overweight permit fee, and setting up possible diesel tax offsets if shortages force taxed purchases. Defense & Jobs: South Dakota National Guard leadership urged Sioux Falls business support for replacing aging F-16s with newer F-35s, with final base decisions expected in spring. Public Safety & Service: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota cut the ribbon on new Life Skills and Family Engagement rooms in Rapid City, funded by a humanitarian grant. Local Politics: Rhoden and Dan Ahlers squared off at an SDPB/SD News Watch debate, clashing on affordability, property taxes, childcare, and water infrastructure. Sports: SDSU rolled past Eastern Illinois 42-7 at home; USD’s Coyotes fell to Youngstown State 47-28; Pierre boys golf tied for third at the ESD meet. National Watch: Republicans are shifting focus as Senate hopes in Georgia and North Carolina fade, while Trump faces GOP backlash over taxpayer-funded pro-Trump TV ads.

Media & Business: USA TODAY Co. and Lee Enterprises are reshuffling local news ownership, with USA TODAY taking full control of the Arizona Daily Star and Lee acquiring South Dakota papers including the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and Rapid City Journal. Public Safety & Community: Rapid City firefighters staged a rooftop “rescue” to wrap up a Special Olympics fundraiser with police and deputies collecting donations. Health Costs: A RAND study says Mayo Clinic charged privately insured patients more than four times what Medicare paid for outpatient care in 2022, highlighting a wider national pricing gap. Courts & Justice: A federal trial for Mark Milk has been delayed two months at the defense’s request in the case tied to the death of his niece. State Government: Attorney General Jackley released a new model policy for South Dakota prosecutors on constitutional disclosure duties in criminal cases. Elections: South Dakota’s Secretary of State is seeking nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, due Nov. 1. Local Governance & Courts: South Dakota’s public defender office may ask for up to about $697,000 a year to take on more trial-level felony cases. Sports (SDSU): South Dakota State rolled past Eastern Illinois 42-7, with a third-quarter surge turning the game.

Public Safety: Sioux Falls police recovered the body of an adult man from the Big Sioux River near Fawick Park under the 11th Street viaduct; officials say there’s no believed public danger, with more details expected Monday. Local Government: Mitchell City Council is still split on how to pay for about $4.66 million in Corn Palace improvements, including roughly $3.46 million for HVAC and related upgrades, with options discussed including a bond versus using capital reserves. Sports—South Dakota State: The Jackrabbits shook off a slow start to beat Eastern Illinois 42-7, leaning on a big sophomore running-back surge and long touchdown runs by James Basinger, Corey Blair Jr., and Josiah Johnson. Sports—South Dakota: Youngstown State routed USD 47-28 in the MVFC opener, with Beau Brungard torching the Coyotes for four touchdowns. Community & Culture: Spearfish Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is back with live music and expanded attractions despite drought pressures, and Riverview Pumpkin Festival in Canton kicked off with new kid-focused features like a zipline and pumpkin launch games.

SDSU Football: South Dakota State rolled past Eastern Illinois 42-7 in Brookings, leaning on a dominant rushing attack after QB Chase Mason’s injury sidelined him; Josiah Johnson and James Basinger each topped 100 yards with two touchdowns apiece as the Jackrabbits outgained EIU 597-196. USD Football: South Dakota’s MVFC opener ended in a 47-28 loss at Youngstown State, where Beau Brungard ran for 170 yards and three scores and South Dakota’s Austyn Modrzewski threw two interceptions. USF Football: Sioux Falls fell to No. 3 Minnesota State 28-14, with late turnovers turning into 13 points for the Mavericks. Augustana Football: Augustana’s Saturday ended in a 42-41 overtime loss to Winona State. State Government & Community: Secretary of State Monae L. Johnson is accepting statewide nominations for the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (deadline Nov. 1). Arts Education: Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Arts Council opened the Governor’s Student Art Competition for K-12 submissions. Work Visas: USCIS reports 2,232 H-2B worker approvals tied to South Dakota worksites in fiscal 2026 through June 30, 2026, with a 99.6% approval rate. Local Culture: Rapid City hosted the Black Hills Model Engine Expo and a downtown Cruiser Car Show.

SDSU Football: South Dakota State rolled past Eastern Illinois 42-7 in Brookings, leaning on a dominant rushing attack (408 yards) and a strong second half after a 14-7 halftime lead; Josh Holst made his first start at QB and the Jacks got big TDs from Josiah Johnson and James Basinger. USD Football: The South Dakota Coyotes fell 47-28 at Youngstown State in their MVFC opener, with Youngstown State scoring 24 straight points after USD led 23-21 early in the third. Local Sports & Community: Sioux Falls hosted Glean for Good’s Indigenous food event, featuring a farm-to-table meal built around local ingredients and indigenous wild rice. Rapid City Events: The Black Hills Model Engine Expo returned to the Central States Fairgrounds, teaching kids hands-on engineering and the history of machinery, while downtown Rapid City also welcomed a Cruiser Car Show with classic vehicles and live music. Siouxpercon & Boxing: Olympic gold medalist Billy Mills met fans at Siouxpercon, and Sioux Falls held the first Manny Memorial Show boxing event to raise awareness about mental health.