AGP Executive Report

Retail Expansion: Target is opening a new Brookings store this July, a roughly 127,000-square-foot location north of Sixth Street/Highway 14 and east of I-29, part of a broader 2026 push that includes additional North Dakota openings. High School Sports & NIL: A new state-by-state look finds NIL monetization is permitted in South Dakota under high school rules, as schools and families navigate the changing athlete-pay landscape. Local Agriculture Spotlight: Elizabeth Coudron, a 2024 Marshall grad and South Dakota State University student, is a 2026 Princess Kay of the Milky Way finalist, with her butter-sculpture dream tied to her dairy roots. Public Safety & Justice: A Mike Durfee State Prison inmate, Keith Hawk, was found guilty of possessing K2 and unauthorized controlled substances; sentencing is set for Aug. 21. Community & Culture: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks is kicking off “Adventure 250” in state parks, with Lewis and Clark Park District west of Yankton among participating sites. America 250 at Mount Rushmore: President Trump will speak at the July 3 fireworks event, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sen. Mike Rounds confirmed to attend.

Independence Day security planning: Keystone leaders say President Trump’s confirmed July 3 Mount Rushmore-area fireworks appearance is a “tremendous honor,” pointing to tight coordination among local, state and federal responders as the town prepares for a major America 250 crowd. State law changes: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley says 10 new laws take effect July 1, including rules targeting election integrity, AI deepfakes and protections for genetic data. Storm recovery and risk: After 131 mph gusts hit Highmore, officials are assessing damage for possible federal disaster aid, while heat and power-grid strain remain a concern heading into the holiday. Public services: Brookings is using an AARP Community Challenge grant to upgrade downtown public bathrooms for accessibility. Local justice: A Sioux Falls man tied to the 2024 Dunham Park shooting was sentenced in line with a co-defendant after a judge pared down the term to a little more than 13 years. Community needs: A Mitchell-area Meals on Wheels program is shifting operations to Avera Queen of Peace to keep meal delivery running.

Storm Recovery in Highmore: Governor Larry Rhoden declared a state of emergency for counties hit by June 29 storms, as recovery continues in Highmore after 131 mph wind gusts left about 80% of homes and 90% of businesses damaged; debris removal and power restoration are ongoing, with donations and volunteer sign-ups at Highmore High School and the Fire Hall. Public Safety & Traffic: A 56-year-old Sioux Falls man died after a Saturday motorcycle crash on Highway 37 near Steiner Road in Gilmanton; the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office says the crash remains under investigation. Voting Rules Fight: The League of Women Voters is asking South Dakota’s Elections Board to change proof-of-citizenship documentation rules for voter registration, including allowing photocopies of certain IDs; the board held a hearing but took no action. Elections & Policy: South Dakota’s newest anti-abortion law is headed to federal court over whether it blocks sharing information about abortion pill availability. Immigration Enforcement: In Rapid City, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin joined Sen. John Thune to discuss ICE work in South Dakota under 287(g) agreements. State Government: South Dakota regulators approved the Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern merger. Sports: Creighton volleyball opens 2026 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls against Big Ten opponents including Purdue, Minnesota and USC.

Storm Recovery & Emergency Response: Gov. Larry Rhoden declared a state of emergency for central South Dakota counties hit by the June 29 storms, saying it will speed debris removal and recovery support; Highmore was among the hardest hit, and officials say it’s still too early to know if FEMA thresholds will be met. Extreme Weather Facts: A South Dakota News Watch fact brief says a 131 mph wind gust was reported in Highmore, which—if verified—would rank among the strongest thunderstorm gusts ever recorded in the U.S. Public Safety for July 4: Black Hills National Forest will close parts of the area around Mount Rushmore for the Fourth of July fireworks, with closures running July 2-3 and permit holders exempt. Local Governance: Sioux County supervisors discussed a proposed data center at the former Bison Renewable Energy plant, after passing a one-year moratorium on data centers and industrial battery storage. State Politics & Voting Rules: The League of Women Voters petitioned the state Board of Elections for new rules tied to SB 175’s proof-of-citizenship and “federal-only” voter registration changes. Crime & Courts: A Summerville, South Carolina man was sentenced in federal court to 17.5 years for attempted production of child pornography after an undercover operation. Community Health: Sioux Falls is using its 2025 Community Health Assessment to guide parks and recreation planning, focusing on healthy living, adolescent mental health, and access to care.

New South Dakota Laws: Several measures take effect July 1, including changes tied to SNAP and school meals, new rules for marriage at 16- and 17-years-old, added oversight for data centers, and a new crime targeting fertility fraud. A law restricting the sale of abortion pills also starts July 1 but is facing a court challenge. Severe Weather Response: Highmore is still assessing damage after straight-line winds up to 131 mph tore roofs, toppled vehicles, and folded wind turbines; Gov. Larry Rhoden deployed state resources and ordered a 30-day path for possible federal disaster help. Public Safety: The Highway Patrol will run sobriety checkpoints in 19 South Dakota counties during July. Leaders are also warning residents to watch for scams after storms, especially door-to-door repair offers. State Politics & Elections: South Dakota’s top election official, Monae Johnson, lost renomination to Heather Baxter, who supports hand-counting ballots; Baxter now heads to the November general election. Economy & Agriculture: South Dakota’s GDP fell 1.6% in the first quarter even as personal income rose, reflecting inflation and oil-price effects. Community & Business: South Dakota Trade led a two-track mission to Germany, pairing local pet-industry businesses with USD students and embassy visits. Sports & Local Notes: Augustana named Erika Bute as its new volleyball coach, and Sioux Falls Lincoln’s Lucas Honner is set to play football at the University of Sioux Falls.

State Law Updates: Attorney General Marty Jackley’s 10-bill package takes effect July 1, including tougher penalties for drug crimes and AI-generated intimate images, new genetic data privacy protections, limits on foreign political money, and changes to South Dakota’s open meetings rules that require agendas be posted online at least 72 hours ahead. Election Politics: South Dakota Republicans chose Heather Baxter as the new secretary of state nominee, backing her push for paper ballots that are hand-counted, while incumbent Monae Johnson lost the nomination. Severe Weather & Recovery: Sen. Mike Rounds surveyed storm damage in Highmore and praised local first responders, as Hand County moved to declare a disaster and Hyde County emergency officials scheduled a public meeting. Public Safety: Davison County is among 19 counties getting extra sobriety checkpoints in July, with officials urging designated drivers or ridesharing over the holiday weekend. Local Growth: Sioux County Regional Airport is nearing completion of a nearly $2 million expansion that will add hangar space and support rising air traffic. Community & Culture: Organizers launched the Day One Movement in South Dakota, calling for land back and reparations and saying they won’t celebrate July 3 or July 4.

State Government Watch: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued an opinion saying public school districts must follow state competitive bidding and design-build procurement rules for construction contracts of $100,000 or more, and can’t use cooperative purchasing to dodge those requirements. State Politics: At the South Dakota GOP convention, delegates nominated Hot Springs attorney Lance Russell for attorney general, with no Democratic challenger and no other GOP candidates; delegates also picked candidates for secretary of state, auditor, treasurer, and the Public Utilities Commission. Local Governance: Brookings City Council set public hearings for July 14 on proposed changes to subdivision regulations and a zoning update for Block 2, Northern Plains Addition. Agriculture & Science: South Dakota State University researchers developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, aiming to protect poultry after major U.S. losses. Transportation Planning: SDDOT will host virtual and in-person public engagement for the tentative 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Public Safety & Community: The South Dakota State Museum will reopen three completed exhibits July 1 with a ribbon-cutting in Pierre. Weather & Water: A drought-focused guide explains how to report local conditions to the U.S. Drought Monitor, helping reflect what’s happening on the ground.

Juneteenth: A local “Your View” piece marks June 19, 1865, when news of emancipation reached Texas and sparked the first celebrations—now a federal holiday and a reminder of slavery’s legacy and ongoing inequality. Sioux Falls Culture & Community: “That Sounds Decent” brought music, art and skatepark fun to Levitt at the Falls, with local performers and muralists drawing crowds. Mitchell Nonprofit: MSDR AlterNatives launched in Mitchell to offer practical help and peer support for people facing addiction, crime and isolation, partnering with Mitchell SD Rocks. Public Schools & Procurement: The state Attorney General clarified that school districts must follow competitive bid and design-build procurement rules for construction contracts $100,000+ and can’t use cooperative purchasing to sidestep them. Transportation Planning: SDDOT is seeking public input on the tentative 2027-2030 STIP through interactive virtual and in-person engagement. Drinking Water Funding: The EPA announced $1.6 million in grants to improve drinking water infrastructure in South Dakota and other states, targeting PFAS, lead sources and local compliance needs. Mount Rushmore Fireworks: Trump confirmed he’ll attend the July 3 fireworks show at Mount Rushmore; tickets were distributed via a public lottery. Out-of-School Time Grants: Philip and McIntosh are among 11 South Dakota programs sharing 21CCLC grants totaling about $9 million. Legal Aid Shortfall: Dakota Plains Legal Services faces a $176,000 budget deficit, warning of staffing and service impacts.

South Dakota Politics: At the GOP state convention in Rapid City, delegates chose Heather Baxter over incumbent Monae Johnson for secretary of state, backing Baxter’s push for paper ballots hand-counted; the convention also set the stage for November races including Lance Russell as the party’s attorney general nominee. Local Government & Community: Bethany College named JoEllen Lindner vice president of admissions, student financial services and marketing, aiming to strengthen enrollment and aid strategy. Health & Tech: Sanford Black Hills unveiled a first-of-its-kind photon-counting CT scanner, touting sharper images and lower radiation for patients, especially for cardiovascular care. Rural Libraries: A federal funding freeze tied to the Institute of Museum and Library Services has put South Dakota’s library support at risk, with impacts already felt in services like interlibrary courier delivery. Sports: Stanley-Boyd standout Charlie Hoel earned a Division I offer from UW-Green Bay.

Local Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff is headed for a recount after Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith finished nearly dead even—Erickson leads by just two votes with all precincts reporting, setting up weeks of legal and political maneuvering. State Politics: South Dakota Republicans are meeting in Rapid City for the state convention, where delegates decide statewide nominees; the convention has also been rocked by the Scott Presler denial controversy tied to John Thune. Transportation & Infrastructure: SDDOT named June Hansen (Pierre) and Kari Karst (Dell Rapids) to the 2026 Transportation Hall of Honor, honoring work including tribal liaison efforts and ADA transition planning. Public Safety & Community: Good Samaritan highlighted rural health access and safety gains in its 2025 Quality Report, including expanded Sanford virtual care across South Dakota facilities. Health & Aging: A CarFit event in Hawarden will help older drivers check seat, mirror, and pedal fit for safer driving. Sports & Culture: NextGen Market in Sioux Falls gave youth entrepreneurs a downtown platform, while a Mitchell Corn Palace crowd continues America 250 celebrations. Weather Watch: Severe storms are building across the Northern Plains with damaging winds and large hail risk into the workweek.

Mount Rushmore & America 250: The U.S. semiquincentennial is turning into a political spectacle, with competing America250 and Freedom 250 plans and a big Fourth of July push that includes a National Mall “state fair” billed as a modern World’s Fair. State Politics: South Dakota Republicans are moving to censure U.S. Sen. John Thune over his stalled SAVE America Act, while the GOP convention also blocked media access to speeches. Public Safety & Weather: A heat dome is expected to drive Yankton-area temperatures near or above 100 degrees through the holiday, prompting warnings about outdoor time and hot cars. Corrections & Governor Race: Two GOP governor candidates sparred over prison policy, with recidivism and overcrowding front and center. Local Government & Roads: Yankton’s Broadway Avenue intersection and signal project is nearing completion, with ADA curb ramp upgrades. Courts & Labor: A Hy-Vee class-action lawsuit alleges the company failed to pay overtime to department managers, including stores across South Dakota. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls’ Chabad Jewish Center broke ground on a new community center and is celebrating construction progress toward a permanent home. Environment & Health: EPA announced $1.6 million in drinking-water grants for South Dakota and other states, targeting PFAS and lead issues.

Mount Rushmore 250th: Officials are weighing next week’s fireworks at the monument as fire danger stays high, with agencies including the National Park Service and state wildland fire teams coordinating a go/no-go plan and monitoring. Public Safety & Local Rules: Sioux Falls Police are reminding residents where fireworks are legal for America’s 250th, noting city limits on loud/projectile fireworks and where county dates allow public use. State Policy: South Dakota’s SNAP program posted the nation’s lowest payment error rate (2.47% in FY25), while a petition effort to refer a new property-tax relief law failed to gather enough signatures for the Nov. 3 ballot. Courts & Agriculture: The U.S. Supreme Court sided with Monsanto in a Roundup warning-label liability fight, a case South Dakota AG Marty Jackley backed in an amicus brief. Water Infrastructure: DANR announced $54.8 million in loans and grants for statewide water, wastewater, and solid waste projects. Education Grants: The Department of Education awarded more than $9 million for out-of-school learning programs statewide. Crime & Courts: Authorities are searching for a South Dakota correctional officer accused of having sex with inmates. Sports: Rampart’s Brooklynn Pollmiller set a school scoring record and earned Peak Performer of the Year honors; Mitchell golfer Asher Dannenbring won the SDGA Junior Championship.

Mount Rushmore, America 250: President Donald Trump is set to headline a July 3 fireworks celebration at Mount Rushmore, with military tributes and a speech the eve of Independence Day. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden appointed Rapid City attorney Cassidy Stalley to the Seventh Circuit Court. Public Safety: Volunteer fire departments can now apply for $5 million in new state grant funding for protective gear. Transportation: Crews will install an overheight detection system on both sides of Pierre’s train bridge viaduct starting June 26. Food Assistance Watch: USDA reports South Dakota has the lowest SNAP payment error rate in the nation (2.47% in FY2025), while high-error states face new cost-sharing penalties. Utilities: South Dakota regulators unanimously approved the Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy merger, creating Bright Horizons. Local Sports & Community: Sioux Falls East and Brandon Valley split series games; Palace City’s Legion team notched a walk-off win; Vermillion Youth Theatre Camp closes with “Space Pirates!”

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount Looms: Christine Erickson is leading Jamie Smith by just two votes in the city’s mayoral race, with all precincts reporting and a recount expected under state rules if the margin stays within 2%. Mount Rushmore America 250: Gov. Larry Rhoden says he’ll welcome President Trump at the July 3 fireworks and speech at Mount Rushmore, as ticket demand reportedly topped nearly 103,000 requests. Independence Day Parade Rules: Two political groups—Indivisible 605 and Convention of States—were barred from the Sioux Falls July 4 parade, while candidates and parties will still participate. Public Safety on the Move: A monthlong 10th Street traffic-calming pilot begins June 29, and chip seal work starts June 26 on multiple Black Hills highways, with lane reductions and short delays expected. State Legal Watch: Attorney General Jackley issued an opinion saying school districts must follow competitive bid and design-build procurement rules for construction contracts over $100,000. SNAP Scrutiny: New federal reporting shows SNAP payment error rates remain high nationwide, with South Dakota among the states cited for low error rates.

Politics & Elections: Trump’s lunch with Senate Republicans didn’t heal GOP divisions, with senators still split over a nationwide voter ID push and other priorities. Housing: Trump abruptly canceled a planned signing of a bipartisan affordable housing bill, tying it to passage of his SAVE America Act. USPS & Rural Life: Mail delays and unreliable service are hitting rural South Dakota after USPS facility changes, pushing residents toward private shipping. Education & Health Policy: South Dakota schools will use state-approved fetal development videos, drawing ACLU concerns about accuracy. Public Safety: A Yankton County inmate escaped briefly during discharge from Avera Sacred Heart Hospital, then was captured near the Nebraska shoreline. Food Safety: Nearly 6,000 pounds of frozen meatloaf meals were recalled for an undeclared soy allergen, with shipments including South Dakota. America 250: Trump kicked off Semiquincentennial celebrations, and a July 3 Mount Rushmore event is set to include fireworks and a presidential speech. Local Sports: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff results move toward certification, while South Dakota junior golf and Legion baseball delivered standout local results.

State Politics & Courts: South Dakota Sen. Tom Pischke faces two felony counts tied to alleged falsified signatures on GOP nominating forms, with an initial hearing set for July 7. Public Safety: The South Dakota Highway Patrol announced July sobriety checkpoints in 19 counties, with dates and locations not disclosed in advance. Utilities & Economy: South Dakota regulators unanimously approved the Black Hills Energy–NorthWestern Energy merger, creating Bright Horizon Energy, with customer protections and labor-related settlements included. Local Government: Sioux Falls’ mayoral race remains too close to call, with a recount expected after the contest tightened to single digits and provisional ballots are still in play. Community & Health: Sioux Falls will use its Community Health Assessment to guide future parks, trails, and recreation investments, focusing on adolescent mental health, access to care, and healthy living. Sports & Community Life: Kimball is moving ahead with about $2 million in pool upgrades aimed at accessibility and modernization, targeting a 2028 start.