AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Hunting: South Dakota’s pronghorn numbers are up, but Game, Fish and Parks says buck-only license rules will stay in place as commissioners review archery and firearm season plans. Ag & Weather: Eastern South Dakota alfalfa fields are seeing a surge of alfalfa plant bugs, and one northeast farmer says steady rains are pushing soybean planting past the final date. Public Safety & Politics: A Newell Republican lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, was indicted and arrested on a felony charge tied to allegedly damaging a public road on purpose. Sioux Falls Water: The city has put its rebuilt Well 25 back into service, adding millions of gallons of daily capacity. Native Affairs: All nine South Dakota tribes backed federal legislation aimed at returning about 1.2 million acres of Black Hills land. Local Culture: PINZ Bowling Alley owner says he’ll rebuild after last week’s fire, while Lane’s “Leap to Lane” festival is set for June 20.

White House Turmoil: Inside Donald Trump’s orbit, “knives are out” as lawmakers brace for another likely-failed push to extend FISA Section 702 before it expires June 12, with Democrats objecting to acting DNI pick Bill Pulte. Federal Surveillance Fight: House Republicans plan a short-term Section 702 extension vote that’s expected to fall short, even as Trump ties the stakes to World Cup security. Rapid City Tragedy: Central States Fairgrounds maintenance manager Paul Nebel died from injuries after a Sunday shooting; suspect John Lee fled to the Oglala Sioux Reservation, where tribal police confronted him and Lee was killed. Public Safety Training: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley congratulated 16 graduates from the state’s Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course in Pierre, training 911 call-handlers for emergency response. Sioux Falls Seniors: A new Simply Good Café opens June 16, sending 100% of profits to meal programs for adults 60+ across the Sioux Empire. Sports—SDSU & NCAA: SDSU named 3,941 students to the spring 2026 dean’s list; at NCAA track, South Dakota’s Caelan Harland tied for 10th in the men’s pole vault. Local Community Lights: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated “Light the Night” after Black Hills Energy repaired seven long-unlit light poles.

Black Hills Landback Push: All nine South Dakota tribes backed new legislation aimed at returning federal public lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, with organizers stressing it’s about treaty-guaranteed rights and protecting sacred sites from extractive activity. COVID Testing Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive $50,380 from a $4.87 million multistate GS Labs deal over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and consumer protection claims tied to inflated cash prices and missed turnaround promises. Runoff Election Rules in Court: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot-question petition deadline after a law moved filing dates earlier, while signature drives continued past the disputed timeline. Sioux Falls Water Upgrade: The city put Well 25 into service, boosting capacity by more than 5 million gallons per day to meet growing demand. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith will face off in a public debate ahead of the June 23 vote. Sports/Local Ties: Packers TE Tucker Kraft, a South Dakota State alum, says he expects to be ready for the Sept. 13 season opener after an ACL injury.

Local Crime & Courts: A federal jury convicted Sioux Falls man Ryan Nigro of attempted enticement of a minor via the internet, with penalties that could reach life in prison. In another Sioux Falls case, Lamont Burks Jr. was acquitted of murder but convicted of aggravated assault in the Dunham Park shooting. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Central States Fairgrounds shooting left the maintenance manager hospitalized; Oglala Tribal Police say the suspect was killed after he shot a tribal officer. Politics & Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith debated issues including public safety, affordability and homelessness ahead of the June 23 vote. Weather & Preparedness: Severe storms and a heat advisory are in the forecast for parts of the region, with South Dakota bracing for strong storm chances. Tribal & Land Rights: All nine South Dakota tribes backed a proposal to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming for a framework for tribal management of returned land. State Government: Lobbyist and employer expense reports are due July 1, and the Secretary of State is reminding filers to submit on time. Agriculture: USDA milk price benchmarks rose in May, with Class III up 10 cents and Class IV up $2.10 from April.

Air Quality Alert: Rapid City is warning residents that windy conditions can kick up fine particles and pollutants, and it points people to its air-quality index so sensitive residents can limit outdoor time or stay indoors if levels turn unsafe. Mitchell Tech Wins Big: Nine Mitchell Technical College students competed at SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, bringing home a silver, a bronze, and multiple top-10 finishes. School Board Vote: Voters in Flandreau approved shrinking the school board from seven members to five, aiming to make it easier to fill seats. Copyright Lawsuit: ASCAP filed infringement suits against four radio groups, alleging they played music without the required licenses for years. Public Safety & Courts: A Sioux Falls man was acquitted of murder but convicted of lesser charges in the 2024 Dunham Park shooting; in Douglas County, a deputy was terminated days after the sheriff’s election. Health Workforce: Avera Queen of Peace is partnering with SDSU to expand respiratory therapy education and hands-on clinical training in Mitchell. Corrections Costs: Minnehaha County will get higher state payments to house parole violators as the state tightens enforcement. FDA Sunscreen Update: The FDA approved bemotrizinol as a new OTC sunscreen ingredient, expanding options for UVA/UVB protection.

Local Housing + Health Care: A Hot Springs hospital is investing $2.3 million to help build a subdivision that could add 48 affordable units near Fall River Health Services, aiming to keep workers from leaving for lack of housing. Public Safety: A Pennington County deputy was shot and injured during a standoff at the Central States Fairgrounds; the suspect was killed in the exchange. Politics: Former President Joe Biden drew about 1,200 people to the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls, raising roughly $275,000. Courts + Business: Summit Carbon Solutions is headed to trial in Delaware over a $15 million pipe-contract dispute with Welspun Tubular. Environment: A new study says wildfire-driven ozone has reversed years of U.S. air-quality gains, raising health risks. Law Enforcement Leadership: South Dakota’s DCI has a new chief, Chad Mosteller, sworn in after Dan Satterlee was appointed U.S. marshal. Community + Food Security: Prairie Farms donated 10 pallets of milk to Feeding South Dakota, with additional matching donations planned for Dairy Month.

Heat & Storms: A heat advisory hits the Yankton area Tuesday, with highs near 100 and a heat index around 102, plus a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night. Public Health: Emily’s Hope expands its Post-Overdose Response Team to Brown County, offering free, confidential support to overdose survivors, including naloxone and help connecting to treatment. Wildlife & Ethics: South Dakota repealed waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after landowners requested it—one of them is a Game, Fish and Parks supervisor, raising conflict-of-interest questions. Agriculture: An eastern South Dakota farmer says timely rains have corn knee-high and soybeans filling in, though weed control may get harder. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson capped a perfect season by winning the Class AA softball state title, 11-0 over Washington; Castlewood won Class B, 9-2. Courts: A federal judge let a race-discrimination suit against Denny’s entities proceed in Sioux Falls. Weather Watch: Northern lights could be visible Monday night as geomagnetic storms build.

Abortion Backlash: A ProPublica report says several Republican lawmakers who challenged abortion bans lost support from anti-abortion groups and key party allies, then lost their primaries—showing how fast the politics can turn. Free Books in Towns: St. Joseph’s Indian School’s bookmobile is bringing free, Native-authored books to Watertown (June 16) and Sisseton (June 17). Water, Data Centers, and Regulation: As people protest data centers across the Heartland, South Dakota lawmakers are moving to regulate development amid concerns about water and energy use. Drought Impacts Rapid City: Rapid City canceled its Hydrate Parties due to drought and water restrictions, pointing families to pool events instead. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch was canceled after a funnel cloud and large hail reports, with more non-severe showers possible overnight. Sports Spotlight: Jefferson’s softball team finished 23-0 and won Class AA again; Dakota Valley won Class A; Castlewood won Class B. Local Health Leadership: Monument Health announced executive leadership updates, including a new general counsel and vice president of philanthropy.

Rapid City Shooting Update: Police say the suspect in the Central States Fairgrounds shooting, John Troy Lee, was killed after an officer-involved exchange of gunfire on the Pine Ridge Reservation; one officer was injured and the fairgrounds victim remains hospitalized. Local Public Safety: Earlier, authorities had warned Lee was armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach. Community & Culture: Rapid City’s free Juneteenth celebration (June 13) will include local history displays, a community quilt square drop-in, and a theater performance honoring Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman. Education & STEM: Fifth-graders from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary in Rapid City are national finalists in the Presidential AI Challenge, using AI to track cafeteria food waste. Higher Ed Expansion: South Dakota Mines plans a $6M-plus geology field station in Nemo to reduce daily commuting and give students a dedicated on-site base. Housing & Finance: Lakota Funds secured $764,000 from USDA to expand mortgage lending on Pine Ridge. Weather Watch: Forecasters flag a renewed severe-storm threat across the Northern Plains, including parts of South Dakota, with hail and damaging winds possible.

Severe Weather Alert: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Sunday, with an enhanced risk across parts of western South Dakota and nearby Wyoming. Forecasters warn the main threat is damaging wind gusts (60–80 mph in the highest-risk areas) plus large hail, with a small chance of a tornado mainly near the northern Black Hills. Local Elections: Sturgis will reconvene its municipal canvassing board Monday after discrepancies were found during the June 2 special election canvass; officials say the issues don’t appear to change outcomes, but the board will review and decide whether to certify. Public Safety & Health: Monument Health is bringing back its Walking Forward cancer navigation program to help Native patients access screenings and care, while West River Health Science Center graduated 122 registered nurses in its first full year. Community & Culture: Spearfish kept the 605 Day momentum going with a community cleanup and vendor market, and Rapid City’s North Haines Volunteer Fire Department marked 50 years of service. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson won the Class AA softball title, Dakota Valley took Class A, and Castlewood captured Class B.

Power Outage Update: Power has been restored for nearly 1,700 Black Hills Electric Co-Op customers in Rapid City after an outage reported just before 2:30 p.m. MT; crews were dispatched but the cause wasn’t yet released. Public Safety: South Dakota Highway Patrol named Trooper Paige Zempel its 2025 Trooper of the Year and Motor Carrier Inspector Aaron Kemnitz its 2025 Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year. Roads & Travel: Sioux Falls announced multiple June 8 construction impacts, including closures and detours around West Blackhawk Street, Algonquin Street, and Silver Valley Drive. Crime & Courts: A 21-year-old man, Christopher Tromp, made his initial court appearance on a manslaughter charge tied to a fatal Rapid City shooting near Robbinsdale Park. Weather & Scams: The state is warning about storm-repair scams as severe weather season ramps up. Wildlife Health: Officials are urging ranchers to step up herd inspections after New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas. Community & Culture: Great Plains Botanic Garden in Hermosa opens for its annual Open House June 12-13.

Runoff Politics: South Dakota’s GOP governor race and Sioux Falls’ mayoral runoff both went into overtime, setting up a new sprint of endorsements and coalition-building as voters head to July 28. Local Safety: Two motorcyclists died after a crash in north Sioux Falls when the bikes entangled near Russell Street and hit a guard rail. Road Project Debate: South Dakota DOT discussed possible future reconstruction of US Highway 85 from Spearfish Canyon to the Wyoming border, with residents split over impacts to land and wildlife versus safety gains. State Government: The South Dakota GFP Commission will hold its June 11-12 meeting in Madison, with a public hearing and open forum. Storm Season Watch: AG Marty Jackley warned residents about storm-repair scams and urged written quotes, contractor checks, and avoiding full upfront payments. Agriculture Help: SDSU Extension is offering free livestock water testing statewide after salt levels in some samples were found too high. Health Care Recognition: South Dakota long-term care providers earned AHCA/NCAL Bronze “Commitment to Quality” awards. Sports: State softball is in full swing, with Class AA and Class A championship matchups set after Friday semifinals.

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary is headed to a first-ever top-two runoff July 28 after no one hit 35%; Toby Doeden led Tuesday, but turnout and shifting support from Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen backers could decide the race. Local Politics: In Sioux Falls’ mayoral runoff, endorsements are rolling in—Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller are backing Jamie Smith. Energy Costs: Gas prices keep cooling, with AAA reporting the national average down nearly 20 cents in a week. Public Safety: A pedestrian was critically hurt in a downtown Rapid City crash on Saint Joseph Street. Corrections: Mike Durfee State Prison reported the death of inmate Michael Konshak. Health & Community: A Spearfish Marine veteran is battling stage four prostate cancer; a fundraiser and silent auction are set for Saturday. Agriculture & Education: SDSU Extension is adding new native plant and nutrition field specialists, and it’s hosting free winter wheat variety tours June 9 plus drought meetings June 17. Sports: Class AA softball semifinals set the stage for the state championship, and Sioux Falls Jefferson’s Macy Bryant was named South Dakota Gatorade softball player of the year.

Gubernatorial runoff gears up: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary is headed to a July 28 runoff after neither Larry Rhoden nor Toby Doeden cleared 35% Tuesday; absentee voting for the runoff starts June 12, with voter registration open through July 13. Primary shakeup: Unofficial results show 16 GOP incumbents ousted in the June 2 primary, continuing the 2024 “earthquake” trend; turnout hit the highest level for a SD primary since 2008, with more than 171,000 votes cast. Health alert: A child in Brookings has been diagnosed with measles, the eighth case in the state this year, with most cases in eastern South Dakota. Public safety & community: The FBI honored Victim Specialist Gayle Scott as a “Hometown Hero,” while Sioux Falls councilors want a study on adding a median to Minnesota Avenue. State services: Seniors and people with disabilities can apply for South Dakota’s Tax Refund Program through July 1. Local life: Vermillion voters elected Kevin O’Kelley as mayor, and a new sensory garden ribbon cutting opened for the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center.

South Dakota Politics: South Dakota’s governor primary results weren’t fully counted until about 4 a.m. Wednesday, drawing criticism from GOP candidate Toby Doeden, who vowed to “speed things up” as he pushes for a runoff. Runoff Watch: Sioux Falls City Council races are headed to a June 23 runoff, with three districts still undecided after Tuesday’s first round. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service warns Thursday could bring large hail and damaging winds across parts of east central South Dakota, with tornado risk described as low but possible. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm watch, boosting odds of aurora visibility across much of the northern U.S., including South Dakota, though clouds could interfere. Public Safety: Rapid City officials report unusually high rattlesnake activity and urge bite victims to seek emergency care immediately; the city also warned about firearm thefts from unlocked vehicles. Community & Sports: Levitt at the Falls reopens after expansion; Class AA softball state tournament play began with Sioux Falls Jefferson advancing.

South Dakota Politics: South Dakota Republicans picked their U.S. Senate and House nominees after Tuesday’s primary, with Sen. Mike Rounds winning big and AG Marty Jackley taking the lone House seat; the governor race is headed to a July 28 GOP runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden. Runoff Watch: Advance voting for the governor runoff starts June 12, with ballots printed by June 10. Local Elections: Brown County voters ousted several incumbents, including a sheriff, in the June 2 primary. Public Safety: A Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor and child pornography. Crash Update: Two women died after a May 14 crash on U.S. 16 near Rapid City; investigators say seat belts weren’t used. Community & Sports: Rapid City is hosting America250 events, including a July 5 Freedom Run; Watertown’s swim club is gearing up for another strong season after a long-course home meet. Weather: Humid air returns Thursday with a chance of storms, and a severe northern lights alert is in play for parts of the U.S.