AGP Executive Report

Weather Watch: NOAA says the northern lights could be visible from parts of the U.S.-Canada border region tonight, including South Dakota, but without the stronger space-weather activity that would push visibility farther south. Severe Storms: Western South Dakota cleanup continues after Aug. 11 supercells brought hail up to 4 inches and wind gusts topping 111 mph, damaging homes, schools, and fairgrounds. Water & Drought: Rapid City is keeping year-round water conservation in place as Pactola Reservoir inflows stay critically low, with outdoor watering rules extending beyond Sept. 30. Rural Economy: A survey of rural bank CEOs shows farm income expectations are still shaky, with nearly half expecting declines in the year ahead. Public Safety: Pennington County and Rapid City are boosting security for the Central States Fair with more cameras, lighting, and patrols. Local Crime: A Brookings woman was arrested after a home invasion and burglary in White. Health Tech Grants: Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded $90 million in rural health technology and cybersecurity upgrades statewide. Road & City Updates: Sioux Falls plans a major 271st Street closure starting Aug. 31, and Rapid City will hold a special budget meeting Aug. 26.

Rural Health Funding: Gov. Larry Rhoden awarded 28 Rural Strong grants totaling $31.5 million to expand rural care access, modernize technology, and strengthen the rural workforce under the Rural Health Transformation Program. Energy Policy: Sen. John Thune says permitting reform could move with bipartisan support, aiming for shorter federal reviews and limits on legal challenges as energy projects face repeated delays. Agriculture & Land Use: Sen. Mike Rounds and Sen. Amy Klobuchar unveiled the RANCH Act, a voluntary program paying farmers to convert less-productive cropland back to grass for long-term grazing. Public Safety & Courts: A Parker man, Michael Sherard, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for an attempted escape from a Sioux Falls halfway house. Community Health & Housing: Yankton opened Park Haven, a new women’s residential recovery center for substance use disorders, with an 18-bed capacity and a planned Aug. 24 start. Local Government & Water: Rapid City extended year-round water conservation after Pactola Reservoir inflows dropped, keeping odd-even watering in place. School Prep: Sioux Falls held a school resource fair to help families with registration, meals, and library cards ahead of the new year. Health Watch: Researchers are studying whether bedbugs could transmit MRSA, even as bedbug bites and secondary infections remain a real concern.

Sturgis Rally Business: Harley-Davidson set an all-time sales record at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, selling 1,135 motorcycles across Black Hills locations. Deadwood Events: Kool Deadwood Nites kicks off Aug. 18 with car registration and a free concert, bringing another round of summer crowds to the Hills. Public Safety—Crash: A pickup-semi collision near Rock Valley left one person seriously injured; the semi driver was not hurt. Back-to-School Costs: Black Hills school supply shopping is getting pricier, with a study projecting close to $4,000 per child for 2026-27—up 10.7%—as parents weigh cuts elsewhere or even debt. Cybersecurity: South Dakota is spending more than $7 million of state funds on cybersecurity after federal grants were rejected, citing more than 1,000 reported breaches in five years. Wildfire/Drought Response: Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order expanding wildfire assistance statewide and extending drought hay-hauling rules for farmers and ranchers. Courts—Judicial Merger Input: The Unified Judicial System will hold public forums Aug. 26 on a potential merger of the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits. Sports—Local Violence Probe: Police are investigating a shocking high school soccer brawl in Brookings/Rapid City that included a kick to the head, with more than 100 witnesses and footage under review. Health—School Backpack Safety: Pediatric guidance urges students to use both straps, keep bags near the small of the back, and limit weight to about 10% of body weight. Local Fire: A garage fire on Sioux Falls’ North 8th Avenue sent crews to the scene early Wednesday; one resident and two pet birds escaped safely, and the cause is under investigation.

Arts Funding: The South Dakota Arts Council is set to award more than $2.16 million in grants and special initiatives for fiscal year 2027, including artist fellowships, career development, apprenticeships, and a visiting artist program aimed at reaching small towns. Sioux Falls Infrastructure: Major road work around the Cliff Avenue/I-229 interchange is nearing completion, with parts of the project still keeping lanes open through fall. Public Safety & Schools: Rapid City police will step up enforcement in school zones as classes resume, emphasizing safety around buses and crosswalks. Local Government: Clay County commissioners advanced a first reading of a proposed local option sales tax to cut property taxes for homeowners, with a second vote set for Aug. 25. Drought & Fire Response: Gov. Larry Rhoden expanded state wildland firefighting resources statewide to help volunteer departments respond faster during drought conditions. Medical Cannabis Update: A federal reclassification of medical marijuana to Schedule III could improve South Dakota’s tax deductions and banking access, though lawmakers say key details are still unclear. Sports: South Dakota women’s soccer opened strong, earning Summit League weekly honors for Kinsley Pesicka and Campbell Fischer.

Sturgis crackdown: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says six men were arrested in an Internet Crimes Against Children sting during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with charges including solicitation of a minor and human trafficking. Public safety in Winner: A Winner man, Andrew Durroh, was indicted for attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault after an April attack on a fellow inmate at the Winner Jail. Water worries: Aberdeen is partnering on the WINS project to secure long-term Missouri River water, while Pactola Reservoir continues to drop and has hit its lowest level in years, prompting ongoing Rapid City water restrictions. Local government: Fort Pierre Mayor Greg Kenzy says major decisions on water, roads, and the city budget are piling up at once. Health policy: South Dakota’s medical cannabis program added nearly 4,000 registered patients over the past year, reaching 19,375 as of June 30, with digital ID cards planned. Education: Sioux Falls will give 63 first-year teachers $250 classroom grants to stock supplies for the new school year. Tech and security: A report says South Dakota rejected millions in federal cybersecurity grants and is spending more than $7 million in state funds as breaches keep coming.

Federal Tech & Kids Online: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley says a coalition is ready for a landmark federal Meta trial over Facebook/Instagram features that allegedly hook children and mislead parents, with opening statements set Tuesday. Local Government & Energy: Aberdeen City Council heard experts on a proposed ordinance for data centers, focusing on noise and power needs as the city weighs how to handle the growing industry. Public Safety: Two people died in a Monday crash near Bridgewater on I-90 when a Harley-Davidson was hit from behind by a Volvo semi; helmets weren’t in use on the motorcycle. Health & Planning: The YMCA of the Black Hills is pushing “Make-A-Will” planning this month, partnering with FreeWill to help residents create or update wills. Education & Community Support: Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation awarded $250 classroom grants to 63 first-time teachers. Sports: Mitchell’s Asher Dannenbring leads the Warrior-Lynx Invite after a 1-under 70; and Augustana football is gearing up with a tough early schedule after a live scrimmage at the Dakota Dome.

Manufacturing & Education: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, a new $18 million facility aimed at boosting skilled-trades training and adding capacity for 100+ more students each year. Public Safety: The South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children task force arrested six men during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on attempted sex-crime with minors charges, with multiple agencies joining the undercover operation. Local Tax Fight: Counties weighing an optional half-percent sales tax as “property tax relief” are drawing pushback, especially over who pays versus who gets credits—renters and lower-income households could be hit hardest. Higher Ed Funding: The South Dakota Board of Regents set FY28 budget priorities, including nearly $25 million for technology upgrades and workforce-focused investments like a Center for National Defense. Weather & Travel: A semi rollover shut part of I-29 north of Sioux Falls, while forecasters warn of more storms and possible flooding across the Plains and Midwest. Sports & Schools: Brookings police are investigating a player-on-player brawl at a high school soccer match, and the state’s Athlete of the Week poll is back for Watertown/Aberdeen tennis and soccer.

Sturgis Rally enforcement update: South Dakota Highway Patrol reported 228 custodial arrests and more than 1,700 citations during the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with crash totals generally below last year’s pace and three fatal crashes (three deaths) in the latest reporting period. Sturgis police numbers: Sturgis police also said they logged 493 arrests and citations through day nine, with drug offenses a major share and DUI arrests down versus last year. Sports—South Dakota soccer: South Dakota women’s soccer held Nebraska to a 1-1 draw, with freshman Kinsley Pesicka scoring late in the first half and goalkeeper Cambell Fischer making eight saves. Sports—SDSU record: South Dakota State set a program record with 11 goals in an 11-0 win over MSU Moorhead. Sports—Sioux Falls baseball: The Sioux Falls Canaries beat Fargo-Moorhead 13-4, powered by a big third inning and five RBI from Michael Curialle. Food prices: A survey found 63% of South Dakota households have cut back on meat, seafood or dairy as grocery costs rise. Class B baseball: Alexandria won the Class B amateur state title, beating Clark 12-2 in seven innings. High school soccer incident: A Rapid City Central player went viral after kicking and punching an opponent in the head, prompting calls for a lifetime ban.

Sturgis Rally Safety & Enforcement: Sturgis police report 440 arrests and citations through Friday—up from last year—while jail numbers stay about the same; DUI arrests are down locally, but the Highway Patrol logged 105 DUI arrests across the rally area. Local Sports Violence: A viral high school soccer attack in the Brookings vs. Rapid City Central match has sparked calls for a lifetime ban after a player kicked and repeatedly punched an opponent in the head. Public Safety—Wagner Shooting: One person died in a Friday night shooting near Wagner North Housing; suspect James Perdue, 36, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says the aurora could be visible Sunday night from parts of the northern U.S., including South Dakota, with a moderate chance of brighter activity. Community & Culture: Campers at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip say campground life—lower costs, familiar neighbors, and social gatherings—keeps them coming back year after year. Health Alert: Bedbug infestations are rising, and some scientists warn they may spread antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA. State Policy—Ethanol: Sen. John Thune says year-round E15 likely needs compromises for small oil refiners to clear the Senate.

Sturgis Rally enforcement: South Dakota Highway Patrol says citations and felony drug arrests are up at this point in the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with 1,556 citations and 100 felony drug arrests from Aug. 8-15; DUI arrests and misdemeanor drug arrests are down, and crash counts are lower than last year. Higher education funding: The Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for public university tech upgrades, including $4.5 million ongoing for maintenance and a one-time $20 million push for future-ready systems and AI infrastructure. State politics/economy: Sen. John Thune told South Dakota reporters voters will judge Republicans on pocketbook issues like the economy and gas prices as the midterms approach. Local governance/land use: A viewpoint piece argues rural South Dakota’s future depends on enforcing land-use ordinances. Sports (Sioux Falls & Class B): Sioux Falls Canaries rallied for a 12-10 win over Fargo-Moorhead, while Alexandria beat Dell Rapids PBR 14-5 to reach the Class B amateur title game. Weather: Storm chances return tonight, with severe potential again Monday and Tuesday.

Medicare Advantage Shake-Up: Humana is exiting some Medicare Advantage plans next year, and KFF data show South Dakota among states where 60%+ of enrollees faced terminated plans—leaving seniors to scramble for new coverage. Rural Land-Use: A viewpoint argues Edmunds County’s rural future depends on county commissioners enforcing land-use ordinances tied to a proposed large dairy. Sturgis Safety Update: South Dakota Highway Patrol’s Rally Tally reports no new fatalities and eight injuries from six Friday crashes. Local Crime: Sioux Falls police arrested two men tied to a motel robbery, including an alleged assault with a hatchet. Public Health: Immunize South Dakota and pediatric partners launch “Let’s Just Talk About It” as measles vaccination rates slip and cases rise. Education & Tech: Dakota State’s Dr. Peng Guo joins an Argonne-led AI project to optimize quantum computing workflows for nuclear research. Community & Culture: A Menno airbrush artist debuted an “America 250” trike in Sturgis, bringing the patriotic ride back to South Dakota for future stops. Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the cheapest regular in Minnehaha County at $3.54 (week ending Aug. 8), with other county spotlights including Bon Homme midgrade at $3.89.

Health & Hospitals: HHS says three systems have signed on to its “Make Hospital Food Healthier” pledge, including Sanford Health in South Dakota, aiming to align inpatient meals with the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines and support nutrition in discharge planning. Public Safety & Crashes: South Dakota Highway Patrol identified two fatal motorcycle crash victims—Joshua Cornelius, 46, near Hill City (no helmet) and Robert Ryan, 63, near Custer (helmet used). Heart Care Recognition: 24 South Dakota hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for quality improvement in heart disease and stroke care. Workforce & Training: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, targeting welders and machinists and opening in fall 2028. Gun Policy: AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging DOJ not to appeal a federal ruling that invalidated parts of firearm registration requirements. Sturgis Update: Sturgis Police reported 394 arrests and citations through the first seven days, while SDDOT says traffic into Sturgis is running 9.1% below the five-year average through Aug. 13. Local Life & Events: Rapid Transit begins Youth Ride Free orientation rides in Rapid City starting Monday, and the Salvation Army is sending a disaster relief team to the Rosebud Reservation after severe storms.

Open Meetings Watch: AG Marty Jackley announced an advisory task force on South Dakota’s open meeting laws will meet Monday, Aug. 17, in Pierre, with a mix of media, private groups and local government voices. Public Safety & Courts: A Brookings woman died in a fatal I-29 crash near Sisseton; investigators say she wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. In Davison County court, multiple felony cases moved forward, including a cocaine possession sentencing. Sturgis Rally Logistics: SDDOT released daily traffic counts showing 318,414 vehicles entered Sturgis in the first six days, down from the five-year average. Local Crime: Sioux Falls police are investigating two assault-and-robbery cases, including a wallet theft near Russell and Louise and a hatchet threat during a hotel break-in. State Politics & Policy: Jackley also pushed safeguards for law enforcement use of license plate readers, and a separate Sturgis “body paint” fact brief says paint doesn’t count as clothing under local rules. Energy Costs: The national gas average climbed back to about $4.07 after a week of declines. Community & Jobs: The Boxelder Job Corps center near Nemo is staying open after Congress fully funded the program and a lawsuit settlement helped stabilize it.

Transportation & Infrastructure: The South Dakota Transportation Commission approved Ames Construction’s $289.99 million bid to replace the Platte-Winner Bridge—about $40 million above the state’s estimate—moving the project forward as the biggest DOT job yet. Public Safety & Courts: An Eighth Circuit panel ruled police could seize a phone without a warrant after a man allegedly tried to delete it during an interview tied to a sex-crime case involving a 16-year-old. Health Care: Avera hospitals earned American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” stroke awards, including top-tier recognition for Avera McKennan. Law Enforcement & Privacy: Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll push for safeguards around license plate readers, including rules on proper use and when data should be deleted. Community & Education: Yankton’s summer food program hit 9,600+ meal bags distributed, and the SDHCA marked its 75th anniversary serving long-term care providers statewide. Weather & Relief: Pine Ridge wildfire response continues as one blaze grows to about 700 acres, and One Spirit is seeking emergency donations after hail damaged homes and vehicles. Sports & Local Life: Dell Rapids PBR advanced in the Class B amateur baseball tournament with a 3-1 win over Parkston, while Yankton-area prep teams preview new seasons in tennis and soccer.

Health & Community Giving: Hamsters USA raised $385,600 for LifeScape’s Rapid City clinic, supporting therapies for more than 1,600 West River kids. Courts & Recovery: Brookings County Drug & DUI Court will hold a public graduation Aug. 20 at 10 a.m., with the event live-streamed. Public Safety Tech: Attorney General Marty Jackley is pushing new “safeguards” for license plate reader use, aiming to limit data to legitimate investigations and require timely destruction. Open Meetings Oversight: Jackley’s Advisory Task Force on Open Meeting Laws meets Monday, Aug. 17 in Pierre. Sturgis Update: South Dakota Highway Patrol reported a busy rally so far, including a lightning strike near troopers and ongoing traffic enforcement as vehicle counts continue. Food Safety: South Dakota health officials say cyclosporiasis cases are present but limited, while inspectors focus on reducing foodborne risk. Crime & Courts: Rapid City’s Alex Badura was sentenced to 12 years after using AI to create child pornography. Infrastructure: The new S.D. 44 Missouri River bridge project is coming in $39 million higher than expected.

Privacy vs. policing: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says he’ll propose state legislation to limit automatic license plate readers like Flock cameras to “legitimate law enforcement purposes,” while adding “reasonable safeguards” after national concerns about misuse and privacy. He pointed to the technology’s role in major cases, including the search for McKenna Wendel. Youth safety lawsuit: Jury selection has started in a federal case led by South Dakota and 32 other states seeking to hold Meta accountable for alleged harm to children and teens, including claims tied to data collection and addictive design. Cybersecurity and local government: Mitchell says its city network is “fully operational” again after a cybersecurity incident shut down part of its system; officials wouldn’t confirm whether data was compromised. Infrastructure resilience: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $500,000 for the Governor’s Resilience and Infrastructure Task Force to strengthen planning and defenses against cyber and physical threats. Weather impacts on Pine Ridge: A severe storm hit Oglala Lakota County with hail up to four inches, damaging homes and school vehicles and delaying the start of the school year. Politics: Democrats Dan Ahlers and running mate Steven McCleerey unveiled their ticket, pitching cooperation and rural-focused priorities.