AGP Executive Report

Line-of-Duty Death: Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, died Monday, three days after she was shot during a response in Sioux Falls. Brandon Oetken faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer; the state is investigating the shooting. I-90 Crash: A trailer wheel crossed the median near Kimball and struck a minivan Monday, killing a 31-year-old driver and a 3-year-old boy. A 24-year-old passenger was critically injured. Summer Food Aid: Thirty-four South Dakota groups are urging Gov. Larry Rhoden to join a federal summer grocery-benefit program. The state could receive $6.8 million to help about 57,000 children; officials say they are reviewing costs and requirements. Wind Project: The state approved up to $6.1 million in sales-tax rebates for a $750 million wind farm near Philip, planned to include as many as 87 turbines. Rapid City Roads: A $7.1 million federal grant will fund Skyline Drive safety upgrades, wider sections, improved parking and signs. Medical Marijuana: Attorney General Marty Jackley says federal marijuana rescheduling will not change South Dakota’s medical-marijuana program.

Public Safety: Minnehaha County Deputy Katherine Frank, 26, died Monday from injuries suffered in Friday’s shooting in Sioux Falls. A suspect faces murder charges, and a memorial has been set up at the Law Enforcement Center. Native Americans’ Day: Hundreds gathered in Sioux Falls and Rapid City to celebrate Indigenous culture, with parades, speakers and community events. In Vermillion, elementary principal Sam Jacobs received a state award recognizing his work to build understanding between cultures. Wildlife: As reports of deer deaths from epizootic hemorrhagic disease climb, state officials are restricting some hunting opportunities and offering license refunds. Infrastructure: The Transportation Commission awarded about $2.36 million in grants for rural improvements; Parker received $600,000 for Main Avenue, serving local businesses and schools. Ellsworth AFB: The Air Force says the first B-21 stealth bomber is expected to join an operational squadron at Ellsworth in 2027, ahead of schedule. Senate Race: Independent candidate Brian Bengs says he would caucus with neither party if elected, a pledge shared with independent candidates in Montana and Nebraska.

Sioux Falls Shooting: A Minnehaha County deputy remains in critical condition after being shot during a call Friday night. Suspect Brandon Oetken faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder of a law enforcement officer; the state investigation is ongoing. Fatal Crashes: A 37-year-old Wood man died Saturday from injuries in a crash near Presho. A Rapid City motorcyclist was also killed in a collision on Nemo Road, where two others were seriously injured. State Politics: Republican Sen. Mark Lapka was cited for suspected DUI as authorities investigate; it’s the third criminal case involving a South Dakota lawmaker in four months. Ballot Measures: Voters will again decide proposals affecting Medicaid expansion and the threshold for passing constitutional amendments. Opponents say the measures could reduce coverage and weaken voters’ power. Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Rapid City events drew thousands, while a memorial walk honored children who died at the city’s Indian boarding school. Road Work: Daughenbaugh Road in eastern Pennington County is set to close Tuesday through Thursday for railroad crossing repairs.

Sioux Falls Shooting: A Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy remains in critical condition after an officer-involved shooting; the suspect was also injured, and the South Dakota Attorney General’s office is investigating. Rapid City Data Center Rules: Residents can weigh in at an Oct. 14 open house on proposed standards covering noise, utility use and setbacks from homes. Black Hills Powwow: The annual gathering drew a strong turnout at The Monument, with dancers and drummers from tribal nations across the U.S. and Canada. Road Closure: Daughenbaugh Road in Pennington County will close Tuesday through Thursday for railroad-crossing repairs. College Sports: USD football beat No. 25 Southern Illinois 31-10, while SDSU women’s soccer shut out Kansas City 3-0 and the Coyotes drew 1-1 with Oral Roberts.

Public Safety: A Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy is in critical condition after being shot in Sioux Falls; the state attorney general is investigating. A 35-year-old Rapid City man also died in a motorcycle crash on Nemo Road near Deadwood, which seriously injured two others. College Football: No. 10 South Dakota beat No. 25 Southern Illinois 31-10, improving to 5-2 with 486 yards of offense. Wildlife: State officials are reducing some deer-hunting opportunities and offering license refunds as reports of epizootic hemorrhagic disease rise. Community: Thousands gathered for Rapid City’s Black Hills Powwow, featuring Indigenous arts, traditions and performances. Rural Health Care: Prairie Winds Care Center is expected to reopen in Corsica in mid-2027, restoring local senior-care access pending inspections. 2027 Priorities: Local legislative candidates say housing and childcare affordability should be priorities in next year’s session.

Public Safety: A Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy remains in critical condition after a Sioux Falls shooting; the wounded suspect faces three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, and state investigators are examining the incident. A separate motorcycle crash near Deadwood killed one person and seriously injured two. Tribal Communities: Rapid City’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day Parade drew a large crowd, while Oglala Sioux Tribe police report modest staffing gains—just over 40 officers, still far short of the department’s stated needs. Sports: No. 10 South Dakota beat No. 25 Southern Illinois 31-10, with Tennel Bryant scoring on a 56-yard catch and a 44-yard run. Health: Monument Health’s annual “March for Mammos” urged women to keep up with breast cancer screening and early detection. City Updates: Sioux Falls lane and sidewalk closures begin Monday for curb-ramp and utility work.

Public Safety: A Minnehaha County sheriff’s deputy was shot and remains in critical condition; officials confirmed a large police presence in southwest Sioux Falls. A 35-year-old Rapid City man was killed in a two-motorcycle crash near Deadwood Friday. Health Care: Rapid City’s new Exceptional Community Hospital is set to open Monday, offering emergency and inpatient services. Consumer Costs: South Dakota joined a multistate settlement over alleged generic-drug price fixing. Farmers Union leaders are urging a fuel-tax holiday as gas and diesel prices remain high. Courts: Courts kept South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban blocked. Jobs and Housing: Western Dakota Tech students will build a home with local contractors as part of a new trades partnership, with the finished house planned for New Underwood.

Public Safety: A Rapid City man received 45 years in prison for the fatal 2024 stabbing of Willis Medicine Eagle in Box Elder. Fuel Costs: South Dakota Farmers Union is urging Gov. Larry Rhoden and lawmakers to approve a fuel-tax holiday as farmers face high diesel costs; state officials have also clarified rules for dyed diesel. Rapid City Projects: The city secured a $7.1 million federal grant for Skyline Drive improvements, while Sioux Falls plans public outreach on data center proposals. Health Care: USD’s Sanford School of Medicine received a nearly $1 million federal grant to improve substance-use treatment and recovery referrals, especially in rural communities. Consumer Relief: South Dakota joined settlements with three generic-drug makers over alleged price fixing; residents who bought generic prescriptions from May 2009 through December 2019 may qualify for compensation. Prep Football: O’Gorman beat Rapid City Central 48-13, Rapid City Christian shut out Belle Fourche 43-0, and Sioux Falls Jefferson remained unbeaten with a 41-0 win over Roosevelt.

Ballot Measure: South Dakota voters face a proposed constitutional amendment that would make citizen-led ballot initiatives harder to pass, part of a broader fight over direct democracy ahead of the midterms. Fuel Costs: The South Dakota Farmers Union is urging Gov. Larry Rhoden and lawmakers to call a special session and temporarily cut fuel taxes to one cent per gallon, citing high prices and confusion over rules for using tax-exempt dyed diesel on highways. Agriculture: USDA raised its South Dakota corn-yield estimate by six bushels per acre, to 151, as larger-than-expected national crop figures sent grain futures sharply lower. Consumer Relief: South Dakota joined 45 states and territories seeking approval of settlements with generic drugmakers over alleged price-fixing; eligible purchasers may be able to claim compensation. Courts: Rhoden appointed Belle Fourche attorney Kellen Willert to the Fourth Judicial Circuit bench. Rapid City: The city won a $7.1 million federal grant for Skyline Drive safety, trail-access and visitor improvements.

Data Center Debate: Vermillion plans a public information meeting on six proposed data-center zoning ordinances after strong community interest. Across the country, states are weighing rules to keep residents from absorbing the power-grid costs of these projects. Fuel Costs: South Dakota Farmers Union is urging Gov. Larry Rhoden and lawmakers to call a special session and temporarily cut the state fuel tax from 28 cents to 1 cent per gallon. The governor’s office says options remain under consideration. Higher Education: USD broke ground on its $40 million Gassen Family Fieldhouse in Vermillion. The 114,000-square-foot facility is planned to open in less than two years. Public Safety: A 46-year-old man died after his car left the road and rolled near Watertown early Thursday; authorities say he was not wearing a seatbelt. Courts: Rhoden appointed Belle Fourche attorney and Army National Guard Lt. Col. Kellen Willert to the Fourth Judicial Circuit judgeship.**

Rapid City Policy: The City Council unanimously sent its proposed AI policy back for a fuller rewrite, saying key terms and safeguards need clearer definitions. Custer State Park: State officials are expected to approve Xanterra Travel Collection as the park’s new concessionaire, replacing a South Dakota company that has managed its resorts for 20 years. College Access: South Dakota students can apply to the state’s public universities for free through Nov. 30; students from 11 neighboring states in the South Dakota Advantage program are also eligible. Road Work: Sturgis approved a haul-route agreement for fill material serving I-90 improvements between Exits 32 and 37, with construction planned for 2026–27. Fuel Rules: South Dakota says only agricultural producers with a valid exemption certificate may use dyed diesel on roads for now; other users could still owe federal, state and local taxes. Schools and Outdoors: Rapid City schools approved $775,000 for literacy programs, while wildlife officials expect another strong pheasant season, with resident-only hunting opening Oct. 10.

Water Infrastructure: South Dakota approved $38.9 million in loans and grants for drinking-water and solid-waste projects. A $16.5 million grant will help Clay Rural Water connect to Elk Point through 23 miles of new pipe and other upgrades. Property Taxes: Voters in Brown and Codington counties will decide Nov. 3 on half-percent sales taxes intended to cut homeowners’ property taxes; Clay and Charles Mix counties vote Nov. 17. Six other counties have approved the tax without a public vote. Consumer Compensation: The attorney general urged residents who bought certain generic drugs from 2009 to 2019 to check whether they qualify for a share of a settlement over alleged price-fixing. Rapid City Safety: The city plans to install four non-camera devices on its bike path to track speeds and traffic after reports of speeding and near-collisions. Ballot Rules: South Dakota voters will also consider Amendment L, which would require 60% approval for future constitutional amendments; opponents say it would give a minority the power to block changes.

Food Access: Feeding South Dakota has launched a program to supply free fresh produce to more than 230 partner agencies statewide, including pantries and shelters in Rapid City. Growth and Infrastructure: A new Bennett Road bridge has opened in Box Elder, where the population has nearly doubled since 2010 and growth tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base is expected to continue. Lakota-led Restoration: Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation released 50 bison onto nearly 40,000 acres leased from the Oglala Sioux Tribe, beginning a project aimed at restoring native wildlife and prairie. Election Readiness: The ACLU of South Dakota is training volunteers to observe polling places in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls during the Nov. 3 general election. Harvest: Some South Dakota farmers report better-than-expected early corn yields, though drought and crop quality remain concerns as harvest progresses. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man was sentenced to four years in prison, with one year suspended, for a crash that killed a passenger near Lennox in 2025.

Legal & Courts: Attorney General Marty Jackley says South Dakota is joining 42 states seeking preliminary federal court approval of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz Inc. Health: Avera Cancer Institute stories highlight why regular mammograms matter, plus local breast-cancer patients and staff sharing treatment experiences, including deep inspiration breath-hold radiation. State Parks & Outdoors: 2027 South Dakota state park entrance licenses are on sale now, with access to 60+ parks through May 21, 2028. Public Safety: Rapid City officials warn bike-path users to slow down as high-speed cyclists and e-bikes have caused close calls. Agriculture & Fuel Policy: Trump’s temporary dyed-diesel expansion and Gov. Rhoden’s follow-up directive are easing costs for farmers, but some worry about lingering dye and future enforcement. Local Government/Infrastructure: Bennett Road Bridge opens in Box Elder, funded by a state DOT grant, as the community prepares for growth. Sports (SD): USD’s Sierra Pokharel earns Summit League Defensive Peak Performer honors; Yankton’s Gazelles rebound with a sweep; and SDSU’s bye-week report card notes a 5-1 start with quarterback Chase Mason rehabbing.

Courts & Health Policy: South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising fight continues as a higher court keeps an injunction in place, blocking enforcement of a law tied to Mayday Health until the case reaches a verdict. Elections: The ACLU is rolling out election observer training across South Dakota, with virtual and in-person sessions planned ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Energy & Utilities: Gov. Rhoden directed the state to shift enforcement priorities on dyed diesel, aiming to ease pressure on farmers and truckers while federal action pauses certain penalties. Local Government: Rapid City is taking public input on proposed data center regulations, including standards for distance from homes, power and water use, and noise. Rapid City Growth: The city is nearing a historic $400 million building-permit milestone, with permit valuations already topping last year’s total. Public Safety & Justice: A Yankton man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a meth-and-gun hit-and-run on I-80. Wildlife & Land Management: A prescribed burn is planned in the southern Black Hills near Jewel Cave to reduce wildfire risk. Sports: South Dakota State moved to No. 1 in major FCS polls after a win over Illinois State, and cornerback Myles Green earned MVFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Midterms & Rural Costs: President Trump signed an executive order easing restrictions on tax-free red-dyed diesel during a Nebraska stop, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and lower prices ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Larry Rhoden extended South Dakota National Guard support for ICE paperwork processing through September 2027, and said the state Highway Patrol will be reimbursed $480,000 under a 2025 cooperative agreement. Local Government & Data Centers: Sioux Falls-area groups asked the city council for a moratorium on permits for new hyperscale data centers, saying local rules need time. Courts & Ballots: A judge overturned Sioux Falls approval of a Smithfield permit and sent it back to city council, while appeals court activity continues around South Dakota ballot petition deadlines. Public Health & Safety: South Dakota water affordability reporting highlights steep household bill increases; meanwhile, a new Yankton diaper bank nonprofit is launching distributions for families in need. Statewide Civic/Community: The South Dakota Pharmacists Association honored award recipients at its 140th annual convention, and SDSU Extension opened registration for its Calf Value Discovery program. Sports: South Dakota State jumped to No. 1 in major FCS polls after a win at Illinois State; Dell Rapids beat Dakota Valley in a Class A volleyball title rematch.