AGP Executive Report

Food Safety: USDA is recalling more than 2.27 million pounds of ready-to-eat “Golden Island” Korean barbecue pork jerky sold at Costco and Sam’s Club nationwide after customers reported wiry metal pieces; no injuries confirmed, but consumers are urged not to eat and to return or throw it away. Sturgis & Black Hills Safety: The South Dakota Highway Patrol reports one rider killed and seven others injured in multiple motorcycle crashes during the Aug. 8 rally weekend, with causes ranging from loss of control to a failed rear tire. Local Crime: Rapid City police arrested two people after Sunday morning gunfire near Skyline Drive; a handgun was recovered and charges include reckless discharge and possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated. Pennington County Incident: Deputies also arrested an adult and a juvenile after shots were fired at a home north of Rapid City; investigators say no injuries occurred and the case remains active. Road Work: Sioux Falls drivers face more lane closures this week, including work on Southwestern Avenue near Scheels and a West 51st Street closure through Aug. 19. Public Input: SDDOT will hold an open house Aug. 27 on a proposed Highway 34 reconstruction project in Sturgis, inviting one-on-one questions and community feedback. State Politics: Sen. Mike Rounds is pushing to strip USPS executive perks until service improves in rural South Dakota, and says he’s seeking holds on USPS board nominees. Community & Culture: The Trail of Governors unveiled a new Kristi Noem statue in Pierre, featuring Noem and her horse Iceman.

Sturgis Rally Safety & Enforcement: South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety reported 260 citations and 713 warnings during the Saturday-to-Sunday stretch, along with 21 DUI arrests, 14 felony drug arrests, and seven injury crashes plus one fatal crash near U.S. Highway 85. Rapid City Police Update: Police arrested two suspects tied to early-morning gunshots on Skyline Drive, charging them with reckless discharge and loaded-firearm while intoxicated. Daylight Saving Time Fight: Trump is pushing to end clock changes with permanent daylight saving time, but the Senate’s recess and vote uncertainty leave Nov. 1 “fall back” still on track. Heart & Stroke Care: 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart disease and stroke treatment through quality programs. Sturgis Community Events: Meade County hosted its annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Barbecue to raise money for local families, and a Medicine Wheel Ride brought awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Local Sports & Baseball: Parkston’s Mudcats opened the Class B state amateur tournament with a historic two-headed no-hit performance; Excelsior Blue’s regional run ended at the Central Plains, while Parkston also won the Class B American Legion Juniors title. Food Recall: Walmart shoppers are urged to check Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter jars for a specific lot recalled for possible salmonella contamination.

Postal Service Oversight: Sen. Mike Rounds says USPS executives’ benefits should be removed until rural mail service improves, and he’s pushing to block Postal Board nominees. Education Funding Shift: The Trump administration is granting more states, including South Dakota, flexibility to consolidate federal education dollars for statewide literacy and math priorities. Severe Weather Watch: Forecasters are tracking multiple rounds of strong storms for the region, with heavy rain and possible flooding risks into the night and beyond. Sturgis Safety & Conditions: Western South Dakota faces smoke, fire danger, gusty winds, and an elevated severe-storm chance as Sturgis ramps up. Rapid City Sports Complex Deal: Sanford Health secured naming rights for a new Rapid City multi-purpose sports complex, with construction targeted for fall and opening projected for 2029. Lottery Results: South Dakota Lottery winning numbers for Aug. 8 include Powerball (05-09-35-54-63, PB 07, PP 3) and Lotto America (03-30-31-34-50, Star 03, ASB 04). Local Sports: Adam Vinatieri was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Class A/B amateur baseball tournament games kept rolling across the state.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: A growing wave of cyberattacks on water and wastewater systems has now hit at least a dozen states, including South Dakota, with utilities forced into boil-water notices and manual operations after attackers allegedly rewired internet-connected controllers. Local Public Safety: The South Dakota Highway Patrol says 12 people died in crashes during the first six days of August, urging slower driving, seat belts, and extra caution as Sturgis traffic ramps up. Sturgis Rally Watch: Rally Week kicked off with a veterans breakfast in Rapid City, while local agencies are also pushing safety reminders as hundreds of thousands of riders pour into the Black Hills. Rapid City Development: Sanford Health secured naming rights for a new Rapid City multi-purpose sports complex, a $10 million, 20-year deal starting in 2027 with a projected 2029 opening. State Politics: Former Gov. Kristi Noem says she’s “not planning to run” for U.S. Senate in 2028 but won’t rule out future campaigns. Scam Alert: Lead police warn residents about scammers impersonating Walmart, the SSA inspector general, and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office to pressure victims into sending money.

Sturgis Rally Safety: Emily’s Hope and local nonprofit ABC are handing out free naloxone kits at the Sturgis Armory during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with no ID or registration needed. Each kit includes two doses of nasal naloxone plus gloves and overdose resource info. Local Health Care Watch: CMS released new 2026 hospital quality star ratings, with the Sturgis VA Healthcare System jumping to a perfect 5-star score while Monument Health’s Rapid City flagship slipped to 3 stars. Civil Liberties Leadership: The ACLU of South Dakota named Yankton native Martha Rossiter as its new legal director, bringing nearly 20 years of criminal defense and civil rights experience. State Politics & Campaigns: A Democratic town hall is set for Sunday in North Sioux City, featuring candidates including Dan Ahlers, Nikki Gronli, Julian Beaudion, and Leslie Gerrish. Agriculture & Energy: South Dakota’s congressional delegation is pushing for year-round, nationwide E15 ethanol approval, citing its inclusion in the Senate farm bill. Community & Business: HempAgra held a ribbon cutting for its new processing facility in Rock Valley, built to turn industrial hemp into products like bedding, mulch, and building materials.

Junior Legion Baseball: Parkston jumped out 6-0, then held on 7-6 over Dakota Valley to open the Class B American Legion Junior Tournament in Redfield; Parkston plays Sisseton today, while Dakota Valley hosts Redfield in a consolation game. Fatal Crashes: A 59-year-old Redfield man died after a single-vehicle crash involving a train near Redfield; names are not released. Two people from Colorado were killed in a two-vehicle crash near Deadwood when a Harley collided with a Jeep; helmets were not worn. Public Safety & Justice: DCI cleared two Sioux Falls officers in a July 7 officer-involved shooting, saying the suspect fired at law enforcement and the officers’ actions were justified. Health Care: Sanford USD Medical Center earned a 5-star CMS rating again, placing it among top-performing hospitals. Food Access: Hy-Vee now lets South Dakota WIC recipients shop online for pickup or delivery in-state. Local Infrastructure: Vermillion Light & Power broke ground on a new $4.6 million building, targeting an August 2027 opening. Politics: Frank Kloucek, a Scotland Democrat, is running for the Public Utilities Commission against Republican Don Haggar. Consumer Alert: Walmart’s Bettergoods pistachio nut butter recall includes South Dakota due to possible salmonella contamination.

Court Ruling: A federal judge struck down South Dakota’s specialty-advertising rule for implant dentists as unconstitutional, permanently blocking enforcement and protecting truthful “specialist” claims. Public Safety: A 26-year-old Sioux Falls man died in an ATV crash Thursday after failing to negotiate a curve; investigators are still looking at speed, drugs, or alcohol. Local Tech & Privacy: Summerset City Commission will hold a public meeting in September to discuss the town’s Flock camera network after questions about automated license plate reader use. Health & Food: Walmart recalled Bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states, including South Dakota, after possible Salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Cybersecurity Watch: Experts warn water systems hit by cyberattacks could face far worse outcomes than temporary disruptions, including unsafe water and boil-water notices. Sports & Community: South Dakota’s SDSU kicker story and Adam Vinatieri’s Hall of Fame weekend drew local attention, while Sioux Falls and the state also logged academic honors on the Summit League’s Commissioner’s List.

State Politics: South Dakota’s Secretary of State says the canvass is complete and the 2026 Republican gubernatorial runoff results are official: Larry Rhoden won 83,590 votes to Toby Doeden’s 34,435. Public Safety & Courts: A Fort Pierre-area hillside slide near the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center is still a concern after about 7.5 feet of lateral movement; stakeholders met and the city council will discuss safety steps Friday. Crime & Justice: The South Dakota State Penitentiary named Tabatha Benting interim warden after Joseph Roemmich left the Department of Corrections. Tragedy: Two people died in a Mellette County crash Wednesday; a third was flown to Sioux Falls with life-threatening injuries. Federal Accountability: A man from Eagle Butte was sentenced to 3½ years in federal prison for assaulting a woman with a weapon in Indian Country. Community & Health: Yankton’s Head Start is set to resume services, and the South Dakota Parkinson Foundation will hold its first “Step Big” walk in Yankton during Riverboat Days weekend. Weather & Air Quality: Western South Dakota haze is tied to wildfire smoke, and SDSU research is helping feed hourly air-quality forecasts.

Hospitals Watch: CMS gave two South Dakota hospitals below-average 2-star quality ratings—Avera St. Mary’s in Pierre and Huron Regional Medical Center—while five earned 5-star marks, as officials say some federal data is older and improvement efforts are ongoing. Rapid City Sports: Rapid City is set to announce a naming-rights partner for its new sports complex today, with the project planned near East Mall Drive and completion targeted for the end of 2029. Public Safety & Courts: A Butte County case tied to the 2003 Beverly Ann Ulrich disappearance saw murder charges dismissed without prejudice, leaving the investigation open. Education & Tribes: Native American enrollment at South Dakota public universities has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with Black Hills State reporting a big jump to 227 Native students for 2025-26. Agriculture & Feed Safety: SDSU Extension is adding free nitrate testing drop boxes across the state to help livestock owners manage forage nitrate risks as dry conditions linger. Defense Contract: Conti Federal won a $39.9M contract for a B-21 alert facility lodging and readiness building at Ellsworth AFB, with completion slated for Nov. 2028.

State Politics: South Dakota Democrats won’t replace withdrawn U.S. Senate candidate Julian Beaudion, leaving independent Brian Bengs as the lone challenger on the ballot; party officials say they won’t endorse Bengs. Corrections & Staffing: The South Dakota Department of Corrections says it has lost its fourth penitentiary warden since 2021, with Joseph Roemmich departing amid broader senior staff shake-ups. Public Safety: A 16-year-old Highmore-area driver died after a vehicle was struck by a train near Wessington in Beadle County; investigators say seat belts weren’t in use. Drugs: A Turner County traffic stop near Irene turned into a major seizure: about 26 pounds of raw marijuana plus meth residue, with the investigation ongoing. Housing: Spearfish broke ground on Stone Ridge Commons, an affordable complex with 94 townhome-style units (172 bedrooms) and rent caps for residents up to 80% of area median income. Weather & Sturgis Prep: Rapid City-area officials warn severe storms can be especially dangerous for Sturgis riders, and Pennington County fire officials say campfires are still allowed on private property with permits. Community & Sports: Yankton hosts the opening weekend of the Class A amateur baseball tournament, while Parkston edged Elk Point-Jefferson 5-4 in 12 innings in the Class B tournament opener.

Medicaid Fight: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined 16 other attorneys general urging Congress to pass the STOP FRAUD in Medicaid Act, which would expand state Medicaid Fraud Control Units to investigate and prosecute Medicaid recipient fraud, after national units recovered nearly $2 billion in 2025. Local Housing: Black Hills Area Community Foundation broke ground on Stone Ridge Commons in Spearfish, planning 94 townhomes for households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Public Safety & Courts: A Pierre patient’s death led to a doctor receiving a public reprimand from South Dakota’s medical board, while AG Jackley also appealed a federal ruling blocking enforcement of South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising law. Community & Workforce: Rapid City Police teamed up with Cody Two Bulls for a school-supplies drive, and Western Dakota Tech launched its Catapult Stakeholders Group to tackle western South Dakota workforce shortages. Health Alert: FDA recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including South Dakota, over possible salmonella contamination. Environment: Low water levels on Lake Sakakawea may force officials to assess and reopen boat ramps submerged for nearly 20 years. Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Julian Beaudion suspended his campaign, leaving Sen. Mike Rounds and independent Brian Bengs.

Smithfield Fight in Sioux Falls: Landowners near the proposed northwest Sioux Falls Smithfield Foods plant are challenging the conditional use permit, arguing the site sits directly across from homes; the city has until Aug. 25 to respond. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police say domestic violence was a factor in a Friday stabbing death; a 46-year-old was arrested after a chase. Drugs & Crime: A Sioux Falls woman was sentenced to 6½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute meth. Corrections Leadership: South Dakota State Penitentiary warden Joseph Roemmich is no longer employed by the Department of Corrections; Tabatha Benting is serving as warden. Road Tragedies: A 59-year-old Redfield man died in a vehicle-versus-train crash near Redfield; an 18-year-old Wall woman died in a single-vehicle rollover near Scenic. State Politics: Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Julian Beaudion suspended his campaign, clearing the way for independent Brian Bengs. Health Care Quality: CMS star ratings put two South Dakota hospitals at 2 stars: Avera St. Mary’s in Pierre and Huron Regional Medical Center. Community & Education: SDSU Extension is offering free nitrate testing drop-offs for livestock forage, and Rapid City Police are running a “Backpacks & Baseball” school supply drive. Economy & Jobs: Western Dakota Tech launched the Catapult initiative to tackle west river workforce shortages. Drugs Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive about $996,862 from a multistate Sandoz generic drug price-fixing settlement.

Cybersecurity & Water Safety: Federal investigators say hackers have targeted water and wastewater systems in at least a dozen states, including Rapid City and Michigan, with utilities shifting to manual operations while officials stress drinking water remains safe. State Courts & Reproductive Health: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley appealed a federal court injunction that paused enforcement of the state’s abortion-pill advertising ban. Public Health & Hospitals: CMS star ratings show two South Dakota hospitals—Avera St. Mary’s (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center—rated below average in 2026, while five earned 5-star marks. Drugs & Antitrust: South Dakota will receive $996,862.80 from a multistate $400 million Sandoz settlement over alleged generic drug price-fixing, with funds split between Medicaid and the state antitrust account. Local Infrastructure: I-90 and Mitchell’s Exit 332 reopened after months of bridge work, timed for Sturgis and Dakotafest traffic. Community & Safety: Meade County temporarily suspended some sheriff services during Sturgis (pistol permits, fingerprinting, jail visits) to focus on rally calls. Food Recall: Walmart recalled a pistachio nut butter sold in 19 states, including South Dakota, after salmonella was detected. Education & Opportunity: A Black Hills school district is giving new kindergartners in Custer School District a $500 529 account through the Trailhead Scholars program. Sports: SDSU starts the season ranked No. 3 in the FCS preseason poll; Rapid City is offering free motorcycle parking during Sturgis.

Abortion-pill advertising appeal: Gov. Larry Rhoden and AG Marty Jackley asked the 8th Circuit to pause a lower-court block of South Dakota’s new law criminalizing abortion-pill advertising, setting up another fight over free speech and enforcement. Endangered Species Act rollback: South Dakota didn’t file official comments on a major federal ESA change that narrows what counts as “harm” to protected species’ habitats—critics call it a threat to forests, wetlands and deserts. Sandoz settlement: Jackley announced South Dakota will receive $996,862.80 from a $400 million Sandoz price-fixing settlement, with most funds going to an antitrust special revenue account. Public safety tech debate: Rapid City-area police and cities are expanding automatic license plate readers, prompting questions about surveillance versus crime prevention. Food recall: Walmart recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter in 19 states after salmonella was found in testing. Local government: Mitchell and Davison County leaders discussed a joint law enforcement center to replace an aging public safety building. Sports: Madison Post 25 stayed unbeaten with a walk-off win to reach the Class B Legion title game against Dakota Valley; SDSU is ranked No. 3 in the FCS preseason poll. Weather/fire: The Left Creek Fire near Devils Tower is 100% contained; Bigly Fire reignited and remains active near Sheridan Lake.

Wildfire Watch: South Dakota Wildland Fire and Pennington County are monitoring new starts as dry conditions and lightning keep crews busy, with officials urging strict fire safety and a zero-tolerance approach to unattended or illegal burns. Road Work & Travel: Rapid City crews begin sanitary sewer work with lane reductions on Homestead Street, while other Pennington County projects may close 225th Street and potentially Old Folsom Road; separately, SDDOT says I-90 Exit 332 (Mitchell) bridge work fully reopens Aug. 4 and chip/fog seal projects start Aug. 10 in the Mitchell area. Local Public Safety: A 67-year-old Sioux Falls woman died in a rollover near Rochford; in Rapid City, a cyberattack hit Pennington County systems but 911, law enforcement, and courts stayed operational. Community & Schools: Neighborhood Soccer is partnering with the Sioux Falls Family YMCA to keep the program free, and Rapid City Area Schools is pushing a $107 million bond for HVAC, security, renovations, and a new elementary school. Statewide Health: CMS ratings put five South Dakota hospitals at 5 stars, including VA facilities in Sioux Falls and Sturgis.

Wildfire Watch: Fire crews are responding to two active blazes near Devil’s Tower. The 200-acre Newton Fire has residents from Devils Tower Junction south to Highway 14 on “Set” evacuation status, while the 282-acre Left Creek Fire has triggered full closure of the monument and Level 3 “GO” evacuations. Public Safety & Weather: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect Monday, Aug. 3, with a red flag warning through 8 p.m. across much of western South Dakota as winds and very low humidity raise fire danger. Federal Drug Crackdown: “Operation Black Boot” led to 14 arrests across Colorado and South Dakota, including 11 in South Dakota, with 37 guns and about five kilograms of cocaine seized. Local Life & Community: Rapid City’s Juniper at Vertex Sky Bar ranked among the top free sunset spots in a national survey, and a Healthy Families Carnival in Rapid City brought families together with activities and resources. Sports: Watertown Post 17’s run ended with an 8-0 loss to Sioux Falls West in the Class A Legion state tournament, while the Class B amateur tournament bracket was set for Aug. 5-16 in Mitchell.