AGP Executive Report

Uranium & Power Concerns: Black Hills Clean Water Alliance held a Rapid City forum warning residents about exploratory uranium drilling/mining and linking it to rising electricity demand and potential nuclear expansion; the group says the public broadly opposes a data center plan headed to Pennington County Commission on Nov. 5. Mail Service Fix: A federal Inspector General report on South Dakota mail service recommends changes, and Sen. Mike Rounds says it points to a regional processing center for the state. Public Transit Input: Rapid City Transit is seeking feedback on a possible micro-transit service, with workshops next Thursday and an online survey running Sept. 28–Oct. 19. Nonprofit Funding Pressure: The South Dakota Community Foundation’s Real Talk conference drew 76 western SD nonprofits to discuss staffing, outreach, and how to sustain missions amid funding cuts. Workplace Accessibility: The Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills launched new employer training and an “Accessible Workplace Ally” program, with sessions in Rapid City and Deadwood in October. Local Events & Community: Rapid City hosted a full-scale airport emergency drill; downtown also saw a cruiser car show and Black Hills Community Theatre auditions. Public Safety: A Wanblee man was arrested after an evening stabbing in Sioux Falls left a victim hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Mail & Public Safety: A Postal Service audit says South Dakota mail service is “significantly” slower, and Sen. Mike Rounds called it a reaffirmation of what residents report; the USPS also says it will upgrade the Sioux Falls processing center into a regional hub starting Jan. 1, 2027. Forensics & Courts: Attorney General Marty Jackley recognized the South Dakota Forensic Lab during National Forensic Science Week, highlighting national accreditation and thousands of cases processed. Health & Emergency Response: Rapid City police investigated a bomb threat at Monument Hospital; it was determined to be a hoax and operations continued. Behavioral Health Funding: Gov. Rhoden announced $13M+ in CCBHC modernization and infrastructure grants to expand rural crisis care, capacity, and workforce. State Government Operations: The Secretary of State’s office is now fully reunited in one Capitol location for elections, business services, and more. Community & Culture: USD’s Dakota Days runs Sept. 28–Oct. 3, with events like a kickoff carnival and facility-groundbreaking moments. Sports: South Dakota volleyball was swept by Washington; Vermillion’s girls soccer team is second in the state coaches poll.

Consumer Relief: South Dakota will receive $104,976.64 from a Credit Acceptance Corp settlement, with eligible drivers able to get cash and debt relief through the AG’s Consumer Protection Fund. Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld a judge’s decision to send a repeat drug offender to prison instead of granting probation. Public Safety: Rapid City police and explosives teams responded to a bomb threat at Rapid City Monument Hospital; officials say patient and staff safety is the top priority. Health: Another produce recall was announced over possible contamination with life-threatening bacteria, as investigators track a multi-state outbreak. Elections: Early voting is already underway in parts of South Dakota, with mail ballots being accepted and in-person voting windows varying by location. Energy & Cost of Living: Gas prices remain volatile, with multiple counties reporting week-over-week changes in regular, midgrade, and diesel costs. Local Crime: Sioux Falls police are investigating a late-night home invasion with suspects described as three men and one woman. Sports: USF added women’s flag football, launching a search for the program’s first head coach.

Local Elections: Dayton voters will choose a mayor and two council seats Tuesday, Nov. 3, with incumbent Dennis Fisher and Anthony Albright both in the mayor’s race and four candidates vying for the council spots. Public Safety: South Dakota DOC issued a public notice ahead of a high-risk Rapid City release: Joseph Cook, 42, is scheduled to be freed Sept. 25 after serving his sentence and is not subject to parole supervision. Courts & Justice: A Sioux Falls woman, Mattison Hitzeman, changed her plea in a 2025 Tea shooting and pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; sentencing is set for Nov. 16. State Budget/Legal Aid: An advisory committee heard the state public defender could spend up to about $697,000 more per year if trial-level felony work is added. Transportation: SDDOT is seeking public input on an I-29 project in Elk Point, with a Sept. 30 open house and written comments due Oct. 14. Community & Health: Heartland Communities bought the Suburban Estates manufactured home community in Vermillion, and Yankton Medical Clinic physician Amanda Sedlacek was selected to present nationally in 2027. Environment & Outdoors: GFP reminded waterfowl hunters to clean, drain, and dry gear to prevent aquatic invasive species spread.

Elections: Absentee voting for South Dakota’s 2026 General Election is underway since Sept. 18, with officials urging voters to request ballots early and return them with enough time for mail processing. Public Safety: Lawmakers are exploring a regional ambulance system to tackle rural EMS staffing and funding strain, with recommendations targeted for the 2027 session. Rapid City Watch: The Rapid City Public Library is preparing for a leadership change after Director Terri Davis’s departure; Assistant Director Sean Minkel will oversee day-to-day operations while the board searches for a new director. Local Environment: Rapid City is asking residents not to leave recyclables outside full containers, saying it creates extra cleanup and disrupts collection routes. Defense & Jobs: Northrop Grumman is set to establish a permanent Rapid City presence as an $18 million investment expands the David Lust Accelerator campus, supported by state and local partners. Sports: South Dakota high school football predictions are out for Week 5, plus coverage of key matchups and streaks. Community & Health: Emily’s Hope hosts “Save a Life Day” in Sioux Falls with free meals, naloxone, and basic-needs kits.

Postal Service Upgrade: Sioux Falls will become a regional mail processing hub starting Jan. 1, cutting delivery times for some South Dakotans by one to two days, after years of complaints. SDSU Healthcare Expansion: SDSU opened its new Metro Center in Sioux Falls, consolidating nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, medical lab science and public health in a 44,000-square-foot facility. Public Health: The Coyote Clinic in Sioux Falls held a flu-shot drive, and health officials say now is the time to get vaccinated before cases rise. State Government & Community: Gov. Larry Rhoden will honor seven disability employment leaders at the Oct. 1 Governor’s Awards ceremony in Pierre. Education Support: Families can apply for 2026-27 free or reduced-price meals/free milk for eligible children. Sports—Local Focus: Mitchell High pulled off a reverse sweep at Brookings in volleyball, and SDSU’s next opponent, Eastern Illinois, arrives after a rough stretch.

Postal Service Overhaul: USPS will upgrade its Sioux Falls plant into a Regional Processing and Distribution Center starting Jan. 1, 2027, aiming to speed up in-state mail and reroute more originating and destination processing through South Dakota. Health Costs: South Dakota Attorney General Jackley is urging consumers to file claims tied to multistate settlements over inflated generic drug prices, with eligibility tied to purchases from May 2009 to Dec. 2019. Public Safety & Justice: DCI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wagner; a suspect was treated for minor injuries and charged, while officials expect a public summary within 30 days. Local Community Needs: Rapid City’s Diaper Need Awareness Week drive topped goals, collecting more than 35,000 diapers and 10,000 wipes for Mommy’s Closet. Elections Reminder: Absentee voting is underway, and officials are warning South Dakotans not to wait—mailing timelines and registration steps matter. Water & Roads: Rapid City crews will repair an underground water line on East Omaha Street, with lane closures and traffic merges expected through next week. Agriculture & Weather: Northern Hills saw welcome rain, but drought remains severe in much of the Black Hills. Sports: South Dakota State hosts Eastern Illinois Saturday as the Jackrabbits continue a strong season.

State Politics & Elections: South Dakota’s top election official, Republican Secretary of State Monae Johnson, endorsed a Democratic successor, signaling a major break from her party’s election-denial wing. Open Government: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced an Open Meetings Law advisory task force meeting in Pierre on Sept. 24 to consider changes to South Dakota’s open-meeting rules. Public Safety: DCI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wagner; the suspect, Travis James Six Toes Jr., faces aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Local Government: Mitchell City Council approved a runoff process for crowded races, setting up a likely mayoral veto fight. Health & Community: Mount Marty University hit its highest enrollment since 2009, and Sanford’s NIC-U is running “Babies with Books” to support families during hospital stays. Sports: SDSU got good news on QB Chase Mason’s knee injury—he’s expected to miss this week but rehab with a return plan. Culture: Vermillion’s Vortex Film Festival returns Sept. 25-27, spotlighting Midwest and South Dakota filmmaking.

Diesel Prices, Export Ban Talk: U.S. Sen. John Thune says he’s “open to exploring” a diesel export ban after record-high fuel prices pushed past $6 a gallon, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has said he’d consider one only if it would actually lower costs. Airport Funding Boost: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved policy changes to expand airport assistance as the aviation fund hits record levels, including more help for smaller airports and flexibility for major terminal projects in Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Rapid City Road Work: Crews are set to start multiple water and road projects across Rapid City, with lane closures and detours on East Omaha Street, Stumer Road, Luna Avenue, and bridge work affecting the St. Joseph Street ramp. Open Meetings Oversight: Attorney General Jackley announced an Open Meetings Laws advisory task force meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, in Pierre. Public Safety—Sioux Falls Case: A Sioux Falls woman was arrested after reports of exposing herself to children and attempting to kidnap kids near an apartment complex. Crash Updates: Names were released in a Charles Mix County crash near Wagner involving a tractor and pickup, and Highway Patrol identified a Nebraska man killed in the Sept. 17 incident.

College Sports (SDSU): SDSU beat Youngstown State 27-20, with Josiah Johnson rushing for 238 yards and two TDs after Chase Mason left with a knee injury. College Sports (USD): Sioux Falls’ women’s soccer edged Minnesota Crookston 1-0 on Abby Flanagan’s late goal, while the Coyotes’ football matchup with Boise State ended 38-24. Local Philanthropy: The 437 Project raised more than $400,000 for the Helpline Center, spotlighting mental health and suicide prevention across South Dakota. Community & Events: More than 2,000 runners took part in the Sioux Falls Marathon, and Deadwood drew big crowds for the 36th annual Deadwood Jam. Housing Watch: Zillow reported Jackson County’s typical home value rose to $141,213 (+7.1%) in August 2026. Public Safety/Travel: Sioux Falls’ Minnesota Avenue I-229 northbound off-ramp (Exit 3) is set to close Sept. 28 for about two weeks, with detours posted.

College Football: Boise State survived a late scare from South Dakota, edging the Coyotes 38-24 in Boise after a fourth-quarter surge and a key defensive stand. College Football (SDSU): South Dakota State opened conference play with a 27-20 win over Youngstown State, with Josiah Johnson rushing for 238 yards and two TDs. Local Education: Rapid City nonprofit Promising Futures fully funded a “book-a-month” club at Robbinsdale Elementary, delivering monthly books so students can build personal reading libraries. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating a fatal early-morning single-vehicle crash in central Sioux Falls that killed a 19-year-old; excessive speed may have been a factor. Community Events: Thousands turned out for Rapid City’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, with vendors, pumpkin contests, and family activities. Civic Engagement: South Dakota State Historical Society is collecting items for a 2026 time capsule to be buried Nov. 2 at the USS South Dakota memorial in Sioux Falls. Outdoors: Game, Fish and Parks reminded hunters to prevent wildfires as dry conditions increase risk.

Election & Voting Rights: South Dakota’s ACLU hosted a “Know Your Voting Rights” training in Sioux Falls as early voting ramps up, warning voters about confusion tied to new proof-of-citizenship rules and the state’s “Save Act” (SB175). State Politics: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her, a rare break from the GOP nomination she lost earlier this year. Public Health: Hy-Vee will run drive-thru flu shot clinics across South Dakota in September (4–6 p.m. Tuesdays, no appointment needed for eligible patients). Local Government: Rapid City authorized outside counsel to pursue collection lawsuits against Tzadik Management over unpaid water and sewer bills. Community Needs: South Dakota Meals on Wheels says it’s short on volunteer drivers to deliver meals and wellness checks to hundreds of seniors. Wildfire Safety: Custer County lifted its countywide burn ban, while other federal and local restrictions remain. Sports (SDSU): Chase Mason left at halftime with a knee injury, but South Dakota State beat No. 9 Youngstown State 27-20 behind Josiah Johnson’s 238 rushing yards and two TDs.

Election Law: A federal judge denied a voting-rights group’s emergency bid to block South Dakota’s proof-of-citizenship system after the state updated voter notices, leaving the “federal-only” restriction dispute largely moot. State Politics: Secretary of State Monae Johnson backed Democrat Terrence Davis in a down-ballot race, despite losing the GOP nomination earlier this year. Campaign Trail: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers pitched “conservative Democrat” and bipartisan coalition-building to West River voters in Rapid City. Constitutional Amendments: Amendment J would ban non-citizens from voting in South Dakota state and local elections; a columnist argues it’s redundant and removes local control. Public Safety: Ellsworth Air Force Base says it rerouted a high school bus to cover elementary students after capacity problems, and is working to secure a fourth bus. Housing Market: Zillow data shows Custer County’s typical home value fell 1.4% to $500,632 in August 2026, while Clay County rose 3% to $288,077. Science: South Dakota researchers say they may have detected dark matter at the Lux Zeplin experiment in the Black Hills, but are still scrutinizing the data. Local News: Sioux Falls crews responded to an early-morning structure fire near Legacy Park; no injuries were reported.

High School Football: Rapid City Stevens got crushed 69-0 by Harrisburg, while Pierre stayed unbeaten with a 55-14 win over Watertown and Porter Hunsley powered the first half. Prep Sports Roundup: Sioux Falls Lincoln rebounded with a 58-14 rout of Rapid City Central, and O’Gorman pulled away late to beat Sioux Falls Roosevelt 34-6. Volleyball: Minnesota’s Mckenna Wucherer posted a career-high 25 kills to beat USD 3-1 at the Sanford Pentagon; Yankton also swept Pierre 3-0. Community & Events: Vermillion’s Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26, and Yankton is gearing up for major World Archery tournaments with volunteer help still needed. Agriculture & Policy: South Dakota Farmers Union members are in Washington pushing for a Farm Bill updated for today’s costs and risks, and NFU is pitching a “2-for-1” soil-and-price safety-net idea. Legal Services: The state Commission on Indigent Legal Services meets Sept. 23 to oversee right-to-counsel services.

Consumer Protection: South Dakota’s AG joins a $694 million multistate settlement with subprime auto lender Credit Acceptance, targeting alleged “set-up to fail” loans and dealer add-ons like GAP and vehicle service contracts. Public Health: A measles update from the CDC shows 3,471 cases nationwide as of Sept. 17, with South Dakota listed among reporting jurisdictions. Elections: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 midterms, including in South Dakota via in-person absentee options, as voters weigh control of Congress. Health Policy: A ballot measure tied to Medicaid expansion is drawing sharp dispute over whether it would automatically end expanded coverage if federal funding drops. Housing: Zillow pegs South Dakota’s typical home value at $321,574 in August, up 1.4% year over year. Local Impact: Midwest Food Bank is opening a permanent Sioux Falls distribution center, its 11th U.S. site. Education: Harrisburg teacher Christina Berger was named South Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.

Elections & Civic Life: Early voting is underway for the Nov. 3 midterms, with South Dakota absentee voting opening Friday and local groups like Indivisible 605 hosting kickoff events to help voters make a plan. Weather & Climate: NOAA officials are watching a rare “super El Niño,” with expectations for warmer, drier Central Plains winters but still possible cold snaps and snow. State Government & Public Safety: Yankton County approved a 0.25% sales tax starting July 1 to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, while a Rapid City case moves toward plea deals in the Oxford Square beating death of Michael Ladeaux. Consumer Protection: South Dakota’s attorney general is part of a $694 million multistate settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance, aimed at predatory loan practices and requiring stronger consumer protections. Arts & Education: The South Dakota Arts Council launched a Visiting Artist Program to bring performances and residencies to communities statewide, and USD’s Chiesman Center for Democracy highlights civic education and research ahead of election season. Sports (Local): SDSU and USD both face major nonconference tests this weekend, including SDSU hosting Youngstown State and USD taking on Minnesota and Washington in Sioux Falls.