AGP Executive Report

Housing & Homeownership: GROW SD is getting a $100,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation to expand its Down Payment Assistance program, offering 20 zero-interest, deferred $5,000 loans to income-qualified buyers. Community Giving: Rapid City Public Library and the Rapid City Police Department are teaming up for the Month of Caring, collecting new or gently used items for local youth and families through a donation bin in the library lobby. Local Business & Faith: Celebrate Church has taken over Sioux Falls’ B&G Milkyway, keeping the same staff and treats while directing proceeds back into community projects. Public Safety: Rapid City Fire Department is urging drivers to avoid active emergency scenes after reports of vehicles entering response areas, including one that drove over a fire hose. Education: Chesterton Academy of Blessed Alcuin of York opened in Rapid City with its first class of six students; an open house is set for Sept. 18. Sports: South Dakota Prep Media’s Sept. 14 polls put Harrisburg and Sioux Falls Christian atop their volleyball classes, while Pierre leads the football Class 11AA rankings. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports the lowest Lake County regular price at $3.68/gal for the week ending Sept. 5.

Local Government & Budgets: Yankton City Commission approved a $62M 2027 budget unanimously, while tabling two alcohol license requests tied to building/fire-code concerns. Courts & Public Safety: A Watertown man convicted in the Dec. 2024 YHS parking lot shooting of two Yankton officers has appealed to the South Dakota Supreme Court. Rapid City Watch: Rapid City is seeking applicants for two Historic Sign Review Committee seats, and Mayor Jason Salamun says he won’t seek re-election in 2027. Policing & Privacy: Madison leaders are debating the city’s use of Flock license plate readers amid growing privacy concerns. Health & Community Aid: Feeding South Dakota is marking Hunger Action Month as food insecurity rises, and Hy-Vee is partnering with the American Heart Association for in-store donations. Sports (SD focus): South Dakota NFL Week 1 standouts include Dallas Goedert’s big Eagles game; locally, Vermillion’s boys golf team placed 10th at the Heartland Preview and the state volleyball media polls put Harrisburg and Sioux Falls Christian atop their classes. Agriculture & Disease: H5N1 avian flu detections continue in commercial poultry across the Dakotas, including multiple South Dakota sites.

Local Government: Rapid City is asking residents to step up for city boards, committees, and commissions, with more than 30 citizen groups advising on issues from parks and air quality to disability and sustainability. Community Events: Rapid City’s free Pumpkin Plunge returns Oct. 17 at the Roosevelt Swim Center, with registration open and limited spots for kids ages 2–13. Elections & Voting Rights: A federal judge is set to rule next week on a challenge to South Dakota’s “federal-only” voter registration notices, with plaintiffs saying the letters can mislead voters and create confusion. Public Safety & Health: Monument Health Rapid City earned U.S. News “high-performing” recognition in five care areas, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure. Housing: St. Francis House says its $10 million Healing Home Campus affordable housing project is moving toward a spring groundbreaking after raising $1 million. Politics/Leadership: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun announced he won’t seek re-election in 2027. Weather & Environment: New research tracks how wind and solar siting rules are changing across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Crash: A 70-year-old Astoria man died after being struck by a pickup while working on a riding lawnmower near Ramona.

Sanford International: Zach Johnson closed with a 4-under 66 to win the Sanford International in Sioux Falls, birdieing the final two holes to edge Ben Crane by one stroke and claim his fifth PGA Tour Champions victory of the season. Local Government: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun announced he will not seek re-election in 2027, saying he wants to leave the city with “momentum” after a decade in office. Wildfire Update: Fire crews stopped the forward spread of the Beretta Fire south of Rapid City; no evacuations were ordered and no structures were reported damaged. Public Safety: Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responded to a structure fire on West 39th Street; one person was evaluated for smoke inhalation and a cat was removed. Community & Health: Hundreds are expected at the Walk to Defeat ALS on Sept. 19 at Sertoma Park in Sioux Falls, with funds staying in the Sioux Empire. Business Spotlight: Rosebud Building Products on the Rosebud Reservation earned national recognition as South Dakota’s 2026 Hardware All Star. Sports: Augustana beat MSU Moorhead 2-1, while the Huskies topped Washington State 3-1 in the Apple Cup.

SDSU Football: South Dakota State turned a slow start into a blowout, scoring 47 points in a 16-minute stretch to beat New Haven 57-14 in the Beef Bowl at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, improving to 2-1. USD Football: South Dakota opened 3-0 with a 41-23 win over Eastern Washington, led by Charles Pierre Jr.’s 2,000-yard milestone and Austyn Modrzewski’s three-touchdown passing. Wildlife & Fishing: South Dakota wildlife officials faced pushback over a proposal that would have let anglers keep large muskies; the plan to change the current catch-and-release rules was rejected. Local Sports (High School): Harrisburg edged O’Gorman 21-20 in the Dakota Bowl, while Brookings was shut out by Huron 20-0. Community & Education: A Simmons Middle School student won a statewide essay contest about her great-grandmother, and an elementary school project is collecting postcards from all 50 states for America’s 250th. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 in Codington County at $3.39 (week ending Sept. 5), alongside diesel pricing updates including $5.26 in Miner County. Rapid City Events: The 21st annual Chile Pepper Festival runs this weekend in Rapid City, with food, music, and local vendors.

Elections & Courts: A federal judge will decide next week whether South Dakota’s secretary of state is violating the U.S. Constitution with “federal-only” voter notification letters and how the state is implementing proof-of-citizenship rules. College Football (SDSU): South Dakota State rolled past New Haven 57-14, with Chase Mason throwing for 255 yards and three TDs as the Jackrabbits broke it open after a slow start. College Football (USD): Charles Pierre Jr. returned from injury form with 138 yards and two TDs as No. 11 South Dakota beat Eastern Washington 41-23 to stay unbeaten. College Football (USF): University of Sioux Falls survived a late comeback and won 29-28 in overtime over MSU Moorhead. Local Sports (Presidents Bowl): Roosevelt dominated Washington 27-7 in the Presidents Bowl opener at Howard Wood Field. Proximity Sports (Rapid City): Colorado Mesa edged South Dakota Mines 30-24 in overtime in Rapid City. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls’ Sidewalk Arts Festival returned for its 63rd year, and the city also kicked off a new girls flag football era with help from the Minnesota Vikings.

Courthouse sentencing: Brandon Lyle High Pipe, accused in a mid-December rampage at the Lyon County Courthouse, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to criminal mischief and burglary charges. State education snapshot: South Dakota’s average student loan debt fell nearly 4% over the past year to about $4,820 per borrower, ranking among the lower states nationally. Voting rules in focus: A federal judge is set to rule next week in a Sioux Falls case over 2026 Senate Bill 175, with early voting starting Sept. 18 and plaintiffs arguing the state’s documentation rules confuse voters. Public health alert: The FDA expanded a Walmart berries recall, adding more states and territories, including South Dakota, tied to possible E. coli contamination. Wildfire pressure: A record wildfire season has burned over 8.5 million acres nationwide, with tens of thousands of fires straining firefighting resources. Sports, local angle: South Dakota football hosts Eastern Washington today at the DakotaDome for Family Weekend and Native American Heritage Day.

Health & Aging: Sioux Falls-area seniors can submit artwork for the 29th annual SDHCA Dakota MasterWorks Art Show, open to South Dakota residents 60+; entries run Oct. 5-9 at the SDHCA office, with the exhibit Nov. 5-6 at the Jerstad Center. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden proclaimed Sept. 13-19 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week, citing that about 15% of South Dakota adults lack essential literacy skills. Veterans & Remembrance: South Dakota will observe POW/MIA Recognition Day on Sept. 19, honoring 349 unaccounted-for service members; the state also marked 25 years since 9/11 with ceremonies at USD in Vermillion. Public Health: Horizon Health is offering free dental care for kids ages 0-5 through its Smiles for Miles program in October, with appointments available at multiple locations statewide. Agriculture & Food Systems: South Dakota Specialty Producers Association hosts “Sow the Connection,” a free Sept. 21 event in Harrisburg connecting organic/regenerative farmers with buyers and state/federal resources. Sports: Fargo-Moorhead’s Matt Kroon hit a three-run homer in the ninth to sweep Winnipeg in the American Association playoffs; locally, Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan beat Sioux Falls Lutheran 22-14 in high school football.

Obamacare Refunds: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 refunds for “user fees” that it says drove up premiums beyond what was needed to run the federal exchange. 9/11 Remembrance & Service: In Rapid City and western South Dakota, groups are organizing volunteer projects tied to the 25th anniversary, including a Helpline Center and Habitat for Humanity Day of Service. Public Safety—WRAP Restraint: Rapid City police defended use of a WRAP full-body restraint after a man died while being transported to the Pennington County Jail; the state Division of Criminal Investigation is reviewing the case. Local Government—Data Center Rules: Rapid City’s Planning Commission tabled a data center ordinance update for 60 days as the city proposes new limits on noise, water use, air pollution, vibration, and electrical capacity. Courts & Records: Gov. Larry Rhoden proclaimed Clerks and Deputy Clerks of Court Week; Pennington County also announced a brief vital records system pause and reminded residents the Oct. 31 property tax deadline is coming. Weather: Warmer, breezy conditions today with showers and storms possible tonight into Saturday. Sports & Culture: South Dakota and Eastern Washington will wear Indigenous-language helmet decals Saturday for Native American Heritage Day.

Health Care & Politics: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get $500 Obamacare refund checks starting in October, tied to alleged Biden-era “user fee” overcharges on federal exchange plans. Elections & Courts: South Dakota’s new voter registration law—requiring new voters to prove citizenship—returns to court Friday as the League of Women Voters and a voter challenge it, with the AG’s office defending the rule. Statehouse Watch: A proposal to raise South Dakota legislators’ pay is back in focus, with lawmakers’ salaries tied to the state’s median household income. Community & Public Safety: Sioux Falls’ Eat Well Mobile Market is back on the road with a new nonprofit-backed model, while Rapid City police face renewed scrutiny after a man died following use of a WRAP restraint device. Higher Ed & Local Life: USD President Sheila Gestring’s “State of the University” address is set for Thursday, and USD is also hosting the Oscar Howe Memorial Lecture and sculpture dedication Sept. 17.

Elections & Courts: South Dakota’s Secretary of State Monae Johnson joined a GOP-led Supreme Court brief asking the justices to block a Trump mail-ballot order, arguing the operational changes can’t be responsibly implemented for the November 2026 election. Wildfire Update: Crews gained ground on the Lookout Fire near Spearfish, reaching 54% containment; one I-90 lane remains closed and officials warn smoke could linger. Public Safety & Health: Sioux Falls saw another gas-price jump, with regular averaging about $4.02 a gallon and diesel hitting a record $5.54. Local Government: The South Dakota Board of Regents reported steady fall enrollment statewide, with first-time freshman numbers up. Community & Culture: America 250’s mobile storytelling tour, “Our American Story,” is coming to Sioux Falls with stops at Cracker Barrel (Sept. 18) and Falls Park Farmers Market (Sept. 19). Faith & Community: The Arlington diocese issued an edict advancing the canonization cause of Tom Vander Woude, who died after saving his son from a septic tank. Crime: A Spearfish man pleaded not guilty to prostitution-related charges in Davison County, with a jury trial set for December.

Indigenous Heritage on the Field: USD and Eastern Washington will wear Indigenous-language helmet decals in a rare Division I matchup in Vermillion, with USD’s “Sungmanitu” (Lakota for Coyote) and EWU’s Salish “uł pql̓qeyn” (group of eagles). Public Health: The CDC says the Cyclospora outbreak has surged to 19,595 lab-confirmed cases since May 1, far above 2025 totals, tied to iceberg lettuce from a Mexico operation. Local Sports: The Sioux Falls Canaries’ playoff run hit a wall in Game 1, falling 12-6 to Kansas City after a late rally. Politics: At the GOP midterm convention in Dallas, Trump defended South Dakota Sen. John Thune after boos erupted when his name was mentioned. Community & Safety: Rapid City schools announced early release for hot conditions, while Rapid City’s diaper drive is pushing for 20,000 diapers and 10,000 wipes. Justice: A Chancellor man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography.

Robocall crackdown: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined 48 other attorneys general urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls from slipping through phone networks. Public safety—drugs: A traffic stop near Silver Lake in McLeod County led to a meth bust: about 110 grams found hidden in a vehicle’s engine compartment, with more meth and paraphernalia inside; the driver is a 65-year-old South Dakota man, and the passenger was released. Courts—Jason Horned Eagle: Two co-defendants in the death of Jason Horned Eagle made first appearances in Pennington County, with bond set for one; the family is pushing for tougher state penalties after the case. Mental health—988 and awareness: South Dakota’s 988 helpline marked its first year of service, and Rapid City youth are holding “Chalk the Walk” to promote connection and suicide prevention. Local government—construction: Sioux Falls crews are nearing the finish on Veterans Parkway and the Arrowhead intersection, with pedestrian options added and Arrowhead still blocked west of the junction. Education—enrollment: Augustana University hit an all-time high enrollment of 2,652 for 2026-27. Wildland firefighting—new look: Weather.com released a four-part documentary series featuring South Dakota wildland firefighters.

School Meals & Food Access: A new national report ranks Vermont No. 1 for school lunch and breakfast reach in 2026, with South Dakota at No. 24—highlighting how states differ in getting kids fed consistently. State Government & Debt Collection: South Dakota’s obligation recovery program is seeking about 249 driver’s license suspensions per month to collect unpaid state debts, with lawmakers weighing how effective—and fair—this approach is. Mental Health Funding: The federal government announced $383 million for mental health and crisis response, including major support for expanding 988 services, mobile crisis teams, and rural/tribal capacity. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds: Rounds told the Yankton Rotary Club that the Senate is still working on the farm bill and that he’s withholding postal nominations until rural mail service is fixed. Local Public Safety: A meth bust near Silver Lake led to 110+ grams seized and a 65-year-old South Dakota man arrested. Sioux Falls: The City Council is weighing whether Avera’s crisis triage center “The Link” gets a new operator after Avera says it won’t bid to continue running it. Prep Sports: O’Gorman held off Yankton in volleyball; Yankton’s soccer teams posted wins and a 1-1 draw; tennis results included Yankton sweeping doubles vs. Sioux Falls Roosevelt.

School Bus Safety: The South Dakota Highway Patrol is running a three-day School Bus Safety Outreach campaign (Sept. 8–10), pairing with districts to watch loading zones and routes and reminding drivers to stop for buses with red lights flashing. Hunger Action Month: Feeding South Dakota says more than 130,000 people in the state face food insecurity, including one in five children, and is urging help during September’s Hunger Action Month. Rapid City Fire Training: Rapid City Fire Department moved its annual aircraft rescue and firefighting drills to a new Creek Drive location to stay FAA-certified while construction affects the airport area. Sioux Falls Baseball Playoffs: The Sioux Falls Canaries open a best-of-three American Association playoff series Wednesday against Kansas City, despite a tough regular-season matchup. Community & Local Events: Owen’s Outfitters hosts a Sept. 19 game-night fundraiser in Sioux Falls; Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons holds “Cookies, Corks and Brews” Sept. 17 at Monick Yards. Statehouse Update: The Capitol Rotunda restoration in Pierre is unveiled after months of work. Public Safety Alert: Aberdeen police are searching for a missing 16-year-old girl.

Hospital Ratings: A new study using CMS patient survey star ratings puts Wisconsin first for patient experience (4.06/5), with South Dakota second and Idaho third, while Florida, New Jersey and New York land at the bottom. School Safety: The South Dakota Highway Patrol is running a three-day School Bus Safety Outreach Sept. 8-10, pairing with districts to watch loading zones and remind drivers that stopping for buses with red lights is required. Water Quality Funding: DANR is accepting applications for federal Clean Water Act Section 319 nonpoint source grants, due Oct. 1, with a 40% local match. Local Health & Community: Vermillion-area blood drives continue through September as supplies dip after Labor Day; Yankton hosts its 10th annual Suicide Prevention Walk Saturday. Elections & Parties: South Dakota Democrats are urging voters who switched parties for the gubernatorial runoff to switch back before November. Road Work: Highway 11 near Canton closes Tuesday for railroad crossing replacement, with detours in place through Sept. 11. Wildfire Update: A Lookout Fire near Spearfish has grown to 300 acres with no containment overnight.