AGP Executive Report

Rapid City Cybersecurity: Rapid City says a cyberattack on a wastewater lift station was detected and contained fast, with no impact to drinking water or wastewater services; the city is working with CISA as the investigation continues. Local Infrastructure Planning: Pennington County is studying dead-end road networks to improve long-term emergency access and evacuation as neighborhoods grow. State Courts Leadership: South Dakota Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen was elected president of the Conference of Chief Justices and will chair the National Center for State Courts board. Health Workforce: The South Dakota Board of Technical Education approved a new two-year radiology technician program at Lake Area Technical College in Watertown to address rural staffing shortages. Education & Community: Mitchell High School athletic director Cory Aadland was named South Dakota Athletic Director of the Year. Statewide Climate Reality: The U.S. Drought Monitor shows nearly 90% of South Dakota in drought or abnormally dry conditions, with extreme drought concentrated in the southwest. National Policy Watch: A Medicare Part D premium stabilization change could raise drug costs for South Dakota seniors starting in 2027. Sports: Watertown and Aberdeen swim clubs posted strong results at the South Dakota Long Course Swim Championships in Rapid City.

Economic Development: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved projects expected to drive more than $115 million in capital investment and add 74 full-time jobs, including AMTEC’s expansion of an automated ammunition production facility in Clear Lake and a Sioux Falls loan for Quality Nut & Bolt. Local Governance: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson proposed a $794 million 2027 budget and a $1.1 billion five-year capital plan, with public safety, roads, and the Sanford District redevelopment among priorities. State Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden won South Dakota’s first-ever Republican gubernatorial runoff over Toby Doeden, 71% to 29%, with turnout at about 36% of registered GOP voters. Education & Health: USD’s physical therapy Class of 2026 posted a 100% first-time pass rate on the national exam, while SDSU Extension released “Aging Well” recordings online through Sept. 30. Community & Safety: Rapid City Area Schools is asking voters to approve a $107 million bond in November for HVAC, security, renovations, and a new east-side elementary school. Sports & Youth: SDSU Extension 4-H youth brought home top honors at the 2026 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, including national individual wins in air pistol and hunting skills.

Severe Weather Watch: A new multi-day storm setup is moving into the Central Plains and Midwest, with the biggest risk of damaging winds and heavy rain aimed at central South Dakota and north-central Nebraska, including a flash-flood threat for parts of the region. State Courts: South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen was named president of the Conference of Chief Justices and chair of the National Center for State Courts board after meetings in Rapid City. Election Fallout: State Sen. Tom Pischke ended his reelection campaign while facing two felony charges tied to alleged false election-related documents. Public Health & Safety: The FDA issued a recall of millions of Rohto eye drops due to sterility concerns; consumers are urged to check lot numbers and expiration dates. Water & Environment: The EPA approved South Dakota’s 2026 Surface Water Quality Assessment Report, including waterbodies removed from impairment lists and others flagged for cleanup plans. Local Economy: Drought-impacted central South Dakota counties can apply for SBA economic injury disaster loans. Energy & Industry: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1 million DOE grant for critical minerals research, while Xcel Energy reported stronger Q2 earnings. Community Notes: Rapid City got its first measurable rainfall in a week, and Rapid City Area Schools scheduled public info sessions on an upcoming bond referendum.

South Dakota Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden cruised to victory in the GOP gubernatorial runoff, with unofficial statewide turnout at 35.92% (118,123 ballots) and certification set for Aug. 4 in Pierre. Election Participation: A University of South Dakota professor says Republican turnout fell about 20,000 voters from June, driven by low motivation and polling that made the outcome feel decided. Public Safety & Weather: A wildfire burned about 250 acres in northeastern Pennington County near Duhamel Flat Road, prompting crews to ask people to avoid the area; meanwhile, a first alert weather day was issued for Sunday as extreme heat returns, with Rapid City forecast around 105. Local Government & Infrastructure: Rapid City is holding public info sessions on a proposed $107 million school bond for safety and infrastructure upgrades, and Deadwood is seeking renewed Certified Local Government status to unlock more preservation grants. Community & Economy: Rapid City tourism keeps climbing, with hotel occupancy up nearly 3% and the airport seeing its best first half ever; and South Dakota producers are gearing up for National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2–8) with about 45 markets statewide.

South Dakota Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden won the Republican governor nomination in Tuesday’s historic runoff, beating Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden 71% to 29% and setting up a November matchup with Democrat Dan Ahlers. Rhoden carried 64 of 66 counties and credited family and faith, while the runoff followed a June primary where Doeden led but fell short of the 35% threshold. Roads & Construction: SDDOT says an asphalt surface treatment project starts Aug. 3, with chip-seal work on S.D. 25, S.D. 20, U.S. 12 shoulders, S.D. 45, and S.D. 47 across Brown, Day, Edmunds, Faulk, McPherson and Potter counties; expect about 15-minute delays and watch for loose rock and fresh oil. Local Community: Rapid City Public Library is launching a kindergarten readiness program with story time, crafts, and parent tips, starting Aug. 1. Public Safety & Courts: A Pine Ridge couple was indicted on 14 federal counts tied to alleged diversion of funds meant for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Emergency Youth Shelter. Energy & Weather: The U.S. Department of Energy warned 17 states—including South Dakota—face blackout risk from extreme heat, and forecasters flag a broader multiday storm and flash-flood threat across the Plains and Midwest.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor primary runoff is in the books, with Gov. Larry Rhoden winning the nomination over Toby Doeden and setting up a November matchup against Democrat Dan Ahlers. Election Integrity: Republican state Sen. Tom Pischke withdrew from his reelection bid after felony election-related charges tied to allegedly filing false or forged precinct committee documents. AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved four new AI degree programs across Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding pathways from bachelor’s to doctorate-level AI engineering and research. Local Sports & Community: SDSU broke ground on a new on-campus soccer stadium for women’s football in 2027, while Sioux Falls residents are being asked to help shape a local Monopoly board game slated for spring 2027. Public Safety: Crews responded to a drowning at Hippie Hole in the Black Hills; authorities say the victim was visiting from outside the area.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota Republicans vote Tuesday in the state’s first-ever governor primary runoff, choosing between Gov. Larry Rhoden and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden; polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the winner advances to face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. Cyber Recovery: Pennington County says it has restored additional services after a recent cyber incident, but residents should still expect longer wait times and limited capacity in offices like the Treasurer’s and Register of Deeds. Storm Damage & Disaster Aid: Gov. Rhoden has requested a presidential major disaster declaration for eight counties and two reservations after June 28–July 3 storms caused about $4.56 million in public property damage. Wildfire Risk: The Black Hills National Forest moved into Stage 2 fire restrictions as hot, dry conditions persist, tightening rules on campfires, smoking, and other ignition sources. Heat & Power: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized emergency backup power for 17 states, including South Dakota, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat. Local Public Safety: Rapid City fire and police presented 2027 budget requests, with public safety taking the biggest share of the proposed city budget. Water Shortage: Fort Pierre remains under mandatory water restrictions through Sept. 30 as drought strains the regional supply. Environment & Tourism: Badlands National Park reached its International Dark Sky Park certification goal, boosting stargazing tourism.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota Republicans head into Tuesday’s GOP governor runoff deciding whether Gov. Larry Rhoden gets a full term or businessman Toby Doeden takes the nomination, with both campaigns leaning on turnout and contrasting records. Disaster Relief: Rhoden asked for federal help after late-June/early-July storms, seeking a presidential major disaster declaration for eight counties and two reservations, with FEMA-style public assistance potentially covering 75% of eligible repair costs. Water Infrastructure: A proposed Missouri River pipeline system in eastern South Dakota is estimated at $8.4 billion to $10 billion, with a $4.2 million feasibility study underway and more federal funding being sought. Education & Workforce: The state welcomed 71 paraprofessionals into the 4th Cohort of the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, while Sioux Falls opened a new Community Campus at Southeast Tech to help older special education students transition to adult life. Public Safety: Police are investigating deaths of two 80-year-old Sioux Falls residents, and a Spearfish man died after a motorcycle crash on I-90. Health & Weather: A record-breaking heat wave continues to stress pastures and cattle across the region, and South Dakota’s new public health lab is part of a broader Department of Health center. Sports: The Class A American Legion tournament begins in Rapid City, and Yankton’s Post 12 looks to keep its winning momentum going.

Severe Weather & Recovery: A weekend storm line brought destructive winds across eastern South Dakota, with Sioux Falls-area gusts topping 90 mph, knocking down trees and power lines and leaving residents cleaning up into Monday; the city reopened branch/leaf drop-off sites at the Fairgrounds and Household Hazardous Waste Facility. Heat Wave Watch: A heat dome continues to bake the central U.S., with Rapid City hitting record highs around 112 degrees and more triple-digit days expected, raising health and grid-stress concerns. Public Safety & Local Services: Meade County Sheriff Pat West asked commissioners for two more deputies as calls for service have more than doubled over the last decade. Politics—Runoff Tuesday: South Dakota Republicans head to the first-ever gubernatorial primary runoff, choosing between Gov. Larry Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden; a campaign finance disclosure loophole means neither is required to report runoff fundraising/spending ahead of the vote. Education Flexibility: South Dakota received federal approval for statewide Ed-Flex waivers, giving districts more flexibility with Title I carryover and consolidating activities around literacy and math goals. Health & Community: Brookings Health System earned an American Heart Association rural stroke care recognition; Rapid City’s Diaper Drive set a record with 110,985 diapers collected. Environment & Health Risk: A study found lithium in tap water across many Western communities, including parts of South Dakota and North Dakota, with most samples above a federal screening level.

Severe Weather Aftermath: Sioux Falls and eastern South Dakota are still cleaning up after Saturday’s damaging storms, with straight-line winds topping 90 mph near Tea and Harrisburg, knocking down trees and power lines; the city opened seasonal branch drop-off sites to help residents dispose of storm debris. Heat Wave Watch: A second straight day of extreme heat has millions under warnings nationwide, with Rapid City hitting 112°F Saturday and heat indexes pushing dangerously high. Power Grid Preparedness: The U.S. Energy Department ordered extra backup power resources for the Western electric grid to reduce the risk of heat-wave blackouts. Education & AI: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding AI education and research statewide. Local Community Events: Hill City’s “Party in the Park” fundraiser is set to boost Memorial Park upgrades, while Rapid City’s Black Hills Yoga Fest returns as a free, beginner-friendly community day. Wildland Fire: Crews stopped forward progress on a grass fire near Hermosa that burned about 22.89 acres.

Farm Economy: South Dakota row-crop farmers could face about $32 billion in losses nationwide in 2027, with the Farm Bureau blaming high inflation, low prices, and volatile input costs. Election Rules: A national push to tighten voting rules is heading to ballots this fall, including measures tied to voter ID and citizenship verification, while critics warn it could suppress turnout. South Dakota Runoff Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden is campaigning ahead of Tuesday’s Republican runoff, with endorsements and fallout continuing to shape the race. Severe Weather & Heat: The NWS is warning of extreme heat across the region and severe storms, including a Sioux Falls storm scare with tornado fears but no confirmed tornado. Public Safety: A Rapid City-area man was arrested after a chase that started in Box Elder and ended after the vehicle spun off the road into Wyoming. Health & Recalls: Amy’s Kitchen recalled about 184,200 cans of organic lentil soup in multiple states due to a pull-tab seal defect that could lead to spoilage. Community & Access: Rapid City’s Disability Awareness and Accessibility Committee held its annual resource fair, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve city navigation for people with disabilities.

Severe Weather Watch: Sioux Falls residents shared chilling storm videos Saturday as a severe thunderstorm warning warned of possible tornadoes and wind gusts up to 70 mph—no tornado was confirmed. Extreme Heat: Record-shattering temperatures hit Rapid City (110 downtown, 112 at the airport) and the heat is expected to linger through Monday, with First Alert Weather Days and heat advisories urging hydration and breaks. Public Safety—Deaths Investigated: Sioux Falls police are investigating the deaths of two 80-year-olds after a stabbing or gunshot call near S. Shamrock Circle; officials say it appears isolated. Wildfire Response: A fast-moving Ponderosa Fire near Upton, Wyoming prompted Level 2 “SET” evacuations and Highway 16 closures as crews work to contain it. Local Government & Community: Rapid City made City Hall a permanent drop-off site for its 911 Cell Phone Bank, and the city’s parks director Jeff Biegler announced retirement Sept. 18 after 42 years. Health & Safety—Fire Training: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with Wildland Fire to help forecast wildfire weather for Black Hills response. Food Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled 184,000+ cans of lentil soup nationwide due to a pull-tab packaging defect that raises spoilage risk.

Extreme Heat & Power Strain: A prolonged heat wave is pushing across the central U.S., with Rapid City forecast near record highs and electricity demand rising as wind power weakens. Wildfire Readiness: Black Hills National Forest moves to Stage 2 fire restrictions Monday, banning most fires and open-flame activities across SD and WY forest lands. Local Public Safety: South Dakota is funding 911 dispatch consolidations, with grants supporting mergers in Lawrence/Spearfish and other counties to cut costs and staffing gaps. Election Deadline: South Dakota’s runoff is in its final stretch, with voters still able to get ballots in before the last early-voting window closes. Health & Medicaid: Aberdeen Medicaid durable medical equipment spending jumped to $66,024 in 2024, reflecting how public health dollars land locally. Ballot Measure Draft: Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would create exceptions for direct sale of homemade raw dairy products. Community & Sports: Sioux Falls hosts an ICE victims candlelight vigil tonight, while South Dakota United’s Spirit club capped a national soccer run with championship wins.

Education Funding Flex: South Dakota just won the U.S. Department of Education’s “Returning Education to the States” waiver, letting the state consolidate about $19 million a year through 2029 with fewer federal rules and more local control. AI in Higher Ed: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding AI training from bachelor’s through doctoral levels. Public Safety & Drugs: A multi-agency team tied to a federal overdose case in western South Dakota received a Midwest HIDTA award for an “Outstanding Overdose Investigative Effort.” Health & Environment: A new Columbia University study finds lithium in household drinking water is a widespread exposure source across Western Tribal communities, with water levels linked to urinary lithium over time. Wildfire Readiness: Black Hills National Forest Stage 2 fire restrictions begin July 27, and southeastern South Dakota issued a heat advisory as temperatures push near 100. Local Governance: Hughes County is asking residents for input on whether to adopt optional sales tax and how it would interact with property tax relief bills. Community & Access: SDSD Golf Day in Sioux Falls brought deaf and hard of hearing kids together for golf instruction and family support.

Rodeo Safety Update: The Casey Tibbs Foundation says ground movement at its Fort Pierre property is being monitored but is not an immediate threat to the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center; the museum and event center remain open, and visitors are urged to stay on designated walkways during normal hours. AI Education Push: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI programs this fall, including a Dakota State doctoral degree in Artificial Intelligence and new bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI Engineering degrees at SDSU. Airport Security Fight: TSA workers’ union is pushing back on expanded privatized screening, including the TSA Gold+ effort that could bring more private security into airports. Community Pool Fundraising: Tripp is raising money for a new community pool after its 1969 pool; organizers say it draws swimmers from multiple nearby communities. Food Recall: Amy’s Kitchen recalled more than 184,000 cans of Organic Lentil Soup due to potential spoilage, affecting shoppers across 28 states including South Dakota. Sports: Rapid City Post 320 rallied to beat Palace City Post 18, 6-5, to sweep their Class A American Legion series and advance to the state tournament.

Board of Regents Funding Push: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million for university building projects, maintenance, a Rapid City national defense center, and AI tech upgrades—plus support to move USD’s Sanford School of Medicine to Sioux Falls. Gubernatorial Runoff Politics: With the July 28 runoff days away, Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson endorsed Larry Rhoden, arguing he’s the more conservative, public-safety-focused choice as the campaigns trade claims. AI in South Dakota Education: Regents also approved an AI policy and plans a system-wide AI software rollout this fall, requesting $20 million one-time and $4.5 million ongoing for the system. Public Safety & Weather: Black Hills National Forest Stage 2 fire restrictions start July 27, and extreme heat is prompting first-alert weather days for Saturday and Sunday. Health & Community: Monument Health broke ground on a $48 million Children’s Hospital expansion in Rapid City, while Sioux Falls reported concerns about drivers not yielding in crosswalks and doctors urged helmet use for kids riding e-bikes/e-scooters. Local Notes: Rapid City’s A Place for Meow Rescue extended discounted cat adoptions after none were adopted over the weekend.