AGP Executive Report

Food & Safety: The FDA upgraded an Alfredo sauce recall to its highest risk level after a supplier flagged a dry milk powder ingredient for possible Salmonella contamination; the recall covers 913 cases sold in 41 states. Local Economy: Babybel’s only U.S. plant in Brookings is expanding with a $200 million project expected to add about 150 jobs. Agriculture & Environment: Tri-state groups say they’ll keep pushing back on large dairy expansion plans even as projects move forward, arguing for stronger review and environmental safeguards. Legal Aid: South Dakota Attorney General Dave Sunday joined a bipartisan push urging Congress to keep funding the Legal Services Corporation, calling it a lifeline for low-income people facing civil legal problems. Sports (High School): Regional rodeos wrapped up with qualifiers heading to the South Dakota State High School Rodeo Finals in Fort Pierre starting Tuesday. Community & Culture: Mitchell hosts a Community Literacy Night tied to the South Dakota Literacy Summit, featuring author and former NFL player Malcolm Mitchell. Public Life: A Sioux Falls group held a “No Kings” protest on Flag Day, tying the event to opposition to the current White House. Health & Weather: South Dakota drought conditions are worsening in parts of the state, with guidance urging producers to plan ahead.

FDA Recall: The FDA upgraded a voluntary Alfredo sauce recall to Class I, its highest-risk category, after potential Salmonella contamination tied to a dry milk powder ingredient; the recall covers 913 cases of 3-lb, 7-oz bags distributed across 41 states, including South Dakota. State Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota will back a plan to protect foster children’s Social Security survivor benefits by placing them into “Trump Accounts.” Local Government & Services: Rapid City will close city offices, the landfill, library, and some public safety admin functions for Juneteenth, with transit and trash pickup schedules adjusted. Health Care: Regional West in western Nebraska earned Primary Stroke Center recertification, plus a Heart-Check Mark for advanced stroke care. Public Safety/Travel: Jewel Cave’s Historic Lantern Tours pause June 16 for Canyons Trail safety improvements; other tours continue. Elections & Voting Data: The DOJ is pushing states to share voter registration data under a confidential agreement, with South Dakota listed among states that did not sign. Sports: Dakota Valley went undefeated to win the Class A softball title; Elk Point-Jefferson finished runner-up.

Local Pride & community events: Rapid City’s Pride in the Park drew crowds to Memorial Park, with the Black Hills Center for Equality running the long-running event that also connects people to LGBTQ-friendly services. Greenway Days cleanup + fundraising: Volunteers and groups including the Black Hills Flyfishers helped clean Rapid Creek and then held a “one-fly” fishing fundraiser tied to Greenway Days, which commemorates the 1972 flood and supports restoration work. Charity sports: Rapid City’s “Throw with Grace” disc golf tournament raised money for Make-A-Wish during Greenway Days, with proceeds topping $40,000 over five years. Public health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to review vaccination records before summer travel amid measles concerns in other states. Statewide notes: South Dakota Lottery results for June 13 were published, and SDSU named students to its spring 2026 dean’s list, including Dale Johnson. National policy watch: Trump is reportedly considering using a new Air Force One for a Mount Rushmore July 4 event.

State Politics: South Dakota’s GOP governor runoff is set for July 28, with early voting already underway, as the race tightens between Larry Rhoden, Toby Doeden and Dan Ahlers. Local Governance: Rapid City wrapped up May “Sweeps Month,” hauling 311 tons of debris and repairing nearly 4,300 potholes. Public Safety & Health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before summer travel amid ongoing measles concerns. Environment & Outdoors: Wilderness Volunteers helped Jewel Cave improve a heavily used stretch of the Canyons Trail, with upgrades set to temporarily pause Historic Lantern Tours June 16-18. Tribal Affairs: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe says it will take custody of a bison spared from a state death penalty decision, citing Governor Rhoden’s blessing. Sports: The Renner Monarchs and Dell Rapids Mudcats lead the first South Dakota amateur baseball polls of 2026. Sports & Community: Kids’ Carnival returns to Main Street Square June 13 with inflatables, games and food trucks.

Gubernatorial runoff: Early voting has started statewide for the GOP governor runoff between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden, with voters also able to request absentee ballots ahead of the July 28 election. Campaign politics: Doeden is walking back criticism tied to a legislative runoff rule, saying his earlier comments about the late Joe Barnett were meant as jest. Public safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating an armed robbery on the city’s east side near East Arrowhead and South Hillview, where a masked suspect demanded money at gunpoint and fled in a dark sedan. State government: The Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will hold its first 2026 meeting June 17 in Pierre and online, and the Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts meets June 18 to discuss grant operations and a director search. Local government: Turner County will conduct a sheriff recount Monday after a three-vote gap in the Republican primary. Weather: A cold front is set to bring cooler temps, rain/snow in parts of the region, and gusts that could reach around 50 mph. Sports & community: South Dakota’s Simeon Birnbaum won the NCAA 1,500m title in Eugene, and Sioux Falls youth and Legion baseball action continued over the weekend.

State Government & Tech: South Dakota elevated Neal Nachtigall from within the Bureau of Information and Technology, naming him state CIO/IT commissioner as Mark Wixon retires. Courts & Public Safety: The SD Supreme Court upheld two self-defense cases, clarifying that immunity challenges must be raised before trial. Justice System: Maricela Diaz’s habeas case entered its final briefing stage, with a judge weighing whether she gets a new trial after her 2015 murder conviction. Water & Infrastructure: Two U.S. Senate bills would fund $20 million in feasibility studies for Missouri River drinking-water pipelines tied to South Dakota’s Western Dakota and Dakota Mainstem regional systems. Transportation Projects: SDDOT extended written public comment on a U.S. Highway 85 reconstruction design in Lawrence County to Sept. 4. Agriculture: SDSU Extension urged producers to test forage nitrate levels to protect livestock, especially pregnant animals. Economy & Energy: House passed a bill for year-round E15 ethanol sales, and Black Hills Corp. filed a Colorado rate review seeking new revenue. Community & Services: Rapid City’s Dial-A-Ride celebrates 30+ years, reminding residents with disabilities to apply for ADA-eligible rides.

COVID-19 Accountability: South Dakota is set to receive more than $50,000 from an 18-state settlement with GS Labs after the attorney general said the company overcharged and delivered late test results. Economic Development: The state Board of Economic Development approved nearly $30 million in sales-tax incentives for a new Smithfield Foods plant, a project expected to cost about $1.3 billion. Water Infrastructure: Two major South Dakota water projects moved forward in the U.S. Senate, advancing studies for the Western Dakota Regional Water System and the Dakota Mainstem Regional Water System. Public Safety: A high-speed chase ended with the arrest of a Sioux Falls man in Brookings County after speeds reached about 140 mph. Courts: A suspect in a deadly Sioux Falls beating at Cherry Rock Park pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and faces about a decade in prison. Community & Youth: Sioux Falls police wrapped up Camp POSTCARD, a weeklong youth program held with multiple agencies. Sports: USD’s Anna Willis set a program record and won NCAA outdoor pole vault bronze; teammate Marleen Mülla placed 12th.

Wildlife & Hunting: South Dakota’s pronghorn numbers are up, but Game, Fish and Parks says buck-only license rules will stay in place as commissioners review archery and firearm season plans. Ag & Weather: Eastern South Dakota alfalfa fields are seeing a surge of alfalfa plant bugs, and one northeast farmer says steady rains are pushing soybean planting past the final date. Public Safety & Politics: A Newell Republican lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, was indicted and arrested on a felony charge tied to allegedly damaging a public road on purpose. Sioux Falls Water: The city has put its rebuilt Well 25 back into service, adding millions of gallons of daily capacity. Native Affairs: All nine South Dakota tribes backed federal legislation aimed at returning about 1.2 million acres of Black Hills land. Local Culture: PINZ Bowling Alley owner says he’ll rebuild after last week’s fire, while Lane’s “Leap to Lane” festival is set for June 20.

White House Turmoil: Inside Donald Trump’s orbit, “knives are out” as lawmakers brace for another likely-failed push to extend FISA Section 702 before it expires June 12, with Democrats objecting to acting DNI pick Bill Pulte. Federal Surveillance Fight: House Republicans plan a short-term Section 702 extension vote that’s expected to fall short, even as Trump ties the stakes to World Cup security. Rapid City Tragedy: Central States Fairgrounds maintenance manager Paul Nebel died from injuries after a Sunday shooting; suspect John Lee fled to the Oglala Sioux Reservation, where tribal police confronted him and Lee was killed. Public Safety Training: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley congratulated 16 graduates from the state’s Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course in Pierre, training 911 call-handlers for emergency response. Sioux Falls Seniors: A new Simply Good Café opens June 16, sending 100% of profits to meal programs for adults 60+ across the Sioux Empire. Sports—SDSU & NCAA: SDSU named 3,941 students to the spring 2026 dean’s list; at NCAA track, South Dakota’s Caelan Harland tied for 10th in the men’s pole vault. Local Community Lights: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated “Light the Night” after Black Hills Energy repaired seven long-unlit light poles.

Black Hills Landback Push: All nine South Dakota tribes backed new legislation aimed at returning federal public lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, with organizers stressing it’s about treaty-guaranteed rights and protecting sacred sites from extractive activity. COVID Testing Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive $50,380 from a $4.87 million multistate GS Labs deal over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution and consumer protection claims tied to inflated cash prices and missed turnaround promises. Runoff Election Rules in Court: A federal appeals panel heard arguments over South Dakota’s ballot-question petition deadline after a law moved filing dates earlier, while signature drives continued past the disputed timeline. Sioux Falls Water Upgrade: The city put Well 25 into service, boosting capacity by more than 5 million gallons per day to meet growing demand. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith will face off in a public debate ahead of the June 23 vote. Sports/Local Ties: Packers TE Tucker Kraft, a South Dakota State alum, says he expects to be ready for the Sept. 13 season opener after an ACL injury.

Local Crime & Courts: A federal jury convicted Sioux Falls man Ryan Nigro of attempted enticement of a minor via the internet, with penalties that could reach life in prison. In another Sioux Falls case, Lamont Burks Jr. was acquitted of murder but convicted of aggravated assault in the Dunham Park shooting. Public Safety: Rapid City’s Central States Fairgrounds shooting left the maintenance manager hospitalized; Oglala Tribal Police say the suspect was killed after he shot a tribal officer. Politics & Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith debated issues including public safety, affordability and homelessness ahead of the June 23 vote. Weather & Preparedness: Severe storms and a heat advisory are in the forecast for parts of the region, with South Dakota bracing for strong storm chances. Tribal & Land Rights: All nine South Dakota tribes backed a proposal to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming for a framework for tribal management of returned land. State Government: Lobbyist and employer expense reports are due July 1, and the Secretary of State is reminding filers to submit on time. Agriculture: USDA milk price benchmarks rose in May, with Class III up 10 cents and Class IV up $2.10 from April.

Air Quality Alert: Rapid City is warning residents that windy conditions can kick up fine particles and pollutants, and it points people to its air-quality index so sensitive residents can limit outdoor time or stay indoors if levels turn unsafe. Mitchell Tech Wins Big: Nine Mitchell Technical College students competed at SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, bringing home a silver, a bronze, and multiple top-10 finishes. School Board Vote: Voters in Flandreau approved shrinking the school board from seven members to five, aiming to make it easier to fill seats. Copyright Lawsuit: ASCAP filed infringement suits against four radio groups, alleging they played music without the required licenses for years. Public Safety & Courts: A Sioux Falls man was acquitted of murder but convicted of lesser charges in the 2024 Dunham Park shooting; in Douglas County, a deputy was terminated days after the sheriff’s election. Health Workforce: Avera Queen of Peace is partnering with SDSU to expand respiratory therapy education and hands-on clinical training in Mitchell. Corrections Costs: Minnehaha County will get higher state payments to house parole violators as the state tightens enforcement. FDA Sunscreen Update: The FDA approved bemotrizinol as a new OTC sunscreen ingredient, expanding options for UVA/UVB protection.

Local Housing + Health Care: A Hot Springs hospital is investing $2.3 million to help build a subdivision that could add 48 affordable units near Fall River Health Services, aiming to keep workers from leaving for lack of housing. Public Safety: A Pennington County deputy was shot and injured during a standoff at the Central States Fairgrounds; the suspect was killed in the exchange. Politics: Former President Joe Biden drew about 1,200 people to the South Dakota Democratic Party’s McGovern Day dinner in Sioux Falls, raising roughly $275,000. Courts + Business: Summit Carbon Solutions is headed to trial in Delaware over a $15 million pipe-contract dispute with Welspun Tubular. Environment: A new study says wildfire-driven ozone has reversed years of U.S. air-quality gains, raising health risks. Law Enforcement Leadership: South Dakota’s DCI has a new chief, Chad Mosteller, sworn in after Dan Satterlee was appointed U.S. marshal. Community + Food Security: Prairie Farms donated 10 pallets of milk to Feeding South Dakota, with additional matching donations planned for Dairy Month.

Heat & Storms: A heat advisory hits the Yankton area Tuesday, with highs near 100 and a heat index around 102, plus a 70% chance of storms Tuesday night. Public Health: Emily’s Hope expands its Post-Overdose Response Team to Brown County, offering free, confidential support to overdose survivors, including naloxone and help connecting to treatment. Wildlife & Ethics: South Dakota repealed waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after landowners requested it—one of them is a Game, Fish and Parks supervisor, raising conflict-of-interest questions. Agriculture: An eastern South Dakota farmer says timely rains have corn knee-high and soybeans filling in, though weed control may get harder. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson capped a perfect season by winning the Class AA softball state title, 11-0 over Washington; Castlewood won Class B, 9-2. Courts: A federal judge let a race-discrimination suit against Denny’s entities proceed in Sioux Falls. Weather Watch: Northern lights could be visible Monday night as geomagnetic storms build.

Abortion Backlash: A ProPublica report says several Republican lawmakers who challenged abortion bans lost support from anti-abortion groups and key party allies, then lost their primaries—showing how fast the politics can turn. Free Books in Towns: St. Joseph’s Indian School’s bookmobile is bringing free, Native-authored books to Watertown (June 16) and Sisseton (June 17). Water, Data Centers, and Regulation: As people protest data centers across the Heartland, South Dakota lawmakers are moving to regulate development amid concerns about water and energy use. Drought Impacts Rapid City: Rapid City canceled its Hydrate Parties due to drought and water restrictions, pointing families to pool events instead. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch was canceled after a funnel cloud and large hail reports, with more non-severe showers possible overnight. Sports Spotlight: Jefferson’s softball team finished 23-0 and won Class AA again; Dakota Valley won Class A; Castlewood won Class B. Local Health Leadership: Monument Health announced executive leadership updates, including a new general counsel and vice president of philanthropy.

Rapid City Shooting Update: Police say the suspect in the Central States Fairgrounds shooting, John Troy Lee, was killed after an officer-involved exchange of gunfire on the Pine Ridge Reservation; one officer was injured and the fairgrounds victim remains hospitalized. Local Public Safety: Earlier, authorities had warned Lee was armed and dangerous and urged the public not to approach. Community & Culture: Rapid City’s free Juneteenth celebration (June 13) will include local history displays, a community quilt square drop-in, and a theater performance honoring Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman. Education & STEM: Fifth-graders from Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Elementary in Rapid City are national finalists in the Presidential AI Challenge, using AI to track cafeteria food waste. Higher Ed Expansion: South Dakota Mines plans a $6M-plus geology field station in Nemo to reduce daily commuting and give students a dedicated on-site base. Housing & Finance: Lakota Funds secured $764,000 from USDA to expand mortgage lending on Pine Ridge. Weather Watch: Forecasters flag a renewed severe-storm threat across the Northern Plains, including parts of South Dakota, with hail and damaging winds possible.