AGP Executive Report

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.

Severe Weather Alert: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Sunday, with an enhanced risk across parts of western South Dakota and nearby Wyoming. Forecasters warn the main threat is damaging wind gusts (60–80 mph in the highest-risk areas) plus large hail, with a small chance of a tornado mainly near the northern Black Hills. Local Elections: Sturgis will reconvene its municipal canvassing board Monday after discrepancies were found during the June 2 special election canvass; officials say the issues don’t appear to change outcomes, but the board will review and decide whether to certify. Public Safety & Health: Monument Health is bringing back its Walking Forward cancer navigation program to help Native patients access screenings and care, while West River Health Science Center graduated 122 registered nurses in its first full year. Community & Culture: Spearfish kept the 605 Day momentum going with a community cleanup and vendor market, and Rapid City’s North Haines Volunteer Fire Department marked 50 years of service. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson won the Class AA softball title, Dakota Valley took Class A, and Castlewood captured Class B.

Power Outage Update: Power has been restored for nearly 1,700 Black Hills Electric Co-Op customers in Rapid City after an outage reported just before 2:30 p.m. MT; crews were dispatched but the cause wasn’t yet released. Public Safety: South Dakota Highway Patrol named Trooper Paige Zempel its 2025 Trooper of the Year and Motor Carrier Inspector Aaron Kemnitz its 2025 Motor Carrier Inspector of the Year. Roads & Travel: Sioux Falls announced multiple June 8 construction impacts, including closures and detours around West Blackhawk Street, Algonquin Street, and Silver Valley Drive. Crime & Courts: A 21-year-old man, Christopher Tromp, made his initial court appearance on a manslaughter charge tied to a fatal Rapid City shooting near Robbinsdale Park. Weather & Scams: The state is warning about storm-repair scams as severe weather season ramps up. Wildlife Health: Officials are urging ranchers to step up herd inspections after New World screwworm was confirmed in Texas. Community & Culture: Great Plains Botanic Garden in Hermosa opens for its annual Open House June 12-13.

Runoff Politics: South Dakota’s GOP governor race and Sioux Falls’ mayoral runoff both went into overtime, setting up a new sprint of endorsements and coalition-building as voters head to July 28. Local Safety: Two motorcyclists died after a crash in north Sioux Falls when the bikes entangled near Russell Street and hit a guard rail. Road Project Debate: South Dakota DOT discussed possible future reconstruction of US Highway 85 from Spearfish Canyon to the Wyoming border, with residents split over impacts to land and wildlife versus safety gains. State Government: The South Dakota GFP Commission will hold its June 11-12 meeting in Madison, with a public hearing and open forum. Storm Season Watch: AG Marty Jackley warned residents about storm-repair scams and urged written quotes, contractor checks, and avoiding full upfront payments. Agriculture Help: SDSU Extension is offering free livestock water testing statewide after salt levels in some samples were found too high. Health Care Recognition: South Dakota long-term care providers earned AHCA/NCAL Bronze “Commitment to Quality” awards. Sports: State softball is in full swing, with Class AA and Class A championship matchups set after Friday semifinals.

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary is headed to a first-ever top-two runoff July 28 after no one hit 35%; Toby Doeden led Tuesday, but turnout and shifting support from Dusty Johnson and Jon Hansen backers could decide the race. Local Politics: In Sioux Falls’ mayoral runoff, endorsements are rolling in—Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller are backing Jamie Smith. Energy Costs: Gas prices keep cooling, with AAA reporting the national average down nearly 20 cents in a week. Public Safety: A pedestrian was critically hurt in a downtown Rapid City crash on Saint Joseph Street. Corrections: Mike Durfee State Prison reported the death of inmate Michael Konshak. Health & Community: A Spearfish Marine veteran is battling stage four prostate cancer; a fundraiser and silent auction are set for Saturday. Agriculture & Education: SDSU Extension is adding new native plant and nutrition field specialists, and it’s hosting free winter wheat variety tours June 9 plus drought meetings June 17. Sports: Class AA softball semifinals set the stage for the state championship, and Sioux Falls Jefferson’s Macy Bryant was named South Dakota Gatorade softball player of the year.

Gubernatorial runoff gears up: South Dakota’s GOP governor primary is headed to a July 28 runoff after neither Larry Rhoden nor Toby Doeden cleared 35% Tuesday; absentee voting for the runoff starts June 12, with voter registration open through July 13. Primary shakeup: Unofficial results show 16 GOP incumbents ousted in the June 2 primary, continuing the 2024 “earthquake” trend; turnout hit the highest level for a SD primary since 2008, with more than 171,000 votes cast. Health alert: A child in Brookings has been diagnosed with measles, the eighth case in the state this year, with most cases in eastern South Dakota. Public safety & community: The FBI honored Victim Specialist Gayle Scott as a “Hometown Hero,” while Sioux Falls councilors want a study on adding a median to Minnesota Avenue. State services: Seniors and people with disabilities can apply for South Dakota’s Tax Refund Program through July 1. Local life: Vermillion voters elected Kevin O’Kelley as mayor, and a new sensory garden ribbon cutting opened for the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center.

South Dakota Politics: South Dakota’s governor primary results weren’t fully counted until about 4 a.m. Wednesday, drawing criticism from GOP candidate Toby Doeden, who vowed to “speed things up” as he pushes for a runoff. Runoff Watch: Sioux Falls City Council races are headed to a June 23 runoff, with three districts still undecided after Tuesday’s first round. Severe Weather: The National Weather Service warns Thursday could bring large hail and damaging winds across parts of east central South Dakota, with tornado risk described as low but possible. Northern Lights: NOAA issued a Strong Geomagnetic Storm watch, boosting odds of aurora visibility across much of the northern U.S., including South Dakota, though clouds could interfere. Public Safety: Rapid City officials report unusually high rattlesnake activity and urge bite victims to seek emergency care immediately; the city also warned about firearm thefts from unlocked vehicles. Community & Sports: Levitt at the Falls reopens after expansion; Class AA softball state tournament play began with Sioux Falls Jefferson advancing.

South Dakota Politics: South Dakota Republicans picked their U.S. Senate and House nominees after Tuesday’s primary, with Sen. Mike Rounds winning big and AG Marty Jackley taking the lone House seat; the governor race is headed to a July 28 GOP runoff between Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden. Runoff Watch: Advance voting for the governor runoff starts June 12, with ballots printed by June 10. Local Elections: Brown County voters ousted several incumbents, including a sheriff, in the June 2 primary. Public Safety: A Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor and child pornography. Crash Update: Two women died after a May 14 crash on U.S. 16 near Rapid City; investigators say seat belts weren’t used. Community & Sports: Rapid City is hosting America250 events, including a July 5 Freedom Run; Watertown’s swim club is gearing up for another strong season after a long-course home meet. Weather: Humid air returns Thursday with a chance of storms, and a severe northern lights alert is in play for parts of the U.S.

South Dakota Politics: Union County voters backed GOP incumbents and key challengers in Tuesday’s primary, with Mike Rounds leading the U.S. Senate vote (1,730 to 484) and Marty Jackley topping the U.S. House race (1,556 to 471). In the governor GOP primary, Toby Doeden edged Dusty Johnson (783 to 768), while Jon Hansen and Larry Rhoden trailed. Runoff Watch: The statewide GOP governor race is headed to a July runoff between Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden after no one cleared 35%, with Dusty Johnson finishing third. Local Government: Pennington County primary results show contested races across Rapid City and Hill City, including leads for county commissioner candidates and a Hill City mayor win for Tana Nichols. Health & Work Rules: Monument Health is offering same-week DOT physicals for CDL holders ahead of the July 1 deadline tied to updated medical certification rules. Community & Culture: Zonta Fest returns June 6 at The Custer Beacon, spotlighting women in music, dance and the arts. Roads & Infrastructure: SDDOT plans a Highway 38 closure east of Mitchell starting June 8 through November for reconstruction, with detours posted. Sports: Sioux Falls Canaries beat the Winnipeg Goldeyes 10-4, and the Class AA softball state tournament is set to run Thursday through Saturday in Sioux Falls.

South Dakota Politics: Republican businessman Toby Doeden topped Tuesday’s GOP governor primary but fell short of the 35% threshold, setting up a July 28 runoff with Gov. Larry Rhoden; U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen also advanced to the next phase depending on final tallies. U.S. House & Senate: Attorney General Marty Jackley won the GOP nomination for South Dakota’s lone House seat, while Sen. Mike Rounds secured his party’s nod for reelection. State Legislature: The Legislature’s GOP lineup is in flux after 15 Republican incumbents lost primaries, with some races headed for recounts. Election Process: South Dakota election workers and county auditors emphasized how poll workers and local administration keep voting running smoothly. Health & Safety: A tick-borne illness dubbed “bobcat fever” is raising concerns for cat owners as Lone Star ticks spread across the Midwest and East. Local Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral race heads to a runoff, and several other municipal contests were decided Tuesday.

DOJ Retreat on “Anti-Weaponization” Fund: Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche told lawmakers the Trump administration is scrapping the $1.8 billion payout plan meant to compensate people who say they were wrongly targeted by the Justice Department—an about-face tied to GOP pressure and concerns the money could be used for Jan. 6-related claims. South Dakota Primary Runoff Watch: South Dakotans head to the polls Tuesday for GOP governor, U.S. House and Senate, and dozens of legislative races; if no governor candidate hits 35%, a July 28 runoff will decide the nominee. Local Courts, Sioux Falls Mayor Race: A Minnehaha County judge dismissed Sioux Falls mayoral candidate David Zokaites’ lawsuit, saying it didn’t meet federal jurisdiction requirements. Road Work in the Hills: SDDOT scheduled a chip seal project starting June 3 on U.S. 16 and U.S. 385 in Custer and Pennington counties, with short delays expected. Scam Alert: The BBB says “Bass Farm Equipment” is a fake South Dakota business that stole $35,000+ from victims via wire payments. Ag Update: Eastern South Dakota crop conditions are mixed—corn looks solid in places, while wet, cool weather slowed soybean emergence.

Primary Election Day: Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday for South Dakota’s June 2 primaries, with GOP governor and U.S. House races plus state House and Senate seats on the ballot; voters can use the SOS voter portal to find polling places and check absentee ballot status. Sioux Falls Politics: A local endorsement piece backs Jamie Smith for Sioux Falls mayor, arguing his “servant leadership” shows up in community work and church leadership. Rural Health Policy: U.S. Sen. Peter Welch highlights Senate passage of a bill to extend the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration for five years, aimed at helping rural hospitals test Medicare payment models. Sports—State Track & Field: Coverage from the South Dakota State Track and Field Championships spotlights standout athletes and team results across classes. Local Sports—Canaries: The Sioux Falls Canaries fell 6-3 to Winnipeg in American Association play, snapping an early lead as the Goldeyes rallied. Homeland Security: DHS added an Indian national to its “Worst of the Worst” database and says 5,000 more people were added overall.

South Dakota Politics: South Dakota Republicans are one day from the June 2 GOP governor primary, a four-way race that could force a July runoff if no candidate hits 35%—with Gov. Larry Rhoden, U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, House Speaker Jon Hansen, and businessman Toby Doeden all campaigning hard for the right to face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man, Samir Albaidhani, was sentenced to 100 years after a 2025 incident that began with an attempted traffic stop and escalated into shots fired at law enforcement near Beresford. Roads & Travel: Sioux Falls commuters should expect ramp closures starting June 11 for an SDDOT project tied to Western Avenue and Interstate 229, with about eight days of work and a $2.2 million price tag. Local Business/Community: Rapid City construction updates include an Elmhurst Drive closure for utility work starting June 1, plus short-term closures for hydrant installation and a downtown Art Alley mural project. Agriculture & Food: USDA data shows the U.S. dairy herd is at its largest since mid-1993, with April milk production up year over year. National Politics: Senate GOP leaders are still pushing back on the Trump administration’s $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, with John Thune signaling the White House should shut it down.

Mount Rushmore Politics: President Donald Trump posted an AI-made image of himself carved into Mount Rushmore on Truth Social, sparking debate and reviving his long-running “dream” to join the monument’s four presidents. Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is out for Tuesday across western South Dakota and parts of northeast Wyoming, with high confidence in large hail and damaging winds and a lower chance of a brief tornado. Local Government & Health: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, as his term ends, is spotlighting mental and physical health as a key focus of his administration. Community Relief: Rapid City’s “Bowls of Hope” raised $10,100 to help residents cover utility bills through St. Vincent de Paul, with city funds matching donations. Sports—South Dakota Teams: Sioux Falls Christian won its fifth straight Class A girls track title, powered by record-setting seniors Halle Braun and Ellie Maddox; in Rapid City, the library kicked off summer reading with a dinosaur-themed event. Weather Safety—Tornado Update: A confirmed tornado near Beresford led to a “particularly dangerous” warning that was later canceled as the threat diminished.

Uranium & Language Access: A tense Hot Springs uranium-drilling contested case is testing South Dakota’s new law requiring free language translation in some public administrative hearings, even though it doesn’t take effect until July 1. Local Government & FEMA: Mitchell City Council will weigh an $18,000 engineering agreement tied to a FEMA grant application that could fund preliminary work for a roughly $1.5 million backup-generator project. Elections Watch: Secretary of State Monae Johnson is reminding voters ahead of the June 2 primary that South Dakota uses paper ballots, requires photo ID, and does not allow online voter registration. Congressional Primary: Polling shows AG Marty Jackley leading James Bialota in South Dakota’s GOP U.S. House race, with the winner set to face Democrat Nicole Gronli in November. State Track & Field: The 2026 SDHSAA state meet wrapped in Sioux Falls with MVP awards and multiple record performances, including standout efforts from athletes across Classes A, AA, and B. Rapid City Community: The Summer Food Service starts June 1, offering free breakfast and lunch for kids 18 and under, with adult meals supported through local partners. Consumer Alert: The BBB warns of a fake “Bass Farm Equipment” website in Castlewood that has reportedly stolen $35,000+ from buyers.

Criminal Justice: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley named Chad Mosteller as the new director of the state Division of Criminal Investigation, with a June 5 swearing-in in Pierre. Elections & Politics: A new GOP governor candidate profile spotlights Toby Doeden’s “outsider” pitch ahead of the June 2 primary, while other coverage frames where candidates stand on education policy. Public Safety & Community Events: Rapid City brought back Summer Nights downtown with added vehicle barriers and coordinated police, fire and EMS planning. Local Government & Growth: Sioux Metro Growth Alliance is launching an eight-month regional leadership program starting in August, with applications due June 26. Sports (NCAA): Nebraska opened the Lincoln Regional by beating South Dakota State 4-1, while Ole Miss walked off Arizona State in 14 innings; Saturday matchups set the stage for more regional action. Sports (High School): The SDHSAA state track meet continues with Saturday finals and standout performances, including Brandon Valley’s Ayuel Deng placing in multiple events. Infrastructure: Sioux Falls announced June 1 road work, including lane closures on Ellis Road and a one-lane reduction on the 12th Street bridge. History & Culture: Rapid City buried a 2076 time capsule at Founders Park, and Hawarden opened a 1976 West Sioux time capsule after 50 years.