AGP Executive Report

Public Safety: Rapid City police say two juveniles exchanged gunfire Saturday night on E. Omaha Street, leaving two teens seriously hurt; investigators believe one shooter from each group fired, and one suspect has already entered the juvenile justice system. Weather & Health: A heat advisory runs Monday noon–8 p.m. for the Yankton area with heat index values around 103; cooler air is expected Tuesday. Agriculture & Water: SDSU Extension is urging ranchers to use free livestock water testing as drought and heat concentrate salts in dugouts and creeks, warning even clear water can be toxic. Local Sports: Class A American Legion baseball brackets are set, with Rapid City Post 22 earning a first-round bye and hosting the state tournament. Community & Culture: Deadwood’s Days of ’76 Rodeo kicks off with free slack events, while Rapid City hosts a free family pool night July 22. Statewide Spotlight: South Dakota mourns philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, whose donations helped reshape Sanford Health and other projects across the region.

Sioux Falls Politics: Democrats are taking heart after Jamie Smith conceded a razor-thin mayoral loss to Christine Erickson, with the recount only widening the margin to four votes—proof, they say, that the party can still compete in the state’s biggest city. Water Quality: South Dakota’s stream buffer program is expanding fast after lawmakers added $8 million, now totaling 130 buffer projects covering 379 miles and nearly 4,000 acres enrolled. Public Safety: Rapid City police say two juveniles were seriously hurt in a shooting near E. Omaha Street; investigators believe it stemmed from a confrontation between groups of juveniles. Local Government (Brookings): Brookings County set a July 28 primary runoff with multiple vote centers, while Brookings City Council approved several alcohol-related renewals and scheduled an annexation hearing for July 30. Statewide Loss: Former South Dakota State Treasurer David Volk died at 79, and the state also continues to mourn philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who passed away at 90. Community & Culture: Aberdeen is hiring a part-time library aide, and Sioux Falls hosted the first Totally Rad Taco Slam fundraiser for food-and-beverage workers.

Major Loss for South Dakota Philanthropy: Billionaire T. Denny Sanford, the longtime namesake behind Sanford Health and a banking titan, died Saturday at 90, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen praising his “transformational” giving that reshaped healthcare and communities across the region. Public Safety: A 56-year-old Kennebec man died Friday in a single-vehicle crash near Lake Andes after his semi’s brakes locked up; investigators say he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Weather & Health: A heat advisory is set for Sunday across parts of the Yankton area, with heat index values around 102 and guidance to limit outdoor exertion. Local Events: Sioux Falls hosted the first-ever Izzi’s Con, while the Sioux Falls Air Show returns to Joe Foss Field with the Thunderbirds and other performers; Rapid City’s Main Street Square plans free family movie nights July 20 and Aug. 10. Community & Sports: Rapid City is pushing ahead on a sports complex vision as residents debate funding, and Mobridge Post 4 opened the state VFW tournament with a split day.

T. rex Fossil Auction: South Dakota’s “Gus” T. rex skeleton sold at Sotheby’s in New York for a record $50.1 million, reigniting debate over how top fossils are bought and where scientific access should land. Elections & Voting Access: A Sioux Falls-focused critique argues USPS delays and election-worker mistakes can wrongly penalize voters, calling for rule changes so ballots aren’t tossed for harmless errors. Abortion-Pill Advertising: Gov. Rhoden and AG Jackley say South Dakota will defend the abortion-pill ad law after a judge temporarily blocked the ban, with lawsuits continuing. Public Safety & Health: South Dakota reports three cyclosporiasis cases statewide as CDC investigations expand; AAA warns extreme heat is making roadside work and driving more dangerous. Corrections: The state says discretionary parole grants are down 17% over two years while a crackdown sends more people back to prison. Local Life: Sioux Falls prepares for the weekend Air Show with the Thunderbirds, and Faith Temple’s food giveaway shifts indoors due to heat.

Sioux Falls Leadership: Christine Erickson was sworn in as South Dakota’s first woman mayor, after a razor-thin, recount-heavy race, and she pledged to lead “for all of our citizens.” Courts & Consumer Protection: A Hughes County judge issued a permanent injunction and ordered civil penalties against Patriot Warranty’s co-owner, saying the online warranty operation used misleading cancellation tactics and a false Sioux Falls address. Abortion Rights: A federal judge temporarily blocked South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban from being enforced against Mayday Health, saying the state didn’t show the law is narrowly tailored. Public Safety & Courts: A federal jury convicted a Stockton, California man of conspiring to distribute huge quantities of meth in South Dakota, and a Rapid City man was sentenced for possessing a firearm and ammo as a felon. State Government & Roads: In Pierre, crews aim to reopen inside lanes on Euclid Avenue by July 24, with outside lanes staying closed for sidewalk work. Agriculture & Drought: Gov. Rhoden signed an executive order easing hay-hauling limits and extending permitted travel hours as drought grips most of the state. Community & Service: The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds visited veterans at Sanford Health ahead of the Sioux Falls air show.

Drought Response: Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order easing transport rules for South Dakota ranchers and farmers as drought worsens, extending permitted oversized hay-hauler travel times and expanding a feed-transport exemption statewide. Public Safety & Local Government: The South Dakota 911 Coordination Board approved a $327,121 grant to merge Lawrence County and Spearfish dispatch services, with Lawrence taking over Spearfish operations and the merger expected to finish by January 2027. Tax Relief: After passage of SB 96, counties can adopt an optional half-cent sales tax to cut property taxes on owner-occupied homes, with revenue credited dollar-for-dollar on tax bills. Investigation Update: Rapid City police identified 33-year-old Jason Horned Eagle as the man found dead in a hotel room; three people were arrested for allegedly concealing the death while toxicology and forensic tests are pending. Health Alert: South Dakota confirmed three cyclosporiasis cases, urging thorough washing of produce as the source remains unclear. Law Enforcement Crackdown: A multi-agency repeat-offender operation led to 35 arrests, 55 warrants cleared, and seizures including meth and fentanyl. Weather & Travel: A new study says speeding saves little time but costs drivers more fuel and money—an extra reminder as extreme heat and road hazards continue.

Public Safety: A three-day joint operation in the Sioux Falls area—Operation Repeat Offender Project—ended with 35 arrests, 55 warrants cleared, and major drug and weapons seizures, as federal, state, and local agencies targeted fugitives, parole absconders, and gang members. Courts & Crime: A Sioux Falls man, Benjamin Paul Wiener, was indicted on wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft tied to an alleged $20M crypto investment scheme; he pleaded not guilty and faces decades in prison. Wildfire Risk: The Bureau of Land Management put BLM lands in Haakon, Stanley, Ziebach and other counties under Stage 2 fire restrictions, banning campfires, limiting smoking, and restricting equipment and off-road driving. Health: South Dakota reported three cyclosporiasis cases so far this year as health officials warn of a nationwide rise and urge extra produce cleaning. Local Life: Sioux Falls relaunched its Neighborhood Connect platform for more neighborhood transparency, while Rapid City hosted a Heart to Table mobile food distribution and unveiled two new downtown murals. Community & Sports: Lawrence County and Spearfish are set to merge 911 dispatch centers after a state board approved funding.

Rapid City Budget & Growth: Mayor Jason Salamun will present the city’s proposed 2027 budget at a special City Council session Monday, July 20, with council budget review meetings set for July 27-30. Rapid City Revenues: Sales tax collections stayed strong in May, with general 2% revenues up 6.3% year over year and tourism receipts up 5.2%, though rising costs are still squeezing services. Sports Complex: A Rapid City committee approved key items for the proposed sports complex despite public questions about funding and the operator selection process. Road & Construction Updates: SDDOT will hold an Aug. 4 public meeting on the U.S. Highway 16/16B/Catron Boulevard interchange; meanwhile, Highway 471 work near Edgemont begins July 16 with single-lane traffic and later milling and paving. Fire & Safety: A commercial building fire in Summerset displaced businesses, including a daycare; no civilians were hurt, but two firefighters were treated for heat-related injuries. Crash Tragedy: Hill City mourns 17-year-old Barrett Bush, killed in a rollover crash near Custer; authorities say he wasn’t wearing a seat belt. Politics: In the governor runoff, Toby Doeden calls a new KELO/Emerson poll “fake,” while state data shows a record surge in Republican registrations ahead of the July 28 vote. Public Health: West Nile virus is off to its worst start in more than 20 years, with 38 of 48 cases neuroinvasive reported by late June. Business & Culture: A South Dakota T. rex fossil discovered on a ranch sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, sparking debate over whether private ownership “puts science out of reach.”

Local Weather Watch: Sioux Falls has logged 226 severe weather warnings through July 9—more than 16 of the last 17 summers—while heat keeps the area at risk for more storms. Community & City Services: Sioux Falls launched “Neighborhood Connect,” letting residents track projects, rezoning, permits, and public meetings by neighborhood and sign up for alerts. Public Safety—Heat & Outdoors: A hiker was rescued near Black Elk Peak after heat exhaustion in extreme temperatures, a reminder to carry water and know limits. Sports & Civic Projects: Rapid City advanced key sports complex measures, including management and design contracts, as residents questioned funding and transparency. State Politics: Rep. Dusty Johnson pressed the U.S. Postal Service over ongoing mail delays in parts of southeastern South Dakota. Health Workforce: South Dakota welcomed 71 paraprofessionals into the Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway program to help address teacher shortages. National Legal/Consumer: South Dakota is set to receive part of a multistate 23andMe settlement tied to the 2023 genetic data breach. Wildfire Response: Piedmont Fire Department crews are heading to Colorado to help battle wildfires.

South Dakota Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden, a longtime agriculture-and-tax lawmaker, heads into a July 28 runoff against businessman Toby Doeden, setting up a shot at the general election against Democrat Dan Ahlers. Wildlife & Agriculture: Wallace teen Madison Grimm’s “Second Chance Flight” helped drive a new state law letting permit holders rescue eggs from pheasants and other non-migratory birds when farm equipment destroys nests. Rapid City Heat & Safety: Rapid City hit 102 degrees downtown and at the airport, tying a 2007 record and extending a dangerous heat streak; officials also warned about the lethal risk of leaving pets in parked cars. Rapid City Development: The city’s Legal and Finance Committee will weigh a land donation deal for a planned sports complex, while a fast-moving fire near Flormann Street and Skyline Drive was contained after evacuations. Sports: South Dakota State was picked to win the Missouri Valley Football Conference again in 2026, and quarterback Chase Mason landed on the Walter Payton Award watch list. National/Global: Sotheby’s sold the South Dakota–excavated T. rex “Gus” for a record $50.1 million, reigniting debate over fossils in private hands.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Transition: Jamie Smith conceded the mayoral race after a recount, ending his push to challenge results in court; Christine Erickson will be sworn in Friday and has named a transition team with co-chairs Matt Paulson and John Beranek. Rapid City Housing Enforcement: The city will demolish more than two dozen condemned Star Village structures starting Aug. 10 after property-owner inactivity and utility delinquencies, while residents’ services won’t be shut off. Consumer Data Settlement: South Dakota will receive $149,399 from a multistate 23andMe bankruptcy settlement tied to the 2023 genetic data breach; the state’s share is limited because only $18 million is available through bankruptcy. Public Safety & Heat: Iglutheca is extending its day shelter hours to help homeless Lakotas during extreme heat. Sports: South Dakota State was picked preseason favorite in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and Augustana preview coverage highlights the Vikings’ 2026 outlook. National Policy: Senate Democrats blocked a $1.15 trillion defense bill over Iran war objections, leaving the measure stalled. Local Infrastructure: SDDOT will hold an info meeting on the U.S. Highway 16/16B/Catron Boulevard interchange project in Rapid City. Weird-but-Real Science Debate: The South Dakota-discovered T. rex fossil “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, reigniting concerns about fossils being priced out of research and museums.

State Budget: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota ended fiscal year 2026 with a $69 million surplus, driven by higher revenues and lower-than-expected spending, with money headed to reserve funds for future one-time investments. Rapid City Safety & Traffic: A crash near Sturgis slowed I-90 eastbound, and a separate red-light crash at West Boulevard and St. Joseph Street sent two people to Monument Health after a rollover. Local Courts & Crime: Rapid City police arrested a man accused of resisting officers and giving a false identity, and another woman accused of fleeing police in a vehicle that crashed into a patrol car; a juvenile runaway was found safe. City Hall Watch: Rapid City’s Public Works Committee will review demolition contracts for condemned Star Village garages and sheds, tied to missed deadlines and unpaid utility bills. Transit & Travel: RTS ridership continues climbing, topping 130,000 trips in the first half of 2026, while Rapid City Regional Airport set a first-half passenger record. Heat & Missing Person: Western South Dakota remains under intense heat advisories, and authorities say a missing Rapid City teenager has been located after nearly a month. Online Child Safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a $15 million Roblox settlement for child protections and education funding, including age-verification requirements. Politics & Foreign Policy: The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham is already raising questions about momentum for Russia sanctions and continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

State Budget: South Dakota ended fiscal year 2026 with a $69 million surplus, boosting reserve funds to $325 million, driven by higher-than-expected sales tax and agencies spending less than budgeted. Online Safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a $15 million settlement with Roblox, including child-safety upgrades and millions for after-school programs and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Drug Prosecution: A federal jury convicted John Harris of conspiring to distribute large quantities of meth in South Dakota, with penalties up to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Public Health & Weather: Rapid City is still under water restrictions through Sept. 1, and the region is facing another stretch of extreme heat with heat advisories and First Alert Weather Days continuing. Local Life: Sturgis Ambulance is recruiting temporary help for the Rally as call volume spikes; Rapid City Regional Airport hit a record first-half with 419,553 total travelers; and a Mitchell planning vote advanced platting for new west-side commercial suites. Missing Person: Authorities issued an Endangered Missing Advisory for 74-year-old James Ackerman, last seen in Pierre.

Teacher Shortage Fix: South Dakota is weighing alternatives to teacher licensing exams as vacancies stay highest in rural and tribal districts like Sisseton, Todd County and Oglala Lakota, with officials exploring a portfolio-based certification approach. Corrections Update: Gov. Larry Rhoden marked the ribbon-cutting for South Dakota’s new Women’s Correctional Facility in Rapid City, built to expand treatment and programming, including drug treatment and a mother-infant unit. Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court unanimously rejected Hideaway Hills homeowners’ sinkhole claims, saying the state is protected by sovereign immunity. Public Safety Heat & Fire: With triple-digit heat and very high fire danger, Pennington County banned open burning, and crews reported fast containment of two western South Dakota wildfires. Health & Fraud: A Pierre woman pleaded guilty to felony Medicaid grand theft tied to more than $588,000 stolen from 2018-2024. Local Life: Sioux Falls leaders broke ground on the downtown Switchyard Project, a mixed-use development with offices, residences, parking and a bike-trail extension. Weather-Ready Driving: AAA urged South Dakotans to check tires, batteries, fluids and A/C before long trips during the heat wave.

Local Public Safety: Sioux Falls Fire Rescue said no one was hurt after a house fire early Sunday on West Hemlock Drive; crews knocked it down quickly and are investigating the cause. Aviation & Community Events: The B-29 DOC, one of only two still-airworthy B-29s, arrived at Sioux Falls Regional Airport for limited public rides and flights Monday through Wednesday. Community Support: Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean held a surprise brunch fundraiser to help Highmore recover from storm damage, splitting proceeds between local recovery and World Central Kitchen. Roads & Construction: Sioux Falls warned of major overnight lane closures tied to I-229 and Cliff Avenue, with additional weekend openings for Russell Street ahead of the Airshow. Weather & Health: A heat dome is peaking across the northern Plains and Rockies, with dangerous temperatures and wildfire risk prompting heat-stress warnings. Education: South Dakota recognized 16 school libraries and librarians statewide with the 2026-2029 SATL awards. Sports: The SuFu Circuit Relay returned to the River Greenway Trail, and Sturgis named Meade County executive Rhea Crane as its next city administrator.

South Dakota Politics & National Impact: South Dakota Sen. John Thune led tributes after Sen. Lindsey Graham died at 71 following a “brief and sudden illness,” with President Trump calling him a longtime ally and foreign-policy force. Local Government: A Sioux Falls mayoral recount board confirmed Christine Erickson’s 4-vote win over Jamie Smith, setting up a likely legal challenge. Public Safety & Weather: Rapid City hit 101°F, breaking a July 11 record, and forecasters warn triple-digit heat and extended fire danger through the week, with a red-flag fire warning Sunday. Corrections: Gov. Larry Rhoden marked completion of the new South Dakota Women’s Correctional Facility in Rapid City, built around rehabilitation and treatment programming. Community & Culture: Neutrino Day returned to Lead, bringing hands-on science activities to families at the Sanford Underground Research Facility and other local sites. Wildlife Enforcement: A multi-state deer poaching probe led to 44 misdemeanor convictions, including illegal night killings in Hamlin County.