AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity & County Services: Pennington County is still recovering from a cybersecurity incident, with some departments limited and building permits handled manually while treasurer staff can answer questions but can’t process vehicle registrations or payments. Public Safety & Health: Rapid City-area officials warn that warmer weather can trigger toxic algae blooms in the Black Hills—“when in doubt, stay out”—and urge reporting suspected blooms and seeking care if symptoms show up. State Government & Fraud: A Pierre woman, Sharon Monson, pleaded guilty to defrauding South Dakota’s Medicaid program, admitting more than $588,000 stolen from 2018-2024; sentencing is set for Aug. 25. Consumer Protection: South Dakota AG Liz Murrill joined a multistate push urging the FCC to strengthen rules to block robocall scammers from using legitimate phone numbers. Local Growth & Community: Natural Grocers plans to open its second Rapid City store July 22 on Omaha Street, and Milbank received a future use permit from the state water board to reserve water rights amid growth concerns. Culture & Events: Rapid City’s 40-year punk scene gets a documentary premiere at the Dahl Arts Center alongside the Punk Rock Family Reunion.

Federal Consumer Protection: South Dakota’s AG Marty Jackley is among attorneys general urging the FCC to tighten rules that stop scammers from buying legitimate phone numbers, after Americans lost nearly $2 billion to robocalls and texts. Local Roads: SDDOT will hold an open house on July 28 for a proposed grading, surfacing and structure project on S.D. Highway 25 near Scotland, with written comments available online. Cash App Settlement: South Dakota will receive about $410,000 from a multistate $45 million Block/Cash App deal over misleading fraud protections, with funds going to the AG’s consumer protection work. Sioux Falls Politics: A recount in the Sioux Falls mayoral runoff is underway, with Christine Erickson now leading Jamie Smith by four votes after absentee ballots, and day-of votes still to be counted. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police say an officer was wounded and a suspect killed in an east-side shootout; the DCI is investigating. Weather & Outdoors: A buffalo struck a trail runner on Lover’s Leap Trail in Custer State Park; injuries were non-life-threatening, and officials are adding buffalo safety signage. Business & Growth: The state approved a $2.4 million sales tax rebate to support AMTEC’s Clear Lake expansion tied to a $90 million defense investment.

Robocall Crackdown: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan coalition urging the FCC to tighten rules so scammers can’t buy and reuse real phone numbers to run illegal robocalls and texts—Americans lost nearly $2 billion last year, and the states want stronger oversight and reporting to help trace calls. Sioux Falls Politics: The Sioux Falls mayoral runoff recount is underway after a two-vote margin, with the ACLU of South Dakota requesting election records as tabulators review tens of thousands of ballots. Black Hills Safety & Community: Rapid City wrapped up its “Real America Birthday Bash” with officials citing record visitor turnout and no major incidents, while Custer State Park reported a trail runner injured after a buffalo encounter and Game, Fish and Parks plans more safety signage. Local Life: Rapid City’s final “Splish Splash” pool discount event is set, and volunteer firefighters in Johnson Siding are urging residents to post clearly visible house numbers for faster emergency response.

Sioux Falls Politics: The Sioux Falls mayoral runoff recount board is set to begin Wednesday after the board was finalized, with Christine Erickson declared winner by just two votes over Jamie Smith. Local Elections: As the governor’s race heads to a July 28 GOP runoff, Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden, praising his “morals, ethics, faith or character,” and citing major state accomplishments from their time together. Public Safety: Pennington County is scrambling for a long-term funding plan for rural ambulance service after hearing Rapid City Fire could end coverage for unincorporated areas after Dec. 31, 2026, unless a new agreement is reached. Weather & Water: Eastern South Dakota faces a serious flash-flood threat as heavy rain rates push toward 3 inches per hour and totals near 6 inches. Rapid City Sports: Fitzgerald Stadium yard-waste and recycling containers are being temporarily removed for parking during the Dave Ploof Legacy baseball tournament (July 9-12).

Special Olympics Spotlight: Waseca’s Jake Lieser celebrated after winning two golds and a silver at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, with local leaders praising his long-running community involvement. Public Safety & Health: Rapid City Fire reported 338 calls over the July 4 weekend, driven largely by fireworks and small fires, while Pennington County commissioners advanced an alternative energy ordinance and debated rural ambulance service needs. Immigration Enforcement Update: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota Highway Patrol has received $150,418 to support its ICE partnership, with troopers involved in more than 204 immigration-related arrests. Workforce Training: South Dakota launched Workforce Pell applications so eligible schools can offer short-term training programs that qualify for federal Pell Grants. Local Life & Travel: Sioux Falls now lets pet owners license dogs and cats online through DocuPet, and Fort Pierre dedicated the Tatanka Trail and Sculpture Park. Sports: Mitchell’s college wood-bat team is set to play in 2026, with plans to return for a full season in 2027.

Cybersecurity & City Services: Rapid City is reviewing its networks after a Pennington County cybersecurity incident disrupted some city functions, including online utility payments and building-permit processing. Local Government: Rapid City swore in five new council members and picked new leadership for 2026-27, with Stephen Tamang as president and Callie Meyer as vice president. Road & Transit Disruptions: Emergency railroad crossing repairs will close the Seventh Street and Apolda Street intersection in Rapid City starting today, with work expected to finish within a day. State Policy & Schools: South Dakota is considering alternatives to teacher licensing exams as rural and tribal districts struggle to fill vacancies, especially when candidates struggle with the test. Elections & Endorsements: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden in the governor’s runoff, citing character and ethics. Public Safety: A gate crash near the Harry S. Truman Dam sent a Sioux Falls woman to University Hospital with serious injuries. Weather Watch: Tuesday brings multiple severe storm threats, including a Slight Risk across South Dakota into western Minnesota. Consumer Alert: BBB warns of a fraudulent “Infinity Auctions” website using a phony Rapid City address to scam vehicle buyers.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount: The recount board for the June 23 mayoral runoff is set to start Wednesday, July 8 at 9 a.m., with three appointed members and the public allowed to watch at the Minnehaha County Administration building; the city expects it to take more than 10 hours. Pennington County Cybersecurity: Pennington County’s systems disruption is still rippling—Rapid City says it’s reviewing shared infrastructure after the county incident, with online utility payments down and building-permit processing slowed. Gubernatorial Runoff Endorsements: Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken backed Gov. Larry Rhoden, citing Highway Patrol staffing, airport investments, and an optional penny tax for local projects. Blood Supply Alert: Vitalant reports a critical shortage of type O blood and is urging donors to book appointments before late July. Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for severe thunderstorms Tuesday across western South Dakota, with large hail and damaging winds the main threats. Local Notes: West River Comedy Club launched a GoFundMe to cover debt and protect jobs; Sioux Falls police reported a slight drop in fireworks calls over the July 4 weekend.

Airport Funding: South Dakota’s Housing Development Authority advanced rules for up to $30 million in low-interest loans—$15 million each—for Rapid City and Sioux Falls airport expansion projects, now headed to the Legislature’s Interim Rules Review Committee. Public Safety: A Rapid City armed carjacking suspect was arrested after a Highway 44 pursuit and hours-long standoff; charges are pending. Holiday Response: Independence Day weekend brought big crowds and renewed Mount Rushmore fireworks after a six-year break, with local agencies reporting a busy but cooperative stretch. Cybersecurity Disruption: Pennington County closed most public-facing offices Monday after a cybersecurity incident, while 911 dispatch, jail, juvenile services, early voting, and vehicle registration online/kiosks stayed open. Water & Drought: Officials say the Sequitor Edge data center’s closed-loop cooling plan will have limited water impact—about the equivalent of two Rapid City households per year—amid ongoing drought concerns. Black Hills Uranium: Encore/Azarga/Powertech received final federal permits for the Dewey-Burdock in-situ uranium mining project, with state water permitting still required. Crash Updates: An 18-year-old died in a two-vehicle crash near Hermosa, and a 9-year-old died in a rollover near Pierre. Weather Watch: A slight severe storm risk is forecast for northeast SD and west-central Minnesota, with heat indices near 102.

Cybersecurity Disruption: Pennington County is responding to a cybersecurity incident that affected parts of its network, prompting most public-facing offices to close Monday, July 6, while critical services like 911 dispatch and jail operations stay running; the county says it’s still assessing the full scope and expects an update late Monday morning. Crash Tragedy Near Pierre: A 9-year-old girl from Waterloo, Iowa, died Saturday in a single-vehicle ATV crash near Pierre in Hughes County; the driver wasn’t hurt, and a 16-year-old passenger suffered minor injuries, with names withheld pending notification. Mount Rushmore Freedom 250: Trump returned to the Black Hills for America’s 250th, with fireworks and remarks at Mount Rushmore after weather advisories; the celebration also included military bands and flyovers, drawing a limited, ticketed crowd. Local Events: Rapid City’s Splish Splash Summer Bash returns July 8 with $2 pool admission, and Sioux Falls brings back free “Mondays at McKennan” concerts starting July 6. U.S. Navy Update: The Navy has suspended its search for a missing sailor after a helicopter crash in the Arabian Sea. Sports & Community: Mitchell’s Kendall Aadland placed second in a SDGA Junior Mini Tour stop, and local amateur baseball and youth softball results rolled through the holiday weekend.

Heat & Fire Risk: Rapid City and much of western South Dakota are under a first alert as temperatures near triple digits and humidity drops to single digits, boosting wildfire danger—especially south of I-90. Drought & Water Planning: A planned Rapid City data center, Sequitor Edge, says it will use a closed-loop cooling system, drawing about 65,000 gallons for phase one and far less ongoing water than traditional data centers—an attempt to ease drought worries. Independence Day Politics in SD: President Trump used Mount Rushmore to warn of a “communist menace,” tying it to domestic politics and election changes, then later delivered a delayed National Mall speech after storms forced evacuations. Storm Disruptions: Severe weather and record heat disrupted America’s 250th celebrations in Washington, including evacuation orders and a late start for Trump’s remarks. Local Courts & Safety: A Sioux Falls man was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person; separate reports also detail fatal crashes near Yale and Hermosa. Sports: Rapid City-area teams and Sioux Falls squads kept rolling in weekend action, including Canaries’ late win and multiple Ringneck tournament results.

Independence Day at 250: President Trump is set to deliver a “historic” speech on the National Mall Saturday night, but severe storms forced an evacuation and organizers are shifting doors and programming as heat and weather disrupt celebrations nationwide. Mount Rushmore spotlight: In South Dakota, Trump kicked off America’s 250th with a speech warning about a “communist menace,” while local crowds packed the Black Hills for the fireworks and the chance to host the national moment. Black Hills science: South Dakota Mines researchers say they’ve developed faster carbon-capture tech using engineered enzymes inspired by Black Hills microbes, aiming to commercialize the approach through a startup. Local celebrations, local impacts: Sioux Falls brought back its Independence Day parade after a two-year gap, while Huron canceled its Fourth of July events after storm damage left many without power. Community and identity: Coverage also highlights how Indigenous families and educators in South Dakota are reflecting on what the holiday means—alongside new mental health support efforts for farmers.

Mount Rushmore, America 250: President Donald Trump kicked off the 250th anniversary weekend from Keystone with a patriotic speech that praised Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt—then pivoted hard to warn of a “resurgence” of communism at home, echoing Red Scare-style rhetoric. Iran talks paused: Trump also said the U.S. gave Iran “a week off” to hold Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral ceremonies, while claiming Tehran wants to settle. Extreme heat disrupts plans: Across the country, a heat wave is forcing last-minute changes, including temporary closures tied to Freedom 250 events in Washington, D.C. Local public safety spotlight: Mitchell’s Toby Russell, who leads South Dakota’s ICAC task force, says reports of online child exploitation keep rising fast, with a major jump in investigations since 2018. Tech and politics collide: A White House social post mocked Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding announcement, quickly drawing ridicule online. Defense update: The Air Force moved Ellsworth Air Force Base into the operational preparation phase for the B-21 Raider, accepting early dedicated facilities.

Mount Rushmore, America 250: President Trump is set to speak at Mount Rushmore Friday night as the nation kicks off its 250th anniversary weekend, with fireworks planned after a day of exhibits and reenactments—though extreme heat and storms are already forcing changes elsewhere. First Amendment tensions: Six years after arrests during protests tied to the fireworks, the NPS has reserved a protest zone near the highway; this time, no demonstrators showed up as law enforcement kept watch. Heat + storms: Forecasters warn the heat dome is breaking with a severe-weather transition—heavy rain, flash flooding risk, and damaging winds—threatening holiday plans across multiple states including South Dakota. Local holiday logistics: Rapid City is pushing ahead with Independence Day events and fireworks plans despite weather, while officials and organizers are adjusting setup details. Rapid City crime update: A carjacking suspect tied to a Highway 44 pursuit is now in custody. Community culture: Rapid City planted 13,000+ patriotic flowers for America 250 and the city’s 150th, and Vermillion students are heading to Germany for a sister-city celebration.

Mount Rushmore Freedom 250: President Donald Trump is set to travel to South Dakota to deliver a speech and watch fireworks at Mount Rushmore as the U.S. kicks off its 250th birthday weekend. The visit comes with lingering debate over whether Trump could ever be added to the monument—technically described as essentially impossible—while the National Park Service is also designating a protest area for today’s fireworks. Extreme Heat Safety: Across the Midwest and East Coast, officials are warning people to hydrate and take cooling breaks as potentially record heat threatens holiday plans; some events have already been adjusted or canceled. Holiday Weekend Logistics: The weekend also includes major celebrations nationwide, including a Times Square ball drop and a large fireworks show in Washington, D.C., with organizers balancing spectacle and safety. Local Independence Day Plans (Vermillion): Vermillion is rolling out a full day of America 250 events at Prentis Park, including a Founding Fathers 5K, farmers market, music and performances, and fireworks at Polaris Parkway. Weather Watch (Regional): Severe weather risk remains on the radar for parts of the Plains, with forecasters highlighting damaging wind potential in the broader region.

Mount Rushmore 250th Visit: President Trump is set to travel to South Dakota for America’s 250th at Mount Rushmore, with fireworks, military bands, flyovers and a keynote address Saturday—after the new Air Force One made its maiden flight this week. Local Politics: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff recount is underway after Jamie Smith formally requested it, with a recount board set under state rules and the race decided by just two votes. Drought & Power: Drought is easing in parts of South Dakota after recent rains, but conditions still strain the grid as Rapid City’s new data center project moves forward; Black Hills Energy says it’s planning for higher summer loads. Disaster Funding: FEMA approved $4.3M for disaster recovery and hazard mitigation across the Dakotas, including major work in Chamberlain and storm-damaged electric infrastructure. Weather Watch: Another severe-storm threat is in the forecast for Friday, with large hail and damaging winds possible. Community & Culture: The South Dakota State Museum reopened in Pierre after nearly $2M in upgrades, and Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library events continue ahead of July 4.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount: With just two votes separating Jamie Smith and Christine Erickson, Smith has filed to recount all ballots, setting up a three-person recount board at the county auditor’s office. Mount Rushmore 250th: President Trump is scheduled to speak July 3 at the Freedom 250 fireworks event, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Sen. Mike Rounds confirmed to attend. Severe Weather Aftermath: Monday’s storms across South Dakota were described as a “mini derecho,” including a 131 mph gust in Highmore and a brief tornado near Andover. New Retail in Brookings: Target plans a July opening in Brookings, adding a 127,000-square-foot store north of Sixth Street/Highway 14 and east of I-29. High School Sports NIL: A state-by-state rundown shows NIL monetization is permitted in South Dakota under current rules. Local Culture & Tourism: Rapid City’s Rushmore Music Festival is hosting international music students for summer sessions, while Badlands visitors are rolling in for America’s 250th.