AGP Executive Report

High School Sports: Dakota Valley went undefeated to win the Class A state softball title, beating Elk Point-Jefferson 9-6 in Aberdeen. Class A Runner-Up: EPJ’s Cinderella run ended as the Cavaliers finished second after a bracket run that included a win over top-ranked Madison. Clay Target League: Union County athletes turned in strong results at the 2026 South Dakota State High School Clay Target League Trap Tournament, with multiple top-three finishes. Public Health: The FDA classified a voluntary recall of Alfredo sauce as a Class I risk after possible Salmonella contamination tied to dry milk powder; the recall covers 913 cases distributed across 41 states. Local Community: Pierre/Fort Pierre Kiwanis unveiled a StoryWalk at Fisher’s Lily Park, adding rotating story displays to the riverside trail for kids. Rapid City Events: Greenway Days wrapped with a “Dog Parade” adoption-style event with the Humane Society of the Black Hills, plus charity disc golf and creek cleanups tied to the festival. State Politics: South Dakota Democrats named statewide candidates after former President Joe Biden endorsed Dan Ahlers (governor), Julian Beaudion (U.S. Senate) and Nikki Gronli (U.S. House).

South Dakota Politics: A South Dakota lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, faces a low-level felony charge after an indictment alleges he destroyed a private road, with a warrant issued and a $500 bond posted. Local Governance & Community: Rapid City’s Greenway Days kept rolling with a charity disc golf “Throw with Grace” event raising money for Make-A-Wish, plus a monthly Rapid Creek cleanup that drew dozens of volunteers. Public Health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before summer travel as measles concerns continue in other states. Sports & Events: The “Dakota 100” Round 2 and track day are set for June 28, with drivers and riders expected to chase points as track work wraps up. Education: South Dakota State University named Dale Johnson of Sterling to the spring 2026 dean’s list. Culture & Pride: Pride in the Park in Rapid City marked more than a decade of LGBTQ community support through events, resources, and local partnerships.

South Dakota Politics: A South Dakota lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, faces a low-level felony charge after an indictment alleges he destroyed a private road, with a warrant issued and a $500 bond posted. Public Health: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before summer travel as measles concerns grow in other states. Tribal & Wildlife: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe will take custody of a bison spared from the death penalty after state Game, Fish and Parks considered killing the animal following a fatal Custer State Park attack, with Governor Larry Rhoden’s blessing. State Government & Environment: Game, Fish and Parks is reminding boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry after zebra mussels were confirmed in Bitter Lake, with connected waters now considered positive. Sports & Community: The Renner Monarchs won the Pepsi Invitational amateur baseball title, but were later forced to forfeit games after an ineligible player issue. Opinion/Tech: A local opinion piece argues South Dakota’s tech future depends on powering the next wave of innovation, tying growth to reliable energy and infrastructure.

Gubernatorial runoff: Early voting has started statewide for the GOP governor runoff between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden, with voters urged to cast ballots sooner to avoid registration/address issues. Public safety & health: The Emergency Medical Services Funding Task Force will meet June 17 to set leadership and review South Dakota’s EMS system and the Rural Health Transformation Project. Legal system: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld two self-defense cases, clarifying that immunity challenges must be raised before trial. Courts & justice: A habeas corpus challenge in the Maricela Diaz murder case has reached the final briefing stage, with a decision expected on whether she gets a new trial. State government: Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan push to keep federal civil legal aid funding through the Legal Services Corporation. Local elections: Turner County sheriff candidates will face a recount Monday after a three-vote primary split. Weather readiness: Aberdeen officials say weather sirens malfunctioned due to a failed component and required a software upgrade, leaving some sirens nonfunctional. Community & culture: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association is bringing a Sioux Falls Region Roundup June 19, featuring BQA training, updates, and a cornhole tournament.

State IT leadership: South Dakota elevated Neal Nachtigall from within the Bureau of Information and Technology, naming him state CIO and BIT commissioner as Mark Wixon retires. Courts and public safety: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld rulings in two self-defense manslaughter cases, clarifying that immunity challenges must be raised before trial. Criminal justice: Maricela Diaz’s habeas corpus fight over her 2015 murder conviction is in its final briefing stage, with a judge weighing a new-trial request. Energy and agriculture: The U.S. House passed a bill to allow year-round sales of E15 ethanol, a win for Midwest producers and fuel retailers. Water infrastructure: Senate bills backed by John Thune and Mike Rounds would fund $20 million in feasibility studies for Missouri River drinking-water pipelines. Roads and planning: SDDOT extended written public comment on a U.S. Highway 85 reconstruction design in Lawrence County through Sept. 4. Local life: Tokata Youth Center in Fort Thompson is building future leaders by hiring local Native teens and keeping an open-door approach. Sports and community: Sioux Falls Christian guard Brant Wassenaar committed to Drake; and SDSU Extension urged forage nitrate testing to protect livestock.

COVID-19 Accountability: South Dakota will receive more than $50,000 from an 18-state settlement with GS Labs over excess fees and late COVID-19 test results, with Attorney General Marty Jackley saying consumers were misled. Economic Development: The state Board of Economic Development approved nearly $30 million in sales tax incentives for a new Smithfield Foods plant in Sioux Falls, a project expected to cost about $1.3 billion. Public Safety & Health: Attorney General Jackley congratulated 16 students graduating from South Dakota’s Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course in Pierre, training the next wave of 911 call operators. State Politics: A South Dakota lawmaker, Rep. Travis Ismay, faces a felony charge for allegedly intentionally damaging a public road. Retirement Watch: The South Dakota Retirement System expects next year’s cost-of-living adjustment for retirees to come in below inflation again, with a 2% COLA projected. Community & Culture: Vermillion Community Theatre announced tickets for “The Little Mermaid” go on sale June 13, and the Summer Library Program kicks off statewide with a “Unearth a Story” theme. Sports: USD promoted associate head coach Shannon Pivovar to head softball coach, and Vermillion’s Dylyn Wagner and Ally Peterson earned honorable mention All-State honors.

Wildlife & Hunting: South Dakota’s pronghorn numbers are up, but Game, Fish and Parks says buck-only license rules should stay in place as commissioners review seasons. State Politics & Courts: 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 Public Safety: Police are investigating an assault and robbery near 8th Street and Grange Avenue, where a bicyclist was attacked and robbed. Local Elections: Attorney General Marty Jackley and Lincoln County Sheriff Steven Swenson endorsed Christine Erickson for Sioux Falls mayor. Sports: Elkton-Lake Benton’s Taiton Boersma earned silver in discus at the Class A state meet and also placed in shot put. Agriculture: Alfalfa plant bugs are showing up in abundance in eastern South Dakota, with guidance on scouting and when treatment may be warranted. Community Events: Lane’s “Leap to Lane” festival is set for June 20, with vintage military vehicles, music, and family activities.

White House Turmoil: A “knives are out” mood inside the Trump White House is spilling into Congress as lawmakers brace for another likely-failed vote to extend FISA Section 702 spy powers, with Democrats opposing the renewal tied to Bill Pulte’s role. Public Safety: Pennington County mourns the death of Central States Fairgrounds maintenance manager Paul Nebel after a Sunday shooting; tribal police say the suspect fled to the Oglala Sioux Reservation and was killed during an encounter. State & Local Economy: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved up to $30 million in sales-tax rebates to help Smithfield Packaged Meats move to northern Sioux Falls, boosting the project’s state support to $42 million. Water Security: A U.S. Senate committee advanced $20 million for Missouri River drinking-water pipeline feasibility studies benefiting South Dakota’s Western Dakota and Dakota Mainstem regional water systems. Community & Seniors: Sioux Falls’ Simply Good Café opens June 16 and will funnel 100% of profits to meal programs for adults 60+ in the Sioux Empire. Education & Training: SDSU announced spring 2026 dean’s list honors for 3,941 students, and the state AG marked graduation of 16 from South Dakota’s Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course in Pierre. Sports: Dawson-Boyd’s girls golf team won its third straight Class A state title, while McCook Central/Montrose earned four spots on the Class B all-state softball team.

Black Hills Landback Push: All nine South Dakota tribes are uniting behind a new joint resolution calling for the return of public, federal Black Hills lands to tribal entities, arguing treaty rights still apply and that the focus is on federally held land rather than private homes. Ballot Access Fight: A federal appeals court heard arguments over South Dakota’s petition deadline for citizen ballot questions, after a law moved filing dates earlier and Dakotans for Health challenged it as violating the First Amendment. COVID Testing Settlement: South Dakota is set to receive about $50,380 from a $4.87 million multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution also going to other states. Rural Health Meeting: Avera St. Benedict hosted regional rural health leaders to discuss collaboration and recruitment/retention efforts. Public Safety Training: Sixteen students graduated from South Dakota’s 911 telecommunicator certification course in Pierre. Local Sports & Community: USD hired Kyle Keeton as director of player personnel; and South Dakota’s drought conditions remain a recurring concern, with farmers facing the worst since the Dust Bowl in a historical look.

South Dakota Politics & Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral runoff candidates Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith faced off Monday on public safety, affordability and homelessness, with the June 23 runoff next. Local Governance: Pierre Mayor’s office is touring community partners, recently visiting the Missouri Shores Domestic Violence Center to highlight how local nonprofits and government work together. Tribal Affairs: All nine federally recognized South Dakota tribes backed a push to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation, with legislation still in early stages. Courts & Ballot Access: A federal appeals hearing weighed South Dakota’s ballot-initiative signature deadline, with Dakotans for Health arguing the state restricts petitioners’ First Amendment time. Public Safety & Health: Yankton County’s ambulance service shared financial changes after a task force review, aiming to reduce deficits going forward. Weather Watch: The Twin Cities area was under a severe thunderstorm watch into early morning, with warnings for parts of southwestern Minnesota. Agriculture: USDA data showed May milk prices rising—Class III up 10 cents to $16.92/cwt and Class IV up to $22.32—while feed costs still temper gains. Sports: Peyton VanDeest of Spearfish swept four titles at the State Track Meet; Sioux Falls-area college athletes also earned Academic all-Summit League honors. Business & Compliance: South Dakota Secretary of State reminded lobbyists and employers that expense reports are due July 1. Consumer Safety: A Salmonella outbreak tied to moringa supplements expanded to 119 cases across 36 states, prompting additional FDA recall coverage.

Mitchell Tech Career Training: Nine Mitchell Technical College students brought home medals at the 2026 SkillsUSA Nationals in Atlanta, including a silver in Marine Service Technology and bronzes in HVACR and team Mechatronics. Local Schools: Voters approved shrinking the Flandreau School Board from seven to five members, aiming to make it easier to fill seats for future elections. Election Watch: Final state and county results were tallied after the June 2 primary, with some races heading to runoff or recounts, including a Turner County sheriff recount requested after a 3-vote split. Public Safety & Courts: A Sioux Falls man was acquitted of murder but convicted of aggravated assault 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 receive higher state payments to house parole violators as the state tightens enforcement. Weather Alert: The Sioux Falls area faces an increased risk of severe storms tonight, with hail, damaging winds, and a tornado risk. Sports: Dakota Valley’s Class A softball title run earned four players All-State, while Britton-Hecla’s boys golf team tied for 17th at state.

Carbon Pipeline Fight: Summit Carbon Solutions is headed to trial in Delaware over a $15 million pipe contract dispute with Welspun Tubular, after settlement talks broke down over alleged delays tied to regulatory and public opposition. Air Quality & Health: A new study says wildfire-driven ozone has reversed years of U.S. air-quality gains, adding hundreds of premature deaths each year since 2013 and urging people to check summer pollution forecasts. Politics: President Trump formally nominated acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche for the permanent job, setting up a tough Senate confirmation fight. Local Housing: A Hot Springs hospital is funding a major employee housing push—48 affordable units near Fall River Health—to ease a long-running worker shortage. Education & Community: USD officials say the Yankton clinical campus will remain active even as more Sanford School of Medicine training shifts toward Sioux Falls. Public Safety: Turner County’s sheriff GOP primary is headed to a recount after a razor-thin 823-820 result. Arts & Culture: Sioux Falls opened the Carver Gallery at City Hall with a new annual exhibition program featuring local artists. Food Insecurity: Prairie Farms donated thousands of half-gallons of milk to Feeding South Dakota, with matching donations during Dairy Month.

Lake Albert Conflict of Interest: South Dakota officials repealed waterfowl refuge status for Lake Albert after surrounding landowners requested the change, but one landowner is a Game, Fish and Parks supervisor whose ownership wasn’t disclosed to the commission that approved it. Overdose Response Expansion: Emily’s Hope launched its Post-Overdose Response Team in Brown County, pairing peer specialists with public health and safety partners to offer free, confidential support to overdose survivors, including naloxone and help with treatment. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn Tuesday could bring hot, stormy conditions and severe weather risk across the region. Public Health Alert: The U.S. is on pace for a record year of measles cases, with 2,030 reported so far in 2026 across 38 states plus D.C., and most cases tied to unvaccinated people. Sports Spotlight: Sioux Falls Jefferson capped a perfect season by winning the Class AA softball state title, while Castlewood won the Class B title and Dakota Valley took Class A. Roadwork Updates: SD DOT has new construction and ditch-work projects starting this week, including work on SD Highway 20 west of Reva and U.S. Highway 385 near Pactola Dam.

Abortion Backlash in GOP Primaries: Republican lawmakers who tried to loosen or challenge abortion bans are facing major pushback after anti-abortion groups turned up the pressure, with several losing their primaries as opponents framed the issue more strictly. Water and Data Centers: As residents protest data centers across the Heartland, lawmakers are moving fast to regulate development, with critics citing heavy water and energy use. Immigration Funding Vote: The Senate approved funding for ICE for the rest of Trump’s term after a GOP revolt delayed the bill, setting up a House vote next. Surveillance Law Fight: U.S. lawmakers warned President Trump’s pick of Bill Pulte to lead national intelligence could complicate renewal of foreign surveillance rules. Groundwater Alarm for Farmers: A new focus on rapidly vanishing aquifers highlights what it could mean for irrigation and farm futures. Severe Weather Update: A severe thunderstorm watch was canceled after funnel cloud reports and large hail, with more storms possible early next week. Sports—Local Highlights: South Dakota high school athletes are driving the Athlete of the Week poll, while area Legion baseball and state softball championships wrapped up with big wins for local teams. Health—Cancer Survivors Day: Avera Health marked National Cancer Survivors Day in Sioux Falls with a focus on early detection and community support.

Local Education: The Mitchell Board of Education will meet Monday to consider contract negotiations for support staff and proposed 2026-27 administrator salaries, plus a personnel and board governance item tied to re-elected member Deb Everson. Health & Community: Avera Health marked National Cancer Survivors Day in Sioux Falls, highlighting the role of early detection and the chance for survivors and caregivers to reconnect. Native Affairs: Tribes are suing the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, alleging federal agencies violated law. Politics: Reuters reports U.S. lawmakers are warning that President Trump’s choice of Bill Pulte as acting intelligence chief could complicate renewal of the foreign surveillance law set to expire Friday. Civics: A “250+ Years of American Civics and News” series aims to boost turnout, with a Watertown session Monday and Sioux Falls set for June 30. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson rolled to a second straight Class AA softball title with an 11-0 win over Washington, while Castlewood won the Class B championship.

Severe Weather Alert: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Sunday with an enhanced risk for damaging winds and very large hail across western South Dakota, including Spearfish, Belle Fourche, Deadwood, Buffalo, Faith, Lemmon, Union Center and Sundance; gusts could reach 60–80 mph and a tornado or two is possible near the northern Black Hills. Local Power Update: Power was restored for some Black Hills Electric Co-Op customers after an outage hit nearly 1,700 Rapid City-area users. State Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson rolled to a second straight Class AA softball title with an 11-0, five-inning win over Washington; Dakota Valley won the Class A championship 9-6 over Elk Point-Jefferson; Castlewood captured Class B with a 9-2 win over McCook Central/Montrose. Community & Culture: Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary opened its 39th season of guided tours; Crazy Horse Memorial hosted its 40th annual Volksmarch; Spearfish kept 605 Day going with a community cleanup and vendor market. Health Workforce: West River Health Science Center graduated 122 registered nurses in its first full year, building a regional pipeline for Monument Health.