AGP Executive Report

Rural Health: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $187.7 million in year-two funding for South Dakota’s five-year Rural Health Transformation Program, supporting care access, workforce recruitment, technology and services including maternal and behavioral health. Washington: Senate Republicans left an initial meeting without deciding whether to reelect South Dakota Sen. John Thune as their leader; he is unopposed but faces calls for a party rethink after election losses. State Government: South Dakota Republicans chose new House leadership, electing Stevens speaker, while Senate leaders named their teams for the 2027 session. Regional Care: Minnesota will hold a Nov. 24 hearing on Sanford Luverne’s planned closure of inpatient labor, delivery and newborn services; the hospital says care will shift to Worthington and Sioux Falls in April. Sioux Falls: Lane closures and left-turn restrictions begin Wednesday at 26th Street and Marion Road for concrete repairs, with work expected to wrap up by Nov. 16.

State Government: South Dakota House Republicans chose Mike Stevens as speaker and Taylor Rehfeldt as majority leader, part of a complete leadership change ahead of the 2027 session. Courts: Opponents of a proposed merger of the western judicial circuits told the state Supreme Court it could weaken rural access to justice; supporters say consolidation would share staff and save money. Sioux Falls: Business and construction leaders backed developing data-center rules, while residents again raised concerns about environmental and infrastructure impacts. Property Taxes: Six counties are set to launch a property-tax relief program in 2027. Wildlife: State officials have expanded hunting-license buybacks as reported deer deaths from a viral disease reach 791. Elections: South Dakota’s turnout fell below 50%, a record low in tracked elections; results from three Nebraska counties that vote entirely by mail have renewed calls to consider that option. Public Safety: A Webster man faces first-degree murder and other charges in the death of Henry Hernandez.

Property Tax Relief: Six counties—Custer, Lawrence, Lincoln, Meade, Pennington and Fall River—will offer property-tax credits starting in 2027, funded by a 0.5% county sales tax. Wildlife: South Dakota’s reported deer deaths from epizootic hemorrhagic disease have climbed to 791; officials expanded license refunds and say recovery could take years. Sioux Falls Roads: A new two-mile stretch of Veterans Parkway is set to open this week, while other metro highway work will continue into 2027. Health Care: Monument Health’s new hybrid operating room in Rapid City brings advanced vascular procedures closer to home for western South Dakota patients. Elections: South Dakota voters rejected Amendment I, leaving Medicaid expansion protections in place as federal work requirements approach. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police say a ransom call claiming a woman’s daughter had been kidnapped was a scam; investigators confirmed the daughter was safe before any money was lost. South Dakota Ties: Box Elder resident Georgia Jean, 56, was among two skydivers killed in a midair collision in California.

Health Care: Monument Health has opened a hybrid vascular operating room in Rapid City, bringing complex procedures closer to patients across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming. State Government: Gov. Larry Rhoden named Steven Kohler interim commissioner of the state’s human resources bureau. Senate Republicans chose Casey Crabtree as majority leader for 2027-28. College Sports: South Dakota State improved to 8-2 with a 41-15 win over Northern Iowa; USD rallied from 17 down before losing 87-85 on a last-second three. Augustana hockey remains unbeaten after two ties and shootout losses at No. 14 Michigan Tech. High School Football: State title games are set for Nov. 12-14, including unbeaten Wall vs. St. Mary’s and Sioux Falls Jefferson vs. Sioux Falls Lincoln. Tragedy: Georgia Jean, 56, of Box Elder, was among two skydivers killed in a midair collision in California. Election Fallout: South Dakota turnout fell to a record low, and voters rejected local sales-tax increases while preserving Medicaid expansion.

Election Fallout: Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. Mike Rounds and U.S. Rep.-elect Marty Jackley won statewide races as Republicans held supermajorities. Democrats gained legislative seats for the first time since 2008, but turnout fell below 50%, a state record. Voters approved a constitutional ban on noncitizen voting and rejected a measure that could have threatened Medicaid expansion. On the Field: South Dakota State football routed Northern Iowa 41-15, while USD soccer advanced to the Summit League semifinals after a shootout win over Omaha. SDSU men’s basketball also opened its season with a 68-66 upset at Kansas State. Public Safety: Rapid City is seeing a rise in shootings, according to a local report. Separately, an 18-year-old was arrested in the fatal Chamberlain stabbing. South Dakota Connection: Georgia Jean, 56, of Box Elder, was identified as one of two experienced skydivers killed in a midair collision in California.

Election Fallout: Republicans swept South Dakota’s statewide races, while Democrats gained legislative seats for the first time since 2008. Turnout fell in every county; voters also approved a constitutional ban on noncitizen voting and rejected a Medicaid-related amendment. College Sports: South Dakota clinched a share of its first Summit League volleyball regular-season title since 2023, and SDSU football beat Northern Iowa 41-15 for its third straight win. Augustana men claimed their 16th NSIC cross-country crown in 17 years. Rural Health: Mitchell Technical College won state grant funding to expand nursing education, with new online LPN and RN pathways planned for fall 2027. Tragedy: Georgia Jean, 56, of Box Elder, was among two experienced skydivers killed in a midair collision in California. Water Resources: State officials are accepting public comment on proposed uranium mining, as new reporting warns South Dakota aquifers are declining and threatening freshwater supplies.

Prep Football: South Dakota’s semifinalists are set after a dramatic night: Bennett County edged Kimball/White Lake 45-44 on a last-play lateral sequence, while Sioux Falls Lincoln beat Brandon Valley in overtime. Pierre, Sioux Falls Jefferson, Sioux Falls Christian, Elk Point-Jefferson, St. Thomas More, Parkston, Platte-Geddes, Freeman, Wall and Dell Rapids St. Mary also advanced. College Basketball: SDSU’s women beat Northern Iowa 76-54, and the men defeated Briar Cliff 71-49. USD’s women rallied past UT-Rio Grande Valley 68-56. Public Safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley ruled a Minnehaha County deputy was justified in the fatal shooting of a suspect accused of killing Deputy Katherine Frank. A man was also arrested in a Day County murder. State Politics: Senate Republicans chose Tim Reed as president pro tempore, Casey Crabtree as majority leader and Amber Hulse as assistant majority leader. Republicans swept statewide races in the midterms, while Democrats gained legislative seats; voters rejected a measure that could have triggered an end to Medicaid expansion.

Prep Football: South Dakota’s semifinal winners are headed to the DakotaDome for state title games Nov. 12-14. Pierre, Sioux Falls Jefferson and St. Thomas More are among the teams advancing. College Sports: South Dakota State’s men beat Briar Cliff 71-49 after opening the season with an upset of Kansas State. USD women’s soccer reached the Summit League semifinals; SDSU’s season ended in a double-overtime loss to St. Thomas. Wildlife: Reported deer deaths from epizootic hemorrhagic disease have climbed to 791, prompting state officials to expand hunting-license buybacks. Elections: Larry Rhoden won another term as governor, Marty Jackley won the U.S. House race and Mike Rounds kept his Senate seat. Turnout hit a historic low, while voters rejected sales-tax increases and protected Medicaid expansion. Local Policy: Yankton County officials will review a draft data-center ordinance next week after imposing a six-month moratorium on new facilities. Schools: South Dakota’s latest report card shows graduation rates are up.

Officer-Involved Shooting: A state review found the deputy who shot Brandon Oetken was justified in using force after Oetken fired at deputies, fatally wounding Deputy Katherine Frank in Sioux Falls on Oct. 9. Election Results: Gov. Larry Rhoden won reelection as Republicans held statewide offices, while Democrats gained four legislative seats. Turnout was nearly 50%, a record low, and voters rejected sales-tax measures and Amendment I, which would have protected Medicaid expansion for about 31,000 adults from approaching federal work rules. Agriculture and Wildlife: Bird flu was confirmed in a Beadle County turkey flock of 54,100 birds; South Dakota has recorded 18 affected commercial flocks this year. Reported deer deaths from a viral disease rose to 791, prompting expanded hunting-license refunds. Water and Weather: Recent rain eased drought across much of the state, but declining aquifers and a nearly dry South Dakota lake underscore growing pressure on water supplies. Schools: The latest state report card puts four-year graduation at 88%, the highest rate in more than 14 years, while regular attendance improved only slightly.

Election Results: Gov. Larry Rhoden won a full term, defeating Democrat Dan Ahlers 64% to 36%, while Republicans swept statewide offices and retained legislative control. Democrats gained seats in the Legislature. Turnout fell below 50%, a record low in state records dating to 1964. Voters rejected a measure that could have put Medicaid expansion at risk, approved a citizenship requirement for voting, and turned down sales-tax increases in several communities. Public Safety: An 18-year-old was arrested in the fatal stabbing of a man in Chamberlain; additional charges are pending. Housing and Growth: Spearfish expects about 400 new apartments over the next year as Black Hills State enrollment reaches a five-year high. Rural housing advocates say shortages are making it harder for employers to attract workers. Water Investment: South Dakota approved $6.1 million in additional federal grant funding for drinking-water and water-quality projects, including riparian buffers and community water systems. College Sports: South Dakota State opened its men’s basketball season with an upset win at Kansas State, while the Jackrabbits’ football team beat USD 31-21 in the rivalry game.

Chamberlain Investigation: An 18-year-old has been arrested after Dustin Thomas, 44, died from a stabbing in Chamberlain. The suspect faces an aggravated-assault charge, with additional charges pending as the investigation continues. Election Results: South Dakota recorded its lowest general-election turnout in decades, with about 49% of registered voters casting ballots. Republicans swept statewide offices and kept legislative supermajorities, while Democrats gained seats in the Legislature for the first time since 2008. Voters approved a constitutional ban on noncitizen voting and rejected a measure that could have triggered repeal of Medicaid expansion. Local Decisions: Brookings’ one-year food-compost pilot ends Nov. 27 after helping inform state policy. SDDOT will hold a Nov. 17 public meeting on I-90 reconstruction west of Wasta, including plans to remove the Exit 88 ramps. Schools and Sports: SDHSAA is negotiating a new DakotaDome contract for state football championships after its 15-year deal with USD expires this year. SDSU men’s basketball opened its season with a 68-66 upset of Kansas State. Arts: Dakota State University will host a free South Dakota Symphony Orchestra quartet performance Nov. 10, featuring music inspired by Native American influences on classical music.

Election Results: South Dakota Republicans held statewide and federal offices, with Larry Rhoden winning a full term as governor and Marty Jackley heading to Congress. Democrats gained four legislative seats—their first general-election gains since 2008—while voters approved citizenship voting rules and unclaimed-property changes but rejected a measure that could have triggered Medicaid expansion repeal. Campus Sports: South Dakota State opened its basketball season with a 68-66 upset of Kansas State; South Dakota fell 102-94 to Northern Kentucky. The Jackrabbits football team visits Northern Iowa Saturday. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police arrested a 45-year-old man in the fatal October shooting of Derrick Franklin, charging him with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Community and Health: Yankton’s Park Haven recovery center for women and children is already near capacity, just three months after opening. Black Hills: A uranium mining proposal near Edgemont is back in South Dakota’s permitting process, with a public hearing ahead. Sioux Falls: The city budgeted $65.1 million for roads and streets this year, including neighborhood repairs and major highway projects.

South Dakota Elections: Republicans swept the state’s federal and statewide races, with Gov. Larry Rhoden, Sen. Mike Rounds and U.S. Rep.-elect Marty Jackley winning. Democrats gained four legislative seats—their first general-election gains since 2008—bringing their total to 12. Voters rejected measures that could have ended Medicaid expansion and raised the threshold for constitutional amendments, while approving citizenship requirements for voting and a trust fund for unclaimed property. Jackrabbit Basketball: SDSU opened its season with a 68-66 upset of Kansas State in Manhattan, powered by freshman Davis Kern’s 24 points. SDSU Football: The 7-2 Jackrabbits face a tougher-than-expected road test at Northern Iowa, which has beaten two top-four teams at home this season. Agriculture: South Dakota’s sunflower harvest is ahead of its usual pace, and yields and oil content are strong despite drought. AI and Water: SDSU Extension and the state Water Resources Institute will host a Nov. 5 symposium in Brookings on AI infrastructure’s water and energy demands—and potential rural benefits.

Election Results: South Dakota voters returned Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds to office, while Attorney General Marty Jackley won the state’s lone U.S. House seat. Ballot Measures: Voters approved a constitutional ban on noncitizens voting, but rejected a proposal to require 60% support for future constitutional amendments, keeping the simple-majority threshold. Codington County voters also rejected a sales-tax increase intended to fund property-tax relief. Jackrabbit Upset: South Dakota State opened its men’s basketball season with a 68-66 win over Kansas State in Manhattan. Davis Kern scored 24 points. Rural Health: The state selected the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care to help develop regional EMS hubs and strengthen emergency services statewide.

Election Day: South Dakotans are voting on races for governor, Congress and the Legislature, plus four statewide measures on Medicaid expansion, voter citizenship rules, unclaimed property and the amendment approval threshold. The Justice Department has deployed monitors nationwide, including to Minnehaha County polling places. College Football: South Dakota State beat rival USD 31-21. The Coyotes enter their bye week 7-3 and ranked No. 10, with several players managing injuries. Water Supply: Fort Pierre still has no clear answer for replacing its water source before the current supply agreement expires in 2032; a long-awaited treatment-plant study remains unfinished. Ranching and Conservation: A federal grant of nearly $8 million will support South Dakota grassland restoration and ranchers.

Election Day: South Dakotans are voting on races for governor, Congress and the Legislature, along with four statewide ballot questions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; photo ID is required. Sioux Falls: An arson investigation is underway, and police have reported a handgun and rifle missing after recovering a stolen vehicle. College Basketball: South Dakota opened its season with a 95-57 win over Mount Marty, while SDSU’s women lost 73-71 to Creighton on a buzzer-beater. Medical Cannabis: South Dakota is among seven states where the DEA has begun registering more than 900 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries under federal rules. State History: South Dakota’s America 250 commission buried a time capsule in Sioux Falls, to be opened in 2076.