Fuel Costs: South Dakota Farmers Union is urging Gov. Larry Rhoden to call a special session and temporarily cut the state fuel tax from 28 cents to one cent per gallon, as farmers seek clarity on new dyed-diesel rules. Courts & Consumer Costs: Rhoden appointed Belle Fourche attorney Kellen Willert to the Fourth Judicial Circuit bench. Attorney General Marty Jackley also joined a 45-state push for settlements over alleged generic-drug price fixing; South Dakotans who bought affected medicines from 2009 to 2019 may qualify for compensation. Ballot Measure: South Dakota voters will decide on a measure that would make citizen-led ballot initiatives harder to pass. Local Projects: Rapid City secured $7.1 million in federal funding for Skyline Drive safety and access upgrades, while a Sioux Falls coalition is pressing for a pause on data-center permits amid concerns about utility costs. Immigration Policy: Rhoden extended the National Guard’s support for ICE through 2027, drawing concern from immigration advocates. College Sports: South Dakota State’s football team surged to No. 1 in the FCS rankings after its win over Illinois State.
AGP Executive Report
Your go-to archive of top headlines, summarized for quick and easy reading.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.
Data Center Debate: Vermillion will hold a public information meeting on six proposed data center zoning rules, while Sioux Falls residents and groups are seeking a pause on permits amid concerns about electricity costs. Fuel Relief: South Dakota Farmers Union is urging Gov. Larry Rhoden and lawmakers to call a special session and temporarily cut the state fuel tax from 28 cents to 1 cent per gallon. Courts: Vermillion resident Derrick Petersen is appealing his 32-year sentence for assaults, witness tampering and violating no-contact orders. State Government: Rhoden appointed Belle Fourche attorney Kellen Willert to the Fourth Judicial Circuit bench. Rural Health: South Dakota received $7.2 million in federal funding for rural ambulance telemedicine and emergency service upgrades. Education and Sports: Students can apply to South Dakota’s public universities for free through Nov. 30; meanwhile, SDSU’s Jackrabbits have claimed the No. 1 spot in the FCS football rankings.
Fuel Rules: South Dakota says only agricultural producers with valid exemption certificates may use dyed diesel on roads for now; other users may still owe federal, state and local taxes. College Access: Applications to South Dakota’s six public universities are free through Nov. 30, including for students in the South Dakota Advantage program. Road Work: Sturgis approved a haul-route agreement for I-90 improvements between Exits 32 and 37, with construction expected to run from 2026 through 2027. Custer State Park: State commissioners are expected to approve Xanterra as the park’s new concessionaire, replacing the South Dakota-based operator after 20 years. Rural Health: South Dakota secured $7.2 million in federal funding to upgrade rural emergency medical services, including telemedicine. Hunting: Officials expect another strong pheasant season after hunters took more than 1.35 million birds in 2025; the resident season opens Oct. 10, with the statewide season starting Oct. 17. Rapid City Schools: The school board approved $775,000 for literacy programs and educator training in 2026-27.
Water Projects: South Dakota approved nearly $38.9 million in loans and grants for drinking-water and solid-waste projects. Clay Rural Water System will receive $16.5 million to connect to Elk Point, including 23 miles of pipe and a new storage tank. Property Taxes: Voters in Brown and Codington counties will decide Nov. 3 whether to adopt sales taxes aimed at lowering homeowners’ property taxes; Clay and Charles Mix counties will hold special votes Nov. 17. Six other counties have already approved the tax. Immigration Policy: Gov. Larry Rhoden extended the deployment of seven National Guard members assisting ICE through September 2027, drawing concern from immigration advocates. Farm Relief: Rhoden eased enforcement of restrictions on using dyed diesel on roads after a federal order, though farmers may still face state-level penalties. Courts: South Dakota’s court administrator proposed merging the Fourth and Seventh Judicial Circuits. Native Americans’ Day: Crazy Horse Memorial will host its annual Oct. 12 celebration, with speakers, cultural programs and free buffalo stew.
Community Growth: Box Elder opened the Bennett Road Bridge as the city prepares for continued growth tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base expansion. Food Access: Feeding South Dakota’s new program will provide free fresh produce to more than 230 partner agencies statewide, while an SDSU Extension and Buche Foods partnership matches SNAP spending on eligible fruits and vegetables. Election Watch: Early voting is underway, and the ACLU is training South Dakota volunteers to observe polling places on Nov. 3. Voters will also decide Amendment L, which would require 60% support for future constitutional amendments. State Policy: An appeals court kept South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising law on hold. Gov. Larry Rhoden also extended National Guard support for ICE through 2027 and eased enforcement of temporary rules allowing dyed diesel on roads; some farmers worry fuel residue could bring penalties later. Agriculture: Early South Dakota harvest reports show some yields beating expectations, though drought and crop quality remain concerns. College Sports: South Dakota State climbed to No. 1 in the FCS football rankings after its road win over Illinois State.
Legal & Public Safety: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the state is joining a 42-state push asking a federal court for preliminary approval of a $400 million settlement tied to Sandoz. Courts & Rights: Attorney General JB McCuskey joined a bipartisan Supreme Court filing seeking financial judgments for 9/11 victims and families from frozen Taliban funds. Agriculture & Cost of Living: President Trump’s order expands highway use of tax-free dyed diesel, and Gov. Larry Rhoden followed with state guidance—though some farmers worry dye residue could trigger future fines. State Government: A state appraisal panel is reviewing the “ask price” for a Box Elder site tied to surplus federal property. Health & Community: Avera Research Institute’s mobile unit returned to Aberdeen, highlighting programs including ECHO and Healthy Start. Outdoors & Education: 2027 South Dakota state park entrance licenses are on sale, and USD unveiled the De & Dave Knudson Piano & Music Technology Lab opening Oct. 9. Sports: Sioux Falls Christian won the Class A state title in a dominant run; Vermillion captured the Class A boys’ golf championship; and SDSU’s bye week arrives with quarterback Chase Mason rehabbing a knee injury.
FCS Football: South Dakota State jumped to No. 1 in both major FCS polls after its 31-14 win over Illinois State, with the Jackrabbits also helped by Montana State’s loss at Idaho; SDSU now heads into its only bye week before a key game at North Dakota. Defense Spotlight: Myles Green earned Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week for two fourth-quarter takeaways, including a fumble recovery return and an interception touchdown. Courts & Abortion: A higher court kept in place an injunction in the Mayday Health case, blocking enforcement of South Dakota’s HB 1274 until the trial ends. Judicial Administration: The Unified Judicial System proposed merging South Dakota’s Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits into a single 12-county circuit based in Rapid City, with a public hearing set for Nov. 9 in Pierre. Public Safety & ICE: Gov. Larry Rhoden extended South Dakota National Guard support for ICE through Sept. 30, 2027, citing more than 1,000 deportations processed since July 2025. State Government: Rhoden also directed DPS to temporarily shift enforcement priorities on dyed diesel to ease pressure on farmers and truckers amid high fuel prices. Community & Health: Feeding South Dakota launched a program to provide free fresh produce to partner food pantries and agencies. Sports & Local Life: The South Dakota Supreme Court will hold two days of public sessions at USD in Vermillion this week.
Diesel Relief Push: President Donald Trump signed an executive order easing limits on tax-free red-dyed diesel during a Nebraska stop, arguing it will cut costs for farmers and help lower prices as the midterms near. Immigration Cooperation Update: South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden extended the state National Guard’s ICE paperwork-processing order through September 2027, saying the Guard has helped process 1,013 deportations since July 2025. Data Center Guardrails: A coalition of groups urged Sioux Falls City Council to pause hyperscale data center permitting with a temporary moratorium, warning local rules may come too late for a proposed Gemini project. Public Safety Staffing: Attorney General Marty Jackley released the 2026 South Dakota Police Management Study, updating staffing, budgets, policies, and resources for municipal departments. Community Support: A new Yankton-area diaper bank, Delivering Hope of Yankton, began monthly distributions in early October, aiming to provide diapers, formula, wipes, and hygiene products. Health & Education: The South Dakota Pharmacists Association honored award recipients at its 140th annual convention, while SDSU Extension opened registration for its 2026-2027 Calf Value Discovery program. Sports: Dell Rapids won the Class A volleyball title in a rematch with Dakota Valley; South Dakota State moved to No. 1 in major FCS polls after key results.
FCS Football: South Dakota State is officially No. 1 in the FCS after a 31-14 road win at Illinois State, topping both the AFCA and STATS polls and earning a bye week before a big Oct. 17 trip to North Dakota. Sioux Falls Courts: A Sioux Falls man, Mel Ruano Jr., pleaded not guilty Monday in a September crash that killed motorcyclist Jonathan Baumgartner; prosecutors allege Ruano was driving while intoxicated and had a .132 blood alcohol level. Rural Health & EMS: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $7.2 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funding for 25 projects to strengthen South Dakota emergency medical services, including training, telemedicine, and faster response. State Politics & Voting: A federal appeals court will rehear South Dakota’s ballot petition deadline law, a case that could reshape how citizen-led ballot drives work in the state. Public Safety & Community: Sioux Falls police are investigating a weekend shooting after a juvenile sought medical care; investigators say shots were fired during a road rage incident and shell casings and home damage were found. Food Recall: PepsiCo recalled 122,021 cases of certain Gatorade flavors nationwide, including in South Dakota, due to undeclared Yellow dyes. Local Infrastructure: The South Dakota Transportation Commission awarded about $2.36 million in rural economic development grants for road improvements tied to schools, hospitals, grain elevators, and business areas.
SDSU Football: South Dakota State took control on the road, beating Illinois State 31-14 and forcing three turnovers as the Jackrabbits improved to 5-1 and 2-0 in the Missouri Valley. USD Football: In Vermillion’s Dakota Days, South Dakota’s defense powered a 44-14 win over Indiana State, forcing five turnovers and scoring 34 points off them. Local Education: Dakota Valley’s middle school library earned the state SATL honor, recognized with a banner from the South Dakota State Library. State Politics/Courts: Attorney General Marty Jackley won a rare en banc rehearing in a First Amendment fight over South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban, with the full Eighth Circuit set to hear arguments in January. Public Safety: South Dakota is set to receive $7.2 million in federal funding to modernize rural emergency medical services, including telemedicine and EMS training. Health/Consumer Watch: A generic drug settlement could pay South Dakotans who bought certain prescriptions between 2009 and 2019, while a separate recall expanded for frozen berries over possible E. coli concerns. National Security: The U.S. pulled all 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford after fresh Iran-linked terror threats, with at least three reportedly landing in South Dakota.
Rural EMS Funding: South Dakota is set to receive $7.2 million in federal money to modernize rural emergency medical services, backing 25 projects aimed at faster response times, better telemedicine links, EMS training, and upgraded communications and data sharing. Women’s Corrections Update: The state’s new Rapid City women’s prison has started taking inmates, with 79 women housed there as operations ramp up, while a dilapidated Pierre unit still remains in use. Food Safety Recall: Frozen berries sold at Walmart and Trader Joe’s are under an expanded recall after FDA warnings about possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value organic blueberries and triple berry blends plus Trader Joe’s mixed berry blend. Dakota Days Football: South Dakota’s Coyotes turned five takeaways into five touchdowns in a 44-14 Dakota Days win over Indiana State, while SDSU kept rolling with a 31-14 road win over Illinois State. Sports & Community: Sioux Falls hosted the Festival of Bands, and Yankton welcomed the World Archery 3D Championships, drawing competitors from 27 countries. Politics & National Buzz: An MS NOW panel highlighted a Mississippi campaign stop as a “biggest tell” for a possible Democratic midterm wave, while Trump continued campaigning in Ohio and promised a “big surprise.”
FCS Football (South Dakota): South Dakota State rolled past Illinois State 31-14 as Josh Holst threw two TDs and Myles Green scored on an interception return, while the Coyotes answered last week’s loss with a dominant 44-14 Dakota Days win over Indiana State—turning five takeaways into touchdowns and holding the Sycamores scoreless in the first half. Key to the City (Sioux Falls): Augustana kept the rivalry trophy for a fourth straight year, beating Sioux Falls 37-20 and shutting down the Cougars after halftime. Local Sports (High school): Friday night’s South Dakota high school scoreboard featured big wins across classes, including Sioux Falls Jefferson 62-25 and Brandon Valley 38-12. Public Health: The FDA expanded a recall of frozen berries tied to possible E. coli contamination, including Great Value and Trader Joe’s products sold in South Dakota. Courts & Government: The South Dakota Supreme Court is set to consider a proposal to merge administrative structures of the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits. Community & Culture: Hermosa celebrated local art and history at its Harvest Arts Festival, with the museum building itself serving as a historic centerpiece.
Election & Courts: A Rhoden-appointed judge has paused Sioux Falls’ Smithfield Foods conditional use permit, sending the approval back for the city to reconsider after claims it didn’t follow its own rules. State Government: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved updated funding policy to better support airport terminal development, including a higher state match for most public airport grants. Health & Safety: A frozen berries recall tied to an E. coli outbreak has expanded, including products sold in South Dakota. Local Economy & Community: First Interstate Bank wrapped up its ninth annual Volunteer Day with nearly 400 service projects across its 10-state footprint. Agriculture & Rural Life: A conservation award highlights how 3Sixteen Ranch in Ft. Ripley is tying soil health to faith-driven land stewardship. Public Services: An official USPS inspector general audit adds detail to long-running mail problems in South Dakota. Food Access: SDSU Extension is partnering with Buche Foods and farmers markets to match SNAP dollars through Double Up Food Bucks. Politics & Campaigns: South Dakota has three candidates running for the open Secretary of State seat ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
State Aviation Funding: The South Dakota Aeronautics Commission approved major updates to its funding policy to better support airport terminal development, including a new tiered formula and raising the state match for most public airport grants from 5% to 7%. Food Assistance & Local Grocers: SDSU Extension teamed up with Buche Foods to expand Double Up Food Bucks in South Dakota, matching SNAP spending on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating stores and farmers markets. Archives & Farm to School: Gov. Larry Rhoden proclaimed October as Archives Month, highlighting “Documenting American Democracy,” and also declared October “Farm to School” Month to boost local food connections between schools and producers. Education & Training: USD opened a new Sales Center at the Beacom School of Business, and the USD Law School marked a six-year, $6 million renovation with a celebration of its legacy. Public Health & Courts: The 8th Circuit blocked South Dakota’s effort to enforce the abortion-pill advertising ban while the lawsuit over its constitutionality continues. Drugs Settlement: South Dakota joined a 42-state push for preliminary federal approval of a $400 million Sandoz/Fougera generic-drug settlement, with eligible buyers from 2009-2019 potentially receiving compensation. Outdoor Recreation: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks opened sales for resident annual park entrance licenses for next season. Sports (Local): Pierre beat Huron 45-14 for Steve Steele’s 100th career win; Sioux Falls middle schoolers explored engineering futures at SDSU Day; and Lennox’s Drake Mikkelsen set the state all-time touchdown reception record.
Elections & Courts: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says the 8th Circuit will hear the state’s appeal in January 2027 over a ruling that blocks enforcement of a law shifting the election-year ballot-question petition deadline from May to February. Public Safety & Local Government: Meade County commissioners voted unanimously not to back a proposal to reclassify 911 dispatchers as emergency responders for retirement benefits, citing budget and risk concerns. Criminal Justice: A Sioux Falls jury convicted Samir Albaidhani of multiple felonies, including attempted murder of law enforcement, after he shot an officer and fled in a stolen car; sentencing could reach more than a century. Health & Policy: A new federal $500 ACA refund program is underway in 30 states, with South Dakota included among the places receiving payments. Agriculture & Costs: Farmers are pushing for diesel relief as record-high fuel prices squeeze harvest operations, with South Dakota among states taking steps like weight-limit changes. Sports & Community: USD is gearing up for Dakota Days 2026, and local racing and community events continue to draw attention across the state.
Dakota Days Preview: South Dakota is regrouping after a 47-28 loss at Youngstown State and heads to the DakotaDome Saturday to face Indiana State, with coaches stressing the need to bring intensity every week. Local Government: Clay County commissioners approved last-minute cuts to the 2027 budget, trimming funding for several non-mandated programs and services as they aim for property tax relief. Courts & Public Records: The South Dakota Supreme Court ruled a father doesn’t have a right to police investigation records about his son’s death, citing limits under state law and Marsy’s Law. Public Safety: The Highway Patrol announced October sobriety checkpoints across 20 counties, targeting impaired driving and coordinating with local agencies. Civic Life: The public can attend the South Dakota Supreme Court’s traveling session at USD Oct. 7-8 in Vermillion. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls opened public input for the Quarry at the Falls revitalization project, funded by a $15 million Bezos Earth Fund grant. Sports: Mitchell’s Kernels beat Pierre 3-0 in volleyball, while Sioux Falls Christian’s Cooper Strande is off to a 5-0 start after leading the Chargers to a state title as a sophomore.
Courts & Public Records: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley praised a South Dakota Supreme Court ruling that keeps certain law enforcement investigative records sealed, after a father sought files tied to the disappearance and death of his son. Drugs & Health Costs: Jackley also asked a federal judge to preliminarily approve South Dakota’s share of a $400 million settlement with Sandoz and Fougera over alleged generic-drug price-fixing, with eligible buyers from 2009-2019 able to file claims. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls pedestrian died after being struck in a central parking lot; police said impairment or reckless driving didn’t appear to be factors. Criminal Justice: In Sioux Falls, charges were upgraded in a fatal motorcycle crash case after the hospitalized victim died, adding a vehicular homicide count. Behavioral Health: The Trump administration announced $13 million for a 24/7 mobile crisis response service in South Dakota, tied to grants for providers expanding mental health and substance-use crisis care. Local Events: The South Dakota Festival of Books returns to Sioux Falls Oct. 3, featuring Mount Rushmore author Matthew Davis. Outdoors & Travel: Pactola Reservoir releases will be cut nearly in half to conserve water and protect trout habitat, while Watertown Regional Airport added flights for the pheasant hunting season. Community: Rapid City’s Rushmore Rotary Giving Circle is set for Oct. 6 to pool donations for local nonprofits.
Statehouse & Courts: South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen invites the public to the court’s Oct. 7-8 traveling session at USD in Vermillion, with arguments starting at 9 a.m. Health & Research: Avera Research Institute, SDSU and USD Sanford Medicine won an NIH award of $11.09 million over five years to create the statewide SD-ACT clinical research partnership. Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s executive order expands harvest-season hauling flexibility for farmers, letting producers move more weight than usual amid high diesel costs. Local Government: Clay County commissioners approved last-minute cuts to the 2027 budget, trimming funding for several nonprofits and services as they try to protect property tax relief. Community & Service: The Veterans Community Project in Sioux Falls is now fully complete, finishing a two-acre village with 25 tiny homes for veterans. Arts & Education: The Governor’s Student Art Competition opens for submissions statewide, with a Nov. 6 deadline and student work displayed in the Capitol next year. Politics & National News: Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem filed for divorce from her husband, Bryon Noem, in South Dakota court records. Sports: SDSU hosts Illinois State in a key FCS matchup, while Sioux Falls and Augustana meet in the Key to the City rivalry.
Healthcare & Community Impact: HealthPartners and Essentia Health have approved a merger plan that would create a major nonprofit system under the HealthPartners name, expanding hospitals and clinics across Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. State Government & Public Safety: Pennington County shared more details on its July cybersecurity incident, saying work continues to investigate, restore systems and strengthen defenses. Agriculture & Rural Costs: Gov. Larry Rhoden issued an executive order to give farmers harvest-season hauling flexibility amid high diesel prices, including higher weight limits and a temporary permit-fee waiver—though the Farmers Union says it doesn’t fully offset fuel costs. Local Services & Access: A new DMV Now kiosk opened at The Country Store in Three Forks, adding another self-service option for eligible transactions across Pennington County. Food Security: Volunteers at the Crazy Horse Volksmarch collected 16 bins of food for Church Response in Rapid City, expected to support families for about four months. Education: Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Plains will launch “Prairie Sparks,” a free after-school academic program for early elementary students in Brookings starting Oct. 5. Behavioral Health: South Dakota awarded more than $13 million in grants to expand rural behavioral health services, including Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Cybersecurity Awareness: Rhoden proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, urging South Dakotans to adopt safer online habits. Politics & Personal News: Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem filed for divorce from her husband Bryon Noem, with court records citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Personal Politics: Kristi Noem has filed in South Dakota to end her 34-year marriage to Bryon Noem, citing irreconcilable differences and leaving open the possibility of spousal support, with court filings surfacing months after paperwork was signed. Elections & Federal Spending: Democrats say DHS used $20 million in Homeland Security funds for TV ads featuring President Trump, sparking criticism over whether taxpayer money is being used for political messaging. State Government & Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden signed an executive order to ease harvest pressure from high diesel prices by loosening hauling weight limits and suspending a $25 overweight permit, though an ag leader said it may not be enough. Rural Health: South Dakota awarded more than $13 million in behavioral health grants to expand rural mental health services, including upgrades tied to Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Weather & Harvest: A stalled weather pattern has kept harvesting on hold, with farmers hoping conditions improve this weekend. Community & Education: Yankton is set to celebrate Manufacturing Week with school outreach and facility tours, while SDSU Extension announced a free soil health webinar series. Sports: SDSU football is preparing for quarterback Josh Holst or Jack Henry/backup roles as it heads into Missouri Valley play; Sioux Falls volleyball saw USF pull off a reverse sweep over Augustana.
Sign up for:
South Dakota Morning Star
The daily local news briefing you can trust. Every day. Subscribe now.
Check Your Email!
We sent a one-time activation link to: .
Confirm it's you by clicking the email link.
If the email is not in your inbox, check spam or try again.
Welcome back!
is already signed up. Check your inbox for updates.