AGP Executive Report

Workforce & Education: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, a $18M project aimed at boosting skilled manufacturing training and adding capacity for 100+ more students each year. Local Government & Taxes: South Dakota’s new optional half-percent county sales tax is being pitched as property-tax relief, but critics say it shifts the burden onto renters and lower-income shoppers while owner-occupied homeowners get the direct break. Higher Ed Updates: Dakota Wesleyan University announced a new provost and multiple faculty promotions ahead of the school year. Cybersecurity: South Dakota rejected millions in federal cybersecurity grants and is funding a $7M-plus state effort as the AG reports 1,062 online security breaches over five years, including 127 so far in 2026. Nursing Training: Northern State University and Avera expanded their partnership with a new Avera Simulation Center to strengthen nursing education. Ballot Access Fight: A signature-gathering dispute tied to a shorter deadline continues through the courts after a judge ruled against the state’s law. Economy & Tourism: Sturgis Motorcycle Rally business impacts are still rolling in, with early bookings already underway for 2027.

AI & Elections: A new wave of AI super PAC money is pouring into state races, including South Dakota, as groups fight over how the next Congress should regulate artificial intelligence. Higher Ed Funding: South Dakota Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for AI and technology upgrades across public universities, aiming to modernize systems and strengthen cybersecurity. Energy & Agriculture: Sen. John Thune says year-round E15 ethanol likely won’t pass without compromises for small oil refiners, setting up a tough Senate negotiation. Public Safety & Health: The American Heart Association Heart Walk returned to Sioux Falls with a $110,000 goal, while a new study highlights the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs as far older than previously believed. Local Community: Highmore’s third annual Sunflower Festival drew visitors to celebrate the prairie’s resilience, and Pipestone County’s Ag Olympics crowned Windy Ridge Veterinary Clinic as champions. Sports: SDSU football is back in focus as the Jackrabbits gear up for the 2026 season and the Dykhouse crowd.

University Tech Funding: South Dakota Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for AI and technology upgrades, including $4.5 million for ongoing maintenance and a $20 million one-time Future Ready Technology Initiative to modernize systems and strengthen cybersecurity. Energy & Agriculture: Sen. John Thune says year-round higher ethanol blend E15 likely needs compromises for small oil refiners, after the House approved a year-round E15 bill and the Senate faces an uncertain path. Health & Community: Avera Heart Hospital helped bring the American Heart Association Heart Walk back to Sioux Falls, with a $110,000 goal and CPR training among the priorities. Sports in Sioux Falls: SDSU football is back in the spotlight as the Jackrabbits prepare for the Dykhouse Stadium crowd, highlighting roster stability after last season’s turnover. Politics: Democrats are dropping out of deep-red Senate races in states including South Dakota to clear the way for moderate independents. Public Safety: Ahlers’ campaign argues South Dakota needs more support for small businesses, criticizing large economic development spending aimed at single employers.

Higher Education Tech Funding: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $25 million to modernize public university technology, including $4.5 million for ongoing maintenance and a one-time $20 million push for its Future Ready Technology Initiative—aimed at replacing aging systems, strengthening cybersecurity, and expanding artificial intelligence use across classes, research, and student services. Politics & the Economy: Sen. John Thune says voters will judge Republicans in November largely on pocketbook issues, pointing to gas and everyday costs as the biggest headwinds heading into the midterms. Small Business Debate: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Ahlers argues South Dakota isn’t doing enough for small businesses and criticizes how economic development dollars are spent, including a cited $69 million investment in a single Sioux Falls company. Healthcare & Coverage: Medicare Advantage providers are cutting plans, and a KFF analysis flags South Dakota among states where terminated plans are affecting large shares of enrollees. Community Health: Twenty-four South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving heart disease and stroke care. Workforce & Training: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, targeting welders and machinists and supported by state and federal funding. Public Safety & Health Risks: Bedbug infestations are rising nationally, with some researchers warning they may spread antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA.

Medicare Advantage Crunch: Humana is exiting more Medicare Advantage plans next year, and KFF data shows many seniors in South Dakota and nearby states are facing terminated coverage—another sign insurers are cutting benefits as costs rise. Rural Land-Use: A viewpoint argues rural South Dakota’s future depends on county commissioners enforcing land-use ordinances for large projects, framing it as protecting taxpayers and farm families. Healthcare Recognition: 24 South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association honors for improving heart disease and stroke care through Get With The Guidelines. Workforce & Manufacturing: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18M James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, aiming to expand training for welders and machinists and add about 130 students annually. State Politics Watch: Democrats in deep-red states are dropping out of some Senate races, including South Dakota, to clear the way for independents. Taxpayer Travel Scrutiny: A legislative White House fly-in is drawing questions about whether up to $800 per legislator used taxpayer funds appropriately. Energy Policy: The Energy Department canceled the NIETC transmission corridor effort after pushback, with uncertainty for affected landowners. Community Needs: Sioux Falls’ Community Blood Bank reports an O-negative shortage and is urging donations.

Heart Care Recognition: Twenty-four South Dakota hospitals earned American Heart Association recognition for improving treatment for heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines, a program tied to better outcomes. Workforce & Manufacturing: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18 million James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, aiming to expand training for welders and machinists and add space for about 130 more students each year. State Business Awards: The South Dakota Retailers Association is taking nominations for Retailer of the Year, Restaurant of the Year, and Community Service awards, with entries due Aug. 31. Energy Policy: The U.S. Department of Energy canceled its National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors plans, ending a proposal that had included a corridor affecting parts of South Dakota. Agriculture Markets: USDA set July Class III milk at $15.52 per cwt., down 46 cents from June, while cattle and hog futures finished the week lower. Food Safety Watch: South Dakota health officials say they’re monitoring a cyclosporiasis outbreak, with attention on keeping food safe.

Legislative Leadership Change: New Jersey Assembly Majority Office chief strategist Seth Hahn will step down as executive director in September after six years, with Speaker Craig Coughlin expected to name a replacement soon. Public Health: A new argument in a major medical journal says U.S. vaccine skepticism is eroding confidence and could worsen measles resurgence, after federal actions tied to MMR delivery raised concerns. Education & Pay: South Dakota teachers’ pay is again in the spotlight, with commentary pointing to low national rankings alongside mixed cost-of-living comparisons and ongoing teacher shortages. State Infrastructure: The South Dakota Transportation Commission approved a nearly $290 million bid to replace the Platte-Winner Bridge, coming in far above the state estimate but still moving forward. Agriculture & Animal Health: South Dakota’s livestock export push ties market access to strong animal disease prevention, while SDSU Extension adds new livestock production and stewardship leadership and offers planning webinars for end-of-life decisions. Local Services: Sioux Falls residents can now register pets online through DocuPet, with licensing rules still in effect. Elections & Voting Access: Four Directions Native Vote—Indian Country makes its first live public appearance at the Santa Fe Indian Market, focusing on nonpartisan voter education and election protection. Business & Competition: Seven state attorneys general, including South Dakota AG Marty Jackley, urged rejection of the $85 billion UP-Norfolk Southern rail deal, arguing it won’t deliver enough public competitive benefits. Community Relief: One Spirit is seeking donations after a severe storm hit the Pine Ridge Reservation, with needs still being assessed.

Bridge Funding: The South Dakota Transportation Commission approved Ames Construction’s $289.99 million bid to replace the Platte-Winner Bridge—about $40 million above the state’s estimate—while DOT leaders say the project is still affordable and already backed by major federal dollars. Health Care: Avera hospitals earned American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” stroke quality awards, with Avera McKennan taking top-tier designations and several rural sites also recognized. Long-Term Care: The South Dakota Health Care Association marked its 75th anniversary, highlighting the economic impact and staffing footprint of nursing homes and assisted living across the state. Local Food Security: Yankton School District’s summer grab-and-go program distributed 9,600+ bags and 68,046 meals, with thousands of gallons of milk delivered to families. Agriculture & Education: SDSU Extension added a new livestock production and stewardship specialist, launched end-of-life planning webinars, and set its Draper winter wheat meeting for Aug. 27. Business Development: The state approved nearly $481,000 in loans and grants for Rapid City and De Smet projects, including funding tied to ethanol purification and a chiropractic clinic purchase. Disaster Relief: After a Pine Ridge hailstorm, One Spirit is seeking emergency donations as families and partners assess damage and request help. Public Safety & Health: Thousands of cattle reportedly died from heat stress during South Dakota’s record-breaking July heat wave.

South Dakota Business & Jobs: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved new SD Works and South Dakota Jobs Program funding, including a $300,000 loan to Chemistry Distilling in Rapid City and a $90,000 loan for a De Smet chiropractic clinic ownership transition, aiming to expand workforces and keep rural businesses going. Agriculture & Trade: Sen. John Thune and Rep. Dusty Johnson headlined a South Dakota Trade event, pitching the Indo-Pacific as a growth engine for farm exports and warning about how to “de-risk” from China without slipping into isolationism. State Policy & Families: South Dakota officials are responding after childcare subsidy rate changes left some parents and providers facing unexpected weekly-to-monthly bill spikes, with Gov. Larry Rhoden directing DSS to address concerns. Cybersecurity & Local Government: Mitchell says its network is fully operational again after a cybersecurity incident shut down parts of city systems, though officials wouldn’t confirm whether data was compromised. Public Health: South Dakota health officials say cyclosporiasis is present but limited, and they’re emphasizing food safety inspections to reduce risk. Infrastructure Resilience: Gov. Rhoden announced $500,000 for the GRIT task force to improve emergency preparedness and strengthen statewide infrastructure planning. Weather & Damage: A severe hailstorm hit the Pine Ridge Reservation, damaging school vehicles and forcing a delayed start to the school year.

Cybersecurity & Resilience: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced $500,000 for South Dakota’s GRIT task force to strengthen critical infrastructure planning and prepare for cyber and physical threats. Local Government Tech: Mitchell says its network is “fully operational” after a cybersecurity incident shut down parts of the city’s systems, though officials wouldn’t confirm whether data was compromised. Childcare Costs: South Dakota is responding to complaints after childcare subsidy rate changes switched payments to weekly amounts, with some families reporting big bill spikes; Gov. Rhoden directed DSS to act. Education & Community: The ORR School District will face another vote on dissolving after a petition triggered a re-run of the prior reorganization plan. Severe Weather: A hailstorm hit the Pine Ridge Reservation, damaging homes and shattering vehicles in the Oglala Lakota school fleet, delaying the start of the year. Agriculture & Markets: Thune and Johnson joined state leaders to discuss farm bill and global market opportunities for South Dakota producers. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man faces 200+ years if convicted in an Iowa daycare fraud case tied to alleged forgery and money laundering. Infrastructure Spotlight: Watertown’s Prairie Lakes Ice Arena was recognized for “built right” public works collaboration.

Sioux Falls Business Boom: USA TODAY’s Inc. list of fastest-growing companies put multiple Sioux Falls firms in the spotlight, including Wild Oak Boutique (+356%), Phase 3 (+204%), Silencer Central (+192%), and IRA Financial (+145%), plus other South Dakota standouts like 101 Technologies (Wagner, +163%) and My3Tech (Pierre, +52%). Housing & Homebuying: The South Dakota Housing Development Authority is moving ahead with a Mortgage Credit Certificate program that would give qualified buyers a federal tax credit tied to mortgage interest, with $12.5 million in total credit authority. Local Government Watch: A Britton City Council discussion clarified when Zoom public comment is required, while Pierre road work is shifting pedestrian access along Euclid/Highway 1889. Cybersecurity & Services: Mitchell is still dealing with an unresolved email cyber incident that has disrupted city staff access and postponed public meetings. Rural Health Tech Debate: South Dakota is among states getting flexibility to spend federal education dollars, while rural health leaders and residents question whether AI tools can improve outcomes—especially given limited proof. State Policy & Courts: A federal appeals ruling struck down South Dakota’s nine-month ballot initiative deadline as unconstitutional, and the state’s drug discount law continues to face legal challenges. Economy & Infrastructure: Gov. Rhoden awarded $500,000 to support his resilience and infrastructure task force, and South Dakota’s mining education push is getting national attention.

State Fair Funding: The South Dakota State Fair Foundation launched “Hog Wild for a Better Barn,” aiming to raise $240,000 to buy 450 new hog pens for the Swine Barn, with $60,000 in matching help from the South Dakota Pork Producers and the Foundation. Education Leadership: Yankton Schools Superintendent Dr. Wayne Kindle received the 2026 Outstanding Superintendent Award from the South Dakota School Superintendents Association. Cybersecurity & Local Government: Mitchell City Hall’s cybersecurity incident is still unresolved, disrupting staff access and postponing public meetings. Public Safety/Health: South Dakota cattle producers are dealing with “gut-wrenching” losses after a July heat wave drove heat stress deaths. Politics & Voting Rights: The 8th Circuit struck down South Dakota’s nine-month deadline for citizen ballot initiative petitions as unconstitutional. Mining & Jobs: South Dakota Mines is set to receive $25 million to expand critical-minerals education and workforce training as part of a broader federal mining education push. Housing: Habitat for Humanity broke ground on a new Sioux Falls affordable twin-home project, Cliffview Heights. Scams Watch: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Wisconsin ranked 18th nationally for scam reports in July 2026, with online purchase scams the most common.

Rapid City Public Safety: Police say two people were arrested after reckless gunfire into a Rapid City neighborhood early Sunday, with no injuries reported. Sioux Falls Community Care: A woman was caught on camera destroying a Blessing Box with a golf club; police say nothing was stolen. State Politics: South Dakota Democrats won’t replace U.S. Senate nominee Julian Beaudion after he quit Aug. 4, leaving independent Brian Bengs on the ballot without party endorsement. Rural Health & Courts: A judge upheld South Dakota’s drug discount law tied to the 340B program, rejecting challenges from major drugmakers. Tourism Watch: South Dakota Tourism says the Mount Rushmore July 3 fireworks cost about $450,000 more than the direct economic impact. Agriculture Markets: Wheat prices gained as Black Sea export disruptions continue, with Upper Midwest spring wheat trading above $6/bushel. Cybersecurity: Federal and local efforts are expanding to protect water systems after attacks reported across multiple states, including South Dakota. Local Business & Community: The Pierre Chamber hosted its Glow Golf Tournament, turning the Dunes course into a nighttime event for local businesses. Science & Innovation: SURF researchers are using deep-underground microbes to convert corn into a cancer-fighting therapy.

Sioux Falls Public Safety: Police say a downtown fight involving 30 to 75 people led to a gunshot early Aug. 8, with a 20-year-old injured; a Des Moines man was arrested after allegedly refusing orders and throwing a handgun from a vehicle. Local Government & Growth: Vermillion’s planning panel heard public calls for a one-year data center moratorium and will resume action Aug. 31 after reviewing proposed zoning changes. State Politics & Courts: A federal judge dismissed challenges to South Dakota’s drug discount law tied to the 340B program, backing the state’s approach to rural healthcare discounts. Elections Deadline: Gov. Larry Rhoden has filed his running mate certification; Democrat Dan Ahlers still must name his running mate by Tuesday at 5 p.m. Higher Ed Tech: The Board of Regents is seeking FY28 funding for AI, cybersecurity, and upgrades across South Dakota’s public universities. Tourism & Spending: Tourism officials say Rushmore fireworks cost $2.8 million and generated $2.35 million in economic impact—$450,000 short—while citing large publicity value. Business & Community: The State Fair’s Best Bagger Competition returns Sept. 5, and a Yankton school plans a Beadle Elementary 100th anniversary celebration. Weather: NOAA reports July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded across the contiguous U.S.

Election Law: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley is accused of breaking state election timing rules by releasing draft ballot explanations 11 days late for Brenda Anderson’s raw-milk deregulation initiative. State Infrastructure: SDDOT will host an Aug. 27 public open house on a proposed Highway 34 reconstruction in Sturgis, from west of 10th Street to east of Blanche Street, to gather community input. Cybersecurity & Water: A new wave of municipal water cyberattacks across at least 12 states, including South Dakota, is renewing calls to remove internet-exposed operational tech and better connect IT and water-system defenses. Mining Workforce Funding: Trump announced $180 million in grants for mining schools, including South Dakota School of Mines funding for workforce development programs. Health Care: 24 South Dakota hospitals were recognized by the American Heart Association for heart and stroke care quality improvements. Agriculture & Research: South Dakota-linked research highlights corn byproducts and microbes as potential cancer-fighting tools, while a separate study finds MRV and PAdV can infect U.S. pigs but appear low-risk for severe disease. Community & Events: Relay for Life is set for Aug. 13 in Pipestone County, and the Medicine Wheel Ride’s Seventh Annual Ride for Resiliency drew more than 100 motorcycles in Sturgis.

Daylight Saving Fight: With the next clock change set for Nov. 1, Trump is pushing to make daylight saving time permanent, but the Senate is in recess until Sept. 14, raising doubts the Sunshine Protection Act can pass in time. State Health Care: The American Heart Association recognized 24 South Dakota hospitals for improving heart and stroke care through its Get With The Guidelines programs. Veterans Remembrance: The Moving Wall Vietnam tribute is coming to Newcastle Aug. 13-17, offering a free, 24/7 stop for honoring Vietnam veterans during Sturgis week. Indigenous Community Awareness: The Medicine Wheel Ride’s seventh annual ride for resiliency drew more than 100 motorcycles in Sturgis to raise awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Education Funding Flexibility: The Trump administration granted South Dakota flexibility to consolidate federal education dollars, letting districts align spending with state priorities. Cybersecurity Warning: Federal officials say suspected Iranian-linked attacks on water systems have hit at least a dozen states, including South Dakota, with utilities forced into manual operations. Politics & Public Life: Kristi Noem’s new statue in Pierre sparked national backlash after California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted a satirical AI image referencing Noem’s past comments about her dog, Cricket.