AGP Executive Report

Agriculture & Rural Economy: USDA announced a $500 million plan to expand domestic fertilizer production as prices surge for South Dakota farmers, with officials also pointing to a phosphate duty lift that could save producers about $1.82 billion this year. State Finance & Taxes: A Legislative Audit found South Dakota’s 605Drive vehicle system charged wrong amounts in some trade-in transactions; refunds totaling about $1,445.84 are being issued automatically to 12 owners. Local Business & Growth: Elevate Rapid City named Jack Valentine its new president and CEO, effective July 27, after a national search. Public Safety & Community: Rapid City warned businesses about a resurfacing email scam using fake “Planning Commission” invoices; officials say payments won’t be demanded by email or via wire. Food & Health: FDA classified a nationwide recall of more than half a million bags of Zapp’s and Dirty potato chips at its highest risk level over possible Salmonella contamination, with distribution in many states but not South Dakota. Culture & Heritage: South Dakota State Museum reopened July 1 after nearly $2 million in upgrades, spotlighting the state’s history and heritage. Sports & Schools: South Dakota marked the 50-day countdown to the 2026 high school football season, kicking off Aug. 21. Civic Life: A Rapid City nonprofit said it’s ending its Ateyapi mentorship program by July 30 after losing federal funding.

Mount Rushmore July 3: Trump is set to return to the Black Hills for the Freedom 250 fireworks on July 3, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds expected to attend, keeping the spotlight on South Dakota’s role in America’s 250th. Sioux Falls recount: Mayor-elect Christine Erickson’s runoff win is headed to a formal recount after Jamie Smith filed the request; the recount board must convene by July 13. Local finance recognition: North Sioux City Finance Officer Amy Lilly was named Finance Officer of the Year by the South Dakota Governmental Finance Officers’ Association, praised for leadership during flooding and a major transition. Energy planning: Black Hills Energy filed its 2026 Integrated Resource Plan with Wyoming regulators, flagging a near-term capacity shortfall starting in 2027 and proposing gas generation, battery storage, and market purchases. Consumer protection law: New South Dakota rules for cryptocurrency kiosks take effect, adding registration requirements, daily transaction limits, receipt rules, and refund protections. Community recovery: Highmore businesses and residents are still cleaning up after 131 mph winds damaged much of the town. Battery research: Critical Resources says its dry supersonic deposition cathode tech received independent peer-reviewed validation, supporting its push to license the manufacturing method.

Mount Rushmore Freedom 250: President Donald Trump is set to attend the July 3 fireworks at Mount Rushmore, with Gov. Larry Rhoden and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum also expected—an event that will bring a major security and crowd-management push as the memorial closes to the public the night before. Local 4th of July plans: Keystone is gearing up for its own Independence Day moment with Trump’s confirmed appearance nearby, while Madison’s fireworks are back after local businesses stepped in to fund the show. Property tax relief: New statewide property tax changes take effect July 1, giving counties more flexibility and adjusting education-related funding—meaning relief could vary by county even as leaders call it the biggest tax cut in state history. Airport loans for housing fund: South Dakota regulators advanced rules allowing up to $30 million in low-interest housing-fund loans for Rapid City and Sioux Falls airport projects. Foster care push: A Sioux Falls-area program is seeking foster families, especially around Parkston and Huron, offering support like a house, car, and ongoing case management. New laws take effect: A slate of July 1 measures kicks in on transparency, online safety, and data privacy.

Energy & Utilities: South Dakota regulators approved the Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern merger, but a new Public Utilities Commission nominee criticized it as creating a “super monopoly,” while the companies say it diversifies energy and supports rising demand. Abortion & Courts: A federal judge will decide whether South Dakota’s newest anti-abortion law blocks sharing information about abortion pills, as Mayday Health argues the ads are protected speech and the state says abortion is prohibited except in limited cases. Local Government & Infrastructure: Yankton County approved a roads-and-bridges property tax levy starting in 2027, with a two-year sunset clause, and a petition process for a possible vote. Public Safety & Community: Sioux Falls Fireworks added more food trucks and shuttles for the July 4 event, while Sioux Falls also saw a surge of holiday-related planning and safety coverage. Politics & National Context: House Republicans canceled votes and sent lawmakers home early amid a revolt over Trump-linked priorities, with South Dakota Rep. Dusty Johnson calling it a failure to govern. Economy & Business: Fargo’s debt is reported at $1.37B—far higher than peer cities—though local officials dispute direct comparability. Health & Preparedness: A Bush Fellow is working to strengthen disaster-prep skills in tribal communities by blending emergency management training with Lakota practices.

Local Government & Growth: Sioux County supervisors discussed a proposed data center at the former Bison Renewable Energy plant near Highway 75, after passing a one-year moratorium on data centers and industrial battery storage to buy time for zoning rules. Public Safety: Sheridan Police warned residents about a phone scam where callers posing as “Sgt. Wright” claimed outstanding arrest warrants and urged people to verify suspicious calls before sharing info or sending money. Consumer Protection: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley is again warning storm-damage homeowners about out-of-state repair scams, urging written quotes, checking sales tax licenses, avoiding full upfront payments, and not rushing decisions. Health & Community: Avera Cancer Institute held a grand opening for a new $17 million facility in Yankton, expanding cancer resources under one roof for patients across the region. Business & Jobs: Smithfield Foods selected a contractor for a $1.3 billion packaged meat and fresh pork processing facility in Sioux Falls, with site work underway and production planned for late 2028. Sports & Education: Sioux Falls used its 2025 Community Health Assessment to guide parks and recreation planning around healthy living, adolescent mental health, and access to care.

Fourth of July safety and policing: Rapid City police arrested 10 drivers for DUI between June 25 and June 29, including a hit-and-run case after a crash that struck parked vehicles and a home, plus a third-offense DUI arrest tied to Fourth of July weekend warnings. Storm recovery in South Dakota: Gov. Larry Rhoden deployed state resources to Highmore after a thunderstorm with 131-mph wind gusts tore roofs, uprooted trees, damaged vehicles, and knocked out power; officials prioritized safety checks and debris removal, including help for a nursing home. State politics and elections: South Dakota’s GOP convention denied Secretary of State Monae Johnson renomination; Heather Baxter won the nomination on a platform of hand-counting ballots, setting up a November matchup. Local business and growth: South Dakota Trade led a two-track Germany mission with Interzoo 2026 connections and a university track with USD; Rapid City also moved toward a nearly $5 million EPA recycling grant to expand services and cut contamination. Economy and markets: South Dakota’s GDP fell 1.6% in Q1 while personal income rose 11.8%, and grain traders are watching major USDA reports for near-term volatility. National legal and policy fights: CashCall asked a federal court to overturn a $134 million CFPB judgment, arguing the agency reneged on settlement talks; meanwhile Trump cast doubt on a bipartisan housing bill while pushing election-related legislation.

South Dakota Election Watch: At the GOP convention in Rapid City, delegates denied incumbent Secretary of State Monae Johnson a shot at reelection and instead nominated Heather Baxter, who backs hand-counted paper ballots. Public Safety & Transparency: Attorney General Marty Jackley’s 10-bill package signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden takes effect July 1, including tougher rules on AI-generated intimate images, drug crimes in prisons, genetic data privacy, foreign political contributions, and updated open-meeting agenda posting requirements. Local Government & Environment: Rapid City is moving ahead with a nearly $5 million EPA recycling grant to expand business recycling, cut contamination, and boost cardboard recycling, with city council action expected July 6. Agriculture & Education: SDSU will host three eastern South Dakota field days next week, bringing research updates to Beresford, Astoria, and South Shore. Business & Community: Sioux County Regional Airport is nearing completion on a nearly $2 million expansion that will add hangar space to meet growing demand. Health & Housing Support: Furniture Mission of South Dakota says it’s short on donations, especially soft seating and beds, as about 150 clients wait for help.

Israel Aid Update: The U.S. says it won’t curtail military shipments to Israel after a pre-election warning tied to Gaza humanitarian conditions, noting Congress-approved weapons aid of $17.9B since Oct. 7, 2023. South Dakota Agriculture & Research: SDSU researchers say they’ve developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, aiming to protect poultry after major U.S. losses and limited vaccine options. Local Economy & Growth: West River Dairy’s proposed West River expansion near Morris, Minn., cleared Minnesota’s environmental review hurdle after regulators said an environmental impact study isn’t required. State Government & Planning: SDDOT is rolling out virtual and in-person public engagement for the tentative 2027-2030 STIP, with an interactive online meeting room for maps and comments. Community & Culture: Mitchell’s Indigenous Prehistoric Archaeological Site received a $200,000 endowment boost from Dan Boehnen, recognized as a “Hometown Hero.” Sports & Education: South Dakota Mines named new department leadership roles as it heads into the fall semester, while Rapid City’s Chamber Music Festival continues its “Celebration of Strings” for area students.

Juneteenth Spotlight: A new piece marks June 19, 1865—when Union General Gordon Granger’s order reached Texas—as the start of Juneteenth celebrations, now a federal holiday since 2021. State Transportation Planning: SDDOT is rolling out interactive public engagement for the tentative 2027-2030 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, with both Zoom meetings and an interactive online room for maps and comments. Local Leadership & Education: South Dakota Mines named five faculty members to new department leadership roles as it heads into the fall semester, while Bethany College announced a new VP of admissions, student financial services and marketing. Politics & Elections: At the South Dakota GOP convention, delegates chose Heather Baxter over incumbent Monae Johnson for secretary of state, with Baxter backing hand-counted paper ballots; separately, Sioux Falls city council results show one race decided and two others still extremely close. Community & Culture: The Mitchell Indigenous Prehistoric Archaeological Site received a major endowment boost from Dan Boehnen, and the North American Bison Discovery Center announced its inaugural Legacy of the Herd Award recipients.

South Dakota Elections: At the South Dakota Republican State Convention in Rapid City, delegates chose Heather Baxter as the new GOP nominee for secretary of state, beating incumbent Monae Johnson; Baxter says she wants paper ballots hand-counted, while Johnson had implemented some election changes after 2020-era activists pushed for hand counts. Local Politics: Sioux Falls city council races are still being sorted after a runoff, with one at-large seat decided by a slim majority and other races close enough to keep recount talk alive. Property Tax Ballot Fight: A petition drive to refer Gov. Larry Rhoden’s SB 245 property-tax/sales-tax swap to voters failed to gather enough signatures, easing runoff pressure on the measure. U.S. Politics: President Donald Trump’s housing bill signing is tied up in a broader fight over the SAVE America Act, as lawmakers push ahead while Trump demands changes. Immigration Enforcement: Trump announced he’ll nominate former Oklahoma trooper Lance Schroyer to lead ICE, a move that could reshape enforcement priorities. Water & Drought: A new look at U.S. water stress highlights looming shortages tied to groundwater depletion, including concerns around the High Plains Aquifer. Business & Community: Bethany College named JoEllen Lindner vice president of admissions, student financial services and marketing; in Sioux Falls, NextGen Market gave young entrepreneurs a chance to sell and learn. Sports: The 2026 NHL draft wrapped with team-by-team grades, and local Legion baseball featured Fargo Post 2’s Ben Sheets going deep twice in a comeback win.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: The city’s race is down to a two-vote margin, with Christine Erickson leading Jamie Smith 18,279 to 18,277 after all 79 precincts reported—setting up a recount and weeks of legal/political maneuvering. Local Elections & Rights: Sioux Falls is also facing legal debate over whether excluding certain activist groups from the Independence Day Parade violates free speech. State Tax Fight: A petition drive to refer Gov. Larry Rhoden’s SB 245 property-tax/sales-tax swap failed to gather enough signatures, easing pressure on the measure’s path to voters. Defense Spending for SD: Sen. Mike Rounds says South Dakota priorities are included in the Senate Armed Services Committee’s FY2027 NDAA, including funding tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base and South Dakota Mines research. Drought & Power: More than half of South Dakota is in drought, with heat speeding dryness and raising demand that can hit bills and strain the grid. Agriculture & SNAP: Multiple reports highlight South Dakota’s strong SNAP payment accuracy and efficiency, while other coverage points to broader national SNAP improper-payment penalties. Community & Business: Sioux Falls’ youth market NextGen Market showcased young entrepreneurs, while a Bikes & Brews fundraiser in Sioux Falls raised money for congenital heart disease research and support.

Drought & Power Reliability: KOTA Territory reports 53% of South Dakota is in drought, with above-normal heat drying soils and crops faster and driving higher power demand. SNAP Accountability: South Dakota’s SNAP program posted the nation’s lowest payment error rate at 2.47% for FY25, with state leaders crediting disciplined administration that protects taxpayer dollars. Agriculture Costs & Policy: Sen. Tammy Baldwin visited Wisconsin farms and discussed the Fertilizer Transparency Act, a bill introduced by South Dakota’s John Thune that would require weekly fertilizer pricing and production reporting. Tribal & Federal Grants Fight: Tribal groups and others joined a lawsuit seeking restoration of $127 million in canceled USDA farm grants, arguing the terminations were unlawful. Education & Native Students: The U.S. Education Department withdrew from a Rapid City-area agreement aimed at discipline disparities for Native students, saying it was rooted in DEI. Cattle Industry Convening: Hundreds of cattle and sheep producers from 23+ states gathered in Rapid City for the R-CALF USA convention, focusing on policy priorities like country-of-origin labeling and market competition. Local Health Expansion: Yankton held a ribbon cutting for the new Avera Cancer Institute, expanding oncology services under one roof.

Local Business & Community: New owners Amaya Inigo and Conrad Schwartz are taking over Bloom & Vine in Glendive, aiming to grow the greenhouse, event venue, and restaurant while keeping much of the staff in place. Healthcare & Rural Access: A major healthcare merger is in motion as Sanford plans to acquire North Memorial, with Minnesota officials holding a town hall as North Memorial cites financial strain and service cutbacks. State Food Policy: South Dakota’s SNAP program posted the nation’s lowest payment error rate at 2.47% for FY2025, far below the 10.62% national average, as new federal thresholds raise stakes for states above 6%. Agriculture & Trade: At the Governor’s Ag Summit, an economist urged “careful optimism” on trade and federal aid, warning farmers not to rely on emergency funding forever. Hunger Relief: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation raised $292,620 for Feeding South Dakota at the Prime Time Gala, continuing a partnership that has topped $3 million since 2013. Community Events: Rapid City’s Real America 250 Birthday Bash is nearing $450,000 in total funding, with more sponsors stepping in as the July celebration approaches.

Mount Rushmore, 250th anniversary: President Donald Trump will headline a July 3 fireworks and tribute event at Mount Rushmore, the first fireworks there since 2020, as organizers roll out more pageantry for America’s semiquincentennial. Public Safety & Crime: Sioux Falls police arrested Shaheem Rhodes, 29, on four counts of rape after a monthslong investigation into alleged assaults involving a juvenile victim. State Policy & Money: South Dakota topped the nation for accurate SNAP payments in FY2025, with a 2.47% error rate versus a 10.62% national average, under new federal penalties tied to improper payments. Transportation & Infrastructure: Crews will install an overheight detection system on both sides of Pierre’s train bridge viaduct, aiming to steer tall vehicles away from the notorious crossing. Agriculture & Economy: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota is “doubling down” on value-added agriculture, with tours and talks at the Governor’s Ag Summit. Local Politics: The Sioux Falls mayoral race remains razor-thin—two votes separate Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith—setting up a likely recount. Community & Culture: Vermillion Youth Theatre’s “Space Pirates!” wraps with performances Friday at Vermillion High School.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Recount Looms: Christine Erickson leads Jamie Smith by just two votes in the runoff, 18,280 to 18,278, setting up a likely recount once the city canvasses and certifies results. Independence Day Parade Rules: Two groups—Indivisible 605 and Convention of States—were barred from participating in Sioux Falls’ July 4 parade, while political parties and candidates will still take part. SNAP Oversight Pressure: A federal hearing focused on waste, fraud, and abuse in SNAP, as USDA reports improper SNAP payments topping $10.1 billion and a national payment error rate of 10.62% in fiscal 2025. Farm Bill 2.0 Push: Sen. John Boozman introduced a draft “Farm Bill 2.0” to reauthorize the expiring Farm Bill, including higher Farm Service Agency loan limits and rural development priorities. SDSU Agriculture Tech: SDSU Extension launched a mobile Basis Report app for real-time grain basis bids across South Dakota. Local Community Wins: A Mitchell pollinator garden effort led by Palace City Lions Club member Cindy Easton is turning Lions Point Park into habitat for native plants and pollinators. Public Safety: A Sioux Falls man, Shaheem Rhodes, was charged with four counts of fourth-degree rape after police say he offered money and business opportunities to a child in exchange for sex.

Housing Showdown: President Trump abruptly canceled a signing ceremony for a bipartisan affordable housing bill, saying it must wait for the SAVE America Act—sparking anger and a closed-door GOP clash on Capitol Hill. Local Politics: Sioux Falls’ mayoral race is headed for a recount after results tightened to a handful of votes, with provisional ballots still in play. Rural Mail Woes: Rural South Dakota residents report unreliable USPS service after distribution changes tied to a national modernization plan. Education & Health: The South Dakota Board of Education Standards approved prenatal fetal development videos for classrooms, drawing ACLU concerns about medical accuracy. State Policy Watch: South Dakota’s cell-cultured protein moratorium begins July 1, running through 2030. Business & Community: Kimball is planning major upgrades to its aging community pool, aiming for an ADA-compliant bathhouse and splash pad. Food Safety: A recall hit frozen meatloaf shipped to Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota due to an undeclared soy allergen. Energy & Industry: Black Hills Corp. released its 2025 sustainability report, citing emissions reductions and major infrastructure investment.