AGP Executive Report

Gubernatorial Runoff Fallout: South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor runoff drew 35.92% turnout statewide, with Gov. Larry Rhoden winning 71% over Toby Doeden; a University of South Dakota professor says the drop from June’s 43% was predictable, driven by low motivation and “foregone conclusion” polling. Affordable Housing Push: Rapid City resident Diana is set to move into a lower-cost home through the Governor’s House program, which builds houses in a state prison and pairs homeownership with job training. Sturgis Safety Focus: Ahead of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, West River advocates are pushing back on human trafficking myths, stressing it’s often tied to trusted relationships and hidden online/coercive control. State Rankings Watch: U.S. News ranks Utah No. 1 overall again, with South Dakota jumping to No. 2; Utah’s weak spot is air quality. Local Community & Culture: Heritage Days kicks off in Freeman with museum and arboretum programming, while South Dakota producers are gearing up for National Farmers Market Week (Aug. 2-8).

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota’s first-ever GOP governor primary runoff is in the books: Gov. Larry Rhoden won the nomination over businessman Toby Doeden, 70.8% to 29.2%, and will face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. Election Integrity: Republican state Sen. Tom Pischke ended his reelection bid after felony election-related charges tied to allegedly filing false or forged petitions; party leaders now have to pick a replacement. Public Safety & Courts: A Pine Ridge couple, Patrick Fire Thunder and Tracie Gallego, was indicted on 14 federal counts tied to alleged fraud and embezzlement involving funds for the Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Emergency Youth Shelter. Water Infrastructure: South Dakota is weighing a major Missouri River water pipeline expansion that could cost $8.4B to $10B, with a feasibility study expected to take about 2½ years. Consumer Protection: AG Letitia James and other attorneys general urged the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Energy & Rates: Xcel Energy elected Peter Carter to its board, while North Dakota regulators are also considering utility rate changes tied to broader grid and data center pressures.

Gubernatorial Runoff Results: South Dakota Republicans chose Gov. Larry Rhoden over businessman Toby Doeden in the state’s first-ever governor primary runoff, setting up the Nov. 3 general election against Democrat Dan Ahlers. Election Integrity: State Sen. Tom Pischke ended his reelection bid after felony charges alleging he filed false or forged election-related documents tied to candidate petitions. AI in Education: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, aiming to build local talent for an AI-driven workforce. Robocall Crackdown: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a nationwide push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and scam texts. State Rankings: U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best States list puts South Dakota at No. 2 overall, up six spots from last year. Local Business & Community: Sioux Falls and Rapid City-area coverage included ongoing election-day polling issues and business updates, including a major mall restaurant closure in the region.

Gubernatorial Runoff (South Dakota): South Dakota Republicans vote Tuesday in the state’s first-ever governor primary runoff, choosing between Gov. Larry Rhoden and Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden; polls run 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., only registered Republicans can vote, and the winner advances to face Democrat Dan Ahlers in November. State Politics & Voting Rules: The runoff is triggered by a 1985 law when no candidate reaches 35% in a multi-candidate GOP primary; June’s results left Doeden first (~31%) and Rhoden second (~25%), with the other two candidates falling short. Economy & Rankings: Utah is again No. 1 in U.S. News & World Report’s Best States, while South Dakota jumps to No. 2, reflecting gains in economy, fiscal stability, education, and infrastructure. Public Safety & Environment: Badlands National Park earns International Dark Sky Park certification, a win tied to protecting night skies and boosting local tourism. Finance & Fraud Prevention: DakCU partners with Rippleshot to give Dakota credit unions real-time card fraud detection tools. Water Infrastructure Cost Watch: Estimates for an eastern South Dakota Missouri River pipeline system put the price tag at about $8.4 billion, with feasibility work underway. Local Science: Dakota State University researchers are surveying microplastics in South Dakota waterways to understand how widespread they are and what types show up.

Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls officials heard estimates that a proposed eastern South Dakota Missouri River pipeline could run $8.4 billion to $10 billion, with a $4.2 million feasibility study expected to take about 2½ years. Gubernatorial Politics: Republicans head into the July 28 GOP governor runoff, with polling and running-mate questions still swirling around Toby Doeden vs. Gov. Larry Rhoden. Education & Workforce: A new Lucas P. Wintrode Learning Laboratory in Sioux Falls aims to expand special education training and research by pairing SDSU with the Sioux Falls School District. Local Giving: Team Buche Cares received a surprise $25,000 donation from First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local program to reach rural communities. School Safety Trend: A new national study finds more states are moving toward cellphone bans in K-12 schools, citing mental health concerns. Community Resilience: Calvary Elite Gymnastics in Tea is rebuilding after storm damage tore off its roof, with help pouring in. Business & Growth: Sioux Falls and the region continue to see investment and planning updates, from city budget prep to new programs and partnerships.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota Republicans vote Tuesday to decide whether Gov. Larry Rhoden gets a full term or businessman Toby Doeden takes the GOP spot on the November ballot, after neither hit 35% in the June primary; key counties include Minnehaha (Sioux Falls) and Pennington (Rapid City). Campaign Finance Loophole: A state law gap means both runoff candidates can avoid disclosing fundraising and spending details ahead of Election Day; Rhoden says he raised $1.88M and expects about $1.7M in runoff spending, while Doeden largely self-funded. Early Voting Push: New reporting points to strong early Republican turnout for the runoff, with absentee ballot returns already higher than the June primary. AI Education: The Board of Regents approved four AI-focused degrees—an AI doctorate at DSU and AI Engineering bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate at SDSU—aimed at workforce and research growth starting this fall. Public Health: Brookings Health System earned an American Heart Association rural stroke-care award. Storm Aftermath: Severe winds over the weekend left Sioux Falls-area residents cleaning up snapped trees, damaged homes and downed power lines. Environment & Health: A study links higher lithium levels in drinking water to long-term exposure concerns in parts of the Dakotas and other Western states. Local Business/Community: Rapid City’s Downtown Ambassadors topped 18,000 visitor helps this summer, and Black Hills Community Bank’s diaper drive set a record with 110,985 diapers.

AI Education Push: The South Dakota Board of Regents approved four new AI degree programs—Dakota State’s new AI doctorate and South Dakota State’s AI bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate in AI engineering—aimed at expanding AI education, research, workforce training, and responsible tech use starting this fall. Public Safety Tech Leadership: South Dakota Law Enforcement Telecommunications System director Kelli Erickson was elected president of NLETS, putting a South Dakota leader at the helm of a national network for secure criminal justice and public safety information sharing. Housing Reality Check: A survey found five South Dakota cities among the nation’s biggest “housing expectation gaps,” with Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Aberdeen, and Brookings all ranking high for movers surprised by inventory, competition, and trade-offs. Storm Cleanup Help: Sioux Falls opened two free temporary tree branch drop sites after weekend severe storms, with strict rules limiting use to residential tree and branch debris. Community Giving: Black Hills Community Bank’s 15th Annual Diaper Drive hit a record 110,985 diapers in June, topping its goals for Rapid City and Spearfish. Health & Environment Watch: A new study links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure across western U.S. communities, including areas in North Dakota and South Dakota. Wildfire Forecasting: A South Dakota Mines student interned with South Dakota Wildland Fire to learn how weather forecasts guide wildfire response and fuel planning. Food Safety: Amy’s Organic Lentil Soup was recalled for a spoilage risk, and the week also included other major food recall updates.

Agriculture & Cost Pressure: Farm Bureau warns row-crop farmers could face $32 billion in losses in 2027, citing inflation, low commodity prices, and volatile input costs—an outlook tied to trade and tariff fallout. Election Rules Fight: The Trump administration is pushing states to tighten voting rules and citizenship checks, while critics say the threats are meant to set up federal interference and suppress turnout. Voting Rights After the Supreme Court: A new analysis says the Voting Rights Act’s setback will ripple beyond Congress to local boards and councils where minority communities gained seats. South Dakota Runoff Politics: A South Dakota runoff for Republican governor is drawing attention as one side seeks running mates and endorsements while voters weigh a “historic” decision. Public Safety & 911: Rapid City made its 911 Cell Phone Bank donation drop-off permanent, helping victims through refurbished, wiped devices. Wildfire Readiness: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with Wildland Fire to support forecasting and fuel planning in the Black Hills. Housing Reality Check: A survey finds multiple South Dakota cities—Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Watertown, Aberdeen, and Brookings—rank high for “housing expectation gaps.” Health Care Spending: New Medicaid spending snapshots show rising local claims in categories like radiology, ambulance transport, and durable medical equipment. Scams & Recalls: BBB scam tracking highlights Sioux Falls and Rapid City among top-reporting cities, while national food recalls include Amy’s lentil soup and salmonella-risk eggs. Heat & Community Events: Triple-digit heat drove safety adjustments at Arts in the Park in Mitchell, including misting stations and vendor flexibility.

Rapid City Public Safety: Rapid City made its City Hall a permanent drop-off spot for the 911 Cell Phone Bank, letting residents donate wiped, refurbished phones to help victims of violent crimes. Heat & Community Events: Mitchell’s Arts in the Park drew families despite triple-digit heat, with organizers adding misting and allowing some vendors to leave early for safety. Wildfire Preparedness: South Dakota Mines student Gavin Bird is interning with South Dakota Wildland Fire, helping with wildfire weather forecasting and research on how declining snow depth could affect future fuel-reduction burns. Politics—Lt. Gov Watch: Aberdeen businessman Toby Doeden says his lieutenant governor shortlist is down to four Republicans, as he faces pressure to reveal a running mate ahead of the GOP runoff. Public Health & Safety: The South Dakota Attorney General released a draft ballot explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would allow exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products. Education & Tech: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State. Housing Reality Check: A survey found five South Dakota cities among the nation’s biggest housing “expectation gaps,” including Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Public Safety Communications: South Dakota’s Kelli Erickson was elected president of NLETS, putting a state leader atop a national law-enforcement information network. Food Recalls: This week’s recalls include Amy’s Organic lentil soup (spoilage risk) and a large egg recall tied to salmonella concerns. Local Government: Sioux Falls construction on downtown streets is expected to wrap mid-August, with railroad crossing upgrades and ongoing business impacts. Wildlife Fun: Rapid City and Box Elder are trading playful posts after a squirrel “taste test” and a goose “Goose Jail” moment.

Public Safety & Health: South Dakota has awarded more than $630,000 to help three 911 dispatch centers consolidate, using money from a statewide phone-line fee, with more mergers potentially coming. State Government & Elections: Attorney General Marty Jackley released a draft, neutral ballot explanation for a 2028 initiated measure that would allow exceptions for direct sale of homemade dairy products, with a 10-day public comment window. Education & Workforce: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, including a doctoral AI degree at DSU and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral AI engineering programs at SDSU. Environment & Public Health: A new study links household drinking water to long-term lithium exposure across western U.S. communities, including North Dakota and South Dakota. Local News: Aberdeen Medicaid claims for durable medical equipment jumped to $66,024 in 2024. Crime & Courts: A Rapid City man was taken into custody after a Box Elder theft and pursuit that ended in Wyoming. Community & Culture: Badlands National Park earned an International Dark Sky designation, boosting stargazing tourism.

Higher Ed & Native Enrollment: South Dakota public universities say Native American student enrollment is back to pre-pandemic levels, with Black Hills State University up 28% (227 students in 2025-26). Public Health & Water: A Columbia study finds lithium in household drinking water is a widespread, persistent exposure source across Western Tribal communities, with water explaining a big share of urinary lithium levels. State Universities & AI: The Board of Regents approved new AI degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, expanding options from bachelor’s through doctoral study. Local Government & Taxes: Hughes County is asking residents for input on whether to adopt new county sales tax and how it would interact with property tax relief bills that took effect July 1. Agriculture & Conservation Funding: USDA is offering $3 million for wetland mitigation banking projects, with priority including South Dakota and a Sept. 8, 2026 deadline. Business & Downtown Sioux Falls: Construction tied to railroad crossing upgrades is slowing business for some downtown restaurants, with work expected to wrap mid-August. Rural Safety Watch: The Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center says hillside ground movement is being monitored and isn’t an immediate threat, but visitors should stick to designated walkways. Politics & Budget: The House passed a budget framework with $12 billion in new farm aid, but South Dakota Sen. John Thune says it faces a tough road in the Senate.

Rodeo Center Safety Update: The Casey Tibbs Foundation says shifting ground at its Fort Pierre property is being monitored and is not an immediate threat, but visitors are urged to stay on designated walkways and avoid restricted areas. AI Push in Higher Ed: South Dakota’s Board of Regents approved new AI degree pathways this fall, including an AI doctorate at Dakota State and AI engineering bachelor’s through doctoral programs at SDSU, as the system expands AI literacy and research. Regents Budget Requests: The Board of Regents is also seeking nearly $60.5 million for building projects, maintenance, a Rapid City defense center, and AI technology upgrades, with Gov. Rhoden to weigh it for the FY2028 budget. Housing Incentives: Vermillion City Council approved a TIF district for a planned 56-unit multi-family housing project, with an independent review completed under a new state law. Public Safety & Courts: The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services meets July 29 to discuss case handling and rules, and Yankton County Drug & DUI Court holds a graduation July 29. Local Business Recognition: Boston Shoes to Boots in Yankton was named a national finalist for the NRF’s America’s Retail Champions Award. Recreation & Economy: A Missouri River walleye survey explains why fishing can get tougher in July, tying it to the state’s major angling participation and spending.

Higher Ed Funding & AI: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $60.5 million for university building projects, maintenance, a national defense center in Rapid City, and AI tech upgrades—plus $20 million one-time and $4.5 million ongoing to build and maintain a system-wide AI platform. Runoff Politics: Sioux Falls Mayor Christine Erickson endorsed Gov. Larry Rhoden in the GOP gubernatorial runoff, arguing state-level ties matter for the city’s safety and affordability. Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: A national super PAC funded by billionaire Jeffrey Yass is sending postcards to South Dakota voters ahead of the July 28 runoff, including attacks on Rhoden’s tax record. Local Government Budgets: Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun again proposes cutting the city budget, citing reduced capital expenses even as the city touts continued growth. Public Schools Election Fight: A Lake County judge ruled for the Oldham-Ramona-Rutland district in a dispute over a dissolution election, saying the interim election official had authority over provisional voter residency decisions. Business & Community: Baskin-Robbins is returning to Sioux Falls with a new location and drive-thru, and SDSU Extension is set to bring hands-on training to Dakotafest in Mitchell. National Policy Pressure: Senate Majority Leader John Thune pushed back at the White House over the stalled SAVE Act, while daylight saving time legislation faces Senate uncertainty. SNAP Funding Risk: States with high SNAP payment error rates could lose federal funding starting as soon as late 2027, raising pressure on states to tighten oversight.

Gubernatorial Runoff: South Dakota Republicans head to the polls July 28 for the state’s first-ever governor runoff, after June’s primary left Larry Rhoden (25%) and Toby Doeden (31%) short of the 35% threshold; the race is already turning negative, and full campaign finance details won’t be public until after the vote. Local Transportation Planning: SDDOT is holding public input meetings for master transportation plan preliminary recommendations in Ethan (Aug. 3) and Dimock (Aug. 3), with online materials and written comments accepted through Aug. 17. Broadband Expansion: Bluepeak says it’s speeding fiber rollout using Harmonic’s cOS platform plus Pearl remote OLTs and the SeaStar optical node, aiming to extend multi-gigabit service into lower-density apartment buildings. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is surging earlier than usual, with CDC reporting 48 human cases across 23 states and four deaths so far, all in Arizona. Ag & Livestock: South Dakota Farm Bureau’s NextGen Beef Tour runs Aug. 21-22 near Mitchell, and an ag economist warns producers to keep optimism grounded amid tough row-crop returns and strong livestock offsets. County Tax Relief Moves: Codington County approved a half-percent sales tax to fund property tax reductions for homeowners, with other counties weighing similar options. Crime Crackdown: Federal and tribal partners announced arrests tied to a multi-state cocaine trafficking operation affecting western South Dakota, including the Pine Ridge Reservation. Healthcare Training: Northern State University and Avera are launching an Avera Simulation Center to support NSU’s nursing program with hands-on training in Aberdeen. Business Brief: Pathward Financial reported fiscal Q3 earnings of $29 million, missing Wall Street expectations.

Federal crackdown: A multistate FBI-led operation dubbed “Operation Black Book” led to 14 arrests tied to a western South Dakota cocaine trafficking network, including multiple people in Rapid City and on the Pine Ridge Reservation, with authorities saying they seized firearms, cash, and about five kilograms of cocaine. Healthcare education: Northern State University and Avera partnered to open the Avera Simulation Center in Aberdeen, giving NSU nursing students hands-on training with advanced manikins and immersive scenarios. Local roads: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction is on track, with inside lanes from Elizabeth Street south expected to reopen Friday, and more traffic updates promised starting Wednesday. Public safety & courts: The South Dakota Commission on Indigent Legal Services will meet July 29 to discuss case handling, rules, and public testimony. Economy & taxes: Pennington County approved a new half-percent sales tax aimed at reducing owner-occupied property taxes, but officials warn businesses may pass collection costs to consumers. Business: Pathward reported fiscal Q3 earnings of $29 million, missing Wall Street expectations, while Bluepeak says it’s accelerating fiber expansion with Harmonic technology. Community: Natural Grocers opened in Rapid City, and a Marion student is collecting donations for foster-care welcome bags through the Foster Network. Education/recognition: DSU FBLA students earned national recognition at the Collegiate National Leadership Conference in Las Vegas. Obituaries: South Dakota communities also marked the deaths of Susan Conlon and Melvin “Kenny” Kainz.

Local Government & Growth: Sioux Falls City Council reviewed city finances, with Finance Director Shawn Pritchett reporting steady unemployment, easing inflation, and ongoing sales tax growth. County Policy: Yankton County passed a six-month data center moratorium, with an option to extend, while planning and zoning drafts an ordinance. Retail & Jobs: Brookings is set to open a new Target at Brookings Marketplace on July 26, a long-requested boost expected to bring 200+ jobs. Water Infrastructure: A Senate committee advanced a bill to fund a $10 million feasibility study for expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System; another Missouri River pipeline study bill also moved forward. Agriculture & Federal Aid: The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee considered USDA’s $11.1 billion emergency farm aid request, with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds urging access to year-round E15. Health & Philanthropy: Sanford Health released its 2024-2025 impact report showing more than $1 billion reinvested, and the tribal gaming industry hit a record $46.2 billion in FY25, with South Dakota’s Rapid City region flat-to-down. Public Health: CDC updated cyclosporiasis counts to 4,173 lab-confirmed cases in 41 states. Community & Agriculture Events: South Dakota State Fair Foundation launched “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” to raise $240,000 for 450 new swine pens.