AGP Executive Report

State Fair Debate: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers sparred at the South Dakota State Fair, agreeing on some rural priorities but clashing on beef imports and property-tax/education funding approaches. Agriculture Research: USDA-backed work near Brookings found that rotating corn and soy with sunflowers and small grains can boost soil health and raise corn yields in dry years, with early planting helping manage sunflower seed weevils. Local Politics & Money: Independent Senate candidate Brian Bengs renewed attacks on Sen. Mike Rounds over AI/data-center ties and campaign finance, while reporting also raised ethics questions about a Rounds advisor’s lobbying work. Data Center Regulation: Rapid City leaders are pushing for local guardrails as an EPA proposal would reduce public notice for certain air-permit reviews tied to data centers, fueling concerns about transparency and impacts. Housing Finance: The average VA purchase loan amount in South Dakota rose to $368,002 in Q2 FY2026, up from $344,184 in Q1. Workforce & Education: Mitchell Technical College launched the MTC Cancer Fund to support students and staff affected by cancer. Energy & Economy: AAA data shows gas prices have climbed sharply since the Iran War, with South Dakota among states seeing large percentage increases.

Local Politics: Democrats backing independents is gaining traction, with South Dakota’s Senate race framed as a “deny majority to either party” strategy and a broader roadmap for 2028+ campaigns. Energy & Environment: Rapid City’s data center fight is heating up as an EPA proposal would reduce public notice for air permits, pushing local leaders toward new city-level rules. Workforce & Business Support: The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is hosting a free Workforce Knowledge Series on employer obligations for Guard and Reserve members. Housing & Finance: VA purchase loan averages in South Dakota rose in fiscal 2026 Q2, signaling continued demand for veteran homebuying. Agriculture & Costs: South Dakota pastureland values jumped 15.9% year over year, while drought conditions keep pressure on ranchers and grazing. Community & Health: Mitchell Tech launched the MTC Cancer Fund to support cancer patients in its community. Consumer Safety: BBB Scam Tracker data shows Milford, Mich., among cities with July scam reports, underscoring ongoing fraud risk nationwide. Regional Economy: BMO completed the sale of 138 branches to First Citizens, including locations across South Dakota and neighboring states. Science & Jobs: The LZ dark matter experiment at Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota reported a result that doesn’t match known particle interactions.

Workforce & Business Ops: The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation is inviting employers to a free Sept. 10 online “Workforce Knowledge Series” on building a service-supportive workplace for Guard and Reserve members, covering employer obligations, retirement considerations, and injuries tied to military service. Storm & Cost Pressure: Cleanup continues after Tuesday storms brought baseball-sized hail and damaging winds across southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska, with FEMA set to reimburse counties and tribes for storm-related repairs. Agriculture & Soil Health: USDA researchers at the North Central Agricultural Research Laboratory near Brookings say a long-running corn-soybean-spring wheat-sunflower rotation is boosting soil health, including microbial activity and better water infiltration. Elections & Voting Access: Democrats and voting-rights advocates praised a federal judge’s ruling blocking key parts of a Trump administration mail-voting order for the 2026 midterms. Local Finance: Davison County is weighing a half-percent sales tax paired with property tax relief for owner-occupied homes, with a public input meeting set for Sept. 22. Energy Prices: Diesel hit a record national average near $5.85 a gallon, raising the odds of higher transportation and consumer costs. Community & Public Safety: Custer County Search and Rescue is a finalist for a major national rescue-vehicle award, with more than $130,000 in potential funding.

Tuition snapshot: South Dakota’s public four-year institutions posted an enrollment-weighted published in-state tuition and required fees of $9,007 for 2024-25, with Oglala Lakota College lowest at $2,684 and South Dakota Mines highest at $10,500. Housing: A Sioux Falls rental market survey says vacancy is steady at 5.9%, but warns new apartment projects could push it higher. Agriculture policy: South Dakota farmers are enrolling about 209,000 acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, signaling many landowners see more value in grass than crops as the farm bill debate continues. Rural business & security: OpenAI is rolling out “Daybreak for Frontline Defenders,” offering early access to its cyber model for water utilities and local governments—aimed at preventing attacks like those that have knocked out water systems. Local governance & privacy: Summerset residents are pushing back on Flock Safety ALPR/Flock camera surveillance, raising privacy and cost concerns at a city commission meeting. Cattle market politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden criticized Trump’s foreign beef import plan, arguing prices won’t be lowered by depressing the market. Workforce culture: Prairie Business highlighted the region’s 2026 “Best Places to Work,” citing strong nominations and employee-driven testimonials.

USPS Reform Watch: After Sen. Mike Rounds pushed for fixes, South Dakotans are seeing only limited improvements in mail delivery, with most outbound service still lagging as Congress weighs postal legislation and USPS investigates. Passport Timing: AAA urges South Dakotans to check passport expiration and entry rules now—routine processing is running 4 to 6 weeks, and delays can derail trips. Beef, Markets & Policy: Gov. Larry Rhoden told reporters at the State Fair he opposes expanding foreign beef imports, arguing it would “arbitrarily depress” the market and could backfire on prices. Energy & Infrastructure: Residents in south-central Wisconsin have until Sept. 7 to comment on proposed high-voltage transmission work tied to the BECI project, with the project pitched as delivering major savings and reliability gains. Local Startup: Rapid City’s TradesOn launched a web platform matching homeowners and real estate pros with local tradespeople, with early bookings already underway. Rural Water Stress: Western South Dakota ranchers report shallow wells running dry amid heat and drought, forcing costly workarounds for clean water. Campaign Finance Clash: In the SD Senate race, Brian Bengs and Mike Rounds trade barbs over AI and data-center money as the election nears. Community & Health: First International Bank & Trust named winners of its Live First giving campaign, including $75,000 in grants across its region.

PUC Showdown Over AI Data Centers: South Dakota Public Utilities Commission candidates Frank Kloucek and Don Haggar clash over a proposed one-year moratorium on new AI data center projects, with Kloucek warning about energy and water impacts and ratepayer costs while Haggar says existing 2026 oversight rules are enough. Legislative Pay Budget Boost: Lawmakers endorsed added funding for the Legislative Research Council to cover higher legislator pay and per diem, with session salary projected to rise about 4% for the January start. Daktronics Under SEC/NBA Scrutiny: Federal regulators and the NBA are seeking information from Brookings-based Daktronics tied to a Kawhi Leonard salary-cap controversy involving Clippers arena technology. Shooting Range Upgrade Closure: Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex in Rapid City is temporarily closing its 1,200-yard long-range facility starting Sept. 1 for upgrades. South Dakota Business Spotlight: SDSU’s record-setting volleyball crowd at First Bank & Trust Arena underscores Brookings’ draw for major events, with Nebraska sweeping the Jacks before 5,113 fans. Opioid Treatment Expansion: BAART Programs says 11 opioid treatment centers across six states are adding office-based buprenorphine options alongside existing methadone services. Beef Tariff Fallout Politics: Sen. Mike Rounds says Trump’s move to lift tariffs on foreign ground beef is hurting ranchers and ag voters in South Dakota, raising pressure as grocery bills climb.

Defense & Tech: AeroVironment (AV) won a $464.8M U.S. Army contract for the Enduring-High Energy Laser program, marking a shift from prototype to production for directed-energy systems. AI & Research: USD will host its eighth annual AI Symposium and the South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium, bringing together academia, industry and government for AI in healthcare and beyond. Local Economy & Growth: Rapid City is moving to turn waste wood into biochar via a city-approved agreement with Dakota BioChar, aiming to reduce landfill cell expansion costs. Housing & Community Development: Gregory’s Downtown Gregory Parkette project received a $15,000 AARP Community Challenge Grant to convert vacant lots into a downtown gathering space. Storm Recovery: FEMA will reimburse up to 75% of public infrastructure repair costs for late-June/early-July storms affecting eight South Dakota counties and two reservations. Workplace Rights: EEOC sued Dentsu International over alleged pregnancy discrimination under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Business & Energy Policy: Rep. Dusty Johnson urged Treasury to finalize Section 45Z clean fuel tax credit rules to reduce uncertainty for biofuel investors. Sports Business Buzz: SDSU drew a record 5,113 fans for a sellout volleyball match vs. No. 1 Nebraska in Brookings, even as the Jacks were swept.

Energy & Regulation: Black Hills Energy is seeking a South Dakota rate increase plus a $19.70 monthly surcharge for the average residential customer to help recoup costs tied to the Lange II power plant, with collection potentially starting in December pending Public Utilities Commission action. Tourism & Local Tax Revenue: The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally generated just over $1.4 million in state and local taxes—up against a weaker year-over-year total, with fewer vendors and slower traffic cited as drivers. City Finance: Rapid City’s sales tax receipts stayed strong in June, with general sales tax up 6.6% and first-half collections running ahead of budget, even as tourism-related growth cooled. Workforce Development: The Mitchell Chamber is hosting a Sept. 17 Workforce Summit at Mitchell Technical College focused on customer experience, hiring, training, and leadership. Education & Talent Pipeline: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced 618 Build Dakota Scholarship recipients for 2026-27, marking Cohort 12 of the program. Food Security: Feeding South Dakota says more than 130,000 South Dakotans face food insecurity, and it’s launching Hunger Action Month efforts including donation matching and a statewide volunteer-a-thon. Public Safety Tech: South Dakota law enforcement use of Flock automatic license plate readers is drawing pushback, and the attorney general is drafting legislation to limit their use. Local Innovation: Rapid City moved toward a biochar partnership to divert wood waste from landfills, aiming to extend landfill life and reduce disposal pressure.

Energy & Industry Policy: South Dakota’s utility regulator race is heating up over an AI data center moratorium, with a Democratic candidate pushing a one-year pause and a Republican calling it reckless and saying existing laws already cover ratepayer and water concerns. Local Government & Taxation: Yankton County took the first step toward a proposed half-cent sales tax to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, with a second reading set for Sept. 17. Economic Development & Waste: Rapid City moved toward a deal with Dakota Biochar to divert wood waste from the landfill and potentially extend landfill life, aiming to help keep resident rates down. Tourism & Trade: Sioux Falls tourism leaders say ongoing U.S.-Canada trade tensions are cutting into Canadian travel demand, hurting the visitor economy. Housing & Community Needs: United Way of the Black Hills is rolling out the ALICE framework to better track households that are above poverty but still struggle with the cost of living. Public Safety & Privacy: Minnehaha County residents renewed calls to remove Flock cameras used by the Sheriff’s Office, citing privacy and surveillance concerns. Consumer Finance: South Dakota’s average VA IRRRL loan amount rose slightly quarter to quarter to about $385,069.

Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports Brown County’s lowest regular gas at $3.68 for the week ending Aug. 22, with a $3.95 average; statewide regular averaged $4.00, up from the prior week. Fuel Options: Yankton County’s cheapest E15 hit $3.69, while South Dakota’s E15 statewide average was $3.75. Courts & Transparency: The Unified Judicial System is launching a 2026 Court User Survey in September, asking court users for anonymous feedback to improve services. Data Centers Debate: A South Dakota PUC candidate is calling for a one-year moratorium on new AI data center approvals, arguing communities shouldn’t be left to foot the bill for power, water, and grid upgrades. Big Tech/Finance: Republican state AGs are pressing the Big Four over alleged conflicts tied to climate-related financial reporting, escalating the push against climate disclosure rules. Cattle & Trade: South Dakota ranchers are reacting to a Trump plan to temporarily remove tariffs on imported beef, with producers warning savings may not reach consumers. Public Safety: Rapid City officials say fentanyl powder seizures are rising, urging residents to avoid handling unknown substances and reminding parents to monitor online activity. Local Politics: Multiple SD legislative candidate Q&As spotlight property taxes, data centers, and keeping rural hospitals funded.

Consumer Protection & Big Tech: South Dakota is set to receive a record $52.6 million from Meta as part of a multistate settlement over claims its social platforms harmed children, with at least half of the state’s share required to target that impact and lawmakers deciding how the money is used. Food Access: Sioux Falls Mobile Market has relaunched with a new partnership model, bringing low-cost fresh groceries directly into neighborhoods to help residents facing food insecurity and limited mobility. Public Safety & Drugs: Rapid City narcotics officers say pure fentanyl powder is rising locally, increasing risks because it can look like common kitchen substances; officials urge residents not to handle suspicious powders. Energy Prices: GasBuddy reports show week-to-week variation across South Dakota counties, including Kingsbury County regular at $3.79 and Moody County diesel at $5.09 for the week ending Aug. 22. State Politics & Elections: A wave of SDPB candidate Q&As highlights next-session priorities ranging from education and workforce issues to property tax relief and affordability, with multiple Sioux Falls-area races featured. Local Business & Community: A scholarship tied to a South Dakota motorcycle crash continues to expand, raising another $5,000 to support students pursuing trades and service careers.

Utilities & Rates: Black Hills Energy is seeking a new nearly 16% surcharge after an interim increase already pushed average bills up about $25; the added charge would average another $19.70 monthly and, if approved, start in December. Agriculture & Food Prices: South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds joined other Republicans criticizing a Trump plan to allow large volumes of foreign ground beef with no out-of-quota tariff, arguing it’s bad for the market as the U.S. cattle herd hits a 75-year low. Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports midgrade prices in South Dakota averaged $4.39 for the week ending Aug. 22, with Brookings County’s low at $4.29. Public Health & Food Supply: Farm Action is pushing regulators to support regional producers after cyclospora outbreaks tied to Taylor Farms of Mexico, with South Dakota reporting 17 cases this year. Local Business & Community: Dacotah Bank and Aberdeen residents have set up a memorial account and GoFundMe support for Mayor Travis Schaunaman’s family after a paragliding accident. Fraud Watch: BBB Scam Tracker shows Yankton logged one scam report in July, tied for 9th among South Dakota cities.

Meta Settlement: Iowa’s AG says Meta’s landmark deal will be paid out in 10 annual checks, with South Dakota’s expected share pegged at about $53 million. Local History & Community: The South Dakota State Historical Society is collecting durable items for a state time capsule to be buried Nov. 2 at the USS South Dakota Battleship Memorial in Sioux Falls. Agriculture & Food Safety: South Dakota cattle producers push back on Trump’s plan to make it easier for ranchers to process their own meat, arguing inspections and federal oversight protect consumers. Regional Business: A new Black Hills Producers Market launched in Rapid City after a split from the Black Hills Farmers Market tied to vendor disputes. Energy & Costs: GasBuddy reports one Brown County station selling E85 at $1.99, while Minnehaha County’s lowest E85 price hits $1.79. Health Spending Watch: Medicaid billing data shows sharp local increases in multiple South Dakota categories, including Custer surgery claims up 47.2% in 2024.

Meta Settlement Fallout: South Dakota is set to receive millions from Meta’s landmark child-safety deal, with the agreement tied to new youth screen-time and platform safety requirements. Medicaid Dollars, Local Shifts: Medicaid billing is rising in multiple South Dakota communities, including Wessington Springs (Evaluation & Management up to $26,630), Winner (Temporary Codes up 70.5% to $1,758), Tea (Radiology up to $10,823), and Flandreau (Dental Services up 263.2% to $23,734). Child Care Policy: South Dakota readjusted childcare assistance after complaints about a rate change that hit some families hard, especially in urban after-school programs. Postal Service Pressure: Incremental improvements are showing up in parts of South Dakota, but most regions still lag as lawmakers push for delivery-time accountability. Local Business & Community: A new outdoor produce market opened in Rapid City amid controversy over competition with the long-running Black Hills Farmers Market. Consumer Watch: Minnehaha County’s lowest E85 price hit $1.79 (week ending Aug. 22), while scam reports remain a concern, with Harrisburg and other South Dakota cities logging BBB Scam Tracker reports.

Healthcare Deal: Sanford Health’s planned acquisition of North Memorial Health moves forward after a 10-year oversight agreement with Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, including long-term commitments to keep emergency and safety-net services at Robbinsdale. Local Markets: A new Rapid City produce market opened amid controversy over competition with the long-running Black Hills Farmers Market, after a vendor’s membership was revoked. Education & Workforce: BHSU President Steve Elliott highlighted enrollment momentum, new programs (including business analytics and STEM education) and a proposed Center for National Defense Studies. Community Growth: Box Elder is planning a West River Children’s Museum, with a donated site and a focus on hands-on play. Consumer & Fraud: South Dakotans are looking for more budget grocery options, while BBB Scam Tracker continues to flag ongoing fraud risks nationwide. Agriculture & Housing: South Dakota’s housing affordability advantage has slipped, and cattle producers are responding to Trump’s processing proposal. Public Safety: A Mission man was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender.

Sanford-North Memorial Deal: South Dakota-based Sanford Health cleared a major hurdle toward its North Memorial Health acquisition after signing a 10-year oversight agreement with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, including commitments to keep Robbinsdale Hospital’s core services and emergency transport running for a decade. Grocery Prices Pressure: A new survey of South Dakotans shows strong demand for budget grocers, with Grocery Outlet Bargain Market topping the list of chains residents want in the state. Housing Affordability: A new look at South Dakota’s homebuying math finds affordability has worsened since 2018 as prices rose faster than incomes, pushing buyers into heavier debt loads. Beef Policy Backlash: Trump’s plan to expand imported ground beef for 90 days is drawing pushback from South Dakota cattle producers, who argue it could undermine consumer confidence and the role of federal meat inspection. Workforce + AI: South Dakota is weighing how to update apprenticeship and entry-level training as AI reshapes routine jobs, with a push to redesign pathways rather than eliminate them. Local Business + Community: SDSU Extension is set to host a free webinar on organizing for caregiving and end-of-life decisions, and a Habitat for Humanity grant will support a student-built CTE home plus neighborhood repairs in Yankton.