AGP Executive Report

Healthcare & Consumer Relief: The White House says nearly 1 million Americans in 30 states, including South Dakota, will get one-time $500 Obamacare refund checks starting in October, tied to alleged federal Healthcare.gov “user fee” overcharges passed into premiums. Higher Ed & Workforce Pipeline: South Dakota’s Board of Regents reports steady system enrollment above 35,000 for the third straight year, with first-time freshman numbers topping 5,000—growth tied to business, health sciences, engineering, and tech programs at schools like Black Hills State and South Dakota Mines. Agriculture Under Pressure: Drought across the northern Plains is driving forage shortages, and Farm Rescue’s “Operation Hay Lift” is moving donated hay to ranchers in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Rapid City’s Mount Rushmore Road continues to expand fast, with the Mount Rushmore Road Group pushing for growth management choices like roundabouts as traffic demand rises. Public Safety & Corrections: South Dakota’s new Sioux Falls penitentiary project is underway, but inmates and advocates warn that rehabilitation depends as much on day-to-day culture and resources as on the new facility. Energy/Mining Tech Watch: Dakota Gold says metallurgical tests for its Richmond Hill oxide heap leach project support high recoveries and keep the pre-feasibility study on track for late 2026.

Crypto & Banking: Block filed with the OCC to create Builders Bank & Trust, a federally chartered national trust bank in Sioux Falls focused on bitcoin and stablecoin custody—aiming to replace a patchwork of state licenses with one federal framework. Higher Ed & Workforce: The South Dakota Board of Regents reported steady fall enrollment above 35,000 students, with first-time freshmen continuing to rise. Agriculture Research: SDSU’s Swine Education and Research Facility is expanding wean-to-finish capacity by 50% after a $1.8M project, adding two nutrition rooms and boosting on-site raising for more trials. Economic Development: The SD Board of Economic Development approved $1.4M in assistance for projects including Rev It Up Espresso in Sturgis, Elwood Family Dental in Yankton, and training support for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance. Energy/Defense Industry: A $74.8M U.S. Army Corps contract will build a B-21 radio frequency hangar at Whiteman AFB, supporting the long-term bomber program. Public Policy & Compliance: South Dakota’s habitat license plates are selling far more than habitat decals, leaving about $415,000 in potential habitat funding uncollected. Food Safety: FDA linked 22 Salmonella cases to recalled broccoli sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts LLC, distributed across Idaho, Montana and Washington. Weather & Risk: Drought and abnormal dryness worsened across parts of the central U.S., with drier conditions along the North Dakota–South Dakota border even as heavy rain hit parts of southeast South Dakota into Iowa and Minnesota.

South Dakota Economic Development: The state Board of Economic Development approved $1.4 million in assistance, including SD Works loans for Rev It Up Espresso in Sturgis ($597,275) and Elwood Family Dental Care in Yankton ($320,000), plus a $10,000 grant for Sioux Metro Growth Alliance’s regional economic development training. Livestock & Agriculture: SDSU’s Swine Education and Research Facility is expanding with a $1.8 million buildout funded by pork and corn partners, adding two wean-to-finish nutrition rooms and boosting capacity to 1,800 head by mid-October. Public Safety & Compliance: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 49-state push urging the FCC to strengthen “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Wildlife Funding Gap: Thousands of drivers bought habitat conservation license plates but didn’t follow through on separate habitat decals, leaving about $415,000 in potential habitat funding uncollected. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls announced road work closures and detours starting Thursday and Friday, including lane closures on East 57th Street and intersection work at 23rd Street and Norton Avenue. Construction Watch: Rapid City reported record August building permits, with more than $55.8 million in permits and a major share tied to Monument Health’s neonatal ICU project. Defense Manufacturing: Northrop Grumman unveiled a Layton, Utah facility supporting B-21 Raider production, with the first deliveries expected next year to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota.

Robocall Crackdown: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined 48 AGs urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Upstream Provider” rules to stop illegal robocalls from reaching consumers. Data Center Power: Leola’s proposed data center has secured electricity service from MDU, but still must clear McPherson County permitting. Farm Bill Push: South Dakota Farmers Union plans a Washington, D.C. Fly-In Sept. 14-16 to press Congress on farm bill safety nets, tariffs, year-round E15, and MCOOL. SNAP Soft Drink Fight: A Dakota Free Press analysis says retailers are bracing for confusion and administrative headaches as South Dakota moves to restrict soft drinks for SNAP users. Local Construction: Sioux Falls crews are nearing the finish on Veterans Parkway work and the Arrowhead Parkway intersection, with lane closures also reported on Kiwanis and Western Avenues. Energy Grid Build: Otter Tail Power and Xcel Energy filed for a 765-kilovolt transmission line permit through eastern South Dakota into southern Minnesota. Agriculture Watch: Drought is hitting proso millet—acres down and yields expected to drop—raising quality concerns for grain buyers. Science & Industry: LUX-ZEPLIN, based in South Dakota, reported a puzzling dark matter-like interaction, though researchers say more data is needed.

Rapid City Construction: Rapid City hit a record pace, issuing more than $55.8M in building permits in August and topping $360M in valuations through eight months. Healthcare Expansion: The biggest August approval was a $34M Monument Health Neonatal ICU permit, signaling continued investment in local medical capacity. Workforce Pipeline: South Dakota’s Department of Labor and Regulations will host a “Hire the Hills” hiring event in Rapid City (noon–2 p.m. Wednesday) plus additional hiring dates statewide. Education & Trades: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced 618 students received Build Dakota Scholarships for 2026-27, supporting high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and tech. Agriculture Watch: USDA and local reporting point to heat and low moisture hurting South Dakota corn and soybeans, with conditions mostly sliding to poor-to-fair heading toward harvest. Cattle Policy Push: The Trump administration rolled out new cattle initiatives, including wolf-related actions, beef labeling reviews, and renewed focus on competition enforcement—an issue South Dakota ranchers are watching closely. School Meals Research: A national school lunch report ranks Vermont No. 1 for meal access and participation in 2026, highlighting how states reach students and expand free meal programs. Local Roads: SD DOT began a Highway 14A repair near Deadwood with lane limits and an oversized-vehicle detour through Oct. 30. STEM in the Black Hills: A South Dakota mine tied to the LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter effort is drawing fresh attention after researchers reported a possible signal. Biochar Partnership: Rapid City is considering a memorandum with Dakota Biochar to turn wood waste into biochar for agriculture and land projects. Northern Tool Build Program: Northern Tool + Equipment is sending 14 Flandreau Indian School CTE students to transform a 1976 Ford F-350 into a trades showcase headed to SEMA 2027.

School Meals & Student Support: A new 2026 State of School Lunch Report ranks states on meal access and breakfast-to-lunch reach, with Vermont taking the top spot—another reminder that school food is a workforce and health issue, not just a cafeteria one. Public Safety on the Road: The South Dakota Highway Patrol kicked off a three-day School Bus Safety Outreach, pairing with districts to watch loading zones and reinforce stop-law compliance as students head back. Workforce Training in Manufacturing: Mitchell-area supervisors just graduated from the Lean + Leadership program, reporting process improvements tied to cost, quality, and delivery. Education & Skills Pipeline: Lake Area Technical College launched South Dakota’s only Associate of Applied Science dental hygiene degree, starting a first cohort of 13. Agriculture Under Stress: Heat and drought in Moody County are pushing soybean maturity fast, with some growers likely to harvest earlier than usual. State Fair Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers sparred over Medicaid expansion and foreign beef imports, with both sides signaling how ag policy will shape the campaign. Energy & Tech: A South Dakota mine is tied to a dark matter “hint” reported by researchers, while Rapid City continues to wrestle with data-center growth and impacts. Scholarships: Build Dakota hit its 12th cohort, selecting 618 students for 2026-27 support.

Ag & Food Infrastructure: South Dakota’s Farm to School program added four new awards, totaling $99,487 across 10 grantees, with projects ranging from hydroponic units in Sioux Falls and Viborg-Hurley to garden beds in Leola and a vegetable washer in Huron. Water Quality Funding: DANR is taking applications for federal Clean Water Act Section 319 nonpoint source grants, due Oct. 1, with a required 40% local match and support for watershed pollution reduction. Public Works: Highway 11 near Canton will close Tuesday, Sept. 8, for railroad crossing replacement, with detours via Lincoln County Highway 116 and S.D. 115/135. Rural Health & Policy: In a State Fair debate, Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers sparred over Medicaid expansion conditions and the impact on rural hospitals. SNAP Rules: Retailers warn South Dakota’s proposed SNAP soft-drink ban could be hard to administer, given the definition questions. Animal Health: South Dakota confirmed avian flu return in two flocks (turkeys in Beadle County and a backyard flock in Brule County), with euthanasia and a human exposure alert. Local Development: Watertown’s Benedictine Sisters are moving ahead with “The Village at Harmony Hill,” a major housing, education, health care, and commercial redevelopment on their 500-acre campus. Transportation & Energy Costs: Labor Day travel is pushing gas prices, while diesel costs remain a budget pressure point for the region.

South Dakota Politics & Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers sparred at the South Dakota State Fair, both criticizing Trump’s push to import more foreign beef—Rhoden called it “wrongheaded,” while Ahlers said South Dakota must be a stronger advocate for ranchers. Cannabis Finance: A South Dakota credit union story highlights why cannabis banking is still stuck—federal rescheduling to Schedule III didn’t create a safe harbor for banks serving licensed operators. Rural Broadband: Federal delays are holding up about $21B for rural internet projects as states wait for guidance on how to spend BEAD funds. Crop & Soil Research: South Dakota researchers say adding sunflowers to corn-soybean rotations can improve soil health and help stabilize corn yields in dry years. Workforce & Business Climate: South Dakota’s labor agency projects job growth of about 7.4% by 2034, faster than the national rate. Local Development: Watertown’s Benedictine sisters are turning 500 acres into the Village at Harmony Hill, with up to 700 residences plus education and health care. Industry Recognition: Prairie Business released its 2026 “50 Best Places to Work” list, including multiple South Dakota engineering and construction firms. Science & Energy: Scientists at the Sanford Underground Research Facility reported a possible dark matter interaction signal from a xenon detector.

Dark Matter Research: Scientists at the LUX-ZEPLIN dark matter detector in a Black Hills gold mine reported an unusual, unexplained xenon interaction that could be a first hint of dark matter, though it’s not yet a confirmed discovery. Agriculture & Soil Health: USDA researchers near Brookings found that rotating corn/soybeans with sunflowers and small grains can boost soil structure and microbes, with corn yields up about 35% in dry years; cover crops also improved bee activity. Water Management: Rapid City made outdoor watering rules year-round after Pactola Reservoir’s status moved to “alert,” citing inflows still far below the historical mean despite recent rain. State Fair Ag Policy Clash: In the Rhoden vs. Ahlers debate at the South Dakota State Fair, both candidates focused on agriculture and rural issues, including whether to split the merged agriculture/natural resources departments and how to handle property taxes on ag land. Energy & Uranium: enCore Energy said its Dewey Burdock project in South Dakota received a 20-year federal license renewal, while the company continues work toward additional wellfield permits. Workforce Outlook: South Dakota’s Bureau of Labor and Regulation projected job growth of about 7.4% by 2034, driven by e-commerce, aging-related needs, and new technology. State Media: SDPB scheduled in-person, streamed debates for the U.S. Senate, governor, and U.S. House races ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

South Dakota Politics & Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers faced off at the South Dakota State Fair, with both centering rural issues—young farmers, property tax relief on ag land, and whether South Dakota should split the merged agriculture and natural resources departments. Water & Utilities: Rapid City is extending year-round outdoor watering rules after Pactola Reservoir was moved from “concern” to “alert,” citing low inflows despite recent rain. Energy & Mining: enCore Energy says its Dewey Burdock uranium project cleared a major federal step, while the company’s interim results show higher sales volumes and prices but widening net loss per share. Ag Research: USDA researchers report that adding sunflowers and small grains to corn-soy rotations can boost soil health and raise corn yields in dry years, with early planting recommended to manage sunflower weevil pressure. Local Business & Community: Farm Credit Services of America pledged $15,000 to the State Fair’s “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” campaign to fund new swine pens. Workforce Outlook: South Dakota’s jobs forecast to 2034 projects faster growth than the national rate, driven by e-commerce, aging needs, and technology. Data Centers Debate: Rapid City leaders are moving toward local rules as EPA proposals could reduce public notice for air permits tied to data centers.

State Fair Debate on Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers squared off at the South Dakota State Fair, focusing on rural issues, property taxes, and education funding. Both criticized Trump on imported beef, but they diverged on other debate points, with Rhoden backing a steadier approach and Ahlers calling for more change and transparency. USDA Soil Research: A USDA study near Brookings found that rotating corn and soybeans with spring wheat and sunflowers can boost soil health and raise corn yields in dry years, with researchers also flagging sunflower pest pressure and recommending early planting to cut seed damage. Local Control vs Data Centers: Rapid City leaders are responding to an EPA proposal that would reduce public notice for certain air permits tied to data centers, pushing for local rules and hearings as residents weigh water, sewer, electric, and noise impacts. Dark Matter Hunt in the Black Hills: Physicists running the LZ detector in a South Dakota gold mine reported an unusual underground particle interaction that doesn’t match known backgrounds, keeping the dark matter conversation hot. Energy Costs Hit Consumers: AAA says Labor Day gas prices are at record levels for the holiday, with diesel also climbing sharply amid ongoing war-driven fuel volatility. Business Succession: A South Dakota Retailers Association survey suggests about 14% of owners may sell in the next 5–10 years, and the group points to growing interest in buying existing businesses.

Data Centers & Local Control: Rapid City is pushing back on an EPA proposal that would reduce public input for air permits tied to data centers, as local leaders warn about water, sewer, electric load, and community impacts. Energy Costs: AAA says Labor Day gasoline and diesel prices are at record highs tied to the Iran conflict, with diesel averaging $5.85 a gallon. Black Hills Research: The LZ dark matter experiment at Sanford Underground Research Facility reported an unusual underground particle interaction that doesn’t match known physics, though researchers stop short of calling it a discovery. Ag Health: Anthrax was confirmed in a Meade County cattle herd; the Animal Industry Board quarantined the operation and says vaccination is effective. SNAP Rules: South Dakota moved forward with a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks, but retailers warn enforcement will be messy. Ranch & Land Value: SDSU Extension says South Dakota pastureland values rose 15.9% in 2026 amid strong cattle prices and limited land. Ethics & Lobbying: A report says a Senate aide for Mike Rounds worked as a lobbyist for Meta and other clients, raising conflict-of-interest questions.

South Dakota Agriculture & Food Safety: Anthrax has been confirmed in a South Dakota beef herd in Meade County, with the herd quarantined and adult cattle vaccinated after deaths began in Butte County; officials urge ranchers to contact veterinarians and avoid moving suspect carcasses. Energy & Environment: The EPA is asking the 8th Circuit to toss a challenge by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and activists over uranium mining actions in the Black Hills, arguing the case should be rejected. Livestock & Federal Land Use: A federal court blocked BLM from forcing American Prairie to remove more than 300 privately owned bison from grazing allotments in Montana, rejecting BLM’s push to treat bison as non-livestock. Retail Policy: South Dakota moved forward with a SNAP waiver to exclude soft drinks, but retailers warn enforcement will be messy and could trigger legal pushback. Transportation & Construction: S.D. Highway 11 near Canton will close starting Sept. 8 for railroad crossing improvements, with detours via nearby highways. Local Economy & Industry: Diesel hit a record U.S. high, and South Dakota businesses and agriculture/trucking could feel the cost pressure as fuel costs flow into prices. Tech & Governance: A report raises ethics questions after a Senate aide/lobbyist for Sen. Mike Rounds worked for Meta and other major clients while registered to lobby the South Dakota Legislature. Data Centers & Planning: Vermillion planning discussions continue as residents press concerns about water use, power costs, and light/noise impacts from data centers.

Agriculture & Rural Politics: South Dakota’s top two gubernatorial candidates, Gov. Larry Rhoden and challenger Dan Ahlers, will debate Saturday at 1 p.m. at the State Fair in Huron, hosted by the South Dakota Farmers Union, with questions centered on farm and ranch pressures like weather and high fuel and fertilizer costs. Road & Construction: SDDOT says inslope repair and a pipe replacement will start Sept. 8 on U.S. Highway 14A near the Broken Boot Gold Mine southwest of Deadwood; two-way traffic stays open with a 10-foot width restriction, and the $550,000 project is set to finish Oct. 30. Livestock Industry: Sioux Falls Regional Livestock (SFRL) is advertising multiple job openings, including part-time office work and full-time night yard loading positions. Dairy Expansion: West River Dairy’s expansion cleared a key step Sept. 1 as Stevens County approved a conditional use permit, with remaining work tied to a DNR water permit. Energy Costs: AAA reports Labor Day weekend gas prices are on track to set a record at the pump, driven by crude oil volatility. Public Safety & Health: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in a Meade County cattle herd, with quarantine and vaccination steps underway. Cybersecurity: CISA permanently ended six free security assessment programs used by small water utilities and local governments, raising concerns about affordable alternatives. Science & Industry: A new LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) analysis from the Sanford Underground Research Facility reports a promising dark matter interaction signal, though not yet at discovery strength.

AI & Biomedical Computing: USD will host its 8th annual AI Symposium and the 2nd South Dakota Biomedical Computation Consortium Sept. 8-9, bringing together Mines, Augustana, SDSU, DSU and USD researchers plus industry and government, with a keynote on AI in medicine and clinical use cases. Energy Training & Grid Work: Mitchell Technical College dedicated a new Touchstone Energy Utilities Lab focused on underground powerline training, expanding hands-on instruction for utilities careers. Underground Power Lines: Midcontinent Grid Solutions is seeking public feedback on the BECI project/Tranche 2.1 transmission plan that would connect South Dakota-linked 765-kV lines through the Midwest, with MISO projecting major cost and reliability benefits. Data Centers at the PUC: South Dakota’s PUC candidates are clashing over hyperscale data centers, including a proposed year-long moratorium versus a more regulated approach with water reporting and local approval. Agriculture & Livestock Health: South Dakota confirmed its first anthrax case of the year in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination guidance. Drought & Water: Western South Dakota wells are running dry as heat and drought lower shallow aquifers, forcing ranchers and households to find costly alternatives. Consumer/Health Safety: A sprouts recall tied to a multi-state outbreak has been narrowed to distribution in Minnesota and Wisconsin, leaving other illnesses unexplained. Severe Weather Recovery: South Dakota received a presidential disaster declaration for storm damage from late June into early July, with federal aid covering 75% of public infrastructure costs.

PUC Showdown: South Dakota’s Public Utilities Commission race is turning into a fight over AI data centers, with Democrat Frank Kloucek pushing a one-year moratorium and Republican Don Haggar arguing new state laws already require utilities and water providers to assess impacts and require cost reimbursement. Higher Ed & Workforce: SDSU is launching bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees in AI Engineering, aiming to connect AI training to precision agriculture, healthcare, and other regional needs. Ag Health Alert: South Dakota confirmed anthrax in a Meade County cattle herd, triggering quarantine and vaccination, with officials urging ranchers not to move carcasses until diagnosis and disposal steps are cleared. Energy & Infrastructure: FEMA will reimburse up to 75% of public infrastructure repair costs from late-June/early-July storms in eight counties and two reservations, including roads, power systems, parks, and public facilities. Local Business & Place Management: Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. won the International Downtown Association’s Pinnacle Award for Jacobson Plaza public space operations. Healthcare Access: BAART Programs is expanding buprenorphine office-based opioid treatment at 11 centers across six states. Manufacturing/Tech: Daktronics is facing SEC and NBA inquiries tied to a Kawhi Leonard scoreboard/salary-cap controversy.