AGP Executive Report

Broadband Policy: U.S. Sens. John Thune and John Fetterman, joined by Deb Fischer, introduced the Broadband MAP Act of 2026 to push the FCC to improve its broadband mapping and provider challenge process—aimed at making rural investment decisions more accurate. Local Tax Impact: Pennington County approved a new half-cent gross receipts and use tax to cut owner-occupied property taxes, but officials warn businesses may pass added costs to shoppers and will need POS updates. Healthcare Training: Avera and Northern State University partnered to open an Avera Simulation Center in Aberdeen to support NSU’s expanding nursing program, using high-tech manikins and immersive training. Ag & Farm Bill: South Dakota Farmers Union leaders say the next farm bill’s progress hinges on whether SNAP is included, while producers also look for relief on high input costs like fertilizer and seed. Energy & Growth: Bluepeak is accelerating fiber expansion using Harmonic’s platform, including SeaStar optical nodes to extend service into lower-density apartment buildings. Public Safety: A multistate FBI-led operation, “Operation Black Book,” led to 14 arrests tied to a cocaine trafficking network, including multiple suspects in Rapid City and on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Community Business: Natural Grocers opened its first Rapid City store, drawing long lines and pledging support for Feeding South Dakota. Infrastructure Update: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction is targeting reopening of inside lanes from Elizabeth Street south by July 24, with more traffic-pattern details to come.

Rural Healthcare Investment: Sanford Health says it reinvested more than $1 billion in 2024 to expand access across its Upper Midwest footprint, including $206 million in financial assistance and $302 million in Medicaid/Medicare underpayment support. Tribal Gaming: The NIGC reports record $46.2B in tribal gaming gross gaming revenue for FY2025, up 5.3% year over year; the Rapid City region was roughly $400M, slightly down. Ag Policy & Relief: A U.S. Senate appropriations panel is weighing USDA’s $11.1B emergency farm aid request, with South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds also pushing for year-round E15 access. Water Infrastructure: A Senate committee advanced a bill to fund a $10M feasibility study for expanding the Lewis & Clark Regional Water System, a multi-state supply serving 20 member cities and rural systems. Local Business & Retail: Brookings is set to open its new Target at the Brookings Marketplace July 26, bringing more than 200 jobs. Data Center Politics: Yankton County approved a six-month data center moratorium while planning and zoning drafts an ordinance. Public Health Watch: CDC updated cyclosporiasis counts to 4,173 lab-confirmed cases across 41 states.

Tribal Health Investment: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe plans a $4.6 million outpatient behavioral health facility, funded by two major grants, to expand culturally grounded mental health, suicide prevention, crisis response, and substance-use treatment next to its detox center and near IHS emergency care. Water Infrastructure Funding: Western Dakota Regional Water System’s feasibility study could move faster after U.S. Senate action on a bill to fund the study, with leaders saying the full work could take years once underway. Local Public Safety Budgeting: Pennington County unanimously approved new gross receipts and use taxes starting Jan. 1, 2027, framing it as a shift from property taxes to sales-related revenue; meanwhile, Rapid City-area rural ambulance coverage is still being negotiated as the county weighs about $800,000 a year for fire/EMS support. State Politics & Incentives: Anti-Rhoden lawmakers renewed challenges to South Dakota’s housing and business incentives, as the governor’s team and opponents trade claims ahead of the runoff. Economic Snapshot: A new federal update shows South Dakota’s unemployment rate stayed at the lowest level nationally in June, while job growth and unemployment changes varied widely across states. Drug Enforcement: Federal and tribal partners announced 14 arrests tied to a multi-state cocaine trafficking operation reaching western South Dakota, including the Pine Ridge Reservation, with firearms and cash seized.

Rural EMS Funding Fight: Rapid City Fire Department says it will stop providing rural Emergency Medical Services outside city limits after Dec. 31, 2026 unless Pennington County finds new funding, spotlighting how South Dakota law treats EMS as non-essential and leaves gaps while lawmakers debate what comes next. State Budget Watch: South Dakota budget officials explained a $69 million surplus and why $39 million in department money went unspent, with the Department of Social Services accounting for most reversions—drawing both praise and concern from lawmakers. Sioux Falls Grants: The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation awarded more than $100,000 to local nonprofits, including programs tied to housing stability, help for families facing homelessness, and youth education. Local Governance & Growth: Brookings City Council approved a $450,000 downtown land purchase that drew public pushback, while also moving forward on a main fire station construction contract worth about $3.99 million. Business & Fraud: A Sioux Falls man was indicted on federal charges tied to an alleged $20 million investment fraud scheme, including wire fraud and money laundering. Tech & Data Centers: A new report says power companies may use eminent domain to secure land access for data-center transmission lines even when landowners refuse. Ag Outlook: USDA reports are shaping grain market expectations as summer updates roll in, with acreage and inventory data feeding into price forecasts.

Budget Watch: South Dakota lawmakers got more detail on why the state ended fiscal year 2026 with a $69 million surplus, including $39 million in “reversions” from agencies that didn’t spend what they were budgeted—led by the Department of Social Services, which returned about $32 million amid harder-to-predict Medicaid and other program costs. Fraud & Finance: A Sioux Falls man was indicted on federal charges tied to an alleged $20 million investment fraud scheme, with prosecutors saying investor money moved through financial institutions and crypto to conceal sources and pay earlier backers. Public Safety: State and federal authorities are asking the public to help locate a non-compliant sex offender, Benjermin (Benjamin) Kelley, whose whereabouts have been unknown since 2008. Economic Development: Brookings is preparing for Target’s July 26 opening at the Brookings Marketplace, a 129,000-square-foot store expected to bring about 175 jobs. Local Growth Story: Canistota’s revitalization is being credited to new housing development efforts, including twin homes aimed at retirees and young families. Community & Health: Monument Health Sturgis Hospital will open an ADA-accessible outdoor healing courtyard July 22, built through local foundation partnerships. Leadership: Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs was sworn in as president of the National Association of Secretaries of State during a conference in Rapid City. Philanthropy: South Dakota business and community leaders are remembering billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, who died at 90.

Major Philanthropy Loss: South Dakota business icon and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died Saturday at 90. Sanford built First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard, then became the namesake of Sanford Health after a landmark $400 million gift in 2007; his giving totaled more than $4 billion and touched Sanford Health, the Sanford Underground Research Facility, scholarships, and other community efforts. Local Business Closure: Marco’s Pizza in Watertown abruptly closed after nearly 10 years; the building is now listed for sale, with equipment reportedly removed Sunday. Agribusiness & Food Supply: Puris, which processes yellow field peas into plant-based ingredients, highlighted growing demand for protein crops; meanwhile, Taylor Farms recalled iceberg lettuce shipped to 27 states due to possible cyclospora contamination (South Dakota not listed). Workforce & Consumer Finance: A national labor shortage forecast is growing as graduates worry about jobs, and Maryland announced a $45 million multistate settlement with Cash App’s parent over fraud protections. Ranching Support: SDSU Extension is offering free on-site livestock water testing as drought raises the risk of toxic, salt-heavy water.

South Dakota Philanthropy: Sioux Falls banking and health-care benefactor T. Denny Sanford, 90, died Saturday; Gov. Larry Rhoden called him “the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history,” after Sanford’s billions in giving helped shape Sanford Health and major projects including the Sanford Underground Research Facility and Crazy Horse Memorial. Agribusiness & Ranching: With drought pressures rising, SDSU Extension is urging ranchers to use free, on-site livestock water testing; clear water can still be dangerously salty, and specialists warn of symptoms like “blind staggers.” Healthcare Deal: UW Health reached an agreement to acquire Marshfield Medical Center in Beaver Dam, expanding UW’s footprint in central Wisconsin after Sanford Health’s recent regional consolidation. Local Government (Brookings): Brookings City Council approved multiple business-focused moves, including budget amendment 26-020, a zoning change for Northern Plains Addition, and renewals tied to Mosaic Wine Bar and the Dacotah Bank Center. Food Safety: Taylor Farms expanded an iceberg lettuce recall shipped to 27 states due to possible cyclospora contamination; South Dakota wasn’t listed among affected states. Business & Infrastructure: A new legal fight is brewing over whether utilities can use eminent domain for data-center power lines when landowners resist.

South Dakota Philanthropy: Billionaire banker and Sanford Health namesake T. Denny Sanford died Saturday at 90, leaving a multibillion-dollar giving legacy that helped launch major health care initiatives in Sioux Falls and beyond. Local Elections: Brookings County set a July 28 primary runoff with polls open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. at multiple vote centers across the county. City Business & Development: Brookings City Council approved several measures tied to downtown growth and alcohol licensing, including a $450,000 downtown real estate acquisition, a zoning change for Northern Plains Addition, and renewals/approvals for wine and liquor operating agreements for Mosaic Wine Bar, Dacotah Bank Center, and Mamacitas LLC. Public Works: Brookings announced an online public sale of surplus street equipment, with bids ending July 21. Energy & Infrastructure: A new national debate is heating up over utilities using eminent domain for data center power and land needs, as many Americans say “not in my backyard.” Agriculture & Food Markets: Global demand for high-protein products is colliding with a shortage of food-grade whey, pushing prices higher.

Sanford Legacy: South Dakota billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died Saturday at 90, with Sanford Health CEO Bill Gassen and Gov. Larry Rhoden praising a giving record that helped reshape health care statewide and beyond. Healthcare & Banking Impact: Sanford’s fortune built through First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard later fueled major gifts, including the “Gift” that helped launch Sanford Health’s growth and major community projects. Public Finance & Workforce: Gov. Rhoden announced Workforce Pell applications are now open, letting eligible schools seek approval for short-term training programs funded by federal Pell grants. State Program Performance: South Dakota reported the nation’s lowest SNAP payment error rate for FY25 at 2.47%, citing disciplined administration. Community & Infrastructure: Black Hills Energy released its annual Community Impact Report, saying it generated $1.65 billion in direct economic impact across eight states, including South Dakota. Local Business Spotlight: A Sioux Falls-area entrepreneur, Trisha Dohn of Well365, was recognized as a Women of Excellence winner for entrepreneurial impact. Safety & Homeownership: AAA urged South Dakotans to protect homes while traveling, noting burglary risk during vacations.

Workforce & Education: Gov. Larry Rhoden says Workforce Pell applications are now open, letting approved schools offer short-term training eligible for federal Pell grants—aimed at meeting employer needs. Consumer Protection: A Hughes County judge issued a permanent injunction and ordered civil penalties/fees totaling about $34,500 against former Patriot Warranty co-owner Jack Yedid, tied to alleged online auto/motorcycle warranty scams. Public Safety & Infrastructure: SDDOT will hold an open house July 28 on Highway 25 improvements near Scotland, with written comments accepted through Aug. 14. Energy & Local Economy: Black Hills Energy released its Community Impact Report, citing $1.65B in direct economic impact across eight states. Aviation Growth: Rapid City Regional Airport reported record passenger enplanements—over 206,000 through June—with expansion plans underway. Agriculture & Trade: South Dakota Wheat Commission officials hosted Peruvian milling executives touring wheat country as part of long-term relationship building. SNAP: South Dakota posted the nation’s lowest SNAP payment error rate at 2.47% for FY25. Local Business & Community: Rapid City is pursuing collections against Tzadik Property Management over more than $530,000 in unpaid utility bills tied to Star Village.

South Dakota Agriculture & Trade: Peru’s wheat milling executives toured South Dakota wheat country in late June, with the South Dakota Wheat Commission saying the group represents more than 85% of Peru’s milling capacity—part of a push by U.S. Wheat Associates to deepen long-term ties. Local Infrastructure: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 roadwork is on track, with inside lanes expected to open by July 24; outside lanes will stay closed while sidewalks are installed. Consumer Protection & Courts: A Hughes County judge issued a permanent injunction and ordered civil penalties and attorney’s fees totaling $34,579 against former Patriot Warranty owner Jack C. Yedid over alleged warranty-cancellation and refund practices. Workplace Inclusion: A new study ranks South Dakota highest for employment among people with disabilities, pointing to both hiring hesitancy and family overprotection as barriers. Public Safety & Fraud: Rapid City is moving to collect more than $530,000 in unpaid utility bills from Tzadik Property Management and is exploring possible criminal enforcement tied to property maintenance and fire-code issues. City Leadership: Sioux Falls swore in Mayor Christine Erickson, setting a “safer, stronger” agenda after a razor-thin election and recount. Energy & Transportation Costs: A new national study finds speeding wastes fuel and money and saves barely any time—relevant as gas prices stay elevated.

Gubernatorial Runoff Watch: Advance voting for South Dakota’s Republican governor runoff is surging ahead of the June primary pace, with county officials pointing to party switchers driving the jump. Campaign Finance & Politics: A new SDPB/South Dakota News Watch interview series spotlights runoff candidates Toby Doeden and Larry Rhoden as the July 28 election nears, while fundraising disputes continue to shape the debate. Crypto Fraud in Federal Court: A Sioux Falls man, Benjamin Paul Wiener, faces 29 federal counts tied to an alleged $20M crypto Ponzi scheme, including wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud and identity theft. Energy & Consumer Costs: A University of Minnesota study finds speeding barely cuts commute time but wastes fuel and money, with researchers estimating major national savings if drivers stick to posted limits. Gas Prices: AAA reports the national regular gasoline average rose to $3.94, inching toward $4 as crude prices stay elevated. Local Housing: Habitat for Humanity broke ground on two affordable homes in Vermillion, aiming to expand access to stable homeownership. Agriculture Tech: SDSU Extension launched a mobile app version of its Basis Report tool, giving farmers real-time grain basis bids across South Dakota. Data Centers & Local Rules: Yankton County commissioners move toward a data center moratorium and new zoning ordinance, with debate over whether the planning board should lead the effort.

Medicare & AI Oversight: The U.S. Senate rejected a Democratic push to end CMS’s AI-based WISeR prior-authorization pilot, with Republicans blocking repeal in a 50-46 vote, keeping the program alive amid growing national debate over AI in healthcare decisions. Crypto Fraud in Sioux Falls: Federal prosecutors indicted Sioux Falls resident Benjamin Paul Wiener on wire fraud, money laundering, bank fraud, and aggravated identity theft tied to an alleged $20M crypto investment scheme; he pleaded not guilty and faces major prison exposure. Ag Trade & Milling: South Dakota Wheat Commission hosted Peruvian milling executives touring wheat fields and grain facilities in Pierre and beyond, aiming to deepen long-term ties with one of Latin America’s biggest wheat-importing markets. Road Costs Study: New research finds speeding wastes fuel and money and barely cuts trip times—South Dakota is among states showing low speeding prevalence but speed “excess.” Local Public Safety: The South Dakota 911 Coordination Board approved a $327,121 grant to help Lawrence County and Spearfish merge their dispatch centers. Housing Funding: South Dakota Housing is accepting applications for 2026 affordable housing programs, with deadlines set for late August. Sports Complex Momentum (Rapid City): City officials held a press conference backing Rapid City’s sports complex, including steps toward architecture/management contracts and land transfer. Business Loss: Elmer Karl, founder of Karl’s TV & Appliance, died at 94, marking the end of a 70-year South Dakota retail legacy.

Business Growth Recognition: SystemDomain Inc., a Midwest cybersecurity/AI services firm, earned a spot on Inc.’s 2026 Regionals: Midwest list (No. 72), highlighting continued private-company growth across South Dakota and the region. Local Economy Watch: Rapid City reported May sales tax collections up 6.3% year over year, with tourism revenues also rising 5.2%, though city leaders warned costs are still squeezing service and infrastructure budgets. Public Finance & Governance: Sioux Falls School Board approved its next-year budget, with property-tax impact on an average home projected to drop about 23% even as teacher pay rises. City Hall Fees: Sioux Falls City Council increased public records fees for commercial requests made for private use, aiming to better cover staff time. Banking Leadership: First Dakota National Bank added former Sioux Falls Mayor Paul Ten Haken to its board, bringing executive and local-government experience. Rural Housing: The South Dakota Community Foundation awarded a grant to Herreid to build affordable apartment homes, targeting shortages in small communities. Health & Consumer Protection: A new wave of 23andMe bankruptcy settlements is moving through states, with South Dakota set to receive funds tied to the 2023 genetic data breach. Politics & Voter Registration: Ahead of the July 28 governor runoff, South Dakota’s Republican registration hit an all-time high, driven by thousands of new GOP registrants. Air Travel Policy: A look at how some U.S. airports use private security screeners instead of TSA officers, keeping checkpoints running during federal shutdowns. Science, Markets & Ethics: The South Dakota-discovered T. rex fossil “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, reigniting debate over whether high-end fossil auctions limit scientific access. Community Safety: A commercial building fire in Summerset displaced businesses, including a daycare, with the State Fire Marshal investigating the cause.

Antitrust & Consumer Protection: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the state will receive $18,011.65 from a $29.6 million multistate settlement with Glenmark over alleged generic drug price-fixing and reduced competition, with the rest of South Dakota’s share earmarked for Medicaid reimbursement and the AG’s antitrust fund. Data Privacy & Settlements: South Dakota is also tied to the fallout from the 23andMe genetic data breach, with multiple states moving through bankruptcy-related settlements after the company agreed to a $46.75 million class-action deal, though recovery is capped by the bankruptcy estate. Child Safety Online: Roblox will pay South Dakota nearly $10 million over four years and add age verification plus expanded parental controls as part of a child protection settlement. Local Real Estate & Accountability: Rapid City officials are pressing Florida-based Tzadik Property Management over Star Village and other properties, moving toward demolition of 28 substandard structures and seeking payment of delinquent fees. Sports Complex Governance: Rapid City committees advanced key sports complex measures, including contracts for facility management and architecture/engineering, while residents questioned funding, transparency, and whether contracting was handled fairly. Infrastructure Updates: A new overheight detection system is being installed on both sides of a Pierre train bridge as part of the Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction, with the system expected to be operational soon. Community & Quality of Life: AARP South Dakota awarded $125,800 in Community Challenge grants to nine organizations across the state to support local improvements for older adults and community livability. Business & Growth: Bluepeak said it has passed 500,000 homes and businesses passed across six states, highlighting continued fiber investment in rural and underserved areas. Policy Watch: The U.S. Senate’s next steps on making daylight saving time permanent remain uncertain, with South Dakota Sen. John Thune saying support isn’t clear. Culture & Economy: The T. rex fossil “Gus,” discovered on a South Dakota ranch, sold at Sotheby’s for a record $50.1 million, underscoring the high-stakes dinosaur fossil market.

Rapid City Sports Complex: The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee will weigh a deal to accept a 22.65-acre land donation from Pete Lien & Sons for a new publicly owned sports complex, with construction targeted for completion by end of 2029. Solar Buildout: Work is moving fast on South Dakota’s Grant Solar project near Canistota, a $165 million, 99-MW solar farm expected to generate major local economic impact and tax revenue, despite neighbor opposition and a lawsuit that helped clear the way. Airport Financing: South Dakota lawmakers advanced rules allowing up to $30 million in low-interest housing-fund loans to help finance Rapid City and Sioux Falls airport expansion projects. Consumer Protection (Crypto Kiosks): A new state law taking effect July 1 adds licensing, fee disclosures, transaction limits, fraud warnings, and refund requirements aimed at curbing virtual currency kiosk scams. Data Privacy (23andMe): South Dakota is set to receive about $149,399 from a 23andMe bankruptcy settlement tied to the 2023 genetic data breach, with funds earmarked for consumer protection. Heat & Power Reliability: Arlington’s new load management system faulted at launch, knocking out air conditioning for about 140 households during a heatwave, and the city plans a smaller pilot restart. Fossil Market Shock: A T. rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus,” excavated in South Dakota, sold at Sotheby’s for a record $50.1 million, reigniting debate over whether high auction prices are pricing science out of access.