AGP Executive Report

Local Politics: Mitchell voters approved term limits for mayor and City Council, setting up a reshuffle in 2027 after a 72% yes vote. Runoff Watch: Sioux Falls mayoral politics are heating up as endorsements collide in the runoff, with former candidates backing Jamie Smith and GOP frontrunner Toby Doeden pushing Christine Erickson. Health & Community: A Yankton County Drug & DUI Court graduation is set for June 10, highlighting treatment-court support and recovery work. Arts & Culture: John Kellen brings his “Water is Life” Dakota blessing–tied photography exhibition to Minnesota, spotlighting Indigenous storytelling through art. Sports & Pride: South Dakota Mines joined 605 Day to boost scholarships and expand access for future “hard rockers.” Civic Life: Watertown police are seeking help after a trailer and nine DPS motorcycles were stolen, disrupting rider education efforts. Public Safety & Lifestyle: A fundraiser and silent auction are planned for a Spearfish Marine battling stage four prostate cancer.

Community Giving: Caring For The Kids Car Raffle tickets are now on sale, with a chance to win a new 2026 Subaru Outback Limited benefiting Children’s Home Society. Local Courts: Yankton County Drug & DUI Court will hold a public graduation June 10, highlighting treatment-court success and recovery support. Mentorship Spotlight: United Way & Volunteer Services of Greater Yankton named Janelle Bierle May Volunteer of the Month for her consistent Big Friend Little Friend mentorship. Nature & Education: A Yankton visit from piping plover advocate Chris Allieri feeds a new book project on the threatened shorebird and its conservation story. Health & Family: A Spearfish Marine veteran is hosting a fundraiser and silent auction for stage four prostate cancer medical costs. Kids & Culture: Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park hosts outdoor storytime with hands-on stations and a dinosaur passport this Saturday. Higher Ed Access: South Dakota Mines joins 605 Day to expand scholarship opportunities across the state. Sports: Sioux Falls Jefferson shut out Roosevelt in Class AA softball semifinal action, setting up the next round. Public Safety Learning: BoatUS Foundation’s free, state-approved boating safety course adds South Dakota to its no-cost online options.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: Two former opponents—state Rep. Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller—are backing Jamie Smith for the July runoff, arguing the race should stay focused on character over party. Local Health Watch: South Dakota reported a new measles case in Brookings County, with officials saying there are “no known public exposures” so far. Community Spotlight: Forever 605 Day (June 5) is urging South Dakotans to support local businesses, explore beyond landmarks, honor Indigenous and pioneer culture, and preserve the outdoors. Education & Opportunity: A new free, state-approved BoatUS Foundation boating safety course is now available online in South Dakota and 14 other states. Arts & Pride: Two-Spirit powwows are expanding as spaces for Indigiqueer joy and shared resources, even amid rising attacks on 2SLGBTQ+ rights. Culture Through Sports: Miss South Dakota 2026, Kianna Healy of Hartford, was crowned with thousands in scholarships. Wildlife & Heritage: Archaeology students are digging at Fort Meade’s Soapsuds Row to uncover stories of Army laundresses.

State Fair & Youth Literacy: The South Dakota State Fair is offering free admission passes for its Read & Win program, partnering with schools and public libraries to reward summer reading; registration runs through Aug. 17. Music Culture: The South Dakota Rock & Rollers Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, with an Oct. 24 ceremony and concert in Sioux Falls featuring artists, DJs, production and festival honorees. Sioux Falls Politics (Runoff): The mayor’s race is headed to a runoff between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith, and Smith’s campaign is picking up endorsements from former opponents Greg Jamison and Joe Batcheller. After-School Care Demand: A new report says South Dakota has strong afterschool access rankings, but demand still outpaces supply, leaving about two-thirds of eligible kids without care. Community Arts & Events: Levitt at the Falls reopens for its new season after a major expansion, adding space for more artists and year-round programming. Local Business & Learning: Canistota teens launched an ice cream truck business, turning a craft-and-rummage sale stop into real-world entrepreneurship practice. Sports Spotlight: The Class AA softball state tournament kicked off in Sioux Falls with quarterfinal action and semifinal matchups set for Friday.

Community Spotlight: Manchester’s First Annual Block Party turned a parking lot into a town showcase, with dozens of local businesses, live music, and even a new women’s soccer club mixing South Dakota and beyond. Health Equity: A new report flags South Dakota’s Native American health disparity as among the worst in the nation, with huge gaps in premature deaths and preventable causes. Indigenous History & Arts: “Nine Little Indians,” a documentary about abuse at a South Dakota boarding school, premiered in New York with Native-made regalia and plans for in-state screenings. Public Health Alert: Measles was detected in a child in Brookings County, prompting exposure watch for medical providers. Local Crime & Safety: A Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for attempted online enticement of a minor and child pornography. Culture & Lifestyle: Rapid City’s America250 plans include a five-day lineup ending with a patriotic 5K, plus parade, drone show, fireworks, and family events. Sports: South Dakota girls track saw major record-shuffling, including a new all-time high school girls javelin mark in 2026.

South Dakota Politics: Brown County voters ousted multiple incumbents in the June 2 GOP primary, including Rep. Nick Fosness and Sheriff Dave Lunzman, while other races left the Legislature’s lineup in flux. Governor Runoff: The GOP governor primary is headed to a July 28 runoff between Gov. Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden after no candidate cleared 35%—with turnout and coalition shifts expected to matter. Sioux Falls Civic Life: The mayoral race is also headed to a runoff, with Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith set to campaign hard over the next few weeks. River Recreation & Safety: The Missouri National Recreational River is moving ahead with a multi-agency “Water Trails” plan to boost access and safety for paddlers. Education & Community: USD’s medical school move to Sioux Falls won’t change Yankton’s clinical campus role, officials say. Local Culture & Food: The Scheitler Bakers announced retirement after nearly 10 years running a Le Mars bakery and managing the Farmers Market. Public Safety: A Rapid City crash killed two women, and a Rapid City man was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for online enticement and child pornography. Faith & Healing: Hope, Healing, & Hoof Prints continues its equine ministry work for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Agriculture Spotlight: Nominations are open for a Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year award tied to Dakotafest.

South Dakota Politics: Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden will face off in the state’s first-ever GOP governor runoff after none hit 35% in Tuesday’s primary; Doeden led with about 31%, Rhoden followed near 25%, and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson conceded after finishing third. Local Elections: In Rapid City and Pennington County, voters settled multiple council and commission races, including a tight county auditor GOP primary decided by just over 650 votes. Education & Youth: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers by blending Indigenous traditions with accredited training. Community & Culture: The South Dakota Humanities Council’s One Book South Dakota tour brings author Matthew Davis to seven stops statewide, including Sioux Falls and Rapid City. Health & Safety: A new statewide special education report is now available, while Emily’s Hope’s substance-abuse prevention curriculum is rolling out more broadly in schools. Arts & Learning: BRAHM’s lecture series kicks off with America’s 250th anniversary themes, using art and landscape to trace how identity was shaped.

Women in Business: SD CEO West and SD CEO East are bringing back the 4th Annual “Building Momentum: Women In Business Event” to Chamberlain-Oacoma on June 25 at Cedar Shore Resort, with showcases, keynotes, and a manufacturing-focused panel. Special Education: South Dakota posted annual special education performance reports for 2024-25, detailing how districts are improving outcomes for students with disabilities under IDEA. Rural Health: Avera St. Benedict Health Center in Parkston will host a June 9 regional meeting for rural health leaders, including federal and state offices, to share best practices and tackle rural care challenges. Housing & Community Debate: Yankton Thrive and city partners defended the River City Flats/Whiting Drive area development, saying infrastructure upgrades like Gehl Drive expansion unlock future housing and broaden the tax base. County Budgets: A Yankton County financial task force reviewed a limited 2027 budget increase under state law (3.4%), plus discussion of a possible half-cent sales tax to address deficits. Election Results (Local): In South Dakota’s June 2 GOP primaries, Attorney General Marty Jackley won the U.S. House nomination and Sen. Mike Rounds is projected to secure the Senate nod; the governor race stayed tight enough that a runoff could be needed. Native Plants: SDSU Extension announced free Native Plant Expos across Rapid City, Spearfish, Sioux Falls, and Pierre, featuring themed plant packs and short presentations. Sports & Community Pride: Clark/Willow Lake’s Brynn Roehrich won her third straight “B” girls’ golf title, and O’Gorman’s Ari Jacobs took runner-up in Class AA. Local Events: Rapid City is recruiting volunteers for the America250 “Real America Birthday Bash,” and Huron’s Wheel Jam returns June 4-7 with free admission and family-friendly activities.

Sioux Falls Education Boost: A $1 million Promising Futures Fund gift is expanding a one-on-one college and career advising program from Jefferson High School to all four Sioux Falls public high schools, adding nine advisers to help students navigate options like financial aid, technical school, military service, and work. Rapid City History Spotlight: As Rapid City marks its 150th anniversary, the Rapid City Public Library is highlighting its Historical Collections Room—climate-controlled archives with early photos, scrapbooks, oral histories tied to the 1972 flood, and rare local records available by appointment. Catholic Growth in the Heartland: A new national look at Catholic conversion growth points to surprising strength in rural dioceses, including Rapid City, South Dakota, where conversion rates rose sharply. Indigenous Medical Training Plan: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers by weaving culture and wellbeing into training, supported by a $1 million feasibility grant. Community Faith Life: Swan Lake Christian Camp dedicated a new worship center, drawing churches from across the region for music, prayer, and reflections on shared ministry. Primary Day, South Dakota Context: South Dakotans head to the polls for the June 2 primary, with major attention on the GOP governor race and other statewide and local contests.

South Dakota Primary Countdown: Tuesday’s June 2 election is a big one for culture and community life, with polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and ID required—plus the GOP governor race could trigger a July 28 runoff if no candidate hits 35%. Campaign Culture Clash: Gov. Larry Rhoden is pushing back hard on “malicious” attack ads, calling claims about a property-tax deal “unquestionably false” as the race tightens. AI in Education: The South Dakota Board of Regents laid out a plan to bring AI into public universities—covering governance, curriculum, and AI literacy—aimed at preparing students and staff for a changing workforce. Local Food Security: Rapid City groups are gearing up for summer meals, keeping kids fed through the school break via the Summer Food Service Program and partner organizations. Community Faith Milestone: After 147 years, Tyndall’s United Methodist Church held its final service as dwindling attendance and volunteers led to closure. Student Spotlight: South Dakota Mines recognized 871 students on spring academic honors lists, celebrating strong performance across full- and part-time study.

Abortion Pill Advertising Lawsuit: A New York nonprofit, Mayday Health, and former SD lawmaker Nancy Turbak Berry filed a federal challenge to South Dakota’s new ban on advertising abortion pills, arguing it violates free speech; the law signed by Gov. Larry Rhoden takes effect July 1. South Dakota Politics, Primary Day Looms: With Tuesday’s GOP governor primary and other races, South Dakota voters will also decide the U.S. Senate contest and a Sioux Falls mayoral race, with a possible runoff if no candidate hits 35%. Education & Community: SDSU’s Dairy and Food Science department is launching a new two-year dairy technology degree with tracks in dairy production and dairy products. Local Faith & Schools: The Vatican denied an appeal to keep Sioux Falls’ Christ the King Catholic School open, urging families to move forward. Kids & Summer Programs: Rapid City Public Library kicked off a dinosaur-themed summer reading kickoff, and Rapid City Area Schools begins a summer food service offering free meals for kids. Community Support: Rapid City’s “Bowls of Hope” raised $10,100 to help residents cover utility bills through St. Vincent de Paul. Arts & Pageantry: Kianna Healy of Hartford won Miss South Dakota 2026 in Brookings, with multiple scholarship awards going to top finalists.

Community Reading & Youth Programs: Rapid City Public Library kicked off its dinosaur-themed summer reading with fossil “excavation” stations, prizes, and Black Hills Institute presentations, plus reading logs tied to America’s 250 challenge. Local Philanthropy: Bowls of Hope in Rapid City raised $10,100 to help residents cover utility bills through St. Vincent de Paul, with city contingency funds matching donations. School Community Loss: Sioux Falls Memorial Middle School announced Principal Demi Moon died after a cancer battle, with staff offering family support resources. Books for Kids in Need: Readiatrics’ 2026 children’s book drive wraps June 1 at the South Dakota Department of Health in Rapid City, supporting kids across western SD. Food Security: Rapid City Area Schools’ Summer Food Service starts June 1, offering free meals for kids and added lunch support for adults via community partners. Civic Infrastructure: Mitchell City Council will consider a FEMA-linked engineering agreement for a backup-generator project, aiming to keep sewage pumping during outages. Statewide Culture & Identity: A look at iconic movies shot in South Dakota highlights how films like “Dances With Wolves” and “Thunderheart” used local landscapes and Indigenous stories. Sports Spotlight: The South Dakota state track and field meet delivered standout performances and relay wins across classes, from Freeman’s relay surge to multiple individual state-record moments.

Pageant Spotlight: Kianna Healy of Hartford was crowned Miss South Dakota 2026 in Brookings, with Amelie Wilcox of Rapid City as first runner-up and Sydney Morgan of Hot Springs taking second runner-up. Indigenous Health: A proposed Indigenous School of Medicine in Rapid City aims to boost Native physician numbers, blending culture and wellbeing into training with a goal of starting enrollment around 2030. Youth & Faith in the Community: Newly ordained priests were celebrated at the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ 175th anniversary Mass, with six men taking the next step in ministry. Sports Culture: South Dakota’s state track and field meet wrapped up at Howard Wood Field in Sioux Falls, featuring standout performances and relay wins across Class A and B. After-School Reality Check: A new report from the South Dakota Child Care Task Force and the South Dakota Afterschool Network says demand for out-of-school time care far outpaces supply, with cost, transportation, and location as top barriers. Land & Stewardship: The U.S. Forest Service and South Dakota DANR signed a five-year shared stewardship agreement to strengthen forests, grasslands, and wildfire resilience.

Miss South Dakota: Brookings hosts a record 27 contestants for the Miss South Dakota title this weekend, with more than $65,000 in scholarships and awards up for grabs and the winner advancing to Miss America in late August. State Arts & America 250: The South Dakota Arts Council awarded six $5,000 America 250 Community Arts grants, backing community programming that uses the arts to share local stories and history through Sept. 30. Native boarding school documentary: “Nine Little Indians,” about abuse experienced by the Charbonneau sisters at a South Dakota boarding school, premiered in New York with Native-made regalia and plans for screenings later this year. Corrections reform debate: A new men’s prison is breaking ground, but advocates argue South Dakota needs a deeper culture shift in how incarceration prepares people for life after release. Online child safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to reject the House version of the KIDS Internet and Digital Safety Act, backing the Senate approach that preserves state authority. Local community care: Vermillion cut the ribbon on a sensory garden at the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center, designed to reduce stress and anxiety for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and open to the wider community. Sports spotlight: South Dakota track and field delivered record moments, including Luke Mentele’s Class B 800m win and multiple meet-record performances across classes.

High School Sports Spotlight: Dakota Valley’s Claire Munch nailed the Class A girls’ triple jump title at Howard Wood Field, then set her sights on long jump next. Track & Field Results: Gayville-Volin’s Nate Selchert earned runner-up in Class B boys’ shot put, while USD’s Jaden Damiano and Landon Olson wrapped NCAA West first-round action with three Coyote qualifiers headed to Eugene. Arts & Community: The South Dakota Arts Council awarded six $5,000 America 250 Community Arts grants, and Southeast South Dakota Tourism’s 2026 Tourism Summit in Mitchell focused on connection, education, and innovation. Native Culture on a Big Stage: “Nine Little Indians,” a documentary on South Dakota Native boarding school abuse, premiered in New York with Native-made regalia and plans for local screenings later this year. Local Quality of Life: Vermillion opened a sensory garden at the Southeast South Dakota Activity Center to help reduce stress and anxiety for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Civic Life Ahead of June 2: South Dakota’s primary election is Tuesday, with competitive GOP legislative races and local candidate profiles spotlighting issues like childcare, housing, and infrastructure. Online Safety & Policy: AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition urging Congress to reject the House KIDS Act version, backing a Senate approach that preserves states’ authority.

After-School Care Crunch: A new South Dakota Afterschool Network report says about 40,000 school-age kids lack regular out-of-school care, forcing parents to miss work and often driving 30–60 miles for supervision. America 250 Arts Grants: The South Dakota Arts Council awarded six $5,000 grants for America 250 projects, including free concerts, storytelling, and community events across Sioux Falls, Yankton, Watertown, Aberdeen, and more. Governor Primary Spotlight: GOP legislative primaries are heating up as voters weigh “Reagan vs. Trump” style politics, while profiles and polling keep attention on candidates like Dusty Johnson, Toby Doeden, and Jon Hansen ahead of the June 2 primary. Native Voting Rights Fight: Native communities are bracing for fallout after a U.S. Supreme Court voting-rights decision, warning that redistricting could further block Indigenous access to the ballot. Motorcycle Safety Upgrade: A new motorcycle training range opened in Sioux Falls, expanding hands-on rider education and offering training that can waive DMV tests. Local Civic Media: In Vermillion, South Dakota News Watch CEO Carson Walker and USD’s Julia Hellwege discussed finding trusted news and rising news avoidance ahead of the primary. Community Honors: The South Dakota Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductee class, with an honors ceremony set for Sept. 11–12.