AGP Executive Report

Education & Youth: Rapid City high school athletes got a character-focused boost from MLB sports agent Mark Leinweaver, while Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation handed out $250 classroom grants to 63 first-time teachers. Community & Family Life: Rapid City’s “Youth Ride Free” returns for its 11th season, with free parent-and-child orientation rides Aug. 17–28 to prep for the school commute. Higher Ed & Workforce: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is backing a new Center for National Defense with a proposed $1M investment, aiming to funnel students into defense and cybersecurity careers. Legal & Digital Safety: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley says a coalition is ready for the federal Meta trial over addictive features aimed at kids. Culture & Outdoors: Friends of the Missouri National Recreational River are inviting families to National Park Week (Aug. 22–30) with hikes, kayaking, yoga, and cleanups in Yankton and Vermillion. Sports: South Dakota Power 5 preseason football rankings are out, and SDSU move-in weekend kicks off Aug. 21. Local Spotlight: YMCA of the Black Hills is promoting Make-A-Will Month with a FreeWill partnership to help residents plan for families and causes.

Back-to-school support: Sioux Falls Public Schools Education Foundation is handing out 63 first-time teacher grants—$250 each—to help new educators cover classroom basics they often pay for out of pocket. Community care: Hungry Hearts is hosting a free Aug. 22 back-to-school party for middle schoolers in Sioux Falls, with backpacks, supplies, and limited shoes plus food and activities. Online safety in court: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley says a bipartisan coalition is set to present its case against Meta over addictive features and alleged harm to kids, with the trial expected to last weeks. Sturgis crackdown: South Dakota’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested six men during a Sturgis sting targeting alleged child exploitation, including charges of solicitation and attempted sex crimes with minors. Local culture & history: Wessington Springs honored Kathy Dean for 37 years at the Shakespeare Garden, and a South Dakota teacher’s 1917 role as an early women park ranger is getting renewed attention. Education & workforce: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing, and the Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for tech upgrades and cyber security.

College Sports & Community: South Dakota women’s soccer battled Nebraska to a 1-1 draw in Lincoln, with freshman Kinsley Pesicka scoring in the 42nd minute and goalkeeper Cambell Fischer making eight saves to hold on. Local Sports (Vermillion): USD football is ramping up for the season opener with a full-contact live scrimmage at the DakotaDome, as coaches sort out depth-chart battles and tighten up an offense that’s still “sloppy” at times. Public Health & Safety: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for university technology upgrades, including AI infrastructure, cybersecurity, and replacing aging equipment. Faith & Family Support: Walk to Remember returned to Alexandria for its fourth annual event, offering a space for grieving parents and marking Healing Hope Ministries’ 10th anniversary. Culture & Lifestyle: Highmore’s third annual Highmore Sunflower Festival is drawing visitors to celebrate the prairie’s sunflower fields and rural creativity. Politics & Tech: AI super PAC money is pouring into state elections, with South Dakota listed among the targets. Sports (Sioux Falls): Debra Yackley won the women’s half marathon at Popsicle 5K/10K/Half in Sioux Falls.

Kids & Community: Toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1–4) raced Strider balance bikes at the Box Elder Event Center, with organizers stressing confidence and balance over pure competition. Higher Ed Tech: South Dakota Board of Regents is seeking nearly $25 million for university technology upgrades, including cybersecurity, equipment replacement, and AI-ready infrastructure. Public Health Watch: Bedbug infestations are rising nationwide, and some researchers warn they may spread antibiotic-resistant infections like MRSA—so expect more focus on prevention and early action. Local Safety: A deadly shooting in Wagner is under investigation; authorities say the suspect, James Perdue, remains armed and at large. Culture & Heritage: Inside the Crazy Horse Memorial, the massive mountain sculpture is still taking shape—new details show how the work continues decades after it began. Faith & Service: A Surgite Eamus Mass & Dinner raised over $57,000 for seminarian education and formation in western South Dakota. Sports & Events: Sturgis welcomed an “America 250” custom-painted trike unveiled in Menno, tying local art to the national bicentennial-style celebration.

Higher Ed Tech Funding: South Dakota Board of Regents is asking lawmakers for nearly $25 million to modernize public university tech, including $20 million for a Future Ready Technology Initiative aimed at upgrades, cybersecurity, and expanding AI use across campuses. Local Politics & Civic Life: Democrats are dropping out of deep-red Senate races in states including South Dakota to clear the way for independents, a strategy meant to pull crossover voters—though it’s already met resistance within the party. Public Health & Home Life: Bedbug infestations are rising, and some researchers warn they may be linked to harder-to-treat infections like MRSA, adding urgency to prevention and early action. Arts, Culture & Community: A custom “America 250” trike debuted in Sturgis, bringing southeast South Dakota’s Menno into the spotlight with patriotic artwork and a stop planned back in the state. Faith & Service: The Surgite Eamus Mass & Dinner in western South Dakota raised more than $57,000 to support seminarian education and formation. Outdoor Family Fun: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, pairing grasslands education with a last-summer outdoor outing for budget-conscious families.

Catholic Community & Vocation: Western South Dakota’s Surgite Eamus Mass & Dinner drew 130+ guests and raised over $57,000 for seminarian education, with Bishop Scott Bullock and clergy sharing reflections on priestly vocations. Health & Family Life: A national map flags South Dakota among the states with the highest childhood tooth decay rates (15.2%), underscoring how uneven access to care can hit kids hardest. Public Health Alert: Bedbugs are surging again, and some researchers warn they may pose more than just itchy bites, including possible links to antibiotic-resistant infections. Local Education & Workforce: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18M James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, aiming to expand training for welders and machinists by fall 2028. Community Outdoors: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, pairing grasslands education with a last-summer outdoor outing for families. Culture & Tradition: Turner County Fair will feature South Dakota’s oldest flag for one day next week, plus patriotic barn quilts across the grounds. Faith on a National Stage: Pope Leo XIV urged U.S. women religious to foster vocations, calling it vital amid a “growing hunger for God.”

Hospital Food, Healthier Plates: HHS says Corewell Health, Houston Methodist, and Sanford Health have signed on to the “Make Hospital Food Healthier Pledge,” aiming to align inpatient meals with the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines and support nutrition education through discharge. Workforce & Career Pathways: Southeast Technical College broke ground on the $18M James Abdnor Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Sioux Falls, slated to open in fall 2028 and train welders and machinists with state, federal, and private funding. Community Transit for Families: Rapid Transit’s Youth Ride Free orientation rides run Aug. 17–28 in Rapid City, letting parents preview routes and drivers before kids ride solo. Outdoor Fun With a Purpose: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, pairing family-friendly grasslands activities with a message about protecting South Dakota’s disappearing prairie. Local Traditions: Turner County Fair (Aug. 17–20) will feature South Dakota’s oldest U.S. flag for one day, plus patriotic barn quilts around the grounds. Sports & Culture Calendar: Strider Cup Indoor Championship brings toddlers on two wheels to Box Elder this weekend. Public Health Watch: A measles map shows cases spiking again as vaccine guidance shifts nationally, raising concern about immunity gaps.

Food Safety Watch: South Dakota health officials say they’re taking the cyclosporiasis outbreak seriously as cases continue nationwide, with the CDC linking many illnesses to shredded lettuce. Religious Life: LCWR’s outgoing president, Sister Vicky Larson of the Presentation Sisters of South Dakota, told an Orlando assembly that religious communities should “listen” and weave many charisms together like a symphony. Local Courts & Community Safety: A Mitchell baseball hazing case is now tied to a new civil rights lawsuit alleging malicious prosecution, naming Pennington County and State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel. Public Meetings: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced an Advisory Task Force on South Dakota’s Open Meetings Laws will meet Monday in Pierre. Youth & Education: Sioux Falls teachers’ out-of-pocket classroom spending is back in focus as districts juggle budgets, staffing, and funding gaps. Health Policy: Massachusetts’ emergency order cracking down on kratom products is part of a wider national push as states respond to risks from largely unregulated sales. Sports & Youth Programs: Sanford Sports Academy says it’s delivered 20+ free camps and clinics since 2025, reaching more than 3,000 kids. Community Culture: Pearl Patrol volunteers marked their first month with dozens of neighborhood walks aimed at livability and safety.

Women’s Golf: South Dakota’s Coyotes released their 2026-27 schedule with 10 tournaments total, starting Sept. 8-9 in Fargo and wrapping spring play in March at the Stetson-hosted Babs Steffens Invitational in Palm Desert. Community & Education: Vermillion’s special education open enrollment is now at capacity for 2026-27, with district leaders pointing to staffing and support needs for students on IEPs. Health Care: Avera hospitals earned American Heart Association “Get With The Guidelines” stroke quality awards, including multiple GOLD PLUS and Rural SILVER recognitions. Food Security: Yankton School District’s summer grab-and-go program distributed 9,600+ bags and 68,046 meals, with 4,253 gallons of milk delivered. Local Governance: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley’s Advisory Task Force on Open Meetings Laws meets Monday, Aug. 17, in Pierre and online. Culture & Tradition: The Crazy Horse Memorial story continues to draw national attention as construction focuses on the horse’s head and the vision to preserve Lakota culture. Sports Legacy: Dakota Wesleyan announced its 2026 Tiger Hall of Fame class, honoring a historic 1992 football team plus standout athletes. Rural Outreach: SDSU Extension added a new livestock production and stewardship field specialist and is hosting a free Sept. 1 webinar on end-of-life planning and local volunteer training.

Child Care Costs: A new ConsumerAffairs analysis says families need about $205,000 a year to afford full-time toddler care at the federal 7% benchmark—more than double the 2024 median family income—pushing some parents to cut spending, have fewer kids, or leave the workforce. Native Culture & Community: Levitt at the Falls is bringing back its All My Relatives festival in Sioux Falls on Aug. 29, with music, speakers, art, vendors, and family activities celebrating Native excellence. Youth Mental Health & Tech: South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says jury selection is underway in a 33-state federal lawsuit against Meta over children’s online privacy and addictive design. Local Education Support: Children’s Home Society of South Dakota is opening a therapeutic day school in Aberdeen for ages 4–14, aiming to help students return to their home schools with blended academics, special education, and therapy. Health & Safety Regulation: Massachusetts issued an emergency order cracking down on kratom sales, citing FDA warnings about serious adverse effects. Sports & Scholarships: Sanford International will debut “Folds of Honor Friday” on Sept. 11 to raise scholarships for military and first responder families in Sioux Falls. Ag Education Spotlight: Nationwide’s Golden Owl Award recognized top agricultural educators, including Dave VanderWal of De Smet High School. Motorcycle Culture for a Cause: Hamsters USA raised $385,600 for LifeScape’s Rapid City clinic, supporting more than 1,600 kids across West River South Dakota. Open Meetings Watch: AG Jackley’s advisory task force on South Dakota’s Open Meetings Laws meets Monday, Aug. 17 in Pierre.

Youth Safety in Court: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a coalition of states in jury selection for a federal lawsuit against Meta over alleged Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act violations and addictive design features aimed at kids and teens. Local Education Recognition: Yankton School Board vice president Kathy Greeneway earned the 2026 Outstanding School Board Member honor from the Associated School Boards of South Dakota. Childcare Costs: South Dakota officials are responding to backlash after new Child Care Assistance subsidy rates switched payments from hourly to weekly, leaving some families facing big bill jumps. Community History & Family Fun: Canton Civil War Days returns Aug. 15-16 with reenactors, artillery, and hands-on 1860s camp life. Ag Literacy for Kids: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Fed Cattle Challenge Program is boosting student ag knowledge through hands-on cattle “ownership” and monthly updates. Sports Spotlight: USD opened its season with a 4-0 win over Northern Iowa, while the Protect College Sports Act remains unsettled as the Senate adjourns. Driver’s Ed Access: Custer School District families can join a waitlist for a spring driver’s education course.

Veterans & Community Remembrance: The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica is set to stop in Newcastle Aug. 13–17, with a 253-foot memorial bearing names of more than 58,000 service members and local honorees Robert Shuck and Steven Boal. Education & Tech: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is pushing to expand artificial intelligence offerings at public universities, while Attorney General Marty Jackley says jury selection begins today in the 33-state federal lawsuit against Meta over children’s data and addictive design. Local Schools & Learning: The Trump administration is granting waivers that let states consolidate federal education funds, and South Dakota is among those using the flexibility for statewide literacy and math efforts. Higher Ed Spotlight: WalletHub ranks Mitchell Technical College among the nation’s top community colleges, boosting South Dakota’s reputation for affordable education. Faith & Vocations: Pope Leo XIV urged U.S. sisters to foster religious vocations, calling the work vital amid a “growing hunger for God.” Sports & Youth: Edmunds Central FCCLA students head to national leadership after representing South Dakota at the 2026 FCCLA National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Health & Rural Care: Rural South Dakotans are wary of AI being pitched as a healthcare fix, especially for personal care and mental health access. Culture & Lifestyle: Indian Motorcycle unveiled a limited-run Chief Vintage Sturgis Edition tied to the rally’s 1938 roots, with 125 units worldwide.

Mining Education Boost: President Trump announced $180M in federal grants for mining schools, including $25M for South Dakota Mines to build a Critical Minerals Merit Scholars Consortium and expand workforce training. Workforce & Youth Support: Sanford Health expanded adolescent mental health therapy in Chamberlain with on-site school programming, aiming to reduce barriers and help teens learn coping skills. Child Care Strain: Foster families in Sioux Falls are questioning South Dakota’s Child Care Assistance changes after payments shifted from hourly to weekly, with some worried about out-of-pocket costs; the state says it will cover fully. Community Arts & Culture: Rapid City’s Dahl Arts Center continues to spotlight local talent through the Dahl Emerging Performing Artists open mic. State Fair Fundraising: The South Dakota State Fair Foundation launched “Hog Wild for a Better Barn” to raise $240,000 for 450 new swine pens, with matching challenges from pork producers. Local Life & Safety: Pierre’s Euclid Ave/Highway 1889 reconstruction will shift the pedestrian path and add school-crossing plans as work continues. Faith & Community: Zion Lutheran Church in Concordia installed its first dedicated pastor, Joshua Cody.

Community Spotlight: Hull’s new economic development director Keaton Van Roekel is betting on hometown pride—using his own memories of rec programs, golf, and biking with friends to help “the next generation” grow where he grew up. Local Sports & Youth: Rapid City opened registration for fall youth and adult flag football leagues, with games starting in early September at Omaha Street fields. Education & Testing: Madison Central is ramping up ACT prep as South Dakota shifts juniors to the ACT statewide, adding more ACT-style questions and practice opportunities. Higher Ed & Workforce: South Dakota Mines is set to receive $25 million to expand mining education and workforce development through a Critical Minerals Merit Scholars Consortium. Health & Community Care: Sturgis Medicaid spending for ambulance and other transport services jumped to $3,044 in 2024, up sharply from 2023. Arts & Culture: A quilt-inspired public art installation was unveiled in downtown Rock Springs, tying local quilters to the Railside Arts & Culture District. Civic Life: Sioux Falls teacher hiring is nearly done—145 new teachers added, with only a handful of teaching roles still open, while special education remains the hardest to staff.

Mining Education Boost: Trump’s administration is pouring $180M into U.S. mining colleges, including $80M tied to the South Dakota School of Mines, aiming to grow the domestic mining workforce and cut reliance on foreign supply chains. Rural Healthcare: Horizon Health highlights how rural South Dakota clinics, transportation help, and chronic care programs keep treatment “close to home.” Sioux Falls Community Safety: Police are investigating a downtown crowd fight that included a gunshot and left one man injured, plus a separate Sioux Falls kidnapping case with alleged weeklong captivity. STEM for Kids: Tea and Sioux Falls-area students are getting hands-on learning—backpacks for Tea kids heading back to school, and “drone soccer” camp for middle schoolers. Education Wins in Yankton: South Dakota students took national student art honors, and Yankton leaders are being celebrated for superintendent and school board service. Local Giving: A Rapid City blessing box was smashed, but owners say the community impact will continue.

GLP-1 Access in Rural SD: A temporary federal program lets eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries pay a flat $50 per month for GLP-1s through Dec. 2027, but rural South Dakotans still face hurdles getting prescriptions and affording care. Education & Tech: South Dakota’s Board of Regents is expanding AI-focused degree programs at Dakota State and South Dakota State, aiming to build “responsible AI” skills while critics worry about academic honesty. Sturgis Culture & Community: The Sturgis Buffalo Chip rolls out daily events for the 86th Rally, and Meade County’s annual Law Enforcement Appreciation BBQ raises money for Meade County Cares. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police say a downtown shooting followed a massive brawl; an Iowa man was arrested after a handgun was reportedly tossed from a vehicle. Military Tuition Boost: Black Hills State University expands reduced military tuition rates to more Ellsworth AFB-connected spouses and dependents, plus War Department civilian employees at Camp Rapid. Health & Lifestyle: Sioux Falls Medicaid spending for enteral and parenteral therapy hit $743,203 in 2024, up 7.7% from 2023. Arts & Reading: “Babylon, South Dakota” by Tom Lin lands in the spotlight in a local radio book feature. Indigenous Food Sovereignty: A Ho-Chunk chef shared how small shifts toward traditional ingredients can improve health at a Milwaukee Indian Health Center fair.