AGP Executive Report

Defense & Economic Development: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a $1 million state investment to help fund a Rapid City defense cluster, with Northrop Grumman as the anchor tenant in an $18 million Innovation District office building. Public Safety: Rapid City police and explosives teams responded to a bomb threat at Rapid City Monument Hospital; officials say the response is ongoing and patient safety is the top priority. Energy Costs: Farmers and lawmakers are pushing for diesel export limits as record-high fuel prices squeeze harvest budgets; South Dakota’s diesel prices are also climbing in recent GasBuddy reports. Elections & Voting Rights: A new debate over election integrity and voting access continues as South Dakota’s proof-of-citizenship system and “federal-only” voter rules face scrutiny. Sports Policy: AG Marty Jackley joined a 14-state coalition urging Congress to preserve women’s college sports protections in the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. EMS Funding: An interim task force says South Dakota still needs a long-term plan for emergency medical services, with final recommendations due ahead of the 2027 legislative session. Corrections: The Department of Corrections issued notice that high-risk inmate Joseph Cook will be released Sept. 25 to Rapid City after completing his sentence. Courts: South Dakota Supreme Court Chief Justice Steven Jensen invited the public to attend the Oct. 7-8 traveling session at USD Knudson School of Law in Vermillion.

Local Elections: Dayton voters head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, choosing a mayor and two council seats; incumbents Dennis Fisher and Anthony Albright are in the mayor race, while council candidates include incumbents David Fashant and Scott Salonek plus Alyssa Senescall and Luke Senst. Public Safety & Courts: South Dakota’s Commission on Indigent Legal Services heard a proposal that could cost up to $697,000 a year to expand the state public defender’s office into trial-level cases. EMS Funding: An interim task force says real EMS funding answers are still years away, with discussion focused on regionalizing ambulance services and the need for an advisory council to keep the work moving. Corrections: The Department of Corrections issued a public notice that high-risk inmate Joseph Cook will be released Sept. 25 in Rapid City, with no parole supervision. Defense & Economic Development: Gov. Rhoden announced $1 million for a Rapid City national security and defense hub anchored by Northrop Grumman, tied to the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Elections Access: Advance voting began Sept. 18 for the Nov. 3 general election, with registration due Oct. 19. Rapid City Governance: The city reminded residents how to report graffiti through its online system as crews work to clean up vandalism.

Elections & Voting Access: South Dakota’s 2026 absentee voting is underway since Sept. 18, with the state urging voters to request ballots early and return them with enough time for mail delivery. U.S. Senate Race: In a contrast of priorities, Mike Rounds says the Iran war is justified by the threat of a near-nuclear Iran, while independent Brian Bengs calls the conflict “unnecessary,” and they also clash on AI’s role and costs. Postal Service: The USPS says a Sioux Falls processing upgrade starting Jan. 1 will make South Dakota mail travel faster, cutting delivery time by one to two days for some letters. Defense & Economic Development: Rapid City is set to expand its Innovation District with an $18 million investment tied to a permanent Northrop Grumman presence supporting the B-21 mission at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Courts & Legal Aid: The Commission on Equal Access to Our Courts will meet Sept. 30 to review intake processes and grant actions for nonprofit legal services. Local Government: Rapid City’s library leadership is changing as longtime director Terri Davis departs; assistant director Sean Minkel will oversee day-to-day operations while a search process begins. Public Safety & Water: A Rapid City-area lawn watering slowdown is being discussed as some wells are producing less than normal, and a Marshall County crash closed SD Hwy 10 at SD Hwy 27 for responders.

Postal Service Delivery: USPS says a Sioux Falls processing upgrade starting Jan. 1 will make South Dakota mail faster, cutting some letters’ travel time by 1–2 days, after years of complaints and Sen. Mike Rounds’ “1,800-mile” test. Elections & Voting Access: Early voting is underway with local advocacy groups holding info sessions and rallies in Sioux Falls, including guidance on voting changes and bullet voting. Statehouse Politics: Outgoing GOP Secretary of State Monae Johnson is endorsing Democrat Terrence Davis for her successor role, a rare cross-party move that’s already drawing scrutiny. Public Safety & Courts: Rapid City is moving ahead with legal action against Tzadik Management over more than $500,000 in unpaid utility bills, while Lake County upheld zoning violations that effectively shut down a Junius scrapyard. Health & Research: Avera, SDSU, and USD Sanford Medicine are partnering on a statewide clinical research center with an $11M NIH award, and DSU received $1M for a statewide healthcare cybersecurity help program. Agriculture & Environment: Interior is expanding a Prairie Pothole Wetland easement review program with extra focus on older North Dakota deals, and drought coverage shows most of South Dakota is in some level of drought stress. Trade & International: State Rep. Trish Ladner is in Taiwan with a legislative delegation focused on South Dakota agriculture exports and cybersecurity. Community Notes: Salvation Army “Shop with a Cop” helped Pine Ridge-area kids get back-to-school essentials, and Custer State Park’s Buffalo Roundup returns Friday.

Medicaid Drug Costs: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota could save about $750,000 a year under a new federal GENEROUS Medicaid drug pricing model, with the state identifying initial qualifying medications. Elections & Voting Access: South Dakota election officials urge voters not to wait on absentee ballots, stressing registration steps and mail timing; meanwhile, the state’s top elections official, Monae Johnson, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for secretary of state—breaking with her party. U.S. Supreme Court Fight Over Voter Rules: AG Steve Marshall joined a 26-state brief asking the court to restore states’ authority over voter qualifications and voter-roll maintenance. Public Safety: DCI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wagner; Pennington County Treatment Courts announced four upcoming graduation ceremonies. Local Government & Infrastructure: Fort Pierre approved boring a new water main beneath the Bad River; USPS plans to upgrade the Sioux Falls plant into a Regional Processing and Distribution Center starting Jan. 1, 2027. Campaign Trail & Cost of Living: Diesel and gas prices remain a political pressure point, while Rounds and independent challenger Brian Bengs laid out Senate priorities ahead of November. Courts: A judge denied a defense bid to remove the death penalty in the Hoek case.

Open Meetings Watch: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced an Open Meeting Law advisory task force meeting Sept. 24 in Pierre to consider possible changes to South Dakota’s open meetings rules. Elections & Integrity: South Dakota’s Republican secretary of state, Monae Johnson, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for her successor role, saying the office’s “integrity, stability, and professionalism” are at stake. Public Safety: DCI is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Wagner; a suspect, Travis James Six Toes Jr., faces aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer after the officer fired but did not hit him. Local Government: Mitchell City Council approved a runoff process for crowded races, while Mayor Jordan Hanson vowed to veto it. Press Freedom Clash: Gov. Larry Rhoden backed Trump’s stance that “the president can make his own decisions” after Trump banned CNN, Politico, and MS Now from the White House. Voting Logistics: A reminder for South Dakotans on mail-in/absentee deadlines and the need to return ballots by Election Day at 7 p.m. Veterans: Veteran Buddy Check Week urges communities to reach out to veterans, citing suicide risk and the importance of connection. Higher Ed: South Dakota’s public university system saw a slight enrollment dip under 1%, while Northern State University hit its highest enrollment on record.

Diesel Export Ban Talk: U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune says he’s “open to exploring” a diesel export ban as prices top $6 a gallon, while Interior Secretary Doug Burgum has said an export ban would only be considered if it clearly lowers costs. Election Administration: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her—an unusual break with party lines that sets up a high-stakes transition in the top elections job. Open Meetings Oversight: Attorney General Jackley announced an Open Meetings Laws advisory task force meeting Thursday, Sept. 24, in Pierre, aimed at possible changes to South Dakota’s transparency rules. Voter Access Fight: A judge denied the League of Women Voters’ request for a preliminary injunction over South Dakota’s proof-of-citizenship registration requirement, after errors in a form letter were corrected. Public Safety & Courts: Northern Hills Drug Court will hold a graduation Sept. 29 in Sturgis. Local Government: Custer County lifted its countywide burn ban, though federal and state wildland fire restrictions remain. Food Security: A new South Dakota food landscape assessment finds 1 in 8 residents—and 1 in 5 children—face limited or uncertain access to enough food.

Election Administration: South Dakota’s Republican secretary of state, Monae Johnson, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her after losing the GOP nomination—praising his law-enforcement and public-policy background and criticizing GOP election tactics. Voting Access: Advance voting has begun for the Nov. 3 general election, with ID required and options including in-person voting at county auditor sites and mail/absentee requests. Voting Rights: The ACLU of South Dakota held a “Know Your Voting Rights” training in Sioux Falls, warning voters about confusion tied to the state’s proof-of-citizenship requirements and the “Save Act” rules. Constitutional/Election Policy: A ballot measure about who controls elections is in the mix as the state heads deeper into the campaign season. Local Government: Rapid City’s Common Council voted to hire outside counsel to pursue collection lawsuits against a property management company over unpaid water and sewer bills. Wildfire/Regulation: Custer County rescinded its countywide burn ban, while other wildland fire restrictions remain in effect.

Election Integrity Push: A conservative “SAVE Act” style fight is moving state-by-state as the U.S. Senate stalls, with South Dakota among the states advancing proof-of-citizenship and voter ID requirements. Voting Rights Court Fight: A federal judge denied a voting group’s emergency bid after South Dakota updated its proof-of-citizenship voter notices, though advocates say confusion still lingers. Secretary of State Shakeup: South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson, a Republican, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her—crossing party lines in a bid to protect the office. Early Voting Countdown: With Election Day 44 days away, early in-person voting is underway in South Dakota and other states, as control of Congress remains the big national stakes. Local Government: Rapid City authorized outside counsel to sue a property manager over unpaid water and sewer bills. Wildfire Watch: Custer County lifted its countywide burn ban, while other restrictions remain in effect. Medicaid Drug Pricing: Gov. Larry Rhoden joined Trump’s announcement that most-favored-nation Medicaid drug pricing is now available in all 50 states. Military & Community: Northeast South Dakota Vietnam War service members’ anniversaries were observed, and a Mitchell National Guard unit returned home from Germany.

Secretary of State shakeup: South Dakota’s incumbent GOP Secretary of State Monae Johnson endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her, a rare cross-party move after Johnson lost the GOP nomination this summer. Voting rights and election rules: As early voting ramps up, the ACLU of South Dakota held a “Know Your Voting Rights” event in Sioux Falls, pointing to confusion around the state’s proof-of-citizenship requirements; a federal judge also denied a voting-rights group’s bid to block parts of SB175 after South Dakota updated voter notices. Constitutional amendments on the ballot: Commentary and reporting highlight Amendment J’s push to bar non-citizens from voting in state and local elections, while Amendment I’s Medicaid language is drawing scrutiny for how it could automatically end expansion if federal funding drops. Local government and public services: Rapid City authorized outside counsel to pursue lawsuits to collect unpaid water and sewer bills tied to Tzadik Management. Wildfire policy: Custer County lifted its countywide burn ban, though other restrictions remain in effect. State politics and campaigns: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers pitched West River voters on bipartisan, moderate governance.

Election Law & Voting Rights: A federal judge denied a bid to block South Dakota’s proof-of-citizenship system after the state revised voter notices, leaving the “federal-only voter” dispute still in the spotlight. Constitutional Amendments: Amendment J would ban non-citizens from voting in South Dakota state and local elections, while Amendment I on Medicaid expansion is drawing confusion over whether it would automatically end coverage if federal funding drops. State Politics: Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Ahlers pitched Rapid City voters on bipartisan coalitions and working with a Republican supermajority. Top Election Official: South Dakota’s secretary of state endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis for her seat successor, underscoring party tensions heading into the midterms. Health Care & Trump: Gov. Larry Rhoden joined Trump’s push for “most-favored-nation” Medicaid drug pricing in all 50 states, framed as a cost-saver before Election Day. Rural Economy: Record diesel prices are squeezing South Dakota farmers’ harvest budgets, with higher fuel costs threatening food prices. Local Development: Grand Forks officials toured Sioux Falls riverside projects, looking for ideas for redeveloping a former water treatment site.

Medicaid fight in Pierre: South Dakota’s Nov. 3 Amendment I is sparking voter confusion after AG Marty Jackley says it could automatically end expanded Medicaid if federal funding falls below 90%, contradicting lawmakers’ claims it only gives them authority. Drug pricing push: Gov. Larry Rhoden joined President Trump for the “GENEROUS” most-favored-nation Medicaid drug pricing model, with South Dakota estimating up to $750,000 a year in savings; Trump also announced all 50 states are joining. Elections & voting access: Early voting is underway for the 2026 midterms, with South Dakota voters able to cast absentee ballots in person; the broader national fight includes mail-voting rules and court challenges. Farm bill momentum: South Dakota Farmers Union leaders are in Washington advocating for a modernized Farm Bill, while Senate Ag action continues to move the measure forward. Rural policy pressure: Counties are debating proposed CAFOs, and rural communities are also dealing with broader cost pressures like record diesel prices hitting harvest. Public safety & local government: A shots-fired investigation is active in Eagle Butte; Pierre advanced e-bike/PEV ordinance work; and Custer County lifted its burn ban while other restrictions remain. Community news: Sioux Falls-based Promising Futures is expanding to Rapid City, and Rapid City’s diaper drive deadline is approaching.

Election Countdown: Early voting kicks off for the Nov. 3 midterms, with Virginia starting in-person early voting and South Dakota joining Idaho and Minnesota for in-person absentee voting—about six weeks to decide control of Congress. Medicaid Ballot Fight: South Dakota’s Amendment I debate is getting sharper as Attorney General Marty Jackley says the measure would automatically end Medicaid expansion if federal funding drops below 90%, even as lawmakers argue it only gives them authority to consider changes. Consumer Protection: DC and 40 states, including South Dakota’s AG office in a related multistate effort, reached a $694 million settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance over loans set up to fail, with restitution and penalties required. Tribal Voting & Access: Native voting groups warn of rising barriers and voter suppression tactics, training election observers for reservations and pushing for stronger protections. South Dakota Education: Harrisburg teacher Christina Berger was named South Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Energy & Sovereignty: The Indigenous Power & Light Fund says it has deployed $4.7M into 17 Tribal-led clean energy projects across nine states, catalyzing more than $200M. Public Safety: A federal judge sentenced a Mason City man to 322 months for meth trafficking and firearm convictions tied to trips between Des Moines and Pierre.

Election Access: South Dakota absentee voting opens Friday, Sept. 18, with in-person options at county auditor offices and advance voting sites; voters must be registered and show acceptable ID under the state’s SAVE Act. Local Tax Relief: Yankton County approved a 0.25% sales tax starting July 1 to fund owner-occupied property tax relief, passing 3-2 after debate over fairness and timing. Early Voting Momentum: Indivisible 605 kicked off early voting in Sioux Falls with voter education, noting absentee use has climbed statewide over recent cycles. State Government & Courts: A judge kept the death penalty on the table in the Joseph Gene Hoek case tied to the 2024 killing of Moody County Chief Deputy Ken Prorok. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Tim Griffin joined a multistate $694 million settlement with auto lender Credit Acceptance, requiring cash/debt relief and stronger consumer safeguards. Education & Civic Life: USD’s Chiesman Center for Democracy highlighted civic engagement work ahead of midterms, while South Dakota named its 2027 Teacher of the Year, Christina Berger of Harrisburg. Public Safety: Deputies say South Dakota ranks among the worst for unbuckled crash deaths, underscoring seat-belt enforcement. Community & Growth: Sioux Falls and SDSU celebrated the renovated Metro Center, expanding health care education in the city.

Secretary of State Race: Three candidates are on the ballot for South Dakota’s top elections job—Republican Heather Baxter, Democrat Terrence Davis, and Libertarian Tamara Lesnar—setting up a November choice over election security and broader state-record responsibilities. Absentee Voting: Absentee voting opens Friday for the Nov. 3 general election, with early participation continuing to rise statewide and county offices preparing for in-person and mail voting. Voter Notice Lawsuit: A court fight over “federal-only” voter registration notices has pushed the secretary of state to issue new guidance, adding another layer to how voters are informed. Public Safety Release: The Department of Corrections is warning Sioux Falls about the Sept. 18 release of high-risk offender Anthony Salinas, with law enforcement and the public notified ahead of the move. Law Enforcement Loss: DCI Special Agent Quincy Kjerstad died after a medical emergency while on duty; the AG and DCI leadership praised his work across major felony cases. State Government Money: The South Dakota Lottery topped $4.16 billion transferred to the state treasury, with the latest fiscal-year haul reported at more than $187 million for government programs. Education & Arts: Gov. Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Arts Council opened the Governor’s Student Art Competition for K-12 artists, with submissions due Nov. 6. Agriculture Policy: The U.S. Senate Ag Committee advanced the federal farm bill, with Sen. John Thune urging full Senate action and attention on nutrition-cost reforms.

Election Administration: South Dakota’s Secretary of State race is heating up, with three candidates—Republican Heather Baxter, Democrat Terrence Davis, and Libertarian Tamara Lesnar—jockeying for the open seat that oversees elections and state records. Mail Voting Fight: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s push to restrict mail-in voting this November, and South Dakota’s Secretary of State Monae Johnson opposed the change while AG Marty Jackley backed implementation. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee advanced the Agricultural Act of 2026, moving the farm bill closer to a full Senate vote after a tight party-line committee decision. Public Safety Tech: Sioux Falls law enforcement defended the use of license plate readers after opponents showed up at City Council meetings, as the cameras have been operating since June 2025. Tribal Opioid Efforts: South Dakota’s Tribal Relations Department convened STOMP to connect state and tribal leaders on meth and opioid prevention, including support for culturally tailored recovery and more law enforcement agreements. Local Government: Rapid City is moving toward legal action against Tzadik Property Management over more than $500,000 in unpaid utility bills. Veterans & Travel: TSA expanded expedited military screening through “military lanes” at 30+ airports. Community & Health: A Sioux Falls program, Promising Futures, is expanding college-and-career support for students facing high poverty.