AGP Executive Report

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: Voters head to the polls today to choose the next mayor, after Christine Erickson led the June 2 primary with 37% and Jamie Smith followed with 28%, with Paul TenHaken term-limited out. South Dakota Education Policy: The state board approved prenatal development video options for schools under HB 1313, including “Baby Olivia” from the anti-abortion group Live Action, with the law taking effect July 1. Agribusiness Leadership: South Dakota Soybean is set to get a new executive director next month, with Kevin Scott taking over as Jerry Schmitz retires. Plastics Legal Fight: South Dakota is among 17 states suing California over its single-use plastics law, arguing it unlawfully reaches beyond state lines and could raise costs. Local Government Watch: Yankton officials heard about a proposed incubator project seeking an EDA grant, while Fort Dodge is considering leasing vehicles to ease budget pressure. Public Safety & Health: Mitchell plans city-wide mosquito fogging/spraying, and a Sisseton woman was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison in a fentanyl case. Elections Process Oddity: In Minnehaha County GOP precinct voting, a tie was finally broken by a high-card draw.

Runoff Politics: South Dakota’s first gubernatorial runoff is set for July 28 between Republican Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden, with a Q&A clarifying who can vote, registration deadlines, and who pays for the statewide election. Local Government: Mitchell’s city council updated its tax increment financing process to add an independent fiscal feasibility review required by new state rules starting July 1. Education & Culture Wars: The state Board of Education Standards approved prenatal development video options for schools under a new law taking effect July 1, including “Baby Olivia” from the anti-abortion group Live Action. Public Safety: Pennington County reminded residents that fireworks discharge runs this Saturday through July 5, with strict local rules around Rapid City and the Black Hills Fire Protection District. Elections & Rights: The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an Arkansas Voting Rights Act challenge, leaving in place limits that block private groups from enforcing a key disability/language-assistance provision. Statehouse/Policy Fight: A 17-state coalition including South Dakota AG Mike Hilgers sued to block California’s plastics packaging “producer responsibility” law, arguing it’s unconstitutional overreach. Crime & Courts: Federal charges were announced tied to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, including allegations involving her uncle, Mark Milk. Business & Politics: Residents are reacting strongly to reports that Kristi Noem joined a Vancouver mining firm as an adviser, with criticism tied to her political ties and past remarks about Canada.

South Dakota Politics & Elections: U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson says he doesn’t know what comes next after losing the GOP governor primary, adding he won’t endorse publicly unless asked while he stays in Mitchell until his term ends in January. Defense & Federal Funding: The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced the FY 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, including $43.7 million for South Dakota National Guard construction and major support for the B-21 Raider program tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base. Local Housing & Health Care: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is funding a $2.3 million share of a nearby subdivision expected to create 48 affordable units to help address a long-running health worker housing shortage. Public Safety & Courts: Mark Milk, whose life sentence was commuted by Gov. Kristi Noem, has been federally indicted in the drug-related death of his 14-year-old niece, McKenna Wendel. State Government Watch: South Dakota’s corporate general license tax collections ranked 37th nationally in 2024, while Pierre School Board member Randy Hartmann was elected chair of the SDHSAA board. Community Events: Rapid City is encouraging downtown businesses to decorate for its Real America 250 Birthday Bash storefront contest.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: A local viewpoint argues the June 23 nonpartisan race is between two “solid” candidates, urging voters to keep local elections nonpartisan and avoid attack-style messaging. South Dakota Elections & Courts: Federal prosecutors say Mark Milk—freed on parole after Kristi Noem commuted his life sentence—has now been charged in the death of his 14-year-old niece, McKenna Wendel, renewing scrutiny of Noem’s past clemency. State Government & Schools: Pierre School Board member Randy Hartmann was elected chair of the South Dakota High School Activities Association, and the board approved multiple constitutional amendment changes affecting eligibility and transfers. Public Safety: The Highway Patrol graduated 13 new troopers, with several assigned to Rapid City and Spearfish. Veterans & Community: Northeast South Dakota service members who died in the Vietnam War were honored this week, and Rapid City businesses are being encouraged to decorate for the Real America 250 Birthday Bash. National Policy Watch: A national report highlights a growing awareness gap around ABLE accounts, which can help people with disabilities save without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility.

South Dakota Politics & Veterans: Gov. Larry Rhoden told the 107th American Legion Convention in Aberdeen that South Dakotans’ “freedom” is tied to service members and highlighted how the state honors veterans, including on bridges statewide. Law Enforcement: The Highway Patrol graduated 13 new troopers, with assignments including Rapid City and Spearfish, plus other placements across the state. Statehouse & Elections: With South Dakota’s gubernatorial runoff still in focus, the week’s coverage also included reminders that absentee voting has started and that the Rhoden–Doeden matchup is shaping up as a first-ever primary runoff. Health Care Funding Watch: Multiple local Medicaid billing reports showed sharp category growth in South Dakota communities, including big jumps in services like pathology/lab, surgery, vision, and dental—useful context for how public dollars are flowing locally. National Policy Spillover: Congress is poised to send a major housing package to President Trump, with Sen. John Thune calling it a push to cut regulatory delays and boost supply.

Highway Patrol Hiring: Thirteen new South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers graduated in Fort Pierre, with four assigned to Rapid City and Spearfish and others headed to Sioux Falls, Pierre, Brookings, Vermillion, Beresford and Kadoka. Elections & Parties: The South Dakota Democratic Party named nominees for constitutional offices, including Terrence Davis for Secretary of State and Frank Kloucek for Public Utilities Commissioner. Public Safety & Justice: A South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Gov. Kristi Noem is now facing federal charges tied to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, a case that has moved across state and federal lines. Health Care Spending (Medicaid): New federal data shows sharp 2024 Medicaid billing increases across multiple South Dakota communities, including Rapid City for Procedures/Professional Services and Wagner for Dental Services. Housing Policy (Federal): U.S. lawmakers are poised to send a bipartisan housing package to President Trump’s desk, with Sen. John Thune highlighting efforts to cut regulatory delays and boost supply. Energy & Data Centers: States are pushing back on data center expansion amid concerns about power demand, costs, and water use.

Noem & Dusty Johnson Political Crossroads: Dusty Johnson says his next priorities after losing the GOP governor primary runoff include pushing for a new Farm Bill and tackling prescription drug affordability, while an opinion piece frames “what next” for both Noem and Johnson after their 2026 political setbacks. Sioux Falls Runoff Voting: With just days left, Sioux Falls voters are reminded of shortened hours and absentee options for the mayoral and city council runoff. McKenna Wendel Case Update: A South Dakota man whose life sentence was commuted by Kristi Noem is now charged federally in the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, with prosecutors alleging drug-related conduct and concealment. Statewide Elections & Party Moves: South Dakota Democrats announced nominees for constitutional offices, including Terrence Davis for Secretary of State and Frank Kloucek for Public Utilities Commissioner. Public Safety Hiring: The South Dakota Highway Patrol graduated its 72nd recruit academy class. Local Economic Development: Yankton City Commission will consider support for “The Yard” Thrive Business Incubator tied to Mount Marty University. Tribal & National Defense: Descendants of Wounded Knee survivors vow to keep pressing for medal revocations as a Senate Armed Services report seeks more details from the Pentagon.

Wounded Knee Medal Fight: Descendants of 1890 Wounded Knee survivors vowed to keep pushing to revoke Medals of Honor after the Defense Department declined to rescind them; Sen. Mike Rounds says Senate Armed Services language would require unredacted materials from the review. Sioux Falls Runoff Countdown: Three days remain to vote in the Sioux Falls mayoral runoff, with Saturday hours set and absentee options for voters who can’t make it in person. Federal Crime in Sioux Falls: A Sioux Falls man was sentenced to federal prison again for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Housing Push in Congress: The 21st Century Road to Housing Act cleared both chambers, and leaders say it could reduce barriers to building more affordable units. Local Economy Watch: Sioux Falls sales tax revenue continues rising, with energy-driven inflation cited as a key driver. Noem in Mining: Former Gov. Kristi Noem was hired as a strategic adviser for NovaRed Mining. Uranium Milestone: EnCore Energy won federal approval to begin initial construction for South Dakota’s first ISR uranium mine. Public Safety & Justice: A Rapid City woman pleaded guilty for illegally buying a gun for a prohibited person; separate reporting also details charges tied to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Runoff: Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith faced off in a late-night debate as voters weigh issues like the Smithfield Foods site, downtown parking, and data centers—Erickson pushing “guardrails” while Smith urges more public input. Legal Aid Under Pressure: Dakota Plains Legal Services says it’s facing a $176,000 deficit, forcing staffing and vacancy freezes and raising alarms for low-income civil legal help. Public Safety & Courts: Two men tied to the death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel—uncle Mark Milk (whose life sentence was commuted by former Gov. Kristi Noem) and Jon Rogness—were indicted in federal court in Iowa. State Politics: South Dakota Democrats named nominees for constitutional offices, including Terrence Davis for Secretary of State and Frank Kloucek for Public Utilities Commissioner. Elections Watch: Governor Larry Rhoden discussed the runoff and declined further debates with Toby Doeden. Community & Statewide Notes: The South Dakota Highway Patrol graduated 13 recruits; the State Fair will host the FCRV Campvention in July; and Wakonda reactivated its community development group as new businesses move in.

Education & Kids Count: South Dakota ranks 38th for education in the 2026 Kids Count report, slipping on key measures like early grades reading and math proficiency. Federal Surveillance Fight: Congress’s failure to reauthorize FISA Section 702 is leaving intelligence agencies unable to spy on foreigners without warrants, with South Dakota Sen. John Thune caught in the broader Trump-GOP standoff over voter ID. Juneteenth in Sioux Falls: Organizers say this year’s Freedom Walk and festival will be more low-key amid tighter budgets and fewer sponsors, with events centered at Fawick Park. McKenna Wendel Case: Federal prosecutors in Iowa indicted two men tied to the March death of 14-year-old McKenna Wendel, including her uncle Mark Milk, who previously had a life sentence commuted by Kristi Noem. Legal Aid Funding: Dakota Plains Legal Services faces a $176,000 deficit, warning of staffing and service cuts as grant funding falls. EV Policy Scorecard: A Brookings report says South Dakota scored zero on EV readiness after federal incentives were rolled back, citing gaps across charging and incentives. State Courts: The South Dakota Supreme Court upheld dismissal of a habeas petition filed by Theodore Guzman. Local Governance & Schools: Pierre’s Randy Hartmann was elected chair of the SDHSAA board, and Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Christine Erickson says a new attack ad is “blatantly false.” Public Safety & Courts: The state Supreme Court also affirmed dismissal in Guzman’s case, while local reports include EMS funding talks and county budget pressure.

Sioux Falls Mayoral Race: A dark-money PAC is pushing negative ads in the runoff between Christine Erickson and Jamie Smith, alleging Erickson backs higher electric bills tied to data centers; Erickson calls the claims “blatantly false,” and Smith says he had no knowledge of the ad. Congress & Elections: President Trump abruptly postponed the Senate confirmation hearing for DNI nominee Jay Clayton, tying the move to pushing a strict voter ID bill—another flashpoint in his widening fight with Senate Republicans. SNAP Impact: A ProPublica analysis says Trump’s SNAP changes removed benefits from at least 776,000 children, with multiple states showing steep drops. Tribal Justice & Public Safety: Federal agents and the Oglala Sioux Tribe are testing hundreds of firearms seized on Pine Ridge and entering ballistic signatures into a national database to help solve long-stalled cases. South Dakota Politics & National Security: Sen. Mike Rounds discussed U.S.-Iran peace efforts and defense priorities, including NDAA work. Juneteenth Observances: Juneteenth is a federal holiday this year, with many government offices closed.

EV Policy Uncertainty: A new state-by-state look at electric vehicle readiness warns that federal support has fragmented, leaving cleaner-transport goals at risk. Immigration & China Claims: Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says China is running a “travel agency”-style operation to funnel Chinese nationals across U.S. borders. Wounded Knee Medal Fight: Wounded Knee descendants vow to keep pushing for Medal of Honor revocations as a Senate Armed Services committee seeks unredacted materials. Noem’s Next Move: Noem has joined a B.C. mining company’s advisory board, underscoring the political pull of “critical minerals.” South Dakota in Federal Defense: Sen. Mike Rounds’ NDAA priorities include major funding tied to Ellsworth and South Dakota National Guard projects. SAVE America Act Turmoil: Reports say Trump is pressuring Senate Republicans by derailing DNI nominee Jay Clayton’s confirmation, while Thune faces internal GOP friction over election legislation. SNAP Cuts Hit Kids: ProPublica reports more than 770,000 children lost SNAP benefits after Trump rewrote program rules. Local Housing Push: Hot Springs’ Fall River Health Services is investing in employee housing to ease a rural workforce shortage. Agriculture & Ranching: R-CALF’s Rapid City convention spotlights screwworm concerns and opposition to electronic ID ear tags. Community & Courts: Sioux Falls-area court updates continue, while federal prosecutors prepare charges tied to the McKenna Wendel death investigation.

South Dakota Courts & Public Safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced a Pierre smoke shop owner, Bristol Nielsen, was sentenced to three years probation (with a suspended five-year prison term) after a statewide sting led to felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession for intoxication. Sioux Falls Politics: Gov. Larry Rhoden endorsed Christine Erickson’s mayoral bid, joining other Republican support as the city’s leadership race stays front-and-center. State Government & Elections: Early voting is underway for the South Dakota GOP governor runoff between Larry Rhoden and Toby Doeden, with property taxes and affordability driving the contrast. Local Governance: Yankton County commissioners debated a proposed temporary data center moratorium as residents and officials weigh zoning readiness and economic development tradeoffs. Tribal & Federal Justice: Federal agencies and the Oglala Sioux Tribe moved to clear a Pine Ridge ballistics testing backlog by adding signatures from 500+ seized firearms to a federal weapons database. Health: South Dakota pediatric and vaccine groups urged families to review immunization records amid summer travel and ongoing measles risk.

Federal Courts & Elections: Senate Republicans confirmed Trump attorney Justin Smith to a lifetime seat on the 8th Circuit, a move Democrats say raises impartiality concerns. War Powers & Iran: The Senate narrowly rejected a resolution to limit Trump’s Iran war powers as lawmakers complain they still lack the deal’s details; Trump says he’ll send the interim Iran framework to Congress. South Dakota Governance: The Legislative Research Council director resigned; Deputy Director Jeff Mehlhaff was named interim director while a permanent search runs through August. Local Enforcement: Rapid City reminded drivers that uncovered truck loads in its air quality zone can bring fines up to $500 per day or jail time. Sioux Falls Air Service: Allegiant is cutting 61 routes and ending several nonstops, including Sioux Falls’ seasonal LAX service. State Policy: SB 221 sets new licensing and sales rules for nicotine retailers, with escalating penalties for violations. Workforce & Tech: South Dakota’s labor secretary says AI could help address worker shortages by streamlining tasks rather than replacing people. Housing Program: A state board approved higher prices and income limits for the Governor’s House affordable housing program. Sports Media Deal: Summit League extended CBS Sports and Midco Sports media rights through 2029-30. Tribal Affairs: Oglala Sioux Tribal Council opposed Mount Rushmore fireworks, citing treaty rights and wildfire risks.

Local Government & Zoning: Yankton County is weighing a one-year moratorium on certain data centers and bitcoin mining after a commissioner alleged an “end-around” push to classify them like other service businesses. Elections: Turner County’s GOP sheriff recount is done and results are unchanged—Interim Sheriff Daniel Glover beat Robert Kirvin Jr. 823-820 and will run unopposed in November. Municipal Services: Scotland enacted new water restrictions after its underground tank hit critically low levels, limiting outdoor watering by address and time. State Policy: A governor-appointed board approved higher prices and a higher income limit for the inmate-built Governor’s House affordable housing program, with new July 1 pricing set. Public Safety & Health: South Dakota’s EMS Funding Task Force will meet for the first time Wednesday as lawmakers consider making ambulance services an essential service. Courts & Ballot Access: A South Dakota ballot petition deadline dispute is headed to federal appeals court, with arguments over moving the filing date from May to February. Sioux Falls Politics: Early voting for the Sioux Falls mayor runoff is underway, and a new task force is forming to guide redevelopment planning for the former Smithfield Foods site. Public Safety: Police are investigating two separate stabbings in Sioux Falls. Community & Culture: Sturgis is rolling out America 250 decorations and plans for Military Appreciation Day during the 86th rally.

Service Academies: Rep. Dusty Johnson announced nine South Dakotans selected for U.S. service academies, with training set to begin this June. Ballot Access Fight: A South Dakota ballot petition deadline change is headed to federal court after opponents challenged the 2025 law that moved the filing date from May to February. State Courts & Self-Defense: The SD Supreme Court upheld two self-defense cases, clarifying that immunity challenges must be raised before trial. EMS Funding: South Dakota’s EMS Funding Task Force meets in Pierre Wednesday to study funding models and whether EMS should be treated as an essential service. Elections & Voting Rules: South Dakota’s secretary of state nomination fight is heating up as Monae Johnson faces Rep. Heather Baxter, with both sides tied to disputes over hand-counted ballots and voting machines. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police are investigating two separate stabbings, and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe law enforcement is investigating a vehicular homicide in Eagle Butte. State Government & Agriculture: Gov. Larry Rhoden named Jerry Schmitz as the 2026 Governor’s Ag Ambassador. Lottery Revenue: Lottery director Norm Lingle says video lottery and jackpot games are driving record-level contributions to the state’s general fund. Local Economy: Babybel’s Brookings plant is expanding with a $200 million investment expected to add about 150 jobs. Transportation: Allegiant is cutting 61 routes next month, including changes affecting Sioux Falls. Politics Beyond SD: Coverage also notes scrutiny from some Republicans over Trump’s Iran deal and the Senate timing issues it could create.