Food & Ag Policy: South Dakota Farmers Union leadership camps in the Black Hills are teaching youth more than fieldwork—students learn ag careers, finance, and how cooperatives work, including hands-on roles like running a credit union cooperative. Livestock & Land Use: American Prairie and conservation groups have appealed a federal decision ending bison grazing leases on Montana BLM parcels, arguing the change could hurt prairie restoration and tribal food sovereignty programs. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls has put its upgraded Well 25 back into service, replacing a 1952 well and adding more than 5 million gallons of daily capacity to support growth and peak summer demand. Manufacturing & Jobs: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved up to $29.98M in sales-tax rebates for Smithfield’s Sioux Falls relocation, tied to a roughly $1.29B project. Local Government & Utilities: Dupree rejected a state revolving fund loan for its sewer project, citing added costs despite enough grant funding to finish current work. Agriculture Markets: USDA reports the U.S. winter wheat crop is shrinking, with harvest and yields tracking below last year as weather continues to disrupt Plains production. Energy/Environment Regulation: EPA clarified when oil-and-gas producers can flare associated gas after phase-out deadlines, setting conditions tied to methane reductions. Livestock & Research: SDSU research is exploring how swine manure affects crop yields and soil health, aiming to move beyond limited trial data. Weather & Risk: Hit-or-miss thunderstorms and above-normal temperatures are affecting Plains winter wheat and forage, with drought signals mixed across the region.
AGP Executive Report
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Economic Development & Food Processing: South Dakota’s Board of Economic Development approved up to $29.98M in sales-tax rebates to help Smithfield Packaged Meats build a new slaughtering and processing facility as it moves from downtown to northern Sioux Falls, a major boost for the state’s agriculture and food-processing base. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put Well 25 into service, a modern horizontal collector well that adds 5M+ gallons/day of capacity (peaking at 7M) to support growth and summer demand. Energy & Water Security: A U.S. Senate committee advanced $20M for feasibility studies tied to Missouri River drinking-water pipeline planning for South Dakota’s Western Dakota and Dakota Mainstem regional systems. Carbon Capture Startup: South Dakota Mines highlighted a carbon-reduction approach inspired by microbes at SURF, aiming to convert fossil fuels into greener energy through a new startup pathway. Tribal Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, focusing on public federal land and protection from extractive activity. Public Health Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley announced $4.87M in multistate restitution from GS Labs over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with South Dakotans expected to receive about $50K. Local Industry & Community: POET Biorefining donated $3,000 toward a handicapped-accessible hunting blind, supporting conservation and access in Hamilton County. Education & Workforce Pipeline: SDSU recognized thousands of students on its spring 2026 dean’s list, including engineering and nursing students from across the region. Community Safety & Neighborhood Investment: Rapid City’s Star Village celebrated repaired street lighting after Black Hills Energy restored seven long-unlit light poles, part of broader neighborhood safety improvements.
Tribal Land Return Push: All nine South Dakota tribes backed legislation to return federal public lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, framing it as protection from extractive activity and a way to honor treaty rights. COVID Testing Accountability: South Dakota will receive about $50,380 from a $4.87M multistate GS Labs settlement over overpriced and delayed COVID-19 tests, with restitution also going to other states and consumer-protection enforcement. Water Infrastructure: Sioux Falls put its new Well 25 into service, boosting capacity by 5+ million gallons per day (peak 7 million) to support growth and long-term aquifer sustainability. Ethanol Market Policy: Sen. John Thune says work continues on a year-round E15 bill, but Senate hurdles remain around committee jurisdiction and Renewable Fuel Standard changes. Agriculture Supply Chain Watch: South Dakota producers are tracking how the New World screwworm situation could reshape livestock and corn demand patterns, with market hedging advice circulating among farmers. Poultry Health Research: SDSU researchers reported progress toward vaccines for avian metapneumovirus subtypes, aiming to reduce economic losses in major poultry regions. Dairy Talent Pipeline: NMPF named 2026 National Dairy Leadership Scholarship winners, including an SDSU dairy manufacturing doctoral student focused on listeria persistence and biofilm control. Energy & Industry Development: Black Hills Corp. updated progress on a proposed 1.8-gigawatt Cheyenne, Wyoming data center project, targeting service in early 2028. Local Construction & Growth: Sanford Health plans a new Sioux Falls medical building to support the relocation of the USD Sanford School of Medicine.
Tribal Land Return Push: All nine federally recognized South Dakota tribes backed draft legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Great Sioux Nation, aiming to protect sacred sites and clean water while avoiding private-property impacts. Drought & Ranching Pressure: Midwest drought persists, with South Dakota among affected states, keeping crop and grazing risks high and raising the need for timely rains. Air Quality & Construction Dust: Rapid City urged contractors to reduce dust during windy conditions, recommending covered loads, watering, and site stabilization, plus using local air-quality tools to track conditions. Local Development & Housing: Mitchell’s planning commission advanced a tax break plan to stabilize and redevelop a historic Main Street bank building into storefronts plus short-term rentals. Agriculture Health Watch: The New World screwworm threat is back in focus for livestock producers, with guidance on how the pest targets living animals’ wounds. Music Licensing Lawsuit: ASCAP filed infringement suits against four radio groups, including Haugo Broadcasting in South Dakota, alleging repeated unlicensed use of members’ music. Workforce & Skills: Mitchell Tech students earned medals at the national SkillsUSA competition, highlighting strong skilled-trades training. Infrastructure & Growth: Rapid City reported record building permit valuations for early 2026, driven by major commercial projects and steady residential demand. Public Health: FDA approved a new sunscreen active ingredient, bemotrizinol, expanding OTC options for UVA/UVB protection. Milk Prices: USDA data showed May Class III and Class IV milk prices rising, with feed costs still tempering the rebound.
Construction & Permits: Rapid City is off to a record-breaking start, with nearly $236.2M in building permit valuations through May—driven by major commercial work and steady single-family demand. Workforce Housing: Hot Springs’ Fall River Health Services is funding a subdivision near the hospital to create 48 affordable units, aiming to ease a local healthcare staffing crunch caused by lack of housing. Agriculture & Livestock Health: New World screwworm detections are raising alarm across the northern Plains, with SDSU Extension warning the pest targets living animals and can rapidly turn small cuts into severe, infected wounds. Drought Watch: Midwest drought persists despite scattered relief, with South Dakota among states still facing dry conditions that can stress crops and grazing. Public Health & Consumer Safety: The FDA approved bemotrizinol as a new over-the-counter sunscreen active ingredient, expanding options for UVA/UVB protection. Skilled Trades & Education: Mitchell Tech students brought home medals at the national SkillsUSA competition, and the Mitchell Tech amphitheater remodel is nearing completion. Community & Events: Rapid City is still recruiting volunteers for its America 250 “Real America Birthday Bash” (July 1–5), and the GFP Commission meets June 11–12 in Madison. Business & Legal: ASCAP filed infringement suits against four radio groups over alleged unlicensed music use.
Carbon Capture & Legal Fight: Summit Carbon Solutions heads to trial in Delaware over a $15M pipe contract dispute with Welspun Tubular, after settlement talks stalled and the project’s schedule and regulatory delays became central to the claims. Ethanol Policy: A year-round E15 ethanol blend bill passed the U.S. House, but its Senate path is uncertain, with lawmakers weighing cost, air-quality rules, and support from refineries and agriculture states. Agriculture & Research: SDSU Extension added seasonal staff to its Garden Hotline for 2026, while SDSU’s Cottonwood Field Station expanded precision range and livestock research facilities to test tech like virtual fencing, GPS tags, and monitoring tools. Rural Health: A $3.2M grant launched the Civica Rural Hospital Program to help rural hospitals pool purchasing power for cheaper generics and reduce drug shortage pressure. Construction & Infrastructure: Grand Forks moved forward with a consultant for the Alerus Center LED scoreboard after terminating the original Daktronics deal, and Sioux Falls roadwork updates continue as summer projects ramp up. Local Business & Community: Rapid City is still seeking volunteers for its America 250 events, and Mitchell’s Palace City Brewing drew 300+ attendees for its Switchyard Social craft-beer event. Ag Leadership: Agtegra Cooperative named Brian Knifong senior VP of agronomy, effective July 1.
Rural Health & Drug Supply: A $3.2 million grant launched the Civica Rural Hospital Program, aiming to pool rural hospitals’ buying power to cut generic drug shortages. Agriculture & Water Stress: Forage and pasture planning is front and center as drought and wildfire impacts tighten feed supplies across the High Plains, with producers urged to assess hay stocks and adjust grazing. Construction & Infrastructure: SDDOT is holding public input meetings for Sioux Falls I-90 grading/surfacing/structure replacements and for Spearfish’s I-90 Exit 10 reconstruction, with traffic changes and a 2026 completion target. Local Development: Pennington County approved a $68M TIF for the Black Hills Marketplace near Rapid City, projecting major retail, housing, and job growth. Ag Business Leadership: Agtegra Cooperative named Brian Knifong senior VP of agronomy, effective July 1, to lead agronomy strategy and customer-focused solutions. Beef Industry: Shoppers who bought eligible beef between 2014 and 2019 can file for a share of an $87.5M price-fixing settlement by June 30. Community & Skills: South Dakota teams won national 4-H Range and Homesite judging honors, with top individual placements from Corson and Haakon counties.
Water & Agriculture: Concerns are rising across the Great Plains as the Ogallala Aquifer—key to irrigation—keeps shrinking, putting South Dakota farmers and food production on edge. Mining & Tribal Rights: Nine tribes are suing to stop exploratory graphite drilling near a sacred Black Hills meadow, arguing federal agencies violated law and that the project threatens wildlife and tribal ceremonies. Energy & Infrastructure: South Dakota Mines is moving ahead with a 9,000+ square-foot geology field station in Nemo to expand hands-on training for students. Housing & Community Finance: Lakota Funds secured $764,000 through a USDA home loan program to support Pine Ridge mortgages and working capital for Native borrowers. Public Works: Sioux Falls announced multiple road and utility construction closures starting June 8, with detours and short-term impacts for drivers. Livestock Health: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in Texas, and South Dakota officials are urging ranchers to step up herd inspections ahead of peak grazing and shipping season. State Policy Watch: The South Dakota GFP Commission will hold its monthly meeting June 11–12 at Heartland Energy in Madison, with a public hearing and open forum.
Education & Geology: South Dakota Mines is planning a 9,415-square-foot geology field station in Nemo to cut daily commuting and give students a dedicated place to live, collaborate, and get mentorship during field camps. Tribal Rights vs. Mining: Nine tribes are suing the federal government to stop exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a sacred meadow in the central Black Hills, arguing agencies violated federal law and that the project threatens wildlife and ceremonial use. USDA Housing Finance: Lakota Funds joined a USDA home loan relending program, securing $764,000 to expand mortgage access for Pine Ridge borrowers and support long-term stability for the Oglala Lakota Nation. Energy & Grid Costs: A new map using EIA data shows South Dakota electricity prices rose about 12.1% year over year, as grid investment and demand pressures continue to climb. Ag Biosecurity: South Dakota officials are warning ranchers after USDA confirmed New World screwworm cases in Texas, urging heightened herd inspections as summer grazing and livestock shipping ramp up. State Outdoors & Policy: The South Dakota GFP Commission will hold its June 11-12 meeting at Heartland Energy in Madison with a public hearing and open forum. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls road work begins June 8, including closures and utility/crane projects that will affect traffic around Blackhawk Street and Algonquin Street. Community & Culture: Rapid City’s free Juneteenth celebration (June 13) features local history displays, a community quilt, and a theater performance honoring Katherine Davis Chapman Tillman. Arts & Materials: South Dakota Mines is inviting ceramic artists to use Fuson Shale clay for “Echoes of Earth: From Sea to Stone,” a juried exhibition exploring the Black Hills’ prehistoric past.
Public Lands & Wildlife Policy: The BLM has lifted its ban on “cyanide bombs” (M-44s) on public land, shifting use to a case-by-case basis—an issue tied to predator control and already used in parts of South Dakota. Energy Infrastructure: Great River Energy briefed a county board on a proposed 765 kV transmission line as PowerOn Midwest plans new long-term power delivery across the region. Defense & Permitting: A coalition of 21 states and major industry groups backs the U.S. Air Force in a lawsuit over the Tarague Beach detonation range, arguing a major win could trigger more permitting delays nationwide. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas; South Dakota officials are urging ranchers to step up herd inspections as summer shipping and grazing ramp up. Ag & Cost Pressure: A South Dakota veterinarian told a Trump farmer roundtable that producers need help with input costs—especially fuel and planting/contract labor. Education & Industry Talent: South Dakota Mines faculty Michael Dowding earned a national SPS mentorship award, and Mines is also inviting ceramic artists to use Fuson Shale clay for a Black Hills-themed exhibition. Local Construction & Housing: Sioux Falls road work starts June 8, Spearfish broke ground on a new affordable apartment complex, and Le Mars approved a $6.3M Municipal Park upgrade. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley warned South Dakotans about storm-repair scams as severe weather season begins.
Ag & Rural Policy: A South Dakota veterinarian told President Trump farmers need help, pointing to rising input costs like fuel and custom planting as pressure mounts on the backbone of the economy. Wildlife & Outdoor Economy: Gov. Larry Rhoden’s push for $3 million to upgrade the Blue Dog State Fish Hatchery highlights a bigger governance debate over how state leaders fund wildlife priorities, including scrutiny of the Noem-era predator bounty program. Livestock Biosecurity: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, and South Dakota officials are urging ranchers to step up herd inspections as summer grazing and shipping ramp up. Energy Costs: New EIA-based maps show electricity prices rising fast in many states; South Dakota’s residential rates jumped about 12% year over year, adding to household cost pressure. Education & Workforce: South Dakota Mines faculty member Michael Dowding won a national physics student chapter advising award, and Mines also invited ceramic artists to use Fuson Shale clay for a juried “Echoes of Earth” exhibition. Construction & Infrastructure: Sioux Falls roadwork begins June 8 with multiple closures and detours, while Spearfish broke ground on a new affordable housing project adding 30 apartments. Public Safety: Attorney General Marty Jackley warned residents about storm-repair scams and urged careful contractor checks and written quotes. Local Business/Arts: A Sioux City firm won a contract for Municipal Park upgrades in Le Mars, including new tennis/pickleball courts and other amenities.
Highway Reconstruction Debate: South Dakota DOT held a public meeting in Deadwood on possible US Highway 85 reconstruction from Spearfish Canyon to the Wyoming line, with plans that could add shoulders, regrade areas, and reroute curves as early as 2030—locals split between safety upgrades and concerns for private land, wildlife, and forest service impacts. State Energy & Utilities: The GFP Commission will meet June 11-12 at Heartland Energy in Madison (with Zoom/livestream), including a public hearing and open forum. Storm Repair Scam Watch: AG Marty Jackley is warning homeowners to avoid rushed “transit vendors” and to verify licensing, get written quotes, and avoid paying in full before work is done. Affordable Housing Push: Black Hills Area Community Foundation and partners broke ground in Spearfish on Peak View II, a 30-unit affordable complex (52 bedrooms) supported by low-interest gap financing and congressionally directed funds. Ag Workforce & Education: SDSU Extension added new native plant and nutrition field specialists, while South Dakota Mines joined 605 Day to expand scholarship giving for future engineers and scientists. Cost-of-Living Signals: New EIA-based maps show residential electricity prices rising in many states, with South Dakota up about 12% year over year. Farm Risk Alert: USDA confirmed New World screwworm in Texas, prompting an on-site response and renewed vigilance for livestock producers. Politics With Local Stakes: Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen will serve as campaign chairman for Gov. Larry Rhoden’s runoff bid.
Energy & Cost of Living: AAA says the national gas average fell about 18 cents to $4.24, with EIA data showing gasoline demand down week over week (9.25M bpd to 8.59M bpd). Power Prices: A new EIA-based map shows residential electricity costs ranging from 12¢/kWh in North Dakota to 42¢/kWh in Hawaii—about a $3,000-a-year gap for a typical household. Agriculture & Water: SDSU Extension is adding drought meetings June 17 across Hot Springs, Winner and Yankton, with USDA Farm Service Agency staff on disaster-relief questions. Ag Education: SDSU Extension invites wheat producers to free Winter Wheat Variety Tours June 9 at two SDSU crop testing sites. Livestock Markets: A beef-focused field day in northwest Iowa and SDSU Beef Extension highlights new production tools and techniques. Consumer Protection: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley warns storm-repair scammers to get written quotes, verify sales tax licenses, and avoid paying in full. Local Industry & Infrastructure: Rapid City crews plan overnight powerline work downtown, and Spearfish I-90 Exit 10 reconstruction gets a public info meeting June 18. Community & Youth: South Dakota Farmers Union runs senior leadership/ag camps in the Black Hills (June 7-12) and near Huron (July 19-22).
Energy & Fuel Costs: AAA says the national gas average fell 18 cents to $4.24, with Arizona down 12 cents to $4.62, as crude stays under $100 and summer demand remains the wildcard. Agriculture & Drought Response: SDSU Extension will host free regional drought meetings June 17 in Hot Springs, Winner and Yankton, with crop/forage, livestock and USDA FSA disaster-relief Q&A. Livestock Health Watch: South Dakota State Extension urges vigilance after a confirmed New World screwworm case, noting the real risk is animal movement—not windborne spread. Construction & Infrastructure: Highway 38 east of Mitchell closes for months-long grading and drainage work, with a detour via Highway 81 and I-90; crews also plan multiple chip seal projects in the Pierre area. Local Business & Industry: Garretson partially approved Nachurs Alpine’s permit for a chemical fertilizer plant expansion, while residents pushed back on proximity to homes. Retail Fuel Performance: Yesway reported strong Q1 inside sales growth despite higher fuel prices, with fuel margins holding steady. Power Grid Tech: A new explainer highlights how HVDC “back-to-backs” can boost controlled power sharing between neighboring grids. Community Projects: Vermillion cut the ribbon on a sensory garden at SESDAC, and Yankton’s Sertoma Club pledged $20,000 toward renovating the Dakota Territorial Capital replica.
South Dakota Politics: Republican gubernatorial runoff is set after ballots weren’t fully counted until early Wednesday, with Toby Doeden criticizing slow results and promising faster election-night processing; Sioux Falls also heads to a June 23 runoff as multiple council races failed to hit required thresholds. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Levitt at the Falls reopens Thursday after a Sweetman Atrium expansion adding 7,000 sq. ft. for more artists and education, while Pierre-area chip seal and fog seal work begins June 8 with lane closures and short delays. Consumer Protection: Attorney General Marty Jackley is warning homeowners about storm-repair scams, urging written quotes, contractor checks, and avoiding full upfront payments. Energy & Ag Policy: ACE CEO Brian Jennings highlights ethanol’s push for year-round E15 and engagement with Sen. Thune as Congress weighs next steps. Dairy & Food Economy: Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative marks National Cheese Day with a virtual campaign touting dairy’s economic impact across SD and the region. Weather & Risk: NOAA upgraded northern lights chances to strong-to-severe geomagnetic storm levels for June 4–5, and the latest drought monitor shows dryness still stressing parts of the Plains and Midwest. Housing Finance: USDA is investing $764,000 in Lakota Funds to expand Pine Ridge homeownership through direct home loans. Real Estate: Centerspace plans to sell about 20% of its portfolio, including targeted exits tied to Rapid City and Bismarck markets, to strengthen its balance sheet. Transportation & Jobs: RNDC plans additional job cuts tied to site closures, continuing a broader beverage-distribution reshuffle that has also hit Sioux Falls and Rapid City.
Rural Connectivity & Jobs: Range is expanding rural broadband in Wyoming with a new fiber build starting June 8, adding about 50 miles of line for roughly 60 customers and using local crews in the Sundance area. South Dakota Roads & Construction: SDDOT is closing S.D. Highway 38 east of Mitchell for reconstruction from June 8 through November, with detours via S.D. Highway 81, I-90 and Highway 038P. Ag Business & Community: The Missouri National Recreational River is moving ahead with a multi-agency “Water Trails” plan to boost river safety and create public paddling routes. Cattle & Direct-to-Consumer Beef: A Kimball, S.D. ranch highlights how six generations are layering feedlot, cow-calf, backgrounding and a direct-to-consumer beef business. Local Retail & Tourism: iSmash opens in Rapid City’s historic downtown June 6, bringing rage rooms, splatter paint and other indoor attractions aimed at families and corporate groups. Healthcare Workforce Pressure: A WalletHub study ranks Louisiana near the bottom for nurses, underscoring how staffing shortages can strain care—an issue South Dakota employers watch closely. Ag Leadership Spotlight: Nominations are open for Dakotafest’s Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year award in Mitchell, with a June 5 deadline.
South Dakota Politics: Toby Doeden and Gov. Larry Rhoden will face off in a July 28 runoff after neither hit 35% in the GOP governor primary; U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson finished third and is out. U.S. Senate: Incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds won the Republican primary, setting up the Nov. 3 general election. Agriculture & Community: Dakotafest is taking nominations for its 2026 Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year award, with a June 5 deadline and a $1,000 prize for the winner. Housing & Native Communities: USDA Rural Development says Lakota Funds has closed a $764,000 loan to become South Dakota’s third home loan lender on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Transportation Projects: SDDOT schedules a Highway 38 closure east of Mitchell starting June 8 through November, plus a crack-seal project on Highway 75 starting June 8. Workforce & Training: A South Dakota Mines student won a federal court win in a deportation case. Health Policy: South Dakota’s HB 1220 on nicotine distribution takes effect July 1, adding licensing rules for sellers and distributors. Local Infrastructure: SDDOT reminds landowners of state right-of-way mowing dates and permit/waiver requirements.
South Dakota Politics (Gov. GOP Primary): Businessman Toby Doeden topped the GOP governor primary but fell short of the 35% threshold, setting up a July 28 runoff against Gov. Larry Rhoden; U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson and House Speaker Jon Hansen also advanced to the “too close” scramble for the second spot. U.S. House (GOP Nomination): Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican nomination for South Dakota’s U.S. House seat, cruising past James Bialota; he’ll face Democrat Nikki Gronli in November. Local Governance (Utilities/Power): Early returns in Montana’s Public Service Commissioner races show tight GOP competition, with the commission’s work tied to utility oversight and data-center debates that can affect power bills. Business & Industry (Dairy): Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative launched a virtual National Cheese Day campaign for June 4, highlighting South Dakota and regional dairy producers. Public Health (Supplements): A salmonella investigation tied to imported moringa leaf powder supplements was reopened after additional illnesses, prompting consumers to check for affected products. Infrastructure (Sioux Falls Roads): Sioux Falls announced multiple June 3–4 road projects, including lane closures and a 19th Street shutdown, with detours and short-term delays. Workforce/Ag Conservation (Federal Funds): USDA expanded Farm Bill-funded support for farmers and ranchers to protect migratory big-game corridors on private land, now covering South Dakota and 16 other states. Trade & Education (South Dakota): USD Beacom School of Business students took an international trade mission to Germany, connecting with manufacturers and export-focused partners.
Ag Markets & Weather: Upper Midwest crop conditions are mixed as late-April gains met May rain delays, wind/dust storms, and pockets of drought stress, with some areas still far below normal rainfall. Fertilizer Logistics: A new FMCSA Hours-of-Service waiver lets fertilizer haulers drive up to 16 hours in 24 across 34 states, aiming to ease supply pressure. Local Ag Sales: Northern Plains farmers report a spring flurry of grain sales, helped by strong basis at new crush capacity in Mitchell, even as new-crop margins stay tight. Rail & Freight: The STB paused the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger review and is asking for more detail on competition and truck-to-rail impacts as opposition grows, including South Dakota in a coalition of AGs. Road & Construction: SDDOT schedules shoulder chip seal work on U.S. 16 and 385 in Custer/Pennington starting June 3, plus Sioux Falls ramp and street closures for June milling/overlay and utility repairs. Retail & Jobs: Cato continues store closures, with the Sioux Falls location still open for now. Education & Workforce: A $1M gift expands a Sioux Falls after-high-school advising program to all four public high schools. Energy Costs & Policy: EV insurance is still far pricier than gas, while electricity price spikes are hitting some states hard—raising pressure on household budgets. Wildlife Conservation: USDA unveiled a migratory big game framework for 17 states, designed to align federal and state efforts while keeping working lands working.
Sioux Falls Politics: Pastor Jamie Smith endorsed for mayor, with the pitch centered on “servant leadership” and deep community ties. South Dakota Elections Watch: Tuesday’s multi-state primaries include South Dakota, with national attention on key races and party control dynamics. Gubernatorial Campaign: Gov. Larry Rhoden hits back at “malicious” GOP primary attack ads, arguing challenger Dusty Johnson is misrepresenting a property-tax/sales-tax package. Mining & Critical Minerals: IRIS Metals outlines a push to reduce U.S. reliance on critical minerals, targeting rubidium and near-term production. Higher Ed STEM: South Dakota Mines names 871 students to spring academic honors lists, reflecting strong science and engineering performance. Transportation & Construction: SDDOT schedules June 11 exit-ramp closures in Sioux Falls (Western Avenue and I-229) for an $2.2M pavement project. Local Growth & Hospitality: A Tea feasibility study finds market support for a 75-room hotel by 2030. Ag & Weather: Crop diversity and drought conditions keep Dakotas’ ag industry moving, while severe drought coverage remains a major concern for producers. Workplace Safety: A national look at safety managers highlights rising compliance workload as OSHA rules expand.
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