AGP Executive Report

Defense & Construction: Conti Federal won a ~$39.9M U.S. Army Corps contract to build a 22,000-sq-ft B-21 alert lodging and readiness building plus aerospace ground equipment facilities at Ellsworth AFB, targeting completion in Nov. 2028. Agriculture & Livestock Safety: SDSU Extension is adding free forage nitrate testing drop boxes across South Dakota to help producers manage nitrate risks in forages during dry conditions. Farm Policy: Sen. John Thune is pushing a five-year farm bill that would expand crop insurance, modernize farm loans, add livestock and grazing support, invest in rural infrastructure, and make year-round E15 sales permanent. Hemp Regulation: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a 34-state coalition urging Congress to preserve updated federal hemp restrictions to prevent youth access to intoxicating hemp products. Food Industry Watch: FDA recalls Bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including South Dakota, due to possible salmonella contamination; no illnesses reported. Local Economy & Housing: Rapid City is set to announce naming rights for its planned sports complex, while Spearfish broke ground on an affordable housing project with 94 units. Public Health: A Salmonella outbreak tied to imported jalapeños has sickened 345 people across 27 states; South Dakota has no reported cases so far. Workforce & Community: A report highlights how transportation barriers in Rapid City can limit access to jobs and affect quality of life. Energy & Business: Black Hills Corp. reported Q2 results of $38.2M net income and reaffirmed 2026 earnings guidance.

Corrections Leadership Shake-Up: South Dakota’s Department of Corrections lost its fourth penitentiary warden since 2021, with Joseph Roemmich (Sioux Falls), Director of Prison Operations Amber Pirraglia, and Maj. Cody Hanson all departing; Tabatha Benting is now serving as penitentiary warden. Affordable Housing Development: Spearfish broke ground on Stone Ridge Commons, an affordable complex with 94 townhome-style units and 172 bedrooms, targeting “missing middle” workers and students with rent caps up to 80% of area median income. Food Safety Recall: LSI, Inc. of Alpena, S.D., recalled 2.28 million pounds of Costco/Sam’s Club pork jerky due to possible wiry metal contamination; no injuries reported, but consumers are urged not to eat affected “Golden Island” Korean barbecue pork jerky. Ag & Energy Policy: South Dakota’s congressional delegation is pushing for year-round, nationwide E15 ethanol sales, citing its inclusion in the Senate farm bill, while opponents warn about smog impacts and land-use changes. Local Industry & Growth: Rapid City is set to get a $1M Future Fund boost for the Northline Business Park (advanced manufacturing/light industrial) alongside a larger state loan; Black Hills Corp. reported Q2 earnings of $38.2M and reaffirmed guidance. Workforce & Education Expansion: Douglas School District is expanding Douglas Middle School to handle expected growth tied to the B-21 arrival, adding space for about 130 students and new classrooms. Public Health Oversight: FDA inspection data show one Brown County-area company (3M, Devices) received a “No Action Indicated” result in Q2.

Affordable Housing: Black Hills Area Community Foundation broke ground on Stone Ridge Commons in Spearfish, planning 94 townhomes for households earning up to 80% of the area median income, with low-interest gap financing to keep rents capped. Workforce & Training: Western Dakota Technical College launched the Catapult Stakeholders Group in Rapid City, bringing 65 education and employer leaders together to tackle western South Dakota labor shortages in healthcare, automotive, manufacturing, and electrical trades. Economic Development: Gov. Larry Rhoden announced a $1 million Future Fund award to help Elevate Rapid City develop the Northline Business Park, including land acquisition and public infrastructure. Business Growth: The governor also awarded $1 million for a new Rapid City business park, following a prior $7.5 million state loan. Health & Consumer Safety: FDA recalled bettergoods pistachio nut butter sold at Walmart in 19 states, including South Dakota, due to possible Salmonella contamination. Agriculture Risk Management: SDSU Extension is offering free nitrate testing drop-offs for forage to help livestock producers manage feed safety as dry conditions persist. Public Health/Legal: South Dakota is set to receive $996,862.80 from a multistate Sandoz generic drug price-fixing settlement, with part earmarked for Medicaid and the rest into an antitrust fund. Water Infrastructure Security: A growing wave of cyberattacks on water systems has now reached at least 12 states, with South Dakota reporting an incident tied to the broader campaign. Recreation & Local Life: Lake Sakakawea’s low levels may force officials to use boat ramps submerged for nearly 20 years, after drought reduced reservoir inflows.

Workforce & Industry Development: Western Dakota Tech launched its Catapult Stakeholders Group, a three-year effort bringing 65 regional leaders together to align education and training with west river job needs in fields like healthcare, welding, and plumbing. Economic Development: Gov. Larry Rhoden directed $1 million from the Future Fund to help build the Northline Business Park in Rapid City, targeting shovel-ready industrial sites and new employers. Antitrust & Healthcare Costs: South Dakota is set to receive $996,862.80 from a multistate Sandoz generic drug price-fixing settlement, with $157,474.93 earmarked for Medicaid and the rest going to an antitrust special revenue fund. Agriculture Safety: SDSU Extension is expanding free nitrate testing drop-offs for forages as dry conditions persist, helping livestock producers manage feed risks. Food Supply Alert: FDA recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter sold at Walmart in South Dakota and 18 other states due to possible Salmonella contamination. Local Governance: Yankton County’s sales tax vote hit a legal snag after confusion over SB96 requirements, including the need for proper ordinance publication.

Public Safety & Health: South Dakota hospitals saw mixed results in CMS’ 2026 Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, with Avera St. Mary’s (Pierre) and Huron Regional Medical Center (Huron) landing at 2 stars, while five facilities earned 5-star marks. Critical Infrastructure: Cyberattacks targeting water and wastewater systems are spreading, with federal investigators saying hackers exploited internet-facing devices and disrupted operations in multiple states; Michigan reported nine affected systems and Rapid City was among those hit, though officials say water remained safe. Energy & Industry: A new analysis highlights the power-cost paradox facing manufacturers—cheap solar doesn’t always translate into lower factory bills—pushing for rate changes that better match when electricity is used. Food & Consumer Safety: Walmart recalled Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including South Dakota, after salmonella was detected in a specific lot; no illnesses reported. Local Business & Construction: I-90’s Exit 332 at Mitchell fully reopened after months of closure, timed for Sturgis-area traffic. Healthcare Policy: South Dakota will receive $996,862.80 from a multistate $400 million Sandoz settlement tied to alleged generic drug price-fixing, with funds split between Medicaid and the state’s antitrust fund. Agriculture & Labor: A national look at workforce trends warns South Dakota and the region may face ongoing young-worker shortages even as job openings stay high.

Workforce & AI Funding: South Dakota’s Department of Labor and Regulation says the Workforce AI Adoption competitive funding application deadline is Friday, Aug. 7, offering cost-share support for AI discovery, AI training implementation, and employee AI awareness. Public Safety Tech: Rapid City-area debate is heating up over the spread of automatic license plate readers, with Summerset planning a public review of its 24/7 camera rollout. Food & Retail Safety: Walmart is recalling Bettergoods Pistachio Nut Butter in 19 states, including South Dakota, after routine testing found Salmonella in a single lot. Health & Antitrust: South Dakota will receive $996,862.80 from a proposed $400 million Sandoz antitrust settlement tied to generic drug price-fixing, with part earmarked for Medicaid and part to an antitrust special revenue fund. Legal Fight Over Abortion-Pill Ads: Gov. Larry Rhoden and AG Marty Jackley have appealed a ruling blocking enforcement of South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban. Cybersecurity & Water Systems: Rapid City reported a wastewater-related cyber incident, while broader FBI warnings continue about attacks targeting municipal water systems. Agriculture & Markets: Farmers are watching Fed rate uncertainty as higher interest rates add pressure to an already costly input environment. Local Business & Media: Riverfront Broadcasting is expanding in western South Dakota with the acquisition of Fox Sports Rapid City and a new Riverfront Sports Network.

Thermal Energy & Manufacturing: Antora Energy closed a $550M Series C to scale U.S.-made thermal battery storage, following a South Dakota deployment at POET’s Big Stone City site that moved from construction to delivery in under 12 months—aimed at speeding energy for factories and data centers. Renewables Buildout: Xcel Energy completed Sherco Solar Phase 3 near Becker, bringing the Upper Midwest facility to 710 MW with a proposed Phase 4 targeting 910 MW by 2029. Road & Construction Impacts (Mitchell/Sioux Empire): SDDOT chip seal and fog seal work starts Aug. 10 in the Mitchell area, and the I-90 Exit 332 bridge project fully reopens Aug. 4. Road & Construction Impacts (Rapid City): Rapid City and Pennington County crews are also moving through multiple sanitary-sewer and road projects, with lane closures and short-term detours. Cybersecurity (Water Systems): Federal agencies say Iran-linked actors are targeting water and wastewater utilities in at least seven states; Rapid City reported a lift-station incident, with officials stressing no jeopardy to water/wastewater systems. Agriculture & Livestock: USDA crop progress shows mixed conditions across corn, soybeans, and wheat in the region, while heat-related livestock stress remains a concern. Antitrust/Pharma: AG William Tong announced a $400M settlement in principle with Sandoz over alleged generic-drug price and competition conspiracies.

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Federal officials warn that malicious hackers have been tampering with internet-connected water and wastewater control systems in at least seven states, including South Dakota, after incidents caused pressure loss and flooding; the FBI and EPA urge utilities to pull exposed control equipment off public internet and tighten protections. Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra electrical generation for the Southwest Power Pool during extreme heat, allowing backup power dispatch for data centers and other large industrial sites as a last resort. Rare Minerals Research: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M ARPA-E grant to speed up locating rare earth and critical minerals using advanced sensing plus AI mapping, partnering with University of Oklahoma, New Mexico Tech, and Dakota Gold for field testing near Lead. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Ag Committee released updated “Farm Bill 2.0” text that includes year-round E15 sales, a provision South Dakota lawmakers are highlighting for producers and rural communities. Local Industry & Workforce: SDSU announced spring 2026 graduates, including engineering and agriculture/food/environmental sciences degrees, underscoring the pipeline for South Dakota’s technical workforce. Community & Safety: Sioux Falls detailed upcoming road construction starting Aug. 3, with lane closures and sewer work affecting travel in the industrial park area.

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Federal officials say malicious hackers have been tampering with internet-connected water and wastewater control systems in at least seven states, with Iran suspected after a Minnesota attack; South Dakota is among the states reporting activity, raising alarms for utilities to lock down exposed controls. Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy authorized extra generation and backup power dispatch during extreme heat across the Southwest Power Pool region, which includes South Dakota, aiming to prevent outages. Agriculture Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee released updated “Farm Bill 2.0” text, including year-round E15 sales language that South Dakota lawmakers say matters for producers and rural economies. Rare Minerals Research: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M federal grant to speed up locating rare earth and critical mineral deposits using advanced sensing and mapping, with industry partner Dakota Gold providing samples. Local Industry & Community: Sioux Falls announced multiple road construction projects starting Aug. 3, including lane reductions tied to industrial park sewer work and major overlay repairs. Education & Workforce Pipeline: Two biotechnology students from India completed a six-month research exchange at South Dakota Mines, studying greenhouse-gas bacteria and targeted cancer therapy work.

Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity: Michigan reported municipal water systems saw activity consistent with federal warnings about remote attacks on internet-connected control devices, with South Dakota also named among states that have reported similar incidents; officials say systems kept operating safely while the FBI points to malicious actors targeting programmable logic controllers. Agriculture & Fuel Policy: The Senate Agriculture Committee released “Farm Bill 2.0” text ahead of markup, including year-round E15 sales—praised by South Dakota lawmakers as a boost for producers and rural economies. Rare Earths Research: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M DOE ARPA-E grant to speed up locating rare earth and critical mineral deposits using advanced sensing plus AI-driven 3D mapping, partnering with universities and Dakota Gold for field testing near Lead. Education for Industry Talent: South Dakota Mines professor Cristian Vargas-Ordóñez earned a national KEEN Rising Star honor for teaching an entrepreneurial mindset in mechanical engineering. Local Infrastructure & Growth: Gov. Rhoden awarded $1M to Mitchell’s industrial park to make land “shovel-ready,” while Sioux Falls continues major road work with lane closures starting Aug. 3. Agribusiness Debate: Cattle groups are pushing mandatory country-of-origin labeling (MCOOL) as Senate Ag prepares for Farm Bill markup.

Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency power order covering South Dakota and 16 other states as extreme heat strains the regional grid, giving the Southwest Power Pool authority to dispatch generation and use backup resources to prevent blackouts. Industrial Growth: South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden earmarked $1 million from the Future Fund to help Mitchell’s 19-acre business and industrial park become “shovel-ready” with utilities and roads, building on additional federal and local support. Local Infrastructure: Sioux Falls begins lane closures on Veterans Parkway starting Aug. 3 for pavement markings and signal head activation, with at least one lane open each direction. Agriculture & Markets: USDA crop progress shows South Dakota spring wheat is mostly headed but with weaker quality ratings than North Dakota, while national farmland values continue to climb. Livestock Policy: The South Dakota Brand Board will hold an Aug. 5 Pierre public hearing to raise the per-head ownership inspection fee to $1.45 (from $1) to cover higher inspector costs. Tech & Cybersecurity: Rapid City reported a cybersecurity incident tied to a wastewater facility, described as a denial-of-service attack targeting operations. Business & Media: Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Fox Sports Rapid City and plans to launch the Riverfront Sports Network, expanding local sports coverage across radio, streaming, and digital platforms.

Industrial Park Funding: Gov. Larry Rhoden earmarked $1 million from the Future Fund to help Mitchell’s business and industrial park get utilities and roads in place, building on USDA and local dollars to make sites “shovel-ready.” Energy Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states, including South Dakota, to reduce blackout risk during extreme heat by letting the Southwest Power Pool dispatch needed generation. Local Construction & Infrastructure: Sioux Falls is moving into a new phase of Veterans Parkway work with lane closures for pavement markings, while Mitchell is preparing access roads for the South Dakota State Amateur Baseball Tournament at Cadwell Park. Agriculture Policy: Cattle groups are lining up for Senate Farm Bill markup over mandatory country-of-origin labeling, with MCOOL backers and opponents again taking sides. Livestock Oversight: The South Dakota Brand Board set an Aug. 5 public hearing to raise the per-head ownership inspection fee to $1.45 to cover higher inspector costs. Workforce/Innovation in Engineering: South Dakota Mines professor Cristian Vargas-Ordóñez earned a KEEN Rising Star award for teaching an entrepreneurial mindset in mechanical engineering. Business & Media: Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Fox Sports Rapid City and plans to launch the Riverfront Sports Network with expanded local sports coverage. Community Recovery: A Sioux Falls family continues storm recovery after a tree left their home uninhabitable. Agricultural Land Values: USDA’s land values report shows U.S. cropland topping $6,000 an acre in 2026, with South Dakota cropland rising to $4,770 per acre.

State Rankings Watch: South Dakota surged six spots to No. 2 in US News’ 2026 Best States report, boosted by top-tier natural environment (No. 2), strong opportunity and economy (both No. 5), and solid infrastructure (No. 6), while healthcare still lags (No. 32) and crime/corrections holds it back (No. 41). Healthcare Costs: A South Dakota Democrat warns Medicare Part D premium stabilization ends after 2026, potentially raising drug costs for seniors starting in 2027. Banking & Community Finance: Premier Bank CEO Wade Gort received Iowa’s Robert D. Dixon Founders Award, highlighting long-running leadership in independent community banking. Defense Manufacturing Jobs: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved funding tied to AMTEC’s expansion of automated ammunition production in Clear Lake and other growth loans, targeting more than $115M in capital investment and 74 new full-time jobs. Energy & Industry Power: Antora Energy’s $550M Series C aims to scale thermal battery systems for data centers and factories, while a separate report notes eastern South Dakota water planning may not be driven by data centers as much as broader development needs. Grid Reliability: The DOE extended an emergency power order for 17 states amid extreme heat, designed to prevent rolling blackouts. Agriculture Under Stress: Heat and drought killed more than 1,000 cattle in northeast South Dakota, with ranchers warning water shortages could force herd sales. Local Business & Services: Medical Air Rescue Company (MARC) broke ground on a new Rapid City headquarters and hangar to expand regional emergency transport. Courts & Housing: Hideaway Hills homeowners seek a Supreme Court rehearing over sinkhole-related damages tied to past gypsum mining. Community Events: Clay and Union County fairs expand youth livestock programming, with Clay adding a fourth day and Union County running its three-day fair.

Economic Development & Defense Manufacturing: The South Dakota Board of Economic Development approved reinvestment and workforce support tied to AMTEC’s Tech Ord expansion in Clear Lake—an automated ammunition production facility expected to drive $115M+ in capital investment and create 74 full-time jobs—plus SD Works loans for Sioux Falls’ Quality Nut & Bolt. Workforce & CDL Policy: President Trump launched a federal fast-track effort to help military veterans obtain commercial driver’s licenses sooner, expanding a waiver tied to heavy-vehicle experience and adding training for those without it. Energy & Grid Reliability: With extreme heat building, the U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order for 17 states (including South Dakota) to let the Southwest Power Pool dispatch backup generation as a last resort. Local Governance & Tax: Clay County postponed the first reading of a proposed half-percent county sales tax aimed at lowering owner-occupied property taxes after an omission in a public notice. Housing & Construction: Mitchell opened Wheatridge Townhomes, adding eight rental units and highlighting low-maintenance features for residents. Rapid City Data Center Oversight: Residents urged Rapid City to require a Conditional Use Permit process for a proposed Sequitor Edge data center, citing power and water impacts. Agriculture & Land Stewardship: A South Dakota ranch family was recognized for regenerative practices tied to soil health and reduced environmental impact. Health & Community: Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day returned to raise funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, supporting local families.

Energy & Grid Reliability: Antora Energy raised $550M to scale modular thermal batteries for heavy industry and data centers, aiming to deliver always-on power from heat storage. Critical Minerals & Research: South Dakota Mines won a $3.1M DOE grant to speed up locating and mapping rare earths and other critical minerals. Water Quality: EPA approved South Dakota’s 2026 Surface Water Quality Assessment Report, removing 38 waterbodies from the impaired list and flagging 198 segments needing TMDLs. Drought Relief for Small Business: SBA opened economic injury disaster loans for drought-impacted central South Dakota counties, with applications due March 10, 2027. Public Safety & Local Industry: Pye-Barker Fire & Safety kept expanding, adding a Rapid City team among new acquisitions and climbing in SDM 100 rankings. Transportation & Infrastructure: MnDOT warned cyclists and motorcycle travelers about I-90 construction ahead of the Sturgis Rally. Agriculture & Markets: USDA’s late-June reports set the tone for grain markets, with corn and soybean planted acres at record levels. Health Watch: CDC reported Cyclospora cases now in 45 states, including South Dakota. Native Workforce: Native homeownership coalition received $300,000 to continue a construction internship program building the next generation of tribal contractors.

Local Food & Agriculture: South Dakota Specialty Producers Association is urging residents to hit one of about 45 farmers markets statewide during National Farmers Market Week, Aug. 2-8, to support local growers and fresh seasonal produce. Energy & Grid Reliability: The U.S. Department of Energy issued an emergency order to boost power generation and reliability maintenance across 17 states, including South Dakota, as extreme heat raises blackout risk. Livestock Impacts: South Dakota feedlots are seeing heat stress-related cattle losses, with SDSU Extension pointing to high heat index, humidity, and limited airflow as key drivers; producers are urged to monitor herds and use shade and sprinklers. Utilities & Renewables: The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission allowed SDREA to intervene in a docket involving a roughly $174 million battery energy storage system at the Crowned Ridge wind farm in Codington County. Construction & Infrastructure: SDDOT scheduled a $3.8 million asphalt surface treatment project starting Aug. 3 across multiple eastern and central counties, with chip seal-related delays expected. Public Safety & Travel: MnDOT is warning Sturgis-bound riders about I-90 construction work zones in Minnesota and urging drivers to check 511mn.org before heading west. Housing & Workforce: Rapid City highlighted the Governor’s House program, where homes built in a prison setting aim to expand affordable homeownership while training participants. Education & Health Sciences: SDSU librarian Annisija Hunter received a Will Eisner Graphic Novel Grants for Libraries Innovation Grant to build a graphic medicine collection and host campus programming.