Local Philanthropy: South Dakota is mourning T. Denny Sanford, who died July 18 at 90 after giving away more than $4 billion, including major support for Sanford Health and education—his legacy is now being marked by leaders and institutions across the state, including SDSU. Politics & Community: In the gubernatorial runoff, voters are split on “outsider” Toby Doeden, whose property-tax phaseout pitch has drawn both enthusiasm and sharp criticism. Sports & Events: USD promoted Brooke Opdahl to head football athletic trainer, and Sioux Falls is gearing up for the Sept. 13 South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame induction banquet with tickets now on sale. Culture & Outdoors: A T. rex skeleton discovered in South Dakota—“Gus”—sold for $50.1 million, becoming the priciest dinosaur fossil ever. Public Safety: Law enforcement is asking for help locating sex offender Benjermin Richard Kelley, who hasn’t checked in since 2008. Health & Weather: Extreme heat and storm risks are building across the region, while the CDC reports measles cases continue to rise nationwide.
AGP Executive Report
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Indigenous Culture: The Dakota Oyate Wacipi returned to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation with its annual powwow, drawing dancers, drum groups, and families from across the U.S. and Canada and spotlighting traditional women’s and men’s dance categories plus a moccasin tournament. Arts & Learning: Journey Museum hosted a Family STEAM event during the Monumental Memories Tour, where kids and parents built custom-colored clay sculptures with Dakota STEAM Learning. Youth & Community: The Kids Belong Ride rolls onto the Mickelson Trail July 25 in Hill City, raising support for children in foster care with routes for all ages and a post-ride dinner. Family Safety: A free parent-focused internet safety talk is set for July 22 at the Matthews Opera House in Spearfish, featuring a speaker from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Local Sports: The Days of ’76 Rodeo kicked off in Deadwood with free slack events, including steer roping, ahead of ticketed performances through the week. South Dakota Spotlight: Three students from Pierre, Platte, and Watertown were named state representatives in a national America250 student art contest, with winners honored in Washington, D.C. Major Local Loss: South Dakota mourns philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, whose giving helped shape Sanford Health and many statewide causes.
Community Giving: The Kids Belong Ride returns July 25 on the George S. Mickelson Trail, with registration at The Little White Church in Hill City (8–11 a.m.), routes from a short downhill option to a 43-mile ride near Crazy Horse, and proceeds supporting children in foster care across South Dakota. Parenting & Safety: A free “Internet Safety for Children and Teens” talk is set for July 22 at the Matthews Opera House in Spearfish, featuring Hollie Strand from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; tickets are free but required due to limited seating. Local History & Culture: Spearfish trick rider Rosemary Tope Seymour, 96, reflects on her decades of performing at the Days of ’76 Rodeo and what the legacy has meant to her life. Arts, Faith & Debate: The South Dakota Legislature approved a resolution urging July fasting and prayer, prompting commentary and pushback over the message and who voted against it. Weather Watch: Heat advisories are active across much of the region, including South Dakota, with dangerous “feels-like” temperatures prompting stay-inside guidance. Major News: South Dakota mourns philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, whose billions of gifts helped shape Sanford Health and major local causes; Gov. Larry Rhoden called him the “greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.” Big Science & Local Pride: A South Dakota–discovered T. rex skeleton nicknamed “Gus” sold for $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, setting a new auction record for a fossil.
Philanthropy & Health: South Dakota mourns billionaire T. Denny Sanford, who died at 90. His gifts helped shape Sanford Health and major local care efforts, including the Sanford Children’s Hospital and the Edith Sanford Breast Center, leaving a legacy leaders say will last for generations. Arts & Community: Spearfish’s Festival in the Park returns at City Park with 185 fine art and craft vendors, food trucks, and daily free entertainment—its biggest fundraiser for arts outreach. Youth Sports: Sioux Falls-area athletes made headlines: the SD Open Tennis Tournament drew top talent, while local golfers Eli Anema and Katie Wold captured second Sioux Falls Golf City Championships. Local Events: The Sioux Falls Air Show took flight at Joe Foss Field with performances including the Thunderbirds, and the Crazy Bear Ultra launched at Great Bear Ski Valley for runners chasing big climbs and tough loops. Education & Culture: South Dakota students from Pierre, Platte and Watertown earned spots at the America250 American Heroes Student Art Contest awards in Washington, D.C., celebrating U.S. history through original artwork. Disability & Inclusion: South Dakota Services for the Deaf and SD DROP hosted a first-ever golf fundraiser in Harrisburg to support camps and enrichment for deaf and hard of hearing children across the state.
Healthcare Legacy: T. Denny Sanford, the Sioux Falls billionaire philanthropist who helped fund Sanford Children’s Hospital, the Edith Sanford Breast Center and rural health initiatives, has died at 90. Nursing Shortage: A South Dakota nurse educator is sounding the alarm on a looming RN shortage, especially in rural areas, calling for more support and training. Local Leadership: Sioux Falls welcomed Christine Erickson as its first woman mayor, with a focus on “safer, stronger” city goals. Community & Culture: The Corvette Classic is rolling through the Black Hills this weekend, with displays and events in Spearfish. Sports & Community Pride: The South Dakota Open tennis tournament returns to Sioux Falls with a record $22,000 purse. Public Safety: AAA warns that extreme heat is creating dangerous driving and roadside conditions, urging precautions for motorists and technicians. Education Access: Gov. Larry Rhoden says Workforce Pell applications are now open for short-term training programs. Civic Planning: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue reconstruction is nearing a July 24 inside-lane reopening target. Arts & Recognition: Doreen Gosmire was inducted into Honored Women Educators of South Dakota.
Sioux Falls Tennis: The South Dakota Open returns this weekend with a record $22,000 purse, a 64-player men’s field set after qualifier matches, and finals Sunday (women at 10 a.m., men at noon). City Leadership: Christine Erickson was sworn in as Sioux Falls’ first woman mayor, promising “safer, stronger” leadership after a historic, four-vote race and runoff. Public Safety in Heat: AAA warns extreme heat is driving more roadside breakdowns and raises risks for roadside technicians, urging drivers to slow down, move over, and plan for overheating. Workforce Training: Gov. Rhoden says Workforce Pell applications are now open, letting approved short-term training programs use federal Pell grants. Community Arts: Huron’s “#SmallTownLove” mural project ties local business storytelling to neighborhood pride. Faith & Service: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church partnered with Feed My Starving Children for a large mobile meal-packing event in Sioux Falls. Capitol Restoration: Artists are restoring the South Dakota Capitol rotunda and dome, calling the work “the next phase of history.”
Heat & Safety: A heat advisory is up for most of the Yankton area Friday afternoon into evening, with temperatures expected in the mid- to upper 90s and heat index values around 95–102. The NWS warns to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air conditioning, and never leave kids or pets in unattended vehicles. Community Gardening: SDSU Extension is launching its first “South Dakota’s Greatest Gardens” contest for adults 18+ (free to enter). Categories include vegetable/edible, pollinator/native, container, and patriotic gardens, with submissions accepted July 1–Aug. 23 and winners displayed at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. Local Politics & Messaging: In the GOP governor runoff, candidate Toby Doeden’s property-tax elimination pledge is facing new scrutiny after his spokesperson said it’s only meant for homeowners—an attempt to clarify language that has previously sounded broader. Daylight Saving Time: A push to end the twice-yearly clock change cleared the House, but Senate GOP resistance is growing, with concerns about winter sunrises for schoolchildren and rural communities.
Education & Community Leadership: Mount Marty held spring commencements for its Yankton and Watertown campuses, with Avera Heart Hospital CEO Michael “Mick” Gibbs urging graduates to lead with humility and small acts of service. Local Governance: The Vermillion School Board reorganized after the 2025-26 terms ended, swearing in Ryan Johnson and Philip Terwilliger and approving the 2026-27 budget and tax levies. Global Service: Don Blankenau shared how Vermillion’s Rotary-backed SAM Project is helping bring clean drinking water and sanitation to rural communities in Zambia. Sports & Youth Culture: Senior volleyball setter Avery Van Hook is gearing up for a big final season at USD, returning with new personal bests and a team built for momentum. Rural Ranching & Land Care: SDSU Extension outlined free woody encroachment field tours and other training for range management as drought pressures push ranchers to plan ahead for 2027. Public Health & Care Systems: Avera facilities in Eureka, Platte and other locations were recognized for stroke-care improvements through the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke initiative. Everyday Life: Rapid City’s Heart to Table mobile food distribution continues weekly support for families facing food insecurity, with help routed through Feeding South Dakota and local churches. Civic Life & Debate: A Vermillion Area Chamber conversation tackled data centers—what they could bring, what concerns residents have, and what a proposal process might look like. Safety & Policy Watch: A new study finds speeding barely saves time while costing drivers money and fuel, a reminder as summer travel ramps up.
Family & Courts: South Dakota’s Supreme Court upheld a judge’s decision to terminate a mother’s parental rights to two children after federal drug convictions and time in prison. Community Safety: Rapid City Fire Department reminded swimmers to avoid going alone in Rapid Creek, wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, watch for hidden hazards, and pay attention to upstream storms. Student Arts: Three South Dakota students won the America 250 student art contest—honoring Louis Armstrong, Walt Disney, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Native Culture: Sioux Falls cardiologist Dr. Paul Carpenter is sharing the story of the Lakota “Fool Soldiers,” who used non-violent rescue to free white women and children during the Minnesota Uprising. Local Lifestyle: Sioux Falls’ Lake Lorraine hosts another catch-and-release fishing night July 16, with Northern Pike, bass, crappie, perch, and bluegill. Politics & Campaigns: Governor Larry Rhoden’s surplus news and Toby Doeden’s “fake poll” dispute keep the runoff race in the spotlight. Health & Weather: West Nile virus is surging early this year, with officials warning the riskiest months haven’t even arrived yet. Arts on Stage: “Annie KIDS” lands at the PPAC with performances July 18-19. Sports & Fun: The King of the Wings sprint event brings a strong field to area tracks this weekend. Dino Culture: A South Dakota T. rex fossil nicknamed “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million, reigniting debate over fossils being locked away from science.
Sioux Falls City Hall: The Sioux Falls City Council voted to raise public records fees for commercial requests meant for private use, aiming to better cover staff time—while requests from news, education, and personal use won’t be affected. Politics & Trust: Republican governor candidate Toby Doeden called a new KELO/Emerson poll “fake” after it showed him trailing in the July 28 runoff, flipping his earlier reaction when the same outlet showed him leading in the primary. Online Safety: South Dakota will receive nearly $10 million from Roblox over four years, with new age verification and expanded parental controls as the state pushes tougher child-protection measures. Education Pipeline: The state welcomed the 4th cohort into the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway, adding 71 paraprofessionals to a program built to ease teacher shortages. Community & Culture: Mount Marty University is gearing up for its 90th anniversary with October homecoming events and a refreshed “90 years” logo. Outdoor Fun: Yankton’s Jake Jaunt returns Saturday on the Missouri River, a memorial paddle honoring local kayaker Jake Riter. Health & Safety: Dementia caregivers are urged to take extra precautions during extreme heat—fluids, cool environments, and watchful monitoring for wandering and heat illness. Sports Spotlight: Rapid City’s Kaitlin Strain won the SDGA Women’s Amateur Championship, while Parker Edens captured the SDGA Men’s Amateur title. Arts & Events: The Sioux Falls Airshow lands this weekend at Joe Foss Field, featuring the Thunderbirds and a mix of modern and historic aircraft. Big Science Debate: The T. rex fossil “Gus,” discovered on a South Dakota ranch, sold for a record $50.1 million—sparking renewed worries about fossils ending up in private hands.
Sioux Falls Mayoral Race: After a recount that came down to four votes, Jamie Smith conceded to Christine Erickson, ending the chance of a court fight and clearing the way for the new administration. Digital Access for Students: Jobs for America’s Graduates–South Dakota (JAG-SD) won Mobile Beacon’s 2026 JAG EDGE Mobile Connectivity Grants, receiving hotspots and a year of service to help students and staff close connectivity gaps. Housing & Community Development: The South Dakota Housing Development Authority will hold a public hearing July 22 on issuing up to $28 million in multifamily housing bonds for the West Park Portfolio project in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, and Vermillion. Public Health: Madison Regional Health System earned recognition for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative. Local Culture & Community Life: In Hutchinson County, a nonprofit effort is working to restore Silver Lake’s public access and bring back swimming and outdoor recreation. Sports Complex Planning: Rapid City’s legal and finance committee will consider accepting a 22.65-acre land donation to move forward with a planned publicly owned sports complex. Funeral Notices: Several South Dakota-area obituaries were published, including Laura Susan Sparby of Harrold and Jerald “Jerry” Merlin Worlie.
SNAP Transparency Fight: A new federal penalty is pushing states that have refused to share SNAP data to finally crack down on fraud, after a court fight that kept funding flowing while compliance dragged on. Sioux Falls Politics: Jamie Smith conceded the Sioux Falls mayoral race after a recount left him down by four votes, calling for election-law improvements as Christine Erickson prepares to take office. Public Safety in Heat: Whitewood police are urging caregivers to never leave children in vehicles, warning that heat can turn deadly in minutes. Local Construction Watch: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction may shift work hours due to extreme temperatures, with concrete pours adjusted to avoid heat-setting problems. Education & Youth Tech: Dakota State University hosted the Civil Air Patrol Cyber Academy, bringing top student coders from across the country to train in cybersecurity and leadership. Community & Heritage: Viborg’s Danish Days kicks off this week with parades, music, Danish food traditions, and events celebrating the town’s Danish roots. Sports Culture: Illinois State was picked second in the MVFC preseason poll, with multiple Redbirds named to the preseason watch list. Arts & Learning: Black Hills Community Theatre announced auditions for Disney’s Frozen in Rapid City. South Dakota in the Spotlight: A T. rex fossil unearthed in South Dakota, nicknamed “Gus,” sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, reigniting debate over fossils ending up in private hands.
T. rex “Gus” Fallout: A nearly complete 67-million-year-old T. rex fossil discovered in South Dakota sold at Sotheby’s for a record $50.1 million, sparking fresh debate over whether major fossils should stay in public museums or private hands. Sioux Falls Politics: Jamie Smith conceded the mayoral race to Christine Erickson after a recount, urging election-law improvements while Erickson moves ahead with her transition team. Online Child Safety: South Dakota reached a $15 million settlement with Roblox, including age-verification requirements and funding for the Internet Crimes Against Children task force and after-school programs. Local Arts & Youth: Black Hills Community Theatre announced auditions for Disney’s Frozen in Rapid City, seeking a diverse cast ages 7+ for a fall run. Community Sports: Mitchell High’s Kernel Volleyball Camp welcomed new head coach Amy Tyler, returning to the gym after years away. Education Watch: SDSU opened a Center for Online and Professional Education to centralize online degrees and upskilling across the state. Local Flavor: Brookings’ Nick’s Hamburger Shop—open since 1929—keeps its “buy ’em by the bag” tradition alive.
Roblox Settlement: South Dakota reached a $15 million deal with Roblox to protect kids online and boost education, with funds earmarked for the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, a child-safety PSA, after-school programs, and future consumer-protection enforcement. AI in Education: Dakota Wesleyan University is rolling out a campus-wide AI initiative using BoodleBox, giving more than 1,000 students and staff access to a private, secure tool starting next school year. School Support & Access: Yankton School District approved 2026-27 meal prices and reminded families to apply for free and reduced-price meals via MySchoolApps, stressing it can help with grants and summer lunch. Community Learning: The Banquet’s Project S.O.S. is back in Sioux Falls with registration open for free backpack supply kits for students. Arts & Local Culture: Vermillion’s Coyote Twin will host author Benita VanWinkle for a book event tied to her photography project on hometown movie theaters, plus a fundraising push for a new digital marquee. Sports on the Calendar: Tickets go on sale July 17 for Nebraska men’s basketball at the Sanford Pentagon on Nov. 15, with Boise State making its Pentagon debut.
Sioux Falls Mayoral Race: Christine Erickson is officially set to become the city’s first woman mayor after a recount decided the race by just four votes, while Jamie Smith says he’s still weighing legal options and points to possible election-law changes. Rapid City Corrections: Gov. Larry Rhoden cut the “ribbon” on South Dakota’s new Women’s Correctional Facility, a $87M, 102,750-square-foot Level III prison with treatment, education, and a mother-infant program; transfers are expected next month. Education & Workforce: South Dakota is exploring alternatives to teacher licensing exams as rural and tribal districts report higher vacancy rates, with a portfolio-based approach under study. Public Safety Online Kids: AG Jackley announced a $15M settlement with Roblox, with funds aimed at child online safety and education. Health: Madison Regional Health System earned American Heart Association recognition for its stroke care initiative. Culture & Community: Jasper Quartziter Days runs July 17–19, with a car cruise, vendor fair, turtle races, and family events.
Local Education & Libraries: South Dakota’s Department of Education and State Library handed out 2026-2029 SATL awards to 16 school libraries and librarians, spotlighting programs that support students through strong “program, place, and professional practice.” Community Learning: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative won state grants to expand afterschool and summer learning in western South Dakota, including new PAWS programming at Philip Elementary. Youth & Sports: Kaitlin Strain of Rapid City won the SDGA Women’s Amateur Championship at Elmwood Golf Course, while Parker Edens and Dakota Munger tied for the men’s title. Local Life Skills: Rapid City Public Library hosted a backyard chicken-keeping class after the city allowed up to six hens, with tips on coop setup, nutrition, and health. Civic Access: South Dakota’s court system is considering merging the Fourth and Seventh judicial circuits, raising rural access-to-justice concerns about a “mega circuit.” Culture & Care: Sanaa’s Gourmet Mediterranean held a brunch fundraiser to help Highmore recover from storm damage, with proceeds split between local recovery and World Central Kitchen. Health & Safety: A rural Davison County crash near Mitchell left three injured, including one life-threatening case, after a vehicle overturned and caught fire. Arts & Community Events: Silver City’s annual Pie Social and Volksmarch also marked the relocation of a 1930s CCC barracks building for preservation.
Arts & Education: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative won two state grants to expand afterschool and summer learning in western South Dakota, including new PAWS programming at Philip Elementary and expanded club hubs in Rapid City. Community Culture: Brookings Summer Arts Festival drew thousands to Pioneer Park with 170+ artists, ethnic food booths, living history, and free entertainment across three stages. Local Arts & Music: The Minot City Band returns with two identical Sunday concerts at Oak Park, featuring works from “Into the Clouds” to “Abram’s Pursuit,” plus a trombone solo. Public Health & Care: The American Heart Association recognized 24 South Dakota facilities for stroke rehab work through Mission: Lifeline, including two 2026 Certificates of Excellence in Sioux Falls. Civic Life: Rapid City’s new backyard chicken ordinance is getting practical support via a library class on coop setup and care. Sports & Youth: Former Sioux Falls Roosevelt pitcher Jack Radel was drafted No. 28 by the Houston Astros after a standout Notre Dame season. Correctional Reform: Gov. Larry Rhoden cut the ribbon on Rapid City’s new Women’s Correctional Facility, built to expand rehabilitation and education programming. Politics & Elections: A Sioux Falls mayoral recount board confirmed Christine Erickson’s win over Jamie Smith by four votes, with Smith signaling a legal challenge. Policy Fight: South Dakota’s prenatal video requirement is being criticized as indoctrination rather than education, after state approval of specific films.
Rapid City Women’s Prison Opens: Gov. Larry Rhoden cut the ribbon on a new South Dakota Women’s Correctional Facility, built for 288 beds across three housing units, with space for group treatment, education, and programs aimed at rehabilitation and reentry. Local Governance & Community Health: The American Heart Association recognized 24 South Dakota facilities for their role in the Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative, including Avera Prince of Peace and Encompass Health earning 2026 Certificates of Excellence. Arts & Community Life: Brookings’ Summer Arts Festival drew thousands to Pioneer Park for two days of art, food, living history booths, and free entertainment—an old-school summer tradition that still feels personal. Libraries & Everyday Culture: Rapid City Public Library hosted a backyard-chicken class ahead of the city’s ordinance allowing up to six hens, with tips on coops, nutrition, and care. Civic Updates (Sioux Falls): A recount board confirmed Christine Erickson’s 4-vote win in the mayoral race; Jamie Smith has not conceded and may pursue legal challenges. Sports & Youth: Avery Van Hook is set for a big senior season with South Dakota volleyball, while the Minot City Band prepares two Sunday concerts at Oak Park. Education & Scholarships: Four students earned Malone Scholarships, supporting future technical and college careers.
Court Watch: South Dakota’s Unified Judicial System is eyeing a Fourth-and-Seventh circuit consolidation, a move critics fear could create a “mega circuit” and strain rural access to justice. Wildlife & Outdoors: The Game Fish and Parks Commission adopted public-petition rule changes on transporting and tagging bagged birds on private shooting preserves. Community Care: A new Rapid City women’s prison is set to open next month, adding 288 beds and expanding treatment and vocational options. Health & Safety: A dangerous heat wave is building nationwide, with South Dakota residents urged to hydrate and cool off. Local Culture: Rapid City’s World Cup buzz is boosting youth soccer signups and inspiring more family-friendly programs. Food & Service: Volunteers at Salem-Zion Mennonite Church made cheese pockets for the upcoming MCC Relief Sale. Sports & Youth: Sioux Falls’ Izzi’s Con debuts July 18 with free gaming, crafts, and family activities. Agriculture: Highmore producers assess storm damage after a June high-wind event. Lifestyle: A hydration reminder column urges everyone—especially kids and outdoor workers—to drink more in summer.
Local Philanthropy: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation’s Prime Time Gala & Concert raised $292,620 for Feeding South Dakota, continuing a partnership that’s topped $3 million since 2013. Community Learning: SDSU Extension is offering the free “Heirlooms: Wisdom Writing Workshop” online July 18, with short prompts, group discussion, and reflection for adults. Sports Spotlight: Vermillion senior setter Avery Van Hook is gearing up for a big final season after stacking major assist and defensive numbers for South Dakota volleyball. Youth & Culture: Black Hills Home Builders Association hosted a Kids Construction Camp in the Rapid City area, giving kids hands-on exposure to trades. Corrections & Reentry: Gov. Rhoden cut razor wire at the ribbon cutting for Rapid City’s new women’s prison, built around a therapeutic community model with work release, mother-infant housing, and treatment space. Service Animals: New South Dakota laws clarify protections for legitimate service animals and penalties for fraud, plus guidance on what businesses can ask. Politics & Personal Life: Reports say Kristi Noem plans to divorce Bryon Noem after allegations about his alleged secret fetish life. Education & Awards: SDHSCA named Huron’s Tim Hedblom boys’ tennis coach of the year and selected Ken Koistinen for the Hall of Fame. Agriculture & Pride: SDSU’s Dairy Quiz Bowl team won top honors at the American Dairy Science Association meeting in Milwaukee.
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