AGP Executive Report

Pop Culture & Community: Siouxpercon is bringing “The Walking Dead” star Chandler Riggs to Sioux Falls this weekend, with panels, cosplay, and vendor events supporting local charities. Sports (Local): Sioux Falls Lincoln bounced back with a 49-14 win over Omaha Central, while Brandon Valley rolled past Washington 49-14 behind Ryder Mueller’s four-touchdown night. College Running: Newman’s Katie Hughes won the women’s 6K at the Augustana Invitational and broke a school record; on the men’s side, U-Mary’s Giddeon Hammah took first. Youth Safety: AAA data shows child safety seat and booster use drops fast after age 3, with many kids transitioning to adult seat belts too soon—especially timely with Baby Safety Month and National Child Passenger Safety Week. Civic Life: Yankton County paused absentee voting over a ballot wording mix-up and is sending corrected ballots. Arts & Leadership: Spirit of Dakota’s 40th anniversary scarf is now available, and the Huron Fine Arts Hall of Fame will honor Cheryl Ladd and Joseph Mahowald on Sept. 26. Native Culture: Billy Mills, the 1964 Olympic gold medalist, visits Yankton Monday for student talks and a public walk.

Transportation & Community Safety (Pierre): The temporary pedestrian crossing at 5th St. and Euclid Ave. will shift back to 4th St. and Euclid Ave. for the next phase of SDDOT’s Euclid reconstruction, with pedestrian signs and crossing guards when school children are using the intersection. Local Events (Menno): Menno’s Pioneer Power Show marks its 40th anniversary this weekend at Pioneer Acres, featuring vintage tractors, field demos, tractor pulls, and historic equipment. Cancer Support Through School Sports (Sanborn Central): Miley Adams’ senior project expands Dig Pink Night into a broader cancer fundraiser for the new Mitchell Technical College Cancer Fund, with a Dig Pink game set for Oct. 13. Arts & Music (Rapid City): Gutterfest is underway as a multi-day showcase of live, DIY music and local art, with punk/metal/rock acts and plans for a permanent venue. Indigenous Leadership (Rapid City/Chamberlain): Five women are named the inaugural recipients of the Dignity of Earth & Sky Leadership Award, tied to the Dignity monument’s 10th anniversary. Workplace Inclusion (Black Hills): KOTA TV receives the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills’ inaugural Accessible Workplace Ally award for accessibility and disability-support efforts.

Community & Culture: Vermillion’s Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26 (4-8 p.m.) with polka music, German food and beer, costume and stein-hoisting contests, plus a Bohemian Tractor Pull down Main Street. Education & Community Spaces: USD’s Knudson School of Law will hold a ribbon cutting Oct. 2 to celebrate its renovated building, with a reception for alumni award recipients right after. Health & Care in Public Life: A Medscape look at correctional nursing highlights how jail nurses handle the same clinical work as elsewhere—meds, wounds, chronic care, emergencies—while coordinating with custody staff for safety. Local Learning & Tech: The Sioux Falls School District continues refining its AI guide, stressing “human oversight” and teacher-led judgment for lesson planning and student work. Outdoor Family Fun: Lewis and Clark Recreation Area near Yankton hosts “Fall in the Park” Saturday (noon-4) with crafts, games, archery/BB guns, hayrack rides, food vendors, and new sports-themed activities. Immigration & Legal Action: A judge halted deportation of Yankton UPS driver Nathan “Nate” Samudzi, and a candlelight vigil is planned after the homecoming game. Sports & Youth Running: “Run Vermillion” is set for Sunday, Sept. 27 at USD’s track complex, aiming to build confidence and healthy habits for kids through inclusive running. Agriculture & Local Economy: USDA Rural Development awarded $133,900 to Hadrick Ranch for value-added processing of angus beef into custom products.

USDA Rural Development Grant: Hadrick Ranch in Faulk County is getting $133,900 through the Value-Added Producer Grant to process angus beef into custom products and expand direct-to-consumer marketing in Sioux Falls. Local Schools & Community: Rapid City’s Meadowbrook Elementary teacher Kathryn Swank reflects on why teaching is about community as she wraps up her Region 5 Teacher of the Year run. Higher Ed Leadership: SDSU names three finalists for vice president for research and economic development, setting up campus and Zoom interviews. Sports for Women: The University of Sioux Falls adds women’s flag football, launching a national search for the first head coach and aiming for full competition by 2027-28. Civic Life: The Mitchell Area Chamber hosts a 2026 general election forum Oct. 5 with Lt. Gov. Tony Venhuizen and Rep. Erik Muckey plus governor candidates. Community Care: Union Gospel Mission of Sioux Falls asks for help replacing failed water heaters at its Men’s Center, seeking about $28,000. Indigenous Language: A new Native Lights conversation spotlights Dakota language educator Ryan Dixon and his work keeping Dakota alive for future generations.

Arts & Education in Vermillion: USD Knudson School of Law marks 125 years with a ribbon-cutting for its renovated building Oct. 2 during Dakota Days, followed by a reception and alumni awards. Community Health & Food Access: Avera hosted South Dakota’s first-ever Food Landscape Assessment “Future of Food Conservation” seminar, breaking down affordability, assistance, and access for local nutrition needs. Local Events for Families: Run Vermillion returns 3-4 p.m. Sept. 27 at USD’s Lillibridge Track Complex, aiming to build confidence and healthy habits for kids. Youth, Service & Culture: University of Sioux Falls students took part in “Culture for Service Day,” volunteering across the city with schools and community partners. Public Safety: Sioux Falls police arrested Jackline Tingwa, 49, on charges including sexual exploitation of a minor after reports she exposed herself and asked children if they wanted to be kidnapped. Regional Growth & Jobs: Rapid City’s Elevate Rapid City is investing $18 million to expand the David Lust Accelerator Building, with Northrop Grumman as the anchor tenant.

Public Health & Families: A new wave of measles cases is spreading across dozens of states, with South Dakota named among them, as officials warn that declining vaccination leaves children most at risk. Women’s Rights & Sports Policy: South Dakota AG Marty Jackley joined a bipartisan push to protect women student-athletes’ privacy and opportunities in the Protect College Sports Act of 2026. Local Economy & Defense: Rapid City’s Innovation District is getting an $18 million expansion to the David Lust Accelerator Building, with Northrop Grumman as the anchor tenant tied to Ellsworth Air Force Base and the B-21 mission. Community & Culture: Emily’s Hope’s “Save a Life Day” returns in downtown Sioux Falls with free meals, naloxone, and basic-needs kits. Arts & Kids: Sesame Street Live’s “Elmo’s Got the Moves” adds new 2027 performances, bringing interactive family fun to more cities. Civic Life: Sioux Falls appointed Tom Greco as Director of Planning and Development Services, a key role for housing, zoning, transit, and growth. Education & Indigenous Learning: A Title VI Indigenous Education Welcome Night introduced a new program in Stanwood-Camano School District. Sports: South Dakota State released its 2026-27 swimming and diving schedule, including two home meets in Brookings.

Local Film Spotlight: Vermillion filmmaker Emily Vortherms brings her first feature as a director, the 14-minute dark comedy “Cost of Living,” to the 2026 Vermillion Vortex Film Festival for a Saturday world premiere and a Sunday encore. Community & Education: Sioux Falls families can apply for 2026-27 free or reduced-price meals (and free milk) for eligible students, with schools reviewing income-based applications. Literary Events: The South Dakota Festival of Books lands in downtown Sioux Falls Oct. 3, with free author sessions and keynote speaker Jeffrey Rosen. Family Fun & Heritage: Menno’s Pioneer Power Show returns Sept. 26–27 with free kids admission, low-cost adult entry, and steam-engine farm history. Health & Workforce: SDSU’s new Metro Center in Sioux Falls officially opens, consolidating nursing, pharmacy, respiratory care, lab science, and public health programs. Care Access: Avera, USD, and SDSU Sanford School of Medicine partner on a statewide NIH-backed clinical research effort (SD-ACT) focused on rural, Indigenous, underserved, and military-connected communities. Safety for Kids: AAA highlights a nationwide trend of children outgrowing booster seats too early, urging correct seat-belt fit. Sports & Campus Life: SDSU men’s cross country wins the St. Olaf Invitational, while SDSU women’s golf finishes fourth at the Johnie Imes Invitational.

NIH-Funded Research Partnership: Avera Research Institute, SDSU, and USD Sanford School of Medicine are teaming up to launch the South Dakota Center for Advancing Clinical and Translational Research (SD-ACT) with an $11M NIH award over five years, aiming to tackle issues like diabetes, cancer prevention, maternal and mental health, substance use, veterans’ health, and rural care. Community & Civic Life: South Dakota election officials are urging voters not to wait on absentee ballots, with guidance on registration, mailing timelines, and using the state’s Voter Information Portal. Public Health & Aging: The state reported 167,305 Social Security beneficiaries age 65+ in December 2024, up 4,755 from the year before. Local Culture & Faith: Elk Point-Jefferson held its inaugural Hall of Fame induction, honoring the first class of Husky recipients. Human Services & Awareness: Rapid City nonprofits Freedom’s Journey and Esther’s Rising are hosting “Ignite Hope,” an anti-human-trafficking concert and awareness night featuring Remedy Drive. Sports & Campus Life: SDSU women’s basketball released its 2026-27 non-conference schedule, including major matchups at home and neutral sites. Education & Community Engagement: Engage South Dakota is expanding its statewide listening project to surface grassroots solutions and voices that often go unheard.

Local Film & Community: Vermillion’s third annual Vortex Film Festival returns Sept. 25-27 at the Coyote Twin Theater, spotlighting Midwest filmmakers, regional stories, and short films shot in South Dakota and nearby states, with opening-night programming that includes the documentary “Nine Little Indians” and a panel featuring USD psychology and education voices. Health & Family Literacy: Sanford’s NIC-U in Sioux Falls is hosting the “Babies with Books” read-a-thon through Thursday, encouraging parents to read aloud during hospital stays to support bonding and reduce stress. Education & Growth: Mount Marty University reports its highest enrollment since 2009, nearing 1,000 students this fall, with plans for another residence hall. Local Culture & Recovery: Sioux Falls’ Grateful Homie Project is creating a peer-led recovery hub in a small downtown building, with weekly group meetings drawing hundreds of visits. Civic Life: Mitchell City Council approved a runoff process for multi-candidate races that don’t reach 50%, setting up a potential mayor veto. Sports Spotlight: Rock Rapids native Carter Krull is headed to “Survivor 51,” bringing his farm-and-snow-cone hustle to national TV.

District 35 Campaign: Ken Jeakins, a medically retired Air Force veteran, is running for one of two open House seats on a platform centered on healthcare access and veteran mental health, including pushing to break stigma around getting help. Public Safety: The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is looking into a Wagner officer-involved shooting after a man allegedly rushed an officer with a pointed object; the suspect was arrested and charged. Higher Ed: Northern State University reported its highest enrollment in school history, with a 28% jump in first-time freshmen, even as the broader public university system dipped slightly. Community & Culture: Northern State University’s 125th anniversary homecoming week is set for Sept. 26, highlighted by the 110th Gypsy Day Parade and a home football game. Indigenous Representation in Sports: South Dakota’s Division I teams debuted Indigenous-language helmet decals (“Sungmanitu” for coyote) at the Dakota Dome, sparking discussion about what comes next beyond symbolism. Education & Health: A back-to-school safety reminder is making the rounds as traffic around school zones ramps up and child pedestrian risk rises after school hours. Local Business Growth: Crystallyn Kay’s Studio cut the ribbon on an expanded east-side facility in Sheldon. Scholarships: De Smet-area leaders announced new one-time manufacturing and engineering scholarships aimed at supporting the next generation of industry talent.

Local Elections & Civic Life: South Dakota’s Republican secretary of state, Monae Johnson, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her after losing the GOP primary—praising his law-enforcement and public-policy background and criticizing election tactics in her own party. Voting Access: The ACLU of South Dakota held a “Know Your Voting Rights” training in Sioux Falls, focusing on confusion around new proof-of-citizenship rules and what ID voters actually need as absentee voting is open. Education & Literacy: A Progressive Policy Institute analysis links strong teachers’ unions with weaker early-literacy policy outcomes in some states, while South Dakota’s own literacy-policy debate continues. Youth Reading Support: Promising Futures expanded a “book-a-month” club in Rapid City, fully funding Robbinsdale Elementary and adding South Park next. Mental Health: Local resources are boosting suicide prevention and mental health support, with 988 highlighted as a key lifeline. Community Events: Thousands ran the Sioux Falls Marathon (2,000+ participants across 46 states and Canada), and Rapid City’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival drew big crowds despite gloomy weather. Sports: USF women’s soccer edged Minnesota Crookston 1-0, and South Dakota Mines women’s golf heads to the Johnnie Imes Invitational in Missouri.

Election & Voting Rights: South Dakota’s top election official, Republican Monae Johnson, endorsed Democrat Terrence Davis to succeed her—an unusual break from party lines that follows years of election-policy fights and audits. Civic Education: The ACLU of South Dakota held a “Know Your Voting Rights” training in Sioux Falls as absentee voting opens and confusion lingers around SB175 proof-of-citizenship rules; a federal judge also denied an emergency block after the state revised voter notices. Community & Youth: Promising Futures fully funded a “book-a-month” club for Robbinsdale Elementary students in Rapid City, with more schools planned. Transit & Access: Rapid City’s Youth Ride Free program helped push August ridership above 20,000 trips, with youth making up about a quarter. Faith & Culture Calendar: Religious gatherings are listed for Sioux Falls Metro and Western South Dakota for Sept. 20–26. Local Events: Thousands turned out for Rapid City’s Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, and Sioux Falls hosted Riverfest on the Big Sioux River. Sports & Pride: USD volleyball fell to undefeated Washington at the Sanford Pentagon, while South Dakota Mines won the Bauer XC Classic in both men’s and women’s races. Native Voices: Leonard Peltier discussed life after prison, art, and a message to Native youth in a new Q&A. Wildlife/Outdoors: Custer County lifted its countywide burn ban, though other fire restrictions remain.

Voting Rights & Civic Education: As early voting ramps up in South Dakota, the ACLU of South Dakota hosted a “Know Your Voting Rights Training” in Sioux Falls, focusing on confusion around the new proof-of-citizenship “Save Act” and how “federal-only” voters are affected. Elections Watch: A federal judge denied a voting rights group’s emergency request after South Dakota updated voter notices tied to SB175, leaving the dispute largely shaped by how notices are handled. Community & Outdoors: Riverfest returned to downtown Sioux Falls for its 13th year, mixing live music, family fun, and education about the Big Sioux River. Health & Care: The ALS Association’s annual Walk to Defeat ALS drew supporters to Sertoma Park, aiming to raise $90,000 locally. Public Safety: Custer County rescinded its countywide burn ban at 8 a.m. Sept. 19, while other wildfire restrictions remain. Local Transit: Rapid City reported 20,258 passenger trips in August, with youth making up about 25% through the Youth Ride Free program. Education & Community Recognition: South Dakota Mines honored longtime supporters at its State of the University address, including International Students Inc. and alumnus Jim Quinn. Sports (Local): Brookings girls won the Clyde Cotton XC Invitational, while South Dakota Mines swept the Bauer XC Classic in Rapid City.

Community Homecoming: Mitchell welcomed back the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 665th Support Maintenance Company after a 10-month deployment in Germany, marking the first return in over 300 days and spotlighting the families and sacrifices behind the reunion. Sports & Local Culture: At the South Dakota Lottery College Volleyball Classic in Sioux Falls, USD fought hard but fell 3-0 to undefeated Washington, while in Vermillion Coyote Connection caught up with defensive coach Nathan Nelson ahead of USD’s toughest test vs. Boise State. Civic Life & Safety: Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City moved to fix school bus problems, rerouting a high school bus to ensure elementary students aren’t left waiting. Voting Rights: A federal judge denied a voting rights group’s emergency bid after South Dakota updated proof-of-citizenship voter notices, though the dispute over “federal-only” status and confusing letters remains in focus. Health Policy: South Dakota’s ballot language on Medicaid expansion is sparking confusion, with the attorney general saying it could automatically end coverage if federal funding drops. Arts & Heritage: Vermillion’s Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26 with polka, German food, beer, and contests—another big community-style celebration.

Local Nonprofit & Food Security: Yankton Food For Thought keeps weekend hunger in check with its Sack Pack program, monthly pantry, and nutrition education—serving 400+ students across Yankton School District. Community Events: Vermillion’s Oktoberfest returns Sept. 26 (4–8 p.m.) with polka, German food and beer, costume and stein-hoisting contests, plus a Bohemian Tractor Pull. Arts Education: SDSU’s Briggs Library is seeking submissions for its 2027 Jackrabbit Gallery Art Show (“Reflections”), with entries due Nov. 22. Schools & Youth Support: Promising Futures is expanding to Rapid City, funding take-home books and family engagement activities for kids in high-poverty schools. Teacher Spotlight: Harrisburg’s Christina Berger was named South Dakota’s 2027 Teacher of the Year. Civic Life & Health Policy: A ballot measure dispute over whether South Dakota’s Medicaid expansion would auto-repeal if federal funding drops below 90% is setting up confusion for voters as advance voting begins. Politics & Culture: Rapid City’s District 32 race features “outsider” Zac Martin, pitching family-focused solutions rooted in his single-father experience.

Midterm Voting in Motion: Early voting is underway for the 2026 midterms, with South Dakota voters able to cast absentee ballots in person as election officials warn that redistricting fights have shuffled millions of voters into new districts. Voting Rules & Access: A federal judge said a voter-case challenge is “moot” after South Dakota’s secretary of state reissued guidance on “federal-only” voters, a status that bars state and local voting. Medicaid Ballot Confusion: South Dakota’s Amendment I language is drawing scrutiny: lawmakers say it won’t automatically end expanded Medicaid, but Attorney General Marty Jackley says it would repeal the expansion if federal funding drops below 90%, setting up a confusing choice for voters. Teacher Spotlight: Harrisburg third-grade teacher Christina Berger was named South Dakota Teacher of the Year, recognized for classroom impact and strong ties with families. Local Growth & Learning: SDSU celebrated the opening of the SDSU Metro Center in Sioux Falls, expanding visible healthcare training space for students. Community & Culture: Sioux Falls is landing in the Top 10 for newlyweds, with WalletHub-style rankings praising affordability, health access, and family-friendly conditions.