AGP Executive Report

Road Construction Watch (Rapid City): Lane closures and curb/ADA upgrades are set to start Monday, June 15, including work on Haines Avenue (water line repair through June 19) and West Chicago Street (inside westbound lane closed June 15–18, then June 22–26). Road Construction Watch (Sioux Falls): More summer traffic impacts begin Monday with intermittent lane closures on South Cliff Avenue, plus milling/overlay work on West 69th Street (Louise Ave to near Landau Circle) expected to run through June 26. Black Hills Outdoors: Volunteers helped Jewel Cave’s Canyons Trail with erosion control and new concrete prep; Historic Lantern Tours pause June 16–18. Family Travel Health: South Dakota health groups urge families to check vaccination records before summer trips due to measles risk. Local Tourism & Nature: A bison involved in a fatal tourist incident is being relocated away from visitors after Rosebud Sioux Tribe stepped in. Community Events: Fort Pierre’s Fisher’s Lily Park adds a StoryWalk along the riverside trail for kids. Business for Travelers: Babybel’s Brookings plant begins a $200 million expansion, adding about 150 jobs. Rural Mail Reality: A report highlights growing rural frustration with USPS reliability and reduced rural post office delivery frequency.

Big Hills Summer Travel Boost: Trump is reportedly considering making his July 3 Mount Rushmore trip his first flight on the new Air Force One, with retrofitting nearly complete—an eye-catching moment for visitors planning around America’s 250th. Local Jobs & Food Tourism: Babybel’s Brookings plant is starting a $200 million expansion to double production, adding about 150 jobs. Hiking & Cave Updates: Jewel Cave volunteers upgraded the Canyons Trail with new concrete; Historic Lantern Tours pause June 16–18 during the work. Family Fun in Pierre/Fort Pierre: Kiwanis unveiled a StoryWalk at Fisher’s Lily Park, with story panels that swap monthly along the riverside trail. Road-Trip Planning: Sioux Falls roadwork begins June 15, including Cliff Avenue lane closures and 69th Street milling/overlay impacts—drivers should expect delays and use alternate routes. Health Reminder for Summer Trips: South Dakota health groups urge families to check vaccination records ahead of travel and measles exposure risks. Outdoor Events: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with 5K, half, and full races through Falls Park and the city trail system.

Black Hills Travel & Safety: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before summer trips as measles concerns grow in other states, recommending routine shots like MMR and Tdap for kids and adults. Road-Trip Planning: Sioux Falls road construction ramps up with lane closures starting Monday, June 15, including intermittent southbound Cliff Avenue lane shutdowns and West 69th Street milling/overlay work that will slow traffic through late June. Outdoor Fun: Jewel Cave National Monument in Rapid City is upgrading a busy stretch of the Canyons Trail; Historic Lantern Tours will pause June 16–18 while new concrete work is installed. Family Activities: Fort Pierre’s Fisher’s Lily Park unveiled a StoryWalk along the riverside trail, with rotating children’s story panels designed to mix reading and exercise. Local Travel Deals: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with 5K, half, and full options, plus a promo code for 15% off registration. Wildfire Watch: South Dakota Wildland Fire is warning that ignition sources can spark fast in the Black Hills as conditions shift into summer.

Presidential Travel & Tourism: President Donald Trump is considering making his first flight on the new Air Force One—reportedly a Qatar gift—during a July 3 Mount Rushmore trip tied to America’s 250th anniversary, with retrofitting work nearing completion. America250 Spotlight: A look at what the U.S. “semiquincentennial” means, how past 50-year celebrations worked, and why this year’s events are already drawing major attention. Black Hills Visitor Safety: Jewel Cave National Monument is upgrading a busy stretch of the Canyons Trail; Historic Lantern Tours will pause June 16–18 while new concrete and erosion controls are installed. Health for Summer Travelers: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before vacations, camps, and international trips as measles concerns continue. Road-Trip Planning: Sioux Falls roadwork ramps up June 15 with lane closures on South Cliff Avenue and West 69th Street, with drivers advised to use alternate routes. Outdoor Season Watch: South Dakota Wildland Fire is warning that ignition sources—like improperly managed campfires or sparks from vehicles—can quickly turn into problems as the Black Hills fire danger shifts. Local Events: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with 5K, half, and full options, plus a limited-time registration discount.

Black Hills Trail Upgrade: Jewel Cave National Monument in Rapid City brought in a Wilderness Volunteers team to improve the heavily used Canyons Trail, including removing old concrete and preparing about 600 feet for new concrete; Historic Lantern Tours will pause June 16–18. Health & Travel Prep: South Dakota health groups are urging families to double-check vaccination records before summer trips and camps as measles concerns grow in other states, recommending routine immunizations like MMR and Tdap. Marathon Weekend Planning: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with 5K, half, and full options, plus a promo code for 15% off registration. Wildfire Caution for Outdoor Plans: South Dakota Wildland Fire is warning that ignition sources can spark fast in the Black Hills as conditions shift, urging campers and travelers to follow burn rules. Roadside Timing: SDDOT reminds landowners about mowing limits on state right of way, with West River mowing starting June 15 and East River starting July 10. Local Election Logistics: Early voting opened statewide for the governor runoff, giving travelers a chance to vote before the July 28 election day. Summer Safety Reminder: South Dakota’s housing market stays tight heading into peak season, with low inventory and steady demand affecting what buyers can find.

Wildfire Watch: South Dakota Wildland Fire is warning that the Black Hills’ grassland fire danger can shift fast, and human-caused sparks—from campfires to welding and even cigarette butts—are a big risk as summer ramps up. Road-Trip Planning: SDDOT reminds drivers and landowners about mowing rules on state right of way, with West River mowing starting no earlier than June 15 and East River no earlier than July 10. Sioux Falls Events: The Sioux Falls Marathon returns Sept. 20 with 5K, half, and full options, plus a 15% registration discount using code TEAMBERT26. Rapid City Area: Early voting is underway for the governor runoff, and officials say voting sooner helps avoid last-minute registration issues—handy for travelers. Custer State Park Update: After a fatal bison incident on the Grace Coolidge Trail, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks says it’s taking custody so the animal won’t be euthanized and will be relocated. Travel Comfort Check: AAA reports gas prices are down nationally for a third straight week, easing summer driving costs.

Black Hills Travel Buzz: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe has taken custody of the bison involved in a fatal Custer State Park attack, saying it will be relocated and not euthanized—good news for visitors who want safer wildlife encounters. Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA reports national gas prices falling for a third straight week, with the U.S. average down to about $4.13 a gallon, easing summer travel costs. Deadwood Events: The Livestock Marketing Association National Convention and World Livestock Auctioneering Championship runs June 17-20, bringing auctioneers and families to the Black Hills for a big weekend. Local Travel Disruptions: SDDOT chip seal and fog seal work starts June 15 around Mobridge, with one-lane traffic and up to 15-minute daytime delays. Family Fun & Community: “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam memorial replica opens in Brookings, and the Artmobile keeps rolling with volunteer-run make-and-take art events across the region. Wildlife Awareness: National Cougar Day (June 12) spotlights how habitat loss and road deaths threaten cougars—another reminder to respect wildlife on the road and on trails.

Gas Prices: AAA says Arizona pump prices dropped 14 cents in a week to about $4.48, part of a broader national slide as the average falls for a third straight week. Road-Trip Planning: Rapid City drivers should expect heavier traffic near Elk Vale Drive and E. Mall Drive this weekend for the Rushmore Cup, with temporary signals through Monday. Medical Education: USD Dean Tim Ridgway is in Sioux Falls to reassure residents about the Sanford School of Medicine move, pitching better training and research access. Local Nature & Tourism: Vermillion residents are pushing to preserve Prentis Forest as housing and road plans move forward. Travel Safety: South Dakota’s Supreme Court tossed a DUI conviction tied to a turn-signal stop, while Wyoming officials warn summer travelers about high winds that can be especially dangerous for RVs and trailers. South Dakota Summer Economy: Vacation-home purchases in the state are down sharply since 2021, signaling softer demand for second homes. Wildfire Watch: The South Fork Fire has grown past 23,000 acres with evacuations still in place near Fort Robinson. Outdoor/Family Fun: Mitchell High School’s tech camp is giving students a hands-on summer taste of robotics, photography, and coding.

Black Hills travel & history: Tribes and the National Park Service are lining up events for the Battle of Greasy Grass anniversary, with multiple gatherings tied to the 150th commemoration. Rapid City-area wildfire: The South Fork Fire has topped 23,000 acres and remains 5% contained, with evacuations still in place around Fort Robinson State Park and parts of Crawford as crews battle wind-driven flames near the South Dakota border. Custer State Park update: A bison that killed a tourist in May is being relocated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks Department to a secure environment. Sioux Falls spotlight: A travel site named Sioux Falls the “Coolest City in South Dakota,” pointing to Falls Park, SculptureWalk, and the city’s trail and dining scene. Road travel alerts: Sioux Falls road work is set to affect traffic starting Thursday and Friday, including lane and sidewalk closures on Minnesota Avenue and nearby streets. Outdoor weather: A Wind Advisory is in effect for western South Dakota with gusts up to 50 mph, plus spotty rain and slick spots possible in higher elevations. Local safety note: A fatal Highway 450 crash in Wyoming involved a South Dakota rider on a Can-Am Spyder and a Ford pulling a flatbed trailer.

Motorcycle Tourism: Laconia Motorcycle Week kicks off Saturday, June 13, with vendors and businesses in Weirs Beach gearing up for the rush along Lakeside Avenue. Local Service & Community: Sioux Falls’ The Banquet says summer volunteer shortages could slow service, but it’s keeping meals running across 16 weekly meal offerings. Outdoor Safety: South Dakota officials warn of higher rattlesnake activity this year, especially in prairies, badlands, foothills, and around the Missouri River. Travel Disruption: Sioux Falls crack sealing starts Monday, June 15, with lane closures on W. 57th St. and S. Sycamore Ave. Tribal & Heritage Events: Tribes and the National Park Service are preparing for the Battle of Greasy Grass (Little Bighorn) anniversary with multiple events and free admission days. Black Hills Land Return: All nine South Dakota tribal nations voted to support legislation to return federal lands in the Black Hills to the Oceti Sakowin, aiming to protect sacred sites and water. Family Fun Weekend: Ronald McDonald House South Dakota hosts Family Fun Fest and Bubble Bonanza Saturday, June 13, near Sanford. Wildfire Watch: A wildfire in Nebraska’s Panhandle has burned nearly 9,000 acres near the South Dakota border, with Highway 20 impacts. Road Rules: The South Dakota Highway Patrol reminds drivers about legal passing speed exceptions on two-lane roads.

Battle of Greasy Grass Anniversary: Tribes and the National Park Service are gearing up for the June 25-27 150th Battle of Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass) anniversary, with free admission and daily programming at the Little Big Horn National Monument. America 250 Travel Mood: Across the country, communities are planning local, often free America’s 250th birthday events—fireworks, parades, and history reflections—aimed at summer travelers facing higher costs. Black Hills Land Return Push: All nine South Dakota tribal nations backed legislation framework to return federal Black Hills lands to the Oceti Sakowin, with protections for sacred sites and water. Road & Rental Updates: Pennington County is rolling out a short-term rental licensing and compliance push, while Rapid City warns contractors about dust control during windy conditions and Sioux Falls schedules crack sealing lane closures on 57th St and Sycamore Ave. Safety & Outdoors: South Dakota Highway Patrol reminds drivers about legal passing speed exceptions; officials flag higher rattlesnake activity; and a big sturgeon surprise was reported at Gavins Point Dam.

National Garden of American Heroes: A proposed Black Hills garden near Mt. Rushmore could include 250 sculptures, with El Campo’s own Master Sgt. Roy P. Benavidez among the short list. Cycling & Wildlife: Two conservationists are biking the “Whooper Highway” migration route to spotlight whooping cranes and Great Plains habitat loss. Rapid City Air Quality: City officials urge extra dust-control steps for contractors as stronger winds are expected, including covering loads and using water or treatments. Short-Term Rental Crackdown: Pennington County is rolling out a new analytics-and-licensing compliance tool, giving owners six months to apply before enforcement. Travel Weekend Picks (Yankton): Ribfest and a new Yankton Chislic Fest expand at Riverside Park, alongside Homestead Day at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area and Young Eagles at the airport. Community Remembrance: Brookings hosts “The Wall That Heals” June 11–14, a traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica open 24/7. Outdoor & Local Culture: Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival lines up major acts for Aug. 21–23 in Yankton. Safety Notes: A train–pickup collision in Sturgis left only minor injuries; a Sioux Falls motorcycle crash killed two.

Short-Term Rental Crackdown in Pennington County: Pennington County is rolling out a new analytics tool to spot unlicensed short-term and vacation rentals and track booking trends, with owners given six months to apply for a license (and $200-per-day fines looming for noncompliance). Black Hills Wildlife & Parks Updates: The South Dakota GFP Commission meets June 11–12 in Madison (with Zoom and livestream), with major decisions on hunting seasons, elk/deer/antelope licensing, and plans for walleye, aquatic invasive species, and Custer State Park summer outlook. Housing Help for Hot Springs Health Workers: Fall River Health Services in Hot Springs is funding infrastructure for a subdivision that could add 48 affordable units near the hospital to ease a local workforce shortage. Outdoor & Tourism Calendar Picks: Brookings welcomes “The Wall That Heals” Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica June 11–14 at Fishback Soccer Complex, open 24/7; and Black Hills Community Theater stages “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Roosevelt Park in Deadwood. Road Safety: Sturgis reported only minor injuries after a train–pickup collision on Park Street. Summer Travel Watch: AAA says gas prices are still falling as the summer travel season begins.

Air Quality & Outdoor Safety: A new University of Iowa study says wildfire-driven ozone has reversed about four years of U.S. air-quality gains, adding hundreds of premature deaths each year—so officials urge people to check summer air pollution forecasts before heading out. Local Housing for Travelers & Workers: Hot Springs’ Fall River Health Services is funding a subdivision near the hospital to create 48 affordable units, aiming to ease a staffing shortage that’s been pushed by lack of nearby housing. Riverboat Days Music: Yankton Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival lines up headliners The Dweebs (Aug. 21-23) plus Lakeview on Saturday, with shows on the Main Stage at Riverside Park. Road & Travel Alerts: Sioux Falls saw a weekend motorcycle crash that killed two, and South Dakota’s roadwork season is underway with projects and safety campaigns affecting drivers statewide. Health Watch for Summer Trips: South Dakota is nearing peak season for tick and mosquito-borne viruses, with guidance to protect yourself outdoors. Veterans Memorial Visit: The Wall That Heals replica Vietnam memorial is in Brookings this weekend, open 24/7 with ceremonies and a PTSD-awareness “Light the Night” event. Staycation Idea: Sioux Falls is getting a boost as a top staycation pick for summer travelers who’d rather explore close to home.

Road Safety: Two separate Sioux Falls motorcycle crashes left riders dead over the weekend, including a collision near Russell Street and North Kiwanis Avenue; investigators say more details will come at a briefing. Outdoor Health: South Dakota is nearing peak season for tick and mosquito-borne viruses, with officials urging dusk-to-dawn protection and repellant use. Weather Watch: Heat is climbing across the Sioux Empire with severe storm potential Tuesday and Wednesday, so plan around fast-changing conditions. Travel & Tourism: The Wall That Heals replica Vietnam memorial makes its only 2026 South Dakota stop this weekend in Brookings, open 24/7. Family-Friendly Fun: St. Joseph’s Indian School bookmobile brings free Native-authored books to Watertown (June 16) and Sisseton (June 17). Local Culture: The Black Hills Pioneer marks 150 years of journalism, celebrating its long-running focus on the northern Black Hills. Roadwork Updates: South Dakota DOT projects are underway/starting this week, including ditch work on SD Highway 20 west of Reva and blotter operations on US 385 near Pactola Dam.

Bookmobile Stops: St. Joseph’s Indian School is bringing free Native-authored books to Watertown (McKinney Park, June 16) and Sisseton (Teals Market, June 17) plus a Dakota Sioux Casino stop that day—an easy, family-friendly way to plan a local outing. Black Hills Land Fight: Nine tribes are suing the federal government to halt exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’Sla, a sacred meadow used for ceremonies and youth camps, raising fresh concerns for wildlife and tourism in the Black Hills. Aurora Watch: NOAA is forecasting stronger northern lights later this week after a coronal mass ejection—good news for anyone road-tripping for dark-sky views. Road & Safety Updates: Sioux Falls has multiple construction closures starting June 8, and police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash near Kiwanis and Russell. Travel Deals: Airbnb’s 2026 summer trends highlight Hot Springs as a budget-friendly rural getaway with outdoor and wellness perks.