AGP Executive Report

Holiday Safety Push: South Dakota Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day weekend, targeting speeding, DUIs, seat belts, and distracted driving through a 78-hour crash reporting period. Seat Belt Crackdown: Pennington County law enforcement is also running “Click It or Ticket” with strict, around-the-clock citations—especially at night. Wildlife Warning: Two separate bison-trail incidents are in the headlines: a 70-year-old woman died after being struck on the Grace Coolidge Trail at Custer State Park, and officials are urging visitors to stay “bison wise” and keep distance. Road Work Update (Pierre): Euclid Avenue reconstruction is on pace, with crews working at the Wynoka Street intersection and aiming to open Euclid from the Catholic Church to Elizabeth Street in mid-July. Gas Watch: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices hit four-year highs, and while the national average may dip slightly, summer spikes remain possible. BUILD America 250: A major surface transportation bill cleared a key committee step in Washington, moving closer to law.

Memorial Day safety push: Pennington County law enforcement is joining the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign May 11–31, with strict, day-and-night seat belt enforcement aimed at preventing crashes during peak travel. Road-trip reminders: AAA says Memorial Day gas prices are at four-year highs, with Arizona averaging $4.81 and the national average $4.56. Local traffic fixes: Rapid City is adding downtown parking markings to stop cars from spilling into lanes, and Sioux Falls drivers face delays from lane closures on S. Minnesota Ave. Wildlife warning: South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reports a hiker died after being struck by bison on the Grace Coolidge Trail—officials urge visitors to stay “bison wise.” Community spotlight: Watertown’s Ellie Hirsch, recovering from a near-drowning and autoimmune encephalitis, threw the first pitch at a varsity home finale.

Road-Trip Reality Check (Sioux Falls): Memorial Day weekend is set to slow drivers on South Minnesota Avenue as crews close the inside northbound lane between 69th Street and La Quinta Circle starting Friday, May 22 for concrete repairs—expect heavier-than-normal backups and plan alternate routes. Rapid City Jobs Buzz: Rapid City just landed No. 3 nationwide for summer job opportunities, boosted by tourism hiring and relatively low commuting costs. Downtown Parking Safety: Rapid City is repainting downtown parking spots on Main and Saint Joseph to keep vehicles from creeping into travel lanes, with citations or towing for repeat offenders. Tourism on the Move: Travel South Dakota rolled out a new Agritourism Adventures Passport to encourage visitors to explore farms and rural stops across the state. Black Hills Tech & Science: South Dakota Mines hosted the international DUNE neutrino conference in Lead, mixing big research talks with public outreach. Scam Warning: South Dakotans are being targeted by the “Gold Bar Scam,” where callers pressure victims to buy gold and hand it over to couriers.

Freeman Academy’s Final Graduation: Freeman Academy in Freeman held its last-ever commencement Saturday, marking the end of a Mennonite school that served generations for more than 120 years, with 11 seniors reflecting on a tight-knit community and classmates traveling from China, the DRC, Turkey, and Vietnam. Science in the Hills: South Dakota Mines hosted the international DUNE neutrino conference in Lead, where researchers talked about why “near-nothing” neutrinos matter—and yes, there was ice cream. Tourism Meets Housing: A Rapid City “Lunch and Learn” focused on how tourism growth is reshaping local housing and business, with Visit Rapid City’s CEO sharing what’s changing. Local Business Under Pressure: Sioux Falls’ Grün Oak string repair shop says tariffs and rising supply costs are squeezing luthiers, and it’s asking for community help. Road & Safety Updates: Arrowhead Parkway in Sioux Falls is shifting closures for intersection reconstruction near Veterans Parkway, and officials warn South Dakotans about the “Gold Bar Scam.”

Memorial Day Ride for Freedom: Sioux Falls is gearing up for Rolling Thunder Inc.’s “Ride For Freedom” on Sunday, May 24—an estimated 17-mile motorcycle-and-car demonstration honoring American POWs and MIAs, with riders gathering at J&L Harley-Davidson at 12:45 p.m., rolling out at 1:15 p.m., and an honor program at Sioux Falls Veterans Memorial Park at 2 p.m. Road Work Update: Arrowhead Parkway’s west segment between Veterans Parkway and Highline Avenue is set to close starting Thursday for intersection reconstruction; Veterans Parkway stays open but shifts to new northbound lanes, with the project expected to run until late fall. Local Safety Watch: South Dakotans are being warned about the “Gold Bar Scam,” where fraudsters impersonate officials and push victims to buy gold bars and hand them over via courier or secret delivery. Travel Boost: Casper locals get easier flights—an extra daily United Denver option starts May 21, aiming to cut the need to drive to other airports. Community Notes: Yankton County commissioners say task-force findings show Yankton’s per-capita property taxes are lower than peer counties; and Sioux Falls is still searching for missing 13-year-old Marcilla Youngman.

Uranium Hearing Fallout: A weeklong South Dakota uranium drilling permit hearing in the Black Hills is heating up, with opponents packing the room over Craven Canyon’s Native petroglyphs and fears for water, agriculture, and tourism—while tensions also flare over interpretation during the proceedings. Renewables vs. Land Use: A new study highlights how communities can steer large solar projects away from prime farmland and biodiversity hotspots, aiming to cut “low-conflict” tradeoffs before they spark fights. Travel Picks: Door County, Wisconsin keeps winning big in USA TODAY 10Best road-trip voting, with top honors for roadside motels and a scenic drive landing in the national top 10. Road Safety & Costs: A DUI roundup puts South Dakota’s first-offense fine at up to $2,000, and a separate gas-price “burden” analysis shows how fuel hits some states hardest relative to income. Local Alerts: Sioux Falls is searching for a missing 13-year-old girl, and a major Sioux Falls intersection reconstruction is shifting traffic this week.

Black Hills Uranium Hearing: A weeklong permit hearing opened in Hot Springs over proposed uranium drilling near Craven Canyon, with opponents warning about water contamination and harm to agriculture and tourism, and supporters arguing the process should move forward. Public Safety & Enforcement: Gov. Larry Rhoden says South Dakota’s National Guard, corrections, and troopers have helped ICE with 664 deportations and 150 arrests lacking legal status, and he’s pushing more trooper training to expand a 287(g) task force model. Missing Person: Sioux Falls police are asking for help finding 13-year-old Marcilla Youngman, last seen near Hayward Elementary. Travel Watch: Rapid City Regional Airport is getting $5M for restroom and “mother’s room” upgrades, while AAA warns Memorial Day gas prices are the highest since 2022. Local Outdoors/Travel: Jewel Cave National Monument expands hours and resumes seasonal tours, and SDSU’s Soil Judging Team returns from nationals with a 20th-place finish.

Black Hills Uranium Hearing: A weeklong permit hearing opened in Hot Springs with hours of opposition to proposed Craven Canyon uranium drilling, with speakers warning about impacts to underground water, agriculture, and tourism—and pointing to the cultural significance of the area. Airport Comfort Boost: Sioux Falls Regional Airport is getting $5 million for restroom upgrades and a mother’s room, part of a broader push to make family travel easier. Road Work Watch: Rapid City crews are starting multiple projects, including Lindbergh Avenue eastbound restrictions and a longer East Boulevard North closure; in Sioux Falls, Arrowhead Parkway is set to close May 21 between Veterans Parkway and Highline Avenue. Travel Costs & Tips: AAA says Memorial Day travelers face the highest gas prices in four years, while Rapid City Regional Airport shared carry-on sizing tips to avoid last-minute hassles. Jewel Cave Hours: Jewel Cave National Monument is expanding daily hours starting May 24 and adding wild caving and lantern tours—reservations recommended. Summer Plans: Travel South Dakota’s TAP grants just awarded $200,000 to tourism events statewide, aiming to pull more visitors into smaller communities.

Road Work & Closures: S.D. Highway 248 is set for a full closure starting May 26 for about 20 days as crews repair a box culvert between Presho and Kennebec (with limited access up to the work zone). Black Hills Travel Boost: Jewel Cave National Monument is expanding hours to 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. starting May 24, with Wild Caving Tours beginning May 22 and Historic Lantern Tours running June 1–Sept. 1. Local Tourism Push: Travel South Dakota’s TAP Grant program awarded $200,000 to 40 tourism-related events statewide, with grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Summer-Ready Tips: Talker Research says many Americans are already in “summer mode” early—South Dakota ranks among the most summer-prepared. On the Road Elsewhere: Rapid City and the Black Hills are also seeing multiple construction detours and lane restrictions this week.

Severe Weather Watch: A dangerous storm system is barreling across the central U.S., with forecasters warning of tornadoes, giant hail, and damaging winds through Monday night—places like Sioux Falls are on alert as risks expand from Kansas into Nebraska and beyond. Local Travel Disruption: If you’re heading through I-90, the eastbound Adrian safety rest area will be closed Monday through Friday (May 18–22) for repairs, and MnDOT is also replacing aging emergency gates along I-90 starting May 20. Black Hills Summer Prep: Jewel Cave National Monument is ramping up for visitors—extended daily hours begin May 24, with seasonal tours starting May 22 and lantern tours kicking off June 1. Aurora Buzz: Northern lights could be visible farther south than usual this weekend, including South Dakota, depending on solar activity. Road Safety: A Bridgewater woman died in a crash near Freeman after her car entered an intersection on SD 44 and was struck by a semi; Highway 44 was closed for hours as the investigation continues.

Road Work Ahead: The eastbound Adrian safety rest area on I-90 will shut Monday through Friday, May 18–22, for building and parking lot repairs, with the whole site closed until work is done. Traffic Disruptions: In Mitchell, the I-90 eastbound on-ramp at Exit 332 closes May 19 and stays shut until Aug. 4 for a railroad bridge project, with drivers detouring to Exit 330. Local Safety: A 77-year-old Bridgewater woman died in a Tuesday crash near Freeman when her car entered an intersection on SD Highway 44 and was hit by a semi; Highway 44 was closed for hours while investigators worked. Northern Lights: Aurora viewing chances are elevated this weekend, with South Dakota listed among states that could see faint lights near the northern horizon. Politics & Prices: South Dakota GOP convention meals at the Monument in Rapid City are set to cost $198 for six meals over three days. Sports: Class B baseball West Super Region seeds are set, with Platte-Geddes/Dakota Christian/White Lake and Winner/Colome hosting key qualifiers.

Black Hills Beetle Watch: Pine engraver beetles are starting to fly across the Black Hills, using storm-damaged wood as “starter homes.” With drought stressing pines, foresters warn a bigger second wave could show up by late June unless spring rains help trees recover. Sister Cities in Action: In Rapid City, neighbors gathered at Wilson Park for a Sister Cities “Bring Your Own Picnic” event—then pivoted from planting to litter cleanup as freezes loomed; Japan’s reps even held a small hanami, and local students are set for a late-July trip. America 250 Momentum: Rapid City’s America 250 Volunteer and Sponsorship Committee says it’s raised $150K+ and is pushing for more partners ahead of the deadline, with the July 1–5 Real America Birthday Bash set to include a downtown festival, parade, fireworks, and a drone show. Weekend Outdoors: South Dakota’s free fishing and free state park admission weekend runs May 15–17 (camping still costs). Road Notes: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue reconstruction is progressing, and Mitchell’s I-90 Exit 332 eastbound on-ramp closes May 19 through Aug. 4 for bridge work.

Aurora + weekend freebies: The northern lights could be visible Saturday night into Sunday across much of the northern U.S., including South Dakota, and this weekend also brings free fishing plus free state-park admission (camping still costs). Road work + detours: Pierre’s Euclid Avenue reconstruction is progressing with paving and utility work on track for mid-to-late July, while Mitchell drivers face a long closure of the I-90 eastbound on-ramp at Exit 332 starting May 19 through Aug. 4. America 250 momentum: Rapid City’s America 250 Volunteer and Sponsorship Committee is pushing past $150K raised as the sponsorship deadline nears for July 1–5 events. Local life + safety: A Bridgewater woman died in a Highway 44 crash near Freeman; the Highway Patrol is also urging slower, more alert driving as summer traffic ramps up. Black Hills fight: Indigenous organizers are celebrating a rare win after a graphite drilling plan near Pe’ Sla was withdrawn.

Aviation Pathways: Fairmont High School seniors used Jerry Brooks’ Principles of Flight class—complete with simulators and real flights—to map out next steps in aviation. Election Integrity Push: Republican SOS candidate Caroleene Dobson wants a new Secretary of State division focused on election fraud reports, ahead of the May 19 GOP primary. Disability Rights Update: South Dakota withdrew from a federal lawsuit tied to services for disabled residents, easing concerns for students on accommodation plans. Road & Travel Notes: Mitchell’s I-90 Exit 332 eastbound on-ramp closes May 19 through Aug. 4 for railroad bridge work; Highway Patrol urges drivers to slow down as summer traffic ramps up. Community & Outdoors: SDSU Extension 4-H announced Black Hills summer camps, including a new Teen Wilderness Camp. Local Sports: Alcester-Hudson topped Garretson in softball, while Vermillion’s Tanagers beat Wagner 18-0. Gas Station Buzz: Kwik Trip was named the top gas station brand in USA Today’s 2026 readers’ awards.

Road Safety: Authorities identified the Bridgewater woman killed in a May 12 crash northwest of Freeman on Highway 44, where a 77-year-old Equinox driver entered an intersection and was struck by a westbound truck tractor; the truck driver was not hurt. Longer Commutes: Mitchell drivers should plan for a months-long disruption: the I-90 eastbound on-ramp at Exit 332 closes May 19 through Aug. 4 for railroad bridge repairs, with a detour via Exit 330. Weather Watch: Warm, breezy conditions hit Mitchell Friday and Saturday, but Sunday brings thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds risk. Fuel Prices: AAA says the national gas average is ticking back up after earlier declines, with Memorial Day shaping up as the priciest in four years. Sports & Fun: NCAA softball regionals kick off Friday, while Sioux Falls keeps the summer momentum with America’s 250th events and major music festivals.

Northern Lights Watch: NOAA says a G1 aurora “strike zone” could light up northern U.S. states and Canada Friday night into Saturday, with South Dakota in the likely viewing mix—especially near the northern horizon. Graduation & Giving Back: USD commencement featured Susan Tuve urging graduates to “give back,” tying her Vermillion education to resilience through setbacks. 250th Celebration: Vermillion’s traveling flag stop drew a full patriotic crowd—then a gust lifted the huge cloth right as the ROTC and students raised it. Sturgis Rules Update: Sturgis finalized a new residential camping ordinance, letting homeowners host small setups by right and requiring permits for larger groups. Tourism & Taxes: Sen. John Thune highlighted South Dakota’s tourism impact on the Senate floor while pointing to tax changes aimed at hospitality workers. Safety & Roads: Rapid City reported a serious pedestrian crash at Sixth and Omaha, with alcohol suspected.