AGP Executive Report

Volleyball Travel Buzz: No. 1 Nebraska swept South Dakota State 3-0 in Brookings, keeping its perfect start alive and sending more fans into the Sioux Empire for fall sports travel. Storm Cleanup: Communities in northeast Nebraska and southeast South Dakota are still clearing debris after Tuesday night severe thunderstorms knocked out power and damaged homes and public spaces. Veteran Outdoor Healing: Wings of Valor continues drawing disabled veterans to the Parker area for pheasant hunts focused on connection and recovery. Law & Tech Watch: Sheridan County says its traffic-monitoring device isn’t a Flock camera and doesn’t track individuals; meanwhile, Minnehaha County debates Flock Safety plate readers amid privacy concerns. Road-Trip Planning: AAA warns speeding has become “normal” and urges drivers to stick to posted limits with conditions in mind. Local Events: Downtown Sioux Falls announced September happenings including Riverfest, Oktoberfest at Remedy Brew Co., and a fall farmers market. Fuel Reality Check: GasBuddy reports diesel and midgrade prices remain volatile across South Dakota as Labor Day travel approaches.

Labor Day Travel Watch: GasBuddy projects the national average could hit about $4.03 a gallon over Labor Day weekend—87 cents higher than last year—so South Dakotans are being urged to compare prices and use fuel-tracking apps before filling up. Black Hills Tourism Pulse: The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally generated just over $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue, down 11% from 2025, with slower rally traffic and fewer vendors blamed for the drop. Rapid City Economy: Rapid City sales tax collections stayed strong in June, with general sales tax up 6.6% year over year, while tourism-related growth cooled to about 0.5%. Road & Safety Notes: The South Dakota Highway Patrol is ramping up school bus safety patrols as students head back to class, and a forecast calls for patchy morning fog, hot afternoons, and elevated fire risk with breezy winds. Local Travel Perks: Feeding South Dakota’s Mobile Food Pantry returns to Ipswich on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 10:30–11:30 a.m., near the 4-H Building. Outdoor History Spotlight: A new two-part series looks at Silver Lake’s layered past as a recreation stop and waterfowl haven outside the Black Hills.

Sturgis Rally Tax Update: South Dakota’s 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally pulled in about $1.4 million in state and local tax revenue, down 11% from 2025, with officials pointing to slower rally traffic and fewer vendors. Sioux Falls Tourism Pressure: Experience Sioux Falls says fewer Canadians are coming, blaming U.S.-Canada trade tensions and tariff talk for hurting the visitor market. Rapid City Waste-to-Soil Plan: Rapid City is moving toward partnering with Dakota Biochar to turn wood waste into biochar, aiming to extend landfill life and help keep rates down. Road-Trip Safety Reminder: Custer County Search and Rescue reports a busy Labor Day weekend, with multiple emergencies in remote Black Hills areas where cell service is spotty—plus a reminder that 911 calls can help responders find people faster. Local Travel Logistics: Rapid City is also collecting street and sidewalk condition data for a pavement plan, and drivers may see a marked data-collection van around town. Budget Travel Tip: A new study lists South Dakota among the states where $500 can stretch farther for a budget-friendly getaway.

Gas Watch: Brown County’s lowest reported regular gas hit $3.68/gal (week ending Aug. 22), while the statewide regular average in South Dakota landed at $4/gal. Fuel Deals: Yankton County’s E15 bottomed out at $3.69/gal, and Kingsbury County’s regular gas dipped to $3.79/gal. Labor Day Travel: AAA warns Labor Day weekend means higher costs and heavier traffic, with Friday departures and Sunday/Monday returns likely the busiest—especially around Sioux Falls. Tourism Grant: Travel South Dakota awarded Yankton and Vermillion $15,000 to boost Missouri River “Water Trails” tourism. Outdoor Season Switch: As September arrives, kayaking is being pitched as an easier, cheaper way to get on the Missouri River before fall slows things down. Local Events (Mitchell): Labor Day weekend in Mitchell spotlights the Palace City Farmers Market, Creation Station, and Dakota Wesleyan sports. Budget Trip List: A new study says South Dakota is one of the states where $500 can stretch farther for a budget-friendly getaway.

Travel South Dakota & Outdoors: Fort Pierre was picked for Travel South Dakota’s Destination Development Program, pairing local input with expertise from George Washington University to sharpen how visitors experience the community. National Forest Fun: The U.S. Forest Service launched a digital passport via the OuterSpatial app, letting visitors earn check-in badges across national forests and grasslands (Black Hills travelers can rack them up too). Road & Bridge Updates: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a Highway 385 curve reconstruction near Strawberry Hill, and the Transportation Commission approved about $3.5 million for 40 local bridge projects statewide. Local Driving Headaches: Sioux Falls has multiple new road work projects starting this week, while Pierre’s Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction is progressing with lane-merge signage still being improved. Fall Adventure Timing: A kayak guide highlights easy ways to get on the Missouri River before summer fully fades. Culture & Community: Deadwood educator JJ Kent challenged Hollywood myths about Lakota spirituality and the sacred pipe at a History on the Lawn event.

Road & Bridge Updates: SDDOT is asking for public comment on a U.S. Highway 385 improvement near Strawberry Hill, including curve reconstruction and a Strawberry Hill recreation-area entrance realignment, with comments due Sept. 11. Local Funding: The Transportation Commission approved about $3.5 million for 40 South Dakota bridge projects, including design work and engineering/survey grants, with the next Bridge Improvement Grant deadline set for Jan. 2, 2027. Construction & Driving: Sioux Falls drivers should expect more lane closures and detours this week as multiple projects ramp up around town. Rapid City Area Work: Bridge deck chip-seal repairs start Monday at three Rapid City-area locations, with traffic reduced to one lane in each direction and work running through mid-October. Pierre Traffic Note: Euclid Avenue/Highway 1889 reconstruction in Pierre is seeing a southbound merge near the Catholic church, and officials say signage will be improved. Travel Safety: Fillmore County held FBI ALERRT active-shooter training at Fillmore Central High School. Food Safety: A sprouts recall was expanded after additional batches tested positive for salmonella and E. coli, with illnesses reported in South Dakota. Health & Animals: Highly pathogenic avian influenza was confirmed in three South Dakota commercial poultry flocks in August 2024. Gas Watch: Midgrade prices in Brookings County hit a low of $4.29/gallon in the week ending Aug. 22, while Custer County regular gas dipped to $4.19/gallon.

Travel Planning: Travel South Dakota is rolling out “Cycle the 605,” a new challenge meant to get riders exploring more of the state. Outdoor Adventures: The U.S. Forest Service launched a digital passport in the OuterSpatial app, letting visitors check in at national forests and grasslands and collect badges—great for Black Hills road trips. Roadside Tourism: A new SIXT study ranked Mitchell’s Corn Palace fifth nationally for family “playcation” stops, with Wall Drug also making the top 10. Local Infrastructure: SDDOT is asking for public input on a Highway 385 project near Strawberry Hill that would realign access to the picnic area and affect Forest Service recreation land. Safety & Travel Disruptions: Authorities released details on a fatal four-vehicle I-29 crash near Brookings, and the Highway Patrol says the investigation is ongoing. Air Travel: Sioux Falls Airport is highlighting 12 direct routes to big cities and sunshine destinations.

SDSU Football: South Dakota State opened the 2026 season in style, piling up 628 total yards and routing Stetson 70-7 at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, with big-play scoring on the first drive of each half. USD Football: In Vermillion, Austyn Modrzewski threw six touchdown passes and added a rushing score as South Dakota beat Central Connecticut State 59-20 in the Coyotes’ season opener. Rivalry Spotlight: Dakota State bounced back in its non-conference rivalry, reclaiming the Chamber of Commerce Traveling Trophy with a 35-27 win over Dakota Wesleyan after a wild second-half surge. Travel & Tourism: Travel South Dakota launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava-based challenge to rack up 605 minutes of outdoor activity through Sept. 4, with a chance to win a cycling getaway for two. Local Roads: Sioux Falls roadwork starts Monday, including a Tenth Street closure and lane restrictions tied to utility and storm drainage repairs. Outdoor Fun: Rapid City hosted the Big Sky Reptile Expo at The Monument, drawing regional vendors and hands-on reptile education.

Travel South Dakota: The state tourism office just launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava-powered challenge asking riders and hikers to log 605 minutes by Sept. 4 for a chance at a South Dakota cycling getaway. Family Fun in the Hills: Box Elder is pushing ahead with plans for the first West River children’s museum, aiming to turn a donated Liberty Plaza site into a hands-on play hub. Wildlife & Weekend Plans: Rapid City hosted the Big Sky Reptile Expo at The Monument, bringing exotic pet vendors and care education to local hobbyists. Road & Safety Watch: Sioux Falls announced new construction impacts starting Aug. 31, including a Tenth Street closure and storm-drain lane work. Local Tragedies: A Summerset man died after a motorcycle crash near Black Hawk, and a Parker woman died in a single-vehicle rollover near Parker—both under investigation. Sports Spotlight: USD opened its 2026 season with a 59-20 win over Central Connecticut State, while SDSU routed Stetson 70-7 in its opener.

Road Safety: A 61-year-old Parker woman died in a single-vehicle crash Thursday near Parker after her 2019 Toyota RAV4 left the road, hit a culvert, and rolled into a shallow pond; names weren’t released and the Highway Patrol investigation is ongoing. Local Travel & Traffic: Sioux Falls is set to start a new week of road work beginning Monday, Aug. 31, including a closure of East 10th Street (Six Mile Road to South Red Spruce Ave) and intermittent lane closures for storm drainage repairs—expect detours and slower commutes. Tourism & Outdoors: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, citing more than $130 million invested in South Dakota projects like Badlands headquarters and Wounded Knee District School renovations. Seasonal Travel Mood: Rapid City businesses are leaning into fall “shoulder season” travel—retirees, couples, and bucket-listers are arriving as summer crowds fade. Family Fun Weather: Mitchell Corn Palace Festival weekend looks hot and humid, with a better chance of thunderstorms Friday night.

School-Bus Safety: South Dakota officials say drivers must stop when a school bus extends its stop arm, with flashing red lights meaning you stop in both directions. Road Safety Tragedies: A wrong-way I-29 crash near Brookings killed a 19-year-old and airlifted a Toronto driver with life-threatening injuries; another fatal single-vehicle crash near Parker left a 61-year-old woman dead. Corn Palace Weekend Weather: Mitchell is bracing for hot, humid conditions and possible thunderstorms Friday night during Corn Palace Festival events. Shoulder-Season Travel Buzz: Rapid City tourism is shifting from peak summer crowds to fall getaways for retirees, couples, and bucket-listers. Parks Funding Push: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize a fund that’s backed major South Dakota park upgrades, including Badlands and Lake Andes projects. Local Sports & Community: Mitchell’s sports associations are leaning on grants to cover officiating costs, while Sioux Falls Washington opened with a 28-0 shutout over Rapid City Central.

Shoulder-Season Travel: Rapid City businesses are shifting from peak summer crowds to fall visitors—retirees, bucket-listers, and couples—chasing milder weather and quieter Black Hills sightseeing. National Parks Funding: The National Park Foundation is urging Congress to reauthorize a legacy restoration fund that has poured more than $130M into South Dakota park projects, including Badlands HQ and major Wounded Knee District School renovations. Gas Prices Watch: AAA says the national regular gas average is about $4.09 and August is on track to set a new record; crude volatility tied to the Strait of Hormuz is keeping pressure on prices. Road Safety: A fatal four-vehicle crash on I-29 near Brookings killed a 19-year-old and sent a Toronto woman to a Sioux Falls hospital with life-threatening injuries. Local Fun for Visitors: Riverfest is back in Downtown Sioux Falls Sept. 19 with music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, mini golf, and a new dog fashion show. Active Outdoors: Wind Cave National Park hosts a free Theodore Roosevelt living-history program Thursday at Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater. Sports & Travel Timing: Dakota Wesleyan opens its season Saturday with a road trip to Madison; plan for game-day traffic if you’re heading that way.

Road Safety: A 19-year-old Brookings man was killed in a four-vehicle I-29 crash near mile marker 140; a Toronto woman was life-flighted with life-threatening injuries, while other drivers were not hurt as investigators continue looking into what happened. Local Travel Disruptions: Pierre drivers should expect about 10 hours of signal shutdown Sunday at Sioux Avenue and Pierre Street (U.S. 14/SD 1889), with low-speed routing through the work zone. Tourism & Outdoors: Under Canvas is offering 50% off the second night (and sometimes the fourth) on glamping stays booked by Aug. 30, including Black Hills options near Mount Rushmore. Family Fun: Downtown Sioux Falls’ Riverfest returns Sept. 19 with live music, food trucks, a Kids Zone, mini golf, and a new “Paws on the Plaza” dog fashion show. Sports & Travel Planning: South Dakota college football kicks off Aug. 29 with multiple in-state matchups, including SDSU hosting Stetson and USD welcoming Central Connecticut State. Community Events: Wind Cave National Park hosts a free Theodore Roosevelt living-history program in Rapid City-area on Thursday evening. Recreation & Hunting Access: NWTF and Pheasants Forever expanded public hunting access across the Dakotas via PATH, adding thousands of acres for 2026 seasons.

Wind Cave Living History: Theodore Roosevelt returns to Wind Cave National Park Thursday evening with a free 7 p.m. living-history performance by Kurt Skinner at the Elk Mountain Campground Amphitheater. Outdoor Access: NWTF and Pheasants Forever are expanding public hunting access across the Dakotas, adding 10,515 acres of new PATH land this year. Deadwood Tourism & Gaming: Deadwood gaming rose 4.05% in July, with taxable gross gaming revenue at $15.8 million and about $1.42 million in gaming taxes. College Football Kickoff: South Dakota’s college football season officially starts Aug. 27, with major home openers including SDSU vs. Stetson (6 p.m.) and USD hosting Black Hills State. Road & Travel Planning: A northbound portion of I-29 near mile marker 139 is shut down after a crash near mile marker 139—expect congestion and slow down. Local Rules for Visitors: Pennington County is cracking down on unlicensed vacation rentals, with notices due by Dec. 3 and potential $200 daily fines.

Outdoor & Park Programs: A Theodore Roosevelt impersonator will perform at Wind Cave National Park on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m., a free program tied to the park’s education and preservation efforts. Tourism & Events: Deadwood gaming activity rose 4.05% in July, with slot and table gains and sports wagering down, while casinos also pushed more than $2.3 million in free-play incentives. Travel Safety: Sioux Falls is urging drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to slow down and stay alert as students return, with reminders to watch for crosswalks and yield to pedestrians. Roadwork & Planning: SDDOT is seeking public comment on a draft Section 4(f) evaluation for a U.S. Highway 385 curve reconstruction near the Strawberry Hill picnic area and fishing pond in Lawrence County. Local Rules for Visitors: Pennington County is reminding vacation rental owners to get licensed, with notices tied to a December 3 deadline and potential daily fines for noncompliance. Veterans & Health Access: A VA deputy secretary visited western South Dakota, saying facilities won’t be closing and highlighting a new Electronic Health Record rollout planned for May 2027 in the Black Hills region.

Tourism Development: Travel South Dakota picked Fort Pierre and the Yankton/Vermillion Missouri River Water Trail for its Destination Development Program, aiming to grow rural visitor experiences with planning help and grant opportunities. Outdoor Challenge: The state also launched “Cycle the 605,” a Strava-based 605-minute activity push running through Sept. 4, with a chance to win a South Dakota cycling getaway. Roads & Walkways: Rapid City has started a citywide streets and sidewalks condition survey, with crews collecting pavement and sidewalk data over the next few weeks. Local Construction: Mitchell is in full fall-transition mode, with major road work including a new roundabout on North Ohlman Street and other intersection and avenue improvements. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel in Marshall County at $4.85 (week ending Aug. 15), while Hutchinson County’s lowest diesel hit $4.87. Community & Schools: Mitchell School District handed out $34,368.84 in KIDS Grants to classroom projects, and Langford Area and Britton-Hecla welcomed new certified teachers for the fall.