Good morning, Rapid City.

On Tuesday, the Ty Eschenbaum Foundation donated $100,000 to Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana to grant wishes for kids including 9-year-old Bella, who will travel to Hawaii for her 10th birthday.

The donation, part of over $300,000 given in the last four years, honors the late girlfriend of founder Ty Eschenbaum.

Rick Mills, founder and curator of the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, died April 20 of natural causes as a lifelong Hermosa resident+ a fifth-generation descendant of local homesteaders whose work preserved the region's railroad history.

The museum will reopen May 10 and its board plans to name an interim director+ ensuring that his legacy in community history endures.

The new greenhouse in Rapid City has been completed after an 18-month project and crews are now working with plant life for the coming month.

City staff will plant over 20,000 flowers and plants in 1,700 acres of park space by Memorial Day—using new technology that cools the facility with phone-controlled temperature settings.

South Dakota Army National Guard Blackhawk helicopters and SD Wildland Fire will conduct wildland fire aerial water delivery recertification training on May 2nd.

The annual training will prepare crews for effective wildfire response in our region.

A federal judge dismissed indictments against ranchers Charles and Heather Maude on Monday, ending federal charges that they stole 50 acres of land near Caputa — supporters say the disputed fence has been in place for decades — and lifted the restrictions that had kept them from communicating about their case.

SD Housing announced that federal income guideline changes have raised the state median income to $102,200—expanding eligibility for its First-time Homebuyer and Governor’s House programs; income limits vary by county and take effect today, so interested buyers should contact a participating lender for guidance.

Gateway to Growth Enrichment Sessions

4-5:30 p.m. — 1400 Turbine Dr, Rapid City, SD — Free entry — Launch your health care career with insights from experts and educational partners.

The First-Annual Pet Gala

6-9 p.m. — Dahl Arts Center — Charity event — Celebrate our furry friends at this semi-formal gala featuring a silent auction for local animal welfare.

Partnering with Wings of Wonder: Airport Readiness Tour

6 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Rapid City Regional Airport — Free entry — Explore travel readiness for families with extra abilities while practicing airport processes.

Buffalo Hunt Coaster Adventure

2:30-3 p.m. — Fort Hays Chuckwagon Supper & Show — Starting at $26 — Experience the thrilling Buffalo Hunt Coaster while aiming at targets and enjoying unlimited rides all day long.

Rainbow Run 5k 2025

8:15 AM – 12:00 PM — Old Storybook Island Shelter — $25 for adults, free under 18 — Experience a vibrant and colorful 5k run for all ages and fitness levels.

City View Trolley Tour

1:30-3:00 p.m. — The Journey Museum — $10.00 — Explore Rapid City's top sites from a quirky trolley while soaking in local history.

Prospector Challenge Finals

May 30, 7 AM – June 1, 4 PM — Central States Fair, Inc. — $3,700 Added Money — A thrilling pole bending competition featuring substantial awards and opportunities for all participants.