Good morning, Rapid City.

Thousands honored fallen service members on Memorial Day at Black Hills National Cemetery outside Sturgis as volunteers placed 26,000 flags and the honor guard performed at nearby cemeteries+ in Rapid City, a local group held a ceremony to recognize military members from World War I to today.

A person was injured in a stabbing on Sunday on East Watertown Street in Rapid City — the incident occurred near the former United Resilience center, which opened in March 2024 and recently shut down.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said a DCI review found an OST officer was justified in using force during a high-speed chase on May 2 in Fall River County —the chase, sparked by an attempt to stop Cody Dittman’s Jeep, led to the officer firing three shots that injured a passenger— and Dittman now faces charges in South Dakota, Nebraska and federal court.

New research published May 7 in Royal Society Open Science suggests that T. rex evolved in South Dakota and other parts of western North America after its ancestors crossed a land bridge from Asia about 72 million years ago (using fossil and climate data).

The study challenges earlier ideas and deepens the local legacy of major dinosaur finds like the nearly complete 'Sue' fossil discovered near Faith.

A federal court ruling ended private lawsuits challenging voting practices in South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Arkansas.

Only the Justice Department can sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, and critics say the change will weaken protections for Native Americans—legal experts expect that state lawmakers may push for more restrictive measures.

Foreign ownership of South Dakota agricultural land increased from 113,000 acres in 2011 to about 380,000 acres in 2022, making up roughly one percent of privately held farmland.

Gov. Noem signed House Bill 1231 in 2024 that bans citizens and companies from certain countries from buying or leasing land—exceptions apply for agricultural research and livestock operations.

Officials on the Pine Ridge Reservation alerted Oglala Sioux Tribe members after Nebraska confirmed one measles case in Sheridan County, urging those exposed at Family Dollar in Rushville and Gordon Clinic in Gordon to fill out a risk assessment survey — South Dakota's MMR vaccination rate has dipped below the national average. This measles alert follows the confirmed case in Nebraska and aims to protect community health.

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.

Frühlingsfest

1-5 p.m. — Main Street Square — Free entry — Celebrate spring with shopping, live music, and local brews in Rapid City.

Frühlingsfest Spring Festival

12-8 p.m. — Main Street Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant spring market with handmade goods, local food, and live music for the whole family.

City View Trolley Tour

1:30-3:30 p.m. — The Journey Museum — $10.00 — Explore Rapid City's top sights aboard a fun and quirky trolley ride.

She's Gonna Bolt! 5K Walk/Run

12 AM – 12 PM — Founders Park — $200+ in donations — Participate in a community-driven 5K for Alzheimer's and dementia awareness inspired by a personal story.

Whiskey Myers Live Concert

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Summit Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of Southern rock with Whiskey Myers and special guests Bayker Blankenship and Pony Bradshaw.

June Fest 2025

2-10:30 p.m. — Memorial Park Bandshell — Free entry — Celebrate summer with food trucks, bouncy castles, giveaways, and raffles at this family-friendly festival.

2025 SDVBCA Coaches Clinic

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Best Western Ramkota Hotel — Registration fees apply — Enhance your coaching skills and network at the National High School Coaches Association Convention.

Object-Oriented Programming in C# Training

8 a.m. — Career Learning Center of the Black Hills — $2090 — Master the fundamentals of C# programming with expert-led instruction over five days.

Wild West Wednesdays Rodeo

5-9 p.m. — Hart Ranch Camping Resort — Ticketed event — Experience action-packed rodeo events including bull riding and barrel racing with food trucks and live entertainment.