Good morning, Rapid City.

The South Dakota Humanities Council announced that author Matthew Davis will visit seven communities including Rapid City for the 2026 One Book South Dakota tour, with his stop at the Dahl Arts Center on June 29 and discussions about his book on Mount Rushmore (regional heritage).

Rancher Jim Faulstich near Highmore is adjusting his operations to handle ongoing drought by rotating pastures and storing hay, keeping his family business stable amid nearly 80% of the area facing dryness.

He now shares his planning methods with other local ranchers (via the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition).

South Dakota gas prices dropped 11.3 cents per gallon over the past week to an average of $4.10/g today (based on a GasBuddy survey of 628 stations).

National reports show similar trends, suggesting short-term relief for local drivers.

Nursing programs from Black Hills State, SDSU, Dakota Wesleyan and Western Dakota Tech are preparing to graduate 195 new nurses this academic year.

Monument Health’s partnerships have secured commitments from 87 nurses and include high school CNA pathways in Rapid City (fostering local workforce development).

Black Hills Con 2026

12 PM-5 PM — The Monument — Ticket prices vary — Experience three days of fandom fun with cosplayers, panels, and celebrity meet-and-greets.

Little Explorers Dinosaur Workshop

11 AM – 12 PM — Rapid City Public Library — Free entry — Hatch your own dinosaur with fizzy science and creative fun.

Soulful Sounds Concert

7-9 p.m. — Dahl Arts Center — $35-$90 — Experience a candlelit Jazzy R&B concert with Acute Inflections inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.