Good morning, Rapid City.

Fire crews from local, state and federal authorities battled the Canyon Fire—reported Tuesday near Cedar Camp Ranch on Memorial Road and burning about three-quarters of an acre on private property near Canyon Lake—with a rapid response that moved the blaze to mop-up by 6:00 p.m. while no structures were threatened.

Researchers led by Yvette Running Horse Collin studied ancient horse bones and showed that horses in the Northern Plains shared genes with Asian populations through repeated migrations across Beringia—climate warming around 13th led to their extinction.

The study used genetic and isotope tests and combined Indigenous with Western methods to reveal how changing environments affected the species.

On Monday night, the Meade County Sheriff’s Office and Black Hills Life Flight held a training session—practicing how to choose landing spots and load patients into a moving helicopter—to make emergency aid faster in rural areas.

Sheriff Pat West said the exercise will help keep people safe.

At a special meeting Monday night, the Rapid City Council approved funding for 14 Vision Fund projects with a 6—1 vote; the projects include a skate park, bocce ball court, fire station, public security cameras and park upgrades such as a three-and-a-half-million-dollar pond wall restoration and ADA improvements at the little league fields. Work starts this summer with the next funding cycle set for early 2030.

South Dakota does not require lawyers to take continuing education— a bar committee has recommended that attorneys get 20 hours of training every two years starting in 2027 with free online seminars to help keep costs low.

Members of the State Bar will vote on the proposal at the annual bar convention in Rapid City on June 20 and the plan must still be approved by the Supreme Court.

Custer State Park trails are tough and can lead to rolled ankles, dehydration, and lost hikers — officials say visitors must come prepared with extra water, layers, and offline maps.

Officials add that those who feel tired should turn back early and call for help if needed.

Area cowboys and cowgirls took part in the Wall and Buffalo Regional Rodeos over the weekend—Breezy Millar reported on the contests.

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.

Summer Music Series: Nervous Turtles

5-7 p.m. — Firehouse Wine Cellars — Free entry — Enjoy upbeat classic rock covers by Nervous Turtles in a vibrant setting.