Good morning, Rapid City.

Since 2020, Rapid City has grown by about 10,000 residents from nearly 75,000 and is expected to keep growing each year; other Black Hills towns like Spearfish, Box Elder, and Hot Springs have seen increases of 10% or more, and more new residents will come as Ellsworth Air Force Base brings in military families with the rollout of new B-21s. This population boom highlights the region’s appeal through job opportunities and a welcoming community.

Emergency responders from Custer Search & Rescue and Custer Ambulance helped an injured hiker who fell near Needles Highway in the Black Hills on Thursday, June 12th — they carried the patient to an ambulance after a 911 call gave them an exact location.

On Thursday a hiker who fell on Cathedral Spires trail was rescued by Custer County Search and Rescue when Life Flight was dispatched and the patient was wheeled on a litter to hospital while rescuers advised experienced hikers to use the shorter trailhead route instead of the steeper option.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement arrested suspect Raymond Eagle Hawk Jr.—he had been on the run after reportedly stabbing someone near Wounded Knee and police confirmed the victim is alive.

South Dakota's state dessert, kuchen, marks its 25th anniversary this year—official since 2000 and built on German-Russian traditions.

Roger and Lori Pietz of Kuchen Kitchen prepare their kuchen from scratch using local fruit—selling about 30,000 treats each year in and beyond our state.

At Mount Rushmore's amphitheater on Friday, June 13, Sofia Beza (from Chihuahua, Mexico) became an official U.S. citizen after spending 25 years in the country.

She joined 198 others from 52 countries who were honored at the ceremony, where new citizens shared their names and dreams of security.

Secretary of State Monae Johnson is asking for public feedback on a draft voter registration form—comments will be accepted until June 27 via [email protected].

Eight South Dakota cities are hosting No Kings protests today, including a demonstration in Rapid City at noon at 300 Sixth St — organized by Indivisible to defy Flag Day plans — with events scheduled in other cities at set times.

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.

Live Music: Jimmy Ray & The Stingers

1-11:59 p.m. — Lost Cabin Beer Co. - Hill City Beer Garden — Cost not specified — Enjoy live blues music, fresh beer, and delicious food in a vibrant beer garden setting.