Good morning, Rapid City.

South Dakota's average gasoline price increased by 10.3 cents per gallon to $2.96/g today — based on GasBuddy's survey of 628 stations — as rising oil tensions add to costs.

GasBuddy said that global events may push the national average higher this week.

U.S. Bank’s midyear outlook says national growth will slow while South Dakota stays strong with low unemployment and an $80.7 million fiscal surplus.

The report warns that high interest rates may make loans expensive for some local borrowers—highlighting a stable state amid a shifting market.

A state-owned shooting range north of Rapid City is under construction and will open this fall as one of the largest public ranges, with gun companies like Smith & Wesson and Glock donating a total of $2 million as part of over $6 million in private funding.

Lawmakers and officials say the project bypassed proper legislative review and now require Game, Fish & Parks projects over $2.5 million to get Legislature approval — a change meant to ensure oversight.

Rapid City's estimated population reached 84,930 by the end of 2024 (a 3.05% rise from last year and over 10,000 more people since 2020).

City planners use this data to guide transportation and housing investments (with recent multi-family developments outnumbering single-family homes), aiming to address growth challenges and opportunities.

On July 1, two government accountability bills signed by Governor Larry Rhoden will take effect to require reporting of improper governmental conduct and protect state employees who report it—state offices are preparing for the law’s rollout.

Pennington County Sheriff’s boat patrol said that starting July 1 new state laws will make reckless boating a felony and add watercraft homicide and battery charges.

Officers will patrol Sheridan and Pactola Lakes to teach safe boating and enforce the law — a measure meant to prevent accidents on the water.

The 2025 South Dakota High School Finals Rodeo ended over the weekend in Fort Pierre, and winners will move on to national finals next month.

Winners include Taos Weborg with 84 points in bareback riding and Brooke Diedrichs with 85 points in barrel racing — other events such as breakaway roping, pole bending, team roping and tiedown also crowned champions.

Cooper Filipek from Rapid City won the College National Finals Rodeo title in bareback riding with 325 points at the Ford Wyoming Center in Casper on June 21.

He qualified three times and rode strongly, scoring 83.5 on his final ride—his win builds on his reserve finish last year.

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.

Hills Alive Festival

Time TBA — Memorial Park — Free entry — Celebrate faith with uplifting music and community during this beloved Christian festival.

Rapid City Car Auction

12 PM — 2170 Seger Dr, Rapid City, SD — Registration required — Discover over 200 vehicles at this exciting car auction event.

Picnic - A new kind of branding workshop

Picnic helps businesses and professionals hone a brand that aligns with their voice, values, and message. It creates brands that are easy for audiences to connect with—and that make work feel purposeful. Through hands-on exercises, Picnic invites you to listen, challenges you to be curious, and helps you think creatively. You'll leave with insights and techniques to keep your team inspired and your brand feeling fresh, day after day.