Good morning, Rapid City.

Major Daniel M. Voss and Major Amy Voss began their roles at the Salvation Army of the Black Hills on June 29 and are set to boost outdoor education and community services—focusing on youth programs, food assistance, and support for residents in Rapid City.

Urban Glow Candle Co. opens today at 623 St. Joseph St. in downtown Rapid City to let residents create custom coconut soy candles by choosing their own vessels, scents, and labels — the shop welcomes walk-in guests from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday night, RCPD responded to two aggravated assault cases—one near Interstate 90 and Omaha where 27-year-old Latrell Tayle was detained after a gun was recovered during a disturbance at an outdoor camp under the bridge, and another at 1023 N.

Lacrosse Street where 29-year-old Kael Jacobson and 31-year-old Alicia Soberal were arrested after a neighbor disturbance involving a gun with no injuries reported, and both incidents led to arrests at Pennington County Jail.

Sturgis is hosting the National Trans Am Takeover Tour that began July 11 and continues today with muscle car shows, a cruise through the Black Hills, and a tribute to Smokey and the Bandit—featuring Pontiac Trans Ams, Firebirds, and other vehicles.

The free event also offers live music, meet-and-greets with tribute cast members, and sponsor giveaways.

A new study shows that four-day school weeks are linked to lower reading and math scores—especially for girls and students in non-rural schools—and raises questions about the benefits for districts using the shorter week to save money and recruit teachers.

The research used data from 2009 to 2019 to compare test scores in states including South Dakota.

The South Dakota Water Management Board recommended that water permits for four overdue holders be suspended for one year starting August 1—offering a short grace period as officials await remaining filings; trustees also forwarded nominations for new historic sites while delaying a nomination for Effting Grocery Store due to changes. In addition, the Board of Economic Development approved a $500,000 SD Works Legacy loan to Elevate Rapid City to establish a seed fund for early-stage tech startups.

South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden visited Philip, Wall, Midland and 1880 Town on Thursday during his Open for Opportunity tour, highlighting the state’s history at Midland and touring local businesses including Scotchman Industries in Philip, Wall Meats Processing, and Wall Drug before ending his day at the Wall Celebration Days Rodeo. He underscored his past work to support small meat processors—efforts made during his time as Interim Secretary of Agriculture and as the Governor’s Ag Ambassador.

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.

SPARK Men's Retreat

4 PM – 9 AM — Cedar Canyon Camp — $175 — A transformative weekend for men to reignite their faith and build community.

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.