Good morning, Rapid City.

Barnes and Noble opened its new 20,000-square-foot bookstore in Rushmore Crossing at 1617 Eglin Street yesterday — hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony and book signing with bestselling children’s author Sean Covel.

The store opening came after a strong local campaign urging the chain to return — part of a nationwide expansion effort.

Rapid City police arrested Zach Anderson, aged 37, for a second offense DUI & open container and reckless driving after his vehicle rolled over near the intersection of E.

Saint Patrick & E. Saint Joseph Streets just after 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday night as officers responded to a rollover crash.

Rapid City Regional Airport broke records this quarter as enplanements rose over 13% from last year.

Over 119,000 passengers traveled in Q2 and officials expect more travelers as construction continues—fueling growth.

Sen. Rounds said the new defense bill includes $3.5 billion for the B-21 bomber program and $378 million for construction at Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City—funding that will support the base’s future training and operational squadrons.

He noted the bill also allocates $28 million for a Watertown National Guard maintenance building and a 3.8% salary increase for military personnel, with all funds to be appropriated later this year.

Wade Erickson of Horizon Health Care warned that Medicaid cuts in the new budget law could leave rural patients more at risk + force hospitals to reduce services.

He said the funding cuts may lead to higher out-of-pocket costs + worsen financial losses for facilities that depend on Medicaid funding.

The Rapid City Rush promoted Peter Drikos to Associate Coach after his strong performance as Assistant Coach, including an 11-game winning streak during a three-month period last season—he will work with head coach Dave Smith as the team prepares for the season that begins October 17th in Kansas City. Drikos, a native of Scarborough who joined the team in September 2023, is expected to help lead the organization toward a championship.

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.