Good morning, Rapid City.

The South Dakota Department of Transportation reported that 371,178 vehicles were counted over six days of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally; 59,414 vehicles entered on Wednesday while Monday recorded the highest one-day count of 96,409 vehicles.

On Wednesday, the Highway Patrol responded to nine injury crashes along routes including Vanocker Canyon, I-90, US 16/385, US 16A and US 85 with serious but non-life-threatening injuries reported as drivers lost control due to curves and medical issues; officers also made 17 DUI, 26 misdemeanor drug and 6 felony drug arrests during the day.

A judge took the case against NDN Collective founder Nick Tilsen under advisement after a hearing on August 1 raised concerns over police conduct and delayed charges stemming from a June 2022 incident—NDN Collective asserts local law enforcement targeted him and awaits a decision in the coming months.

Superintendent Danielle Walking Eagle will be honored with the prestigious Administrator Award by the National Association for Gifted Children on November 15 in Pittsburgh—recognizing her dedication to supporting gifted and Native American students.

A planned gold exploration project near Spearfish Canyon received 1,774 written comments from officials, tribal nations and residents who worry the drill sites could harm the watershed and fragile rock formations—leading to strong local opposition.

Spearfish Mayor John Senden and local groups oppose the project, and the Forest Service will review the feedback to decide if an environmental assessment is needed.

Emily’s Hope has expanded free naloxone access in Rapid City by installing new distribution boxes at Monument Health and Fork Real Community Café; the program has already provided over 15,000 doses through a partnership with the South Dakota Department of Health and local agencies to help reverse opioid overdoses.

Douglas High School has named George Johnson as its new head football coach — a Rapid City Stevens High School graduate who earned All-State honors and assisted at both Rapid City Stevens and Douglas.

He will lead the Patriot team with a focus on player development, teamwork, and discipline.

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.

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.

Lil Jon Live in Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Central States Fair, Inc. — Tickets available — Get ready for a night of crunk with Lil Jon and the hype of Mike Jones.

62 Cars Auction in Rapid City, SD

12 AM — 2170 Seger Dr, Rapid City, SD — Various bids — Discover over 300,000 repairable cars at this exciting auction event.

Frankenstein

7:30-9 p.m. — Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fresh adaptation of Frankenstein that explores the human experience through contemporary dance and original music.