Good morning, Rapid City.

Fork Real Community Café is hosting its 4th Annual Chef’s Dinner Auction fundraiser on October 11 at 5:00 p.m. at The Box – Ellsworth Salon A in Box Elder where people can taste food samples and bid on meal experiences to support community programs.

Black Hills Energy and city leaders dug the first shovelfuls of dirt yesterday to start building the $280 million Lange II Generating Station on Deadwood Avenue in Rapid City.

The station will produce 99 megawatts using six engines that run on natural gas + diesel and is set to be completed by mid-2026.

The annual Black Hills Steam & Gas Threshing Bee begins today near Sturgis with a Tractor Drive and Tractor Rodeo and a parade at 1:30 p.m.—the three-day event through August 17 offers tractor pulls, games, crafts, and exhibits, with tickets at $5 per person and free admission for children 12 and under.

A USGS study showed that some Black Hills aquifers did not refill fast enough to meet rising water demand, a shortage that forced early water-use restrictions at Pactola Reservoir in spring—where water levels dropped low.

The report has spurred plans for a Missouri River pipeline that will help supply water for future growth.

Gov. Larry Rhoden said a plan to replace property taxes with a $1.50 fee would hurt low-income families—he instead urged counties to adopt a local option sales tax to ease the burden on homeowners.

Mayor Jason Salamun eliminated the full-time coordinator position for the Rapid City Community Relations Commission during an August 12 meeting and announced a plan to shift administrative support to the city attorney’s office while focusing on conflict resolution and dispute mediation — the change, driven by budget constraints, may reduce the commission’s ability to lead community education on racial equity.

Rapid City officials voted to ban the dangerous drug Tianeptine—nicknamed gas station heroin—so stores like gas stations cannot sell it.

The Legal and Finance Committee approved the ban, and the proposal now goes to the full council for a final decision.

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.