Good morning, Rapid City.

Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy announced they plan to merge and form a new public utility valued at $7.8 billion, a deal expected to finish in 12 to 15 months.

The new company will be based in Rapid City—NorthWestern Energy’s CEO Brian Bird will lead while Black Hills Energy’s CEO Linn Evans retires.

Iris Metals reported strong lithium findings from its August 28 drilling in the Black Hills near Keystone, including 6.65 meters at 3.30% lithium oxide—results that lead to a planned larger Phase II program—and the company will sell its Australian gold mine to fund further exploration.

The Spring Creek restaurant near Lake Oahe did not open this summer because GFP could not secure a concessionaire, and Dock Side LLC from Highmore is set to run the restaurant and store next summer.

The state commission in Rapid City will review a five-year lease—starting October 1 with a 4% share of gross revenues and daily operations from May 1 through September 15—on Thursday and Friday.

After a school shooting in Minnesota last week, South Dakota educators are calling for safe spaces where teachers can speak about preventing gun violence—union leaders and state officials back the move as educators like Abbey Clements, a Sandy Hook survivor, push for the chance to share their experiences without fear.

The Rapid City Council approved TIFs for Libertyland USA and the Catalyst District projects Tuesday—restoring plans for a new theme park and a sports complex after a voting error required a reapproval.

The Libertyland plan passed 7–2 and the Catalyst District plan passed 8–1 with adjustments that removed school funding and cut the cost from $132 million to roughly $84 million.

Nonprofit Vitalant is offering a free hemoglobin A1C test to blood donors this month to screen for diabetes while they help save lives.

Donors who give blood between Sept. 1 and 30 will see their results online within seven days—helping catch prediabetes early.

Puzzle~Rama

6-7:30 p.m. — Firehouse Wine Cellars — $5 cash entry — Assemble your dream team and race to complete a 300-piece puzzle for prizes and fun.

Cruiser Car Show

12-4 p.m. — Main Street Square — Free entry — Experience a vibrant atmosphere with classic cars, local vendors, and food trucks in downtown Rapid City.