Good morning, Rapid City.

South Dakota Mines had 2,541 undergraduates down from 2,579 last fall—38 fewer students—while its doctoral enrollment increased nearly 15% as the university prepares to boost its STEM programs.

The school also reported gains in transfer, international and dual enrollments with an 83% freshman retention rate.

Fire crews in the Black Hills fought wildfires sparked by lightning overnight— the Centennial Fire burned a quarter acre near Keystone, the Hell Canyon and Sun Country fires burned less than one acre near Jewel Cave and Rockerville, and a new Lithograph Fire burned 9 acres near the Wyoming border.

Pennington County Jail will be fully staffed with correctional officers for the first time in nearly eight years, showing a major improvement from renewed community and departmental efforts.

Officials held interviews yesterday from 10 to 10:30 a.m.—they explained the plan to cut overtime and boost safety.

The Rapid City Legal and Finance Committee voted to delay a decision on spending $60,000 from contingency funds for improvements at the Minneluzahan Senior Center — the committee will hold another hearing on Sept.

24 to review funding details.

In prep soccer on Thursday, the Sturgis Scooper Girls Soccer team beat Douglas/New Underwood by an 11—1 score while the Scooper boys game was postponed because of lightning.

Third-ranked Rapid City Stevens improved to 8—1—1 with a 5—1 win over rival Rapid City Central at Sioux Park Stadium, and the Rapid City Central girls match ended in a 1—1 tie at halftime due to rain and lightning and will be made up today.

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.

Live Music with Darin French

5-7 PM — Firehouse Wine Cellars — Enjoy a night of live music while relaxing with great cigars and drinks.

Bierbörse Festival

12-5 p.m. — Main Street Square — 21+ entry required — Celebrate Oktoberfest with a unique beer stock exchange and authentic German cuisine.