Good morning, Rapid City.

Today, Great Bear opens its new bike trail as phase one of the project by FAST and Great Bear reaches completion after decades of planning.

The opening weekend features guided tours Friday evening, open rides Saturday, and a Sunday party with a ribbon cutting — while phase two will add a connecting trail to the ski hill later.

WalletHub released a report showing that South Dakota ranks 5th among states where auto loan rates are rising, with rates increasing by up to 2.3% between Q1 and Q2 and averaging 10.94% in Q2—analysts expect the recent Federal Reserve rate cut to ease APRs in the future.

The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office conducted alcohol compliance checks on 11 businesses on September 24th and found that BJ’s Country Store in New Underwood sold alcohol to an underage informant—an employee received a citation under state law that may lead to fines.

The check revealed that all other businesses fully complied with the regulation.

At the Thirty-First West River History Conference held Oct 4-6 in Deadwood, Mario Gonzalez, an attorney with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, spoke to about 75 people about the tribe’s fight to stop a disputed $102 million payout over the Black Hills.

He said unmet treaty promises forced quick legal moves—aimed at keeping future claims to the land.

In 1990, Governor George S.

Mickelson declared that South Dakota would replace Columbus Day with Native American Day at Crazy Horse Memorial on October 12. Tim Giago and Lynn Hart pushed for reconciliation—leading to a lasting change—by urging the state to honor Native heritage through truth and dialogue.

A pilot junior kindergarten program in Rapid City drew favorable results—helping children who are not yet ready for kindergarten develop early skills.

City educators will review the outcomes to decide on the program's future expansion.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said today that soldiers who were given Medals of Honor for their role in the Wounded Knee Massacre will keep them after a 2024 review—tribal leaders and historians disagree with his decision.

Rapid City officials from the City’s Solid Waste Division offered curbside yard waste tips as residents prepared gardens, yards and trees for winter—guidance intended to promote proper waste management this autumn.

Valeriah Big Eagle, a Dakota and Nakota woman, is running for one of two Ward 4 seats on the Rapid City council and will work to improve affordable housing, mental health care and food access in her neighborhood—she plans to address local struggles with rising costs and service gaps when the election takes place in June 2026.

At the 2025 Black Hills Conference CrossCountry Championships held at Rocky Knolls Country Club in Custer, Peyton VanDeest (Spearfish) won the women's race in 19:11.65 and Tate Grabow (Hill City) won the men's race in 16:43.61; other top finishers include Kori Keil (Spearfish) and Wyatt Balliew (Douglas).

Tomorrow, resident hunters will begin a three-day pheasant season at 10 a.m. CT on public lands and designated private areas—officials report strong license sales aim to match last year’s record harvest.

The season will end at sunset on October 13.

Bierbörse Festival

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

Free Google Workshop for Local Businesses

9 AM – 12 PM — The Rushmore Hotel & Suites, BW Premier Collection — Free entry — Learn how to enhance your Google Business Profile and attract more customers organically.

A Night Among the Stars Annual Gala

5-9 p.m. — The Monument — $125 per person — Celebrate the achievements of adults with disabilities in a night filled with dining, honors, and community inspiration.

Innovation Expo

9 AM – 6 PM — Surbeck Center — Check the website for pricing — Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and key players in the startup ecosystem.

Live Music with The Blind Bard

5-7 p.m. — Firehouse Wine Cellars — Enjoy your weekend with an Americana/Blues/Folk musical experience from The Blind Bard.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

12-2 p.m. — Main Street Square — Free event — Celebrate Halloween with costumes, candy, and community fun for the whole family.

Geology and Paleontology of the Badlands

6-8 p.m. — Aqua & Acre Market — Under 18 with parent or guardian — Discover the fascinating rocks and fossils of the Badlands National Park area in this informative two-part class.

Black Jacket Symphony Live

6:30-8 p.m. — The Monument — Ticket prices may apply — Experience classic albums performed live by talented musicians.