Good Day
Rapid City
Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Good morning, Rapid City. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Monument's Ice Arena in Rapid City received $900,000 in upgrades—new plexiglass, improved lighting, and energy-efficient systems that will save about 35% on power use. The planned improvements, carried out after years of planning, will boost player safety and set the stage for future digital updates. KELOLAND
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rapid City collected more than $59.1 million in sales tax from January through August, a 3.18% increase over last year with record summer receipts and August totals exceeding $8.28 million. City Finance Director Daniel Ainslie said the numbers held steady in July and that the report will be shared at Wednesday’s Legal and Finance Committee meeting. KBHB
- ➤ South Dakota’s national parks generated over $524 million in visitor spending and supported more than 5,200 jobs in 2024, with Badlands, Mount Rushmore, and Wind Cave boosting local income. High visitor numbers have strained housing, roads, water, and recreational facilities—challenges local leaders now plan to address. KBHB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ South Dakota’s Department of Education held its first public hearing in Aberdeen on Wednesday to review adjustments to health and math standards for public schools—feedback came from teachers, college faculty and Alzheimer’s advocates. Future sessions will be held on November 10 in Sioux Falls, February 23 in Pierre and May 4 in Rapid City to gather additional input. KELOLAND
- ➤ South Dakota’s graduating class of 2025 scored an average of 21.0 on the ACT—above the national average of 19.4—and 60% of seniors took the exam as part of a rising trend; in spring, all public school juniors will take the test as it replaces the old state assessment. KELOLAND
- ➤ Student athletes from 47 South Dakota high schools and eight universities will participate in the Build Your Base sports nutrition program for the 2025-26 school year as the program uses beef as a key protein to fuel performance. The initiative will provide ready-to-use materials and nutrition education — partners include health organizations and beef industry groups working together to support young athletes. KBHB
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ South Dakota officials announced the traditional pheasant season begins Saturday as hunters from near and far plan to take part. Game, Fish and Parks officials have prepared online license sales and store supplies, with shooting hours (10 a.m. to sunset) running through January 31 (after two mild winters boosted pheasant survival). KELOLAND
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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.
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Innovation Expo
9 AM – 6 PM — Surbeck Center — Check the website for pricing — Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and key players in the startup ecosystem.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Black Jacket Symphony Live
6:30-8 p.m. — The Monument — Ticket prices may apply — Experience classic albums performed live by talented musicians.
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Pinky & The Floyd: 50th Anniversary of Wish You Were Here
8-11 p.m. — 707 Sports Bar & Nightlife — Tickets available online — Celebrate the iconic sounds of Pink Floyd with a special tribute performance.
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South Dakota State Jackrabbits Women's Basketball vs. Montana Grizzlies
6-9 p.m. — Summit Arena — Tickets required — Watch an exciting women's basketball showdown between the Jackrabbits and Grizzlies.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest teacher is your last mistake.
~ Ryan Holiday
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