Author: Jakob Kjerstad

Highmark Credit Union Secures $25K Grant for Custer West Dam Project

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Highmark Credit Union, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has announced a $25,000 grant to support the Custer West Dam Project through the Member Impact Fund. The funding was awarded to the Black Hills Area Community Foundation-West Dam and will help support infrastructure improvements tied to […]

Rapid City Architect Earns State License

RAPID CITY, S.D. — TSP, Inc. announced that Seth Harwood has received his license as a Registered Architect in South Dakota after successfully completing the Architect Registration Examination. Harwood passed the Architect Registration Examination, known as the ARE, which is developed and administered by National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. The multi-division exam assesses candidates’ […]

Fresh Brew, New Chapter

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City family is marking a new chapter in business ownership with a weeklong celebration and fundraiser in the Black Hills. Kyle and Brittany Fisher officially took ownership Feb. 1 of Ziggi’s Coffee at 1001 E. North St., Ste. 1, in Rapid City. To celebrate, the couple will host a […]

First National Bank Pledges $275K to Boost Stanley County Schools

FORT PIERRE, S.D. — First National Bank has committed a $275,000 Community Leader Challenge donation to launch the Buffalo Legacy Campaign, a community-wide effort focused on investing in the future of the Stanley County School District. The Rapid City-area bank’s contribution will match every dollar raised through the campaign, effectively doubling community support and accelerating […]

Kayleigh Dixon’s People-First Approach Creates Positive Culture at Dixon Coffee

By: Michelle PawelskiPhotos: Bailey Sadowsky For Kayleigh Dixon, there is no secret formula or playbook behind the warm, welcoming atmosphere at Dixon Coffee Company. It simply unfolds organically. That ease likely comes from her lifelong love of serving others, a passion that began well before coffee entered the picture.  At just 9 years old, Kayleigh […]

Arts Council Announces Leadership Changes at The Dahl

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Arts Council has announced departmental leadership changes at the Dahl Arts Center in downtown Rapid City, marking a new chapter for the longstanding Black Hills arts organization. Noah Geiger, who has served as Gallery Director and Curator since 2023, will transition into the role of Facility Manager and […]

Rapid City Hospital Heart Unit Earns National Nursing Honor Again

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Heart and Vascular Unit at Rapid City Hospital has once again earned national recognition for nursing excellence, marking a continued milestone for health care in the Black Hills and South Dakota. For the second consecutive year, the unit at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital received a silver-level Beacon Award for […]

TSP Names Alex Weiers Structural Discipline Leader in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — TSP Inc. has appointed Alex Weiers as the firm’s Structural Discipline Leader, the company announced Wednesday. Weiers brings nearly 20 years of experience with TSP to the leadership role. During his tenure, he has led firmwide initiatives centered on process improvements, software development and mentoring new team members. In his new […]

Brittney Huschka Helps Make The Monument a Noteworthy Workplace

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky and submitted The Black Hills Stock Show, Lakota Nation Invitational, Black Hills Powwow: each event is a staple of Rapid City Culture. And they all take place at The Monument. Growing up in Glendive, Montana, Brittney Huschka’s first experience with the notion of a community was fairly typical. “I […]

$20M in federal funding cleared for Rapid City Regional Airport expansion

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Regional Airport will receive $20 million in federal funding for a major terminal expansion as part of a $145.7 million Congressionally Directed Spending package secured by U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds. The funding, included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies appropriations bill, also allocates $30 million […]

 At Unique Auto Grooming, Danielle Muellenberg Goes Far Beyond the Details

By: Kory LanphearPhotos: Bailey Sadowsky In high school, Danielle Muellenberg wanted to be a court reporter. But after she didsome schooling for it, she didn’t think it was her calling.She found a job at Black Hills Works as manager of Unique Auto Grooming and hasspent the last 14 years supporting her employees’ independence, confidence, andquality […]

Dr. Gene Coughlin Found a New Home and Headquarters in Rapid City

By: Wade Ellett Photos: Bailey Sadowsky As a 20-year veteran of the Marine Corps, Gene Coughlin understands the value of good leadership. He started his military career as an enlisted Marine, then became an officer and completed several tours in the Middle East. Throughout his career, he’s experienced firsthand the positive effects a good leader […]

Bish’s RV to Open Rapid City-Area Dealership

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Bish’s RV announced plans to open a new dealership in the Rapid City area this spring, bringing new jobs and expanded RV sales and service options to western South Dakota. The dealership will be located in Piedmont at the former Jack’s Campers site and is expected to open in March. The […]

Elevate Rapid City names interim CEO, COO

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Elevate Rapid City announced Monday the appointment of Todd Kenner as interim chief executive officer and Darren Haar as interim chief operating officer as the organization prepares for a national leadership search. Kenner and Haar bring decades of business and civic experience in Rapid City and the Black Hills, according to […]

Monument Health Foundation purchases critical equipment for Spearfish Hospital OB/GYN services

SPEARFISH, S.D. (Jan. 21, 2026) — Monument Health Foundation has purchased a new ultrasound machine and three wireless fetal monitors for Spearfish Hospital, strengthening OB/GYN services as the Northern Black Hills community continues to grow. Funding from the “fund-a-mission” portion of the Northern Hills Hospice Fundraiser, A Night at the Derby, supported the purchase of […]

Dr. Chelsea Pederson Is On a ‘Sedimental’ Journey.

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky Be honest: when was the last time you thought about rocks? Most likely, the answer is “never.” Luckily, there is Chelsea Pederson, Ph.D., Assistant Geology Professor at South Dakota Mines. She thinks about the importance of rocks on a daily basis.  “We have to know what came before us […]

Dr. Travis Hedrick Finds Service Beyond the Uniform

By: Jerry Steinley Photos: Bailey Sadowsky It was his dream job—a place where discipline, teamwork, and service came together. When Travis Hedrick enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1995, he believed he had found his purpose. Working on A-10 aircrafts in electronic warfare was more than a technical role; it gave him a sense […]

 Madison Koczersut Helping Rapid City Families Find Their Footing

By: Kate Meadows Photos: Bailey Sadowsky When Madison Koczersut packed her car last June and pointed it toward South Dakota, she wasn’t entirely sure what she was getting into. Growing up in Bradenton, Florida, a coastal town south of Tampa, the Black Hills felt like a place from storybooks. While in college near Nashville, Tennessee, […]

Rapid City Regional Airport donates $2,000 to Cornerstone Rescue Mission

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Regional Airport donated $2,000 to Cornerstone Rescue Mission through its ongoing “Empty Pockets = Full Plates” program, continuing a local partnership aimed at addressing food insecurity in Rapid City and the Black Hills. The program encourages passengers to donate spare change as they pass through the Transportation Security Administration […]

YMCA of Rapid City to Become YMCA of the Black Hills in 2026

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The YMCA of Rapid City will officially change its name to the YMCA of the Black Hills on Jan. 1, 2026, a move leaders say better reflects the organization’s regional footprint across western South Dakota. The name change is intended to align the YMCA’s identity with the communities it serves through […]

Nate Starkey Helps Individuals Build Lifelong Financial Habits

By: Michelle Pawelski Photos: Bailey Sadowsky In his early twenties, Nate Starkey’s life took a dramatic turn. While applying to be a medic in the military, he discovered he was color blind – a condition he had been unaware of until that moment.  “I didn’t have the money to pay for medical school, so I […]

Andrew and Caitlin Nissen Help Readers Find Their People

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky Reading is usually a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Book lovers Caitlin and Andrew Nissen invite you to drop by Monarch Books and Boutique, make some friends and maybe pick up a new book or two.  Andy is a welder by trade and Caitlin runs her […]

Kelsey Murray is bridging the gap for makers and learners.

By: Downtown Rapid CityPhotos: Kyler Hagen, Downtown Rapid City A new year always brings the same familiar pull. People want to try something different, learn a new skill, meet new people, or restart a part of themselves that has been on pause. In Rapid City, one of the newest places helping people do exactly that […]

Danielle and Cory Shafer keep exercise private, fun, and affordable.

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky There’s getting in shape and then there’s staying in shape. But let’s face it, nobody makes a New Year’s resolution to stay in shape. However, at Modern Fitness, owners Danielle and Cory Shafer want to help you meet both of those goals — to get in shape and stay […]

Bluepeak announces additional $150M investment to expand fiber broadband across South Dakota

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Bluepeak is expanding its investment in South Dakota broadband infrastructure, announcing plans for an additional $150 million multi-year expansion to deliver fiber-to-the-home internet to more communities across the state. The company said Tuesday it has already invested more than $95 million in South Dakota to build 100% fiber-to-the-home broadband serving about […]

Bailey Konst Joins First Interstate Bank as Commercial Relationship Manager

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Dec. 8, 2025 — First Interstate Bank has hired Bailey Konst as a Commercial Relationship Manager, strengthening its business banking team in the Rapid City region. Konst will focus on developing new commercial relationships while supporting existing clients across western South Dakota. Her role includes helping local businesses access financial tools […]

Deadwood Chamber Names Amanda Kille as New Executive Director

DEADWOOD, S.D. — The Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau has selected Amanda Kille as its next executive director, the organization announced this week. Kille has served as the chamber’s marketing and sponsorship director since 2014, leading branding efforts, managing media and marketing budgets, and tripling sponsorship revenue through strategic partnerships and new programming. […]

Monument Health, DCI Mark One Year of Dialysis Partnership Supporting Western South Dakota

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Dec. 1, 2025 — Monument Health and Dialysis Clinic, Inc. are marking one year of a partnership aimed at strengthening access to dialysis care for patients across Rapid City, the Black Hills and western South Dakota. The collaboration, launched in November 2024, supports dialysis operations at Monument Health’s East North Street […]

 Mastel Surgical Makes World-Class Precision Eye Surgery Instruments, Right Here in Rapid City

By: Kory Lanphear Photos: Bailey Sadowsky Issue: November 2025 In 1981, Doug Mastel founded Mastel Surgical with the goal of making the best diamond surgical instruments possible.  “Diamond blades are reusable, and they’re the highest quality instrument you can use,” says Logan Jundt, Business Development Specialist at Mastel Surgical. “A blade is 100 microns thick […]

YMCA of Rapid City Adds Two New Executive Board Members

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The YMCA of Rapid City has appointed two new Executive Board Members, adding local leadership experience as the organization continues expanding its community impact across the Black Hills. The Y announced this week that Mike Kirkeby and Jess Gromer have joined the board, bringing decades of professional expertise and a strong […]

Brock Smith Turns Big Ideas Into Real-World Innovation in the Black Hills

By: Michelle Pawelski Photos: Bailey Sadowsky Issue: November 2025 Last September, after a decade of honing his skills with manufacturers across the Black Hills, Brock Smith took a leap of faith. The South Dakota Mines graduate and Wyoming native launched his own venture, Divergent Designs, giving himself one year to see if his dream of […]

Good Boy, Great Idea

By: Michelle Pawelski Photos by: Bailey Sadowsky Issue: November 2025 The moment Leah Theunissen opens the garage door, Copper, the family’s spirited cocker spaniel, bolts into the yard, tail wagging and playing, living his best life. It is a much different Copper, now eight, than several years earlier.  When he was just three, he was […]

South Dakota Ranks Among Nation’s Most Affordable States for Startups

RAPID CITY, S.D. — New research from Northwest Registered Agent highlights South Dakota as one of the most affordable states in the country to start a business in 2025, thanks to its low taxes and minimal startup costs. The Spokane, Washington-based business formation company ranked South Dakota second overall in its Top 10 Most Affordable […]

Monument Health to Host Hiring Event Nov. 3 in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 27, 2025) – Monument Health, the largest private employer in South Dakota, will host a hiring event Monday, Nov. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at its Human Resources Office, located at 1400 Turbine Drive in Rapid City. The event offers onsite interviews and immediate hiring opportunities for a range of […]

Rapid City Central’s Karl the Cobbler Wins America’s Best High School Mascot Title

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Central High School’s beloved mascot, Karl the Cobbler, has been crowned America’s Best High School Mascot after taking first place in the national online tournament hosted by The 64. The fan-voted competition featured dozens of mascots from across the country, narrowing down to a final four that included the […]

Nick Moen Named President and CEO of Special Olympics South Dakota

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Oct. 24, 2025) — The Board of Directors of Special Olympics South Dakota (SOSD) has appointed Nick Moen as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Oct. 27. Moen brings more than a decade of leadership experience in higher education, nonprofit athletics, and community engagement. He most recently served as […]

Rapid City Mayor Applauds Governor Rhoden’s Airport Investment Proposal

Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun voiced support Thursday for Gov. Larry Rhoden’s proposal to create a zero-interest loan program aimed at funding major airport expansion projects across South Dakota. The mayor’s statement, shared by State Rep. Mike Derby during the governor’s announcement event, emphasized the economic importance of strong air infrastructure to the state’s continued […]

Drone spraying is the way of the agricultural future.

By: Kory Lanphear The famous Greek myth of Icarus and Daedalus warns of the perils of flying too near the sun. In reality, flying too close to the ground is far more dangerous. It is with this partially in mind that Managing Members Brandon Hatle and Tim Brown created AerSol, which deals in agriculture and […]

Parts One NAPA Expands to a One-Stop Shop

By: Kory Lanphear It has happened to all of us: maybe it was that favorite pair of pants as a kid; maybe it was an expanding family’s first home; maybe as an aging adult, it was the favorite pants again, but we have all outgrown much-loved things. For Parts One NAPA in Rapid City, it […]

Wealth Advisors Trust Company Names Jonathan Connolly President and COO, Expands National Growth from South Dakota Headquarters

RAPID CITY, S.D. — October 16, 2025 — Wealth Advisors Trust Company (WATC), an independent, advisor-founded corporate trustee based in South Dakota, has appointed Jonathan Connolly as President and Chief Operating Officer. The move signals a new phase of national expansion for the firm, which currently oversees more than $4 billion in assets under administration. […]

Jay Murphy Named 2025 South Dakota Broadcaster of the Year

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Jay Murphy, Director of Campaign Development for Riverfront Broadcasting Black Hills, has been named the 2025 Broadcaster of the Year by the South Dakota Broadcasters Association (SDBA). The award was presented during the SDBA’s annual leadership conference in Sioux Falls. The honor recognizes an individual broadcaster for their significant impact on […]

Sanford Children’s Gala Raises Nearly $1.5 Million for Pediatric Emergency Department

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Nearly $1.5 million was raised earlier this month at the 2025 Sanford Children’s Gala, pushing forward plans for South Dakota’s first and only dedicated pediatric emergency department. The funds will support construction of the David H. & Christine Billion Pediatric Emergency Department, located next to the Sanford Emergency Department on the […]

Trav’s Outfitter Celebrates Grand Opening of New Rapid City Store

RAPID CITY, SD — October 7, 2025 — What began decades ago in a South Dakota garage has grown into one of the region’s premier outdoor retailers. Trav’s Outfitter, a family-owned and operated business with more than 40 years in the shoe and apparel industry, is celebrating the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of its […]

Local software developer Chris King creates seamless raceday app.

by: Michelle Pawelski Chris King first discovered motocross at age 8, but it wasn’t until his 30s that the thrill of a dirt bike truly gripped him. One ride around a cul-de-sac on a friend’s new bike was all it took. By the next day, he owned one himself. A few weeks later, a road […]

Ma Cualli Expands to Downtown Rapid City, Taking Over Former Que Pasa Location

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 7, 2025) – A popular Black Hills restaurant is making its way to downtown Rapid City. Ma Cualli announced it will soon open its second location in the former Que Pasa space, bringing its bold flavors and signature cocktails to Main Street Square. The restaurant, known for its vibrant atmosphere and […]

Victoria Garden flourishes through expansion and community in Downtown Rapid City

By Kyler Hagen What began as a teenage fascination with flower shops has grown into one of downtown Rapid City’s most beloved businesses. Over the past three decades, Victoria’s Garden has evolved from a tiny floral shop into a thriving creative hub, expanding its space, offerings, and influence throughout the community. Victoria “Vicki” Bierman, who […]

Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari to Hold Rapid City Town Hall Oct. 16

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 3, 2025) — Neel Kashkari, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will visit Rapid City on Thursday, Oct. 16, to hear directly from residents and business leaders about the regional economy. Kashkari will deliver brief remarks and answer questions at a public town hall hosted by Elevate Rapid City […]

Ronald McDonald House breaks ground in Rapid City, first in western South Dakota

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota broke ground this week on its newest Ronald McDonald House, the first to serve families in western South Dakota. The new facility, located at the corner of East Fairmont Boulevard and Elm Avenue in Rapid City, will feature 12 private guest suites, a fully […]

Connecting Acts of Kindness

Wildfire Labs grad launches platform to wipe out medical debt By Michelle Pawelski In December 2020, Tamara Morrow opened her mailbox to find a letter that would change her life. It wasn’t another bill, but the opposite — a letter stating that her medical debt had been paid off by a local church. “There was […]

South Dakota Mines Professor Honored with International Science Education Award

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 1, 2025) – A South Dakota Mines professor is receiving international recognition for her dedication to teaching and mentoring students in the Black Hills. Gokce Ustunisik, Ph.D., associate professor of geology and geological engineering and curator of minerals at South Dakota Mines, has been awarded the 2025 Graduate Women in Science […]

SURF opens applications for 2026 Artist-in-Residence program

LEAD, S.D. (Oct. 1, 2025) — The Sanford Underground Research Facility is accepting applications for its 2026 Artist-in-Residence program, inviting one artist to create work inspired by the science conducted a mile underground in the Black Hills of South Dakota. SURF, the deepest underground laboratory in the United States, hosts experiments spanning physics, biology, geology […]

Western Dakota Tech Enrollment Rises 8% as Graduates Report Strong Outcomes

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) is reporting its highest fall enrollment growth in years alongside a 100% placement rate for its most recent graduates. The college’s fall 2025 headcount climbed to 1,296 students, marking an 8.1% increase over the previous year. Enrollment of degree-seeking students rose by 9.3%, while dual enrollment […]

South Dakota Mines to Inaugurate 20th University President

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 24, 2025) — South Dakota Mines will inaugurate Dr. Brian Tande as the university’s 20th president today, marking a new era of leadership at the historic engineering and science institution. Tande, who began his tenure in January, succeeds Dr. Jim Rankin, who retired in 2024 after serving six years as president. […]

Parade of Homes Showcases 40 New Builds in the Black Hills Oct. 4–5

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Black Hills Home Builders Association will host its annual Parade of Homes on Oct. 4–5, giving residents the chance to step inside some of the region’s newest and most innovative homes. The two-day event, now a fall tradition in Rapid City, will feature 40 homes constructed by 19 area builders. […]

South Dakota Housing Development Authority Welcomes New Board Member from Rapid City

PIERRE, S.D. – Gov. Larry Rhoden has appointed Rapid City nonprofit leader Sara Hornick to the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDH) Board of Commissioners. Hornick serves as executive director of the Rapid City Public School Foundation and brings more than a decade of community service and nonprofit leadership to the board. A graduate of […]

MWI Health Expands Across Midwest, Opens New Rapid City Clinic

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Midwest Wellness Institute (MWI Health), a provider of mental health and addiction services in South Dakota, is expanding its reach with a new clinic in Rapid City and additional locations planned across the Midwest. The new Rapid City clinic, located at 2620 Jackson Blvd., is part of a broader expansion that […]

Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates Hosts Ribbon Cutting

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 16, 2025) – Midwest Heart and Vascular Associates and Dr. Bhaskar Purushottam host a ribbon cutting event for their new space in Rapid City. The independent cardiovascular practice, which opened its doors in April 2025, is committed to redefining heart, vascular, and venous care in the Black Hills through compassionate, guideline-directed […]

Spearfish Developer Launches Microgreen Growing App ‘micgrw’

RAPID CITY, S.D. – A Spearfish software developer is putting the Black Hills on the map for food and technology innovation with the launch of his new app, micgrw (pronounced mike-grow). Founder Timothy Ford, a South Dakota Mines graduate in computer science and applied math, is celebrating a Sept. 6 release of the iOS app, […]

Qué Pasa Cantina Confirms Closure; Questions Remain About Wobbly Bobby’s Future

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A longtime fixture in downtown Rapid City’s dining scene has closed its doors for good. Qué Pasa Mexican Cantina, located at 502 Main St., announced its permanent closure this month with a farewell message on its website. “Gracias for letting us share our flavors with you,” the statement reads. “We’ve loved […]

Simpson’s Printing Celebrates 60 Years of Innovation in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Simpson’s Printing is marking its 60th anniversary this year, highlighting decades of growth, community involvement and continuous investment in new technologies to meet the needs of Rapid City and the greater Black Hills region. “Over the past 60 years, we’ve witnessed significant changes in both our business and the community we […]

USPSA Championship Coming to New Rapid City Shooting Complex

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The new Pete Lien & Sons Shooting Sports Complex will host its first major event later this month as Prairie Thunder, Inc. brings the 2025 CZ Area 3 USPSA Championship to Rapid City, Sept. 25-28. The championship is expected to draw about 400 competitors from 29 states and Canada, making it […]

Pyramid Approach at South Dakota Mines Builds Living Chain of Mentorship

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 16, 2025) – A unique “Pyramid Approach” pioneered at South Dakota Mines is proving that layered mentorship can accelerate both learning and discovery, strengthening the region’s role in biotechnology research. For more than a decade, Rajesh Sani, Ph.D., professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering and […]

NSF Grant Brings Advanced Microbioreactor System to South Dakota Mines

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 15, 2025) – South Dakota Mines researchers will soon have access to a nearly $700,000 piece of cutting-edge technology funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), aimed at accelerating discoveries in biotechnology, medicine, and clean energy. The BioLector XTM microbioreactor system, expected to be installed by the end of the semester […]

SDN Communications’ Hannah Boquet TEDx Talk Selected for TED.com

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Sept. 10, 2025) — A Sioux Falls professional’s TEDx talk on parenting and esports is headed to a global stage. SDN Communications announced that Marketing Manager Hannah Boquet’s talk, “How Esports Are a Parenting Power-up,” has been selected to appear on TED.com, the flagship platform of the nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas […]

Design Honorees, Top Projects Announced at 2025 AIA South Dakota Awards

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Sept. 11, 2025) – The American Institute of Architects South Dakota (AIA SD) honored top projects and leading professionals at its annual Celebration of Architecture, which opened three days of design-focused sessions at the organization’s state convention. Incoming 2026 AIA President Illya Azaroff, FAIA, joined members, partners and guests on Wednesday to […]

Papua New Guinea Students to Study at South Dakota Mines in New STEM Partnership

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A new international partnership will bring 20 students from Papua New Guinea to South Dakota Mines next fall as part of an initiative to strengthen that country’s workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The announcement follows a recent visit from Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Education Lucas Dawa Dekena, […]

South Dakota Mines Professor Develops Next-Generation Skincare Technology

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 8, 2025) — A South Dakota Mines professor is turning cutting-edge nanoscience into a skincare breakthrough that could reshape the anti-aging industry. Tugba Ozdemir, Ph.D., assistant professor of nanoscience and biomedical engineering, has created InovaSkin, a serum designed to harness the body’s own hyaluronic acid (HA) for a more natural and […]

Sonic Powersports sets sales record at 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

STURGIS, S.D. — Sonic Powersports shattered sales records during the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with more than 1,100 motorcycles sold across its five Harley-Davidson dealerships in the Black Hills. The Charlotte, N.C.-based Sonic Automotive, one of the nation’s largest automotive and powersports retailers, said its flagship Black Hills Harley-Davidson in Rapid City again ranked as […]

Sanford Health finalizes combination with Rapid City’s Creekside Medical Clinic

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Sanford Health has completed its combination with Creekside Medical Clinic, a long-standing independent, physician-owned practice in Rapid City that provides primary care to the Black Hills region. The deal closed Aug. 29. Creekside Medical Clinic has served the community for more than 25 years with four family medicine physicians and two […]

Monument Health Pulmonary Rehab Program Earns National Re-Certification

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Monument Health’s pulmonary rehabilitation program has once again earned certification from the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), a recognition that underscores its commitment to patient care and outcomes. The accreditation process requires extensive documentation and peer review to ensure programs meet national standards for quality. Monument Health’s program, […]

RESPEC Acquires Albertson Engineering, Expanding South Dakota’s Legacy of Landmark Design

RAPID CITY, S.D. — RESPEC Company, LLC has acquired Albertson Engineering Inc. (AEI), the structural engineering firm behind some of South Dakota’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Dignity of Earth and Sky statue near Chamberlain and the Arc of Dreams in Sioux Falls. The acquisition, effective Sept. 1, brings AEI’s 20-person team into RESPEC’s 650-plus […]

Rapid City Seeks Applicants for Air Quality Board Vacancy

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The City of Rapid City is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its Air Quality Board. The opening is for the business representative seat, which requires the applicant to be associated with a business in the area regulated by Rapid City Municipal Code Chapter 8.34 or Pennington County Ordinance No. […]

Masters of the Slung Load: SURF Riggers Keep Science Moving Underground

LEAD, S.D. – At the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF), some of the most critical work never makes headlines. Deep below the Black Hills, master riggers oversee the precise and high-stakes process of moving heavy equipment and scientific instruments between the surface and 4,850 feet underground. The job is known as “slinging equipment,” where anything […]

Rapid City Arts Council names Travis Dewes as new executive director

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Arts Council has named Travis Dewes as its new executive director, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for one of the Black Hills’ most prominent arts organizations. Dewes, a Rapid City native, most recently served as cultural programs manager at The Indian Museum of North America at […]

HDSA South Dakota to Host Fall Education Day in Sioux Falls

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The South Dakota Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host its 2025 Fall Education Day on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Schroeder Auditorium, 1305 W. 18th St. The informational program is designed for individuals […]

Beresford FFA Member Named National Finalist in Proficiency Awards

BROOKINGS, S.D. — South Dakota FFA members are receiving national recognition for their achievements in agriculture through the National FFA Proficiency Award program. The awards honor FFA members who develop career-ready skills through supervised agricultural experiences, or SAEs. Students can apply in one of 45 areas, ranging from fruit production to beef and swine entrepreneurship. […]

Wags and Waves fundraiser returns Aug. 31 at Sioux Park Pool

RAPID CITY—City Parks and Rec officials will once again turn the Jimmy Hilton Sioux Park pool over to the dogs…literally! One of Rapid City’s most popular summer events is set to take place Sunday, August 31 with the 10th annual Wags and Waves fundraiser event, hosted by the Humane Society of the Black Hills.  The […]

Central Wyoming College secures $2.3 million grant to continue TRIO student support services

RIVERTON, Wyo. — Central Wyoming College has been awarded a five-year, $2.3 million federal grant to sustain its TRIO Student Support Services program, which provides resources to first-generation, low-income and disabled students. The funding, from the U.S. Department of Education, will continue to back academic advising, financial aid guidance, tutoring and mentoring that help students […]

Three Sanford Researchers Secure $8 Million in NIH Grants for Cancer, Eating Disorder and Drug Development Studies

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Sanford Research has been awarded more than $8 million in federal funding to advance studies on ovarian cancer, binge eating disorders and drug development through G protein–coupled receptor signaling. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants will support three principal investigators leading projects with potential national and global impact. Dr. Leah […]

Ribbon Cutting Set for Shepherd Hills Water Booster Pump Station

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun will join community and development officials Tuesday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. for the ribbon cutting of the Shepherd Hills Regional Water Booster Pump Station at 1851 E. Anamosa St. The $5.1 million facility went online in April and delivers water to one of the city’s […]

Deadline Extended for Mount Rushmore Road BID Board Applications

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The City of Rapid City has extended the deadline for applications to serve on the board of directors for the newly formed Mount Rushmore Road Business Improvement District (BID). The submission window now runs through 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 25, after some applicants experienced difficulties with the initial process. City officials […]

Lowe’s Hometowns Project to Build Playground for EmpowerEd Students in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 16, 2025) – A Rapid City nonprofit school will soon have a new outdoor play space thanks to a national community improvement initiative. EmpowerEd has been selected as a Lowe’s Hometowns project — one of 100 large-scale renovations chosen this year to revitalize nonprofit and community spaces across the country. Now […]

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