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Trial Date Set for Man Accused in Buffalo Chip Motorcycle Crash
STURGIS, S.D. — A man accused of speeding at the Buffalo Chip during the 2024 rally and striking a woman with his motorcycle was back in court Friday. According to the Rapid City Post, Robert Shipp is charged with DUI and vehicular battery in connection with the incident that seriously injured Aaften Wesbrock of Colorado. Wesbrock remains unresponsive with a major brain injury in a Colorado hospital. Shipp was arrested and was later released on bond after the incident and that frustrates those close to Wesbrock. At a status hearing Friday for Shipp in Meade County Court, prosecutors and the defense agreed to set a trial date of October 1st. Three days have been set aside for trial.
South Dakota Public Universities to Raise Tuition by 2.9%
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Homelessness is a big issue that continues to impact more South Dakotans each year. For city officials and lawmakers to address it, the numbers are important in taking those steps. According to the South Dakota Housing for the Homeless Consortium, there were more than 14-hundred people experiencing homelessness across the state at the end of January. This latest update comes after conducting their annual statewide Point-In-Time homeless count. It was also revealed that there are currently 428 people who are experiencing housing insecurity in Rapid City alone. Out of those people, just over 300 are Native American.
Main Street Construction Project Begins Monday in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A 12-week construction project to replace water valves and resurface a four-block section of Main Street in Rapid City is set to begin today, city officials announced. The project, expected to last through June, will impact traffic between First and Fifth streets as crews repair water valves, replace concrete panels, and work on sidewalks, curbs, and gutters. One to two lanes will be closed during the project, and drivers are urged to use caution and allow extra travel time. Businesses in the area will remain open. Meanwhile, eastbound traffic on St. Joseph Street near Halley Park will be reduced to one lane through April 15 as concrete repairs continue. Pedestrians are advised the crosswalk from 12th Street to Halley Park is closed. Updates on local construction projects are available on the city’s website.
Rapid City Announces Community Cleanup Week April 21-25
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City officials have announced the 54th annual Community Cleanup Week will take place April 21-25, with relaxed landfill fees to encourage residents to dispose of unwanted items. According to the city’s website and the Rapid City Post, fees will be waived or reduced for many items at the Rapid City Landfill during the weeklong event. The city is also seeking volunteer groups and individuals to help with clean-up efforts in parks, along roadways, and in neighborhoods. The annual Community Clean-Up Day is scheduled for April 26. City officials said the event is an opportunity for residents to clean out garages, attics, and yards while contributing to a cleaner community. Volunteer registration forms and additional details are available on the city’s website.
South Dakota Faces Growing Infrastructure Concerns Across State
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota is confronting major infrastructure challenges across multiple sectors, from aging rural bridges to water systems in need of modernization. The state Department of Transportation warns that by 2034, nearly 30 percent of state-maintained roads could be in fair or poor condition, while major river crossings like the Platte-Winner bridge will cost about $250 million to replace. Recent investments include nearly $140 million for water projects and significant funding for tribal communities. However, officials worry about future funding as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act expires in 2026, potentially straining state resources for critical projects.
President Trump Defends Tariffs as ‘Medicine,’ Signals Ongoing Trade Negotiations
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump defended his administration’s tariffs, calling them “medicine” for the economy and emphasizing that foreign governments must pay “a lot of money” to have them lifted. The announcement of the tariffs, which could reach up to 50 percent, has caused nearly $6 trillion in losses in global stock markets, with significant declines in Asian markets. Despite the impact, Trump reported having discussions with world leaders who are eager to negotiate on the tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent estimated that the tariffs could lead to a 0.3 percent decline in U.S. gross domestic product and a rise in unemployment to 5.3 percent, up from 4.2 percent.
Hantavirus Claims Three Lives in California’s Mammoth Lakes
MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif. — Three residents of Mammoth Lakes, California, have died in recent weeks after contracting hantavirus, a rare infection spread by rodents, Mono County public health officials confirmed. The deaths, which occurred in February, are considered “strikingly unusual” as hantavirus infections typically peak in late spring or summer. The victims’ illnesses began in February, and local health officials believe a high number of deer mice this year has elevated the risk of exposure. Mono County has seen 27 cases of hantavirus since 1993, more than any other county in California. While no further cases have been reported in the past month, health officials continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to be cautious about rodent activity and to avoid exposure to mouse waste. Hantavirus, which is typically transmitted through contact with rodent urine, saliva, or droppings, can lead to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a severe lung disease with a fatality rate of approximately 38%.
Columbia University Deploys Special Patrol Officers Amid Ongoing Protests
NEW YORK — Columbia University has announced the deployment of 36 new special patrol officers with arrest powers to address campus protests, following incidents involving pro-Palestinian student demonstrators last year. The officers, appointed by the New York Police Department (NYPD) and funded by the university, underwent a training process under New York state’s Peace Officers law. These officers will have similar powers to NYPD officers, including making arrests and using physical force if necessary, but will work within the university’s privately owned buildings and grounds. The decision comes after repeated protests, including a significant pro-Palestinian demonstration in 2024, and amidst heightened scrutiny over how the university handles campus unrest. While the officers will report any arrests to local NYPD precincts, the university’s public safety office emphasized that the move will reduce reliance on NYPD and enhance the university’s ability to manage disruptions. Columbia has said the officers will help provide a quicker, more effective response to incidents on campus.
