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Highway Patrol Identifies Five Victims in Fatal Scenic Crash
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota Highway Patrol has identified the five people who died in a single vehicle crash late Wednesday evening, October 1, three miles east of Scenic, SD. The patrol reports 24-year-old Chad Lee Doyle, Jr. of Wanblee was driving a 2004 Honda Pilot eastbound on SD Highway 44 near mile marker 90 and failed to negotiate a curve. The vehicle entered the north ditch and struck an embankment. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. Doyle and four passengers, 23-year-old Byron Joey Bear Killer of Allen, 24-year-old Twila Whitney Hard Heart of Rapid City, 33-year-old Danielle Lee Long Soldier of Wanblee, and a 10-year-old female, who was not identified, died at the scene.
$10,000 Reward Offered in Fatal Horse Assault Investigation
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to those responsible for fatally beating a horse. The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says the horse was found dead Oct. 9 near McCurdy Gulch Road, close to Pactola Reservoir. Authorities believe the attack took place within 24 hours of discovery and involved a shovel. Investigators encourage homeowners in the area to check security cameras for footage.
Rapid City Council to Hold Working Session on City Topics
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Council will hold a working session Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. in the Circle of Friends Community Room of City Hall. Topics for discussion include city enterprise rates, ambulance services, and committee assignments. A quorum of Council members may be in attendance, but no votes will be taken.
Memorial Park Bandshell to Close for Winter Season
RAPID CITY, S.D. — As part of the winter closure of various park restrooms and facilities, the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will secure and close the Memorial Park Bandshell for the winter season later next week. The Bandshell stage will remain open for scheduled events. Skyline Wilderness Park, Founders Park, and Canyon Lake-West restroom facilities are winterized and operating on adjusted hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing for inclement weather.
Youth Ridership on RTS Increases in September
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid Transit System (RTS) recorded nearly 7,500 youth passenger trips in September as part of the ‘Youth Ride Free’ program, a 10 percent increase over September 2024. September’s ridership also marked a 34 percent increase over September 2023 and contributed to overall RTS ridership surpassing 25,000 passenger trips, the second-highest September total in the past six years.
Governor Rhoden Donates Funds to Keep Mount Rushmore Illuminated During Shutdown
PIERRE, S.D. — Governor Larry Rhoden announced he personally donated funds to illuminate the faces of Mount Rushmore National Memorial after the government shutdown forced the Memorial’s lights to go dark. Rhoden’s contribution will keep the faces of Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, and Lincoln lit for the next week, with additional state lawmakers pledging support for longer illumination if needed.
Trump warns Russia he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawks if Moscow doesn’t settle war soon
ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — President Donald Trump is warning Russia that he may send Ukraine long-range Tomahawk missiles if Moscow doesn’t settle its war there soon. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump described the Tomahawk as an incredible and offensive weapon. He suggested Russia does not need that kind of escalation. Trump added that he might tell Russia the U.S. could send the missiles if the conflict isn’t resolved. His comments came after a phone call earlier Sunday with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier that day.
Israel prepares to welcome the last living hostages from Gaza as a ceasefire holds
CAIRO (AP) — Israelis are preparing to welcome home the imminent return of the last living hostages from devastated Gaza and mourn the dead ones. It’s the key exchange of the breakthrough ceasefire after two years of war. Palestinians await the release of hundreds of prisoners held by Israel. U.S. President Donald Trump is arriving in the region along with other leaders to mark the U.S.-proposed deal after two years of war. And a surge of humanitarian aid is expected into famine-stricken Gaza. Major questions remain about the future of Hamas and Gaza, but the exchange of hostages and prisoners promises widespread relief.
Diane Keaton, Oscar-winning star of ‘Annie Hall’ and ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 79
Diane Keaton, the Oscar-winning star known for films like “Annie Hall” and “The Godfather,” has died at 79, a family member told The Associated Press. People Magazine reported her death on Saturday in California, citing a family spokesperson. No further details were immediately available. The news has shocked fans worldwide. Her unique style and depth made her a standout actor of her generation. She became iconic with roles like Annie Hall and Kay Adams. Her career spanned decades, charming audiences in films like “Baby Boom,” “Father of the Bride,” and “First Wives Club.” Keaton’s legacy in film remains timeless.