Jakob Kjerstad.

SD FFA Foundation Names Kaltvedt as Executive Assistant

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The South Dakota FFA Foundation has named Tracy Kaltvedt as its new executive assistant, succeeding Gretchen Sharp, who retired after 24 years of service. Kaltvedt, a 1997-98 South Dakota FFA state sentinel, brings a background in project management, operations, process improvement and data security. She has also been a longtime supporter […]

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SDN Communications Elects New Board Leadership, Welcomes Golden West CEO

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Aug. 4, 2025 – SDN Communications, the regional broadband provider interconnecting South Dakota’s rural telecom network, has announced a new executive team and board member following its annual Board of Managers meeting. Ross Petrick, General Manager and CEO of Alliance Communications in Garretson, was elected as the new President of the […]

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Buche’s Gus Stop Opens in Lower Brule with Community Celebration August 8

LOWER BRULE, S.D. (July 31, 2025) – G.F. Buche Co. will officially open its newest location, Buche’s Gus Stop – Lower Brule, on Friday, August 8, with a grand opening event aimed at welcoming the community and celebrating continued investment in South Dakota’s tribal communities. The festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony […]

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Support South Dakota Pediatric Patients by Buying a Blizzard on July 31

RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 28, 2025) – On Thursday, July 31, Dairy Queen fans across the Black Hills, northeast Wyoming, and western Nebraska can support local pediatric patients during this year’s Miracle Treat Day—a nationwide fundraiser benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For every Blizzard® Treat purchased at participating locations, $1 or more will be donated […]

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Black Hills Farmers Markets Host Events for National Farmers Market Week

PIERRE, S.D. — Farmers markets across South Dakota will join a nationwide celebration August 3–9 as part of National Farmers Market Week 2025, spotlighting the important role local markets play in building community, strengthening food systems, and supporting small-scale producers. The observance, proclaimed annually by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and coordinated by the Farmers […]

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YMCA of Rapid City Looks to Future with New Leadership

RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 25, 2025 — The YMCA of Rapid City has appointed Kristy Lintz as its new Chief Operations Officer, bringing decades of experience in recreation, operations, and community leadership to the organization. In her new role, Lintz will oversee operations across four YMCA branch locations in the Black Hills region, focusing […]

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GrandStay Hotel Completes Major Renovation in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The GrandStay Residential Suites Hotel in Rapid City has completed a full-scale renovation, unveiling a sleek, modern design aimed at today’s travelers. Located near downtown Rapid City and major Black Hills attractions, the updated property blends style, comfort, and functionality—whether for a one-night stopover or an extended visit. The transformation includes […]

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Sanford Lab Program Sends South Dakota Students Around the World for STEM Exploration

LEAD, S.D. (July 23, 2025) — For eight aspiring scientists, the Davis-Bahcall Scholar Program at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) offered more than just a summer break—it opened the door to global research opportunities and career-shaping experiences rooted in South Dakota’s scientific legacy. The monthlong program, designed for rising college freshmen and sophomores pursuing […]

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Sturgis Harley-Davidson Debuts Limited-Edition Motorcycle Giveaway and Main Street Sales During Historic 85th Rally

STURGIS, S.D. — July 22, 2025 — For the first time in Sturgis Motorcycle Rally history, rallygoers will have the opportunity to purchase or win one of 26 exclusive Sturgis Edition Harley-Davidson motorcycles—part of a sweeping regional celebration by Sonic Automotive that includes the first-ever dealership located directly in downtown Sturgis. The new Sturgis Harley-Davidson, […]

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South Dakota-Based Peer Program Named Suicide Prevention Best Practice

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Lost&Found’s Peer2Peer Mentorship program has earned a spot on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry, marking a major milestone for the South Dakota-based nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health. The Best Practices Registry is a national database of programs proven to prevent suicide through evidence-based strategies. Inclusion in the […]

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Drone Financing, Online Markets, and Real-Time Records: agGRO Powers AgTech Growt

RAPID CITY, S.D. — agGRO, a digital ag lending platform, is expanding access to credit for producers across Western South Dakota by streamlining the financing process for production, equipment, and AgTech loans. Focused on supporting smaller-scale and beginning farmers and ranchers, agGRO blends agricultural lending expertise with modern technology to make borrowing easier, faster, and […]

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Barnes & Noble Celebrates Grand Opening in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. – July 16, 2025 — Barnes & Noble has officially opened its new bookstore in Rapid City, bringing a national brand and a fresh literary hub to the Black Hills. Located in Rushmore Crossing at 1617 Eglin Street, the new 20,000-square-foot store welcomed book lovers Wednesday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and […]

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Rapid City Regional Airport Sets New Passenger Record in the Black Hills

RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 16, 2025 — Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) reported a record-breaking second quarter, with 119,178 passengers boarding flights between April and June — a 13.3% increase compared to the same period last year. The figure marks the highest Q2 enplanement total in the airport’s history, signaling continued growth for air […]

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Grant Funds Meals for Kids in Edgemont YMCA Summer Program

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Edgemont YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Rapid City, has received a $3,000 grant from FCSAmerica’s Working Here Fund to support food services for children attending its 2025 summer day camp. The funding allowed the organization to serve over 450 free breakfasts and snacks throughout the five-week program, which […]

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STEAM Ahead: Rapid City Students Explore, Innovate, and Achieve

RAPID CITY, S.D. — More than 1,200 local students are reaping the benefits of engaging, hands-on learning beyond the traditional classroom thanks to the 21st Century Discovery and Club Hub Programs, which will be celebrated Tuesday, July 15, at General Beadle Elementary during the annual Great STEAM Expedition. The event showcases the transformative impact of […]

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Silencer Central CEO Brandon Maddox Appointed to NSSF Board of Governors

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Brandon Maddox, founder and CEO of Silencer Central, has been appointed to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Board of Governors, a move that further elevates South Dakota’s profile in the national firearms industry. Maddox, who leads the nation’s top suppressor sales company, will join a group of business leaders from […]

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Elevate Rapid City Receives $500K to Boost Black Hills Tech Startups

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Tech entrepreneurs in western South Dakota are getting a significant boost as the South Dakota Board of Economic Development has approved a $500,000 loan to Elevate Rapid City to launch a revolving seed fund for early-stage technology startups. The funding, awarded through the SD Works Legacy Fund, is part of a […]

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Driven Fire Consultants Expands Presence with New Office in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Driven Fire Consultants has announced the opening of a permanent office in Rapid City, marking a significant expansion of its footprint in western South Dakota. The new two-level facility, located at 650 Flormann Street, includes an unfinished basement with potential for future growth. The opening reflects Driven Fire Consultants’ long-term commitment […]

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Barnes & Noble to Open New Rapid City Store July 16

RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 9, 2025 — Barnes & Noble is opening its first location in Rapid City on Wednesday, July 16, bringing the national bookseller to the heart of the Black Hills. The new 20,000-square-foot store is located at 1617 Eglin St. in Rushmore Crossing, in the former Big Lots space next to […]

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Black Hills Goats Take a Bite Out of Wildfire Risk

DEADWOOD, S.D. — July 8, 2025 — A herd of 24 goats is taking on a new job in the Black Hills—clearing invasive brush and reducing fire danger through a unique partnership between T-Top Timber & Homestead Co. and Dakota Gold Corp. The targeted grazing project officially launched this week on Dakota Gold’s property along […]

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BUILDING PERMITS VALUED AT $33 MILLION ISSUED FOR MONTH OF JUNE

RAPID CITY, SD—The City issued 234 building permits in June with a combined valuation of more than $33 million. The valuation total was the fourth-highest total ever recorded for Rapid City for the month of June and nearly $20 million higher than the valuation total recorded in June 2024. The City has issued 1,153 building […]

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New Sports Complex Planned for Rapid City’s Northeast Side

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Rapid City officials unveiled a major downtown development plan Wednesday, announcing the donation of nearly 23 acres of land by Pete Lien & Sons for a proposed indoor sports complex aimed at bolstering athletic opportunities and economic growth in the Black Hills region. Mayor Jason Salamun, joined by representatives from Pete Lien & Sons, Black Hills […]

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Sanford Health Acquires Rapid City’s Creekside Medical Clinic, Expanding Reach in the Black Hills

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Sanford Health is expanding its footprint in the Black Hills with the acquisition of Creekside Medical Clinic, a long-standing, physician-owned primary care provider in Rapid City. The Sioux Falls-based health system announced Monday that Creekside will officially join the Sanford network on Sept. 1, 2025. The clinic, located on Jackson Boulevard, […]

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PUC commissioners appoint Mohr as executive director

PIERRE, SOUTH DAKOTA – South Dakota Public Utilities Commissioners Gary Hanson, Chris Nelson and Kristie Fiegen have appointed Leah Mohr as the agency’s executive director. She has worked for the commission for the past 19 years, serving as the PUC’s deputy executive director since 2009. She replaces Patricia Van Gerpen who recently retired, wrapping up […]

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BHHBA Hosts Youth Construction Day in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A new generation of builders will get their hands on tools of the trade during a youth-focused construction experience hosted by the Black Hills Home Builders Association (BHHBA), in partnership with Hills View Homes and the Boys & Girls Club of the Black Hills. The event will take place Tuesday, July […]

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Reaves Buildings to Host Hill City Barndominium Open House

HILL CITY, S.D. — Reaves Buildings will host an open house Thursday, June 26, from 4 to 8 p.m. to showcase a newly constructed barndominium at 23707 Burnt Fork Road, just outside Hill City. The event marks the company’s reintroduction to the Rapid City and Black Hills region, featuring new Territory Sales Manager Cory Jobgen. […]

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Seizing South Dakota’s Moment on the World Stage

RAPID CITY, S.D. — With support from state leaders and business communities across South Dakota, a new public-private initiative is helping the state broaden its presence on the international stage. South Dakota Trade (SDT), established in 2023 through efforts led by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and business advocates in Rapid City, Sioux Falls […]

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BankWest Welcomes Nicole C. Nachtigal as Vice President, Trust Division Manager

PIERRE– BankWest is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole C. Nachtigal as Vice President, Trust Division Manager. With more than two decades of experience in fiduciary administration, estate settlement, and wealth management, Nicole brings an exceptional depth of knowledge to BankWest’s clients—particularly small business owners and multigenerational family farms. Nicole’s legal and fiduciary background has […]

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Midco Unveils Multi-Gig Internet Expansion in Box Elder

BOX ELDER, S.D. — June 11, 2025 —Midco has announced a $470,000 investment to expand its high-speed fiber network in Box Elder, bringing symmetrical 1-gigabit internet speeds—and even faster multi-gigabit options—to homes and businesses, including those on Ellsworth Air Force Base. This local initiative is part of the company’s larger $500 million “Fiber Forward” campaign, […]

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Shift Garage: A Non-Profit’s Mission to Keep Rapid City Moving

In the heart of the Black Hills, a unique non-profit organization is making a significant impact on the lives of those facing transportation challenges in Rapid City and the surrounding areas. Shift Garage, an automotive repair and education center, is providing crucial services to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, often charging only for parts […]

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