Jakob Kjerstad.

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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Monument Health Expands Orthopedic Team in Spearfish with Addition of Sports Medicine Specialist

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 16, 2025) — Monument Health has announced the addition of Jake Enos, M.D., a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine specialist, to its Orthopedics & Sports Medicine practice in Spearfish. The move expands access to advanced orthopedic care for athletes and active residents across the northern Black Hills. Dr. Enos joins orthopedic surgeons […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute Opens in Rapid City, Bringing First Same-Day Chest Pain and Vascular Clinics to the Region

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Oct. 7, 2025) — A new independent medical facility is expanding access to critical heart and vascular care in western South Dakota. The Black Hills Heart and Vascular Institute has officially opened in Rapid City, becoming the first in the region to offer same-day appointments for both chest pain and vascular concerns. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Monument Health Rapid City Hospital earns national recognition in U.S. News & World Report rankings

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Sept. 10, 2025) — Monument Health Rapid City Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing hospital in its 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings. The hospital earned the distinction for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, heart attack, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia and prostate cancer surgery. “High Performing” is the […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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, […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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. […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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Coolest Thing Made in the Black Hills Competition Launches Ahead of National Manufacturing Month

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Elevate Rapid City and the Black Hills Manufacturing Alliance are inviting area manufacturers to showcase their creativity in the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in the Black Hills competition. The contest, announced Monday, is designed to highlight local manufacturing ahead of National Manufacturing Month in October. Submissions are open through Aug. 27, […]

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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 […]

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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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