Shiloh Francis.

Rapid City Restaurant Week is back and bigger than ever. From January 16-26, 2025, over 50 local businesses—including breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants—will offer special dishes, drinks, and deals to showcase the city’s vibrant food scene. Explore Rapid City’s Culinary Delights “This is our biggest Restaurant Week to date,” shared Callie Meyer, Director of Community […]

Property Meld, Rapid City SaaS company and leading property management maintenance software announced its acquisition of Mezo, a cutting-edge AI software company specializing in residential work order intake, triage, and mitigation. This strategic move marks a pivotal moment in Property Meld’s mission to deliver a world-class outcome as the leading Property Maintenance Operations platform. The […]

Austin Eichacker and Kyle Kopren Named as New Partners Effective January 1, 2025 Ketel Thorstenson, LLP (KT) announced the addition of two new Partners, Austin Eichacker, CPA, and Kyle Kopren, CPA. Both Eichacker and Kopren are based out of the firm’s Rapid City office. KT is a full-service accounting firm serving clients since 1936. KT […]

The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) set a new record for passenger enplanements in 2024, with 427,325 passengers boarding flights. This number exceeds the previous record of 352,388 set in 2023, representing an increase of 21.3%. “This kind of growth is really unprecedented and shows just how important air travel has become for our region. […]

Kia Binger knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be to balance a busy business with the demands of life. After years of working in advertising, she realized the powerful connection between a clean, organized home and overall mental health. For many small business owners, home becomes the place where both work and personal life collide. […]

The stigma of mental health has loosened since COVID”, says Stacy Keyser, Owner & President of Rapid City Counseling. “It’s normal that we all go through phases where we need healthy support. Counseling isn’t about a diagnosis or a label, it’s about helping you process whatever you’re going through.” Stacy, a Licensed Clinical Practicing Mental […]

Caring for the Body & Mind At one point in Tara Mechaley’s life, she believed all hope was gone, and the thought of dying felt like a better solution than the struggle to live. “I went through a really dark time in my life. I am a suicide survivor. God gave me a second chance, […]

Rapid City Couple Helps Locals Live Healthy, Sustainable Lives Like many families, Tanner and Brandi Hart stay busy. With two young boys—Dempsey, 9, and Summit, 5—and a growing business, the Rapid City couple is constantly on the move. For them, the key to maintaining balance in their crazy schedules is creating habits of healthy living […]

Stephanie Holman found success with SkillBridge program and shares opportunity with fellow veterans Stephanie Holman, President & CEO of FourFront Design, exemplifies the seamless transition from military service to corporate leadership. Growing up with a father in the military, Stephanie joined the Air Force at 17, serving for 21 years as a member of the […]

The South Dakota Board of Regents announced today the selection of Dr. Brian Tande as its next president of South Dakota Mines. Tande brings a wealth of experience in engineering education, research and leadership to the position, positioning the Rapid City university for continued excellence and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. […]

Daniel Howard Thrives as a National Guard Sergeant and Civilian Leader Daniel Howard is an active sergeant in the Army National Guard– leading a team of soldiers in horizontal engineering duties, something he has trained for many years. Through levels of testing, education, and evaluations, Daniel has accomplished a great deal in his eight years. […]

Elissa Husfeldt truly believes everything happens for a reason. Enlisting in the military had never occurred to her—until a casual conversation with her friend James at a house party during her freshman year at South Dakota State University changed everything. A Pivotal Decision She is going on her 11th year in the South Dakota National […]

Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center (BHOSC) and Black Hills Surgical Hospital (BHSH), announced today they are joining Sanford Health to expand comprehensive, world-class care to patients in western South Dakota and across the region. Sanford Health will be the parent organization of the Black Hills Orthopedic and Spine Center, the Black Hills Surgical Hospital […]

Military life is virtually the only life Rachel Jordan has ever known. Her father, Robert Albano, served 23 years in the Air Force before retiring in 1994, and now, 30 years later, Rachel is following in his footsteps, retiring after 24 years of service. Both completed their military journeys at Ellsworth Air Force Base. “I […]

Dietrich will assume CEO position at the John T. Vucurevich Foundation The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) announced today Jacqui Dietrich will step down from her role as Executive Director in December 2024, after two impactful years of leadership. Dietrich will assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at the John T. Vucurevich Foundation (JTVF). […]

One of the most controversial initiatives on the ballot for South Dakotans on November 5th is Initiative Measure 28, which deals with sales taxes on consumers.  According to several business and community leaders, the measure is confusing and will lead to a state income tax in South Dakota. IM28 as it’s otherwise known, will prohibit the […]

Shreveport, Seattle, Phoenix, and Portland Top List Rapid City has been one of the fastest-growing cities in the country the past three years. While the growth itself is noteworthy, the follow-up questions often include “who is moving here?” Or, “where this growth is coming from?” According to recent data from Elevate Rapid City, Shreveport, Louisiana […]

West River Electric Association West River Electric Association (WREA) named Robert Raker as incoming CEO and General Manager. This will be effective January 3, 2025, upon the retirement of outgoing CEO Dick Johnson. Robert holds an associate degree in Electrical Technology from Western Dakota Tech and is a licensed master electrician. He earned his bachelor’s […]

Shopping and indoor family-friendly activities are the common theme for this month’s recent openings in Rapid City. One indoor play facility, West River Ninja, has already opened its doors, and Jump N Slide Adventure Park will soon follow. Downtown Rapid City continues to welcome new places to shop. And Uptown Rapid has seen some changes. […]

Rapid City continues to grow while having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. A lower workforce pool and higher demand for services means industry and business owners continue to look for solutions. Mike Devine, owner of J & J Truck and Auto Body, is familiar with the labor struggles the industry faces. […]

From the time Todd Gagne moved to Rapid City for school at South Dakota Mines to the day he graduated, he had already founded three software companies. While he saw many wins throughout the years, being an entrepreneur also yielded its hand of failures. One of the companies Gagne owned and operated went under even […]

Freidel brothers create software startup to address federal compliance regulations The Freidel family never had a shortage of curious minds and innovative ideas. The 10 siblings, seven boys, and three girls, were always thinking of ways to create customers and improve the lives of their neighbors. “We would put up tables at the end of […]

Rapid City’s vibrant culinary scene continues to expand, with several new restaurants opening their doors this October. From gourmet burgers and artisan chocolates to authentic Vietnamese cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate. The city’s diverse offerings are a testament to its growing popularity as a destination for both residents and visitors alike. Coming Mid-October […]

The concept for CounSil was not by happenstance. By saying “yes” to new challenges and looking at a problem with innovative sights – a solution gained traction over a single summer. Now, the software startup from the Black Hills has developed disruptive technology in tracking financial allocations for the Air Force. There is a domino […]

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, staying informed and connected is more critical than ever. The Manufacturing and Trade Summit, hosted by Elevate Rapid City on October 2nd at The Monument, offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain essential insights and build the relationships that can shape your business’s future.  This summit brings together industry leaders, […]

The City of Rapid City is currently updating its Comprehensive Plan, a blueprint for the city’s future that outlines its vision, goals, and strategies for growth and development. To ensure this plan reflects the needs and priorities of the community, the planning team is seeking input from residents. Key Topics Covered in the Comprehensive Plan: […]

A new mixed-use complex is under construction in Rapid City’s southern corridor. Fifth Park LLC recently broke ground on the 5th Street Apartments project. The complex will be comprised of two buildings. Building A will have nearly 17,000 square feet of retail space on the grand floor and 54 apartment units above. Building B will […]

Professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and earn valuable professional development hours are invited to attend the Sustainable Engineering Short Course, hosted by Dr. Heidi Sieverding, Civil Engineering Professor at South Dakota Mines. This course takes place on Friday, September 20, 2024, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Pearson Alumni Center. Designed for […]

Earlier this year, Livability released its 2024 list of 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. Rapid City was one of the cities on the list this year, outpacing more than 2,000 U.S. cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 in this data-driven ranking. The list is based on extensive research into economic variables […]

18 Year-Old Entrepreneur Approaches One-Year in Business Allison Ogden’s cleaning service, Sanctuary Cleaning Service, will celebrate its first anniversary on September 22, 2024. As a senior in high school, Allison desired more than the typical high school experience. She had an idea and quickly acted upon it. With some startup work, Sanctuary Cleaning Service came […]

Four Things To Know About Ellsworth AFB’s Impact on Rapid City’s Economy Ellsworth Air Force Base, the largest single employer in the Rapid City region, recently released its economic impact statement for 2023. The report outlines the base’s contributions to payroll, personnel, indirect jobs, development, and more. Here are four key takeaways that you should […]

Arne family creates an all-in-one accelerated trade school Steve Arne, a longtime teacher of an electrical program, vividly remembers his students being frustrated about taking English courses. “They didn’t want to take English, psychology, or underwater basketing weaving,” Steve chuckled. “They wanted to focus on the actual hands-on experience of the electrical trade.” Steve, who […]

The Block 5 development in downtown Rapid City recently reached a milestone, topping out its tenth floor. “A ‘topping out’ is when we place the final beam on top of the structure,” said Mike Dill, executive vice president of construction at Lloyd Companies. “The project is moving right along, and we’ve made it all the way […]

The first time Piper Kinder connected two fiber optic cables, she was hooked. The process of perfectly splicing hundreds of hairlike fiber optic strands together may seem daunting, but it’s a job Kinder picked up quickly during her summer internship at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF). “It was absolutely fun, it was a really […]

From the time he was a kid, Weston Chapman loved working on cars in the garage with his dad and grandpa. He knew from a young age his calling was  in the automotive industry. He felt immense satisfaction in getting hands-on and seeing a project through to completion. Determined to pursue his passion, Weston attended […]

Looking Back on Four Decades of Community, Lifestyle and Care Westhills Village, a top-rated retirement community in Rapid City, is proud to celebrate 40 years of providing exceptional care and life-planning services to the Black Hills. Since opening its doors in 1984, Westhills Village has evolved to meet the changing needs of those it serves, […]

Andy Scull carries on the family tradition of master craftsmanship When most kids were playing with Tonka trucks and other toy machinery, Andy Scull was learning to operate the real thing. He studied the art of working with his hands by watching his grandfather in the woodshop and spent nights coloring on the building blueprints […]

The second annual Ag Appreciation Event, hosted by Elevate Rapid City, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, Central States Fair, and Monument Health, showcased the exceptional contributions of individuals and businesses to the agricultural industry. The event, which featured a free meal, live entertainment, activities, and an awards ceremony, recognized those who have dedicated their lives to supporting […]

Sunday, August 11 is National Safe Digging Day, also known as 811 Day, Black Hills Energy is offering a chance for area customers to beautify their homes and neighborhoods while promoting safety. In partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, Black Hills Energy is giving away a limited number of free trees to customers through their […]

Mark Falcon offers a path to successful living through the plumbing trade Some call them “undesirables.” They call themselves misfits and mangy mongrels (they even have T-shirts). Mark Falcon calls them family. Mark, owner of Loyal Plumbing, prides himself on providing a pathway to a successful trade career for everyone, including many who had previously […]

Solorio family brings a touch of Mexico to Rapid City Walking into Ma Cualli, Rapid City’s newest restaurant, feels like an invitation to a family dinner where authentic homecooked food, conversation, and hospitality are the focus of the menu. That is exactly what owners Mario Solorio and Teresa Núñez wanted when they opened the family-run, […]

The Black Hills Military Affairs Coalition (BHMAC) has named the YMCA Liberty Center the 2024 Military-Friendly Business of the Year. The award recognizes local businesses that strongly support military personnel and their families in the Black Hills region. The YMCA Liberty Center opened its doors in anticipation of the B-21 Raider’s arrival, establishing itself as […]

Local Entrepreneurs Open Second Location in Rapid City, Offering Residents Enhanced Access to Freshly Roasted Quality Coffee Dunn Brothers Coffee, the Minneapolis-based coffee brand famed for freshly roasting its globally sourced single-origin green beans daily, is excited to announce the grand opening of its second location in Rapid City. The O’Connor family, proud owners of […]

Looking for a new place to call home? Apartment hunting is about to get much easier, with an upcoming open house allowing you to tour seven Rapid City-area properties from Lloyd Companies in the same day. The Lloyd Companies July 13 Open House will feature many properties with immediate availability, along with brand-new communities where […]

KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), announced the recent addition of Casey Knutsen to their team as a Municipal Civil Engineer in Rapid City, S.D. With a solid foundation in civil engineering, Knutsen is poised to make significant contributions to KLJ’s municipal projects. Knutsen brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on expertise to his new role. Prior […]

In late 2022, real estate agent Jess Skinner came across a listing with her broker for a sweet business opportunity: The Silver Lining Creamery in Downtown Rapid City was looking for new ownership. Even though Jess and her husband Cody were novices to the world of operating a creamery, there was just something about this […]

For the past 140 years, Black Hills Energy has been improving life with energy. The company’s roots take us back to 1883 in Deadwood, South Dakota, where Black Hills Electric Light Company first illuminated the mining town. Fourteen decades later, the company’s trusted presence has empowered the success of its now 1.3 million natural gas […]

Andrea Schaefer adds flair to Rapid City with new alternative fashion offerings Andrea Schaefer has always been a creative free spirit who loves to make a statement, and that is exactly what she envisioned when opening Blissed Alternative Fashion. The former professional dancer and studio owner recently opened a new clothing store at 412 Oshkosh […]

Patnoe Family Continues Generations of Growth with Industry Acquisitions Creating a company with staying power, especially for four generations, is not possible without both consistency and chasing growth. In the last decade, Liberty Superstores has not only stayed, but more than doubled its presence in Rapid City and the region. The most recent series of […]

The Black Hills Area Community Foundation (BHACF) launched Thriving Communities this year, an annual $100,000 initiative designed to harness the collective wisdom of the community. Each year, Black Hills residents will select a meaningful cause by voting in an online survey. At the end of the year, the Community Foundation will award at least $100,000 […]

Creating a Culture of Employee Empowerment As a seventh grader, Kyle Lambert knew his future profession. When asked to write a paper on his career choice, the middle schooler was not sure at first. “I went to the library and found a book on growing careers and accounting was one of them. I decided at […]

Eric Hawronsky Takes the Legendary Black Hills Bagels to the Next Level When an opportunity presents itself, taking a chance to make a change can yield a high reward. Getting another opportunity to dive into the food service industry wasn’t something Eric Hawronsky was expecting, but it is one he is grateful for. Eric grew […]

For Beth Lambeth, it is all about helping others build connections. In her newest role as South Dakota Mines associate vice president for research-innovation and entrepreneurship, that means helping students and faculty obtain the resources and partnerships available to turn their ideas into reality. It is a role that she is passionate about. “I am […]

National Donut Day (Friday, June 7 this year) is upon us, offering the perfect excuse to indulge in one of America’s favorite treats. Whether you’re looking for a classic glazed donut, a filled long john, or something more unique, Rapid City has a variety of bakeries that cater to every donut lover’s cravings. Here’s your […]

Black Hills Surgical Hospital is expanding its services and will begin offering heart and vascular care in conjunction with the opening of the Black Hills Heart & Vascular Institute in the fall of 2024. Led by three highly trained physicians with deep expertise in this rapidly evolving medical field, the Black Hills Heart & Vascular […]

Corporate, Education and Government Organizations to Benefit from AVI’s Expanded Presence Serving Western South Dakota, Northeastern Nebraska, and Wyoming AVI Systems, the largest global AV/UC systems integrator, today announced it has acquired the commercial audiovisual business of Sound Pro based in Rapid City, South Dakota. Sound Pro is a locally owned and operated provider of […]

Several new food and drink options have opened in Rapid City lately. With the consistent growth the community is seeing, more are sure to follow. Here are six of the newest additions to the Rapid City dining scene. Expanding with Espresso Southwest Rapid City brewery, Last Mile Brewery, added a new addition. Last month they […]

Black Hills hospitality leader Erik Olsby is the general manager of the new Hyatt Place in downtown Rapid City. Olsby began his role this spring overseeing operations of the 117-room hotel under construction in the Block 5 redevelopment on Saint Joseph Street between Fifth and Sixth streets. “We’re thrilled to welcome Erik to the Lloyd […]

Mycroft Liu is no stranger to the gaming community. In fact, he is currently ranked as one of the top 500 Counter-Strike players in North America. As such, he knows the needs of the players beyond entertainment. For many, online gaming is not only a way to relax, it is a way to socialize and […]

Workshop Designed for Start-Up In-Home Child Care Providers Childcare shortages persist as a pressing challenge for many families across South Dakota. Recognizing the need for proactive solutions, a coalition of organizations is working together to empower individuals to be part of the remedy. In response to the demand for more childcare in our communities, a […]

BankWest Chairman and CEO Charles H. Burke III recently announced the awarding of 22 BankWest Scholarships to students from across South Dakota for the 2024-25 school year. Students will each receive a $1,500 scholarship to pursue post-secondary education at a school of their choice. Three of these students are from Rapid City. “Through our scholarship […]

Next week, May 19-25, is National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW). An industry no one in the Black Hills is a stranger to. But just how much of an impact have we seen? Visit Rapid City recently put together the numbers. In 2023, 3.8 million people visited Rapid City. “The travel and tourism industry is […]

September 1991 was a life-changing time for Dan Smith. Military cutbacks left the California native and Air Force Reservist pilot scrambling to pay the mortgage on his new home and meet the basic needs for him and his wife. “It was almost like getting fired,” Dan said of his 80 percent decrease in pay. “We […]

Tourism plays a pivotal role in South Dakota’s economy, supporting more than 7,200 jobs across various sectors, including yours. While the breathtaking landscapes and iconic landmarks of the Black Hills are undeniable draws for visitors, it is the personal interactions and hospitality of locals that truly define the Rapid City experience. For those immersed in […]

Building something from essentially nothing is something manufacturers do each and every day. Sometimes the process begins with raw materials. Other times it is various components later to be assembled. And other times, it’s taking source ingredients and transforming them into something new – like your favorite wine or beer. Throughout the Black Hills region, […]

Born and raised in a small farming town in southern Arizona, Dallin Christensen believed he would always be a desert boy. “I sort of thought I would live my whole life there,” said the newest partner at West River Ear, Nose, & Throat. His plans began to change shortly after moving to Utah to attend […]

Key things to know: Onshoring manufacturing played a key role in the expansion New facility is 225,000 square feet Over 200 jobs to be created Phase Technologies was founded in Rapid City in 1999. They developed the world’s first digital phase converter called the Phase Perfect Digital Phase Converter. Today, they rely on a team […]

RESPEC Company, LLC (RESPEC) is pleased to announce the acquisition of Enviromin, Inc. (Enviromin), an environmental geochemistry and microbiology company in Bozeman, Montana, effective May 1. This acquisition bridges the complementary strengths of both companies and offers innovative approaches that integrate biogeochemistry with mining and geotechnical engineering expertise to develop safe, cost-effective, and sustainable design […]

Now Available in Celebration for Mother’s Day Fork Real Community Café collaborated with local area businesses to put together the Pampered Passport. The passport is on sale for $38 or $70 for two passes. The Pampered Passport features free items, discounts, and special services at 20+ local businesses in Rapid City. The total value adds […]

The Black Hills Region of South Dakota, home to Ellsworth Air Force Base and the South Dakota National Guard Camp Rapid, is one of three communities across the country selected as a 2024 Great American Defense Community. The Association of Defense Communities (ADC) announced the three selected communities in conjunction with USAA, the program’s official […]

As the warmth of summer descends on Rapid City, local attractions eagerly swing open their gates to welcome guests once again. After a long winter, there’s nothing better than getting out and taking in the many delights that Rapid City holds in its backyard. And if you’re a city resident, several perennial favorites are setting […]

Elevate Rapid City is in the final week of collecting comprehensive data on the impacts of childcare. The work will give a better understanding of the relationship between access to affordable childcare and its effect on the workforce in Pennington, Meade, and Custer counties. The deadline to complete the survey is April 26. They are […]

Rapid City Regional Airport set a new record for Q1 passenger enplanements in 2024, with 70,798 passengers boarding flights. This number exceeds the previous record of 57,695 set in 2019 and represents an increase of 19.7% from Q1 2023. “Air travel is flourishing in the western South Dakota region, with record enplanement numbers underscoring the […]

The annual Fuel the Growth economic development course has received accreditation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This prestigious endorsement solidifies the course’s reputation as a leading program in economic development in the country.    Fuel the Growth has been providing valuable training for economic development professionals, board members, community leaders, businesspersons, and elected […]

South Dakota Mines students, faculty, and staff will join a variety of community groups to celebrate cultures from around the world with food, entertainment and displays during the annual South Dakota Mines Cultural Expo. International students at Mines have been sharing their cultures with the community with an annual event for more than 60 years. […]

The February 2024 numbers are in. Rapid City’s average weekly wages were $1,024. This means for the first time in Rapid City’s history, the average weekly earnings of all employees have surpassed $1,000. The previous record of $995 was in October 2023. This also places Rapid City at the top of South Dakota cities. In […]

Beginning April 1, TSP, Inc. will be in its temporary office. This move is a first step as TSP prepares to move into a new office. TSP, Inc. is a multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm. It has been in the Black Hills region for more than 50 years. The investment in a new office […]

The South Dakota Engineering Society (SDES) is a local society of professional engineers (PE) and engineers in training (EIT) from all disciplines. The society promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, enhances the image of its members, and advocates legislation and public policy for the betterment of human welfare and the profession. […]

On March 1, 1999, Lori Eggersgluess first opened the doors of Mystique Edge Salon & Spa in downtown Rapid City. In these 25 years in business, Mystique Edge has proven to be a haven of relaxation and self-care that has stood the test of time. Lori knew she wanted to be a hairstylist since she […]

Signed Up Sports is a comprehensive service that supports coaches, athletic directors, and business owners nationwide in managing their athletic camps. They assist with registration, data management, payment processing, and marketing—all at no cost to the clients. Something you may not know is that Signed Up Sports is one of several software companies getting its […]

Your guide to celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day Downtown Rapid City Kick-off this Saint Patrick’s Day with an All Nations Parade in downtown Rapid City. The parade is a chance to celebrate the diversity of our community, heritage, and roots – all in a fun, family-friendly environment. The parade begins Saturday, March 16 at 10 am. […]