Embracing the Game: A South Dakota Parent’s TED Talk Goes Global
September 14, 2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A TEDx talk by a South Dakota marketing professional has been selected for TED.com, the organization’s
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – A TEDx talk by a South Dakota marketing professional has been selected for TED.com, the organization’s
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Park Restaurant, located within the Baken Park shopping center, has closed its doors permanently. The
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 […]
PIERRE, S.D. – The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 0.5 points in August to 100.8, nearly 3 points above the 52-year
RAPID CITY, S.D.- Sanford Health has been named one of America’s Best In-State Employers for 2025 by Forbes, receiving recognition
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The annual Fall Career Fair at South Dakota Mines will connect more than 1,000 students with
UNDATED – A new economic study warns that cuts to Social Security retirement benefits shorten lives, a finding with particular
UNDATED – The personal-finance company WalletHub today released its latest rankings of the States With the Largest & Smallest Credit
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A new international partnership will bring 20 students from Papua New Guinea to South Dakota Mines next fall as part of an initiative to strengthen that country’s workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The announcement follows a recent visit from Papua New Guinea’s Minister of Education Lucas Dawa Dekena, […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 4.0 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.97/g
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Trav’s Outfitter, a well-known name in work and western footwear and apparel, is opening a new
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Western Dakota Technical College (WDTC) Professional Truck Driving Program is celebrating its 30th anniversary with an open house on Saturday, Sept. 13. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in Badlands Hall and is open to the public, including past students, instructors, and community members. The program, […]
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 […]
PIERRE, SD – The Department of Labor and Regulation Rapid City Job Service is hosting its “Hire the Hills” hiring
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Sept. 4, 2025 — SoDak Circuit, a free, all-ages esports event backed by SDN Communications and its 17 member companies, returns for a second year on Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and competition runs 9:30 a.m. to […]
As the cost of living continues to rise, effective budgeting has become more important than ever. To shed light on
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Sanford Health has completed its combination with Creekside Medical Clinic, a long-standing independent, physician-owned practice in Rapid City that provides primary care to the Black Hills region. The deal closed Aug. 29. Creekside Medical Clinic has served the community for more than 25 years with four family medicine physicians and two […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota are unchanged in the last week, averaging $2.93/g today, according to GasBuddy’s
Linda Rydstrom, President and CEO of Westjet Air Center in Rapid City, SD, celebrated her 50th anniversary with the company on August 19th, 2025. Linda began her career in 1975 at Westjet Air Center (formerly Snedigar Flying Service). She started with the company as a receptionist. There, she sparked an interest in aviation and flying. She earned […]
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, […]
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The YMCA of Rapid City is kicking off the fall season with a special promotion aimed at helping families and individuals focus on health and wellness. Through Sept. 30, new members can sign up with no joining fee and receive the entire month of September free. “This is the perfect time […]
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. […]
RAPID CITY, SD – Golden Ticket Cinemas announced plans to build a new movie theater in Rapid City, South Dakota,
Latest newspaper, radio and TV developments demonstrate the fast-pace of change in how people are informed.
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 […]
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission has approved assessing filing fees to a Colorado company looking to build a wind farm north of Philip in Haakon County. […]
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Central High School Class of 1977 has been recognized with a South Dakota Hall of Fame Acts of Excellence Award for more than a decade of community service projects that have left a lasting impact across the Black Hills. The honor was presented Aug. 14 in Rapid City […]
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 […]
PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Revenue announced a significant economic boost from the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,
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. […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 4.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.92/g
UNDATED – South Dakota’s real labor supply is far larger than the unemployment line. A new report from the South
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
RAPID CITY, SD — At a 10:30 am press conference this morning Black Hills Corp. and Northwestern Energy announced that
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy announced an all-stock merger on Tuesday, creating a new regional utility with a combined enterprise value of $15.4 billion. The merger, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, will form a single entity headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota. The […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Corp. and NorthWestern Energy announced an all-stock merger on Tuesday, creating a new regional
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 5.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.88/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 628 stations in South […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 16, 2025) – A Rapid City nonprofit school will soon have a new outdoor play space thanks to a national community improvement initiative. EmpowerEd has been selected as a Lowe’s Hometowns project — one of 100 large-scale renovations chosen this year to revitalize nonprofit and community spaces across the country. Now […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Energy, along with local leaders in Rapid City, broke ground yesterday on the new
RAPID CITY, S.D. – South Dakota State University’s Native American Nursing Education Center will host a pre-nursing summit this month
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Business leaders and community members will gather at the Dahl Arts Center on Aug. 13 for the launch of the South Dakota Legacy Speaker Series, an event aimed at exploring strategies to fuel growth and innovation in West River communities. The first session, “Fueling Growth & Innovation in West River,” will […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The National Science Foundation has awarded a $7 million EPSCoR RII E-RISE grant to launch Ge-STAR — Germanium-based Science and Technology Advancement Research — a statewide project that will involve research at the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead. Led by the University of South Dakota, Ge-STAR aims to position […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 11, 2025) — Black Hills Energy is urging South Dakotans to “Call Before You Dig” as part of 811 Day, a nationwide safety reminder to prevent damage to underground utility lines. With summer being a peak time for home improvement and outdoor projects, officials say hitting buried gas, electric or communication […]
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Fork Real Community Café will host its 4th Annual Chef’s Dinner Auction on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5 p.m. at The Box – Ellsworth Salon A in Box Elder. The fundraiser will feature culinary creations from local chefs and unique dining experiences, all in support of the café’s mission to strengthen […]
Fact brief: Is gasoline more expensive in western South Dakota vs. the eastern part of the state? Yes. Rapid City
With Americans struggling financially due to significant inflation and a year of community college nearly three times less expensive than
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 4.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.93/g
External UNDATED – With around 7.8% of Americans having moved according to the latest data, slightly less than the year
PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces he has joined the National Operation Robocall Roundup which has issued warning letters to 37 telecom companies demanding they stop […]
Dr. Lycia Thornburg Embraces Healthy Outdoor Fun in the Sun Lycia Thornburg grew up knowing she wanted to be a doctor. There was something about science and helping people that drew her in. “I didn’t know exactly what kind of doctor I wanted to be back then, but I knew I wanted to be one.” […]
UNDATED – South Dakota ranked 35th out of 50 states in CNBC’s 2025 America’s Top States for Business study, earning
SPEARFISH, S.D. – A 49-year part of the Spearfish Community is closing its doors. In a Facebook Post this week,
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 4, 2025) — The YMCA of Rapid City has received a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation to support local youth education and career readiness programs across the Black Hills. The funding will expand the YMCA’s ability to provide teens with essential resources to build leadership skills, prepare for […]
PHILIP, S.D. – August 6, 2025 – South Dakota beef producers interested in transitioning to organic practices are invited to a hands-on field day hosted by the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA) on Friday, August 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. MDT near Philip, South Dakota. The free event will provide practical insight […]
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 […]
Kevin Buntrock and Donny Ward make golf a social game. Two friends who love to play golf. It can’t be that simple, can it? Well, yes. And no. Back in 1999, Kevin Buntrock and Donny Ward, eventual Founders and Managing Members of The Golf Club at Red Rock, took part in a golf tournament in […]
Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 5.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.98/g today, according
With the average conventional birth costing over $2,600 for mothers with insurance and nearly $15,000 for mothers without insurance, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2025’s Best […]
Despite once having the nickname “The Sunshine State,” which now belongs to Florida, South Dakota only averages about 2,700 hours of sunlight per year. That may seem like a lot, but The Mount Rushmore State doesn’t rank anywhere near the top of the list (Yuma, Arizona at around 4,000 hours each year.) “A lot of […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Aug. 1, 2025) — Progressive Insurance® and American Park Network are teaming up to keep campers cool this summer with the launch of Thirst for Adventure — a new campaign designed to promote hydration, reward outdoor enthusiasts, and raise awareness about heat-related safety in parks nationwide. Just in time for the height […]
With sunglasses on, a tank top, and the lake breeze in her hair, Mackenzie Turner lounges in a patio chair—eyes scanning the dock as boats glide in and families haul coolers and lake toys toward the shore. Just as quickly, she’s on her feet again, greeting guests, answering questions, and solving problems with a practiced […]
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. – After stunning top-seeded Rapid City Post 22 on Tuesday, the Rapid City Post 320 Stars continued
RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 30, 2025) — A&W Restaurants in Rapid City and across the Black Hills will celebrate National Root Beer Float Day on Wednesday, August 6, with free treats and a patriotic purpose. From 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy a free small Root Beer Float at participating locations — no […]
Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Dakota plans to build a Ronald McDonald House in Rapid City. Construction begins September, open doors by late 2026
PIERRE, S.D. – In Independence League action, the Spearfish Sasquatch opened a series with Oahe Tuesday night and came away
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Department of Transportation has withdrawn a proposed rule that would have mandated speed limiters on commercial
UNDATED – South Dakota’s urban centers are expected to fuel most of the state’s job growth through 2032, with rural areas falling behind and several industries projected to shrink. According […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 29, 2025) — Architecture Incorporated is marking 49 years of delivering creative design solutions and trusted service across South Dakota and the surrounding region. Since opening its doors in 1976, the firm has partnered with clients on transformative projects that shape communities and inspire connection. As the firm nears its 50th […]
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 […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 1.1 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.92/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 628 stations in South […]
UNDATED – With the average American spending nearly $14,600 per year on personal health care, the personal-finance website WalletHub today
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. — July 28, 2025 — A new hiring platform designed in the Black Hills is gaining traction among Rapid City employers and job seekers. FOQUS™ (pronounced like “focus”) is a rebranded and expanded version of the employment tool built by OneHeart, a local nonprofit committed to workforce development. Now live at www.foqus.work, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden has appointed Lincoln County Commissioner Jim Schmidt to the South Dakota Board of Economic Development, the state announced Tuesday. “South Dakota relies on strong leaders like Jim who dedicate their lives to service and leave things better than they found them,” Gov. Rhoden said in a statement. […]
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, […]
STURGIS, S.D. – Sturgis Council members got another not so rosy sales tax report last night as Sturgis City Administrator Aaron Jordan says the June report was 18.84-percent lower than […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 3.7 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.91/g
RAPID CITY, SD — Meadow Ridge Pet Lodge is thrilled to announce the official groundbreaking ceremony for its brand-new, state-of-the-art
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Dairy Queen® fans in Rapid City and across the Black Hills can satisfy their sweet tooth for a good cause later this month. On Wednesday, July 31, all participating Dairy Queen locations in Rapid City will celebrate Miracle Treat Day®, where at least $1 from every Blizzard® Treat sold will benefit […]
UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen 5.8 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.95/g
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 […]
