Business.

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP) set a new record for passenger enplanements in 2024, with

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 […]

TSP, Inc., a multidisciplinary leader in architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design, is excited to announce the opening of its new office in Rapid City. This marks a significant milestone in the firm’s long-standing relationship with the Black Hills region, where it has provided trusted expertise for over 50 years. “We’ve had the privilege of […]

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. […]

UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota are unchanged in the last week, averaging $2.75/g today, according to GasBuddy’s

UNDATED – With the cost of raising a child to age 18 reaching well over $300,000, the personal-finance website WalletHub

BISMARCK, N.D. – MDU Resources Group Inc. is pleased to announce the promotion of Travis Jacobson to vice president of

UNDATED – With financial improvement being a popular New Year’s resolution and credit scores having fallen in all 50 states

BISMARCK, N.D. – MDU Resources Group, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointments of Tammy Nygard as controller and Brent

A new study found that South Dakota ranked 1st among the most affordable states for child care in America, in

PIERRE, SD – January is National Mentoring Month, and the Department of Labor and Regulation (DLR) is celebrating the month

Average gasoline prices in South Dakota are unchanged in the last week, averaging $2.71/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of

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 […]

STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council Monday night got their first look at what they hope will be a

UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 2.5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.71/g

BROOKINGS, S.D. – A Texas asset management company that says it is the largest shareholder in Brookings-based Daktronics issued a

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 […]

UNDATED – Elderly people, who often rely on a fixed income, are particularly vulnerable to financial, emotional, and physical abuse.

UNDATED – A new study found that South Dakota ranked 1st among the most affordable states for child care in

UNDATED – New unemployment claims increased by 4.2% week-over-week on November 25, and were 1.8% higher compared to the same

UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 1.3 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.76/g

MITCHELL, S.D. – The annual race for the best bargains in holiday shopping is underway as American consumers are expected

NEW YORK (AP) — Target etched out a slim sales increase in the third quarter but profits slumped as inflation-weary

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 […]

STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Chamber of Commerce welcomed Sturgis’ newest Edward Jones’ financial advisor to town on Monday afternoon.

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. […]

UNDATED – Average gasoline prices in South Dakota have fallen 6.9 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.76/g

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 […]

With household debt exceeding $17.9 trillion in Q3 2024, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its rankings of the States

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Building upon a shared commitment to advancing excellence in rural health care, Sanford Health, Black Hills

RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Monument Health Foundation is proud to announce that Patrick Tibbles, M.D., Emergency Medicine and Hyperbaric

LYONS, NE—The expansion of renewable energy generation sources like wind and solar has provided a variety of economic benefits and

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 […]