The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Robbery Suspect Captured After Boulder Canyon Chase
STURGIS, S.D. — A Greeley, Colorado man wanted for robbery was apprehended Thursday morning after a brief pursuit in Boulder Canyon. Meade County Sheriff Pat West said Mark David Daniels was taken into custody along U.S. Highway 14A between Deadwood and Sturgis with the help of spike strips. Daniels, considered armed and dangerous, had been spotted earlier in Keystone and was pursued by Pennington County authorities Wednesday.
Clark Man Charged with Murder in Beheading of His Mother
CLARK, S.D. — A Clark man is facing first- and second-degree murder charges after authorities say he killed and beheaded his mother. Bowen Fladland, 36, was arrested Tuesday following the discovery of 65-year-old Marlene Fladland’s body at a home in Clark. According to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, Fladland admitted to kneeling on his mother’s neck until she died, then used a tool to remove her head. Fladland has a documented history of violence against his mother, including a 2023 aggravated assault conviction. He was recently accused of violating probation and had an active warrant at the time of the killing. He is being held in the Codington County Jail on $500,000 cash bond while the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation leads the case.
New Robotic Surgery System Comes to Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City’s Same Day Surgery Center is set to debut the region’s first da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system, bringing advanced surgical capabilities to western South Dakota. The technology offers greater precision and quicker recovery times, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge care without traveling to larger cities like Denver or Sioux Falls. Physicians say local access will improve outcomes and simplify follow-up care.
Belle Fourche Woman Injured, One Killed in Iowa Motorcycle Crash
WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Iowa – A tragic motorcycle crash on Saturday, July 5, claimed the life of 21-year-old David Raak of Spirit Lake and left Kayla Hudelson of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, critically injured. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash occurred around 4 p.m. when a 2015 Buick Encore crossed the center line on Highway 9, sideswiping one motorcycle and striking another head-on. Hudelson was a passenger on the bike driven by Raak. David’s father, Daniel Raak, 64, was also injured, along with the 95-year-old Encore driver, Leroy Weaver of Buffalo Center. Both were transported to MercyOne North Iowa. Hudelson has since been transferred to Rochester, Minnesota, where she remains in critical condition in the ICU. A GoFundMe campaign launched by Sarah Raak is helping raise money for Hudelson’s medical expenses. The crash remains under investigation.
Rapid City Council Leadership Announces Committee Appointments
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Council President Rod Pettigrew and Vice President Bill Evans have named committee appointments for the new term. John Roberts will chair the Public Works Committee, joined by Callie Meyer, Kevin Maher, Josh Biberdorf and Pettigrew. Greg Strommen will continue to lead the Legal and Finance Committee with Lindsey Seachris, Lance Lehmann, Stephen Tamang and Evans. Roberts was also appointed liaison to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Rapid City Encourages Residents to Join Local Boards and Committees
LEAD, S.D. — City officials are urging residents to serve their community by joining one of over 30 boards, committees and commissions in Rapid City. The groups advise the mayor, council and departments on issues ranging from planning to sustainability. Officials say the positions offer a meaningful way for citizens to contribute their expertise and make a difference locally.
Workers raced for miles in the dark to escape being trapped after tunnel collapsed in Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Fire Department says 31 construction workers are safely out of an industrial tunnel that partially collapsed. The workers on Wednesday night were 400 feet underground and near the coast, as much as 6 miles away from the only entrance. Some had to scramble over a tall mound of debris to squeeze out. Rescuers helped pull some out, and they were shuttled to the entrance and hoisted out. Paramedics were evaluating 27 of the workers and officials say none had major injuries. The nearly $700 million project will carry treated wastewater underground from across Los Angeles County to the Pacific Ocean.
Texas Mourns as Flood Death Toll Hits 120; More Than 170 Still Missing
KERRVILLE, Texas – Heartbreak continues to spread across Texas as the death toll from last week’s devastating flash floods rose to 120, with more than 170 people still reported missing. Most of the victims were in Kerr County, where powerful floodwaters swept through homes, camps, and communities during the early morning hours of July Fourth weekend. Memorials with flowers, photos, and candles now line fences in Hill Country, honoring victims including 8-year-old sisters at Camp Mystic, elderly residents, and families who gathered for the holiday. More than 2,000 workers are engaged in the search, made difficult by intense heat and storm debris. Gov. Greg Abbott has urged lawmakers to fund emergency warning systems, and President Donald Trump is expected to visit Texas Friday, promising federal aid. As communities gather to grieve and begin recovery, officials say questions about missed warnings and delayed evacuations will be addressed after all victims are found.
Kyiv Hit by Another Major Russian Attack; Civilian Death Toll Rises Amid Escalation
KYIV, Ukraine – Russia unleashed a 10-hour overnight barrage on Kyiv and surrounding regions, killing at least two and wounding 22, Ukrainian officials said Thursday. The assault, involving nearly 400 drones and missiles, ignited fires and forced residents to take shelter in subway stations for a second consecutive night. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called it a “clear escalation of Russian terror,” as June marked the deadliest month of the war with 232 civilian deaths, according to the U.N. Over 13,500 civilians have been killed since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. Despite high-level meetings between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russia’s foreign minister, no breakthrough has been made toward renewed peace talks.
Ford recalls over 850,000 cars in the US due to potential fuel pump failure
NEW YORK (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 850,000 of its cars across the U.S. because the low-pressure fuel pump inside the vehicles may fail and potentially cause an engine stall while driving, increasing crash risks. The recall covers a wide range of Ford and Lincoln-branded vehicles made in recent model years. That includes certain Ford Broncos, Explorers and F-150s, as well as Lincoln Aviators and Navigators, documents published this week by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration note. Ford plans to send out notification letters to affected owners starting July 14, to warn of safety risks related to this potential fuel pump failure. But recall documents note that a remedy is still under development. Ford isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to these recalled cars.
