The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Box Elder Man Identified in Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash South of Lemmon
LEMMON, S.D. — Authorities have identified a man who died in a one vehicle crash in Perkins County. Derek Nells Myhre of Box Elder died in a single vehicle crash Saturday evening, 15 miles south of Lemmon, SD. Preliminary crash information indicates Myhre, the driver of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, was traveling westbound on S. Cabin Road and went off the road at a curve and rolled. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Nearly 30 Projects Compete for Rapid City Vision Fund
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Nearly 30 civil and community development projects are in consideration to receive public funds through the next five years under Rapid City’s Vision Fund. The Vision Fund Citizen Committee began viewing presentations from applicants this week. Established by the Rapid City Council in February, the committee will pick projects to recommend to the full council and mayor to consider. Presentations continue through Friday.
Trial Date Set for Rapid City Man Charged with Attempted Murder in October Shooting
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man charged with attempted murder has learned his trial date following a hearing in Seventh Circuit Court Tuesday. According to the Rapid City Post, Travis Chipps, 19, has pleaded not guilty to attempted first-degree murder in connection with the October shooting of a man near Apple Tree Road in Rapid Valley. The trial is set to begin July 30 with a pretrial hearing set for July 8. The trial is expected to take several days. If convicted, Chipps could face 25 years in the state penitentiary.
Long-Awaited Indigenous Community Center in Rapid City Moves Forward
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A long-envisioned Indigenous community center in Rapid City is closer to becoming a reality after more than 70 years of advocacy and over a decade since the idea was first formally proposed. He Sapa Otipi, the organization behind the effort, has secured six acres of land and $9 million in Vision Fund grants. However, access to the funds requires matching contributions, prompting the organization to launch a $3 million capital campaign aimed at covering construction costs. The center is intended to serve the large Indigenous population in the Black Hills region while also providing a space for broader community education and engagement.
Rapid City Mayor Proposes $340 Million Budget for 2025
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Mayor Jason Salamun has unveiled a proposed $340.4 million budget for Rapid City in 2025, marking a nearly $80 million increase over the previous year. The substantial rise is attributed to major capital projects, including expansions of the city’s airport terminal and wastewater treatment plant, which Salamun described as the largest infrastructure endeavor in the city’s history. While the overall budget reflects a 29.3% increase, the general fund—which supports daily operations—would see a modest 4.4% uptick to approximately $104.3 million. The proposal also allocates over $1.2 million to the Care Campus and $200,000 to the Cornerstone Rescue Mission. Emphasizing transparency, Salamun introduced a detailed “Budget Book” to outline spending plans. The City Council approved the budget’s second reading on September 4, 2024, with a 9-0 vote, finalizing the plan for implementation.
Year Two of U.S. Highway 385 Reconstruction Underway in Black Hills
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The second year of the U.S. Highway 385 reconstruction project has commenced, focusing on the 15-mile stretch between Pactola Dam and Calumet Road near Sheridan Lake. The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has initiated Phase 2, which includes off-road grading, tree clearing, and controlled rock blasting. A complete road closure between Be Still Road and Calumet Road is scheduled from April 28 through June 13, with detours directing motorists to S.D. Highway 44 and U.S. Highway 16. The project, which began in 2024 and is expected to conclude in 2026, aims to enhance safety by widening shoulders, improving road curves, adding turning lanes, and resurfacing the highway. Travelers are advised to anticipate delays, narrowed lanes, and temporary closures throughout the construction period.
Rapid City Regional Airport Seeks Additional State Funding Amid Record Travel Demand
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Regional Airport is requesting additional state funding to support its $222 million terminal expansion project as it faces record-breaking travel demand. In the first quarter of 2025, the airport saw an 8.8% increase in passenger numbers, prompting the need for enhanced infrastructure. Despite efforts to secure $30 million in funding through state legislation, a bill to provide the necessary funds failed in the State House, leaving the airport to seek alternative sources. Airport officials stress that the expansion is critical to accommodate continued growth in tourism and business, with the airport playing a key role in the regional economy.
Rapid City to Host Inaugural Mount Rushmore BMX Nationals in 2025
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City will host the inaugural Mount Rushmore BMX Nationals from June 26–29, 2025, at Robbinsdale Park. The event, sanctioned by USA BMX, is expected to attract approximately 1,000 riders of all skill levels from across the country. Organizers have spent over seven years bringing the competition to the area, highlighting the city’s growing BMX community and its appeal as a family-friendly destination. The Rapid City BMX track has undergone significant upgrades, including improvements to the track surface and surrounding facilities, to accommodate the event.
Trump Calls for Peace Amid Strikes on Kyiv
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump voiced his concerns on Thursday regarding Russia’s missile and drone strikes on Kyiv, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the attacks and push for peace. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the strikes “unnecessary” and emphasized the importance of ending the conflict, stating that “5000 soldiers a week are dying.” Trump urged both sides to come together and “get the Peace Deal DONE,” highlighting the need for a peaceful resolution as talks are intensifying. The recent assault on Kyiv killed at least nine people and injured more than 70, marking the deadliest strike on the city since last July.
Middle East latest: Israeli strikes across Gaza kill at least 28 people, Palestinians say
Gaza’s Health Ministry says Israeli strikes have killed at least 28 people, mostly women and children. Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas and renewed its air and ground war over a month ago. It has sealed off Gaza’s 2 million Palestinians from all food and other imports since the beginning of March to pressure Hamas to release hostages. Hamas has said it will only release the remaining 59 captives, 24 of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas.
Tennessee board recommends that governor pardon country star Jelly Roll
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Board of Parole has recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who has spoken openly about his criminal history and what it has taken to overcome it. The board’s action Tuesday leaves the final decision of whether to pardon him up to Gov. Bill Lee. The board issued its nonbinding recommendation unanimously after a hearing that lasted about an hour and 45 minutes with several witnesses advocating for the musician, including Nashville’s sheriff. A pardon is a statement of forgiveness by the state for a crime or crimes.
