TThe Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Surety Bond Requirement for Notaries Ends July 1
RAPID CITY, SD — Beginning July 1, 2025, South Dakota notaries public will no longer be required to post a surety bond as part of their application process, following the passage of House Bill 1133 during the 2025 Legislative Session. HB 1133, signed into law earlier this year, eliminates the statutory requirement for a $5,000 notary bond. This change applies to all new and renewing notaries on or after July 1. All other steps to become a notary, such as submitting an application, taking the oath of office, and paying the $30 application fee, remain unchanged.
Access to Robbinsdale Park Limited During BMX Nationals
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Vehicle access to Robbinsdale Park from E. Fairmont Boulevard will be closed Thursday through Sunday for the Mount Rushmore BMX Nationals event scheduled for the Rapid City BMX Robbinsdale Park course. The public is advised to access Robbinsdale Park from East Oakland Street or use the parking area at Strider Park east of Rapid City Fire Station 4. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to use caution and expect an increased volume of traffic in the East Fairmont Boulevard area due to the BMX event.
BHFCU to Host 35th Annual Member Auto Sale in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Federal Credit Union (BHFCU) is celebrating 35 years of community connection with its highly anticipated annual Member Auto Sale on Saturday, June 28, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 2700 N Plaza Drive. This long-running event offers a variety of vehicles for sale, including cars, trucks, and recreational vehicles, and provides an opportunity for both buyers and sellers to connect. BHFCU will offer on-site financing options and a special $250 gas gift card for buyers who finance their purchase through the credit union. Those interested in selling their vehicles are also invited to register for the event, though space is limited. With great deals and community spirit, the Member Auto Sale is a must-attend event for anyone looking to buy, sell, or browse vehicles in the Black Hills.
City of Rapid City Announces Independence Day Holiday Schedule
RAPID CITY, S.D. — City offices and most services will be closed Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. The landfill and public library will be closed, and Rapid Transit services, including RapidRide and Dial-A-Ride, will not operate that day. Trash collection will follow a modified schedule, with Tuesday through Friday pickups occurring one day early. The Monument will also be closed through the weekend. Outdoor pools will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and until 4 p.m. on Friday. The city’s annual fireworks display will take place at 9:30 p.m. July 4 at Executive Golf Course, preceded by a Municipal Band concert at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Park Band Shell.
Public School Podcast Offers Inside Look at Rapid City Schools
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A new podcast hosted by Sara Hornick and Bobbi Schaefbauer is giving the community a behind-the-scenes look at Rapid City Area Schools. Now nine episodes in, The Public School Podcast shares real stories from the people who work in the district every day from teachers and librarians to lunch staff and bus drivers. Released every Wednesday on all major podcast platforms, the show aims to highlight what’s working in local schools and build understanding through honest, heartwarming conversations. Upcoming episodes will continue to feature the unsung heroes of the district and give listeners a better view of how the school system operates from the inside out.
South Dakota Lawmakers Explore Property Tax Reform
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The legislature’s Property Tax Task Force resumed work on reducing property taxes today. Meeting in Sioux Falls they heard a detailed explanation of the state’s property tax system, which funds local governments. During the past legislative session, lawmakers talked often about inefficiencies in local government operations. Yesterday they heard from city officials who dispute that claim. The Task force will work to find recommendations for the full legislature to consider next year on lowering property taxes.
Kennedy’s Vaccine Panel to Reexamine Childhood Immunization Schedule
ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s newly appointed vaccine advisory panel held its first meeting Wednesday, announcing plans to reevaluate parts of the childhood immunization schedule. Committee chair Martin Kulldorff said a work group will study the cumulative effects of childhood vaccines and the timing of specific shots, including hepatitis B and the combined MMR-chickenpox vaccine. The move follows Kennedy’s dismissal of the prior 17-member panel, replaced with a new group that includes vaccine skeptics. The American Academy of Pediatrics responded by stating it will independently publish its own vaccine guidelines, calling the new process no longer credible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which relies on the committee’s recommendations, has seen several key vaccine experts resign or be reassigned following the panel’s restructuring.
Ceasefire Holds as U.S. Signals Possible Talks with Iran Amid Nuclear Oversight Tensions
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israel and Iran observed a second day of ceasefire Wednesday, while U.S. President Donald Trump said American and Iranian officials may hold talks next week. Trump claimed U.S. strikes had dismantled Iran’s nuclear program, though Iran has not confirmed upcoming negotiations. Iran’s parliament advanced legislation to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in response to recent U.S. attacks, while IAEA Director Rafael Grossi urged a quick return to inspections. France, a former participant in the 2015 nuclear deal, expressed hope for renewed diplomacy.
Protests Planned as Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Arrive in Venice for Star-Studded Wedding
VENICE, Italy (AP) — Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez arrived in Venice on Wednesday ahead of their high-profile wedding, drawing protests from local activist groups who view the event as a symbol of rising inequality and mass tourism’s impact on the city. The couple arrived at the Aman Hotel by water taxi under tight security. Around a dozen Venetian organizations have united under the banner “No Space for Bezos,” staging demonstrations including banners and a canal float with a Bezos mannequin. A planned canal blockade was replaced by a march, after activists claimed a venue change to the more secure Arsenale. The guest list includes Mick Jagger, Oprah Winfrey and Leonardo DiCaprio. While city officials praised the event, environmental research group Corila confirmed Bezos’ Earth Fund is supporting its work with a donation.
MLB Bans Fan Indefinitely After Offensive Comment Toward Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte
CHICAGO (AP) — A fan who shouted a derogatory remark about Ketel Marte’s late mother during the Arizona Diamondbacks’ game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday has been banned indefinitely from all Major League Baseball stadiums, according to a person familiar with the decision. The incident occurred during Marte’s seventh-inning at-bat, leaving the Diamondbacks second baseman visibly emotional. The 22-year-old fan later expressed remorse, according to a White Sox spokesperson. MLB has not publicly announced the ban. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo and others called the comment deeply inappropriate, emphasizing the need for better behavior from fans. Marte’s mother died in a car accident in 2017. Marte declined to comment, but teammates and coaches voiced strong support.
