The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Major Drug Trafficking Investigation Concludes with Federal Prison Sentence
Pennington County, SD – A year-long investigation by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) has led to the conviction and sentencing of 38-year-old Cruz Mario Lara Larios, identified as the key figure in a drug trafficking operation supplying methamphetamine to Rapid City. Larios pleaded guilty and received a ten-year federal prison sentence in February 2025, after which he will be deported to Mexico. Authorities seized 24 pounds of meth and three pounds of marijuana during the investigation. While Larios’ sentencing marks a major breakthrough, officials say the investigation continues as efforts persist to dismantle drug networks threatening local safety.
High-Risk Sex Offender Glenford Old Lodge to Be Released in Winner, South Dakota
WINNER, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Corrections has announced the upcoming release of 35-year-old Glenford Old Lodge, who completed his full sentence for sexual contact without consent in Hughes County. Scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, Old Lodge will not be under parole supervision. Citing a history of sex offenses and a high risk of reoffending, Corrections Secretary Kellie Wasko issued a public notification as part of the state’s protocol for high-risk offenders. Old Lodge, a Native American male, will be released to Winner, South Dakota. This marks the 17th high-risk offender notification since the program began in 2011.
Has South Dakota set a goal for reducing water pollution in the state’s rivers and streams?
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR) has not established specific goals for reducing water pollution, despite a 2024 state report showing that 78% of tested stream-miles are unsafe for aquatic life, swimming, and other uses. Key pollutants include fertilizer runoff, soil erosion, and E. coli from livestock and wildlife. Although discharging pollutants into surface water requires a permit, declining inspections and staffing shortages have led to frequent violations and lapsed permits. Unlike neighboring states such as Minnesota and Iowa, which have implemented clear water quality targets, South Dakota has yet to outline a comprehensive statewide plan.
Senator Thune Reflects on 20 Years of Growth at Ellsworth AFB
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City has come a long way in the last 20 years…and Senator John Thune says he aims to keep it going. 20 years ago the Defense Department’s Base Realignment and Closure Commission proposed closing the base. Thune says it was a gut punch for him…during his first year in the Senate. An all-out effort saved the base…and Senator Thune says Ellsworth has proven its strategic value since then. Within the next few years, Ellsworth will expand to become home to the new B-21 Raider Stealth bomber.
Seniors Return to Their Roots for Annual Grad Walks
BLACK HILLS, S.D. – This Thursday and Friday, graduating seniors from Douglas High School and Rapid City Area Schools will return to where their educational journey began as they participate in the annual Grad Walks event. Wearing their caps and gowns, these high school graduates will walk the halls of their former middle and elementary schools, greeted by enthusiastic students and staff. Grad Walks are a tradition that celebrates seniors’ accomplishments while inspiring younger students to dream big and stay on course. They are a moment of pride, reflection, and gratitude, as graduates can thank the teachers and staff who helped guide them along the way.
Senator Mike Rounds Talks Vatican, Farm Bill, Education, AI, and South Dakota’s Future
In a wide-ranging exclusive interview with The Rapid City Post on Wednesday, U.S. Senator Mike Rounds discussed his recent trip to the Vatican for the former pope’s funeral, the farm bill’s progress, efforts to decentralize the Department of Education, and the importance of preserving critical programs like special education and impact aid. He weighed in on the volatility of trade tariffs, particularly under President Trump, and stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with allies like Canada. Rounds also highlighted the potential of data centers and artificial intelligence to boost South Dakota’s economy, provided the state can meet growing energy demands and encouraged local leaders to pursue projects that improve quality of life and retain young people. Throughout, he emphasized the need for trustworthy local journalism and practical, forward-thinking governance.
Road Work Continues on South Rochford Road in Pennington County
ROCHFORD, S.D. – On Monday, May 19, 2025, work will continue on a 10 mile reconstruction project on South Rochford Road in Pennington County. Crews will begin with blading and reshaping the current gravel road to prepare for new asphalt surfacing. Work will start on the south end of South Rochford Road, approximately one mile north of the junction of Deerfield Road. Blading and shaping operations will proceed toward the north. Signage will be in place at each end of the reconstruction project to alert traffic to proceed with caution.
Meade County Commits $1 Million to Temporary Fixes on New Underwood Road
STURGIS, S.D. – After setting a load limit and a lower speed limit on New Underwood Road last month, Meade County Commissioners this week approved using one million dollars for temporary road fixes. The commission unanimously approved a motion Tuesday to apply the budget supplement for highway use in the amount of one-million from 2025 assigned funds within the general fund to make temporary repairs on the heavily traveled road. Commissioners have made a plea to the state to make New Underwood Road a state highway due to its high usage.
Trump meets with Syria’s interim president, a first between the nations’ leaders in 25 years
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) —In a historic meeting in Riyadh, President Donald Trump met with interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa — the first such encounter between American and Syrian leaders in 25 years. The closed-door meeting, which took place alongside Trump’s summit with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders, marks a potential turning point for Syria as it begins to reenter the global stage after decades of isolation and civil war. Trump announced plans to lift longstanding U.S. sanctions on Syria, calling it a “fresh start” for the war-torn nation. Syrians celebrated the news with fireworks and rallies in Damascus, hopeful for economic revival. Trump praised al-Sharaa’s leadership and expressed optimism about Syria’s future, while urging recognition of Israel and stronger cooperation in combating terrorism.
Trump Secures $200 Billion Boeing Deal with Qatar, Boosting U.S. Manufacturing
President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani signed a landmark $200 billion agreement in Doha for the purchase of 160 Boeing jets. The deal, which Trump hailed as “the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing,” follows his four-day Middle East tour focused on strengthening trade, advancing peace efforts, and countering Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In addition to the Boeing order, the agreement includes several bilateral initiatives such as a $22 billion engine deal with General Electric and expanded defense cooperation. While the specific aircraft models and order terms have not been publicly disclosed, the move is seen as a major boost for U.S. manufacturing and international relations.
Ford recalls nearly 274,000 Navigator and Expedition SUVs due to risk of loss of brake function
NEW YORK (AP) — Ford is recalling nearly 274,000 of its Expedition and Lincoln-branded Navigator SUVs across the U.S. due to an issue that may cause a loss of brake function while driving, increasing crash risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the front brake lines in these now-recalled cars “may be in contact” with their engine air cleaner outlet pipe due to a potential installation defect. That can result in a brake fluid leak. The recall covers 223,315 Expeditions and 50,474 Navigators between model years 2022 and 2024. Ford expects that just 1% of these vehicles have the defect. As a remedy, dealers will inspect the front brake line of impacted vehicles and replace it or the air cleaner outlet pipe if necessary — free of charge.
