The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
DOJ Grant Cuts Hit Local CASA Program, Leaving Hundreds of Children Waiting for Advocacy
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The U.S. Department of Justice has cut federal grant funding to the National CASA/GAL Association, stating the grants no longer align with agency goals, including protecting American children—a decision that directly impacts local programs across the country. In a correction to our previous report, these cuts are affecting local CASA operations, including the Seventh Circuit CASA Program in Rapid City, which currently supports 87 children in foster care but has 450 more on a waiting list. According to The Rapid City Post, the local program operates with just six staff members and 56 volunteers, making community support more vital than ever. Tanya Fritz, board chair of the Seventh Circuit CASA Program, emphasized the need for donations and volunteers to ensure vulnerable children continue receiving advocacy and support in the courtroom.
Vision Fund Committee Concludes Project Hearings, Moves Toward Final Recommendations
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City’s Vision Fund Committee has wrapped up its week of project hearings. The Vision Fund Citizens Committee heard 29 presentations from various organizations as part of week-long sessions at City Hall. The Committee will now continue its review process, including site visits. The Committee plans to provide recommendations to the City Council in late May or early June with the Council making final decisions on which projects will receive $12 million in Vision Fund resources for the 2025-2029 cycle.
Blackhawk Helicopters to Conduct Wildland Fire Training Near Angostura Reservoir
RAPID CITY, S.D. —South Dakota Army National Guard (SDARNG) Blackhawk helicopters, in coordination with SD Wildland Fire (SDWF), will conduct wildland fire aerial water delivery recertification training later this week. The training will include practice of aerial water delivery with a live simulated fire exercise on Friday, May 2, weather permitting, on the west side of the Angostura Reservoir near Sheps Canyon Road. The Guard will dip and fill their buckets in the reservoir and then drop the water on simulated fire locations nearby in the Black Hills. The public is advised to stay clear of these areas between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm on May 2.
South Dakota Whooping Cough Cases Drop Sharply After Early Spike
RAPID CITY, S.D. — South Dakota’s whooping cough numbers are on the decline after cases have spiked nationally. According to data from the State Department of Health, South Dakota has seen 75 whooping cough cases since the start of the year. But only two cases were recorded in March. Local health experts say a decrease is typically seen in both the flu and whooping cough going into the warmer summer months. Those numbers are expected to climb again going into the fall.
Pennington County Seeks Applicants for Open Planning Commission Seat
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Pennington County Board of Commissioners will be accepting applications from individuals who are interested in serving on the Pennington County Planning Commission. Currently there is one (1) position open for a three-year term. All residents of Pennington County are eligible to serve. Individuals who have backgrounds in planning, zoning, development, construction, real estate or other related fields are encouraged to apply. All citizen interest forms must be received in the Commission Office by 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 in order to be considered.
Rapid City to Open All Park Restrooms and Select Shelters for Summer Season
RAPID CITY, S.D. — All of Rapid City’s park restrooms are set to be open by this weekend as part of the city’s spring and summer preparations, with some park shelters available for reservation starting Thursday. According to the City Parks and Recreation Department, thirteen restroom facilities—including those at Canyon Lake Park, Storybook Island, Robbinsdale Park, and Legacy Commons—will be fully operational. Restrooms at Memorial Park Band Shell will be open during special events, while those at Horace Mann Park open with the pool season. Some facilities, such as those at Canyon Lake West and Founders Park, remain open year-round. Portable restrooms are also available at several locations, including Braeburn Park and LaCroix Disc Golf Course. Park shelters at Canyon Lake, Old Storybook Island, and Robbinsdale Park can be reserved for events between May 1 and September 30, while all other shelters are first come, first served. The public is encouraged to report vandalism to the Parks Department at 605-394-4175.
Post 22 Hardhats Stay Undefeated With Weekend Sweep Over Cheyenne Sixers
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Post 22 Hardhats improved to 6-0 on the season after sweeping the Cheyenne Post 6 Sixers in a three-game weekend series, capped by an 8-1 win on Sunday. According to GameChanger Media, a six-run seventh inning sealed the victory, fueled by RBI hits from Dawson Inhofer and Aiden Roberts, and key walks drawn by Carter Johnson and Karter Brager. Rowan Fredrickson earned the win, allowing just one run and three hits in over three innings. Roberts led the offensive effort with three hits and two stolen bases, while Inhofer drove in two runs and went 2-for-3. The Hardhats racked up 10 hits and six stolen bases overall, showcasing both power and speed. Cheyenne’s Landon McAnelly had two hits and an RBI, but the Sixers couldn’t keep pace with Rapid City’s hot start to the season.
The EPA is allowing the sale of cheaper, higher-ethanol E15 gasoline across the US this summer
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency says consumers across the U.S. will still be able to buy cheaper E15 gasoline this summer. The EPA announced Monday that it has issued an emergency waiver to allow sales of the higher-ethanol blend gasoline in all states after May 1. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signaled that he plans to keep a waiver in effect through Sept. 15, when E15 sales would typically be allowed in all states again. E15 gasoline with 15% ethanol is cheaper than E10 gasoline with a 10% blend. Environmentalists argue that allowing E15 sales year-round could potentially damage the air and water.
Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX’s Starlinks
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Amazon’s first internet satellites are in orbit. United Launch Alliance’s Atlas rocket blasted off Monday from Florida, carrying 27 of Amazon’s Project Kuiper satellites. It’s the latest entry in the mega constellation market currently dominated by SpaceX’s Starlinks. Amazon launched two test satellites in 2023. These upgraded new ones are coated with mirror film to scatter reflecting sunlight in an attempt to accommodate astronomers. Stargazers oppose these fast-growing satellite constellations, saying it spoils their observations. Amazon aims to put more than 3,200 of these satellites into orbit to provide fast, affordable broadband service around the globe.
Russia Announces Three-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine for May 8-10
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine, set to begin on May 8 and end on May 10, marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany. The ceasefire, aimed at allowing for humanitarian aid deliveries, has yet to receive a response from the Ukrainian government, and analysts remain cautious, warning that the truce may not signal a shift toward lasting peace. While Putin’s government frames the ceasefire as a humanitarian gesture, experts suggest it may be more of a tactical move, with skepticism about its potential to bring substantive change to the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its second year
