The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Deadwood Police Investigate Death of Missing Man
DEADWOOD, S.D. — The Deadwood Police Department is investigating the death of 44-year-old Joshua Reisenauer, who was reported missing Sunday after failing to show up for work. He was last seen early Sunday near the Iron Horse Inn, and his body was discovered Monday morning on a hillside between the First Gold Hotel and the neighboring Travelodge. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
Algae Blamed for Fish Kill at Memorial Park Lake
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Officials believe algae growth caused the fish kill reported Saturday at Memorial Park Lake. Jeremy Kientz of South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks said a mix of heat, sunlight, and nutrient-rich runoff likely triggered an algal bloom, which consumed oxygen and led to fish mortality. Monitoring of the lake is ongoing.
Col. Erick Lord Named Next Commander of 28th Bomb Wing
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. — Col. Erick D. Lord has been selected as the next commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth Air Force Base. A veteran B-1B weapon systems officer, Lord previously served at Ellsworth and recently led the 9th Bomb Squadron at Dyess AFB. He will assume command during a formal ceremony later this month.
Wall’s Housing Shortage Challenges Growth, But Community-Led Solutions Show Promise
WALL, S.D. — As scenic flights take off over the Badlands and new businesses open their doors, the small town of Wall is working hard to overcome a housing shortage that threatens to hold back its momentum. Ana Komar, a young pilot who launched Fly Badlands this spring, says the lack of available housing forces her to commute daily from Rapid City. Her struggle reflects a broader issue facing many rural South Dakota towns, where limited housing, workforce, and daycare options can stifle growth. In response, Wall has partnered with state programs and private developers to open up land, build infrastructure, and add dozens of affordable homes, including through the Governor’s House Program and Echo Valley subdivision. Despite slow population decline and aging housing stock, local leaders, including Wall Drug’s Rick Hustead and city officials, are proactively supporting development, hoping to attract new families, businesses, and even Ellsworth Air Force Base personnel tied to the B-21 program.
Bridge Project Begins on Highway 34 Near Union Center
UNION CENTER, S.D. — Starting July 16, crews will begin removing the bridge over East Elm Creek on Highway 34, about seven miles west of Union Center. It will be replaced with a box culvert. A temporary gravel diversion will route traffic through the area, with speed limits reduced to 25 mph and a 12-foot width restriction in effect.
South Dakota Ends Fiscal Year With $63 Million Surplus
PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota finished fiscal year 2025 with a $63 million surplus, Gov. Larry Rhoden announced Monday. The surplus came from $41 million in unexpected revenues and $22 million in spending reductions. Unclaimed property receipts accounted for $47 million of the extra income, though sales tax revenues were slightly below estimates.
Gunman Kills Two Women at Kentucky Church After Shooting Trooper, Then Dies in Police Confrontation
LEXINGTON, Ky. — A man accused of fatally shooting two women during a rampage at a Kentucky church had been scheduled for a domestic violence hearing the next day, officials said. Authorities say Guy House, 47, shot a state trooper during a traffic stop Sunday, then fled and opened fire at Richmond Road Baptist Church, killing 72-year-old Beverly Gumm and 34-year-old Christina Combs and wounding two others. House was later shot and killed by police in a church parking lot. He had reportedly gone to the church looking for the mother of his children, but she wasn’t there. Witnesses say he declared, “Well I guess someone’s going to have to die then,” before opening fire. The trooper, who was wounded during an initial stop near Lexington’s airport, is in stable condition. Authorities continue investigating the motive.
The search for those missing in catastrophic Texas floods resumes in some areas after pause for rain
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — Officials are keeping a wary eye on river levels as some crews resume the search for people still missing after catastrophic flooding pummeled Texas this month. Officials on Monday also made plans to drain reservoirs as they searched for victims. The July Fourth floods killed at least 132 people. Some rescue efforts along the Guadalupe River resumed on Monday after being halted a day earlier due to a new round of heavy rain. State officials have said 101 people remain missing, a significant drop from the more than 160 people officials previously said were unaccounted for in Kerr County alone.
Trump Threatens Russia With Tariffs, Ramps Up U.S. Arms Pipeline to Ukraine
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump announced Monday that the U.S. will impose steep secondary tariffs on Russia and accelerate weapons shipments to Ukraine unless a peace deal is reached within 50 days. The new strategy marks a sharp turn in Trump’s stance, signaling growing frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing attacks despite past personal diplomacy. Speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump unveiled a plan for European allies to purchase billions in U.S. military equipment, including Patriot air defense systems, for Ukrainian use. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed he spoke with Trump by phone, calling the conversation “productive” and noting Trump’s pledge to coordinate closely going forward.
Israel Strikes Syrian Tanks as Druze-Bedouin Clashes Escalate
BUSRA AL-HARIR, Syria — Israel’s military launched strikes on Syrian tanks Monday amid deadly clashes in southern Syria between Druze militias, Sunni Bedouin clans, and government forces. At least 30 people have been killed and nearly 100 injured, according to Syria’s Interior Ministry, while the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported 99 dead, including civilians and security personnel. The unrest in Sweida province highlights the region’s continued instability 13 years after the start of Syria’s civil war. Government troops entered the area to restore order but reportedly clashed with local armed groups, some of whom claim state forces supported the Bedouins.
Astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary head back to Earth after private space station mission
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — The International Space Station’s first visitors from India, Poland and Hungary are headed back to Earth. Their SpaceX capsule undocked from the orbiting lab on Monday, targeting a splashdown in the Pacific. The privately financed mission marked the first time in more than 40 years that India, Poland and Hungary saw one of their own rockets in orbit. The three astronauts were accompanied by America’s most experienced space flier, Peggy Whitson, who works for the Houston company that chartered the flight. They launched from Florida in late June.
