The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Rapid City Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash on I-90 Near Wall
WALL, S.D. — A Rapid City man died Monday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 90, about 10 miles east of Wall, according to the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Authorities say the man was driving a Ford Focus and, after passing a GMC Sierra, attempted to re-enter the driving lane when the Focus clipped the front of the Sierra and crashed. The driver of the Focus was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. His name has not been released pending notification of family members.
Man Facing Homicide Charges After Death on Pine Ridge Reservation
PINE RIDGE, S.D. — A man is facing homicide charges following the death of a victim found unresponsive near the old Pine Ridge courthouse on U.S. Highway 18 Sunday, according to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Authorities say the victim was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The suspect is in custody, but no names have been released.
Lead Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Illegal Machine Gun
LEAD, S.D. — A Lead man has pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful possession of a machine gun, with prosecutors agreeing to drop a second charge in exchange for the plea. Ray Allen Steele, 62, was arrested in 2024 after authorities received a tip that he was manufacturing firearms in his basement. A search of his property uncovered seven guns and a man-made bunker containing ammunition, a gun safe, and other materials. Steele faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing.
Prescribed Burns Underway in Robbinsdale Park for Fire Prevention
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Fire Department is conducting prescribed burns in the Robbinsdale Park area through Thursday as part of fire prevention and land management efforts. Officials are asking the public not to call 911 unless there are signs of an emergency outside the designated burn zone. The burns, scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, are aimed at reducing hazardous fuels, managing vegetation, and supporting a healthier ecosystem. The park will remain closed during burn hours all three days.
Sturgis City Council Approves $6 Million Airport Renovation Project
STURGIS, S.D. — The Sturgis City Council unanimously approved a $6 million renovation project for the Sturgis Municipal Airport, aiming to upgrade the terminal and construct a parallel taxiway to accommodate increased air traffic. The funding comprises 97.5% from the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of South Dakota, with the city’s share totaling approximately $150,000, including just $7,500 allocated for this year. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026. Bob Babcock, principal of Helms & Associates, noted the rarity of such substantial federal support, attributing it to the airport’s growth and the need for improved infrastructure. Sturgis Public Works Director Rick Bush played a key role in facilitating the agreement.
New Trails Added to Rapid City’s Earth Day Trail Challenge
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Sustainability Committee has launched its fifth annual Earth Day Trail Challenge, introducing three new trails for participants to explore: Serendipity Trail on Skyline Wilderness, Sunrise Loop Trail on the Hansen-Larson Memorial Trail System, and the Nature Trail at Outdoor Campus West. Participants are encouraged to hike each trail, take a selfie with the Earth Day Challenge sign posted along the route, and present the photos at the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks’ Outdoor Campus West to receive a free Earth Day pin. The challenge runs through June 30. Please be advised, they are urging hikers to leave no trash behind and to “leave only footprints, take only pictures.”
South Dakota PUC Denies Summit’s CO₂ Pipeline Permit
PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has denied Summit Carbon Solutions’ application for a carbon dioxide pipeline permit, marking the second rejection since 2023. The commission voted 2-1, with Commissioner Kristie Fiegen stating that the proposed route was “not viable” and lacked necessary details regarding timeframes, costs, and construction plans. The decision follows the enactment of a state law in March banning the use of eminent domain for CO₂ pipelines, which Summit had relied upon to secure land access. Summit has pledged to reapply with a revised, smaller route. The project, intended to transport CO₂ emissions from ethanol plants across five states to underground storage in North Dakota, has already received approvals in Iowa, Minnesota, and North Dakota. The PUC’s decision was welcomed by landowners and advocacy groups who had opposed the project.
Black Hills Corp. Announces Quarterly Dividend and First Quarter Earnings Call
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Black Hills Corp. (NYSE: BKH) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.676 per share on common stock, payable June 1, 2025, to shareholders of record by May 16, 2025. The company also announced it will release its first-quarter earnings after the market closes on May 7, 2025, with a live conference call and webcast scheduled for 11 a.m. EDT on May 8, 2025, to discuss the results. To participate in the Q&A session, interested parties must register in advance. The webcast and presentation slides will be available for listen-only access. A replay will be posted on Black Hills’ investor relations website for one year. Black Hills Corp. serves 1.35 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states.
Trump Administration Open to Negotiations with Harvard Over Legal Dispute
The Trump administration has indicated openness to negotiating with Harvard University after the institution filed a lawsuit challenging federal actions against its admissions policies. Harvard seeks to reverse decisions that could affect its use of race in admissions, arguing that recent moves by the government violate constitutional rights. The potential for a settlement could avoid a prolonged legal battle between the federal government and one of the nation’s leading universities. The case has sparked national attention, raising concerns about the future of affirmative action policies in higher education.
U.S. Fertility Rate Declines to Record Low
New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the U.S. fertility rate has reached its lowest point on record. The decline, which has been a long-term trend, raises concerns about the future demographic makeup of the country and its economic impact. Experts attribute the decrease to factors such as economic uncertainty, delayed marriages, changing societal norms, and increased participation of women in the workforce. This trend is expected to continue unless significant shifts occur in social or economic policies.
