The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Eric Gardner Remembered as a Beloved and Uplifting Presence in Rapid City
RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — Eric Gardner, a cherished and familiar face in the Rapid City community, died Monday, April 28, at the age of 60. Known for his warmth, compassion and down-to-earth spirit, Gardner touched countless lives with his uplifting presence and heartfelt connection to those around him. Whether sharing his love of weather or welcoming viewers into his kitchen with comforting recipes, Gardner brought joy and authenticity to everything he did.
Friends and community members remember him as someone who could light up a room with a smile and a kind word, someone who made people feel like they mattered. His steady, caring demeanor and approachable nature made him a trusted figure in homes across the region.
Gardner’s legacy lives on in the many lives he impacted and the love he inspired in others. He is remembered not only for what he did, but for who he was — a steady voice, a kind heart, and a friend to many.
Rapid City Man Sentenced to Over 10 Years for Child Abuse and Probation Violation
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man who was previously sentenced to six years probation and a 15-year suspended prison sentence was in 7th Circuit Court again today for violating his probation. Micah Medalen, 32, was sentenced to just over 10 years in prison for abuse of a minor and probation violation charges. Medalen was previously released on probation in May of 2023 for the fourth-degree rape of a child younger than 16 years of age. In court Monday morning, the state said that while on probation, Medalen slapped and spat on a child of the woman he is in a relationship with. As part of the sentence, Medalen will serve just under a year in local jail and 10 years in prison for his actions.
Public Invited to Tour Rapid City’s New Greenhouse Facility
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a public open house for its new City greenhouse from 9-11 a.m. next Tuesday. The new 4,800 square-foot facility is located next to the City’s old greenhouse at the City’s maintenance facility on Canyon Lake Drive. A portion of the old greenhouse, which was over four decades old, has been retained for seeding operations. The Rapid City Council approved the new facility in September 2023.
Suspicious Object at Rapid City Sam’s Club Deemed Safe, Area Cleared
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Law enforcement responded to a suspicious object found in the parking lot of the Rapid City Sam’s Club at 925 Eglin Street around 12:30 p.m. Eyewitnesses reported a heavy police presence, and a safety perimeter was established while explosives detection resources were deployed. According to an update from the Rapid City Police Department, shared via the Rapid City Post, the object was later deemed inert and safely recovered. Officers are now clearing the scene and allowing affected patrons to return to their vehicles. Sam’s Club employees reported the store remained open throughout the incident. The WSD Division of Criminal Investigation assisted with explosive detection. Authorities thanked the public for their patience, stating that safety remains their top priority.
Rapid City Man Gets Probation for Arson in 2023 Break-In
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to second-degree arson. Carlito Jumping Eagle was given four years of probation in Seventh Circuit Court this week. Jumping Eagle is one of three men arrested back in October on charges of second-degree arson and third-degree burglary after breaking into a Rapid City home and starting a fire before fleeing out a broken window when police arrived. A victim of the crime attended Jumping Eagle’s sentencing and claims the three men were bullies who were after his son.
Meade County Sets Load and Speed Limits on New Underwood Road
STURGIS, S.D. — The Meade County Commission has set a load limit and decreased speed limit on New Underwood Road in hopes of increasing safety on the road. The road, which is an important connector to I-90 from U.S. Highway 34 and is in desperate need of repair. Commissioners have asked the state to make the road part of the State Highway system due to its heavy use. Meade County Highway Superintendent Troy Eastman said lately his crews are out there daily, using gravel to fill in holes in order to make it as safe as possible. The commission has scheduled a discussion on whether or not to use $1 million dollars in the budget for temporary road fixes on New Underwood Road May 13th.
Rapid City Senior Teagen Smith Awarded Statewide Scholarship for Construction Management Studies
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Teagen Smith, a senior at Rapid City Stevens High School, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship by the South Dakota Association of County Highway Superintendents. The scholarship is funded through an endowment established with proceeds from the 1998 National Association of County Engineers annual convention held in Rapid City. The endowment aims to encourage higher education and raise public awareness about highway safety, including work zone awareness, seat belt use, and the dangers of distracted or impaired driving. Smith, the son of Sean and Erin Smith, is actively involved in wrestling and baseball. He plans to attend the North Dakota State College of Science this fall, majoring in Construction Management Technology, and has committed to play baseball for the NDSCS Wildcats.
Illinois town mourns the 4 youngsters killed when a car barreled through their after-school camp
CHATHAM, Ill. (AP) — Residents of a small central Illinois city are mourning the loss of three children and a teenager who were killed in a startling vehicle collision in a building that hosts a popular after-school camp. Authorities say it appears the crash Monday, in which a car barreled through the building in Chatham, was not a targeted attack. Illinois State Police say the 44-year-old driver is not in custody. She was not injured but was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and toxicology reports are pending. Chatham is about 12 miles from the state capital, Springfield.
JetBlue in Talks With United Airlines Following Failed American Alliance
JetBlue is reportedly in discussions with United Airlines about a potential partnership after the collapse of its Northeast Alliance with American Airlines, which was blocked by a Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit in 2021. The DOJ argued the agreement would reduce competition in key markets such as Boston and New York City, calling it a de facto merger, and received support from multiple state attorneys general. A federal judge ruled in favor of the DOJ, and American lost its appeal in 2023. Since then, JetBlue and American have been unwinding the alliance, culminating in American filing a lawsuit against JetBlue on Monday seeking more than $1 million in dissolution costs.
Trump Eases Auto Tariffs to Support U.S. Manufacturing and Job Growth
President Donald Trump signed two executive orders Tuesday to reduce auto tariffs, easing the 25% import tax on foreign parts used in vehicles assembled in the United States. The orders include a temporary rebate program offering relief of up to 3.75% in the first year and 2.5% in the second, aimed at helping automakers transition supply chains and ramp up domestic production. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the policy shift is designed to boost U.S. manufacturing jobs and support long-term investments in American factories. Industry leaders from General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis expressed appreciation for the administration’s support, with several companies planning new hires and facility expansions in response.
