The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Pine Ridge Residents No Longer Need To Boil Drinking Water
PINE RIDGE, S.D. — Following a statement from the Oglala Sioux Tribe Water & Sewer Company, Pine Ridge residents no longer need to boil water to make it safe for consumption. The statement follows a waterline break within the reservation which resulted in a loss of pressure within the water distribution system. Pine Ridge residents were encouraged to boil water to make it safe to drink in light of this, as this break created conditions by which the system could allow sewage into drinking water. However, as of October 10, 2025 “The public water system has taken the necessary corrective action to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system”, according to the OST Water & Sewer Co’s statement.
Monument Health Purchases Northern Hills Cinema, Ensures Theater Remains Open
SPEARFISH, S.D. — Monument Health announced that it has purchased the Northern Hills Cinema building and will lease the space to local businessmen Doug Markworth and Norm Fasse, keeping the theater operational for the community. Markworth and Fasse officially took over theater operations Monday. Monument Health says it will not be involved in daily operations but acquired the property as part of long-term strategic planning.
Rapid City Seeks Applicants for Air Quality Board Business Representative
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City is accepting applications to fill one vacancy for the Business Representative position on the Air Quality Board. Interested citizens must submit a Citizen Interest Application online by November 3 at 5:00 p.m. The board meets quarterly to maintain compliance with EPA Air Quality Standards. This is a three-year term.
Meade 46-1 School Board Discusses FY2026 Budget Deficit, Possible School Closures
STURGIS, S.D. — The Meade 46-1 School Board is holding its October meeting tonight to discuss a growing FY2026 budget deficit. With updated enrollment numbers, the deficit has risen from $638,000 to $1.2 million. Proposed solutions include closing two rural schools and moving Whitewood 5th graders to Sturgis. A final decision could come later this month.
Rapid City Officials Discuss Allocation of Multi-Million Dollar Opioid Settlement
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City leaders are exploring how to use a multi-million-dollar settlement related to generic opioids. The city is expected to benefit from a $720 million settlement against secondary manufacturers along with settlements from major pharmaceutical companies. Currently, about $500,000 is available for Rapid City programs, and discussions on allocation are ongoing.
Black Hills Playhouse Rebrands as Theatre 605 to Reflect Statewide Growth
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The Black Hills Playhouse, a long-standing cultural institution in Custer State Park, announced a new name for its parent organization, now called Theatre 605, to reflect expanded statewide programming and impact. The Playhouse itself will retain its historic name and location as a division of Theatre 605. “Our mission, values, and programming remain the same,” said Executive Director Linda Anderson. “We’re simply embracing a name that reflects our statewide dedication to bringing quality theatre to all.” The rebranding unites several divisions under one identity, including Theatre 605 Tours, Theatre 605 Jr., and the Expanding Stage program, which provides inclusive performance opportunities. The organization’s new tagline, “You’ve known us all along,” highlights its long-standing presence in South Dakota’s arts community.
US rejects bid to buy 167 million tons of coal on public lands for less than a penny per ton
BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Federal officials have rejected a company’s bid to acquire 167 million tons of coal on public lands in Montana for less than a penny per ton. It would have been the biggest U.S. government coal sale in more than a decade. The failed bid underscores a continued low appetite for coal among electric utilities that are turning to cheaper natural gas and renewables such as wind and solar. President Donald Trump has made reviving coal a centerpiece of his agenda to increase U.S. energy production. But economists say Trump’s attempts to boost coal are unlikely to reverse its yearslong decline.
Driver following too close behind van charged in crash that killed 3 adults, 5 kids, officials say
ATLANTA (AP) — Officials say the driver of a semitrailer following too close behind a van has been arrested on homicide charges in a fiery crash that killed three adults and five children on a Georgia highway. A spokesperson for the Georgia Department of Public Safety said Tuesday that Kane Aaron Hammock has been charged with eight counts of vehicular homicide and one count of feticide by a vehicle. Officials say the semitrailer was following too close to the Dodge van on Interstate 85 in Jackson County on Monday afternoon when the crash happened. Jail records did not list any attorney who could be reached to comment on Hammock’s behalf
Trump honors Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was fatally shot last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tuesday’s ceremony coincided with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. Trump praised Kirk as “a fearless warrior for liberty” and a “beloved leader who galvanized the next generation like nobody I’ve ever seen before.” Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and played a significant role in conservative politics. In a sign of Kirk’s close ties to the administration, he is the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term.