News

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — On Oct. 15, the Butte County Commission voted to sue a former highway department employee for collecting 166.7% of their regular wages for about 5 months.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer Staff Reports

Madie Donovan

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

RAPID CITY — A Lead woman was sentenced to federal prison Friday for her role in attacking a man in February.

Black Hills Pioneer

Pioneer file graphic

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Spearfish renews all existing liquor, wine licenses for 2027

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Deadwood city commissioners awarded a $330,000 bid Monday evening, beginning the process of replacing a portion of road and a retaining wall on Fremont Street.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — A $453,000 proposal, payable over the course of 10 years will outfit the Lead Police Department with modern technology.

South Dakota News Watch • Molly Wetsch

What failures to pass amendments, Democratic statewide losses and local elections may mean.

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

South Dakota utility regulators unanimously approved a rate increase Wednesday that will add about $16 to the typical Black Hills Energy residential customer’s monthly electric bill, while an additional request from the company to add a $20 surcharge is pending. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission approved a settlement allowing the company to collect an […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

South Dakota’s soon-to-be-former U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson will begin a statewide speaker series this evening aimed at encouraging civil discourse, critical thinking and long-term solutions to some of the country’s greatest challenges. “I think America makes the best decisions when we plan for the long-term and when we use good data to make decisions,” Johnson […]

Sundance Times

Marilyn Jane Davis, 91, from Sundance, Wyoming, passed from this Earth and opened her eyes in Heaven on October 29, 2026, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital. Marilyn was born in Nashville, Wisconsin, on May 9, 1935, to Otis and Katherine Mountain. She attended schools in Crandon. Marilyn met the love of her life, Richard Davis, a logger, and they married on June 12, 1954. Raising children who enjoyed...

Sundance Times

Due to the post office being closed for Veterans Day on Wed., Nov. 11, we will be on an early printing/mailing schedule. Deadline for the Nov. 12 Wyoming Pioneer will be 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. Deadline for the Moorcroft Leader and Sundance Times will be noon on Monday, Nov....

Sundance Times

Our Thanks The family of Dorothy Wood would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Hulett community for the kindness, love, and support shown to our family following her passing. We are deeply grateful for the food, flowers, friendship and fellowship, as well as everyone who helped with the luncheon and offered comfort during this time. We feel truly blessed to call Hulett home and to be...

Sundance Times

Speeding – Jet Jensen, Belle Fourche, SD, 85/80, $15; Laura Starling, Orlando, FL, 85/80, $15; Aleena Kissack, Moorcroft, WY, 80/75, $15; John L. Crump, Gillette, WY, 50/45, $65; Ryan Peterson, Hatley, WI, 83/75, $101; Boyd Portwine, Sheridan, WY, 86/80, $107; Donald Simonds, Magnolia, TX, 91/80, $115; Stoney Abplanalp, Springville, UT, 86/75, $115; Jada K. Udager, Belle Fourche, SD, 42/30, $130 N...

Sundance Times • Wyoming News Exchange Newspapers

Missing woman found dead in Casper Mountain Road crash CASPER (WNE) — A 30-year-old woman reported missing last week was found dead Sunday morning after her pickup truck crashed through a guardrail on Casper Mountain Road, authorities said. The Natrona County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as Kandice Gunter, who was reported missing to the Casper Police Department on the evening of Oct. 29....

Sundance Times

Wyoming State Parks is announcing updates to its rules and regulations, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The revisions mark the first comprehensive update in decades and aim to modernize and simplify existing regulations, better reflect current recreational activities and visitor needs and support safe, enjoyable experiences at Wyoming’s state parks, historic and archaeological sites and recreation areas....

Sundance Times

Notice of Public Meeting The Crook County Emergency Medical Services (Wyoming - EMS) District will conduct their inaugural meeting at 1:00 pm mountain standard time, on November 18th, 2026, at the Sundance State Bank Meeting room. Written questions or comments can be sent to: Crook County Emergency Medical Services (CC - EMS) District, PO Box 335, Beulah, Wyoming 82712 by 5:00 pm November17th,...

Sundance Times

CCMSD Regular Meeting - November 2026 12/03/26 Thursday December 3rd at 11:00 AM The Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD) Board of Trustees will hold a meeting on December 3rd, 2026, at 11:00 A.M, at the Sundance State Bank conference room. The meeting will also be hosted via Microsoft Teams or by phone. You are invited to attend in-person, by phone or via Teams webinar. Microsoft Teams...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

There are hard decisions ahead for Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD). The district is not alone: times are tough across the board for rural hospital systems right now. According to a new report from the American Hospital Association (AHA), more than 40% of the nation’s 1800 rural hospitals are running on negative operating margins and hundreds are at high financial risk. Many have bee...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

Funding allocations are complete for the first year of Wyoming’s Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) and Crook County will be receiving a little shy of $4 million. Crook County Medical Services District has been awarded $1,647,000, while Crook County EMS is the recipient of $2.2 million. The RHTP is a federally approved plan with four major initiatives and $205 million to spend on them in t...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

Join your local firefighters for a night of appreciation for the Sundance Volunteer Fire Department, including an awards ceremony and opportunities to donate towards the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) units necessary to tackle structure fires. Appreciation Night is scheduled for November 21 from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Shooting Sports Building at the fairgrounds. Admission is free, but...

Sundance Times

October 25 marked the end of the Wyoming High School Clay Target League's fall season, and when the cold winds and dust settled, the Sundance High School Trap Team emerged victorious, capturing its conference title with 766 points. It was a hard-fought victory over second-place Campbell County High School, which finished close behind with 743.5 points. Fifteen shooters comprised the Sundance...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

New boards and councils will be taking their seats at the end of the year to include the winners of Tuesday's general election. Crook County voted no on Prop 1, which would introduce a 50% exemption for residential property tax, with 1628 against and 1411 for. The county lodging tax passed, with 2228 for votes and 827 against. In Crook County's municipalities, the new Sundance City...

Sundance Times

To the Editor: Your August column on volunteerism made me think about a kind of service that seldom earns a headline: the person who returns after the emergency is over. When a crisis strikes, neighbors may gather quickly. But the days afterward can be lonelier. There are repairs to arrange, appointments to keep, meals to prepare, and worries that do not disappear when the road reopens. In places...

Sundance Times • Carrie Riley

November is National Picture Book Month so take the time to read to the little ones in your life and help instill a love of reading in them. Stop in the library and find the perfect book for a bedtime or anytime storytime. LIBRARY HAPPENINGS: MEETINGS: Crook County Library Board Thur., Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. in Moorcroft. Crook County Library Foundation meeting Tues., Jan. 19 at 1 p.m. in Hulett....

Sundance Times

Oct. 26 – VIN check. Traffic stop. Two business checks. Court security. Accident. False 911. Fire ban violation. Assist other agency. Wanted person. Traffic complaint. Oct. 27 – VIN check. Four traffic stops. Business check. Court security. Two coroner calls. Three suspicious. Welfare check. Animal complaint. MIP. Fraud. Traffic complaint. Fingerprints. Fire. Citizen assist. Prisoner transport. Oc...

Sundance Times • Dylan Farrell , Casper StarTribune Via Wyoming News Exchange

CASPER — In a series of meetings between May 12 and Oct. 27, the Wyoming Legislature’s Joint Judiciary Committee set its priorities for the upcoming session, debated bill drafts and pitched extensive changes to the Wyoming Criminal Code. The committee sponsored a total of 11 bills between its August and October meetings, including six that amend Title 6 of Wyoming Statute, which covers the crimina...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

A Moorcroft woman has broken the conditions of her probation for a second time after being initially giving a deferred sentence on felony possession charges. Tracy McGee was arrested when controlled substances were located at her home during a separate search related to a poaching case. On April 23, 2024, a Crook County Sheriff’s Office deputy executed a search warrant on a Moorcroft residence for...

Sundance Times

The Wyoming Department of Insurance (DOI) is issuing a consumer alert to warn residents against enrolling in health coverage marketed by LifeX Research Corporation. LifeX Research Corporation is not licensed to sell insurance products in Wyoming. The DOI has received complaints that consumers were told they could obtain health coverage through LifeX by becoming LifeX “employees.” This misleading s...

Sundance Times • Sarah Pridgeon

Join friends new and old at the Chapel of Faith on the day after Thanksgiving for a celebration dinner open to the whole community. The event is free to attend and scheduled for Friday, November 27, and will take place at the shooting sports building at the fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are unable to travel to that location, you can either have a meal delivered to your home or take...

Sundance Times

Veterans’ Day is a national holiday that honors all U.S. military veterans, both living and deceased. It reflects gratitude for their service in times of war and peace. VFW Devils Tower Post 4311 and American Legion Crook County Post 45 will be making sure that our local veterans are celebrated. On Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., at the Veterans’ Memorial in the Crook County courtyard, there will be a program...

Sundance Times

Northern Hills Chamber Chorale will present a fall concert at 7 p.m. on Fri., Nov. 13 at Black Hills State University in Spearfish. The concert is free to the public and refreshments will be served. Two area residents, Wanda Burget of Aladdin and Peggy Howard of Sundance are a part of the 60-person choir. Selections include R. Vaughn Williams and Shakespeare sonnets put to...

Sundance Times

Gov. Mark Gordon (R-WY) has appointed Lisa Finkey to be a circuit court judge for the Sixth Judicial District serving Campbell, Crook and Weston Counties. Finkey’s appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Paul S. Phillips, who resigns effective January 3, 2027. Ms. Finkey graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2003 and received her juris doctor from the University of Wy...

Sundance Times

A parkwide asphalt rehabilitation project began at Keyhole State Park on Nov. 2. This project encompasses asphalt repairs on Marina Road, Pat’s Point Road and sections of Brandenburg Loop. Work will continue through the end of 2026, with additional work expected in June 2027 when temperatures allow. Keyhole State Park staff ask visitors to use caution when entering the park through either the Mari...

Sundance Times • Laura Dalles , WYDOT District 4 Sr. Public Relations Specialist

This season’s winter forecast may seem bleak. Still, Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 maintainers have reviewed their winter snow and ice response plan and are ready, eagerly awaiting the snow. WYDOT’s winter response plan is structured around clear customer expectations: delivering continuous, accessible highway routes from origin to destination, enabling unimpeded mobility wheneve...

Sundance Times • Rebecca Maupin

The Sundance volleyball team saw its season come to an end at the 2A Regional Tournament in Lusk this past weekend, but not before putting together several hard-fought performances and showing the determination that carried them through the season. The Bulldogs squad opened regional play against Lingle-Ft. Laramie, getting off to a difficult start and dropping the opening set 13-25. The team...

Sundance Times • Rebecca Maupin

The historic football season continued last Friday night as the Sundance Bulldogs hosted their first-ever 9-man home playoff game, welcoming a familiar opponent they had faced just two weeks earlier, the Greybull Buffalo. The previous meeting ended in a 49-42 offensive shootout, and Friday's matchup brought plenty of scoring once again. This time, however, the Bulldogs came away with a 61-29...

Sundance Times

Seventh Grade Molly Sue Blakeman Kate Lauren Dailey Maxwell Edward Dixon Emitt Braden Duncan Ella Margaret Ellsbury Madison Irene Finn Kinley Marie Garoutte Maggie Ann Geis Griffin Nicolas Gill Lochlan Robert Leo Gillis Jett Michael Gustafson Jaxton James Habeck Natalie Ann Halverson Bentley Marie Hansen Layn Susan Harless Millie JuneAnn Hoard Ella-Rose Marguerite Kidd Carly Rose Lambert Harper...

Sundance Times

FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE Default in the payment of principal and interest has occurred under the terms of a Promissory Note (the “Note”) dated July 25, 2015, executed and delivered by Kimberly D. DeCoteau and Robert J. DeCoteau (“Mortgagors”) to Freedom Mortgage Corporation, and a real estate Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) of the same date securing the Note, which Mortgage was executed and delivered by...

Sundance Times

FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE (For Publication) WHEREAS NOTICE IS HERBY GIVEN that a default in the payment under the terms of a secured and perfected Note has occurred. The Note is secured by a Mortgage dated August 18, 2025 and recorded on August 26, 2025 at REC # 696775 Book 693, Page 312 in the records of Crook County, Wyoming from Bruce Ramsay, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as...

Sundance Times

PUBLIC NOTICE In accordance with the provisions of the Wyoming Environmental Quality Act and Chapter 1 of the Solid Waste Rules, Wiser Solutions, LLC has submitted a permit renewal application for the BioWest Land Farm. This facility provides for the treatment of petroleum contaminated soils which have been generated within Wyoming and surrounding states. The 15.65 acre facility is located...

Sundance Times

1 Years Ago Nov 11, 1926 The Wyoming Senate and House will be Republican during the coming session. The election gave the Senate 15 Republicans and 12 Democrats. In the House, the Republican majority will be about 3 to 2. 25 Years Ago Nov 8, 2001 The last time Sundance had a girls volleyball state championship team was, according to former coach Mardell Palmer, in 1973, 28 years ago. The girls...

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Glen Haines and Philip Nelson will join Gary Mewes as the newest members of the Meade County Commission.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Voters selected 2 new faces to serve on the Lawrence County commission Tuesday, voting in Robert Haiwick and Mike Davies. Incumbent Eric Jennings maintained his seat.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper, Joshua Haiar and John Hult Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakotans rejected a ballot question Tuesday that would have raised the threshold for voter approval of state constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%.

Black Hills Pioneer • Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Mary Fitzgerald and Scott Odenbach will return to Pierre to represent District 31.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper and Meghan O'Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota voters approved a ballot question Tuesday that will allow the state Investment Council to manage the money in an unclaimed property trust fund.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — After a whirlwind 3 elections in 5 months, Gov. Larry Rhoden has won his own four-year term.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — Republicans won all the races Tuesday for South Dakota’s lesser-known statewide offices: secretary of state, attorney general, public utilities commissioner, auditor, treasurer, and commissioner of school and public lands.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — A well-funded challenge by an independent fell short Tuesday as Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota won reelection.

Black Hills Pioneer • By South Dakota Searchlight staff

PIERRE — South Dakota voters approved a state constitutional amendment Tuesday specifying that non-U.S. citizens are disqualified from voting.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota’s Republican attorney general was elected to the state’s only U.S. House seat on Tuesday.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Seth Tupper, Meghan O'Brien and Makenzie Huber Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota voters rejected a ballot question Tuesday that could have triggered a repeal of the state’s Medicaid expansion mandate.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Local republicans had a good night locally, winning their races.

Black Hills Pioneer

Monarch butterflies rest on their way to Mexico, Sept. 12, 2023, in Cleveland. AP Photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Rain at last.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Meade County Auditor Dawn Christenson has taken a position as the next finance officer for the city of Sturgis. Christenson’s last day with the county is Nov. 6, and she will begin her municipal duties on Nov. 9. Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Early consideration of liquor license renewals means that several Meade County businesses will have to wait to have their licenses approved.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Neil Whitney Black Hills Pioneer

Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Raising money for community art and art scholarships is a pretty sweet gig when cheesecakes are added to the mix.

Black Hills Pioneer

Midterm elections were on Tuesday. At the Spearfish Senior Center when polls opened at 7 a.m., a long line of voters were waiting to cast their ballots. Pioneer photos by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mary Steurer North Dakota Monitor

BISMARCK, N.D. — A North Dakota judge on Monday denied Greenpeace’s request for a new trial in the case brought against the organization by the developer of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — On Colorado Boulevard, especially past Heritage Drive on the way toward Sky Ridge, there’s an unpleasant smell motorists might detect while on the road.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

The Baker-Cronin Christmas tree is hoisted in the air Tuesday by workers from Tree Wise Men, in preparation for its journey to the state capital.

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County is getting ready to honor veterans for their service with events Nov. 11 and 12. Starting in late October, Hometown Hero banners were hung on light poles around the City of Custer. The banners individually recognize veterans with photos in uniform and brief descriptions of their service.

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County is adding a new layer of cybersecurity to its technology infrastructure, all in the name of avoiding the kind of cyber attack that crippled Pennington County not long ago.

Custer County Chronicle

Progress was the theme of the Oct. 19 meeting of the Custer City Council, as the council OK’d a pair of notices of substantial completion of a pair of projects with the city, including West Dam.

Custer County Chronicle

The 61st Annual Custer State Park Fall Classic Bison Auction is scheduled for this Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.m. When it rolls around, the park will be selling more animals than it has in recent years due to drought conditions.

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

South Dakota News Watch • Molly Wetsch

Ballot measures to tie Medicaid expansion to federal funding and raise the threshold to amend the constitution fail. Republican candidates win office for secretary of state, attorney general, auditor, treasurer and school of public lands.

South Dakota News Watch • Molly Wetsch

Gov. Larry Rhoden earns his first election as governor. Longtime prosecutor Marty Jackley heads to the U.S. House. And U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds gets a third term. GOP's candidate for Secretary of State's Office also won.

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper

By the time Tuesday’s “blue tsunami” washed in from the coasts and reached South Dakota, it was a ripple. State Democrats added four legislative seats, moving from eight to 12. It was the first time in 18 years Democrats have gained ground in the 105-member Legislature. Otherwise, South Dakota stayed Republican red as another 18-year […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Makenzie Huber

Voters in South Dakota’s Brown and Codington counties rejected new half-percent county sales taxes Tuesday, voting down plans their county commissions had proposed to lower homeowners’ property taxes. Brown and Codington were the first counties where voters weighed in on the new taxes. The decisions come after a string of county commissions approved local sales […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Makenzie Huber

South Dakota’s general election voter turnout dropped to a historic low Tuesday, with 49% of registered voters casting a ballot. Turnout is generally lower in non-presidential election years, according to data from the Secretary of State’s Office dating to 1964. The state’s previous low for a general election was 52% in 2010. University of South […]

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

No Democrat won a statewide race Tuesday in South Dakota, but the party picked up four seats in the Legislature. Nationally, Democrats racked up historic gains. They retook control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and scored major state-level wins, including the governorship in Texas for the first time since 1994 and Iowa […]

South Dakota Searchlight • South Dakota Searchlight staff

See below for results from South Dakota statewide races, statewide ballot questions and legislative races. For news coverage and commentary about South Dakota’s election, see Searchlight’s Election 2026 page. For local election results, such as county, city and school races and questions, see the South Dakota Secretary of State’s results page. For election coverage from […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper, Meghan O'Brien, Makenzie Huber

South Dakota voters rejected a ballot question Tuesday that could have triggered a repeal of the state’s Medicaid expansion mandate. When The Associated Press called the race at 1:22 a.m. Wednesday, 56% of the votes were against Amendment I and 44% were in favor. Over 80% of votes statewide had been counted. Amendment I would […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper, Meghan O'Brien

South Dakota voters approved a ballot question Tuesday that will allow the state Investment Council to manage the money in an unclaimed property trust fund. With 87% of the votes counted statewide by about 1:15 a.m. Central on Wednesday, 61% of the votes were in favor of Amendment K, and 39% were against it. State […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper

Republicans won all the races Tuesday for South Dakota’s lesser-known statewide offices: secretary of state, attorney general, public utilities commissioner, auditor, treasurer, and commissioner of school and public lands. The Associated Press called the secretary of state race at 1:33 a.m. Wednesday for Republican Heather Baxter, who had 59% of the votes to defeat Democrat […]

South Dakota Searchlight • South Dakota Searchlight staff

South Dakota voters approved a state constitutional amendment Tuesday specifying that non-U.S. citizens are disqualified from voting. The Associated Press called the race at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday with 62% of the votes in favor of Amendment J and 38% against it. About 72% of statewide votes had been counted. The state constitution already affirms the […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper, Joshua Haiar, John Hult

South Dakotans rejected a ballot question Tuesday that would have raised the threshold for voter approval of state constitutional amendments from a simple majority to 60%. When The Associated Press called the race at 11:24 p.m. Central time, 58% of the votes were against Amendment L and 42% were in favor. About 64% of statewide votes […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper

A well-funded challenge by an independent fell short Tuesday as Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota won reelection. Rounds led Brian Bengs 62% to 38% when The Associated Press called the race at about 11 p.m. Central time with 58% of statewide votes counted. Another six-year term for the 72-year-old Rounds will be […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper

After a whirlwind three elections in five months, South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden has won his own four-year term. The Republican was leading Democratic challenger Dan Ahlers 64% to 36% on Tuesday when The Associated Press called the race at about 10:45 p.m. Central time with 52% of the votes counted statewide. Rhoden’s win caps […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper

South Dakota’s Republican attorney general was elected to the state’s only U.S. House seat on Tuesday. Marty Jackley led his Democratic opponent, Nikki Gronli, 65% to 35% when The Associated Press called the race at 10:03 p.m. Central time with 43% of the votes counted statewide. Jackley will take over in January for the departing […]

Rapid City Journal

April 4, 1954 - October 31, 2026

Rapid City Journal

July 13, 1943 - October 23, 2026

Rapid City Journal

Feb 21, 1927 - Oct 31, 2026

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Amidst numerous statewide and legislative races on Election Day, seats for the Pennington County Board of Commissioners appeared on some Pennington County residents' ballots. There will be two new faces on the commission come the new year.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

With Republicans winning all the races Tuesday for South Dakota’s constitutional offices, Republican candidate Melissa Hull has joined in the fray by securing her seat as South Dakota State Treasurer during this election cycle.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

Incumbent Brock Greenfield was elected to serve a second term as South Dakota’s Commissioner of School and Public Lands in the general election on Tuesday.

Rapid City Journal • Madison Willis, Journal staff Shalom Baer Gee, Journal staff

South Dakotans approved the amendment that creates a permanent constitutional trust fund to manage money from unclaimed property held by the state, such as abandoned bank accounts, stocks, uncashed checks and other financial assets.

Rapid City Journal • TJ Rhodes, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

The voters rejected a ballot measure that would have increased the threshold required to approve constitutional amendments, Amendment L, on Tuesday.

Rapid City Journal • Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

On Tuesday evening, South Dakota voters rejected Amendment I, preserving expanded Medicaid coverage in the South Dakota Constitution if federal funding drops below 90%.

Rapid City Journal • Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

She was first encouraged by her husband to run in May, then formally endorsed by the term-limited incumbent in June and lastly received the Republican Party’s nomination a couple weeks later.

Rapid City Journal • <span>Vanessa Carlson Bender, Sioux Falls Argus Leader</span>

Between Republican Don Haggar and Democrat Frank Kloucek, South Dakota voters have decided on who will fill the open seat on the state Public Utilities Commission.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA, Journal staff

In the South Dakota House of Representatives race, four candidates competed for two seats to represent District 32. Incumbents Nicole Uhre-Baulk (Democrat) and Steve Duffy (Republican) won their races.

Rapid City Journal • Shalom Baer Gee, Journal staff Madison Willis, Journal staff

South Dakota voters on Tuesday, Nov. 3, approved a constitutional amendment that adds language to the South Dakota Constitution barring non-citizens from voting in local and state elections.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

Republican Heather Baxter won the election to become South Dakota’s Secretary of State, the top election official in South Dakota.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

South Dakota State Sen. Helene Duhamel wins her fourth and final term after beating challenger Jeff Shelton in Tuesday's election.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

During this election cycle, South Dakotans had four proposed constitutional amendments to consider — Medicaid expansion, voter eligibility, unclaimed property revenue, and the threshold for approving future constitutional changes.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Incumbents held onto their seats in the four legislative districts that span into or exist entirely within Rapid City. The roster of lawmakers headed to Pierre for the 2027 will largely look the same, with the exception of Republican David Johnson heading to the Senate to represent District 33. Johnson won the June primary for the Republican nomination.

Rapid City Journal • Tim Reid and Trevor Hunnicutt<br>Reuters

WASHINGTON — Democrats took control of Congress in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, making extraordinary gains deep in Republican territory with voters delivering a sharp rebuke to President Donald Trump and his agenda.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

Several efforts to implement new sales taxes fail at the local level in South Dakota. Two involved counties rejecting a sales tax to offset property tax and another saw a city vote down a tax to subsidize childcare development.

SDPB • By C.J. Keene

For the first time since the early 1970s, Rapid City has approved a school bond vote. Officials say this bond ensures each school has air conditioning, a new school can be built and modern security measures can be implemented districtwide.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

South Dakota voters approved two constitutional amendments on the ballot in Tuesday's election while rejecting two others.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

South Dakota Republican U.S. Sen. John Thune plans to make a bid to continue leading his party in the Senate, though if successful, his title is set to change.

SDPB • By Josh Chilson

While Democrats didn’t win any statewide races in South Dakota, they did pick up some seats in the state Legislature.

SDPB • By Lori Walsh, C.J. Keene, Jackson Dircks, Jackie Hendry

South Dakota Republicans won big at home but mourned a shifting national landscape. State Democrats won little at home, but danced joyfully at a blue wave that swept the U.S. SDPB reporters explore the tale of two parties.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

South Dakota Democrats will have to wait another two years if they want to see a Democrat win a statewide office.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

Republican Sen. Mike Rounds is retaining his seat representing South Dakota in the U.S. Senate.

Black Hills Pioneer

Friday evening, Spearfish’s downtown core was flooded with fantastic creatures: dragons and Care Bears, monsters and ghosts, Barbie dolls, zoo animals, and superheroes for a candy-packed community Halloween celebration. Pioneer photos by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer

Ghosts, goblins, ghouls and a crowd of colorful characters of all ages gathered at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor’s Center on Saturday for the annual Dark Matter Day and Trunk or Treat Halloween celebration. Community members from throughout Lead decorated their trunks to hand out candy to the youngest residents and visitors of Lead and Deadwood. Inside the visitor’s center, scientists and officials from SURF set up tables with a variety of fun science activities for the kids to enjoy. Pioneer photos by Wendy Pitlick

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

PIEDMONT — A Halloween traffic stop in Piedmont resulted in a major drug bust.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Joshua Haiar Southdakotasearchlight.com

Jim Terwilliger, commissioner of the state Bureau of Finance and Management, speaks during a House State Affairs Committee hearing on March 4, 2026, at the South Dakota Capitol in Pierre. Terwilliger spoke with the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors this week. Photo by Meghan O’Brien, South Dakota Searchlight

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

The 2026 Davis-Bahcall Scholars included Ethan Oolman, Quinn Kellar, Sannah Windy Boy, Lewis Carlyle, Zachary Conway, Ellie Erbentraut, Emma Plamp, and Joshua Wolfe. Photo by Stephen Kenny

Black Hills Pioneer • By John Hult Southdakotasearchlight.com

Participants in a welding program for minimum-security inmates are pictured at Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls. Photo by John Hult, South Dakota Searchlight

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

DEADWOOD — Lead-Deadwood High School has announced the ‘A’ and ‘B’ honor rolls for the first quarter of the 2026-2027 school year.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

DEADWOOD — Lead-Deadwood Middle School has announced the A and B honor rolls for the first quarter of the 2026-2027 school year.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer

Kids in Deadwood celebrated spooky season at the annual trunk or treat at the Days of ’76 Event Center and Kidweird at the Deadwood Gulch. Kidweird brought tiny princesses and Spidermen together for games, candy, and a costume contest. Pioneer photos by Sara Morgan

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Two Meade County bridges will be removed from the National Bridge Inventory, and will no longer be eligible for federal grants.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Deadwood Volunteer Fire Department hosted its annual chili feed Sunday, reminding community members to turn back their clocks and check their smoke detectors over a bowl of chili.

Black Hills Pioneer

Pioneer file graphic

Black Hills Pioneer • Bart Pfankuch South Dakota News Watch

Side-by-side photos of the Belle Fourche Reservoir are pictured here from Aug. 6, left, and Oct. 7. The water level decreased notably in that time. Pioneer file photos by Travis Potter

South Dakota News Watch • Molly Wetsch

A snapshot of the election before the midterm, including voter registration numbers, absentee ballots cast and details on election observers.

South Dakota News Watch • The Associated Press

Updated vote numbers on the statewide candidate races and ballot measures from The Associated Press, updated as votes are counted.

South Dakota Searchlight • Seth Tupper, John Hult, Joshua Haiar, Makenzie Huber, Meghan O'Brien

Democrats were expected to make gains nationally in Tuesday’s election, but interviews with voters reflected the challenges still facing Democrats in South Dakota, where the party was trying to prevent a losing streak in statewide races from extending to 18 years. Allison and Cade Wood, voters in their mid-20s from Sioux Falls, said they voted […]

Rapid City Journal • TJ Rhodes, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Incumbent U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds has staved off challenger and independent candidate Brian Bengs to remain South Dakota’s junior senator alongside U.S. Sen. John Thune.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

On Tuesday’s Election Night, the Pennington County Democratic Party hosted a private watch party at Mexico Topico. Inside the restaurant more than 50 supporters gathered.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

As of 11 p.m. on Election Night, Rapid City Area Schools $107 million bond question is slated to pass with 69% (12,511) of counted votes showing in favor and 31% (5,668) against. Eleven of the 47 precincts within the school district were fully reporting, and 35 were partially reporting.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

There are six South Dakota constitutional offices up for election: Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Commissioner of School and Public Lands, Public Utilities Commissioner, Attorney General and Auditor.

Rapid City Journal • Shalom Baer Gee, Journal staff<br>Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

Right at 7 p.m. on Election Night, Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden said he felt “okay.” Two-and-a-half hours later, he took the stage at the Hyatt Place in Rapid City to accept his victory in his first election

Rapid City Journal • Shalom Baer Gee, Journal staff<br>Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley took the stage at the Hyatt Place in Rapid City amid of sea of signs bearing his name to deliver a victory speech. It was just after 9 p.m. on Election Day.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

It's Election Day! The Journal will be updating readers as the day unfolds with coverage of the polls, local legislative districts, Pennington County Commission races and statewide ballot questions and competitions.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

A semi truck and trailer rollover accident early Tuesday morning temporarily diverted traffic on Interstate 90.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting webinars on Nov. 19, 23 and 30 about mental health and well-being for rural residents.

Rapid City Journal • JOURNAL STAFF

The Black Hills Center for Equality announced Monday, Nov. 3, that Maggie Lepa-Wince has been named president of the organization’s board of directors.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE, Rapid City Journal executive editor SHELLY CONLIN, Sioux Falls Argus Leader executive editor

Of the more than 140 years of operation between each of them, South Dakota’s two largest primary print-based media companies almost always have been owned separately.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS Journal staff

Two 18-year-olds dodged decades-long sentences for a stabbing incident that occurred in February this year that left two people forever “scarred” and “traumatized.”

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

A Bald Eagle that has wintered at Canyon Lake in Rapid City for the better part of a decade has succumbed to lead poisoning.

SDPB • By Josh Chilson, C.J. Keene

Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden has won four more years in the state’s highest office after defeating Democrat Dan Ahlers in the race for South Dakota governor.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

Republican Marty Jackley has won the race for South Dakota's lone seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks, C.J. Keene

Election voting is underway in the state. South Dakotans are hitting polls across the state to vote on candidates for federal and state-level contests. They’re also voting on Constitutional amendments. SDPB visited some polls in the state to see what's driving voters this year.

SDPB • By Lori Walsh

Teachers Gina Benz and Jackie Wilber unpack the latest research into AI in the classroom, including the role of human teachers in understanding when students are working in the "sweet spot" for learning.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

Tuesday is election day. South Dakota voters have several big decisions in front of them for this year’s midterm.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer

Voters casting absentee ballots Thursday saw a slight delay in obtaining their ballots after a large internet outage prompted election workers to verify voter registration status a alternate way. Pioneer photo by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer

Deadwood opened its streets to ghouls, ghosts, and spooks this weekend, celebrating Halloween with its usual style for Deadweird. Pioneer file photos by Sara Morgan

South Dakota News Watch • Bart Pfankuch

"We’ll reach a point where all the currently available water supply will all be in use, and in that case, the next family or business that comes to South Dakota will have to bring their own water."

South Dakota Searchlight • South Dakota Searchlight staff

Tuesday is Election Day in South Dakota, with races for state and legislative offices, four statewide ballot questions, and a variety of local races and questions. Nationally, control of both chambers of Congress is up for grabs, with implications for South Dakota Republican John Thune’s status as U.S. Senate majority leader. Polls are open from […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Marcia Erickson

On any given day in Sisseton, Milbank or Winner, you will pass an employer with a hiring sign in the window, or you will see an advertisement on social media or in the local newspaper. Some have been advertising for six months. Some for a year. The applicants are out there, and they’re interested. The […]

Rapid City Journal

Michelle Marie Leach, 69, Rapid City, died October 30, 2026. Visitation will be Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1-3 p.m. at Kirk Funeral Home.

Rapid City Journal

Jul 13, 1943 - Oct 23, 2026

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

Law enforcement have arrested an 18-year-old after a gunshot call on Monday, Nov. 2, led law enforcement to create a perimeter around a Robbinsdale home and nearby residents being told to shelter in place.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

A Rapid City woman was arrested after a pedestrian was struck and taken to the hospital during an alleged DUI incident on Friday, Oct. 3.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

As Election Day approaches, the Journal reached out to legislative candidates running in Rapid City districts with questions about who they are and where they stand on issues.

Rapid City Journal

A High Wind Warning is in effect until 6 AM MST Tuesday. Northwest winds are blowing at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph.

Rapid City Journal

A High Wind Warning is in effect from 9 AM this morning to 6 AM MST Tuesday. Expect northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts reaching up to 60 mph.

SDPB • By Lori Walsh

Banks have grown, but non-bank lending has grown even faster. Joe Santos explains how private lending fuels innovation while opening the door to vulnerabilities.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

After what’s been a dry year, precipitation has increased recently in parts of South Dakota. It brings both short-term headaches and potentially long-term benefits to farmers.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

A South Dakota organization is receiving nearly $8 million from the USDA to support a statewide grassland program.

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

Inmates in the Sioux Falls area can now access Pell Grants to pay for slots in welding courses in the community and diesel mechanic courses inside prison walls. Students can apply for federally funded Pell Grants to help them pay for post-secondary education. Since 2023, inmates in the U.S. have been allowed to apply for […]

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

A look at some items of interest on the agenda for the 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, Rapid City Council meeting.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

This map shows the proposed East and South Central Ambulance Districts, as well as the existing Rural Ambulance District, and the Piedmont Ambulance District. Courtesy graphic

Black Hills Pioneer • By Neil Whitney Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — In 1962, Dave Zien, then just a 12-year-old, got his first motorcycle.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

Work is finally underway to replace a bridge on Elmore Road. Construction has been delayed due to wildlife, funding, and utility replacements. Photo courtesy of Lawrence County Highway Department

Black Hills Pioneer • By Joshua Haiar Southdakotasearchlight.com

A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota, on Sept. 29, 2026. Photo by Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

PIEDMONT — As girders are installed for the new overpass bridge at exit 46 of Interstate 90, sections of the eastbound lane will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Nov. 3-5.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

RAPID CITY — Scouts across the Black Hills are preparing to make a difference in their communities through the annual Scouting for Food Drive, a community-wide service initiative that brings together young people, families, businesses, and neighbors to help fight hunger.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota’s Consumer Protection Fund will get a $2.6 million boost after General Motors agreed to settle allegations of selling private driver data to third parties.

Black Hills Pioneer

Abigail Scott worked remotely with local skincare company InovaSkin during a spring marketing internship, creating social media content and helping translate complex scientific concepts into consumer-friendly messaging. Scott is a senior at Black Hills State University majoring in business administration (marketing specialization) and music education. BHSU photo

Black Hills Pioneer

BHSU alum Erin Peterson, ‘25, stands beside the mural she designed and painted in the lower level of the David B. Miller Yellow Jacket Student Union. The mural, featuring a sprawling oak tree, was completed during summer 2026 and highlights Peterson’s passion for public art and community spaces. BHSU photo by Scott Thornburg

Black Hills Pioneer • By John Hult Southdakotasearchlight.com

South Dakota’s Correctional Rehabilitation Task Force meets Thursday, in Sioux Falls. Photo by John Hult, South Dakota Searchlight

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

Editors note: We’ve resurrected this story in the spirit of Halloween. It first ran on Oct. 31, 2025.

South Dakota Searchlight • Brad Johnson

Rapid City residents have packed public meetings debating data centers’ enormous electricity demands and potentially significant water consumption. Meanwhile, the proposed Dewey–Burdock uranium mine in the southwestern Black Hills is seeking permission to use groundwater to deliberately change its chemistry, potentially threatening a major underground aquifer extending beyond South Dakota’s borders. The first controversy has […]

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

Members of Northern Hills Diversion and Teen Court gathered in the Meade County courthouse Monday for an open house, presenting their skills in a mock trial. Pioneer photo by Sara Morgan

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

The site of the proposed Dewey-Burdock uranium mine in Fall River County. Photo courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Land Management

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer Staff Reports

BUFFALO — The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association (SDCA) is bringing its grassroots outreach to Buffalo, with their upcoming Western Region Roundup, being held on Nov. 7, at No. 3 Restaurant.

Black Hills Pioneer

Courtesy photo by MetroCG

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

The Deadwood Volunteer Fire Department will host its annual chili feed Sunday, offering free smoke detectors and batteries. Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer

Firefighters work to vent the roof of a house on Cedar Street in Sturgis Monday morning after a fire broke out. Pioneer photo by Brandon Woltkamp

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

PIERRE — The Associated School Boards of South Dakota (ASCSD) recently recognized several local school boards with its Gold Level award for their work during the 2025-26 school year.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

“Gaia Awakens” is the final installment in a dystopian fiction series by local author Kate Glass. Courtesy image

Black Hills Pioneer • By Eliza Blue A work of serialized fiction, special to the Pioneer

As Sophia’s laughter bounced around the creek like an otherworldly acrobat, Mercy thought of Ardath talking about the prairie playing tricks with light and sound. “She’s a sneaky one, alright,” Ardath had said with a rough chuckle. “Doesn’t give up her secrets easily. She’ll make you earn them — that’s for certain. See those buttes?” Ardath had pointed west to the sheer, white rocks some twenty miles away. ‘Some days I swear they are close enough to walk to before breakfast. Others I can’t see them at all.” She paused. “I’ll think I hear Harold barking by the barn, and I’ll find him down in the trees. The prairie is a tough old gal; she makes her own canyons with wind and clouds and then leaves us humans listening for the echoes.”

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

The children’s learning center in the library is an example of restricted funds that are used specifically for library materials and programming, and cannot go into the city’s general fund. Pioneer photo by Wendy Pitlick

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mark Watson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — One of 2 tiny homes that students built in their building trades class at Spearfish High School was auctioned Oct. 8.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

FAITH — The name of a Douglas, Wyo., man killed in a crash Sunday night has been released.

South Dakota News Watch • Emily DeCock

Key findings, approach and raw numbers from the fall 2026 South Dakota Poll.

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien

The South Dakota Department of Transportation estimates it will need to replace nearly 900 bridges or culverts over the next several decades, which could cost about $5 billion, according to a presentation Thursday to the state Transportation Commission. That includes the planned replacement of five bridges that cross the Missouri River. The first of those […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien

Throughout this campaign season, Searchlight Report podcast episodes have featured interviews with candidates for major statewide offices and people from each side of the four statewide ballot questions. With Election Day approaching on Tuesday, see below for all of those interviews with candidates for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House, and pro and con voices […]

Rapid City Journal

November 20, 1937 - August 30, 2026

Rapid City Journal

Feb 3, 1937 - Oct 28, 2026

Rapid City Journal

January 23, 1940 - September 21, 2026

Rapid City Journal

October 20, 1932 - October 26, 2026

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

In the midst of the statewide and legislative races and ballot issues, there are two contested Pennington County Commission seats on the general election ballot.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS Journal staff

A Rapid City man appeared in court Thursday, Oct. 29, two days after an alleged hit-and-run incident in Rapid City that left a 14-year-old hospitalized.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

General public comment may not be at the start of Rapid City Council meetings — or city committee meetings — for much longer.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

The Rapid City Fire Department has cleared Central High School of any potential gas leak. However, the department located a gas leak on 12th Street on Friday, Oct 30.

Rapid City Journal • <p>SHALOM BAER GEE</p><p>Journal staff</p>

It's been a tragic week in Rapid City.

Rapid City Journal • <p>SHALOM BAER GEE</p><p>Journal staff</p>

A 30-year-old man is dead after he leveled a scoped rifle at officers, threatening to kill every officer on the scene, the Rapid City Police Department said.

SDPB • By C.J. Keene

Hope, a famous bald eagle which roosted in Rapid City’s Canyon Lake neighborhood for nearly a decade, has died. An autopsy confirmed the cause was lead poisoning.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

South Dakota’s economy is a mixed bag, officials say. Part of that is the fact that farmers are getting a chunk of their income from the government, not markets.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

South Dakota is receiving $2.6 million dollars in a settlement from General Motors over allegations the company illegally sold consumers’ data.

SDPB • By Jackson Dircks

If South Dakota wants to see real change in its prison system as it pursues a stronger push for rehabilitation, it has a few things to clean up. While many are already underway administratively, it’s going to take time and cost some money, according to a report created for a legislative task force studying these issues.

SDPB • By SDPB News Staff

South Dakota is receiving $2.6 million dollars in a settlement from General Motors over allegations the company illegally sold consumers’ data.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

Pete Wilson, Sturgis Brown High School principal, accepts a donation of an AED for the school which will likely be placed in the gym to help protect families, students, staff and athletes in the event of a crisis.  From left are: Tim Chancellor, director of the Heart & Vascular Institute, Pete Wilson, and Jimmy Seward, with Monument Health.  Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — A question on South Dakotans’ ballots in the Nov. 3 election pits two philosophies against each other: One says it’s too easy to clutter up the state’s constitution with policies that don’t belong there, and the other says voters need the power to amend the constitution with a majority vote when lawmakers fail to adopt policies that voters want.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

DEADWOOD — Lawrence County commissioners Tuesday, acting as the board of adjustment, moved to update the conditional use permit for H&S Sand and Gravel to include dust control, a move made voluntarily by the owners of the pit that has been operating since the 1980s.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Nearly 20 colleagues and friends supported Deputy Bre Stacy when Meade County Sheriff Pat West presented her with the Lifesaving Medal, Tuesday. Pioneer photo by Wendy Pitlick

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

This map shows the Lazelle Street reconstruction area and schedule the S.D. Department of Transportation has established. Courtesy graphic

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

Spearfish-based Rose Group International is establishing a leadership training program for Emergency Medical Service professionals, using federal grant funds. Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Pioneer

Treats and fun science activities will abound at the annual Dark Matter Day and Trunk or Treat event at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor’s Center, Saturday.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

CUSTER — The Hell Canyon Ranger District is planning the Antihorse prescribed fire today, pending all required approvals.

South Dakota News Watch • Emily DeCock

Some political polls have garnered conflicting results. The latest findings of the South Dakota Poll, sponsored by News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at USD, are out. All the details will be published Friday.

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

It would cost at least $1.9 million a year to begin addressing shortcomings in rehabilitation within South Dakota’s prison system, according to the consultants hired to assess the system and recommend fixes. That money’s needed to pay rehabilitation-focused staff members at a market rate, fund housing and transportation support for people after their release, and […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

The South Dakota Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors discussed concerns Thursday about the shrinking share of residents in the workforce, struggling farmers and rising costs. Jim Terwilliger, commissioner of the state Bureau of Finance and Management, said there are “some headwinds out there, no doubt about it.”  “But as we, I think, have shown historically […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien

South Dakota’s Consumer Protection Fund will get a $2.6 million boost after General Motors agreed to settle allegations of selling private driver data to third parties. South Dakota Republican Attorney General Marty Jackley announced the settlement in a press release Thursday. He was one of 36 attorneys general involved in the settlement. The company collected […]

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

The City of Rapid City said Public Works staff is working with contractors on the South Street construction project to enable access to a Rapid City polling site during the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS Journal staff

A Rapid City man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for shooting another man in the head in January.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

While picking up candy for trick-or-treaters, consider adding a pair of pajamas to your shopping list. A pajama drive in Rapid City starts Nov. 2.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

Campaign finance records show Sen. Taffy Howard, R-District 34, accepted a $5,063.50 donation in the form of advertising from Florida strategy firm Southeastern Strategies. The amount is more than five times what state the law allows an entity or individual to contribute to a legislature candidate. The Pennington County Democratic Party filed a formal complaint with the state in response to the filing, asking the donation be investigated.

Rapid City Journal • Rapid City Area Schools

As voters prepare for the November 3, 2026, bond referendum, Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) is addressing common questions and claims about the proposed $107 million bond.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS Journal staff

Two days after 19-year-old Jason Brave was shot and killed in Rapid City’s Star Village neighborhood, the alleged shooter appeared in court Thursday morning. The judge set his bond at $15 million cash only.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

West River Alliance for Democracy wants to ensure that everyone who wants to vote can get to a polling place.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

The 2026 general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Here's what you need to know:

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Before the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election, the Journal reached out to incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds (R) on his efforts for re-election to represent South Dakota in the United States Senate.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Before the Tuesday, Nov. 3, general election, the Journal reached out to Independent Brian Bengs on his efforts to represent South Dakota in the United States Senate.

SDPB • By C.J. Keene

A complaint against state Republican Senator Taffy Howard alleges improper campaign contributions violated state campaign finance law.

SDPB • By Lori Walsh

Mike Thompson previews U.S. Supreme Court arguments, from climate change accountability to habeas corpus in a death penalty case.

Sundance Times • Rebecca Maupin

Sundance Times • Rebecca Maupin

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Sundance Times • Rebecca Maupin

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Black Hills Pioneer • By Emily DeCock and Molly Wetsch South Dakota News Watch

Voter support is higher for ballot measures on non-citizen voting and unclaimed property and lower for issues that would change Medicaid and the threshold to amend the constitution, according to the latest South Dakota Poll sponsored by News Watch and the Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota has received more than $1 billion worth of unclaimed property over the years from an array of sources, including cash, insurance policy proceeds and even gold teeth. Amendment K, a question on the Nov. 3 ballot, asks voters to allow the state Investment Council to manage a trust fund consisting of unclaimed property proceeds.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Sanford Health announced in November 2025 that it would open a Rapid City medical center. Courtesy illustration

Black Hills Pioneer

Good Shepherd Clinic provides free, quality healthcare services on Monday evenings at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Spearfish. Since 2015, the clinic has helped 1,100 people who needed emergency dental care specifically. On Monday, Spearfish Community Foundation delivered $5,000 to support Good Shepherd Clinic’s dental services. Pioneer photo by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

Jodi, a mounted Nanotyrannus skeleton, of the Cretaceous Period, approximately 67 million years ago, estimated at $6 - 9 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in New York. AP Photo, Yuki Iwamura

Black Hills Pioneer • By John Hult Southdakotasearchlight.com

Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Officials did not obtain the necessary permits from the federal emergency management agency before they installed culverts on Blanche Street, many years ago. As a result, the city is in violation of FEMA requirements for a flood plain, and Sturgis Public Works Director Rick Bush will submit a plan to fix the problem for FEMA’s consideration. Pioneer photo by Wendy Pitlick

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

RAPID CITY — A man was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in Rapid City.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

Lion Rock Resources, operators of a small mining area near the Wyoming border and the abandoned mining town of Tinton, presented their first annual report Oct. 13. Pioneer file photo

Custer County Chronicle

Make sure you know what’s on the ballot before you vote in the 2026 General Election Tuesday, Nov. 3. From the top, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds’ seat is up for a six-year term. Rounds, a Republican, is opposed by Independent candidate Brian L. Bengs. For U.S. Representative, Republican candidate Marty Jackley will face Democratic candidate Nicole “Nikki” Gronli for the two-year seat vacated by Dusty Johnson.

Custer County Chronicle

The annual Merchants’ Trick-or-Treat is taking place in downtown Custer from 4-6 p.m. this Friday, Oct. 30. Community members are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy a night full of trick-or-treating fun, treats, community and Halloween cheers.

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County had questions. The City of Custer had answers. Questions and concerns raised at the Oct. 7 meeting of the Custer County Commission regarding access to Granite Heights Road for future residents planned multi-family housing at the Bearded Buffalo Resort were assuaged at the commission’s Oct. 21 meeting, as Trent Bruce of DGR Engineering, acting on behalf of the city, told commissioners of solutions and preparations already made for the housing.

Custer County Chronicle

After changing the locks three times in 10 days, the Custer Senior Center is back under the direction of the originally elected board members as of Oct. 19. This board includes Betty Sowder (president), Roberta Duncan, Tony Gonsor, Shirley Lake, Vickie Hanson and Al Krienke and will be referred to as board one for this story’s purposes. Another board was appointed by members of the Custer Senior Center at an unofficial emergency meeting Oct. 9 when members called for the dismissal of board one by a 33-5 vote. This group will be referred to as board two.

Custer County Chronicle

In order to attend the Homecoming Coronation ceremony Oct. 12, the Custer School District Board of Education moved its regularly scheduled meeting from Hermosa to Custer and breezed through a short agenda. The facilities and transportation committee met with the contractors who are going to be involved with the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Community Housing Project.

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

Custer County Chronicle

South Dakota News Watch • Molly Wetsch

Latest South Dakota Poll also found a majority are opposed to data centers being built in the state and believe artificial intelligence has negative effects.

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

Downstream Missouri River states have worried for decades about receiving an insufficient flow of water from upstream dams. Now they’re worried their share of water could be further diminished by potential pipelines for dry Western states. The concern is the basis of a dispute about the U.S. House version of the federal Water Resources Development […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien

A company that wants to mine for uranium in southwestern South Dakota is restarting its state permitting process and preparing for a public hearing after securing federal permits earlier this year. Uranium is a metallic, radioactive element used as fuel in nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants. Interest in uranium exploration and mining has risen […]

Rapid City Journal

October 11, 1951 - October 17, 2026

Rapid City Journal

July 30, 1940 - October 26, 2026

Rapid City Journal

October 12, 1946 - October 23, 2026

Rapid City Journal

January 19, 1960 - October 24, 2026

Rapid City Journal

October 26, 2026

Rapid City Journal

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, at Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel in Spearfish with the burial to follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

West River Mental Health is adding youth crisis services to its programs in Rapid City beginning Nov. 1. WRMH is taking over the Crisis Care Center currently operated by Abbott House Youth Services .

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

Travelers at the Rapid City Regional Airport detoured to the east side of the building on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as the facility debuted the first phase of an $80 million overhaul featuring brand new ticket counters and a baggage system designed to ease passenger congestion and protect airport employees.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

A 19-year-old driver was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 28, in connection with a fatal rollover crash on Skyline Drive that claimed the life a passenger, police said.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

The pain was palpable in the Star Village neighborhood of Rapid City on Tuesday, Oct. 27, as candles lit up photos of 19-year-old Jason Brave and his relatives sang prayer songs to guide his spirit on its journey. Brave began that journey when he died earlier in the day after being shot.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

As burn permits return to the Black Hills Sunday, Nov. 1, fire officials have a blunt reminder for landowners eyeing their slash piles: A drop in temperature isn’t a free pass to strike a match.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Mulally beat Green by 656 votes — a 6% margin. Mulally is running uncontested in the general election for Pennington County Auditor, and is expected to be the county's next auditor starting in March 2027.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

A Rapid City man who broke into a woman’s home, brutally assaulted her and threatened to kill her was sentenced Monday to 30 years in prison.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — A supporter of a state constitutional amendment on South Dakota’s Nov. 3 ballot says it would close a loophole in voting eligibility, while an opponent says it engages in “fearmongering.”

Black Hills Pioneer

The Spearfish American Legion hosted a free, family friendly Halloween carnival on Saturday at the Spearfish Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 5860— complete with tricks, treats, and more-kooky-than-spooky events for the whole family.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

Clayton Phipps poses with a model of “The dueling dinosaurs” during the grand opening of the Dinosaurs of the Hell Creek Museum in Belle Fourche in 2025. Phipps unearthed the specimen ‘Jodi’ (scheduled for sale at auction in New York City today) as well as ‘Bloody Mary’ — the tyrannosaur in the dueling dinosaurs.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Tim Potts Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — First Presbyterian Church of Sturgis celebrated 140 years of faith, fellowship and community service Thursday, bringing together congregation members and community representatives for a ribbon cutting and rededication.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Keila Szpaller Daily Montanan

The Montana Public Service Commission is scheduled to take up the $15.4 billion merger proposal by NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corp. on Tuesday.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — A new ordinance officer will be part of the city’s planning department, not the police department, Lead City Commissioners said recently.

Black Hills Pioneer

FAITH — A Wyoming man died Sunday in a single-vehicle crash near Faith.

Black Hills Pioneer

PIERRE — With the Nov. 3 General Election approaching, the South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office encourages voters to confirm their polling location before Election Day. Polling places may differ from locations used in earlier elections.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Mike Koshmrk WyoFile

Pioneer file photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Anna Claire Vollers Stateline

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s defense endured a very long afternoon Saturday as the Yellow Jackets dropped a 42-10 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference decision to sixth-ranked Western Colorado at Lyle Hare Stadium.

South Dakota News Watch • Emily DeCock

Secretary of state race is contentious with three candidates vying for office. Other executive offices, including attorney general, treasurer, auditor, school and public lands and public utilities commission outlined.

South Dakota Searchlight • Brad Johnson

Imagine if Lake Oahe were filled with oil instead of water. We would treat it as one of the country’s greatest economic assets. Pipelines would be flowing. Industries would be built around it. The cost of moving oil west would be a budget line item. Water deserves the same kind of thinking. The difference is […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office said this week that federal election monitors will be in Minnehaha County for the Nov. 3 election, as the Trump administration prepares to deploy 1,000 monitors nationwide.  The state office said it received notice from the U.S. Department of Justice that monitors will go to the state’s most […]

Rapid City Journal

September 30, 1937 - October 26, 2026

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

The Seventh Circuit CASA Program Board of Directors announced today that Bailey Johns has been appointed Executive Director, effective Oct. 26, 2026. Johns had served as Interim Executive Director since Oct. 21, following the departure of longtime Executive Director Kehala Two Bulls.

Rapid City Journal • City of Rapid City

This summer’s Real America Birthday Bash provided a big economic boost to the Rapid City economy.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

South Dakotans have some choices to make during this election cycle. On the ballot are congressional races, the governor's race, several ballot issues and other state-wide elections. Have a look at everything that every South Dakota can make a decision on.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

The Rapid City Police Department announced the arrest of a 49-year-old man following Tuesday morning’s alleged hit-and-run incident.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

The Rapid City Police Department said law enforcement has determined who is allegedly responsible for the death of a Rapid City teen on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Rapid City Journal • SHALOM BAER GEE<br>Journal staff

A trio of Republican candidates seeking election or re-election stopped in Rapid City on Monday, Oct. 26, on a “Get out the Vote" bus tour.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS Journal staff

Family members of Michael Ladeaux urged a Pennington County circuit judge Monday, Oct. 26, to impose maximum life sentences on the two men convicted of beating the 24-year-old to death at the Oxford Square Apartments last fall. Delivering tearful victim-impact statements, relatives also voiced sharp frustration with prosecutors, demanding justice for Ladeaux that they argued the state had failed to deliver.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

STURGIS — Firefighters work to break open the roof to allow smoke out, after a fire started at a residence at 1336 Cedar St., in Sturgis. Sturgis and Whitewood fire departments responded to the fire at about 10:45 a.m. Officials reported that occupants and animals at the residence were able to get out safely.

Black Hills Pioneer

Inspired by Romanian history and classic creature features, Tri-State Museum and Visitor’s Center Director Krisiti Thelan’s original play, “Misunderstood Monsters” came to life during Pumpkin Fest Saturday. The play explored these of acceptance in 2 special performances. Pioneer photos by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer

Halloween has arrived at the Tri-State Museum and Visitor Center. Pumpkin Fest returned Saturday with costume contests, a spider exhibit, vendors, crafts, games, and classic Halloween hi-jinx (think spaghetti brains). Pioneer photos by Sierra Ferguson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Dawn Christenson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Makenzie Huber Southdakotasearchlight.com

Western Dakota Technical College in Rapid City is one of the four technical colleges in South Dakota. Courtesy of WDTC

South Dakota News Watch • Emily DeCock

South Dakota Poll shows support for non-citizen voting and unclaimed property ballot issues but higher opposition for changes to Medicaid and the threshold to amend the constitution.

South Dakota News Watch • SD News Watch

Free nonpartisan gatherings on the election and nation's 250th anniversary include discussions about civic responsibilities, how to find fact-based news and information, the ballot measures and voting.

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

Creating eight to 14 ambulance service regions might help preserve sustainable access to emergency medical care in South Dakota, according to lawmakers on a legislative study group. The group’s members cautioned, however, that it will take years to hash out where those regions might be, how large they’d be, and how much the state would […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar, Seth Tupper

Money is pouring into South Dakota’s U.S. Senate race as people and groups across the country sense a rare chance to support a potentially competitive challenger against a Republican incumbent. Both candidates have raised a majority of their campaign contributions from outside the state and have spent a combined $6.1 million, according to data compiled […]

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

SIOUX FALLS — South Dakota’s independent U.S. Senate candidate, Brian Bengs, said Sunday he “would probably not be here in a competitive position today” without the support he’s gotten from a new political party co-founded by a former Democrat and a former Republican. Bengs appeared alongside the Forward Party’s CEO and one of those co-founders […]

Rapid City Journal

July 10, 1947 - October 21, 2026

Rapid City Journal

March 31, 1924 - October 20, 2026

Rapid City Journal

March 13, 1936 - October 22, 2026

Rapid City Journal

February 21, 1935 - October 23, 2026

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA, Journal staff

The Pennington County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, to discuss an auditor transition plan.

Rapid City Journal • TANYA MANUS<br>Journal staff

Sanford Health announced Monday it has issued Wellmark a notice of contract termination effective July 1, 2027. This decision was made because of Wellmark’s continued demands for exclusive control to dictate how patients receive care and the reimbursement rates for medical care.

South Dakota Searchlight • Dana Hess

As if South Dakota’s two-party system wasn’t weak enough, now there are a slew of independent candidates up and down the ballot. While the number of independents running for the Legislature is unusual, it’s hard to tell just how independent those candidates will be. South Dakota’s two-party system is weak because candidates from the Democratic […]

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Spearfish Creek, Little Spearfish Creek, and Little Elk Creek are included on a list of about 145 miles of creeks that are being studied for Wild and Scenic River designation eligibility. Photo courtesy of John Mitchell

Black Hills Pioneer • By Makenzie Huber Southdakotasearchlight.com

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — About 1 in 3 women (33%) and 1 in 4 men (25%) experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

Black Hills Pioneer

Pioneer file graphic

Black Hills Pioneer

White’s Canyon Motors donated $2,910 to United Way of the Black Hills to support local programming. The dealership hosted a ‘community day’ on Sept 26, where it committed to donating $30 to United Way of the Black Hills every time a community member test drove a vehicle. Pictured are staff members from White’s Canyon and members of the United Way of the Black Hills Team. Photo courtesy Nikki Hoyme

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

Spearfish Community Foundation board members present a $3,000 donation to the members of the Spearfish High School CNA class — taught by McKenzie Lee. Pioneer staff photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

This picture shows the proposed water truck purchase, fully outfitted with a utility box and Tommylift. Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota Republican lawmakers who placed a state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 3 ballot have repeatedly said it would not automatically end expanded Medicaid eligibility.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick and Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

Little Elk Creek, Little Spearfish Creek, and Spearfish Creek are included on a list of streams that the Forest Service has proposed for Wild and Scenic River designations. Photo by John Mitchell

South Dakota Searchlight • Makenzie Huber

Enrollment at South Dakota’s four technical colleges increased, according to the 2026 fall enrollment report. The state Board of Technical Education reviewed the report Thursday during its Rapid City meeting. Total enrollment grew by 39 students over last year, reaching a record 7,813 across degree-seeking, dual-credit and non-degree-seeking categories. Dual-credit programs allow high-schoolers to earn […]

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

In effort to address concerns of long lines at the Pennington County Treasurer's Office, the county is shifting away from its queuing system.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — From short term rental license fees to building permit and public records fees, the cost of doing business with the city of Lead could increase significantly if a recent proposal is approved.

Black Hills Pioneer

WAGNER — More than 120 soldiers of the South Dakota Army National Guard’s 155th Engineer Company were honored at an activation ceremony Thursday morning at Wagner Community School.

Black Hills Pioneer • Pioneer staff reports

LEAD — If you are needing a night away from the kids with laughs, the Homestake Opera House may have the ticket for you this weekend.

Black Hills Pioneer

Seventh graders from Spearfish Middle School found their way from point to point along the Big Hill trails Wednesday. As part of their PE class, they learned map and compass skills and then put those skills to the test as they were tasked with finding flagged locations with a compass heading and distance. Pioneer photos by Mark Watson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sara Morgan Black Hills Pioneer

An updated housing study, commissioned by the Deadwood Lead Economic Development Corporation, outlines a possibility for the 2 communities to harness potential economic growth. Pioneer photo by Sara Morgan

Black Hills Pioneer • By Meghan O’Brien Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — Scaffolding stood in the center of South Dakota’s Capitol building for six months, but now the work is done and the reviews are coming in.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Eliza Blue A work of serialized fiction, special to the Pioneer

The water got deeper more quickly than Mercy expected. As soon as the creek curved and Melissa was out of sight, the eddies and stones of the shallows abruptly disappeared and were replaced by a much faster, more dangerous current.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

“Sirens of the Salted Sea” was written by Spearfish High School graduate Jennifer Emerson Evans.

Black Hills Pioneer

Bob Burns and Dr. Philip Nelson respectively. Pioneer graphic

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Todd Jones has resigned as executive director of the Historic Homestake Opera House Society.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

Lead city crews work to repair a water line break. Lead officials say a water and sewer rate increase is necessary for the city to qualify for state grants and loans to repair and replace infrastructure. Pioneer file photo

South Dakota News Watch • Bart Pfankuch

Red Cloud Renewable Energy Center houses and trains students to work in the solar power industry, and the nonprofit was recently given a national award for its efforts.

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien

Groups opposing a higher bar for approving state constitutional amendments have so far outspent supporters of the ballot question by nearly $2 million, according to campaign finance reports filed this week. L-No, a state-level ballot question committee formed to defeat the proposal, has raised over $2.2 million — primarily from a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit called […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Meghan O'Brien, Makenzie Huber, Seth Tupper

Byron Sutter has been voting by mail for years, ever since he worked in healthcare and couldn’t leave his patients to vote in person. Mary Ann Klarenbeek votes by mail because she has breathing problems and can’t stand in line at a polling place. John Jeratowski travels for work as a journeyman electrician and would […]

Rapid City Journal

March 31, 1924 - October 20, 2026

Rapid City Journal

George S. Strandell, 79, of Rapid City, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 21st, at Monument Health. Funeral Services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, October 30th at Kirk Funeral Home. Kirk Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Rapid City Journal

August 25, 1971 - October 20, 2026

Rapid City Journal

April 28, 1951 - October 13, 2026

Rapid City Journal

September 10, 1953 - October 18, 2026

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS, Journal staff

A Rapid City teen was sentenced to 10 years in prison with four suspended for second-degree manslaughter for his involvement in a 2024 fatal shooting that resulted in a 16-year-old boy’s death.

Rapid City Journal • Journal staff

Two people are being treated for serious, life-threatening injuries after a rollover car crash on Skyline Drive.

Rapid City Journal • MADISON WILLIS<br>Journal staff

After a recent surge of reports from local residents, along with officers observing unsafe behaviors amongst e-bike, e-motorcycle and e-scooter riders on roadways and at city parks, the Rapid City Police Department is launching a safe riding habits initiative.

Rapid City Journal • JOSHUA HAIAR South Dakota Searchlight

The South Dakota Secretary of State’s Office said this week that federal election monitors will be in Minnehaha County for the Nov. 3 election, as the Trump administration prepares to deploy 1,000 monitors nationwide.

Rapid City Journal • <p>SHALOM BAER GEE</p><p>Journal staff</p>

Just over half a dozen eighth-grade students spend their Thursday, Oct. 22 learning about leadership.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

With the current Pennington County Auditor leaving before her interim role is up and her next-in-command transferring out of the department, the office is set to be without top leadership after the general election. Who is to fill the roles until a new auditor takes over in March 2027 is an unanswered question.

Black Hills Pioneer

Courtesy photo

Black Hills Pioneer • By John Hult Southdakotasearchlight.com

PIERRE — South Dakota specialty courts are saving taxpayers money on prison costs, according to an annual report presented to the state’s Drug Court Advisory Council.

Black Hills Pioneer • By Wendy Pitlick Black Hills Pioneer

PIERRE — License plate decal sales have helped fund hardwood release and pine tree thinning projects in the Northern Hills, officials from the South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks said recently.

Black Hills Pioneer

Lisa Schieffer and Glen Haines respectfully. Pioneer graphic

Black Hills Pioneer

Belle Fourche PumpkinFest

Black Hills Pioneer • By Sierra Ferguson Black Hills Pioneer

The city council has approved the first change order in Spearfish’s campground waterline project. Pioneer photo by Mark Watson

Black Hills Pioneer • By Neil Whitney Black Hills Pioneer

Lana Wenzel, left, and Bill Wenzel have been running the Knothole since 2015.

Custer County Chronicle

JoAnn Stearns claims she has the best office view in the Midwest, and she’s probably right. For the last three years Stearns as been the lookout at Bear Mountain, which is one of six active fire towers in the Black Hills. It’s a great job with a rich history and she gets many interesting visitors every summer.

South Dakota News Watch • Emily DeCock

Race includes second-time Senate hopeful Independent Brian Bengs challenging incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, who's seeking his third term.

South Dakota Searchlight • John Hult

State and federal officials on Thursday heralded the start of a yearslong, $290 million project to replace the “vital lifeline” that is South Dakota’s longest bridge. State Highway 44’s Platte-Winner Bridge, which opened in 1966, is more than a mile long and crosses the Missouri River in the southeastern part of the state. The new […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

WAGNER — About 120 South Dakota National Guard soldiers are deploying to the U.S.-Mexico border for a year at the request of the federal government, the state’s seventh border deployment since 2021. The state Guard’s Adjutant Gen. Mark Morrell spoke to a full gymnasium of family and community members at a ceremony Thursday in the […]

South Dakota Searchlight • Joshua Haiar

Toby Doeden spent a total of about $5.3 million of his own money on his failed campaign for governor of South Dakota, according to a new campaign finance report. The report, which was due this week, covers the Doeden campaign’s spending from May through the June 2 Republican primary election and July 28 runoff. Doeden […]

Rapid City Journal • C.J. Keene, SDPB

A letter delivered to the SDPB Black Hills studio from an inmate in Pennington County Jail made serious allegations connected to conditions inside the jail. For some, these conditions are a temporary situation that will be remedied soon, although others say conditions reach the level of “inhumane.”

Rapid City Journal • <p>MADISON WILLIS</p><p>Journal staff</p>

The Children’s Home Society of South Dakota hosted their grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 20, for its new Rapid City campus. The Rapid City facility is predicted to begin school sometime in November after the children who will be attending the school tour it next week.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

As work continues on the over 15-acre Knollwood Park in north Rapid City, the city's Parks and Recreation Department is looking to expand the site with a road extension to provide ample parking spots and space for future development.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

At the Rapid City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 19, the city recognized Rapid City Stevens girls tennis for winning the 2026 South Dakota High School Activities Association Class AA girls tennis state championship.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun appointed Scott Anderson as the director of the Parks and Recreation Department for the city on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Anderson has been acting as the interim director when the former director Jeff Biegler announced retirement on July 24.

Rapid City Journal • FRANK ESPINOZA Journal staff

At Monday night's Rapid City Council meeting, two Ward 5 residents voiced concern over election interference from road construction near a polling site located at 1018 11th St., in Rapid City. Residents said this could interfere with voter turnout for the Nov. 3 general election.