Rapid City parks announce winter restroom schedule changes

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Many of the Rapid City parks restroom facilities have been closed for the season, and the city announced has announced schedule adjustments for the remaining facilities. The Memorial Park bandshell will be secured and closed for the winter season starting this week. Then on Nov....

‘Land Back Equals Bison Back’: NDN Collective to Sign Buffalo Treaty

Foster Cournoyer Hogan’s family frequently teases him about his appetite as a child. “My family told me I wouldn’t eat ground beef until I was in kindergarten,” he told Native News Online. “I would only eat buffalo. That’s something I carry with me because it unknowingly shaped who I was.”

Rapid City Area Schools unveils new visitor check-in process

RAPID CITY, S.D. - A new process is underway at Rapid City Area Schools to help strengthen visitor management and school access, along with improving student safety. According to school officials, individuals dropping off items, asking questions, or doing business with office staff will be unaffected unless their visit requires further entry into the school.

Meade 46-1 Superintendent discusses proposed four-day school week

STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade 46-1 School District has wrapped up three days of public hearings to discuss a proposed four-day school week. The sessions included results from a survey […]

VA funding to support upgrades at Hot Springs, Fort Meade facilities

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Veterans receiving care in the Black Hills will see infrastructure improvements at Veterans Affairs facilities in Hot Springs and Fort Meade through additional federal funding. The VA Black Hills Health Care System has received fourth-quarter funding for several infrastructure projects as part of a nationwide...

Sturgis Finance Officer Ann Bertolotto to retire

STURGIS, S.D. – After 34 years of service to the City of Sturgis, longtime employee and current Finance Officer Ann Bertolotto plans to retire at the end of 2026. Bertolotto […]

Water line repair at Fifth and Columbus to cause lane closures, service disruptions Wednesday in Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Crews will repair a water line break at the intersection of Fifth and Columbus streets Wednesday, potentially disrupting water service for nearby Rapid City residents. Traffic control will be in place before the morning commute, closing the outside northbound lane of Fifth Street and merging...

Sturgis Council approves option 1 to fix compliance violations to two Bear Butte Creek crossings

STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Council approved what’s called a Consideration of Corrective Action Alternatives Monday night for FEMA compliance violations on two Bear Butte Creek crossings. Sturgis Public Works Director Rick Bush says the violation is associated with culverts previously installed at the Blanche Street and Sly...

Rapid City area, business leaders break ground on Northline Business Park

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - City and business leaders broke ground Thursday at the future site of Northline Business Park, a mixed-use business park officials said will support Rapid City’s next wave of growth. The groundbreaking marks the start of site preparation and infrastructure work on the property. Once...

RCAS implements visitor management system

RAPID CITY, SD — Rapid City Area Schools is strengthening visitor management and school access procedures by implementing Raptor VisitorSafe at every RCAS school. The new system went live Oct. […]

Marine Corps Reserve's Toys For Tots program returns to the Black Hills Area

PENNINGTON COUNTY, S.D. - The Marine Corps Reserve's Toys For Tots program has returned to the Black Hills area ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Toys For Tots was started in 1947 by a Marine Corps Reservist, who wanted to provide toys for children who were in need. This effort was eventually adopted by the Marine Corps, which then grew to reach different communities across the country.

Rapid City Demonstrators Gather at City Hall for ‘No Kings’ Rally Ahead of Midterm Elections

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Community members gathered outside Rapid City Hall on Saturday for the “No Kings” rally, calling for civic engagement and voter turnout ahead of the upcoming November midterm elections. Held in mid-October, the event was timed specifically to reach residents before key voter registration...

Rapid City Residents Asked to Share Photos of the City's Past

RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City is asking people to bring old photos to a public event to help preserve the city's history. The Rapid City Historic Preservation Commission and The Journey Museum are hosting Picture Our Past from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8, at The Journey Museum, 222 New York St., according to the city.

Land Surveyors Gather at Mount Rushmore to Mark America’s 250th and Roll Out Modernized Mapping System

RCAS Implementing New Visitor Management System at All Schools

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Rapid City Area Schools (RCAS) launched a new districtwide visitor management system today, requiring all guests venturing beyond a school’s main office to undergo enhanced security […]

Hundreds attend forum on Rapid City’s proposed data center ordinance

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Hundreds of Rapid City residents packed City Hall Wednesday to weigh in on the city’s proposed data center ordinance. Staff with the Community Development Department hosted an open house in council chambers and the Circle of Friends Community Room to share details of the updated ordinance and take public feedback.

Rapid City Families Take the Plunge at 4th Annual Floating Pumpkin Patch

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Dozens of local children traded the traditional pumpkin patch for the pool on Saturday for the fourth annual Pumpkin Plunge at the Roosevelt Swim Center. The indoor event brought together 77 registered children to swim alongside floating pumpkins before choosing their favorite to take home....

Governor Rhoden helps cut ribbon on new SEAT base in Wall

WALL, S.D. – South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden was on hand to cut the ribbon on the new Single Engine Air Tanker (SEAT) Base in Wall last week. “I’ve been […]

New coordinate system from the National Geodetic Survey announced at Mount Rushmore event

KEYSTONE, S.D. — NOAA and the National Geodetic Survey announced a new coordinate system at Mount Rushmore that would help upgrade services that track location and improve technology. The announcement came Monday morning during an America 250 celebration with the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the South Dakota Society of Professional Surveyors. NOAA said in a media invite the upgrade could be ready in 3 to 4 months.

Rapid City Arts Council Opens 2027 City Arts Fund Grant Application Supporting Arts Nonprofits in Rapid City

Rapid City Arts Council Opens 2027 City Arts Fund Grant Application Supporting Arts Nonprofits in Rapid City. Rapid City, SD – The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) champions the power of art to bring people together and serves to promote the arts in the Rapid City area. In partnership with the City of Rapid City, the arts council aims to do that by helping to fund access to the arts for the entire community. As part of a continued investment, RCAC announces the launch of the 2027 City Arts Investment Fund (AIF) grant program, committing $100,000 of city funds to nonprofit organizations proposing unique artistic and cultural experiences for the Rapid City community.