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Hi Black Hills, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Sequitor Edge data center, Safe Haven Baby Box, and forest bathing + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around the Black Hills protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

New high-tech facility slated: Sequitor Edge has announced plans for a 10-acre Tier 3 edge data center in Rapid City, bringing three high-skilled jobs averaging $100,000 and boosting secure, fast data processing for industries — get all the details.

Tax district clears first hurdle: Rapid City’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved a $27 million Marshall Heights TIF that could bring a Chick-fil-A, with demolition and infrastructure upgrades planned, pending further city committee approval — see proposals and next steps.

New lifeline for infants: South Dakota’s first Safe Haven Baby Box was installed in Rapid City, offering a climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored way to safely surrender newborns under a law passed in 2025 — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

All the crowd favorites:

• Learn forest bathing with Madison Ferguson
• Attend retirement and Social Security workshops
• Compete in the Mile High Basketball Tournament
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 This week’s top finds

Vintage treasure HQ: When your closet craves history with personality, Dandelion Bouquet gathers 60-plus local vendors under one roof. Dig into vintage clothing, handmade gems, and that “wasn’t looking for this… wow” thrill. Ideal for a quick browse that somehow becomes a haul, thanks to the serendipity baked into every rack.

When carbs call: Sabatinos Italian Restaurant turns weeknights into little victories with house-made gnocchi, ravioli tartufi, and that super comforting spaghetti bolognese. Ideal for date night, catch-ups, or a well-earned solo twirl, it dishes pasta-powered bliss without the fuss.

Burger night, sorted: In a treat‑yourself week, Lewie’s Burgers & Brews serves juicy build‑your‑own burgers and the raved‑about Southwestern Dakota Burger, plus a low‑key hang with arcade games and plenty of TVs. Easygoing, satisfying, and ideal for unwinding without overthinking dinner.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🎨 Introduction to Watercolor @ W Rapid St, Rapid City, SD 57702, United States | Wednesday (3/11) at 12:00 PM – If you’ve been meaning to swap scrolling for something that feeds the soul, this six-week intro to watercolor is studio-style and all about process, not perfection. Cozy home studio, choose Wednesday or Thursday, in-class supplies provided, $240, basic drawing skills required, spots are limited.

🧵 Scrappy Stars Paper Piecing Class @ Fabric Bash (Rapid City) | Wednesday (3/11) at 5:00 PM – Bring that overflowing scrap bin and turn it into six inch star blocks at Fabric Bash’s paper piecing class, at both locations. Confident beginners and seasoned stitchers get guided foundation techniques, accuracy tips, and leave with finished stars, new skills, and a little closet space.

🌲 Forest Bathing @ Henry’s Books (Spearfish) | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Grab your boots and your patience for birdsong, then let local expert Madison Ferguson lead some Forest Bathing, a mindful wander in the Hills, no bathtub required. It pairs with the Spearfish Mini Read’s In the Distance, free to attend, community-backed, donations welcome.

☘ St Patrick’s Vendor Day @ Stay USA Cafe (Hot Springs) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Kicking off the year with a St. Patrick’s-themed vendor day, packed with local makers, Gail’s sweet treats. Shop a little, then lean into breakfast specials, or corned beef and cabbage with Irish soda bread, because balance. Regular menu still holding down the fort.

👪 Southern Hills Family Resource Fair @ Custer Elementary School | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Custer County’s one-stop Family Resource Fair is back, bigger, and free. Expect youth programs, health services, and neighbors who actually know stuff, all under one roof. Skip the wild goose chase, bring the kids, the questions, and maybe a tote for the swag.

🛍 Women & Wellness Marketplace Pop Up @ The Monument (Rapid City) | Saturday (3/14) at 10:00 AM – Women and Wellness pop-up, free to enter, brings together dozens of local, women-focused vendors, interactive demos, and feel-good finds. If your self-care routine is mainly caffeine and good intentions, come browse beauty, skincare, fashion, home decor, support local, then leave happily lighter, and calmer.

🐾 Spay & Neuter Bingo Fundraiser @ American Legion Riders Post 71 Hot Springs, S.D. | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Do some good and shout bingo without leaving the neighborhood. This spay and neuter fundraiser has a proper $7 pulled pork sandwich, chips, and a cookie, no fuss, no kale. Eat well, chuckle with your neighbors, and help fewer surprise litters.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Black Hills report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 1%

Sunny, with a high near 72. West wind 6 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 38 overnight. West wind 5 to 8 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 65°F – Low: 26°F – Precip: 6%

Mostly sunny. High near 65, with temperatures falling to around 63 in the afternoon. East wind 5 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain before midnight, then a chance of rain and snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 26. Northeast wind 6 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

Most popular house this week

This 33-acre spread on the edge of Spearfish showcases red rock sunrises and calming sunsets, plus gently rolling, build-ready hills. A 7,200-square-foot post-frame building pairs a two-story, 2-bed, 3-bath home with heated floors throughout and a wood-burning stove. The adjoining shop impresses with 16′ sidewalls, four overhead doors, LED lighting, two floor drains, and sweeping views.

Take a peek inside →