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Hi Black Hills, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Largest wind farm approval, K-9 keg pull, and Skogen Kitchen’s butter cake + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Investment in children’s healing: Sanford Health donated $2 million to Children’s Home Society for its Rapid City campus, supporting residential treatment for kids ages 4 to 14 who have experienced abuse or trauma — read the full story.

Decades of wind power ahead: Regulators approved the largest South Dakota wind farm near Philip, east of Rapid City, a project expected to add up to 87 turbines and create about 200 construction jobs — get all the project details.

Norwegian-named neighborhood gem: Skogen Kitchen in Custer is a tiny restaurant with a seasonal menu and a butter cake locals keep raving about. A delicious Black Hills favorite to try soon — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

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.

Highlights this week:

• Learn forest bathing with Madison Ferguson
• Compete in the Mile High Basketball Tournament
• Attend retirement and Social Security workshops
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

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.

Glide without the gravel: Roosevelt Park Ice Arena is your easy local fix when you crave roller-rink vibes, minus the potholes. Cruise clean ice, sneak some low-key people-watching, and let a few smooth laps clear the brain. Winter blahs lift into a little Rapid City joy, no drama, just glide.

Unexpected Ice Age detour: Skip the usual routine and wander through The Mammoth Site, an active indoor dig in Hot Springs where towering tusks and sinkhole stories make science feel alive, without the homework. It’s a smart break that still feels epic and surprisingly chill.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Black Hills for grown ups

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.

🌮 Indian Taco and Silent Auction @ Zymurcracy Beer Co. | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – Indian tacos are taking over Zymurcracy, with a silent auction to benefit STARS No Kill Rescue. Fifteen bucks gets you a plate and a cookie, drinks are on you, and the bidding is friendly, competitive, and accidentally addictive. Bring your generous streak, and your appetite.

🍷 March Sip n Shop @ Dandelion Bouquet | Friday (3/6) at 4:00 PM – Need a low-stakes way to ease into spring? Wander Dandelion Bouquet for a first Friday sip and shop, sample bubbly or zero-proof while you browse, and snag Heaven’s Lucky Charms bracelets, because retail therapy counts as self-care, whether you roll solo, with friends, or family.

🎨 Artist Debut: Jehle Kae @ Aby’s Rapid City | Friday (3/6) at 5:00 PM – Opening night of Jehle Kae’s debut at Aby’s brings intricate black and white pen work, all Black Hills grit, wildlife, and quiet punch. The artist will be there, so ask questions, sip something, and pretend you’re sophisticated. Bonus, half the proceeds go to AFSP.

🏺 Clay Planter Class @ Prouty Pottery | Friday (3/6) at 6:00 PM – Spring is allegedly on the way, so make a clay planter with the Prouty Pottery crew, no green thumb required. Shape it, add your quirky flourishes, come back to paint for free, then snag your masterpiece the next week. Quality time, tactile therapy, $55.

🎭 Lord of the Thrones: Murder Mystery Dinner @ Coffee and the Cats | Friday (3/6) at 6:30 PM – Break out your cloak and appetite, and head to Hydrock Castle for a murder mystery dinner where politics promptly devolve into intrigue and bodies. Five medieval courses, roles assigned in advance, you are part of the show, costumes encouraged, and time in the Kitty Cove.

🛍 Spring Thaw Vendor Show @ Atonement Lutheran Church | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Shake off cabin fever with caramel rolls, monkey bread, and a leisurely wander through local art, crafts, baking, essential oils, and jewelry. Spring Thaw Vendor Show is where you shop, snack, and catch up with half the town. Crafters, snag a booth before they disappear.

🐕 K-9 Keg Pull @ Main St. Deadwood | Saturday (3/7) at 10:30 AM – Ready to watch good dogs haul empty kegs in a race down Main Street, snow willing. They’re sorted by weight, you bring a harness, and fifteen bucks gets your pup in while supporting Twin City Animal and Deadwood Revitalization. It’s ridiculous, wholesome, and very Deadwood.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 United in Song @ Rapid City Rush – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 Open Mic @ Dahl Arts Center – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 The Cantio Flutes and more @ Hay Camp Brewing Company – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 A Mad Breakfast @ Historic Homestake Opera House – 6:30 PM
• 3/7 Terry Peak Music Series: Après-ski @ Terry Peak Ski Area – 1:30 PM
• 3/7 The Wilt Brothers @ The Custer Beacon – 7:00 PM
• 3/9 Drum Circle @ Black Hills Spiritual Center for Peace – 6:30 PM

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.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• 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: 67°F – Low: 29°F – Precip: 37%

A chance of rain after 5pm. Partly sunny. High near 67, with temperatures falling to around 58 in the afternoon. West wind 6 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Rain likely before midnight, then rain and snow likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 29, with temperatures rising to around 32 overnight. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 23°F – Precip: 47%

A chance of snow before 5pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 43, with temperatures falling to around 41 in the afternoon. North wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 39 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. Northwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

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.

This house is wild

This Black Hills aerie crowns 2.5+ acres bordering National Forest, five minutes from Deadwood with Sturgis address. Walls of windows frame sunrise-to-starlight vistas, matched by quartzite throughout and Jasper Green inset cabinetry. A wraparound deck and walkout patio with hot tub anchor outdoor living and rare privacy. Flexible spaces span loft and lower level with wet bar and second laundry.

Take a peek inside →