Happy Friday, Black Hills. In today’s edition: Steam Saturdays, Black Hills Harley-Davidson Santa event, Bonzye Tiny Shop holiday pop up, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

City growth by the numbers: Urban3’s financial study for Rapid City found Target and Uptown Mall use substantial land while generating low revenue, and reported mixed TIF performance, offering tools to guide compact development — see what the study found.

Joining forces for kids: Abbott House raised over $10 million to acquire Rapid City-based Wellfully, expanding continuum of youth care while keeping services locally led, with closing targeted for January 1 or February 1 — get details on the acquisition.

Inside a holiday delivery hub: As peak shipping season ramps up, Amazon’s Box Elder distribution center added 60 workers and expects 25 to 40 percent more orders through December 23, despite windstorms slowing deliveries — learn what peak looks like.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per 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.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Register kids for Black Hills Toy Drive
• Hear Vivaldi’s Four Seasons by candlelight
• Hip hop and comedy collide live
• Enjoy comedy and hip hop at Aby’s Night Shield
• Play themed music bingo at Local Music Bingo
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

From service to stewardship: Rapid City Fire Department is recruiting for its nationally recognized Veterans Wildland Fuel Module, a crew that reduces wildfire risk while creating career paths for veterans. Started in 2013 with the Bureau of Land Management, the program emphasizes camaraderie and purpose. Interested applicants should watch the department’s social media for updates. Read the full story.

Holiday cheer with purpose: Rapid City’s 800 block of St. Cloud Street has gone full North Pole. After resident Kari Kadrmas, whose husband is battling cancer, asked neighbors to join her, more than a dozen 20-foot Santas and snowmen popped up. Dozens have already driven through, and she hopes “Saint Claus Street” becomes an annual tradition. Read the full story.

Fresh cut, less fuss: Downtown, Quintessence Salon and Spa delivers precision cuts, dimensional color, and styling. It also handles skin, nails, and lashes in one mellow space. Expect effortless polish, and leave looking like the week went exactly as planned.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🎸 West Dakota Live on Aby’s Pub stage @ Aby’s Rapid City | Friday (12/12) at 7pm – Western Dakota is serving up a three-hour blend of cowboy swagger, gritty soul, and rock ’n’ roll that’ll make your boots tap whether you’re wearing them or not. Grab a drink, claim a barstool, and let the live sound shake the long week right out of you.

🏒 Allen Americans at Rapid City Rush @ Ice Arena at The Monument | Friday (12/12) at 7:05pm – The Americans roll into Rapid City for a night of hard hits, fast plays, and the kind of chirping that pairs beautifully with cold arena air. Expect big energy, hometown pride, and at least one moment that makes you yell loud enough to scare the guy in front of you. Lace up your fandom and get ready for a rowdy Friday faceoff.

This weekend

🔬 Steam Saturdays @ The Journey Museum | Saturday (12/13) at 10:30am – This family-friendly STEAM hangout blends hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math, so the kids get curious while you quietly high-five yourself for educational parenting. Expect nerdy, goofy experiments, tinkering, and creative builds, plus plenty of aha moments, giggles, and glue sticks.

🎅 Black Hills Harley Davidson Santa Event @ Black Hills Harley-Davidson | Saturday (12/13) at 11:00am – Holiday cheer meets chrome at Black Hills Harley-Davidson, with mini services and photos with Santa that beat mall lines by a mile. Bring the kids, the bike, or your best ho-ho-horsepower grin, and let Saint Nick bless your ride, your patience, and your gift list.

🍷 Holiday Wine Event – Ticketed Event!@ BIN 605 Wine Beer & Tapas Bar | Saturday (12/13) at 6:00pm – Trade the mall madness for a cozy holiday wine affair featuring an exclusive selection from Peachy Canyon and Cadre, paired with seasonal bites in a properly festive room. It’s ticketed, so wrangle a friend, claim your spot, and call it quality time, not errands.

🛍️ Bonzye Tiny Shop Holiday Pop Up @ Bonzye Tiny Shop | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Take a break from the big-box chaos and pop into the Bonzeye Tiny Shop at 616 West Street. It’s a snug trove of Black Hills art, stickers, jewelry, and other giftable treasures, open select weekends through Christmas. Shop small, chat locals, leave smugly.

🎶 Music Bingo @ The Local | Sunday (12/14) at 5:00pm – Trade G-52 for GLORIA at music bingo, where song clips replace numbers, and your mixtape-era brain finally earns prizes. Expect themed rounds, small wins, and a lively crowd that knows their one-hit wonders, 80s hooks, and movie jams. All ages, zero pressure, maximum nostalgia.

😂 Steve-O @ Fine Arts Theatre at The Monument | Sunday (12/14) at 7pm – Buckle up for an unfiltered night of comedy, chaos, and stories that definitely weren’t cleared by any lawyer. Steve-O brings his trademark blend of shock, honesty, and “I can’t believe he actually did that” energy to Rapid City for one wild Sunday show.

Next week

📜 Oceti Sakowin Treaty Conference 2025 @ DoubleTree by Hilton Rapid City Downtown Convention Center | Tuesday (12/16) at 8am – This full-day conference brings together leaders, community members, and allies for deep dialogue on treaty rights, sovereignty, and the ongoing work of the Oceti Sakowin. Expect meaningful presentations, cultural grounding, and conversations that matter far beyond the walls of the convention center.

🔭 Steam Cafe – Into the Hearts of the Stars with Caspar @ Hey Camp Brewing Company | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – Skip the horoscope and get the real star story. Mark Hanhardt from the Sanford Underground Research Facility breaks down how CASPAR, a compact accelerator almost a mile underground, helps decode stellar fusion, element making, and the recipe that built, well, everything.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/14 Music Bingo @ The Local – 5 pm
• 12/19 Holiday Sip & Sing with Nick Linn @ Firehouse Wine Cellars – 6 pm
• 12/19 Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings @ The Performing Arts Center – 6:30 pm
• 12/20 Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More @ Performing Arts Center of Rapid City – 6:30 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Black Hills edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Jaima Knutson (RE/MAX Results)

Ten minutes to Rapid City, this custom 5-bed, 3.5-bath on a .65-acre lot mixes nature and convenience. Vaulted ceilings crown an airy layout, the kitchen stars a massive granite island for year-round island fever and fresh tile, and the lounge channels a 1970s conversation pit for late-night banter.

An 18-by-19 primary with tray ceiling, walk-in shower, and soaking tub anchors the main level plus another bedroom. Downstairs brings two more beds, a bath, and a game-ready flex zone. A 45-by-27 heated garage offers a half bath and parking, and the property backs to the park and walking trail.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →