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Good morning, Black Hills! In today’s edition: Record sales tax windfall, dark matter Q&A with Gavin Cox, 76 Days Adrift screening, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Windfall fuels public projects: Rapid City reported a record October for sales tax collections, topping $74.6 million, with growth linked to tourism, construction, and new hotels that boosted revenue across the city — learn what’s driving the surge.
Celebration plan faces scrutiny: Rapid City is weighing closing streets downtown for America 250 festivities July 2 and 3, with concerts, reenactments, and exhibits. Legal and Finance Committee delayed a decision to next meeting — see what’s being considered.
Officials rethink recycling operations: Rapid City received nearly $5 million from the EPA to upgrade recycling. Plans include expanding commercial pickup and improving drop-off sites, aiming to boost recycling rates and rein in costs — see how funds will be used.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Transit riders gain new option: Rapid City’s RapidRide routes now show up on Google Maps, making it easier to plan trips to work, school, or around town. You can compare options and pick the best route. The RTS website still lists hours, fares, and detailed stop info for the six loops. Get all the details.
Cheer up your corners: The Farmer’s Daughter blends home decor, yard art, and just enough antiques for an easy home reset. Browse whimsical signs, seasonal finds, and conversation starters that make friends ask “Where’d you get that?” while you stay effortlessly cool.
Cider, on your terms: With a self-serve tap wall featuring hard ciders alongside South Dakota brews, Pour 54 Taphouse lets you choose what you crave, build a mini flight, and stumble onto new favorites. Keep weeknights pleasantly unpredictable… one sip, then another, until you find your go-to.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
🧱 Lego Club (Ages 5-8) @ Grace Balloch Memorial Library | Wednesday (1/7) at 3:30 PM – If your kid has been itching to build something that won’t booby-trap your living room, the monthly LEGO Club has you covered. First Wednesday is for ages 5 to 8, with snacks, supplies, and zero cleanup for you, just proud little architects.
🧶 Crochet with Chelle @ Sturgis Public Library | Thursday (1/8) at 5:00 PM – Give your scrolling thumb a rest and pick up a hook at this free intro to crochet for teens and adults. The library brings the yarn, hooks, and patience, you bring curiosity. Register by calling the library, yes, a phone call.
🌲 Cabin Nature Chats @ The Trailhouse | Thursday (1/8) at 6:00 PM – Sweater weather calls for a cozy nature fix at the Trailhouse. BHPFA leads interactive cabin chats on field notes, survival basics, animal tracking, and the secret language of wildlife, all in a warm room. Ten bucks at the door, no signup, just show up.
This weekend
✍ Signing Saturday @ Jitter Joint Play Cafe | Saturday (1/10) at 9:30 AM – If your voice needs a break, Jitter Joint has a free 30-minute sign language class with Shawna Goldhammer and Chelsey Talley from SD Services for the Deaf and SD DROP. No registration, all ages welcome. You’ll need a play pass to stay and play afterward.
❄ The Art of Snowshoeing Youth Workshop @ Days of ’76 Museum | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – If winter has settled in for its usual extended stay, redirect the kids to the Art of Snowshoeing Youth Workshop with Deadwood History, Inc. at the Days of ’76 Museum. They’ll tromp the trails, learn local lore, and actually earn that hot cocoa.
🌲 Cabin Nature Chats @ Lost Cabin Beer Co. | Sunday (1/11) at 11:00 AM – Swap bar trivia for actual field smarts at Lost Cabin’s cozy taproom, where BHPFA is running a series of hands-on nature chats on tracking, survival, and decoding bird gossip. Ten bucks at the door, no signup, just good beer, sharp minds, and winter-proof skills.
🎬 76 Days Adrift Film Screening @ The Matthews | Sunday (1/11) at 2:00 PM – If you think waiting at DMV is rough, try 76 days on a life raft crossing the Atlantic. This survival doc about sailor Steven Callahan hits The Matthews with Ang Lee’s blessing, Patrick Stump’s score, and two screenings. Tickets are $15, bring your favorite realist.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Black Hills report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 51°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 5%
Mostly sunny. High near 51, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. West wind 3 to 9 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Later: Partly cloudy. Low around 31, with temperatures rising to around 33 overnight. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 24°F – Precip: 4%
Partly sunny, with a high near 53. West wind 6 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 24. West wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
This house is wild
A newly built ranch in Vernon Heights pairs quality construction and modern finishes with Black Hills views on a 0.64 acre lot. An open concept main level shows vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and large windows framing the covered deck. The kitchen features quartz countertops, soft close cabinetry, a large island, and stainless appliances. The primary suite offers a walk in closet and ensuite.
Downstairs, insulated concrete form walls improve comfort, quiet, and efficiency. A family room, two bedrooms, and a full bath add space. On demand hot water, a heated three car garage, a walkout to the yard, and city utilities on a paved street complete it.
Take a peek inside →
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