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Melissa Burke speaks while being inducted into the Chadron State Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2021
A former outstanding athlete at Chadron High School and Chadron State College, Melissa Burke, has been appointed the NCAA compliance assistant director at Indiana State University at Terre Haute. The announcement was made last week by ISU’s associate athlete director for compliance, Joel McMillen.
Burke has lived in Chadron much of the time since graduating from CSC in 2001. She was quoted in an ISU news release announcing her appointment that she is thrilled to be selected for the position and is anxious to begin.
“I could not be more pleased to be a Sycamore,” she told the ISU sports information reporter. .
McMillen stated Indiana State had a number of qualified candidates for the position, but said Burke’s experience as Chadron State’s athletic administrative assistant 2007-11 and compliance coordinator 2011-15 will make the compliance operation at ISU even stronger.
She also gained additional experience as the assistant athletic director and senior women’s administrator at CSC 2015-16.
Burke had worked as a customer service representative at Farmers State Bank (now Nebraska Bank) in Chadron the past few years.
As a senior at Chadron High in 1996-97. Burke earned Class B Second-Team All-State in volleyball and Class C-1 First-Team in basketball. She averaged 18 points and 7.8 rebounds that season, when the Cardinals reached the semifinals at the State Tournament.
She was a four-year starter on the Chadron State basketball teams that qualified for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference playoffs three times. The Eagles won 20 games when she was a junior and 19 when she was a senior and reached the playoff semifinals both years.
A 5-11 forward, Burke scored 956 points and grabbed 441 rebounds during her college career. She led the RMAC and set the CSC record for free throw shooting as a sophomore when she made 74 of 83 for 89.2 percent. She finished her career having shot 77.4 percent at the line.
As a senior in 2001, she was selected as the Eagles’ outstanding female scholar-athlete and received the Clyde Bond Memorial Award. She was inducted into the CSC Athletic Hall of Fame in April 2021.
Her daughter, Anika, a 2021 Chadron High graduate, also excelled as a free throw shooter, making 82 of 95 shots for 86.3 percent her final two years. Anika now plays volleyball at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima.
Melissa’s parents, Ron and Mary Burke, were long-time employees of Chadron State. Ron, who passed away in July 2021, was a highly-regarded economics professor for 25 years and Mary was recognized as a valuable office manager/assistant in several offices at the college.
Melissa Burke
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2022-07-22T07:18:09Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Melissa Burke takes post at Indiana State | Sports | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/melissa-burke-takes-post-at-indiana-state/article_91143bbd-4ad6-58be-b066-aafb2895cfe9.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/melissa-burke-takes-post-at-indiana-state/article_91143bbd-4ad6-58be-b066-aafb2895cfe9.html
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Riley Northrup, the head track and field coach at Chadron State College the past five seasons, has submitted his resignation effective at the end of July. CSC Athletic Director Joel Smith said the search for a replacement is underway.
In August 2017, the last time the Eagles needed a new track and field mentor after Brad Gamble abruptly resigned to become the head coach at Colorado Mesa, Northrup was appointed about 10 days later.
The Eagles had much success under both coaches.
Northrup said he regrets leaving his alma mater, but both he and his wife, Megan, have accepted positions at South Dakota State University at Brookings, where they will be close to their families. He will teach health and physical education and probably help coach track. She will head the university’s master’s degree program in dietetics.
“This is Megan’s dream job. She did not apply for it. They contacted her.” Northrup explained.
She has a bachelor’s degree in dietetics and a master’s degree in nutrition and exercise science from SDSU, where she also was an excellent sprinter on the Jackrabbits’ track team after being a state champion while competing at Roosevelt High in Sioux Falls.
Northrup, 33, was 2010 honor graduate of Chadron State. He had been a standout all-around athlete at Hot Springs High, earning all-conference in both football and basketball, placing second in the high jump at the South Dakota State Meet as a sophomore and winning the event as a senior.
At Chadron State, he earned All-American honors by clearing 6-8 ¾ at the NCAA Division II National Indoor Meet in 2007, after going 6-10 ¼ earlier in the season for his collegiate best.
He received National Coaches Association academic honors three times while attending CSC.
Before becoming the Eagles’ head coach, he was on the track and field coaching staffs at Augustana University at Sioux Falls, S.D., and Ashland University in Ohio. He earned his master’s degree at Augustana in 2014.
As things turned out, Northrup was just getting warmed up as a high jumper while he was at CSC. He continued to compete while coaching at Augustana and Ashland by entering “open” meets and cleared at least seven-feet 10 times, topped by a leap of 7-2 ½.
The latter mark would have qualified him for the 2016 Olympic Trials, but an Achilles tendon problem ended his high jumping career.
During his tenure as the Eagles’ head coach, they won 17 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference championships and placed nine times at NCAA DII National Meets. Six school records have been set the last five years.
The CSC men had a particularly outstanding season in 2022, scoring 111 points and placing third at the RMAC Outdoor Meet. With only five seniors on this year’s rosters, Northrup expects the Eagles to fly even higher in the future. While leaking word that he had resigned, he handed over a list of nearly 30 freshmen he has signed to join the team for 2022-23.
During the 2022 season wrap-up story, Northrup noted the Eagles had 11 NCAA National Indoor and 8 National Outdoor Meet qualifying marks, and also posted 52 all-time, top-10 Chadron State marks. The team had four athletes compete at the DII National Indoor Meet and three outdoors.
The Northrups have two children. Ryker was born April 30, 2020 and Isle arrived a month ago on June 20.
Brad Gamble
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2022-07-22T07:18:14Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Northrup leaving as Chadron State track coach | Sports | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/northrup-leaving-as-chadron-state-track-coach/article_8b216f74-9644-536c-969a-6ca40414d304.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/northrup-leaving-as-chadron-state-track-coach/article_8b216f74-9644-536c-969a-6ca40414d304.html
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According to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, the two men from Missouri were hiking in the park on an unmarked trail featured in a social media challenge and ran out of water.
Maxwell Right, 22, of St. Louis, collapsed and died from suspected dehydration and exposure. His 21-year-old companion, also from Missouri, was reached by park rangers and flown by Life Flight air ambulance to Monument Health. He was being observed for exposure and dehydration due to the hot weather and lack of water.
"The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office recommends the public stay on marked trails and carry sufficient supplies when participating in outdoor activities," a press release stated.
Responding agencies include Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Badlands National Park Law Enforcement, Life Flight, Wall Ambulance, Rapid City Ambulance and Interior Volunteer Fire Department.
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2022-07-22T07:18:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Hiker from Missouri dies on unmarked Badlands trail | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/hiker-from-missouri-dies-on-unmarked-badlands-trail/article_210e04a4-81a0-5edd-a29f-cfde76a6fd43.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/hiker-from-missouri-dies-on-unmarked-badlands-trail/article_210e04a4-81a0-5edd-a29f-cfde76a6fd43.html
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Jenney Gulch picnic, parking area to be re-established
Jenney Gulch is well-known for scenery, fishing and cliff-jumping into the crystal clear waters of Pactola Lake.
Jenney Gulch picnic area fishing access (an inlet on the west side of Pactola Reservoir) is becoming more and more popular, drawing hundreds to thousands of visitors each year. The Black Hills National Forest is working to alleviate parking concerns and enhance safety in the area due to increased visitation, while allowing access to public lands.
Jenney Gulch picnic area fishing access will be closed, Wed. July 20, 2022 (all day) to allow crews to move boulders and re-establish the parking area.
It is imperative that traffic, including emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and visitors are able to safely park and drive in and out of this area,” said Jim Gubbels, Mystic District Ranger, Black Hills National Forest. “It is a big safety concern if an emergency occurs, and vehicles are unable to get to the scene to assist.”
A message board will be posted at the junction of Hwy 385 and Silver City Rd. to alert drivers of the closure.
Crews are working hard to mitigate all the issues associated with the large number of visitors to this area, including littering. Officials are asking the public to be responsible stewards and leave the area in good or better condition and pack out what you pack in.
Jenney Gulch Picnic Area
Jim Gubbels
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2022-07-22T07:18:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Jenney Gulch picnic, parking area to be re-established | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/jenney-gulch-picnic-parking-area-to-be-re-established/article_b51d325e-3715-5246-89f4-e95503d4bb5d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/jenney-gulch-picnic-parking-area-to-be-re-established/article_b51d325e-3715-5246-89f4-e95503d4bb5d.html
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The Nov. 18, 2021 grand jury indictment alleges Billie Jean Red Owl, 34, caused the death of her daughter, Kayza Jean Red Owl, by engaging in a pattern of child abuse, including failing to provide sufficient food, hydration and medical care to Kayza, who died 10 days before she would have turned three months old.
The indictment states the abuse lasted the entirety of the baby’s life, from June 26, 2020 to Sept. 16, 2020. Kayza’s name is redacted from the indictment, but her obituary is public.
The second count, felony child abuse and neglect, accuses Red Owl of knowingly abusing, exposing, torturing, tormenting and cruelly punishing Kayza by failing to provide proper parental care, subjecting her to an environment which was injurious to her welfare, and failing and refusing to provide proper and necessary subsistence, supervision, medical care and any other care necessary for her health, guidance and well-being.
Law enforcement arrested Red Owl on June 13 on a federal warrant. Red Owl and her defense consented to her continued detainment pending trial on the grounds she is a risk to the community and there is a serious risk she would not appear in court.
If convicted of the crimes, Red Owl faces up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine, or both. She is currently in custody at the Pennington County Jail. Red Owl's jury trial is scheduled to start Nov. 18. The deadline for reaching a plea deal is Sept. 30.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Sazama is prosecuting the case, and Alecia Fuller is Red Owl's defense attorney.
Kayza’s father, Chester Apple, 39, also of Kyle, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on June 24 for distributing meth over a six-year period.
Felony Child Abuse And Neglect
Billie Jean Red Owl
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2022-07-22T07:19:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Kyle woman charged with murder, child abuse and neglect for baby's death | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/kyle-woman-charged-with-murder-child-abuse-and-neglect-for-babys-death/article_ac5228f3-1019-5cd9-b26e-8151dda6639d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/kyle-woman-charged-with-murder-child-abuse-and-neglect-for-babys-death/article_ac5228f3-1019-5cd9-b26e-8151dda6639d.html
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B-21 bomber to be revealed later this year, Rounds says
Shown is a B-21 Raider artist's rendering graphic from the U.S. Air Force. The rendering highlights the future stealth bomber with Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., as the backdrop. The first B-21s will be assigned to Ellsworth Air Force Base near Rapid City.
Courtesy U.S. Air Force
The B-21 Raiders will be revealed later this year and the project is on time and on budget, U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., announced Tuesday.
Rounds was the sole elected official in a visit to the B-21 Raider production facility in Palmdale, California. Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor on the B-21 program.
Ellsworth was announced as the preferred location for the bomber in March 2019 and was officially selected in June 2021 as the U.S. Air Force's first base to receive the aircraft.
Rounds helped secure funding for the bomber program through the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020 and 2022. The act appropriates money for military activities of the Department of Defense, military construction and defense activities for the Department of Energy, prescribes military personnel strengths for the fiscal year and other purposes.
U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., spoke on the Senate floor Wednesday on the importance of passing the act, which is taken up by the Senate every year.
"Right now, my priority is ensuring Ellsworth remains a responsive and lethal component of Global Strike Command, with the B-1 bomber leveraging the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile and its long Range Anti-Ship Missile derivative," he said. "And as we look to the future, I am working to ensure the base continues to receive full funding for the many equipment and support facilities that will be needed for the B-21 Raider mission at Ellsworth."
Thune said the act would continue the work on the low-observable coating restoration facility, a weapons generation facility and a radio frequency facility.
Rounds said the aircraft will play a crucial role in the defense of the United States, and will have a significant impact in the Rapid City area for generations to come.
He said it was encouraging to see a project of its size still proceeding, with challenges of supply shortages and pandemic concerns.
Rounds said he has an ongoing commitment to make certain that the facilities are modernized and are welcoming to the new airmen and their families.
"Furthermore, remember that there will be additional security improvements because this will be a bomber with nuclear capabilities," he said. "As a South Dakotan and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I will remain engaged in Ellsworth's assumption of the B-21 mission, one which will help secure our nation for decades to come."
Correction: This article was corrected at 9:40 a.m. July 21 to reflect Northrop Grumman is the prime contractor on the program.
Ellsworth Afb
B-21 Raiders
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2022-07-22T07:19:16Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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B-21 bomber to be revealed later this year, Rounds says | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/b-21-bomber-to-be-revealed-later-this-year-rounds-says/article_1629bd32-46ce-50e7-a33d-cdcdb2b9051a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/b-21-bomber-to-be-revealed-later-this-year-rounds-says/article_1629bd32-46ce-50e7-a33d-cdcdb2b9051a.html
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Janet Carol Rust
Janet Carol Rust, 77, of Nemo, SD, died at Monument Health Sturgis Senior Care Center on July 18, 2022. A visitation will be held at Kinkade Funeral Chapel on Friday July 22, 2022 from 1:00p.m. to 3:00p.m., with a funeral to follow at 3:00p.m. Burial will take place at Nemo Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
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2022-07-22T07:20:20Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Janet Carol Rust | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/janet-carol-rust/article_7e08f033-e92b-5c01-8acf-3e12abf1231d.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/janet-carol-rust/article_7e08f033-e92b-5c01-8acf-3e12abf1231d.html
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Pennington County Human Resources Director Jon Morrill and Commission Manager Holli Hennies talk through a presentation on a four-day workweek proposal at the Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning.
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners approved a 4-day compressed workweek proposal for the County Administration Building at its regular board meeting Tuesday morning.
The proposal, to take effect Nov. 14, will implement expanded hours at the administration building to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the building closed to the public on Fridays. Certain offices such as State's Attorney and Public Defender, information technology, and emergency services will still operate as necessary, outside of the compressed workweek schedule.
The plan was originally conceived by employees and department heads as a way to improve employee retention, Commission Chair Gary Drewes said.
“We have not been able to hire and the number of applicants is way down compared to what it normally was,” he said. “So, not only do we need to be able to hire people to fill those positions, but to retain individuals."
The Treasurer’s Office fueled parts of Tuesday morning’s discussion, noting lines out the door, often hours before opening, leaving no time for employees to process mail. Title companies were a concern, with one company expressing concerns related to recording documents and updating files.
Commissioner Ron Rossknecht said he could not support the proposal without satisfying concerns from title companies. Register of Deeds Audra Casteel agreed to sit down with Rossknecht and the title companies to work through their concerns.
Public comment suggested the change would be in the best interest of the employees, but not the public. Concerns were expressed over the lost day, regardless of expanded hours. One speaker gave an example of a customer driving from Wall on a Friday only to find the offices closed.
“This whole thing is about getting the level of service back, or keeping it the same, instead of deteriorating,” Commissioner Lloyd LaCroix said. “It is what prompted all of this.”
Jon Morrill, human resources director, and Holli Hennies, commission manager, made a presentation to the board, including employee and public surveys, community impact, data and research from other four-day workweek examples and logistics within each department.
A public feedback survey conducted in the Treasurer’s Office and Planning Department revealed over 80% were in favor of the expanded hours, with an-almost 50/50 split on which day they preferred the building to be closed.
Employees were also surveyed, collecting pros and cons of the proposed change. Pros included flexibility for appointments, more family time and more time to complete tasks uninterrupted. Cons included less time in the evenings on longer days, scheduling difficulty with school and daycare, and less time to complete tasks.
Morrill and Hennies referenced a study from Microsoft Japan in which the company did a month-long trial of a four-day workweek, reporting a 40% gain in productivity, 23% reduction in electricity and 58% reduction in work-related page printing.
While the building will be closed to the public on Fridays, each department will work with their staff to establish schedules that work for its employees.
LaCroix moved to approve and implement the four-day workweek for the County Administration building, to continue to support remote and flexible work schedules for all county offices and departments, and for the current holiday schedule observance policy to remain in place, with a review of the new plan scheduled in six months.
Commissioner Travis Lasseter suggested the review period be three months rather than six, with both Morrill and Highway Superintendent Joe Miller suggesting a time period that short would be disruptive to the employees.
The commission approved the proposal, with a six-month review, 3-1. Lasseter voted no, and Commissioner Deb Hadcock was absent from the meeting.
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2022-07-22T07:20:53Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pennington County approves 4-day workweek | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-approves-4-day-workweek/article_750da62b-78a5-5320-9067-f53514b73fe0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-approves-4-day-workweek/article_750da62b-78a5-5320-9067-f53514b73fe0.html
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Pennington County approves first reading of ordinance to increase wheel tax
The Pennington County Administration building
The Pennington County Board of Commissioners approved 3-1 the first reading of an ordinance that would increase the county wheel tax from $2 to $5 at its regular board meeting Tuesday.
A first reading and public hearing was held on the ordinance, for the “imposition and collection of a wheel tax in Pennington County.” The measure states the current wheel tax revenue “is no longer sufficient” to support the Pennington County bridge preservation, rehabilitation and replacement schedule, listing 89 of the county’s 127 bridges as needing replacement over the course of the next 25 years.
A fact sheet on the county's website said that implementing the increase would generate an additional $2.2 million in funding for roads and bridges. The ordinance states that inflation, material and fuel costs have significantly increased construction costs and reduced the amount of work that can be done with current funding.
The previous $2 wheel tax was approved in June 2020. South Dakota law cites that in order to be eligible to receive state funding for bridge improvement, counties are required to adopt a wheel tax. The board had previously adopted a wheel tax ordinance in 2015, but it was referred to a vote, and voters overruled the commission.
The new ordinance that would implement the wheel tax increase states that the commission has determined the public’s safety is at risk, and that the implementation of the increased wheel tax is needed to provide “immediate and sufficient funding.”
“We are a little bit handicapped on the BIG (Bridge Improvement Grant) funds because of the only $2 that's out there,” said Commission Chair Gary Drewes. [It] works on a point system. And so if you only have a $2 wheel tax, you have to basically contribute more local dollars in order to get those match dollars.”
The point system dictates that if the county has the full $5 wheel tax, they get the full 10 points. Pennington County receives 4 points with the current $2 wheel tax. BIG grants are awarded based on the points system.
Highway Superintendent Joe Miller gave a report on the current state of bridges in Pennington County, saying the average lifespan of a bridge is about 50 years, with many being built after the 1972 flood approaching that mark. He said the average cost for bridge reconstruction is $750,000.
Several citizens brought concerns before the commissioners, including questions of how the tax would be appropriated and who would oversee that it goes for roads and bridges. One speaker expressed concern over already paying a “heavy use tax” in addition to an international fuel tax.
“Back when we referred the wheel tax, we had objections then that it was coercion by the state on to the counties,” one speaker said. “It pits counties against each other for the money.”
Speakers also questioned funds going to East River bridges, the use of an emergency clause and what kind of assessments were done on existing bridges.
Mike Mueller called it a “pay-to-play situation, where it’s almost a raffle.” Another speaker accused the board of “nickel and diming” taxpayers with the $2 wheel tax two years ago, calling it extortion.
Commissioner Travis Lasseter said he didn’t know if extortion was the correct term, but that he agreed it is “inappropriate.”
“You’re saying you cannot get something without doing another tax,” he said.
Lasseter also discussed a road levy as an alternative, asking speakers their preference between a road levy and a wheel tax. Most speakers said they would prefer a road levy, with Drewes noting the reason he suggested the wheel tax as the better option was because it “captures everybody that has a vehicle.”
Commissioner Lloyd LaCroix said he would “absolutely not” support a road and bridge levy, saying that because the county already has a wheel tax, both could be increased.
The board discussed continuing the issue, with the absence of Commissioner Deb Hadcock, but also noted a tight time frame in getting it included with the 2023 budget. Commissioner Ron Rossknecht made a motion to continue, but later made a substitute motion to approve the first reading as presented.
The motion passed 3-1, with Lasseter voting no. The second reading is scheduled for Aug. 2.
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2022-07-22T07:21:00Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pennington County approves first reading of ordinance to increase wheel tax | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-approves-first-reading-of-ordinance-to-increase-wheel-tax/article_992a2eec-d553-5aab-9843-1914b596bb46.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pennington-county-approves-first-reading-of-ordinance-to-increase-wheel-tax/article_992a2eec-d553-5aab-9843-1914b596bb46.html
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A 35-year-old man who was swimming in Pactola Reservoir with family Tuesday died from apparent drowning, the Pennington County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.
Darrell Saucedo of Pine Ridge started struggling while he was swimming near the border of a designated swimming area. According to a news release, Saucedo was underwater for about 10 minutes before he was rescued.
The call came to first responders around 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Medical personnel performed CPR and were able to get a pulse. Saucedo was taken by Life Flight air ambulance to Monument Health in Rapid City. He was declared dead at the hospital.
Helene Duhamel, spokesperson for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, said according to preliminary results from the autopsy, alcohol is believed to be a factor in the drowning.
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office, Pennington County/Rapid City Water Rescue Team, Pennington County Search and Rescue, Johnson Siding Volunteer Department, Rapid City Ambulance, Rapid City Fire Department, Life Flight and the U.S. Forest Service responded to the call.
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2022-07-22T07:21:02Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pine Ridge man drowns in Pactola Reservoir | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pine-ridge-man-drowns-in-pactola-reservoir/article_96089703-5296-554b-9330-feaea25cd66b.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pine-ridge-man-drowns-in-pactola-reservoir/article_96089703-5296-554b-9330-feaea25cd66b.html
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A destroyed tree in Memorial Park Thursday morning in Rapid City. Jason Preble with the city's Parks Division said there are about 12-15 trees completely destroyed and 12-15 that were damaged but may survive in a recent bout of vandalism.
Jason Preble with Rapid City's Parks Division answers questions regarding continued vandalism in city parks, including destruction of trees, Thursday in Memorial Park.
There has been an increase in vandalism in the city's parks over the past few years which has escalated from graffiti to damaged trees.
Courtesy, city of Rapid City
City Communications Coordinator Darrell Shoemaker said the Rapid City Police Department has leads and suspects in regards to the vandalism in Memorial, Robbinsdale and Vickie Powers parks.
Jason Preble with the city's Parks Division said Thursday 12-15 trees were destroyed across the city. He said just as many were damaged, but may survive.
"It's been exceptional this year, the vandalism has been going on all year long," he said. "When the weather started getting better, the vandalism started getting worse. It includes everything from the tree damage to doors getting kicked in, a lot of spray paint every day, you name it, it's happening."
However, Preble estimates more than $10,000 in damages and losses to the city from the vandalism, which includes graffiti and destruction or damage to park restrooms and portable restrooms, theft of catalytic converters, and the destruction of trees.
Preble said the city has seen a 25-50% increase in vandalism in its parks since 2009 when he joined the division.
"It's like a boiled frog, you don't realize how bad it is until you kind of step back," he said.
Preble said the trees that are total losses will have to be replaced. He said most of the trees were in the five to 10-year range, which means they've been well fleshed out. He said that puts it at about $1,000 to $2,000 per tree.
Preble said he would guess it will cost $150 to $200 per tree to replace the ones lost, but it's not a comparison of apples to apples because a small tree will replace a 20-foot tree.
"We'll never regain what we lost," he said.
Preble said right now the Parks Division is watering trees every day of the week due to heat and will continue to do so though fall and winter.
"The cost is immense," he said. "The water itself, the hours spent out there watering, the entire thing is a huge cost to the city."
Preble said vandalism and an increase in it changes parks employees' schedules every day and they have to dedicate a certain amount of time for it.
He said there's the normal everyday wear and tear crews should be able to work on that gets ignored because they have to deal with the vandalism. He said everything gets affected.
"It is difficult, the guys are out here every single day to make sure things are cleaned up and safe," Preble said. "Every day they come back to work and it's the same thing over again. It wears them down."
Preble said he will leave decisions of punishment to the appropriate governing bodies, but if community service is an option, he'd like to be able to take those who are vandalizing the parks and have them realize how much it's costing.
Shoemaker asked if a member of the public sees vandalism, sees it happening or knows anything about the acts, to call the city's Parks Department at 605-394-4175 and/or RCPD at 605-394-4131.
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2022-07-22T07:21:08Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City sees thousands of dollars in damage from vandalism | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-sees-thousands-of-dollars-in-damage-from-vandalism/article_cd446630-a1f5-5390-adc6-22f80ab41bd6.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-sees-thousands-of-dollars-in-damage-from-vandalism/article_cd446630-a1f5-5390-adc6-22f80ab41bd6.html
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RCAS Board of Education decreases budget, adjusts mill levies
Members of the Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education meet Tuesday to discuss the final budget for 2022-2023 at the Rapid City Education Center.
Rapid City Area Schools saw an $11,331,243 budget reduction from its preliminary budget to the final that was approved by the Board of Education Tuesday.
“Spoiler alert is that it was great changes and we’ll highlight that as we get to this,” said Coy Sasse, director of business and support services for the district.
The board approved the final 2022-2023 budget at $234,725,086, compared to 2021-2022’s $255,615,479 budget. Board members Clay Colombe and Jim Hansen were absent from the meeting. Deb Baker attended virtually.
Sasse said the three sources of budgetary changes came from finalizing the salary negotiation personnel models, which pulled from actual data for the final budget rather than anticipated data used in the preliminary; changes in federal program allocation; and further budget reduction based on year-to-date figures.
The preliminary set the district to a $246,056,320 budget with the final set for $234,725,086.
There was a $5.3 million decrease in general fund expenditures, $1.5 million of which came from federal program allocation changes. Sasse said that does not mean the district is losing money on the federal program side. He said the federal programs are housed under the general fund, but they are self-contained programs. He said they are both revenue and expenses.
Sasse said Wednesday that because of the timing of receiving federal program allocations, the district typically sees carryover of the current year's allocation into the preliminary budget. Those numbers can contain "carryover" from the previous fiscal year or additional monies for activities that may not be included in the next year's budget.
He said when the district receives the final allocations, the number is updated and the district moves into the final budget.
"Even though the budget figures might show a decrease in federal revenue, that doesn't necessarily mean that we are receiving less of an allocation," Sasse said. "Often, it's because there was 'carryover' money in the preliminary amounts budgeted."
The general fund deficit also fell by $5.1 million from fiscal year 2022 to fiscal year 2023, and $3.8 million was pushed back into capital outlay. Capital outlay helps fund facilities services projects, like construction projects.
“I think this is a really major positive step for the general fund side,” Sasse said.
He said capital outlay saw a $4.4 million expenditure decrease, $650,000 of which was in expenditure adjustments made from the preliminary to the final. He said the final $3.8 million comes from the reduction in the flexibility transfers required by the general fund.
Sasse said another win was that average salaries increased by 6%, although not everyone received a 6% raise.
He said the district’s budget strategy worked. Sasse said the district wanted to meaningfully increase employee compensation and address lingering compensation issues while strategically reducing the budget to offset the compensation increases. The initial goal for the general fund budget reduction was $2 million.
Sasse said there was a $1.6 million expenditure decrease in the special education fund, $300,000 of which is due to adjustments in federal programs. $1.3 million is from other special education expense adjustments.
He said the special education fund has had a couple interesting years as far as how it’s been impacted by changes in the district. Sasse said he doesn’t expect the trend of requiring fund balance carryover will continue and this year will help iron those things out.
“I think this is a major step forward in addressing a lot of the district’s long-standing budget issues and financial issues that it’s been up against for several years,” Sasse said.
During the meeting, the board approved a mill levy rate change 4-1, with Board President Kate Thomas as the sole dissenting vote. The levy will change to $1.362 per $1,000 for agricultural property, $3.048 per $1,000 of valuation on owner-occupied property, and $6.308 per $1,000 of valuation on other property.
All levies, with the exception of the estimated capital outlay levy, decreased from the previous year. Agricultural property levies decreased by 0.047, owner occupied by 0.105, other by 0.217 and special education by 0.071. However, the capital outlay funds would increase from $25,346,881 in 2021 assessments paid in 2022 to $27,800,000 from 2022 assessments paid in 2023.
Sasse said Tuesday that taxes are one revenue source for the district, but a major source. He said the levy presented to the board is what’s allowed by the state legislature.
“I would say at this point, from a financial perspective, that the district is not in a position to be able to levy less than those maximum amounts,” Sasse said.
He said he hopes as the district moves forward and addresses lingering issues, it could be in a position to lower those levies and request less, but doesn’t believe the district is there yet.
Thomas said she hates to raise taxes and hates taxes.
“I’m kind of torn on this one because it sounds like it balances out, but might change from area to area, so it might be charging somebody more and somebody else less,” she said. “I hate taxes period.”
Rcas
Rcas Budget
Rapid City Area Schools
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2022-07-22T07:21:14Z
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RCAS Board of Education decreases budget, adjusts mill levies | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Towing companies and Rapid City police and fire work to remove two vehicles Thursday at the intersection of west Main Street and Mountain View Road.
Vehicles are redirected and drive past a two-vehicle crash Thursday. Two people were transported to the hospital.
A flipped vehicle sits on its top Thursday at the intersection of west Main Street and Mountain View Road. Two people were transported to the hospital following the crash that happened just before 1 p.m.
A two-vehicle crash sent two people to the hospital and left one car on its top at the intersection of west Main Street and Mountain View Road Thursday afternoon.
Brendyn Medina, spokesperson with the Rapid City Police Department, said a Subaru Outback was headed east on Main Street and attempted a left turn to head north on Mountain View Road. The vehicle was struck in the intersection by a Chevrolet Classic heading west on Main Street just before 1 p.m.
Medina said two occupants of the Subaru Outback were transported to the hospital. There was one occupant of the westbound Chevrolet who was not transported to the hospital.
He said there is no indication of drugs or alcohol and the crash is under investigation by the RCPD Critical Accident Reconstruction Team.
Rapid City Fire
Two Vehicle Crash
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2022-07-22T07:21:21Z
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Rollover crash sends 2 people to hospital | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Rush re-sign Brad Arvantis
The Rapid City Rush announced on Wednesday that goaltender Brad Arvanitis has been signed for the 2022-23 season. It will be his first full season as a pro.
Arvanitis appeared in five games for Rapid City in March and April following the conclusion of his senior season at Babson College. He went 3-1-1-0 with a 2.80 goals against average and .922 save percentage during his stint with the Rush.
“Brad came in when all three of our goalies were called up and stood on his head,” Rush head coach and general manager Scott Burt said. “He really impressed me with the way he handled himself on and off the ice. With his work ethic and ability we are excited to see what he can do this season.”
Arvanitis played three seasons at Babson College, where he transferred after opening his college career at the University of Massachusetts.
During his time at Babson, he appeared in 37 games and went 24-7-3 with a 2.10 GAA and .930 save percentage. In the 2019-20 season, he was second among all NCAA Division III goaltenders with a .952 save percentage.
“I’m very excited to be coming back to Rapid City,” Arvanitis said. “From the moment I arrived, I could tell the organization was a first class one that I wanted to be a part of. I cannot wait to put the Rush jersey back on, get back to work with the team and play in front of those great fans.”
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2022-07-22T07:22:02Z
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Rush re-sign Brad Arvantis | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch best Casper Horseheads in offensive slugfest
The Spearfish Sasquatch defeated the Casper Horseheads 16-12 in a game that saw a total of 33 hits on Wednesday night at Black Hills Energy Stadium in Spearfish.
The Sasquatch trailed the contest 8-2 before it blew the game wide open with nine runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take an 11-8 lead. Spearfish scored 14 runs in its last three trips to the plate en route to a home victory.
Brian Wrenn earned the win, as he allowed one run (earned) on one hit with a strikeout and no walks in two innings of relief.
Kaleb Whitiker suffered the loss in 1/3 innings. He surrendered six runs (five earned) on six hits with one walk and no strikeouts.
Nicky Winterstein led the way for the Sasquatch at the plate. The Columbia, South Carolina native finished 3 for 4 with two runs, three RBIs and a walk.
Rapid City Post 22 alum Ryan Bachman finished 1 for 3 with two RBIs, two runs and two walks.
The Sasquatch return to action against the Horseheads at 6:35 p.m. Friday in Casper.
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2022-07-22T07:22:09Z
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Sasquatch best Casper Horseheads in offensive slugfest | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Stars eager to end state tournament drought against Sioux Falls West
Isaac Dike, center, returns to the dugout as Gavyn Dansby, left, puts a hand on his shoulder and Ben Dressler, right, helps him remove his helmet on June 8 at Pete Lien Memorial Field in Rapid City.
Post 320 hitter Jett Wetzler drives the ball to the outfield for an RBI-single during Tuesday's doubleheader win on May 24 at Pete Lien Memorial Field.
Rapid City Post 320 last qualified for the American Legion Baseball state tournament in 2016.
The Stars hope to end their tournament drought this weekend as they host Sioux Falls Post 15 West in a best-of-three series at Pete Lien Memorial Field. The winner advances to State.
This season the tournament will be hosted by Rapid City Post 22 at Fitzgerald Stadium, which provides an even greater incentive for Post 320 to qualify.
“It’d be big,” Post 320 head coach Brian Humphries said. “Ever since I’ve been here, even as the JV coach, 320 hasn’t made a state tournament. It’d greatly benefit us to be here if we do make it just in terms of living arrangements and staying at home.”
The Stars (31-16) have won three of their last four games entering the weekend. Sioux Falls West (17-24-1), on the other hand, enters the postseason on a five-game skid.
Post 320’s hot streak includes a doubleheader sweep of Sioux Falls West last Friday. In that series, the Stars defeated Post 15 West 8-3 in Game 1 and 7-3 in Game 2.
“It definitely gave us a confidence boost being able to play them last weekend and winning both games,” Humphries said. “We haven’t seen their best pitchers yet, but going into it, confidence is a big part of being ready to go play and go out there and win.”
University of Hawaii commit Kyler Miritello and Jake Klopstad anchor a dangerous Post 15 pitching staff. Mitrello enters the series with a 2.54 ERA and has limited opponents to a .212 batting average. Klopstad leads the team in ERA at 1.89 and has held opponents to a .199 average at the plate.
Humphries said the Stars need to be ready to face the two high velocity arms, but leadoff hitter Gavyn Dansby said his team can handle the heat.
“The speed probably won’t mess with us a lot because we saw it against Fremont and did pretty well against them,” Dansby said. “We are just hoping to put the ball in play, put runners on and score runs, that’s really all we need to do.”
Dansby enters the weekend hitting .416, which leads his team among players with at least 20 at-bats. He said the key to his success at the top of the order is simply listening to his coaches.
“It’s just going up there and doing what coach expects us to do,” Dansby said. “I put the ball in play and run hard, then you get that one big shot in the gap to run hard and put yourself in scoring position. I think it’s just me wanting the team to succeed, so I do the best I can.”
The left fielder knows it has been a while since the Stars last qualified for State, but said this team possesses the confidence necessary to advance.
“We haven’t been able to make it (to State) the last couple of years,” Dansby said. “We have made it to regionals and come up short every time. To have a home game puts us in that much better standing and gives us the confidence needed to come out here and win some games.”
Humphries plans to start Jett Wexler on the mound in Game 1 at 7 p.m. Friday and give Jim Rogers the nod in Game 2 at 11:30 a.m. Saturday.
“It's a best-of-three and I have nine pitchers that normally throw, and after Saturday there is no Sunday if we don’t win,” Humphries said. “We are going to do whatever we can to give us the best chance to win the game and we have to take one game at a time.”
Humphries said the Stars are eager to get back on the field this weekend with the opportunity to achieve the goal they set in the preseason, but Dansby said the players have one more goal in mind.
“We are really hoping that if we go far enough, we can face Post 22 again because we think we can beat them this time,” he said. “In those games we had a few too many errors, and if we can eliminate those we have a chance to win.”
The series commences at 7 p.m. Friday at Pete Lien Memorial Field.
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2022-07-22T07:22:21Z
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Stars eager to end state tournament drought against Sioux Falls West | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Jeremy Two Crow, 36, of Pine Ridge, and James Rogers, 31, of Red Shirt, made their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.
The indictment alleges the men conspired to distribute more than 400 grams of substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl starting in November 2020 and that they distributed it to David Rogers, 28, on April 12 or April 13, which resulted in his death.
James Rogers is listed as David Rogers' brother on his obituary. A federal grand jury indicted Two Crow and Rogers on June 23. They were both booked into the Pennington County Jail on Wednesday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen asked the court to keep Rogers and Two Crow detained pending trial. Both Rogers' and Two Crow's defense attorneys said they consented to the detention at this time. Wollmann noted they have a right to formulate a release plan at a later date and ask the court to consider it.
Nathaniel Nelson, Rogers' lawyer, said he would be make a motion for pretrial release soon, but he was not prepared Wednesday to make an argument for his client's pretrial release.
If convicted, Rogers and Two Crow could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and life of supervised release for the conspiracy charge and 20 years to life in prison and three years to life of supervised release for the distribution resulting in a death charge.
The indictment listed several items found on May 17 at Two Crow's residence that are subject to forfeiture if there is a conviction. The items include $4,000 in cash, seven cell phones, several guns and various amounts of ammunition.
Distribution Of A Controlled Substance Resulting In Death
Jeremy Two Crow
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2022-07-22T07:22:32Z
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Two men charged in federal court for fentanyl-related death | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Block 5 Development work underway in downtown
Construction equipment sits in the parking lot on Thursday on St. Joseph Street between Fifth and Sixth streets in Rapid City.
Lloyd Companies is working on test piles as it nears a start date for the Block 5 development on St. Joseph Street between Fifth and Sixth streets.
Jake Quasney, chief operating officer of Sioux Falls-based Lloyd Companies, said the exact dates for the official groundbreaking are still under discussion. He said cranes on the old city parking lot are collecting information to find the different ground improvements that have to be made before the project goes in the ground.
Block 5 is a $60 million project that will be a mixed-use development including 130 loft apartments, 117 hotel rooms, 5,000 square feet of retail space and 330 parking spaces in a garage. It will be a 10-story building.
The Rapid City Council approved a tax increment financing district with returns up to $8.75 million back to the developer, and the transfer of the land for the project in April.
Quasney said sourcing will take place over the next couple weeks followed by testing. Quasney said the company is looking to September to kick the project off.
"We're working through the final details on the permitting process," he said. "The city's been great getting back to us with plans and comments. ... We're in good shape with the city for the project to move forward."
Quasney said the company is working with major suppliers' schedules to keep the budget where the company wants and they're dialing in the final details.
He said the rising cost of supplies has impacted their work, but the team is working to identify ways to keep costs down. He said Rapid City especially is seeing more growth and things look different from even two years ago for development.
"We've had to kind of adjust expectations to make sense of that, but it's a really good project with strong performance and we've got a lot of confidence our team can overcome those challenges."
Block 5 Development
Lloyd Companies
Nominations open for Women in Business awards
The SD CEO West Women’s Business Center is seeking nominations for the Outstanding Women in Business awards program. These prestigious awards …
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2022-07-23T07:21:55Z
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Block 5 Development work underway in downtown | Business | rapidcityjournal.com
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Accused Box Elder arsonist arraigned in Pennington County Court
Verner
A Box Elder man accused of arson will receive a psychological evaluation to determine competency to stand trial and a delayed arraignment after a judge's Thursday ruling.
Circuit Court Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle agreed to delay Robert Verner's hearing after Verner’s defense attorney Bradley Borge made the request.
Verner, 51, is accused of burning down a Box Elder home on May 20 after police found him wrapped in plastic sitting in water in the home’s crawl space after cutting off his ankle monitor while on a nine-and-a-half-hour-long furlough from the Pennington County Jail. The court allowed Verner on furlough to take care of his mortgage payment and make home repairs, according to court documents.
Borge said Verner sustained two head injuries during the incident in addition to a head injury he suffered as a child. Borge said Verner’s memory and cognitive ability have suffered, and requested the court allow him to have a psychological evaluation.
Verner is charged with second degree escape by a prisoner and first degree arson for his alleged activities that day.
Arson in the first degree is a class two felony which carries a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine. Second degree escape is a class five felony and carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
According to previous reports, police responded to a call for a suspect who had cut off his ankle monitor May 20. Police did not find Verner immediately; however, the ankle monitor was found and returned to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office.
At about 5 p.m., Verner's longtime girlfriend called the Emergency Services Communications Center (ESCC) stating since that morning, Verner had assaulted her, popped two of her vehicle tires, set her friend’s car on fire, and was currently inside their house.
Verner reportedly threatened that should law enforcement arrive he would set the house on fire as well.
Officers arrived on scene at 5:21 pm, contacted Verner’s girlfriend, who confirmed her previous statements, and gave permission for law enforcement to enter her house. Officers called to Verner, who did not respond. After smelling gasoline, the officers backed away and called the fire department.
At about 5:40 p.m., first responders saw flames coming out from under the side door on the east side of the residence. Within a few minutes, flames fully engulfed the home. Officers attempted to enter only to find both the front and side doors were barricaded. The heavy smoke made seeing through windows impossible and officers had to step away and allow the fire department to work.
Once the fire was put out, first responders searched the home and found Verner around 8:15 p.m., wrapped in plastic sitting in water in the crawl space under the home. He was arrested and treated for hypothermia on scene.
The court set a status hearing for 1:30 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Robert Francis Verner
Pennington County Jail
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2022-07-23T07:22:02Z
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Accused Box Elder arsonist arraigned in Pennington County Court | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Days of '76 to celebrate 100th anniversary next week
Brody Cress of Hillsdale, Wyoming, scores an 83.5 on Big E. Macksteel during the saddle bronc competition at the Thursday performance of the Days of '76 Rodeo in July 2021 in Deadwood. The Days of '76 celebrates 100 years next week.
Covered wagon being pulled by oxen in front of Twin City Motors in the Days of ‘76 parade, 1960. Adams Museum Collection
Courtesy Deadwood History, Inc., Adams Museum Collection, Deadwood, SD
Horses and a buggy in the Days of '76 parade passing in front of the Adams Museum, 1947. Adams Museum Collection
Men on horseback in cowboy and Native American attire and the grandstand full of spectators for the Days of ‘76 Celebration, 1929. Adams Museum Collection
Stagecoach holdup act during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 1996. Adams Museum Collection
Cherie Mattson barrel racing during the Days of ‘76 Rodeo, 1983. The photograph was taken by Bob Newland. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records
Courtesy Deadwood History, Inc., Days of ‘76 Celebration Records, Deadwood, SD
Looking back on the 100 years of Deadwood's Days of '76, there are more similarities than differences in the celebration of the Gold Rush.
Chris Roberts, chairman of the Days of '76 Rodeo committee and board of directors member, said the goal of the board is to continue nodding to and showing value in the history of Deadwood and its rodeo.
"We don't want to veer away from that," he said. "Continuing showing the importance of our history in Deadwood is very important to the Days of '76, and as long as I'm around and on this board of directors, that will not change."
The Days of '76 celebration, which will begin Sunday and last through July 30, began in Deadwood in 1924 to honor the prospectors, miners, muleskinners and madams who settled in the area to explore Black Hills gold. Two years of the celebration were held in Belle Fourche.
Roberts said the event continues to hold its reenactments with the killing of Wild Bill Hickock and stagecoach hold-ups. He also said the rodeo arena still has the look and feel of days gone by.
"We still have our original log grandstands, our wood bucking chutes and you don't see those hardly anymore throughout any professional rodeo across America," he said. "It's fun to hear contestants talk about knowing stories from either their parents or grandparents climbing down on a horse, or bull, in Deadwood with old wood bucking chutes, and they're kind of reminiscing."
Roberts said that's one of the connections contestants are able to make. He also said for spectators, the rodeo is one of the best in the nation and stands out from other PRCA rodeos with its nod to history and "the great past of Deadwood."
He said the rodeo has also grown into one of the largest and cowboys and cowgirls almost can't afford to miss it if they hope to make the National Finals Rodeo in December.
"That's still a little bit difficult for those of us that have been on the board for a lot of years, it's difficult to realize that wow, we are one of the big ones," Roberts said. "If you think you've got a chance to make it to the National Finals Rodeo, that road leads through Deadwood."
Not only is it 100 years of celebration of the Days of '76, it's 100 years of having a Roberts' hand in the celebration. Roberts said he's the fourth generation of his family involved in the rodeo with his great-grandfather having a role in the very beginning.
072322-DeadwoodArchives1.JPG
Julia Boyer and Ken Maynard, “the Wonder Star”, 1926. Adams Museum Collection.
Allen Talley and Harold Isaacs of Faith, South Dakota sitting in a covered wagon, with oxen (left to right) Tom and Jerry before the Days of ‘76 Grand Street parade, 1952. Adams Museum Collection.
Placer mining demonstration during the Days of '76 Celebration at Deadwood, South Dakota, 1930. The men are identified from Left to Right - Harry McShane, Johnny "Potato Creek" Perrette, August Weise, Jake Grees, and William. A. Remer. Adams Museum Collection.
Girl riding in front of a car during the 1939 Days of '76 parade. Adams Museum Collection.
Marvin Garrett Bronc riding during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 2007. Days of ‘76 Museum Collection.
Courtesy Deadwood History, Inc., Days of ‘76 Museum Collection, Deadwood, SD
Hank Abbie riding Korjow’s Red Devil during the bull riding competition during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 1981. The photograph was taken by Bob Newland. Days of ‘76 Museum Collection.
072322-DeadwoodArchives10.JPG
Photograph of Jacque Lee after being crowned 2011 Miss Days of '76. On Lee's right is McKenzi Haley 2011 Miss Rodeo America and on her left is Kristina Maddocks 2010 Miss Days of '76. Days of ‘76 Museum Collection.
Harold Gray (left) and Ross Sorenson (right) in a chariot race during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 1966. The photograph was taken by Devere Helfrich. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Native Americans in the Days of ‘76 parade, 1959. The photograph was taken by Black Hills Studios. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Photograph from the Days of ‘76 parade from 1978. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Photograph from the Days of ‘76 parade, 2010. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Jerry Willuweit of Quinn, South Dakota on Yellow Jacket during the bareback riding contest during the Days of '76 rodeo, 1972. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records
Duane Reichert during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 1991. The photograph was taken by Johnny’s Photo. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Troxell all American Track Team performance during the Days of ‘76 rodeo, 1941. The photograph was taken by Black Hills Studios, Inc. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
Performer during the 2008 Days of ‘76 rodeo. Days of ‘76 Celebration Records.
PHOTOS: Days of '76 throughout the years
He said his great-grandfather would bring horses to town for the parade and rodeo performance. He said that led to his grandfather being on the board of directors and serving as chairman along with his own father and now Roberts himself.
"That's something that all of our family is very proud of, knowing that we've been involved in each and every year," Roberts said. "There's certainly something special about thinking back to those previous generations and being involved with getting the rodeo started to continuing the events to growing the event."
He said the rodeo began as a Friday through Sunday event held in early August to now a week-long event in the latter part of July. Roberts said the Days of '76 is now in a more stable financial situation and has seen good growth over the last several years, which was made possible through local sponsors and the city of Deadwood.
New this year, or rather the return of, are seats above the bucking chutes and no candy being tossed during the parade. Roberts said the candy decision is for safety since many of the parade participants include horse-drawn carriages and riders on horseback.
The 100th celebration begins at 9 a.m. Sunday with PRCA steer roping. Timed event slack begins at 8 a.m. Monday with WPRA barrel racing and timed event slack at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Timed event slack is free for spectators this year.
PRCA Rodeo performances begin 7 p.m. Wednesday with Military Appreciation Night, Tri State Livestock News Day Thursday and Tough Enough to Wear Pink Friday. Saturday will have 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. performances.
The historic parades will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday on historic Deadwood's Main Street. There will also be Native American dance and performances at the Paha Sapa Cowboys and Indians Arts Festival at Outlaw Square 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Tickets for the rodeo are available for purchase online at daysof76.com.
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2022-07-23T07:22:33Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Days of '76 to celebrate 100th anniversary next week | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/days-of-76-to-celebrate-100th-anniversary-next-week/article_e34a3119-d683-5963-a0ef-004159cdcf66.html
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Democratic candidates host meet-and-greet in Rapid City
Jamie Smith, Democratic candidate for South Dakota governor, speaks to a crowd of about 50 Friday evening in Robbinsdale Park in Rapid City.
Jamie Smith, Democratic candidate for governor of South Dakota, speaks with a constituent about the upcoming election at a meet-and-greet Friday evening at Robbinsdale Park.
Nicole Gray with the South Dakota Democratic Party introduces the speakers for the meet-and-greet Friday evening. Several Democratic candidates for state house attended the event.
Jamie Smith said he cannot do it alone.
The Democratic candidate for South Dakota’s governor asked a crowd of about 50 people Friday evening at Robbinsdale Park to work together with him and the other candidates to change the state.
“Together we’re going to do this,” he said. “It’s going to take you, along with me and everyone who does the snowball dance… a lot of you because it is going to take that to make sure Jamie Smith is your next governor.”
Other Democratic candidates were there including District 32 representative candidate Christine Stephenson, District 33 representative candidate Vince Vidal, District 32 senator candidate Nicole Heenan, and District 35 representative candidate David Hubbard, all of whom said it would take everyone’s vote to put them in office.
During the meet-and-greet, Smith said his several number one priorities include continuing Gov. George Mickelson’s efforts at reconciliation with the Native American tribes, establishing a prekindergarten program for the state, expanding Medicaid, allowing teachers to teach without fear of repercussion, matching high-level education with high-level jobs, and keeping South Dakota open and welcome to all.
Smith said there is a lot of discussion on freedom, but said freedom is not free and someone’s freedom stops when it infringes on someone else’s right.
He also said the agriculture industry is incredibly important and he would like to see more value-added grain.
Smith also said, if elected, he would have an open-door policy because not all good ideas come from one party.
Stephenson said she is a value voter, and so is everyone else. She said most people value community and empathy, and there is not one person in the country who would say they made it to where they are on their own.
“We know, we’re Democrats, we recognize that and we need to be spreading that message,” she said. “I value hard work, I value initiative and drive, but I also value my family, the supporting community that supported me, the school district that teaches my kids. We need community and we need to have that at the top of our priorities.”
Smith said he will host another meet-and-greet at the Old Storybook Island Park Aug. 3.
South Dakota Governor
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2022-07-23T07:22:39Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Democratic candidates host meet-and-greet in Rapid City | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/democratic-candidates-host-meet-and-greet-in-rapid-city/article_fb56b7d1-c118-5c4d-8421-87fe81825f3a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/democratic-candidates-host-meet-and-greet-in-rapid-city/article_fb56b7d1-c118-5c4d-8421-87fe81825f3a.html
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Carolin Jean (Vought) Zietlow
RAPID CITY - Carolin Jean (Vought) Zietlow, 68, of Rapid City, SD, passed away on July 18, 2022 in her home with family.
Carolin was born in Greenville, SC to Henry and Phyllis Vought on March 4, 1954. She married Lloyd Zietlow on April 7, 1990 at El Camino Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA. She graduated from Sacramento State University. She worked as a first grade teacher in Sacramento and Rapid City for many years. She was involved in many church activities especially teaching Sunday school to little kiddos and organizing VBS.
Carolin is survived by her husband, Lloyd of 32 years; her son, Brady, (29), of Richmond, VA; and her daughter, Emily, (29), of Rapid City, SD. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry (47) and Phyllis (87).
During her 6-1/2 years of fighting cancer, she would claim that it opened up more doors to share her faith. She enjoyed talking to anyone and everyone about God's grace on her life. She is dearly loved by family and friends and will be missed greatly.
Funeral Services will be held on July 29th at noon at Mount Vernon Memorial Park and Mortuary in Sacramento, CA with Phil Kell officiating.
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2022-07-23T07:22:45Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Carolin Jean (Vought) Zietlow | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/carolin-jean-vought-zietlow/article_27028021-eb69-5a77-b31e-ec64119e818e.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/carolin-jean-vought-zietlow/article_27028021-eb69-5a77-b31e-ec64119e818e.html
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Dr. Robert Charles "Sarge" Preston
RAPID CITY - Dr. Robert Charles "Sarge" Preston "shuffled off this mortal coil" on July 19, 2022 after a life that touched countless people the world over with his charm, wit, and compassion. Sarge transitioned to the other side surrounded by the love and affection of his adoring wife, daughter, son, and devoted caretakers at the Hospice House in Rapid City, SD.
Dr. Preston now joins his parents James Werden "Bud" Preston and Marguerite Anna (Martin) Preston. He is survived by wife Krista Preston; children Berit Preston and James Preston (Ashley Preston); grandchildren Kaija, Dane, Harper, Henry, and Charlotte; siblings James "Jim" Preston (Dee Preston), John Preston (Polly Preston), Elizabeth "Betty" Preston Swain (Ralph Swain); numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, cousins, distant relatives, and dear friends.
Sarge was born on February 19, 1949 in Spencer, IA. Soon thereafter the family moved to Sturgis, SD and then purchased a dairy ranch in Hermosa, SD in the mid-1950s. After graduating from the University of Utah in 1972, he soon found his way to California, where he worked as a commercial whitewater rafting guide on various rivers in California, Colorado, and Utah. Sarge returned to Vermillion, SD to attend USD School of Medicine and to complete his greatest accomplishment–marrying the love of his life, Krista (Everson) Preston. The two married in the Fiery Furnace of Arches National Park in Utah and began a family in Salt Lake City while he completed his internal medicine residency.
Dr. Preston practiced medicine in Hot Springs, SD from 1986 to 1989. During this time he rekindled his passion for geology and caving and served as President of the Paha Sapa Grotto for a time. Sarge participated in the exploration of Jewel, Wind, and Reeds Caves as well as many other caves in the Black Hills.
In 1989, Sarge and Krista opened South Dakota's first freestanding urgent care clinic (RapidCare, PC) in Rapid City and tirelessly served the community for over 23 years. Sarge loved people and was not one to bend to the bureaucratic or administrative demands of insurers. Sarge had no problem going to bat for his patients. His pursuit of medical justice earned Dr. Preston the respect of his patients, employees, and those who attempted to replicate his success.
Sarge went above and beyond in anything he attempted. For example, he made waves in the local soccer community after a lifetime of playing softball and baseball by obtaining his Class C License. In 1998, he then took the Stevens High Girls Varsity soccer team to the first (unsanctioned) state tournament championship in SD as head coach, winning 1st place. His unconventional coaching style included making his team dribble soccer balls to the top of Black Elk Peak. Sarge's nontraditional approach was rooted in an endless pursuit of improvement. He often quoted John Lennon: "Everything will be ok in the end. If it's not ok, it's not the end."
In 2007, Sarge was invited to row a first descent of the Salween River in Tibet. The opportunity to take on such an amazing yet beautiful risk compelled him and, sure enough, the 90-mile stretch of one of the deepest canyons on Earth flowing off the Tibetan Plateau was marked safely complete. After 4 weeks on the Salween, Sarge and his son were able to take a side trip to see Mt. Everest with his own eyes, barely. Arriving and waking up during a storm, the chances were slim to view the world's highest peak. But just as they were about to leave, a tunnel view of the sacred mountain bored through the clouds as if to allow this great man the chance to see the glorious peak jutting to the heavens. For a moment, Sarge stood in awe at this moment while he and the mountain met for the first and last time.
Above all, Sarge could make anyone laugh and loved to goof around. Anyone who met him would eventually feel welcomed and relaxed in his company as he had such a way of connecting on so many levels. However, his family was his greatest source of joy. He mischievously sought his grandchildren's attention, even when he could not speak. That did not stop him from making silly faces and chasing his grandkids around the house with pure elation. Sarge learned to communicate without words for the last decade of his life, often speaking volumes with just the sparkle of his eyes. His demonstration of affection was made clear with a hug, smile, and a kiss on the head that he gave to all. Sarge is missed beyond belief. It is our honor to celebrate his life and acknowledge the struggles he stoically braved day after day for years. All those who would like to share in the celebration of Sarge's life are welcome to join the family September 17*, 2022 4 p.m. MST at Stewart Lodge - Terry Peak Ski Area 21120 Stewart Slope Road Lead, SD 57754 (*date to be confirmed).
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations: •Friends of the Yampa •Rapid Creek Watershed Action •Doctors Without Borders •The Alzheimer's Association.
Friends and family may sign his online guestbook and leave written condolences for the family at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.
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2022-07-23T07:22:51Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Dr. Robert Charles "Sarge" Preston | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/dr-robert-charles-sarge-preston/article_0370e208-a63e-5120-899c-ec50b32fb48b.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/dr-robert-charles-sarge-preston/article_0370e208-a63e-5120-899c-ec50b32fb48b.html
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SPEARFISH - Lee Donald Iverson, 85 of Spearfish, passed away on Tuesday, the 18th of July, after a valiant but unsuccessful battle against cancer.
Lee was born and raised in the Lead-Deadwood-Central City area. Lee was married to Glenda Gilman, his high-school sweetheart, for over 50 years until the time of her passing. After marrying Glenda he joined the US Air Force. The couple traveled the world and raised four children before Lee retired back to Spearfish in 1978. Lee was proud of his time in the Air Force, and when he was thanked for his service he would say "I did it for me, for you, and for our Country". Lee also worked at the Homestake Gold Mine as a Computer Operator, a skill he learned in the Air Force. He took an early retirement from the Homestake after 15 years.
Lee and Glenda were active Square Dancers for many years and made many lifelong friends. In later years, Lee greatly enjoyed gardening on his "farm". He raised many crops and would take much of it to the local farmer's market. He also loved feeding the birds in the area, especially the Blue Jays, though he often feuded with the local deer and wild turkeys that also enjoyed the food. His exploits are legendary with the family.
Lee could be found having coffee at the local breakfast club for many years, first at the Family Thrift, later at the McDonald's, and eventually at a socially distant gathering in the park. We children knew not to try to reach him during this time!
He is survived by three children: Don Iverson, Amber Hannah, Kory Iverson; seven grandchildren: Daniel Iverson, Shaun Iverson, Sapphire Iverson, John Hannah, Steve Hannah, Isaac Iverson, Jasmine Styles and four great-grandchildren: Bradley Hensley, Logan Hensley, Kyanite Gear and Garnet Marroquin. He is preceded in death by his wife, Glenda and son, Lon Iverson.
Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Black Hills National Cemetery with full military honors provided the US Air Force. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Spearfish Food Bank.
Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com
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2022-07-23T07:22:57Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Lee Donald Iverson | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-donald-iverson/article_bef01bf0-1431-5709-9487-bd2ab1b49bf7.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/lee-donald-iverson/article_bef01bf0-1431-5709-9487-bd2ab1b49bf7.html
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Robert "Bob" Hayes
FRESNO, CA - Robert "Bob" Hayes, 94, formally of Keystone, died on July 14, 2022.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 11am at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Keystone, SD. Visitation held one-hour prior to services.
Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Keystone.
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2022-07-23T07:23:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Robert "Bob" Hayes | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/robert-bob-hayes/article_9a8bb1eb-a29b-5b07-bb24-03b653043584.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/robert-bob-hayes/article_9a8bb1eb-a29b-5b07-bb24-03b653043584.html
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Local residents and officials are concerned about the high number of accidents along U.S. Highway 16 at the Neck Yoke Road intersection.
District 30 State Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller, left, and concerned resident Margie Gross are grateful Reptile Gardens is working to make their southern exit point a right turn only option preventing drivers from crossing into the median following a string of accidents at that intersection.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation has a plan for the high-accident area on U.S. Highway 16 near Reptile Gardens, but those changes can take several more years to fully develop.
For now, a state senator and Reptile Gardens are making an effort to reduce accidents.
Vehicle crashes on Highway 16 in the Reptile Gardens and Neck Yoke Road area are higher than the state average on similar roadways, according to a 2014-2018 SD DOT study completed in 2021.
The study found, on average, there were 70% more crashes in the area than on similar roadways. Vehicles turning left out of Reptile Gardens towards Rapid City generated the highest crash rate: 176% over the state average.
During the four-year time frame, the area saw 91 crashes. That’s 22.75 a year. Fifty-five involved animals, and 25 involved only vehicles. Eleven resulted in injuries, and there was one death.
The SD DOT has a plan to turn the area into what's referred to as a Reduced Conflict Intersection (RCI) to lessen accidents in the area. Tom Horan, Rapid City region operations engineer at the DOT, explained there are currently no RCI’s in South Dakota, but they are used across the country and have proved to be effective.
Horan said the design eliminates left turns and creates lanes that essentially facilitate a U-turn. The plan places a median where traffic normally drives to take a left out of Reptile Gardens.
The South Dakota Department of Transportation's plan for the area of U.S. Highway 16 near Reptile Gardens and Neck Yoke Road calls for a Reduced Conflict Intersection. Construction is estimated to start in 2025.
Courtesy of the South Dakota Department of Transportation
Without any changes, the study predicts the area will see 370 crashes between 2026 and 2050 — 15.42 per year — with seven of them resulting in injuries or fatalities. Under the current plan to change the intersection to an RCI, the study suggests wrecks will decrease by 51% and reduce to 7.92 per year, 4.29 of them resulting in deaths or injuries.
But the changes won’t take place until 2025 and will cost just under $12 million, Horan said.
"It's got to compete with other projects, and a lot of those other projects have already been planned for six or eight years," he said. "You only have finite funding to spend across the entire system."
Horan said the SD DOT looks at two elements during road design: safety and delay. An RCI scored better on both elements than a traditional stoplight intersection, an option the department considered.
He said a number of vehicles travel through the area pulling campers, which don’t stop or get up to speed easily. The issue is made more prominent by the two hills that flank the valley where the intersection is located. This would create more rear-end accidents, Horan said.
“We anticipate that we would continue to see crashes even beyond this intersection for the Highway 16 traffic with vehicles getting rear-ended,” he said.
The study calculated a 3.8 second delay during the day if the DOT implemented an RCI. The average currently is 22.8 seconds during the day. If a traffic light system were installed, delays would be anywhere from 14.5 seconds to 16.6 seconds during the day.
“Everyone will get through the intersection faster than if you had a signal,” Horan said.
In the meantime, state Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller, R-Rapid City, and Reptile Gardens are taking steps to make the area safer.
Frye-Mueller said she met with individuals from the DOT on Wednesday and talked with Reptile Gardens about implementing signage in an effort to reduce accidents in the area. General Manager Tom Lang said a sign painter is going to make “no left turn” signs for the exit directly across from Neck Yoke Road, which generated the highest number of crashes according to the DOT study.
“Anything that we can do to try to make things a little safer before the DOT,” Lang said. “We have other options. We actually have two other exits that people can go to, so if there’s other options that are safer, why not direct people to those? So we’re happy to help out and do that.”
Frye-Mueller said she appreciates Reptile Gardens’ willingness to work with her and the DOT. She also urged that the public slow down and take more caution when driving through that portion of Highway 16.
“Please, everyone slow down,” she said. “The radar sign shows how bad people are speeding in this area.”
Reptile Gardens
Julie Frye-mueller
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2022-07-23T07:23:41Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Officials plan solutions for accidents in front of Reptile Gardens | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/officials-plan-solutions-for-accidents-in-front-of-reptile-gardens/article_3fdadfe9-5105-5045-a43d-c65251133d46.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/officials-plan-solutions-for-accidents-in-front-of-reptile-gardens/article_3fdadfe9-5105-5045-a43d-c65251133d46.html
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Sasquatch surge in the ninth to knock off Casper
The Spearfish Sasquatch scored four runs in the top of the ninth inning to pick up a win over the Casper Horseheads on Friday night at Mike Lansing Field in Casper, Wyoming.
Casper led 6-3 after seven innings before Spearfish picked up one run in the eighth and four in the ninth to secure the come-from-behind victory.
Nathan Leininger picked up the win for the Sasquatch. He pitched one inning and allowed three runs (all earned) on three hits with two walks and one strikeout.
Griffin Shearon earned the save in three perfect innings and struck out seven.
Jacob Peterson suffered the loss in 2/3 innings of relief, he allowed two runs on two hits with one strikeout.
Rapid City Post 22 alum Ryan Bachman led the way at the plate for the Sasquatch. He went 3 for 4 with two runs, two RBIs and a walk.
Columbia, South Carolina Nicky Winterstein went 3 for 5 with a run, in his third-straight three-run game.
Spearfish returns to action against Caper at 6:35 p.m. Saturday at Mike Lansing Field.
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2022-07-23T07:23:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch surge in the ninth to knock off Casper | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-surge-in-the-ninth-to-knock-off-casper/article_a4e8a60e-3a9c-5fdd-9282-71a67a81f5a1.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-surge-in-the-ninth-to-knock-off-casper/article_a4e8a60e-3a9c-5fdd-9282-71a67a81f5a1.html
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Sonya Germann named BLM state director for Montana/Dakotas
Bureau of Land Management Director Tracy Stone-Manning announced Wednesday that Sonya Germann has been selected as the new BLM Montana/Dakotas state director. Germann will assume her position in August.
“Sonya brings a lifetime in Montana and over 20 years of natural resources, conservation and business management experience to her new role,” Stone-Manning said. “She’s highly respected for her inclusive approach to management, her ability to build strong relationships on the ground, and finding solutions to tough issues. Her expertise will benefit both the Bureau of Land Management and the constituencies we serve.”
As BLM Montana/Dakotas state director, Germann will also oversee approximately 600 permanent staff and up to 230 career/temporary seasonal employees who help manage a myriad of public land uses and resources, including energy development, livestock grazing, outdoor recreation, and the protection and control of wild horses and burros.
Germann was Montana’s state forester, and she led Montana’s Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Forestry Division since April 2018 where she led the state’s wildland fire operations, oversaw state and private forestry assistance, and collaborated with governmental and non-governmental partners to address forest health and wildland fire risk issues across ownership boundaries.
Born in Montana and raised on a ranch, Germann first went to work for DNRC in 2004 as a part-time staff person in the forestry division’s seedling nursery. In 2007, she was hired full-time as a planner in the Trust Lands Division’s Forest Management Bureau. She was promoted to chief of that bureau in 2012.
Prior to working for the DNRC, Germann worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service as a biological sciences technician at the Tongrass National Forest in Alaska and was a community rights organizer for the Montana Human Rights Network.
Germann holds bachelor’s degrees in wildlife biology and liberal studies, both from the University of Montana. She is nearing completion of a master’s degree in resource conservation from the University of Montana College of Forestry.
When not working, Germann said she likes high mountain lake hiking and canoeing stretches of Montana’s wild rivers.
"We want to make sure no one has an opportunity to make an Open Record request for his emails, especially as he kept EVERYTHING..." the spokesperson said in an email obtained by the Bismarck Tribune.
The tribe is claiming the federal government has breached its obligation to keep Northern Cheyenne residents on the reservation safe, and demands that the DOI and BIA fulfill those obligations.
Wyoming poll: Liz Cheney's reelection chances hurt by role on Jan. 6 panel
Six in 10 Wyoming Republicans are less likely to vote for Cheney due to her panel work. "They hate the fact that she's on the Jan. 6 committee," one pollster said.
Patients enrolled in South Dakota’s medical marijuana program will have their first opportunity to buy cannabis from a state-licensed facility next Wednesday. It has been a year and a-half since state voters overwhelmingly approved medical marijuana. The co-owner of one dispensary, United Rd. in Hartford, says the business has secured the first initial inventory available to state-run stores. The business is a Unity Rd. franchise, which means all their display tables, cases and security devices in the building are all the same as other Unity Rd. locations across the country. Medical marijuana so far has only been available on tribal land in South Dakota.
Officials say a wildfire that started earlier this week west of Oglala has burned about 11 square miles and is 40% contained. The fire began near Prairie Wind Casino on Tuesday evening and moved southeast. Oglala Sioux president Kevin Killer says local groups from the tribe, such as the Emergency Management Department, focused on structural protection while the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Wildland Fire Management focused on putting out the fire. Two air tankers were dispatched to the area. State fire meteorologist Darren Clabo said weather conditions, including 40 mph winds, high temperatures and low humidity, most likely contributed to the fire.
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2022-07-23T07:24:01Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sonya Germann named BLM state director for Montana/Dakotas | State & Regional | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/sonya-germann-named-blm-state-director-for-montana-dakotas/article_d4b1fc3b-8234-5263-8b69-edcd36c7a455.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/state-and-regional/sonya-germann-named-blm-state-director-for-montana-dakotas/article_d4b1fc3b-8234-5263-8b69-edcd36c7a455.html
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A Katy, Texas man died on Wednesday from injuries sustained in a three-vehicle crash the morning of July 14, according to a Friday news release from the Department of Public Safety.
According to the release and preliminary crash information, Gary Holcombe, 66, was traveling westbound on Interstate 90 in Summerset on his motorcycle around 9:30 a.m.
While he was driving, Holcombe slowed down to avoid a large box that had fallen from a 2016 Silverado Pickup driven by Shane Devine, 49, of Piedmont.
Anthony Schulz, 64, of Wall, rear-ended Holcombe's motorcycle in his 2019 GMC Sierra pickup while pulling a utility trailer.
The force threw Holcombe from the motorcycle and he landed in the north ditch of the interstate. He was not wearing a helmet and was airlifted to Rapid City where he died six days later.
Tony Mangan, spokesman for the DPS, confirmed the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado did not make contact with the motorcycle or the other truck but is considered involved because of the box that fell from it.
Meade County court records show Schulz is charged with careless driving, a class two misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 30 days in the county jail and a $500 fine.
Devine is charged with driving a vehicle with contents dropping or leaking, also a class two misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of 30 days in the county jail and a $500 fine.
Three-vehicle Accident
South Dakota Department Of Public Safety
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2022-07-23T07:24:07Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Texas man dies in three-vehicle crash in Meade County | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/texas-man-dies-in-three-vehicle-crash-in-meade-county/article_26529e50-be47-50c0-bb94-6814c4bcdb7a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/texas-man-dies-in-three-vehicle-crash-in-meade-county/article_26529e50-be47-50c0-bb94-6814c4bcdb7a.html
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The great businessman Harvey McKay once said, “People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be.” Another great quote by Albert Einstein, he said “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.” Simply put, we need to believe we can change and then we must alter our traditional thinking to enact and facilitate that change within our community.
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2022-07-23T07:24:51Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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NEWBY: Small business success equals community success | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/newby-small-business-success-equals-community-success/article_5da54a90-655a-5cde-bec0-5d2c19305809.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/newby-small-business-success-equals-community-success/article_5da54a90-655a-5cde-bec0-5d2c19305809.html
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Tyler Robertson, of Hermosa, with his horse Trigger on his ranch southeast of town. Robertson has been a pick-up man at rodeos helping his dad since he was 11, getting his professional card when he turned 18, and has worked the past 27 consecutive Days of '76 rodeos since. Robertson plans on retiring this year, making sure to have been a part of the 100th anniversary of the rodeo.
Robertson said his final rodeo will be the Range Days Rodeo at the Central States Fairgrounds in August.
Robertson said he plans on taking next summer off from working rodeos including the Fourth of July as he can't remember a July 4 when he wasn't at a rodeo.
For more than 30 years, it’s been because he’s been working them and before that it was tagging along with his parents who were at a rodeo.
Over the course of three decades, Hermosa rancher Tyler Robertson has traveled all across the country working as a pick-up man at some of the smallest to some of the largest rodeos around.
“We're the guy that when the whistle blows, we get the cowboy off the bucking horses and take care of the bucking horse — get them escorted back to the pens they need to be in,” Robertson said. “We're right there in the middle of the action all the time.”
Pick-up man Tyler Robertson, at center, collects a bareback rider at the Days of '76 Rodeo in 2018. Pick-up rider Brent Sutton is at left.
Richard Carlson, Inertia photo
But for Robertson, there is one that stands above the rest. The Days of ‘76.
“The atmosphere of the arena, because I remember when I first started, I think it was still the red and white chutes and everything was wood and all that and they've changed it around a lot,” he said. “It's just a cool atmosphere with the mountains behind it and the trees and it's always been a celebration.”
After 27 straight years of working the annual celebration in Deadwood, the 45-year-old wanted to make sure he got to be a part of the 100th anniversary.
While Robertson knew he wanted to work the 100th, he also knew that it is his time to retire.
“I just told myself years ago that I was gonna do this 'til I was the age of 45. I got a ranch to take care of. I've done it for 30 years now. It's been long enough,” he said. “Three years ago when they announced it was going to be the hundredth, I thought well that'd be the age I kind of wanted anyway so I had capped it at this day.”
While this will be his last Days of ‘76 rodeo, the longest individual rodeo he’s worked his entire career, Robertson’s final will be the Range Days Rodeo Aug. 22-24 at Central States Fairgrounds.
Growing up, Robertson was the youngest of Craig and Robin Robertson’s two children. He grew up on the family ranch and watched as his dad competed in rodeos and worked them as a pick-up man. His brother Justin, who competed, also worked as a pick-up man and is now a PRCA judge.
It was only natural Robertson was going to be involved in rodeos himself.
“My grandpa, he (was a pick-up man) back in the day too. He used to have some bucking bulls and bucking horses down here. So we've been involved in rodeo all our lives,” he said.
Craig Robertson said, just like how he started, it was a case of a father having a few bucking horses — and if you want to try them out somebody has to be the pick-up man.
“You might ride a few and get off and pick up a few,” Craig said. “My dad hardly ever got out of Custer County. He picked up Hermosa back in the early 60s. They just didn't travel as much back then.”
Craig said he worked as a pick-up man for 10-to-12 years after competing, but it’s nothing like how much Tyler has done.
Tyler said he does about 50 rodeos per year, but has done as many as 185 rodeos in a single year’s time.
“It's a lot but you know, that's throughout the whole year. (I) used to go to Houston, Texas and San Antonio and they're each 24 performances apiece,” Tyler said. “I leave on New Year's Eve and I wouldn't get back till early spring for calving for two or three months and I'd be gone in May again, you’re just gone back-and-forth all the time.”
While Tyler is on the road, his wife Tiffani helps out a lot both on the ranch and with the horses Tyler takes along with him on his travels.
Tiffani runs her own business, T-N-T Event & Marketing Management, that allows her to do a lot of work remotely so she can travel with Tyler when he’s at a rodeo.
Although Tyler hasn’t kept track of the number of miles he’s traveled, he said during that time he’s gone through three horse trailers and seven pickup trucks.
He’s also had his fair number of horses over the years too. Robertson said he’s unsure of an exact number, but it’s more than 50 with seven he currently uses.
Tyler Robertson has used more than 50 horses during his time as a pick-up man. Robertson likes to work a rotation with his horses so they stay fresh and don't get used too much.
Tyler said he works his horses in a good rotation between events to keep them fresh and to change things up on the horses.
“Tyler picked up a lot of horses that most people wouldn't,” Craig said. “Back in my day we called them pretty ‘broncy.’ They'd probably been in a dog food can if it hadn't been for him. Now some people call them ‘sketchy,’ they will buck a little bit, and that's how come he got them, nobody wanted them.”
When he was a teenager, Tyler competed in the saddle bronc regularly.
Craig said he was pretty good too. It was a combination of a broken leg and getting "too big" to compete in the sport that favors smaller riders that made Tyler focus on being a pickup man permanently.
“I had guys tell me when (Tyler) first started, when he started out pretty young, ‘He's gonna be really good at this because he is starting out really young,’” Craig said, never thinking Tyler’s career would go for this long or that he would go to as many rodeos as he has.
Over the course of the years, Tyler has worked everything from 4-H rodeos, bull bashes, ranch rodeos, South Dakota Rodeo Association rodeos, the National High School Rodeo finals, the Indian National Finals Rodeo and PRCA rodeos including 22 Badlands Circuit finals.
The one rodeo that has always eluded Robertson was the National Finals Rodeo.
That hasn’t stopped Robertson from being recognized by the competitors over the years, having been up multiple times for PRCA pick-up man of the year.
“I've been nominated a few times. And then I was an alternate for the NFR once,” he said. “I made the top six, top four numerous times, but I've always had a ranch too. I kind of can't be gone as much as some other guys can be.”
Robertson said he attributes a lot of his success to having good relationships with several of the stock contractors that provide the livestock for the competitions.
Robertson has been all over the U.S. working rodeos in his career from coast-to-coast. Robertson said he's gone through seven pickup trucks driving across the country.
“I've been fortunate enough to work for Korkow (Rodeos) I think for 18 years. And then I've been with Burch (Rodeo Company) at the Range Days here since they've had that, I think since '99. I think this is my 23rd year doing that rodeo and they've been good to me,” Robertson said. “I just kind of got lucky in how it worked out.
“There's a lot of local family-owned roughstock owners. I worked for Chancey Wilson (Muddy Creek ProRodeo). I started out with him, and him and I have been best friends since — forever. So when he was still doing amateur rodeos, I started picking up for him for a lot of years. Just not a lot of (pick-up men) around when I first started.”
Being right in the middle of it all at a rodeo, Robertson considers himself fortunate that he really hasn’t seen too many severe injuries from rodeo competitors.
The most notable one was the injury of former state senator and gubernatorial candidate Billie Sutton who became paralyzed after being thrown into a chute wall while saddle bronc riding in Minot, North Dakota.
“I was sitting right there,” Robertson said. “I've seen guys get smashed way worse than that and come out of it — good. It was just a freak deal there and that’s the only rodeo I’ve been at where it was (a) career-ending (injury), was that one.”
Throughout his time working rodeos, Robertson said the participation and popularity of the sport goes through cycles of lots of competitors and fans to slower seasons.
Robertson isn't sure as to why but does think youth rodeo events, which appear to be more popular than ever, will keep stronger numbers during the slower years. He said rodeos have changed a lot over the years.
“It's all changed in the last 10 years from what it used to be,” he said. “It's a lot more different type people out there than it used to be, I guess you could say. Less people know more about rodeo than they used to, it seems like.
“But the crowds these last few years of crowds have been just amazing everywhere I've been, they're just huge. And people are wanting to get back out and do things.”
As Robertson is on his final rodeo tour of his career, he’s been really appreciative of his wife and parents who’ve tried to make it to as many of the rodeos as they can along with friends and neighbors who’ve helped out at the ranch while he’s been gone.
While the careers of many rodeo competitors are typically short, the impact of the sport is known to take a toll on the competitor’s body. While he’s not actually competing, Robertson said it’s definitely not a job without its fair share of bumps and bruises calling it a "catch 22."
While the competitors are only riding for eight seconds, he’s picking up 25 guys off those bucking horses and jumping onto him.
Tyler considers himself fortunate that he still feels pretty good after so long, his dad too. Although Craig says he maybe should’ve had some injuries looked at back then, which could’ve prevented some soreness in his later years.
After having spent every summer at a rodeo, Robertson said he’s planning on taking next year off to try some different things and spend more time working his cow operation at his ranch. Although he’s certain his wife, Tiffani, will have plenty for him to do even if he is “retired.”
Tyler also plans on something different for the Fourth of July, while his dad isn’t so sure.
“Maybe he won’t be able to stand it and go watch (a rodeo),” Craig said.
Follow Matt Gade
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2022-07-24T02:53:03Z
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Hermosa pick-up man nearing his final rodeo with Days of '76 ahead | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Maxton Pfeiffer
Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Connolly set aside the entirety of Aug. 24 for Pfeiffer's sentencing during a Friday hearing.
In March, a Pennington County jury found Pfeiffer, 22, guilty of first-degree manslaughter in the 2018 death of 19-year-old Ty Scott. Pfeiffer shot Scott in a Keystone apartment June 13, 2018, while he and friends played with guns. He was immediately taken into custody following the jury's verdict. He faces a maximum of life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
According to testimony during the trial, Pfeiffer, Scott and four others were at an apartment in Keystone and were pretending to shoot each other with a .38-caliber revolver and an AR-15. Two others, including Scott, were watching videos. Pfeiffer said he reached for a .45-caliber pistol sitting in its holster on a nearby dresser. He said he removed the gun from the holster and the weapon's magazine, pulled the slide back, and saw nothing come out before pointing the gun at the others.
Pfeiffer said he swept the room with the gun before it discharged. A bullet struck Scott, who died from the injury.
Connolly set the sentencing date during a status hearing where he denied Pfeiffer’s lawyer’s motion asking the judge to reconsider his decision declining his request for a new trial or an acquittal.
Dana Hanna, Pfeiffer’s defense attorney, argued his client deserves a new trial because Connolly did not include instructions to the jury to find mens rea, criminal intent.
Connolly said he did include instructions according to a 2015 South Dakota Supreme Court decision in State v. Birdshead. In that case, the state Supreme Court decided the jury's threshold for criminal intent in a first-degree manslaughter case is, “When a person intentionally or recklessly does an act which the law declares to be a crime, the person is acting with criminal intent, even though the person may not know that the conduct is unlawful.”
Hanna argued that phrasing was not enough to protect his client’s rights. He pointed to a June 5 United States Supreme Court decision on Ruan v. United States which addressed standards of criminal intent.
The case involved doctors convicted of unauthorized distribution of controlled substances. The U.S. Supreme Court opinion said jurors should have been instructed to determine if the government proved beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants knowingly or intentionally acted in an unauthorized manner. The original instructions only asked jurors if the defendants attempted to act in accordance with what a reasonable physician should believe to be proper.
Connolly said the state Supreme Court’s decision is more “on point” than the U.S. Supreme Court decision and that Hanna had already made the motion before the court decided Ruan. He said Hanna can appeal the decision at a higher court.
After lengthy discussion, Connolly also told Hanna he would not grant his motion for a hearing to discuss allowing Pfeiffer out on pre-appeal bail prior to sentencing, but that he would address it the same day of sentencing.
Pennington County Court
Judge Jeffrey Connolly
First Degree Manslaughter
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2022-07-24T02:53:09Z
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Judge to sentence Pfeiffer in August | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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From left are Sheldon, Rich Meyer, Sheldon's mother, Gayla Meyer, Daryn Meyer and Rhett Bradsky, and in front is Sheldon's younger sister. The Meyers sponsor Sheldon, who is a student at the Bondeni Mission School in Nairobi. A trip to Africa earlier this summer gave the Meyers of Rapid City an opportunity to meet Sheldon and her family for the first time.
A classroom of children at Bondeni Mission School in Nairobi. Sponsorships pay for students' education, two meals a day, their education and a school uniform. The school currently has 1,025 students.
Rich and Gayla Meyer of Rapid City and two of their grandchildren spent time on a photo safari in Tanzania earlier this summer. "This is the time of year the wildebeest migration takes place on the Serengeti plains, so we were able to witness that. There were thousands and thousands of them. They have crocodiles as big as a house! We did witness some of the crocodiles having lunch. The wildebeests come through the river and the crocodiles are waiting for them," Rich Meyer said.
"We saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, lions," said Rich Meyer of the safari the family took earlier this summer. The group photographed animals and didn't hunt them. "It's phenomenal. The national parks in Tanzania are awesome. It's just a very, very interesting continent to be on," he said.
Rich and Gayla Meyer and their grandchildren Daryn Meyer and Rhett Bradsky were amazed by the abundance of elephants, lions, leopards, hippos and more they saw on safari in Tanzania.
Cousins Meyer and Bradsky, both 19, accompanied their grandparents Rich and Gayla Meyer to Nairobi and Tanzania. One of their destinations was Missions of Hope International’s location in Bondeni, in Nairobi’s capital city of Kenya.
Bondeni is one of a network of urban slums Missions of Hope serves by providing education, health care, social workers and more. About 200,000 people live in Bondeni, a community riddled with unemployment, crime, drug addition, illiteracy, teen pregnancies, prostitution and school dropouts.
Missions of Hope has a center and school in Bondeni. The school serves 1,025 students.
For the past five years, the Meyers have sponsored a student through Missions of Hope. The Rapid City couple wanted to show their grandchildren the positive work Missions of Hope is accomplishing in the midst of extreme poverty.
Slum residents typically live on less than $2 a day. In addition to educating students, Missions of Hope is working to improve security, household income, infrastructure, roads and sanitation in Bondeni. Missions of Hope’s goal is to take a holistic approach to combating conditions that create and perpetuate poverty.
“We visited this Mission almost by accident five years ago and have been sponsoring a child there since then. The Mission is located in the largest and worst slum in Nairobi and what is being accomplished, along with the outreach, is absolutely phenomenal,” Rich said. “I’d like to be able to introduce Missions of Hope to as many people as possible.”
On their first trip to Missions of Hope five years ago, the Meyers visited the Bondeni Mission School, met the students and observed the living conditions in the slum. This time, the couple was excited to introduce their grandchildren to Sheldon, the student they sponsor, and her family.
“We saw what kind of conditions they live in and it would blow your mind,” Rich said. “The streets are three to four feet wide and a sewer runs down the middle. They have about an 8- by 10-foot area to live in. It’s truly a slum. … Missions of Hope International … is the only thing that gives these kids a chance.”
For the Meyers and their grandchildren, this was their first opportunity to meet Sheldon, her mother and her younger sister.
“We got to go to her home and meet her mom,” Gayla said. “The mother is in this very scary area raising two little girls. They live in a home with no door, no lock. It’s a few feet wide and a few feet deep. … (Slum residents) pay $25 a month for nothing. They have absolutely no security. You really worry about those little girls.”
For Sheldon, having a sponsor means she can attend the Bondeni Mission School, receive two meals a day, an education in English and a school uniform.
“It’s just wonderful to see they’re getting an education and they’re getting fed and they have a place to go to be safe,” Gayla said.
Although Sheldon’s mother has a job, “I don’t know if the mother could feed those girls if they weren’t in school,” Gayla said. “The hope is to send them on to college and provide them a way out. I feel pretty good about the money we are spending supporting Sheldon being (at Missions of Hope.)”
Sponsoring Sheldon costs $38 a month, Rich said. In addition to financial support, sponsors are encouraged to write to the child they sponsor and let the child know they are being prayed for. Sponsorship and more information is available at https://mohiafrica.org/.
Daryn Meyer said she was surprised by the contented attitude of the children despite the hardships in their lives, and she feels inspired to help.
“In the future I would like to do mission trips for sure. I’m realizing how much I do have compared to them,” she said.
”What probably stuck out most was going to that mission and the school and it’s definitely made me want to actually support one of the kids,” Bradsky said. “We had the privilege of visiting and meeting all the kids. For me personally, that was probably the most influential part of the trip. … It was unbelievable what these kids have to go through and where they live.”
“A lot of the kids, you can see they’re happy even though they have close to nothing, and that in and of itself is pretty amazing,” Bradsky said. “A lot of people (in the United States) don’t appreciate what they have and what they’ve got nearly as much as these kids do. Sponsors mean a lot to them.”
Though the Meyers and their grandchildren value their South Dakota roots, the Meyers also believe in the importance of travel and seeing other parts of the world. They strive to impart that to their all six of their grandchildren.
“They don’t get to see that kind of thing (poverty) that is a truth of life around the world and you just don’t see that here. You can hear about it and you want (the grandchildren) to see that there are ways to help people help themselves,” Gayla said.
The trip to Africa concluded with eye-opening astonishment of another variety when the grandparents and grandchildren traveled to Tanzania. They spent about nine days on guided safari observing and photographing animals.
“We had a guide that was just brilliant and very well-educated and … could tell us anything we wanted to know about anything – the government and the birds and the vegetation and the history of the country,” Gayla said.
“We got to witness part of the wildebeest migration,” Bradsky said. “It was probably one of the craziest things we saw there. You see hundreds of them crossing this big river. It’s just unbelievable. It’s like the stuff you’d see on National Geographic.”
The Meyers have a long tradition of taking their grandchildren on adventures — whether around the Black Hills or around the world.
“There’s nothing quite like living in a tent, jumping in a safari vehicle and traveling through the savanna and the Serengeti right amongst the animals,” Gayla said of their most recent adventure. “The smells, the sounds, the vision is overwhelming.”
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2022-07-24T02:53:21Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Africa trip an eye-opening adventure for Rapid City family | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Lobbyist Mitch Richter discusses reasons to vote in favor of Constitutional Amendment D ahead of opponent District 30 Rep. Tim Goodwin (R-Rapid City) Friday afternoon at the Black Hills Press Forum's meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rapid City.
Those attending the Black Hills Press Forum's July meeting wait for the debate on Constitutional Amendment D to begin.
A discrepancy in state cost and lack of out-of-state metrics riddled a Friday afternoon debate on Constitutional Amendment D at the Black Hills Press Forum.
District 30 Rep. Tim Goodwin (R-Rapid City) argued against the proposed Medicaid expansion against proponent lobbyist and former state legislator Mitch Richter Friday during the press forum's monthly meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Those eligible for Medicaid Expansion include families earning less than $37,000 and individual adults up to age 64 with incomes up to $18,000 per year, as well as pregnant women, children, elderly, blind or disabled tribal members in the state. According to South Dakotans Decide Healthcare, the expansion would help more than 40,000 South Dakotans.
Richter said the federal government would pay for 95% of the cost for the first two years followed by the current 90% the next three. The state would have to cover the remaining amount over the five years.
For the first year and an estimated 42,500 individuals joining the program, the total cost between the federal government and the state would be $297,042,000 with the state share at $32,565,000. Richter said the total general fund savings for the state would be $63,572,000.
With increases of new individuals over the next four years, the total cost for five years would be $1.5 billion with the state share at $166,244,000 and a general fund savings of $162,473,000. Richter said this would only cost the state $3.8 million over the first five years.
He said after five years of the expansion, it would cost the state about $22 million. Goodwin said after five years, it would cost $80 million. He said the figure came from both Gov. Kristi Noem's office and the Dept. of Revenue.
Goodwin said the deal would not be clean and would separate South Dakotans into a "winners" and "losers" class society.
"If we adopt this, it's going to be a disaster, I'm telling you," he said.
Goodwin said the adoption of Constitutional Amendment D would exacerbate the hiring issue.
He also said this would be centralized medicine, and that the people in poverty now are all able-bodied people.
"You get a job, you work hard, you make it, you hustle, you get a second job, that's how we all did it," Goodwin said. "It isn't the government, Big Brother's going to come bail you out and give you free health care."
Richter said 61% of the people currently in the program are working adults. He said the people above the poverty rate right now qualify for Obamacare.
"We're picking up those people that don't qualify for anything right now," he said. "We're picking up those folks and giving them an opportunity to have some sort of health care."
Richter said 91% of people in South Dakota are qualified for some exchange policy for healthcare. He said if the total number of people accepted the Medicaid expansion, it would be a net saving to the federal government of $7 million.
Richter said if the amendment passes, the state would have to work on a plan that would be submitted to the federal government by March 1, 2023.
Neither Goodwin or Richter had specific data on the other 38 states that have already voted to expand Medicaid in response to attendees' questions.
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2022-07-24T02:53:28Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Medicaid expansion continues to draw questions | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Stars sweep Sioux Falls West, clinch first state tournament berth since 2016
Rapid City Post 320 defeated Sioux Falls Post 15 West 11-5 Saturday at Pete Lien Memorial Field in Game 2 of the South Dakota Legion Baseball state tournament play-in series.
The win clinched the Stars’ first state tournament berth since 2016 and their first appearance under head coach Brian Humphries. It also marks Post 320’s fifth win in its last six games.
“Emotions can’t be higher and we have all of the confidence in the world right now,” Humphries said. “I think we finally realize that we are a team that can compete at any level.”
Winning pitcher Hayden Leighty shared his coach's excitement after the signature victory.
"I'm relieved, but most importantly I'm excited," Leighty said. "These guys have all worked their butts off this season and I'm so happy that it's all paying off right now."
Post 320 trailed Post 15 West 5-3 entering the sixth inning and hung seven runs on starting pitcher Jacob Klopstad to take a 10-5 lead and assume control of the game.
Walker Vliestra played a major role for the Stars, hitting .333 over the weekend in the nine hole. The right fielder went 2 for 3 with four RBIs and two runs in Game 1 and 2 for 3 with two RBIs and two runs in Game 2.
“I just wanted to keep the intensity up,” Vliestra said. “I was looking for first-strike fastballs, and all around we just kept our heads up and didn’t get in our own way.”
Stars designated hitter James Furchner dives into home plate in Game 2 of the South Dakota Legion Baseball state tournament play-in series Saturday at Pete Lien Memorial Field
Vliestra did not have a starting spot for the Stars at the beginning of the season but worked his way into the lineup down the stretch, and it paid off this weekend. Humphries said Vliestra provided a critical boost in the bottom of the order that spread through the rest of the lineup.
“Whenever you can get production from the bottom of the lineup it will always be a benefit,” Humphries said. “You’re going to win a lot of games with production from the bottom-half and he’s played very well over the last month or so.”
Leighty earned the win in relief for the Stars. He pitched 3 1/3 shutout innings and allowed just two hits with one walk and one strikeout.
“Whenever you have a guy out of the bullpen, it’s always a benefit to trust he’s going to throw strikes and get outs,” Humphries said.
The right-hander entered the contest at a critical time, after Post 15 West scored four runs on seven straight hits to take a 4-1 lead. Leighty made Treyson Hardy-Olson fly out to center to stop the bleeding.
“With the way we are hitting we will score runs, but we have to put up zeros on other teams late in the game," Humphries said. "Performances like that give us a chance to win.”
Post 15 West struck first in the bottom of the third when Jordan Kinzer reached on an error and scored on a wild pitch to give his team a 1-0 lead.
Post 320 answered with four runs on three hits and an error in the top of the fourth, all with two outs, to take a 3-1 lead.
Jett Wetzler led off with a double and scored on a Vliestra single to tie the game at 1-1, and Vliestra scored on a one-run single by Gavyn Dansby to give the Stars a 2-1 lead. Dansby stole second and advanced to third on a passed ball before a hit by pitch sent Lane Darrow to first.
In the ensuing at-bat, Darrow bluffed a steal which forced a rundown and allowed Dansby to score to make it 3-1 before Darrow was tagged out.
Sioux Falls West jumped in front 5-3 in the bottom-half of the inning with four runs on seven hits, including six straight singles.
Post 320 bounced back in the top of the sixth as it batted around to plate seven runs on five hits and two errors and take a commanding 10-5 lead.
The Stars plated one more run in the top of the seventh for an 11-5 advantage and Leighty closed out the game on the mound.
Post 320 returns to action South Dakota Legion Baseball Class A State Tournament on Wednesday at Fitzgerald Stadium in Rapid City, and Humphries thinks his team has what it takes to make a splash.
“We are a team that can go out there and compete against good teams and beat good teams,” Humphries said. “The confidence we have going into the State tournament is huge for us.”
The Stars, seeded sixth, open the tournament against No. 3 Mitchell Post 18 at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
If Post 320 and Post 22 both advance in the first round, or both lose in the first round, the rivals will square off on Thursday.
Vliestra
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2022-07-24T02:53:40Z
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Stars sweep Sioux Falls West, clinch first state tournament berth since 2016 | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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I wasn't involved with a lot of the work with deaths and families. My job was to make sure the lawn, building and vehicles were up to standard for the customers. If you've never been an 18-year-old driving a hearse to a car wash, you've just never really lived.
My problem wasn't the job itself. I admired the hard work and respectful demeanor of the men and women who worked there. They truly believed it was their mission to make this difficult time less painful for those who survived.
The problem is that everyone who came by was having the worst day of their year. Everyone was terribly sad and I just don't know how to deal with sad people very well.
If someone is angry, I can argue with them or calm them down. When someone is sad, I just want to get away. I care about people. That's why I don't talk to them when they're sad. I am no help at all.
In almost nine months working at the funeral home, I can't remember one visitor laughing. Even mowing the lawn and washing the cars were solemn affairs.
That's why the recent story of an Oklahoma woman's final request was so entertaining to me.
This woman really put the fun back in funerals.
The only upbeat funeral I can recall was Hunter S. Thompson asking for his ashes to be fired into the sky with fireworks at his memorial. Knowing the crowd the "gonzo journalist" hung around with, I'm sure the fireworks at the funeral weren't contained simply to the ones that contained his remains.
The funeral for Diane Sweeney was like nothing I have ever seen - and I've seen a lot. Everyone who attended her memorial in Oklahoma City was asked to sign the registry.
That's not uncommon.
The reason she wanted people to sign it was. In an effort to fill the house, the woman who earned a doctorate in statistics from my alma mater at Oklahoma State said one name from the guest book would be selected at random after her estate was settled and that person would win her Volkswagen Beetle or a car of similar make and model.
“‘When I pass away, I’d like you to raffle up my car at the funeral, must be present to win,’” her niece Suzanne Singleterry recalled her saying.
I'm sure her memorial service brought out some tears, but for a woman who wanted to raffle off a car at her funeral, I bet there were a few funny stories, as well. This is a woman who didn't take her life - or death - too seriously. Since she knew she couldn't take anything with her, she decided to give some of it away while giving people another reason to smile.
I really like the idea of drying up some of the tears during a funeral. In addition to a raffle for the grand prize, it might be fun to have door prizes or random coupons for the dead person's favorite restaurant under some of the seats. If you really want to turn those frowns upside down, maybe play a game of Bingo instead of a song.
This was a great story and I hope it becomes a trend. Grief is tough. Maybe giving survivors a reason to smile isn't such a bad idea.
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2022-07-24T02:54:17Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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BUSH: Putting the fun in funerals | Columnists | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/bush-putting-the-fun-in-funerals/article_11efc430-b47a-583b-8bf1-ba8e7bdc2ebf.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/bush-putting-the-fun-in-funerals/article_11efc430-b47a-583b-8bf1-ba8e7bdc2ebf.html
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District 30 Rep. Tim Goodwin
I hope summer is going well for all of you. Marcia and I have been at our lake cabin with grandkids.
There is something special about teaching grandkids to fish. Jonathan, 7 yrs. old, caught his first northern, off the dock no less. I had him run to the shoreline and reel in from there.
God only knows what could happen on the dock with our chocolate lab Mocha dancing around and then trying to lift the northern out of the water onto the dock! The fish wasn’t big to us (3 lbs.), but to a 7-year-old, it was huge. Great memories!
Constitutional Amendment D would amend the state constitution to require the state to provide Medicaid benefits to all adults between 18 and 65 with income below 133% of the federal poverty level beginning July 1, 2023. Because the Affordable Care Act (Obama Care) includes a 5% income disregard, this measure would effectively expand Medicaid to those incomes below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Others have pledged lesser amounts, so far. It will be interesting to see how much those donations increase as we get closer to the General Election on Nov. 8. South Dakota Healthcare has $1,572,585 in contributions. The cost of Amendment D for South Dakota is figured at around $80 million. Federal government has indicated they could fund South Dakota initially.
So, why is this not a good idea? I thought you’d never ask! First off, the Federal government is approaching $30 trillion in debt with no end in sight. We keep taking all this “free” federal money, but what happens when and if the federal government goes bankrupt? It is almost unthinkable what would happen. I say it is time to draw a line in the sand and say, “enough is enough.”
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2022-07-24T02:54:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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GOODWIN: How I see Amendment D | Columnists | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/goodwin-how-i-see-amendment-d/article_4fbd0486-f26f-52c9-9df3-081985f15477.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/columnists/goodwin-how-i-see-amendment-d/article_4fbd0486-f26f-52c9-9df3-081985f15477.html
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Sasquatch win 4th straight, knock off Casper 5-1
The Spearfish Sasquatch defeated the Casper Horseheads 5-1 on Saturday night at Mike Lansing Field in Casper, Wyoming.
The victory marked the fourth straight victory for the Sasquatch as they improved to 24-26 on the season.
Spearfish jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning and added a run in the top of the second to take a 4-0 lead.
The Sasquatch added one more run in the top of the ninth before the Horseheads scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to round out the final score at 5-1.
J.D. Kirchner earned the win as the starter with eight shutout innings. He allowed two hits with six walks and four strikeouts. Kellen Cameron closed out the game with one inning of relief and allowed one unearned run on one hit.
Roger Reng suffered the loss in eight innings, he allowed four runs (all earned) on six hits with two walks and eight strikeouts.
Stanford signee and Boulder, Colorado native Gabe Springer led the way for the Sasquatch at the plate. The shortstop went 3 for 4 with a double, one run and one RBI. Rapid City Post 22 alum Ryan Bachman went 1 for 3 with a double two RBIs.
The Sasquatch return to action against the Horseheads at 3:07 p.m. Sunday at Mike Lansing Field in Casper, before returning home to host the Badlands Big Sticks.
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2022-07-24T18:50:56Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch win 4th straight, knock off Casper 5-1 | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-win-4th-straight-knock-off-casper-5-1/article_6b85bfab-7c99-5819-9eae-e7bc66963d13.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-win-4th-straight-knock-off-casper-5-1/article_6b85bfab-7c99-5819-9eae-e7bc66963d13.html
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Ladies and gentlemen: Gilbert celebrates 10 years of play-by-play
Josh Gilbert (top left) announces a Little League State Tournament game at Canyon Lake Little League where the press box is named in his honor.
Josh Gilbert in the Press Box.
The “Voice of Canyon Lake Little League Baseball” is in a celebrating mood.
Josh Gilbert is enjoying his 10th anniversary of announcing youth baseball in Rapid City. It was June 27, 2012, to be exact, when former Canyon Lake Mariners coach Steve Nolan got him the gig announcing his first Little League game.
Josh Gilbert in the press box
“I was a little nervous at first, but I immediately got the hang of it as the game went on,” Josh said Saturday between announcing games at the South Dakota 12U Little League State Tournament at the Canyon Lake complex. “Right at the end of the game, I told myself, ‘Hey, I can do something with this. I was confident I was going to do it for a long time, so here I am on my 10-year anniversary of announcing baseball games.”
His goal in announcing games is to make baseball games fun to go to. He said he likes to show great enthusiasm for the home team and fans in Rapid City. He also does some announcing for the Rapid City Post 320 American Legion baseball team.
Canyon Lake Little League president Brian Tideman said that is exactly what Josh does when he announces Little League baseball, as he gives the young players a “really cool experience, unlike anyplace he has ever been at for youth sports.
“No. 1, he is always here, he is very reliable, and No. 2, he makes the young players feel like they are playing Big League baseball,” said Tideman. “The kids love it. They grow up as Little Leaguers here and they hear his voice now, when those kids who move on get to hear that voice and its familiarity, and I think it is really special for them. They are just as happy for him, seeing him move up as well. I think in their minds, I think they would love it if he is calling games for the Cubs someday.”
Josh, who has autism, might be about the biggest baseball fan in town. When he is not announcing for Little League or Post 320, you might see him at various baseball games in town donned in a full Chicago Cubs uniform.
He loves his Cubbies because his grandfather, former South Dakota Mines professor Chuck Thielen, was a Cubs fan.
“My grandpa Chuck died five years ago and he was a big Cubs fan,” said Josh, who has worked in the maintenance department for Black Hills Works for the past five years where he mows, pulls weeds, rakes leaves and shovels snow in the winter.
“I have autism, but I still live on my own. I sometimes buy my own groceries and make my own dinner,” he said. “I ride my bike all over the city and ride to work and to ballgames.”
Before Josh began as a youth baseball announcer, he would pretend to announce Chicago Bulls basketball games when they were on TV. Another announcing influence came from listening to former Rapid City Rush public address announcer Sugar Ray Quinn.
“I was learning lot about enthusiasm with him and I became friends with him,” Josh said of Quinn. “He was one of the biggest reasons I became a sports announcer.”
Halfway through the four-day 12-under state tournament and in each game he announces, Josh also has the fans safety in mind when he reminds them to “please watch out for foul balls heading out of play at all time” after each foul ball.
“I’m just trying to make the baseball game safe to go to. I try to make sure nobody gets hurt by foul balls,” he said.
Just what is his favorite part of announcing baseball? It’s the home runs.
“I like watching balls fly out of the park and getting a chance to estimate how far they went,” he said.
Announcing for all of Rapid City and for the state tournament is a kick for Josh, as he calls it one of the greatest adventures of baseball he has ever announced when he announces Little League baseball.”
In his spare time, Josh likes to go tubing in Rapid Creek, hike and swim and play video games … and baseball of course. He competed in Seattle four years ago in a national Special Olympics softball tournament where the Rapid City team won the gold medal.
Josh Gilbert announces a South Dakota State Little League game recently at the Canyon Lake Little League baseball complex.
Richard Anderson, Special to the Journal
“It reminded me of the Cubs winning the World Series,” he said. “I felt a little emotional, but happy that I won the Gold.”
The way Josh sees it, “baseball is a whole new ballgame” and he has plenty of lineups to announce.
“I’m just going to keep announcing to see where the path takes me,” he said.
Josh Gilbert
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2022-07-25T07:53:06Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Ladies and gentlemen: Gilbert celebrates 10 years of play-by-play | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/ladies-and-gentlemen-gilbert-celebrates-10-years-of-play-by-play/article_a5b982f1-9f83-57fe-bba0-ffd12a1a8f57.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/ladies-and-gentlemen-gilbert-celebrates-10-years-of-play-by-play/article_a5b982f1-9f83-57fe-bba0-ffd12a1a8f57.html
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Journalist, Native advocate Tim Giago dies
Giago
Longtime journalist Tim Giago was remembered Monday for his career as a newspaper founder and publisher, columnist and staunch advocate for the Native American community. He died July 24 in Rapid City, 12 days after his 88th birthday.
Giago’s legacy is that of a champion who used his career to confront the issues facing the Native American community. His byline on “Notes from Indian Country” — the column he wrote for the Rapid City Journal from 1997 to 2020 — read Tim Giago Nanwica Kciji – Defender.
Giago reflected on his career a year ago, when he wrote an article for The South Dakota Standard announcing his retirement as editor and publisher of Native Sun News Today.
“It’s been a grand ride for the 41 years I published my newspapers, and a grander ride for the 87 years that have brought me to this point in my life. I have met many good people, made many good friends, and I am sure, made a few enemies along that bumpy road,” Giago wrote in July 2021.
Experiences early in his life fueled Giago’s lifelong mission to write about problems and injustices Native Americans suffered. Growing up, Giago attended Holy Rosary Mission, a Catholic boarding school on the Pine Ridge Reservation. He joined the Navy at 17; his military service including serving in Korea.
He founded his first newspaper, The Lakota Times, in 1981.
“While working as a reporter for the Rapid City Journal, I was bothered by the fact that although I had been born and raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, I was seldom given an opportunity to do news stories about the people of the reservation,” Giago, the 1990 Nieman fellow, wrote in a 2005 article in Nieman Reports.
By spring 1981, Tim knew he had to start a newspaper at Pine Ridge. He and Doris Giago, his wife at the time, co-founded The Lakota Times. When it began publishing, it was the only independently owned Indigenous weekly newspaper in America, according to Tim. By 1989, the newspaper had become more national than local, so he changed the newspaper’s name to Indian Country Today, Giago wrote. He later founded The Lakota Journal, and in 2009, he and his wife Jackie founded Native Sun News Today. Tim and Jackie are listed as the editors emeritus on the Native Sun News Today website.
In 1983, Tim and more than two dozen Indigenous journalists formed the Native American Press Association, which is now the Native American Journalists Association. He was elected the first president. He was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Newspaper Hall of Fame, and received the H.L. Mencken Award for editorial writing in 1985.
“One thing he was most proud of was the role it played in developing journalists, because he hired a lot of people who had no experience and they went on to become journalists – the legacy of following in his footsteps,” Doris said.
One of those was Pulitzer Prize finalist and editorial cartoonist Marty Two Bulls Sr., who started his career with Tim in 1988. Two Bulls said he learned from Tim an important lesson he still follows, which is to draw cartoons based on his own opinions instead of simply mimicking what an editor has to say.
“If somebody didn’t agree with (a cartoon), they’d get mad at me instead of Tim. It made me realize I have to (draw cartoons) based on my own opinions. If a paper doesn’t like what I have to say, I don’t work with them,” Two Bulls chuckled.
Two Bulls’ work can now be seen in publications including Native American newspapers and The Washington Post, and his cartoons have been picked up by Universal Press Syndicate.
Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender said Tim's views and dedication to journalistic excellence were well respected nationwide.
"His career was dedicated to providing quality journalistic vehicles to feature and profile important stories of Native American life and culture, and to focus on, address and highlight issues of importance," Allender said in a Sunday statement. "Tim was the first to provide newspapers where Native Americans could express and share their opinions, to provide stories on important events and issues, and to feature Native traditions, culture and ideas."
Doris recalls Tim had a kind heart and genuinely cared about his employees and people who were struggling.
“He might have had a rough exterior but he really empathized with people who were down and out. He couldn’t get ahead because he always loaned them money. His employees needed help and he couldn’t say no,” Doris said.
In the 2021 article Tim wrote summing up his career, he noted some of his most vital journalistic achievements.
“We were one of the first to research the comments the four presidents carved on Mount Rushmore had to say about Native Americans. It was not pleasant,” Tim wrote. “We did an exposé of the redlining by border town banks against Native Americans. They were charging the Lakota people much higher interest than non-Natives. The Justice Department came to South Dakota after reading the article and brought this practice to an end, even fining some banks.”
Tim’s newspaper challenged the use of “Redskins” as a mascot for the Washington NFL team. Tim also challenged Gov. George Mickelson to replace Columbus Day with Native American Day. The change occurred in 1990.
Tim also proudly wrote that his newspapers tackled issues including education, health care, discrimination in housing and employment, fake medicine men and women, and conflicts between the tribal government and the American Indian Movement.
A relevant voice
Tim’s work remains timely. Through his newspapers and books he wrote, he continued to raise awareness about many topics, including abuses Native American children suffered at church and government boarding schools.
“Tim’s voice is really relevant today especially, since (Pope Francis) is in Canada today making apologies to the Indigenous people about the way priests had treated … Indians,” Doris said on Monday.
Tim’s first book, a collection of poems called Aboriginal Sin, tells of his experiences at Holy Rosary Mission School. Doris recalls Tim gave her “the first copy hot off the press” on their first date in November 1978. The book was especially meaningful because Doris said her father had also attended Holy Rosary Mission School and said Tim’s book “had it right.”
“There were repercussions after his book came out, but so many people said he was right on,” Doris said.
A couple of years after Tim’s book was published, Doris said Holy Rosary Mission School contacted Tim and asked if he would write a letter explaining that the school was no longer like what he’d experienced.
“A lot of Mission’s funding came from ‘begging’ letters. They would send letters to donors and they would highlight the poverty on the reservation and they would get a lot of donations off their mailings. Tim’s book hurt them,” said Doris, who couldn’t confirm whether Tim wrote such a letter or not.
In 2006, Tim wrote another book about boarding school abuses, “Children Left Behind: The Dark Legacy of Indian Mission Boarding Schools,” and Doris said Tim was planning another book about boarding school abuse.
“He didn’t retire at all. He slowed down a little bit maybe in the last six months or so,” Doris said.
Tim wrote his last column for the Rapid City Journal in 2020. He also published books that were compilations of his column, “Notes from Indian Country.”
“He always stood up for American Indians and sometimes (the Journal and Argus Leader) views on American Indians was so negative and a lot of times they didn’t point out the positive things,” Doris said.
Tim was proud of the relationships with his 10 children – nine daughters and one son – and about 20 grandchildren, Doris said. Tim’s daughter Roberta preceded him in death.
“I just know his family is deeply saddened by the loss, and I think now they are seeing the magnitude of the impact he has had in Indian Country,” Doris said.
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2022-07-26T03:30:25Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Journalist, Native advocate Tim Giago dies | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/journalist-native-advocate-tim-giago-dies/article_75edf381-11ad-5c35-985a-cc79e8c85a79.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/journalist-native-advocate-tim-giago-dies/article_75edf381-11ad-5c35-985a-cc79e8c85a79.html
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Margaret Susan “Peggy Sue” (Edelblute) Ables was born July 17, 1942 in Topeka, KS. She rode off into her final sunset after a valiant battle with Alzheimer's on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at Monument Health Home Plus Hospice House, three days shy of her 80th birthday.
Peggy's childhood was a mixture of tragedy and triumph. At the age of 13, she lost her mother, and at the age of 17 she lost her father, leaving her to watch over her younger brother Dick and younger sister Sally. It was very important to her to be able to keep the three of them together and for her siblings to further their education, which they did. Dick graduated from the University of Kansas pharmaceutical school, and Sally graduated from Stormont Vail as a registered nurse.
The Cuthbert family, on her maternal side, were prolific stone masons in the state of Kansas, so she always said she came by her interest in construction naturally. Peggy and Emmett together had an excavating company, trucking company, and rock quarries. In her spare time, she raised quarter horses, Hereford cattle and German shepherd dogs. She also formed the country music band “Headin' West,” singing lead vocals and playing guitar. For over 20 years, the band played regularly at VFW's, street dances, wedding dances and other private parties.
In 1996, Peggy moved to Spearfish to be closer to her daughter's family.
During her tenure, while recording the history of the ranch families in the area, she also had a knack of making the Heritage Center a social gathering spot. She spearheaded the nomination and induction of two local men, James “Russ” Madison Jr. (2012) and Jerry Olson (2015) into the National Cowboy Heritage Center and Museum's Rodeo Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. She also facilitated the expansion of the northern leg of The Great Western Cattle Trail national history and tourism project, which placed its first marker in South Dakota at the Heritage Center in 2014. She was deeply honored to receive the prestigious 2016 Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo “Tom Didier Pioneer Award” in recognition of her hard work to preserve the history of the American cowboy and western history in the area.
Thankful for having shared in her life are her only child, Letti Lister, son-in-law Scott, grandson Christopher and granddaughter Madiera, all of Spearfish; her sister Sally Short and brother-in-law Richard, Topeka, KS; nephew Rick and Lori Vorhies and their family, Olathe, KS. She was proceeded in death by her mother, father and brother.
At Peggy's request, there will not be a funeral service, but instead a private Celebration of Life at a later date. Her cremains will be inurned in the rolling grassy plains of Kansas.
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2022-07-26T03:30:30Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Margaret Susan “Peggy Sue” (Edelblute) Ables | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/margaret-susan-peggy-sue-edelblute-ables/article_93206b03-f91c-569c-83dd-39bdcba97a0b.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/margaret-susan-peggy-sue-edelblute-ables/article_93206b03-f91c-569c-83dd-39bdcba97a0b.html
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MASKWACIS, Alberta | Pope Francis' apology Monday for the Catholic Church’s role in Canada's residential school system and the abuses that took place within it was a full-throated denunciation of a decades-long policy of forced assimilation that aimed to strip Indigenous children of their culture and traumatized generations.
“We may all need time to fully absorb the gravity of this moment. ... If you want to help us heal, stop telling us to get over it. ... We can’t get over it when intergenerational trauma impacts every youth and every member, every family who had a residential school survivor. Instead of getting over it, I’m asking you to get with it, get with learning about our history, get with learning about our culture, our people, who we are,” said Chief Desmond Bull of Louis Bull Tribe said during a news conference.
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2022-07-26T03:30:38Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Tribal leaders, members react to pope's apology on schools | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/tribal-leaders-members-react-to-popes-apology-on-schools/article_88232e62-42f0-5dbc-9e98-e2d2be08ee84.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/tribal-leaders-members-react-to-popes-apology-on-schools/article_88232e62-42f0-5dbc-9e98-e2d2be08ee84.html
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Warm weather expected to return near end of week
A fast rain over Rapid City Sunday night caused minor flooding, but a meteorologist with the National Weather Service said flash flooding is not expected with anticipated rain Monday and Tuesday.
Hydrologist and meteorologist Melissa Smith with the National Weather Service in Rapid City said a monsoonal flow from the Pacific Ocean caused the weather to bring extra moisture to the area. However, more hot weather is on the rise over the next week.
"The flow isn't very strong and the storms won't move super quickly," Smith said.
She said it depends on where the storm sets up, and if there is any flash flooding, it will not be widespread.
She said the flash flooding in east Rapid City and new daily record set for July 24 of 2.22 inches at the weather service's office was caused by runoff. It broke the city's previous daily July 24 record of 1.05 inches set in 2005.
Smith said Rapid Creek was reported out of its banks from around St. Patrick Street and into the valley, most of which was caused by a hard downpour of rain.
She said runoff can happen when the ground can't soak up the moisture fast enough and in the presence of impervious surfaces, like concrete. She also said much of Rapid City's drainage comes through the eastern side of the city, so it is not surprising to see high water near the county fairgrounds.
Smith said the Sunday night weather also broke the daily July 24 record at the Rapid City Airport with 1.18 inches, breaking the previous record of 0.80 inches set in 1977. The records date back to 1942.
According to rainfall reports, Black Hawk received 1.6 inches of rain Sunday night and portions of Hermosa received 0.54 inches of rain.
Smith said if the band of weather that crossed over the area had been a little further north, there likely would have been a different result for flooding.
She said as the moisture pushes east, western South Dakota will return to a weather pattern of hot and dry weather with near average temperatures by the end of the weekend and early next week.
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2022-07-26T03:30:43Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Warm weather expected to return near end of week | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/warm-weather-expected-to-return-near-end-of-week/article_79ebb910-4124-5b1b-8f30-fa3f04142f8c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/warm-weather-expected-to-return-near-end-of-week/article_79ebb910-4124-5b1b-8f30-fa3f04142f8c.html
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Relf
Pennington County Sheriff's Office photo
A Rapid City man accused of shooting at construction workers southwest of Rapid City asked the judge during his arraignment Thursday if he could receive seven jury trials for each aggravated assault charge against him.
Pennington County Circuit Court Judge Jane Wipf Pfeifle said Carl Relf, 53, would have to ask his lawyer about his options, but defendants typically receive one trial for each indictment. She also reminded Relf that she asked him if he had any questions about his rights.
Relf then asked if he would be able to tell the jury about “them threatening me with a branding iron.”
A grand jury charged Relf on June 16 with seven counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a class three felony, for pointing and firing a handgun at construction workers along State Highway 79 south of Rapid City. Relf pleaded not guilty.
Matthew Stephens, Relf’s defense attorney, said he has known Relf for over 30 years and is confident Relf would keep in touch with him if he was allowed out on bond. The state argued that Relf is a danger to the public. Wipf Pfeifle set Relf’s bond at $100,000 cash.
If convicted of the charges, Relf could face up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for each count. If the state is able to prove Relf has three or more prior felonies, the maximum penalty for each count would increase to 50 years and a $50,000 fine.
The state referenced a felony failure to appear conviction from 2016, a receiving a stolen vehicle conviction from 2015 and a felony DUI from 2008.
The law enforcement report regarding the incident is sealed, but the Pennington County Sheriff's Office stated in a press release following the shooting that sheriff's deputies responded to a report of a man shooting at construction workers at 1:30 p.m. in June in the area of Highway 79 and Spring Creek Road south of Rapid City. South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers converged on the area.
No one was injured in the incident. Helene Duhamel, spokesperson for the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, said a construction worker followed Relf after the incident, and then law enforcement located him. Duhamel said there was no indication Relf knew the construction workers.
Relf is currently in custody at the Pennington County Jail. A status hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 18.
Carl Relf
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2022-07-26T03:30:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Man accused of shooting at construction workers pleads not guilty | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/man-accused-of-shooting-at-construction-workers-pleads-not-guilty/article_09e87d51-a4bf-5d7f-b296-b9c70a250ff7.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/man-accused-of-shooting-at-construction-workers-pleads-not-guilty/article_09e87d51-a4bf-5d7f-b296-b9c70a250ff7.html
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Kyle Thomas Knispel
THORNTON, CO - Kyle Thomas Knispel, of Thornton, CO, was born on June 24, 1985. He passed away at the age of 36, on May 26, 2022, surrounded by his family at Collier Hospice Center in Wheat Ridge, CO.
A remembrance service is being held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at the Chapel in the Hills, 3788 Chapel Lane, Rapid City, South Dakota. There will be a barbecue following the service at Canyon Lake and a private burial for family on Wednesday at Pine Lawn Memorial Park.
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2022-07-26T10:55:45Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Kyle Thomas Knispel | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/kyle-thomas-knispel/article_c03ad675-0cbb-5077-ad8f-366562ce63f8.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/kyle-thomas-knispel/article_c03ad675-0cbb-5077-ad8f-366562ce63f8.html
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Quincy Bear Robe
A Pennington County judge will hold an evidentiary hearing in August to determine if law enforcement violated Quincy Bear Robe’s constitutional rights when they arrested him for allegedly shooting a man in March.
Bear Robe, 19, is charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony for allegedly shooting Myron Pourier, who was also 19, on March 19 at the Grand Gateway Hotel. The state originally charged Bear Robe with aggravated assault, but elevated his charges to murder after Pourier died from his injuries on April 3.
John Murphy, Bear Robe’s attorney, filed a motion on June 10 to suppress all statements, observations and physical evidence obtained from Bear Robe after his seizure, detention and arrest by law enforcement.
Murphy told Circuit Court Judge Joshua Hendrickson he is asking “everything” to be thrown out because the initial seizure was “illegal” and “problematic.”
The motion states that law enforcement violated Bear Robe’s fourth amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure by lacking reasonable suspicion to believe criminal activity was afoot, or probable cause to believe a crime had been committed, prior to seizing, detaining and arresting Bear Robe.
According to the Rapid City Police Department, officers were dispatched to the hotel at 1721 Lacrosse Street around 4:30 a.m. on March 19 for a report of a disturbance. Once on scene, they were notified a gun had been fired in one of the rooms. Officers then found Pourier and rendered first aid. After witness interviews, Bear Robe was arrested.
Murphy declined to comment on the alleged rights' violations beyond the motion’s wording, but he said the burden of proof is on the state to prove they did not violate his client’s rights.
“Once you (the defense) have made that allegation, it’s the state’s burden to call witnesses to establish that the seizure of the person and the solicitation of statements and search of areas was constitutionally valid,” he said.
The evidentiary hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23. Hendrickson said he set aside half of the day for the hearing.
The location of the shooting garnered national attention when Connie Uhre, one of the Grand Gateway Hotel owners, made comments on Facebook stating that Native Americans would be banned from the hotel’s property and Cheers Lounge after the shooting. Bear Robe is Native American, as was Pourier.
NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led organization based in Rapid City, filed a federal class action civil rights lawsuit against the hotel, its owners, and its parent company after NDN members reportedly attempted to rent rooms at the hotel and were denied.
Uhre has since been charged with three counts of simple assault after video footage showed her spraying demonstrators with Pledge on May 27.
Grand Gateway Hotel
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2022-07-26T17:07:41Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Lawyer questions if client's rights violated after Grand Gateway arrest | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/lawyer-questions-if-clients-rights-violated-after-grand-gateway-arrest/article_81939f12-fd14-526f-8a85-f75b9eaba068.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/lawyer-questions-if-clients-rights-violated-after-grand-gateway-arrest/article_81939f12-fd14-526f-8a85-f75b9eaba068.html
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Family hopes to raise water safety awareness
Orv Haugen, Kori Ewing and Ben Haugen stand at their booth for an event on July 27, 2019, at Pactola Reservoir. A photo of Joshua Haugen, who died in the lake in 1999, is at the left.
The Rapid City Fire Department will host the fourth annual Josh Haugen Memorial Fundraiser at Main Street Square on Saturday, an event aimed at educating the public on water safety and raising funds for the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team.
The fundraiser’s namesake, Josh Haugen, was 17 years old when died in a jet ski incident at Pactola Reservoir in June 1999. His body was recovered one year later, in August 2000, by the Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team. As thanks to the team, Haugen’s family created the JRH Memorial Fundraiser in 2019 to help raise awareness on water safety and help raise funds to assist with equipment purchases for the WRT.
The event isn’t just about raising funds, said Rapid City Fire Department Public Information Officer Tessa Jaeger. It’s about raising awareness about water safety.
“We see accidents every year in our area,” Jaeger said. “It’s unfortunate and that’s what’s important to this family, is making sure that we’re letting people know that this does happen and there is a way to prevent it.”
Ben Haugen, Josh’s brother, said raising awareness is the primary objective of the fundraiser. Ben said water sports are fun and his brother loved them, but they can also be dangerous. His hope is to remind people of the risks.
Jaeger said one of the key safety measures to keep in mind is life jackets. This is something the Haugen family promotes as well, to always wear a life jacket when in a large body of water.
“As we say, life jackets save lives and boats don’t have brakes,” Ben said.
He said his brother was not wearing a life jacket and wonders if the outcome would have been different if he had.
For the fourth year, the family will help raise funds to fund equipment for the WRT. They want to help the water rescue team do good work, Ben said.
While the WRT has always had the appropriate equipment in place to respond to any emergencies necessary, the Haugen’s fundraising efforts have allowed WRT to purchase equipment that has “just gotten better,” Jaeger said.
In 2021, the fundraiser raised $4,000, more than doubled from the previous year’s $1,600. This year, the family hopes to double that amount, according to a Monday press release from the Rapid City Fire Department.
Josh’s family has kept his memory alive through various events since his passing, including a family reunion of sorts that began in 2009. Family and friends gather to celebrate and honor his life, and keep connections strong.
After 10 or 11 years of gathering, “we felt like a lot of the healing and this sort of catharsis of holding that event in his honor had happened,” Ben said. That’s when they decided they wanted to do something bigger for the community.
Two drowning deaths have occurred at Pactola Reservoir over the past five years, according to the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.
“So this continues to happen,” Ben said.
The fundraiser is something positive in his name, he said, and a reminder to just “pay attention.” The family hopes to broaden the reach of the fundraiser in coming years, both in geography and organizations to benefit.
"The sky's the limit," Ben said.
This year, the fundraiser will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Main Street Square, with live music, outdoor games, food trucks, the Water Rescue Team and their equipment and a “Dunking for Donations” dunk tank, set up to dunk some of the team members.
“It’s going to be a big year — we’re really excited,” Jaeger said.
The Rapid City/Pennington County Water Rescue Team has been a combined effort of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department and the Rapid City Fire Department since 1987, according to the WRT website. The team provides services to Rapid City, Pennington County and the surrounding area. The WRT responds to a variety of calls, including rescue and recovery for dive, surface, swift water, ice and evidence recovery and underwater crime scene investigation.
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2022-07-26T17:07:47Z
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Family hopes to raise water safety awareness | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Garden club celebrates 75 years of making Rapid City beautiful
A bee feeds on a daisy at the Bee Garden maintained by the Rapid City Garden Club.
Connie Hobbs, president of the Rapid City Garden Club, opens the gate to the Bee Garden where a fence had to be put up to protect the garden from deer constantly eating away at it.
Betty Bonawitz creates holiday centerpieces in this file photo. Members of the Rapid City Garden Club make wreaths, swags and centerpieces to sell as a fundraiser for beautification projects throughout the city.
Bees feed on speedwells inside the Bee Garden maintained by the Rapid City Garden Club.
The Bee Garden is the oldest garden maintained by the Rapid City Garden Club.
Insects feed on the coneflowers inside the Bee Garden.
The Rapid City Garden Club is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a gathering July 28.
The Bee Garden is the oldest garden maintained by the Rapid City Garden Club, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Daylilies bloom at the Bee Garden maintained by the Rapid City Garden Club.
The Rapid City Garden Club is celebrating 75 years of making the community more beautiful. The club has donated thousands of dollars, thousands of volunteer hours and untold numbers of plants and trees to enrich the entire city.
The garden club invites the community to join them for a 75th anniversary gathering at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Rapid City Garden Club’s educational garden behind Canyon Lake Activity Center.
The educational garden, nestled by Canyon Lake Activity Center and Mary Hall Park, is one of several local gardens the club has started and maintains. Rapid City Garden Club president Connie Hobbs said the educational garden has been described as one of Rapid City’s best-kept secrets.
During the club’s anniversary celebration “we’re asking people to come out and look at the gardens and be aware of pollinators and get some ideas from our plants,” Hobbs said, noting that there are walking paths throughout the garden. “If people see a plant they like, there’s a tag right in front of it (with the plant name) so they can go back to a store (or nursery) and say, ‘This is what I want.’”
Within the educational garden are sections devoted to Black Hills trees and plants, grasses, a prairie garden, a bee garden, succulents and a pasque garden in honor of South Dakota’s state flower. Fifty-five varieties of roses grow in the rose garden section, while the spring garden contains the first flowers of spring – irises, daffodils, peonies and more.
Another section is known as the wreath garden, where the club grows bushes from which greenery will be harvested to make fresh wreaths and décor for the club’s annual wreath sale.
“We have children’s gardens. We have 11 children that meet every other Monday. They’ve planted, they’ve had classes and they’ll get to harvest what they planted,” Hobbs said.
The garden has its own gazebo, too, which was built by the National Guard in honor of the garden club’s 60th anniversary, Hobbs said.
The Rapid City Garden Club’s most well-known project is likely its wreath sale every December. This year will be the 61st holiday fundraiser. Between 30 and 35 club members produce about 450 hand-crafted wreaths, swags and centerpieces from locally sourced greenery.
“The greens come from the Black Hills. We get a permit and go up in the Hills and cut, or if we know a friend who’s getting rid of a tree, we ask them (for greenery),” Hobbs said.
The fundraiser typically generates $10,000 to $12,000 the club reinvests in local beautification efforts and a scholarship fund. In 2021, the wreath sale raised $14,600.
Last year, Hobbs said, some of the funds were used to help Minneluzahan Senior Center start raised-bed gardens near the Club for Boys. The gardens are accessible to older gardeners, wheelchairs, and those who have disabilities.
Such projects can be found throughout the city. All the garden club’s work is entirely done by volunteers.
The club established a butterfly garden at Canyon Lake Park, and a few club members maintain the garden. Behind Monument Health Behavioral Health Center on Mountain View Road, a “Memory Lane” garden has been established. The name of each tree and the person it honors is listed on plaques the garden club provides. The club helps maintain the park and has a rock there that lists names of garden club members who have died, Hobbs said.
“There are some picnic tables and benches on site and it is usually very peaceful since very few people actually know the park is even there,” Hobbs said. “There are a lot of different types of trees, and in the summer it is quite nice.”
The club’s projects over its 75 years are too numerous to list. Sioux Park’s sundial is a gift from the Rapid City Garden Club. The club has donated money for new doors for the horticulture building at Central States Fairgrounds and plants flowers in whiskey barrels to beautify the fairgrounds. The club has given trees, bushes, shrubs, flowers and bulbs to many Rapid City public buildings.
The club has given grant funds for flowers at elderly housing units, landscaping at area schools, and sprinkler systems at Central States Fairgrounds and Storybook Island. They’ve donated roses for Roosevelt Park, provided park benches throughout the city, and much more.
Some of the club’s wreath sale money supports a scholarship to South Dakota State University for students who plan to study horticulture or landscaping, Hobbs said.
“The scholarship – that’s our heritage. That’s our legacy,” she said.
The club’s impact has stretched beyond Rapid City as well. They’ve donated materials and grant funds to projects in Hill City, Pierre, Brookings, flood relief in North Dakota, and the Statue of Liberty restoration. The club also contributed funds for a paver in the National Butterfly Garden in Washington, D.C.
The Rapid City Garden Club was started by three men in 1947; it currently numbers about 70 members and welcomes new ones. Betty Bonawitz joined the garden club in 1964 and, as a 58-year member, has the longest tenure in the club. Her husband, Robert, is a club member as well.
Bonawitz was in a corsage club with a neighbor and liked flower arranging at the time she joined Rapid City Garden Club. She later owned a flower shop in Rapid City.
“Anybody that is interested in gardening should join the garden club. You learn so much,” Bonawitz said. “A new beginner can learn a lot of things from the older members, and we have all ages of gardeners in the club.”
“Knowing the people and visiting and working on projects together and the Christmas wreath making — that is one of my big things I like to do,” Bonawitz said.
“We helped out with projects needed for Storybook Island. … We’ve planted trees in different spots. We tour other people’s gardens and learn from them.”
The Rapid City Garden Club meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. For much of the year, the club has meetings at Canyon Lake Activity Center with guest speakers who discuss plant-related topics. In June, July and August, the group holds meetings in the gardens they maintain. Follow Rapid City Garden Club on Facebook for more information.
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2022-07-26T17:07:53Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Garden club celebrates 75 years of making Rapid City beautiful | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Camp provides theater experience
Last Friday, nearly 55 first through eight grade students took the stage at the Chadron High School auditorium, in front of a standing room only audience, for the culmination of this year’s Chadron Summer Drama program, a production of Newsies Jr.
During a dress rehearsal earlier in the week, Wendy Rhoads noted the 54 students are not only acting and singing on stage but also do a lot of the technical responsibilities such as lighting and sound. Helping the youngsters with their lines and choreography are several high school students and graduates who act as “camp coaches.”
Rhoads added some of these students were in Summer Drama — currently in its sixth year — before they aged out. Some of the Newsies cast and crew have been involved with the program the past four years. Rhoads also expressed her appreciation to Kat Rischling for helping students learn their choreography.
“Kat has done every one [of the programs] since I started.” Rischling, who will be a kindergarten teacher this coming school year “still can talk in that little kid voice,” Rhoads said.
Also helping this year is Dana Tewahade, who did the set design.
When working with students at such different ages, Rhoads first breaks them into teams, half older kids and half younger. “That’s important to me,” she said, “because there’s no place for middle school [students] to be the oldest and the most important. They need that space.”
Rhoads noted she had a similar program in Colorado, with seniors all the way through. She wrote a grant with the Chadron Public Schools Foundation her first year here. She wanted it to be free, so it was accessible to everyone, and it got hooked onto the after school program so now there’s a small fee but they also get snacks.
While most work up until noon, some stay until 2 p.m., having what Rhoads refers to as a “working lunch.”
In the first days of the program, students are on 30-minute rotations between singing, dancing, theater games, creative writing and other practices. Coaches are also required to learn choreography so they can assist when needed.
It’s a cool thing, she said, to allow the middle school students a chance to shine and be the “big kids” of the camp. To that end, they are referred to as “bigs” with the young students, of course, being “littles.”
“It’s super cool to watch,” Rhoads said of calling out “Bigs!” and watching them step up where they’re needed. Additionally, she said, it’s just as fun to watch the “littles” when they’re observing a scene, learning from the older students. The group also steps off stage to watch how microphone packs are turned on or how stage fights are done.
She also enjoys the students not having enough ego to think they can’t do something, so they are up for anything. Tell them they’re doing a show in 10 days, and they’ll jump in with both feet.
As for how she selected Newsies, Rhaods said when she works with high school students she knows who she has to work with. “For this, we have no idea,” she said with a laugh. She and Rischling work to find productions with genderless roles and more a fantasy theme rather than historical so there’s plenty of room to provide some room. Another consideration in the selection is shows that have big ensembles, as these allow stage time for all of the kids, and those that have few costume and set changes, if any.
Among Rhoads’ favorite things of the drama program is watching the introverts become expressive actors when they hit the stage, coming out of their shells and even helping fellow students when they can. Not everyone is cut out to coach the students, she said, and many of them respond better when they have someone with a common trait. For instance, Rhoads isn’t a tenor singer so she can’t readily help a young tenor as easily as another student could.
“To me it’s just a blessing. It’s super fun.”
Wendy Rhoads
Kat Rischling
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2022-07-26T22:24:27Z
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Camp provides theater experience | | rapidcityjournal.com
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Mark Trahant Indian Country Today
Mary Smith, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, looks over the Chicago River in Chicago on July 6. Smith ran a $6 billion enterprise, the U.S. Indian Health Service, as its chief executive officer. After serving in government, the attorney set out on a plan to get appointed to corporate boards of directors.
Kaitlin Onawa Boysel, Indian Country Today via AP
PHOENIX | Mary Smith had a plan: She was going to serve as a member of a corporate board. She already had the resume. Smith is an attorney, and she had worked as the chief executive officer for the U.S. Indian Health Service, a $6 billion-a-year operation.
Spencer Stuart Board
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2022-07-26T22:24:33Z
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Indigenous representation lacking on US corporate boards | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Dominik Dausch Sioux Falls Argus Leader
Adam Weaver, left, and Rene Ohms, center, sit down to rest after realizing they re-broke their world record for miles of cave traveled in a single trip on July 2. The team spent a total of 60 hours surveying and mapping 12.4 miles of Fort Stanton Cave in New Mexico, breaking the previous record by 1.1. miles.
Courtesy, Garrett Jorgenson
It's not a Guinness record, but the feat has been verified by the National Speleological Society, a cave exploration organization formed in 1941, according to Nick Anderson, the group's internal organizations co-chair.
The pair joined Coloradan caver Derek Wolfe and New Mexican geomorphologist Garrett Jorgenson on a 13-mile expedition at Fort Stanton Cave, the 10th-longest cave in the U.S. The cave is in Lincoln County, New Mexico. Snowy River, a formation inside of the cave, is the longest in the world.
Ohms said setting the world record was actually secondary to the group's main goal of mapping out new portions of the cave. Weaver said the expedition mapped two miles of cave that had never before been explored.
Cavers find skull 400 to 600 feet beneath earth's surface
Something that isn't often discussed, Weaver said, are the "leave no trace" standards cavers adhere to. They had to wear specialized cave gear that would not leave residue on the bright white cave formations within. Ohms said waste management is also important. Cavers have to take "pee bottles" and waste bags, which they carry out of the cave.
"There's really no feeling like it because you just never know what's going to be around the next corner. You don't know if it's going to keep going as a huge passage or if there's going to be a ton of unusual formations that you've never seen before. You don't know if there's going to be paleontological resources … you just never know what you're going to find, so it's extremely exciting," Ohms said.
Rene Ohms
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2022-07-26T22:24:46Z
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Two South Dakotans reclaim caving world record | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Porcupine group receives funds to grow food sustainably on reservation
Nick Hernandez, founder and president of Makoce Agriculture Development, and his kids before digging. The organization received a $2.5 million grant from the Bush Foundation.
Courtesy, Makoce Agriculture Development
Makoce Agriculture Development will use the Community Innovation Grant to grow a community-owned and community-led food system.
A Porcupine-based organization will receive $2.5 million to help build an Indigenous food system on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Makoce Agriculture Development will receive the Community Innovation Grant from the Bush Foundation. The money will be used to grow a community-owned and community-led food system.
Nick Hernandez, founder and president of Makoce Agriculture Development, said in a news release the organization plans to focus on increasing access to sustainably produced food while creating economic development opportunities that can help heal communities and the land itself.
"Food is the foundation of all living things and it creates multiple energies that come in many forms. We want to take that energy and create access and opportunity for our community," he said.
Hernandez founded Makoce in 2019 with the mission of developing a local food system to support a thriving, self-sufficient Oglala Lakota nation. He said it began as an idea started in the garden with his grandmother.
"That idea will root itself into the next generations to come," he said.
According to the release, 95% of food on Pine Ridge comes from outside the reservation and is highly processed. The release also states although the reservation has a land base of over 1.7 million acres, land policies make it difficult to invest in local agriculture.
“We’re creating systems change that comes from within our nation — to provide land and opportunity for Native food producers, to provide education on regenerative growing practices, and to develop the infrastructure needed to sustain access to healthy, nourishing foods," Hernandez said. "All of that is critical to supporting thriving communities, now and especially for future generations.”
Food Sovereignty
Meade County Fair promises family-friendly competitions, fun
Livestock, a Legos challenge and much more awaits at this year’s Meade County Fair and 4-H Achievement Days July 29 and 30.
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2022-07-27T02:56:53Z
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Porcupine group receives funds to grow food sustainably on reservation | Agriculture | rapidcityjournal.com
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22-year-old arraigned in federal court for 2021 Buffalo Gap National Grasslands wildfire
Andrew W. Bogue Federal Building and United States Courthouse
A federal grand jury indicted a 22-year-old Rapid City man for causing a 2,600-acre fire on the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands in 2021.
The government alleges Dillon Rose started the March 2021 fire after going off-roading with a vehicle on the national preserve. Rose is charged with causing a fire, use of a motor vehicle off designated roadways, and careless and reckless driving.
He appeared in federal court on July 20 before Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to all charges.
If convicted, Rose will face up to six months in prison, a $1,500 fine, or both and a $10 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The court could also order restitution.
The prosecution did not seek to keep Rose detained pending trial. His defense noted his willingness to cooperate with officials. Rose's parents attended his hearing and waited outside the courthouse for his release.
Wollmann told Rose he will have to follow pretrial release conditions, including not committing any crimes, keeping in regular contact with his attorney, and surrendering himself if convicted.
Rose's plea agreement deadline is Aug. 9.
Buffalo Gap National Grasslands
Dillon Rose
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2022-07-27T02:56:59Z
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22-year-old arraigned in federal court for 2021 Buffalo Gap National Grasslands wildfire | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Deadwood casinos see slight decrease in June
Downtown Deadwood
Jeff Easton
After a one-month rebound in gaming handle results for May, Deadwood's casinos saw another slight decrease in gambling for June, adding to a year-to-date deficit when compared to 2021.
According to the South Dakota Commission on Gaming's report for June, the total gaming handle decreased by 1.61% when compared to June 2021. That is a continued trend from March and April, when gaming handle decreased by 6.52% and 13%, respectively. There was a slight increase in May with a positive gain of 1.77% when compared to May 2021, but not enough to stave off a calendar-year decline in gaming handle.
So far in 2022, Deadwood's casinos have experienced a 0.97% decrease over the same time frame in 2021.
"While June’s numbers were down slightly, we are comparing them to a 20.88 percent increase in June of 2021,” said Mike Rodman, executive director of the Deadwood Gaming Association. “Visitation to Deadwood still remains historically strong.”
In June, gamblers put more than $127 million in slot machines, $6.5 million in chip purchases for table games and $301,217 in sports bets. In all, visitors to Deadwood's casinos spent nearly $134 million on wagers and chip purchases in June.
Slot machine handle decreased 1.47% in June, when compared to June 2021, on Deadwood's 2,601 machines. So far in 2022, slot machine handle is down by 1.18% compared to 2021.
The commission's report shows Deadwood's 93 table games saw an 8.28% decrease when compared to June 2021. Table games were down by 5.53% year-to-date.
Sports wagering included $301,217.36 in June's handle and a statistical win for gamblers of $27,869.05. These results were better for players than April's results, which for the first time showed a loss since wagering was legalized last year. Most bets in April were placed on Major League Baseball games, followed by National Basketball Association and National Hockey League games.
The casinos had a taxable adjusted gross income of just over $11.7 million in June, with $1,053,140.15 in taxes due to various state, county and local government entities.
Through the first six months of 2022, gamblers in Deadwood have spent nearly $717 million on wagers and chip purchases, a decrease of 0.97% when compared to 2021.
So far in 2022, slot machines handled nearly $672 million, a 1.18% decrease over the same time period in 2021. Table games saw nearly $42 million in chip purchases, also a decrease over 2021. Sports wagering year-to-date is nearly $3.5 million.
The report showed casinos rewarded players with more than $1.4 million in "free play" during June.
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2022-07-27T02:57:06Z
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Deadwood casinos see slight decrease in June | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Public Works Committee approves hook-up fees, infrastructure projects
Public Works Director Dale Tech answers questions about Public Works Committee items during a meeting Tuesday at Rapid City Hall.
Approximately 16 properties around Una Del Drive will be able to hook-up to Rapid City's water and sewer system at a discounted rate.
The city's Public Works Committee approved two construction fee resolutions on its consent agenda Tuesday afternoon for eight-inch sewer and water mains. Council member Jesse Ham was absent from the meeting.
The hook-ups for the first year would be $7,500, pending a Rapid City Council vote Monday night. After the first year, the hook-up cost would change to $10,000 and would be $12,000 after the second year.
Public Works Director Dale Tech said it is not required for properties to hook up to the system, but the city does want to get rid of septic systems to protect the groundwater in the area.
Tech said there have been preliminary discussions with property owners on the fee range.
The committee also approved a request to advertise for bids for the $10.2 million estimated construction cost for the city's Water Reclamation Facility aeration basin clariflocculator.
Tech said the project has been in front of the council a number of times, but this is the first major project leading up to an overhaul of the Water Reclamation Facility. He said a clariflocculator is one of the final processes in wastewater treatment.
The committee also approved an amendment to the professional services agreement with FMG Engineering for Perrine and an unnamed tributary drainage basin design plan for an amount not to exceed $42,460. It also approved authorization for the mayor and finance director to sign an easement document allowing Black Hills Energy to construct, operate and maintain, repair, alter, inspect, remove, upgrade, enhance and replace an electric power line with poles on and across portions of the Solid Waste Facility.
Director Dale Tech
Works Committee
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2022-07-27T02:57:12Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Public Works Committee approves hook-up fees, infrastructure projects | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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One of the suspects from a string of thefts in west Rapid City from a home surveillance video. The Rapid City Police Department asks the public to help identify the man.
Photo courtesy Rapid City Police Department
Video footage shows suspects of multiple burglaries and car thefts in west Rapid City were armed at one point as they looked for entry to a home earlier this month.
Other footage shows them checking car doors on Thames Circle. The Rapid City Police Department is investigating the string of thefts that occurred between July 15-19 in several west Rapid City neighborhoods, including the areas of Sheridan Lake Road and West Chicago Street.
RCPD spokesperson Brendyn Medina said the neighborhoods saw a total of 12 vehicle burglaries, three stolen vehicles, one incident of trespassing on Sunburst Drive and one burglary of an open garage.
"We have three detectives that are assigned these cases, and they’re working on them together. They’re working to determine how they relate to each other,” Medina said.
There were no signs of forced entry in any of the cases, and the three stolen vehicles were unlocked with the keys in them, Medina said. They have all since been recovered. Two firearms are among the missing items stolen from vehicles. Police have not released a complete list of all missing items.
Medina said it’s important that residents secure their belongings, vehicles, residences, garages and windows to protect against “car hopping” and “door hopping.”
“Folks go in under the cover of darkness checking door handles for ones that are unlocked, and then once they find one, they can get in and take whatever they want,” he said.
In the trespassing case on Sunburst Drive, the homeowner, Chris King, said he received a notification from his surveillance app in the early morning hours of July 19. Footage from 2:18 a.m. showed at least two armed men walking around the home's entrances. RCPD Criminal Investigations Division Lt. Christian Sigel said it’s unclear if the guns pictured in the video are the same reported stolen from the vehicles.
King said he called the police at about 4:45 a.m. after seeing the notification, unsure if someone was in the home.
"They came immediately. There were sirens blaring and everything," King said. "They swept the house. They had us stand a couple houses down. They took (DNA) swabs. They took fingerprints."
Sigel said investigators took swabs from both vehicles and the home scene, which is being sent to the state and local labs for testing.
"Hopefully something will pan out with that as well," Sigel said.
On Friday, police asked for the public’s help in identifying one of the men in the video and for information on the burglaries. Medina said detectives have received “a large amount of information.”
Anyone with additional tips can contact Detective Brendan Lenard at 605-394-4134. An anonymous tip can also be submitted by texting the letters "RCPD" and the information to 847411.
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2022-07-27T02:57:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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String of thefts in west Rapid City leaves 12 vehicles burglarized, three stolen | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Robert "Bob" Allen Dotson, 73, died Monday, July 18, 2022 at the Chadron Community Hospital.
He was born in Rushville to Marvin and Edna Dotson on February 26, 1949, when they were living at Hay Springs. The family moved to Chadron when Bob was a child. He graduated from Chadron High in 1967. Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, Roger, Bob attended barber college and worked as a barber while attending Chadron State College. He graduated in 1972.
He was a procedural analyst at Chadron State 1979-83. After leaving Chadron, he was an insurance auditor in Texas, Florida and Georgia for a couple of decades.
Dotson played football at Chadron High and lots of baseball beginning at Fitzgibbon Field and going through the American Legion program. He later spent countless hours coaching and umpiring in the Chadron Little League program. He also was an avid baseball card collector with more than 66,000 of them at one time, according to his brother.
Bob was afflicted with muscular dystrophy, apparently dating back to his teenage years. But he continued to be physically active as long as possible. During this time he became an excellent racquetball player despite his disability.
After residing several years in the Denver area where his son Jason lived. He moved to Ponderosa Villa in Crawford in the fall of 2021.
Survivors besides his brother, Roger of Chadron, include a nephew, Don Dotson of Chadron, who admired and was close to his uncle. Other survivors include son, Jason and granddaughters: Chloe and Olivia, and son, David and wife, Eunice and grandson, Valantis; all of Florida.
His family is planning a celebration of his life.
Robert Allen Dotson
Don Dotson
Chadron Little League
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2022-07-27T06:53:05Z
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Robert "Bob" Allen Dotson | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Edward "Ed" Fitzgerald
RAPID CITY - Edward "Ed" Fitzgerald 85 of Rapid City passed away Monday July 25.
Family and friends can pay their respects 4:00pm-6:00pm on Friday, July 29th, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, with a Wake Service to begin at 6:00 p.m. A Christian Funeral Mass will be Saturday, July 30th at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church at 4500 Jackson Blvd. Burial services will be private for family only on the following Monday. Online Condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com.
Ed was born on December 11, 1936, in Lead, South Dakota. He was the second son of Clarence and Lottie Fitzgerald, of Rapid City. He attended elementary school in New Underwood and Wall, and high school at Rapid City Cathedral. He earned a B.S. in Science Education from BHSU in 1959. He earned a master's degree through the National Science Foundation from the University of Minnesota.
Ed was a teacher at Cathedral High School and West Junior High in the Rapid City School District for more than three decades. Early in his career, he also served as a basketball coach and Forest Service Ranger in the summers. Later, he coached his son Kevin's Little League teams. He also enjoyed watching Hard Hats baseball in Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium, which is named after his uncle. Ed was a passionate fan of Notre Dame football. His love of all things Irish and all things Notre Dame led his daughter Kathryn to attend the university. He also founded and served as President of the local Notre Dame Club of the Black Hills for several years. Under his leadership this club was twice recognized by the university as the best local alumni club of any size in the entire country. Ed was also a skilled hobbyist in wood turning. He gifted family and friends with many beautiful handmade pieces. Ed's big loves were his wife and family, the Black Hills, and music. He was dearly loved and will be missed.
He is survived by his sister Carole, of Albany, CA; his wife Marilyn and daughter Kathryn, of Rapid City; son Kevin and daughter-in-law Robin, of West Salem, WI; and daughter Deborah and son-in-law Dave, of Littleton, CO. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kevin and Robin's daughters Bria and Kate and Deborah and Dave's daughter Jordan and son Dillon, as well as his siblings' children and grandchildren in California, Idaho, and Nevada.
He was preceded in death by Lottie and Clarence; his brother Dennis, USMC, retired; sister Beverly, of Rapid City; and younger brother Michael, of Hawthorne, NV, who was also a retired teacher.
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2022-07-27T06:53:17Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Edward "Ed" Fitzgerald | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch overcome deficit, strike late to beat Big Sticks
Ryan Doran's RBI-single in the bottom of the eighth inning gave the Spearfish Sasquatch the lead and eventual 7-6 win over the Badlands Big Sticks on Tuesday at Black Hills Energy Stadium in Spearfish.
Ryan Bachman, who scored the winning run, was a triple shy of the cycle, hitting his third home run of the season as part of a three-hit performance that included three runs and two RBIs to lead the Sasquatch (25-27), who overcame a 4-0 deficit and have now won six of their last seven games.
Keenan O'Brien also homered, his first, and went 2 for 4 with a run and two RBIs, while Bailey Bordas collected a pair of doubles along with one run and one RBI.
Starting pitcher Connor Jones lasted just three innings, surrendering four runs on eight hits while striking out three without a walk. Griffin Shearon earned the win in relief, and Dylan Richey picked up the save.
The Sasquatch and Big Sticks (29-22) meet again for the second of five games to end the regular season Wednesday in Spearfish.
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2022-07-27T06:53:23Z
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Sasquatch overcome deficit, strike late to beat Big Sticks | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-overcome-deficit-strike-late-to-beat-big-sticks/article_6aa5381e-c80e-548f-87b0-d9cda9cf1e00.html
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As hosts of Legion state tournament, Hardhats hope playing at home pays off
The Post 22 Hardhats touch their hats together before the first game of their doubleheader against Sioux Falls East on July 15 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Rapid City Post 22 spent its Saturday evening practice conducting simulations of live games, with pitchers throwing hard and batters taking full swings, against the backdrop of a setting sun dipping below Fitzgerald Stadium and a mid-80s temperature with a cool breeze swirling through the ballpark.
They’re the kind of conditions the Hardhats will enjoy this week, because in addition to being free from having to book hotel rooms, coordinate team bus schedules and pack up equipment, they’re playing the role of host for the 2022 installment of the South Dakota Legion Baseball Class A State Tournament.
“It’s at home. That’s a big deal,” head coach Kelvin Torve said. “Our fans get to watch the games. We get to sleep in our own beds and play in this gorgeous ballpark.”
The Fitz, also named Black Hills Surgical Hospital Ballpark, will be the site of the American Legion Baseball Region 6 Central Plains Regional Tournament next week as well, with the Hardhats receiving an automatic bid, but before they begin to think about that, this week’s task is still at hand.
Pictured is Dave Ploof Field at Fitzgerald Stadium in Black Hills Surgical Hospital Ballpark, the site of this year's South Dakota Legion Baseball Class A State Tournament, which runs Wednesday through Sunday.
Post 22 (36-23 overall, 18-3 in South Dakota) is a perennial title contender, last winning the state championship in 2020, the 43rd time it’s done so, but hosting it this year has created a new challenge. By receiving an automatic bid to the state tournament due to its hosting duties, the Hardhats didn’t need a play-in series to get in like the rest of the field, giving them 11 days off between their regular season finale and their first tournament game Wednesday.
That’s why Torve has been holding full-speed practices with live-game scenarios.
“We wanted pitchers to face hitters and hitters to face pitchers, and face some live bullets, so we did that,” he said. “Eleven days off is odd, but that’s the hand we’re dealt and we’re going to deal with it, and we’re going to come out on Wednesday ready to go.”
These style practices are designed to help the team work on their mechanics in all facets of the game, Torve said, but the layoff has also given certain players time to heal from injuries. While Peyton Tipton will exclusively pitch and Hayden Holec is questionable due to their injuries, the rest of the team is healthy.
Catcher Jacob Solano gave a scare on the final weekend of regular-season games, taking a ball to a knuckle on his right hand that caused him to miss time behind the plate. A subsequent X-ray, however, was negative, and he’s set to play this week.
The Post 22 offense this season can be defined by the domino effect, where stringing together hits and moving the line has been a crucial part of scoring runs.
“We’re a pretty contagious team, so when one guy gets a hit it seems like all of us get up and hit, and the same with our fielding,” Solano said. “We’re a contagious team and we’re tight-knit, so we build off each other.”
Post 22 catcher Jacob Solano fires a throw to second base on a steal attempt during the Hardhats' 7-2 loss to Premier West to start the Firecracker Tournament on June 30 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
Keeping that up will provide a challenge at the state tournament, where winning it will take five victories in five days. Torve said it’ll be important for his squad to stay focused at the plate and turn in strong at-bats, even if they don’t all result in getting on base.
“Guys can tell when you’re battling up there; you’re battling and fighting and fouling off a few pitches,” he said. “Even if you strike out or you ground out or flyout, people know when you’re putting in a competitive at-bat, and competitive at-bats are contagious.”
Focus will also play a factor in the field, Solano said, where staying mentally tough will be key.
“One lapse in focus can be the difference in a ballgame,” he said. “We’ve got to make sure we’re talking in the infield, a lot of times communication will keep all of us focused, and just going through every situation in your head, pre-pitch thinking and all that.”
The Hardhats have had their inconsistencies on the mound this year, but strong outings from their starting rotation and bullpen have been linked to high strike percentages and short innings. Torve said his hurlers will need to throw well-placed strikes and keep their pitch counts low.
“Having 10-11 pitch innings is huge, because with the pitch count and it being a five-day tournament, you need to be efficient with your pitches,” he said. “Not just strikes, but quality strikes.”
Palmer Jacobs, Post 22’s No. 1 pitcher this season, said the 11-day layoff has given the staff time to practice and calibrate the strike zone.
“I think it’s going to be, as it has been all year, just getting that first-pitch strike,” he said. “After the Gopher (Classic) and having some problems pitching, that with the scrimmages we’ve had and the bullpens we’ve had this week, we’re going to be there. We’ll be alright.”
Hardhats pitcher Palmer Jacobs fires a pitch during his six-inning outing for a win against Casper in the first game of a doubleheader June 11 at Fitzgerald Stadium.
When faced with the inevitable adversity on the mound and in jams, Jacobs said staying in tempo will be key to getting back in the dugout.
“I think it’s going to start with not letting the bases get loaded in the first place,” he said. “Walks or going to happen, hit-by-pitches are going to happen, you’re going to give up the little bloop singles, that’s all going to happen, but if we can minimize that and do it whenever we don’t have runners in scoring position, then we’ll be just fine.”
The Hardhats face No. 7 Harrisburg (17-15 overall, 11-7 in South Dakota) in the first round of the eight-team, double elimination format. A win for them and a win for Rapid City Post 320, or losses by each, would pit the rival teams against each other Thursday.
Torve admitted he doesn’t know much about the Tigers and what they bring, but said it doesn't matter as long as his team plays the way they know how to.
“It depends on what we roll out there. We can beat any team in the state when we play well, and I think probably every team in the state can beat us if we don’t,” he said. “Basically, we just have to play Post 22 baseball and we’ll be fine.”
First pitch between the Hardhats and Tigers is slated for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
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2022-07-27T13:19:11Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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As hosts of Legion state tournament, Hardhats hope playing at home pays off | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Streaking Stars eager to make a splash at State
Rapid City Post 320 wasted no time after it qualified for the state tournament for the first time in six years with a sweep of Sioux Falls Post 15 West on Saturday.
The Stars reconvened at Pete Lien Memorial Field on Sunday night for a shortened batting practice. Then they hit the field on Monday and Tuesday to prepare for their first-round matchup with Mitchell Post 18 at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday at Fitzgerald Stadium.
In addition to taking advantage of their extra practices, head coach Brian Humphries asked former Stars pitchers playing college ball to come back and throw at practice so the team would be ready to face better arms.
“Baseball is a very routine sport, so it’s business as usual,” Humphries said. In practice we are going to keep doing the same thing we have been doing. For hitters we want them to face pitchers that are more or less what they will see in games.”
Post 320 is 33-16 overall and 17-6 against in-state opponents. The Stars turned on the jets in July and enter the tournament with an 11-5 record this month. They have also won five of their last six games, outscoring opponents 56-35 in those contests.
Lane Darrow has anchored the Stars offense, hitting .419, the best average among players with at least 25 at-bats. In the state tournament play-in series against Sioux Falls Post 15 West, Darrow went 7 for 7 with three runs and two RBIs.
“We are confident right now and are playing great,” Darrow said. “We just need to keep bringing it. My confidence is through the roof. We are all seeing the ball well and will take that to state and keep it going.”
Humphries said Post 320’s heightened confidence bodes well as the team continues into the postseason.
“If we play our game we should do pretty well,” he said. “Any time you go outside of what you are used to doing, that’s when you get in trouble. We are a good team, we can compete with anyone in the state and want to do what we’re taught and let the chips fall where they may.”
Mitchell enters the state tournament with a three-game winning streak after it swept Aberdeen in the state playoffs. Post 18 is 25-13 overall and 17-6 against in-state opponents.
“They have a few good guys and are a good hitting team,” Darrow said. “As long as we keep our defense good and hit well, we should be able to stay in the game.”
Mitchell packs a punch at the plate with a .305 team average and five starters hitting greater than .315. Meanwhile, its pitching staff holds opponents at bay with a 3.48 team ERA.
The Post 320 staff elected Brady Fallon to start against Post 18, with ace Jett Wetzler slated to start Game 2 regardless of what happens in the opening round.
“I’ve been looking to start a lot this year,” Fallon said. “I’ve mostly been a closer this year, but have been getting more starts and I enjoy it. I just like the ball in my hand at all times and whenever that happens, I’m all for it.”
Fallon (2-0) has pitched 37 2/3 innings in 12 outings for the Stars and boasts a 2.97 ERA with 1.24 WHIP. Wednesday will mark his fourth start of the season, and Humphries hopes he sets the tone with a solid performance to kick off the tournament.
“In that state tournament the first two games are very important,” Humphries said. “If we win those first two, we only have to win one more to make it to the championship and play for a chance to go to the Midwest Regional. It’s never easy, or a good thing, to fight your way out of the loser’s bracket.”
The winner of Wednesday’s game advances to face the winner of Rapid City Post 22 and Harrisburg Post 45’s matchup in the second round.
Fallon and Darrow agreed that the prospect of a rematch with the Hardhats provides extra motivation to pick up a win over Mitchell.
“We want to play them again for sure,” Darrow said. “If we can just both win our first game then we get them.”
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2022-07-27T13:19:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Streaking Stars eager to make a splash at State | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/streaking-stars-eager-to-make-a-splash-at-state/article_a312cd05-938e-588a-976e-2bf4022199b8.html
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Trish Ladner
There has been so much going on since we last touched base. It is policy that the newspapers don’t publish articles from legislators a few weeks prior to the primary election. I totally get that, but the work didn’t stop, and it is time to catch up!! So, let’s get to it!
First of all, thank you for supporting me in the primary election. I have told many of you that there is so much more to be done, not only for District 30, but for South Dakota and I appreciate the opportunity to continue “our” work together in Pierre.
With a lot to catch up on, I don’t quite know where to begin. So let’s start with the fun filled 4th of July celebrations. What fun we had being in the parades in Hill City, Hot Springs, and the Custer Gold Discovery Days celebrations. In Custer I was honored to follow the Veteran Color Guard led by Don Ackerman and his group of heroes with flags flying! It was amazing! The streets were lined 10 deep with families and children who were so excited that they were jumping up and down, hugging each other and chasing the taffy that we tossed out by the handfuls .... which by the way, was the highlight for me! I quickly realized that many of the locals who lined the streets, were joined by others from all over America, all enjoying the home-town American parade. The celebrations renewed my belief that all of us (collectively), long for the same thing; wholesome values and a safe environment to raise our families. South Dakota is a breath of fresh air to those visiting from the other states who find themselves steeped in regulations, and have been incrementally losing their common-sense freedoms. I am thankful that we can still feel safe and live in this beautiful state. I believe that a big part of our sustained freedom and values in South Dakota stem from our rural culture; the rancher, grower, and strong communities that embodies our way of life here and allows us to raise our family, worship as we see fit, work hard, and thrive. As the AG community faces new challenges in the food supply chain, the escalating costs of diesel fuel, and fertilizer, I have faith that they will figure out how to solve these obstacles in order to continue to bring the food to our tables. It’s called Grit; to have courage and show strength of character ... something we will all need going forward.
June 21st & 22nd was spent in Pierre for the Special Session on Impeachment and on June 23-26th we traveled from Pierre to Watertown for the 68th GOP State Convention and then back to Pierre for the Property Tax Summer Study on the 27th.
Enough has been written about the impeachment and the GOP convention so I will move on to the Property Tax Study. It was a very productive meeting as the committee members heard from the Department of Revenue, Department of Education, Municipalities, and more. The goal was to lay the groundwork of what property tax protocols are currently in place in order to build upon going forward. I can safely say that the committee members came away with new knowledge and insights into the current property tax system that is in place. Our next property tax study meeting is August 22nd in Pierre. At this meeting we will be hearing from County Commissioners and Directors of Equalization from east and west river. In the afternoon we will begin to examine other state’s property tax models. There will be a public comment segment at the end of the day. You can view the agenda on-line at sdlegislature.gov. As always, the meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend. If you would like to attend in person or join via Teams or phone, call LRC to register at 605. 773.3251.
I look forward to serving District 30 and being your commonsense voice in Pierre once again! More to follow!
Representative Trish Ladner, District 30
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2022-07-27T13:19:30Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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LADNER: Time to catch up | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/ladner-time-to-catch-up/article_c6b43fb5-2a5e-5564-8092-3df92fedb700.html
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Tuesday's shooting follows a police shooting of a woman on May 31 after a failed traffic stop. The Minnehaha County State's Attorney is reviewing DCI's investigation of the shooting. The woman's name has not yet been released. Her condition is unclear. The two officers involved in that shooting returned to work the next day and the next week, respectively.
Kevin Thom
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2022-07-27T16:02:54Z
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Man dead after police shooting in north Rapid City | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/man-dead-after-police-shooting-in-north-rapid-city/article_3f9ab857-aa2f-5738-b169-6b5a5914d77e.html
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The events get underway on Thursday, with 4-H Clothing checking at 8:30 a.m., followed by judging at 9 a.m. Running from 10-11 a.m. is the 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Challenge.
In the afternoon it’s the 4-H Presentation Contest at 4:30 p.m., followed by the 4-H Fashion Show at 7 p.m. The public is invited to the show, but rather than it being at the fairgrounds as in previous years, it will be at the high school along with the rest of Thursday’s events.
On Friday, the animal shows begin with the 4-H Cat Show check in at 8 a.m. and the show following. In the afternoon, it’s time for the dogs with check-in at 12:30 p.m. and the show at 1 p.m. Both shows are at the Vetter Building.
The Dixie Eaton/Henken Roberts Building is also sure to be busy Friday, with Open Class check-in beginning at 9 a.m.; Open Class judging is at 2 p.m.
Saturday gets started early at the arena, with a breakfast at 7 a.m. Having a good breakfast is important for the horse riders, as they will be busying themselves through the day with the 4-H Working Ranch and Performance Horse Show beginning at 8 a.m.; check-in is at 7:30 a.m. There will also be a Hippology challenge from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the arena stage area.
Saturday evening, don’t be afraid to get down and dirty with the Dawes County Fair Board Hog Wrestling west of the arena. The event is certainly a popular one, with seats filling up early. Prior to the wrestling is a chance to make some money with wrangler auction.
Sunday is all about recognizing residents, with the Dawes County Hall of Fame induction at 2 p.m. in the grandstands. After the ceremony, it’s time of the check-in of the Antique Tractor Pull, with the main event, and the Hall of Fame awards reception, scheduled for 4 p.m. North of the arena, be sure to check out the entertaining Lawn Mower Association Races starting at 3 p.m.
Doors open 8:30 a.m. Monday at the 4-H Building, for exhibit check-ins. From 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., 4-H static exhibit interview judging will take place. From 2-4 p.m. decorated cakes will be judged, and there’s opportunity to claim some sweets during the live cake and pie auction in the grandstands at 5:30 p.m.; free popsicles will also be available.
In the arena Monday afternoon, stick horse races run from 2:30- 4 p.m., with the youth rodeo for ages 7-18 at 5 p.m. At the east end of the race track, take aim during the 3-D archery shoot, open to any age, at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 4-H static exhibits, and the silent auction open at the 4-H Building. Over at the Vetter Building, check-in for 4-H companion animals, exotics and rabbits is at 8 a.m. The companion animal show begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by exotics and the rabbits.
Check-in for poultry is 11 a.m., with the show beginning after lunch. From 3-4 p.m. it’s time for weigh-ins on goats, followed by swine weigh-ins from 4-6 p.m.
At the 4-H Building, check out the 4-H static award photos at 4:30 p.m. Stop by the show barn from 5:30-6:30 p.m. to visit with 4-H families about their animals during the Small Animal Education Hour.
The grandstands are again busy in the evening, with free snow cones at 5:30 p.m. Contestants for the Ranch Rodeo should check in starting at 6 p.m. The Cowboy Auction is a 6:30 p.m., with the rodeo and bronc match at 7 p.m. The local FFA will also conduct their hay auction, at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 4-H sheep weigh-ins and check-ins are from 8-9 a.m. at the North Side Event Center, followed by beef from 9-10 a.m.
In the Vetter Building, the 4-H Dairy Goat Show starts at 11 a.m., followed by the Meat Goat Show. Bottle lamb interviews are at the show barn from 1-3 p.m., followed by the 4-H Swine Show in the Vetter building.
Tough truck registration is at the stage at 5:30 p.m., closing at 6:45 p.m. There will be a drivers meeting at 6:30 p.m., with the Tough Truck competition at 7 p.m. in the arena. Refreshments include free root beer floats at 5:30 p.m. at the grandstands.
Thursday there is another breakfast, this time at the open air shelter beginning at 7 a.m. The Vetter Building is home to most of the day’s activities, with 4-H bucket calf interviews rom 8-10 a.m. the 4-H Sheep Show is at 8:30 a.m., followed by the bottle lamb awards. The 4-H Dairy Cattle Show is at 11 a.m., followed by 4-H Beef Showmanship.
After lunch, it’s time for the breeding beef, stocker feeders and bucket calf awards, with the 4-H Market Beef Show following to wrap things up for animal showings. Free snow cones will again be available at the grandstands, and there is an education opportunity about goats, sheep, and bucket calves from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the show barn.
6 p.m. marks the start of the Rubber Check Race, as well as the team auction. From 8-10 p.m., get on your dancing shoes and cut a rug at the free dance at the open air shelter.
Friday is time to see who’s the top showmen during the small animal round robin at 9 a.m. and large animal round robin at 11 a.m. Both are at the Vetter Building.
The building is also home to the adult showmanship contest at 4 p.m., with the livestock buyers’ social from 4:30-6 p.m. Check out the youngsters and their animals during the Clover Kids Parade at 5:45 p.m. The livestock auction gets underway at 6 p.m., which is also the deadline for the static exhibit silent auction at the 4-H Building.
On Saturday, the public is encouraged to add their hands and make light work of the exhibit and animal check out, as well as general cleanup of the grounds.
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2022-07-27T18:33:02Z
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Fair kicks off this week | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Johnson to host Aug. 3 town hall in Rapid City
United States Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., speaks with Cornerstone Rescue Mission kitchen manager Lisa Tognotti during a tour of the Rapid City facility on April 11.
U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., will host a town hall meeting from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at South Dakota Mines in Rapid City.
The town hall will be in the Classroom Building Lecture Hall 204E on the Mines campus. Johnson said the meeting is open to all constituents and encourages as many West River residents to attend as possible.
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2022-07-27T18:33:15Z
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Johnson to host Aug. 3 town hall in Rapid City | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Mistakes haunt Stars in opening-round loss to Mitchell at State
A lack of offense and a difficult day in the field proved costly for Rapid City Post 320 as it fell 4-1 to Mitchell Post 18 in the opening round of the South Dakota Legion Baseball Class A State Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at Fitzgerald Stadium.
The No. 6 Stars (33-17 overall, 17-7 in South Dakota) finished the contest with four errors, which led to two Mitchell runs, and recorded just two hits while reaching base four times on the day.
“Errors were the difference in the game,” Post 320 head coach Brian Humphries said. “When you play against better teams you can’t have unforced errors and you can’t walk guys. Three of the four runs came on our mistakes, and when you play good teams, you can’t do that.”
No. 3 Mitchell (26-13 overall, 18-6 in South Dakota) starting pitcher Jake Helleloid proved exceptional on the mound as he picked up the win. The right-hander pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed one run on two hits with four strikeouts and one walk.
Post 18’s Peyton Mandell entered to record the final out of the game to save Helleloid for later in the tournament.
Post 320 took a 1-0 lead in the top of the first when Gavyn Dansby led off with a triple and scored on a groundout by Lane Darrow. The Stars only recorded one more hit in the top of the third inning.
“Hitting is hitting and sometimes it’s good and sometimes it’s bad,” Humphries said. “It is what it is. They may have settled in after the first couple of innings and played better as the game went on, but I can’t say either way.”
Stars pitcher Brady Fallon suffered the loss with three innings of work as the starter. He allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits with three walks, a hit-by-pitch and two strikeouts.
Jim Rogers entered with two innings of relief and allowed one unearned run on three hits, and Hayden Leighty closed with a shutout seventh and surrendered one hit.
At the plate, Darrow finished 1 for 2 with one RBI and Dansby finished 1 for 3 with a triple and a run.
Post 320 looked poised to put together another impressive offensive performance when Dansby tripled and scored one play later to make a 1-0, but it proved the only run for the Stars.
Post 18 bounced back and tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the second with a run on two hits, a walk and two errors. Jace Larson reached on an error with one out and Joseph VanOverschelde reached on a walk to put runners at first and second. Then, with two outs, Brock Sparks singled and Larson scored when the Stars’ shortstop misplayed the ball.
Mitchell took control of the game in the top of the third with two runs on one hit, a hit-by-pitch and a pair of walks. Post 18 loaded the bases without a hit before Larson delivered a one-out, two-run single to give his team a 3-1 lead after three.
Post 18 added some insurance in the top of the fifth when Helleloid led off with a double and scored on an error in right field two plays later to make it 4-1 after five.
Helleloid led the way for Post 18 at the plate and went 2 for 2 with one run and a double. Larson finished 1 for 2 with a run and two RBIs.
Mitchell returns to action at 7 p.m. Thursday against the winner of No. 2 Rapid City Post 22 and No. 7 Harrisburg Post 45.
The Stars return to action at 12:30 p.m. Thursday in an elimination game against the loser of Wednesday’s nightcap between the Hardhats and Tigers.
Humphries said Jett Wetzler will take the mound for Post 320.
“Tomorrow is another day,” Humphries said. “Tomorrow is win-or-go-home, so we have to come back with the mentality that we are going to win and continue to win. We still have a chance no matter what side of the bracket we are on.”
Jake Helleloid
Jace Larson
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2022-07-27T22:56:48Z
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Mistakes haunt Stars in opening-round loss to Mitchell at State | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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BHSU announces men's, women's basketball schedules
Black Hills State's PJ Hayes (23) shoots beyond the reach of a Regis defender during the RMAC Championship game March 5 at the Donald E. Young Center in Spearfish.
Black Hills State men's basketball has released its 2022-23 regular season schedule, which features five non-conference games and 12 home games within the 28-game slate.
The Yellow Jackets, the defending RMAC champions, open the season on the road, heading down to the Conference Challenge hosted by Oklahoma Christian to take on Arkansas Fort Smith on Nov. 11 and Oklahoma Christian on Nov. 12.
The next weekend features another road tournament, this time at the RMAC-NSIC Challenge in Sioux Falls to take on MSU Moorhead on Nov. 18 and Augustana on Nov. 19.
The team will play its home opener on Nov. 23 against Montana State Billings, which will also conclude BHSU's non-conference slate.
RMAC play begins in Rapid City against rival South Dakota Mines on Nov. 28 before a weekend back home against Regis on Dec. 2 and UC Colorado Springs on Dec. 3.
A road trip to Metro State (Dec. 9) and Colorado Mines (Dec. 10) will follow before BHSU heads back home to face New Mexico Highlands on Dec. 16.
Following winter break, the Yellow Jackets hit the road and travel to Adams State on Dec. 30 and Fort Lewis on Dec. 31.
They play one more on the road, at Western Colorado on Jan. 6, before heading home to take on Colorado Mesa on Jan. 13 and Westminster on Jan. 14.
BHSU hits the road again to face New Mexico Highlands on Jan. 20 and CSU Pueblo on Jan. 21, but then returns home for four straight, taking on South Dakota Mines (Jan. 24), Colorado Christian (Jan. 26), Colorado Mines (Feb. 3) and Metro State (Feb. 4).
Two more road games at UC Colorado Springs on Feb. 10 and Regis on Feb. 11 precede the final homestand for the Yellow Jackets, who will host Fort Lewis on Feb. 17 and Adams State on Feb. 18.
The Yellow Jackets will wrap up the regular season at Colorado Christian on Feb. 22 and Chadron State on Feb. 23.
The RMAC Tournament will begin Feb. 28 and conclude with the championship game on March 4.
BHSU women's basketball schedule
Black Hills State University's women's basketball team has released its 2022-2023 schedule, which features six non-conference contests and 15 home games included in the 29-game campaign.
The Yellow Jackets will begin their season on the road against Idaho State University on Friday, Nov. 4 in Pocatello, Idaho before hosting the next four contests at the Donald E. Young Center: they will be taking on Texas A&M International (Nov. 11), Texas A&M-Kingsville (Nov. 12), University of Mary (Nov. 16), and Minot State (Nov. 17).
BHSU will compete in its final non-conference matchup on Nov. 22, traveling to Billings, Montana to take on Montana State Billings. RMAC play will kick off for the Yellow Jackets on the road as they take on rival South Dakota Mines in Rapid City on Nov. 28.
Basketball will return to the Donald E. Young Center for two games against Regis (Dec. 2) and UCCS (Dec. 3).
The Yellow Jackets will hit the road once again Dec. 9-10 for contests against Metro State and Colorado Mines, respectively, then return home to take on New Mexico Highlands on Dec. 16 to conclude play before winter break.
Following the break, the Yellow Jackets will be on the road for three more games against Adams State (Dec. 30), Fort Lewis (Dec. 31), then concluding with Western Colorado (Jan. 6).
The Yellow Jackets come back to Spearfish for three more contests against South Dakota Mines (Jan. 10), Colorado Mesa (Jan. 13), and Westminster (Jan. 14). The Yellow Jackets will compete in another pair of road games against New Mexico Highlands (Jan. 20) and CSU Pueblo (Jan. 21).
The Donald E. Young Center will play host to three more as the Yellow Jackets take on CCU (Jan. 26), Colorado Mines (Feb. 3), and Metro State (Feb. 10).
BHSU will head to Colorado for another pair of road games against UCCS (Feb. 10) and Regis (Feb. 11).
The final four games of the regular season will see two home and two road games for the Yellow Jackets, with the final home meetings taking place against Fort Lewis (Feb. 17) and Adams State (Feb. 18) before a final road campaign against CCU (Feb. 22) and Chadron State (Feb. 23).
The first round of the RMAC tournament is slated for Feb. 28, with the semifinals to take place on Mar. 3, followed by the RMAC Championship game on Mar. 4.
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2022-07-28T00:54:57Z
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BHSU announces men's, women's basketball schedules | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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A federal judge sentenced an Oglala man Wednesday above federal sentencing guidelines for killing his close friend by shooting him in the face with a sawed-off shotgun while he was intoxicated.
Dirk Garnier, 37, pleaded guilty on Feb. 18 to voluntary manslaughter and discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence for the death of Beau Blacksmith, 30, on July 17, 2021. A federal grand jury originally charged Garnier with second-degree murder and discharge of a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
The government reduced the second-degree murder charge in exchange for Garnier’s guilty plea.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Viken sentenced Garnier to a total of 18 years in federal prison and five years of supervised release. Viken applied the mandatory minimum 10-year consecutive sentence for the firearm charge. On the voluntary manslaughter charge, Viken sentenced Garnier to 8 years, exceeding the federal sentencing guidelines of five years and three months to six-and-a-half years.
Viken also ordered Garnier to five years of supervised release, three years for voluntary manslaughter and five years for the firearm charge, to run concurrently. Garnier will also have to pay a mandatory $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, $100 for each count.
When Viken announced the sentence, he told Garnier he had, “no joy in announcing or imposing that.”
Court documents show Garnier and Blacksmith started drinking excessively together on the evening of July 16, 2021. At about 1 a.m. the two got into an argument outside Garnier’s home. Garnier went inside, grabbed a shotgun and pointed it at Blacksmith, who held up his hands and yelled, “It doesn’t have to come down like that!”
Garnier fired at close range and the round went through Blacksmith’s right eye and into his brain.
During the sentencing hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen, representing the government, presented an audio recording of an interview with the FBI agent who responded to the scene. The agent recounted that he arrived at the property to find Garnier pointing a shotgun at him. The agent said he told Garnier to drop the gun several times, and Garnier cursed at him. The agent then shot Garnier in the shoulder.
Viken said he is "surprised" Garnier is alive and the agent did him a favor by shooting him in the shoulder and not killing him.
When the agent went up to Garnier and asked him if he had shot Blacksmith, Garnier stated he didn’t shoot him, and that his friend wasn’t dead. The agent then found Blacksmith’s body and covered it.
Poppen argued the judge should sentence Garnier to 20 years because of uncharged and dismissed conduct, including brandishing a firearm at a federal agent and the dismissed second-degree murder charge. Poppen also argued for the judge to vary from sentencing guidelines because of the extremely serious nature of the crime and Garnier’s history, which included alcohol-related tribal charges, although Garnier has no prior felonies.
Garnier’s defense attorney, Thomas Diggins, asked the judge to sentence Garnier between five years and three months to six years. He said Garnier is extremely remorseful, and the event would not have happened without alcohol, although that does not excuse Garnier’s actions. He said Garnier lost a “dear friend.”
Garnier’s sister, brother and niece attended the hearing on his behalf. His sister addressed the court and said her brother would not have shot his friend had he not been so intoxicated. She said Garnier and Blacksmith were good friends, and she felt shocked when she heard the news.
She said Garnier did everything he could working as a mechanic to take care of his children, and he would make sure he fed and took care of anyone who came to his home.
“Give him a chance to be with his children again. They miss him and they don’t understand what’s going on,” she said.
Viken chose to exceed sentencing guidelines because of dismissed and uncharged conduct, referring to Garnier brandishing a gun when a federal agent arrived on scene and the original second degree murder charge.
Viken acknowledged Garnier’s remorse and said he has a “strong sense of the pain inflicted on family and community.” He also referenced Garnier’s struggle with alcohol, noting Garnier should have sought treatment for his addiction. Viken said Garnier had alcohol-related arrests spanning from 2005-2020, indicating a 15-year problem with the substance. The judge said Garnier did nothing to seek treatment.
“You shot one of your best friend’s in the face with a sawed-off shotgun,” Viken said. “This did not have to happen.”
Oglala
Dirk Garnier
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2022-07-28T00:55:03Z
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Federal judge sentences Oglala man to 18 years for killing friend with a sawed-off shotgun | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Angela Bernadette Kopriva
TRACY, MN - Angela Bernadette Kopriva, 90, of Tracy, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Hospice House in Slayton, MN. She is the daughter of Lawrence Karl Kopriva and Emma Kopriva, long-time residents of Edgemont, SD.
"Bernie" was born March 11, 1932 in Cody, Nebraska. She grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin in her early years until the family settled in Edgemont in 1939. Following graduation from Edgemont High School, Bernie attended Saint Mary's College in Omaha, NE where she prepared for a secretarial career. Returning to Edgemont, Bernie worked as a typesetter and assistant to her father, Lawrence, editor and publisher of The Edgemont Tribune.
In 1964, Bernie settled in Marshall, MN, which became her home until 2016.
She was an active member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church. Declining health caused Bernie to move to Prairie View Senior Living in Tracy, her home for nearly six years until her final illness. An avid lover of animals, Bernie enjoyed the companionship of pets wherever she went, especially canaries and dogs.
Bernie is survived by her brothers, Dr. Gregory Kopriva of Rapid City, Dr. Charles Kopriva of Shoreline, WA., a sister, Emma Lee, of Colorado Springs, CO. along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Emilie, and a nephew, John Paul.
Visitation at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Rapid City will begin at 5 p.m. followed by rosary and vigil service at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 2, with Deacon Larry Kopriva presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 3, with Very Rev. Timothy Hoag officiating. A reception will follow at the church hall. Internment will be at 2 p.m. at the Edgemont cemetery. Please visit the online guestbook for Bernie at www.OsheimSchmidt.com.
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2022-07-28T06:21:57Z
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Angela Bernadette Kopriva | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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YUMA, AZ - Arnie Mathew Arnio passed away peacefully at his home in Yuma, AZ, with his wife by his side on July 14, 2022.
Arnie was born on September 7, 1941 in Renton, WA, to Arnold and Hazel (Henrie) Arnio. He was the fifth of their eleven children. Shortly after he was born, the family moved to South Dakota. He attended Pluma Grade School and Lead High School. As a toddler, he was fascinated with trucks and went on to make a living with trucks the rest of his life.
He married Mary Curry, of Lead, and they had two children from this marriage; Mike Arnio of Busby, MT and Shelly Arnio McGriff of Quinn, SD.
In 1969, he married Brigitte (Weber) Arnio of Deadwood. They started and ran Arnie Arnio Trucking as a very successful trucking company out of Rapid City, SD, for 29 years.
In 1998, they sold the trucking business and eventually moved to the warm weather they both loved in Yuma, AZ. He and Brigitte enjoyed blue grass music and they traveled to festivals far and wide to listen to different bands.
Arnie also leaves behind three brothers; David (Kay) Arnio, Bob (Jan) Arnio, and Dan (Linda) Arnio as well as five sisters; Dolly Rizzi, Phyllis (John) Johnson, Kay (Bob) Zuhr, Christy (Bill) Burleson and Cindy (Boyce) Gillies.
He will be greatly missed by five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is scheduled for Sunday, September 4, 2022, at 1:30 PM at the Shriners Temple, 4091 Sturgis Rd, Rapid City, SD. A memorial has been established by the family.
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2022-07-28T06:22:03Z
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Arnie Mathew Arnio | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Edward "Ed" Allen Andersh
RAPID CITY - Edward "Ed" Allen Andersh, 68, Rapid City, SD passed away July 24, 2022.
He served in the United States Army and the SD Army National Guard.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 28, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm at Kirk Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Services will be Friday, July 29, 2022 at 10:00am at Kirk Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.
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2022-07-28T06:22:22Z
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Edward "Ed" Allen Andersh | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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RAPID CITY - While recuperating from a medical procedure at Monument Hospital, Russ Frankenfeld's heart stopped for eleven minutes, causing catastrophic brain damage. On March 23, 2022, Russ passed away. He was seventy. Thursday, July 28, would have been his 71st birthday.
Russ was intensely curious all his life. He read voraciously and deeply, and immersed himself in a myriad of subjects, including Hindu, Buddhist and Christian practice, cooking, music, photography, art, architecture, politics, and history. He was a master gardener. He travelled the world, with multiple trips to Europe, Asia, Central America, and Africa. His vast store of knowledge on seemingly any subject was a source of wonder to his four brothers and others who knew him, and he was always willing -- some would say insistent -- to share. He was warm, friendly, and sentimental, but also stubborn and at times abrasive. Despite several romantic relationships over his life, he never married.
Russell Dean Frankenfeld, the second of Phyllis and Robert Frankenfeld's five sons, was born in Vermillion on July 28, 1951, while his father was completing law school. The family moved to Rapid City the next year. Russ attended Cleghorn rural school through eighth grade. The family home in Chapel Valley was then surrounded by pasture, horse trails, and forested hills. It was a place where a kid could thrive.
Russ and his record-setting 850 classmates graduated from Rapid City ‘s only high school in 1969. Russ and some friends formed a rock band, the Shape of Things, which developed a local following and inspired Russ's lifelong interest in music, especially guitar. He was the first Frankenfeld brother to have been chosen for Boys' State, a feat later matched by three of his siblings.
In 1973, Russ graduated from the University of South Dakota, majoring in psychology. While there he joined the SAE fraternity, following the tradition of his father and grandfather. He was a member and ultimately President of Strollers, an elite but boisterous (even notorious) troupe that delighted in parties, camaraderie, and entertainment.
After college, Russ worked for AT&T in Rochester, Minnesota, ultimately transferring to a sister Bell company in Seattle. He lived and worked in San Francisco for a while, but returned to Seattle, which became his second home town. There he purchased his dream home, perched over Puget Sound. He became a senior marketing executive with MCI-WorldCom, a telecommunications startup that rose like a skyrocket, then fizzled out overnight, leaving Russ devastated. Long a collector and connoisseur of fine wines, Russ developed a fondness for other spirits, a problem that challenged him for the rest of his life.
In 1988 he returned temporarily to South Dakota, where he and his close friend Patricia Kenner became West River directors for an election measure to deregulate telecommunications. Although the measure lost in East River it won handily in West River and overall passed narrowly, thanks largely to their efforts. The nationally significant legislation contributed to the cell phone boom that followed.
Later Russ became national marketing director for Tulsi Tea in Boulder, Colorado, a venture of Canada's Bronfman family. He spent many weeks in India helping to develop and implement a marketing plan.
The stress and volatility of his career, coupled with a traumatic brain injury resulting from an automobile accident, left him exhausted, and around 2008, Russ retired to a home in Hill City. He adopted a Golden Doodle, Buddy, who became his ever-present companion and best friend. Over the next decade his health declined, and Russ, a one-time marathoner, became sedentary. In his final two years, Russ seemingly spent as much time (intermittently) in the hospital as at home. Atrial fibrillation became an intractable problem.
Russ is survived by his four brothers; Don (Jean), Charles (Angelia), Kent (Brenda) and James (Kelly) and their families. Russ specified that his ashes be scattered at the family cabin in Spearfish Canyon, and at other places sacred to him in the Black Hills. The family will hold a private remembrance service at a later date.
The family suggests that memorials be sent to the Humane Society, or to the Frankenfeld Scholarship Fund at the University of South Dakota.
Please visit the online guestbook for Russ at www.OsheimSchmidt.com.
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2022-07-28T06:22:34Z
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Russell Dean Frankenfeld | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Four inductions will be made into the Dawes County Agricultural Hall of Fame beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 31 in the Grandstand at the Dawes County Fairgrounds. Nearly 180 inductions have been made, including many couples who shared the honor, since the Hall of Fame was founded in 1989.
Dawes County is one of the few counties that have an Ag Hall of Fame. It helps remember those who have been the agricultural leaders and supporters through the years.
Sunday’s program is open to the public without charge. Other honors will include the presentation of six Good Neighbor Awards and an Extra Miler Award.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Chet and Stephanie Ansley of Hemingford, John and Sheri Grint and their daughter Jeri Anderson, all of Chadron, the Crawford Livestock Market and the Chadron High School FFA Program.
The Ansleys had been on Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s “futures” list for several years. Unfortunately, the action did not occur before Chet lost his life in a vehicle accident near the family’s ranch just north of the Niobrara River a year ago.
The outpouring of sympathy that followed showed how much friends thought of Chet and his loved ones. At least 400 attended the memorial service at the ranch and some $9.000 in gifts was given to help support perhaps his favorite charity—Christian missionaries.
Chet and Stephanie were high school sweethearts at Fairplay, Colo. After their marriage they attended Colorado State University and then ranched with his parents east of Greeley for 18 years. In 1989, they purchased the ranch that other esteemed couples—Fred and Agnes Neeland, John and Katie Engel and Rod and Jean Hinman—had owned.
The Ansleys initially took in cattle to pasture while building their own herd of high-quality Angus. Their children, first daughter Amy and husband Dave Jones, and then son Justin and wife Reyna, have helped operate the ranch.
Chet was a leader in many other activities. They included a weekly prayer meeting in Hemingford, the Easter Sunrise Service at Box Butte Reservoir and Open Door Church. He also was on the Farm Service Agency board and the Cottonwood School board. Stephanie keeps the ranch books, helps with the haying and the cattle and also is involved in Christian activities. Both also are worthy of a Good Neighbor Award.
The Grints are some of Dawes County’s leading horse producers. Each spring at least 15 colts are born on their pine-clad ranch east of Chadron and have been sold into more than 20 states as well as Mexico and Sweden.
John grew up in the “horse business” in northeastern Custer County. He says his grandfather, Floyd Pulliam, was a horse trader all of his life. In 1974, after serving in Vietnam, attending Chadron State College and marrying Sheri, John landed a job that suited him to a tee. He was the field representative in the northwest portion of the state for the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds for 39 years.
It allowed him to meet a majority of the landowners in Sioux, Dawes, Sheridan and Grant counties and the western half of Cherry County. Eventually, he was the overseer of 230 state-owned parcels, most of them sections. John also was involved in every rodeo Chadron hosted. Whenever there was bronc or bull riding, he was usually the one who unlatched the chute gate.
For at least 40 years, he has raised a few colts. In recent years, John and Sheri, one of the area’s best bowlers and long-time secretary for Metal Products in Chadron, were able to purchase nearby pastureland. More mares were acquired and Grint and Girls were soon raising colts that have become hot commodities.
Jeri, the youngest of the three girls and the junior queen of the final Little Britches Rodeo in 1990, became more involved eight years ago when she started posting photos of the colts soon after they were born. They were a hit. Before long some were sold before they were born and others were snatched up as soon as she took their picture and sent it through the airwaves.
While also teaching at Chadron Middle School, Jeri spends lots of time with the mares and colts. The buyers are getting a gentle horse who loves people. Blue roans, chestnuts and bays are among the prevalent colors.
This is the second time Crawford Livestock Market has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The first was 20 years ago, when Doug and Janice Strotheide and Jack and Laurel Hunter were the owners. The Hunters are still involved in the market, but their daughter, Alicia, and her husband, Rick Robertson, became the primary owners in 2018.
The business is thriving. It was selling about 60,000 head of cattle annually in 2002, while the total last year was 90,000, making it the eighth busiest in Nebraska. Consigners from a 200-mile radius in the tri-state area put their trust in Crawford Livestock, which also sells another 20,000 head annually via Western Video Market.
The Crawford auction dates back to the early 1930s. It reportedly sold lots of hogs in its early years. Following the Great Depression, the Crawford Bank took it over in 1940, sold it a few years later to Tom Ormesher and Joe Tobin, who also owned the sale barns at Chadron and Gordon.
Crawford natives Wright Lathrop and Tom Moody purchased it in 1949 and ran it for 24 years. Before 1080 was banned, sheep sales were the main attraction, sometimes drawing 10,000 head at a single sale. Ben and Frank Pisacka were the next owners, followed in 1980 by a group of investors that included Doug Strotheide, Bill Schoepner and Rob Harvey. That same year, Jack Hunter, a rancher from Ardmore, was hired as a fieldman and is still involved 42 years later.
In 1988, Hunter and his wife Laurel bought out Schoepner and Harvey to become co-owners with Doug and Janice Strotheide. The Hunters became the sole owners in 2003.
Recent improvements include an air-conditioned ring and screens containing ads and other information scrolling during the sales. They also support area FFA chapters and have created Crawford Livestock Youth in Agriculture Scholarships. Up to 65 employees are involved in behind the scenes activities on sale days.
Crawford Livestock also is the site of the annual Fort Robinson Buffalo/Longhorn Sale and a horse sale, which this past June had an average of $8,200 on 90 head.
Beginning in the early 1950s, Chadron High had a substantial FFA program whose members received numerous State Farmer Degrees, one earned an American Farmer Degree, teams won numerous high honors at district and state competitions and produced graduates pleased with their experience.
For reasons no one seems to remember, the program was no longer offered following the 1961-62 school year. More than 50 years later, FFA was revived at Chadron High, and it has gained widespread acceptance from both the students and the community. It has Chadron High expanded the opportunities for students. Because of that success, the program is being inducted into the Dawes County Agricultural Hall of Fame.
CHS Principal Jerry Mack, the recipient of FFA’s State Agribusiness Award as a senior at Burwell High School, said he was curious why Chadron did not have an FFA program when he taught math at CHS 2002-2011. During his second year as principal, he and then-superintendent Dr. Caroline Winchester worked to add ag classes to the curriculum so an FFA chapter could be established.
Faculty members Jon Cogdill and Maribeth Moore volunteered to take college courses so they were endorsed to teach the new high school courses, which were combined with existing industrial arts courses in welding and woods to meet the curriculum requirements. By the fall of 2014, Chadron High had an FFA program again. Cogdill and Moore are the chapter advisors.
There are several differences in the old and the new. Only farmboys were involved in the first program. Now, about 40 percent of the approximately 50 members are girls and nearly half of members are not from farms and ranches. No matter, all of them can build their skills and explore more career possibilities.
In addition, the new courses in veterinary science, companion animals and wildlife and natural resources management are open to all students, not just those who are FFA members. However, membership allows students to compete in approximately 40 contests that are available at the district and state levels.
The past year was an excellent one for the Chadron Chapter. At state, a Chadron team won first in Ag Technology and Mechanics. Another was the runner-up in Farm and Agribusiness Management, then placed 11th at the National Convention in Indianapolis. In addition, the Environmental and Natural Resources team was 4th among 115 teams at the state convention. Chadron also had individual state champions in Ag Mechanics, Floriculture and Farm and Agribusiness Membership. The chapter earned Gold Emblem honors.
It takes time and effort to earn such honors. The team members meet each Tuesday and Thursday evening for special training that is provided largely by volunteers from the community. Numerous businesses have provided financial assistance. Principal Mack said the outpouring of support has helped the Chadron chapter become one of the most competitive and successful in the state.
The Chadron Chapter is also proud that one of its alums, Maikala Koerber, a 2022 graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a degree in agriculture education, will be the new ag teacher and advisor of Crawford’s FFA chapter beginning in less than a month.
Jeri Anderson
Dawes County
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2022-07-28T17:17:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Dawes County Ag Hall of Fame gaining four inductees | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/dawes-county-ag-hall-of-fame-gaining-four-inductees/article_a3dc7fb1-dd16-52d8-91e0-9fa0cfcf0d98.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/dawes-county-ag-hall-of-fame-gaining-four-inductees/article_a3dc7fb1-dd16-52d8-91e0-9fa0cfcf0d98.html
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Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the national tour of “The Book of Mormon.” Tickets can be purchased at The Monument ticket offices, online at themonument.live, by calling 1-800-468-6463, or at the Ellsworth Air Force Base outlet. “The Book of Mormon” is coming to The Monument Oct. 24, 25 and 26.
“The Book of Mormon” follows two young missionaries who are sent to Uganda to try to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. One missionary, Elder Price, is an enthusiastic go-getter with a strong dedication to his faith, while his partner, Elder Cunningham, is a socially awkward but well meaning nerd whose tendency to embellish the truth soon lands him in trouble. Upon their arrival in Africa, Elders Price and Cunningham learn that in a society plagued by AIDS, poverty and violence, a successful mission may not be as easy as they expected.
Critically acclaimed, award-winning “The Book of Mormon” has been called the best musical of this century.
Since opening on March 24, 2011, “The Book of Mormon” has become one of the most successful shows in Broadway history, breaking the Eugene O’Neill Theatre house record more than 50 times. The musical has smashed long-standing box office records in New York, London, Melbourne, Sydney and in cities across the U.S. and the world.
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2022-07-28T22:51:50Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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'The Book of Mormon' tickets on sale Friday | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/the-book-of-mormon-tickets-on-sale-friday/article_8ab703bd-ba31-5197-910d-319e6e798814.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/the-book-of-mormon-tickets-on-sale-friday/article_8ab703bd-ba31-5197-910d-319e6e798814.html
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'Remember the Children' film revisits boarding school horrors
This undated photo shows the students and buildings of Rapid City Indian School. The school operated from 1898 to 1933.
Singers perform an honoring song at the site of the future Children's Memorial honoring missing Rapid City Indian School students during the end credits of "Remember the Children."
The first community showing of the short film documentary, "Remember the Children," will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. July 30 at The Journey Museum and Learning Center in Rapid City.
The documentary honors the missing children of the Rapid City Indian School, which operated from 1898 to 1933. The film is presented by WSD Productions and the Remembering the Children Memorial Project.
The screening is free; seating is limited to 140. To reserve a seat, register at Eventbrite.com. If all seating is reserved for July 30, an additional screening might be added Aug. 1. For updates, go to rememberingthechildren.org. To watch the film's trailer, go to https://vimeo.com/734145101
There were more than 400 United States government-funded Native American boarding schools. Often the schools were run by churches. “Remember the Children” is the story of thousands of children who died of abuse and neglect at these schools.
Most were left in unmarked graves and forgotten, according to executive producer Jim Warne’s website, warrior-society.com.
“I really think this (film) is powerful,” he said.
The boarding school history is part of Warne’s family history. His mother, Bev Stabber Warne, attended a boarding school in Pine Ridge in the 1940s. Jim Warne’s uncle Larry escaped from a boarding school at age 9. Bev Warne is interviewed about her boarding school and other experiences in “Remember the Children,” and she will attend the July 30 screening, Jim Warne said.
Bev Warne, 83, was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame this year. Jim Warne said his mother raised her children to understand and be proud of their Lakota heritage. “Remember the Children” opens with her recalling “No Indians allowed” signs she saw as a child in some Rapid City restaurants and businesses.
“It was shocking for my mom to see that and reason and read at a young age and try to understand why, and my grandpa eloquently said, ‘Because they don’t know us.’ That’s why I’m doing the work that I do,” Jim Warne said. “I got to direct the interview with my mom. She shared that story and the very next day, the Gateway Hotel owner said ‘No Natives allowed’ on social media."
He was referring to an incident in March when Grand Gateway Hotel owner Connie Uhre wrote on Facebook, “We will no longer allow any Native American on property. Or in Cheers Sports Bar.” The post sparked protests and drew national attention. Uhre was later arrested after spraying Native American protestors with cleaning product.
“It’s amazing 75 years later it’s still happening,” Jim Warne said. “That was interesting timing. … There’s still groups of individuals that have that hate in their hearts. I’m hoping to at least change some perspectives through my films. That’s why I’m doing it, so (my grandchildren) have a different reality.”
“Remember the Children” ultimately focuses on the atrocities students suffered at Rapid City Indian School. The 22-minute film is the result of three years of research into the history of boarding schools, as well as interviews with elders.
Students in Rapid City Indian School suffered malnutrition, neglect, diseases and some kids simply gave up because the treatment they experienced took such an emotional toll, Jim Warne said.
“There were a lot of beatings. There’s pictures of children’s handcuffs. When you think of that today, if you think of a child in handcuffs it’s just not right,” Jim Warne said. “The atrocities are coming out and the unmarked graves – they’re finding them more and more.”
“It’s a terrible story but it has to be told so those kids are not just wasted and forgotten,” he said.
Jim Warne said he was pleased to make the film with talented local and regional Lakota people including director Arlo “Mni” Iron Cloud, production manager Bobbie Koch, and musician Robert “Tree” Cody, as well as non-Native “allies” such as cinematographer and editor Randal Iverson.
“It was a wonderful compilation of Native talent. The majority of the film crew was Lakota. That’s what I’m proud of,” Jim Warne said. “It’s been a really good experience.”
The screening of “Remember the Children” is especially timely since it immediately follows Pope Francis’ visit to Canada this week, Jim Warne said. The pope apologized to Indigenous peoples for abuses they suffered in the Canadian church-run residential schools.
Francis has said he is on a “penitential pilgrimage” to atone for the church’s role in the residential school system, in which generations of Indigenous children were removed from their homes and forced to attend church-run, government-funded boarding schools to assimilate them into Christian, Canadian society. The Canadian government has said physical and sexual abuse were rampant at the schools, with students beaten for speaking their native languages.
Jim Warne said he would like to eventually produce a feature-length film that connects the history of Rapid City Indian School with similar schools such as the boarding school in Pine Ridge and those in Canada.
After it screens in Rapid City, “Remember the Children” will be an official selection at the Accolade Global Film Competition in La Jolla, California, in August, and at the Caorle Independent Film Festival 2022 in northern Italy in September. Jim Warne said he plans to submit “Remember the Children” to the Black Hills Film Festival as well, and he hopes to find networks and digital platforms where “Remember the Children” can be shown.
Warne is the community engagement director for the University of South Dakota Center for Disabilities and he runs Oyáte Circle at the Sanford School of Medicine. He is an entrepreneur and motivational speaker.
A former NFL player for the Cincinnati Bengals, he is the founder and president of Warrior Society Development, LLC. He has previously acted in TV shows and feature films, and he has produced and written other documentary films including the award-winning “7th Generation.” He co-produced “Oyate` un Ito`wapi — Pictures of my People” with Fox Sports, and the film earned three Sports Emmy nominations.
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2022-07-28T22:51:56Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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'Remember the Children' film revisits boarding school horrors | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/remember-the-children-film-revisits-boarding-school-horrors/article_6630606c-729c-5d54-b2fa-38cdd570f6d4.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/remember-the-children-film-revisits-boarding-school-horrors/article_6630606c-729c-5d54-b2fa-38cdd570f6d4.html
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The Buffalo Chip announced Wednesday that Ice-T and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony will perform in Snoop Dogg's stead. Daymon Woodruff, executive vice president of the Buffalo Chip, said Snoop Dogg canceled his U.S. tour dates and the organization immediately reached out to other legends.
"Well it wouldn't be a rally if we didn't have some surprises," Woodruff said.
Snoop Dogg canceled his international tour dates in May due to "unforeseen scheduling conflicts, including family obligations and upcoming tv and film projects," but said he would continue the U.S. dates.
Woodruff said the Buffalo Chip found Ice-T and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony who said they would be happy to perform.
Ice-T and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony will be joined by DJ Kevie Kev and DJ Boogie Black, Buck Cherry and Big Skillet on the Aug. 6 lineup.
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2022-07-29T00:36:22Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Ice-T, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to replace Snoop Dogg at Buffalo Chip | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/ice-t-bone-thugs-n-harmony-to-replace-snoop-dogg-at-buffalo-chip/article_5678a612-d086-5407-bf79-2bec1ae787d0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/ice-t-bone-thugs-n-harmony-to-replace-snoop-dogg-at-buffalo-chip/article_5678a612-d086-5407-bf79-2bec1ae787d0.html
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Mounds of dirt and construction equipment across from Love’s in Box Elder, at the corner of Liberty Boulevard and Reagan Avenue, will eventually transform into a McDonald’s restaurant, with a projected opening in November.
Wendy Walla, a second-generation owner and operator of four McDonald’s restaurants in Rapid City, sees a full-circle moment with the opening of a Box Elder location. Her father was the previous owner of her restaurants, which, up until the early 2000s, included a Box Elder location.
Walla was the store manager at the Box Elder location in the late 90s, before it closed down due to complications with the Ellsworth Air Force Base flight path. The store relocated in 2005 to Elk Vale Road and Cheyenne Boulevard in Rapid City.
Now, she’s returning to Box Elder as an owner.
“I’m excited to be part of Box Elder again,” Walla said.
Walla has owned the piece of property with her father and brother for several years, purchased as an investment with no clear intention. Every year since they bought it, Walla said they’ve met with the Box Elder city planner, talking through possible plans for the city — including plans for a McDonald’s. Every year, for various reason, the timing wasn't right.
Last year, when news of the incoming B-21 bombers at Ellsworth began generating buzz, they revisited the idea with the city. The time was finally right, she said.
“McDonald’s was starting to build restaurants again,” Walla said. “We brought it to them, and they came out and looked at the site, and we agreed it was a good location.”
The Love’s next door, combined with the coming growth of the city, made a good fit.
The city approved a grading permit for the site in late May, with a building permit in the works. The plans have been approved, and signage and equipment have been ordered, Walla said. The project, like so many others, has experienced delays with supply chain issues. The November date is tentative, but Walla is hopeful the project will remain on track.
One technicality left to be remedied: the billboard along eastbound Interstate 90, just before Exit 61, stating that the next McDonald’s isn’t for 205 miles.
Walla said the contract for the billboard is normally two years — when she renewed at the beginning of the year, she only did it for one year, not realizing the contract went through February. What they’ll do, she said, is change the paper to reflect advertising for the new store.
MAC Construction will be building the restaurant — the same company that has handled the construction for all of their McDonald’s restaurants, Walla said.
The project is in very early stages, but inquiring minds can track its progress on a website that will include construction updates, photos and information about hiring and a grand opening at rcmcd.com.
“It’s a growing, happening place,” Walla said of Box Elder, “and we want to be a part of that.”
Wendy Walla
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2022-07-29T00:36:35Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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McDonald's returns to Box Elder after 17-year absence | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/mcdonalds-returns-to-box-elder-after-17-year-absence/article_811d2378-4be4-5107-86c1-62e3f7c1af63.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/mcdonalds-returns-to-box-elder-after-17-year-absence/article_811d2378-4be4-5107-86c1-62e3f7c1af63.html
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Stars' stellar season comes to an end at state tournament
Rapid City Post 320’s season came to an end with a 4-2 loss to Harrisburg Post 45 in an elimination game Thursday in the South Dakota Legion Baseball Class A State Tournament at Fitzgerald Stadium.
The Stars played a clean game in the field and swung the bats better to score a pair of runs on six hits, but the Tigers, however, benefitted from extra-base hits and timely hitting to survive and advance.
“They had timely hitting,” Post 320 head coach Brian Humphries said. “They had more extra-base hits, and usually when you string two or three extra base hits together, you get more runs. Over the last two games we didn’t swing the bats as well as we have been coming into the tournament.”
Post 320 finishes the season 33-18 overall and 17-8 in South Dakota, the best marks for the varsity program since it last qualified for the state tournament in 2016.
Gavyn Dansby played his final game for the Stars on Thursday. The left fielder said he’s proud of the way his team played this season, and hopes his teammates build on the progress next season.
“It was really cool since we haven’t (been to State) over the past six years,” Dansby said. “Hopefully we can get it together and do the same thing next year, but win a few games.”
Humphries said he left the field proud of the way the Stars competed this season, despite the outcome of Thursday’s game.
“This the best record we’ve had in at least five years and it's the first time we’ve made State in that time period,” Humphries said. “There’s a bright future and we can possibly return eight position players and two of our top pitchers next year.”
Many of those eligible to return next season signed to play college baseball next spring, but can play Legion ball during the summer if 19 years old or younger.
“It’s up to them whether they are going to get better and whether they choose to come back and play,” Humphries said. “It’s definitely a good thing to know we have a large group that can come back.”
Dansby went 2 for 3 with a double and one RBI in his final Legion game. He hopes the foundation built this season carries on with a core group of young players in the program.
“We have some young guys coming back next year, so hopefully they take what older guys have taught them and use it next year,” Dansby said. “Hopefully the seniors go to college and get experience, then bring it back to the Legion season.”
Post 320 struck first in the bottom of the first to take a 1-0 lead on one hit. Isaac Dike led off the inning with a walk and scored on a one-out run-scoring single by Dansby.
Harrisburg bounced back in the following frame with two runs on two hits to take a 2-0 advantage. Landon Carlson led off with a double and scored on a ground-rule double by Tyman Long to tie the game a 1-1. Long stole third during the following at-bat and scored on a sacrifice-fly by Jack Sutton to give the Tigers the 2-1 lead.
The Tigers looked poised to blow the game open in the top of the fifth when they put two runners on with two outs before a questionable call cost them three runs. Long lifted a ball deep over the left field wall that would have extended Harrisburg’s lead to four, but the home plate umpire ruled it a foul and Long struck out looking to end the frame.
Harrisburg scored two more runs on three singles in the bottom of the sixth to take a 4-1 advantage.
Post 320 scratched one run across in the bottom of the sixth to cut its deficit to 4-2. Lane Darrow doubled with two outs and scored on a throwing error by the catcher.
Harrisburg held on in the seventh to secure the 4-2 victory and advanced to face the loser of Thursday’s matchup between Brookings Post 74 and Sioux Falls Post 15 East in an elimination game at noon Friday.
Braxton Kusler earned the win with a complete game. He allowed two runs (both earned) on six hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Jett Wetzler suffered the loss in six innings, he allowed four runs (all earned) on six hits with three walks and four strikeouts.
Gavyn Dansby
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2022-07-29T00:36:41Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Stars' stellar season comes to an end at state tournament | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/stars-stellar-season-comes-to-an-end-at-state-tournament/article_ba51e44f-4d2d-5642-85fe-bfcd1f4c6e25.html
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Visitation will be from 10:00am-11:00am at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home on Saturday July 30, 2022, with a Celebration of Life starting at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Rapid City. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com.
Brian Joseph Huot was born into a large and loving family in Rapid City, South Dakota on September 13, 1984. As the fourth child of Elizabeth (Jylha) and Samuel Huot, he was eagerly anticipated by parents who dreamed of a large family. He was the cutest of the bunch and his older siblings welcomed him with all the care, teasing and love that a baby could tolerate. As he grew, we watched him become a very sweet soul. He was sensitive and kind, adventurous in the neighborhood with friends and skilled at putting his imagination to work. As the family grew, Brian became a beloved big brother to two younger siblings who looked up to him and wanted to be just like him. Brian filled the house with music, spending time practicing songs with great friends and bandmates, and playing his drums loud enough for the neighbors to hear. Everyone loved to hear him play. His conservative parents, who did not feel like they could be seen at the Hemp Hoedown, even wore disguises because they would never miss a show. He graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 2003. His passion for music led him to attend McNally Smith College of Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he earned a degree in Music Recording and Production in 2006. In 2008 Brian married his high school sweetheart, Kelli Shaw. During their eight years of marriage Brian seemed happiest when they lived in Montana. He loved the rivers and the mountains there. Brian moved back to Rapid City in 2011 where he continued his education by pursuing a degree in history and ultimately graduating from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota with a Bachelor's of Science in History. When Brian's mother died in 2012 the family was devastated, and he was forever changed.
He passionately worked in the field of mapping out archeological finds for Quality Services and more recently for the State of South Dakota at the Archeological Research Center. His passion for his work was evident in his enthusiastic conversations with friends and family regarding different projects and the history behind them. On June 5, 2015, Brian began his own family with Lexie Vlietstra upon the birth of their son, Hayden Samuel Huot. Hayden immediately become the most important person in Brian and Lexie's lives. Brian had a passion for music, read the deepest books, enjoyed the outdoors, but beyond everything else, the love of Brian's life was Hayden. Brian was a loving and patient father. His time with Hayden was marked by big hugs, bike rides, tickle fights, and imaginative play. In the past year, Racheal Michael became a very special person to Brian and Hayden and poured love into their lives. Everyone could see the joy that Hayden brought to Brian, and Brian was always excited to talk about their adventures together.
Shortly after Brian's passing, Hayden said it best when he said, "I wish I could just tell my dad one more time how much I love him". Brian was loved all who knew him, cherished deeply by his family, and will be forever missed.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth (Jylha) Huot. He is survived by his son, Hayden Huot; his father, Samuel Huot; his siblings Crystal (Gavin) Williams, Christopher (Lisa) Huot, Michael (Kirsten) Huot, Kirstin (Adam) Hockhausen, Jeremy (Emily) Huot; numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. In remembrance of Brian's life, the family has created a fund for Hayden's college education. Donations can be sent to Michael Huot at 3001 Stockade Drive, Rapid City, SD 57702 or through Venmo @MichaelHuot (585-831-6922).
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2022-07-29T05:31:46Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Brian Huot | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/brian-huot/article_52dc23f0-44b9-5e9b-b7b0-cf69680c11e1.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/brian-huot/article_52dc23f0-44b9-5e9b-b7b0-cf69680c11e1.html
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RAPID CITY - Ever loved, ever remembered, ever kind and true, our counselor and guide.
Celebrating a great life lived. Jim was born in Oacoma S.D. March 16, 1926. When he was a young boy, he and his parents moved from their ranch north of Chamberlain S.D. to a smaller ranch in Custer S.D. While a Senior at Custer High School, Jim's sense of duty to his country led him to enlist in the U.S. Navy which took him to the South Pacific where he proudly served his country on a maintenance ship until the end of WW II.
Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Custer to finish his High School education, followed by his move to Denver CO where he attended and graduated from Denver University. After graduation from college, his first job was with the Rapid City Journal in the advertising department where he met many lifelong friends and his future sister-in-law Janie Armstrong. Janie suggested to her sister Mary, that she visit her in Rapid City so that she could introduce her to Jim.
Jim & Mary were a match made in heaven and were married in May 1955 and made their home in Rapid City for the next 63 years until sweet Mary passed away September 8, 2018. Jim & Mary were blessed with three children, Randy, DeAnne & Rick. Wonderful family memories were made and shared with close family and friends. Jim & Mary became business owners of several small printing companies where the smell of printers' ink, newsprint & all things printing became part of the entire family's blood. Jim's hard work ethic was instilled in his children; the job wasn't done until the last newspaper rolled off the press. Most years Jim & Mary's travels took them west where they visited their family on the West Coast; Randy in Southern Oregon, DeAnne in Northwest Washington and their Grandson Marcus and family first in Boise ID and then Southern Oregon. Highlights for "Navy Jim" were any ferry that he could jump on while in Washington State – he could always be found on the ship bow regardless of the weather, a cup of coffee in hand. For Jim & Mary's 50th wedding anniversary, a cruise to Alaska was his dream vacation.
Jim peacefully slipped away into the arms of his Heavenly Father June 22, 2022. He had had a brief hospital stay and was in a lovely Memory Care for three weeks when he was called Home to be with Mary, his beloved son Rick, his daughter-in-law Rhonda as well as so many beautiful family members and friends who were awaiting him with great welcome. Jim lived the last 3 years in Lynden WA with his daughter DeAnne and his grand puppies. He always had a great, sparkling smile on his face, and it was a joy to be able to love him and have him close 24/7 for those years. Jim's kindness, his smile, his grace, his honesty, and his love for the Lord, were always evident to all who met and had the pleasure of knowing him. Jim will be forever in our hearts, forever at peace. For every day that passes, something beautiful remains; precious memories shall always be alive in our hearts.
He leaves behind his loving daughter DeAnne, son Randy & wife Karen, grandson Marcus & wife Carrie, his great grandchildren, Ada, Rowan & Gavin, his sister-in law's, Annie Danielson & Dottie Larson along with his many nieces & nephews including Mark & Sandi Armstrong who were enroute to see him when he went to be with the Lord. He so loved his church family at Restored Life Outreach in Rapid City – his pastors Kelly & David Patterson – all were so very dear and special to him.
A Celebration of Jim's life will be held in Rapid City later this summer. Please share your thoughts and memories online, www.sigsfuneralservices.com.
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2022-07-29T05:31:52Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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James Carlyle Omdahl | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/james-carlyle-omdahl/article_b8f56223-a7ed-573d-8fbc-c2b5b5f4e741.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/james-carlyle-omdahl/article_b8f56223-a7ed-573d-8fbc-c2b5b5f4e741.html
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Sasquatch walk off Big Sticks in extras, move to .500
The Spearfish Sasquatch survived a late rally by the Badlands Big Sticks to claim a 7-6 victory in the bottom of the 10th inning Thursday night at Black Hills Energy Stadium in Spearfish.
The Sasquatch improved to 27-27 on the season, moving to .500 for the first time this year, with two games remaining in the regular season.
Spearfish led 6-0 through six innings before Badlands plated two runs in the seventh and four runs in the seventh, and forced the game into extra innings after a quiet eighth and ninth.
In the Independence Baseball League team's benefit from a runner on second in extra innings, and in the bottom of the 10th, Spearfish took advantage of the rule as Bailey Bordas led off the frame with a single that scored Rapid City Post 22 alumnus Ryan Bachman to give his team a 7-6 victory.
Bordas led the Sasquatch at the plate and finished 3 for 5 with three RBIs, and Bachman scored two runs.
David Dielman earned the win in three innings of work to close the game. He allowed one run (earned) on two hits with four walks and three strikeouts.
Spearfish returns to action at 6:35 p.m. Friday against Badlands at Black Hills Energy Stadium.
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2022-07-29T05:32:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch walk off Big Sticks in extras, move to .500 | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Local teens' short films highlight YMCA event Saturday
The Elks Theatre in downtown Rapid City.
A film festival of short movies by local teens will highlight YMCA of Rapid City’s Youth Institute graduation and alumni celebration on Saturday at Elks Theatre.
Doors open at 9 a.m. and film screenings start at 9:15 a.m. The short movies are projects students made during their time in Youth Institute. Youth Institute is a YMCA of Rapid City teen program that focuses on creative digital media, including film production, graphic design, photography and more. The program is offered to Rapid City teens in middle school and high school during the summer and throughout the school year.
In the world of film festivals such as Cannes or Sundance Film Festival, this event will be open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend and support these budding artists.
During Saturday’s event, kids who’ve completed the first year of Youth Institute will graduate, while alumni – kids who’ve completed the second and third years of the program – will move up to being “specialists” in Youth Institute, according to David Lock, outreach director.
First-year Youth Institute students make movies with other kids in the program, dividing up tasks such as editing, acting and directing. Second-year alumni produce a five-minute film entirely on their own on a topic of their choosing. Third-year alumni are tasked with making a 15-minute film on their own, Lock said.
All alumni are assigned to make a short film about a teen or social issue, focusing on a topic they deal with personally or that they believe is important, Lock said.
“They have to do all the editing, filming and scripting by themselves,” Lock said.
The older teens who progress to making 15-minute movies have more creative freedom and can branch out into fiction and genres, such as classic murder mysteries, that they enjoy.
After the students’ films are screened, Youth Institute will host an awards ceremony for categories including best actor and best director, in addition to honoring graduates and alumni who are moving up to the next level of the program, Lock said. The film festival and awards ceremony will conclude at 11:15 a.m.
YMCA of Rapid City’s program started in 2012 with about a dozen teens and has since grown to more than 100 teens learning new multi-media skills. Those interested apply to be in the program. They begin with the New Class summer program. Teens who return for their second summer transition to the Alumni summer program. Teens can then become Alumni Specialists, specializing in one specific area of creative digital media. Finally, teens can join the Mentor summer program and help teach the New Class.
During the school year, Youth Institute is an after-school program for teens that gives them a safe place to develop their skills, get help with homework and go on field trips. Youth Institute teens develop their film production, graphic design, digital illustration and photography skills, all while supporting each other.
Youth Institute originated at YMCA of Greater Long Beach Community Development Branch. Rapid City’s Youth Institute program is the first one outside California.
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the national tour of “The Book of Mormon.” Tickets can be purchased at The Monument ticket offices, o…
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2022-07-29T13:15:27Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Local teens' short films highlight YMCA event Saturday | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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GEARING UP: Sturgis prepares for 2022 motorcycle rally
The city of Sturgis is gearing up for the 82nd annual motorcycle rally kicking off next week.
Vendors have begun setting up in downtown Sturgis.
Hundreds of thousands are expected to fill the city of Sturgis for the 82nd annual motorcycle rally starting next week.
A stage is being assembled in the parking lot of the Iron Horse Saloon & Restaurant ahead of the rally next week in downtown Sturgis.
As the 2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally approaches, the city of Sturgis is working on preparations for the town of less than 7,000 residents to swell to the hundreds of thousands. Last year's rally count came in at over half a million.
The city’s rally planning department itself consists of three full-time employees but “literally every department” in the city pitches in, including the police department, public works, the community center, City Hall, human resources, planning and permitting, and attorneys, according to Rally Director Tammy Even-Cordell.
“The whole city works on the rally. Nobody’s left out of working on the rally, including even the library,” said Even-Cordell.
As of Thursday, there are approximately 200 vendors registered for the rally, according to Even-Cordell. Permits are on track to hit last year’s number, about 650, but Even-Cordell said it’s difficult to predict vendor numbers because most wait until the Wednesday before the rally before registering.
“They wait until they know for sure that they’re coming, so they don’t waste their money. With gas prices and the cost of their supply and stuff, most of them wait,” she said.
The rally department employees are new to the job. Even-Cordell started as director in May after working as the assistant director for three months and she’s the most senior member. She said she’s relied on people in the city who have experience planning the rally. According to Journal archives, Even-Cordell also brings experience with event planning including Biketoberfest, Daytona Bike Week festivals and Harley-Davidson Rally Point.
“It's a good thing we have a great support staff all the way around the city. They are incredible,” she said.
The Sturgis Police Department also bears a responsibility leading up to and during the rally. The SPD hires outside officers to help enforce the law during the rally. Police Chief Geody VanDewater said the department hires officers from all over the country, including North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota, Iowa, Ohio and Alabama.
“The majority of them are right in the surrounding states here,” VanDewater said.
VanDewater said the department sends letters in the spring reaching out to officers who worked the rally previously. Applicants must be certified law enforcement officers in good standing with their department or governmental agency, according to the SPD’s website.
The officers — VanDewater wouldn’t disclose how many for safety reasons — are sworn in the first day of the rally and given the authority of the department. They work every day of the rally and bring their own duty weapons, but the SPD provides them with uniforms and a radio. About half the officers will be outfitted with a body camera. VanDewater said not all officers need a body camera.
The primary goal of the force is to address any violation of South Dakota law or city ordinance. He said officers from out of state who have worked the rally before know South Dakota laws through experience, and newer officers are usually paired up as a backup officer.
“They learn the stuff. They’re not out there just shooting at the hip trying to write citations,” VanDewater said.
During the rally, the SPD works with the Meade County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, the FBI, the ATF and Homeland Security.
Capt. Casey Collins, who oversees the West River office for the Highway Patrol, said the agency meets with other agencies several times throughout the planning process and they work closely together.
“With an event like this, large partnerships with local agencies is key to our success,” Collins said.
Although Highway Patrol does not hire additional officers, Collins said they make sure there are enough troopers stationed throughout the state as usual to protect people and property.
“Our top priority is always public safety and specifically highway safety in an event like the Sturgis Rally. We want the event to be as safe and as efficient as possible for our visitors. Our mission is the same as it is throughout the year — protect people,” Collins said.
Highway Patrol sees an increase in DUIs, drug violations and general traffic offenses during the rally. VanDewater said crime increases across the board due to the influx of people entering the area.
“We see everything,” VanDewater said. “When you put a couple 100,000 people in a town of 7,000, that gets pretty congested.”
2022 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis Police Department
Sd Highway Patrol
Tammy Even-cordell
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2022-07-29T13:15:27Z
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GEARING UP: Sturgis prepares for 2022 motorcycle rally | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Man charged with felonies after arrest
A Kentucky man has been charged with multiple felonies after an incident at a Chadron hotel in which he threatened the owner, then fled from law enforcement.
On July 28, Chadron Police Officers were called to a local hotel for a disturbance. Officers arrived on scene and received a statement that a 28-year-old Alderius Flowers of Louisville, Kentucky had reportedly entered into an argument with the owner of the hotel and had threatened to shoot the owner and then fled that area in a silver Mercedes. The investigating officers took statements and received video footage of the incident. The officers then began looking for the man and the silver Mercedes, but were not able to located within the city of Chadron.
Approximately three hours later, the Chadron Police Department received a call that the man and the silver Mercedes had returned to the hotel. Sergeant Patrick Young and Officer ColinDeines responded to the hotel and contacted Flowers as as he was exiting the silver Mercedes. During their contact with Flowers, it was discovered he had an active felony warrant out of Indiana for failing to appear on drug charges. When officers attempted to place Flowers under arrest, he fled from the officers on foot.
Officers gave chase and after a short run and deployment of a taser, officers were able to successfully place Flowers into custody without further incident. A search of Flower’s person after he was arrested resulted in the discovery of two bags containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine. A subsequent search of Flower’s vehicle resulted in the discovery of additional suspected cocaine, a digital scale, numerous multi-colored pill tablets suspected to be MDMA — commonly known as ecstasy — and a paper strap commonly used to hold cash bills as dispensed by banks.
A rescue unit was called to the scene and Flowers was transported to the Chadron Community Hospital for treatment and medical clearance before he was transported to the Dawes County Jail where he was held on a 10% of $50,000 bond.
Flowers was arrested on the Indiana warrant and for terroristic threats, a Class IIIA felony, possession of cocaine with Intent to distribute, a Class II felony, and obstruction of a peace officer, a Class I misdemeanor.
The Chadron Police Department was assisted by the Chadron Fire Department.
Colindeines
Alderius Flowers
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2022-07-29T19:05:46Z
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Man charged with felonies after arrest | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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B-1 to fly over Days of '76 celebration Saturday
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE– A B-1B Lancer from the 28th Bomb Wing is scheduled to conduct a flyover in support of the 100th anniversary of the Days of '76 Rodeo and Parade in Deadwood on Saturday.
No specific time for Saturday's flyover was released by Ellsworth officials. However, the Days of '76 parade begins at 10 a.m.
The Days of '76 Rodeo and Parade is a yearly celebration that celebrates the history of Deadwood and the surrounding Black Hills.
The B-1 flyover is part of an approved training mission. Residents living near the event and the surrounding community could experience an increased noise level related to the flyover.
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2022-07-29T19:05:59Z
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B-1 to fly over Days of '76 celebration Saturday | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Shane O'Connell hopes to reclaim Days of '76 title
Shane O’Connell remembers riding up to the Days of ‘76 Rodeo with his dad as a kid living in the Rapid City area.
Instead of being one of the people in the crowd, O’Connell hopes to continue to pave his way to his second trip to the National Finals Rodeo during tonight’s ride in Deadwood.
The bareback rider won the all-around at the Days of ‘76 in 2017, and has high hopes of reclaiming his title at the centennial edition this weekend.
“My dad used to take me down there all the time as a kid to watch the steer tripping,” O’Connell said. “I won Deadwood five years ago and I’ve always done pretty good there, so I’m looking to win it again.”
O’Connell currently ranks 26th in the world in bareback riding and enters the rodeo with a desire to make up ground in the PRCA standings. The 38-year-old already boasts $38,905 worth of earnings this season.
He has earned four titles this season including two in the Rushmore State at the Buffalo Stampede in Kadoka and the Chrystal Springs Rodeo in Clear Lake. O’Connell hopes to replicate that success and draw energy from his home crowd.
“Honestly just thinking about it right now puts goosebumps on my arms. You feed off of that energy and momentum,” O’Connell said. “You have to take that energy and feed off of it because something like that will get a guy through a 12-hour night shift drive.”
O’Connell enters off a solid performance at the Calgary Stampede earlier this month where he took home a sizable purse and claimed a victory with an 84.5 on Day 6 of the rodeo. He said he also found motivation during his trip to Canada.
“I made a goal saying I’d win at least one round,” O’Connell said. “I feel like I could’ve done a little better there because I got thrown off a horse in the wild card round. I needed that round and that put a fire under me.”
O’Connell will compete in bareback riding during the third PRCA performance Friday night in Deadwood. He drew Colorado Bulldog, a horse with which he’s very familiar.
“Days of 76 is for dang sure one of my favorite rodeos and I drew one of my favorite horses,” O’Connell said. “This is my third time having that horse and we have had big numbers every time. He fits me to a T. He is a big, strong and cool-looking stud horse. I wish they were all like that.”
O’Connell said he’s not concerned with where he sits in the standings ahead of Days of ‘76 but thinks this chunk of the season is the perfect time to make a move.
“We’re climbing and I caught a little momentum and anything can stop you,” he said. “This time of year is a grind and you have to ride hurt or sore. We had 14 rodeos in a row and it’s cowboy Christmas, just have a lot of ground to make up.”
He also made sure to credit the other riders ahead of him in the PRCA standings but said he’s looking forward to a home field advantage in Deadwood.
“It’s also good to see my mom, dad and sister,” O’Connell said. “I’ll have the whole grandstand full of friends from back home. It’s pretty neat because I don’t get to see them a whole lot during this time of year.”
Shane O'connell
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2022-07-29T19:06:11Z
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Shane O'Connell hopes to reclaim Days of '76 title | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Rodeo coach starts meat co-op
HOTSPRINGS, S.D. — Dustin Luper is already well-known for his work with the Chadron State College Rodeo Team, but the coming months will see him providing another service to the area — meat processing. Luper said the rancher-owned facility is actually a co-operative under the name United Ranchers Co-Op, with the finished products known as Dakota Territory Beef.
United Ranchers is being constructed on 12 acres south of Fall River Feedyard in Hot Springs, S.D.
Luper explained there was a meeting of several ranchers in Hot Springs, back in 2019 before the pandemic happened. During the meeting, there was some discussion of how bigger facilities are “ram rodding and monopolizing the market.” While most were in agreement on this, many weren’t ready to put in the time and effort to research creating their own business.
Teaming up with Neal Sanders of Oral, S.D., the two started pioneering. After a few trials, they concluded they could sell 50 shares in the co-op for $25,000 each. That money allows the rancher to procure 25 animals.
“We’re going to kill only 25 animals a week for probably the first year and a half,” Luper said, “and then grow bigger.” He estimated about 25 of the shares are already sold.
He explained in the procurement process the rancher would own the animal until the time it’s slaughtered. There are some parameters, such as feeding at the Fall River Feedyard for a set number of days, to protect product quality. There will also be a procurement specialist coming in to ultrasound the cattle. Because they are going to be USDA inspected, the ultrasound provides a visual of where the cattle’s marbling is, Luper explained, which will help determine which animals are procured in a given week.
“It’s hard to tell when they’ve got their hide on,” Luper said with a laugh.
How the rancher gets paid is two-fold. First, they will get 12 cents over the national board price the week their animal is taken, about a $300 premium on a yearling. When the co-op is up and running strong, they’ll also get a dividend payment at the end of the year.
A board, which includes everyone who owns a share, will vote on what is done with any profits after that.
Luper pointed out that anyone can buy shares, and of the 25 already sold three are to people who don’t even own cattle but saw this as an investment. He further added such people can lease their shares to cattle owners if they choose, or find cattle at fair market value.
Dirt work is being done right now, with construction of the building expected to start in September or October.
As for the meat being processed, Luper said they already have a marketing person hired as part of the co-op and they plan to sell product at the facility. While the middle of the cow is easier to sell, as that’s where cuts like steaks and ribs are from, it’s harder to sell the hamburger and roasts. Because they are working to provide as healthy a beef as they can, Luper said the plan is to work with Chadron State College and area schools to provide meat for their lunch programs.
There’s also plans to do snack stick and sausage lines, for sale in stores. As for processing other types of meats, such as pork, Luper said there’s been some discussion but the plan is to stick to beef right now. He doesn’t expect the business to get much bigger than processing 250 head per week.
As for the rodeo team, Luper plans to coach through the fall but would take a step back into an assistant position. With his schedule filling up, he believes it would not be fair to the students, nor allow him to do as good a job as he knows he can.
Dustin Luper
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2022-07-29T20:54:58Z
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Rodeo coach starts meat co-op | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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Nurses and other medical professionals have been subjected to repeated name-calling, threats and even physical violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As South Dakota sees thousands of visitors arriving for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally while numbers of COVID-19 cases increase statewide, Dr. Shankar Kurra urges everyone to protect themselves against getting or spreading the virus.
“Truly this is a disease I wouldn’t want any of my family members, neighbors or community to get,” said Kurra, who is Monument Health’s vice president of medical affairs and a board certified internist.
“COVID-19 is a new disease and we are just figuring out the impact. One of the things that frightens me as a physician is it causes blood clots to develop in vital organs. Even in folks with mild infections, in a year or two they can develop clots and that can be life-threatening,” Kurra said.
“This is not the coronavirus that causes the common cold. This is not something you want to get,” he said. “If someone is believing the myth that it is nothing but the common cold, this aspect (the potential for blood clots) should alert them to be cautious. People who get the common cold do not end up getting blood clots.”
Dr. Shankar Kurra
Kurra said the medical community is learning about the effects of long COVID-19 – the long-term effects from a COVID-19 infection – on the brain and lungs.
“Even with asymptomatic COVID-19, even those folks can end up with long COVID. It decreases your cognitive skills. The best studies suggest a 10-point drop in IQ. It affects your brain,” Kurra said.
“It also affects lungs. They can have decreased oxygen levels; that impacts your brain. Your brain needs good levels of oxygen to function. These are not benign things,” he said.
Vaccines are readily available for residents and visitors who want to get vaccinated and better protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Vaccinations are available at Monument Health hospitals, urgent care locations and clinics, Kurra said. For those who have already received their two-dose vaccine, Kurra recommends getting the booster shots.
“For the rally itself, because we’ll have a large influx from diverse regions around us, there is an increased risk of reporting more positive cases of COVID-19. That is the nature of pandemics. It’s more likely for the virus to find susceptible hosts,” he said.
“Wear a mask even if you have all your vaccines or boosters. You still don’t want even a mild form of the disease,” Kurra said.
Even before rally visitors started arriving, COVID-19 cases statewide have increasing for weeks. The state Department of Health’s July 27 report indicates there are 1,498 new COVID-19 cases in South Dakota and 4,390 active infections. Those numbers do not include at-home testing or unreported infections.
The good news, Kurra said, is that while that state is seeing high rates of positive tests for COVID-19, there are not as many people being hospitalized.
“There’s widespread community outbreak of the BA.5 variant but the good news is it is not resulting in a high number of hospitalizations you would expect, even though people are spreading it and most people who are unvaccinated or not boosted are getting the disease,” Kurra said.
“The vast majority (being hospitalized for COVID-19) are unvaccinated. If you’re vaccinated and boosted you are less likely to get a severe form of the disease and less likely to be hospitalized,” he said. “We’re not seeing an increase in deaths. All of this suggests the best way to prevent additional hospitalizations is vaccinations and if you’re already vaccinated, to get the booster.”
Wearing a mask, in addition to being vaccinated, offers more protection against becoming infected, Kurra said.
“If you’re in a closed, crowded indoor space like a restaurant or bar, your risk (of getting infected) is increased because of the large number of people involved,” he said. “If you’re in an open space, your risk is low. My recommendation from a public health perspective is for the public to take precautions.”
“Masking is a great tool if used correctly, and it really protects,” he said. “A mask should have a nice tight fit on the bridge of the nose and around the chin. An N95 mask is even better. That really keeps it tight and prevents air leakage.”
Talking is a simple, effective test to determine whether your mask fits well. When you speak, the mask should suck in and then suck out, Kurra said. A mask needs to be worn correctly over the nose and mouth to effectively protect the person wearing it.
“If you are undergoing chemotherapy or you have autoimmune conditions, those folks we always recommend they wear a mask in public. They’re at risk of any kind of infection because they’re immune system has been suppressed,” he said.
Kurra advised that people 50 and older, or people younger than 50 who have underlying conditions such as diabetes or asthma, should also wear masks, especially in crowded indoor spaces.
“If you’re living with someone vulnerable, you also have the responsibility to protect them, or if you’re living with someone immunosuppressed, (you) can be a risk to your family members. Heed caution and wear a mask,” Kurra said.
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2022-07-29T20:55:04Z
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Clots, brain damage: Physician warns of long COVID, urges vaccines | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City police officers cleared in May 31 shooting
Rapid City police were justified in the May 31 shooting of 32-year-old Shania Watkins, the state Division of Criminal Investigations announced Friday, almost two months after the incident.
DCI found the officer involved in the shooting was justified in using lethal force against Watkins, whose name was released at the same time as the findings. The case was reviewed by the Minnehaha County State's Attorney Daniel Haggar.
No information was released on Watkins' charges during the review process. She is charged with aggravated eluding and the case was filed June 6. According to the South Dakota online court system, no information is available regarding hearings or bond. Documents filed include the complaint, affidavit and warrant of arrest.
According to the shooting summary released by DCI, the incident began at 4:04 a.m. May 31 when a Rapid City police officer tried to make a traffic stop on a Mitsubishi Galant near the intersection of North Lacrosse Street and East Waterloo Street. The vehicle failed to pull over for an equipment violation and the pursuit began.
While the vehicle traveled slowly on East Waterloo Street, an unknown passenger exited the vehicle. According to previous reports, the driver — now identified as Watkins — threw something out of the window.
Other officers joined the pursuit with speeds up to 65 mph. After multiple other traffic violations including turning into an oncoming lane of traffic and a failed "tactical vehicle intervention" near East St. Patrick Street, the Galant turned on to Terra Street and stopped perpendicular to the roadway.
An officer, whose name was not released in the report and has not been released by the Rapid City Police Department, pulled the front of their patrol vehicle up to the passenger side of the Galant, exited the vehicle and began issuing commands to Watkins.
According to the summary, the Galant began to reverse and collided with the front end of the officer's patrol vehicle. The officer fired seven rounds through the passenger's front door and window of the Galant. The Galant also collided with a second RCPD vehicle parked parallel to the first vehicle. The second collision caused the Galant to come to a complete stop.
An overhead view of the vehicles in the May 31, 2022, Rapid City Police officer shooting of 32-year-old Shania Watkins.
Photo courtesy the Attorney General's office
A third officer arrived after the shooting and issued verbal commands to Watkins to surrender. Additional law enforcement arrived and Watkins was removed from the driver's seat.
Watkins suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a Rapid City hospital in an undisclosed condition.
South Dakota Attorney General Mark Vargo said further charges against Watkins may be considered now that the investigation is complete.
According to the shooting summary, when agents arrived to investigate the scene, the Galant was still running with the transmission placed in reverse and the back-up lights activated. About 20 residents in the neighborhood were interviewed to identify an eyewitness account.
In a DCI interview with the officer who fired their weapon, the report states the officer believed the direction of the Galant's travel would collide with their open door and pin the officer between their patrol vehicle and doorframe.
"Officer #2 recognized that they were in a perilous position and did not have time to retreat or move to safety," the summary states. "Officer #2 said that they made the decision to fire their duty pistol into the passenger side window of the Galant in an effort to stop the vehicle and driver. Officer #2 feared for their safety, the safety of other law enforcement, and the public."
The second officer who arrived on Terra Court and did not fire their weapon told DCI agents that they believed Watkins was going to flee on foot. The officer said their attention was focused on the driver side doors and heard several gunshots in rapid succession. The officer said they were unsure where the shots were coming from. They said they looked over and saw an officer standing outside of their vehicle with their pistol drawn.
The officer said they later broke the glass on the driver side door to remove Watkins from the vehicle.
In an interview with Watkins, she said she was driving her car in Rapid City May 31. She said she could not identify the passenger in her car. She said she had picked up an unknown female walking and was going to give her a ride.
Watkins told agents when police attempted to pull her over, she told the passenger to get out of the vehicle because she had no intention of stopping for police.
"Watkins explained that she did not like the police based on previous life experience," the report states.
According to the summary, Watkins denied being under the influence of substances and admitted to having suicidal thoughts during the time frame. She denied being in possession of illegal contraband and firearms, but admitted she may have thrown trash out of her car.
Watkins told agents she believed the police were going to take her to jail and wanted to take her vehicle home to not incur a tow bill after her arrest. She said she arrived near a family member's residence on Terra Street, stopped the vehicle, placed it in park or neutral and put the keys in her pocket. She said she followed an officer's commands to show her hands and the officer opened fire and shot her. She denied driving her vehicle toward the officer.
According to the summary, Watkins was unable to explain how her statements conflicted with video evidence and medical reports showing she was under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Shania Watkins
Mitsubishi Galant
Division Of Criminal Investigations
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2022-07-29T22:39:36Z
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Rapid City police officers cleared in May 31 shooting | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-police-officers-cleared-in-may-31-shooting/article_66af1149-efe5-5351-8de7-b1997156dfa8.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-police-officers-cleared-in-may-31-shooting/article_66af1149-efe5-5351-8de7-b1997156dfa8.html
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STM's Reese Ross commits to the University of Utah
GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBAL
St. Thomas More junior Reese Ross (left) drives around the Wagner defense on March 11 at Frost Arena to lead the Cavaliers to a berth in the Class A State Championship game.
St. Thomas More rising senior Reese Ross announced her commitment to play basketball at the University of Utah upon graduation Friday afternoon.
Congratulations Reese! The Utes are getting a good one! @ReeseRoss9 pic.twitter.com/uU0hc0OKWX
— North Tartan (@NorthTartan) July 29, 2022
Ross earned the Journal's Class A Girls Basketball Best of the West Player of the Year honors this season after leading the Cavaliers to a state championship. She was also a First-Team All-State selection, and was named to the Class A All-Tournament Team.
At State, she averaged 22.7 points and 14 rebounds with a 40.7 shooting percentage in three straight upset wins over the No. 4, No. 1 and No. 2-seeded teams in the bracket. She also averaged more than 31 minutes on the floor per contest, sitting out a total of less than three minutes.
The junior forward nearly averaged a double-double during the season, putting up 18.8 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game, shooting 48.8%.
Reese Ross
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2022-07-29T22:39:45Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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STM's Reese Ross commits to the University of Utah | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/stms-reese-ross-commits-to-the-university-of-utah/article_2ee31667-2c88-5676-ada1-df84de7600be.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/stms-reese-ross-commits-to-the-university-of-utah/article_2ee31667-2c88-5676-ada1-df84de7600be.html
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PCSO to return woman's personal items to her daughter 52 years later
The Pennington County Sheriff's Office plans to send this photograph showing Faye Johnson, who was killed on Jan. 23, 1970 in Rapid City, to Johnson's daughter, Francine Bergen, who was 17 months old at the time of her mother's death. The PCSO found the photo and other items in Johnson's 1970 manslaughter case file while digitizing old archives.
An address book and other items that belonged to Faye Johnson, who was killed on Jan. 23, 1970 in Rapid City, rest on a table at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City.
Pennington County Sheriff's Capt. Tony Harrison holds up a photo of Francine Howard (now Francine Bergen) at the Public Safety Building in Rapid City. The photo is among personal items the PCSO plans to send to Bergen.
While digitizing archived cases, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office came across a 1970 manslaughter case file containing personal photos and letters. The office plans to return the items to the victim’s daughter, who was 17 months old at the time.
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2022-07-30T03:34:50Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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PCSO to return woman's personal items to her daughter 52 years later | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/pcso-to-return-womans-personal-items-to-her-daughter-52-years-later/article_69d6e50e-264f-5ede-a96a-c1033fb54ad4.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/pcso-to-return-womans-personal-items-to-her-daughter-52-years-later/article_69d6e50e-264f-5ede-a96a-c1033fb54ad4.html
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Riter
“Susie”, a farm girl from Armour, met “Robert”, a city boy from Pierre, at the University of South Dakota in Vermillion while attending college. They road-tripped to Glacier National Park for their honeymoon. Bob and Carolyn have lived in Pierre/Ft. Pierre almost their entire marriage. where they raised their three children, Ashley, Lindsey and Matthew. They have enjoyed many adventures near and far with their children and grandchildren.
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2022-07-30T06:45:41Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Riter | Anniversaries | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/announcements/anniversaries/riter/article_74f279fa-a4e4-50aa-b937-b6eba82a01fd.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/announcements/anniversaries/riter/article_74f279fa-a4e4-50aa-b937-b6eba82a01fd.html
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Stone house stands proud during rally season
Stacey Besler, one of the owners of the Stone House Saloon, prepares for customers to come in on opening day of the season Wednesday in Belle Fourche.
A look at the Stone House Saloon on opening day Wednesday in Belle Fourche.
The Wall of Heroes at the Stone House Saloon Wednesday in Belle Fourche. The wall was built in memory of Jeremy and Amanda Crow.
The Stone House Saloon Wednesday in Belle Fourche.
A drawing on one of the picnic tables at the Stone House Saloon in Belle Fourche. Patrons are asked to sign their names on benches, tables and the walls inside of the Stone House Saloon.
The stage and dance floor at the Stone House Saloon in Belle Fourche.
The bike exit at the Stone House Saloon in Belle Fourche.
One of the walls with signatures and stapled money in the Stone House Saloon in Belle Fourche.
One of the rooms in the Stone House Saloon covered with signatures in Belle Fourche. People sign their names on the walls or picnic tables and add a year each time they return.
Stacey Besler is one of the owners of the Stone House Saloon. She and her husband Adam have had the business for five years.
Cowboys on horseback escort motorcycles and vehicles to the tune of country music around the outside of a stone house built in the 1880s just west of Belle Fourche.
If anyone needs anything, they know to look for the blonde in a white cowgirl hat, and if they want a 13-ingredient Bloody Mary, a woman called Spicy Jugs is the designated person who can meet the request.
It’s all locals-turned-family serving between 5,000 and 15,000 people at the Stone House Saloon, and Stacey Besler — the blonde in the white cowgirl hat, her signature look during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — is at the helm.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s a lot of fun,” Besler said. “I would say that it’s probably literally the best place to be because we’re all outdoors. There’s nothing indoors except for the old house.”
Besler runs the Stone House Saloon, an outdoor venue with multiple bars, a kitchen, dance floor and stage for two bands a day, running water in its bathrooms and a stone house that has its interior covered in signatures from rally goers of the past. Picnic benches and wooden tables are also covered in signatures.
Besler said the Besler family owns the location they took over about five years ago. The Stone House Saloon, which is open for about 22 days of the year, celebrates 22 years during the 82nd rally.
She said she and her husband Adam decided to take it over to get more acreage for their cows. Everything on the menu except for the pork is 100% local South Dakota beef.
The Besler family is from Bison, but Stacey said she was born in Deadwood and grew up in Nemo. She said she’s a cowgirl and prefers riding horses to bikes, but she is no stranger to the rally.
“I know what they bring to the community and how important it to them as bikers, so we try to make it the best experience when they come out here,” she said.
Other than a change in ownership, Besler said the only things that have changed are the new dance floor, covering the bathrooms and the kitchen area, and adding the Wall of Heroes.
“I had turned it into a special place for all the veterans to come because veterans are very important to the Beslers,” she said.
The wall was built two years ago and started with two centerpieces as a tribute to Jeremy and Amanda Crow, cousins who served in the Navy.
“They’re super big Harley riders and big bikers,” she said.
Besler said all the veterans and their families can sign their names on the wall instead of the house. She said they can also bring their patches. Each year Besler covers the wall so it stays safe and does not get worn down by the weather.
She said the first Sunday of the rally Stone House Saloon does military appreciation day, which includes $1 off drinks. This year the saloon will have dueling auctioneers and all money raised will go back to veterans.
Besler said she starts planning for the rally around February for merchandise, design and any changes to make. Around April and May, she looks for staff and July it’s “balls to the walls.”
She said it takes them about four to five weeks to get fully set up, which includes netting overhead, cleaning tables, opening the house, turning on the water and getting inventory ordered. After its 22 days, the Stone House Saloon turns into a hole in the wall and a place for the Beslers to run their cattle.
About 20 to 30 people help the operation, including bartenders, barbacks, T-shirt staff, bathroom staff, cooks and cowboys guiding modern iron horses to their parking spots.
Besler said the gates open at 10 a.m. for the five days leading up to the rally and 9 a.m. the week of.
“Usually by nine there’s a line of bikes,” she said.
One of the bands starts at 10 a.m. and alternates with another until about 8 p.m.
The Stone House Saloon is located at 9160 SD-34 in Belle Fourche.
Stone House Saloon
Sturgis 2022
82nd Rally
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2022-07-30T14:29:16Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Stone house stands proud during rally season | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/stone-house-stands-proud-during-rally-season/article_6726760b-2b7f-5a57-8c7f-f2c9af9e02c8.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/stone-house-stands-proud-during-rally-season/article_6726760b-2b7f-5a57-8c7f-f2c9af9e02c8.html
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My husband and I both have a fear of Ferris wheels. There is something about being suspended in mid-air, with our legs dangling from a bucket as it swings and rotates that is not our idea of fun.
Recently, while visiting Atlanta, we planned a day of site seeing. We walked from our hotel to Centennial Olympic Park to visit the attractions in that area. With a little time before our first tour, we stumbled upon something that was hard to miss. The SkyView Atlanta Ferris Wheel. This isn’t the average carnival Ferris wheel. This is 20 stories high; an impressive sight to see.
We read the sign about how it rotates 4 times, the buckets are actually enclosed air-conditioned gondolas and the ride takes about 15 minutes. None of this lessened our fear of Ferris wheels… and this was a big one. There wasn’t a line and we had some time, so we decided if we were going to do it we better get our butts on the ride.
Reaching the top of the second rotation I opened my eyes. The view was incredible! It felt like we could see the entire city. By the third rotation we were both smiling. After the fourth we were glad to put our feet back on the ground, yet happy for the experience.
Isn't life so often like this? We stand by silently wishing we could jump on the ride, yet we hesitate and hush our enthusiasm. Our fear takes over and we play it safe by just watching instead of participating. The time isn't right, what if we would get hurt or fall off and of course we will do it another time.
Life isn't always a smooth ride. It can go round and round with monotonous predictability, then suddenly everywhere we turn we are hit, jerked and slammed like bumper cars jolting back and forth. It can be dangerous to ride life’s roller coaster up and down through the peaks and valleys.
Scorecards that fairly report elected officials’ voting records are valuable tools to help voters hold their elected officials accountable. Bu…
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2022-07-31T17:10:31Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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HUNT: Let's get our butts on the ride | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/hunt-lets-get-our-butts-on-the-ride/article_4284bb5f-dde5-5045-8d68-3831f8b0411c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/hunt-lets-get-our-butts-on-the-ride/article_4284bb5f-dde5-5045-8d68-3831f8b0411c.html
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Federal, state, and local firefighters are responding to the Fish Wildfire near Sundance, Wyo. The fire was reported at about 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
The fire is burning on the Bearlodge Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest. As of 7 p.m., the fire was estimated to be at 500 acres. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain on Iron Mountain, approximately seven miles south of Sundance, Wyo., and east of Wyoming Highway 585.
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2022-08-01T04:27:36Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Fish wildfire burning near Sundance, Wyoming | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/fish-wildfire-burning-near-sundance-wyoming/article_8c3ac8d1-68a2-50cf-8fb1-fdb22d9b5d5c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/fish-wildfire-burning-near-sundance-wyoming/article_8c3ac8d1-68a2-50cf-8fb1-fdb22d9b5d5c.html
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Custer Peak Road to close during construction project
The road to the Custer Peak Fire Lookout will temporarily close for repairs to the tower. The road will be closed Aug. 8 through Sept. 18.
A National Forest System Road will close for a little over a month for safety purposes during construction on the Custer Peak Fire Lookout.
The U.S. Forest Service announced the closure of Custer Peak Road Aug. 8 through Sept. 18 on Monday.
HistoriCorp, a non-profit organization that specializes in preserving historic structures on public lands, and Boxelder Job Corp Center will work with employees from the Black Hills National Forest on the historic lookout south of the Lead-Deadwood area off of state Highway 385.
The project includes repairing the catwalk, railing, stairs and cab support structure. The recommendations came from a 2021 structural evaluation.
“I know the temporary closure will affect people’s ability to visit Custer Peak Lookout, but it is needed for safety reasons while repairs are made to preserve the historic value and keep it functioning as an important fire lookout in the northern Black Hills,” said Steve Kozel, Northern Hills District Ranger, Black Hills National Forest.
Public Affairs Officer Scott Jacobson said the tower is a popular destination for the public on off-highway vehicles. He said there can be dozens of people that visit daily and hundreds per week during the summer months.
The lookout was built in 1911 and replaced with a cupola building in 1935. In 1941, the Civilian Conservation Corps used natural materials to construct the fire lookout.
Custer Peak Road
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2022-08-01T22:52:08Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Custer Peak Road to close during construction project | Lifestyles | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/lifestyles/travel/custer-peak-road-to-close-during-construction-project/article_ab6b1a04-3f36-53a5-891f-8bb8a99042b9.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/lifestyles/travel/custer-peak-road-to-close-during-construction-project/article_ab6b1a04-3f36-53a5-891f-8bb8a99042b9.html
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Cooper Bowman traded to Oakland A's
Rapid City's Cooper Bowman, center, is congratulated by teammates during a 2021 game with the University of Louisville.
Taris Smith, Louisville Athletics
Rapid City Post 22 alumnus Cooper Bowman was traded from the New York Yankees to the Oakland A's ahead of the MLB trade deadline Monday in a deal that included six players.
The Yankees dealt Bowman, along with three other prospects, to the A's for starting pitcher Frankie Montas and reliever Lou Trivino.
Bowman, a 22-year-old second baseman, was selected by New York in the fourth round, 122nd overall, in the 2021 MLB Draft after his college career at the University of Louisville.
The Rapid City Stevens graduate batted .217 in 80 games for the Hudson Valley Renegades of the Class High-A minor leagues this season with a .343 on-base percentage and .355 slugging percentage. He has collected 65 hits, 54 runs and 35 RBIs, along with 35 stolen bases and eight home runs.
Bowman joins an organization that has produced a pair of big-leaguers from Rapid City in recent years in Mark Ellis, who spent 10 seasons with the A's from 2002-2011, and Sean Doolittle, who was with Oakland from 2012-2017.
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2022-08-02T01:53:54Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Cooper Bowman traded to Oakland A's | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/cooper-bowman-traded-to-oakland-as/article_eeb45f42-2c08-546b-a542-d40aba40408c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/cooper-bowman-traded-to-oakland-as/article_eeb45f42-2c08-546b-a542-d40aba40408c.html
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A 28-year-old man died just before 12:30 a.m. on Sunday in a motorcycle crash two miles west of Lead.
The man's name has not been released pending notification of family members, according to a news release from the Department of Public Safety.
According to the release, a 2020 Harley Davidson motorcycle traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 14A crashed when the driver failed to negotiate a curve and lost control near mile marker 35.
The motorcycle went across the east lane and into the ditch. The man was thrown from the motorcycle and pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet.
South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. All information released thus far is preliminary.
Highway 14a
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2022-08-02T01:53:56Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Man dies in motorcycle crash in Lawrence County | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/man-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-in-lawrence-county/article_14d3160f-fa73-5fc8-b566-d83bab302f3c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/man-dies-in-motorcycle-crash-in-lawrence-county/article_14d3160f-fa73-5fc8-b566-d83bab302f3c.html
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Rapid City man sentenced in 2021 shooting
A federal judge sentenced a Rapid City man on Friday to two-and-a-half years in prison and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Nathaniel Jones, 54, admitted to firing three shots on Aug. 11, 2021 in the Scooter’s Coffee parking lot at the corner of Saint Patrick Street and Fifth Street in Rapid City. Because of a past domestic violence conviction, Jones is not authorized to possess a firearm. Jones pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 17, 2021.
U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Viken also ordered to pay a mandatory $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Viken said he had “no reason to doubt” Jones arrived at Scooter’s at about 12:30 a.m. that night to help someone who had car troubles. Jones said he “didn’t go to Scooter’s looking for trouble.”
Sometime between Jones arriving and police arriving at 12:34 a.m., by his own account, Jones fired three 9-millimeter bullets.
Jones maintained he fired the bullets because two people surrounded his vehicle and yelled racial slurs at him, demanding he give them his car. He said he fired the shots to get them away, not to hurt anyone. The government claims only one man, Michael Rasch, was present and not a threat to Jones.
Viken said even if Rasch used racial epitaphs, no evidence showed Rasch threatened serious bodily injury or death when Jones fired.
Rasch sustained an injury to his knee, according to court documents. The cause of the injury is unclear. Asst. U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson said “something” ricocheted and hit Rasch in the knee.
Patterson played video footage from a doorbell camera across the street and asked Rapid City Police Det. Anthony Meirose to take the stand and answer questions regarding the footage and the investigation.
The footage did not show the reported confrontation between Rasch and Jones. Meirose said the footage came from a motion-activated camera, resulting in fragmented clips. Police did not ask Scooter's if they had security footage, Meirose testified.
The clips showed a vehicle Meirose testified to be Jones’ pull into the Scooter’s parking lot at 12:30 a.m. and a man he identified as Michael Rasch walking along Saint Patrick Street before crossing the road towards the Scooter’s parking lot.
Meirose testified Rasch had asked Meirose for a cigarette that evening and “somewhere down the line, Rasch re-approached him at Scooters.”
Jones originally faced an aggravated assault charge in Pennington County Court, but the prosecutor dropped those charges after Rasch died in a motorcycle accident in September 2021.
The government argued for an offense level increase because of the dropped assault charge and the lack of evidence pointing towards self defense.
Viken approved the increase, moving sentencing guidelines from 21-27 months in prison to 30-37 months in prison.
Diggins asked the judge to vary down to a one year, one month sentence. He referenced Jones’ strong work history, a child he suspects to be his who was born while he was in jail and a recently-discovered issue with his liver requiring treatment. Diggins said a doctor recommended a medication his client could not receive in jail.
Jones addressed the court and said he isn’t a bad person, and expressed his desire to be with his children.
After delivering the sentence, Viken told Jones, “I wish you every success.”
Michael Rasch
Anthony Meirose
Benjamin Patterson
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2022-08-02T01:53:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City man sentenced in 2021 shooting | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rapid-city-man-sentenced-in-2021-shooting/article_a9d4e22b-9972-5c12-9c36-eda1adf85b42.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/rapid-city-man-sentenced-in-2021-shooting/article_a9d4e22b-9972-5c12-9c36-eda1adf85b42.html
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Federal, state, and local firefighters are responding to the Fish Wildfire near Sundance, Wyo. with hot, dry and windy conditions. The fire was reported about 11:30 a.m. Sunday.
The fire is burning on the Bearlodge Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest. As of noon Monday, the perimeter of the fire was mapped at 527 acres and progressed to the east, threatening the Canyon Springs subdivision. It is 0% contained, located on private land and believed to be human caused.
It is burning in steep, rugged terrain on Iron Mountain, about seven miles south of Sundance, Wyo., and east of Wyoming Highway 585.
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2022-08-02T04:37:26Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Fish wildfire burning near Sundance, Wyo. | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/fish-wildfire-burning-near-sundance-wyo/article_8c3ac8d1-68a2-50cf-8fb1-fdb22d9b5d5c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/fish-wildfire-burning-near-sundance-wyo/article_8c3ac8d1-68a2-50cf-8fb1-fdb22d9b5d5c.html
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