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May sales tax report shows the importance of tourism
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Summer is the busiest time for Rapid City, and the May sales tax reports presented at the Legal and Finance Committee on Wednesday can confirm. The sales tax collections for the first five months of the year totaled more than $33.2 million, a 3.88 percent increase from this time last year. May’s numbers showed great growth, with sales tax receipts being up by 4.7 percent over last year. The report included the breakdown of sales tax collection in different categories, two of which being tourism sales tax and general fund city sales tax receipts.
Mayor Salamun provides updates on the new park ranger program
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Mayor Jason Salamun held a press conference in Memorial Park today to address the new Park Ranger Program. The program, which is in its pilot phase, is intended to assist law enforcement by monitoring and reporting illegal activity in Rapid City parks. Park Ranger Supervisor...
Meade County fire danger risk “very high” days before Rally
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The Rally is expected to bring its fair share of action to the City of Riders during the next two weeks. Because of that, people should keep in mind the importance of having fun responsibly and also decreasing the risk of starting a fire. South...
Rapid City teen artist Santana Twiss to spotlight in Dahl Arts Center exhibit
RAPID CITY, S.D. - Rapid City teen artist Santana L. Twiss will be showcased in the upcoming Emerging Visual Artists (EVA) exhibition at the Dahl Arts Center. Her exhibit opens on August 1 and will be on view in the Dahl’s Bruce H. Lien Cultural Café & Gallery until September 26, 2024. An artist reception and meet-and-greet will take place on August 1 from 5-7 p.m.
One truck rear-ends another near Custer, 1 dead
CUSTER, S.D. - Two trucks were involved in a crash at the intersection of Carroll Creek Road and US 385 in Custer County on Wednesday morning, killing a 24-year-old man. The driver of a 2017 Freightliner M2 Medium Duty truck was traveling northbound on US 385 at the intersection of Carroll Creek Road at 10:30 a.m. At the same time, the driver of a 2013 Chevrolet Express G2500 truck was also northbound on US 385, approaching the intersection.
Heated Lead Up to the 84th Annual Sturgis Rally, But Are Thunderstorms Looming?
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Motorcycles all around KOTA Territory are starting to line the streets. That means we are starting to focus on what the weather is going to be like for all of the riders out there. Temperatures tomorrow in the city of Sturgis are looking to be hot. This will be paired with plenty of sunshine so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the entire day and check on your rider friends. If you are taking your bike into the Black Hills tomorrow, temperatures wont get to the 90 degree mark, but it will still be very warm with plenty of sunshine. Dry roads are expected throughout the day tomorrow. We will see temperatures over the weekend flirting with the triple digits in Sturgis on Saturday. 99 degrees is the forecasted high temperature to kick off the first weekend of the rally. Some thunderstorms make their way into the forecast by the time we wrap up opening weekend and that will cool temperatures off. 90 for a high on Sunday. Temperatures continue to cool off in Sturgis next week as thunderstorms are present in the forecast every single day. Wednesday looks to be the best chance for some of those storms with temperatures not getting out of the 70s.
First Alert: Heat Returns to KOTA Territory for the Next Three Days
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Tonight, temperatures manage to keep dropping and Rapid City hits the 64 degree mark by sunrise tomorrow. Clear skies overnight are expected with the absence of that dense smoke! Tomorrow, we are going to see temperatures make it back into the 90s by the afternoon, so if you are out walking your furry friends, make sure to keep those paws off of the hot concrete. Temperatures make it into the mid 90s in Rapid City in the afternoon with completely sunny skies lasting throughout the entire day. Looking ahead to the month of August, temperatures decrease throughout the month and the sunset time keeps getting earlier and earlier. We are also entering one of our driest months of the year with less than 2 inches of rainfall on average. Currently we are expecting above average temperatures in KOTA Territory and below average precipitation. These conditions don’t look too promising for the current drought situation that has made itself known over Western South Dakota. Overnight tonight, temperatures make it into the 50s and 60s throughout KOTA Territory with clear skies expected throughout the entire night. We will not be as hazy as we have been the past few nights. Tomorrow, clear skies translate to sunny skies. This lasts the entire day across almost every single location. Make sure to pack those sunglasses as you are walking out of the door tomorrow morning. The next three days over in NE Wyoming and the Northern Hills displays the warm up we are going to experience. Everyone seeing 90s to triple digits by the end of the week and into the start of the weekend. Rapid City getting in on the century mark with temperatures surpassing 100 degrees on Saturday. Rain and thunderstorms work their way into the forecast by Sunday, and that looks like it will continue next week. Temperatures also reflect that with 80s for much of next week.
Cool your summer energy bill
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Add keeping cool this summer to the list of things costing more. According to new energy projections, look out for a nearly 8-percent increase across the country, or about $719 more to cool a home. If that news burns you up, then listen up: The experts at Consumer Reports share some simple tips you can do right now to save money all summer long.
The perks of arriving early to the Rally
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts at the end of this week, and hotels and campgrounds in the area are getting ready for the busiest three weeks of the year. With tons of traffic already on the roads this week, people are pouring in to get...
Rapid City buckling up for Sturgis Rally business
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - The rally means business in the Black Hills area, and many stores and restaurants are preparing for the increase in people. With the thousands of motorcyclists coming to Rapid, catering to their needs is a must for many businesses. Some places may change their hours, and restaurants may see a bump in their carry-out options, but location is king when it comes to working during the rally. One coffee shop is hoping to stake their claim at their new location.
New bar & grill to open in Sturgis on the first day of the Rally
STURGIS, S.D. – The iconic automotive brand Gas Monkey Garage has set up shop in Sturgis with the new Gas Monkey Sturgis Bar N’ Grill, set to open on August 2 at 1025 Junction Ave. Gas Monkey Sturgis is the product of a partnership between American entrepreneur, television...
Annual diaper drive exceeds its goal and collects 76,547 diapers
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Diaper-need can affect daily life for families and their little ones. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, 47% of families struggle to afford diapers. Wednesday, The Black Hills Community Bank delivered diapers to the Cornerstone Women and Children’s Home. Over the past 13...
116 U.S. Army National Guard Officers Commissioned at Mount Rushmore
{KXLG – Keystone, SD} One hundred sixteen U.S. Army National Guard officer candidates completed the rigorous Officer Candidate School (OCS) program. They were commissioned as officers during a ceremony at Mount Rushmore on July 26. The graduates, hailing from 21 states, one U.S. territory, and the U.S. Army Reserve,...
Young Man’s Famous Biker Lemonade Stand Welcomes Sturgis Riders
The annual pilgrimage to South Dakota is happening NOW! This year's Sturgis Rally is going to be bigger than ever. As riders take to the open road, Montana has plenty of "must-see" stops. It is wise for riders to stop occasionally and take in the local vibes of communities across the state. Checking out some of Montana's state parks. Or quench your thirst at some of the many "watering holes" along the way.
Roof replacement project brings hope and relief to local teacher
"Jeremy of JOAT Services introduces us to the July roof winner - Avery. She is a school teacher who was in need of a new roof. SRS, a local company, is on board again as well. For the next month, they are doing the roof give away a little differently. It is heart warming to see local companies giving to our locals in need!"
Sturgis shifts into gear for 2024 Rally
Bikers have already started descending on the Black Hills for the upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Now, the community of Sturgis prepares for hundreds of thousands of tourists. With just days until the rally begins, it’s now time for months of planning by Sturgis municipal government to be put into action....
Sturgis man sentenced to 65 years in prison 11 counts of felony crimes
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Lance Lowell Long, 40, was sentenced in Corson County Circuit Court on Monday on the following charges:. Long was sentenced to 50 years in prison in addition to another conviction making his total sentence 65 years. See a spelling or grammatical error in our story?...
SD Mines’ Dr. Kunza receives prestigious GWIS award!
RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) organization has honored Lisa Kunza, Ph.D., with the Jean E. Simmons Award for Science Education Excellence. Dr. Kunza, an associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, Biology, and Health Science at South Dakota Mines and the director of the university's Center for Sustainable Solutions, received this prestigious award for her outstanding advocacy in STEM education, leadership, and mentorship. The award is named after GWIS's first honorary member and former president.
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