Local Politics · Pennington County
State Representative Peri Pourier is running as an independent candidate for the South Dakota Senate seat in District 27, which spans four counties including Badlands National Park and Pine Ridge Reservation. The open seat follows Senator Red Dawn Foster's term limit expiration. Pourier, a Navy veteran and Oglala Lakota tribal member, cites public safety and cross-party cooperation as her primary platforms. She faces Republican Anthony Kathol and Democrat Celestine Stadnick in the November election.
Housing & Development · Rapid City, SD
City and business leaders in Rapid City, South Dakota, broke ground Thursday on the Northline Business Park. The mixed-use development aims to provide shovel-ready sites for local companies seeking expansion and new employers moving to the area. Elevate Rapid City CEO Jack Valentine stated that the project is part of preparing the city for future growth.
Community News · Rapid City, SD
Western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming will see highs in the 70s Tuesday, with Rapid City reaching about 75 degrees, before a weak cold front moves through late Tuesday night. A ridge of high pressure Thursday into Friday could push temperatures to the upper 70s and lower 80s, with Philip forecast at 83 degrees. A stronger system arriving Friday into Saturday will bring wind gusts around 40 mph and cooler weekend highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s. Rain chances remain limited across the region, though mountain snow is possible in the Absaroka and Bighorn ranges, with up to a half-inch of total precipitation on higher-elevation routes west of Sheridan.
Community News · Rapid City, SD
The City of Rapid City announced that the Memorial Park bandshell will be secured and closed for the winter season starting the week of Oct. 20. Beginning Nov. 1, year-round restroom facilities at Founders Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, and Canyon Lake-West will adjust to winter hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Local Business · Keystone, SD
As summer tourism fades in Keystone, South Dakota, most gas stations, hotels, and restaurants close by mid-October, leaving only a handful of storefronts operating through winter. Black Hills Gifts & Gold owner Melodi Heinis said the town has no grocery store and remaining businesses operate limited hours, requiring residents to bring their own supplies. The third-generation Indian Trading Post, approaching its 50th year, stays open all 12 months with family members rotating shifts, aided by Mount Rushmore's year-round operation. Merchants are promoting fall and winter draws including Haunted Keystone tours in October and the 1880 Train holiday excursions to bridge the November-to-April slow season.
Public Safety · Rapid City, SD
Crews will repair a water line break at the intersection of Fifth and Columbus streets in Rapid City on Wednesday, potentially disrupting water service for nearby residents. The outside northbound lane of Fifth Street will close before the morning commute, merging traffic into one lane through the work zone. Repairs are expected to be completed by late Wednesday afternoon, though traffic control may remain in place for several days depending on excavation needs. Motorists are advised to slow down and use extra caution in the area.
Community brief · Rapid City, SD
José Andrés, founder of the World Central Kitchen and a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, will speak in Rapid City on November 18, 2026. The event is part of the John T. Vucerivich annual speaker series and will be held at the Summit Arena at The Monument at 7:30 pm. KOTA Territory News’ Alicia Garcia will moderate the conversation. Tickets are currently available for purchase.
