Public Safety · Rapid City, SD
Rapid City police officers fatally shot a 30-year-old man in the 4000 block of Clover Street shortly before 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, after he allegedly pointed a scoped rifle at them and refused commands to drop it, according to Police Chief Don Hedrick and Assistant Chief Scott Sitz. The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the use-of-force review with assistance from the Pennington County Sheriff's Office; Attorney General Marty Jackley said a detailed public summary would be released within 30 days. Five officers responded to the call, which indicated children were present and weapons were involved. Authorities had not publicly identified the man as of Jackley's Friday interview, pending notification of next of kin.
Crime · Rapid City, SD
Antwon Long Visitor, 19, appeared Wednesday morning at the Pennington County Courthouse on a misdemeanor obstruction charge related to a vehicle pursuit; his bond was set at $500,000 cash. He appeared again Thursday and was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the Star Village shooting, carrying a mandatory life sentence if convicted. His bond was raised to $15 million. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Crime · Rapid City, SD
David Kroeger appeared in court Thursday and was charged with felony hit-and-run with injury and careless driving after allegedly striking a pedestrian in a crosswalk at 5th Street and Omaha in Rapid City, S.D., at approximately 6:40 a.m. Police say the victim, identified as a minor, was dragged several hundred feet before the driver fled the scene. A judge set bond at $2 million cash only. The victim suffered severe injuries including damage to the left hand, loss of part of the left ear, and road rash, with two surgeries already performed and additional reconstruction planned. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 10.
Public Safety · Rapid City, SD
A gas leak on 12th Street near Rapid City Central High School prompted a precautionary evacuation of students and staff to The Monument on Friday morning, according to the Rapid City Fire Department. Fire crews determined the leak was not at the school itself but that the odor had traveled to the building. Classes were cancelled for the remainder of the day. Parents picking up students were directed to the east side of The Monument near the ice rink and hotel.
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Crime · Rapid City, SD
Timothy Huante, 49, pleaded guilty Friday in federal court to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person related to a February 2022 incident at Teddy's Sports Bar in downtown Rapid City. Huante was previously charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Dallas Quick Bear and pleaded guilty in state court in August to accessory to murder, receiving five years in prison. In the federal case, he admitted being seen on video with a .38 Special pistol found two days after the shooting; he was barred from possessing firearms due to a prior third-degree rape conviction. Sentencing on the federal charge is set for Jan. 15, carrying up to 10 years in prison.
Local Politics · Rapid City, SD
Rapid City residents have until Monday, Nov. 2, to submit comments on proposed ordinance amendments governing data centers, including requirements for distance from residential areas, electricity use, water and sewer demands, noise and vibration. The changes build on a December 2024 ordinance that defined data centers and permitted them in light and heavy industrial districts. Residents can review materials on the city's website and submit feedback via an online survey or by emailing the Community Development Department at cpweb@rcgov.org. The Rapid City Planning Commission is scheduled to review the proposed amendments again Nov. 5.
Local Politics
The South Dakota Governor's Council of Economic Advisors held a virtual quarterly meeting Thursday discussing a labor force participation rate that fell to 66.3% in September from 68.2% the prior year, alongside rising costs and struggling farmers. State officials noted at least three job openings per unemployed person and a 2% unemployment rate while attributing part of the workforce decline to an aging population. Council members reported Black Hills tourism visitation declining with Canadian visits down about 35%, Sturgis seeing a 24% drop in 'booze tax' collections tied to a soft motorcycle rally, and Deadwood sports betting falling roughly 31% year-over-year amid competition from online prediction markets. A recently announced $8 billion federal assistance package aims to help farmers facing higher diesel, fertilizer, and equipment costs.
Community brief · Rapid City, SD
Rapid City's annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event runs from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, starting at Main Street Square. The free, open-to-the-public event invites children in costumes to visit participating downtown businesses and storefronts with candy buckets. Organizers describe it as a safe, daytime way for families to celebrate Halloween.
Community brief · Rapid City, SD
SunCatcher Therapeutic Riding Academy in Rapid City, South Dakota, is hosting its annual Halloween trunk-or-treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 1 to 3 p.m. The free event at 23325 S. Airport Road features carnival-style games, candy collecting and opportunities to meet the academy's therapy horses. Costumes are encouraged for all ages, and the event is open to the community.
Community brief · Rapid City, SD
The 7th Annual Half Mile Halloween Trunk-or-Treat will be held at Black Hills Speedway's lower parking lot at 2467 Jolly Lane along Highway 44 in Rapid City, South Dakota, on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. The free event lets kids collect candy from decorated vehicles including race cars, fire trucks, tow trucks and personal vehicles. Community members may bring a vehicle to hand out candy; participants should arrive between 2:30 and 3:45…
