RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun highlighted a proposed landfill partnership, progress toward a new medical school and plans at Storybook Island during the latest episode of “Meeting with the Mayor.”

One of the city’s more immediate projects involves finding a new use for wood waste collected after last winter’s major windstorm. Salamun said the city is working on an agreement with Dakota Biochar that would allow wood waste from the Rapid City landfill to be converted into biochar rather than taking up landfill space.

“Whenever we can divert waste, that actually saves taxpayer money,” Salamun said. He said reducing material placed in the landfill can help delay the costly process of opening additional landfill cells.

The agreement was presented to the City Council this week. Salamun said he expects it to move forward.

The mayor also discussed another major development that could have a long-term impact on Rapid City: plans for an Indigenous school of medicine.

“We’re gonna have a medical school in Rapid City that are training doctors,” Salamun said.

He said he recently met with Dr. Warren about the project and that organizers are making progress toward establishing the school. According to Salamun, the medical school would incorporate an understanding of Indigenous cultures and holistic approaches to health while operating as an accredited medical school.

Salamun said organizers are also discussing partnerships with institutions including the University of South Dakota, South Dakota Mines, Western Dakota Technical College and Black Hills State University.

“This will be a significant thing for our community and really build into the ecosystem of our healthcare hub,” Salamun said.

The episode also included an update on Storybook Island, where Salamun said organizers are considering a new entrance near the birthday house. He said the project could involve a fundraising campaign and a significant private gift.

Salamun also noted another milestone for the city’s planned sports complex. He recently signed the closing documents for the land where the complex is expected to be built.

“It felt so good,” Salamun said. “I mean, it’s happening.”