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Arrest Warrant Issued for Representative Travis Ismay
BELLE FOURCHE, S.D. — Recently re-elected District 28B Representative Travis Ismay of Newell is facing an arrest warrant for alleged intentional damage to a highway – which is a felony. Court documents indicate Ismay allegedly dug up, removed, displaced, or broke the highway. The Class 6 felony includes up to a 2-year prison term and/or a fine of up to $4,000. Court documents indicate the arrest warrant was issued Tuesday, but it was not immediately clear whether Ismay had been arrested. (Full story)
Bison Involved in Fatal Custer State Park Incident to Be Relocated
CUSTER, S.D. — Custer State Park is relocating a bison that killed a person in May. The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Game, Fish and Parks Department is taking custody of the animal and says it will not be euthanized. The bison will be relocated to a secure environment to live out the rest of its life. The tribe has extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased. (Full story)
Rapid City Police Investigating Three Separate Gunfire Incidents
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Police are investigating several reports of gunshots in their latest update. One of the incidents involved one person suffering from a gunshot wound. Police say they were dispatched to the 200 block of Patton Street for a report of gunshots. Police located a vehicle where a male with gunshot injuries was found inside. He was taken to the hospital for the treatment of what police say were non-life-threatening injuries. Meanwhile, police also received a gunshots report from the area of North 7th Street Wednesday. On arrival at the location, police located spent shell casings, which were collected. No associated damage was located, and police received no report of injuries in relation to this incident. Then, early Thursday morning, police were dispatched to the unit block of Saint Patrick Street for a report of gunshots. Police located several shell casings in a nearby alleyway and found damage to a residence in the area. After speaking to witnesses, police learned an individual in the residence received a superficial injury as the gunfire occurred. Police continue to investigate the incident. At this time, Police say there is no evidence to suggest the three incidents are related. (Full story)
Meade County Considers Sales Tax to Offset Property Taxes
STURGIS, S.D. — Following the passage of Senate Bill 96, Meade County is considering adding a sales tax that will be used to help property owners. On Tuesday, Meade County Commissioners scheduled a first reading for Ordinance 60, which will enact a gross receipts tax on sales in the county. The ordinance will be considered, with public comment, at 10 a.m., June 23. The new law, which will go into effect July 1, requires counties to put funds from the sales tax into a property tax reduction fund. That fund is to be used to apply a credit against the county’s tax levy on all owner-occupied properties. (Full story)
Rapid City Announces Juneteenth Holiday Closures and Service Changes
RAPID CITY, S.D. — City administrative offices will be closed next Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth Freedom Day. The Rapid City Landfill will be closed as part of the holiday observance. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday trash collections on City routes will be picked up one day early next week with Monday routes operating on a normal schedule, leave out until collected. For residents on the bi-weekly recycling schedule, recycling collection will continue as normal next week. Rapid Transit Services, including RapidRide and Dial-A-Ride services, will not be operating Friday, June 19 in observance of the national holiday. The Rapid City Public Library will be closed for the holiday. (Full story)
US coordinates evacuation of stranded American from remote Pacific island
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government arranged a private yacht evacuation for an American woman stranded on Pitcairn Island after she may have been exposed to hantavirus during an outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship. The woman became stuck on the remote British territory, which has no airport and limited transportation options. After French Polynesian authorities declined to allow her entry, the State Department coordinated transportation aboard the Titaina Explorer yacht to Easter Island, Chile, where she can access flights to the United States for any necessary medical treatment. (Full story)
Melania Trump, Treasury launch foster care investment account initiative
WASHINGTON — First lady Melania Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the launch of Fostering the Future Accounts, a program that expands Trump Accounts to children in foster care. New federal guidance allows child welfare agencies to act as guardians for the purpose of opening the investment accounts, which provide a $1,000 federal contribution. Accounts open July 4 and are available to U.S. citizen children born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028. The White House said governors in 23 states have pledged support for enrolling foster children in the program. (Full story)
Former Raider Henry Ruggs denied parole nearly 5 years after deadly car crash
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners has denied parole for ex-NFL player Henry Ruggs. Nearly five years ago, Ruggs killed a woman in a car crash in Las Vegas. Ruggs, a former Raiders wide receiver, drove his sports car at up to 156 mph and crashed into Tina Tintor’s vehicle. Prosecutors said his blood-alcohol level was 0.16%. Ruggs pleaded guilty in May 2023 to felony DUI causing death and misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. He was sentenced in August 2023 to three to 10 years in prison. Ruggs will face the parole board again before his August 2027 release date. His attorneys said Ruggs continues to feel sorrow over Tintor’s death. (Full story)
