The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Sturgis Sets Special Election for Mayor Following Resignation
STURGIS, S.D. — The City of Sturgis has set June 2nd as the day for a special election to choose a new mayor. Mayor Kevin Forrester resigned earlier this week due to his deteriorating health. A Sturgis businessman who Forrester had requested fill the remainder of his term, has announced he would run. Rod Bradley is a former Meade County Commissioner and Sturgis Councilman. (Full story)
Rapid City Man Arrested for Starting Fire Near Roosevelt Park Bridge
RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City man was arrested Wednesday after police say he started a fire on a pile of leaves under the E. Omaha Bridge near Roosevelt Park. Police say 38-year-old Tony Hessler was placed under arrest for a City Park Violation and a bond revocation. Fire crews ensured the fire was extinguished after it was discovered.
Box Elder Launches New 311 App to Improve City Services
BOX ELDER, S.D. — The City of Box Elder has launched a new 311 app designed to improve communication between residents and city services. The app allows users to report issues, pay utility bills, access city news and stay updated on City Council meetings. City officials say the platform will help staff respond more efficiently to community needs. The app is currently available on Apple devices, with Android availability expected in the future. (Full story)
Man Arrested for Reckless Driving After Multi-Vehicle Crash on Canyon Lake Drive
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Rapid City Police arrested for a man reckless driving after causing an accident Wednesday afternoon. Police were dispatched to the 2400 block of Canyon Lake Drive for a crash involving several vehicles. After speaking with witnesses, police determined a Fiat 500 was driving eastbound on Canyon Lake Drive at a high rate of speed. At one point, the Fiat entered the lane of oncoming traffic, then swerved back into the eastbound lane, striking a motorcycle and causing a Buick passenger vehicle to swerve. The Fiat and the Buick both left the roadway and rolled. The driver of the Buick was transported to the hospital for the treatment of minor injuries. The motorcyclist was uninjured. The driver of the Fiat was identified as 67-year-old Robin Masters of Rapid City. Masters was placed under arrest for Reckless Driving and No Proof of Insurance before being transported to the Pennington County Jail.
Governor Signs SAVE Act Requiring Proof of Citizenship for New Voters
PIERRE, S.D. — Governor Larry Rhoden today signed the South Dakota SAVE Act, or SB 175. SB 175 requires that an individual provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote. The bill only applies to state elections and only affects new registrants. Existing South Dakota voters don’t need to do anything to stay registered and do not need to provide proof of citizenship if they need to change their name, address, or other information. Senate Bill 175 has an “emergency clause,” meaning it took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature. The Governor’s Office, the Secretary of State’s Office, and the five state agencies required to assist with voter registration have been working to implement these new legal requirements.
Concerns Grow Over Aging Native Health Facilities as New Mexico Project Moves Ahead
SANTA ANA PUEBLO, N.M. — Federal officials and tribal leaders say aging infrastructure and long wait times continue to limit access to care for Native American patients, as many Indian Health Service facilities are decades old and struggling to keep up with growing demand. Patients report delays in appointments and referrals, while outdated equipment and crowded spaces add to the strain. Although a new medical center planned near Albuquerque aims to ease some of that pressure, leaders say the broader issue remains a nationwide backlog of needed upgrades that could take decades to address without additional funding. In South Dakota, a similar effort has already been completed, with the replacement of the Sioux San Hospital in Rapid City now operating as the larger, modern Oyate Health Center, though demand there is already exceeding available space. (Full story)
US Treasury plans to put Trump’s signature on new paper currency in first for sitting president
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Treasury Department plans to print President Donald Trump’s signature on every new U.S. paper bill. Treasury announced the idea Thursday. Treasury says it would mark the first time a sitting president’s signature appears on new currency. The announcement is part of a broader push to put Trump’s name and image on public symbols. Treasury also backs a separate effort for a Trump coin. Earlier this month, a federal arts commission approves a design for a gold commemorative coin with his face. (Full story)
Trump says he’ll sign order to pay TSA agents as Congress struggles to reach funding deal
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump says he will sign an emergency order instructing the Homeland Security secretary to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration workers as Congress struggles to reach a deal. It’s an extraordinary move that comes as senators are reviewing a “last and final” offer to end the funding impasse that has jammed airports and disrupted travel. Democrats have been refusing to fund the Department of Homeland Security as they demand changes to rein in President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement operations. Senators, ready to leave town for their own spring break, prepared to stay all night to reach a deal. The funding lapse has put the livelihoods of TSA workers in jeopardy as they face another missed paycheck Friday. (Full story)
