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Missing Man Found Dead in Lawrence County

LAWRENCE COUNTY, S.D. — The Rapid City Police Department reports that a missing person, identified as 34-year-old Adam Hughes, was located dead in Lawrence County on Wednesday. RCPD said no evidence of foul play has been found in connection with his death. No further details about the death were released by authorities. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the search.(Full Story)

Wind Turbine Destroyed by Fire Near Highmore

HIGHMORE, S.D. — A wind turbine caught fire Monday morning just south of Highmore. The Highmore Volunteer Fire Department says they responded to the wind turbine fire 10 miles south of Highmore just after 7:00 a.m. While crews were en-route, dispatch confirmed that all workers were accounted for and no one was inside the tower. Working with wind farm personnel, crews maintained a safe distance while extinguishing burning debris and a small field fire. Cool temperatures and high humidity helped contain the field fire to less than half an acre. Crews remained until no flames were visible atop the tower, then turned the scene over to wind farm personnel. The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office and Hyde County Emergency Management also responded. The wind turbine was reportedly destroyed. (Full Story)

Rapid City Police Address Reckless E-Bike and E-Scooter Riding

RAPID CITY, S.D. — A growing number of concerns from people about e-bikes, e-motorcycles and e-scooters has prompted the Rapid City police to launch an initiative to promote responsible e-bike operation in the city. In recent months, community members have reported frequent incidents of reckless riding, including excessive speeding on sidewalks and the city bike path, failure to yield to pedestrians, and non-compliance with traffic signals. During this initiative, police will focus on education to remind e-bike riders the rules of the road. Parents and members of the public can check the classifications, applicable laws, and permissible riding areas for electric bikes and scooters on the RCPD’s website. (Full story)

World Ballet Company Bringing Swan Lake to Rapid City

RAPID CITY, S.D. — The World Ballet Company will present “Swan Lake” at The Monument on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m., featuring a live orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s score. The performance is part of the company’s 2026-27 national tour, which includes more than 80 shows. The production features dancers from more than 10 countries, over 150 hand-sewn costumes, hand-painted sets and multimedia projections. The ballet tells the story of Prince Siegfried and Odette, a princess cursed to live as a swan. Tickets range from $62 to $149.25. The performance runs two hours and 30 minutes, including intermission. (Full Story)

Average long-term US mortgage rate eases to 7.32% in first pullback since late August

Mortgage rates fell this week for the first time since late August, easing some of the pressure on prospective homebuyers facing higher borrowing costs on home loans. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the benchmark 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 7.32% from 7.40% last week. One year ago, the average rate was 6.19%. The pullback comes as the 10-year Treasury yield, which lenders use as a guide to pricing home loans, has eased the last couple of weeks. Still, the average rate remains close to its highest level in nearly three years. The housing market has stalled this year in large part because of rising mortgage rates. (Full story)

Thousands gather in Paris after a court lifts a protest ban despite fears of new violence

PARIS (AP) — Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Paris despite bans on demonstrations in several French cities. Organizers say an administrative court overturned the ban in Paris after a challenge. The ban was initially issued due to recent violent clashes and looting. French President Emmanuel Macron says the bans aim to protect city centers and businesses. He blames the violence on radical groups and criminals. Night curfews are in place in some areas. More protests are expected, including a major demonstration on Saturday involving the “yellow vest” movement and labor unions. (Full story)

John Anderson, country music star whose hits included ‘Wild and Blue,’ dies at 71

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson has died at age 71. His family announced his death Wednesday on his social media accounts. Anderson was known for his high, yearning vocal style and hits such as “Swingin’,” “Wild and Blue,” and “Black Sheep.” Born in Apopka, Florida, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, after high school. He worked odd jobs before his commercial breakthrough in 1977. Anderson was a “New Traditionalist,” sometimes compared to George Jones and Merle Haggard. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024 and won two Country Music Association awards. (Full story)