The Daily Slice, your Black Hills news podcast in under 10 minutes. Delivered every morning Monday-Friday at homesliceaudio.com/dailyslice
Black Hills Mining Project Selected for Fast-Track Federal Permitting
SPEARFISH, S.D. — Federal officials have selected a second Black Hills mining proposal for an expedited permitting process. The Bear Lodge Rare Earth Mining Project is on the Wyoming side of the Black Hills, and it’s expected to produce rare earth elements critical to alloy and magnet production. It will be included in FAST-41, a federal process meant to improve coordination among permitting agencies and hold them accountable to deadlines. The 25-person federal Permitting Council says it can shave 18 months off a project’s review time. The project has been stalled for several years by permitting, market saturation from China and challenges raising capital, according to reporting from the Cowboy State Daily.
Water Line Break on Adams Street Impacts Several Rapid City Homes
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Public Works Crews were mobilized on Easter Sunday to a water line break on Adams Street, between Haines Avenue and Farlow Avenue. The break affected Water service to around six homes with repairs slated to be completed Sunday evening. There were no traffic restrictions in the area, although drivers were encouraged to be cautious traveling in the area.
Rapid City Man Identified in Fatal Crash Near Scenic
RAPID CITY, S.D. — Authorities have identified a Rapid City man who died Thursday morning in a single-vehicle crash five miles east of Scenic, SD. Preliminary crash information indicates that 46-year-old John Waylon Miller, the driver of a 2007 Toyota 4Runner, was traveling eastbound on Highway 44 near mile marker 92 when he failed to negotiate a curve and went off the roadway into the north ditch, over corrected across the highway, and entered the south ditch where the vehicle rolled before coming to rest. Miller sustained fatal injuries from the crash. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
Rapid City Community Health Fair Debuts with Free Services and Resources
RAPID CITY, S.D. — The inaugural Rapid City Community Health Fair was held over the weekend and brought together local health care services, education, and support resources in one location. Organizers said the event aims to connect community members with wellness opportunities. Attendees had access to health care services, education, and support resources at no cost. Organizers of the event said they hope it becomes an annual event.
A mountain hideout and aircraft under fire: US carries out daring rescue of service member in Iran
The United States has pulled off a daring rescue of two aviators whose fighter jet was shot down by Iran. After plucking the pilot from behind enemy lines, it launched a complicated extraction of the second service member hiding deep in the mountains as Tehran called for Iranians to help capture him. The CIA looked to throw off Iran’s government before the crew member was found, launching a deception campaign to spread word he had already been located. Rescuers also faced major obstacles, including two Black Hawk helicopters coming under fire and problems with two transport planes that forced the U.S. military to blow them up. (Full story)
Artemis II toilet acts up again as astronauts speed toward the moon to break Apollo 13’s record
HOUSTON (AP) — The Artemis II astronauts are more than halfway to the moon. The three Americans and one Canadian will reach their destination Monday, performing a lunar flyby and then coming straight back home. They are the first moonbound crew in more than half a century, picking up where NASA’s Apollo program left off. On the downside, their toilet is on the blink again. Until it is fixed, Mission Control has instructed the astronauts to break out more of the backup urine collection bags. The toilet malfunctioned following Wednesday’s liftoff and has been hit and miss ever since. (Full story)
Southern California wildfire mostly contained as officials lift many evacuation orders
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A smoky wildfire in Southern California that broke out Friday morning was mostly under control Saturday afternoon. The Springs Fire in Riverside County, about 64 miles east of Los Angeles, was 75% contained by Saturday. Strong Santa Ana winds that were predicted to gust up to 45 mph on Saturday had “dissipated a bit” since Friday, helping firefighters. About 260 personnel are battling the blaze, and no structures have been damaged. Most evacuation orders have been lifted, and officials expected the rest to be removed by the end of the day. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. (Full story)
